Kasai observed Aoume pacing restlessly in Zamasu's room. There was no way in or out for either of them, even if they wanted to leave. Only Zamasu and Rumsshi held the keys, and the death of either was a two for one sale. He wasn't sure what would happen then. Did the divine energy protecting the room just vanish with its keeper, allowing their escape, or would they perish with it? The thought of the latter wriggled deep in his mind.
He tapped his foot impatiently as he attempted to distract himself from the growing tension by admiring the opulent surroundings. As a God, he had once considered his own amenities exceptional, feeling blessed upon his ascension as the East Kai, especially as young as he was; however, the luxury he now witnessed in Zamasu's room surpassed anything he had ever imagined. What Kasai and his fellow lower Kai enjoyed as quadrant world Kai seemed meager in comparison to the lavishness that defined the Supreme Kai's everyday life.
Zamasu's room, beyond its luxurious amenities of plush furniture and exotic teas, seemed to possess a life of its own, a reflection of the Supreme Kai's personal concept of relaxation. Zamasu favored a deep connection with nature, and the atmosphere here was curated to his idea of perfection. Despite its sealed-off nature, expansive floor-to-ceiling windows offered breathtaking views of lush green forests, complete with the gentle sensation of wind caressing the leaves and the scent of pine permeating the air. Above, the night sky bled into the room itself, making the ceiling appear to reach into the heavens; it was impossible to detect where the room ended and the enchantment began. Two bright moons shone against a backdrop of dark hues, boasting a canvas of stars, their faint glows trailing like a celestial brushstroke inside a galaxy's tail. Kasai admired in silent awe, though he couldn't shake the feeling that he and Aoume were intruders, lingering here and glimpsing a part of the Supreme Kai that no one was ever meant to see.
Aoume finally ceased his pacing and gravitated towards various intricately locked cabinets lining the perimeter of the room. The physical locks were merely ornamental, however, and devoid of true functionality; it was the potent chi locks that safeguarded the universal treasures within. These locks repelled intruders like a magnet repels its same pole, daring anyone to get too close. Within these cabinets lay the artifacts essential for creation, ranging from the recently acquired multiverse Potara to ancient relics now deemed obsolete; however, each held significance in the grand tapestry of creation. Ironically, these curiosities of creation were safeguarded by the God of Destruction himself, who had designed the locks, while the Supreme Kai maintained them with meticulous care and devotion.
Kasai sank deeper into the wicker-esque chair he occupied, attempting to reconcile the serene interior that encapsulated them with the palpable chaos and fear seeping in from the outside world, to little avail.
The South Kai also sighed in frustration. What was happening out there? He accepted the reasoning behind Zamasu's decision to place them here, with no way to enter it was the best assurance at least two Kai from the current regime would be alive at the end ,still, he felt a great unease. He stared at the panic button for Rumsshi. It would be so easy to call him. The Destroyer was known for ignoring his life link regularly, but there was no denying a panic call from the Supreme Kai's private room, when his death meant your own.
Kasai noticed him looking at the button. It seemed like such a ridiculous means for a consequence so serious. Amidst all their divine technology and sophisticated artifacts, it was a single button that held the power over their God of Destruction. "Should we press it?" he asked, swallowing nervously.
"Thinking about it," Aoume responded, his own nerves evident in his voice. As time dragged on, he leaned towards the belief that it was better to beg for forgiveness than to ask for Zamasu's permission.
Slicing through the existential tension lingering between the two Kai, was the sudden echoing crack of instant transmission. Zamasu materialized, tattered and injured, rain-soaked, with the metallic scent of wet blood wafting off him, and the lifeless form of the North Kai draped over his shoulder. Without uttering a word, he stormed past Kasai and Aoume, and gently laid her on the bed before swiftly turning to leave. Glancing over his shoulder, he spoke, not quite addressing either Kai, but almost to the room itself. "She's dying," he informed, before promptly transmitting away.
……………
Zamasu deliberately took the long route through the temple's winding halls, carefully observing the extensive damage before returning to the fray. Should they meet their end, he felt compelled to offer a heartfelt apology to the sacred establishment, which had been a sanctuary for the Supreme Kai for countless eons. In Universe 10, their luxurious indoor domain was a departure from the norm amongst most of the Supreme Kai of other universes, and was whispered about unkindly in their private meetings, mostly out of jealousy; however, it was a tradition that Universe 10 held dear, and was considered a direct extension of the Sacred Realm itself.
