Zamasu emerged from the Temple and stepped into the bright light outside. He surveyed the damage, which was extensive, but not permanent, and would be swiftly fixed once the call went out for assistance to their Core Planet. He needn't even handle this himself, as the partially sentient Sacred World most likely had already sent out a distress beacon when it created the maelstrom.
He observed the mortal in the near distance, under a large tree a bit away from the crumbling infrastructure, deeply engrossed in conversation with the West Kai, though he couldn't hear their lively conversation. Despite his knowledge of Kosu's extensive interactions with mortals, including direct engagement on their planets during the mortal seeding operation that led to his and Hana's suspension, he felt a deep sense of unease witnessing his old friend conversing nonchalantly with one face-to-face. No Kai should appear so comfortable engaging with mortals in such a manner. As he began a furious stride toward them, noting Rumsshi and Kusu blur by in the corner of his eye, he hoped they wouldn't bother him until he had finished addressing this next item on his priority list.
"Zamasu!" Rumsshi's voice echoed angrily in his direction.
Zamasu halted abruptly and cast his frustrated gaze to the sky. One never ignored a Destroyer.
"Yes, what is it, Rumsshi?" He pivoted on his heel and strode over various piles of rubble towards the God of Destruction. He approached the smoked fusion on the ground, courtesy of the mortal and his new best friend, Kosumosu, and felt a wave of reluctance wash over him. Dealing with this situation felt sickening, the image of his own annihilation disturbing, and it ranked third on his list of priorities at the moment.
Kusu and Rumsshi exchanged a glance as they watched Zamasu cross his arms with a huff of annoyance.
"Oh, I'm sorry, Kai, are we interrupting something more important than the very fabric of time being torn open in your universe?" Rumsshi poked at him with his trunk.
Zamasu's arched an eyebrow. "I am still piecing together this puzzle, and indeed, you are interrupting a matter of significance. The mortal over there holds information crucial to our situation. Excuse me."
As the Supreme Kai turned to leave, Kusu tapped her staff loudly on the ground. A soft, radiant light, suddenly enveloped the area where the slain Zamasu had fallen. It shimmered and faintly glowed, spreading out wispy illuminous tendrils, that appeared to emanate from the center.
"This is what I see," she said with a hint of concern. "Immortality."
Zamasu stood still, his grey eyes gaze fixed upon the soft dancing light. It appeared so delicate, and yet within it was a power so profound. It was truly a duality. "Yes, I was just made aware, actually," he said quietly, as his eyes tracked the swirling essence and his thoughts went back to the North Kai's brush with death.
"So then you know why we have a problem." Rumsshi added again, with frustration.
Zamasu thought about Rumsshi's question. Immortality was outside the normal workings of universal order, which explained its rarity and the limited knowledge surrounding it. Only beings as formidable as Zeno, or those of comparable power, possessed the capacity to bestow such a powerful universal anomaly onto a once vulnerable being.
"Well, yes, it will certainly complicate our efforts to resolve our multiple 'me' problem," Zamasu said with a bit of levity.
"Immortality is time travel, over and over again," Rumsshi harshly interjected. "As Supreme Kai, I trust you understand the implications of that all too well."
Kusu nodded and jumped in. "What looks like healing is actually the individual stepping outside the normal temporal space. Every moment is technically a paradox, as they continually revert back to a past form."
Zamasu felt his heart quicken. Time travel to the past was forbidden. "If what you say is true-"
"We don't want to draw any attention to ourselves, or our universe." Rumsshi growled. "The Omni King would not approve."
Zamasu's gaze continued to contemplate the swirling radiant light, still illuminated by Kusu's staff. Its persistent presence hung heavy in the air, refusing to dissipate, despite the passing moments.
"It lingers," Kusu remarked, her words echoing Zamasu's thoughts. "Its essence is like a cosmic oil slick, gumming up the works of the universe. The Sacred Worlds can neutralize this over time, but not regular planets." She ran the tip of her staff through the tendrils, momentarily disrupting them before they quickly settled back into their original spot. "Though it's the dose that makes it poison," she added.
"Which means no destroying the physical bodies of these things anymore," Rumsshi added grimly. "As much as I'd like to eliminate you several times over…" he quietly muttered under his breath
Kusu looked sympathetically at Zamasu after Rumsshi's comment. He was trying his best, and this problem was a tall order for even the most experienced Supreme Kai. "Lord Rumsshi is right," she concurred, her tone gentle. "If more of these entities are slain outside of here, and an immortality plume is released, it could irreversibly disrupt the functioning of your universe."
