Son Gohan The Destroyer

by EmeraldSaiyan

Death greets Gohan at the end of the Cell Games, yet instead of passing on to the Otherworld, Whis takes an interest in the young half-saiyan's incredible power and decides to train him as Lord Beerus' successor. With the balance of the universe at stake, Gohan accepts the deity's offer. (AU)

21. The Supreme Kai's Apprentice

A/N: Hello there lovely readers! Im back! Im aware it has been a loooooong month but I hope you will forgive me and understand that it has taken me AGES to write this chapter, not only with normal life going on but this chapter has a lot of pivotal plot points and moments that I really needed to get right as the set up for the rest of the story. Also this is my longest chapter at nearly 23,000 words! eek! Im not promising that all of my chapters will be THIS long but in my defence I couldn't find a good moment to end the chapter before the actual ending if that makes sense!

I am super SUPER glad that you enjoyed the passionate love scene between Gohan and Videl, it was one thing that I was really anxious about posting because I didnt know how it would be received! So yay! Thanks for all the love! I think some of you may have forgotten about the origin of Perses - which is totally understandable seen as I wrote the early chapter so long ago now! There are certainly some parallels to Gohan. But just to recap for any one who doesnt want to reread the chapter 'hero' . Perses is the son of the Western Supreme Kai and an unknown warrior from an unknown planet, so yes it has already been revealed that he is half Kai and half mortal. He died in a great battle and Whis chose him to become Lord Beerus' successor, before he went rogue and then was imprisoned in the void over 1000 years ago. I hope that little recap helps!

That being said I sincerely hope that you enjoy this chapter, and just wanted to thank you amazing fanfictioners for all the support you continue to give me. It truly amazes me how many followers I have for this story, and your lovely reviews really make my day! I have also (with my mediocre a-level in media studies) made a trailer for this story which is on youtube if you would like to watch it, I haven't made a video in like 9 years so please be kind, I hope you like it though haha, the link is: www . youtube watch?v = 5LzIC5MQGzo

Thank you so much for your continued support! Please enjoy, I had a lot of fun writing this chapter! ES x

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Chapter Twenty-One

The Supreme Kai's Apprentice

xxxx

Orange Star City, Planet Earth

His mind was strangely quiet. Usually there would be static, chaos, but now - nothing. Long, golden fingers of light lifted him from his slumber, brushing a warmth over his cheeks even as the cool morning air drifted through the open window, the slight chill persisting even though the storm had passed. The first rays of the summer sun crept through the small gap in the curtains, advancing across the wooden floorboards, chasing away the shadows back to their corners and stretching over the crumpled cotton sheets of the bed.

Gohan shivered slightly as the draughty breeze tousled his hair, causing him to shift in place and snuggle further into the warm bare skin pressed against his own. He kept his eyes tightly shut as he wrapped his strong arms tighter around the girl's petite waist, his head buried into the space above her shoulder, as he desperately tried to ignore the sunlight that threatened to invade his pupils.

For the young saiyan did not want morning to come. He wished to stay in this moment with Videl, naked, entangled and enraptured. The sound of her beating heart in his ears, her generous breast slowly moving up and down with every gentle breath she took. The lingering scent of sweat and something more musky was almost palpable in the dim light of the room, though as Gohan nuzzled his nose further into the crook of her neck, he could detect the delicious hint of coconut from her hair. The thick, raven silk had shaken out of its bonds from last nights endeavours, fanning around her like a halo of dark fire, dishevelled and untameable like midnight flames.

And even though he knew, he knew that what he had done last night was undeniably stupid and beyond reckless, he couldn't help but relish in it. As despite his still and silent mind, it was as though every part of him had been electrocuted. His veins were the current and he was thriving off it, buzzing even. Wishing nothing more than to block out the rest of the world and stay wrapped up with Videl in the soft glow of early morning. The inviting warmth of her glorious body replacing the cold feeling inside of him, using her kisses as fuel, drinking in every part of her.

He knew that he was weak. Videl had made him so. And he had officially fallen off the edge of reason and into the deep beyond. For now the young Destroyer-in-training was living in a world of what ifs. What if he hadn't accepted Whis' offer all those years ago? Would he and Videl have had those years he'd lost on Earth together? How many mornings would he have woken up next to her, naked and glowing after a night like they had just shared? How many bone-quaking times would she have rocked tremors of exhilaration through to his very soul? How many moments of happiness would they have had? Would they have gone on dates like normal teenagers? Had blazing rows that would quickly turn into hot and heavy moments of passion? Would they have kissed, and laughed and mapped out pictures in the stars? Sparred late into the summers eve and watched the sunrise chase away the darkness of the night over and over again?

Just how much had he missed?

He had never realised that he could even feel this way, or if such a feeling even existed. He had been blinded, blinded by his sense of duty, bound all too tightly to the God of Destruction and what he was meant to become. Not allowing any room for such powerful notions to even cross his focussed and battle ready mind.

Yet now, as he tightened his arms further around the curvature of Videl's waist, deeply breathing her in once more, he realised that he didn't want to let go. As if he did, he was afraid that the beautiful young woman beside him would quickly fade away, back into the deepest most private part of his dreams.

Finally giving way to the temptations of the morning sun, his eyelids fluttered open, sensing Videl already awake. Onyx met sapphire, and immediately the butterflies exploded in his stomach, the sudden whirlwind would have no doubt knocked him off his feet if he wasn't already lying down, though it was more than enough to take his breath away. He couldn't help but allow a wicked grin to play upon his lips, as he caught sight of the messy state of her hair, her flushed cheeks and the small purple bruises that he had left upon her neck from when he had struggled to hold back his own cries of desire that had fought to escape him only hours ago.

"Morning," he mustered cheekily, lifting his head from her shoulder so that he could get a better look at her, the cotton bedsheets sliding between them.

"Morning yourself," she replied, her eyes twinkling almost devilishly back at him. It was enough to drive him wild. "How did you sleep?"

"Good," said Gohan, nudging her nose with his as he failed to stop himself from smiling like an idiot, "Great even. It certainly beats the sofa."

Videl chuckled, her foot caressing his inner calf and causing him to let out an involuntary shudder. The sounds of the city streets reached his ears from beyond the window pane, and he could hear the distant hum of traffic, as well as the screech and thump of dustbin lorries making their way through the concrete jungle. It mustn't have been as early as he had originally thought, as the buzz of city life told him that the majority of civilians were already well and truly seizing the day.

"How long have you been awake?" he asked curiously, the sunlight streaming in through the windowpane.

"A while," she told him, as he gave her a rather guilty grin.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to sleep in for so long."

"Ah it's fine, you must have needed it," the girl brushed him off with a wicked smile, "Besides, I was rather enjoying the view."

Gohan blushed, though he was still grinning at her like a maniac.

"I've taken the liberty of ordering in breakfast so that we can stay in bed," said Videl with a playful look.

His mouth ran dry at the mere thought of what she was implying. For once, his mind was certainly not on food. In fact, it seemed to ignore the fact that she had even mentioned breakfast altogether. Flashes of their escapades jolted through his brain, her steamy, haggard breath, the way he held onto her hips in the most scandalous of ways, their blissful cries of passion -

"Oh yeah?" Gohan said, raising an eyebrow suggestively, "I like the sound of that."

"Well that's a relief," she smiled in amusement, before capturing his lips with hers and kissing his breath away - much to his delight.

Videl hummed pleasantly in her throat, as he all too eagerly deepened the kiss, hoisting himself above her as he loosened his grip on her waist, his fingertips brushing her curves, gently at first. Her hands smoothed over his broad shoulders, their skin still hot and musty from their previous exertions, but the halfling struggled to find a reason to care, as he let out a soft moan into her mouth.

Though just when his tongue started to tease hers did she pull away, confusing him slightly as her sapphire orbs drank in his features, her hands either side of his face. Staring, but saying nothing.

"What is it?" he asked in confusion, her thumb brushing his lips that were slightly swollen from overuse.

She sighed, a thoughtful yet heavy sigh that caused him to frown, "I was just thinking."

"About what?" he pressed again, worry dropping into his stomach like cement, solidifying like a concrete brick. Oh Gods, he hoped that she didn't regret it. "Videl, what's wrong?"

"It just feels so strange," the Satan girl said finally, her eyes searching his, "I mean, the way we seem to click, you know? It just feels so right, being with you. But how can it, when you're not even meant to be here?"

He swallowed thickly, as her gaze darted to the empty space above his head. His shining, golden halo may have been concealed, but it was still haunting them.

She was right though, as Gohan had felt it too. It was insane. Insane just how much chemistry there was between them. It was something real and powerful, and every touch, every kiss was electrifying. He felt connected to Videl in a way that he had never experienced with any one else before, and he wanted to keep on experiencing those feelings, and every new level of worldliness that they brought forth. Even though he knew that he shouldn't. After all, he didn't belong in this world anymore.

"I know," the young Destroyer mustered, pushing his own feelings of sadness and worry away and giving her a wry smile, "But I'm not going anywhere just yet."

Without waiting for her to reply, he brought his lips down upon hers in a sizzling, heartfelt kiss. Videl didn't protest, instead her hands reached up, fingers raking through his long spikes of hair.

"Thank the Gods," she mumbled beneath his feverish lips, and all to soon did the searing, impregnable heat started building between them once more.

His senses kicked into overdrive as her legs wrapped tightly around his waist, soon finding himself lying firmly on top of her. He rocked his hips against hers eagerly, moulding their bodies further into one another as his kisses trailed over her lips, across her jawline and down her neck, enticing a rasping moan from the girl and causing his head to spin from the enticing sounds that escaped her.

"A-are you certain that you've never done this before?" she gasped, as his hard body rolled against hers once more, his fiendish hands teasing her skin and sending goosebumps up and down her spine.

Gohan chuckled, deep in his throat, before following the trail back to her lips once more, that lopsided grin of his smiling wickedly back at her.

"Once, twice," he shrugged playfully, his spikey mass of hair sticking out at odd angles, "Last night did count, right?"

She smiled, wider than she had done in a long time. His eyes, darker and deeper than the night sky practically poured into her soul, sparkling like immortal stars.

"How many-? Um…" he faltered suddenly, unexpectedly, his demeanour becoming a little awkward, "I mean, n-not that it matters, I just -"

He was cut short, by Videl pressing a finger against his lips, though he was relieved to see that she was still grinning at him.

"Gohan, are you seriously being insecure right now?"" she asked pointedly, rolling her eyes in a teasing yet exasperated manner when he merely blushed in response, "You really are too cute for words."

His blushed deepened, though he shot her a teasing glare, "I am not cute."

"Yes you are," she argued back, giggling at his scowling face, "The fact that the boy who saved the world, one of the most powerful beings in the universe and training to become a God no less, is worried about his performance in between the sheets whilst he lies here post sexy-time, naked and on top of me just proves my point."

"Don't say it like that!" he hissed, scowling even more so as she continued to laugh.

"Look, if it really bothers you that much, then the answer to your question is four, well five including you," said Videl with a somewhat defeated sigh.

"It doesn't bother me," The young saiyan gulped, feeling a little silly for even asking, "I just thought - "

He was cut short, by the girl kissing him lightly on the lips and causing his features to soften instantaneously.

"And believe me when I say that those other guys couldn't hold a candle to you," she added with a wink, "Both generally speaking and in the bedroom."

"R-Really?" he asked, failing to hide his cheeky smile as she nodded, the alpha-male hidden deep within him - that he didn't even know existed until now, roared with pride.

She shook her head in amusement at the sudden triumphant look on his face, "Let's just say that I now understand what Bulma meant by a Saiyan's stamina."

Gohan pulled a disgusted face, "I really did not need to know that."

"Sorry," Videl apologised as she snorted with laughter, brushing his cheek with her delicate fingertips, "Honestly though Gohan, you have nothing to be worried about. The other guys I've been with may have thought that they were Gods gift to women, but you are the real deal."

He snorted, the wicked grin back full force, "They really don't seem like your type."

"Hey, don't judge me! I had needs!" she protested, giving him a pointed look, "And how do you know what my type is, wonder boy?"

"Well if this is any indication," he smirked, gesturing to their nude bodies below the sheets and causing her to laugh.

"I suppose you've got me there," the Satan girl replied, mirroring his smirk, "Anyway, enough about me, what about you? I thought that you were more into alien warrior princesses."

The young saiyan groaned, smacking a hand to his face in despair, "I am going to kill Makhai for telling you about that."

"I'm only teasing," she chuckled, pulling his hand away from his embarrassed face, "I don't care how many princesses, warriors or barmaids you've snogged over the years, it's actually kind of a turn on to think that I'm the first one to tame the beast within."

"Oh really?" Gohan mused flirtatiously, his eyebrows shooting upwards as he met her sultry gaze, his eyes turning several shades darker - if that was at all possible, "You really think you've tamed him, do you?"

"I should say so," Videl shrugged mockingly, though she seemed rather enthralled by the sudden predatory stare he was giving her, her heart was pounding rapidly in her ears, so much so that she was certain that he could hear it. She leaned forwards, her fingers brushing through the thick mane of hair at the front of his head, her inviting breath tickling his lips, the challenge lingering on her tongue, "Wanna prove me wrong?"

As it turned out, he didn't need to be asked twice, as with a sudden deep growl that rumbled within his chest, he was everywhere. She gasped, slightly unprepared by the sudden thrust of his hips as he continued to ravish the heated skin of her neck.

The Satan girl moaned in satisfaction as his hard, muscular body pinned her against the mattress, his calloused hands roughly tracing her curves, her waist, her hips, her thighs, grasping at her rear and acting more boldly with his touch. He could hardly contain himself as he quickly got lost in the moment, her hot breath intermingling with his as his chest heaved with anticipation.

He was infatuated, that was given, ignoring all the danger signs that sprang up and rang like frantic alarm bells in his head. They were silenced as quickly as they came, shoved to the back of his mind as he roused another heated groan of pleasure from her throat, her legs hugging his waist, her back arching in ecstasy as she begged him for more.

Then suddenly, he heard Bee bark harshly in the hallway, followed by a sharp knock at the front door. Gohan ignored it, enjoying himself far too much to care as he continued in his efforts to make Videl call out his name to the heavens once more. She didn't seem to mind at all, her tongue dancing wickedly around his as her hands dipped below the sheets, quickly becoming occupied between his legs, much to his elation.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

The door knocked again, though louder this time. However, the young saiyan wasn't going to be undeterred, ignoring it and hoping that his and Videl's increasing moans of bliss would soon drown out the noise. Or scare their visitor off. Either one, he didn't really care.

Knock. Knock. Knock. Knock!

There it was again. Even louder than the last, and more frantic, subsequently pissing Gohan off even more so. He growled underneath his quaking breath, tremendously trying to concentrate as Videl's body writhed with pleasure beneath him.

Knock. Knock. Knock. Knock!

Did people not appreciate the sanctity of privacy on this Zalama forsaken planet?!

"Gohan," Videl gasped in between his hot, urgent kisses, "G-Gohan it - might be - ah - food!"

"I don't care," he mumbled against her lips, paying no mind to her loosening grip and pushed harder against her, their hips connecting once more, as he positively burned with desire.

But to his disappointment, the girl suddenly withdrew from his mouth, snapping them both out of their passionate haze. She gaped in shock, her eyes widening in absolute horror, blinking disbelievingly at the words that had just escaped him.

"You're not HUNGRY?!"

He smirked back, slowly and mischievously, his lustful onyx eyes dancing at her, "Oh, I didn't say that."

