Facing the Future
Chapter 4
Recap:
Finally, Raditz arrived and landed smoothly on the sand with a smirk on his face.
Athea felt her heart flutter. He's even hotter in real life then on television. She thought and blushed.
She looked him over. He wore the standard saiyan armor. Two wings of his armor that stuck out over his shoulder and three wings that covered the sides of his legs and front of his crotch.
Brown and blue just like in the show. His hair was extremely long and came to his ankles while his muscled arms were crossed over his chest, a cocky smirk on his face. A dark green scouter was over his left eye and was beeping the whole time.
Is this a dream? Please let it be a dream. She mentally pleaded to herself though she knew she wouldn't get an answer.
This was all very real. And there was no escape.
XXX
"Hello brother."
The words echoed around the small island, the place silent except for the rush of the water lapping at the shore. Athea swallowed, glancing over at Goku before returning her gaze to the fierce saiyan in front of her.
"What do you want?" Goku asked, slowly lowering into his fighting stance, one arm out in front of him, his eyes steady on the tall man slowly sneering at them.
Everyone watched the saiyan, their eyes widening when they caught a glimpse of a tail swaying behind him. Athea watched it for a moment, her eyes going back and forth with the movements, before looking back at Raditz. He was studying her. She felt her face flush as she looked away, suddenly very interested in the dirt beneath her feet. She flinched slightly at the abrupt sound of the taller saiyan's voice.
"I've come to collect you, dear brother," Raditz said, the tone of his voice condescending as he continued. "But I see you never fulfilled your mission. This planet is still crawling with these insignificant weaklings!"
Athea glanced up, watching Raditz from underneath her lashes. His lip curled a little, the sight of it sending a shiver down her spine. She might have liked him at home, but this guy was one dangerous dude. She glanced over at Goku, watching his face harden. He started talking, but she sort of tuned him out as her gaze went to Gohan. She jerked her head a little towards Raditz, watching him for a moment before slowly making her way over to the small boy. She stopped beside Goku, who wasn't really paying attention to what she was doing, but she did see him briefly glance at her out of the corner of his eye, still in fighting stance.
Athea bit her lip, looking at Raditz again. She froze, her eyes widening. He was watching her, a deep frown on his face. His obsidian eyes were penetrating, the orbs intimidating underneath narrowed brows. She gulped, not looking away from him as she slowly pushed Gohan behind her. A silent sigh came out of her as the boy stepped closer to her, his tail brushing her pant leg. She kept her gaze on the dangerous saiyan as she stepped back, pushing the demi-saiyan back as well.
She froze as Raditz suddenly smirked, ignoring Goku's questions as he slowly started walking forward. Krillin suddenly walked forward, his hands on his hips.
"You obviously got the wrong person, so why don't you just leave!" Krillin stopped a foot away from the muscle bound man, waving his hand in front of him. Athea gulped and closed her eyes, knowing what was fixing to happen.
"Shoo! Shoo!"
Athea winced a moment later at the sound of someone crashing through a wall. She didn't have to look to know it was the bald monk. She slowly opened her eyes, watching as Goku launched himself at his brother. Athea shivered, watching as Goku came flying back a moment later, hitting the ground hard. The man groaned, not moving.
"Dad!"
Athea gasped, whirling around as Gohan raced over to his father. She took a step to go after him, but was suddenly stopped by the grip on her hair. Her hands automatically came up to close around the wrist, her heart pounding in her chest. She slowly looked over, her body shaking as she stared at Goku's brother. A sneer suddenly graced his features, jerking her closer to him.
"Let's see how Kakkarot feels about me taking his woman and child!" Raditz growled, letting go of her hair, only to snatch her around the waist before her feet could touch the ground. Her breath left her, terror coursing through her. Oh God! He thinks I'm Goku's wife!? Oh Crap! How do I get out of this!
Athea started struggling, knowing it most likely wouldn't do anything. She glanced over her shoulder at the saiyan, her lips parting a little at the close proximity of the man.
"I'm not-"
"Shut up!" Raditz snapped, jostling her a little as he reached Goku and Gohan.
He snatched the boy up by his head, the little demi-saiyan giving a cry of surprise. Athea winced slightly as he started wailing, tears running down his face. She reached her arm out to grab him, but Raditz held him up away from her. She looked at him.
"You're not getting the boy until Kakkarot has purged this planet," Raditz stated loudly, a malevolent smile appearing on his face. His eyes glowed with an unholy light, seeming to enjoy causing everyone pain, even his own brother. He tucked Gohan under his other arm, making sure to keep him out of reaching distance from Athea.
