Chapter 26
Judith lay perfectly still on her bed, the bed that was now tainted by Zamasu and her sin. She groaned softly, it truly felt as if her brain was boiling, the electric signals overloading their circuitry and frying her mind in the process.
Despite her mind protesting vociferously she could not keep the hundreds of questions that kept floating to the surface, Zamasu overshadowing them all. She desperately tried to remember all she could from the day she supposedly 'arrived' in otherworld, since she now knew she never left it. Why couldn't she remember? Something must have happened the night of her birthday.
'Maybe you fell out of bed?' Little Miss Judy offered. 'Oh yeah sure, and hit my head causing severe amnesia while simultaneously everyone around me decided not to remind me.' She answered her own subconscious sarcastically.
Apart from all the emotions that were assailing her, a feeling of betrayal had sneaked in. Betrayal which was growing into anger at her supposed 'family'. Anger toward them for treating her like some stranger, keeping her in the dark about her origins on purpose and even to some extent, making a fool of her. But there was another feeling, more like a craving that she could not put her finger on. It was very faint, but it was most definitely there. A dark spec in her mind.
Pushing it to the side, she continued to muse, her mind rebelling every step of the way. She was growing irritated with how it seemed she had to put in a herculean effort into piecing a thought together. She thought back to the Grand Minister erecting his prison inside her head and decided that it was all a result of his defences that was still trying to keep certain memories hidden. 'You won't keep them from me forever.' She thought begrudgingly.
'So Zamasu was right.' She thought (butterflies in her stomach at the thought of him). 'I am not mortal… but what does that mean for me?' and then sadly she added. 'And what does this mean for him?' It had only been a few hours since he had left, but it felt like a lifetime. How she wished she could somehow go to him and never leave his side again. Her life had no meaning without him and she knew she would move heaven and earth to be with him. Judith never thought that it was possible for one being to love another they way she loved Zamasu. She instinctively reached for her mark, once again finding solace in the dull ache radiating from it. 'I feel you.' She thought, smiling weakly.
Somewhere between her thudding headache and conflicted mind, Judith must have fallen asleep, for as she lay there in the cabin, she dreamt of her and Zamasu and the rest of eternity they would spend together.
… Universe 10 Planet of the Kais …
Gowasu sat, legs folded beneath him, on a purple pillow in front of an old tv screen, watching intently at the scenes being replayed. He was so absorbed in the fight he was watching; he did not hear Zamasu come in with his cup of tea, it was only when Zamsu placed the cup in front of him, he realized he was there.
"Master Gowasu, what is this?" Zamasu asked. "Are you watching god-tube again?" Zamasu successfully hid the annoyance in his voice.
Gowasu looked at his student. Things had been extremely tense since their return from Barbari, and that was putting it lightly. This had been the first time Zamasu had spoken more than two words to him since their discussion under the sacred Tree of Balance.
"Yes." Gowasu answered and hoping to lighten the mood added: "I'm thinking of becoming a god-tuber." Zamasu watched as his Master laughed at his own pathetic joke. It was with great effort Zamasu managed to feign surprise. "Haha. All kidding aside, you may want to check this match out for yourself, you might even learn something." Gowasu said beckoning toward the screen.
Zamasu turned his sights to the television screen, mildly annoyed at Gowasu's remark that he 'might learn something'. His surprise was evident as he recognised the man in the screen. 'That appears to be Goku.' He thought. 'But what is that brilliant energy that's enveloping him? Why, that's divine energy is it not?!' his realized horrified. His anger was quickly turning into fury at the sight. 'A mortal. A mere mortal taking divine power for himself!?' he would have been sick at the sight were it not for Gowasu sitting there and the sudden appearance of the strange objects in the background.
"Master! What are those bizarre planets?" Zamasu asked, his tone of voice the exact opposite of the feelings raging inside of him. He had mastered the technique of hiding his true feeling expertly and Gowasu was none the wiser as he answered.
"Oh those things? If I had to guess I'd say they're Super Dragonballs."
"Super Dragonballs, sir?" Zamasu asked puzzled.
