There was a thrum of excitement in the air. Pink and yellow floating things were attached by string to a table with a childish flowered cloth draped over it. Several unknown Earthlings milled around placing different kind of odd foods on the table, giggling occasionally to each other. The blue haired matron of the household buzzed around frantically, giving orders to the other Earthlings and gushed cute sentiments at her blond haired older kin.

Riane, back pressed against a tree, obscured from direct view, observed quietly and curiously at whatever was going on when she returned from a hunt later in the day. The sun was more than past halfway in the sky giving a tranquil, midday glow to the glasses and plates that were stacked neatly next to the food.

Research did not include… whatever this was and she wondered what kind of event elicited such invasion and commotion.

"It's a birthday party." Came a collected voice to her right. "It's supposed to to be 'fun.'" She noticed he spoke to her in their language. Seems he was pleased with being able to converse casually in their mother tongue. She didn't make any indication of letting him know it sounded slightly inaccurate. Probably from years without use.

The Saiyan woman turned her head to see the calm figure of the elder Saiyan. He had his arms crossed and was leaning on a nearby tree as well.

"And what does that entail?"

"The compulsion to celebrate another year around the sun."

"What an odd tradition."

"We have some that would be odd to them. But yes, this and others are particularly strange. The Earthlings seem to feel great enjoyment in finding a reason to celebrate everything. I am surprised sometimes that Bulma doesn't throw a party every time she gets a haircut."

How bizarre, she thought to herself. "What are those things in the air?"

He smirked. "Balloons. Flexible bags filled with helium to float. Another part of the fun."

She craned her head more to observe Bulma yelling something at one of the humans in frustration and pointing rapidly at one food item from one table then pointing to another table. They cowered under her gaze. "She sure is animated with all this."

"She's used to giving orders. And expecting everyone to follow them."

"What will happen?" She asks with interest. She looks at him and his brow furrows indicate he needs more from the question. "At the party."

"Nothing really. The talk, eat, sing, and generally make fools of themselves. It's a social gathering. They have so many. Parties, get togethers, potlucks, picnics, barbecues, banquets. Not to mention all the holiday events. This house is plagued with an endless supply of entertainment." He said wearily remembering all the times being dragged to event after event for Bulma and the family. "I've gotten used to it. It's still annoying but I've learned to play along."

She made a mental note to document these social gatherings later. "Who's birth are we celebrating?"

He smiled with genuine pride. "My daughter. She is 4."

A waving arm caught both of their attentions. Bulma made a motion to her spouse to come over.

He smirked. "It appears I am being summoned. You are welcome to join us if you'd like. It's not til a little later." With that, he walked off in the direction of his mate.

Riane strode in the other direction around the opposite side of the house to find some solace from the noise.


Lying on the grass, typing feverishly on the electronic pad in front of her, the Saiyan woman entered in information she had collected thus far. Not much as far as relevant or important detail but any information is better than none. She looked up at nothing and absentmindedly thought about what 'fun' was. Saiyans were always preoccupied with battles and surpassing one another that it never really occurred to her that other beings didn't do that with their time and just enjoyed each other's company. They had many words for 'fight' but none that were comparative to 'fun'.

Lost in thought, she was surprised suddenly when a familiar ki came near her.

"Hi." The lavender headed teen said with a grin. She looked at him without expression and did not reply. "What are you doing?"

"Reading." She said tersely.

"What are you reading?" Trunks was just trying to be friendly. She was still a stranger and he figured the only way to get to know a stranger is talk to them. Even if she bit his head off for it.

"Words in a sentence format." She cocked her head and entwined her fingers tightly, her tail flicking.

"So is it about your job, the ship, your-.." He was cut off before finishing.

"I'm sorry. Do I have some sort of marking on me inviting you over to be bothersome?" Her tone was harsh and she'd hoped he'd get the message and go away.

Ignoring her comment, he continued, "I was wondering if you'd like to do something together?"

