Chapter 8: "The Mysterious Fu Appears; The Resolve of Mother and Son"
Back on Earth, Trunks, 17, and 16 walked over to the lake in the backyard as the sun rose up behind them. As they did, they had a talk concerning 16's apparent return.
Android 17: "Apparently, despite the fact he was a full-on Android, the Dragon Balls revived 16 as well. How he ended up on the island is another story entirely."
Future Trunks: "Wow. Does he know about 21?"
Android 16: "I should. My chip has been recently upgraded so that I remembered my time with her. On a minor note, it also eliminated my programming to kill Goku."
Future Trunks: "Really? That would help a lot. Do you know who upgraded your chip?"
16 nodded his head before replying.
Android 16: "He was a bizarre character; a mischievous teenager who wields a sword just like you, only he originated from the Demon Realm. His name... is Fu."
Trunks grew confused at the identity of who revived him.
Future Trunks: "Fu? He helped you out?"
Android 17: "So, it actually meant something? I thought 16 was somehow glitched up or something."
Future Trunks: "Well, one thing's for sure. 21 would be very happy to see you, 16."
Android 16: "I have no doubts about that."
Trunks smiled at 16 before talking to them.
Future Trunks: "Well, I'm going to do some image training. 18 and Krillin are at the Capsule Corp. building. Gohan and the others are coming over as well, so can you try not to, you know..."
17 nodded to Trunks.
Android 17: "Sure. I'd actually like to see Gohan for myself in fact, see how he turned out."
Trunks couldn't help but feel suspicious, but 16 put his hand on Trunks' shoulder.
Android 16: "Not to worry, Trunks. I can assure you with utmost confidence this 17 is nothing like the one that ravaged your future."
Normally, he wouldn't feel comfortable about any assurance from an Android, but considering that he's a peaceful one, he took him up on it.
Future Trunks: "Alright."
As 17 and 16 walked to the Capsule Corp. building, Trunks proceeded to hover just above the river as he closed his eyes.
Future Trunks: "The showdown is coming."
As he closed his eyes, he pictured Mareth and Black with him in an arena of fire.
Future Trunks: "Make no mistake; you're going down!"
Then, Trunks gripped his sword as he dashed toward them, but when he slashed down, he completely missed them. However, that one slash sent a shockwave in the water that caused a splash. He then proceeded to stab Mareth in the eye just as he vanished behind him with his arm in his back as if it was an armrest. Before Trunks could process it, Mareth charged a black and red energy orb before firing it at him, causing him to gasp for air in the real world.
Future Trunks: "Darn it."
At Capsule Corp., Bulma was practicing Vegeta's moves at the gravity chamber. Often when he trains, she would sometimes watch him work his butt off, hoping it'd be handy. Now that she's a full-blooded Saiyan, that seemed as good a time as any. Of course, since she's only started her training, her energy would be... subpar, at least compared to Vegeta. This is proven when she prepared a blue orb of energy.
Bulma: "Okay, what did Vegeta call this...? I know. Big Bang Attack!"
She fired the blast at the robot. However, when it impacted the robot, the blast still hurtled toward the others and smashed them until there was nothing left of them at all, surprising their creator.
Bulma: "I guess I should've called that Big Bang Missile."
As she looked at the robots' remains, Bulma laughed to herself.
Bulma: "Turns out I have just as much a knack for breaking things as I do making them. Speaking of breaking things, I wonder how Trunks is doing?"
Meanwhile, Trunks was still not having any luck squaring against Black or Mareth in his image training, evident by blood dripping from his mouth into the river. Then, unexpectedly, the entire river turned red from that one drop and showed Mareth's face within it, laughing at Trunks' failures to thwart them as his eyes and mouth began flaring bright red as it consumed Trunks in its light. That snapped him out of the image training and sent him back to the real world.
Future Trunks: "It's no use. I can't see myself defeating Black or Mareth."
Unbeknownst to him, the younger Trunks and Mai were watching him far away as well as Shou.
Trunks (Kid): "Whoa. What's he doing?"
Shou: "Image training, I'd say.
Mai: "Did you just make that up?"
Shou: "It's an excellent mental wxercise. You see, he's picturing his opponent, most likely this Goku Black or Mareth characters. And he's figuring out different moves."
Trunks (Kid): "Really?"
Then, Trunks and Mai turned to each other before they closed their eyes. Each of them are now seeing themselves in the future. As their future selves walked toward each other and kissed each other in the lips, in the real world, the younger and Trunks and Mai each had their arms around each other with their own lips locked together, surprising Shou.
Shou: "That's not what image training is for!"
When they opened their eyes, they instantly pulled away and panicked.
Trunks (Kid): "What were we doing just now?!"
Mai: "What do you mean?! You were the one kissing me!"
Trunks (Kid): "Yeah, well you were doing it too!"
After hearing this, Mai thought back on how it felt.
Mai: "Yeah. It was nice, wasn't it?"
Trunks nodded in agreement.
Trunks (Kid): "Sure was."
Then, Trunks and Mai started holding each other's hands as they looked at each other. Then, Shou noticed something in the air other than love.
Shou: "Hey, what's that?"
It was at that moment that the cube that held 21, Vegeta, Vados, and Artich was landing. Far away, 21 could tell that Trunks was struggling and ran over to him.
Future Android 21: "Trunks!"
Trunks turned to see 21 and grew surprised.
Future Trunks: "21? What are you doing here?"
Trunks was expecting an answer. However, 21 only hugged him as soon as she got over to him.
Future Android 21: "What happened to you?"
Trunks could tell she was concerned and tried to tell her.
Future Trunks: "Calm down, 21. I'm just fine. I was just doing image training."
That caused 21 to ease her hug and focus on Trunks.
Future Android 21: "Image training? That's why you've been hurt?"
Future Trunks: "Yeah. I just started doing so against Black and Mareth. But, so far, there's no dice."
