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Saiyan Foster Parent	By : Polymer Category: Dragon Ball Z > Het - Male/Female Views: 1714 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own DragonballZ, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 7
- 8
- 9
Smoothing Some Things Over

Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ, Toriyama and Funimation do. I don't own KISS, or their Elder concepts of KISS being superheroes, owned by Dark Horse and Marvel either. I don't get paid for this. Atomique, Bohr, Fermi, Dragon Womyn, and Black Widow are my fan characters and Black Widow is Bulma the Babe's. Thanks BUNCHES and Kudos to my first reviewer!! Hugs to you! Here's another chappie or two for your reading pleasure!

Next day, Son Goku had gone to offer an apology to Bulma and Bejita, then volunteered his services to fill in the hole. Grudgingly Bejita accepted his offer, and the crater was soon smoothed over. Gohan made the arrangements for green turf to cover the bare earth. Soon it was difficult to tell that a battle had even taken place.

After he'd finished, Goku sat there in resentment, gritting his teeth. "Why doesn't she just mind her own damn business?" he snapped.

"Dad, relax she's just one of Atomique-sama's friends. She's probably just plain bitchy training with Bejita all the time"� right?" his son asked.

"You call that a friend?" asked Son Goku. "She was playing for keeps."

"But Atomique won, right? And you and Bejita would have stopped it before it got out of hand"� maybe she's gotten it out of her system. I heard that Dragon Womyn has taken off on a trip somewhere," said Gohan cheerfully.

"There's something really getting to both of them to blow up like that. I figured it would come to a head, but I had hoped it would just be what you described, two opponents sharing their powers in a sparring match. But that wasn't a sparring match. They were out for blood"�" said Goku with a sigh.

"We're kinda worried about you too, Dad. Bejita said that you seemed downright proud of her for kicking his student's butt. I know you guys are rivals, but putting someone you care about in danger like that"� I mean it's good that she learns to fight, but that only made Bejita just want to stand back and watch! HE would have stopped it the moment she backed down, but you both just let it escalate!" Gohan insisted.

"She needs to learn to defend herself, and she has the desire to learn! Does it matter if she won or lost? She stood up to someone who was bothering her, didn't she? She's my responsibility, not theirs," Goku growled ferally, showing an expression that belonged more on the Saiyan no Ouji's face than his.

"What's going on Dad"� I know you're upset, but you're really freaking me out"�" Gohan said.

Goku said abruptly, "Its natural to be angry, isn't it when someone's hurting someone you care about? Like whenever you saw Goten, or Videl in trouble? Or are people surprised I'm actually showing anger for a change? She had every right to fight and spar against her if she had a reason to"� and Jeannie needed to be shown that she can't keep letting Bejita's training go to her head."

"Whatever you want to feel is appropriate, Dad"� just don't shut us out"� if something else is going on"� we should know about"�"

"What else would be?" asked Goku quickly.

"Well, you mentioned that you were gonna invite that woman and her kids to stay with us"� and then they are"� and the next thing I know you're going all protective"� even more so then usual"� I mean around Bejita is one thing, but teaching her to pound one of her bitchy friends instead of talking it out is just stupid!"

"That's why she has to be up to their level," Son Goku said quietly. "If she is to face the challenge, she has to be ready to defend herself, if she refuses our protection"�"

"Dad"� she's a stubborn woman all right"� like Videl, and she did handle herself in that fight"� but you should have stopped it! Why are you so worried that she's 'refusing' to let any of us defend her against one of her own friends? You don't think Dragon Womyn would serious hurt her do you? If you really did, you would have stopped her, right?"

"I wanted her to respect and trust me,' said Son Goku. "If she wanted or needed my help, she'd ask for it. Forcing it on her isn't right"� when she has the skills to fight her own battles."

"Okay"� but it's confusing the heck out of me!" Gohan grumbled.

