The courtroom held a perpetual air of solemnity, commanding our utmost seriousness. As we assumed our positions of authority, a transformative effect took hold, leaving us feeling like distinct individuals endowed with power.
However, within the confines of judgment, my once curious and joyous disposition recedes. There is a noticeable absence of my usual inquisitive nature, replaced instead by a stark determination to dispense justice. Occasionally, an unsettling sense of satisfaction arises when the most heinous offenders receive the punishment they rightfully merit. In those moments, I face a frightening aspect of my personality, evoking fear in me.
"Today, Prisoner 0003 has requested a reevaluation of his life for potential approval of rebirth," Sweet announced loudly and clearly, then settled back in her seat.
"What were his crimes?" Cayenne asked, focused on her typing.
"Sexual assault of minors, numerous murders, and claims of being influenced by the devil," Sweet replied.
"How repulsive," Nutmeg snarled.
I was eager to conclude this case. This prisoner unsettled me. I began to speak but was interrupted. "Prisoner-"
"I would prefer if you addressed me by my name."
"Silence! We will address you as we deem fit," Mint yelled, glaring down at the smug man.
"I suppose all that time in hell hasn't humbled you," Vanilla snarked.
I struck the gavel three times, bringing silence to the room.
"Prisoner 0003, you have been found guilty of countless acts of sexual misconduct with minors. How do you plead?" I said in a monotone voice.
"Not guilty! Those kids came on to me!" the prisoner yelled.
"You lying bastard! An innocent 2-year-old cannot consent to sex!" Mint growled out.
"Vile creature!" Cream yelled.
I banged my gavel once more. "Prisoner 0003, you have also been found guilty of murdering a numerous amount of people. How do you plead?" I asked again in my monotone voice.
"I am innocent." the man said.
"Bullshit!" Lime hissed out.
"You raped the nuns and dismembered the priest!" Cream cried out.
"Then you cut them up. Those poor families were unable to have a proper funeral for their loved ones!" Clover said, slightly calmer than the rest of the council.
"How can you still plead that you're innocent, you monster!?" Cinnamon asked angrily. I banged my gavel for the third time. "I understand emotions are high, but let us conduct ourself in a professional manner."
"Thanks, sweet cheeks." The prisoner said, winking at me.
"Oh no," Mochi whispered, a sense of concern in his voice.
I remained unfazed by the prisoner's distasteful flirting. "Prisoner 0003, your behavior has not only demonstrated to this court that you are unprepared for rebirth, but it has also made it abundantly clear that your time in hell has had no positive impact on you. This court will now reach a decision."
"It didn't take long for us to finish our vote, as we communicated telepathically. Sweet let out a chuckle, wearing a satisfied smirk as she announced the verdict.
"You have been found guilty," she declared.
"This isn't fair!"
A sadistic smile formed on my face, and my voice filled with glee as I spoke.
"Prisoner 0003, due to your abhorrent behavior exhibited in this court today, the Life Council has deemed your existence to be a waste of space and resources. We invite you to cease to exist." I concluded my statement and slammed the gavel once, causing the courtroom to tremble.
"What the hell is going on?"
"There exists a place beyond hell, reserved for repugnant beings like yourself," I purred, winking at him. Before he could utter another word, a crack split the ground, and the soul of the damned emerged, crawling towards him.
"A little warning, sweet cheeks. The souls of the damned do bite," I taunted. The prisoner didn't have a chance to respond as the damned souls leapt upon him, beginning their gruesome feast. His blood-curdling screams filled the air as they dragged him back towards the crack in the ground. The room returned to its normal state, and silence lingered for a while. While witnessing the damned take someone away was always unsettling, we had grown accustomed to it.
I stood up and stretched. "Let's hope we won't have another court session anytime soon. It's putting a damper on my love life," I said cheerfully.
"Now you're starting to sound like Clover," Sweet huffed. We laughed and prepared to leave. However, I didn't get far before Mochi stopped me.
"Thank you for inviting me along, Coco. I understand it was short notice," Mochi expressed appreciatively.
"No problem at all, Mochi. I just hope I'm not overdressed in my court attire," Coco replied, a hint of concern in her voice.
