𝚁𝚘𝚜𝚎́

    “And if you keep talking to me, I’ll make sure you regret getting this close.” Goku wasn’t sure why he felt so angry just by being near the other, but he could guess it was because he stole his body in the first place. There was something about that that unsettled him, and also the part where Black mercilessly killed so many people, including family and friends close to him. I don’t care if all that was supposedly remedied. The fact that he was willing to do it… I can’t shake it! And with my hands!?! He frowned harder, and went to move past the other, thoroughly done with this conversation. | @rcseblack​ |

“Ha, is that so? I come to help you all, and this is the thanks I get?”

From another mouth, such words might have been carried an offended air, but Black’s arrogant grin signaled at anything but. He was bored here, and sick of everyone keeping their distance. Why the hell had they even allowed him here if only to continue treating him like the enemy? And yet no fruit was born from that tension, most frustratingly of all.

“I doubt that you could do such a thing. It’s why you needed me in the first place, isn’t that right?”

“See, I’m influencing things for the better.”

Tagged by: @hiddcnrage

    “Can you get out of my face????” Goku wasn’t about to deal with Black’s antics today, and he was surprised the other was even trying to bug him. He was already annoyed, and wanted nothing to do with the other here. | @rcseblack |

“Wow, I’ve never heard you so angry. I feel honored.” 

Black hadn’t been living in this timeline long, and tensions were already running predictably high. On their side. What did that even mean, in the end? Really, they had the same enemy, the same problem. Black would think of it more like symbiosis, means to an end. They benefited from his strength, and he was spared their ire so long as he remained absent from Zamasu’s side. There was no need for camaraderie, or even a polite tolerance, in this equation.

“You should watch out, Goku. Keep talking that way and someone might mistake you for me.”

memories‌:

I regret to inform you I’m #rcseblack trash.

“It’s NOT true!” @rcseblack​

Broly had been making sure everything was settled, having moved their shelter out from the cavern and into the open space just outside of it. He was surprised that his former enemy gave him such gifts, much less began to even teach him a few things or two about combat. They had only sparred once or twice, after their initial battle, but already he had learned a bit more about himself from those few times. Once he saw that his companions were sent off safely, their starship blasting off out of the atmosphere, he would wait for them to return with fresh supplies for stocking. He picked up a large bag of mulch, decided to take up the chores for the week, and shouldered it with a simple pull. That was when he felt a presence close by, faint and familiar, which gave him pause enough to glance back. His eyes narrowed slightly as he tried to find out what it was, or who, catching sight of some figure in the distance. There shouldn’t be anyone else here??… Unless it’s…? He set down the bag, and turned to address the person. If it was who he thought it to be, he found it strange that Goku was masking his energy, but with how large this planet was it could be anybody else. | @rcseblack |

He had spent months simply watching them, the way one might watch ants go about their business underfoot. Scouting didn’t really suit Black, but what Zamasu willed, Zamasu got. Admittedly, however, he was curious about the Saiyan that had given even Goku a challenge. Someone like that was worth the tedium of this mission (yet as ever, Black thirsted for combat, and he hoped to get a taste sooner rather than later). Once his presence attracted the other’s attention, he wasted no time in breaking the harsh, heavy silence that this barren planet bred.

“Broly.” Said Goku’s voice, with Goku’s lips, but the sneer curving them was enough to tell anyone who knew the Saiyan that something was off. “Working hard I see. Have a minute to spare for me?”

The days had passed slowly, and a year went as Gohan was left to deal with the pieces he allowed to let settle in place. Still, he hadn’t let up on his training, though it wasn’t as intense as the year spent in the Time Chamber; He had a promise to keep to his father. If he let himself get weak, who knows what could happen to the world, even though it was considered safe. Trunks thought his world was safe, in the timeline Cell came from, and that was how this whole mess was started. I can’t let that happen to us. He spent the whole day going between his studies and some bit of mental training, deciding it was time for a little rest from all of that, as his more physical technique’s were dealt with yesterday. Now he was resting comfortably under the shade of a tall tree, staring out lazily at the serene lake ahead, and felt the dredges of sleep begin to wash through him. | @rcseblack |

They had sought strength throughout the universe, throughout other timelines and dimensions. And now, at Zamasu’s behest, Black had begun to explore the possibility of taking on yet another body. These Saiyans, mortals, had especially offended his counterpart and their power was admittedly quite exciting to him. He longed to bolster his own strength through combat, but as far as Zamasu knew, he was here purely to scout. What he thinks and the reality, however....

