By StarbearerTM aka Trynia Merin
Disclaimer: I
don't own Dragon Ball Z or Full metal alchemist. Funimation brings us these
master works of anime on DVD. Toriyama created DBZ, and Full Metal Alchemist belongs
to its own creators. I can only claim responsibility for the plot and the
character of Atomique, Parsnip, Fermi, Bohr, Merlot, Cabernet and other fan
characters here. The only pay I get is your reviews so please keep them coming!
And my thanks to those who have already reviewed! Kudos and hugs to you!
An eternity seemed to pass in
that moment. Atomique swallowed what
little remained of her guilt, determined that somehow she would atone for what
she was about to agree to. Bardock's
dark eyes gleamed, almost pleading her to accept the assignment as she stood at
Radditzu's side. However that softness
hardened into anger and rage, gleaming as brightly as the huge ball of ki he
formed in his hands.
"Father, are you
seriously threatening me?" Radditzu asked.
"Not in the house!"
Lyssra snapped, grabbing his bare arm.
"Stay OUT Of this,
little one," Bardock growled, his
eyes narrowed to slits. The image of
that scarred warrior as Goku's shade forever burned itself into Atomique's mind. If Goku had been raised in this crazy
environment would he have made any different choices then his father?
"I've got to get out of
here," she thought to herself, feeling Radditzu's hand tightening on her
wrist.
"You really are an
idiot, Father. I know you're
bluffing," Radditzu laughed.
"Get out of my house boy
and I'll show you who's bluffing! You've
had this coming for a LONG time, you ungrateful sod! What you mother saw in you I'll never
know!" Bardock grated harshly.
"How can you say that to
your own son?" Atomique found herself saying.
"You should know
disappointment, being a parent yourself," said Bardock angrily, glaring at
her. "Shut up woman."
"Bardock, please, for my
sake don't do this!" Lyssra urged him.
"What are you trying to
prove? That you can scare the shit out
of me Father? Because this is really
getting me irritated," Radditzu said with a low growl. Under her body she felt the crackling of his
power surging into a level that she couldn't fathom.
"Why? What ARE you doing?"
Atomique demanded.
"Your fate is bound to
his forever, don't you realize, female?" Bardock growled at her. "If he dies, you die. Like it or not, you're part of one another,
and you MUST accept it and move on. And
this ungrateful sod had better realize it as well!"
"You really think I care
about this useless display of power? I'm
far stronger than you'll ever be, Father," Radditzu taunted him, grabbing
her around he waist and backing out of the house with her. Atomique yelped as he shot backwards,
holding her around the waist at his hip
like she weighed nothing.
"What the hell are you
doing? Radditzu, are you insane?"
Atomique blurted out as he rocketed out from the canopy of trees. Somehow she had left her stomach behind with
the force of his increasing velocity.
Trees and sky blurred into a pastiche of colors, while the air boomed
and rattled with his bursting through the sound barrier.
"My father has lost
leave of his senses. And I have no wish
to lower myself to his petty ambitions to 'punish' me," Radditzu grumbled
under his breath.
"He's your father,"
she stammered.
"You're my mate. It seems the old fool thought he could scare
me by threatening you. He's wrong,"
Radditzu answered quietly.
"But what the hell are
you trying to accomplish by all that posturing… would he really have killed you
or me?"
"It is his right as a
father," said Radditzu quietly.
"But he forgets that I have surpassed him in power. A purger has far more hidden energy then a
third class scientist scout."
"Are you so sure of
that? Why do I feel doubt and fear
then?" she asked.
Radditzu whisked her out from
under his arm, dangling her over the canopy of trees. Still she only wore the animal skin hitched
around her body. Dark eyes burned into
her soul, frowning with a mixture of rage and confusion. "Damn it," he cursed, turning his
gaze away. "I suppose there's no
hiding anything from you. But YOU are
terrified as well."
"I don't want to
slaughter for your glory or anyone else's!" she said angrily. "Don't you think there's a BETTER way to
live then killing defenseless beings?
Where's the SPORT in that?"
"You aren't as big a
fool as I thought, woman," Radditzu said as he caught her gaze again. "I know your fears as well as my
own. You're afraid that I'll kill you if
you fail in your mission. But you don't
realize that you have absolute freedom as to how you accomplish it."