I released my grip on Mochi's arm as we arrived at Universe 10's Kai's planet. We were greeted by Kai Gowasu and another man whom I didn't recognize. Mochi and I offered a respectful bow, and they returned the gesture.
"Gowasu, sir, this is Coco. Coco, meet Gowasu and his apprentice Zamasu," Mochi introduced, prompting me to offer one more bow of respect before speaking.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, sir," I greeted Gowasu with polite formality.
"How very formal. Are all the faithful this way?" I let out a small giggle. "Well, we were taught to be formal. I find it appropriate when meeting someone for the first time; it can set the tone for a potential relationship."
"You don't have to be overly formal with this old man," Gowasu replied, extending his hand, which I delicately placed mine in. "Nonsense, your title commands respect," I insisted, allowing him to release my hand before he offered us tea.
"I apologize, sir. I must take my leave; Cus can get a little peculiar if I don't return in time."
"You brave soldier," I remarked playfully. "Are you comfortable finding your way back home from here?"
"I'm a capable adult now. I can find my way back home," I responded with a giggle. Mochi smiled at me before departing, and I waved him off before turning back to Gowasu.
"My fellow faithful treat me like a baby sometimes because I was the last one to arrive for training," I confessed, feeling a hint of embarrassment.
We took our seats, and Zamasu prepared tea while we engaged in conversation. "So, it is true that your people assist in the creation of the universe," Gowasu commented.
I nodded. "It is indeed a powerful responsibility," I replied.
"I am grateful for my role, but sometimes I yearn to simply create and observe," I admitted. Gowasu chuckled. "In essence, you wish to be a Kai yourself." Zamasu placed a cup of tea in front of me, and I thanked him before continuing. "I believe Lord Beerus is growing impatient with my creative endeavors on his planet. He reprimands me every time he steps outside."
Finally, I took a sip of tea. It was delightful and smooth, yet it carried a subtle spiciness. Was Zamasu perhaps feeling tense?
"Do you mind if I ask you a question, Zamasu?" I inquired, noting the surprise on his face as he likely didn't expect me to address him.
"I don't mind at all, Lady Coco," Zamasu responded politely.
"Are you naturally a tense person?" I asked, curious about the underlying reason behind the tea's flavor profile.
"W-What?" Zamasu stammered, taken aback by the unexpected question.
"The tea you prepared was wonderful. It was smooth, intense, but not quite relaxing. It had a spicy kick to it, which I associate with a sense of tension," I explained.
"I can make you another one," he offered, flustered, as he reached for my cup. However, I intercepted his hand, placing mine on top, causing him to pause.
"There's nothing wrong with the tea, silly," I reassured him with a smile. "I was simply sharing my observation."
I removed my hand from his, signaling that he could continue with our conversation.
Zamasu pov
This mortal's touch surprised me, but I didn't pull away. What on earth is happening here?
She has been polite and capable of engaging in intelligent conversation thus far.
"You would have made an excellent Kai if you were destined to be one, Lady Coco," Gowasu complimented.
"To be honest, I don't think I would," Coco responded.
"Why is that?" Gowasu inquired.
"Because of my experiences in court, I have tasted true power and control. I believe it's best for me to remain in a group setting. The members of the Council are not hesitant to hold each other accountable," Coco explained.
"The council?" I interjected, expressing my curiosity.
"Yes, Lady Coco is a member of the Council of Life. I believe I mentioned them to you," Gowasu affirmed.
"Yes, you did. I wasn't aware that mortals were part of the council," I remarked.
Gowasu's expression turned stern as he addressed Zamasu. "Zamasu."
"Well, I wouldn't exactly call myself mortal anymore. It's a bit of a wild story, but if you're willing to listen, I can share everything with you," Coco said, smiling at me once again, which left me feeling somewhat perplexed. I was attempting to refuse, but...
"Okay," I finally agreed.
I wonder where my curious little Coco is. This is one of those rare occasions when Lord Beerus and I spend time outside together, and the silence is quite enjoyable. I can sense Coco's presence in this planet.
I observe a medium-sized, round bird hopping by before taking flight. I believe Coco referred to it as a Rowlet.
