Chapter 10
"NOOOO!" a woman was screaming. "JUDITH!" she screamed. 'Hey, that's my name.' Judith looked back at the woman. 'I think I know her.' Judith looked down at herself, she was small, no more than 5 years old.
"Mommy!" she was screaming back at her mother. Judith could see her mother was being held back by two figures, Judith could not make out who are what they were, but they were having difficulty restraining her.
"Please do not take her!" her mother had started begging. "She's just a child!" she yelled.
Someone was holding her, carrying her away from her mother. Judith struggled as best she could, trying to break free. She looked up at the man that was carrying her, his face was disturbingly familiar to her. He appeared to be a Kai, a Supreme Kai! She had noticed his green potara earrings.
Her mother had managed to break free from her captors with a swift kick between the one's legs and an elbow in the others stomach. Judith redoubled her efforts seeing her mother running toward her. Judith's struggling did not have any effect on the man holding her, instead, he painfully tightened his grip on her. The man was looking at her mother as she ran towards them. Judith saw his eyes glow with a strange purple light. She turned just in time to see her mother floating of the ground toward them and then she was slammed into the ground in front of them. The impact had caused the ground to crack.
"Please…" her mother tried to speak, but her ribs were broken with the force that her body had hit the ground.
"Do not dare grovel at my feet human!" the man screamed angrily before kicking her mother away causing her to fly over the ground and come to a screeching halt. "You may have fooled the deity god," the man spoke in a clear voice (that voice sounded familiar), "but your sly nature will have no effect on me!"
A loud noise cracked through the air and a flash of white light shot through the sky. "Let her go Demasu." Judith could at last see the person that had spoken… It was none other than the Grand Minister. "You know the laws that govern you. If you insist on continuing down this path, I will have no choice but to have you destroyed." His voice was serious.
"I truly cannot believe it! Am I the only one that realises what an abomination this child is!" Demasu howled in rage. "How can you expect me to sit by and idly watch as this-" he held Judith up by the scruff of her shirt, "-this thing is allowed to live. She is the embodiment of everything I have suspected to be true and that it that humanity does not deserve life, they are an evil species that thrives on deceit! And if I must die to prove it, then so be it!"
Judith watched as Demasu raised his hand, now glowing with some purple energy, above her. "Now, you die, Karito." He said as he brought his hand down with blinding speed, aiming for her neck. Judith closed her eyes, waiting for the blow… but it never came. Instead she fell to the ground and immediately ran to her mother's limp body. Behind her she heard someone say, "Your journey ends here Demasu… Hakai." She heard a scream, and everything went quiet. It was an unnatural silence.
And then suddenly her mother's agonizing scream shattered the silence. Judith looked down, only to see that it was her touch that was causing her mother's pain. A sea of black had started to spread across her mother's arm where her hands had been. "No! Mommy!" Judith yelled, here vision turning red as the blood swelled to her eyes.
"Judith." Her mother said. "Never forget."…
Judith felt the scorching heat from the raging inferno, the flames was swallowing everything in their path, they left nothing alive… "Zama-!"
"Suu!" Judith sat up in bed. She no longer woke up in sweat and she no longer trembled or was out of breath, her body had grown used to her violent energy fluctuations. 'No!' Judith thought. 'I need to remember more!'
"Good morning my dear." An unfamiliar voice said from her door. On instinct Judith grabbed the first thing she could find and hurled it in the direction of the door, while simultaneously jumping out of bed and releasing a war cry.
To her dismay, Judith saw she had grabbed a rather delicate looking crystal, which had struck the figure square in the face and had shattered into a million pieces. The unknown figure simply giggled, holding a hand over his mouth.
… in the courtyard ….
Zamsu had heard the crystal shatter and Judith's impressive war cry. He smiled to himself. 'Well at least we know she is awake…' he thought, almost chuckling at the thought of her hurdling Gowasu's prized crystal at the intruder. He was once again making his way to that cursed tree his Master loved so much.
… Judith's room …
"Forgive me for startling you Lady Judith." The figure laughed. "And may I complement you on your excellent aim." His voice was cheerful.