"What
"Keep quiet," he
hissed. "How much has he told
you?"
"Read my mind and find
out," she said jutting out her jaw defiantly to show her bottom
teeth. "Or am I just a female who
has no say?"
"You are my mate now,
idiot," he said, shaking his head with a small smile. "I must put up with your stupidity as
well as your moments of lucidity. And I
can no more kill you then kill myself.
But make no mistake, if I die, you'll die or go insane. You can't think of trying to run away from me
now. This fate you've sealed
yourself."
"So I've no body to
blame but me? Is THAT what you're
saying?" she asked.
"Saiyan bonds are for
LIFE. Your fate and mine are
inextricably bound, woman. A Saiyan may
kill his own brother or father, but NEVER his mate. Only if she fails to please him BEFORE the
sealing. And now we are one," he
said quietly.
"How? I don't feel that different?"
"Because your mind knows
how to partition it off. But if I die,
you'll know it. You'll feel the emptiness
and weakness pouring through you like a cancer.
I will know if you're hurt, and likewise. Our greatest weakness is our greatest
strength," he said.
"Why are we running
away? Everything you have is there…
surely he's only bluffing… to get me to do what you wish," she snorted.
"We won't be returning
there, precious one. Enough time has
been wasted. Napa explicitly gave orders
that the timeline has been moved up. And
thanks to you, we're already late. But
it's also thanks to you that we might still make preliminary briefing in
time," Radditzu said.
"I'm half naked you
jerk!" she shouted.
"You should have thought
of that before you refused my gifts," he said quietly.
"I'm sorry, but I'm
angry and hurt," she said.
"I don't blame you,
idiot. You don't know any better. But in time perhaps I can teach you the error
of your ways when you meet the others," he said with a slight laugh, not
putting her down as they landed.
Other Saiyans were crossing
the courtyard in their various haste to get to wherever it is they were
going. Some of they laughed and winked
at Radditzu carrying his mate in little but a soft skin. Others grinned, and some frowned and averted
their gaze. He shifted her onto his
shoulder, carrying her so that her backside was draped alongside his banner of
hair, and her face was across his chest, watching his dark booted feet grinding
against pavement.
"So you're SERIOUSLY not
going back because your father…" she trailed off.
"Exactly. I have no need for his dramatics. So as long as you and I disagree he won't let
us return. But that matters not because
we will not be returning for a long time," he laughed, throwing back his
head. Long spikes quivered with the
harsh tones of his guffaw. Atomique
rolled her eyes, submitting herself to being carried in next to nothing.
"Looks like someone had
fun," a female voice commented.
Atomique glanced up to see Cabernet standing just before an arching
doorway to one of the smaller spired buildings.
Most of them were the main palace complex and launch facilities. Quarters of first class and elite were in the
spires in the second tier out.
"And you as well?"
Radditzu commented, seeing her look of amusement. A healthy flush complimented her skin, and
she winked down at Atomique.
"You take good care of
this loudmouth I see. He's not as big a
pain in the tail as he can usually be," Cabernet laughed.
"He still is! He and his FATHER argued and I'm being
carried around like…" she stammered.
"Bring her inside. That loudmouth mate of mine is waiting for
both of you. The others are already
here. I take it your father won't be
joining us at this briefing?"
"He was most
displeased. But that doesn't matter in
this case does it?" he asked.
"He's already had his
orders," Cabernet shrugged, motioning them to follow her.
"You CAN put me down,
jerk," Atomique mumbled.
"You'd better go get
yourselves fed and cleaned up. Turles is
due for inspection, and we can't have our newest team member in the altogether
regardless of her sexual prowess," Cabernet laughed.
"Shut up," Atomique
glared at her. Cabernet let loose
another peal of laughter, leading the way through a large domed chamber. It had the same layout of Bardock's dwelling,
but each item was far nicer in craftsmanship and materials, suggesting it must
be Cabernet and Napa's own quarters.
Loud blasts resounded, and she saw a few Saiyan youths walking
through. Some of them were older, while
the others were far smaller.
"This your home?"
Atomique asked.
