~*****~

Bunny was like a school girl sometimes. "Oh, my dear, I remember when I used to get all roughed up by my dear husband," Bunny chirped affectionately.

"Mom!" Bulma complained.

Eighteen just snorted. "If Dr. Brief's used to be like that, then there's no hope for Yamcha." Eighteen mentioned as she sipped at her glass of champagne.

I barked out a laugh as Bulma sunk down. "That's so not fair..." She whined.

"Do you ever feel kinda old?" I ask curiously. "I mean, when we were younger, our conversations never went this direction."

Bulma hummed thoughtfully and tilted her head. "Now that you mention it, I think we started talking about our husbands when I had Bulla."

Bunny giggled again. "It's wife thing. As soon as you start having babies, us women start acting more like sisters rather than friends."

Before I can comment, there's a strange flux of power near the ship. I turn my gaze over to the sea, raising a brow. "What's wrong?" Bulma asks.

"I felt... something weird." I say softly. "Jeez, I must've had too much champagne or something. I think I'm gonna go lay down."

Bulma looped an arm around my shoulders worriedly. "Do you need any help?"

I shake my head and smile. "I'll be fine. Come and get me when the bingo tournament starts." Bulma nods as I walk off. When I do eventually turn the corner onto one of the walkways on the side of the ship, I see two strange individuals standing over Vegeta. "Vegeta?"

His gaze sweeps up and I see a rush of panic fly through it. "Stay back!" Vegeta orders loudly. "Get out of here!"

The shorter of the two standing above him turn to me, and I can't really tell why his energy level feels so strange. "That's not a very nice way to speak to a woman, Prince Vegeta." He hummed. "Nothing to worry about, my lady. He's just had too much punch."

I purse my lips tightly before striding towards them. "If he's had too much punch, then I'll take him to our room to rest. That's not an issue. What I want to know at this moment, is who the two of you are."

The taller of the two hums and smiles. "I'm sorry, we should've told you. My name is Whis, madam." Whis introduces himself. "And this fine gentlemen over here to my right is Lord Beerus."

"We were just passing by your planet when we saw Vegeta and though we'd stop to give our regards." Beerus comments.

"So... You're Vegeta's friends?" I ask skeptically. They both nod, but I can't help but feel as if they're lying. "Because that would be surprising. My poor husband doesn't understand the concept of friends. My name is Mara, his wife." I extend my hand with a smile.

"It's both an honor and a pleasure to meet you." Beerus chimed as he shook my hand.

"Well, since you're here, why don't you grab something to eat. It's my birthday, and you're more than welcome to join us." I explain.

"My, my, what a generous offer, Earth Woman. Thank you. Honestly, my nose has been tantalized by some most intriguing aromas since we came aboard." Beerus mentioned.

I gave a chuckle. "Then follow me." I loop my arm through Beerus' and lead him and Whis towards the party.

"Everyone--" I say loudly. "These are Vegeta's friends! Beerus and Whis!"

"A pleasure to meet you all!" Beerus chimes in a friendly tone. Cheers erupt from everyone. "Why thank you, thank you! You're entirely too kind!"

"I'd introduce you, but you should probably know--" I chuckle as Yamcha approaches us with a giant grin. "He's a bit of a chatterbox."

I giggle as he literally begins to talk his ear off. There's a shout of surprise somewhere above the ship, and I vaguely see Venul quickly drawing the curtains. "Okay, who's hungry!" Krillen shouts as he appears from the ship with a large platter of Takoyaki.

Elara is behind him, her thumb in her mouth as she gazes up at Beerus. "How do you keep getting away from her?" I say irritably as I lift her up.

"Giant kitty," Elara coos as she gazes at Beerus.

Whis giggles as Beerus raises a brow at the toddler. "My, isn't she cute. I've never met anyone who would refer to Lord Beerus as a giant kitty."

I chuckle. "Sorry about that."

"It's quite all right. I'm more interested in the food the small one has brought. What is it?" Beerus questions.

"Russian Roulette Takoyaki!" Krillen exclaims as I gaze around for Venul, as if she would appear to take Elara back. "The way the game works is most of these are filled with delicious octopus but one has wasabi instead, and you won't know until you bite down! So try your luck and let's get this party started!"

"Do not play your childish game!" Vegeta booms from behind us.

I grimace as Elara begins to wiggle in my grasp. I set her down and she trots up to him. "Okay, who ordered the party-pooper?" Krillen whined.

"Yes, no one likes a pooper of parties," Beerus mentions.