Judith immediately recognised the figure's attire; it was the same as Whis. He had a similar looking staff as well, but she did not recognise his face, though there was something familiar about him.
"Who are you and what are you doing in my room?" she asked. 'Damn', she thought. She wanted to sound tough. What was worse, Judith had a horrible habit of starting to giggle uncontrollably whenever she was surprised, and she could already feel the giggling coming…
"Oh! Off course, you would not know. How silly of me." The figure spoke his thoughts out loud. "My name is Fizz. I have been assigned to you as your attendant." He gave a slight bow as he introduced himself. "May I say it is a delight meeting you."
"My attendant?" Judith asked confused. She was not a destroyer or a god… and she definitely did not need a babysitter.
"Yes, on instruction from the Grand Priest himself." Fizz said smiling.
Judith considered Fizz for a second. He was as tall as Whis, but slightly paler. The same white hair, though in a different style, it was much shorter that Whis's and it was combed back slickly.
"My apologies for my rude greeting." Judith said, swallowing her giggle (which was still threatening to bubble over). "And for staring." She added. "But you look awfully similar to another angel I know." Judith said, trying her best to smile, but not to giggle, her voice was shaky, nonetheless.
"I assume you are referring Whis?" the angel said. Judith could only nod her head; she was really struggling to suppress her giggle. "Well I suppose we would have some similarities, him being my brother."
Judith's jaw almost dropped to the floor. 'Whis has a brother?!' Now that she looked more closely, she could definitely see the resemblance not only in their appearance, but in their demeanour as well. Fizz had the same comforting aura radiating from him. Judith immediately liked him.
Fizz giggled again, seeing the surprise in Judith's expression. "I thought you knew. All the guide angels are related."
Judith laughed nervously as she said, "Well that does explain a lot. I suppose I should be worried that I hurt you with that crystal, but seeing as you and Whis are of similar decent, I assume you didn't even feel it?" Judith managed a smile. The giggling was starting to disappear.
"Oh! Off course not!" Fizz laughed. "Although you did break Gowasu's million-year-old demantoid crystal." He smiled.
'WHAT?!' Little Miss Judy screamed.
"But don't trouble yourself Miss Judith, I am sure Gowasu will understand, even though there were only 3 in existence…." Fizz said cheerfully.
'ONLY THREE!?' Little Miss Judy screamed again.
Fizz giggled as he said. "Well I guess there are only 2 now." Judith was as white as a sheet, her mouth agape and she was trembling a little. "Oh dear." Was all he said as he noticed her reaction.
… the garden …
Gowasu and Zamasu were on their way back to the temple. Little was said between the two of them, the events of the previous day still clear in their memories.
"Ya-ooooh!" an unfamiliar voice suddenly yelled from above them. "Yeah! We're her at last!" Both Gowasu and Zamasu looked as an unfamiliar man unceremoniously crash landed not far from them, sending up a cloud of dust.
Gowasu spoke first. "Oh my." He said. "Well well, if it isn't Lord Beerus." He bowed respectfully, Zamasu followed his lead. 'So, this is the destroyer Lord Beerus?' Zamasu thought. He had heard much about him, but he had never had the privilege of meeting him. 'He certainly looks the part.' Zamasu decided as he looked at the deity.
"Hi." Lord Beerus said in a rough voice, lifting a hand in greeting. Zamasu at first thought it strange that he would greet them in such an informal manner.
Whis, off-course was the definition of politeness. "Greetings Gowasu. I did not expect to see you again so soon, by as always, it is a pleasure to be received by you."
'Oh great.' Zamasu thought. 'The angel is here.' The thought had barely crossed his mind before he did a double-take. Was he truly THAT jealous of the seeming relationship Judith had with the angel? He pushed the thought away as Gowasu introduced him to Lord Beerus.
"This is my apprentice, the Supreme Kai in training, Zamasu."
"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." Zamasu said in his trademark monotone voice. As he spoke the man that was accompanying Lord Beerus and Whis made a b-line toward him. Zamasu had almost forgotten about him. The man stopped just short of Zamasu, sending a rush of air past him, and catching him by surprise. 'A mortal?' he thought.