"It is. Soon to be expanded by a factor of one,
thanks to a successful rut," she bragged.
"You're pregnant? When is your due date?"
Cabernet blinked at her, then
smirked. "A good rev from now. But they are in good care. Chablis is quite versed in the care and training
of whelps."
"How many children do
they have?" she asked Radditzu.
"You may change in
there. Romaine brought over the new
equipment yesterday. He's our eldest,
and our biggest hope," Cabernet explained. "Then there's Raddochio, our oldest
daughter, mated to Habeniero of the elite science counsel. Sauvignon and Chablis are the next two. Then it's easy to miss Legume and Soya… they
were the two whelps that just blew past…"
"Six children?" she
mumbled.
"I was one of ten,"
said Cabernet. "One of the few that
survived. I'm certain you'll be adding
to your own family in time…"
"We shall see,"
Radditzu said quietly. He set Atomique
down once they entered a small bedchamber.
Small windows allowed them a view of the city spires immediately to
their left and right. Gleaming specks
whizzing up from the periphery spires indicated flying craft of some sort. Mountains occupied the views not dominated by
buildings, clad in their blankets of green.
"If it were Vegitasei
you'd see desert," Radditzu mumbled, setting her on the bed. "Now, I suggest you and I cleanse
ourselves and we'll join them for lunch.
I hope you'll be of a more agreeable disposition…"
"What the hell am I
supposed to wear?" she complained.
"You'll see," he
said teasingly, throwing a bottle of cleaning supplies. With outstretched arms
she caught the bottle that arced towards her.
A grin twisted up one corner of Radditzu’s smile. He chuffed in amusement, shaking his head at
her. Despite her anger, she did help
him off with his armor. Midway through
the undressing, he laughed and threw her into the shower alone.
Sighing she cleaned herself
off from the shame, sweat and aches of the previous week. Radditzu had left her alone for the first
time since rushing off to hunt.
As she flared herself with ki
to dry, she saw him wander in, without a stitch of clothes on. "You'll find a change of clothes on the
bed. It's my turn now. I must say you look quite ravishing. If we weren't due for briefing I'd take you
here and now…"
"Thank you for letting
me… shower alone," she blurted out. Around his hips he slung a drying
cloth to cover his modesty, something he had not before bothered to do.
"I had other things to
attend to. Now go get dressed. I'll join you soon," he said, pulling
her around the waist. She gasped as he
bit her ear, then released her. His dark
eyes twinkled with renewed humor, no presence of his former fury.
"He's going to drive me
nuts," she thought as she saw him climb into the cleansing booth. Loud off key singing soon drove her further
from the hygiene area.
She returned to the room,
seeing a suit of black armor and AE laying neatly arranged on the bed. Mumbling she picked up the bindings and
boots, wondering why they looked so familiar.
It dawned on her that the armor was identical in design to his, and she
shuddered. It seemed to have shrunk, as
all the Saiyan armor did till it was pulled onto the wearer. Bardock explained the armor was one size fits
all, till it grew to shape its wearer.
The undergarment was
identical to one of Radditzu's bodysuits.
Viscoelestic cloth mimicked her bust, reinforcing it and shaping it for
support. IT smelled of ozone and other
things not resembling musk. Easily she
tugged the long boots on, seeing that they went past her knees to mid
thigh. Ever since her 'grafting' she
realize she must have put on at least four inches in height. Because she came to just under Radditzu's
chin instead of his mid chest now.
Grumbling she struggled to haul the chestplate over her head and wriggle
into it. Instantly the material flexed
to conform to her bosom and hips. An
armored skirt and bracers completed the look, except for what appeared to be a
new or relatively new scouter sitting on the table.
Glancing down she saw that
the gleaming black surface of one bracer seemed slightly scuffed. The armor appeared to be slightly used. With a sigh, she fiddled with the new scouter,
then sat down on the bed. An eerie sense
of déjà vu spread over her at the sight of her reflection in the mirror
nearby. Was it deliberate or was the
armor an exact copy of her mate's?
"Jerk, I'm going to kill
him for this," she mumbled, not wanting to look at herself in the
mirror. Although her hair was far
shorter then his, it still spilled past her shoulders to just above her mid
back. It had stopped growing at that
length when she was brought out of the conditioning tanks. Little of the human texture remained, even
though her eyes were still dark brown, not black.
