Saiya-jin Culture

*In the present*

Pluto watched time and cursed. Everything had changed course again and nothing was happening the way it was suppose to. "I'm going to kill them!"

She had made the right decision in pulling the Z and Sailor Senshi from the time stream. They would have vanished along with everything else. They didn't know it, but they had been training for a very long time, oblivious to the passing of time. With only one thing left to do, she waved her staff and pulled another person from the timeline; a young man of almost twenty-one. He had short black hair and a bandana around his forehead. His expression was confused and he stared at Pluto and his strange surroundings. "Greetings, Ryoga."

"What happened? Where am I? Did I get lost again? Who are you?" Pluto raised a brow, a bit surprised at all the questions. He didn't seem to surprised that he was in a new dimension; how lost did he get?

"I'm Sailor Pluto, the guardian of time. There's more to say, but that can wait. With another wave of her staff, several warriors flashed in front of them, worn and tired.

"Pluto," Michuru asked, "Did something happen?"

"I have a confession to make and someone to introduce." Nodding at the man beside her, she gave a soft smile before she explained. "His name is Ryoga and he'll be here for a while."

"Things are that bad? Is Usagi ok?" Minako asked hopefully.

"Vegeta and Kakarot?" Gohan and Goten pleaded, looking at Pluto for answers.

"Artemis?" Luna wished.

"They're fine, but as things stand, the present and future are gone. All of you will be born, but the events that took place on Earth have changed. Not only will you have to read up on it when you return, but you'll have to keep quiet about who you guys were and the roles that you play or played."

"Does this mean we can't go to college anymore?" Ami and Gohan asked.

"No. It just means we're all playing it by ear for now."

"Can someone please tell me what the hell is going on, who the green man is and the guys with the tails are? I much rather be fighting Ramma right now than be here in the twilight zone."

"I remember you," Michuru said. "You're Ryoga from the Silver Alliance. Serenity and yourself could never be seperated and always played together. Queen Selinity raised you after Pluto took control of the time gates."

"You remember all that, Michuru?" Ami questioned. "How much of our memories do we still lack?"

"They've been blocked to keep away unnecssary pain. The Silver Alliance wasn't exactly a time of peace. Beryl appeared right before the Z senshi formed together; it is also part of the reason why so many enemies have been attakcing Earth for so long."

"You're my mother?" Ryoga asked. "Why can't I remember anything about you or where I came from?"

"Sending you to Queen Selinity was my only way to hide you from your father. If the other Saiya-jins had found out, they would have killed you." Pluto's eyes were haunted and sad. "Your father was a good man, until the birth of his son Broli. He became twisted and crazy. In the end, he realized his mistakes and died for it."

"I have a story to tell, a perk to being time guardian. It's filled with pain, loneliness and hardships. Some think that I'm twenty-two, others think that I'm younger. To tell you the truth, I've been alive longer than anyone here can possilby imagine. Several millienum ago, the solar system that you now know as Mercury, Venus, Earth, the Moon, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, Uranus, Pluto and the Sun all had their warriors. My father, Chronos, had me when the solar system was first created and told me that I would be immortal to take over the time gates one day."

"Until that day, I traveled from planet-to-planet, helping to create the Silver Alliance. I didn't have time for love, nor did my father approve of the suitors that were interested. Shortly after King Vegeta and Selinity had their child, Princess Serenity, Paragus arrived on Pluto. His mate had died and his son was born with the power level of a Super Saiya-jin the first day. At first, King Vegeta was over joyed that someone could be born with the power level that Broli had."

"They had so hoped he would be the one to defeat Frieza, but Broli snapped. Kakarot was the one that set him off, both could sense the other's power levels. One good, the other evil and they both hated each other equally. King Vegeta ordered the boy to be destroyed, seeing the threat and danger to their race. Paragus defied his orders and took the child, fleeing his homeworld forever."

"Vegeta-sai was to be destroyed, making it impossible for either to be tracked. Paragus and I met; he looked tired, hungry, and desparate. I had, by this time, taken over responsibilities as time guardian. There was something about him and I couldn't help but fall for him. Broli was impossible; I couldn't control him."

"Paragus had built a collar, trying to keep his powers under control, but Broli was beyond mad. He hated everything, and would kill anything that he touched. Before he left, Paragus and I spent one night together. I was terrified that I'd have a child like Broli, but Ryoga was like any other normal child, with the strength of a Saiya-jin."