Black touched down at a spot not too far from the young Saiyan. Son of Goku, of the body he now possessed. Yes, this could be fun.

Slowly, he raised his energy, just enough to be sensed by those powerful enough to feel it. It wouldn’t broadcast far, but it was more than sufficient to grab the boy’s attention.

Goku waited, finding it so strange that somehow this guy managed to find a transformation inside a body that was his, but also completely enamored with the idea of it. Just what was this being, and why did he decide to take his form, over everything else out there in the universe? To top things off, he was able to find a transformation that nearly mimicked the one he’s achieved through hard work, and with an ease he didn’t expect. The blinding light subsided, and he was able to get a better view of the color, and of the energy radiating off of him, for it was truly as divine as he liked to brag. He folded his arms across his chest, despite the serious situation they were dealing with here, Goku couldn’t help but to show a bit of laxness upon seeing it for himself. “Hm…” His brows furrowed a little harder, and he glanced away with a slight shrug. “I dunno if I’d call it beautiful… But it certainly feels strong.” He was being too light on that fact, for it felt way stronger than even his current state, as pissed off as he was, that much was true. Goku didn’t even know if he would be able to match it, and that only made him slightly more giddy over the fact. (Which is a huge problem that he’ll never get past).

    “Unless, that’s all for show… Hmmm, Rosé? … I don’t think I’m too impressed, yet.” | @rcseblack​ |

     “Lying to a god, what a sin...” 

Lackluster as Goku’s reaction was, it didn’t deter Black’s ego in the slightest. He knew, after all, that he had peaked the warrior’s interest with this new form. Any chance of a greater challenge would always be appetizing to a Saiyan, and even Black could not deny that very instinct within his own being.

“I just hope that the power of a God isn’t too overwhelming for you. I like to make these little sparring sessions last, and you’re a better warm up than most.”

He paused, answering the somber expression facing him with the same smirk he had cast Trunks so many times before. You’re lucky that I've allowed you to live this long, it seemed to say. Yet it was wordlessly that he rushed forward with a fist intended for Goku’s jaw. He couldn’t even say where it did connect, for they immediately fell back into the rhythm of battle. In this form, Black seemed to at least be matching the strength of his opponent. Eager to escalate the intensity of the fight, he called forth the infamous blade of ki once more, hacking away at Goku with no mercy.

Goku was lost in his fury, for there was nothing more painful than to know that in some timeline he had failed to be there to protect friends he cared for. What made matters worse is that all of those people that were killed, was done so by his hands, and the false hands of this guy parading as himself was more than insulting. The Saiyan didn’t really have the words to place how terrible he felt for all of them, for Trunks and what he’s endured throughout his young life, and in such a short span of time. Was there really no reprieve from danger in this future? Was everything really his fault, as many seem to point out that it’d eventually come to, and what he realized so long ago after Cell’s defeat? There wasn’t really any time to think on it, as he was momentarily paused for the question being asked stopped his attacks for a short few seconds. He was confused by it, and by this guy’s constant words of being something divine. “….What…??… What are you rambling about!! Just shut up and fight me!” Though, he wasn’t going in for another attack just yet, his curiosity far greater than anything else, as it’s always been. If there was a way to fight something more challenging, he’d take it up in a heartbeat. This hesitation wasn’t what he should be doing, and he knew it, but the fighter in him did want to see whatever the other had to show. “Fine. Get on with it, then!!” | @rcseblack​ |

He had only taken Goku’s body, not his mind nor memories, yet it wasn’t hard to anticipate the Saiyan’s insatiable appetite for battle. No matter how dire the situation, his need for a challenge seemed to eclipse any and all concerns for the fate of his friends and the planet. In that, they were certainly alike. No matter how strong Zamasu’s belief in their plans was, it could never take priority over Black’s will to grow stronger (not that he ever cared to voice such a thought).

