Dressed once more, Towa sat in front of her vanity mirror, trying to sort through her jumble of thoughts. She felt nothing more than shame and regret, although Mira hadn't turned his back on her for her involvement in the…ordeal and she was absolutely grateful for that, for she couldn't bear the thought of her precious creation abandoning her. However…if she was honest with herself, there was a small part of her that had immensely enjoyed the fornication…Black had sated something inside her that not even Mira had done before. Not that she usually noticed, but after an hour of sorting out her thoughts, Towa took note of it now and that small part of her wanted more from Black…wanted it again with him; it'd been rough, delicious and incited a great thrill in her, despite her life being at stake. Just thinking about it now brought warmth to the core between her legs and Towa had to clench her thighs together, doing her best to banish the lusty thoughts for her own sake.

She damn well should not sit here and reminisce about the despicable act with Black with such enjoyment, like it had been a great thrill, because she had only done it under duress…and she had initiated it to prolong her life, not expecting it to go that far, but now she had crossed the line and there was no going back. Feeling guilty about it wasn't going to change a thing; Towa had enjoyed it, yes, but the act was completely wrong and shouldn't have happened.

Her collarbone burned with the memory of Black marking her and she snarled under her breath, casting the memory to the deepest recess of her mind. She would make Black pay.

Then, there was the other problem.

It was a delicate time of the month for Towa, her chance of falling pregnant increased right now and while it was usually never a problem for her, since she knew a spell to prevent pregnancy…it had been an hour and she still hadn't performed the spell yet.

The part of her that was loyal to Mira wanted the spell done, to flush herself out and get rid of Black's essence…but the scientist in her was curious about the potential result. Mira was an amalgamation of Demon and Saiyan, but he was the fruition of a science experiment and infused with cells from other races…if she went through with this, it would a biologically produced Demon-Saiyan hybrid and given Black's godly nature, the offspring would be immensely powerful. The possibilities of what she could do with such power at her disposal was endless…she wouldn't even need Black…and since she would be the mother, the child would be completely loyal to her and willing to follow any order she gave.

At the same time, however, if Towa went through with the pregnancy, carrying another man's child was a huge slap in the face to Mira, who had previously expressed the idea of producing an heir – Towa nixed the idea at the time, focused instead on furthering her plans against the Time Patrol, although she wasn't entirely opposed...she just felt it wasn't the right time yet. Now, she was contemplating going through a possible pregnancy with another man, simply to sate her scientific curiosity and potential experiments.

Then, there was the matter of pregnancy itself. Towa didn't like the idea of having something grow inside her, using her body as a source of nutrients like a damn parasite and she didn't like the idea of her body changing beyond her control and having to take a back seat to everything because she would be unable to do anything. She couldn't have her Time Breakers see her as a walking beach ball, not to mention the thought of giving birth made her ill and she felt quite opposed to ever going through that procedure.

If she were to do this, perhaps there could be a way where she could either rapidly advance the pregnancy to its final stage or even extract the potential foetus from her womb and grow it in a tank instead. She was a scientist after all. It could be possible.

With so many various and chaotic thoughts running through her head, Towa, for once, truly had no idea of what she was going to do or the direction she had to take.

A knock at her chamber door startled Towa and she quickly composed herself, ordering the person to enter. Putine stepped into the room and gave a small, respectful nod.

"I apologise for interrupting you, mistress, but I have some news."

"What is it?" Towa asked in a disinterested tone.

"Mechikabura is awake."

Towa's eyes widened and without another word, she grabbed her staff and hurried towards the basement. Mira was there, arms crossed and a stoic look, while Gravy was tending to Mechikabura, who sat on a makeshift throne, a short staff between his gnarled hands. Towa slowly approached her grandfather in reverie and fell to her knees in a low bow full of respect and admiration.

"Rise, my child," Mechikabura croaked, his voice raspy from centuries of lack of use.

She did as requested, although she kept her head bowed. "My lord, it is glorious that you have returned to us…with you at the helm again, the Demon Realm can finally be awakened and the universe will be ours, twisting and writhing with raging beauty."

