A/N: Italics represent thought and/or speaking.

Warning: language!

Song prompt: "Start Again" by Red

Facing the Future

Chapter 15

The rest of the voyage was uneventful, to say the least. Raditz was finally able to do the technique that Kakkarot taught him, though he had a few scares while trying to master it. One time he teleported himself outside the spaceship. His body had immediately seized up, terror clogging his mind as his throat burned from lack of oxygen. He didn't necessarily know what happened afterward because he blacked out, but would never admit it, and found himself lying on his bed.

Another time was equally terrifying, though this involved him actually teleporting to a nearby planet that they were passing on their way to earth. His skin had immediately started burning with the intensity of the heat. There was a disturbingly lack of oxygen, and the sky was red. It actually reminded him of home, just hotter and denser. And the spitting geysers that were shooting hot steam didn't help ease his mind. He had immediately put two shaky fingers to his forehead, praying that he made it inside the ship safely. Thankfully he made it into his room, his legs immediately giving out. He had stared at the wall for several seconds before standing, thanking the Gods that he was safe.

Raditz didn't attempt anymore IT's until they got to earth. As soon as they got settled in, and got rid of the humans and his brother taking up space on the ship, Raditz made a point to master the technique his brother taught him. It shouldn't have surprised him that the Prince wanted to learn it as well, the saiyan Prince couldn't stand anyone knowing a technique that he felt that he should know. So Raditz taught him, putting up with his biting words and stinging tail. By the end of that final week, he became accustomed to dodging his Prince's brown appendage. Raditz did find it funny, however, that Kakkarots' friend, the blue haired woman, was practically stalking the Prince. She made it a point, almost every day, to stick her nose into their business, stating that she was just curious. Raditz snorted at that. He felt the woman should just give up. The Prince wasn't going to get with a human. He'd heard what his comrade had spouted plenty of times on the way to earth. The Prince thought they were worthless, spineless, weak pieces of wasted space. Raditz agreed with him, except for his woman. He felt constricted in his chest every time he thought of her, that he didn't try to wish her back on Namek. He let out a breath, folding his hands behind his head as he laid back. He stared at the ceiling, thinking about his woman's beautiful face, her green eyes, and the way she felt in his arms. Granted, he never actually got to show her how he truly felt, but he was going to change that, as soon as the dragonballs were activated. Raditz sucked in a breath, closing his eyes as he slowly let it out. Two more months…two more months until he could look into her eyes, to feel her hands on his skin…..

….to finally make her his.

XXX

He and the Prince stood on the outskirts of the group, Raditz' teeth clenching so hard that he was surprised they didn't crack. His muscles jumped from being so tense. His heart jumped when the woman, Bulma, called the dragon forth. Raditz let out a low breath, glancing at the Prince as he grunted. Prince Vegeta was studying the massive dragon in the sky, his tail wrapping protectively around his waist. Raditz did the same, except his started tapping on his thigh. Tap! Tap! Tap!

Bulma raised her hands, ready to shout out the wish that he'd been waiting to hear for months. But his brother stopped her. What the fuck! My stupid, idiotic—

"Shenron" Goku stated loudly, his face serious, "Can you tell us, first, why we could not wish Athea back on Namek?"

The dragons' eyes glowed for a second before he stated, "I cannot."

I can, however.

Goku's eyes widened as he looked up. Everyone followed his gaze, confused as to why they were hearing someone in their heads.

"King Kai! Is that you?"

"Of course it is Goku. I can tell you all exactly why your friend could not be immediately wished back. But first…..what has a head and tail but no body?"

"King Kai! Come on! This is serious!" Goku exclaimed, crossing his arms.

Everyone heard a few snorts of laughter before hearing "A penny!" King Kai started laughing harder.

"Ugh!" Bulma glared at the sky, her nose scrunched up.

Goku let out a sigh. "King Kai!"

There were a few noises of the God clearing his throat before he spoke again. "Yes, yes, okay. The reason your friend couldn't be wished back on Namek is because we had a hard time keeping her spirit in this realm."