Vegeta: "Well, you won't make much improvement at this rate."
Just then, an odd voice rang out.
Unknown: "My thoughts exactly. If image training won't cut it, then why don't you try the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, or something like that? It's what made you so strong against Cell before 18 got absorbed, didn't it?"
As confused as they were, they wanted to know who suggested that idea.
Future Trunks: "Huh? Who said that?"
Then, the voice spoke directly in front of him.
Unknown: "Right here."
That caused Trunks to back up in surprise and alarm while Artich smiled.
Artich: "Fu, you should really stop sneaking up on people."
Fu: "I know what you said, but I just can't help it."
Then, 21 began to get all the pieces together.
Future Android 21: "Wait a minute. You're Fu?"
Fu smiled as he turned to the confounded Android.
Fu: "Why, yes, my lovely little cyborg, I am."
21 felt offended at that comment.
Future Android 21: "Cyborg? Really?"
Artich tried to cover for him.
Artich: "You'll have to excuse him. He's not the best flirter."
Play Super Music: "Inescapable Fear"
It was there that Trunks immediately saw Artich. Receiving a terrible flashbacks of what Mareth had done to his future, he snarled and yelled out as he began to attack him with his sword, causing 21 to gasp in surprise and Fu to get his own sword out and counter it while trying to calm Trunks down.
Future Trunks: "You! You created that monster! Everyone died because of you! I'll kill you!"
Fu: "Geez, man! Take a chill pill! My man Artich is trying to stop that! That's why he's with me!"
As they clashed, Trunks grew more angrier.
Future Trunks: "That wouldn't be happening if he never made Mareth in the first place! Why should I trust him, let alone you?!"
Then, Vegeta spoke to Trunks.
Vegeta: "Because they're our backup."
End Super Music: "Inescapable Fear"
Trunks turned to Vegeta in confusion.
Vegeta: "Artich was shown the atrocities that Mareth caused and stopped building him altogether. We don't know how Mareth still exists, but killing him won't give you the answer. If you need anyone to take it out on, it's Black."
Then, Trunks heard the voice of Gohan and Videl.
Gohan: "Trunks, hold on!"
Videl: "We're coming to help!"
Trunks turned to see Gohan, in his fighting gear when he fought Majin Buu, as well as Hercule and Videl, who was holding Pan running toward him and tried to stop them.
Future Trunks: "Wait, hold on, guys! I'm not in any danger!"
Then, Gohan, Hercule, and Videl stopped in their tracks to see him, 21, and Vegeta, as well as Artich and Fu.
Gohan: "You're not?"
Hercule: "Then, who the heck are these guys?"
Videl: "Are they your friends from the future?"
Future Trunks: "Well, not exactly."
Just then, a bright beam of light rode down to the ground and landed on the ground gently. When the light dissipated, Goku and Beerus were expecting the worst with their eyes closed. But when they opened them, they saw that they had a soft landing.
Goku/Beerus: "We're still alive?"
Whis: "Well, yes. No thanks to your bickering. The only reason we haven't crashed was because Sen used her powers to ease our trajectory."
Trunks, 21, Artich, and Fu ran over to them for checkup.
Future Android 21: "Guys, you landed okay?"
Sen happily responded to 21.
Sen: "I'm fine, really."
Fu: "Hey, everyone! I trust you all had a safe landing?"
Sen noticed the strange character and spoke.
Sen: "Well, yeah. But who are you?"
Fu: "Oh, me. I'm nobody suspicious. I'm Fu."
Sen thought it was a weird name.
Sen: "Fu? That sounds so weird..."
Whis: "Interesting."
Then, Fu noticed Beerus beside him.
Fu: "Oh, wow! So you're a God of Destruction?! I'll bet you have the kind of energy I've never seen before!"
Beerus, as appreciated as he felt, felt he was a bit too strange to trust right away.
Beerus: "Enough flattery. Why are you here?"
Fu: "Well, wait'll I tell ya!"
Back at Universe 10, Zamasu and Kari were inside the bedroom under the same blanket with their neatly folded outfits and armor on the floor. As Kari slowly opened her eyes, she saw Zamasu staring at her and smiled.
Zamasu: "Good morning, my love."
Kari: "Good morning to you, too."
As Kari turned to face the ceiling, she remembered what had happened between the two of them.
Kari: "That was so... amazing."
Zamasu: "Was it? Hard to believe that it was your first time."
Kari chuckled at his suggestion.
Kari: "Well, it was rough at first, but... it felt so natural as we went on. I believe it was worth it."
Zamasu: "Is that so? You didn't seem particularly enthusiastic about it."
Kari: "That was before... we actually did it."
As Zamasu and Kari walked to the temple, she had a question of her own that concerned her.
Kari: "Hey, Zamasu?"
Zamasu: "Let me guess, something troubles you?"
Kari sighed a deep breath before she spoke.
Kari: "It's about our union. Isn't it forbidden to commence a union between a Kai and a mortal?"
Zamasu nodded, acknowledging the situation they're presented.
Zamasu: "Very much so. And yet, for whatever reason, our child exists in the future. In order for history to maintain its course, we must perform this union."
Kari: "But, what about Master Gowasu? What's he going to think about this?"
Zamasu placed his hand on her shoulder.
Zamasu: "Master Gowasu allowed us this one day to ourselves. No doubt, he'll ask questions, but once he understands our... predicament, he'll see reason."
Kari still felt worried.
Kari: "I just don't know..."
Zamasu: "If he should find out, he'll also know that we are allowing history to proceed as normal. Changing history is a far more severe offense than a simple union with a mortal."
Kari hadn't thought of that and knew it made sense, but she also knew it was a technicality. However, technicality or not, she wanted him. That was enough permission as far as she's concerned.
Kari: "Okay. Let's do this, Zamasu. I'm not nor will I ever be ashamed of this. After all, it is romantic, right?"
