Facing the Future

Chapter 16

It took all of Raditz' willpower not to punch his brother in the face when the idiot finally caught up with him, yelling for him to stop blowing things up. The saiyan disgusted him. How could he stand there and let a female, a human, tell him what to do!? Raditz let out a sound of revulsion, knocking his brothers' hand off his shoulder as he finally landed, crossing his arms tightly against his chest. His tail whipped around before wrapping around his waist.

"You are pathetic Kakkarot!" Raditz exclaimed harshly, walking away from his brother and staring out over the cliff he had landed on.

"Raditz," he heard his brother sigh, "Chichi's right though. Athea needs some time. At least give her that."

Raditz said nothing, a muscle ticking along his jaw. He heard his brother take a step closer.

"I'm not trying to get into your business—"

"Then stop doing it!" Raditz snapped, firmly cutting his brothers' words off. He growled as he looked over his shoulder, giving Kakkarot a good view of his incisors.

"Get away from me dammit! Go back to your pathetic humans."

Goku let another sigh out, giving a small shake of his head. The burly saiyan had to be difficult, even when he was trying to be nice.

"Just think about it okay. Don't push her Raditz. Give her time."

His brother continued to stay silent, giving the impression of ignoring him. Goku studied him for another moment before slowly lifting into the air.

"Can you do that Raditz? For Athea's sake."

Raditz let out a growl of annoyance, shooting a glare at his younger brother before taking off, the opposite way to Goku's home.

The younger saiyan let out an exasperated sigh. "I'll take that as a yes."

XXX

Chichi marched up the stairs, intent on finding out what that girls' problem was. She was being rude! Slamming doors and shutting herself in her room without talking to anyone. Nobody acts like that in her house! Chichi took purposeful strides towards Athea's room, lifting her fist to knock on the door.

"Mom!"

She turned, a little surprised at Gohans' tone. "Gohan. What is it?"

"What are we having for dinner?" he asked, his gaze flicking to the closed door behind his mother.

"Are you hungry?" Chichi asked, already knowing the answer, "I'll go cook something sweet-heart." She turned and looked at the closed door before making her way downstairs.

Gohan stayed where he was, waiting for his mother to descend the stairs before slowly walking over to the closed door to Athea's room. He raised his small fist, hesitating for a few seconds before softly knocking.

His ears rung with the silence before he heard "who is it?"

Gohan pressed his mouth closer to the door. "It's me," he stated in a hushed tone, "Gohan."

His ears perked up when he heard rustling and feet pattering across the floor. A moment later the door cracked open. Athea peeked out before moving and giving him room to come in. Gohan quickly squeezed through the space before she changed her mind. The door was quickly shut as soon as he was in, making him wonder exactly what his friend was afraid of.

Gohan turned, gasping at the woman's tear swollen face. "Athea!" he exclaimed loudly, covering his mouth and hoping his mother hadn't heard him.

He watched her wipe at the wetness on her cheeks, nervous about what was making her so sad.

"What's wrong? What happened?"

Athea gave a shuddered breath as she sat on the bed. She slowly shook her head.

"Don't worry about it Gohan," she gave him a smile, and even he could tell it was false.

"But Athea, can I help? What about mom and dad? Is this something that happened while you were….you know…..dead?"

She shook her head the whole time he was talking, waiving a hand back and forth. "No, no. It's okay Gohan. I—I'll be fine. You don't have to worry."

Gohan looked unconvinced, wondering if he should go to his father and speak with him. What about Raditz? He hesitated. He thought about the way his large uncle reacted back at Bulma's, how mad he had seemed before flying away. I'd better not. I don't want to die again.

"Promise me you won't say anything to your mother," Athea asked, sniffling a little as she waited for Gohans' response.

He quickly nodded his head. "I won't tell her if you don't want me to."

Athea looked relieved. "Thanks big guy," she said softly, this time giving him a genuine small smile.

Gohan went over to his friend and wrapped his arms around her, giving her a hug before walking to the door.

"Thanks for not saying anything to Chichi," Athea sighed out, her brows already furrowed with whatever was bothering her. Gohan nodded once before leaving the room and firmly closing the door behind him.