She looked down at Goku, still struggling to get up. She flinched when Raditz swiftly kicked the younger saiyan in the side, listening as a few ribs cracked. Athea felt nausea rise in the back of her throat, and swallowed it down. How am I going to get out of this!? How am I going to protect Gohan? She swallowed with difficulty, her body slightly shaking as Raditz stayed beside the fallen warrior, a slight chuckle coming out of him.
"What's the matter Kakkarot!? Not strong enough to protect your mate and cub? How pathetic!" he snapped, kicking Goku again and making him roll, coming dangerously close to the water's edge. Goku didn't make a sound, didn't move.
Athea felt her throat thicken at the sight, a tear rolling down her face. She sucked in a breath, watching as the gang ran over to aid the fallen saiyan, gently rolling him back over. Sand covered his face and clothing, blood trickling from his mouth. A hand came up to dispel a sob, and she looked away, not being able to bare seeing one of her favorite people like that.
Raditz laughed at their pitiful assistance, his body shaking. Athea could feel the armor digging into her side, trying to drown out Gohan's shrill cries. Her heart ached to hear them, but there was nothing she could do. She bit her lip as she closed her eyes, silently praying that somehow Goku would get up and possibly save them.
Her eyes popped open when she felt the muscular saiyan move. Raditz had turned away from the sight of his brother on the ground, now walking towards the edge of the island. Athea gulped, knowing that they were fixing to leave. Her heart started pounding, her breath hitching.
Raditz paused at the water, glancing back over his shoulder. A smirk appeared on his face.
"Remember Kakkarot," he stated firmly, watching the younger saiyan shakily sit up. His smirk turned into a small grin as he watched dawning horror cross his brother's features. "You have until tomorrow to purge this planet," Raditz said softly, his eyes hard. "Or you will never see your mate or child again," he finished softly, the tone of his voice striking even more terror into everyone around him.
He let his words sink in for a moment before blasting off, Athea and Gohan tucked underneath each of his arms.
XXX
"Damn you! Stop moving so much!"
Athea tried to wiggle out of the huge saiyans' hold again. Her breath rushed out of her as he tightened his arm, basically crushing her ribcage. A small moan of pain came out of her, her body going limp for a second. She felt Raditz moving once more, stalking over to his pod and throwing a bawling Gohan in. She heard him grunt, swallowing in fear again as he turned away from it, his footfalls pounding in her ears as they moved away from the constant crying of the little boy. Athea bit her lip, briefly closing her eyes before opening them again, taking a huge breath.
"I'm not who-"
Her words were cut off as Raditz grabbed her hair, jerking her head back to meet his gaze.
"Didn't I tell you to shut up," he growled, his voice low.
Athea felt a shiver course through her body, momentarily speechless. She held his gaze as she parted her lips, getting ready to try to speak once more.
"I'm not Goku's mate!" she said in a rush, afraid he was going to hit her if she talked too long.
Raditz kept a firm hold on her hair, his grip tight. His eyes narrowed as he stared down at her for a moment, before a sound of disgust passed his lips and he looked away.
"I don't care what you say woman! You're not getting away. You and that sniveling brat are insurance, and I'm not about to give that up!"
Raditz started walking again, pausing for a moment when his scouter beeped. Athea glanced at it, having no clue what the rapidly flashing symbols meant. She watched as the saiyan suddenly smiled, a grunt coming out of him. His hold on her tightened somewhat as he turned his head, narrowing his eyes as he watched a spot in the sky.
Athea glanced towards where he was looking, but didn't see anything. Please! Let that be Goku! She perked up when she spotted a small orange dot, soon becoming distinguishable as it got closer. It was Goku, and behind him was Piccolo, a fierce scowl on both the fighter's faces. She almost smiled, but caught herself at the last minute. She didn't want to get her hopes up. Athea wasn't sure what else could possibly change from what she knew was supposed to happen.
She looked at Raditz as his body jerked taunt, a brow raising on his forehead at the sight of the green warrior. Athea moved as he shrugged in indifference, still tucked underneath his arm. She watched Goku and Piccolo land, the namekian glancing at her for a moment before looking back at Raditz. His features remained blank, his hands balled into fists at his sides. Goku stood beside him, a grim expression on his face.
"What have you done with my son?" Goku asked quietly, his eyes moving around for a moment before settling back on Raditz.