Zamasu scoffed at Rumsshi's poor attempt at humor at his expense, but did not retaliate. "Why aren't new Time Rings created then?" he inquired impatiently. "Shouldn't a new timeline be forged each time an immortal being reverts to a past form and a paradox is created?" He paused, contemplating the implications of his question before continuing his thoughts aloud. "A new Time Ring for every time an immortal being calls upon its gifts….every second, even, as immortal beings never age, never move forward in time." He looked up with a bit of panic. "But that is not so, so how can what you say be true?"
"That's the other issue." Kusu remarked, tapping her staff again to make the light disappear. "The universe's only defense against a contagion such as immortality is trapping the being in an infinite loop. Infinite loops serve to prevent the creation of new Time Rings. Each new timeline created simply absorbs into one large temporal space, ensnaring the being within. They are destined to relive their own time loop over and over again, usually after a cataclysmic event occurs, that should've ended their life—they will go on, but always meet the same fate, and then reset, over and over, no matter where they go."
Zamasu noticeably gasped at this. "And what of the new universe they now occupy?"
"Collateral damage," Kusu said sadly. "You'll have to find out the story of these other versions of you, Supreme Kai. What loop your universe just entered in without choice. And how it will end."
Zamasu turned his attention towards Goku in the distance. It seemed he would have to endure his presence for some time in order to get to the bottom of this crisis.
Noting his gaze, Kusu inquired, "What universe is he from?"
"Seven," Zamasu replied with a sigh, "but from a different timeline than our present one." He displayed the Time Ring on his finger. "Procured from one of the copies."
Rumsshi's expression hardened. "I don't like the feel of that. It's got a black signature."
"It's tethered to a specific moment of time—a temporal anchor for these immortal beings. Something terrible happened. Be careful with it." Kusu cautioned before turning with Rumsshi to leave.
Zamasu flashed an annoyed expression. "Where are you going, Rumsshi? Abandoning your quickly deteriorating universe in favor of a nap?"
"Investigation is the job of the Supreme Kai. And you're diving into deep waters on your first real assignment; don't screw it up," Rumsshi shot back before departing.
Zamasu lamented at the retreating figures. He simultaneously felt both the weight of the entire universe bearing down on him and the sensation of being consumed by it. Kusu was playing with fire with the level of assistance she had just provided, and would most likely not offer any more pertinent information freely. Rumsshi, meanwhile, seemed determined to maintain plausible deniability should the universe meet an untimely end. Zamasu felt profoundly alone, burdened by the immense responsibilities and lack of true resources available to him.
"Call me when you figure out a way to safely deal with these things," Rumsshi's departing words echoed, as he and Kusu teleported out in a beam of light.
"That's the question, though, isn't it?" Zamasu pondered aloud. How did the mortal manage to kill the physical body of a supposedly immortal being? And further, how was he to neutralize the immortality inside so it didn't contaminate the universe afterwards? It was a conundrum—it's own infinite loop of questions without easy answers.
…………………..
Goku shifted his gaze towards Zamasu and the Destroyer conversing in the distance, as he attempted to engage in his own conversation with Kosu. The friendly West Kai had pledged a debt to him for saving his sister, and was now talking his ear off, though Goku was only half listening and trying his best to respond to his questions appropriately. Zamasu would regularly look over at them, and each of his glances in Goku's direction only heightened the Saiyan's nerves for round two of their introduction. Goku was certain he had already completely botched his first impression.
"-and how did you get divine energy?"
"Hmm? What?" Goku only vaguely heard the question.
"Your energy, while you were fighting- you know, blue hair and all," Kosu pulled at his own thick mess of spiky white hair for dramatics, "it's divine energy." The West Kai then leaned in and whispered his next sentence. "You didn't hear this from me, but our Supreme Kai over there is not a fan of mortals emulating the gods, he's going to drill you on it." He ended with a smirk and a slap on Goku's back. "Might want to get your story straight."
Goku thought hard about his response, aware of the delicate balance he needed to strike between honesty and appeasing Zamasu. "Well, you know, just training hard and staying focused," he replied with a sheepish grin, opting for a vague answer. It was a terrible lie.
"And incredible luck, I guess?" Kosu cocked his head and gave a suspicious smile. Mortals did not fall upwards into divinity just because they worked hard. Goku was purposefully leaving out details. "Ok, go with that if you want." He ended with a shrug. "Don't say I didn't warn you if he snaps."
Goku rocked nervously on his heels as he watched Rumsshi and Kusu disappear, with Zamasu finally beginning to walk over, accompanied by another Kai who had just emerged from the Temple.
