"Don't you get bored of it all?" Beerus asked as they sat by the lake, enjoying a picnic.

"Bored of what?"

"Living?"

Whis frowned. "Are you bored of immortality already, my lord?"

"Of course not. But I wonder…will I?" Beerus picked up a peach, studying it. "Doesn't it get tiring to watch everyone else pass away while you live on?" The discovery that Empress Hebi was no longer among the living had made him realise just how fleeting life was for everyone else. He'd only been away a few decades if he remembered correctly.

"Not at all. In fact, I'd say that people passing on and new faces being born is precisely what keeps things fresh. It's something you'll get used to, Lord Beerus."

So much for having life-long friends. "So, you, Champa…and the Supreme Kais are my 'friends' that won't go dying on me, huh?"

"Oh no, the Supreme Kais do age and die, albeit very slowly."

"WHAT?! You mean I'm gonna drop dead one day because my life-link kicks the bucket?!"

Whis laughed at the outburst. "No, no. Supreme kais retire and pass on their roles to their apprentices, along with the life-link. That's one of the benefits of having 5 kais at present. You're highly unlikely to die even if the Grand Supreme Kai does."

"Highly unlikely, that's not one hundred percent certain, is it?"

Whis shrugged. "It's not as if I have a point of reference on this one. As I've said before, it's usually the destroyers that get the kais killed. If your kais do kill you, you'll make history at least!"

"Don't smile like that's a good thing!" Beerus finally bit into his peach. "Anyway, do you have any 'friends' apart from the ones I've mentioned?"

"I've 17 siblings, my father, Grand Zeno –"

"Are you seriously saying you consider Grand Zeno a friend?"

Whis hummed. "Maybe not – more of an acquaintance perhaps? Sometimes it's useful to have a father in high places. But anyone else… Just you. I'm not on familiar terms with the other destroyers, but I hope Lord Champa might be more than an acquaintance someday."

"You consider me a friend?" Beerus asked. "Not just a student, or a kid you have to feed and clean up after?"

"Of course not. We go out, we have fun. You're genuinely good company, my lord. It's one of the reasons I chose you for the position."

"Then why do you always call me 'lord'? Doesn't seem like something a friend would do."

"It's ingrained in me, part of my duty to you. Besides, if I were to start calling you by name so casually I may forget to add your title when it does matter."

Beerus wondered if he'd feel differently if Whis did drop his title. He liked being called 'lord' but had the novelty worn off?

"It's a simple matter of respect where it's due," Whis said when Beerus seemed to drift off. "Please don't think too hard about it. You'll find all the angels are the same."

Ooo

The Supreme Kai still looked as young as Beerus remembered him, even though it was now several centuries since they first met. At least he knew the kai wouldn't be getting anywhere near old age any time soon.

"So, uh, what brings you here?" Beerus asked awkwardly, not sure if he should be offering tea or snacks, instead waiting for Whis to appear and offer what was appropriate.

"We should set a date for the coordination meeting. I figured you would like some input as to when."

"Oh…" He remembered Whis mentioning something about this, but it had been a long time since. "Uh, anytime. I'm not exactly a busy guy."

The kai frowned, shooting a concerned look at Beerus. "Not busy? Are you not training and learning every day?"

"Of course! But it's not like I get to decide these things – Whis does all that. I'm sure that whatever day you chose will be fine. Whis isn't going to say no, is he?"

"What am I agreeing to?" Whis asked, wondering what possibly could have Beerus talking to himself in more than the usual under-the-breath mutter. "Oh! Supreme Kai, how unexpected!"

The kai cocked his head. "So you'd forgotten about the coordination meeting?"

Whis blinked. "Oh… Well, would you look at the time!" He peered into his staff. "So it is! We've been so wrapped up in training that it must have slipped my mind."

"Did you need more time?" the kai asked.

"Not at all, I think it's about the right time for Lord Beerus to experience his first one."