Kari smiled at that moment, knowing she won't regret her decision. Then, she thought of something... unusual. With all of her knowledge of timelines, she knew they can exist differently. So, whether or not they performed the union, Sen would still exist. Then, it clicked. She now knew that he wanted her the same way. Kari turned her face toward Zamasu before she spoke.
Kari: "You know, you didn't have to make it up just to make out with me."
Zamasu's eyes grew wide in surprise from hearing this and sighed in defeat.
Zamasu: "While I appreciate your words, the union is real."
Kari: "Maybe, but Sen would still exist even if we didn't conduct it. All you had to do was tell me."
Kari placed her hand on Zamasu's cheek as she finished her reply.
Kari: "I wanted this with you, too."
Zamasu: "You have? For how long?"
Kari: "Well, since you stood up for me, really. It let me know what kind of deity you actually were. I couldn't find a more worthy husband to spend time with."
Then, Kari stood upright holding the blanket just above her chest. Then, she looked out of the window and saw two moons close to each other, signaling for five hours to have passed since the beginning of Gowasu's time limit before he can intrude on their business. Then, she remembered she had a lesson to take, concerning combat, if not otherwise. After all, she wanted more fun out of their union, but Kari wanted to know what kind of lesson would be incorporated in this manner. She turned to her companion and proceeded to flirt with him.
Kari: "So, what's my next lesson, Master?"
Zamasu replied normally to her, ignoring her flirtatious behavior.
Zamasu: "Considering you managed to exert a great deal of energy, I believe we shall utilize proper energy control."
Remembering their union, she smirked at him.
Kari: "This coming from the one who lacked control himself when he was wrestling me?"
Zamasu: "As if you showed any semblance of control with that Saiyan. Though I'll say this, he did deserve that."
Then, Kari and Zamasu laughed at their remarks unaware that Gowasu could hear them just outside the door and smiled.
Gowasu: "Well, how about that? They must be destined to be together. It truly does my heart good."
As Gowasu walked away, Kari scooped her folded outfit from the floor and put it on from underneath headfirst before putting on her blue pants as she spoke onward.
Kari: "So, what's this Divine Maiden you referred me as?"
As he answered her question, Zamasu was now putting on his armor.
Zamasu: "The Divine Maiden is one of the first mortals that followed one of three virtues: creation, destruction, and order. She is also among the first beings to demonstrate the prowess of Ultra Instinct."
Kari: "Ultra Instinct? What is that?"
Zamasu: "It is a rare and unique ability to combat one's enemy without thought and act on perfect instinct. That is a state that many gods have strived for, but to this day, none have succeeded."
Kari: "It's that difficult?"
Zamasu: "Some considered it impossible."
That made Kari more determined to obtain it as she stood up with a fierce look.
Kari: "I don't. There's nothing beyond possibilities, right? So, if there's at least one possibility I can achieve it, then I've got to take it."
Zamasu: "Well, that would be the day."
Kari: "But I'll need your help..."
Kari then put her fist in her palm before bowing to him.
Kari: "Master."
Zamasu smiled at her determination, but also knew that's a huge step up from learning his moves.
Zamasu: "In time. First, you must pass the preliminary lessons. Once you've completed them, then we'll focus on Ultra Instinct."
Kari nodded proudly at her mentor's recommendation.
Kari: "Yes, Master."
Back at Capsule Corp., Trunks and Gohan were trying to process what they had been told. For now, Gohan, Hercule, and Videl were up to date with everything Trunks had been through, thanks in part to Fu.
Fu: "And that's pretty much the sitch."
Future Trunks: "So, you know about everything that's going on in both timelines, and there's no distinct similarity between Black and Zamasu?"
Gohan: "And Kari had the same powers as Sen?"
Fu: "Ditto."
Videl: "And there was little similarity between him and Black? Are you sure?"
Future Trunks: "Black's energy reminded you both of Zamasu. That's gotta mean something, right? What if Zamasu used his powers to disguise himself as Goku? Or actually transformed into a mortal? Can't gods do all sorts of amazing stuff?"
Fu: "Well, those are good examples. But where's the rest of the story? For example, what could've happened to Kari?"
Future Trunks: "For all we know, he could've killed her."
As Sen gasped at how casually Trunks said that, Fu knew he wasn't right.
Fu: "No way, Trunks! If Zamasu got the hots for Kari, there's no way he'd hurt her, never mind kill her."
Future Trunks: "Well, considering how much he hates humanity as much as Black, there's no telling how far he'll go."
Whis: "As Fu told you, there would need to be something else in play to explain their disparities. The energy from Black was so intensely negative it was almost suffocating. Zamasu's energy was similar in other ways, but not nearly as malicious. Furthermore, I'm quite skilled in sensing deception. Zamasu seemed to have no idea who Goku was while Black spoke as if he knew him quite well. We also inspected their Time Rings and they're all safe in storage. So, at present, what we're left with are two similar but not identical energies and no other evidence to tie them together."
Beerus: "Of course, the phrase 'at present' is key. It's still possible his energy could darken in the future if he harbors enough dangerous ideas."
Sen: "How can you say that about my dad?! He would never do this!"
That statement caught everyone's attention, for better and worse.
All: "What?! Zamasu is your dad?!"
Goku: "I know, right?"
Future Trunks: "Sen... why did you keep that from us?"
Sen shed a tear as she tried to answer.
Sen: "Because if you knew... what would you think of me then?"
Trunks and Gohan felt sorry about their words immediately.
Future Trunks: "Sen... I'm sorry about what I said."
Gohan: "Yeah. If you say your dad wouldn't do what he did to Trunks' future, then I believe you one hundred percent."
Sen smiled as she wiped her face.
Sen: "Thanks."
Goku: "Look, if it makes you feel any better, he didn't really seem that bad to me. I should know, because I actually fought him. You can learn a lot about someone by fighting them."
Future Trunks: "You mean you fought Zamasu?!"