Vegeta just laughs nervously and takes a step back. Elara cocks her head at him.

"I've never heard of this wasabi you speak of," Beerus states when I drag my gaze back to him. "But this roulette aspect adds a fascinating mystery and visually it's quite pleasing."

"That drizzled topping reminds me of the ultra-sweet black fruit sauce on Planet Banna. Although, the smell of it is another matter." Whis comments.

"Quiet, Whis, I'd rather be surprised." Beerus retorts before picking up one of the orbs.

"Wow, so you're volunteering to take the first bite, huh?" Yamcha questions. "I guess you really do know how to party, don't cha!"

"Let's cheer him on, guys!" Krillen chants. "Go Beerus!"

Everyone begins to cheer for him until he finally pops the orb into his mouth. After a moment, he throws his head back with a triumphant shout. "It's great! Inside a warm and fluffy ball of powdered grain lurks the chewy sensation of an eight-armed Earth Mollusk! The combination's inspired! I can't believe I've never tried it! And the sauce adds a perfect counterbalance!"

Whis grabs his own, and eats it. He gives a delighted hum. "I agree, it's tasty! I'll add it to our normal menu at once."

Goten, Mars, and Marble grab their own. "I got lucky! There's no wasabi!" Goten exclaims.

"What are you talking about? The wasabi makes it even better! It's like finding the buried treasure!" Mars states. He bites into his and grumbles. "Darn. Not in mine."

Marble eats hers and sighs in relief. "I got lucky, too!"

"No, no," I hum as I stop Elara from grabbing one. "Wait for mommy, okay?" Elara nods and I take a small bite out of one before handing it over to her. "You don't want wasabi, I promise."

Elara just beams as she eats hers.

"I don't think my heart can take all these close calls..." Vegeta grumbles as he slumps to the ground.

"Relax, buddy, a little fun won't hurt ya," Krillen explains as he steps over to him and eats one of his own. Unfortunately, he got the wasabi one. He screams as his lips turn bright red and falls over.

I laugh enthusiastically. "Well, the rest are safe!" The others laugh in response. I grab a small plate and load it with a few of the Takoyaki. "I'm going to take this up to the kids-- and you need to go back up." Elara pouts and holds onto my hand as I lead her back into the ship.

The room upstairs is dark, save for the sliver of light peeking through the curtains.

"Venul? Are you here?" I ask loudly.

Her head pops up and she shushes me violently. "Do you know who that is?!" She hisses dramatically. Her hair is falling over her eyes and she looks as if she's aged ten years.

"Beerus or something. He said he was a friend of Vegeta's." I hum as I flick the lights on. Bulla and Eschalot are sitting with the toys, and Eschalot looks pissed she couldn't sneak away. "I brought you all some Takoyaki. And Elara snuck out again--"

"That's Lord Beerus, the Destroyer God--" Venul cuts me off as she peeks through the window again.

"I'm sorry, Destroyer God?" I ask skeptically. "His power level is strange, no doubt, but it's not that threatening."

"Not to you it won't be--" Venul snaps. "But make no mistake, he's got the power to destroy planets with a flick of his finger."

I hum irritably. "Okay... So why doesn't it bother me?"

"Empathians and Destroyer Gods are two beings who don't typically interact with one another. With the karmic balance interfering with us, Destroyer God's know better than to mess with our kind. There's only one being I ever saw stand up to Lord Beerus and that was your mother." Venul explains in a shaky voice. "I just hope he knows you're the Empathian Queen, otherwise, he might destroy the planet if he doesn't find what he's looking for."

"What is he looking for?" I ask.

She rubbed at her face. "I'm not sure... When Queen Elara spoke with him, he seemed very interested in the Saiyan race, but she couldn't give any answers that he hadn't already knew. No, I'm not sure of what Lord Beerus is after, but it has to have something to do with either Kakarot of Vegeta."

I sigh again. "Okay, look-- just keep all the kids in here, understand? I don't want to find Eschalot or Elara down there again. Not if this-- this god is here."

Venul nodded wildly before I left the room. I heaved out a sigh and went back to join the party.

~*****~

"What the hell is going on?" I whine as I approach my husband-- who's furiously cooking Takoyaki. "Since when have you been able to cook?"

"I'll-- explain later--" Vegeta grumbles in embarrassment.

"No, I want an explanation now!" I exclaim angrily. "No more of this weird bullshit-- My husband doesn't cook, nor does he lose his composure to anyone!" I can vaguely hear Buu shouting, but I decide that it isn't worth my time. "Now tell me what the hell has got you so worked up? Is it your friends?"