Videl squealed, as without warning the young halfling swiftly disappeared underneath the sheets. It was so quick that she nearly missed it, the sharp gust of wind hitting her face in the aftermath of his departure. She giggled most uncharacteristically, before her legs began to tremble with an unrelenting yearning. His long hair tickled her bare skin as he moved, causing her to shiver. His soft yet bold lips insistently tracing a trail downwards, teeth nipping at her neck, kissing past her collar bone, lingering a little longer at her breasts before delving below her toned stomach, grazing the sensitive spot on her inner thigh and -

KNOCK. KNOCK. KNOCK. KNOCK. KNOCK. KNOCK!

"Oh for fuck SAKE!" Gohan cried suddenly, flinging the sheets right off of him in a fit of anger and swinging his legs from the bed, his hair even messier and wilder than ever before, "I'm going! I'm going!"

Videl snorted with laughter at the enraged look on his face from where she lay sprawled out on the bed, causing him to shoot her a glare as he trudged angrily to the bedroom door.

"Fine, laugh all you want," The halfling scowled, "But we'll continue this after breakfast."

She chuckled, giving him a sly wink as she got comfortable amongst the pillows, shamelessly eyeing his birthday-suit in all its glory, "I'll hold you to that, wonder boy."

Flashing her a charming grin as he attempted to quell the battalion of butterflies that refused to backdown from their relentless attack, the young saiyan swiftly left the bedroom. Hunting around for his underwear, which he found tossed carelessly aside in the middle of the living room, he noticed that the knocking was now verging on downright obnoxious. It was continuous and annoyingly loud, causing Bee to bark and growl so much that he thought that the poor mutt just might spontaneously combust.

He was seething that was a given, that the best night-slash-morning of his entire existence with the most amazing girl in the cosmos had been rudely interrupted by some stupid delivery - person (he would have said 'boy' but that would have been far too fitting). Either way, it had better be the best damned breakfast that he'd ever eaten, otherwise the person on the other side of the door had best prepare themselves for the prospect of non-existing.

"Alright, alright!" Gohan growled through the door, the knocking unrelenting as he hurriedly pulled on his boxers and nudged the frantic labrador out of the way.

Making sure that Bee was safely back in his bed, the teenager unlocked the door, grasping the handle and furiously swinging it open, "Honestly, don't you gits have nothing better to do than harass a man when he's trying to -?!"

"Oh hey son!"

He was so glad that he didn't get to finish the end of his sentence.

"Dad?! What are you doing here?" He blinked in shock, his eyes wide. He did not expect to see his father standing there.

"Oh, I just dropped by to see if Videl wanted to spar for a while," the man replied brightly, cheerily waving the offending knocking hand, "It's her day off after all. And what with everything going on, I thought it'd be good for her to join the rest of us after lunch."

Of course, Gohan griped inwardly, eyeing the man's signature orange and blue gi. It had already been agreed that the Z-Fighters would be training together today. Piccolo had even made him promise that he would be there. But he had completely forgotten, he'd had more… eh hem… pressing matters to attend to after all. Though if he was honest, he would be surprised if the majority of them could stand after the amount of alcohol they had consumed last night. Still, this was the Z-Fighters he was talking about, and they had handled a lot more than fighting with a hangover.

The young saiyan opened his mouth to reply, but his father seemed to pick up on the strangeness of the situation before he could even begin to explain himself.

"Hang on, I thought that you were still in bed. Your bedroom door was shut so I left you to sleep in," the grin that Goku was wearing slipped right off his face, a confused frown gracing his features, leaving the halfling sweating, "What are you doing here?"

Uh oh. He was in trouble.

The fact that he probably should have come up with some sort of excuse as to where he had been when he returned to his parents home hadn't even crossed his mind. He hadn't lived with his mother and father for eight years after all, so wasn't accustomed to the fact that he should have been a lot more careful in his sudden departure. Whis and Lord Beerus were never really all that bothered when he had run off somewhere to explore, as long as he gave them an update and was back in time for training.

"I-I, uh -," he started hopelessly, though the man gave him no time to answer as he finally took in his boxer-clad appearance.

Goku's eyes widened, as he began to put two and two together, and Gohan could almost hear the cogs turning in his head. Messy hair that certainly looked as though it'd had fingers raked through it a fair few times, swollen lips from feverish kissing, bags under his eyes from lack of sleep - as well as a deep purple, lip-shaped bruise evident just above his waistband.

To the teenager's further embarrassment, his father's curious stare looked past him and into the apartment, where the tell tale signs of discarded clothes remained on the floor from the night before.

And if that wasn't obvious enough -

"Gohan, what's taking so long?" Videl's voice carried to them as she entered the living room, with nothing but a bed sheet hugged around her frame, "Come back to bed - EEK! GOKU?!"

Clapping eyes on the flabbergasted saiyan at the door, the red-faced Satan girl screamed so loudly that it nearly shattered the windows, and quickly dived behind the sofa in order to shield herself. Bee rushed to her aid as she hit the ground with a loud THUD, and Gohan found himself completely frozen to the spot. He could do nothing but stare, as he watched all the colour drain from his father's face, his mouth flying open in shock before his cheeks swiftly regained the colour of a beetroot.

"O-oh! Oh!" Goku gasped, similarly horrified, realisation slamming into him like a freight train as he span on his heel in a desperate attempt to escape, and almost hit his head off of the doorframe, "S-Sorry! I-I'll just er -!"

"DAD!" The young Destroyer roared, blushing bright crimson as he finally managed to regain his senses. He wanted out of this situation just as much as his father did!

Catching on, though still not looking his son in the eye, Goku pressed two fingers to his forehead and disappeared, but not before managing to squeak out a rather hurried 'Bye!' before he left.

The halfling sighed heavily, slamming the door shut and resting his forehead against the cool oak, berating his entire existence.

"Well, that was traumatising," Videl breathed from the floor after a few seconds of deathly silence, the cotton sheet twisted oddly around her, her toned legs entangled with the fabric from where she had fallen. Her eyes scrunched up in what could only be described as despair, and her cheeks just as red as his were.

"You're telling me," he muttered weakly, giving her a guilty look as he made his way over to her, scratching Bee behind the ear and sitting back on the sofa with another sigh, "It's my fault really, I should have checked the Ki signature before opening the door. Not to mention that I should be acting a lot more cautious what with Perses setting loose his pet monsters yesterday."

"Goten and Trunks aren't that bad," she jested, eyes still tightly closed, causing him to smile.

"He's gone now you know, you can open your eyes," he told her, "Though I don't think closing them was doing you much good anyway. My dad could still see you."

"Ugh don't remind me," Videl cringed, covering her face with her hands, "If I don't look then I can pretend that I'm still in bed with you, and that your dad, my mentor didn't just see me naked."

"If I'm honest, I'm just thankful that he didn't use instant transmission to get in here," he mustered, trying and failing to make light of the situation, the sheer thought alone was enough to make Videl let out a mortified groan.

"Alright first of all, he didn't even see you naked, he just presumed you were because you were only covered up by a bed sheet," Gohan said pointedly, as the girl still refused to uncover her face, "And second, why bother pretending you're in bed with me, when you could have the reality?"

He grinned wolfishly, as she finally uncovered her eyes, giving him a playful look.

"In fact," he continued, jumping from his seat and scooting down on the floor next to her, "I don't see why we even have to move. It wastes valuable kissing time if you ask me."

She laughed, reaching up and doing just that, pressing her lips against his, sweetly this time. He could have sworn that his heart had just become a puddle of mush.

"He won't tell anyone will he?" she asked, staring up at him after they had pulled apart.

"Nah, I don't think so," he mustered after a moments thought, biting his bottom lip. It probably wouldn't be a good idea if his father blabbed - not that he would be able to tell Whis or Lord Beerus, but still he figured that the less people that knew about him and Videl the better, "I might have traumatised him into silence, at least for a few hours anyway."

"Yeah, you're right," she nodded, before her lips quirked into a smirk, "You should probably talk to him about it though. I mean I don't think he's quite gotten over the fact that you're not a kid anymore. It's probably a bit difficult to process knowing that you're practically a grown man and shagging his prized student."

Gohan let out a noise crossed between a laugh and a strangled squawk, burying his flustered face into her neck, "Gods, how can someone so beautiful be so vulgar?"

Videl cackled, as the young saiyan shot up suddenly, and scowled.

"Hang on, what do you mean prized student? I think you'll find that I am my father's prized student Ms Satan."

"Hardly," she scoffed, "Tell me, just when was the last time you trained with your dad? And I don't count yesterdays beat down."

"I've been dead!" He protested hotly, causing her to snort.

"That sounds like a you problem," she smirked, "Face it Gohan, you're not his favourite anymore."

He huffed, "I bet I'm still Piccolo's favourite."

"Oh don't be so sensitive," she quipped, smacking him rather hard on the shoulder, rolling her eyes as he pouted like a wounded puppy, "And I know for a fact that didn't hurt!"

"Might have hurt my feelings though."

"Gohan…"

"Oh alright, I'll talk to him about it, happy?" he puffed grumpily, "Although I don't really know how I'm going to face him without dying of embarrassment."

"You're already dead," she grinned, "So what will it matter?"

"Oh har har," the young saiyan retorted with a roll of his eyes, "Nice to know that you speak about my deathlyness with such frivolity Videl."

"Deathlyness?" she choked on the laugh that escaped her, "Is that even a thing?"

"It is now."

"Right," the girl jested, observing him for a moment as he continued to pout.

Then, without warning she kissed his neck, then his jawline, her fingertips expertly grazing the fabric of his boxers, slowly but surely melting him into the floorboards.

"V-Videl," he groaned, giving in all too easily to her devilish manoeuvres, his passions igniting all over again as she tossed a leg over his hips, climbing on top of him in one swift movement, the sheet falling to her waist and causing his breath to hitch in his throat.

"Oh, I'm sorry wonder boy," she teased, tracing his muscular pectorals with a delicate finger, her warmth radiating through him and causing him to shudder with anticipation, "How can I make it up to you?"

No sooner had the words left her mouth did he reach up and capture her lips with his own, pulling her against him as he moaned his answer to her tongue, "I can think of a few ways…"

KNOCK. KNOCK. KNOCK.

"WOOF! WOOF!"

Somebody was doing to die.

Gohan growled, releasing the tiny temptress on top of him and throwing his head back in frustration. He closed his eyes tightly shut as he lay on the cool floorboards, attempting to control his sudden wave of fury and not destroy their interruption on the spot.

"I think that's the food," Videl breathed, giggling at his exasperated manner.

"It had better be," the halfling glowered, glaring up at her, "Because if it's your dad behind that door then you're on your own with that one."

---

Son Residence, Mount Paozu, Eastern Mountains

Much later that morning, in which Gohan was finally able to prise himself away from the blissful sanctuary of Videl's bedroom, did he reluctantly return to his former home in the Eastern mountains, just in time for his mother to start dishing out enough lunch to feed an army.

Instead of teleporting like usual, the young saiyan took time in his flight on his journey from Orange Star City. He felt lighter than air as he swooped and spiralled through the clouds, performing several loop-de-loops and unable to contain the bubble of laughter that escaped his chest. He wanted to shout it from the rooftops, and profess his feelings for Videl to the entire universe - but alas, he couldn't. Still, it didn't stop him from feeling insanely giddy, and grinning like the biggest idiot in the world, remembering the 'goodbye kiss' that didn't actually end up being a goodbye, instead leading to a rather more passionate encounter up against the front door before he had even made it over the threshold.

Alright, so maybe he should have just left with a kiss and the promise he would see her again later at training. It would have been the sensible thing to do after all, but she had felt too damn amazing.

Feeling satisfied, and with a newfound fire burning in his belly, he couldn't wait to chow down on some good food before heading out for a brutal training session with the Z-Fighters, just like old times. As it turned out, he and Videl didn't get round to eating their breakfast after all.

However, the fire inside of him immediately snuffed out as soon as he walked in through the back door to find his father and brother already sat at the table, with his mother getting straight to the point and asking just where on Kami's great Earth he had been all morning. The goofy grin he had been sporting evaporated right off his face as the reality of confronting his father sank in. How did he even forget that all important fact? Though he couldn't help but think that his clouded mind had something to do with Videl's inviting embrace.

Purposefully not looking the man in the eye, and praying to Grand Zeno that he had kept his mouth shut, he gave his mother the sordid excuse of 'exploring the forest' which she thankfully accepted without question, and instead ordered him to sit down and eat until he was fit to bursting.

He swiftly and obediently seated himself in the empty chair across from his father, his mother placing several dishes of glorious home cooked delicacies in front of him - all of his favourites no less. Though even as his stomach growled with anticipation, did he feel a sickening coil of dread at his navel, feeling his father's obsidian eyes burning into him, surveying him carefully ever since he had entered the room.

He gulped, shuffling uncomfortably in his seat as the man's gaze remained unwavering, though he was certain that he hadn't said anything to his mother, mainly given the fact that he hadn't been castrated yet. He had thought that the ox-princess hadn't even caught on to the sudden tension that had filled the air, yet he had forgotten just how perceptive the woman could be, especially when it came to her boys.

"What in the world is wrong with you two?"

Gohan cleared his throat awkwardly, suddenly becoming more interested in his fork and avoiding her cryptic gaze that drifted between the father-son duo.

"Nothing," his father answered rather quickly, finally breaking his stare and grabbing the bowl of potato salad before piling it high on his plate.

Chi-Chi pursed her lips, sharing a rather perplexed look with Goten, who had also noticed that the pair had become incredibly subdued ever since the deceased teenager had returned.

"You didn't have to do all of this Mum, really," Gohan started, gesturing to the large feast in front of them in an attempt to divert the conversation away from him.

"Nonsense," she tutted, sitting at the head of the table with her own much smaller plate, "It's the least I could do. I bet you don't get home cooked meals like this in that God realm of yours."

He chuckled, "Yeah, to be fair I've travelled all over the universe and haven't found anyones cooking as good as yours. I've missed it."

"Oh that's sweet," she smiled fondly, leaning over and kissing him softly on the cheek before addressing the rest of the table, "Now you boys make sure you eat up everything, you'll be needing all the fuel you can get for your big sparring session this afternoon."

"Yeah it's gonna be great Mum!" Goten piped up excitedly, having been looking forward to it all morning, before turning to their father, "Is Videl coming too, Dad?"

Unfortunately for Goku, he was halfway through devouring a bowl of noodles - and choked at the mere mention of the name. His loud, hacking cough filled the room much to Gohan's mortification, and all he could do was sit there, red-faced and watch his mother pound the man harshly on the back until he swallowed.

"W-whoops, s-sorry," his father mustered finally, gulping down breaths of relieving oxygen as Chi-Chi muttered something about 'manners' and 'not chewing your food' under her breath, "Sorry Goten, um y-yeah I think that Videl is joining us."

"That's a point," said Chi-Chi with a slight frown in her husband's direction, "I thought that you were going to invite Videl over to lunch before heading to Roshi's training island?"

Gohan sunk lower in his seat, shoving food rapidly into his mouth and attempting to hide the fact that he was inwardly freaking the HFIL out as his father opened his mouth to answer.

Please don't tell her! Please don't tell her! Please don't tell her! He chanted desperately in his mind, his frantic eyes pleading with the man over his rice bowl, who seemed to catch on to his panicked expression.

"Oh yeah, I dropped by her apartment earlier," Goku replied smoothly, "But she wasn't in."