"Excuse me?" Taken aback, she saw he was plainly unperturbed.

"Would you like to do something together?" He enunciated each word slowly, slightly enjoying seeing her face scrunch up in annoyance.

"I feel I have made myself perfectly clear. I do not wish to be bothered. Nor do I want to do anything with you." She said sternly. "You can walk away now."

"Okay, but I will let you know. I've been around my dad for an excruciatingly long time. I am well versed in this dismissive tactic. I'll probably ask you again in the future. The cold-shoulder doesn't work on me."

He smirked, turned and walked away before she could respond. She scoffed loudly to herself.

Later under the darkening sky, while drawing out a map of the inside of the compound, she heard the disturbance of song being carried over the house to where she was in the front yard.


"Happy birthday, dear Bulla, happy birthday to you!"

A raucous eruption of clapping and cheering from the partygoers culminated the end to the song and a large pink and white 3 tiered cake was brought out, lit with gilded gold candles and a sizable number four nestled at the top, the sequins twinkling in the flamed light.

Trunks laughed and looked at his little sister clapping to herself in glee, watching the fantastic dessert being delivered to her. He was brought out of his trance by a feeling, and turned around to spy another watching silently away from the crowd. He inwardly smiled as he could see her face lit up, transfixed, as the shadows from the flickering flames danced around her dark eyes and braided black hair.


It was nearly two am and Riane found it impossible to sleep. The artificial daylight on the ship made her nocturnal cycles normal but here on Earth, she couldn't understand why rest evaded her. It was clearly night outside yet she was wide awake. Lying in the most annoyingly comfy bed she had ever been on, she tried to collect her thoughts as the past was slowly coming to the forefront. Training, performing her various duties, being called to the battle arena had kept her busy so as to not let her mind wander. However now, in silence and darkness, memories flooded in like a dam about to be breached. Tightly closing her eyes, her past came forth.


Putting on her armor like a second skin, the young woman couldn't help but notice in the mirror her shape. Taller now, her arms filled out with muscle and her legs were strong and shapely beneath navy colored pants. Training with her father had done her well and she was the strongest she'd ever been despite the aggressive and demanding nature of the sessions. She saw a lovely face with long black wavy tresses, full lips and determined eyes. Certainly not the look of a child. Her breasts were finally coming in, and were formed nicely in her breastplate.

Allowing a moment of slight admiration, a knock at her door to her chambers startled her back to the present. She opened the door and the form of her father entered the room. Large and imposing, he walked over to her and sat down on a lone chair, a twitch in his jaw. He sighed heavily as he thought about how to broach the subject. She looked on with curiosity and concern.

"Riane, I know that our training has gotten more intense lately and I told you a while ago that there would be a time when I would tell you why. That time has come."

She stood silent never wanting to interrupt her father's thought process. She could see this was difficult to get out.

"You are my only daughter, my only child. However, as I was informed today and from what I see now in front of me, you are not a child anymore. I have taught you to have the utmost respect and pride of your heritage and to follow tradition because it is our way. Soon you will be told to enter the arena, and fight for your honor, and what happens after, you must follow tradition. I have protected you as long as I could. You have a purpose beyond yourself and you will do what is required of you. You will discover this on your own. Do you understand?"

Riane looked down at her feet and let out a breath, mind full of questions that would not get answered. She could tell this new change disturbed him greatly. Finally she looked back into the eyes of her protector, her small piece of joy on this ship, the one person who understood her better than anyone and felt an immense need to not disappoint him.

"I will do what is required of me to bring honor to you and myself. I will follow tradition. It is our way."

"It is our way." He said solemnly.

Riane watched as the man got up from the chair, took one final look at her and exited her room. She did not know what was in store for her however the response of her father made her feel a dread and uneasiness beyond words. But instead of sulking and worrying, Riane found the courage and pride in herself to exhale sharply in determination, finish adjusting her boots and walk confidently from the space, closing the door with a click.