He stood on the other side for a few minutes, contemplating his friends' attitude and everything that had happened up to that point. He bit his lip, not real sure if he should be silent after all. But you promised not to tell! Not to tell his mother that is. Gohan smiled. He didn't promise not to tell his dad!

XXX

Raditz scowled as his tail tapped against the tree limb he was standing on, watching the darkened house for any sign of movement. There wasn't any. A sneaky grin appeared on his face as he jumped down from the tree, his eyes on one particular window as he walked closer to the house. He was so focused on that opened window that he didn't see the person standing in front of him until he bumped into him.

He jumped back with a growl, taking up a fighting stance. The snarl stopped abruptly when he noticed it was his brother.

"You moron! What the hell is wrong with you Kakkarot!?"

His brother took a step forward, his face half lit by the moon. "I could say the same for you. Why are you out here stalking my house Raditz?"

Raditz face scrunched up. "None of your damn business," he snarled, his upper lip curling back.

There was a pregnant pause for several minutes before Goku sighed.

"Look I hope you know what you're doing," he stated softly, crossing his arms. "Just do me a favor please."

Raditz slowly straightened, eyeing the saiyan before him. "What?" he asked, his tone full of suspicion.

Goku had already turned to go inside, and paused at the door as he looked over at his brother. "Don't hurt her."

Raditz scoffed, shooting a look of disgust at his brother, but Goku had already gone inside.

Raditz stood there, watching the door suspiciously. He was just going to let Raditz enter his home, just like that? The little shit wasn't going to try and stop him? He eyed the door for several more minutes, and once he was convinced he wasn't going to have to fight his brother just to get to his woman, he slowly levitated towards that window. The one where he could smell her at, that intoxicating scent that made his brain fog over.

Raditz nostrils flared as he slowly lifted the window up enough for him to climb through, silently settling his feet on the floor. He stood there, watching the figure on the bed as her chest rose and fell. The woman was sleeping soundly, and Raditz didn't want to scare her so he pulled his boots off, setting them down under the window. Next came his armor, making a small thud on the floor as it too joined his boots. He froze, watching the form on the bed. She didn't seem to be disturbed. He let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. His tail unraveled from his waist, flicking slightly as he slowly walked towards the bed.

The first thing Raditz noticed was the tear stains on her cheeks. His brows furrowed. Who the hell made her cry!? His teeth clenched, his eyes narrowing at the thought of someone upsetting his woman like that. After a moment he closed his eyes. Shit! It had to have been him. His fists clenched in anger at himself. It had to have been what happened earlier to make the woman upset. But she chose to stay here. Confusion combined with regret, and Raditz wasn't exactly sure what to make of those tears. His focus sharpened on Athea as she sighed, rolling onto her side and facing him. Raditz licked his lips at the sight of those cherry red lips, parted and moist. He studied the way her lashes fanned her cheeks, the way strands of that luscious brown hair floated before resting back onto her face as she let out little breaths as she slept. He felt his body respond, and not for the first time today. Raditz let out a soft painful groan. He wasn't going to get any satisfaction tonight. That would have to wait. Dammit.

He sighed, turning to sit in the chair across the room. He made himself comfortable, scooting down low and crossing his heels. He put his hands behind his head, staring up at the ceiling. What would it take to claim the woman? What the hell do I have to do to gain enough of her trust to finally make her mine? He thought of how she looked when he first set eyes on her. Those enormous green doe eyes were what caught his attention first. Staring at him in fascination and lust. Raditz smirked. He had seen it, despite his misgivings at first that she belonged to someone else. It had been there, not very visible, but he had seen it before she had turned away to grab that brat of Kakkarots'. He had also seen fear, true, but that was to be expected. He was a fierce warrior, honing his body to that of what a saiyan soldier is supposed to be.

Raditz closed his eyes, thinking of when he had brought her to his planet, to his home. His brows furrowed a little. He should have treated her a little better, although he'd only admit that to himself. He sure as hell wasn't going to say it out loud. He wasn't a pansy ass like his brother, who showed every emotion on his damn face. Though that pansy ass did reach a level that hadn't been seen in centuries. Raditz growled. He wasn't going to go down that road of thinking tonight. It was bad enough he had to hear it all the time from the prince, he didn't want his mind badgering him about it too.

He let out a small grunt, feeling the tug of sleep slowly overtaking him. He made himself a little more comfortable, his tail lightly wrapping around his thigh. He would work on things with the woman in the morning.

