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! Payment in Full By Trynia Merin aka StarbearerTM Daimyo’s Price For the past few months Saiyan memories bubbled up from the previous owner of the tail, intercalating with hers. Was the Saiyan Tomakt her, or was she still Atomique? Lyssra had told her back when they were first grafted that it was a side effect. "Flesh has memory then," Atomique said quietly, sitting with Bardock's mate after a long day of training. "How so?" "Please I worked with living alchemy and knew the principle of chimeras. Two beings become one. This tail has stimulated the growth of Saiyan cells which are slowly integrating themselves with my human body," she said. "You will become Saiyan,' said Lyssra. "A whole new being, a fusion of the strongest." "And the worst," Atomique lamented. "I am no longer the woman I was. No longer human?" "Not fully Saiyan, but remember one drop of Saiyan blood makes you one. Already your power levels are well within the norm of a Third Class female. Bardock does his work well," Lyssra said. Memories of Barnard's Star whizzed back. Instead of going right to her assignment, there had been at least a month or two of final training at Cabernet and Napa's hands. While she had been sleeping in cryo, more Saiyan memories and training had been beamed into her mind through a psychochrom device. History, culture and fighting skills of a warrior's career ticking away at her subconscious to ready her mind and body for what it would face. So that when her eyes beheld Earth it was through the mindset of an alien. Two sides warring for domination with another whispering to her. Emptiness filled her, a longing to be complete. "Wake up, woman," said Piccolo. Roughly clawed green hands shook her. "Oh, Piccolo I had a terrible dream I was someplace else," she said. "You stupid woman, what were you trying to prove?" Piccolo shook his head. Tomique slowly glanced up into the face of Piccolo. While he wore the same outfit his cheeks were much slenderer then the version she knew from her memories. Two streams of recollection blended with one another. As she plummeted into unconsciousness she remembered Piccolo laying her down on a flat rock in those last few minutes. He had closed his eyes, sending a mental message to the leader of the mercenary troops. Though paralyzed Atomique could still move her eyes to behold the armored vehicles approach after ten minutes. Like a leader born, Daiymo Piccolo motioned them towards the ruins of the red ribbon fortress. She heard Bulma’s screams drowned out and moving far away. "Milord, you escaped as you said," Captain Scarlet, the one who had fought Krillen commented. "Yeah. Now get the hell out of my way. I'll join you at the fortress," Daimyo Piccolo commanded. "I'll take the alien myself." "As you command," said Captain Scarlet. He waved to the other mercenaries, all of whom were wearing green and purple colors. The long white cape and turban he wore resembled Daimyo Piccolo's even his choice of shoes. Most of the other soldiers were animals of some sort, or green skinned creatures similar to the alien that had her captive. "Move out!" Piccolo grunted. He had picked up Tomakt, carefully under the knees and back, and then rocketed away with his mercenaries close behind him. All these glimpses spun out of her memories when beholding his fact expectantly hovering over hers. She blinked up at Piccolo again, taking in her surroundings. Underneath her a luxurious silk bedspread covered a tall four poster hand carved bed of mahogany. Heavy brocaded curtains were tied back with braided gold cords. Soft pillows propped up her shoulders and back. Ten feet from the bed sat a massive wooden chair covered in leather. Its current occupant was Piccolo himself, seated there was folded hands and white cape draped partially around his body. His turban was still bound high on his head. From beneath those brows his intense eyes burned into hers. “Now do you remember? I know you were just pretending to be knocked out. You were so drained that you couldn’t move,” Piccolo grunted, adjusting himself as he leaned forwards. "I didn't want them to kill the girl," she said. "Since when did you care?" Piccolo asked. "She's the heir to the richest fortune on this planet. Kill her and you loose a bargaining chip," Tomakt grunted. "You're one lucky monkey. If I didn't need your help to keep those Red Ribbon clowns off my tail…" Daimyo Piccolo grumbled, “I would have left you there.” A green finger tipped in a luminescent claw pointed to a bandaged hole on her shoulder. To her shock she saw her armor had been removed. Instead a soft silk gown covered her body. Just who had undressed her she wondered. Still the hole stung badly. “Must have