"Ryoga was born with a beautiful, dark green tail. Except for that and his personality, the rest of his features resembled his father. Ryoga was forbidden to remain in the time space until he had reached the age to take my place. I sent him to Queen Selinity, where he was raised with Serenity and other's like himself. She, Saturn and Jupiter all knew what it was like to be demi-Saiya-jins. Ryoga and Serenity instantly liked each other; noone could separate them for anything, not even Prince Vegeta when he threatened to kill him."

"Ryoga, like Serenity and her brother, didn't think the princess should be forced into a marriage she didn't want, so he called King Vegeta and told him what was happening. That's what caused the marriage to be called off."

"Wait a minute!" Makoto shouted. "You said I was like Serenity, Ryoga and Hotaru. I didn't even know they were Saiya-jins let a lone myself."

"I have a gift for you and Ryoga." With a flash from her staff, Makoto and Ryoga dropped down and felt a sensation crawl from their back down to where there pants were. What came out caused Gohan, Goten and Trunks to gasp in surprise. A brown tail was waiving at them from Makoto and a dark green one from Ryoga.

"Who's her father?" Gohan asked.

"Turles."

"What?"

"The others from the past can tell you how it happened, since their the ones changing history."

"I thought they knew not to do that?" Michuru shouted.

"They know, but being who and what they are, I'm not surprised at their decisions. Frieza is going to destroy Vegeta's homeworld and they don't like the idea too much. So they decided, if they were still there, they would fight him. However, if they can train Kakarot and Vegeta before that happens, then they are going to have the two children fight Frieza instead of themselves. They have also decided to train Usagi and Hotaru, but I have a feeling they will be asking Jupiter and Ryoga to join them when the time comes."

"Isn't there anyway to stop them from changing any more history? Can't you bring them back to this time line at all? Or what about the other Pluto from the past?"

Pluto shook her head. "The only way they can come back is by defeating Dr. Gero before he creates the androids. Many things in history are going to change, but Kakarot and Vegeta had figured out a way to make sure that everyone would still be born and won't die. He's also found a way to make sure that those kids will not be raised the same way that they have and be eternal friends. Their memories will converge on them when they finally return to the time they belong."

"This is so complicated," Luna said.

"Enough chit chat!" Piccolo ordered. "Ryoga can train with Michuru and myself. If he's a Saiya-jin, then he should prove to be quite interesting. Pluto, keep looking for a way to bring them back."

*In The Past*

Usagi woke with a yawn and noticed that Hotaru, Rei and Haruka were already dressed and smiling at her. "Welcome back to the real world sleepy head. Come, we have training to do."

"I forgot." Quickly, Usagi dressed in her Saiya-jin armor and nodded to her friends that she was ready. The first two people to greet them that morning were Eclipse and someone that they haven't met yet. "Hello ladies, Princess. This is my friend and elite guard Kalara. She's Bardock's mate and pregnant. Her job is to teach you how to fight, but she will not be physically doing so until after the baby is born."

"Is this your first child?" Usagi asked, curiously.

"No. This will be my second and Bardock has chosen the name, Kakarot. Before I train you, you girls need to learn a few facts about our culture. Other than what Vegeta has told you, what do you know about the planet Vegeta-sai?"

"I remember very little. I do know that Kakarot and Turles are acting strange."

"No Princess, they're acting Saiya-jin."

"I think I remember something," Rei shouted excitedly. "Vegeta came to the moon and occassionally we would talk about Saiya-jin life. He said that they were proud and powerful fighters, sometimes leaving a mark on the person they have chosen to be their mate for life. Through this mark, an unbreakable bond forms between them where they can see each others thoughts and feelings."

"Anything else?"

"No. He disappeared and the silver alliance was destroyed soon after."

Kalara and Eclipse looked at the girls with shocked faces and a sigh. "We might as well order breakfast, Eclipse. This could take the rest of the day."

Everyone picked a comfortable spot and waited. "Do you want to know why Kakarot and Turles are suddenly taking an interest in you, Usagi? Turles has a better idea of what's happening than Kakarot does, making a dangerous and tense situation. Kakarot will wish to fight everyone and anyone that gets in his way for the female he's after. He doesn't want to hurt her, but he'll find a way to convince her that she doesn't want to leave him either. Now here's where a rare and deadly combination comes into play; Usagi, you're going through a change as well, attracting any available male Saiya-jin to you. Tell me, did you want Turles to kiss you before he did on the moon?"