"Dragon Womyn's words are meant to hurt. She deliberately provoked a fight, but she wasn't expecting Atomique to defend herself. Looks like she's learning more than just martial arts from Bejita"� she's picked up his sour attitude as well. And she's turned Atomique-san into her number one reason to exist"� sound familiar?" asked Son Goku.

"No way, Dad"� I refuse to accept that her own friend's turned her into her worst rival!" he shook his head.

"Jealousy makes women and men do crazy things"�" he said in a low voice. "Bejita had his reasons to hate me"� although they make no sense to me, nor did I ask for his hatred"� the fact I exist is enough for him to be permanently ticked off"�"

"You're his number one mad on"� I already know that, Dad," Gohan nodded.

Goku rubbed the back of his scalp, fingering the mark that changed his destiny from that of a planetary pirate, to that of a warrior of peace. "He's improved a lot since those first days when all he wanted to do was kick my butt. Having a family's mellowed him in a good way. But he still clings to that whole thing about beating me"� I guess he thinks it keeps him going or something"� as long as he has me to compete with"� he has a reason to exist. But he's just fooling himself because he's a dad and husband"�"

Impatiently Gohan sighed, rolling his eyes. He asked, "Where are you going with this Dad?"

"Jeannie was once lovers with Tryn-sama's husband"� before they were married," Goku explained.

"WHAT?" Gohan gasped, picking his jaw up off the floor.

"Jeannie is supposedly lovers with Star child's son. You see they don't age"� like you and me. Go figure it's weird and strange"� but for some reason, her lover Elliot died. So she got lonely, and since at the time Star Child had no mate, he got together with her. But that made his best friend angry, and they fought bitterly. He used his special powers to make her forget. But for some reason, she's remembering"� and that's not a good thing"�"

"Kuso"� so every time she sees Atomique-sama she becomes insanely jealous, because she married the man that Jeannie once loved. And because those twins are a permanent reminder"� how majorly messed up!" Gohan snorted in disgust.

Goku nodded with his stern stare straight-ahead at West Central city. He grunted in affirmation, then said, "Women are strange"� but what matters the most here is that Jeannie's turned her into a reason to train hard. Making her a target for hatred is all that's keeping her going, just like Bejita did with me all those years."

Starting, Gohan suddenly remembered, "Wait a minute! Jeannie said she had a mate"� Elliot"� but he's dead?"

Still looking at a point beyond the grass on the lawn, his father confirmed this fact; "Elliot somehow got brought back. I though it'd logically be Dragon balls, but they don't have them in her dimension. Must be some other way. But anyway, her world's pretty much a write off"� conquered by those Destroyers"�"

"She mentioned that a scientist named Space Ace activated a dimensional transport and scattered them across space time"� I guess that's why he isn't here with her?" asked Gohan, sitting down next to his father on the front steps of Capsule.

Son Goku nodded, "Yep, I think that's it. And now this whole thing is getting ugly. You saw yourself how she wouldn't stop till Bejita told her to back down! Sooner or later she's gonna try picking another fight, and I want her to be ready. It's honor, and until she can fight for herself, Jeannie ain't gonna leave her alone"�."

"Dad, do you realize that she used all the techniques that Bejita taught her! You saw it was a stalemate because she used what you taught her"� that last push alone was eerily familiar"� just like when you and Bejita first fought! Doesn't that creep you out?"

"Exactly. But they have their own powers on top of it. Just like not all of us do Kamehameha or other stuff, they have unique attacks that have to be worked into the mix. It's still Kame-sennen, with my own little tricks here and there, mixed with her alchemy. She's got good powers of observation, she just needs to build up strength and speed"�"

"That's why you've been training her, along with the boys, Dad, huh?" he rolled his eyes.

Goku bit his lip, "She wants to defend herself, and she has every right to. And you saw for yourself the result!"