She heard the tall saiyan sneer, his body moving with the force. "That loud ass brat is in my pod. Couldn't stand listening to the whining any longer," Raditz stated, his arm staying firm around Athea's middle. She grabbed his hand, trying to pry it off her, only to have him jostle her again, a grunt coming out of her as she moved up and down, the wind getting knocked out of her. She stared at the ground for a moment, trying to get her breath back. The sound of them talking finally reached her ears.
"-don't care!"
Athea looked up, glancing at Goku. His eyes were blazing, his teeth flashing a little as he gritted his teeth. She gulped, now understanding why most hesitated to take him on later. Raditz didn't say anything, and she glanced at him. He had a sneer on his face, his eyes narrowed slightly.
"This is my home! I would never purposefully destroy it, not for you or anyone else!"
Athea felt a smile emerge on her face at his words. He was so good! She peaked at Raditz, quickly looking away when he looked down at her. She felt herself move as her feet finally touched the ground. A sigh of relief left her, and she went to run towards the pod, only to be jerked back. A cry escaped her lips as the older saiyan grabbed her by the hair, tugging her back against him. She shivered at the closeness, feeling his hand tighten around her hair. He held her pinned in front of him, the other hand coming up and grabbing her throat.
"And what about this one?" Raditz asked, his hand slightly tightening around her neck.
Athea gasped at the pain, feeling her esophagus bend slightly from the force. A cry left her, and her knees buckled. The hold on her hair kept her up, the taller saiyan tilting her head back slightly. She felt his breath on the side of her face as he spoke.
"Don't you want this one back as well?" Raditz asked as he slowly smiled, his face inches from hers.
She gulped, wincing at the hand around her throat, hoping that this would stop soon. She silently prayed for Raditz to drop his hold on her neck, where she could feel the damage he was inflicting with the briefest of touches. Athea laid a hand on his, silently asking him to stop. After a moment, to her surprise, the older saiyan moved his hand, letting it drop as he straightened. He kept his grip around her hair, not letting her move an inch.
"Let her go," Goku commanded softly, his fists raising slightly. Piccolo narrowed his eyes at them.
Athea could feel her body moving as Raditz barked with laughter, his head thrown back for a moment. He stopped abruptly, his hold on her suddenly leaving. Athea cried out as she smacked the ground, dirt billowing up slightly at the impact. She coughed for a moment, wincing at the pain in her throat. She looked over her shoulder, shooting a glare at Raditz, but he wasn't paying attention to her. He was watching the two warriors in front of them, a small smirk on his face.
Athea hesitated only slightly before backing away, her body barely leaving the ground as she moved away from Raditz. Man! As hot as he is, the saiyan is still lethal! She absently rubbed her throat, wincing at the pain still accumulated there. After moving a few feet away without Raditz coming after her, she slowly stood, glancing at Goku briefly before running towards the pod. She slid as she made her way down into the crater, stumbling for a moment before finally reaching the space pod. She practically smacked into it in her haste to reach the boy, her hands creating a thudding sound as she propped herself up, looking in the little window. Gohan was still crying, only now it was quiet sobs, the sound muffled as Athea tried to figure out a way to get him out.
"Gohan!" she shouted, banging on the outside of the metal. A loud bong echoed around her, watching as the little demi-saiyan's head finally came up.
Gohan wiped his nose with his sleeve, crawling the small foot separating him from the window. Athea watched him raise his tear stained face towards her, a lone tear falling down his cheek.
"I..." Gohan looked around the pod before meeting her gaze again. "I don't know how to open it," he finally exclaimed, another sniffle coming out of him.
Athea frantically searched the whole outside of the space ship, sighing in frustration when she didn't find anything to open the damn pod. She went back to the window. Gohan was still sitting in the same spot, his eyes closed and head lowered. His lower lip was trembling.
"Gohan," Athea said loudly, watching as the boy slowly lifted his head to look at her. "Can you use your power to break out?"
She watched Gohan furrow his brows, listening with half an ear to the fight happening not five feet from her. She winced as someone slammed the ground, the earth shaking with the impact. Athea never took her eyes off Gohan, watching him think for a moment before helplessness crossed his face.
"I don't know how," he said softly, shaking his head. "I don't think I have any power," the boy confessed, another sniffle escaping him.
Athea let out a low growl of frustration, banging her fist on the pod. She heard a loud scream come from behind her, and whirled around. Raditz was standing close to the crater, an evil smile on his face as he pushed against Goku's chest, the younger saiyan grabbing his foot, trying to get up off the ground. She listened for only a second as Raditz laughed, before turning back to the boy. Her eyes widened slightly.