"And will…" The kai glanced up at Beerus. "Will the outcomes of the meeting be met?"

Beerus wondered what that question meant, but Whis went ahead assuring the kai that all would be fine.

"Say we say… Six tics from now?" the kai offered. "I assume that will be enough time to brief Lord Beerus?"

"That's plenty, sir. Excuse me, we've been quite rude not offering you any tea, would you care for some?"

"No, thank you. I should be on my way. I have my own 'students' to brief." The kai bowed and was gone in a blink.

Beerus stared after him for a moment. "Before I ask what that was all about, can I first know how the fuck he disappeared like that? Did he just go home?"

"It's called the kai-kai ability. Supreme kais are able to travel anywhere in the universe in the blink of an eye – Grand Zeno's realm included."

"Eh? Why can't you do that?" Beerus jabbed at Whis. "Why isn't the Supreme Kai giving us a lift around the universe if he's so fast?"

"I suppose you'll just have to add that to the small list of things I can't do."

"It won't be small for much longer at this rate."

"But if you want a serious answer, I believe it's to stop destroyers going anywhere too fast. You won't appreciate the sentiment just yet, but hopefully you will soon. The fact is that if you were going somewhere the Supreme Kai thought was a bad idea, he can always get there first. But, if you're looking for an improved taxi service, I suggest you start getting chummy with one of them."

Beerus hummed. "Would it be frowned upon to use my kai like that?"

Whis smirked at the use of the possessive. "Until you're acquainted with the other destroyers, who could possibly frown upon it?"

"And when will I meet the others?"

"Hopefully not for a while yet."

Beerus pouted. He was becoming increasingly more curious about the other destroyers, partially because he wanted to see a fully-fledged one to know how far he had yet to go before his training would end. Ah, but Whis said his training would never truly end. Still, there must come a point when it slowed down and he could have more rest days than he was currently being allowed. "So, this meeting…?"

"Perhaps you'd like a drink and something to snack on while I explain it?"

"Is it going to take that long?"

"It could do."

Armed with the latest irresistible fruit juice and salty, crispy potato chips, Beerus listened intently to Whis's description. He explained how they would discuss planets that should be destroyed, or started afresh. Whis guessed the kais would likely already have a list prepared, but that Beerus was free to suggest planets himself.

"I don't want any planets we've visited destroyed. They've all been good so far."

"Well then, make sure you listen and read anything they give you so you can argue your point," Whis said.

He went on to describe the kinds of planets that would be listed for destruction – inhabitable planets, planets drenched in endless war – planets that weren't contributing to the mortal level of the universe.

"But remember, the mortal level is not just how strong the inhabitants are," Whis said. "It's also to do with intelligence and the ability to further civilisation. There is a planet out there full of tiny mice people. They're among the weakest in the universe, having been forced underground by predators on the surface, but this has led to them being pioneers in vehicle manufacturing. They are very important to keep at the moment."

Beerus nodded thoughtfully. Whis continued, explaining that the kais would be creating while he was destroying, and that Beerus was free to suggest ideas for the kinds of species the kais may try to create.

"Can I ask them to create an even tastier fish?"

"You could. But I should warn you that often the kais will set life in motion and not necessarily continue to cultivate what they've made. Many of the kais I've seen prefer life to be organic and move in its own direction."

There were a few more details to discuss, but these were mainly to do with how he should address the kais, how to show proper respect, blah blah. He was sure the kais would forgive him at his first meeting if he committed any serious faux pas.

"So earlier, when the kai asked about the outcomes…?"

"Bold of him to ask so directly in your presence," Whis said. "He was merely asking if you'd developed the ability to destroy yet."

"Okay, but you're saying I'll have to destroy a whole planet – potentially?"

Whis nodded. "Don't worry, my lord, you'll be fine."