"Believe it or not this is actually the first time I've seen them myself." Gowasu continued to explain. "This tournament was between the destroyers of the 6th and 7th universes. They were competing with each other to determine who would get the Super Dragonballs." Gowasu made to pick up the cup of tea Zamasu had brought him and to his relief, it was crystal clear.
'A prize even destroyers would fight for…' Zamasu mused. 'They must be something truly special.' Zamasu turned to look back at Gowasu who was now taking a sip of the tea. Zamasu smirked inwardly as he saw Gowasu's reaction to the perfectly brewed cup of tea. He had managed to keep Judith out of his thoughts just long enough to succeed, but only just. Even now, he wished she could be there with him, wished he could touch her… He forced his mind back to the issue at hand. "So exactly what sort of item are they Master?" he asked innocently.
"My understanding is that they're orbs that can grant their possessor any wish they desire." Gowasu said unassumingly, unaware of the door he was about to open.
Zamasu looked at his Master sceptically while thinking. 'Truly? Any wish at all?'. "Are your sure this isn't just some rumour? A fairy-tale?" he asked seriously, but Gowasu was no longer paying attention to him.
"Look! I'd say the contest is about to reach is climax."
"Yes." Zamasu agreed looking at the screen. Gowasu took the opportunity to study his apprentice. He noticed that Zamasu's eyes were watching the screen, but his mind was somewhere else and more unnerving, his potara earrings had an even darker shade of red in them.
"Why don't you go ahead and retire for the evening Zamasu?" Gowasu suggested. "It has been a long and trying day and you have much to reflect on." Gowasu studied his apprentice's face as he spoke. "You have made a grave mistake today, but I have faith that you will learn form your errors." But much to Gowasu's surprise it was not anger he saw flash behind Zamasu's eyes.
"If it is all the same to you Master Gowasu, I have some errands I need to run and would like to take this time to do so." Zamasu said, grabbing at the chance to slip away to Judith.
"More errands?" Gowasu asked. "I would think you have had enough time to yourself visiting this so called paradise." Gowasu was still uneasy about the whole affair. "No. I think it best you stay here and spend your time reflecting on your future duties as Supreme Kai." This time, Zamasu's anger was as clear as daylight, validating Gowasu's concerns and before Zamasu could speak, he continued. "I will not partake in any further discussion on the matter. Good night Zamasu."
Zamasu was struggling to contain his anger at Gowasu as he walked toward his chambers. For a moment he seriously considered sneaking out of the temple to see Judith. He stopped dead in his tracts. 'What is this!?' he thought angrily. 'I am not a child who can be sent to bed. I will do as I please and if that old fool thinks he will tell me what to do, I might have to dispose of him earlier than I anticipated. More so if he is involved in any way with this whole affair of Judith,' Zamasu let out a breath, calming himself before he started walking again, not in the direction of his room, he had a different idea.
… Planet Venera …
The snowflakes lightly rustled around them as Whis touched down on the edge of the lake, Lord Beerus and Goku in tow.
'Show off.' Fizz thought bitterly, recalling the countless number of times he left crater sized holes on Lord Beerus planet whenever he had to pay a visit to the destroyer. He waited on the porch as the trio made their way up the stairs.
"Lord Beerus, always a pleasure to receive you." Fizz said, bowing respectfully.
"Yeah sure, if you say so." Lord Beerus replied in his gruff voice.
"Fizz. Allow me to introduce Goku. We attempted to leave him behind but unfortunately he is like a bad odour you cannot get rid of." Whis said smiling pleasantly, oblivious to the fact that he had managed to work in an insult along with the introduction.
Before Fizz could respond Goku stepped in front of Lord Beerus. "Hey-ya! Whoaw, you look just like Whiz, are you two twins or do all angels look the same?" Unceremoniously Lord Beerus grabbed Goku by the ear dragging him away.
"Be quiet saiyan or you'll be staying outside for the remainder of our stay." He scolded Goku.
"You don't have to be so mean Lord Beerus!" Goku whined. "You know, even though they are attached to my head, you can still tear my ear off if you're not careful!"
"Is that a fact?" Lord Beerus said, ominously smiling. "I'll keep that in mind for next time."
