The introductions had been pleasant, although Nebjren couldn't understand why they were all so surprised at her presence. When she had a moment after eating (and while Beerus and Whis were engaged by a large cake) she went over to properly introduce herself to the blue-haired woman...and ask about the apparently recently installed pool.

"Mrs. Briefs?"

"Oh," Bulma said, turning to look at her, "You don't have to call me that."

"I'm just trying to be polite."

"Would you mind if I asked you something?"

"Oh, of course not. Ask away."

"...does he purr?"

"...does he purr." It seemed like an odd question, but she supposed it was a natural curiosity. "Well...on occasion."

"Some people consider every day an occasion, y'know," Bulma winked, and laughed.

"Not too often. When he's going to sleep, usually." Nebjren smiled, "Of course, I'm rarely there when he's at that point."

"You don't sleep in the same bed?"

"He sleeps for decades...that would be incredibly awkward. Besides, he hogs the bed."

"Ha...yeah, that does sound like him, but given he's a cat..."

"Yes, that, exactly that."

"So, how are you liking Earth?"

"It's a lot like my planet, actually. Just reminds me that it's been a long time since I've seen a pool."

"Well, if you want a dip, go right ahead."

"Well, I would, but..."

"But what?"

"I don't have a bathing suit."

"Well...that's not a problem." Bulma looked over her and seemed to nod. "You're about my size, I can just give you one of my new ones. Here, follow me."

Nebjren did so, and once they were away from the main group asked, "Was everyone else as surprised as you were about my being here?"

"Well, yes and no."

"Yes...and no."

"Yes, in that we weren't expecting him to have, well, found a wife. No, because, of course he wants someone to have for the company."

Nebjren laughed, "Bulma, really. I may be his wife, but Whis is his true companion."

"That's an odd thing to say about your husband."

Nebjren just shrugged. She fostered no ill will over it, and had grown used to the idea that Whis would command more of Beerus' time than her.

"Alright, now, let's see," Bulma said, once she'd gotten a few bathing suits out for Nebjren to try, "Sorry, I need to buy some more. Try on a few of these."

The first two didn't quite fit, but the third, a low-backed one piece suit, did.

"Well?" Nebjren asked, walking out.

"Does it dip too far in the back?"

"You tell me." she turned, and paused when she heard Bulma gasp.

"What? Is it that bad?"

"Your back looks like a scratching post!"

"Oh, that." Nebjren gave a short laugh. "That's normal."

"Figures he'd be into that."

"Oh, no, he doesn't-he's not like that."

"Then what is that?"

Nebjren paused to think a moment. "Well...I guess the best comparison is...wedding ring."

"How can scratches on your back equal a ring?"

"It's something that comes from his culture. They mate for life, and the males mark their wives by, well..."

"Huh...that's an interesting way to go about it, but I guess it makes sense. Bet it hurt, though."

"You wouldn't believe how much. But other than that, do you think it looks alright?"

"Put it to you like this, I think he will enjoy it very much."

As they walked back outside, Nebjren glanced in Beerus' direction. He gave the swimsuit a lingering glance, but then went back to his food.

She laughed briefly, but went silent, thinking back to the first time she'd shown the scars.


"Is it really almost time?"

"Yes." Whis shook his head a bit sadly. "I suggest that you make a visit now."

Nebjren sighed, and a short time later she was stepping into the palace with a cloak pulled close.

She was shocked at how bad it looked. The guards in front were dressed as if for war and she had knocked them all out rather than start a fuss.

The rest of the way to her father's chamber, she stayed above everyone, and made as little noise as possible. Never before had she been so glad that she knew how to fly.

She opened the door slowly. Would there be many guards in there with him? Could she...?

"...and if he attempts this again, we're going to station people here...there, and there. I'm counting on you all."

"Yes, your highness."

Nebjren flew up, and recognized some of the generals as they left. They looked similarly scarred, as the guards up front-one looked as if his whole body had been burned, though, and another was wearing a robotic arm.

She slipped in and breathed a sigh of relief. He was alone.

"Father?"

He turned around as she pushed the hood of her cloak back, and raised his hand. "Tell me right now, how do you dare to imitate my daughter, impostor?"

