Seeking to make good on his first three promised graces, as a respectable God should, Zamasu materialized a crystal ball in his hand, its surface glowing with a deep luminous light. He turned towards Goku and asked, "Tell me, from which planet do you hail? I wish to observe the types of food indigenous to your world." The crystal ball began to shimmer, ready to reveal the culinary delights of whatever planet was at Zamasu's beckon.
"Oh wow, no way!" Goku exclaimed in initial disbelief, his eyes wide with excitement. He scratched his head, taking a moment to consider this request. "Man, there's so much good food on Earth…but then again, there are a lot of other planets out there I don't even know about that probably have some pretty amazing stuff too. It kinda seems like a waste of a wish- I mean grace," he flashed an apologetic grin, "to ask for food I can get back home, you know?"
He paused, deep in thought, tapping his chin as he weighed his options. "Hmmm…I remember the feast on Planet Yardrat. That was pretty tasty! And then there was the food on King Kai's planet, but I already had that a bunch of times…Hey, Zamasu, do you know any planets with really delicious food that I haven't been to?"
Zamasu's mouth dropped open. He looked around at the other Kai, as if unsure that Goku's question and casual tone were actually aimed at him. Did the mortal truly have the audacity to address him so informally, after his strict declaration of rules? Or were his ramblings simply those of a starving madman?
Goku's enthusiasm was palpable as he continued to brainstorm and talk out loud to himself. "I mean, if I'm gonna use up one of these graces, it should be for something really special, right? Something I can't normally get. There's gotta be a planet out there with the best food in the universe."
Zamasu walked up to Goku and roughly grabbed the collar of his torn gi. "Are you incapable of comprehending the gravity of our situation?" His patience was wearing thin. "I granted you these graces not for trivialities, but to assist you in aiding our efforts to resolve this cosmic predicament!" He shouted. "This is not an act of charity, nor is it meant to indulge your whims. Every grace I bestow has a purpose, a strategic significance in the grand scheme of our plans. Do not mistake this as benevolence for generosity's sake. Your absolute cooperation is a necessity, not a choice- choose a planet, NOW." He was already beginning to regret his decision to indulge this mortal.
Kosu, who was watching from the side, immediately tagged into the conversation. He skillfully snatched the crystal ball from Zamasu's hands with a mischievous wink. "Allow me, Supreme Kai," he said smoothly, turning toward Goku with a broad grin, stealing his attention. "You're in luck, Goku! Culinary delights across the cosmos are my specialty. I didn't get suspended for playing by the rules and lounging around on the Western Sacred World for twelve hundred years, you know!"
Kosu's eyes lit up as he began to describe the culinary wonders of different planets to Goku, as the Saiyan's eyes also lit up with anticipation.
"You wouldn't believe the incredible foods from across the 10th Universe! Take Xenthara, for example, where you can savor Flamefruit—a fiery, crimson fruit with a tangy, spicy kick that invigorates your senses. Glowing Moss Soup is a luminescent green stew, with a sweet, earthy flavor — and the Stardust Crystal Cakes are delicate, shimmering delights that tingle on your tongue." Kosu waved his hand around the crystal ball as he spoke, inviting bright vivid images of each delectable food described, as Kasai stifled a laugh — the West Kai sounded like a bad advertisement on God Tube.
"Planet Auroraxis has Nebula Berries, and Skyfish Fillets," Kosu continued, "and then there's Terravine, with Rockmelon— sweet and juicy — and Earthroot casserole, hearty and savory!"
"Hmmmm." Goku scratched his head in thought, his senses completely overwhelmed. It all looked so good, it was hard to decide.
Zamasu flashed a deep frown at Kosu as he ran through the menu options. Not only was he indulging the antics of the mortal, but he was also displaying behavior most unfit for a Kai. Kosu's firsthand knowledge of these cuisines stemmed from his inappropriate dalliances on various worlds — living amongst the mortals, eating their food, and enjoying their hospitality, all with Hanakotoba tagging along as his sidekick. It had not escaped Zamasu's notice that Kosu had developed an insatiable appetite for mortal pleasures ever since, like a drop of blood in a shark tank. Zamasu deeply disapproved of this reckless indulgence, seeing it as a stain on the dignity of the Kai.