"What do you mean?" Bulma asked, her brows furrowing a little. Raditz eye's narrowed, not liking this King Kai one bit.

"Your friends' spirit kept trying to seep between realms, and we had difficulty trying to keep her from going. If she would have succeeded….."

"What would have happened?" Goku asked quietly.

"She would have seized to exist."

Raditz sucked in a breath, his eyes widening. He unconsciously took a step forward, his eyes staring upward. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest.

"She's alright though…..right?" Goku asked, his back tense with apprehension.

"Oh yes, of course Goku! We have her spirit contained, finally, and she's safely under glass, waiting for you to wish her back."

Everyone let out a collective and relieved sigh. Bulma raised her hands a second time, clearing her throat before shouting, "Shenron, please bring our friend Athea back!"

Raditz' tail fell from his waist unconsciously, swinging back and forth, his gaze riveted to the bright light growing larger by the second. His breath caught as it took shape, before painstakingly dimming. He was crossing the courtyard before he knew what he was doing, ignoring the snigger that came from behind him. He was almost there when someone blocked him. Raditz' eyes widened in anger as his nostrils flared. That fucking ugly scar faced SON OF A BITCH! Raditz let out a deep growl that quickly escalated into a roar. His muscles tensed in rage as a ball of ki erupted into his hand. He was grabbed from behind, and the only one that could keep him contained was Kakkarot, so he knew it was his brother.

"Get the fuck off me! I'm going to kill that ugly fucking human!"

He snarled as Goku tightened his hold, pressing his shoulders back even more. "Let me go you fucking defective piece of shit!"

"Raditz calm down! He's just saying hello!"

Raditz lurched forward, successfully extracting himself from his brothers' hold and swiping his fist forward. The human Yamcha went flying across the lawn, skidding across the ground before rolling head over ass into the side of a building.

Raditz let out another growl low in his throat, his fists clenched so hard his nails were biting into his palms. His chest heaved up and down as he let out a growl of disgust. He turned and slowly looked at Athea, their eyes automatically locking. Raditz stopped breathing.

Her eyes were like liquid pools of green, wide and shimmering. She was watching him with surprise, her lips slightly parted. He felt every breath that passed her lips, feeling paralyzed by her gaze as they stared at one another.

"Raditz!"

Kakkarot's voice broke whatever spell he was under. Raditz threw a dirty look over his shoulder at the younger saiyan, before looking back at his woman. His tail shot forward and wrapped around Athea's waist, pulling her slowly forward.

Everyone turned at the bark of laughter that come from behind. Prince Vegeta let out another mirthless bark of laughter, a smirk forming on his lips as he sized everyone up.

"Never come between a saiyan and his mate," Vegeta stated, his smirk deepening before turning and going into his ship.

Raditz ignored everyone except for the woman being slowly pulled towards him.

"R-raditz?" Athea asked in a small voice, her throat moving as she swallowed.

Raditz let out an almost inaudible whine, only loud enough for her to hear. "Woman," he breathed out, his nostrils flaring as he took in her scent. As soon as she was within reaching distance he buried his face in her hair, rubbing his forehead against her jaw.

Everyone watched this display of emotion, a little taken aback at the action. Raditz was always so gruff and standoffish, always snarling at everyone. The way he acted on Namek, they didn't think that he even cared about Athea. But his actions that he was displaying now belied the actions from before. The burly saiyan was demonstrating feelings like he was almost in pain from missing the young woman.

Goku watched in apprehension, nibbling on his lower lip. He wasn't necessarily sure that Raditz was going to treat his friend right, but….his shoulders' sagged as he let out a sigh….it wasn't his decision. He glanced once more at the couple before turning away to give them their privacy. Raditz was a grown saiyan, and Athea, although young, was still old enough to make her own decisions.

Bulma smiled at the display, feeling her uneasiness fade a little at the display that the large saiyan was demonstrating. She understood, although vaguely, why he had attacked Yamcha. She glanced at her ex-boyfriend, still lying in a heap against the house, and let out a sigh. It looked like he was going to be bed ridden for a couple days. She glanced once more at Raditz and Athea, secretly yearning for the same thing, before making her way over to Yamcha, grabbing Goku's arm for him to help transport the man.