Gohan was glaring out the window, his eyes narrowed, his teeth flashing as he clenched his jaw. Underneath his nose was wet from crying, the tears now gone. He was looking passed Athea, to where his father lay on the ground, being pulverized by his brother. Athea watched as his breath hitched, slowly backing away. If she remembered correctly, the little boy was about to explode. She scrambled up the caved in earth, barely making it to the top before an explosion erupted behind her. She stumbled, landing on her hands and knees briefly before chancing a glance back. Debris was still flying everywhere, Athea ducking as the door to the pod flew dangerously close to her head. She looked back in time to see Gohan yell, screaming words she really couldn't make out before he rushed forward, slamming into Raditz chest. Athea gasped, her eyes widening. It was very different seeing it in person than on television. It looked like it really hurt in real life.
She bit her lip, feeling stupid as the hope that Raditz was okay flitted through her mind. She silently scoffed at herself, before standing up, swaying for a moment before walking over to Goku. Gohan was beside him, his tail flicking behind the small boy as he checked his father. Athea crouched down, laying a hand on his shoulder and looking down at Goku. A grimace of pain crossed his features, and Athea bit her lip. She hesitated a moment before speaking.
"Do you want-"
She cut off as a blast rendered the air, cutting into the quietness of the surrounding area. Her and Gohan whirled around, their eyes widening at the sight of Piccolo standing a few yards away, his arm outstretched, a satisfied smirk on his face. They looked down. Raditz was laying there, smoke curling from his chest. Athea felt her heart skip a beat, her hands balling at her sides. Feeling very dumb, she silently hoped the older saiyan wasn't dead. She glanced at Gohan, surprised at the set expression on his face. His mouth was turned down into a frown, his eyes narrowed a little. His hands were balled up at his sides. Athea looked over her shoulder at Goku. He had turned his head, watching as his older brother lay there possibly dying. His eyes moved, meeting Athea's. She gulped at the emotion there, wanting to run up and give him a hug. But she refrained, knowing it wouldn't be right. She watched him look back at his fallen brother, before a shaky breath left him. Gohan turned beside her, a small noise coming out of him as he ran to his fathers' side. Athea turned back around, studying Raditz still body before looking over at Piccolo. He had straightened up, his eyes never leaving the fallen saiyan as he regenerated another arm. Athea resisted the urge to retch at the sight.
"Good riddance," Piccolo murmured, and Athea winced, her focus returning to the man on the ground. Raditz didn't seem to be moving, and she wanted to run over and feel for a pulse, or see if he was breathing. Fear that Piccolo might attack her kept her rooted to the spot.
She heard rustling behind her, scraping noises reaching her ears moments before Goku appeared beside her. She heard a sigh leave the man, before he slowly stepped forward. Athea watched him stop at the side of his brother, reaching down to grab the scouter off his face. An arm suddenly wrapped around his neck, the older saiyan pining his arms behind him with his tail. Athea's eyes widened. She hadn't even seen the man move! She watched as Gohan rushed forward, only to be swatted away as Raditz growled low in his throat. She saw Goku wince slightly as his brother tightened his hold around his neck. She winced a little as well, her hand coming up to rub her throat, the feel of his hand on her still fresh in her mind. She looked over as Piccolo let out a low chuckle, putting two fingers to his forehead.
"Two for one," she heard him say softly, her eyes darting to the brother's currently struggling against one another. Goku got the older saiyans' grip on his throat loosened, now trying to jerk the hold on his arms. Raditz growled again, an arm coming up to pin his brothers' body again, when another blast rang out.
Both saiyans' fell.
Athea gasped, feeling so helpless as she watched first Goku jerk at the impact, then Raditz. Both men fell to the ground, not moving. She looked back at Piccolo, shivering a little at the satisfaction on his face. He suddenly looked over at her, and her eyes widened. She took a step back when the namekian turned towards her, his eyes hard. He started strolling forward, detouring a few steps away from her and going to the boy on the ground.
Athea's eyes widened even more as he bent down and picked up Gohan by the back of his shirt. Her gaze darted to him as he turned towards her slightly, his face grim. Piccolo glanced at the two saiyans lying on the ground, studying them for a moment. Athea followed his gaze, a small gasp coming out when Goku's body suddenly disappeared. She looked back at the green warrior, watching one eye quirk before settling his gaze on her. Athea shivered, seeing the steely determination in his eyes. A small smirk appeared on Piccolo's face again as he studied her, his head moving slightly as he cracked his neck. The hold on Gohan tightened, and his other hand clenched into a fist.