He had only permitted Kosu and Hanakotoba to return to their posts after their suspensions because he couldn't afford to have three of his quadrants filled with inexperienced new Kai. The realms needed stability, and as much as Zamasu detested Kosu's behavior, the West Kai's experience was invaluable. Hana was less essential, being fairly new to the job at the time, as she replaced Zamasu when he began his apprenticeship, but Kosu's continued tenure was contingent on her being welcomed back, as well. The sight of Kosu openly sharing his sins so easily with Goku grated on him, a constant reminder of the compromises he had been forced to make.
Kosu tapped his foot as he waited for Goku to sort through all the images in the crystal ball and make a decision. "Of course, you might just prefer your own planet's cuisines in the end, which is perfectly fine too." He glanced at Zamasu, who had just turned his attention to Kasai to ask a question. Seizing the moment, Kosu leaned down towards Goku and whispered, "I also know the planets with the most beautiful mortal women, if that's a grace you're interested in. You'd do quite well on Talaris, I imagine." He winked, then quickly grew serious. "Though, I'm actually not sure if Zamasu would approve of that, come to think of it." He shrugged casually. "But I can always ask for you."
Goku shot up, his face turning a deep shade of red. "No, no, thank you, I'm good. I'm married!" He laughed nervously, trying to brush off the suggestion.
Kosu chuckled to himself. Marriage was such a mortal construct. If a Kai ever chose to marry, they'd be bound to their partner for tens of thousands of years. No thanks. Transient pleasures were far more appealing than such eternal commitments when you lived for several millennia. "Just thought I'd offer," he said with a sly smile. "Focus on the food, then."
Zamasu's gaze remained intense as he allowed Kosu to continue to handle the situation for now. He sighed impatiently as Goku continued to mull over the catalog of food being presented to him. His gaze swept over the group, taking in their disheveled appearances. He suddenly remembered the second grace he had promised. Clearing his mind, he envisioned the three of them in clean, new outfits. For Goku, he chose a Kai outfit in shades of blue and gray, finding his predominantly bright orange gi a distracting and jarring color.
The Supreme Kai closed his eyes and focused on the details until they were crystal clear in his mind. With a flash and imperceptible nod, their clothes were transformed, now clean and presentable. Goku, momentarily distracted by his new outfit, gave it a quick pull and then frowned. He had always thought the elaborate outfits the Kai wore looked heavy and constricting with their layers and sashes, and now he knew he was right. If he was expected to fight again at any point, he worried this would dampen his performance. Zamasu noticed his displeased look.
"Is there a problem, Son Goku?"
"Well, it's just... these clothes are kinda hard to move around in," Goku admitted, trying to keep his tone light.
Zamasu's eyes narrowed with disdain. "This is not a fashion show, mortal, nor is it a playground. You are in the presence of Gods, and you will dress accordingly. Your discomfort is insignificant compared to the honor of standing on sacred ground. You will show the proper respect while here."
Kosu stepped in, attempting to diffuse the tension once again before Goku inadvertently insulted the Supreme Kai further. "Let's focus on the task at hand, Goku. You'll manage just fine for now- if the outfit becomes a problem, you can always adjust it later. I'll help you," he said with a reassuring smile. "Now, have you decided on your cuisine?" He noted Zamasu in the corner of his eye looking increasingly agitated with the situation. "Don't want to keep the Supreme Kai waiting much longer!"
Goku, still frowning slightly, shifted his attention back to the images. "Yeah, yeah, you're right," he muttered, trying to hide his discomfort. "I'm just not used to all these layers. Ok- do you think I could try a little something from all these planets? And dessert from Earth? Or is that too hard to do?"
Hearing the last part of Goku's comment, Zamasu strode over with furious steps. Did this mortal truly believe that obtaining items from multiple planets across the multiverse was beyond his capacity as Supreme Kai? The audacity was infuriating. "If your choice is made, wait over there," he commanded, gesturing toward the large table typically reserved for his PUBS meetings. He took a moment to compose himself, as he watched Goku and the others make their way over. This mortal had no idea of the divine power at his disposal, nor the extent of his capabilities as Supreme Kai.