The teenager breathed out a sigh of relief, relaxing back into his chair, he was really going to have to thank his father for that one later. That is, if he managed to summon the gall to actually speak to him about the whole embarrassing encounter.

"Oh, really?" his mother blinked, before sighing in disapproval, "That poor girl, I bet she's got called out on duty again. Honestly they're relentless! Just because she's the best constable they've got doesn't mean that they can just call on her whenever they're stuck in a rut! She out of everyone deserves a day off."

"Yeah, Videl works really hard," Goten said a little glumly, chewing on his mouthful, "I wish she could come round and play more often."

"Now now, Goten," Chi-Chi implored firmly, "Videl pops in when she can, and even though I wish she didn't tire herself out so readily, a good work ethic like that is very hard to come by nowadays."

Gohan gulped, forcing himself to swallow the food in his mouth that all of a sudden refused to go down. Feeling the heat creeping up his neck, the halfling tried to make as much noise as possible with his cutlery, as the woman continued to gush about the girl who had brought him to a whole other level of euphoria no more than an hour ago. It was incredibly difficult to get the racy images out of his mind.

"Ooh yes, she'll find a lovely husband in no time that one, she is quite the catch," she smiled, before turning towards him, "Wouldn't you say so, Gohan?"

"Huh?!" he squeaked, dropping his knife to the floor with a loud clatter, he could have sworn he heard his father snort into his soup, "W-what?"

"Oh come off it," his mother rolled her eyes in a playful gesture, "I'm just saying that Videl is a very nice girl, and she is your age after all. You know, I bet if the circumstances were different…"

"Mum!" the halfling spluttered hotly, his cheeks positively glowing crimson, "I don't know what you're suggesting, but I'm only here to fulfil the Super Saiyan God prophecy - !"

"Well," she interjected, her onyx eyes twinkling in amusement, mainly because the young man before her was getting so flustered, "You seemed rather friendly with her before you revealed yourself to us is all. I can see that those dance lessons we imposed on you all those years ago certainly haven't gone to waste."

He gaped at her, as his little brother started to giggle at his misfortune. He knew that his mother was only jesting with him, but he couldn't believe just how close she had come to the truth with her assumptions. And why the bloody hell was his father grinning at him like a sodding cheshire cat?!

"W-we're just friends Mum, honest!" Gohan sweated, "I'm not even interested!"

"Sure you're not," his father muttered not so subtly under his breath, prompting the teenager to forcibly kick him underneath the table.

"YOWCH!" he cried suddenly, the force of Gohan's boot against his shin causing him to topple over backwards, sending him crashing to the floor in a heap, the wooden chair he was lounging on splintering apart on impact.

"Dad! Are you alright?!" Goten gasped, as his mother's forehead vein suddenly made itself known.

"GOKU!" she positively shrieked, "For goodness sake! What have I told you about monkeying around at the dinner table?! That's another chair gone! You're lucky that there's still a spare in the garage - !"

Wincing as the commotion unfolded around him - he really didn't mean to kick his father that hard, the young Destroyer quickly gathered up the bowls and plates and fled the scene, retreating to the kitchen and calling out to his mother that he would make a start on the dishes, ignoring Goten's protests of 'Oi! I haven't finished yet!'

As his mother's irate yelling became more muffled, Gohan loudly ran the tap in the sink, and shoved the dirty dishes in the rapidly forming soapy water. Breathing heavily as he desperately tried to curb the warmth in his cheeks, the halfling grabbed the scourer and started to scrub away the remnants of sauce and food from the china, hoping that his embarrassment would wash away with it.

He was only about half way down the mountainous pile, up to his elbows in soap suds when he felt a presence behind him. Knowing exactly who it was without even sensing, the teenager scowled, and began to scrub a rather stubborn stain much more aggressively, much to his visitor's amusement.

"You didn't have to kick me you know," his father mused, with only the slightest hint of disapproval in his tone.

Gohan couldn't help but scoff, "Well maybe you shouldn't have been so tactless!"

To his further annoyance, the man chuckled, "Hey, it was your brother that brought her up, not me."

Giving up on the plate, whose sticky residue still refused to budge, the halfling threw the scourer back in the water haughtily, creating a much bigger splash than he had intended and slopping soapy water all over the floor - and himself.

He groaned angrily as Goku shook his head in exasperation, handing him a tea towel before plunging his hands in the basin and picking up from where Gohan had left off, "Here, I'll wash, you dry."

The teenager quirked an eyebrow disbelievingly, "Since when do you do the washing up?"

"Since when do you suddenly have an attitude with me?" his father shot back, eyebrows raised, causing him to cringe.

"S-sorry," he mustered, becoming sheepish, "It's just that I don't think I ever saw you do it as a kid."

He scoffed, the crockery chinking together in the sink as he worked, "Your mother never used to let me do it. Mainly because I used to break stuff or put things away in the wrong place and she could never find anything. Things change, I've just gotten better at it."

"Yeah," he replied, a little sadly, "A lot of things have changed."

"I'll say," said Goku, passing him the now clean plate, the sunlight from the window catching his features, and Gohan couldn't help but think that his father looked a little more matured for a split second, despite his youthful saiyan genes - wiser even. He looked back at him, "I mean, I just can't believe where the time has gone, even though it felt like an age after you… y-you died. But at the same time its just like I blinked and now… you're here, all grown up."

Gohan faltered, his face becoming warm again, as he desperately tried to focus on drying the plate in his hands, "Dad, about earlier - "

"Don't mention it," his father told him, he could hear the distant voices of his mother and Goten cleaning up the mess back at the table, just beyond the alcove, and he was thankful for the solitude that they had in that moment, "I'm sorry for barging in… and how I reacted. It was just a…well, a bit of a shock was all."

The teenager swallowed, placing the plate on the drying rack beside him before accepting a bowl, not quite knowing what to say. It seemed as though his father was struggling too. That was, until he uttered -

"Just how long has this been going on for, son?"

Gohan stiffened at the man's penetrative stare, almost dropping the dish he was drying. It wasn't often that his father got serious with him, from what he could remember anyway. In his childhood the moments had been few and far between, but when he did, oh hell did the halfling know he was either - A. going to get an extremely stern talking to, or B. his life was in danger.

Like the first time his father had transformed into a super saiyan against Frieza, and he had literally screamed at him to take Piccolo, find Bulma and get off Planet Namek. There was the time when he had punched him to the ground to stop him from rushing to save Piccolo from a less than perfect Cell, and when he had ordered him to end Cell's life whilst he had the chance…

Though from the look on his father's face, he wasn't quite sure whether he was in for option A or B.

"Dad, please," he tried, averting his eyes, "This is embarrassing enough as it is - "

"Gohan, listen," Goku said firmly, "You're a grown man now, and I can't exactly stop you, not to mention that you've been pretty independent for so long. But I just don't want either of you to get hurt."

His eyes widened, that's what he was so serious about? Well, in a way it was a relief, for a moment there he thought that his father was going to Ki blast his privates off.

"Gohan," he said again, turning fully towards him and resting his soapy battle-worn hands on the edge of the sink, "I'm serious, I don't want you to get hurt."

The young saiyan averted his eyes, the guilt resurfacing like a tidal wave that engulfed him all at once, "It's probably a little too late for that."

Goku sighed, paying no mind to the suds that dripped from his fingers and onto the tiled floor at his bare feet, "Do you love her?"

His mouth fell open, though the expression on his face said all his father needed to know, "Dad I-I, I've only known her a week - ! A-and I -!"

"So?" the man frowned, "I knew that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with your mother after only a day. I mean, yeah, we met as kids and I didn't really understand the feelings that I had at the time, but when I met her again at the World Martial Arts Tournament it was like everything just fit into place, like it was meant to be. And it felt wrong not to just go with it."

"T-this, this is different," Gohan said defiantly, though he failed to hide the trepidation in his tone.

"How so?" he asked him, his stance unwavering.

"Because you and Mum could be together," the teenager stated, leaning heavily up the counter, the bowl he was drying now long abandoned, "Me and Videl…we can't. It's against the rules of the Divine. And in three weeks -"

He inhaled sharply, the words momentarily dying on his tongue as his father continued to stare, "And in three weeks I'll have to leave her behind, just like everyone else. We're not like you and Mum, we're just not meant to be."

As his sentence lingered in the air between them, a beautiful pair of sapphire eyes sprang into his mind, It just feels so right, being with you. But how can it, when you're not even meant to be here?

Goku observed him for a few moments, a hint of sadness in his eyes as he beheld his deflated demeanour, "Maybe so, but you can't deny your feelings for her, it'll only make it worse if you fight with yourself."

"I'm such an idiot. I knew that I shouldn't get close to her, and yet I still -!" He groaned, burying his face in the damp tea towel, his voice dulled by the fabric, "Ugh, I can't believe that I'm having this conversation with you."

"Why not?" his father quirked, laughing a little, "You may be nineteen years old but I'm still your Dad, Gohan."

"Yeah, I know," he replied softly, pulling the towel away from his face, "But it's still mortifying. Though maybe not nearly as bad as 'the talk' that you attempted to give me in The Hyperbolic Time Chamber."

"Yeah," Goku grinned fondly at the memory, grabbing the tea towel from him and drying his hands, "Though maybe if it'd gone better, you would have known to check the Ki signature before opening the door to your dad in nothing but your underwear."

Gohan shot him a most hateful glare, as he continued to laugh. A more comfortable silence encompassed them, before his father stopped to let out another more defeated sigh, "Look, Videl is… she's more than just my student. She's apart of this family, as good as a daughter to your mother and I."

He blinked in surprise, wondering just what the man was getting at as he continued.

"Ever since the whole Majin Buu thing, your mum sort of took her under her wing, especially when she found out that her own mother had passed away when she was just a little girl," said Goku, "You know how smart your mum is, and Chi-Chi said that every girl needs a mother, even though Hercule is a good man and a real great father to boot. I suppose they just got really close after that. They bonded over their grief and I took her in as my student when I saw how much potential she had. Goten even looks up to her like a big sister. I suppose what I'm trying to say is that I support you both, I love you both, and I just want you to know that whatever happens, I'll always be here for you two. But I'm worried about what you're getting yourselves into, especially if it's against the law of the Gods or whatever you said."

The young saiyan nodded glumly. Although he was thankful for his father's support, it only made him feel even more guilty. Damn it, he wished that he could just come out with it, he wished he could tell him the whole truth, that not only was he in love with Videl - last night only solidifying his feelings, did he harbour so many feelings of regret and anguish that came along with it. Because in reality, Videl didn't know the full extent of what he was, nor what he was meant to become, and neither did his father, the man who had always taught him to be honest first and foremost. He couldn't help but think that the love and support that the man was offering would disappear if he knew, and he instead would regard him like a stranger, just as he did when he first came back to Earth. And Gohan did not want to see that loss in his eyes again.

He felt it suddenly, and all at once. The shame and dishonour weighing heavily on his shoulders and threatening to crush him. Oh Gods it was such a mess. What would Whis think of him even, if he knew he had fallen for a mortal girl? Of the incredible yet sinful night he had shared with her last night, and even again this morning because he could no longer hold back his feelings? He bet that he would be so disappointed in him.

"Thanks Dad," he managed to croak out, shaking the hair out of his eyes and attempting to speak the truth - for once, "I know it's stupid, but I've only got three weeks left and I suppose I just wanted to enjoy this little bit of happiness whilst I still can."

"It's not stupid kiddo," the earth-raised saiyan told him, giving him a sad yet reassuring smile, "You're young, and have got to take these small chances whilst they are, or 'grab them by the balls' as Vegeta would say. If you don't, your afterlife will be full of regrets. I know that I missed Ch-Chi so much when I died fighting Raditz, and it took all of my willpower not to return to Earth early when I was out in space trying to master the super saiyan transformation incase I blew everyone up when I came home. I can understand, in a way, the feeling that you want to be with someone but you cant. But then again, I suppose that I had the choice to come back."

The young saiyan sighed, as his father pressed on, his gaze searching him, "You've taken on such an enormous responsibility son, I mean, a God? Are…are you sure? Are you certain that it's the right path for you?"

Gohan bit his lip hesitantly, should he…? His father was looking him in such a way that his resolve was beginning to crack. Much like Videl, the man knew just how to chip away at the walls that he had always managed to build around himself. His breath hitched, the father-son moment drifting between them and opening up endless opportunities.

Could he tell him even? Admit to him what Piccolo had pointed out when he had first reunited with him back on The Lookout? That yes, he was a Destroyer, and not only had he accepted the role because it would mean the end of the universe if he didn't, but that he had accepted because maybe he did have something the prove. To prove that he wasn't just some angry, reckless kid whose mindless power had gotten his father killed. To prove to himself that he was worth something more than what he had become. Admit that, even now, eight years later that he still harboured the shame of not finishing the fight with Cell when he should have done. Could he tell his father that his whole reasoning for becoming a God of Destruction was because of the events surrounding his death? And yet, in trying to prove himself and keep the universe at a safe and thriving level of balance, that he had become a weapon of mass extinction that had helped to spread the seed of nightmares across the cosmos?

He wanted to say he was sorry. So desperately sorry for disappointing him, for lying. Though he didn't want to open up the old wounds from The Cell Games that had barely healed. How could this man, his father, the legendary Son Goku even bare to look at him again when he told him of his true purpose in the universe?

Though as Goku put a strong hand upon his shoulder, his obsidian eyes boring straight into his onyx ones, it was as though they were pleading with him, begging with him to open up.

"D-dad," the teenager began slowly, his breath quaking, "T-there's something I need to tell you, I -"

Bleep bleep! Bleep bleep!

He caught himself, as an onslaught of sound suddenly cut through the air. His father frowned deeply at the noise, though his eyes widened as the young saiyan hurriedly waved a hand, his rounded communicator materialising out of thin air before he caught it in his palm.

Gohan gave him an apologetic smile, though was secretly glad that his alarming moment of weakness had been interrupted before he had recklessly said too much. The device was flashing rapidly, before he tapped the screen to answer it, and in an instant, his mentor's face appeared.

"Hi Whis, I'm just with my dad," he told him quickly, hoping that the Angel would catch on and not mention anything untoward, "What's going on?"

"Good afternoon Gohan," Whis chirped, giving him a small smile, "You are needed back here quite swiftly, though I - "

"Is that your mentor?!" Goku interrupted rudely, gasping almost childishly as his eyes lit up in excitement, the previous tension vanishing completely. Without warning, he pushed his face right into the screen so that his nose was almost flat against it, bellowing his greeting, "HI! I'M GOKU! I'M GOHAN'S DAD!"

"Oh my!" the Angel cried, as the teenager rolled his eyes.

"Dad, you don't need to shout!" he scolded, pulling him back by the scruff of his gi, he could hear snorts of laughter in the background, of which he assumed belonged to The Supreme Guard, "Or stand so close!"

"Whoops, sorry son, I got excited!" he laughed cheerily, "I just wanted to meet the person that has taught you so much!"

"Silence mortal!" another voice sounded, the gruff, harsh tone Gohan immediately recognised as belonging to Lord Beerus before he shoved his purple snout into the screen, "We already know who you are! Your damned brat never used to shut up about you. Though he didn't tell me that you were this annoying!"

"Lord Beerus? You're awake?" the halfling quirked, a sense of relief flooding him.

"Of course I am boy!" the Destroyer snarled, backing away slightly so that he was in full view of them, "You didn't think that a pathetic little magic trick would put me out of the count for long now did you?"