"But it's me, father," Nebjren said. She was dressed differently, certainly...how could she-?

"You have six seconds before I call the guards."

"Mother died when I was seven," she started quickly, "Defending me from some attacker whose name I never knew, but whose face I can never forget. You told me twenty-five years ago that I should outshine my suitors. The first time I discovered my magic was by accidentally destroying the wall to my bedroom when I thought I saw a monster. I-"

"Stop," he said, rushing forward to hold her. "I believe you now. Nebby...Nebby, it's...it's good to see you again. My little girl...how have you been?"

"Good, but what about-"

"Is he everything that we were taught? Does he live up to our legends?"

"Yes and yes."

"You...you haven't aged a day, Nebby."

She smiled, wishing she could say the same for him. Her father was in his late sixties by now, but he looked geriatric and worn, as if he'd been through hell and back.

"He treats you well, doesn't he?"

"Yes, of course, but-"

"No children yet?"

"He...that's...he takes decades-long naps, so..."

"A pity...I'd have...I'd have liked to see grandchildren before I...tell me, did he give you anything to carry with you as a sign of your bond?"

She dropped the cloak entirely and turned around. She was wearing the same sort of pants that Beerus favored, only in a purple shade and a tube top in the same color.

Which, of course, left the scars mostly exposed.

"Well...that's quite a sign." He laughed weakly.

"Father," she said, turning back around and guiding him over to a chair, "Tell me what's been going on. Why does everyone look so scarred-up? Why are there so many guards now?"

"The Time of Destruction has come, my child. That's all I need to say, I trust?"

It was exactly what she'd feared. It had been said in some legend or another that the world would end when they abandoned their principles, when they began to reject Beerus entirely. That he would awaken and do as he'd said he would...destroy the planet. No second chances.

The Time of Destruction was the beginning of the end.

"How did this happen?"

"It started almost as soon as you left. Your stepmother and I tried to have another child, but...then he..."

"Who?"

"The King who came before Lord Beerus with his gift to you. We don't speak his name now; that traitorous filth-" he shook his head, "He found a way into our vaults-somehow, he'd broken your...what you did to him, and..."

"He didn't. Father, please tell me he didn't."

"He did. We discovered the break-in and tried to stop him, but he'd already gotten to the gift he'd given you, and several others...and it's been hell ever since. He has proclaimed himself a god and claims we no longer need to obey Lord Beerus."

"And?" She knew there was more.

"Suffice it to say that some began to believe him."

He stood and hugged her. "You coming here, it...it's going to happen soon, isn't it?"

"I'm sorry. I...there's nothing I can do," Nebjren said, "I can't interfere, father."

"It's...it's alright." He tightened his grip on her. "Nebby...are you happy with him?"

"I am."

"Then don't worry about me." He kissed her forehead. "Oh, by the way. When you do have children...or even just one child..." He took a deep breath and took off his rings.

There were four of them in total; all gold, two with amethyst stones and two with sapphires. Symbols of the royal house.

"Father, I...he might..."

"He won't, Nebby. You must know him well enough to know that by now."

"How can you be so calm?"

"Because I know that I did not fail my duty. I did what I could to keep my planet safe. And..." He smiled sadly, touching her face, "...because I know my beautiful daughter is happy."


Nebjren didn't stay long after that, and went back to the temple to put the rings away. She started shaking slightly when she heard Beerus' footsteps behind her.

"You're up early," she said quietly. "It's only been five years."

"Well, you and Whis were making a lot of noise earlier. What in the heavens is he teaching you to do, blow up planets like I do?"

"No. Just trying to make me worthy of you, I suppose."

"You already are."

Nebjren just wanted to forget it all. To not think of what he was likely about to head off to do, to not think about her inability to do anything about it or the stupidity with which some of her people had invited this problem to happen.

So when she felt Beerus nip her earlobe, she didn't resist. She gave in to him.

And for a short time she was able to let go of her grief.


It had been more than 1,900 years since then, and the ache of it had dulled but never fully gone away for Nebjren. The idea of destruction paving the way for creation still brought little comfort.

If there hadn't been duties of her own to tend to...

She shook her head at the thought, and tried to relax as she took the steps into the pool.