Goku turned his attention to the smaller Kai trailing behind him as he walked up the hill toward the table. He hadn't spoken yet, but the fiery-headed Kai had been staring at him intently since he arrived.
"Hey man!" Goku said, waving to Kasai. "Are you a Kai too, or just one of the helpers?" He recalled Kibito, and remembered that not all deities that looked like Kai were necessarily Gods.
Kasai looked up, a bit perturbed by the comment. It was bad enough that he was mostly ignored by Zamasu and the older, more boisterous and experienced quadrant Kai, but now the mortal was assuming he was an attendant? His eyes narrowed slightly as he tried to mask his irritation.
"I am indeed a Kai," Kasai responded, his voice steady but with a hint of annoyance. "I oversee the Eastern Quadrant, ensuring balance and order just as my counterparts do in their respective domains." He straightened up, trying to project an air of authority despite his small stature.
Goku scratched his head, sensing the tension but not fully understanding its source. "Oh, sorry about that. Nice to meet you," he said with his usual cheerful demeanor, hoping to smooth things over.
Kasai's expression softened slightly. Despite the mortal's blundering ignorance, his earnestness was a bit charming. "Nice to meet you too, Goku."
When Goku turned his attention back toward the table, it was laden with all the succulent wonders he had seen inside the crystal ball. Exotic fruits with vibrant hues glistened like jewels beside steaming plates of perfectly roasted meats, their juices shimmering under the light. Delicate pastries, intricate in design and filled with rich creams and sweetened fruits, sat alongside bowls of fragrant soups and colorful salads. Fine crystal china and porcelain tea sets adorned the table, each piece a work of art. The competing aromas, which should have canceled each other out, instead harmonized like instruments in an orchestra—each distinguishable yet contributing to a full, symphonic experience.
Goku's eyes, as large as saucers, reflected his disbelief and sheer delight at the feast before him. This was, without a doubt, one of the top moments in his recent memory.
Zamasu slid up behind Goku with his arms crossed, a wide smile of self-satisfaction on his face. "Your third grace, I hope, is more to your specifications than the second," he said smugly, taking his seat at the head of the table. His eyes gleamed with a mixture of pride and condescension, clearly pleased with the spread he just created.
Kosu gestured grandly to the table, his own mouth watering slightly at the spread. "Enjoy, Goku! The 10th Universe's most exquisite culinary wonders!"
Goku, barely able to contain his excitement, nodded vigorously. "Thank you! This looks amazing!" He immediately began to dig in, savoring each bite with an enthusiasm that was almost childlike in its purity.
As Goku reveled in the feast, Zamasu watched with a mixture of amusement and disdain. He would let the mortal indulge in his third grace for now, but soon it would be time for Goku to uphold his part of the bargain and divulge what he knew about this crisis, and how he came to know it. He reached for an ornate teapot and poured himself a cup of Tranquilmoon tea, a rare blend known universally for its soothing properties. The delicate lavender like aroma wafted up from his cup, mingling with the other scents in the air. He took a measured sip, feeling a hint of serenity wash over him.
Despite their metabolic self-sufficiency, if Kai did have a singular primitive pleasure in their long lives, it would undoubtedly be their indulgence in luxurious teas from across the universe. Beyond merely satisfying a physical craving, the act of brewing and savoring tea held profound cultural significance for them. Each sip was a ritual, a moment of serene contemplation amidst the chaos of their cosmic duties.
During tea-drinking moments, Kai found solace and rejuvenation, allowing them brief detachment from their heavy divine responsibilities. Tea served as a reminder of simple pleasures amid their grand existence, offering moments of tranquility and insight, amongst the vastness of eternity. The swirling aromatic leaves formed a bridge between their elevated perspective and the beings they swore to serve, revealing the essence of their souls and deepest intentions with each brimming cup they brewed.
Kosu paused for a moment in the midst of his own enthusiastic attack on the food, his voracity nearly rivaling that of the Saiyan next to him. With his mouth still full, he suddenly blurted out, "Hey, what about Hanakotoba and Aoume?" The thought had just struck him—it seemed wrong not to invite them to enjoy the company, if not the food, at least. Especially if Hana wasn't up to eating yet.