"Yikes whose that?!" His father cut across him before he could open his mouth to retort, "Aw, how cute! He looks like a pussycat!"

Gohan cringed, as the 'pussycat' in question positively seethed, "WHAT DID HE CALL ME?!"

"Dad, you really should be more respectful," the teenager told him, though he struggled to hide his amusement, the corners of his mouth twitching upwards, "Lord Beerus is the God that I'm succeeding, and you're being a bit rude."

"O-oh!" Goku gasped, bowing his head in the communicator's direction out of respect, "I am so sorry your great godliness sir! Please forgive my humbleness, it is an honour for you to meet me sir, thank you for gracing the Earth with your presents on this a-auspicious day your Lord!"

Gohan had to stifle the cackle that erupted from his lips behind his hand, he had never seen his father make such an effort to be so overly respectful before. It was hilarious.

Though thankfully, his display appeared to appease the God of Destruction, "Hn, it looks like I misjudged you, Saiyan. I must admit that you are rather entertaining, if that performance was anything to go by."

"Thank you, your stupendousness!"

The halfling was rather perplexed, as his father bowed even lower, his forehead almost touching his feet.

"Good to finally meet you Goku," Whis chuckled heartily, before turning his attention to the teen, "Now Gohan, I'll be sending The Warp along shortly, your services are needed in the Kai's realm."

He nodded dutifully, before banishing the device as soon as the transmission cut off, looking towards his father who had now thankfully straightened himself back up to full height.

"Sorry Dad, I've got to go," he said, shooting him an apologetic smile, "Don't wait up for me, and train hard today alright? I'll try and make it back it time."

"You got it kiddo," he grinned back, "And be careful."

Though as he made to take his leave to meet the The Warp outside - he didn't want it to destroy his parents cottage after all - did the man stop him in his tracks.

"Oh Gohan, before you go, what was it that you wanted to tell me?"

Gohan's eyes widened, though he quickly composed himself, flashing his father a nervous smile, "Oh it was nothing. Just thanks for being so cool about… everything, you know, with me and Videl."

"Of course son," Goku nodded, watching him go.

Though as a brilliant bright light lit up the garden and catapulted him to the Kai's sacred realm, Goku couldn't shake the ominous feeling that it wasn't just his power that Gohan was holding back from him.

---

The Sacred Realm of The Kais, Universe Seven

Gohan was a little confused as to why he had been summoned to The Sacred Realm of The Kais of all places, though he wasn't going to ask nor argue with Whis in front of his father. It wasn't all too often that he journeyed to the Creators' world, nor was it the norm to meet his mentor there. So he was more than curious when he appeared upon the lush green fields, the sight of Whis and Lord Beerus, along with The Supreme Kai and Kibito greeting him from where they stood conversing with The Supreme Guard.

"Ah there you are Sparky!" Makhai grinned at him though fanged teeth, calling him over to where they had congregated in front of the Kais' sacred temple. The ancient stone stood proudly against the backdrop of the calm violet sky, overlooking the rest of the vast emerald planes.

He smiled back, as Whis waved his sceptre, a soft silver glow enveloping his form before his jeans and t-shirt were replaced by his usual ceremonial garb.

"Excellent Gohan," the Angel nodded in satisfaction, "Now that we are all accounted for, we can exact our plan."

"Plan?" the young saiyan quirked, "What plan?"

"We'll get to that," Lord Beerus glowered, and the teenager immediately got a bad feeling, "Firstly, we'd like to draw your attention to something extremely concerning that transpired last night."

Crap! Gohan froze, watching their expressions carefully. Something was definitely off, even Kibito had a fierce look about him. They must know! How do they know?! He panicked, I'm screwed, I am so so screwed.

But just when he thought that his predecessor was about to erase 'Little Gohan' from all existence, did Whis chime in, "Perses appeared on the Destroyers' world last night."

"Oh thank the Gods," the teenager blurted suddenly in a heaving sigh of relief, causing the others to look towards him as though he had just grown another head, "I-I mean er, oh no! What is that dastardly demigod up to this time?!"

Luckily, his quick save seemed to have done the trick as Whis continued, though his expression was still grim, "He wished to speak with the Oracle Fish before he was dragged back into The Void, but he did not get the chance."

"But why would Perses want to speak with the Oracle?" Gohan asked, as The Supreme Guard looked on confused, it seemed that they had not been informed of this revelation either.

"When he was a young Destroyer-in-training, the Seer foretold his demise if he continued on his path to seek what he referred to as 'divine justice'," the Angel informed them, as Lord Beerus, Shin and Kibito looked on darkly, "This only further fuelled Perses' desire to see an end to the cosmos and start afresh. He wished to eliminate all those that would dare to oppose him, whether God or mortal, for the Oracle predicted his downfall by a mortal warrior that was able to rival him."

"Mortal?" Kratos blinked disbelievingly, as Gohan remembered the prophecy the Seer had told him about years ago, "The prophecy predicted that a mortal warrior would defeat Perses?"

"Prophecies are not a definitive prediction of the future," explained Whis, a slight twinkle evident in his eyes, "In fact, a prophecy is a preview if you will, of the destination of a particular way. A description of the features and ultimate end of a path. Every road we take leads somewhere and has several landmarks along it. When someone begins to walk a certain path, you can safely predict the experiences they will have there as well as the destination they will reach if you know the way. A destination, or destiny, is somewhere where a road leads to, and although you cannot separate a road from its destination, we all have free wills and can turn back or move away from certain roads, thereby disconnecting from the destination of those paths. The warrior in Perses' prophecy may have chosen a different path, it is impossible to predict of course as we do not know the identity of this person. Though they may not exist yet or have already died, similarly they could be a completely different being altogether."

"Gutted," Makhai muttered under his breath, as Whis spoke again.

"Perses believes that his destiny is to create a new universal order, one where he is the one true God of Everything, convinced that as a descendent of the Kais that it is his birthright, a complete being capable of both Creation and Destruction, God and mortal, both sides of the same coin, the complete package," he shook his head in disapproval, "Though the path he walks upon is not righteous nor just, no matter how much he believes so. I surmise that he has sought to change his course in one way or another, realising all too late that his journey would mean his end. He seeks the Oracle to see if her prediction remains the same."

"But he's still trying to wipe out everything isn't he?" asked Alala, "I don't understand, how can he think that anything has changed?"

"He has something, something that he didn't have last time," said Lord Beerus, his jaw clenching tightly.

"Like a weapon?" asked Eris, a deep frown upon her features.

"Not necessarily," The Supreme Kai spoke up, "You see, we know that Perses used the Super Dragonballs not long before he was defeated and imprisoned. Our guess was that he wished for immortality which is why he was able to survive in The Void for so long, however, this does not appear to be the case."

"Perses informed me that he used the Super Dragonballs to wish to become a 'true god'," said Whis, as Lord Beerus gave a disapproving snort, "What he means by that isn't precisely clear, but from what I could gather, it sounded as though he had been granted a deity's lifespan, something that is only supposed to be granted by Grand Zeno. His halo was gone, so it appears that not only has he been given life, but he has rid himself of his mortality altogether."

"That doesn't sound like a very wise thing to do," said Bia, as their eyes widened at the revelation.

"Of course not," Lord Beerus growled, his arms folded across his chest, "Why it may be true that the Dragon God can grant any wish, there is a reason why only The Omni-King can bestow the lifespan of a deity on a mortal, even one that his half-Kai. What he has done is unnatural, and could mean dangerous consequences for both us and Perses."

"What do you mean?" Gohan quirked, it appeared as though the demigod's plan was coming into fruition, the adrenaline pumping through his veins.

"Forcing the life of a God onto a body and soul that is not ready could be disastrous," said Whis, "Perses is incredibly powerful, not to mention half-deity, so his body may be able to contain such power. While it was for a time that his divine half and mortal half worked in harmony and gave him an incredible amount of potential, to which I certainly saw no limit, - "

The young saiyan shared a flabbergasted look with The Guard. Limitless? Now that didn't sound good.

"- his soul is tainted and impure, so the divine energy may indeed cause a duality in his mind. It'll become broken, unhinged, warped, thus making Perses the most dangerous being in the entire cosmos. Draining energy from Lord Beerus to fuel this strength and escape makes much more sense now, gaining even more divine power to help his cause."

They were stunned into silence, as Makhai let out a low whistle, "Wow, so we're dealing with a proper nutcase then aren't we?"

Lord Beerus let out an angered growl, "Typical that I was asleep when he showed up, I would have destroyed that despicable brat."

"But what is his plan?" asked Kratos, his teeth gritted in frustration, "If he manages to escape, then we need to stay one step ahead of him!"

"Ah, but we already are," said Whis a twinkle in his eye as he looked towards the Junior Destroyer, "Gohan, where is that Z-Sword of yours?"

"Er, on Earth, under my bed," the halfling frowned, "Why?"

"Under your bed?!" Lord Beerus shrieked, causing the majority of the group to flinch in terror, "You just shoved the sacred relic in the same place as your old socks and mothballs?! Do you have no respect for a weapon of the Divine?!"

"He deserved it," he growled underneath his breath, still seething at the perverted old relic.

"Don't mutter boy, I am your superior!"

"I was just hiding it, alright?!" The teenager snapped back, not even his predecessor knew that Z could speak to him, he could do without the teasing and the Destroyer thinking that he was crazy, "I mean, its sharp and someone could hurt themselves on it!"

Lord Beerus scoffed, tutting about his incompetence before Whis sighed.

"Whilst I admire your caution my boy, it would probably be wise if you kept it close by," he stated wisely, "Or at least in the small pocket of reality that is your safe place. Although I am certain that Perses will be unable to lift it."

"Wait, what?" Gohan blinked in shock, "Perses is still after the Z-Sword?"

"I'm afraid so," his mentor replied in distain, "He believes that the ancient relic will aid him on his journey to victory, 'cutting down his mightiest of foes'."

"But he couldn't even lift it!" The young saiyan protested blindly, grasping at his memory banks, "Could he?"

"No, he couldn't," said Shin, smiling a little at that, before his features became stern once more, "Though even though he could not make the sword move an inch in its place when he attempted to steal it a thousand years ago, I doubt that he won't try to steal it again nor take him long to realise that it is you that has it."

The halfling's eyes widened, he had indeed taken the Z-Sword to Grand Zeno's palace at yesterdays meeting, and no doubt Zamasu would have seen it. It wouldn't be long until he told Perses, he may have already even. Even if the ex-Destroyer in training couldn't lift or use the relic, it wouldn't stop him from taking his frustration out on Gohan and those he loved. Fan-frigging-tastic.

"So, Perses is most likely going to come after Gohan?" Alala mustered worriedly.

The teenager in question scoffed, "Let him try, he'll meet the end of my sword before he can even think about trying to lift it."

"That's the spirit, kid!" Lord Beerus chortled, as Whis pursed his lips.

"Be that as it may Gohan, it is not to be taken lightly," he implored, "Perses may not have been able to lift the Z-Sword last time but there are now endless possibilities to his power. You need to be careful, and continue to train hard."

"Yes Sir," he nodded, determined, "I'll do whatever I can to stop him."

"I'm sure you will," the Angel smiled, "But speaking of stopping him, that brings our attention to the apprentice Kai, Zamasu and therefore our plan."

Makhai gasped in excitement, "Have you managed to come up with some dirt on that git Whis?"

"Makhai please," The Supreme Kai frowned, causing the ginger-haired teen to smile sheepishly.

"Sorry Master."

Whis chuckled, "Well, I suppose you could say that Makhai. You see, after my little chat with Perses last night, I decided to take a peep into the tenth universe to see if I could connect any dots in regards to Zamasu. And I have to say that I found something rather pressing that needs addressing immediately."

"Oh really?" said Gohan, cocking his head to one side, though he was itching to travel to the tenth universe and expose the evil Kai, "Like what?"

"See for yourself," said Whis, tapping his long sceptre against the ground so that a rounded hologram appeared above their heads.

They looked up, as the image of Zamasu appeared, his features calm and collected as he poured tea into an elegant china cup in front of his master Gowasu. The older Kai was seated at a small wooden table underneath a large blossom tree, and they appeared to be in the sacred realm of the tenth universe from what Gohan could see. The vast emeralds fields of grass were the same as the seventh universe, though instead of a violet sky it was a soft yellow, and he could depict several large moons hanging above them in the distance.

Gowasu sighed as Zamasu continued to stand dutifully with a cool expression, breathing in the sweet aroma of his tea before taking a grateful sip.

Gohan's breath hitched in his throat, thinking for a moment that the tea had been poisoned by the corrupted apprentice. But to his relief, the Supreme being aimed a small, but satisfied smile towards his successor.

"Very nice Zamasu," Gowasu initially praised, before a frown appeared on his wrinkled features, "Though I daresay that it would be sweeter if it wasn't so clouded."

Zamasu said nothing, merely closed his eyes and gave a short bow of his head.

"This tea is a mirror pointed inwards," The Supreme Kai continued, eyeing his apprentice, "If the soul of its maker is clouded, the tea will be as well. Tell me, what is it that clouds this cup?"

"I'm not quite sure that I understand Master," he replied, straightening up to face him fully, yet his demeanour remained calm.

Gowasu sighed, he looked exhausted, "That was quite an interesting meeting, wasn't it?"

Again, Zamasu did not reply.

"Why did you antagonise that young Destroyer-in-training?"

The amber liquid in the cup swirled and appeared to cloud even more so, and Gowasu noticed, his lips pursed as he awaited his student's reply.

He cleared his throat, looking a little more uncomfortable as his jaw clenched, "He was incredibly rude, Master."

"Oh?" Gowasu quirked, "And did you not think that you were guilty of that also?"

"He threatened me."

"It was a good job that he didn't do more that that," he stated quite firmly, "He may be junior but he is still a Destroyer, Zamasu."

Zamasu gritted his teeth, he looked agitated now. The tea in Gowasu's grasp darkened.

"That is the problem, Master," the apprentice spoke lowly, his voice a little strained, "How is it that a - a boy like that is able to gain the power of a divine being? How is it that Destroyers are not only drafted from mortals, but they are gifted with the power of a God? Gods more powerful than Kais? One's granted with the task of eradicating what threatens balance when we Kai do nothing but watch!"

Gowasu's lips drew into a thin line, "We have different roles for a reason. Us Kai may have been born from the Kaiju tree planted by the ancient Gods themselves, but Destroyers are beings that have already gone through the trials of mortals, where death has dealt them its most wicked hand. This is so that they can show reason in their destruction, their mortal qualities informing an understanding of the consequences of their actions. Wiping life from all existence is not something to be taken lightly, but it is done to maintain peace in the cosmos, dear Zamasu."

"Peace?" Zamasu all but snarled, "There cannot be peace when destruction is still at play. When I was invited here from my position as the North Kai, I thought that you would teach me divine justice. But all you seem to do is watch whilst these monsters stain existence with each others blood!"

The cup rattled on its saucer, the liquid turning completely black. Gowasu remained silent.

"And not only do Destroyers feed this endless cycle of violence, sprouting more fear and death, we sit idly by as the more superior beings, the purer race stand back and do nothing! We do nothing but watch mortals stain the cosmos with their filth, only for the Angels to grant the ones whose power has the potential to surpass that of a God the gift of divinity!"

The Supreme Kai stared at his apprentice for a few moments, his tea remained untouched as he drew a rather haggard breath, "You lack faith in mortals still, after all this time. Tell me why."