"No. When he did, I felt like I didn't want anyone else though. Then he moved to my neck, making me shake as if something were controlling my actions and thoughts. Look, I'm not the type to be with everyone!"

"We know, that's why we're telling you this. Hotaru needs to know, because she'll be reaching that age soon herself. None of you are marked, meaning to other Saiya-jins that you're available. In Usagi's situation, she's not going to be able to resist other Saiya-jins if they manage to break through her guard."

"Some females become submissive, while others fight before they give into the victor. The challenger must win every fight if he wishes to claim his mate; if he doesn't, then she has the right to refuse any further contact with him. Also, a Saiya-jin must defeat everyone in the woman's family."

"That's crazy! You make them sound like they can't control their instincts and act like a bunch of barbarians!" Haruka shouted.

"You're a prime target Sailor Uranus," Eclipse taunted. "Being a fighter, like most Saiya-jins, is something they respect. It doesn't matter if you're not stronger than they are, you're resisting them. Saiya-jins aren't civilized and never will be."

"The signs you want to look for is how they act when other suitors are around. They're aggressive, possessive and protective. They won't even realize they like you, but their instincts will know. It will start as a simple game, half-interested in a mate. What finally grabs their attention, is the *hard-to-get* routine, or the *I hate you* attitude."

"The harder you push them away, the more determined they become in trying to claim you. Soon it becomes almost like a hunt. Saiya-jins hate women throwing themselves at a male, portraying them as whores. They're particular about choosing a mate, but when they have one in mind, they either get whom they want, or loose them in battle against the family."

"Why does that sound familiar?"

"Something wrong, Princess?" Kalara asked.

"If Kakarot thinks he can have me, he better think again. I don't want a boyfriend or a mate. I'll just avoid him until we're over this."

"It's not that simple, Usagi," Rei gently told her. "Think about it. I may not be the senshi of love, but I've been picking up some extremely poweful vibes of hostilitaty when it comes to you. Kakarot was ready to kill Turles yesterday and you know it. For now, you can avoid him, train as hard as you want, but when it comes time to fight in the Arena, there's no way you can run from him. He's going to be going nuts from holding back."

"I'm not sure how he managed it, but I think Prince Vegeta has made Kakarot promise something he won't break easily."

"I told him how I felt. Doesn't he understand that? Besides, he was being protective yesterday, nothing more. What makes you think he cares about me?"

"Saiya-jins don't pick every woman they run across. If Kakarot was interested in you, then he is now. He's pretending to be calm and I would advise not to underestimate him. Bardock was very cunning when it came to catching me," Kalara said.

Usagi paled. She could see the resembalance in the way Kakarot acted compared to his father and it terrified her. 'I have to avoid him. He can't be smarter than me, can he?' "Thanks for the tip."

"Usagi, one more thing. Don't run from Kakarot. That will not only cause him to chase you, but seal your fate and initiate the hunt. All formalitites will be thrown out the window and you won't be able to ask for help. The four of you will stay with us, King Vegeta or Geta until further notice."

"Is there other signs we can use?"

"Saiya-jins have a distinct sent, like musk, that grows very strong when the time comes for them to track and hunt for their mate. Females smell like Ylang, Ylang."

"I want to go home. Things were so less complicated before I ran away. The comments from the other girls, seem small compared to what's happening now."

"We won't let you down," Hotaru said, hugging her sister.

"I'm not staying here cooped up the entire time I'm here! You might as well lock me up and throw away the key. I'll have to be more alert and careful when I walk around, but you're not taking away my pride or freedom!"

Bardock and Kakarot

Bardock and Kakarot had gotten an early start, sparring and talking about life on the planet. For most of his life, Kakarot had been denied the chance to be a Saiya-jin and his culture, feeling ashamed for it. His people weren't evil before Frieza corrupted them, making him want to rip him to shreds more than ever. "Kakarot?"

"What?"

"How do you feel about Usagi?"

'Where did that come from?' "Why?"

Bardock sensed that he needed to tread carefully or Kakarot would turn on him. "I'm curious. You're acting like you're hunting her and it's rare for a Saiya-jin to turn on their own blood like you did."

"It's not the first time, and apparently not the last."

Bardock was surprised and turned to face the haunted expression in Kakarot's eyes. "What happened? You've already changed history, so this shouldn't matter."