"Hi. I'm Goku. Are you that Kai dude that's supposed to be like all super strong and stuff?" the man rambled; his voice full of excitement. Zamasu made no attempt to hide his anger which was clear on his face. 'What's another mortal doing here?' As the thought went through his mind, he felt a brick fall to his stomach. Could this mortal be here because of Judith?
Zamasu saw Whis whisper something to Lord Beerus who was watching their exchange with mild interest.
"Now now." Whis spoke politely. "Why don't you go ahead and introduce yourself properly." He said to the man.
"Oh! Right! Prop-er-ly." the mortal said before turning dead serious and standing at attention before speaking again. "I am called Goku your Kainess at your serving." Zamasu noticed Lord Beerus stifling his laughter at the mortal's display, Whis himself having trouble to refrain from laughing.
"I wonder if he does this on purpose?" Zamasu heard Whis say to Lord Beerus behind his hand. Gowasu merely stared at the mortal, mouth agape.
Goku continued, oblivious to Lord Beerus and Whis's amusement. "In appreciation of you braving the weather as we gather here on this auspicious day. I hope this is to your liking." He finished with a deep bow, causing Zamasu to take a step back.
"At least he made an effort." Gowasu remarked dryly. Goku was smiling gleefully, clearly pleased with himself.
Zamasu looked down at the bowing figure, his anger replaced by annoyance, which was clear for all to see. 'What an idiot?' he thought.
"In 7th universe terms, he hails from planet 877, which is located in the heart of 40323." Whis explained.
Lord Beerus interrupted. "Right. He's a saiyan who resides on a pallet enticing world known as earth." He spoke as if showing of a prized possession.
"A saiyan, you say." Zamasu said, his face still full if annoyance. 'Who is this creature? Ans what's he doing traveling with a destroyer?" "Uuh." Zamasu's face turned from annoyance, to surprise and then to horror. Goku had grabbed and was feeling his biceps.
"Wow. Not bad. You seem pretty buff for a fancy Kai. You work out a lot or what?" Goku said unassumingly.
"How dare you touch me mortal!" Zamasu yelled outraged, shrugging Goku off and moving hand flawlessly into position to strike Goku down. Before he could bring his hand down Gowasu had intervened and grabbed his wrist.
"Stop that at once Zamasu." Gowasu said sternly. His words had no effect on Zamasu, who continued to glare at Goku with disdain. "Zamasu!" Gowasu said again.
This time Zamasu reluctantly obliged. HE closed his eyes and let out an audible sigh before bringing his hand down.
"Please pardon his outburst Lord Beerus." Gowasu apologized. He stepped away from his apprentice as he spoke. 'Why would Whis bring a human here, now? Knowing what is at stake. Was he purposely trying to provoke Zamasu?' Gowasu thought as he looked at Whis questioningly before he spoke again. Whis's face betrayed nothing.
"Now then, to what do owe the great pleasure of your visit?" Gowasu asked Lord Beerus. Instead Goku answered.
"I can't wait anymore." He turned to Zamasu again. "Would you mind going a quick round with me just for fun?" he asked gleefully.
Zamasu clenched his fists in anger, his brow furrowing deeper. "You want ME to fight you?" he struggled to keep his voice controlled.
Goku slapped his hand together in front of him in a begging gesture. "Oh, come on! Pretty please?" his voice growing in pitch. "You gotta do it! I came all this way just for that!" he sounded like a child complaining.
Zamasu's anger burned red hot, his silver-grey eyes as cold as eyes as he hissed through clenched teeth: "Show respect!" The air reacted to his flare in energy, sending a gust of wind radiating from him. He was barely containing his fury at this mortals insolence.
Fortunately, Lord Beerus had unceremoniously grabbed one of Goku's ears and hurled him over his shoulder into the air. "You two can get to that later." He said, his eyes closed as he went through the motions.
"Uuuh…" Both Gowasu and Zamasu stared at the spectacle. It looked more like Lord Beerus was discarding a less than pleasing plaything than a human. "Whis." Lord Beerus gestured to Whis to continue in a bored tone.
"Yes sir." Whis said respectfully before beginning. "We're hoping you could help us solve a mystery."