Zamasu breathed deeply, attempting to calm his outburst, "Master Gowasu, you have said something often, to make mistakes but learn from them thus forging a better world, that is the essence of a mortals spirit. But as far as I can see, mortals do not learn this way at all, and you have seen this countless times, even shown me through your teachings."

"Patience Zamasu," he replied firmly, "Every seed needs time to grow, much like yourself and that young Destroyer that has caused you so much contempt. You are young, you have a lot to learn."

The junior Kai ground his teeth, his jaw clenching tightly, "Gardens are tended, not just watched. Should a gardener not pluck the weeds? Why is it that Destroyers have that privilege whereas we do not. They do not see what we see, they may have divine power but their mortal minds make them arrogant and crass, only eradicating what they see fit. Surely you must see this in its truth? The sixth and seventh universes in particular are rife with corruption - I heard that their Destroyers end entire civilisations based on the quality of their food!"

Gowasu sighed rather heavily, "Despite what you think, destruction is not mindless. Do you ever ponder the relationship between good, evil and justice?"

"Of course, all the time," he nodded boldly.

His master waited, prompting him to elaborate.

"Evil is the great obstacle to good," said Zamasu, "And justice is the sword to which good can overcome this obstacle and flourish."

"That is one perspective," said Gowasu, his apprentice's eyes narrowed though he appeared not to have noticed, "But I have come to view it this way. Justice is not a sword eradicating evil, but a scale keeping good and evil in balance."

"Balance, Master?"

"One can succumb to evil, but reject that darkness and rediscover the light with new understanding. Justice makes that journey possible," he told him, "Evil informs good, and that is why we give the mortals their minds. It is that very reason why Destroyers are grown from mortals, and their deeds are not performed without thought."

A tense silence rained between the two deities, as Zamasu's stare hardened, though the rest of his features remained cool and collected. After a few seconds, his lips twitched slightly upwards, as though he found his superiors words somewhat amusing.

"It was as I said to the Gods of Universe Seven, you give corruption far too much credit," he spoke lowly, causing Gowasu to raise an eyebrow curiously, "Evil does not inform good, it sullies it. Much like the mortals sully the worlds they have been gifted with violence, and that arrogant Junior Destroyer sullied The Omni-Kings sacred palace by threatening a purer being, in front of the Grand Minister now doubt."

Gowasu stared unblinkingly, as Zamasu continued, his voice smooth and calming, "Mortals receive the divine gift of intellect, the potential for wisdom. But they misuse it to destroy the beauty of creation. Mortals do not succumb to evil, they are the evil. And just like that degenerative half-saiyan, they create it and spread it with minds that they shouldn't possess."

He chuckled darkly, "After all, death and devastation is widely accepted as long as it does not affect the universal balance, correct? And if it is threatened, then it is only met with more destruction. How can we call ourselves Supreme Gods if we watch this plight and do nothing to stop it?"

"Zamasu," His master swallowed, "You have a strong hunger for justice and that can be a great thing, but we must put temperance over righteousness and guide lost children to the good path at a pace that may seem slow even for us, they must grow and learn in time. Do not forget the true reason you have honed your fighting ability - to strengthen your mind in your journey toward enlightenment. Being Gods does not make us perfect, whether we are grown from the sacred trees or have divinity thrust upon us, we too must learn and mature overtime."

Zamasu frowned, as if pondering his words, "And is it true?"

"Is what true?" Gowasu blinked at the sudden strangeness of his question.

"Is it true? What the boy wields?" he almost demanded, though managed to keep his voice from rising.

"Ah, I see that you noticed what was encased in the scabbard on his back," The yellow-skinned Kai nodded in approval at his student's observation, "Indeed, it appears that the young Lord Gohan has managed to free the legendary Z-Sword out of its prison on the seventh sacred world. I never thought that such a thing was even possible."

"I see," The apprentice replied, his eyes cold, "I am aware of the prophecy that goes along with it. Though I thought that being in the Kai's realm that only a Kai of Supreme divinity would be able to free it."

"Not necessarily," said Gowasu wisely, "The story goes that only one that is worthy is able to wield it. Though the source of judgement for that worth remains a mystery."

Zamasu scoffed, "I see nothing worthy about that ruffian."

"He may be a little rough around the edges, but give him time and he is sure to be proven a formidable adversary," he replied curtly, "I have no doubt that he will have to step up and prove his worth if Shin is correct in what is about to befall the seventh universe, such a trifling situation."

"Indeed," the younger Kai said lowly, averting his gaze momentarily, "Though I do wonder Master, if we have anything similar to the Z-Sword in our universe?"

To his surprise, Gowasu laughed, "Oh heavens no! Such a powerful relic like that cannot be rivalled or replicated! The one and only Z-Sword has been imprisoned in the Kai's realm of the seventh universe for billions of millennia, some even presume since the dawn of existence! It is a wonder to where it even came from, all is known about the legend is that it states that it was forged in the heart of a dying star before becoming trapped in ancient stone. And not one being has been able to creak the relic in its place until Son Gohan was able to free it."

Zamasu looked rather annoyed by this, surveying his chortling master with contempt before he whipped the cup and saucer away from him, "Here Master, allow me to brew some more tea. I daresay this one has grown cold by now."

"Thank you Zamasu," Gowasu nodded, "That is very thoughtful. Though do try to make sure that you make it sweeter this time. Reflect on our discussion whilst you work."

"Of course, Master," he spoke through gritted teeth, placing the darkened brew on the wooden tea trolley behind him, "I apologise for my brashness earlier."

"Oh?" the older Kai quirked, as he continued.

"Yes, and I believe I must in turn thank you for your patience and the wisdom that you continue to bestow upon me."

"That is… quite alright Zamasu," said Gowasu, a little uncertainly, fiddling a little with the green patora earring on his left lobe in a nervous gesture, "I strive to do all I can to aid you in your journey to become the next Supreme Kai."

Zamasu's eyes glinted, a cheery yet borderline sadistic smile gracing his lips as he bowed in respect, "And what a journey it'll prove to be. As you said Master, all I need to get there is a little time."

And with that he walked away from the shade of the tree, the slight squeak of the trolley as the wheels turned in motion filled the stagnant air behind him.

"Tosser," Gohan spat, as the image retreated back into the sceptre, leaving the sky before them clear once more.

"Gohan, please do mind your language," scolded Whis, tutting at his vulgarity as The Supreme Guard snorted with laughter.

"But how can he say things like that?!" The young Destroyer snarled angrily, "Did you not hear what he said about me?! Not to mention the utter rubbish he was spouting about Destroyers and mortals?! I've never heard a bigger pile of - "

"Exactly," The Angel quipped, cutting across him, a smile playing on his lips, "You do appear to have upset the apprentice Kai, young Destroyer."

"So what?!" Makhai guffawed, "If that wasn't any indication that the slimy git is chumming it up with Perses then I don't know what is! I say we go over there and beat the crap out of him!"

"I second that notion!" Alala said menacingly, readying her bow and arrow.

"Ugh, can you please turn off your mouth sirens?!" Deimos snarled, holding his head, it appeared that the ex-hellion still hadn't recovered from drinking so much last night.

"Oh do shut up Deimos," Eris scowled, "You're not holding us back just because you're still hanging out of your arse. If you're feeling too delicate then you should have stayed with your head stuck down the toilet."

"Insolent wench!" Deimos spat, although he looked even greener than usual, as Bia and Kratos sighed in distain, "It was all your idiotic boyfriend's fault - !"

"As if I'd look twice at that ginger peasant - !"

"That's enough," Shin cut across them firmly, "No one is fighting anyone until we say so."

"Boring," Makhai drawled, as Alala's arrow sagged in her grasp, "Why not?"

"Because you have a different assignment," Whis chuckled, as the group of teens looked towards him in confusion, "The Supreme Guard will indeed accompany us to the tenth universe, though you will not be confronting Zamasu. Instead, you will be scouting the realm undetected for any clues as to how Zamasu is helping Perses escape, and any other information as to the rest of their plans."

Their eyes widened as Makhai gasped in delight, clapping his hands together, "Yes! Stealth mode! I love a good stealth mission! Ooh! Can we have code names?!"

"Absolutely not!" Kratos growled, "We are not giving each other code names!"

"You're just jealous because Gohan and I used up all the cool ones," The ginger-haired teen scoffed, before looking towards the young saiyan in question, "Isn't that right Radium-223?"

"Damn straight, Agent Orange."

The rest of the Guard shared an exasperated look, as Kratos pinched the bridge of his nose in despair.

"So what do I do?" Gohan asked curiously, he didn't like the sudden smirk that Lord Beerus was giving him, nor the worried glance that Shin and Kibito exchanged beside him.

Whis smiled, "You Gohan, are going to apologise."

"WHAT?!" His jaw dropped, "Apologise?! For what exactly?!"

"For challenging Zamasu at Grand Zeno's palace," The Angel informed him brightly, "It simply isn't proper. We cannot have animosity between universes after all."

The teenager snorted, inclining his head to his predecessor, "Tell that to him."

"Be quiet brat!" Lord Beerus snapped, "If we say that you're going to apologise, then that is what you will do. No ifs, ands or buts!"

He scowled, as Makhai sighed, clasping him reassuringly on the shoulder, "He might have a point. Be the bigger God in this scenario you know? Take the high ground, turn the other cheek - which I recently learned was about faces by the way, and not about - "

"I see what Whis is trying to get at here," Alala cut across him, "You lure him into a false sense of security, and then we can strike!"

The Supreme Kai cleared his throat, "Like we said, none of you are fighting. You are instead to raid the scared temple and be on the lookout for anything untoward."

"Forgive me Master," Bia quirked tentatively, "But isn't sneaking around the tenth universe a little unlawful?"

"Who cares?" Lord Beerus growled before the Kai could answer, "These are pressing times. If our enemy is being sneaky then we have every right to be suspicious of outbursts like the one that Zamasu exhibited back at The Omni-King's palace. It's all or nothing, we just have to be smart about it."

"That being said, Gowasu and especially Zamasu must not know that you're accompanying us," said Shin, eyeing the Guard, "You must teleport in, scout the place and get out without any interference. I shudder to think what would happen if we get caught and have to explain ourselves without coming up with any evidence against Zamasu."

"Precisely," said Whis, his aqua eyes glinting at the young halfling before him, "And in the meantime, Lord Beerus, The Supreme Kai, Kibito and I will present ourselves with Gohan to deliver his apology. There is nothing illegal about us entering the tenth universe for reconciliation after all."

"Why do I suddenly get the feeling that I'm not just going there to say sorry?" Gohan mustered weakly, as his mentor gave him a broad smile.

"And do make sure that you mind your airs and graces Gohan, we wouldn't want you cause any upset again," he quipped, avoiding the question.

The teenager groaned, "This is either going to be extremely dangerous or really silly isn't it? There is no in between with you."

Whis chuckled, as Lord Beerus smirked, "Come along!"

Gohan sighed, as the light from The Warp engulfed the sacred emerald planes, bathing the large group in a soft white glow before they shot into the atmosphere. The young saiyan had never travelled to a different universe before, but suspected that it would take some time to get there, even with Whis' super-sonic hyper speed. He would have been more excited about exploring another part of the multiverse, yet the anticipation of confronting Zamasu most certainly overshadowed that feeling.

If it really was a distraction that his mentor was hoping for, he prayed that he could pull it off long enough for The Supreme Guard to find some damning evidence on the corrupted Kai. Though there was something about Zamasu's conversation with Gowasu that was irking him - 'After all, death and devastation is widely accepted as long as it does not affect the universal balance, correct? And if it is threatened, then it is only met with more destruction.'

What he had said wasn't exactly untrue. Though Gohan shook away the thoughts as quickly as they had come. The young Kai didn't know him at all, for Gohan had only destroyed when absolutely necessary, when he had no other choice. It wasn't as though he accepted the devastation that murder and war brought, not in the slightest! It was like Kibito had told him last night outside Capsule Corp., that sometimes unavoidable sacrifices needed to be made in order for the universe to prosper. It was engrained in him as a Destroyer, and he had lived and breathed the very notion that what he was doing was right for the last eight years. But even still… if what he was doing was so right, then why couldn't he bring himself to tell his family and friends what he had become?

No. Zamasu was wrong. He had to be.

His mind was whirring, as the distant voices of Shin and Kibito reached his ears, discussing The Supreme Guard's next move.

" - wait until we get close enough to the realm with The Warp and then Kratos, you will teleport directly into the sacred temple, is that clear?"

"Yes Master," they chorused, their features hardening.

Gohan sighed as a myriad of solar systems whizzed past them, they were travelling so fast that the vastness of space around them was quickly becoming nothing more than a white blur. His onyx eyes darted to his mentor up ahead, whose gaze was fixed forwards, concentrating on keeping them all inside the tunnel of light. Lord Beerus too looked rather serious, his legs crossed comfortably underneath him, though a dark expression about his features.

"What's up with you?" Makhai's voice rang suddenly in his ear, breaking him out of his thoughts and causing him to jump, "Why are you so spaced out?"

"N-Nothing!" the halfling answered quickly, prompting the boy to raise an eyebrow, "I'm just thinking about the mission is all."

"Oh really?" the ginger-haired teen quirked, the rest of their comrades still conversing with The Supreme Kai - it appeared that Makhai had slipped away from the group, the pair now bringing up the rear of The Warp.

"Yep," he forced a grin, "I just can't wait to expose that pathetic excuse for a Kai and wipe that smug look off his face."

Makhai eyed him for a moment, "That's rather… spritely of you."

"Just excited!"

"Hmm mmm," he hummed thoughtfully, "You know, I would have believed you if it wasn't for the deafening sound of your virginity popping last night."

"MAKHAI!" Gohan squawked, slapping his hands over his mouth, blushing furiously as he lowered his voice to a hiss. Luckily, the rest of their group hadn't noticed his outburst.

"What? It's true isn't it?" Makhai scoffed, shoving him off, his amber eyes looking him up and down disapprovingly, "Gods look at you, it's written all over your face! Not to mention that you're practically glowing!"

"I don't -!" he started, "Wait, what?"

"And after I specifically warned you not to," the Lethien shook his head, though thankfully kept his voice to a whisper, "But low and behold Mister Destroyer just couldn't keep it in his pants."

"It just happened alright?!" he spouted hotly, "It wasn't like that!"

"Oh? Then what was it like?" Makhai quirked, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

Gohan spluttered angrily, "As if I'm going to tell you that!"

He scoffed, "Spoil sport."

"What are you two arguing about back there?!" Lord Beerus snapped harshly, causing the two teens to whirl around.

"Nothing!" The young saiyan blurted without thinking, as Makhai squeaked in fright at the Destroyer's penetrative stare.

His gaze shifted to Gohan, "Mind your tone with me boy. I swear to you, if you mouth off at me one more time I will knock you off this Warp and I won't even look back!"

"Sorry," the halfling replied glumly, before shooting a hateful glare towards his best friend as soon as his predecessor turned back around.

It appeared as though the rest of The Warp's occupants caught on to the sudden tension, and the rest of their journey was spent in silence. Though that didn't stop Gohan from noticing how Makhai's worried eyes would drift to him occasionally, still, the young saiyan chose to ignore him altogether.

The trip didn't take as long as he had predicted, and no sooner had The Supreme Kai given the Guard the signal to teleport out of The Warp, did they suddenly appear high up in a soft yellow sky, with fields of emerald grass below their feet. The teenager immediately noticed how different the air was in the tenth universe, though couldn't quite put his finger on as to why. He felt uncomfortable - misplaced almost, as though he didn't quite fit. The strange feeling made a shiver travel all the way down his spine to the point where his tail used to be, though he shrugged it off quickly, as he caught sight of two figures staring up at them from the meadow below.