"Whis, if she continues creating more creatures, I might have to start cooking them," Lord Beerus remarks.
"Lord Beerus, I don't think that's a wise course of action," I respond.
"She'll be fine," he insists.
"She'll be heartbroken. You know she takes an interest in every creature she encounters."
He lets out a frustrated sigh and remains silent.
Coco pov
Once I had finished explaining everything, Gowasu appeared to relax a little and began asking me questions, eager to satisfy his curiosity.
"Oh my, I was so engrossed in your story that I almost forgot about my request," Gowasu exclaimed.
"Please, ask away," Coco responded promptly, showing no hesitation.
Gowasu continued, "Zamasu is an excellent student, but he seems to be struggling with the creation aspect of his training. Mochi recommended you when I spoke to him. Would you mind lending him your assistance?"
Zamasu pov
I didn't need Coco's help. That thought lingered in my mind, but I kept it to myself.
"Hmm, may I ask for something in return?" Coco proposed.
Ah-ha, her mortal greed still persists, I thought cynically.
"What do you have in mind, my lady?" Gowasu inquired.
"Can you watch my bird for me?" Coco requested.
She wants a Kai to babysit a bird? I couldn't help but wonder.
"Me?" Gowasu pointed to himself, puzzled.
Coco emitted a breathy laugh that sent a strange shiver down my spine. This sensation was unfamiliar, and I didn't appreciate it.
"Not you, silly. Him," she clarified, pointing her gloved finger at me. She wants me to babysit a bird!
She stood up and gently took hold of my hand, motioning for me to follow her to an open clearing.
"Come on," she urged, and reluctantly, I followed. She interlocked her fingers with mine, and surprisingly, it felt... alright? Gowasu trailed behind us, observing from a distance.
"You know what? This would be a perfect moment for you to experience how my heartbeat changes when I summon and create," she suggested. Without hesitation, she released our interlocked hands and placed my hand on her chest.
"L-Lady Coco?" Gowasu voiced his concern. However, Coco paid him no mind and began to concentrate. Her focus was fixed on a specific spot in the sky, which seemed to implode in reverse. Snowflakes cascaded from that very spot, and soon, a majestic, large-sized bird emerged, circling above us.
Gowasu gasped, "The legendary bird of winter!?"
She gently moved my hand away from her chest and positioned my arm in a peculiar manner. "Stay calm and relax," she instructed, not giving me a chance to question her intentions.
She then called out to the bird, "Archimedes," in the softest and sweetest tone, her red-stained lips forming the words. Instantly, the bird swooped down and perched on her shoulder, chirping and nuzzling against her in a friendly manner. With a snap of her fingers, she directed the bird to attach itself to my arm.
"Zamasu, this is Archimedes. I have no issue helping you with your creation studies, but in return, I want you to observe and study Archimedes," Coco explained.
"Why?" I inquired, curious about her rationale.
"I believe it will aid you in enhancing your creation skills," Coco replied, her enthusiasm evident. She seemed so pleased with the task she had assigned me that it was hard for me to refuse.
"I accept your task, Lady Coco," I declared, noticing the glow of delight that radiated across her face. Was this the first time I truly noticed her freckles? They were golden, much like her eyes. Her eyes held a captivating allure. She was undeniably attractive, a fact that was apparent to anyone who laid eyes on her. And from what I could gather from the top half of her formal dress, she possessed an alluring figure... Why did that matter?
"Ow!" I yelped suddenly.
"Archimedes, no! No biting!" Coco scolded, coming to my defense. The bird clicked threateningly and stared me down. Coco summoned the bird back to her, and it obediently took off from my arm.
"I'm sorry. He did the same thing to Lord Beerus," Coco apologized, referring to Archimedes' behavior. The bird then flew off and found its place in a nearby tree.
"Lady Coco, do you mind if I take pictures of Archimedes?" Gowasu asked, holding a camera in his hands.
"I don't mind at all. I must get going; it's getting late," Coco replied, indicating that she had other commitments.
For some reason, I felt compelled to offer assistance. "Do you need assistance getting home, Lady Coco?" "That's very kind of you, Zamasu, but I think I can manage on my own. I'll see you next week," Coco graciously declined.