'What now? Another mystery?' Gowasu thought, already exhausted at the mere thought of another problem to be concerned about.
"Recently a troubling individual appeared on earth in the 7th, wearing a time ring." Whis said.
Zamasu's anger had disappeared with Goku and he was once again his calm and collective self. "A time ring? What is that?" Zamasu asked. He had never heard of such a thing and neither has he ever came across it in his readings.
"As if that weren't vexing enough…" Whis paused for effect, "… this fellow was NOT a Supreme Kai."
Gowasu was clearly shocked. "But that would not be possible!" he exclaimed.
"And just wait till you hear what he looked like." Lord Beerus spoke, pointing over his shoulder with his thumb to Goku, who was still in the air. "He was a dead ringer for that ridiculous fool stretching up there." As he finished, all four of them turned to look at Goku, who noticed them watching him.
"Who is he?" Lord Beerus asked. "Do you have any idea?"
"Strange…" Gowasu remarked just as Goku suddenly appeared right in front of Zamasu again, crossed legged and floating in mid-air. Zamasu took yet another step back… 'This guy is starting to freak me out…' he thought as Goku spoke.
"Hey, why are you staring at me so hard? You're making me self-conscience, is there something on my face?" his voice was light and friendly. 'Like a child.' Zamasu decided. 'And I hate children.' He thought bitterly.
Gowasu continued speaking, oblivious to Zamasu's distress at the unwanted attention he was receiving from the mortal. "Well that is rather inexplicable isn't it?"
"Indeed." Whis said. "It simply doesn't add up."
"Tell us." Lord Beerus slapped Goku away upward into the heavens as he spoke, like he was swatting a fly. "Are all of your time rings where they should be right now?"
Gowasu and Zamasu had followed Goku as he flew up through the air. Gowasu returned his gaze to Lord Beerus. "Off-course. I store them carefully in a very safe location." Zamasu was still watching amazed as Goku continued flying upward. How hard did Lord Beerus slap him?
"That's good to hear." Lord Beerus said. "But would you mind if we check them out the be sure?" Lord Beerus's voice held a threatening tone, though as a destroyer, his voice always seemed threatening.
"Yes. If you insist." Gowasu turned to Zamasu. "Well Zamasu?" Zamasu was still staring at Goku who had now become a speck in the sky.
"Uuuh…."
"Zamasu!" Gowasu sounded like an annoyed parent. "Let's show Lord Beerus and his associates to the temple."
"Uh. Uhm. Yes Master." Zamasu quickly replied as he recovered from his stupor.
… Judith's room …
Judith had bombarded Fizz with possible solutions to restore the demantoid crystal, each more ludicrous than the last. Fizz had drawn the line when she mentioned something called 'super-glue'. He had tapped his staff to floor and every single piece of the shattered crystal had disappeared, to Judith's horror off-course.
Judith stood in front of the bathroom mirror. To her disappointment she noticed that the black streak in hair was still there, she sighed coming to terms with the fact that it will always be there and she couldn't help but to ask herself what Zamasu would think of it. 'Ugh. That insufferable man!' Judith thought. Despite the morning's many distractions, she could not keep Zamasu out of her head for long. Her stomach fluttered at the mere thought of him.
'Oh dear, you've really got it bad for him…' Little Miss Judy sighed sadly. Judith irritably splashed some water on her face, getting ready for the day ahead. She had not forgotten what had happened yesterday in the tea garden, and though it did trouble her, she could only think of one person and it frustrated her beyond believe.
… the temple courtyard …
"I'm very sorry to keep you waiting." Gowasu spoke as he and Zamasu appeared in the doorway leading into the main temple. Gowasu noticed that Goku had face planted and guessed it was Lord Beerus's handywork.
Gowasu and Zamasu made their way the centre of the courtyard. Gowasu placed a moderately sized box on the table in front of Lord Beerus and Whis. The box was black and finished with gold trimmings. A purple rope was tied skilfully across it. Lord Beerus, Whis and Goku (which was on his feet again) leaned closer as Gowasu carefully undid the knot and opened the box to reveal 5 rings. One was silver, the others emerald, each with an infinity symbol embossed upon it.