"Lord Beerus? Supreme Kai of the Seventh?" Gowasu blinked, rather surprised to see the deities of Universe Seven appear suddenly before them. "To what do we owe the pleasure of your visit to our sacred world?"

Zamasu's eyes hardened from where he stood dutifully next to his master, his gaze immediately locking with Gohan's, prompting the young Destroyer to glare back at him as they landed.

"Please forgive the intrusion Gowasu," Shin spoke kindly, sharing a respectful bow with Kibito, "I sincerely hope that we have not interrupted anything of importance."

"Not at all Shin," Gowasu smiled, bowing in kind, though he appeared a little weary of both Gohan and Lord Beerus' presence, his gaze darting to the Destroyers momentarily before addressing his fellow Kai once more, "Y-you remember my apprentice, Zamasu?"

The Kai in question bowed his head towards them, prompting Whis to chuckle.

"How could we forget?" The Angel grinned, "In fact, Zamasu is the exact reason for our visit to your universe this afternoon."

"Oh?" The Supreme being quirked, as the apprentice looked on confused, "Is that so?"

"Quite," Lord Beerus sniffed, "It appears that there may be some bad blood between my successor and yours, so let's put it to bed shall we?"

Gowasu gulped, "L-Lord Beerus, I'm sure that Zamasu didn't mean -"

"Don't make this painful Kai," the Destroyer interrupted, eyeing the pair in question, "My boy is at fault for his outburst back at The Omni-King's palace just as much as yours."

"Y-yes I see," the Kai stuttered, his gaze averting to the young apprentice, "I suppose it would only be proper to reconcile and put this little incident behind us."

"I'm glad that you see it our way," Lord Beerus smiled wryly, before nudging Gohan roughly in the back, "Well Gohan? Don't you have something to say to Zamasu?"

The young saiyan gritted his teeth, attempting to curb the intense loathing that rushed through his veins as he stared at the green-skinned Kai, who appeared to be enjoying every second of his struggle.

"I apologise," said Gohan shortly, unable to bring himself to look the smirking deity in the eye for want of not decking him to the ground.

"For….?" Whis pressed, smiling whimsically at him.

The teenager sighed heavily, just what in the world was his mentor trying to do? He had caught on to the fact that he ought to be distracting the wicked Kai, but he had never felt so belittled. He hoped that they would get some sort of signal soon, he thought, his eyes glancing towards the ancient stone temple in the distance, where he knew The Supreme Guard were carrying out their mission. They had hidden their energy well, for the deities of the tenth universe remained none the wiser to their presence.

"I'm sorry for threatening you," Gohan mustered begrudgingly, "And for any upset caused."

"Zamasu," Gowasu hissed, as the divine being all but beheld the young saiyan smugly, saying nothing.

Zamasu sneered, much to the halflings contempt, "I am most grateful for your apology Destroyer, and in turn may I offer my own condolences."

"Aren't you boys going to shake on it?" asked Whis, raising an eyebrow as the teenager gaped at him.

"Fine," Gohan muttered under his breath, holding out a hand for the Kai to take.

Zamasu obliged, smirking as he clasped his hand with his own, his grip like a vice. Stronger than he had expected even. Gohan glared back, tightening his grasp so much so that a crackle of energy jolted over their knuckles. It was as though the two junior deities were trying to break the others fingers.

"Well now, isn't that better?" Whis practically sang, prompting the pair to rip their hands away, still glowering at one another.

"Strong grip you've got there," Gohan observed, though the ever calm Zamasu refrained from saying anything on the matter.

"Ah yes, young Lord," Gowasu nodded proudly, "Zamasu here is a fine fighting prodigy, some say the best that all twelve Kai realms have produced thus far."

"Is that so?" Lord Beerus quirked, his lips twitching upwards, "Then I'm certain that my own prodigy would be a sufficient enough challenge for him, wouldn't you agree?"

The teenager whirled around to face him, as Zamasu too looked rather taken aback by the suggestion, "Lord Beerus, what -?"

"What say you apprentice?" the Destroyer spoke over him, successfully staring out the Kai in question, "Your Master deems you capable of having achieved a fighting power like no other Kai before you. My junior has already apologised to you and therefore the point of our visit has ended all too abruptly when we have travelled such a long way, why not humour your guests by sparring with him? I must say that I'm… intrigued by this strength of yours."

"Master?" Zamasu mustered uncertainly, looking towards the yellow-skinned Supreme Kai who seemed rather bewildered, but smiled all the same.

"Well I don't see what harm a friendly spar could do," said Gowasu, speaking more firmly as his successor opened his mouth to protest, "It would be an excellent opportunity for you to build bridges with your fellow Gods Zamasu, that and enlighten your understanding of the potential of mortals. Think of it as part of your training."

The apprentice sighed, "As you wish, Master."

The tension in the air suddenly grew, thick and suffocating, as Zamasu locked eyes with him once more, a snarl evident on the edge of his lips. Gohan's frown deepened, though it was with a sly wink from Whis did he realise that this was the distraction they had been looking for. His mentor didn't want him to apologise in the slightest, no, he wanted him to fight Zamasu, suitably diverting his senses away from the temple and perhaps in turn reveal his true fighting nature.

And oh, was the young Destroyer going to exploit the opportunity for all it was worth.

He smirked back at the awaiting Zamasu as their fellow deities sprung back, giving them the entire meadow to spar upon without interruption.

"Don't look so worried Zamasu," Gohan goaded, causing the Kai to growl, "For a superior being such as yourself, sparring with me should be a piece of cake! Though I must ask that you don't pull your punches now, I want you to go all out."

"Mind your uncouth tongue - !" He spat, before Beerus shouted over to them.

"You'd better do as he says Kai," the Destroyer said dangerously, "If you hold back then he might just kill you."

His eyes widened slightly before a fierce glint appeared within them, prompting the young saiyan to grin.

"Like I said," he smirked, "No holding back."

Then, it was as though a bomb had gone off. Gohan's golden aura exploded around him instantaneously, pure power rippling over the emerald grass and sweeping over the Kai's sacred world. His long hair stood on end, swiftly turning golden as the long mass of spikes struggled to be tamed by the gold clasp at the base of his neck. The sky darkened, heavy black clouds cascading over the planes as lightening bolts struck the air before intermingling with the flaming aura that pulsated around his muscular form. His veins surged with adrenaline and power, lightening bolts snapping at the air like a cobra as he opened his eyes, revealing shining emerald orbs that hardened at the Kai before him.

"H-He - he transformed!" Gowasu gasped in disbelief, his eyes boggling at the sight of the now golden-haired Junior Destroyer.

"Yes, this is a form that Lord Gohan calls super saiyan two, a highly ascended form beyond the first transformational state of a super saiyan," Whis explained brightly, "And although there is in fact another level beyond that, this is his favourite."

"S-super s-saiyan?! B-beyond?!" The Supreme Kai of the tenth couldn't quite get over the power that continued to send shockwaves over the valleys, blowing back their garbs so that the cloaks whipped in the fierce gust of wind he was creating, "That power is… well it's unbelievable quite frankly! And just how long do you say you have been training him?"

"Eight years in total," The Angel informed him, as Lord Beerus looked on rather smugly, "He has spent five years under the role of a Junior Destroyer. Though he actually achieved that particular form before he came to us, it was already incredibly strong even then, but as you can see even more so now."

"I-I see," Gowasu blinked, picking his jaw up off the floor, "My Gods, who knew that a mortal, a boy at that, could have achieved such power."

"Not to worry Kai, I'm sure that your apprentice will try his best," said Lord Beerus, chuckling to himself as he fixated his gaze back on the fight at hand.

Zamasu, to Gohan's delight, appeared rather stunned by the transformation also. Though the halfling gave him no time to recover - nor power up, as he kicked off from the ground in a flash of golden Ki, aiming a devastating blow straight to the corrupted menace's nose.

A sonic boom rocked the meadow, upheaving the grass and dirt from underneath their feet. Though now, it was Gohan's turn to be shocked, his emerald eyes widening as Zamasu's outstretched hand grasped his fist, clutching it tightly and halting the halflings attack in its tracks.

"What the - ?" Was all he could muster, before he found himself being tossed over his opponents shoulder, though quickly phased out before he hit the ground.

He reappeared high above Zamasu, though it was apparent that the Kai had locked on to his energy quickly, as a sizzling hot Ki blast hurtled towards him. Gohan yelped, as the ball of energy whizzed right between his legs, careening off into the distance before exploding in a brilliant shower of light.

"Oi watch it!" the teenager snarled, the inside of his thighs burning. That was way too close, "Unlike you, I actually use mine!"

Zamasu chuckled darkly, another ball of white hot energy materialising in his palm before he unleashed rapid fire on the Junior Destroyer.

Gohan gritted his teeth, knocking away the incoming blasts with ease, dispersing them with a sharp gust of Ki that erupted from his palm before delivering a fast elbow strike to the Kai's gut - who appeared right behind him.

He doubled over in pain, winded by the halflings affliction, coughing up a wad of salvia as the young saiyan followed up in his attack, bringing his palms together and smashing his fists down onto the his skull. His opponent jolted, his body corkscrewing towards the ground before he thrust out his hands, an invisible shield bouncing him back to his feet before he landed.

The teenager raised an eyebrow, he certainly wasn't expecting the apprentice to recover from that. Though he didn't have time to contemplate just how powerful the Kai was as Zamasu growled, low in his throat before propelling himself towards the awaiting Destroyer, their limbs burring in motion as their fists connected once more. The brutal clash of the two junior deities sent tremors back down to the ground below, rocking the entire realm in a display of cataclysmic power. The Gods watched with knowing eyes, their irises following the fight closely, the speed of the pair would have made them invisible to the untrained mortal eye.

Feeling their eyes upon him, Gohan glanced down towards his superiors and then towards the temple - which remained calm and still, parrying Zamasu's oncoming boot away from his head. Though his small lapse in concentration gave the Kai all the opening he needed, and the halfling's head snapped back from the sheer force of Zamasu's fist connecting with his jaw.

They parted, as Gohan shook his head in order to compose himself, his opponent giving him a satisfied sneer.

"It looks as though I misjudged you, Zamasu," the teen said with a sly smirk, wiping the small trail of blood away from his lip and observing the thick crimson liquid that graced his fingertips, "First blood. I'm impressed, you're pretty tough for a Kai."

"And you're deluded if you think that the little divine power you have is enough to stand up to me," he snarled, though confusion crossed his features as the halfling let out a bark of laughter.

"Looks can be deceiving Zamasu," Gohan mused, eyeing his ceremonial garb up and down, "And just for the record, I don't need divine power to beat you."

His eyes narrowed, "What are you - ?"

Though he was cut short, as once again the young Destroyer's energy swelled with power once more. His long golden hair growing even more so and reaching towards his ankles, his eyebrows disappearing and his features hardening. More jagged, thicker bolts of crackling lightening rippled over his frame as he allowed a loud bellow to escape his chest, before the super saiyan three catapulted towards the Kai like a speeding bullet.

BOOM!

"Holy - !" Gohan spouted, as Zamasu's fist once again clashed with his own.

The Kai's aura, dark and unfurling, erupted around him as their attack met in midair, sending a shockwave over the entire realm. The teenager's bones shook from the force, though it was clear that Zamasu too was struggling against his own might. But at that moment Gohan couldn't focus on just how in the HFIL was a Kai's apprentice - fighting prodigy or not - able to block an attack of a super saiyan three Junior Destroyer, no, because as soon as Zamasu's aura had burst into existence, were his senses assaulted by a crippling amount of negative energy. It was dark, sinister, and eerily similar to Perses, whose Ki had threatened to freeze his insides solid.

"Woah, Whis?!" He spoke telepathically, as Zamasu quickly withdrew his arm, following up in his own onslaught, and prompting the young saiyan to swiftly dodge and dive out of harms way, "Are you getting a read on this?!"

"Quite," His mentor replied, his serious tone echoing through his mind, "Lord Beerus has noticed it too."

"Well?!" The halfling pressed, parrying a well aimed strike and booting the corrupted apprentice straight across the face, sending him flying over the plane, "What do you think?"

"It is as we suspected," said Whis, "There is no doubt that he is the one aiding Perses in his escape - an aura like that rife with so much evil intent. I wouldn't be surprised if he plans to murder Gowasu in cold blood."

"WHAT?!" Gohan's eyes widened, as Zamasu charged towards him once more, and the teen had no choice but to phase out of the way of another Ki blast that shot towards him, his long hair whipping about him as he countered with a blast of his own. "Are you sure?! How can you possibly know that?!"

"You have noticed it too, my boy," The Angel told him, he seemed rather proud of the fact, "That seizing cold feeling your experiencing? You are sensing the murderous intent within his energy. A Destroyer is highly attuned to destructive inclinations, which is why Lord Beerus can sense it also. Of course, it is only natural for a Destroyers attendant to pick up on it too."

"And what about Gowasu?" He asked hurriedly, the smoke from his attack clearing before Zamasu sprung from the dust clouds, attacking the young saiyan head on, "Do you - argh, piss off you unholy bastard! - do you think he knows?!"

He heard his mentor tut at his use of language, before he backhanded the corrupted apprentice across the darkened yellow sky, firing up a powerful Masenko that was swiftly extinguished much to his annoyance.

"I would say that's a negative, Lord Gohan," A new voice popped into his head, belonging to The Supreme Kai, "Gowasu is a Supreme Kai like I am, and I don't sense Zamasu's blood lust, only his power."

"Your Destroyer senses are getting better Gohan," Whis praised, "I must say that I'm impressed."

Gohan puffed and panted, his golden aura crackling around him as Zamasu floated mockingly before him, "Well that's all well and good, but I'm struggling to keep up the premise of a friendly spar. So how are we going to expose him before he murders Gowasu? Have you heard anything from Makhai and the others?"

"Not yet," Lord Beerus chimed in, "Though you needn't worry. If Zamasu is planning on murdering a Supreme Kai then I'll end his life without hesitation. But even still, we need proof, such an act would - !"

"Yeah, yeah, I get it," The teenager replied haughtily, clenching his fists tightly as he stared down his opponent, pushing the irate God out of his mind.

"Still, I don't think I'm going to get a confession out of him any time soon," he said aloud to no one in particular, his emerald eyes igniting with a familiar fire as he glared back at the awaiting deity, "It looks like I'll just have to beat it out of you."

"Muttering to yourself, half-breed?" Zamasu spouted, clearly amused, "I daresay it'll be long before you'll be chanting a little prayer."

"Is that so?" Gohan snorted, slipping into a flawless stance in midair, "I thought that this was supposed to be a friendly spar Zamasu."

The Kai chuckled darkly, a sadistic glint in his stormy grey eyes, "You and I both know that there is nothing 'friendly' about it - POWER BALL!"

His mouth fell open, as an enormous sphere of black and purple energy grew rapidly above Zamasu's head. The power inside the blast was devastating, and full of the crippling dark energy that he had come to associate with the Kai's Ki. It was like Whis had said, he was out for blood.

He distantly heard Gowasu shriek for his apprentice to stand down, and quickly came to his senses, the ball growing bigger and bigger above him, pulsating with mighty power as he cupped his palms to his side before thrusting them outwards, yelling at the top of his lungs - "KAMEHAMEHAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

---

The Sacred Temple of The Kais, Universe Ten - Moments earlier

"This is a waste of bloody time!"