"Uh-uhm." Whis cleared his throat, commanding the attention again. "Please ignore his abysmal manners, we are still trying to civilize him." Whis said looking apologetically at Fizz. "The reason for our visit, I am sure, is not hard to surmise and judging by the fact that I cannot sense her, I'd say she has already been marked?"
Fizz nodded in confirmation. "Yes. Fortunately, I was able to locate her during one of her…" Fizz paused, searching for the correct word.
"Feeding frenzies?" Lord Beerus offered.
"..episodes." Fizz decided, lifting an eyebrow at Lord Beerus.
"How curious." Whis commented. "I was under the impression the planet was deserted after Demsau cleansed it of all its inhabitants?"
"It is." Fizz confirmed. "I believe this… episode, was very much Zamasu's doing."
"I'm sorry, but you lost me." Goku said from behind Lord Beerus.
Whis decided to enlighten the saiyan in monosyllabic words. "All you need to know Goku is that Zamasu killed a being and Judith consumed the soul."
"Bu-" Goku started, but Whis held up his hand to silence him.
"I know it is difficult for you to keep up with the conversation Goku, so I will make it easier…" Lord Beerus looked expectantly at Whis. "Stop trying to understand and we will call you if we need you." Lord Beerus and Fizz looked incredulously at Whis. He had just told Goku, in so many words, that he is an idiot.
"Well alright then!" Goku exclaimed happily. "That works for me!"
Lord Beerus and Fizz looked even more baffled, while Whis, seemingly expecting this answer turned smilingly at Fizz. "Well then. Lead the way."
… Universe 10 Planet of the Kais …
Zamasu stood in the open field, feeling the wind sweep past him. He could not help but think back to the day he had first laid eyes on Judith. It seemed a life-time ago, but he remembered everything about her. How the breeze had gently caressed over her flawless features, her short hair rustling in the wind and most of all, her eyes when they met his.
Everything was so simple then. He was a calm and collected Kai, untainted by the sin of mortal men. Even so, he had always felt something was missing and the she arrived like the burning light of a full moon and he finally understood that she was the missing piece and it frightened him.
He sighed, closing his eyes. Flashed of their illicit acts flashed before his eyes. Forcing them from his mind he set his sights on the pathetic shoebox that was Master Zuno's residence.
"I will have mu divine justice and I will attain it by any means necessary…" he paused before adding, "…with Judith at my side."
… Planet Venera …
"Whys don't you just use your staff to heal her you dolt?" Lord Beerus asked lazily.
"Thank you for the obvious suggestion Lord Beerus," Fizz said irritably. "But I have already tried that and only managed to heal her physical injuries."
They were huddled around her bed, watching her sleeping form.
"Is it just me or does this seem creepy to anyone else?" Goku asked. "I mean, watching a woman sleep makes be feel a bit perverted…"
Jus then Judith moaned softly at her still aching head before her eyelids fluttered open. It took a while for everything to come into focus, but when it did, she nearly jumped out of her skin.
"What in the name of all that is holy is wrong with you!" Judith exclaimed, climbing the headboard like a tree.
"Calm down Judith, it's just us." Fizz said calmly.
"And that's suppose to make me feel better!?" she said. "How would you feel waking up to 4 people hovering over you like birds of prey watching you sleep! That is a whole new level of creepy! You scared the shit out of me." She started to calm down and collect her composure.
"I hear ya! I would totally freak out if I woke up to Lord Beerus's face!" Goku said while Lord Beerus growled at him.
"And who the hell are you?!" Judith exclaimed at the unknown man.
"Oh yeah! Sorry! I'm Go-" but before he could finish, Judith cut in.
"You know what? I just remembered; I don't care!" she yelled turning to the rest of them. "Out! All of you out!" as she spoke she got off the headboard and started ushering them to the door.
"But I-" Fizz objected. "Whis really needs to talk to you."
"Yes. And I really need you all out of my room." She replied cheekily.
"Ha! She's still as feisty as ever Whis!" Lord Beerus laughed before she slammed the door shut in Fizz's face. She pressed her back against the door and allowed herself to slowly slip down onto the floor. Her head was feeling better, though it still hurt like a son of a bitch.