"Yeah, she DID pretty good," Gohan nodded. "I gotta admit Dad, you've still got a good touch when it comes to training"�"

A smile cracked the serious expression on his father's face. He chuckled as he said, "She's getting pretty good. You should have seen the look of shock on Bejita's face"� it was side splitting"�"

"Dad, this is crazy! She's not one of us! She's not a fighter"� she's a scientist"�" Gohan protested. He shoved his glasses higher on his nose, glaring at his father with frustration.

Son Goku shook his head in the negative. He cracked that infuriating smile of his that Son Gohan remembered so well. "I don't think so. She's a fighter because what mother wouldn't fight so hard for her children? She learned to use her powers offensively and defensively. I think she can get to like it"�"

"Are you sure that's the only reason, Dad?" asked Gohan, glancing directly into his dad's eyes.

"Are you okay with it, Gohan?" asked Goku, avoiding his question.

"As long as she's okay"� and I know that she's gonna have the capsule place. But you can't replace her husband, Dad. Even if you swore"� it's not fair to you or her"� I don't' want you getting hurt"�" Gohan warned him.

"I made a promise, son," said Son Goku seriously. "To take care of her and her sons. Nothing more, nothing less. Your namesake if he was still here would insist on letting them stay"�"

"But she's a scientist dad"� an alchemist. What if she wants to work? Taking care of a house while you go train isn't what she does! She told me she wanted to find a job at the university I was applying to!" he snapped.

"We'll know when I ask her," Goku said. "Paul told me all about her. In the other world while we were training. If she wants to, she can leave at any time. But I won't leave her alone when I made a promise"�"

"Of course not. If you did, you wouldn't be the dad I know and love," Son Gohan nodded. "Just let me know if you need anything when I'm at school"�"

"Just when you and Videl are gonna get married maybe?" Son Goku winked.

"Dad, enough!" he groaned. "We're just"� going steady!"

"Don't let her slip away"� that's all I'm saying," said Son Goku, squeezing his shoulder. "She's a good woman"� and you need someone to take care of you"� and I'm kinda looking forward to training some grand kids"�"

"You're hopeless, Dad," Gohan winced, standing right before his father. Sometimes it was like arguing with a brick wall.

"Maybe so, but that doesn't stop me from trying my very best"� to win," he shrugged.

"Just what are you trying to win though? This isn't a budokai"�"

"It is in a way. Something's not quite right here in all this"� and I'm not talkin' about Jeannie. Lately when she's been dreamin' about her husband Paul, she's had these fears that he's turned his back on her. Last night"� she told me that she saw Jeannie and Paul together"� and they laughed at her"�"

Lifting his glasses to his forehead, Gohan asked, "Dad"� are you serious?"

"I am. I'm not making this up. Something's going terribly wrong. The Star Child I knew wanted me to care for her if he couldn't make it back"� I was thinking of using the Dragon Balls to wish him back to life"� but I can't because he's been dead for more than a year"�"

"The Namekian ones"�" nodded Gohan.

"Yeah"� but should I?" Son Goku asked.

"You should ask her what she wants. Regardless of what Jeannie thinks"� and you can't take the place of him"�" said Gohan. He whipped off his glasses, polishing them on his shirttail.

"I'm not tryin' to, Gohan," he insisted.

"Are you trying to convince me or yourself, Dad?" he asked.

"Huh?" he asked.

"I'm not a baka, and neither are you. You care about her more than just as someone you'd wanna protect. I mean teaching her to fight like that"� you're spending a huge amount of time with her"� like I did with Videl. Are you in love with her?" he asked with a small smile.

Goku leapt nearly a foot in the air off the steps. Whirling on his son he yelped, "In love, are you crazy?"

Struggling not to laugh with his father's demeanor, he asked, "Are you, or aren't you? Be honest with me dad"� we could always talk before"�"

"I don't know," Son Goku shrugged. "In all honesty. I've only ever been with one woman"� at least in the way that you and Videl are"� I mean I had urges like any kid, but I had no idea when I met your mother that I'd end up being with her"�"

"But did you ever really love her?" asked Gohan.