"Kosumosu." Zamasu voice rang deep and commanding as he walked up with Kasai in tow. "You will be escorting your sister and the South Kai shortly to Universe 7."
Kasai stepped up from behind Zamasu and surveyed the disheveled fighters around him, suddenly feeling a pang of shame at being left behind. His gaze settled on Goku with a soft gasp. He had never seen a mortal up close before.
"Oh, the North Kai- she's ok?" Goku interjected with genuine concern. He had been wondering what happened to Hana after he pulled the fused Zamasu off of her.
Zamasu walked past Goku, ignoring his comment.
Kosu was desperate to physically shake Zamasu down and also ask about Hana, but composed himself to set a good example for Goku. He gave a quick bow and was careful to address Zamasu formally, hoping the Saiyan would pick up on his proper mannerisms. "And how is she, Supreme Kai?"
"She's….alive." Zamasu replied slowly, surprised by Kosu's uncharacteristic decorum. "Though she requires more assistance than we can presently give here."
"Yes, Supreme Kai, thank you, I understand. Universe 7, I will go with haste to assist the North Kai." Kosu acknowledged with a deep bow, then gave a hard shove to Kasai to bow as well. Kasai snapped out of his trance and shot a look of confusion towards the West Kai. They needn't bow after every sentence.
"Kosu, how many times did you get hit in the head?" Zamasu questioned skeptically, thoroughly confused now by the West Kai's unusually polite demeanor. Surely he wasn't showing deference to the mortal.
"Whatever do you mean, Supreme Kai?" He said stiffly.
Zamasu rolled his eyes and finally landed them on Goku. The moment he had been dreading had arrived. "And you, mortal-"
Goku stood upright and bowed awkwardly. He observed Zamasu carefully, without looking him too directly in the eyes. While it was undeniably the Zamasu he remembered, there were subtle differences. He couldn't quite pinpoint it—it wasn't that he looked older- perhaps "wiser" was the right word? This Zamasu carried himself with more confidence, and less arrogance. Despite his torn clothes and roughed up exterior, he exuded a sense of authority similar to the other Supreme Kai that Goku had encountered. This realization eased some of his nerves. The Kai before him held the same intensity, but this wasn't the exact same Zamasu.
"Yes, Supreme Kai, Sir," Goku managed to stumble in reply.
Ignoring the awkwardness of the response, Zamasu hesitated as he mulled over the various things he wanted to say. Thoughts swirled in his mind like waves crashing on the shore, only to recede again. A whirlwind of emotions churned within him—anger, curiosity, and, begrudgingly, a hint of respect for the assistance this mortal had provided him during the fight. Hana's revelation, as well, that it was he that had saved her, was forcing him to acknowledge the significant impact this mortal had on recent events, despite his other transgressions. After a lengthy pause, Zamasu settled on a stern command, "You will only speak when spoken to, while here."
"You got it," Goku nodded, then grunted in frustration, realizing he had immediately broken the first rule, as Kosu slapped his hand over his own face in frustration in the background.
"And regardless of the circumstances of your appearance, you will clean yourself up. You look utterly unfit to be here, in the presence of gods and this Sacred World," Zamasu added, gesturing disdainfully at the Saiyan's disheveled appearance.
Goku looked down at his torn clothes.
"C'mon Zamasu, we all look rough." Kosu finally entered the conversation in Goku's defense. "And you could ask him his name, also."
The Supreme Kai flashed Kosu a stern look as he finally looked down and observed his own appearance critically. He had been so absorbed in the recent events, he hadn't even noticed his own torn robes and injured, exposed skin, rendering him equally unfit to be in the Sacred Realm. Just as he was about to materialize a new outfit, his attention was abruptly drawn away by the sudden trio of nearby instant transmissions.
"Right over there!" A group of miniature Shinjin-like deities, Celestials, suddenly appeared in a sequence of flashes. They were smallish gods, with translucent, luminous, skin adorned with cryptic cosmic symbols. They rushed over to the Supreme Kai, jostling each other as they came to a stop in front of him. These beings were the divine architects of the universe, intricately connected to its very fabric. They possessed the ability to infuse cosmic energy and magic into the physical structures they built. Unlike regular Shinjin, who grew as fruit on the Kaiju with their destinies not predetermined, Celestials grew as nodules on the roots, each tasked with a singular job- to build enchanted, functional, fabulous dwellings for the Deities of Universe 10.
"You called, Lord Zamasu?" One of the workers nearest the front whipped out a hammer from his divine tool belt for effect.