Ooo

The meeting had long lost him, and his cup was empty, the tea in the pot now cold. There was nothing for him to add, and the kais seemed to have the discussion covered. He wondered why they hadn't had this in-depth discussion before he arrived, but maybe he was supposed to be listening so he could agree or disagree? Not that they were asking for his opinion, or even looking in his direction much at all.

He turned the cup around in his hands, admiring the fine china. He had tried to pay attention at the start, but they weren't discussing interesting things like whether the planets had any good food. Whis wouldn't have taken him to any of the planets being discussed. How long was this meeting going to last? Whis had told him these meetings happen every thousand years, so if they were listing a thousand years' worth of work… This could be a while.

And yet he still hadn't learnt any names. Did kais have personal names? They were sitting here calling each other by the quadrant of the universe they oversaw, and never once slipped up. He had to assume they called each other these names all the time, and he wondered what it was like to live here. Was it like living with colleagues? Did any of them have a more familiar relationship? Were any of them siblings? Could kais have siblings?

He looked around, trying to decide if any of them looked more like each other than the others. And did kais have relationships? Would that be weird? His mind began to wander down a different path, and he quickly snapped out of it in case they could read his mind or something.

He had been staring at North absentmindedly when he noticed Grand close the book out the corner of his eye. Could it be…? The book was passed around the table for all to glance over before it was left in front of Beerus. From behind him Whis came and took the book.

"Would you like more tea before you go?" Grand asked.

Beerus finally came to his senses, wondering how much he'd missed. "I'm good, thank you." He just wanted to leave – he was itching to get out of this chair.

They said their farewells – likely until the next meeting Whis guessed – and shot off into the sky.

"Well done on not falling asleep, my lord!"

"Mmm, that's why you let me sleep until we had to leave, right?"

Whis chuckled. "Perhaps. I was hoping you'd take more interest as it was your first one, but I could tell you were far away."

"Did the other destroyers enjoy these meetings?"

"Not particularly. The kais are quite the little chatterboxes when they want to be, and with five of them it's always difficult to get a word in edgeways."

"Well, was today's discussion any good? They seemed pretty good at this meeting thing considering it's their first one too."

"Well, the Grand Supreme Kai did witness the last one," Whis said. "But it was quite cute to watch them discussing so eagerly all the things they've clearly been reading up on. For once I enjoyed it. Unfortunately it's all downhill from here."

"It is?"

"If you think you were bored, imagine how it must be for me, someone who cannot interfere, and whose only job is to take you to the planets listed after the meeting is concluded. If they were ever to list somewhere I was fond of there would be nothing I could do about it."

Beerus frowned at the prospect. "Well, you'll have to let me know which ones they are so I can veto on your behalf." The idea that Whis would lose a place he enjoyed didn't sit well with Beerus for a reason he couldn't quite articulate.

"Oh, there's no need to worry about that, my lord, for I am in the process of making sure you become fond of my favourite planets too!"

"How sly of you." He quickly thought about the places they had visited. "You have good taste."

Ooo

They floated, gazing out at the small, malformed planet. It certainly didn't look very inviting from where they were.

"And you want me to destroy it?" Beerus clarified.

"That is your job."

Beerus nodded, a little overwhelmed at the size of the job now he was before it. How much energy did it take to blow a planet to pieces? He manifested a ball in his hand, staring at it, unsure of how much bigger he could make it at this point in time.

"You'll need more than that, my lord," Whis said.

Beerus concentrated, making the ball grow larger until he felt he needed two hands to keep it in check.

"More."

He held it above his head now, looking up to make sure it wasn't going anywhere. Was Whis going to push him until the ball was as big as the planet?

"Put more energy into it," Whis said. "And be confident."

"Easy for you to say."

His strength was fading fast, not used to holding energy like this for so long, and he decided to throw it. The ball seemed to move slowly across space towards the planet, neither of them saying anything as it travelled far enough that it was just a speck in the distance. A minute later there was a ripple across the surface, and a crater formed. Beerus smiled, glad to get some kind of reaction after thinking the energy would dissipate before it hit its destination.