"Of course I did"� didn't I?" Son Goku wondered, glancing up at the sky as if the answer was written in the puffy white clouds. Unfortunately for him it wasn't.

"I had feelings for other girls, yes"� but Chichi was the one I married when I was only a little older then you are now"�" he said finally.

"So basically your experience with girls is about the same as mine. And you don't have a whole lot to compare it with"�" Gohan said with a look of triumph, replacing his glasses on his face once again.

Son Goku was speechless for a moment, then regained his wits to formulate an answer, "What I feel isn't the same as for Chichi if that's what you mean"�" he trailed off. "I like Tomique-chan her as a very good friend, that I want to protect and care for"� that I don't want to see hurt"�"

"But you invited her to live with us. Most people who do that end up being lovers, Dad"� except you're not that kind of man, are you?" Gohan teased. "I mean there ARE three bedrooms"� and it's not like you're sleeping with her"�" said Gohan.

"Um"� what exactly do you mean?" he blushed.

"Dad?" Gohan asked, leaning right in his face. "C'mon now"� I know you aren't that naïve cause you taught ME about the birds and the bees! Don't play stupid with me! I know you're smart in your own way!"

"I'm sleeping in the same bed next to her to comfort her when she has nightmares, but I'm not... going to home plate... all the way with her like a husband and wife do. We're not... lovers. She loves her husband, not me in that way," Son Goku said quickly. "I'm taking care of her like I promised him"�"

"Even though you're honorable Dad, you're a man like I am. And you're gonna be lonely. Don't tell me that you don't want to"� you know go all the way with"� like I want to around Videl"�" said Gohan with a slight look of innuendo.

"Well the only reason you haven't is because you're afraid her father's going to make a public spectacle outta you, right?" Goku teased him. "Why else do you think I let you an' her stay in Grandpa Gohan's place? It's not just to study is it?"

"Dad this isn't about ME, its about you! Don't change the subject!" Gohan yelped, hiding his face in his hands.

"Well if YOU don't want to do something else either then study, then why should I? I mean what kind of person do you think I am?" Goku glared at him.

"Someone who really needs to take care of something before it gets out of hand"� you have to let her go live somewhere else, or at least have her live separately if you're..." Gohan groaned.

"And I am taking care of things. So what is your problem? You think it's the same situation with you and someone who's never been married? I'm sure the Star Child didn't mean that last thing you said, about taking care of her like a husband does a wife in ALL ways! I'm not doing THAT with her!" said Goku.

"Of course that's what he suspects, you clown!" Bejita snorted. Both men whirled around to see the Saiyan no Ouji standing on the steps of Capsule, glaring at them both with his usual disdain.

"Uh, Bejita"� what are YOU doing here?" Gohan gasped. "We were having a private conversation!"

"Unlike you, I still have my full Saiyan senses!" Bejita snorted. "Kakkarot, you're a complete and utter imbecile!"

"Why?" Son Goku challenged him, with thinly veiled disgust."

"Bejita, get lost! This is NONE of your business!" Gohan shouted. "With all due RESPECT your Majesty"� this isn't public knowledge!"

"Gohan, lemmie talk to him alone"� I'll catch up with you later"� please?" Son Goku said.

"Okay, but I don't care for any of this"� Bejita"� you've got no"�" Gohan fumed.

"He's the Saiyan Prince, and knows more about this than either of us," Goku shrugged, holding out his hands.

Bejita smirked, leveling his onyx gaze at Gohan with a superior gleam present, "You have your lucid moments of sense Kakkarot. Bugger off, brat"� this is man's talk"�"

"I know when I'm not wanted"�" Gohan shrugged, and marched off, to find Videl.

"So Bejita, what's up? You got something to say to me?" Son Goku asked, watching as the Prince of Saiyans walked down the stairs to stand opposite him.