"Oh stop moaning Makhai," Eris hissed, her voice echoing over the cold stone walls, the sound accompanying their footsteps as the group traipsed through the sacred temple. "And how many times have I told you to shut that trap of yours?"

"And how many times have I told you that the only thing that shuts this mouth up is those luscious lips upon mine - OW!"

"Children please, can we focus on the task at hand?" Alala sighed, she could just about make out Makhai rubbing his sore head through the dark tunnel they found themselves in, the only light that of the amber torches of fire that sat in brackets that lined the walls. They painted the Guard's dim shadows over the ancient stone floor as they walked, remaining undetected as they delved deeper and deeper into the Kai's temple.

"What task is that exactly?" Makhai scoffed, "All we've managed to do so far is find a bunch of useless old rings and decipher that Gowasu is a briefs man rather than boxers."

"Nobody asked you to go rooting through The Supreme Kai's underwear draw Makhai," Deimos said snidely, "Honestly, do you have no respect?"

"That's a rhetorical question, right?"

Kratos growled from up front with Bia close behind him, "There has to be something in here. We cannot fail this mission, there is too much at stake."

A ripple of power suddenly rocked the temple, causing the teenagers to cast their senses towards the meadow.

Makhai whistled, "Woah, they're really going at it out there aren't they?"

"I'll say," said Alala worriedly, "Gohan's already ascended to his third form, this doesn't look good. Zamasu must be stronger than we thought."

"That or he's just showing off," Deimos snorted, though there was some hint of amusement to his tone, "You know what he's like. Sometimes I think he's more Saiyan than he realises."

Though as another shock of energy quaked overhead, Kratos gave them a rather grim look, "I'm not so sure."

"Well come on then, what are you lot waiting for?!" Makhai chirped up suddenly, racing past them and further down the tunnel, "We've got a God to expose!"

Eris sighed hopelessly after him, "I swear to Zalama…"

"Oi!" the ginger-haired teen called out again from the darkness, "There's a door we here we haven't tried and - holy crap, someones been busy in here!"

Shrugging to themselves, the rest of the Guard hurtled down the dark tunnel and into the small chamber, their eyes widening as they were met with their comrade sitting amongst what could only be described as carnage.

"Oh dear, what a mess," mustered Bia, her golden eyes darting all over the rolls of ancient scrolls and thick text books that were strewn over every surface and the majority of the floor.

It was a small room by all accounts, though were it not for the fact that it had recently been used as a dumping ground, it would have looked as though it hadn't been used in years, perhaps even centuries. Dust covered the worn wooden furniture, though a few track marks could be seen where the dust had been recently disturbed. Thick, winding cobwebs hung from the ceiling, the oak beams holding up the old stone structure rotted and splintered. There was a small window at the side of a disused armchair - the fabric faded and moth eaten, the light barely able to penetrate through the dirt of the pane. Though it wouldn't make much difference as it were, as the yellow sky was currently swirling with blackened clouds from the sheer influx of power that was being thrown around outside.

"Odd," Kratos observed, as Alala crouched down to inspect some of the scrolls on the floor, "It seems as though this room hasn't been used in years, yet these scrolls have most certainly been put in here recently."

"A lot of them are written in the divine language, though most of it is so ancient that even I can't understand it," the young assassin said with a frown.

"It looks like a load of bollocks to me," said Makhai, picking up an ancient-looking textbook and flicking through it, "Nothing but mad scribblings and boring old books."

"Give me that!" Kratos snarled, snatching the thick volume out of his grasp, his eyes widening when he caught sight of the inscription etched in elegant gold writing.

The Ancient Book of The Majin: Enchantments For The Dark Arts

"Bingo!" Alala gasped, "That's our evidence right there! A Majin spell book?! We've got him!"

"No, we haven't," said Deimos, sighing in annoyance, "Even though it confirms some of our suspicions it's still not hard evidence. I read the same book on the Destroyer's world in our old common room, it certainly doesn't prove that Zamasu is using Majin magic to drain energy from Lord Beerus. For all Gowasu knows he could just be researching the dark arts to further inform his knowledge as a Supreme Kai in training."

"He's certainly been researching something untoward alright, I highly doubt that it would be Gowasu who would hole himself up like this," Bia frowned, her fingertips brushing one of the faded scrolls as the others looked on dejectedly, reading something from the parchment, "There are notes here, enchantments for illusion and suspension. But that doesn't make any sense…"

"Yeah and what the hell is this?" Eris spouted in agitation, picking up another worn scroll and reading it aloud, "'Peas and carrots'? Is he writing a shopping list or something?"

Deimos' eyes widened suddenly, "Wait, what did you say?"

"You know what, a lot doesn't make sense on this hell hole of a realm," Makhai boasted, leaning up the wall in a bored manner, staring out of the small window which he cleaned off with the sleeve of his garb, "Greedy gits even have eight moons, I swear that we've only got two, and I thought that all the realms were pretty much the same structurally. I mean, who needs that many moons anyway?"

Deimos gaped, his jaw dropping to the floor, though the others appeared not to have noticed, "M-Makhai, I don't think that they're -"

CRASH! BOOM! THWACK!

He was cut off by the sound of an enormous explosion, followed by a cascade of falling debris as a golden-haired half-saiyan came crashing straight through the solid stone wall. They covered themselves quickly, as a torrent of thick black smoke engulfed them, leaving them coughing and spluttering as the dust cleared, their gaze settling on the wincing teenager at their feet.

"Ow…" Gohan groaned, pulling himself up from the rubble he found himself in, taking in his surroundings from where he still sat on the floor. His garb was tattered and slightly singed, and he had a trail of blood running down his chin.

Kratos snorted, raising an eyebrow at him, "Having trouble?"

The young Destroyer growled back, allowing Alala to help him to his feet, "He's stronger than he looks!"

"Right…"

"Well, why don't you have a crack at him then?!"

"Um, guys?" Deimos mustered, a roll of ageing parchment in his hand, "You really should take a look at this - "

"I'm a little busy completing my own mission!" The Guardian snapped back, completely ignoring his comrade.

"Oh really?" Gohan scoffed, "Found anything useful yet have you? Because Zamasu is still at large and I don't hear anyone giving the command to destroy him."

The vein in the older teen's temple throbbed, "Why you - "

"Stop this at once!" Bia spouted, enveloping the hot-headed duo in a blanket of calming thoughts, "Your arguing isn't helping any, and we still have a mission to achieve!"

"Yeah not to mention that Gohan's getting his arse kicked out there," said Eris, shooting the halfling a glare.

"Seriously," Deimos tried again, "If you would all just look at -!"

"He caught me off guard!" He protested hotly, his long golden hair falling about his face, "It won't happen again!"

"Not if I was fighting him, I assure you," Kratos muttered.

"Shut up!"

"Look we can all stand around here for hours comparing sword sizes," said Makhai as Alala wrinkled her nose in disgust 'Ew', "But the fact of the matter is that it's time for plan B."

"I might have a plan…" said Deimos, though once again, he was ignored.

"There's a plan B?" Gohan quirked, as the boy shrugged.

"Well no, but we should probably think of one."

"That's what I'm trying to say, I really think that you should -!"

The young saiyan rolled his eyes, just as an abrupt shout echoed around them from outside the temple.

"Hiding already young Destroyer?" Zamasu's sadistic tone reach their ears, "Pity, where is all that mortal power you promised to defeat me with? I have yet to see anything worthy of my superior divine presence."

Gohan snarled, as Alala looked towards him, "Wow he's really got it in for you, hasn't he?"

"He's a smart fighter," he said with hate in his emerald eyes, starting forwards, "Though it's too bad that the same can't be said for his smarmy mouth."

"WILL YOU ALL JUST SHUT UP AND LISTEN TO ME?!"

They all stopped short, whirling around to face an irate Deimos, who was red-faced and panting from his sudden outburst, the scroll in his hand crumpled from where his agitated grip had threatened to tear it to pieces.

"Deimos, what - ?"

"If you would just refrain from throwing your damned fists around like a bunch of primitive idiots for five bloody minutes, then you would know that I have already come up with a plan to expose this cretin!" He seethed, as the others stared at him curiously.

"Well why didn't you say something earlier?" Makhai spouted with a roll of his eyes.

The ex-hellion growled, before straightening out the parchment and holding it up so they all could see.

"Read this here," he stated, pointing at a note halfway down the page, "At first I thought that it was suspicious, but when Makhai pointed out that this realm had eight moons… well, Zamasu and Perses are certainly up to something, and I think it's a lot bigger than we even imagined."

Gohan gasped, his gaze skimming the divine language upon the scroll, hardly believing what he was reading. The rest of the Guard looked equally flabbergasted, their eyes darting towards the large moons hanging in the sky.

"Wait a minute," the young saiyan gaped, "You're not saying that - "

"If I'm wrong, it'll go south pretty quickly," stated Deimos, "But even so, I know for a fact that those aren't ordinary moons, the magical energy emitting from them is too obvious to ignore. I don't know how Gowasu hasn't noticed, but I think that Zamasu may be using Majin enchantments to manipulate his mind also, or cloud the signal. He just didn't bet on a warlock entering his realm who could sense their power."

"Well shit," Makhai whistled lowly, "What are we going to do now then?"

"I have a plan. If we execute it properly then it'll expose Zamasu to his master almost immediately," he replied, "But it'll require… some rather dramatic input…."

Gohan and Makhai exchanged a wicked grin, the latter letting out a bark of laughter.

"Agent Orange and Radium-223 at your service! That we can do!"

---

The Sacred Meadow, The Sacred Realm of The Kais, Universe Ten

Zamasu waited, the dust had cleared minutes ago, though there was still no sign of that insolent brat. The force from their combined blasts had sent them both hurtling backwards across the planes, sending the halfling crashing through the temple, but he was certain that the young Destroyer wasn't injured. It was clear to the apprentice Kai that this Son Gohan was packing a lot of power, and in turn was holding back significantly.

Zamasu felt insulted.

It was despicable. Disgusting even, that a mere boy had achieved a power that rivalled the Gods. If he kept this up, then there was no doubt that his divine training would catapult him to new heights far beyond himself. And they certainly couldn't have that.

Oh yes, he would strangle the weed before it had chance to grow. He was certainly a danger to the greater good that they were trying to build. And with what Gowasu was saying last night about the Z-Sword… well, it was certainly troubling.

Still, the boy was brazen and over-confident. And such mortal qualities were oh so easy to manipulate and expose. He would surely meet his end before he even became more than just an annoying thorn in his side. He would see to that personally.

Zamasu smirked, taunting the young half-breed was all too easy, "Come out Junior Destroyer, or are you so crippled by your own faults that you cannot bring yourself to face the image of your maker? Come, atone for your sins!"

Silence greeted him. The air calm and still. Which confused the Kai momentarily, before a sudden amused voice reached his ears.

"All of them? How much time you got?"

WHIZZZZ!

Zamasu cried out, as he dodged the crimson blast that narrowly skimmed past his ear. Though he had no time to depict just where the white hot beam had come from, as a boot painfully drove its way into his spine, knocking him flying across the meadow before he managed to catch himself.

Whipping around furiously, his steel grey eyes positively glowered at the grinning halfling before him.

"Dirty move!" The apprentice Kai snarled, "How dare you attack a Kai from behind!"

"One of my many 'sins' I'm afraid, " the super saying three sighed mockingly, "Must be my mortality. Mortals are simple beings after all, well, according to you. You see, according to lore Gods are meant to guide them, prompting them to follow the instructions that are given to them. So when I saw that 'kick me' sign on your back, I suppose I just couldn't help myself."

Zamasu's eyes widened, tearing off the parchment stuck to his back which indeed read 'KICK ME!' in a rather untidy yet bold scrawl.

"W-what the - ?! Just when did you - ?!" he spluttered, positively burning with rage.

Gohan chuckled, tapping the side of his nose cheekily, "What's wrong Zamasu? Don't tell me that a benevolent Kai such as yourself has been bested by one of the oldest tricks in the book?"

"You insolent - !" He growled, practically spitting, "I'll show you just what happens when you test the patience of a pure God!"

The teenager snorted, "I'm positive quaking in my boots."

His sarcasm seemed to do the trick, as Zamasu's blood boiled over, his dark aura bursting to life as he charged at the halfling with vengeance in his eyes. He yelled, drawing his fist back before it was effortlessly caught by the Destroyer, who smirked wickedly back at him before embedding his knee straight into his sternum.

The corrupted Kai coughed, blood foaming at his mouth as his bones shook from the force of Gohan's attack. The teenager quickly phased out, not giving his opponent time to recover before he continued to drive him back, a sharp knife hand striking him in the jugular before a golden Ki blast blew him away, causing Zamasu to roar in both pain and anger.

"Zamasu no! Stand down! That's enough!" Gowasu's frantic voice echoed around them, as Zamasu came speeding to a halt in the air, an explosive wave erupting around him before he fired himself back towards the young Destroyer, two deadly power balls swirling in his palms.

"YOU WRETCH! I'LL MAKE YOU REPENT OF YOUR ARROGANCE!"

"BRING IT ON!" Gohan yelled back, ready and waiting, his long golden hair whipping about him as his crackling aura roared like an unyielding fire around his frame.

Gowasu was utterly beside himself as the air shook from the force of their connecting blows, "This is too much! This was supposed to be a friendly endeavour, ZAMASU STOP!"

The yellow-skinned Kai looked towards his fellow Gods, who were merely watching the fight with interest. Gowasu opened his mouth in order to plead with them, to get them on his side, to call off this madness for it was quickly spiralling out of control - yet the words quickly died on his tongue as Lord Beerus clapped his eyes upon him.

"Tell me Kai," The cat-like God spoke lowly, causing Gowasu to sweat, "Does your apprentice ever speak of divine justice?"

The Supreme being blinked, as another shockwave ricocheted over the meadow, "I-I, well, yes. It is a part of his teachings. But what does that have anything to do with - ?"

"I see it in the way he fights," said Lord Beerus, eyeing the Kai in question whose irate cackle of laughter reached their ears as Gohan stopped his shin from tearing his head off, "He thinks a lot of himself as a Kai, doesn't he?"

He swallowed thickly, "Forgive Zamasu, he is a still young Kai. He does not quite understand the complexities of Godhood quite yet."

"Oh no Gowasu," the Destroyer said dangerously, his dark eyes reflecting the manic grin that had spread across Zamasu's features as the two fighters sprung apart once more, "I think it is you who lacks understanding."

"You are a stain of filth upon this realm," Zamasu spoke viciously, now suitably bruised and bloodied from Gohan's onslaught, "You sully it with the ridiculous idea that the power you have attained makes you into a true God. You are nothing, nothing but a foolish life-form doomed to see its very own mistakes come into play. The first, swinging your fists at a purer entity, challenging one whose might greatly surpasses your own!"

"You talk too much Zamasu," said Gohan, "But you should know this. That wherever there is evil, there will always be someone to rise to take it down, whether God or mortal."

The apprentice Kai scoffed, as the teenager continued, "So do me a favour and go and tell your boyfriend Perses that little tidbit, will you?"

He watched carefully, as the deity's lips drew into a sinister sneer, "Grasping at straws are we now?"

Zamasu snickered darkly, as Gohan frowned, "You have no idea what you're talking about you primitive brat. You have no idea of the paradise that I am helping to rebuild. The will of Gods is a very powerful thing. And my will is just and my will is the world. My will is a power that you know not."