Zamasu, in his unwavering dedication to tradition and duty, felt a profound empathy for the temple's suffering, and shook his head in both anger and sadness as he ran a bloodied hand down a crumbling wall. The Sacred World seemed to join in the chorus of his silent eulogy with bright flashes of lightening and thunder that roared angrily in the background. While the physical structure could be rebuilt, Zamasu knew the scars in its energy signature would endure, like how a torn piece of paper mended with tape is never quite whole again. He felt he somehow failed this sacred place, and his ancestors that traversed its halls for millions of years.
A cross beam of exceptional light suddenly streaked by in his periphery and brought him back from his temporary mourning. He felt a tug in his gut, like an electron being pulled towards its opposite charge. It could only mean that Rumsshi was about. Zamasu flew out to the ensuing battle, both enraged and relieved that the God of Destruction had somehow managed to find his way to the fight.
Outside, Rumsshi was indeed in the midst of the battle. He trumpeted his Battle Roar uproariously, paralyzing most everyone in place, and then unleashed a beam that sliced through everything in its wake, which included another side wall of the Temple as it skirted by two of the fusions, narrowly missing them
Goku, exhausted and grateful to see the Destroyer, immediately disengaged from his fight with the original Zamasu, who had struck down the North Kai and who still sported an open scar in his face, and flew over to stand next to a weary Kosu in an effort to visibly align himself with the side of the virtuous Kai. Kosu paused to get a good look at the mortal responsible for saving his sister, and who possessed a fighting ability unlike anything he'd witnessed outside of Rumsshi.
Feeling the weight of his stare, Goku subtly shifted his gaze to acknowledge Kosu from the corner of his eye. A small nod from him prompted a smile from the West Kai.
Rumsshi looked around in confusion, finally observing the situation in its entirety as we walked in to a silent audience. He had his hand outstretched ready to destroy, but there were Zamasus everywhere. Which one was his life link?
Sensing the reason behind the Destroyers hesitation, the original Zamasu began to chuckle as he swiftly teleported and reappeared behind the Supreme Kai, seizing him in a move reminiscent of his actions inside the DICA on World Core. He held a blade up to his throat. He looked down at the Supreme Kai with a wild look in his eyes.
"You have a few choices," he echoed with a calm yet sinister tone. "Remove your Potara and merge with me. Or perish."
Fuse? Zamasu sneered in thought. It was only possible to fuse once, and didn't the multiverse Potaras switch bodies? It was unsettling to see himself fall so far from grace in his own madness. He also guessed what was staying his hand and prompting the request. This alternate version needed the Potara, and it was unlikely to happen if he and Rumsshi were dead.
He reached up and grabbed both his earrings and crushed them with a flash of chi in both hands. He smirked. "I've told you before," he declared, "I consider you on par with the worms that crawl on their stomachs for their supper."
A brief look of panic flashed across the fusion's face as a rouge attack struck nearby cleaning off the torso of another fusion nearby. Rumsshi snapped his head around in panic. Goku and Kosu gave each other a triumphant look and a hand shake in the distance.
Rumsshi felt his heart blip for just a moment upon seeing what looked like his life-link meet its end, but upon feeling no difference in his chi, immediately charged a Hakai and went to attack the others.
The original Zamasu, holding the Supreme Kai in his grasp, observed his fallen brother with a mix of curiosity and anticipation; however, as time passed, his expression shifted to one of growing concern. Zamasu sensed his captor gradually loosening his grip, and the fusion touched his own face, as if only just becoming aware of the wound marking it. In a swift motion, he transmitted away, with the others following suit just before Rumsshi could unleash his full fury.
….……………
Zamasu sank to his knees as the clouds gradually dispersed and the rain ceased, signaling the end of the immediate danger. In that moment, he felt disconnected from himself, as if he were merely an observer. Rumsshi, Kosu, and the mortal seemed like fleeting shades passing by, barely acknowledging his presence. He exhaled a heavy sigh, directing it towards the ground below, the only entity in proximity willing to lend an ear to his troubles.
"Zamasu!" Rumsshi's bellowing voice suddenly echoed loudly as he stood near where the fusion had been torn apart, its ashes and remnants scattered about. Kusu stood nearby and waved her hand in the air as if trying to feel for something tangible but invisible. "Now, Zamasu! We have a big problem, Kai!"