XXX

Raditz jumped up from a sound sleep, alert for any danger. His body tensed as he heard the sound again, the one that woke him up. A whimper. His eyes immediately went to the bed, another whimper escaping from Athea. Raditz scowled, walking silently over towards the bed. She was having a nightmare. His lips twisted in slight irritation, chalking this up to another human frailty. Saiyans didn't have nightmares, they were the nightmares. He smirked at the thought, ready to sit back down when he heard a sob.

"N—no please…"

He studied her as she struggled in her sleep, apparently trying to fight something off.

"Raditz…."

His ears perked up at the sound of his name being whispered. A brow rose as she let out another sob.

"Help me…please…."

Raditz grunted and slowly squatted beside the bed. He leaned forward, hesitating slightly before whispering, "Help with what?"

Athea moved restlessly, her breathing still erratic. Another sob escaped her as a tear trailed down her face. Raditz watched as his hands clenched in the sheet, resisting the urge to wipe it away.

"…..kill me….They're…"

Raditz brows rose. What!? He was confused. What the hell was she dreaming?

He hesitated for a long moment before whispering, "You want to die?"

There was an immediate reaction from the woman on the bed. She curled up in a fetal position, a gut wrenching sob escaping her. Her body shook as her fingers tightened around the covers, her knuckles turning white.

A keening sound emitted from her throat, terror marring her features. Another sob escaped her before she choked out, "Rescue…me…."

Raditz swiftly stood, grabbing the edge of the covers and sliding in beside her. He laid his chin on the top of her head, feeling how tense she was in her sleep. He closed his eyes, absently running his fingers through her hair as he listened to her breathing finally calm, her body slowly unclenching as her face relaxed. His tail wrapped around her waist, pulling her as close as he could get their bodies. He let out a sigh, his brain not comprehending his actions, his behavior pure instinct. Raditz shifted, sliding his other arm underneath Athea and splaying his hand against her back. He buried his nose in her hair, taking a deep breath before slowly dozing back off, his mind still not realizing the extent of his actions.

XXX

She breathed in as she rolled onto her back, her arms lifting above her head as she stretched. Athea slowly opened her eyes, surprised by how rested she felt. She knew she had nightmares last night, remembered how terrifying they were. Namek. They were all about Namek and what had happened to her. She stared up at the ceiling, wondering what had eased her mind enough for her to sleep. She finally let out a sigh before sitting up. She lifted a hand to push the hair out of her face when she froze, her eyes widening. Raditz was sitting in the chair by the window, his ankles crossed and his fingers threaded together against his stomach. Athea swallowed. He was watching her. Their eyes met for several seconds before Raditz slowly straightened up and folded his arms. He studied her intently before his eyes slightly narrowed.

"What's causing your night terrors?"

Athea gasped, straightening up on the bed. "How…..?" She bit her lip, looking away from the saiyan sitting in her room.

She heard him get up, staring at the bed and wondering exactly what to say to him. Her chin was suddenly grasped, Raditz' touch firm and unyelding. Her gaze met his as she sucked in a breath, feeling as if she suddenly couldn't breathe. His face was only inches from hers, their breath mingling as they studied one another. "R-Raditz…." Athea whispered his name, not knowing exactly what the feeling in the pit of her stomach meant. She felt light headed and dizzy at the same time. As if she was nervous, but expectant of something. What, she didn't know, but the feeling was making her uneasy. She had never really felt this way before.

Athea gasped as Raditz ran his thumb over her bottom lip, his eyes going half lidded. "What are you dreaming about woman?" Raditz asked softly, his gaze on her mouth. Athea swallowed, licking her lips a little before answering.

"Namek," she whispered, watching as the burly saiyan in front of her winced. He turned his head away as he straightened. Athea felt the loss of his touch, not wanting to admit that what she felt was yearning.

Raditz turned back towards her, studying her with those dark eyes before abruptly moving towards the window. He bent and grabbed his armor, roughly putting it on before tugging his boots on. Neither said a word as he lifted the window, one leg out before he stopped, his tail thumping against the window sill.

"You will not have nightmares anymore," he stated without looking at her, disappearing into the light gray of morning.