Zamasu's serene moment was interrupted by Kosu's outburst. He sighed, setting his cup down with deliberate care. Truthfully, he was uncomfortable at the thought of the North Kai's use of immortality, now that he was aware of its dangers, and was putting off thinking about or seeing her again until it was time to escort her to Universe 7. "I don't believe the North Kai would be up for such exertion just yet," he replied coolly. "We have more pressing matters to discuss than to extend further hospitality."
Kosu frowned but didn't press the matter further, and returned to his meal with less enthusiasm. Goku, however, perked up at the mention of the South and North Kai. He was eager to see them again. "Hey, I'd actually really like to see them too," he said earnestly. Goku wanted to show them how he hadn't messed up his meeting with the Supreme Kai, and he was also getting nervous about the inevitable conversation regarding his past and what he knew about the Zamasu infiltrating this universe. He had hoped that Hana and Aoume could help guide him through it.
The West Kai looked up suddenly with a mischievous smile. "Perhaps they could grace us with their presence, Supreme Kai?" he suggested hopefully.
Zamasu gave him a hard look. "Graces are at my discretion."
Goku glanced down at his meal. The momentary distraction of delicious food was a welcome reprieve, but he knew the real challenge—preventing this Zamasu from descending into darkness—was still looming ahead. He needed help. What could he say to convince Zamasu to let the other Kai join them?
It was Kasai who finally spoke up. "Zamasu, Aoume was talking a lot about immortality earlier. He thinks he knows how we can possible get them mortal," he said, his voice trembling slightly. "Something about physically altering their temporal spaces in time." He nervously drank his tea afterwards. Kasai rarely spoke up like that, especially in opposition to the Supreme Kai's directives.
Zamasu's eyes narrowed as he contemplated Kasai's words. In a flash, without a word, he teleported away, leaving the others in stunned silence. Everyone exchanged uneasy glances around the table.
Kosu swallowed a large lump of food and turned toward Goku. "He does that a lot."
Goku sat quietly for a moment, lost in rare reflection. What was he doing here? Why did he think he could pull this off? What had initially seemed like a lighthearted adventure, sparked by meeting the North Kai inside Zamasu's body, was now derailing into chaos. The food was suddenly losing its appeal and his robes were itchy. Had he overstepped? The gravity of the situation was starting to weigh heavily on him, casting a shadow over his usually unshakable confidence, as Zamasu reappeared, the North Kai draped between him and Aoume for support.
"Hana!" Kosu nearly toppled everything around him as he kicked his chair back and rushed to his sister, taking over as her support. She gave a strained smile to her brother as he helped her to the table. With a flick of her eyes towards Goku, she tapped Kosu, indicating she wanted to sit next to the Saiyan.
Zamasu held up four fingers towards Goku, indicating his fourth grace granted, before returning to his seat. His critical eye remained fixed on Hana as he watched her settle into her own. She was significantly better since he last saw her, as he had feared. Her deep wound had mostly healed, now a messy scar of painful gnarled tissue; however, she still looked physically exhausted, almost ill, which was most unusual for a Kai. Her remaining immortality clung to her like a lingering demon, a possession she couldn't entirely shake, rendering her like a record skipping in place- unable to move forward or completely back in time.
After assessing her condition, he took a moment to consider her appearance. Her burnt, torn clothes and generous amount of exposed skin were most indecent for sacred ground; however, covering her wound with clothing might cause discomfort, and Kai attire was always modest, tight, and heavy, particularly the quadrant Kai's uniform. These uniforms were elaborate, with layers of rich fabric and intricate designs symbolizing divine authority. For over a hundred thousand years, it had been tradition to wear no less than ten pounds of clothing (less for females) to always remind themselves of the heavy burden of divinity they bore as Gods. Each quadrant also had bright sashes that bore the symbol of the King Kai displayed on their chest. In Universe 10 these sashes were pink for North, teal for West, white for South, and yellow for East. Zamasu tried, but couldn't imagine any uniform that balanced necessary decorum with Hana's required comfort, so with a frustrated sigh, decided to let her be.
"It's been a very long time since her last wave of healing." Aoume said, noticing Zamasu's stare, as he took his usual seat next to him. "I do believe it's mostly gone now, though it'll leave a permanent mark on her physiology, most likely. An oil stain can be washed, but the fabric's fibers will always remain marked by the damage."