hurt me worse then I thought.” “Their tin cans did that to you. If you were human the shock might have killed you,” Piccolo said. “There’s a way you can aid the healing process. Get me the first aid kit that’s in my boot," she whispered. Piccolo grabbed the metallic box, opening it up. He searched for the bottles. "Now what?" he asked. "Put the blue cream on my wound. Then use your power to infuse it. It should heal my injury by pushing my body to repair itself," she gasped. "Impressive. This is some of your advanced technology I see," said Piccolo with a grunt of grudging respect. "Where are we?" she asked. "In one of my Father's old bases. One that survived his demise," Piccolo said. "You want to rule this world you said?" she grunted. "Just like he did?" "Yeah, and I need your help. You're pretty damn powerful for an alien. You and I could take over this planet easily. That's why I freed you. You promised to help me if we got out. So we've escaped." Something pricked her neck when she turned her head. Although the purple glow of his ki surged around her, she saw the sparking of her own fizzling out. Anxiously she raised her hand to finger the hated band of metal clamped there. “What’s the meaning of this?” she demanded, shoving Piccolo’s hand away. "I wouldn't move if I were you. I didn't think you'd willingly cooperate when you first woke up, so I left the ki dampener on you. Now hold still!" Piccolo warned, tapping a device on his red sash. "You imprisoned me just they did you? What sort of gratitude is that?" she growled. The sparking increased on the collar followed by a wave of weakness paralyzing her. She collapsed back on the soft cushions. Piccolo moved both of his hands again to hover just inches over her wound. "It's part of my plan stupid," Piccolo grumbled, increasing the purple ki as he infused it into the alien's body. "Damn it let me GO! You don't know what you're doing!" she cried. "Shut up and LISTEN to me! There's a VERY good reason I did this! You fool; those humans would have placed you in a zoo. Associating with me has its consequences. And you did promise to help me, didn't you? I saved you. Be glad that you're not with the humans. They would destroy you because you are a 'monster' in their eyes," Piccolo snapped at her. “Now LIE still and let me do this so you’re of use to me!” Still outraged, Tomakt gnashed her teeth. A smooth blue soothing sensation spread from the wound that was slowly clotting over. Right before their eyes the paste transfused Piccolo’s ki into her cells, pushing her regeneration system to the limit. New skin would form in hours under the clot. She panted from the disruption of her ki again. “Do you mean to starve me?” she asked. Her stomach rumbled. Piccolo turned up a slow grin. He clapped his hands sharply, and bellowed, "Bring some food for our guest. Get out of here and make it snappy!" "Yes sire!" mumbled his servants, bustling off. Within minutes they returned with plates loaded with various fruits and vegetables. Piccolo commanded them to set the trays on a table that was scooted over to the side of the bed. Her mouth watered at the sight of fresh melons sliced and large bunches of grapes. Roast venison and duck steamed hot in silver dishes, making her mouth water. “You may partake,” Piccolo said. “You’re of no use to me dead. I’ve suppressed your ki enough to stop you from attacking me, but not enough to deprive your body of what it needs to eat, sleep and move.” “All right,” she grunted, finding she had the strength to sit up. It was easiest to recline on one arm and reach over to feed herself with her other hand. Tomakt eagerly started to devour them, stunning Piccolo with her ravenous appetite. “Now Saiyan, you saw what those androids could do. If you and I work together we'll crush them, and then I can take over this miserable planet," Piccolo explained as patiently as he could. "You think you can do it?" she asked. "Yeah, but only if you help me. Already I've got a band of the best mercenaries who were associates of my father. They're waiting for my command. With your help I'll crush them. After I settle my score with Son Goku," said Piccolo. "Then take this suppression device off!" she snorted, spitting cartilage out onto the nearby plate. "I can't take the risk of you turning on me. Besides it masks your ki from those machines finding you. You'll have your chance to fight when I say so," he grunted. "You're not my master. If my mate finds me a captive when he gets here he'll destroy you!" she grunted, shoving pieces of apple into her mouth. No smells of poison were present to her relief. "That's why you'd better work with me. I possess the power to kill you. But you're too valuable. And wouldn't it help your plan if I