"Son of a bitch,"
she mumbled. Grabbing one of the nearby
books she hurled it at the mirror. It
bounced harmlessly off, landing with a thump.
"You ready in there
whelps?" Cabernet called. Loud
knocks vibrated the solid door standing between her and the rest of the
house.
"Yes," she
said. "But Radditzu's still getting
cleaned up…"
"Leave him and come
along. He'll join us when he's
ready," Cabernet said. "males
always take so damn long."
She reluctantly opened the
door, seeing Cabernet glancing her up and down.
A small hint of respect and astonishment filled Napa's mate's face. "What?" Atomique asked. "It
was left on the bed."
"Suits you, small
one. You look more like one of us,"
she grunted. "Come… they're
expecting us."
"Who?"
"You'll see," she
said, hustling her along. Midway through
the hall she yelled for someone. The two
youngest children rushed out, carrying various items of food or game in their
hands. They scurried at her barked
orders towards a central area furnished with a vast round table. Chablis and her younger brother were shifting
out massive carved chairs. Still he had
dark blue streaks festooning his mop of hair.
She noticed the start of a beard and mustache on his upper lip, giving
him a resemblance to his father.
"Looking nice, for a
third class," Chablis whistled.
"Is that the same one I saw on board ship? You've filled out well."
"Thank you, I
think," Atomique mumbled, feeling sick to her stomach. Chablis and her brother wore black armor with
gold flashes on the shoulders and hips, much in the design of hers. Except Chablis wore long leggings that hid
her flesh, and no body jewelry save earrings and bracelets over her
bracers. A long necklace hung at her
throat however, and the front panel of her armor was open in a V shape to show
cleavage.
Cabernet's armor had the
shoulder flashes, but hers was gleaming white.
At the head of the table sat Napa already, accepting the large plates of
food from his two oldest. Cabernet
shoved Atomique to sit on one of the smaller stools next to a large chair she
presumed was for Radditzu. Once they
had seated themselves, she saw the motion of veiled servants in gold collars
and brief clothes scurrying out with the other courses. To her shock she felt something-slimy brush
her shoulder.
"What the?"
"Forgive me mistress,
would you like some wine?" asked the owner of the hissing voice. Gold eyes set in a red scaly face looked at
her with fear.
It was one of the
Destroyers. Perhaps one of the few
survivors. Female, and young. Her body trembled, expectant, her gaze
averting. Atomique nodded, pointing to
her goblet and shuddering at the sheer terror sparkling the youth's eyes. Another destroyer male clad in a white kilt
and bare feet shuffled about, filling goblets for the others. Napa shouted
angrily at him, and he dropped to his knees quivering.
"Stupid slave, you know
NOT to spill," Cabernet glared at him.
"My apologies
mistress," he shivered.
"That's
Fourteenth," Atomique realized.
Without his thick skin of armor he was hardly recognizable. What tipped her off was the sound of his
voice, and that green stripe on his long plume of hair. Green eyes flickered dull with fear as
Cabernet raised her fist, generating a small ball of ki.
He had been one of the ones
to abduct her children. Loathing filled
her when he darted around to her chair, holding the tray of jvaraugh
fruit. "Mistress… fruit?"
"Yes," she said,
glaring at him. His eyes held fear, no
sign of recognition.
"Apologies
mistress," he stammered, averting his gaze and letting her take what she
wanted. On his knees he remained,
waiting.
"You can go. Don't forget to dismiss them whelp. They don’t' know otherwise," Chablis whispered,
leaning over towards her.
"I see," Atomique
mumbled.
"You thirds don't have
house slaves, do you? Ah well, I forget
easily," said Sauvignon. "but
that might soon change."
"Shut up brother,"
said Chablis, glaring at him.
"Where's her mate?"
asked Romaine, glancing at his father quietly.
"Not far away,"
said Radditzu's voice, from immediately behind Atomique's shoulder.
"So, you finally show
your face, whelp. About damn time. We were about to eat everything without your
lazy tail," Napa said. "You're
making this pretty mate of yours wait for you! Shame!"