Hana took her seat and turned towards the Saiyan. "Hello, Goku." She placed a hand gently on his arm in greeting, not wanting to disturb his eating, before reaching for a nearby teapot and pouring herself a cup. Unlike Kosu, she didn't find much enjoyment in indulging in mortal foods, though she had her fair share over the years. To her, their past dalliances amongst the mortals were strictly business—she was always, first and foremost, a Kai. She wrinkled her nose as she struggled to swallow the intensely bitter tea she had just poured—Xenovar Brew. Hailing from the mist-shrouded planet of the same name, it was not a tea one drank for pleasure. Hana made a face into her cup until the realization of its strong regenerative and medicinal properties came to the forefront of her mind. She quickly looked up at Zamasu with affection, appreciating the thoughtful gesture of bringing her this potent elixir; however, his attention remained elsewhere, lost in his own thoughts, oblivious to her gaze.
She choked down the rest of her tea before turning back towards Goku. "I'm glad to finally meet you as myself." She glanced at his new Kai outfit, courtesy of Zamasu. He looked uncomfortable, but handsome—almost as distinguished as a God. "You clean up nice." She playfully tugged at his Kai robe and hesitated, searching for the right words. What do you say to someone who risked their life to save yours? "Thank you. For saving my life," she began. "You could have died, and I'm practically a stranger to you. I don't know how to express how much that means to me. I'll never forget it." The words felt inadequate compared to the immense gratitude she felt inside.
Goku smiled. "You're welcome. I've been on the receiving end of that exact blade before in another timeline, so I knew the pain you were in." He laughed nervously.
Kosu suddenly choked on his drink, pounding his chest with his fist in a series of coughs. A deathly silence fell over the table as all eyes shifted from the Saiyan to Zamasu, who stared back with a mix of horror and confusion.
"You mean a blade like the one that struck the North Kai?" Aoume interjected quickly.
Goku felt his face flush. Did he really just let everything slip with one sentence? "Uh, yes, a blade like that! I've been in a lot of fights where energy weapons like that were used, it's a really easy common technique!"
Hana dropped her face into her hands and groaned, feeling the weight of the blunder. Goku had not just made every single one of Zamasu's suspicions realized, but also just insulted him further.
"No—" Zamasu stood abruptly, pushing his chair back with force. His eyes blazed with fury and suspicion. From the start, when he had first witnessed Goku conversing with the possessed North Kai, he knew something was amiss. This mortal knew more than just casual details about immortality. "You said that blade. My blade." His voice low, but angry, as he glared at the Saiyan. "You dare come to my timeline, my Universe, my Sacred World, and withhold information from me? Or worse—twist it into something more palatable to protect me from the truth, while my entire universe hangs in the balance?"
Both the Saiyan and the Supreme Kai stood up, their chairs pushed back in their wake. Their eyes locked, burning with intensity, invisible chi flashing between them, neither one willing to back down.
"I came here to help," Goku finally said, his voice steady and unwavering. "To try to correct my own mistakes that might have contributed to what happened in another timeline. I'm not here to deceive you or make things worse. We're on the same side, Zamasu.
"Zamasu, you should hear him out," Hana suggested cautiously, though the Supreme Kai's eyes never wavered in her direction, leaving her unsure if he even heard. "He has information that can help us; we can't afford to ignore it." She nervously bit her lip. "Though it might be a hard truth for you to hear."
Aoume nodded in agreement. "This situation is unprecedented, regrettably. It involves the both of you, in another time and space."
Zamasu shifted his gaze suddenly between the South and North Kai. "Both of you knew something of importance and failed to inform me immediately? Is this correct?"
Kosu interjected sharply, "And when exactly should they have told you? Before, during, or after Hanakotoba was stabbed?"
Zamasu shifted his gaze darkly in his direction for a moment as Hana looked down in shame, apologetically.
Aoume exhaled. "I am to blame. I had ample opportunity to reveal everything earlier when you checked in on the North Kai, and I chose not to."