“Very well.” His smirk was indication enough that he was rather proud of whatever he had in store for Goku. Though his form remained still, Black’s aura grew tremendously in power, far past the level of a Super Saiyan. All at once, a blinding flash enveloped him, and seconds later he was left sporting a similar appearance to his doppleganger. 

     “How’s this? I call it, rosé. Beautiful, is it not?”

Goku was trying to keep his focus on the blade being gripped in his palm, ignoring the burning slice that was marking it’s way across his tough flesh, as his attention was being diverted to what this guy was saying. He was definitely confused on why everything out of Black’s mouth was related to some savory meal, and was starting to feel slightly uncomfortable for it was all implied towards his person. “Will you stop!?! Why are you so weird!? It’s honestly creepin’ me out!” He would have normally said all that in some joking manner, but the truth was as clear as the angry expression on his face; None of this was in any kind of jest, for he was against someone purely vile. The next words out of his copy’s mouth had Goku’s fingers clamping hard on the vibrant-colored blade, and the ridged crack was seen breaking up along it’s middle from where his hand had contact. He tried to speak, words said through gritted teeth as he made the attempt.

   “You– You!…– I won’t FORGIVE YOU!!!!” A furious rage was in his gaze, and his aura changed suddenly as a strong gale whipped about their clothing and anything else loose. The golden hair shifted as well, turning paler for a moment, then a brilliant blaze of blue as he finally let out his Godly energy. This all sparked the second he dared to utter that confession of brutal murder, and all with a grin on his face; Goku let out a scream that shredded the glass from nearby windows in a violent burst. He reacted immediately, and brought his other fist forward that was meant to lay some serious hurt. To really hammer this point further, he yanked that burning blade close to his body, intending to reel and land a perfect hit on this one’s cheek; Hoping that his anger and pain was display enough in this powerful attack. | @rcseblack​ |

It was exactly what he had wanted, for better or worse. The Saiyan’s power seemed limitless and to Black the prospect was more exciting than terrifying. He knew, of course, the sort of potential this body held (precisely why he had chosen it as a vessel for his work). Yet this particular form was truly something special...

He had little time to reflect on it, however, as Goku’s fury had amplified he intensity of his attacks. Tugged forward, Black could only take the fist thrown his way and bear the brunt of the anger he had incited. A laugh flew from his lips as his vision readjusted from the blow, and the taste of blood in his mouth seemed sweet.

“Incredible, this power...yes, this power is not fit for a mortal to wield. Now that I know you’re capable of keeping up, shall I show you, Son Goku? What that form can do when in the rightful hands of the Gods?”

Goku’s frown persisted even harder as he listened to the other go on about what he didn’t have a right to. “And stealing someone’s body isn’t wrong??? Alright. I guess you’re just as flawed as me, then, Black. You do realize you’re flaunting godly energy in a mortal body, right.” He tensed the moment he saw the other coming at him, ki-blade ringing in his ears as it pinged against the block from his two hands trying to deter their vicious motions. He felt their burn against his exposed skin, and made sure to keep them off of his body as much as he could with each parrying move. The accompanying taunt from the other only fueled his resolve into not losing this fight, as that kind of attitude, his carelessness for innocent life, really set him off. Goku took a half-step back, allowing his energy to rise and peak, his hair flashing to the in-between green, before fully exploding with gold. It was all instantaneous, a few seconds, and enough for him to not lose focus on the battle. He reached out and physically grabbed the other’s blade with one open-palm, having the fire enough from his power to combat and somewhat equal it’s strength to a small degree.

   “You won’t get any tastes from me, Black.” He turned his palm, trying to force the other to bend with it, expression twisting up with anger of his own. | @rcseblack​ |

“Oh, but I already have.” He sneered, looking positively gleeful in response to the fury on Goku’s face. Even better still was the recklessness with which he acted. To simply grab the raw power that surrounded Black’s hand required nothing short of insurmountable courage (or stupidity, some would say). 

“That form is already a treat. Dessert, I’d say. Or I would, if I didn’t know that you had something more to give.” Now, all trace of offense was gone. This was so clearly where he and Zamasu differed, for Black had the same drive to fight as the original owner of his body, no matter if they were mortal or not. He craved that battle, and the boost in power that often came with it.