Goku: "I sure did. And I have to say, he had some pretty cool techniques, but nowhere near as awesome as Kari's!"
Future Trunks: "Huh, Kari?"
Trunks (Kid): "But you still beat him, right Goku?"
Goku: "I would have if Kari didn't fire that blast at me. If Chi-Chi is half as powerful as her, I'd be in the doghouse for sure."
Trunks snickered at the thought.
Future Trunks: "Yeah, that sounds about right."
Beerus: "Whatever the case, while it's true that Zamasu is a deity, he's only a Supreme-Kai-in-training. For someone with experience fighting against a great Destroyer like myself, it was a piece of cake. As for Kari, though, she could very well be the Divine Maiden of this generation for you yokels."
Then, Champa snatched Beerus' plate and caused an uproar.
Beerus: "Hey! That's my plate! Go get your own!"
Champa: "Forget it! You've had plenty to eat already!"
As they fought, Trunks began to have thoughts of his own.
Future Trunks: "Goku's even fought this god?! This Destroyer?! Maybe I don't have to worry about getting stronger. Maybe he can take care of Black and Mareth all by himself."
Fu heard that thought and voted against it.
Fu: "Not so fast now, Trunks! You made a promise to defeat Black on your own. You can't back out of that now!"
Future Trunks: "Huh? How did you know about that?"
Fu: "That's classified, I'm afraid. But I can tell you that you should do more training."
Future Trunks: "But where?"
Then, he remembered his suggestion.
Future Trunks: "Oh, yeah. The Hyperbolic Time Chamber."
Fu: "Or something like that."
Future Trunks: "What do you mean by that?"
Vados offered to explain.
Vados: "I believe he's talking about the Hyperbolic Time Space."
Future Trunks: "Huh?"
After they've finished, Beerus and Whis decided to leave Earth to Champa and Vados, which greatly irked the Seventh Destroyer, but left him little choice.
Whis: "Delicious as always, Earthlings. Sorry to eat and run, but please thank the chef."
Beerus: "And as for you, Fu. I know for a fact you're plotting something. Try anything foolish and I'll Hakai you."
Fu: "Don't worry, your Lordship. I won't do anything bad. You can trust me, right?"
Beerus: "Hmph. We'll see."
Then, they traveled to their world in a yellow light. After they left, Goku asked Bulma about a couple of someones.
Goku: "By the way, where's Krillin and Piccolo?"
Bulma: "Last I heard, they were either waiting or calling 17 and 18. They should be in the main lobby right now."
As Goku and Fu went down the stairs, Gohan, Trunks, 21, Artich, Vados, and Vegeta were accompanying Fu under the umbrella.
Gohan: "So, what is the Hyperbolic Time Space?"
Vados: "It's like the Hyperbolic Time Chamber you have here, but much more potent. Once you enter, you have to maintain your energy inside your bodies just to be able to move."
Future Trunks: "What? It's that strong?"
Vados: "Basically. You say that like it's a surprise."
Artich: "So, how do we get there?"
Vados: "That's easy. It requires my staff. Be warned, though. You won't have any refreshments while you're in here. Mostly because they belong to Lord Champa.
Gohan: "Huh. Good to know."
Fu became intrigued by it and couldn't contain his excitement.
Fu: "Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go already!"
Vados chuckled at Fu's excitement.
Vados: "Well, isn't someone Eager McBeaver? Alright, but so you know, I warned you."
When Vados was just about to use her staff, Vegeta stopped her.
Vegeta: "Hold on! We're not leaving just yet."
Future Trunks: "Huh? Why not?"
Vegeta: "First, we have to pick up your mother."
Future Trunks: "Huh? Mother?!"
Meanwhile, 21, Krillin, 18, Sen, and Piccolo were conversing with 17 and 16.
Piccolo: "So, you're a forest ranger, huh?"
Android 17: "Yeah, mostly because 16 roped me into it."
21 was no doubt happy seeing 16. She hadn't done so since his extermination.
Future Android 21: "16... You're back."
16 smiled back at her, believing her to be the 21 of this time.
Android 16: "As are you, 21."
Future Android 21: "Huh?"
Then, Trunks tried to explain.
Future Trunks: "Oh. She's actually the 21 from my time, 16."
Then, 16 bowed his head down in apparent sadness.
Android 16: "Oh. I see..."
Future Android 21: "I know how you feel, 16. I lost you in my timeline, too. So, I guess, we know what it's like... to lose someone we love."
16 looked up to 21 and smiled back.
Android 16: "I guess we do."
As 21 smiled at 16, 18 and Krillin talked to Sen.
Android 18: "So, you're Trunks' student, huh?"
Sen: "Mm-hmm. I've learned all sorts of techniques with him."
Krillin: "That's right. And, believe it or not, she's the one who linked with you the first time."
Then, 18's eyes widened in embarrassment and shock.
Android 18: "You mean... I've been saying those things to... Oh, no..."
Sen smiled at her, despite her first reaction.
Sen: "It's okay. I didn't know who I was supposed to be, either."
Just then, Goku and Bulma went into the room.
Bulma: "Hi, everyone! I'm so glad you could make it."
Then, Sen, 16, 17, 18, Piccolo, Krillin, and 21 turned to see Goku and Bulma, as well as an extra on her behind. Siding them to be stunned. Goku seemed to know what it was about and explained.
Goku: "Oh. It's the tail, huh? Apparently, she found some blueprints for some blood transfusion operation that can turn anyone into a Saiyan. Pretty cool, right?"
There was a moment of stunned silence before Sen spoke up.
Sen: "I'd like to try it!"
Just then, Vegeta came down from the stairs.
Vegeta: "You'll have to put that on hold for now. Bulma is going to be training with us for real today."
Bulma grew surprised as she blinked her eyes.
Bulma: "R-Really?"
After a moment, Bulma ran past Vegeta.
Bulma: "Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!"