controlled this planet? Speaking of, what ARE your orders? What sort of being ARE you?" Piccolo demanded. "You've a lot of questions," she said. "Yes, and you know answers. If you cooperate, I won't hurt the human Bulma. Fail to hear me out, and things could get unpleasant for her," said Piccolo. "Fine, I'll answer your questions, Namekian," she said. "For instance you mentioned you and I were from another planet. First tell me, what kind of creature ARE you?" he asked. "I'm… I'm what's called a Saiyan," Tomakt coughed. Her hand went to her throat when a lump of apple stuck there. Pounding on her chest she dislodged it. "All right that's better," said Piccolo. "Before I continue, may I see if the human Bulma is alive?" "A moment," Piccolo said. He rose and turned on a television screen, across the room. Pointing to it, he backed away with folded arms. Images swirled into a picture of a lavish suite, where the blue haired female was slowly pacing back and forth looking bored. "She's alive then?" said Tomakt. Swinging her legs around she sat up with her hands braced on the edge of the bed. "Yes. You're correct about her being valuable. It seems that you neglected to tell me she's a scientist. Captain Scarlet filled me in on that detail. She won't be bored for too long, because I'll put her to work on some technology to fry those machines," said Piccolo. He strode over and poured clear sparkling water into two crystal goblets. Taking one, he handed it to Tomakt, who sat still on the edge of her bed. Around her neck the ki collar crackled. "Thank you," she said, realizing he was trying to be somewhat civilized. Piccolo sat down in the leather easy chair, sipping his goblet of spring water. "Unlike you and the humans I don't need to eat," Piccolo said. "And if you know so much about my race, you know why." "So, what's this about me? How do you know anything?" "I make it my business to know about alien species, milord," said Tomakt quietly. "You're from a planet called Namek, thousands of light years across the galaxy. Your father was one of two beings, the other was called Kami, and he split off from this world's guardian." "You know a hell of a lot, for a monkey woman," said Piccolo. "I can see that as long as you do what I say, you'll be pretty valuable. But cross me and you'll die." "I don't wish to die. I only want Goku," she said. "Why?" "He's part of my family." "No way, I'm going to kill him," he said. "You can kill him, but then I take him with me, and you get to have Earth all to yourself. Help me get the resources to fix my craft and I'll go away and leave this planet alone. But there's ONE thing you have to do." "What? Why shouldn’t' I just hold you captive?" Piccolo demanded, picking up his crystal goblet again. His neck muscles twitched with the intake of several swallows of water. He leaned back in his large chair folding his leg over the other. "Because there are those stronger then me. If you try and keep me here, they'll come after you. And believe me they're FAR more powerful then I. Especially my mate," she said. "Your mate?" "Yes. He'll know if I'm harmed. He's probably already on his way here, milord. You cross him, or let me come to harm, and he'll wipe out this whole planet," she said. "Damn it, what are you Saiyans?" Piccolo asked her again, slamming his goblet down. "We buy and sell planets to the highest bidder," she said quietly. "But I don't wish this world to come to harm. That's why I'm helping you." "Terrific, anything ELSE I shouldn't know? Because you won't take this world without a fight!" "I don't want to destroy you. If I help you become King of this world, then I'll keep my mate away from you. All you have to do is bring me a thousand humans I can use and trade for slaves. And the best females on this planet," she said. "Why?" Piccolo grunted, sitting up in his chair and glaring right into her eyes. "To sell as slaves. And the women are essential. My world needs females to survive," she said. "If you do these things I swear I'll serve you without question. But you must release me when my mate arrives. And he WILL come because someone took my scouter." "That device you were wearing? That girl took it. The girl you saved," Piccolo snapped. "The one who's now my prisoner." "It contains a transgalactic link. Luckily it was broken, but if she fixes it…" "Who's listening?" "My mate, my commander, and the Prince," she said. "Prince? Wait a minute!" "The Prince of my race," she said. "AS powerful as I am, he's twenty times my strength. He'd blow this world away with an energy blast. He's not someone you piss off." "This is too much," Piccolo grumbled, shaking his head. "Damn it." "That's why I need the women. He needs a mate, and this planet has beings that are