"You're right. Besides, it can't hurt anymore than it already does. When the planet was destroyed, Vegeta, Nappa and Raditz were with Frieza. I was sent to the planet Earth right before that happened, with the instructions to destroy all life forms and to return when I was done. I didn't do that because I lost all my memories after a sharp blow to the head. Years passed where I thought I was an orphan and an Earthling. One day, Raditz appeared and demanded to know why I never completed my mission. I was thrilled to know that I wasn't the only child, but what I saw, horrified me. He was evil, everything that I wasn't and had spent my life fighting against."

"He kidnapped my son and ordered that I destroy 100 people before the next day. The earthlings were my friends and the only family I knew. I had no idea what a Saiya-jin was. I fought my brother and killed him, causing Nappa and Vegeta to appear."

"I defeated both of them, to discover what and who Frieza was. That's when I finally understood why the Saiya-jins were the way they are. I even killed Turles in battle, but I didn't know I was related to him until coming here."

Bardock was in shock. "Kakarot, what you've done is a crime punishable by death. However, it occurred in the future and under your circumstances, I don't think I would have acted any different. Perhaps we can prevent that from happening again."

"Maybe."

"You're not the only one interested in her."

"What are you talking about?"

Bardock stepped back at the sudden anger in his son's voice and posture. "I was observing my brother and you last night. Even now you're getting defensive. I'm warning you that anyone might try to take her as their mate."

"No!" The move was quicker than Bardock could see it, "I don't care how you do it, but if you and everyone else doesn't want a lot of blood shed on their hands, you better warn them to stay away from her. She's mine, but I'm waiting for the right time to take her. It's not as simple as forcing her to do something against her will, but convincing her that I'm what she wants."

Bardock tried to loosen the grip on his neck, but Kakarot's hand was like steel and it only got tighter. "Kakarot. I don't want your mate as my own. I already have one. This is only a conversation between father and son. Dammit, get a hold of your self!" 'How strong is this boy? If I had any doubts about his strength before, I don't now.' He watched Kakarot's eyes change back and forth between green and black for several seconds and hoped that his son would realize he wasn't trying to do anything to threaten him.

Kakarot was struggling. He knew he shouldn't hurt his father, but his rage was so intense that the only thing running through his mind was to keep Usagi to himself and no one else. He heard his father cry out to him and this was the only reason he did not change.

At that precise moment, Kalara, Eclipse and their trainees came walking by and gasped when they saw Bardock. 'What's going on Bardock?" Kalara asked through her link to him.

'I underestimated Kakarot and asked the wrong questions concerning Usagi. He's struggling not to snap, but that may be difficult not to do.'

Kalara stilled her self and walked herself inbetween Kakarot and Bardock. To say that Kakarot wasn't expecting this was an understatement when she punched him hard across the face and sent him flying back. Kakarot stood back up and looked at the blood pouring from his lip and he looked at Kalara suprised. "Why did you interfere?"

"He happens to be my mate! If you make one more move towards him, you're going to have to go through me first!"

"Kalara what the hell are you doing? What if he hurts you?"

"I'm not going to hurt her. One she's pregnant and two, I don't like hitting women that aren't as strong as I am."

"That's not the only reason you won't hit me, is it?" She could tell Kakarot had lost the will to fight by the way he was looking at her. His tail was trembling along with his body, but he held himself stiff so that he couldn't reveal his real emotions.

"I have to go."

"Tell her Kakarot," Usagi ordered. "Or I will. She's going to find out when the babies born anyway. You two will look alike except for size."

"You know who she is?"

"Yes. We met this morning, but she doesn't know about you yet. Bardock won't say anything because he's been ordered not to. I wasn't."

"This isn't your concern Usagi."

She hissed and stood straight up and glared at him. "You're right, what do I know. I'm only another stupid girl."

"That's not what I said..." He never finished as she walked away from him and disappeared. Haruka glared at him, "don't start with me Haruka. I may not hit my mother, but I will hit you."

His mother's body went rigid; "I don't understand."

"I'm from the future and we ended up here by accident, but we don't know how long we're going to be here."

Kalara walked up to Kakarot and touched his face, arms, back and couldn't believe how much like Bardock and Turles he looked like. "That's why Bardock wanted to name the child." Her attention focused on Bardock and he found himself wanting to face Kakarot again, rather than his angry mate. "You knew about this, and you didn't tell me!"