"No, stop!" Vegeta ignores me and leaps over the counter, and rushing towards Buu.

"You go fly!" Buu shouts as the pink blob starts wailing on Beerus. I gape in horror as Beerus simply grasps Buu's fist, and holds tight.

"You know, I consider myself to be a rather flexible deity." Beerus mentions before lifting Buu upwards and spinning him around like a ragdoll. "And though I try to shrug off the constant shortcomings of the witless masses, there's one thing I cannot tolerate." He throws Buu into the air and snatches his antennae. "And that is the countless arrogance of those who do not pay me the respect a Destroyer is due."

One blast sends Buu onto the deck and nearly topples the cruise liner. I give a sharp yelp as I topple to my butt, wincing as pain radiates up my tail bone. "Vegeta? You know? I thought that guy was your friend?" Krillen asks nervously as the ship ceases it's violent rocking.

"What's going on? That guys a major buzzkill." Yamcha mentions.

"Vegeta--" I complain. "Your so called friend is trashing the party! Do something, will you?!" I shout at him as Tien offers me a hand.

But he doesn't attack. He approaches Beerus meekly, as if he was pleading. "P-Please, Lord Beerus, let me handle this for you! There's no need to lose your temper. Just enjoy the party! I'll make that pink fool sorry, believe me!"

There's some sort of hushed argument before Beerus shouts. "I told you to move, now!" I gape in horror once again as my husband shuffles to the side like some sort of child. "Let's wrap it up, Whis! I'm gonna wreck this world and get on with the rest of my day!" Beerus demands.

"A few minutes, my lord!" Whis chants back in an almost carefree attitude. "I'm right in the middle of an order!" Whis is sitting at the sushi stands, completely oblivious-- or completely attune-- to his friends tantrum.

"I'm not waiting! So you either get up here now or explode with the rest of this planet!" Beerus shouts.

There's a shuffle behind me and I turn. "You ready, Goten?" Mars asks eagerly.

"Mars, no--" I try to stop him.

"I was born ready!" Goten exclaims.

They fuse before I can separate them. "Somebody call for a hero? Cause Maten is on the call!" The fusion exclaims.

"Boys, no! Stay away!" Vegeta pleads loudly.

"Bad news, Kitty Cat! You shouldn't poop on a party when I'm on the guest list! You've got about five seconds to start behavin', or the great Maten is takin' you to school!" Maten says proudly.

"Funny, kid. Now move." Beerus snorts.

"Well, I warned you! But it looks like school it will be!" Maten chuffs. He winds his arm around wildly. "Ultra-Awesome Megaton Powered Propeller Punch Attack! Ha!" He punches Beerus in the chest, but the newcomer is completely unfazed. "What?! No way!"

"Just curious. Was that supposed to hurt?" Beerus questions.

Maten continues his assault on Beerus, but he's not even flinching. "I know the real reason you came here and it won't work! 'Cause I'll do whatever it takes to keep the Dragon balls form you!"

I gaze at Bulma skeptically and she just whistles innocently. Of course, the grand prize. Out in the open, for the taking. "Dragon Balls, you say?" Beerus says as he stops Maten's arm with one hand. "Sounds like quite the delicacy."

"Let go of me, you bully!" Maten complains. "Are your hands made of steel?!"

I feel Marble grasp onto my skirt and fold herself against my leg as Maten continues to struggle against Beerus. "Is it made of pastry or actual dragon parts?" Beerus questions.

"It's not food at all, you dumbass! Let me go!" Maten shouts. Beerus finally releases him. "You don't play very nice, you know!"

"I'm not your playmate, little one." Beerus comments. "And I don't have time for your childish games."

"You're calling me childish?! Look in the mirror, pal! You're the one who's throwing a silly fit over some lousy pudding!" Maten exclaims.

"What? Downplaying my dessert tragedy?" Beerus questions. He grasps Maten's vest and drags him in close. "It might seem like nothing to you, you pudding-spoiled brat! But I've never tasted it before! I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IT'S LIKE! IS IT MORE CREAMY?! OR GELATINOUS!?" I just gazed at Beerus, aghast. All of this... over some stupid pudding. Literally, only three ingredients... Milk. Sugar. And Eggs. "Is it savory or sweet? Lumpy or smooth? Is it a rustic flavor? Or experimental? Rich or tart? Or spicy?! It could be a brand new flavor! Refined on your planet for thousands of years! And I would never knew! It could've shattered my whole understanding of what food is! I'll spend eons wondering 'what if'! Do you still think that's trivial, boy? Do you?!"

