~*****~

"I'll be gone for the rest of the day. You have everything handled here, Lola?" I hum happily.

Lola nodded swiftly, her thin fingers adjusting her bottle glasses quickly. "Yes ma'am. I have everything covered here, you go have fun." If there was one person I trusted with my life work, it was Lola. As Fashion blind as she was, Lola knew the ins and outs of the fashion industry and didn't take no for an answer when I set my sights on something. With my purse hanging from my shoulder, I start patting at my hips, trying to figure out what was missing. "Don't forget those truffles you promised your friend." Lola chirped as I grabbed my capsule container.

"What would I do without you?" I ask as I lift up the pricy box. "Okay, okay I'm leaving for real this time, okay!"

Lola hums as I leave the office and exit the building. I let out a deep sigh and gazed up at the large structure. After years of hard work, I finally managed to make my dream a reality. I managed to build my empire after crawling my way through the muck.

The phone in my plane chimed loudly as I got in and started the engine. "Mara speaking~" I coo loudly as I buckle myself in.

"Are you on your way yet?" Bulma questions, the deafening roar of her plane cutting over her voice. "I just left!"

"I'm leaving, too! I got the truffles, don't worry." I reiterate. "I'll see you in a bit, yeah?"

"Of course! See you, Mara!" Bulma chirped.

Bulma's jet plane was easily visibly as I closed in on Roshi's island, along with his beautiful pink house. In a cloud of smoke, the jet disappears just as I managed to land on the island and hop out. I immediately bolt and leap onto Bulma, hugging her tightly. "It's been too long!" I exclaim happily.

"I know-- Wow, you look great! I take it Lush is going really well!" Bulma mentions as I store my plane away. With the package of truffles in my hands I nod.

"Yes, we've been getting custom orders like crazy-- most of them were from your mother, by the way-- and I've actually opened up a few new locations." I explain. "Let's go inside, I've been dying to see everyone again."

"Right--" Bulma giggled. She pushed open the door to Kame House and we both stepped in. "Guess who!" Bulma cheered. "Hey guys, it sure has been a long time!"

"Bulma, you look as beautiful as ever!" Master Roshi chirped before turning to me. "And goodness-- is this Mara? You've certainly blossomed into a gorgeous young woman!" Roshi commented through his cackling.

"You men are impossible!" Bulma hums.

"I guess you forgot my truffles, though," Roshi sighs. "Oh well, that's okay. I'll forgive you."

"Surprise!" I cheer as I hold up the expensive package.

Roshi hacks up his beer at the gesture before laughing. "You're gonna spoil this old man! I'm so happy right now! Heh! I could just squeeze you!" He exclaims, his face leering dangerously close to my bosom.

I grasp at his hand and twist. "Hey, this is ensured merchandise now!" I exclaim.

Roshi complained loudly at my grip before I released him. "That's a mighty strong grip, there--" Roshi commented, his hand bright red and throbbing. "Have you been keeping up with your training?"

I hum gingerly. "Not as much as I should've been. It was really only a hobby to be honest while I had some down time. Now that I have a company to run, I don't have the time for training anymore." I explain politely.

"Oh, well, I guess it can't be helped." Roshi stroked his beard.

"I mean, can you believe it?! He went out with another girl!" Bulma shrieked.

"Breaking up is hard to do," Roshi sighed.

"I wouldn't know," Krillen mentioned. "So, Mara, besides your company, what else have you been up to? Been, uh-- seeing anyone?" Krillen asks.

Bulma and Roshi are now both listening intently. "Nothing really. I mean, Tien and I talked about dating, but he never formally asked me out, so I moved on." I explain bitterly. "Yamcha's been crashing at my place too, since he's been dumped by Bulma. And I totally get what you mean, Bulma, he's always got a girl with him." Bulma just puffs up irritably. "Oh, by the way, I think he's so not over you. When I get home late at night, he's always gazing at the adorable photo of the two of you." Bulma's face flushed as I turned back to Krillen. "Would you be interested in modeling some of my suits? I think you'd look killer in them! Who cares if you're a little short-- Your body is magnificent!"

"R-Really?" Krillen stammered as I produced a small tape measure and began stretching it out to measure him.