genetically compatible. So I must find him a mate among the females you bring. There are three other planets being cleared that are being sold now. My mission was to find Goku and bring him back so he can join my force. And bring a thousand earthlings for a slave force," she said. "Huh, that seems a small price to pay. So you Saiyans are mercenaries. Well that might just work to both our favor. Because if you help me take over Earth, I'll be able to provide you with all the humans you could want," Piccolo said. "Even so, the Prince wants something else," said Tomakt. "What would THAT be?” Piccolo asked although he did not care for the answer. "He wants to use the Earth as a base for training. So he can stop an enemy," said Tomakt. "Earth is mine," Piccolo snarled. "He can't have it!" "What would you have me do, Namekian?" "I've got it. Perhaps if I gave him a reason to stay away, he would. Maybe if he had another place he could build a base?" Piccolo mused, fingering his chin thoughtfully. "You're a space explorer surely he'd leave my planet if he had an alternative. There are nine planets in the Solar System. He can have Mars or something else." "That all depends." "Earth has many natural resources. He could have all the humans he wants as slaves. If I was King of Earth I could offer him gold, silver, any manner of things. Foodstuffs, anything if he'd leave us alone. Even technology. That Brief's woman owns Capsule, and you don't have anything like THAT do you?" Piccolo grunted. "You have a point," said Atomique. "And that Prince of yours is looking for a mate? You've got the future heir to Capsule. You hold her for ransom and that Dr. Briefs would give you anything you wanted. And then the Prince can barter with me personally, if he had the resources to build elsewhere," said Piccolo. "I have to admit I haven't thought of that," said Tomakt. "You don't have much choice. I won't let them take this world. I might be from Namek but Earth is my own, and I plan to rule it. And I'll fight to the death no matter what," said Piccolo. "I see. So, what do you wish me to do? I won't fight and kill without reason," said Tomakt. "Your powers are destructive. You and I could easily conquer," said Piccolo. "You're on your own there," she snorted. "Then Bulma Briefs dies," said Piccolo. "And Goku." "Damn it," she cursed, feeling the crackling of the ki. “I shall leave you for a time to consider what I’ve said,” Piccolo said. He flipped his white cape behind him, and then rose from the chair. All she wanted to do was sleep anyhow. With a lump in her throat she curled up against the nearest pillow. Piccolo strode out of the room to leave her alone. Only when she heard his footsteps receding and eventually vanish did she allow herself to cry the tears she had suppressed. “Raditz you big stupid baboon, where are you when I need you?” she lamented. Little did Atomique know that halfway around the globe her mate enjoyed lunch with his newfound allies. At Chichi’s home the Z warriors had gathered to take a short break from their training that morning. Everyone enjoyed the egg drop soup, but when it came to eating with chopsticks it was funny to watch Goku trying to teach Raditz. Most of the food landed in his mane of dark hair, and he grumbled to himself in his native tongue trying to wrap his fingers around the small chopsticks. Finally chichi gave him the pair she used for cooking, more scaled to his size. He finally resorted to shoveling the food into his mouth like his brother did, and letting as much fly from the bowl held up to his face. All that remained of his Saiyan outfit were his boots, gauntlets and the scouter hooked over the blue tie of his uniform. Instead of the blue undershirt he had just the top like Krillen and Yamucha. Chichi flitted about asking Raditz all sorts of questions he wasn't sure how to answer. He gave as evasive answers as possible, wondering how such a female had such power over his brother. Sure her ki was a modest 50, but she seemed frail in comparison to a Saiyan female. Nevertheless her spirit and fire were identical, not to mention her dark eyes and hair were very Saiyan. For the first time in his long tortured life Raditz felt something like peace, and it frightened him. He wondered when it would be taken away like the short childhood he remembered with his doting mother. Saiyan females were protective of their offspring, and his mother had been no different. Till Kakkarot was born, and his attention was shifted to his warrior career. His father was very hard on him for not becoming a scientist like himself, and that started the rift. In addition Kakkarot's low power soured him even more. Raditz didn't have the desire to tell him that one of the times he went to check