"Yes, you fool, as always I have to hammer the facts of Saiyan biology into your thick skull"� though why I bother"�" Bejita snorted.

"Because no matter how much you deny it, the fact I'm a Saiyan too is too much of a temptation for you to try and prove you're right," Son Goku quipped.

"How true. Kakkarot, you've grown up as a ningen. And your mate has left you. This woman's mate is dead"� the answer seems simple enough even for YOU"�You're acting like a lovesick fool Kakkarot. Don't think I don't notice how you fawn over that female"�"

"Bejita"� mind your own business"�" snorted Goku.

"Fine, see if I care! It was a waste of time talking to you as usual! Go ahead and play house with that female"� most people think you're screwing her anyway!" Bejita said.

"Excuse me?" Goku asked, glaring at him.

"You heard me, Kakkarot"� something wrong?" Bejita asked, folding his arms across his chest and giving him a hard stare.

"That's none of their damn business"�" Son Goku growled, voice dropping to a low rasp. "If anyone cares to take it up with me, I'll give them reason to look the other way"�"

"I rest my case. If you want to pretend to be squeamish and honorable, do so. But you're playing with fire, getting so physically and emotionally close to that Atomique woman. But sooner or later you'll find it impossible to resist the urge to mate, and one way or another you'll bed her, or another female. It's in your nature, no matter how much you deny it, like your love of fighting"�" Bejita cackled triumphantly.

"What are you saying?" asked Son Goku.

"You'll end up screwing her if you're not careful. You can't have it both ways, Kakkarot. Either you'll drive yourself mad because you are missing that loud mouthed harpy of yours, or you'll drag this woman into your bed. You cannot deny your urge for sex. It's a drive that we all share!"

"What would you have me do? I can't throw her out! She needs me!" Goku yelled.

"She needs a male that isn't pining over his lost mate. Don't you have the balls to stand up and demand that your woman Chichi return home? Didn't she put you to this test in the first place to see if you'd be man enough to fight for her?"

"Bejita, you're wrong!" Goku growled.

"You don't realize that Saiyans can mate again if their mates leave or are killed. Which leads me to ask this? Did you ever mark Chichi?" he asked.

"You mean as in biting her on the neck, like you did Buruma," said Son Goku. "I mean I bit her"� but she never bit me back"�"

Bejita snorted in Saiyan tongue, then continued, "Little wonder you're such a fool. You're struggling with a half bond"� not a true one. And an uncompleted bond leads to madness"�"

"Excuse me, Bejita, you forget that I have two children? Doesn't that bond me to Chichi forever"�" said Son Goku angrily.

"If that's the case then fight for Chichi. Make her mark you and form the bond completely! If you're so blasted lonely, go get that mate of yours, and make her come home! Spoil her rotten, just don't be stupid and take another female unless you're willing to go to bed with herand disregard your former mate! Make up your damn mind!"

Son Goku turned his back to the Saiyan no Ouji, and shoved his hands into the pockets of his training outfit. He walked slowly away, and then levitated into the air to fly home.

"Whatever you say, Bejita"�" Son Goku answered. "I gotta go. Bye for now"�"

***

Bejita watched him streak off at a great speed towards West Province 439. Still he smirked knowingly, having smelled the telltale male pheromones in full blistering bloom. In that short period of time, Kakkarot looked more like his brother Radditz then a mere ningen. Sooner or later, Kakkarot would admit that he'd been right, and then he'd enjoy shoving it in the third class's face.

Which was why he wasn't surprised when he sensed the brother in question behind him. Not looking he asked, "What do you want, Radditzu?"

"Sire, I apologize for my brother's stupidity?"

"Enough," said Bejita. "How much did you hear?"

"All of it, begging your pardon. And if I might be so bold, I might have a solution?"

"OH?" asked Bejita.