“What would it take for you to show me? Perhaps I should tell you about how I killed Bulma. She seems to be a friend of yours. Fitting that mine was the last face she saw...That the hands which once protected her, ended her life.”

Goku stared at the other, his expression stern as he assessed whatever could be the goal in all of this between himself and his foul enemy. It wasn’t every day he had to look at himself, but in such a light that felt completely different to what he would imagine himself as being. Black was an entirely wrong version of himself, and his fists balled up tighter at what was spewing from those smirking lips. He simply couldn’t stand what was being implied, and what had been confirmed, that this man before him was using his own visage as a means to bring terror unto others.     “Black…” It was difficult for him to speak, the vein showing prominently on his forehead as he turned his focus directly towards that twisted face, but he would say his piece nonetheless. There wasn’t anything he’d rather do right now, than to unleash his fury on this God. “You have no right using my body this way!” It was quite unsettling to know that it was someone inside his body doing all of this to innocent people. “I don’t WANT to think about what you’ve done!!! It’s ending today!” The ground around him cracked as his white aura came to life, dark hair raising up a bit as he allowed himself to gather some energy, not yet going blonde. He wanted to gauge the other’s reaction first, and would go the rest of the way when he needed to. | @rcseblack​ |

“No right?” For a moment, a flash of anger interrupted the otherwise smug expression on his face. It was quick to return, in a forceful show that no mortal’s foolish words could get under his skin. He wouldn’t allow such a thing.

“You had no right to this body, to this level of power in the first place.The Gods should have punished you long ago. Consider this a divine favor.” Once Goku signaled his willingness to fight (as if that was ever a question), Black charged his own power, before heading straight into battle. His hand rose up for a strike, surrounded in the vibrant pink energy that acted as a blade of sorts. He knew that it would be blocked, he expected no less from Goku. These strikes, hungry as they were, served as nothing more than a warm-up. 

“Come now, Goku, are you going to get serious? I might have to kill you out of boredom if you intend to drag this out. Let me have a taste of that sinful power you’re hiding."

“Does it bother you to see your strength wielded more effectively, more skillfully? No, you aren’t that prideful idiot of a Prince. Perhaps...you’re wondering what these hands, your hands, have done.” A barking laugh erupted from his throat, as though the answer to that question was amusing to him. 

“You know that I’ve used this body to kill, but have you ever really thought about it? The knowledge that these fingers have closed around a mortal’s throat and wrung it, until they give up their last shuddering breath. Can you even imagine how it feels?”

A glassy oddness rises in Shin’s face, his stare fixed not to Black’s eyes, but seemingly past them. Black’s thoughts – (the shape of them; what he can skim from their surface at least, like oil off broth) – dart, restless, but they don’t bend away from his own words as Shin had expected. They don’t bend like that of a liar, now.

“Allow me to alter my approach. Keep your secrets, if you like. What do you want from me, then? We can’t afford to turn an asset away, if indeed you are an asset; no matter how we’d like to. We can’t.” The final words come with frayed patience and force, intended all too clearly to slice through the dissent that he can feel swelling in his companions like a storm. “You know that. It’s certainly not my permission you’re here for. So, why this? What need for talk remains? Unless–”

(and now there’s a thought)

“–what. Ensuring that a nest is lined for you here before you make your leap, perhaps?”

[ @rcseblack ]

He is Zamasu, more or less (though he is more, in his opinion). It’s that part of him, the Kai, that perks its ears up at the suggestion. The part colored by Goku (tainted, his other self might say) offers a derisive snort in response.

“Is that what you think? If you had said no, it isn’t as though I would have stayed at Zamasu’s side.” As long as this has been fermenting, Black has to admit to himself that nothing has exactly been planned. He acts and reacts, and his latest action had been to leave his partner. Now, confronted with the future, he finds himself vaguely irritated. Insulted, even. What use does he have for a safety net? He would survive, one way or another, and he doesn’t need the weak promise from some foolish ally of the mortals.

“I just don’t want any of you getting in my way. How am I to ally with a cause that’s unaware of it?”