"For sure! Most of my male models are thin and lithe, but the muscle mass they have is lacking. You're just what I'm looking for. The next Spring collection I have is gonna be amazing, just you wait."

Krillen's face is bright red as I continue to measure him. "So, where's Goku at?" Bulma asks.

"Well, he said he was gonna be here," Krillen mentioned after I pulled away. "I guess he's on his way." Krillen opens up the package I brought. "Wow!"

"Hey, Krillen! Leave me some!" Roshi shouted.

I chuckled at their over enthusiastic attitude. "So Bulma, I'm thinking pastels for this next line up, do you want an outfit once I have it done?"

"Are you serious?!" Bulma squealed. "Absolutely!"

I laughed. "Hey! Is anyone home?" We hear Goku's voice call out.

Bulma and Krillen burst through the door. "Goku!" They cheer as Roshi and I follow. He's as tall as I remember-- except this time, he's got the cutest kid in his arms.

"Hi!" Goku chimes happily.

"Oh, my god!" I exclaim loudly as I rush past Roshi and Bulma. "Goku, he's adorable!" I compliment as I peer at the shy boy. "And this outfit-- I need to know made this for your son, it's to die for!"

Goku laughed happily. "Chi-Chi made it!"

"SON?!" The others exclaimed.

"Pretty wild, huh?" Goku asked as he set his son down.

I mention as I kneel down to to the boy. The boy just hid in his father's leg. "Oh, you are too cute~"

"Go ahead, Gohan, say hi," Goku hums happily.

Gohan shuffles a little before bowing his head. "Hello, everyone," He says politely.

"This is Gohan," Goku introduces his son.

"Hey, Gohan, I'm Mara--" I introduce myself. "How old are you?"

He counts on his hands for a moment. "Four and a half." He answers.

"And what do you want to be when you get older, cutie pie?" I ask.

"An Orthopedist." He answers without skipping a beat.

I giggle. "Orthopedist, huh? I think that's a wonderful career." A brown, furry apendage swishes through the air behind him. "A tail?"

"Yeah, he was born with it, just like me!" Goku chimes happily.

I cast a worried glance back at the others. "Has Gohan-- Has Gohan ever been outside at night?" I ask nervously.

Goku hummed. "No, not really. We all get to bed pretty early." Goku explains. "Why?"

"No reason!" I say quickly. "Say, you wanna go play, Gohan? Those waves look super fun, don't they?"

Gohan looks up at his dad with a pleading look. "Go ahead, son." Goku chuckles. I hold my hand out and I lead the boy towards the sea, and begin splashing around with him. Turtle joins us shortly after and Gohan gets into a rock-paper-scissors match with a crab. Gohan won against the crab, and it threw a major tantrum, blowing bubbles at Gohan's face.

Roshi let out a loud laugh. "Watch out! He might pinch you, Gohan! That crab's a mighty sore loser!"

Gohan leaps into my arms and buries his face into my neck as I pat on his back, in an attempt in easing his anxiety. "Oh, wow, that's a four-stay dragon ball, isn't it?" I ask I rejoin the group with Gohan latched to my torso.

"Yep! It took me a while to find it, but I wanted Gohan to have it since it used to belong to my grandfather. I've been collecting Dragon Balls for fun. I've for the three star ball, and the six star ball, too. They're at home!"

"I have the one star at my house," I mention. "I noticed it was close to West City, and decided to go and grab it-- we had a lot of crazy adventures looking for those things, huh?" I set Gohan down and he in turn grasps at my hand.

"Yeah, really," Krillen answers. "So, Goku, what are you guys gonna wish for when you get all seven-- assuming Mara gives you hers."

Krillen skips a rock over the waves, and it whizzes quite a ways away. "I don't know, Krillen. That's a good question." Goku hums and picks up a rock himself. "Come to think of it, I don't really want anything." Goku throws his rock, and it blasts over the ocean.

"Man, you still one bad dude, Goku," Krillen laughs.

"Seriously-- I can't believe you turned down my offer to model my training gear." I mention.

Goku laughed. "Aw shucks, Mara, Chi-Chi would kill me if she suddenly saw me in a magazine."

"The strongest man on earth, afraid of his wife," I snort and begin to laugh.