"Let me speak to him. I have gained his trust. Perhaps I can convince him to abandon this fool quest of courting that female without intent to mate her"�" said Radditzu. "He doesn't have the guts to decide one way or another"�"

"That is what I fear. She dumped the responsibility of raising them on your brother, the male. Which is unforgivable in Saiyan culture. That alone is grounds for dissolving a mating bond, or death," Bejita grumbled.

"Indeed. He's dishonoring his heritage. I might be able to reason with him, since he's attempting to forge a brotherly bond between us. Already he's invited me to stay with him when I wish it"�"

"You're permitted to go stay with Kakkarot. Do what you can to make sure that he doesn't continue this folly," said Bejita. "Take any measures necessary. I won't have this third class making a mockery of his Saiyan blood."

"Any measures?" asked Radditzu, raising a brow.

"Do I have to spell it out for you?" Bejita snorted. "Do try and keep up with me! What I'm trying to say you bakayarou, is that more than one sort of bond among Saiyans. The physical connection between mates by children, the commitment by blood, and the rare soul bonding. It's almost impossible for a Saiyan to share all three with his chosen mate. But not unrealistic. If you can get that female away from him, perhaps he can be convinced to complete the mating bond with that loudmouth woman of his."

"Sire, may I ask you a question?"

"Now what?" asked Bejita irritably.

"You and your woman, Buruma share all three, don't you?" Radditzu asked wryly.

Bejita held up a gloved hand, examining its seams. He smirked, "Yes. Unlike your younger brother, who shares a one sided incomplete physical bond by blood, and a complete one by children. That only counts as one and a half to my three"�"

"Triple bonds are more stable then aromatics?" Radditzu asked, glancing at Bejita.

"Excuse me? What in hell did you just say?"

"I had observed last night, Atomique was talking about chemical bonding, and what you just said reminded me of that"� I mean there are triple bonds"� and then there's what's called an aromatic bond"� when two elements in a chemical share not six but two and a half electrons"�"

"Enough about the stupid chemical bonds, you third class fool! Don't make me think that stupidity runs in your family genetically Radditzu!" Bejita yelled.

"Sire"� do you mean"�"

"One of these days I'm going to open that head of yours"� don't make me regret giving you leave to visit your brother"�"

"I thought we were talking about relationships, not my head, sire. What do you suggest?" he mumbled.

"What I MEAN is that you haven't chosen a mate for yourself in my service, am I correct?" Bejita grumbled, trying to be patient with his soldier.

"No sire, forgive me. I don't know from personal experience about Saiyan bonds"� due to my lack of a mate"�"

"True. I assume that things in your universe were much the same as here?"

"Begging your pardon, sire, but she's human, not Saiyan. And she follows customs that dictate that only after you've mourned your husband do you even think of being with someone else. She says that they share a soul bond. I have no business interfering with that"�" said Radditzu sternly.

"So what?" Bejita grunted. "Why should you give a care what this society says when you're Saiyan? I'm your Prince and don't you forget that!"

"My apologies sire"�"

"Just go now and do what you have to! You're dismissed!" Bejita snorted. Bowing to him, Radditzu rose into the air. In the light of the setting sun he streaked off towards the mountain home of his brother.

***

By the time Radditzu reached Mt. Paozu it was almost dark. He hovered briefly over the home that he'd visited a number of times already, yet still was amazed that he had even dwelled there for any length of time. The shack to the left was hopelessly primitive, and the Capsule dome was barely large enough to contain all the life forms he saw there.

Snorting, he turned off his scouter and dropped to a landing. He marched up to the front door, and raised his fist to knock. Immediately the door flew open, and Gohan stood there, glaring at him. "What do you want here?"

"Nephew, I wish to see Kakkarot"� please"�" said Radditzu, inclining his head and holding out one hand in the traditional Saiyan salute.

"You have a lot of nerve coming here!" Gohan snapped.

"Gohan, relax"� is that you Radditzu?" asked Son Goku's voice as he quickly moved over and tugged at his son's shoulder.