"The air is stale and dry upon my lips," he spoke. "I feel tightness in my chest, a sense of unease passing through me. My power is not what it used to be…this power I feel now is strange and not my own. I have power…but I am too old…"

"My lord?" Towa asked, confused by whatever point he was trying to make.

"How was I revived? Who's power did you use?"

"I used the power of Goku Black, a Saiyan tainted by a Supreme Kai."

"Ah, that explains the foul divine stench," Mechikabura inhaled deeply and a grin appeared. "I see he has left his mark on you. His stench lingers upon you and…within you…interesting."

Towa bowed her head lower, shame burning on her face. "Survival makes us do things we wouldn't normally do…I apologise for my transgression."

"It matters not to me. But his power…it has potential…I require more of it to fulfil my true strength. Bring him to me, so that I could make use of him…unless you aren't finished using him yourself."

Damn, he was making her curse her recent choices by making her look foolish. Towa took in a deep breath to regain her composure. "My lord…that won't be possible…he escaped us some time ago."

Mechikabura pursed his dry lips. "That…will…not…do. I demand competence. How do you expect to revive the Demon Realm if you constantly fail?"

"I simply tell myself that failure is just another path to success," Towa thought, keeping them to herself. "Again, I offer my apologies-"

The Demon Emperor slapped the end of his staff upon the floor, silencing her. "I do not want to hear your apologies. You will bring me this Goku Black and to ensure his capture, I will grant you my help."

The orb in his staff glowed and emitted thick black smoke. It swirled and choked the air, Mechikabura using his own dark magic, aided by Black's power, as a figure appeared in the smoke. The person was male, but was adorned in a red, hooded robe and a Time Breaker mask obscured his face. Towa twitched, feeling the immense power within this person.

"Behold, the Dark-Masked King," Mechikabura announced. "Perhaps now failure won't befall you like it has in the past. Now go, bring me Goku Black."

Towa bowed again. "As you wish, my lord. Mira, we have work to do."

Mira simply grunted and walked away, as the Dark-Masked King joined him. Towa followed after them, Putine falling into step beside her. "Forgive me for asking, mistress, but is everything okay?"

"Everything is fine," Towa replied. "Do not concern yourself."

"But what he said-"

"Putine…drop it. It does not concern you. What is the report on the repairs?"

"Despite the slaughter being completely unexpected, we should be back to operational within the schedule…replacing the deceased is a different matter."

Towa waved her hand dismissively. "Don't bore me with details. I don't c-"

There was a thunderous noise outside the castle and the scientist tensed; she hoped Black hadn't returned to finish what he started, not so soon – the huge oak doors burst open and Demigra waltzed into the castle as if he owned the place, a wide grin on his face. He wasn't alone; a tall, slender and beautiful female demon was by his side; raven-haired and red-eyed, she was dressed in an immaculate business-style suit with a large belt that had the letter 'R' adorned on the buckle.

"Ah, what a glorious day this is," Demigra proclaimed as he strode towards Towa and Putine. "The Demon Emperor has returned to the living, bringing our goals closer to fruition."

Towa frowned at him. "What brings you here, Demigra? Last I remember, you were still trapped in your little prison; how did you escape?"

"Ah, I owe that to my dear secretary, Robelu," the Demon Wizard replied, making a sweeping gesture to the female demon. "She found a way to spring me free and I sensed our lord's revival, bringing me here. After all, we should be united in our goal in reviving the Demon Realm and restoring the universe to its rightful rulers. Simply put, I am here to offer my services."

"Fine, then you can oversee the Time Patrol problem and the Tuffle war."

Demigra chuckled. "My dear Towa, are you having trouble with some simple parasites?"

"Just do it, Demigra. I have more important matters that require my attention."

"Yes, I imagine chasing after a Saiyan who has left his scent on you is very important. Ah, Putine, a pleasure to see you after all this time. Tell me, is Gravy here as well? It'll be quite a reunion."

As Putine confirmed Gravy's presence, Towa saw her chance to slip past the Demon Wizard and follow after Mira and the Dark-Masked King. It frustrated her that everyone could work out what she'd done with Black and comment on it; even now, she could feel the burn of his bite on her collarbone and it infuriated her that he felt the right to mark her. When she finally got her hands on him, she was going to make him regret ever touching her.