Vegeta couldn't help but smirk at his wife's newfound love for training. All the while, Sen sighed about having to put the transfusion off.
Sen: "Aw! I guess we'll have to wait."
However, 21 knew something that could cheer her up.
Future Android 21: "I know. Why don't you and I train with Lord Beerus?"
Sen looked up to her with beaming eyes.
Sen: "Really? You mean it?"
Future Android 21: "Of course I do. We just need to use Vados to help get there."
However, Vegeta overheard that and spoke against it.
Vegeta: "By the way, we'll be using the Hyperbolic Time Space via Vados's staff. So if you've got other plans for it, you'll have to wait."
That, in turn, caused Sen and 21 to groan in disappointment until Sen thought of another way.
Sen: "I know. Why don't we use Instant Transmission?"
Future Android 21: "But Sen, they're so far away. They might as well be in another Universe."
Sen: "I can sense that far."
21 grew surprised at her.
Future Android 21: "Seriously?"
Sen nodded before placing her first two fingers between her eyes and focusing on Beerus and Whis, who just got back to their planet and walked in.
Sen: "I found them!"
Knowing what Instant Transmission can do, 21 gripped Sen by the shoulder before they vanished. That gave Piccolo an idea as he walked up the stairs as well.
Piccolo: "If anyone needs me I'll be training Gohan."
Android 17: "Alright, whatever."
Meanwhile, Vegeta brought Bulma up to the lobby.
Vegeta: "Alright. I've brought Bulma here. Now we're ready."
Then, Gohan noticed the tail as well.
Gohan: "What the...? Bulma, why do you have a tail?"
Fu chuckled before answering.
Fu: "Oh, yeah. That was all me."
Bulma grew surprised.
Bulma: "Huh? But those notes were from the future me."
Fu: "Yeah, but... I gave her the idea."
Bulma: "So, you are a friend of my future son, aren't you?"
Fu: "No, more like a Guardian Angel."
Just then, Piccolo walked upwards to the stairs and spoke to Gohan.
Piccolo: "Wait a moment. You're not leaving me out of this. I'm joining in, too."
Gohan obviously saw that as good news.
Gohan: "Alright!"
Artich felt confused at Gohan's enthusiasm.
Artich: "Why are you so excited?"
Gohan: "Piccolo's been teaching me how to fight, right from the very basics. That last battle with Frieza made me realize I have to get stronger if I ever want to protect what's important to me. I need to."
Artich smiled back at Gohan.
Artich: "Now that, I can understand."
Vados felt like it'd go on forever.
Vados: "Alright, are you going to get on with this?"
Then, everyone turned to Vados and responded instantaneously.
Future Trunks/Fu/Bulma/Gohan/Artich/Piccolo/Vegeta: "Yes, Ma'am!"
With that, Vados stamped her staff on the ground twice before it went upward and created a white portal, sucking everyone but Vados into it. Afterwards, Vados turned her eyes to Champa.
Vados: "They've gone, my lord."
Champa snickered in delight.
Champa: "The most delicious of foods here are as good as mine!"
Play Battle of Gods Music: "Beerus's Shadow Approaches Near"
Back at Universe 10, Kari and Zamasu opened the tea cup and saw it was containing small dark brown spots. Before Zamasu could pour it, Kari stopped him.
Kari: "Hold on."
With that, Kari took the opportunity to add a small rose petal and gently mixed it in, giving the tea a pink hue and eliminating the imperfections.
Zamasu: "What is that?"
Kari: "You know how the tree sheds rose petals this season? Well, I'm just trying a special blend called Rosé tea. I'm hoping to see what Master Gowasu would think of it."
Zamasu: "Well, I fail to see how that could hurt to ask."
Kari giggled as Gowasu looked in the crystal ball, concerning Planet Barbari.
Far away, a humanoid dinosaur creature with blue eyes walked along the mountain and heard a faint wail coming from the cave. He turned to see another creature nurturing its infant with great care before he called out to the other as if they were greeting each other.
Kari got his attention before Gowasu spoke to them.
Kari: "Your tea is ready, Master."
Gowasu: "Well, you two seem to be enjoying yourselves."
Kari turned to Gowasu and smiled.
Kari: "I just made a special blend of tea called Rosé tea. I know it's different from your usual, but I hope you'll enjoy it."
Gowasu: "Well, let's see."
As Zamasu and Kari sat down, Gowasu gave an honest opinion as if something was wrong.
Gowasu: "There's something unfamiliar in this brew."
Kari: "Well, like I said, it is a bit different from your usual."
Then, Gowasu showed his true feelings for it as he smiled.
Gowasu: "I mean that it tastes much sweeter than before."
Kari blushed from hearing this.
Kari: "Thanks. I'm glad you appreciate it."
Gowasu: "This is because something romantic happened between the two of you, isn't it?"
Kari smiled as her blushing continued onward.
Kari: "As a matter of fact, yes. Would you like to hear about it?"
As Zamasu began to choke on his tea in shock before swallowing it, Gowasu nodded as he replied.
Gowasu: "By all means, please tell me."
Kari: "Okay. Well, you know how humans perform their union to be a part of each other's lives?"
Gowasu: "Yes. What of it?"
Kari blushed as she tried to find the right words.
Kari: "Well..."
End Battle of Gods Music: "Beerus's Presence Draws Near"
Just then, they heard a roar from the crystal ball.
Kari: "What was that?"
Gowasu: "I am monitoring a planet known as Barbari. Not long ago, a species of sentient bipeds evolved there. I'm watching to see what becomes of them."
As he explained, one dinosaur creature was pounding the other in the face repeatedly, while the child could only watch in fear. Kari noticed something strange deep within the creature pounding him. As if something or someone was...
Kari: "What's come over him? The one that's beating the other up?"
Gowasu: "Sad to say, he's becoming more violent, though I don't know how."
Zamasu: "Would it not be wise to shed light on this before they cause more problems?"