"Dad"� wait a minute"�" Gohan protested, moving to block his dad's way.

"Gohan, go back and see if Videl needs any help with the kids. Atomique is just starting dinner"� and she needs Goten's help with Trunks"�" said Goku.

"But"�"

"No buts. Radditzu's family and he's welcome in this house"� got it?"

"I don't"�"

"No arguments, Gohan"� I mean it!" Goku said firmly. Grumbling, Gohan marched off and vanished, leaving Radditzu standing in the doorway with crossed arms.

"Is he"� angry with me?" asked Radditzu.

"Let's just say that in this reality, you and he didn't get along very well.." said Son Goku.

"It was not my intention to come as a threat. I merely wished to continue to see what makes this world so attractive to you and the Saiyan no Ouji," said Radditzu.

"You want to come in? Dinner's just about ready"�"

"Will it upset your son if I do so?" asked Radditzu.

"No, he'll behave," said Goku. "Come in"� and make yourself at home. My house is your house"�"

"Thank you, Brother," Radditzu grunted and moved past Son Goku to enter the Capsule house. A modern sofa and chairs sat opposite one another, while carpet stretched under the Saiyan's boots. Two boys played with one another, their dark curly hair and dark eyes making them look for a moment like Saiya-jin children.

"Sit down and relax"� I'll get you something to drink," said Son Goku.

"Here?" asked Radditzu, glancing at the two boys who looked up at him in wonder. Goku nodded, and he walked over to lower himself onto the sofa with a grunt. The furniture seemed flimsy, but held well under his weight. It was easy to forget he was not on a world with heavier gravity. If he was not careful he might break something.

"Hello?" asked one of the boys, glancing up at him. "Who are you?"

"Greetings," Radditzu said, glancing down at the two boys walking over towards him. They had turned their attention from the flickering box called a TV that the humans were mesmerized by.

"Are you Mr. Funny man's brother?" asked the first. "You look like him sorta"�"

"I'm his brother, Radditzu," said the warrior, putting his hands on his lap. "Are you the woman's children?"

"Our mommy's in there cooking dinner with Goten-kun. Are you a fighter?"

"I am. I serve Prince Bejita, of planet Vegetasei"�" said Radditzu, unsure of how to conduct himself around children so naïve. Their dark eyes fixed on him. One of them crawled up and sat next to him, while the other tugged at his armor.

"Cool, are you from outer space? You have a tail!" gasped the other.

"I would not touch that if I were you. Saiyan tails are very dangerous to touch without provocation"�"

"Do you turn into an ape if you see the moon?" asked the first.

"Yes, of course," Radditzu said, blinking in surprise.

"Wow, do you smash things?"

"I err"� only do so under the orders of my prince," he said, coughing and glancing around for someone to rescue him from these two children who were unnervingly trusting of him.

"A guest, you said nothing about a"�" Atomique asked as she strode out with a can of soda. At sight of him, she stopped.

"Mommy, there's a cool space monkey here to visit, just like in Son Goku-san's story!" one of them said walking up to her.

"It's you"� what are you doing here?" she asked.

"I'm hurt, woman. I thought you'd be pleased to see me," he gave her a devilish smile.

"Do you know him mommy?" asked Bohr, while Fermi continued to stare at Radditzu sitting there.

"Fermi, don't climb on him! You don't know him"�Yes"� I do. I suppose you're staying for dinner? And that you're the surprise guest Goku was going on about?" she asked, moving over and picking up her son, and putting him down.

"I will not hurt your children, female," said Radditzu with a snort as she rushed over to stop Fermi from crawling into his lap.

"I'm sorry, I just didn't' expect you here"�" she said as she watched Radditzu pick the boy up and set him on his knee. As the boy reach for the furry tail coiled around his waist, Radditzu surprised him by uncurling it and letting it flicker slowly back and forth.

"Amazing"� it is like the one in the story"� look," said Fermi, trying to catch it.