-X-

The world was dying and he had failed.

Blood spilled from his lips, soaked his clothes, slipped between his fingers as he tried to stem the flow, but the damage had been done: Goku Black was dying, felled by his foes and the Zero Mortal Plan had come undone. He could see the multitudes of Zamasu's face blanketing across the sky, laughing as he taunted the three mortals who'd opposed them, but there was nothing Black could do to help…Trunks' blade had seen to that and now as he laid in a pool of his own blood, his life inching closer to oblivion, Black couldn't help but wonder where they'd gone wrong.

How had they failed? The Zero Mortal Plan was assured…there was no stopping it, even as two arrogant Saiyans who had stolen the power of gods for themselves and a half-breed tried to resist them…beams of furious red energy rained from the sky, blasting the landscape and even though one narrowly missed Black, he couldn't help but chuckle, despite the agony the action caused him.

Why did he doubt? Zamasu was seeing through the Zero Mortal Plan, transcended beyond his physical body and becoming one with the universe…soon, all the mortals in the realm of existence would be eradicated, purifying the universe and even though he wouldn't live to see it happen, Black was happy to die, knowing that the Zero Mortal Plan had actually succeeded…

Wait…what was that light?

Oh no.

Not him.

Not Zeno, the Omni-King.

NO!

This was not how it was supposed to go.

This was now how it was meant to end.

He would ruin everything!

Black knew he had to do something – there was no way he could allow the Omni-King to snuff out his life, obliterate every single trace of him and destroy everything Black had worked so hard to accomplish – he wouldn't even get to enjoy an afterlife. Unfortunately, there was nothing Black could do to resist his fate and as much as that infuriated him, it was true: his power was nothing compared to that of the Omni-King, less so in his dying state.

Even Zamasu in his Infinite form looked horrified at the appearance of the Omni-King.

Black hacked up blood, resigned bitterly to his fate, to be erased from existence by the one being he hoped wouldn't learn about his and Zamasu's Plan…oblivion was only moments away when she appeared: the blue-skinned witch, her smirking face flashing in his mind.

Black twisted in his sleep as the dream changed to that of the final confrontation with Goku, Vegeta and Trunks. He dreamt of his fusion with Zamasu, but instead of being a beautiful god, they were hideous, deformed, and repulsive. There were flashes of Super Saiyan Trunks, wielding a giant sword made of spiritual energy and he used it to best the fused god, slicing him in half. There were flashes of the world evaporating around Black, Towa's smirking face once more and her face soon morphed into Zamasu's.

"Ah, you're awake," the Supreme Kai spoke. "Good to see my efforts weren't in vain."

A shout and Zamasu was split in half and now Trunks stood in his place, still wielding the same giant sword, a look of fury upon his face.

"I will destroy you, Black!" he screamed.

Black's eyes snapped open to escape the nightmare.

Immediately, he regretted that decision, his eyes protesting against the instinctive action. His head throbbed in agreement and he shut his eyes against the harsh light of day. The pain in his chest throbbed so agonisingly severe that it bordered on paralysing. He snarled against the pain, fighting to use it instead of it controlling him – his strength had come through pain and he refused to be defeated by it – Black opened his eyes again, fighting against the pain that threatened to consume him and he pushed himself to a kneeling position, letting loose a roar of power – the pain receded and he panted heavily, clutching a hand to his chest where the focal point of the pain originated. He ghosted his fingers over the skin and frowned when he felt imperfection – a quick glance revealed a jagged, horizontal scar that stretched from his chest to his navel, no doubt a result of Trunks' sword that severed the fusion. Anger coursed through Black at the discovery – how dare a mortal sully and mar his body like that?