Goku complains. "Hey, c'mon, she's scary when she's mad!" Goku whined.

We all began to laugh, and pretty soon Goku joined in. Until a strange sensation shot through me. I'd never felt something like this before. It felt so bad. "You guys okay?" Bulma asks.

"There's... something bad, heading straight for us." Goku explains.

"What?" Bulma gasps. "Are you sure, Goku?"

"I'm positive, I've never felt a power like this before." Goku explains.

"Yeah, I feel it now, too," Krillen mentions.

"It's like... tar. It seeps over you and makes you feel horrible," I recite with a grimace on my face.

"There!" Goku yelps, his gaze casting upwards.

"Oh, yes, I see it, Goku!" Roshi exclaims as we all look up. It's a strange man with long flowing hair-- dressed in a leotard.

I made a disgusted sound. "Leotards? Did this suddenly become a gross workout video?"

"Who is that?" Goku gasps.

"It's not... Piccolo, is it?" Krillen asks.

The strange man lands on the beach, and gazes at Goku with a smirk on his face. "So, we meet again at last.... You've grown up. I recognize you though, Kakarot."

"Kakarot? What kind of a name is that?" I inquire bitterly.

"Mara!" Bulma hissed irritably, grasping my arm and tugging me backwards.

"That's your name." The strange man mentions to Goku, seemingly ignoring my outburst.

"Who is this?" Krillen asks. "He must be nuts."

"You're telling me..." I agree.

"Kakarot!" The man barks. "What have you been doing here all these years? Your mission was to terminate all life on this planet! Why haven't you carried it out?!"

Goku just stared at him in confusion. He glanced back at us for a moment. "Okay, look--" I start trying to defuse the situation. "You've clearly got the wrong guy. So, why don't we get you something to eat, and send you on your way, huh?" I suggest as I approach him. Something furry slaps against my stomach for a moment before I'm soaring overhead, my vision blurring from the force of the hit. I crash into Kame House, stars riddling my vision.

"Mara-- Mara--" Krillen calls nervously, his hand patting at my cheek as that shiny round head came into view.

I sit up. My eyes are unfocused, but I manage to stand on my wobbly legs. "All right--" I breathe out and wobble out of the wall. "Listen here, buddy--" I refer to the smirking man. "I didn't spend my life working myself to death for some greasy looking nobody to treat me like garbage." I snap firmly.

"Mara, please," Bulma pleaded as she stopped me from moving forward. "Calm down!"

"No! This dude needs to learn some manners! I don't give a shit if he's new in town-- I'll wipe the beachside with his greasy locks! Yeah, I'm talking to you, punk!" I shrieked. "You're nothing but bad news!"

The strange man just snorted and began chuckling. "I feel the same way," Goku agrees with me. "Something about this guy turns my stomach."

"Such harsh words," The man scoffed. "Careful. You're more like me than you realize. You were born on the Planet Vegeta... You are a space fighter, a Saiyan warrior... Just like me." I share a confused look with Bulma. "Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Raditz... Your big brother."

It was hard to deny it. They did indeed share similar features. From their brow line, to the way their nose stood. "Why should I believe you?" Goku snaps.

"Yeah, that's right," Krillen adds. "What the heck is Goku doing on Earth if he's from another planet?"

"That's simple," Raditz hummed. "We sent him here. Kakarot was given specific orders to clear this world of its current inhabitants... A mission which he has failed miserably."

"Huh?!" Goku gasped.

"You see, we Saiyans are sort of like... Planet Brokers. We scour space for planets that will bring a high price on the Galactic Market. Once we find them, we send our warriors there to purge them of any life and make them ready for sale. It's a very, very profitable business. And we take great pride in being very efficient in our work. For example; if we discover a planet with strong inhabitants, we send a team of our adult fighters to wipe them out. But for planets full of weaklings, like this one, one of our babies is generally sufficient to carry out the order."

"If what you say is true, you Saiyans are an abomination!" Krillen barks. "You're Space Pirates! That's what you are!"

"Yeah, and incredibly stupid--" I add. "Sending babies-- I don't what species or race they are, Babies are very impressionable."