Play Super Music: "Humiliating Defeat"
Gowasu: "Hmm? What do you mean 'shed light on this'?"
Zamasu: "We shall see for ourselves what scale of good and evil weighs in this being, of course. If it comes from an outside source, we'll determine what the source of that evil is and put a stop to it."
Kari: "Except we can't, because that goes against your role as a Kai in general, Master."
Zamasu: "Oh. Of course."
Kari: "What else can we do? If this keeps up, there won't be any good left at all in him, or his descendants for that matter."
Gowasu thought of an idea.
Gowasu: "We'll have to assess this ourselves, I suppose."
Kari: "But, Master..."
Gowasu: "I know. But if this situation is as dangerous as you fear, we can't avoid this. Come."
After nodding, Kari and Zamasu entered the temple to find themselves in a bizarre space.
Kari: "Whoa. Where are we?"
Gowasu: "We are in the sacred storage."
Then, he swiped his hand to the left, creating a red wall before it turned into file cabinets as far as the eye can see. Then, Gowasu opened one to reveal the same box with Time Rings.
Kari: "What are we here for?"
Gowasu: "For this."
Zamasu: "Isn't that the box the Destroyer and the attendant from Universe 7 came to check?"
Gowasu: "Indeed. Behold, the Time Rings. As the name suggests, these bands allow one to move beyond the constraints of time.
Kari grew surprised.
Kari: "Huh? We're doing what?"
End Super Music: "Humiliating Defeat"
Meanwhile, in the staff, Artich, Bulma, Fu, Gohan, Trunks, Piccolo, and Vegeta just appeared. But Vegeta was the only one able to move around while the rest were paralyzed.
Future Trunks: "Huh? What the...?"
Piccolo: "Why... can't I... move?!"
Gohan: "Whoo... This is... very difficult..."
Artich: "Gee, you think?!"
Bulma: "I feel... so trapped...!"
Fu, however, seemed to be the only other person who remembered Vados' warning.
Fu: "It's okay, everyone. You just have to keep your energy in your body."
To prove this, Fu gave a deep breath and the energy became absorbed by her body before she is allowed to move again.
Fu: "There. See? If I can do it, so can you."
Gohan and Piccolo tried that next and were successful.
Gohan: "Whew! That takes quite a load off."
Piccolo: "Don't get too comfortable. It's not easy keeping your energy inside your body. If even an ounce of it escapes your body, you'll get paralyzed all over again."
Trunks concurred as he, Artich, and Bulma trapped their energies inside their bodies.
Future Trunks: "Good point."
Bulma: "So all we have to do is keep our energies to ourselves as long as we can or we'll freeze up? The longer we train, the easier it'll be?"
Fu couldn't agree more.
Fu: "Exactly."
Bulma: "Now you're speaking my language. So, who'd like to go against me first? I'm feeling lucky."
However, Vegeta didn't find it the best option.
Vegeta: "Not just yet. First, I'm going to be the one sparring. Who'd like to be my volunteer?"
Trunks didn't hesitate to volunteer, considering his mother is around this time.
Future Trunks: "I'll go. It's been a long time since I've trained after all."
Play Battle of Gods Music: "Beerus's Presence Draws Near (Part Two)
Then, Kari, Zamasu, and Gowasu appeared just above the scene to witness the outcome in which the savage creature beat the other down as dark purple eyes flared.
Kari: "I knew it. Something is wrong with him."
Gowasu: "I hope a thousand years from now, these creatures of Barbari are not so shackled to their primitive drives."
Zamasu: "So that artifact actually allows the wearer to travel through time, Master?"
Gowasu: "Yes. But there are distinct limitations. The Rings take us to the future and then always brings us back."
Kari: "So, I assume we can't go back farther than the point we set off from?"
Gowasu: "Of course not. That is not the purpose of the Rings. And even if they could, such movement is strictly forbidden. Interacting with history is complex and fraught with danger. You remember the four emerald-colored rings that were inside that box?"
Kari: "That's because someone altered history, right?"
Gowasu: "Each was created by a significant change in history, which has produced a separate timeline; an alternate reality."
Zamasu: "What does that mean, 'an alternate reality'?
Kari: "It's like this. Make one little change, everything else would follow. But they'll still be separate from each other, like they coexist."
Gowasu: "Precisely. It is possible to affect the flow of time in a way that creates a parallel stream. And judging from the bands in that box, this has happened in recent years. For mercy's sake, what sort of fools would attempt such madness?"
Kari had an idea.
Kari: "Maybe the same one who turned the creature into a raging beast."
Gowasu: "You're not saying someone is at work changing history, are you?"
Kari: "I don't know yet. I have a hunch that's the case. We still need to see this through, either way."
Gowasu: "My point is the Time Ring can take us to the Barbari's future."
Zamasu/Kari: "Yes, sir."
Gowasu: "Or should I say, it can take me. As a precaution, the Time Rings only transport those with a full rank of Supreme Kai and have the correct Potara Earring to prove it. Mere apprentices like yourselves do not qualify."
Zamasu: "So we can't go with you?"
Kari grew disappointed at this.
Kari: "Great. How are we supposed to go with you now?"
Gowasu: "Not to worry. I've prepared for that."
Then, Gowasu forged two potara earrings with dark pink coloring as opposed to Gowasu's green ones and handed them over to Kari before giving one of his own to Zamasu.
Gowasu: "You may borrow these earrings. I will promote you two to Supreme Kai, temporarily of course."
Kari and Zamasu each bowed in respect as well as in unison.
Kari/Zamasu: "We are humbled, Master."
After taking the earrings and putting them on, Kari grew happy as Gowasu instructed Zamasu.
Gowasu: "Just make sure you put it on your left ear, Zamasu. I trust you know why."
Kari knew the reason why.
Kari: "I get it. If one of them is on the right and the other on the left, then you'd merge, right?"