Thoughts of revenge were soon replaced by imagery of Towa and the carnal pleasures they had partaken in together brought Black to a stop. Revulsion churned in his gut and he felt disgusted that he had been reduced to a basic creature of lust, tempted by a witch in the heat of his rage. He was a god who did not consort with lesser beings, let alone engage in such filthy activities to begin with – Black felt a stir in his loins as the memory replayed and he quickly quelled those disgusting images with thoughts of violence and vengeance. Not only had he fucked a mortal, but he had fucked a demon, beings he considered lower than even humans and the self-loathing intensified. Ashamed that he had given in to Towa's deceit, Black tapped into his Kai powers, amazed to find they still worked, and he conjured a set of his standard clothes, quickly slipping them on, as if getting dressed would erase the feel of her touch on his skin, the way she felt around him as she squeezed –

Black slapped himself. He would not think any further on that temptress and the next time he saw her, he would be slitting her throat for doing that to him. To think that she had the audacity to fuck a god – no mortal would even dare, let alone contemplate the thought. Who did she think she was? Although…if he was being completely honest with himself, looking back at it, a part of Black could admit…he had enjoyed the act – his loins twitched again, another slap to his face – no, the demon had to pay…he just needed to get his bearings first.

With no destination in mind, Black picked a random direction and set off. Perhaps he would come across someone who could give him answers before he killed them, just to savour the feeling. He'd been unable to enjoy killing anyone at the castle, due to the instinctual rage that drove him, although he could remember fighting a blue-skinned demon with white hair – he'd put up quite a fight until Black surprised him by impaling him under the armpit – he wondered if that demon survived…a rematch would be nice.

As he left the desert wastelands and approached something resembling green fields, Black felt weak energy signatures, no doubt of mortals and it amused him that humans were still alive…it'd give him another chance to wipe them out and re-enact the Zero Mortal Plan…although the plan itself felt hollow and worthless without Zamasu by his side…still, killing mortals in his honour would be a decent thing to do: Black felt he owed him that at least for failing the first time.

Ascending to the top of a small plateau, Black grinned as he looked upon a human city. Already, his right hand itched with the need to rip someone's heart out and he couldn't wait to instil terror and fear in the hearts of mortals once more. He floated into the city and immediately had to cover his ears from the screeching of an alarm wailing somewhere in the distance.

"What an infernal sound. This must be the only protection the mortals have against me…fools."

He grinned at the thought of causing mayhem, when a voice called out to him. "Halt!"

Black frowned when an anthropomorphic bison in a blue denim vest and red underwear appeared, however, the bison wasn't alone: several anthropomorphic creatures of various species surrounded Black, all wearing the same red underwear and blue vests.

"What in the nine circles of Hell are you lot?" Black sneered.

"I am General Bon," the bison replied. "And we are the Red Pants Army. Who are you, trespasser? You're not a demon and you don't appear to be a Tuffle…yet."

"Tuffle? I thought they were extinct. Interesting," Black thought and he snickered at General Bon. "The Red Pants Army? How…adorable. Tell me, Bonnie, what year is it?"

The bison growled at the nickname. "It's Age 999. You still haven't answered my question: who are you?"

Black noticed the menacing stares and growls he was receiving. Every single member was a weakling compared to him and he couldn't wait to demonstrate his power and see the terror in their eyes. "I am Goku Black. My friends, you have the distinct pleasure of witnessing my grand power, power that is far beyond anything your miniscule mortal minds can comprehend."

He grinned and tried to power up to Super Saiyan Rosé…tried to being a key word. Black frowned in confusion and attempted the transformation again…and once again, he failed, remaining in his base form. Why couldn't he transform? Was it something to do with Trunks? Or was Towa the cause?

"Kill him," General Bon grunted.

An anthropomorphic cheetah made the first attempt on Black – he caved the cheetah's chest in with a single blow. He was still powerful, but nowhere near as he used to be…in fact, Black reasoned that he had the same amount of power as when he first fought Goku in his Super Saiyan 2 form, if not more, thanks to his Saiyan Power. That said, despite the loss of power, it didn't take Black long to carve his way through the small militia force, bodies piling up around him with ease. Once he killed the last soldier, Black turned to Bon with a cocky smirk.

"You call yourselves an army, huh? Who were you hoping to stop with your pathetic power? I didn't even have to try. You're welcome to face me and join your comrades or you can flee and live longer; whether it's for five minutes or an hour is a different matter."