Chichi watched her husband out of the corner of her eye, her teeth clenching a little. His brother was acting like a heathen! Why wasn't Goku doing something about it? A scowl appeared on her face as he nibbled his lower lip for a second before turning away. Bulma suddenly grabbed his arm, dragging him away. Chichi harrumphed, putting her hands on her hips. If no one else was going to do something about this display, then she was. Why, the girl just came back! And this long haired…saiyan….was all over her! He was acting like an animal!

Everyone's eyes widened when they noticed Chichi stalking towards Raditz. Piccolo stood off to the side, watching the scene unfold with a little amusement. He couldn't wait to see what happened. Krillin tripped over his own feet trying to get to her in time to stop her.

"Ch-chichi, wait stop! You can't—"

Goku's wife swatted him away, and Krillin stumbled back, cringing, not sure he wanted to know what was going to happen.

Goku turned at the commotion, his eyes widening as he saw his wife grab his brothers' arm. "Chichi!" he yelled, dropping Yamcha and running towards the scene. But it was too late, his wife was hollering at Raditz, her hands balled into fists and her foot stomping the ground.

"How dare you! You brainless monkey!" Chichi's voice carried over the lawn, making everyone who'd witnessed the large saiyans' temper cringe back in fear. "Don't you care about Athea at all!? She just got back, and you're suffocating her with your…..your beastly attitude and your overbearing demeanor!"

Goku quickly grabbed his wife by the waist as he felt his brothers' energy soar. Raditz let out a loud snarl, his hair bristling along his tail. The snarl immediately stopped, and everyone froze. They studied the large saiyan before looking at Athea. She was still staring at Raditz with confusion and worry, but her hands were absently petting his tail, causing the sudden calming of the male saiyan.

"Athea is coming home with me! She is not going to be forced into a situation that she doesn't understand!" Chichi declared, folding her arms despite her husband holding her.

Raditz let out another snarl as he flashed his incisors at the woman. "You do not make that decision human" he spat the last word, furious that this woman thought she could come between him and his female. His tail tightened around Athea's waist, and she made a small sound.

Everyone's gaze went to her at the sound, and she seemed to hesitate before lifting her eyes to the group. "I think that would be best," Athea stated in a quiet voice, wincing slightly as Raditz sucked in a breath.

"You're staying with me dammit," Raditz stated, watching her face, "If this is about what happened on Namek…if you think I can't protect you—"

He paused as she shook her head. "No," she said, her voice still soft and a little hesitant, "I just," she paused to swallow, "that's where I was living before you…well before. And I think it would be best to stay with Chichi and Goku."

There was an intense moment of silence before Raditz took a step back, his tail falling away from Athea's waist. He didn't say a word as he let out a snarl before blasting off, disappearing within seconds. Everyone noticed Athea flinch slightly, her gaze avoiding everyone else's.

"Well," Chichi exclaimed loudly, smoothing her hands down her gown as Goku finally let her go, "That solves that little problem. Come on sweetie, let's get you back to the house. I'm sure you're hungry. I'll make you a big lunch. Come on Goku!"

"No. I'll stay here for a while."

Chichi paused at her husbands' words, the displeasure clearly written on her face. She let out a displeased sound before grabbing Gohan's hand and getting into their vehicle. Within minutes they were gone.

Goku stared off into the direction his brother went, his brows furrowed with worry. I hope he doesn't hurt anyone. He debated on whether to leave his brother alone, or go track him down.

"Goku! Come on, help get Yamcha into the med lab!"

Well, looks like helping his brother was going to have to wait. He lifted his unconscious friend over his shoulder, taking one more look at the sky before turning and going into the building.