"Tell the others I'm taking Goku's brat for awhile. This boy has a lot of power inside him, and he needs the right teacher to control it. Seeing as how his father isn't here to do it," a small smirk appeared on the namekians' face, "I'll take care of it."
Athea swallowed, watching as Piccolo turned, and not saying another word, blasted off. It knocked her on her butt, and she landed with a small "oof", slightly scowling up at the sky. She looked back over at Raditz still lying on the ground, biting her lip. She knew the others' would be coming soon, and she wanted to get another look at his face before having to leave. She slowly stood, dusting her clothing off before slowly walking over towards the fallen saiyan. Athea swallowed with difficulty as she reached his side, pausing for a moment before squatting down, gently taking his chin in her hand and turning his head.
She was staring at the sky a moment later, not exactly sure what happened. The grip on her throat tightened, and she cried out, finally noticing the beaten warrior slowly lifting up onto his knees, one of his eyes twitching. Athea felt terror grip her at the look of absolute rage on Raditz face. His hold on her neck didn't loosen as he slowly bent towards her, his lip curling a little. She swallowed at the sight of his canines, gleaming in the evening sun. Her gaze went back to his, their eyes holding as he bent forward.
"Since that damn namekian took the brat, I guess you'll have to do," he growled, suddenly wrenching her up by her throat as he stood, her feet coming off the ground. The saiyan growled again, his eyes narrowed.
"We'll see if Kakkarot can stand that thought of you being taken from him," Raditz said, his voice low. He sneered at her, his eyes hard. He started walking, his hold on her neck still tight as he pushed a button on his scouter.
Athea couldn't even swallow, she was so terrified. She stared at the saiyan she always had a small crush on, watching as he seemed to ignore her winces of pain, her grip on his wrist doing nothing to alleviate it. A moment later noise erupted from the small device, cutting through the silence.
"I need the other pod sent now," Raditz stated after the transmission went silent. There was more gurgled talk coming from the scouter, sounding more like growls than anything else.
Athea felt her body shivering. She didn't want to leave earth, especially not knowing what was going to happen to her in the long run. This wasn't part of the story line as she knew it, and she doubted that they were going to from now on. She jerked to attention at the whooshing sound filling the air, a moment later something crashed a few hundred feet from them, making her cry out in surprise. Raditz sent her a disgusted look, before tucking her underneath his arm once more and strolling to his new space pod.
Athea frantically fought in his hold, but it didn't stop the saiyan as he stalked over to it. Dust billowed up as he stomped down the crater, making sand and dirt shoot up in her face. She closed her eyes and coughed, her hands still resting on the man's arm. A whimper escaped as they neared the pod, and she started frantically shaking her head.
"No! I don't want to go!" she shouted, banging her fists against the saiyan's arm. He didn't pause, didn't pay it no mind as he stopped, waiting for the hatch to open. Athea cried out as he threw her inside, crawling in behind her. She tried to scramble away from him, but there was obviously no room to move. Her body was shaking as she swallowed, feeling tears threaten to fall down her face as she watched Raditz push a couple buttons on the console in front of him. It was quiet, the only sound was her ragged breathing and the beeping as he set the course away from earth.
Athea cried out when the pod started shaking, her stomach flipping as they shot towards the sky, the large saiyan beside her leaning back, crossing his arms. His body brushed hers, and she scrunched herself up a little more. She bit her lip until she drew blood, a sob escaping her.
"Don't even think about it," Raditz stated, closing his eyes. He looked over as she stayed silent. "Don't start sniveling and crying!" he snapped, his eyes narrowing.
He glared at her for a moment before speaking again. "Don't make me forcibly stop you, woman," Raditz softly said, his tone deadly quiet.
Athea swallowed, feeling another shiver course down her spin. Her breath hitched a little as she looked away. She watched the earth get smaller and smaller through the little window. She wrapped her arms around herself, hesitating slightly before speaking.
"Where," she paused, licking her dry lips. "Where are we going?" she whispered, flinching a little when the huge saiyan shifted.
She chanced a glance back up at him, watching a small smirk appear on his face. His eyes took on an unholy gleam as they studied her, the light reflecting off the dark orbs.
"Planet Vegetasei."
XXX
~Chapter by GVLuver~