"Don't touch his tail, all right"� that's rude"�" said Atomique, embarrassed. "Whatever you do, don't pull it or squeeze it!"

"You do know something about Saiyans after all, I'm touched," Radditzu teased as he accepted the glass of wine she handed him.

"Well, Son Goku gave me the lecture," she said, sitting down on the sofa next to him. Bohr curled up in her lap, and stared at his twin that Radditzu was awkwardly toddling on his knee.

"Ah, I see you've met the twins face to face," said Goku, walking in with a tray piled with chips and other enormous portions of snacks. He set them down on the coffee table by his brother, who snaked out his hand and grabbed a whole handful of cheese puffs to shove into his mouth. The dust fell on his black armor, and he licked his fingers clean.

"They're quite"� fine children. Of course I'm not used to seeing any of this age"� because"�"

"She knows all about that too," Son Goku said, sitting in the armchair to their left. Slipping off Radditzu's lap, Fermi walked over and climbed up into his brother's. At mention of Radditzu's questioning gaze she blushed slightly.

"I'm sorry I was so rude before. I am thankful you saved my life. I was acting foolishly"�"

"Think nothing of it, female," said Radditzu with a charming smile. It was surprising to see it on his wild face. Flickering light from the TV moved across his green visor.

"You can take that off in here"� nobody's going to attack you," Son Goku teased. Radditzu reached up and pulled off his scouter, and handed it to a very curious Bohr.

"May I see?"

"Be careful with it, child. It's not a toy"�" Radditzu said, picking it up and slipping it over Bohr's face. He showed the boy the buttons on the side to press, and the child squealed with delight as he saw the images of ki flickering over it.

"Why is Gohan-kun afraid of you, Mr. Monkey man?" asked Fermi.

"His name is Radditzu, and he's my older brother," Son Goku corrected him.

"Can I call you Uncle then? Like Uncle Yamucha and Krillen?" asked Fermi.

"Ahem"� perhaps you should tell me how I encountered you in this"� dimension"�" Radditzu said, awkwardly shifting in his chair at the open display of affection.

"It's not a pretty story"�" son Goku said. "But Gohan was captured when he was barely older then these kids here. And unfortunately a lot of people got hurt"� and the person"� who looked like you"� ended up being the one responsible"�"

"I apologize, Brother," said Radditzu quietly. "Perhaps I should not be here"� to create enmity between you and your son"�"

"The fact you're here now, having a normal conversation with me proves that you're okay," said Son Goku. "You're not the same person that"� did those things. Sure you've done other things"� that weren't so nice. But you are"� my brother"�"

Radditzu noticed with interest how Son Goku's chin tightened when he said this. That moisture gleaming in his eyes was odd, and he wondered if it was what the humans called tears. Uncomfortably he shifted in his seat, unsure if he wanted to know just what atrocities had been committed by his counterpart here.

"So, I'm dead in this world," said Radditzu.

"Yes, I'm afraid so. But hey, that's in the past. I want you to feel like you're always welcome here. You're part of the Son family"� and there's plenty to eat"� I made some of my favorites. Do you like egg rolls?"

"Egg rolls? Like those things Nappa devours by the dozen?" asked Radditzu.

"Um, I guess"� c'mon and let's get you set up"� the dining room's this way," he said, motioning to get up. Radditz rose, and walked after him, then stopped to let the woman and her children go before him. She blinked, surprised at his manners.

"I'm not the barbarian you think I am," he whispered as his shoulder brushed hers.

"Now wait a moment!" she blurted out.

"Why don't you show him where the guestroom is"�" said Goku. "I think there's some clothes in there that might fit him. You don't mind changing into something else"� that armor's not necessary here"�"

"As you wish, brother," said Radditzu. Sighing, she grabbed his hand and tugged him after her while the twins moved off into the den where Goten and Trunks played video games.

***
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Saiyan Foster Parent