Gowasu: "Yes. It would combine us together into a single far more powerful Kai. But the transformation would be permanent. How about it? Want to join with me forever?"
After hearing this, Zamasu and Kari grew petrified and just brushed it off.
Zamasu: "Uh... no thanks. Perhaps some other time, Master."
Kari: "Amen to that."
Then, Gowasu laughed before holding his arm out.
Gowasu: "Alright. Touch the ring and say 'one thousand.' We'll travel that many years ahead."
Then, Zamasu and Kari placed their fists on his before they spoke in unison.
Kari/Gowasu/Zamasu: "One thousand!"
As a result, They found themselves surrounded by multiple spectrums of light before returning to Barbari.
Gowasu: "Let's see."
Gowasu and the others looked down and saw that the specimen had multiplied.
Gowasu: "Look! Fire and shelter! They're starting to civilize!"
However, when they bumped into each other, they began flaring dark purple eyes again before entering fierce combat as if they had gone to war from just one misconduct. All the while, Kari grew fearful.
Kari: "This is a nightmare. We have to find whoever poisoned them and stop him."
Zamasu: "This proves it. If we do not seek out the source of this expanse in evil and eliminate it, the multiverse will have no peace."
Far away, a certain demon in a blue suit with a white cape, pointy ears and yellow eyes with black cat-slit irises watched from a great distance before smiling wickedly at the three intruders.
End Battle of Gods Music: "Beerus's Presence Draws Near (Part Two)
Meanwhile, in the Hyperbolic Time Space, Trunks grew reminiscing of his time training.
Future Trunks: "You haven't trained me since back when Cell was on the loose, remember?"
Vegeta: "Of course not. You think I keep some kind of diary under my pillow?"
Future Trunks: "Well, I haven't forgotten it, Father. A year in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber with you, I'll always remember that."
In the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, Trunks was wearing a ponytail with long hair and was panting heavily as Vegeta spoke.
Vegeta: "Guess you're not just worthless garbage, after all. As gifted a warrior as I clearly am, it would've taken me a little longer to reach this level of power on my own. By that, I mean transcending Super Saiyan."
Future Trunks: "Wait, what?!"
Then, Vegeta powered himself up, sending a huge gust of wind before his hair became spikier with an expansion in his muscles.
Vegeta: "You see?! This is the glorious power that goes beyond Super Saiyan! This is Super Vegeta!"
Then, Trunks took a deep breath before turning Super Saiyan 2, catching Fu's attention span.
Fu: "Oh! Looks like a real good fight's getting started!"
Bulma: "Cone on, Trunks! You can do it!"
Future Trunks: "There, Dad, you see? No need to hold back! You can spar with me at full strength! Use your Super Saiyan 3 like Goku did."
Upon hearing this, Vegeta smiled and started laughing his head off, causing Fu to do the same as he realized the reason, catching Trunks' attention.
Future Trunks: "What? Did I say something funny?"
Fu: "You really don't know, do you?! He doesn't have Super Saiyan 3! He has Super Saiyan Blue!"
Future Trunks: "Huh? Oh, yeah. Sen mentioned it before. What is that?"
Vegeta: "You'll see."
Play Super Music: "Limit Break"
Then, Vegeta's eyes glared blue before he transformed, surprising Bulma and Trunks.
Bulma: "Uh-oh. This isn't gonna end well."
Future Trunks: "Whoa! What level is that?!"
Vegeta: "We call this Super Saiyan Blue."
After looking closely, Bulma knew there should be a name change.
Bulma: "Are you sure? I think it should be called Super Saiyan Azure."
Vegeta: "Are you serious? That sounds like adding an anagram of our race just to spite us."
Bulma: "Technically, it's bright blue, not the actual color."
Vegeta: "Interesting case. You should take it up with Whis."
Meanwhile, Trunks grew more surprised.
Future Trunks: "I can't sense his energy. But I can feel this power in the air-it's overwhelming. What is this?!"
Then, he remembered what Beerus told him.
Beerus: "While it's true that Zamasu is a deity, he's only a Supreme-Kai-in-training. For someone with experience fighting against a great Destroyer like myself, it was a piece of cake."
Future Trunks: "Could it be?"
Vegeta: "What happened to all that machismo, boy?"
Future Trunks: "That must be it. Father and Goku have discovered how to summon this blue energy from the gods. This... divine power. They must've learned it from fighting that Destroyer!"
Vegeta: "Soiling yourself before we begin? Alright, fine. I'll give you a handicap. If you can manage to land a single blow against me, we'll call you the winner."
Then, Bulma offered a suggestion.
Bulma: "Hold on there, Vegeta! I'm joining in too! I don't know why. Maybe it's because of all the times you skipped out on our family times, but I just got to fight you! You at least owe me that much!"
Vegeta grew a bit fearful for his wife, despite having full Saiyan Blood. However, she was right about that.
Vegeta: "Alright, Bulma. You can pair up with Trunks."
Fu grew excited from the current development.
Fu: "Wow! The whole Vegeta family is training together! This couldn't have gone any better!"
Then, Trunks decided to power up himself.
Future Trunks: "You'd be a fool to underestimate me."
Bulma: "Like it or not, Vegeta, you're going to be surpassed by the Princess of all Saiyans!"
Vegeta: "I'm glad to see you can talk tough at least."
End Super Music: "Limit Break"
Then, to the surprise of husband and wife, Trunks powered up immensely as he gave a fierce yell, expanding his muscles and hair. Then, Vegeta began to snarl.
Play Super Music: "A Fearsome Foe"
Vegeta: "Still relying on that bulky, lumbering transformation? You disappoint me!"
As he started darting toward him, Trunks had a plan.
Future Trunks: "He fell for it."
Just as he was about to strike, Trunks changed back to Super Saiyan 2 before he dodged Vegeta's blow and countered.
Vegeta: "So that lame form was just a ploy to draw me in and catch me off-guard? I'm impressed."