on his younger brother's progress; he saw a far greater level. He kept it secret to spite his father. Now he wished he had told Bardock. His son had friends, a mate, and soon a son. Something Raditz had been denied. Desperately he wished he had been the one resigned to this fate. For a moment he forgot his savageness and just wanted to bask in this gilded cage. Part of him knew it was just transitional, but the rest drank it in. How had he gone so soft? The answer was clear. Tomakt and he had exchanged thoughts and memories in their bonding. Now that the bond was forged, dreams and memories spilled from one to the other. All of Raditz' harsh training moved to her, while her memories of a time before her Saiyan life had spilled into his mind. That life was far better than killing and maiming. "Forgive me Sire, but I do see a better way," Raditz thought to himself. They had accepted him like Goku, not asking about his past. Was it too good to be true? If they knew what he was capable of, they'd run screaming in fear. "Hey Radz, you okay?" Krillen asked. "Excuse me?" "It's a nickname. We all have 'em," said Krillen. "Goku's Son-kun, Tienshinhan's Tien, and Yamucha, well we sometimes call him Hyena. Cause he's a scavenger and a fighter." "Very funny. You guys just call me bro," said Yamucha glaring at his friend. "Son-kun?" Raditz glared at him. "Strange." "My grandpa's name," said Goku. "You don't have a family name, do you?" "Raditz, son of Bardock," he said quietly. "We have no need for secondary names. At least where we come from." "You're joking," Chichi laughed. "If you’re his' brother you simply would use his name. It's good enough for Goku and me; it's good enough for you." "Oh terrific," Raditz mumbled, knowing he was in too deep. Something attracted him to this small world like gravity to a black hole, and he was sliding over the event horizon. It was so tempting to smash his scouter and make Vegeta think he and Tomakt were killed. But duty would bring Napa and the Prince to this small world and they'd sell it or worse. Despite their oath not to purge. "You mentioned a Prince," said Goku. "The Saiyan Prince," said Raditz. "He is the last royal, and our last hope. Only he can defeat the usurper and legendary Brolli." "And he's 100 times as powerful as you?" asked Goku. "Yes. But there is something that we have overlooked. Something that might give you an edge in battle over Piccolo." "Being?" "I'll show you later. Perhaps the techniques I have shown you will weigh in your favor," said Raditz. "And if not, you'll kick Piccolo's butt, right Radz-kun?" asked Chichi, socking his arm. "Right," Raditz said quietly, feeling his stomach falling to his toes. Something that felt unfamiliar. It was regret, and guilt. A weak emotion that he had all but purged from his system. Now because of Tomakt he had learned to feel something else other than arrogant pride. He both hated and loved her for it. All at once his world was gone. Now he'd been given another. Did he dare claim it, or destroy it? Chiaotzu shivered, feeling the conflict in Goku's brother radiating in waves. "It can be good, you know," Goku whispered in his ear as the others got up and offered to help Chichi wash the dishes. "I cannot Brother. It's so tempting to just forget myself here and remain," he whispered, glancing around at the small but comfortable capsule house. "You could stay here on Earth. With Tomakt. Live with Chichi and me. We have the room," Goku said, patting his shoulder. Raditz sighed closing his eyes tightly. He gently shoved Goku’s hand off his arm. Goku narrowed his eyes in concern when he saw his brother push himself up off the chair and wander into the living room area. Goku rose to follow him. He found Raditz staring out the front window that was open to reveal the misty mountains peeking through curled clouds. Raditz wheeled around to face Goku, who stood only five feet from him with one hand extended. Before Goku could say the words his mouth opened to permit to exit, Raditz interrupted him. "My Prince needs me, Brother," said Raditz plaintively. “You said he was fighting someone,” said Goku, resting his hands on his hips. "I cannot abandon him,” Raditz said. Light from the noonday sun peeked in between the mountains. It again faded to leave them standing in a shaft of grey shadow. Raditz obscured the source of natural light casting Goku in a long shadow. "But is he angry and bitter like you?" asked Goku. "He would use this world as a stepping stone," said Raditz. “Is he coming here then?” Goku asked quietly. Raditz licked his lips. It was so tempting for him to lie through his teeth. Yet the earnest look in his young brother’s dark eyes killed that notion. What weakness compelled Raditz to be so honest, the