"Say it, don't spray it, dude!" Maten complains. "I don't feel sorry for you one bit! If it was up to me, all you'd get to eat is cat food!"

"Your mouth is smarter than your brain is." Beerus chuffs irritably. "You need to be disciplined! Bad!" I give a shout as Beerus begins to hit Maten on the wrist with just two fingers. "Run on home, kid!" Beerus snaps as he lets Maten drop. "Though, actually, I'm about to destroy your whole planet! So I guess there's really no point!"

I rush forward as Maten hits the ground and pull him up to my lap. "We may not stand a chance against you, but I won't go down without a fight." Piccolo snaps.

"You've taken this far enough," Eighteen adds. "We've got children to protect here."

"Just who or what are you?" Tien growls.

"That's not something you need to know," Beerus claims. "You'll be wiped out soon anyway."

"We'll see about that!" Piccolo roars.

"Maten?" Marble asks worriedly as he groans in my lap.

"Come on, Whis, let's go!" Beerus shouts as those who went to fight, ended up slamming into the boat. "WHIS!"

I gazed over at the other strange individual who remained silent for a moment. "Oh, yes! Be right there~" He appears besides Beerus immediately with a fork in his hand.

There's a crash behind us and I turn just in time to see Buu fly out of the rubble that had been created from his earlier landing. "NOW BUU EXTRA MAD!" Buu shouts from the debris.

"Now I know what he is!" Dende suddenly chirps, his voice shaking violently. "It's the only way to explain his strange energy! He's a deity!"

"What?" Piccolo snapped. "Are you serious?! You think he's some kind of... god?"

I chew on my lip. I had thought that maybe Venul was overreacting. Gohan attempts to take on Beerus, but he's swatted aside like a fly. "Oh, Whis! Is that sample platter ready yet?" Beerus shouts as his friend is once again absorbed in his sushi.

I give a startled yelp as Maten finally unfused. Goten and Mars are in my lap, groaning and whining from the pain. Chi-Chi makes a mad grab for her son. "Are you okay, baby?" I ask softly as I curl Mars into my arms.

"No, it hurts like a lot!" Mars complains.

"That's what you get for trying to fight, Goten!" Chi-Chi admonishes. "You're just kids!"

"C'mon, mom!" Goten whines. Marble starts to cry as her brother continues to moan in pain. I send a panicked look towards Vegeta, my own vision blurring with tears.

"Do something, will you?!" I shout at him.

I see him swallow harshly before he does try to attack Beerus. The god simply sends him flying back onto the ship, and slams his foot against his head. "Your father used to buckle under my foot like this. Despite all his muscle flexing and fist waving, he couldn't even scratch my heel. You and your father are exactly the same. Weaklings pretending to rule from imaginary thrones." Beerus chimes as he grinds his shoe into my husbands head. He eventually releases him. "What a day of disappointments. No pudding. No Super Saiyan God! This world is nothing but a tease! So, needless to say... There's no reason for me to keep the Earth intact. This world and it's creatures will serve this galaxy equally well as dust."

A bright, shimmering orb of energy pops up from Beerus' finger, and it's aimed straight towards Vegeta. Vegeta gives a low scoff. "Of all the ways that a man can die in the universe, killed by a Destroyer deity in battle might be as noble as it gets."

"Thank you. You'd be shocked how few people understand that." Beerus comments.

"Mom?!" Marble yelps in surprise as I'm suddenly stalking towards Beerus, and cracking my palm against his face.

"Mara--" Vegeta yelps, the overtone of worry making my stomach turn.

"You seem to think you're so high and mighty! But guess what, buddy! You're not!" I shout at him. "You've ruined my party, you've hurt my friends and family! I want you off this boat, right now!" Beerus lowers his hand and turns to me, glaring down at me as if I were a speck of dust on his boot. "If you've got something to say, you better say it!"

Beerus raises his hand slowly. "Beerus, please have mercy!" Vegeta bellows. "Whatever you plan to do, do it to me! Don't hurt her!"

There's a blinding pain over the left side of my face. It shook my very body until I hit the deck, trying to get the ringing in my ears to stop. I vaguely hear people shouting, but it's all so distorted. My vision is dark for what seems like hours, but when I come to, Marble is tugging at my arm desperately, crying hysterically.