Then, Bulma joined in with Trunks and Mother and Son kept Vegeta at bay with their blows. Then, Bulma fired a blue blast at Vegeta, who smacked it away before they continued on with their blows. That is, until he smacked Trunks in the chin and kneed Bulma in the chest.
Vegeta: "Grading on a hundred-point scale... "
Then, he planted his fists on Bulma and Trunks before speaking again.
Vegeta: "I'd give you a thirty at best."
However, Bulma smiled, much to Vegeta's surprise.
Bulma: "It's not done yet."
Then, the blast that Vegeta previously knocked away swerved back to Vegeta, taking him by surprise before he countered it again with his own blast. After which, Trunks and Bulma charged him as they attempted to punch Vegeta, only for him to plant his fists on theirs. However, in doing so, Trunks and Bulma could feel a sensation before they stopped. Vegeta smiled before he halted his assault.
End Super Music: "A Fearsome Foe"
Vegeta: "That's enough. That was your one punch."
Bulma could feel her hand tingling from it.
Bulma: "Whoa. I'm getting so restless..."
Future Trunks: "This Super Saiyan Azure. If Father and Goku have this in their arsenal, they can stop Black and Mareth for sure! It's gonna be okay. My own strength doesn't matter now."
Unfortunately, Vegeta heard that and grew angrier. Before he could attack Trunks, Bulma snatched Trunks up by his collar.
Bulma: "What's wrong with you?!"
Trunks and Vegeta grew surprised about Bulma's outburst.
Bulma: "Didn't you promise everyone you'd defeat Black?! You really think Black's the only enemy you'll ever fight?! What about after?!"
Trunks widened his eyes as he got what Bulma was saying.
Bulma: "You should set your sights higher than that! Even I know how to do that and it's my first time being a Saiyan! If you're supposed to be my son, you should never let yourself lose to anyone, no matter how strong they are! Right, Vegeta?!"
Vegeta, apparently stunted by Bulma's outburst at her own son, snapped out of it and agreed in a sheepish voice.
Vegeta: "Uh, yeah! What she said!"
Then, Trunks smiled at her and responded proudly.
Future Trunks: "I hear you. And I will get stronger. Stronger than Black and Mareth... and stronger than you."
Then, Bulma and Vegeta grinned.
Bulma: "So, want to keep going at it? I'm game if you are."
Trunks smiled at her and nodded.
Future Trunks: "Sure. Why not?"
Bulma smiled proudly before speaking to her son.
Bulma: "Good. Because I've got something you'd want to see. Might as well get the practice."
Then, Bulma's eyes flared bright blue before transforming herself, giving her hair a more spiky look with her blue hair more brighter, surprising son and father alike. Then, Fu instantly grew very surprised.
Fu: "Wow! I had no idea energy could be used like that! You're just chock-full of research potential!"
Bulma: "What do you think? I told you I'd surpass you, Vegeta."
Meanwhile, on Beerus' Planet, Whis was cooking up a special meal for Beerus.
Whis: "Here we go! Who's a good stir fry?"
Beerus: "Aren't you done yet?"
Whis: "Can't rush perfection, my lord! I'm almost done!"
As Beerus grumbled, he was surprised to see Sen appear in the middle of nowhere with 21 in tow.
Beerus: "Hmm?! Didn't we leave you on Earth?!"
Future Android 21: "Sorry, but we came to ask you guys to train us. That is, if you have the time."
Just then, Whis's Staff started beeping.
Sen: "Huh?"
Future Android 21: "What's that?"
Beerus: "Just an important message. Whis! Can you get that?!"
Whis: "You'll have to do it yourself, my lord!"
However, Sen was already ahead of that.
Sen: "Hi. We're busy at the moment. Please call back as soon as you can on your own time."
Suddenly, the staff floated by itself and showed a projection of a small being with purple and blue skin as well as two small buds where his ears would be, catching not only 21 and Sen's astonishment, but Beerus' fear as well.
Beerus: "G-G-G-Grand Zeno! Sire"
In his act of panic, he stood at attention and drew closer to the projection before bowing his head, smashing the table in the process.
Beerus: "Yay! We praise thee, noble person! With all our pleases and our thank-yous! Oh, Kami, am I quoting Goku?!"
Confused as they were, Sen and 21 decided to greet on their part as well.
Sen: "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Future Android 21: "I am honored to be in your presence."
Just then, Whis appeared and paid greetings to him, paying no mind to the recent visitors.
Whis: "Oh, Grand Zeno! What an unexpected honor! I hope you're having a splendid day."
Grand Zeno: "Uh, it's an okay day, I guess. I'm calling because I want you to arrange something for me, you see."
Beerus: "And what would that be, Grand Leader?"
Grand Zeno: "Well, I'd like to see Goku, you see!"
Then, in horror, Beerus and Whis expressed looks of complete aghast, while 21 and Sen smiled.
Sen/Future Android 21: "Understood, my lord. We'll get started on it right away."
Then, Grand Zeno mm-hmm'd before the transmission ended. When it did, Sen and 21 couldn't help how innocent he was.
Future Android 21: "You know, I like this Grand Zeno."
Sen: "Yeah. He seemed really nice."
However, the aghast looks on Beerus and Whis hadn't worn off, confusing them.
Future Android 21: "Hmm? What's the matter?"
Sen: "Is something wrong?"
Beerus: "You two don't know what you've done..."
A/N: Hi, everyone. For those of you that have read this story, please know that I've recently added the lemon chapters as separate stories. Though, chapter one will be most likely updated with extra content before I add in more chapters. And you can rest assured, for I will create a Universe Survival Arc following the Warriors of Hope story. And that demon responsible for the darkness in the Barbari was none other than Dabura, King of the Demon Realm. Dun-dun-dun! And, one more bombshell for the day is that Kale and Caulifla will be present in the Warriors of Hope arc as well as Cabba. That's all I've got to say for now. See you later. :)