"Oh really?" the young Destroyer grinned suddenly, causing the Kai's features to darken, "Because I think you'll find that our will is equally as powerful as your own."

Zamasu blinked in confusion, "Our?"

BOOM!

Gohan leapt quickly out of harms way, just as the surface of a gigantic moon burst through the atmosphere, hurtling towards the meadow with such force and fury, did Zamasu all but gape at the oncoming sphere before it slammed into his form.

Lord Beerus shrieked in horror, "What the HELL are you doing boy?!"

But his words were lost on the air, as a torrent of raging winds engulfed them. The entire realm screamed in protest, as the weight of the moon crashed into the meadow, causing long jagged cracks and crevices to splinter the ground apart. The sky darkened considerably more so, the vast yellow air eclipsed by the monumental satellite. A cascade of mud, dirt and grass kicked up like a tidal wave that spilled out across the planes as the moon came screeching to a halt with Zamasu buried somewhere underneath it.

The dust cleared, and the winds settled, just in time for Makhai to jump on top of the moon, bellowing down to the ground below him, "HA! TAKE THAT!"

Gohan joined him, giving his best friend a high five just before a rather grubby and dishevelled Lord Beerus shouted up at them.

"WHO THROWS A MOON?!" He roared, seething up at the mischievous duo, "HONESTLY?!"

"What is this meaning of this?!" Gowasu coughed, bewildered as he took in the sight of his ruined realm, a flabbergasted Kibito helping him to his feat.

"I-I'm actually not quite sure," said Whis, blinking up at his student worriedly.

"Apologies Supreme Kai sir," a voice belonging to Alala spoke up, the spritely young assassin landing before them, her bow and arrow poised, "But this is only to ensure your safety."

"M-my safety?!" He spluttered, anger now replacing his shock as he gaped at the appearance of the rest of teenagers that had appeared in the sky, "I don't understand, just what are The Supreme Guard doing here?! Shin, what in Zalama's name is going on?!"

"I-I -," Shin stammered, realising with alarm that their cover had been blown.

Though he didn't get the chance to come up with an answer, or any excuse as to why his protégées had invaded the tenth realm, nor completely wrecked it by throwing a moon at its surface, as a surge of power suddenly struck their senses and the moon began to quake in place. They watched, as a bloodied, and seething Zamasu emerged from the large crater embedded in the meadow, his heavy breathing the only sound as his eyes glinted maliciously up at the two smirking boys on top of the large sphere.

"Y-you…" he growled, his fingertips sparking with a devastating power that he was just itching to unleash. "I will butcher you for that…"

"Zamasu! Are you alright - ?!" Gowasu started, though was quickly grabbed back by the scruff of his garb, curtesy of Lord Beerus, "U-Unhand me!"

"I can't let you do that, Kai," Lord Beerus told him firmly, his grip unrelenting as he quickly caught on to what was unfolding around him, "Now why don't you direct your previous question at that beloved apprentice of yours? I believe he has much to tell you."

"W-what?" The Supreme being blinked, his gaze darting from his student to The Guard, as Gohan shouted from above.

"Sorry to break it to you Supreme Kai, but Zamasu here hasn't exactly been a model student," the Junior Destroyer quipped, "For you see he has been carrying out Perses' will from beyond The Void, using dark magic to draw power from Lord Beerus and feed it him in order to escape. Not to mention that he's using dark enchantments to cloud your judgement, which caused you to not only trust this despicable git, but marred your senses so much that you failed to realise the true nature of these moons you've got hanging in your atmosphere."

"What are you talking about young Lord?" Gowasu asked, perplexed, "Zamasu told me that he created those moons as practice before he began to create planets!"

Gohan shook his head, a wry smile playing on his lips as he looked towards a horrified Zamasu, "You haven't half done a number on him haven't you Zamasu? Though it still baffles me as to why an apprentice Kai would need to collect them in the first place - "

"Collect what?" demanded Gowasu, "What are you talking about?! Zamasu would never - "

"Deimos?" The teenager quirked, "Why don't you show them want they've won?"

"NO!" Zamasu roared, panic stricken, as the warlock waved his hands in a series of complex movements, the moon beginning to glow brightly, almost blinding them.

And then, the concealment shattered in a spectacle of brilliant white light, revealing the world eclipsing four-star Super Dragonball in the middle of the Kai's sacred realm, which much resembled the five others that hung in the upper atmosphere.

Gowasu's jaw dropped in disbelief in a similar manner to Shin and Kibito's, as Whis and Lord Beerus looked on with knowing, satisfied smiles. Zamasu was indistinguishably stunned, his wide eyes staring at The Supreme Guard, who suddenly surrounded him, ready to take him down.

His calm and collected demeanour was all but a distant memory, as he positively shook with rage, the fire ignited in his grey eyes full of vindictive intent, "What have you insects done?!"

"Only what needed to be done Zamasu," Gohan smirked triumphantly, landing right before him, his crackling aura whipping at the air as he slammed a fist into his open palm, "And now, it's time for you to confess your sins."

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30th April, 2019.

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A/N: YAY! Chapter 21 is done and 22 is in the works, continuing with Gohan vs Zamasu. So what did everybody think? I know I threw a heck of a lot at you in this chapter, though I am certain that some of your questions will be answered in the next chapter! So EXCITING! Really hope you enjoyed it, now onto the reviews!

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Reviews:

MadmanJrs: thank you so much! so happy you liked the Gohan/Videl love scene! Absolutley I really wanted to have Gohan just throw caution to the wind, cuz lets face it he does it a lot in his earlier character in the series, and it is still very rife with this version of Gohan! Yeah I gave a little recap of Perses at the top of this chapter so I hope that solidifies some of your thoughts! Yeah Goten can really become a boing character - much like in super, I mean he's cute but he is basically a mini Goku with no depth. So I really wanted to give him some. There will be much more of Goten and his feelings coming up! I am planning on a big girl power scene - it will be epic!

Leafeon12: thank you! glad you enjoyed the fight scene, and yes Gohan is in trouble :P

Guest: thanks! I get A LOT of movie inspo!

Naite-Laef : thanks so much! hope you liked this chappy too and the wait was worth it!

Guest : thank you! glad I managed to get Gohan across with his feelings, got to love a bit of angst!

FireEmblemMaster101: teehee gotta love Gohan's trash talk, I love writing him like that cuz he can be so dorky with it too! glad you enjoyed the fight too! and thanks so much you are so kind for saying that! I really hope you liked the supreme guard interactions in this chapter. just writing it really makes me want to do a little mini spin off! maybe when this epic story is finished! :P

romanovascap: yay for gohan and videl! super saiyan God will be coming up I promise, wont be long now!

Aaron Leach: thank you!

KeynoRoyal: oh bless you thanks so much! Yeah I really wanted to have Makhai, his best friend calling him out on it, when your best friend is telling you that something his wrong then its probably a bad idea! But of course he went and broke the rules anyway, because its gohan and he cant keep himself out of trouble! :P and yay so happy you enjoyed the rest of the chapter. I hope this one gave you much more ideas for art! :P

Knightwing20042 : itll become clear i promise!

Chosen To Die : hope you enjoyed it hunny! xD Answered via PM.

Marbbles123: eek thank you so much! glad you enjoyed Goten's POV and Gohans heartbreak, sob! Mass extinction will be making another appearance YAY! and happy that you enjoyed the perses reveal! ahhh so exciting, i loved writing that part so it makes me very happy that you enjoyed it!

Hek'UnnSkipper: thanks! im glad you like the OCs and hope you enjoyed their interactions in this chapter! yes negative emotions with drawing out the Hakai is still a thing, and there will be more of it in coming chapters, with more explanation as to how it all goes down! teehee yeah I did draw out the fight scene because I really wanted to exhibit Gohan showing off a little. much like in this fight where he taunts Zamasu, i mean its supposed to be a friendly spar so he cant exactly go all out!

Green Medley: YES for passion! I am much more of an emotional writer than a 'sexy' one I suppose, although I did want to exhibit a bit of cheekiness here which comes about from Gohans confidence, so I hope you enjoyed that. It sounds mean, but i am so glad that you are unsettled by Gotens thoughts, because its exactly what I want you to feel! This will be further explored in upcoming chapters. but you are totally right, your parents love you both Goten! bless his little heart. Haha who can say but me in regards to Pan? Well I am keeping my mouth shut xD Gohan deffo deserves some happiness, but he still has his duty, and like Kibito said last chapter, nobody said that it would be easy... I certainly needed a breather, and absolutely after this one too! haha but the next chappy is already mapped out, it just needs writing!

Guest : the long review you left. just WOW. wow! did you enter my mind or something?! you completely blew me away. your review was fantastic and it gave me goosebumps and I LOVED IT! 'Gohan the Destroyer is, in truth, a Protector. Those who would help others will receive his aid, those who would harm meaninglessly will receive his ire. And the Gods, who have long lived above the mortal realm, observing, judging, but never guiding, will see the foolishness of their actions laid least, that's where I suspect you're taking this. With a heaping helping of Gohan and Videl. She will help to ground him, when he will need grounding the most. Because that's what love does. It gives us a reason to come back, to never quit. To find new strength.
Strength enough to bring down the Gods.' THIS. ALL OF THIS. YES!

Cyrax Mustard: thank you so much!

DragonMasterFlex: thank you so much for your review! oh ho! this is getting juicy!

romeroFan : thanks! i hope you liked the sprinkling of gohan and videl at the start of this chapter also! ah I can confirm that no, Perses did not become an angel or wish for the power of one... good guess though! xD

Lawrence HBain: no problem for bowing out here, its not everyones cup of tea. Though Im a little confused at what you think will happen that'll ruin it if you havent read it yet?

ericsofly2 : thank you for your review, glad youre enjoying the story. Yes videl becoming an angel hasnt been done, and its a cool idea, but it really wouldnt fit in my story I dont think. Mainly because Gohan being the only one of the z-gang with divinity and having to leave videl is such a monumental struggle and such a big deal. i feel as though itll dumb down the impact of it all. and making videl a divine entity just because gohan is in love with her is too easy :P im not making it that easy for him! haha

X3runner: no worries! thanks for your review! yay glad you liked the fighting! i dont think i am going to have Gohan learn the kioken mainly because its a Kai technique and he is the opposite. he already has the energy of destruction after all. happy that you liked the Goten pov and that i managed to get his feelings of feeling overshadowed by his sibling across! yay! absolutely, the SSG will be amazing!

blazestarre : hey thanks for your review! glad you enjoyed both of the chapters! ah yes Im so glad you noticed Gohan's awkwardness, I really have tried to be inkeeping of his character, which is sometimes difficult to do with him being a destroyer now - he is certainly more confident! Yes I think the z-sword was a bit more of a 'rumour' as such, but obviously since Gohan has unknowingly paraded it around the rest of the Gods everyone is like 'ooooh' and zamasu has now picked up on it too! uh oh! Gohan is certainly starting to doubt things, which is very troublesome, though at the moment he is still trying to stay true to Whis and Beerus and therefore his duty - with the exception of falling in love with a mortal of course, but hey he cant exactly help that! He is hiding something BIG from both sides, which ultimately will have consequences that you will see in upcoming chapters - i swear I am just as dramatic as this Gohan haha Yes I really wanted to do the opposite to Goten and Gohans relationship in this story. I mean, they havent really met each other but both feel left out, replaced and jealous of one another. It is very difficult for both brothers at the moment! Though fun to explore their feelings! The whole scene with Gohan and Videl, I wanted to be fast and intense and passionate - so the conflict I really didnt want to carry on for long like you said. Both teens are stubborn and hotheaded, fierce and slightly insecure in their own rights, which I really hope I managed to portray. I hope you liked their interactions in this chapter too! Youre right, it would be very difficult for Gohan to just pass on his job to someone else, and at this point, would he even want to?

ToughChicken: thanks so much! haha a lot of the time when I was Thor I think of this version of Gohan!

Thomas-The-TMC : thank you :)

dolguldur : thanks!

sigmakleim: thanks for your review! Sorry that you feel as though the Gohan/Videl is out of sync here, Im not sure if you feel like it is rushed? as I did want it too come across as fast and intense sort of thing. anyhoo im glad youre enjoying the rest of the story regardless!

Iwik: its not totally obvious what perses has wished for. though maybe you get more of an idea from this chapter? to be honest, ive probably just given you more to think about! lmao! thanks for your review, its great to see you keep coming back! and oh yes Videl has Gohan wrapped around her little finger! poor poor boy.

johndoe86: interesting theory, techically I suppose she would be if that happened as Gohan is techically a god

o- Nyx -o : Answered via PM. really hoped you enjoyed this chapter lovely! :)

dx-1118: thanks so much for your review! glad you enjoyed Gotens thoughts on his brother, more to come on that! and yay hope you liked the Guards shenanigans in this chapter too! glad you liked the gohan/videl passion, im really not one for writing lewd scenes, so happy that came across well! you picked up on a lot that ive actually wrote for this chapter, hope it solidified your thoughts and you enjoyed it!

Princess Rose Lily : haha wait and see!

Declan Campbell : LOL Goten lifting the z-sword to piss off veggie would be GOLD. I will be exploring more of Goten and Gohans relationship so stay tuned!

I'mAAnimeMaster: thank you! i hope you liked this chapter too!

Guest: yes it was from fantastic beasts!

HeartlessAlpha: makhai is totally right! I really wanted his bestie to be the one to call him out, making the whole situation of gohan/videl more poinient. I agree with you, this is bigger than gohan and bigger than videl. I want to make the story tragic in this way, so in a way im not really pushing the pairing. it is happening and it cannot be, adding to Gohans heartbreak which will in turn fuel is actions.

time-twilight: thank you!

Guest: he is not in for a fun time haha

Cryptic Saiyan: OMG your review actually made me snort! lmao. thanks for that! Glad you like the english lingo! xD

Erin : THANK YOU for this! haha glad you got where I am going with the whole Gohan and Videl romance and the conflict with his duty. I agree not every action movie/book is just pure action, the best ones do have romance and humour dotted around as well! :P Im glad that you enjoyed this chapter and that it helped your train journey! SO HAPPY that you enjoyed the passion, sex scene are so difficult to write its insane so im glad that i managed to do it justice in a non creepy but passion fuelled way! ahh yay the emotions, the foreshadowing - you just GET IT! Thats great to hear! I get you with the whole birth control/unrealistic thing. I'm trying to make it as realistic as it can be with being dragonball - I actually work with pregnant ladies so I totally understand how it works and wouldnt want to do something that goes against what I know haha. As you can see at the beginning of the chapter, more sexy times are being had, there is no way Gohan would lie naked next to a gal like Videl and not go for it. They are in LOVE damn it haha. and he does have three weeks left... ;) yes, i do hope youre looking forward to more conflict with Perses. as you can see from this chapter, shit is about to go DOWN. hope youve enjoyed it lovely!

JdbsjakfbskXbcb: I have deleted this story for now, sorry! but I will be rewriting it xD

Liltye504 : yes the artwork is brilliant! what an amazing artist! yes but chichi also has dark eyes, so ive put Gohan as having more of chichis eyes than Gokus. I wanted him to have features from both of his parents, making chichi more relatable to him. his stubborness in this story certainly comes from her!

Ashaeii: thanks so much! glad you like the superhero movie references! have you seen endgame yet?! cuz OMG was epic!

anarion87: thank you!

: thanks for reading and reviewing! hope you enjoyed this chapter too!