General Bon snarled. "You have any idea how long it took me to revive the Red Ribbon Army into the Red Pants Army? Years of planning and recruiting gone to waste because of you!"

"Why are you mad? I've done you a favour by weeding out the weak and useless. You should be thanking me. Now, Mr. Bon, are we going to fight?"

General Bon snorted in anger, smoke issuing from his nostrils and he bellowed and charged. He swung his fist and Black dodged with a grin. Bon slashed and swiped with his fists in fury, but Black darted around each strike and he booted Bon in the stomach. The road shredded and a building was damaged by Bon's body slamming into it; the bison grunted in pain, panting heavily from the blow he'd received. He knew straight away that his power was insufficient, but he had to save face for the Red Pants Army. How could they defend their home against the Demons and Tuffles if their leader ran away from a fight against one person? One person who had effortlessly massacred a highly skilled and powerful force that had proven themselves against previous opponents.

"Come on, up you get," Black motioned. "You do not impress anyone."

General Bon lunged and immediately used his Wild Typhoon, spinning around in a vortex of energy; Black blocked Bon's strikes, unaffected by the attack and when it ended, his hand whipped forth to rest two fingers against Bon's windpipe. The bison's eyes widened and he refused to even move, afraid of what Black would do next. His Wild Typhoon had defeated many an opponent, yet it had no effect against Black; it was an understatement to say that the bison was scared…he was terrified.

"How are you lowly mortals still alive after all this time?" Black wondered, his tone light like he was talking about the weather. "You have inconsequential power and yet you still thrive like vermin. It seems a god's duty is never done, but so be it. I will finish what I started."

He struck General Bon in the throat and the bison gagged and wheezed as he collapsed, struggling to breathe. Black gave him a look of disgust and raised his foot, prepared to crush the bison's head – an energy blast exploded nearby and Black leapt backwards, an annoyed look on his face.

"Who dares?" he mentally growled.

When the dust cleared, he spotted them atop a small building: the demon witch, her loyal bodyguard and someone in a hooded, red robe with a strange mask.

"Ah, look who showed up," Black smirked as he dusted himself off. "And you've brought a friend, I see. Sorry, but I have no interest in being your test subject. That said, I do owe you for sullying my divine body…to think you would dare lay your hands on a god!"

"Please, you were nothing special," Towa replied, because she couldn't help but get under someone's skin. "If that's the best a god has to offer, then I am sadly disappointed."

For some reason, that comment stabbed Black's ego. Giving into such basic, animalistic impulses like that was weak and below him, a disgusting act reserved for mortals. He was a god…and yet…if he were to willingly engage in such vulgarity like a lowly, filthy mortal…as a god, he'd imagined he would excel at it…it was bad enough that he had actually done it and with a filthy demon, no less…how far could he fall…but she had the nerve to claim he'd been pathetic. Of course, the harlot could be lying, but nevertheless, he would make her submit before he snuffed out her life in retribution for contaminating his perfect body with her vile touch.

"If you weren't so repulsive, I'd consider giving you another go before I send you off to the afterlife," Black smirked. "As it is, you are a lowly mortal and I am a god and the two should not mingle. Your only purpose in my life is to perish!"

He flew straight for Towa – he noticed Mira preparing to intervene, but to Black's surprise, it was the Dark-Masked King who easily intercepted his punch and held him at bay.

"What the hell?" Black wondered and the King's fist smashed into his jaw and he crashed into the road below. "That had to be a fluke…he is not that strong…it's not possible."

As Black slowly stood in the crater, the Dark-Masked King dropped to the ground and struck him in the gut, forcing the air from his lungs. Black's eyes widened in shock and Towa chortled.

"Oh dear, did I fail to introduce my friend? This is the Dark-Masked King, the personification of my master's power. So unless you wish to be beaten to a pulp, I'd suggest surrendering."

"I surrender to no-one," Black thought violently and he snarled as he struck at the Dark-Masked King.