Zamasu grabbed onto his knee and began to slowly lift himself up when he felt Kosu grab him under his arm and swiftly pull him roughly upright.
"Where is Hana?" He yelled, panic evident in his voice, as he grabbed at the Supreme Kai's torn robes. Zamasu swiftly brushed his hands away and attempted to shove his way past the West Kai. As he walked past, he glanced at Kosu in the corner of his eye, contemplating what to say about his likely deceased sister. He huffed, and when he turned forward again, he stopped dead in his tracks, nose to nose with the mortal.
His hair, once blue, was now black, and he curiously avoided meeting Zamasu's gaze, fixating instead on his chest. With a deep breath, he awkwardly bowed, his arms pinned to his side. He was standing too close, and the Supreme Kai instinctively took a step back to avoid the mortal's unruly black hair from touching him, as he lowered himself down. He was undoubtedly the most peculiar sight Zamasu had ever beheld.
"I am expertly grateful and humiliated to be here in your Sacred Realm, and make your recognition, Supreme Kai of Universe 10. " The mortal stumbled through his odd greeting, yelling loudly at his feet.
Zamasu stood in stunned silence, his gaze fixated on the bumbling mortal before him. This intruder, who had arrived uninvited, helped in the desecration of his sacred planet, and wielded power that defied divine order, remained an unwelcome reminder amidst his mounting list of troubles. As he observed the Saiyan, he also reluctantly recalled the pivotal role he had played in the skirmish, fighting the rogue versions of himself, and executing a blast that diverted Zamasu's second assailant's attention, and eventually afforded him a fleeting chance to attend to the fallen North Kai. He struggled to reconcile those actions with the immediate repulsion he was feeling upon reflection of his other transgressions, chief among them the sacrilegious act of a mere mortal daring to stand in his divine presence in the first place.
"Damn." The mortal shook his lowered head and swore softly. "No, that's not right," he chastised himself. He finally snuck a glance upwards and met the Supreme Kai's eyes. "Can I try that again?" He said with a sheepish smile.
Zamasu blinked several times in disbelief and then teleported away.
………….
Despite the barrage of problems swirling outside, only one remained Zamasu's top priority. Upon materializing in his room, he instantly sensed that the North Kai still clung to life, and the room confirmed that observation. His last instructions to the divine dwelling had been to ready itself for her impending death, and to offer her a serene passage as she departed. This meant the dwelling would scour Hanakotoba's heart and soul, seeking to create the most tranquil setting imaginable for her. As Zamasu surveyed the transformed ambiance, a smile crept across his face. It couldn't have been further from his own conception of peace.
Instead of the tranquil forests, the surroundings shifted to a loud and turbulent ocean seaside. Zamasu had never particularly been fond of oceans. They were magnificently unpredictable, bullying and shoving themselves around planets, holding themselves as the sole guardians of climate, oxygen, and ancient monsters created by equally ancient Kai over a billion years ago. Their salt sprayed through the air disrupting the natural chemistry of all phases of matter, and their waves were as capable of swallowing carefully curated continents into their depths just as easily as crushing them with towering tsunamis. The sand was irritating, the heat unbearable, the trees narrow and uninspired, and the birds loud and guttural. Its sole beauty resided in its palette, the vivid teal hue of the waves absorbing the golden yellows and fiery reds of the setting sun above, offered the North Kai the serenity her soul sought.
Though it wasn't his cup of tea, Zamasu wasn't surprised that the ocean setting soothed the boisterous and passionate Hanakotoba. All of the Shinjin born of her particular harvest, including Kosumosu, were aptly named after flowers, embodying their passionate brilliance that, much like their namesakes, burst open on trees as swiftly and brilliantly as they fell. Their beauty fleeting yet intense. He found solace in knowing that he could offer her this tranquil respite, perhaps in what could have been her final moments alive.
He eyed Kasai and Aoume nearby, who abandoned their roles as sentinels and parted ways so Hana could be seen on his bed. She lay with her face turned towards the ceiling, eyes closed in a strained-looking sleep. One arm dangled over the side, fingertips brushing against the crumpled heap of her tattered outer robes strewn askew on the floor. Despite the sheen of perspiration glistening on her skin, evidence of an internal struggle, her breathing remained deep and steady. The space around her bore dark stains of black- oxidized blood- a morbid looking ink blot against her rose gold complexion. Her garments bore the marks of scorching around the entry point of the blade leaving a vivid, angry wound exposed. Despite its raw appearance, it was evident that many layers of her connective tissue were already loosely knit together. She had somehow just barely been spared a permanent journey to the Otherworld.