"I think I'm going to go check on Raditz and see how his training is doing."

Kalara turned back to her son, "you're going to stay in our house from now on and not a spare bedroom. By the way, you better apologize to Usagi before she gets too angry. She reminds me of myself. Now that I know who you're related, I know she doesn't stand a chance at getting away."

"She hates me."

"I doubt that. She just has a hard time showing you how she really feels. Talk to her and find out." Kakarot nodded and followed after Usagi. "Bardock, do you think you can help Eclipse for the rest of the afternoon on training the girls? I need some rest."

"Are you going to be alright?"

"Yes."

Kakarot caught up with her as she walked around the castle in a daze, trying to figure out what was on her mind. "You have a bad habit of letting things upset you."

"Do you mind? I'm trying to think and you're interrupting."

"Now you're the one being rude." Kakarot grabbed her arm and pushed her back against a wall. "Why do you hate me?"

"I told you, I don't and can't hate you. Why would I risk my life for someone that I hated? You confuse and anger me?"

"How?"

"I don't know! I have training and I'm waisting time by goofing off with you."

"Now I'm a waist of time?" He growled, letting her go. The apology he had for her, was forgotten and he turned away from her. 'What is wrong with me?' "I'll see you later, a lot later."

Usagi flinched. She had hurt his feelings again. 'Why is he doing this to me and why do I care?' "Kakarot... please wait."

"Forget it! You've made it perfectly obvious that I'm not wanted and how you feel. Only when you want something, do you changed your demeanor."

"That's not true and you know it!" Usagi cut off his departure and stood in front of him. "How dare you make assumptions about who I am and what I'm thinking! You're no different than Mamoru or any other man!"

Before he could see the angry hurt, she tried to leave when a tail wrapped around her waist and stopped her. Usagi attempted to turn around, but a hand on her back and one on her stomach kept her still while Kakarot moved behind her. "Why are you running again?"

She couldn't believe him. He was the one about to leave and now she was running. "I'm not running."

"Stop trying to get away then." Kakarot turned her around to face him, supporting her against the wall so she wouldn't fall or run. His hand brushed her neck, his thumb on her lips, and his mouth kissed the top of her head. He waited for a protest, but when he heard nothing, he continued moving his hands gently down her sides, drawing out a shiver. His head moved closer, closer, until their mouths were only a breath away, but he held back, waiting for her to respond.

Usagi thought he was going to kiss her, but when he stopped, she opened her eyes to see him looking at her with glazed eyes of fiery passion and desire, making her whimper in longing. "Kakarot..."

"Ask me Usagi. I'm not doing anything against your will."

A blush creeped across her cheeks as she tried to drop her gaze from his, but a thumb tilted her chin to look at him. A sneeky smile crossed her face as she wound her hands around his neck and pressed her body closer to him, bringing out a gasp. "I don't ask for anything anymore." She brought his head closer to where their mouths touched, igniting a roaring flame inside of both of them. If she thought she had control, she changed her mind when his hands grabbed her hips and crushed her to him.

His hand held the back of her head as he ravished her mouth, wanting more with each breath he took. "I want you," he gasped against her throat. He nipped hard, drawing a little blood and making her shout in surprise and to bring her back to reality.

"We have to stop." Kakarot blinked and stepped away from Usagi, not sure what had happened. "I have to go. Sorry about what I said and I'll see you later." 'A lot later.' When she made it back to her room, she noticed that their was a little blood staining her neck and she tried to wipe it away, but you could tell that something had bit her slightly. It wasn't deep and would vanish within a day, but she needed to wear something in the mean time to keep the others from seeing the mark. 'What happened out there?'

'I can't believe I lost control like that!' Usagi blinked in surprise and looked to see who had said that, but no one was around. Thinking it was nothing she chose a body suit that covered her neck and laid down on the bed. 'She's never going to come near me again.'

"There it is again. It sounds like Kakarot, but he can't come in here." Taking the covers she buried herself under them, trying to forget the voice in her mind and the incident outside the castle. She hoped that nothing serious had happened when he nipped her that hard. Saiya-jins mark their mates permanetly.

As she slept through the rest of the night, she kept having dreams and hearing someone call out to her, making it one of the worse night sleeps she's had in a long time. 'Maybe it's something I ate and I'll get over it in a couple of days. There's no way I'm telling my brother or father about this. No one must know.'