The blow was dodged; the Dark-Masked King responded with several punishing blows that had Black on the back foot and rethinking his tactics. Towa found it amusing to watch the Saiyan get pressured by Mechikabura's conduit, using the fight as a form of retribution; beside her, she could feel the coiled tension radiating off Mira and she knew he wanted more than to join the fight and exact his own kind of vengeance, but was restraining himself. She almost wanted to give him the order, but watching the Dark-Masked King dominate Black was satisfying enough.

"This is ridiculous!" Black thought when he took a brutal punch to the jaw and spat blood. "How is this being pressuring me? I am a god, for fuck sake, and I will not let this clown-"

Another blow to the face.

Snarling, Black leapt back and cupped his hands to the side, charging the Super Black Kamehameha. He grinned and unleashed the mighty energy wave – only for the Dark-Masked King to dodge it and it obliterated half the town. Towa and Mira had escaped to the sky to avoid the beam as the city burned and crumbled below them. Black lowered his hands, shocked and frustrated by his opponent: had he become so weak that he couldn't beat someone who wasn't too much stronger than Trunks? He looked at Towa with a fierce glare, knowing that she had to be the reason for his weakness and it filled him with rage. He wanted to make her suffer, but first, he had to get past the Dark-Masked King and her stupid bodyguard and in his weakened state, Black knew he couldn't stand a chance. It pissed him off, but he really had no other option but to retreat and try to regain his lost power.

"Well, as fun as this has been, we certainly must wrap this up," Towa commented. "Dark-Masked King, please finish him off. Our master will be delighted to meet Black."

"Fuck that," Black thought and he quickly raced through any ideas that could help him escape. The Dark-Masked King flew at him, prepared to deal the finishing blow, when Black finally found one and he placed his hands on either side of his face, fingers spread near his eyes. "Solar Flare!"

Towa and Mira were immediately blinded by the flash of light; however, the light reflected off the Dark-Masked King's mask and therefore had no effect, enabling him to land his blow – straight into Black's gut. He gagged with his lungs blown clean of air and another blow from his opponent sent him careening along the road. Desperate, Black quickly focused his energy and used the Kai Kai technique – disappearing before the Dark-Masked King could lay a hand on him.

In a rage at having suddenly lost his quarry, the Dark-Masked King expanded his power with a roar, levelling the city block around him, just as the Solar Flare wore off and Towa quickly discovered the predicament, a frustrated look on her face.

"Where is he? Where did he go?" she demanded. "Mechikabura will not like this when we return to him empty-handed. Dammit! I didn't expect Black to be so difficult…no matter…there is always a next time."

-X-

Light shimmered and Black appeared, collapsing upon the grassy field. He chuckled with contentment, ecstatic that he had managed to pull off the Kai Kai correctly and got the right location. The grass beneath his body felt just right, felt like perfection. Felt like home.

He was home once again, on the Sacred World of the Kais.

As he drifted off to sleep, content to rest and recover, Black thought about how he would regain his power and crushingly display it to the Demons when he conquered them. The last thing he saw before he faded away was Towa's smirking face and how he would make her pay.

-X-

"Report!"

The Machine Mutant didn't jump in surprise, having trained herself out of the natural instinct, thanks to her leader constantly appearing out of nowhere whenever he felt like it, allowing her to continue professionally. "One of the smaller cities was partially destroyed earlier today, my liege. Our scouts report that Towa and Mira were present, but they were not involved."

She drew up the video feed of the smoking city and her leader drew in a breath. "Ah, that's Nicky Town, one of the few human strongholds left. Interesting. Who else was involved?"

The scenery changed to show the main competitors. The Machine Mutant looked at her leader, watching for a reaction: his face twisted into ugly fury as he looked upon the image of Goku Black and he snarled. "Goku! That filthy Saiyan has somehow made his way here? Very well. I will expunge him from this universe and finally send the Saiyans into extinction where they belong!"

"It should be noted, my liege, that he soon disappeared from this battle and we have no reports on his whereabouts. Not for a lack of trying, though."

Baby Vegeta chewed this over for a moment. "Let me know the instant he reappears. We have some unfinished business, he and I, and this time, I will destroy him!"


A/N: Yes, Black is weaker here, but it's only temporarily. Otherwise, to me, it won't be much of a story.