"I trust you are capable of discerning the problem here yourselves," Zamasu stated flatly to the diminutive beings, just as a chunk of roof fell off the nearly destroyed Temple, joining a waiting pile of rubble below. The Sacred World had indeed called on them itself during its moments of distress, as it did Rumsshi.
"We'll get right on it!" The Lilliputian leader waved the other Celestials towards the Temple.
"Oh and please take care of any biological remnants as well." Zamasu yelled after them, remembering the slain copy of himself.
"Shall we send it to CRICK for analysis?" Suggested one of the architects, referring to the Cosmic Research Institute for Celestial Knowledge. It was standard protocol that any foreign biological material found anywhere in the Sacred Realm be sent to CRICK for possible contamination analysis.
"No!" Zamasu sharply responded, causing the Celestials to step back in surprise. He didn't need anyone on their Core Planet getting wind of Universe 10's immortality contagion. "No need," he softened his tone after seeing their startled response. "Everything is fine, just please dispose of it." He paused again before adding, "Oh, and please visit the North Kai's planet, it is also in need of repair."
The Celestials turned and shrugged. As long as the order came from the Supreme Kai, it was fine to deviate from CRICK protocol. Less work for them.
"You got it. Sacred World Temple, then the Northern Sacred Realm." With that, the group proceeded towards the Temple, chatting merrily as they got out their tools.
Goku marveled at the sight in front of him. It was always fascinating to witness the cosmic secrets of the universe unfolding in real time. He wished he could express his delight at watching the little beings steadily working on rebuilding the Temple, but he kept his excitement contained, mindful of the stressed looking Zamasu in his periphery. Equally striking to him was the realization that this Zamasu truly was the Supreme Kai. He had only met the apprentice version a few times before he went on his killing spree, and the contrast between the two Kai continued to grow wider in his mind.
"Those things need a raise." Kosu joked, finally cutting through the silence.
Zamasu scoffed at Kosu's comment. Celestials worked tirelessly, and their ironclad work ethic was ingrained genetically, all without complaint. He wished he saw these traits more often in his lower Kai, who often demanded more perks for far less work. Returning his focus to Goku, he finally found the words he wanted to say to the mortal; however, before he could utter a syllable, another interruption tumbled through: an obnoxiously loud, rolling growl emanating from the Saiyan.
"What…was that?" Kasai said naively, when the noise finally dissipated.
Goku gave an embarrassed look and clutched his stomach, indicating his massive hunger. Trying to break the unbearable silence that followed his gesture, without breaking Zamasu's first rule, he offered an awkward grin and scratch of his head.
"I think he's waiting for you to give him permission to speak," Kosu noted, struggling to hold back laughter.
Zamasu recognized the mortal pangs of hunger when he saw them, possessing sufficient understanding of their physiology; after all, mortals were creations wrought from the imaginations of the Kai themselves. It was moments like these, though, that reinforced to him why, in the end, they were of so little use to the gods. A Kai's primary focus of overseeing and maintaining balance in the universe always overshadowed any primitive needs, allowing them to channel their energy towards their divine duties without distraction. The idea of basic necessities, such as hunger, interrupting a cosmic crisis like the one they were dealing with, mildly infuriated him.
All divine beings needed physical sustenance, but not with the same frequency as mortals who burned through their lifespans at warp speeds. The Kai, for instance, had a metabolism so efficient that they could transform nearly all chemical potential energy into cellular work with minimal heat waste. This meant they were very discerning about the food they did consumed, preferring small portions of the highest quality ingredients from the most pristine planets, as they did not engage in the act of eating very often.
Divine energy also played a crucial role in the Kai's ability to transcend primal needs. Divinity wasn't merely a status symbol; it fundamentally altered the physiology of its holder. It changed how an organism interacted with the universe, allowing them to tap directly into the laws of thermodynamics that governed it. This energy enabled divine beings, Kai or otherwise, to absorb sustenance directly from the entropy emitted by all planets and its organisms as they cycled through their biochemical and geochemical processes. Thus, Kai could go very long stretches without physical nourishment, sustained by the universe itself.
From a god's perspective, this ability also allowed them to reorganize the thermodynamics of their universe to a more balanced state, simply by existing. A mortal in close proximity to a Kai would immediately feel a chill as the ambient temperature dropped significantly, evidence of this intersection between divinity and physics. It was for this reason that divine energy was not something to be wielded lightly, nor was it something mortals should obtain or use without understanding the profound implications it had on their interaction with the very laws the governed the cosmos.