There was a soft knock on the door. 'For the love of Valek, can't they just leave me alone for 5 seconds.' She swore in her head.
"Judith? Please let me in." It was Whis, she recognised his calm even voice immediately. "If you don't Lord Beerus will simply break down the door and I much rather not have that." He reasoned.
He was right off-course. Judith sighed in frustration as she got up and cracked the door open and inch. She hated to admit it but seeing Whis always seemed to lift her spirits. He was smiling down at her warmly. "May I come in?" he asked politely.
For a moment she considered chastising him. Not a minute ago he threatened to have the door broken down and now he was asking her permission to come in as if she had choice to refuse. Instead, she stepped aside to allow him to enter before quickly slamming the door shut again as three curious faces stared at her from the hallway.
For a moment Whis regarded her before speaking. "As much as I believe in being tactful in all situations, you must forgive me for saying that you look absolutely horrid Judith." She truly did. There were dark circles beneath her beautiful eyes and she looked pale.
For a moment they just stared at each other before a weak and tired smile formed on Judith's lips. "You're one to talk with that hairdo." She replied.
"Touché." Whis chuckled before curtly walking up to her and grabbed her into a tight hug. Startled and unsure of how to react, Judith remained frozen stiff until he pulled back and looked at her seriously. "Now tell me… How much do you remember?"
'Wow, straight to the point.' Little Miss Judy chirped. "The most prominent things I guess, but everything is coming back to me in drips and drabs, though I have difficulty sorting and arranging them. There are still so many blank spaces." Judith admitted. Whis had taken her hand and sat her down in front of the fire. With a pang she realized it was the same fire that Zamasu had lit and her heart skipped a beat at the thought. As if Whis could read her thoughts, he said. "I do not wish to know the details of what has transpired during the past 24 hours." Judith was about the deny that anything happened, but Whis simply continued. "Instead, I want you to tell me what you do remember…" 'A case of de-ja-vu' he thought having said the same to Goku minutes ago. "… and I will in the blanks."
Judith looked at him stunned. "Why?" she asked.
"Why what?" Whis replied puzzled.
"Why the sudden change of heart?" Judith clarified. The anger that she had so successfully supressed was starting to boil to the surface. "I mean, for all intents and purposes, all of you watched as I made a fool of myself, floundering around…" she was struggling to keep her voice even. "Acting as if you didn't know me, offering no help or outcome while seeing me drown in emotional distress and confusion, barely keeping it together." Her voice was picking up volume. "And then sending me to Universe 10 with not so much as an explanation, only 'The Grand Minister's instructions.'" Whis felt the room grow cols and it had nothing to do with the sub-zero temperatures outside. "Do you have any idea what torture I went through? Devoting the majority of your time in brewing the perfectly balanced cup of tea!?" Whis watches as Judith's I grew red but kept a straight face. "And then that fiasco in the tea garden, Fizz suddenly showing up Black energy started leaking out of her. "All of that I could still stomach." Judith yelled. "But what I cannot forgive, is everyone's obvious vendetta against Zamasu!" And with that her last shred of control slipped and her energy exploded throughout the room, snuffing out the fire and shattering the already cracked windows. Whis had just enough to time throw up his shield protecting him from the blast.
"Judith. I know you have many questions and I will endeavour to answer each and everyone of them, but first I need you to calm down."
It was not Whis's promise of answers, it was not even his shield that was still surrounding him, it was the fear in his eyes and ,despite his best efforts, his voice. But what was far worse, was the immense feeling of pleasure Judith felt at seeing his fear, and the fact that she would feel pleasure at such a thing, scared the bejeezes out of her. Controlling her breathing and drawing from the images of Zamasu, she managed to calm herself enough for her energy to retreat back into herself.
"Thank you." Whis sighed, lowering his shield. Judith saw the flash of relief behind his eyes and she felt herself smirk inside. 'What is happening to me?' she asked herself, surprised by her own cockiness.
"Now." Whis said. "I am going to tell you a story Judith and I want you to allow me to finish before speaking."
Judith considered him for a moment before simply answering. "Alright."
"This will not be easy to hear and even more difficult to come to terms with it." Whis started, keeping his shield ready, just in case he needed them. "Your story began with-".