Zamasu approached her with cautious steps, as Aoume respectfully stepped aside when he reached her side. His eyes swept up and down her form several times, lingering on the gaping wound. It seemed impossible that she could still be alive. No one could mend themselves that swiftly, not after the savage assault she had endured. Not even a God could pull that off.
"I've been observing her, Sir." Aoume said, all but reading the Supreme Kai's mind. "I believe it's the latent immortality that was still in her body cells, courtesy of your alternate self, before he left."
Zamasu did not speak but turned and looked at the South Kai giving him his full attention.
"The mortal, if you haven't met him yet,"
Zamasu twitched slightly at this mention.
"Alerted us to the immortality right before we arrived on the scene. You - well your other version- is immortal, apparently."
Zamasu looked again at Hanakotoba rising from the dead before his eyes. "So, what you're suggesting is that his immortality managed to permeate the North Kai's physical form deeply enough to leave behind a lingering trace?" Him, Zamasu, immortal. Now that was something else entirely. He had suspected he was witnessing immortality when he fought the fused versions of himself, but this was the confirmation he needed.
"The effect is temporary, by my observations." Aoume sighed. "It comes and goes. When it does show, its duration has been shorter and wait between them longer, as time goes on." Aoume looked at a small watch he kept, that had various times from different planets of interest in the Southern sector scrolling about its face. It had been a long while since a phase had shown itself. He could tell when they did, because Hana would suddenly sit up, alert and communicative while it washed over her, only to be replaced by what both he and the Supreme Kai were currently witnessing. "I think she's plateaued though. The rest will be up to her." Every passing moment saw her cells releasing entropy into the universe, carrying away the immortality it was bound to, as her vulnerable chi flowed back to replenish the newly emptied spaces. It was the spirit that fed the physical system.
Zamasu nodded absently, only half hearing the South Kai's assessment of the situation. He was too overwhelmed by its implications at the moment to absorb it fully. He gently picked up Hana's hand, which was draped over the edge, and held her wrist, feeling for her pulse. Running his thumb through the beads of perspiration on her skin, he noted with concern that she was cold. Kai were normally very cool metabolically as a rule, but her temperature indicated she wasn't out of the woods yet.
She opened her eyes just a slit at his touch, and then wider once she realized it was him.
"Zamasu!" It came out as hoarse ragged whisper. She slowly propped up on her elbows. She was ecstatic to see him alive after watching him almost get cut down.
Aoume turned away, allowing the Supreme Kai a private moment with his North Kai. Zamasu tenderly held Hana's face in his hands, their foreheads coming together in a gesture of endearment typical amongst Shinjin. "Your safety was my responsibility as the Supreme Kai, and I failed you. Forgive me."
Hana, in a show of bravery, countered with a mortal hug, wincing slightly as she sat up to embrace him fully. Despite Zamasu's strong, vocal, disdain for Kai emulating such primitive mortal acts of affection, he accepted her gesture, understanding its significance to her. She was relieved as he relaxed into her arms. In ten thousand years she was certain he would never again hold her as infinitely dear as he did in this moment. She willed her broken body more present, in order to preserve the details in her memory.
She cinched him a bit tighter in preparation for what she was about to say. "It's important for you to know that the mortal, when you meet him, he's the one who saved me." She felt Zamasu's muscles tighten, as expected, at the mention of Goku, though he did not directly respond.
"I am eternally relived you're still with us, Hanakotoba." He said softly instead, changing the subject, as he stole a cursory glance at the chopped bob she was given by the other Zamasu. "Though the haircut you were given is most unfortunate," he joked with a smile, when he finally pulled away and helped her lie back down. "In case you were wondering."
Hana initially frowned but then gave a small strained laugh. His sense of humor was so rare it was a gift in itself when he showed it.
Aoume cleared his throat, signaling the end of the moment. "Excuse me, Sir," he began, "with your attendant gone, I wouldn't mind seeking hospitality from Universe 7 again." He assumed Zamasu was made aware that they had been there, and it would be a little tricky to get the timeline right, but he was confident he could figure out which one was the one they travelled from with their version of Goku. He could even ask Goku for some large, universal event, like a cosmic monster or threat, that would differentiate his time and age from all others. "They have attendants who could provide healing, and the North Kai endeared herself another visit in the future."