"Trust me, Saiyan babies are more than capable of looking after themselves. Well-- Most of them!" Raditz corrected himself. "Kakarot! You're a disgrace! You could have easily wiped out every living thing on this planet by yourself! If you hadn't forgotten your orders, it would've only taken you a year or two at the most. Especially considering this planet has a nice, big moon!" Raditz mentions.

"Lemme guess, I was probably supposed to blow that up, too," Goku scoffed.

"You fool!" Raditz snapped. "You know as well as I do, it's the key to unlocking your true potential! I'm sure at least once in your life you've look at the full moon!"

"I don't know what you're talking about!" Goku explains.

I pale at the thought. The last time Goku had transformed was years ago, when he was still a child. The energy that coursed through him-- it was animalistic, raw, and powerful. It was too intense to even bear.

"Wh-What happened to your tail, Kakarot!?" Raditz screeched.

"My tail? Why?" Goku asked

"Answer me! Now!" Raditz shouted.

"It was removed permanently a long time ago!" Goku explained.

"Do you have any idea what you've done?! Your true power is gone now! Without your tail, you've lost your ability to transform at the full moon! Now I see how you can be on good terms with these weaklings..."

"Listen! This is my home! And these are my friends! So it doesn't matter what you say I am! And you sure don't act any brother I'd wanna have!" Goku states firmly. "My name is Goku, and I live here! Now leave us alone!"

"Yeah, even if you are brothers, that doesn't mean Goku has to destroy peaceful planets like you do, you big creep!" I exclaim.

"Right! Goku even saved this planet once, mister! So, go away!" Krillen shouts.

"Ms. Mara--" Gohan whimpered and leapt at my leg. I lifted him up and let him curl into my torso.

"So, baby brother wants to be left alone..." Raditz chimes and strides past Gohan and I. "Well, it's a pity that's not going to happen. No, at this point, I'm afraid you're far to vulnerable to us for that.... You see, three years ago, our home planet, Vegeta, met with an unfortunate accident, when a huge comet slammed into it's surface. The planet was vaporized, and the Saiyan race destroyed. There's not too many of us left now, brother. In fact... As far as I can tell, there are only four.... Including you. We were the only Saiyans away from home when the planet exploded... Like you, the rest of us had been sent off to perform a few hostile take overs. And now we've found another world we'd like to conquer. It should bring in a very high price. But unfortunately, the job's a little too big for only three of us to handle. We were almost afraid we'd have to pass it up... Until I remembered you, Kakarot. You're not as powerful as I might have hoped, but still, with your help, we should manage nicely," Raditz explained as he approached Goku again. "Well now, what do you think? Are you excited? You should be... I've come to take you back into the fold."

"I've heard enough!" Goku barked. "I'd die before I'd join a gang of pirates like you!"

"Interesting," Raditz hums as he gazes at Gohan and I. "I have been meaning to ask you, Kakarot.... I couldn't help but notice your son has a tail, and with his mother being an Empathian, he's most likely a very strong child."

"First off-- not the mom--" I retort irritably as I shield Gohan. I don't comment on the title he's given me. It didn't matter. The only thing that mattered was protecting the small boy shivering in my arms. "Secondly-- LEAVE HIM OUT OF THIS!"

"I'll decide that! If you won't join us... I suppose I'll just have to settle for taking the boy in your place."

I curl my arms around Gohan just a little tighter and cast a nervous glance to Goku. "Goku?" I chime in a shaky tone.

"We'll see!" Goku shouts.

"I see the fire in your eyes, brother.... You should come with us. It's in your blood... You love to fight." Raditz sneers. Goku attacks, but Raditz simply brushes him aside, sending poor Goku through the air. In the next moment, I'm thrown over someone's shoulder, Gohan is ripped from my grasp and tucked underneath Raditz's arm.

"LET GO OF ME!" I shriek loudly and start pounding on his back.

"Quiet, woman-- You'll fetch a high price, I might even let you bear some Saiyan children before selling you off." Raditz chirps dangerously.

"I SAID, LET GO, YOU DISGUSTING CREEP!" I shriek again, my hands tangling in his hair and tugging with all my might. Raditz lets out a bellow of pain before he shunts me off and slams his hand against the side of my neck-- my vision warps immediately and I slump against the disgusting man.