"I am surprised at you South Kai." Zamasu's voice shifted from anger to disappointment . "You didn't trust me to handle the truth? And worse- you withheld vital intelligence from your Supreme Kai to protect a mortal?" Zamasu's gaze flickered from Goku to Hana, then to Aoume. His jaw tightened as he wrestled with his pride and the gravity of their situation before turning to Kasai. "It appears, East Kai, that you are the only one at this table who hasn't failed me in some capacity." His voice was icy, each word a dagger aimed at those around the table. Kasai sank low in his chair, feigning interest in his now cold cup of tea.
Zamasu silently materialized a small, ornate box and placed it gently on the table. The box, crafted from rich mahogany, was adorned with intricate gold markings that hinted at the fusion reactions creating birthing stars. The swirling designs seemed to move under scrutiny, changing course when observed again—a testament to the box's mystical nature. Inside lay the Multiverse Potara, their aura of power resonating through the wood and sending mild pulses of electricity that interrupted the natural rhythm of any nearby heartbeat.
Inside, each of the twelve earring sets rested in their own unique slot, separated by short partitions of shiny iridescent Vibrium—a cosmic material capable of absorbing the magnetic attractions and repulsions of these powerful artifacts. The earrings appeared eerily alive, whispering to one another in a loud, indecipherable chorus, beckoning their neighbors to stay away while simultaneously drawing their own pair closer. Each set gleamed with brilliant colors spanning the spectrum, designating the universe to which it belonged. Zamasu reached for the green pair in the tenth slot; they seemed to come alive at his touch, exalting in their selection—before he promptly snapped the box shut.
Still silent, he affixed the Potara onto his ears and disappeared in a flash, leaving the box behind.
Kosu sighed audibly and swirled his chopsticks through the remnants of his rice dish, his frustration loud and clear. The Supreme Kai vanished yet again in a huff, keeping his plans a secret from everyone.
……………..
The Hall of Eternity was a testament to divine craftsmanship, a room where the very fabric of space and time seemed to bend to the will of its occupant. Located at the heart of the Temple (and therefore, unharmed) and hidden from sight save for those capable of instant transmission and wearing a full-power Potara pair, it was a vast, circular room with high, vaulted ceilings that shimmered with a soft glowing light. The walls were adorned with intricate carvings depicting the creation of the universe, the rise and fall of civilizations, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. Distant echoing chants of ancient Kai rituals created an ambiance of reverence and awe.
At the center of the room stood a large, crystalline orb resting on an ornate pedestal. Known as the Time Sphere, it was a luminous globe that seemed to contain swirling galaxies within its depths when at rest. It radiated a gentle, pulsating glow, casting an otherworldly light and terrifying shadows across the room. This artifact allowed the Supreme Kai to peer into alternate timelines and distant realms, observing events as they unfolded in the past, present, and future. Plush, violet cushions lined the floor, providing a place for the Supreme Kai to sit and meditate while observing the events within the Time Sphere. Tall, slender columns of shimmering crystal extended from floor to ceiling, resonating with the energy of the room and amplifying the clarity of the visions.
It was in here that Zamasu could watch the unfolding of history, the consequences of choices, and the ripple effects of actions across the multiverse. It was a place of great power and profound insight, where he could gaze into the heart of existence itself and seek the wisdom needed to guide his realm. As he transmitted in, the atmosphere was serene yet charged with anticipation, as if the room itself was aware of the monumental events he was about to bear witness to.
He twisted the Time Ring upon his finger, feeling a powerful energy radiating from the Time Sphere as it suddenly responded to its presence. The Sphere seemed almost sentient, pulling at the ring like an invisible hand, greedy for the secrets it held from across the dimensions of time. He knelt on one of the plush cushions in front of the Sphere, closing his eyes and running his fingers over the ring's intricate textures and designs, coaxing it to surrender to the room's impulses. He couldn't trust his dishonest Kai and the wretched mortal to be truthful with him. It was time to invoke his right and duty as Supreme Kai, to bridge the vast expanses of time and space. He opened his eyes narrowly once he felt the ring finally release its energy signature to the sphere, and peered at the images now flashing on the globe.
"Very well then. Let us uncover the truths too taboo to be divulged to me outright," Zamasu muttered to himself, his words reverberating through the chamber like the whispers of the ancient Kai, reflecting their unease about what was about to be revealed.