XXX

He was furious. He was beyond furious! He wanted to scream to the heavens in rage, decimate everything he was flying over. But he did none of these things. Raditz touched down on some unknown cliff, his breathing ragged, his chest heaving as he tried to control his anger. How dare she!? She just—just refused him! Did she not believe that he would protect her? That he was making a fool of himself over her!? And she didn't seem to fucking care! He wanted her dammit! Didn't she see that? He waited this long for the woman to come back, and she rejected him. Raditz let out a growl that evolved into a roar, finally letting out that were warring within him over Athea's rejection. He powered up without another thought, his teeth clenching painfully. A ki ball formed in his hand. He let it rest there for a second before yelling and flinging it down at the various islands underneath him. Raditz floated there, watching the pieces of land explode, the wind blowing some of the dust away. He formed another in his palm. He flung another…..and another….and another. He didn't stop until all land in sight was demolished, a gaping hole appearing in the ocean floor as a result.

Raditz watched the water flow and spiral down the crater created, his ragged breathing the only sound for miles. He left the spot behind, planning on finding more islands to destroy. He didn't want to think. Didn't want to remember the rejection of a particular green eyed vixen.

XXX

She watched the girl out of the corner of her eye, keeping most of her attention on where they were going. She frowned a little, her brows furrowed gently. What is she so depressed about? Chichi bit her lower lip for a moment before deciding to break the silence.

"So, how was Namek anyway?" She asked, only knowing the little bit she could get out of her son. Goku, surprisingly, refused to talk about it. Chichi heard her son gasp from the back seat.

Athea shifted in her seat, her hands clenching together. "Okay," she said softly, her attention still fixed out the passenger window. Chichi silently scowled. There's got to be more than what they're telling me!

"Well I for one feel that all of this is that monsters' fault!" She stated with assurance, straightening her spine. Chichi knew she was right! Her precious son wouldn't have been involved in any of this if it wasn't for that animal! "That man who claims to be my Goku's brother. He started all of this!"

"Mom, stop."

Chichi's jaw dropped. Her son was taking up for that….that heathen! And he was talking back to her!

"I most certainly will not! And you mister do not talk back to me! If that saiyan hadn't taken you and Athea, then none of this would have happened!"

Chichi looked in the rearview mirror, certain her son would agree with her. Her eyes widened to see his small jaw clenched and his eyes narrowed. Surprise couldn't even begin to describe what she was feeling. What happened to her sweet little boy!

"Mom," Gohan finally said, his voice low, "You're upsetting Athea."

Chichi looked over at the woman in the passenger seat. She wasn't looking at either of them, but the shake of her shoulders was very easy to see, as well as her clenched hands, her fingers whitening from the pressure.

Chichi sighed. Guess I'll have to try to get information later. She kept quiet the rest of the way home, leaving everyone in the car to their own thoughts.

XXX

Anxiety washed over her. She didn't know how she kept from screaming as Chichi questioned her about Namek. How was it!? It was a nightmare that was haunting her, from the moment she got wished back. She wanted to forget about it, not reminisce over it. She didn't want this quaking fear to be snaking up her spine. The shaking that overtook her body. She was half expecting one of those monsters to show up and kill her, as was their plan. Was this even reality? Was she even alive, or was this some sort of illusion that she procured to get away from the horror of reality? Was she actually on Frieza's ship, terror making her dream this up?

Athea vaguely heard son and mother bickering back and forth. Her nails bit into her skin, a part of her welcoming the pain. This is real. This is real. This is real. She choked silently, wetness blurring her sight. Her fingers tightened, her nails digging deeper into her skin. Oh God! Oh God! She could feel her throat closing up, her vision going black for a second before clearing. I need out! I need out! She grabbed at the door handle, her breathing erratic.

"Hey Athea," she barely heard Chichi over the rushing in her ears, "It's okay. We're home."

I'm not home! She bit back a sob, finally jerking the door open and stumbling out of the vehicle. She didn't even wait for permission before entering the house, slamming through the front door and running to the room they had given her before…..everything. She turned the lock with shaking hands, backing away from it.

Her body shook as she sat on the side of the bed, finally letting the tears fall.

XXX

~Chapter by: GVLuver~