Upon glancing up at Whis, his smile faded. The angel was sporting an unimpressed frown as he pondered whether Beerus would be able to complete this job today.

"Shall I try again?" Beerus asked with a defeated tone.

Whis raised a hand, extending one finger upwards. "Please pay attention." A ball several times larger than the one Beerus had managed appeared, seeming to balance on the tip of that single finger. "Note the amount of ki I'm wielding." Once he received a nod of understanding from Beerus he contracted the ball until it could fit neatly in his palm. "Has it changed?"

Beerus concentrated hard. Of course it had changed – it was a fraction of the size! "No, there's still the same amount of ki."

"Good." Whis smiled and the ki was extinguished. "I will teach you to manipulate ki like this next."

Beerus tried to replicate what Whis had shown him.

"Yes, and no. You're just expanding the space the ki inhabits. Quite the opposite of what I showed you, really." Whis watched as Beerus expanded and contracted his ball a few more times. "You need to put more ki into the starting ball." Whis hummed. "We need to do more training. Much more."

"Could you have destroyed the planet with what you made?"

"Oh, yes." Whis caught the glint in Beerus's eye. "But I won't destroy your first planet for you."

Beerus groaned. "I wish you'd picked one closer to home so we didn't have to travel all the way out here again."

"If you don't want to travel back then I'll wait here until you do destroy it. There's no rush."

"But –" What did that even mean? Was Whis implying he had the capability to do it now even if he didn't know it? "Can you, uh, not watch?" Beerus asked.

"As you wish." Whis turned and looked in the other direction.

"Oh… I meant…"

Whis turned back. "Where did you wish me to go?" He surveyed the vast expanse of space. "The only planet around here is the one you're trying to destroy."

"Yeah, on second thought I'll go." Beerus flew closer, wondering how close to get. Would it be easier from the surface itself? Whis certainly wouldn't be able to see him there. He thought about the impact of his last blast and decided being within the atmosphere would be better. He didn't want to be waiting as long as he did for the last blast to hit.

It wasn't easy work. He began to tire almost immediately, not used to actually putting much energy into his blasts. Everything until now had been more theoretical, and everything he had destroyed thus far had been no more than the size of a tree (an unfortunate loss for him).

Whis watched as Beerus hacked away at the surface bit by bit. Was he really going to do it this way? He didn't watch for long - as requested of course - preferring to check out arrangements for dinner - assuming Beerus finished up in time.

The core was a like a furnace which didn't help. He was already sweating from exertion and this heat wasn't helping. Any lesser being would have already passed out and that thought made him quite proud of how far he'd come.

A blast sailed past him, joining with the one he'd just sent, blowing the core to smithereens in a blast of light and heat. Beerus reeled around, coming face to face with Whis.

"I was almost done!" Anger rose in his chest at the fact Whis had stolen the last part from him.

"Yes, your persistence was unexpected. However, we have dinner plans."

"Do we now?" Beerus's tone was far from amused, even though the prospect of food should have placated him.

"Yes, I figured you'd be working up quite the appetite."

Much to his dismay his stomach growled as if it had a mind of its own. "Well what if I just want to go home and sleep?"

"You are welcome to do so. I'll drop you off on the way."

"You'd go without me? And leave me alone?"

Whis nodded. "You've proven you can look after yourself. Besides, if you plan on sleeping there's no reason for me to stick around."

Beerus huffed. He wanted to eat and sleep. And he didn't know if he wanted to be around Whis at the moment.

Whis turned his back, motioning for Beerus to hang on. "I hope you realise how much more training you've got to do."

He didn't need to be told that. It had become very obvious very quickly what needed to be done. "I expect you to start teaching me properly."

Whis was taken aback. "You say that as if I haven't." He felt Beerus's hand on his back and set off immediately. "So, do you want to go home or with me?"

"Home," Beerus mumbled. "But bring me something from wherever you're going."