He gestured towards Hana, who quickly averted her gaze from Zamasu's. It was evident that they had discussed this matter beforehand, with Hana too nervous to broach the topic with Zamasu directly. "Minus that Time Ring, of course, if possible," Aoume added, noting the Time Ring on Hana's hand. "The Supreme Kai, Shin, apparently was not fond of it in his Universe and Timeline."
Hana suddenly noticed the Time Ring on her thumb and offered it to Zamasu.
"I am aware of Shin, Aoume," Zamasu said defensively. He inwardly cursed Yuna as he reluctantly took the ring and slid it onto his own finger. He hadn't seen her since the end of the meeting, which felt like eons ago. With the North Kai's life hanging in the balance and Yuna, the sole Kai with the clearance to heal, taking an unauthorized sabbatical, what more leverage did he need to finally convince the Elders that she should permanently retire? Their Core planet had instructors and student healers, but no one who could attend to a case as severe as Hana's. The necessity of sending one of his Kai to another universe for care and protection felt humiliating.
"Perhaps Kusu wouldn't mind offering her gifts to the North Kai," Zamasu mused, though he knew the answer before the words escaped his lips. The North Kai wasn't merely injured; death lingered as a distinct possibility. Healing her would demand a moral stance that the Angel couldn't risk, not at the expense of her own existence. It wouldn't be fair to make her say so out loud.
He internally sighed as he watched Hana suddenly become preoccupied with the torn hem of her shirt, nervously pulling at the threads. Having asked for her forgiveness, he understood that such requests often demanded a subsequent act of penance. Allowing her to journey to another universe, where she could heal her traumatized body and psyche away from him and the madness of Universe 10 at the moment, would serve as his atonement, and a mark of his sincerity.
"Alright." He said finally, noting Hana's eyes immediately dart up with a glint of happiness as he spoke. "I shall have Kosu accompany her and you a bit later, so that he may return back here with the ring," Zamasu declared. "I expect you to report back to me regularly."
The South Kai internally panicked. By his estimate, Zamasu hadn't properly met Goku yet, and both he and Hana had promised the Saiyan they would be around to run interference between him and the Supreme Kai if necessary. What they both knew about the Saiyan and Supreme Kai's prior dealings in another time had to be handled carefully. It was a high-wire act of delicate balance, where one misstep could lead to a bone-crushing fall.
"Are you sure that's wise Sir? Aoume tried to hide his nerves. "There's more information, such as the immortality, that I could share that might be of use to the situation."
"Of which you said the mortal informed you," Zamasu said suspiciously. "He is the one who holds the spring of information, does he not? I will handle him and extract whatever pertinent information he holds myself. You will tend to the North Kai. Ensure she is healed and does not make a spectacle of herself subsequently." Hana was inarguably attractive and had a reputation as a flirt and attention-seeker, especially when she felt emboldened. Universe 10 didn't need anymore negative press at the moment.
Hana wrinkled her nose and knit her brows together in offense of his last statement, but didn't have the energy to challenge what he meant. Clearly the moment between them was over.
"Am I understood?" Zamasu ended the debate with authority, shifting his gaze back and forth between them.
Aoume and Hana locked eyes for a moment. "Yes, Supreme Kai." He said. He prayed Goku behaved and managed to endear himself to Zamasu in their absence.
"Thank you, Supreme Kai," Hana added. She hefted a heavy sigh before sinking back down to rest, the adrenaline from Zamasu's visit finally fully dissipated.
Zamasu turned to Aoume. "I will return later to escort both of you to the Western Sector. Kosu will then transport you from there, equipped with all necessary provisions to shuttle you to the appropriate time and space." Zamasu bitterly just remembered that the North Kai's own planet was in as bad shape as his own.
"Thank you Lord Zamasu." Aoume bowed, and then quickly remembered to ask about the timeline. "Oh, please, if possible, ask the mortal about his particular universe- something of great significance that might help me locate where he belongs in time so that I might call ahead." He wiped his glasses of the steam that had formed from his anxiety. "It'd be rude to just drop by uninvited again."
Zamasu paused uncomfortably at the thought of having to converse with the mortal like he was a trusted ally. He looked at Hana and then sighed. "Fine." He then turned towards Kasai, who had been attempting to blend into the background. "East Kai, you'll be accompanying me. We must personally visit the Eastern Sector." After he dealt with the mortal problem waiting for him outside.