"As you can see all rings are present and accounted for." Gowasu said satisfied.
"Ah. Indeed." Lord Beerus sounded bored and Zamasu could have sworn he heard a slight tone of disappointment in his voice.
"I guess the search continues, uh?" Whis said to Lord Beerus.
Zamasu had taken his customary position to the right of Gowasu, standing slightly behind his Master.
"Yes. For a moment you had me worried I've made some grave mistake, but now that we see all is in order, I have to ask, why you came to the universe for answ…" Zamasu did not hear the rest of Gowasu's sentence.
Zamasu had noticed Goku slinking toward him, his hands in front of him in the same begging gesture as before and giggling with excitement. Zamasu had started backing away from him, not because he was afraid of this mortal, but because Zamasu firmly believed there was something wrong with this guy. That, and he did not want the mortal groping him again. If anyone were to grope him, it would be Judith… Zamasu cursed inwardly at the inopportune timing of the thought. To his horror he discovered that is lapse in concentration had caused Goku to close the gap between them.
"Get. Away from me." Zamasu said in a stern voice. If it were any other situation, he would have found it amusing that he sounded like a parent speaking to a child, but this situation was far to uncomfortable for him to be amused. His words had drawn the attention of Gowasu, Lord Beerus and Whis, all of whom turned to watch the two of them.
"Aaah! Don't be such a stock in the mud." Goku said. "Just fight me okay. Come on." He sounded like a nagging child. "You know you want to."
Zamasu's fury had returned in a flash. "Mind your uncouth tongue when speaking to me moral!" he clenched his jaw tightly. Only one person was allowed to talk to him so freely and that was Judith. 'What the hell are you thinking!' he shouted inwardly. 'Focus you fool and stop thinking of her!'
"Oh. Right. Gotta do that formal thing." Goku said, once again standing at attention. "Uh. Sir. It would be your utmost pleasure to please engage with fisticuffs with me your Kainess sir."
Zamasu was speechless at the mortals idiocy. Gowasu nearly laughed at the unnerved look on Zamasu's face. 'The poor boy doesn't know what to do.' He thought as he closed the box, holding his hand over it as the purple rope once again intricately knotted itself across it.
"Just go ahead and spar with him." Gowasu interrupted.
Zamasu looked at Gowasu outraged. His Master knew how he felt about mortals. "Master Gowasu! I-" but he was cut off as his Master spoke again.
"This could provide an excellent opportunity for you to get to know other mortals better." Something clicked in Gowasu's mind. Was this the reason Whis had brought this mortal here?
Zamasu looked at his master surprised before closing his eyes and sighing audibly in frustration. "As you wish." Was all Zamasu managed to say.
Goku was ecstatic. "Oh right! Yes!" he turned to Gowasu, giving him the peace sign as he spoke. "Hey thanks. You know, you're pretty cool for an old timer!" he said with his childish enthusiasm.
"Don't thank me." Gowasu answered. "It is an important facet in his training."
'Let's see how well he is able to keep his heart in check when faced with a mortal other than Judith.' Gowasu thought, now certain that this was the true reason for Whis bringing this mortal here.
"Now Zamasu. Off-course you'll have to pull your punches." Gowasu said again, there was no need for the mortal to be 'mortally injured' (pardon the pun).
"Uuh…" Lord Beerus was starting to speak but was interrupted by Goku.
"Hold on! Nobody's pulling anything okay!" he yelled, sounding offended that Gowasu would even suggest it. He turned to Zamasu concerned. "You better face me with everything you got, you understand me!?"
'What insolence!' Zamasu thought infuriated. "Excuse me-" he was cut off, this time by Lord Beerus.
"You should listen to saiyan. Don't hold back even a little bit." Lord Beerus said seriously.
Gowasu could hardly believe his ears."Are you mad? Why would you say that?" he asked Lord Beerus who ominously answered: "Because, if you hold back, you will die."
Zamasu looked from Lord Beerus back to Goku uncertainly. Goku was giggling like a child on Christmas. His insolence made Zamasu's blood boil with rage.