Zamasu carefully selected his next words in light of these aspects of mortality and divinity. He had to make himself abundantly clear. Each word had to convey not only his authority, but the depth of his disdain for the current situation, while also hinting at the necessity of cooperation. Goku and the other Kai waited patiently and respectfully, their expressions a mix of curiosity and apprehension.
"Mortal, your presence here is intolerable." He finally spoke without interruption. "The very air you breathe is an affront to this sacred realm, and your misuse of divine chi is nothing short of blasphemy. Your aggression against this sanctum, unforgivable."
The atmosphere suddenly grew heavy and uncomfortable as the Supreme Kai spoke, the weight of his words pressing down on everyone present. Kosu began to pace nervously. He was so hopeful that Zamasu would prioritize his duties as Supreme Kai over his personal biases, but he wasn't off to a good start. Kasai also shuffled from foot to foot, as Goku remained perfectly still, listening intently, ready for whatever action he might be forced to take next.
"However- despite these transgressions, which we will address in turn, in due time, I will grant you —" he paused, narrowing his eyes, "—what is your name?" He thought the Sourh Kai had mentioned it, but he couldn't remember.
"Oh, uh, Son Goku," Goku replied, caught off guard by the question and sudden shift in tone.
"Very well, Son Goku."
"Just Goku, is fine."
Zamasu stared.
"Sorry!" Goku coughed nervously and then fell silent.
"I will grant you six graces while you exist in this realm. Three for saving the life of the North Kai, as well as three for my own."
Goku cocked his head to the side at this last line. He didn't recall anything specific where he had assisted Zamasu in his fight. "Oh- sure, of course." He was a bit speechless, except for one question. "Excuse me though- what's a grace?"
Kosu quickly stepped in, making direct eye contact with Zamasu. "Think of it as a favor, Goku." The West Kai was proud of the Supreme Kai for his sudden change of heart, but also aware that he might retract everything if sufficiently annoyed by Goku's ignorance. "Like a special allowance for something you need," he further explained.
"Oh, so it's like a wish?" Goku asked, tempted to make a joke about the Dragon Balls, but held his tongue.
Zamasu's expression hardened. "No, not like a wish. Wishes are the naive longing of children, hoping for something magical," he explained, with a touch of frustration. "A grace, however, is a special privilege granted at a god's discretion—an intentional act of benevolence or mercy, reflecting divine authority and judgment." He smirked. "Mine, in this case."
Goku nodded slowly, trying to grasp the gravity of Zamasu's words. He still didn't quite understand. "So is it ok to ask what these six graces are?"
Zamasu's gaze remained stern. "The first grace is your continued existence in this Sacred Realm." He paused, his eyes narrowing. "I have been informed that you possess information crucial to our current predicament, which warrants your first grace."
Kosu and Kasai exchanged nervous glances. Whatever was transpiring outside of what they already knew must be of grave importance for Zamasu to tolerate the presence of a mortal in the Sacred Realm for an extended duration of time.
"The second shall be proper attire. As already stated, your current appearance is disgraceful and unworthy of divine presence. The third will be the provision of sustenance. I am not unaware that your physiology requires frequent nourishment to function adequately during your stay."
Goku listened intently. "And the other three?" he asked, curious but respectful.
Zamasu paused and closed his eyes, as if contemplating a weighty decision. "The remaining three graces will be revealed as needed, contingent on your help, actions, and respect for this realm's sanctity."
Goku nodded again, and flashed a look at Kosu who quietly mouthed, "say thank you," and motioned for him to bow.
"I understand, Supreme Kai, thank you. I'll do my best to honor these graces and not cause any trouble." Goku bowed and noticed Zamasu's agitated expression soften, if only slightly.
Following his declaration, Zamasu looked out at his fellow Kai, who were looking back at him. Kasai appeared more relaxed, while Kosu's smile and expression conveyed deep gratitude and admiration. It was nice to feel their affection for a change. He also recalled the surprising comfort of Hana's earlier embrace, which had felt like a balm, soothing the troubles that smoldered beneath his skin, if only for a moment. The burden of responsibility that came with his position often weighed heavily on him, with no easy means of relief. In these rare moments of camaraderie, it reminded him that even gods need solace and support from their peers.
"See that you do, Son Goku. The fate of my universe might depend on it."
With that, he materialized a glowing crystal ball and prepared to fulfill his first three graces, hopeful that Goku had more to offer than mere combat skills and blasphemies. Developing an effective immune response to the immortal contagion would require more than brute strength; it needed true insight. Zamasu hoped his trust wasn't misplaced.