Athea sat on her bed, unmoving as she stared at the window, her mind contemplating what the large saiyan meant and his actions towards her. She finally closed her eyes, her throat clogging with tears. Since Raditz' left, the feeling that she had the day before, the frantic need to get away, to go somewhere safe, overtook her. Athea let out a sob as she buried herself underneath her covers, covering her face with her hands. I want to go home! Her body let out a shudder as she thought that maybe she was stuck here, that she wasn't going to see her home again. Athea gulped back another sob, squeezing her eyes closed and burying her face in the pillow.

It was several hours later before she was disturbed by Gohan, letting her know that breakfast was ready.

XXX

Everyone was already at the table when Athea finally came down. She had washed her face, hoping that it would erase the signs of her crying. Her eyes still felt puffy, and she sucked in a shaky breath before going through the entrance to the kitchen, already dreading the questions she knew ChiChi would have.

Goku's wife was standing at the stove, stirring something when she walked in. The woman glanced at her over her shoulder before resuming her cooking.

"I'm glad you finally decided to show," Chichi stated loudly, her tone almost disapproving.

Athea kept quiet, silently taking a seat at the table. She chanced a glance at Goku, who gave her a small, apologetic smile. Gohan watched her with a hint of worry in his eyes, looking down as a huge bowl of food was set in the middle of the table. Several plates with various breakfast array was set down: tons of bacon, sausage, eggs, toast, and pancakes. The bowl was filled to the brim with oatmeal. It was silent as everyone grabbed some of everything, Athea only taking small amounts. She nibbled on some eggs and took one bite of sausage before her throat closed up.

She swallowed with difficulty, feeling the same urgency to run, to hide away, to burst out crying overtake her. Tears filled her eyes but she refused to let them fall, keeping her head bent so that the others wouldn't see. She wasn't ashamed of crying, she just didn't want to answer any questions she knew Chichi would have. She didn't want to talk about Namek. She resisted the urge to gag as memories assaulted her, the grease from the sausage coating her mouth and making her nauseous. Athea tamped down the urge to retch, her throat working as bile appeared in the back of her throat. She stood, ignoring Chichi's questioning as she escaped the room, hurrying outside as she gave up, bending at the waist as she dry heaved. She sobbed as her throat worked, her stomach knotting painfully.

Athea sobbed quietly, squeezing her eyes closed as the nausea finally passed. She gulped in big breaths, finally opening her eyes to stare at the blurry ground, tears still falling from the corners of her eyes. She didn't want to stay here, she wanted to go home. She wasn't supposed to be here, in this dimension. Things have already altered from her being there; Raditz' was supposed to die, instead he was alive. Planet Vegeta was supposed to be blown up by Frieza, yet it was still intact. Vegeta was supposed to be a soldier of the lizard tyrant, yet he was still on his planet, having never endured the harshness of Frieza. Bulma and Gohan died on Namek…Athea let a sob out. She died on Namek. A gut wrenching sob escaped her as she laid her head against the side of the house, covering her mouth with her hand. She was never supposed to go to Namek, she was never supposed to meet Raditz. Why her? Why did she have to come here, why did she have to die!?

Athea heard the front door open, stopping mid-sob. She felt panic rise up, not wanting anyone to catch her like this. She didn't think, she just ran. Her vision was obscured by her tears as she stumbled through the trees, not caring where she was headed. She just wanted away! Away from the pain, away from the terror, away from her memories that kept rising up and paralyzing her with fear. She knew it wasn't rational, but her instincts where screaming at her to not let her guard down, that she wasn't okay, she wasn't out of danger.

Athea finally fell against a fallen log, her body shaking, a film of sweat coating her body. Her breathing was still ragged, another sob bursting from her before she finally quieted down. Her thoughts weren't rational, the sick feeling inside her chest not abating. She wiped her face with shaking hands, taking deep breaths as she tried to get herself under control.

She stayed pressed against that log for God knows how long, her body shaking as if she had a fever, her throat raw from sobbing. Athea could see the roof of Goku's house from where she sat, staring at it for a long time before stumbling to her feet. She felt drained and weak, and she stood there, trying to get herself under control. She didn't want to think, didn't want to remember those horrifying last hours on Namek. She started walking, away from that house and everything that reminded her of just how lost she really was.

XXX

A/N: Please let me know what you think!