"My apologies," he
said. "May I join your family at
table?"
"Sit down and shut up,
and we'll see," Napa grunted, spitting out a few bones to his side. One of the slaves darted in to pick them up
quickly. The female Destroyer moved
around to pull out a chair for Radditzu.
Promptly he sat down, his hand brushing over Atomique's. Eyes fell on her, and she realized why he was
hesitating to pull himself into the table.
Mumbling she climbed up out of her stool. His hand swept down and pulled her into his
lap with a satisfied grunt.
"I am sorry love. My new armor gave me some resistance,"
he whispered, drawing his tail over her thigh.
"New armor?" she
muttered, reaching down to feed him some of the food off the plate they would
now share.
"Hmm, what I had to
do. And that armor looks splendid upon
you," he purred.
"Did you get a
promotion?" she asked, fingering the gold flashes.
"She doesn't know does
she?" Chablis asked.
"Shh, don't be
rude!" Cabernet glared at her.
"Hmm that was the other
surprise I had for you love," Radditzu purred, holding Atomique
closely.
"Your promotion? Congratulations I guess," Atomique
blinked.
"She's stunned, I think
you've suitably impressed her," Romaine laughed.
"Away with you. You've got your own mission to attend,
son," Napa laughed, slamming his eldest son on the back. Rising with his own considerable bulk,
Romaine bowed.
"All the best. I'll see you later, Mother and Father. And it was most pleasing to see your lovely
new mate, Radditzu. May she bear many
children and fight obediently at your side for years to come," Romaine
grinned.
"And that's not the only
thing, young one. Didn't you tell her
that she's been promoted as well." Chablis asked.
"Promoted?" she
blinked. "What the hell did I do to
deserve that?"
"You're wearing his
armor, as our custom dictates. Don't
tell me you forgot to tell her about THAT basic item of Saiyan tradition,
boy!" Napa laughed harshly.
"It had eluded my
mind," Radditzu blushed.
"Your… armor…" she
stammered, blanching white. All the
blood rushed from her extremities, rendering her cold as ice.
"You are overwhelmed,
brat? Quite an honor, huh?" Napa
glanced at her.
"I'm… speechless… I don't
know what to say," she choked.
"Humph I think that's
one mating present you can't go wrong with," said Chablis with a wistful
sigh.
"You still pissed your
own mate only gave you jewels and furs?" Sauvignon grinned.
"Shut up!" Chablis
glared, throwing a piece of half eaten fruit at him. Neatly he dodged it.
"Pick that up,
slave," Sauvignon glared accusingly at one of their domesticated
destroyers.
"Love, are you all
right?" Radditzu asked.
"I… excuse me," she
stammered, letting tears fill her eyes.
"does it not please
you? Surely this shall," he
mumbled.
"It is…
appropriate," she said quietly, feeling the bottom drop out of her
soul. "Considering what you expect…
of me."
"She loves it,"
said
"Please, I am flattered
but do refrain from mentioning him at this table," Radditzu said
sternly. "I wish to talk of more
pleasant things."
"Is it… Saiyan tradition
for a female to take her mates armor?" Atomique asked, still in shock.
"Indeed. Especially when they have first coupled and
sealed their bond,"
"That's why you
destroyed my armor when we uh made love,” she stammered while blushing bright
red. The room spun around her, and she
found herself leaning heavily into Radditzu.
"You okay?" asked
Sauvignon. “Is that mate of yours all
right Sergeant?”
“Mind your own business
brother,” Chablis sharply cautioned him.
"It's too much,"
she whispered. "Can I please be
excused. I need…"
"Love?" Radditzu
grunted.
"I need to talk to you
alone, please," she urged.
"Excuse us,"
Radditzu said, gently pushing away form the table. "My mate and I require a few moments
alone…"
"Young ones,"
"Father!" Chablis
gave him a horrified stare.
"Jealous?"
Sauvignon needled.
"Why are they always so
stupid?" mumbled Legume, the youngest son to the other. "I hope I'm not that dumb when I have to
mate."
"If we ever have to
mate," his sister Soya said, hanging her chin in the air. Aristocratically she glanced down her nose at
her brother with the same superior smirk as