The story of the ultimate warrior race was a long, but mostly uninteresting one. Without getting into the mostly unknown history of the being known as Indar'en, the race known as the Saiyans first came into existence 150,000 years ago on the planet Vegituh. Back then, there was no mistaking or denying their primitive ways. They were humanoid in shape and size, but were covered with brown fur, with long tails, and wild, unkempt hair. Their eyes were a piercing scarlet red and their teeth were razor sharp. Much like their modern descendants, they transformed whenever they beheld a full moon. Fortunately, the moon that orbited their planet only appeared full once every seven years, for one month.
As the population swelled, it was divided up into tribes that ventured out and marked their own territory. Each tribe had its own rules for leadership and conduct, but they were all mostly the same. The strongest ruled, and the weaker ones followed. The men hunted for food and protected the tribe, while the women cared for the young and prepared meals for everyone. Families weren't a thing; instead, tribes worked together to take care of each other. Children were raised together at the same time.
While families weren't a thing, Saiyans mated exclusively with one person. Competition was intense, but once a mate was snagged, it ended there.
The year was 750 on the planet Vocado, and the day was a special day. Saiyan Day, as it had come to be known as, was widely accepted as the day the great Super Saiyan, Vocado, freed the Saiyan race from the ancient warlord and slaver Glacier. Once they arrived on the world that would be named after their savior, they recorded the day they were saved so that all who came after would recognize the momentous occasion in history.
Thus, Saiyan Day was born. It first started out as a somber day of reflection, but that quickly turned into a joyous day of celebration. As time passed, they made it a festival that was located in Kakarot City, the capital. People from far and wide came to celebrate the anniversary of their liberation. There were games, eating competitions, beauty pageants, contests of strength, and even fashion shows for the little children. As time passed and the colonies were established, festivals were held in their capitals, also.
On Vocado, everyone was allowed to partake in the joy and fun; except for those in the Meat Market, of course, but that went without saying.
Two small girls and their care-nurse weaved through the thick crowd en route to a food kiosk: Parsley, age 9, her 5 year old sister Sarada, and their care-nuse, Maiz. The older girl held on to the younger by wrapping their tails together. The crowd was thick and congested, and she didn't want her to get lost.
When the finally reached the kiosk, Parsley slapped a card on the counter. “Two extra large chickens, fried, and two sodas.”
“And pie!” Sarada added.
“Yes, and two pies. I believe this will cover it.” She slid her card closer. There was, of course, no money on it. She hadn't quite grasped the concept of exchanging money for goods and services just yet. In fact, the card she was attempting to pay with was just a library card.
Maiz silently – and discreetly – handed an actual money card to the vendor, who accepted and handed the girls their food.
“Thank you, Parsley,” Sarada said as they sat down on a nearby bench to eat.
“You're welcome, Sarada.” She smiled and ruffled her hair.
Maiz sat next to them, silently watching them and the passing people in alternating intervals. Compared to her previous wards, these two were among the more well-behaved. Of course, well-behaved was relative when talking about Saiyan children, who were notorious for being overly energetic and rambunctious. She supposed their nature as fighters was to blame, but that didn't make the headaches any less bothersome.
At least they got along. She was afraid of how Parsley would react when their mother told her that she would be getting a younger sister. So far, she had taken very well to being a big sister. She was a bit more overprotective than she expected, but that only helped take the load off her shoulders. It was like have a smaller, less experienced mother to help look after Sarada. She only hoped that if Lettise succeeded in getting pregnant again, Sarada would be the same.
That would make Maiz very happy.
“Okay, I'm done,” Sarada declared, despite it being obvious by simply looking at her empty plate. She shoved said plate in Maiz's face so she could throw it away, then scampered off to find something else to do.
Parsley was a tad more conscientious and went to toss her own plate in the garbage, then ran off to catch up.
Maiz sighed and stood up herself. From afar, she watched her two girls laugh and play with other children their age. She felt a small smile creep on her lips as she took the opportunity to take a picture. When they grew up and made something of themselves, she was going to remember this moment, and moments like these. It was good to remember where one came from so one could appreciate the person one became.
She had seen it happen time and again. The kids she raised more often than not grew up to be truly productive members of society. She only hoped that Parsley and Sarada grew up in the same manner.
But, that was the future. For now, she was going to enjoy the Saiyan Day festival.
…
And they were running straight for a face-painting booth. Wonderful.
OOC: Happy Saiyan Day, everyone