warrior wondered? Déjà vu set in when he realized the sensation that his mate had felt in his position. To be accepted without question into another society and be tempted to leave all your past behind. Nevertheless he faced a different situation because she had been forced into it mainly to save her children. How different was this for him to be shoved into an alien realm where kindness and acceptance was as oppressive to him as his savage brutal culture was to her. Her words echoed in his mind. “There has to be a better way.” Taking another deep breath, so his gi covered chest heaving in and out he said, "Yes, Brother. He would do whatever it took to defeat his foe. If earth serves his needs he would sell it.” “I see,” Goku nodded quietly. Both pairs of dark eyes met in a serious sober gaze. Raditz cursed himself for feeling guilty. Why did he have to explain to this brain damaged brother why he did what he did? Why did he feel ashamed of what he was? “It is the truth, Kakkarot…” he said. “Thank you for telling me,” Goku said, striding over to rest a hand on his arm. “So, are you disappointed that your brother isn’t some soft hearted fool?” Raditz asked. “Hey, you are what you are,” Goku answered. “But that doesn’t mean that you have to be that way because other people SAY you are.” “You fool,” Raditz laughed harshly. “Maybe I’m not the one who’s really foolish. Did you ever think of that? You’re my brother. I guess I hoped that you’d stick around and let me help you find your wife. Get to know this planet as much as I do, and realize why I’d defend it with my life. You don’t HAVE to do what this Prince says.” “You don’t understand! My life is sworn to protect him!” Raditz snapped, pushing Goku’s hand away. “I cannot abandon duty!” “I’m not asking you to,” Goku shook his head. “I’m just asking you to find some other way of carrying it out that doesn’t mean sacrificing my home.” “I wish it were that easy,” said Raditz. “I know it isn’t. But please, just think about it. We could help you. If you let us,” said Goku. “You’d help me?” Raditz asked, shaking his head. “Yes. If you ask me to,” Goku said. “What should I do? He’d destroy me and you in his rage if I went against him,” Raditz mumbled, slightly turned away. His shoulders slumped with indecision. “So don’t. Come up with something else. Find some reason for him to spare Earth. I’m sure you can think of something if you put your mind to it. And I’ll help you come up with a plan. Look, you already can’t stop yourself from wanting to change you mind. What’s keeping you from just taking what you want? You’re already capable of choosing.” "You've no right accepting me so readily. I'm a killer and a monster. I know no other way,” Raditz said bitterly. "So, you're my brother. And you deserve a second chance," said Goku, putting his arm around his brother's slumped shoulders. "You don't comprehend, do you?" Raditz said quietly. "Why not choose for yourself?” Goku asked. "I turned off my scouter. He doesn't know except what I tell him. And the Prince has seen much he likes. Including your blue haired friend. He needs a mate." "Ohh, I see. Well maybe we’ll think of a way to fix this," Goku said. "I've got an idea. Your prince is fighting a battle, he?" "Yes," said Raditz. "Well you and Tomakt could just go back and pretend you found me, but I'm not good enough to join you," Goku said. "And just say the world isn't good for what he wants. Surely you can find another planet he can use as a base?" "But the girl," said Raditz. "I'm sure if I tell Bulma, she'll want to meet him," winked Goku. "But you've got to pretend that it's not worth his time to come here. That he's got more important things to do." "How so?" "Barter," Goku said. "Bulma trades capsules. Take the Prince a gift from Capsule, and tell him that they wanna swap. Provided he stays away for a few years till we get a base built for him." "Are you serious?" Raditz blinked wide eyed at him. Since when did his brain damaged brother think of something so clever? Perhaps he had underestimated him after all? "Bulma's daddy builds stuff all the time as gifts,” said Goku. “So? What are you getting at?” Raditz asked, hands on his hips. “Well, Grandpa Gohan always took gifts when he went to visit. Even if it wasn’t someone he cared for he’d take some sort of food. Maybe if Bulma met your prince she could build him some device that would impress him so much he’d think Earthlings were worth sparing.” “That’s so simple it may work,” Raditz chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief. “Cool, huh? But we’ve got to go fight in the Tournament first, and rescue her and your wife so we can ask them. So let’s stop hanging around here and get back to training, right?” Goku grinned.