Hello, how are you all doing? That's...that's all I have to say. You know how this works. Let's get on with the show.

DBM: Dragon Ball Mythbusters

Lord Liquiir: "Hello, and welcome to Talks of Destruction. I am your host, Liquiir, and for once I'm introducing the show. Crazy, isn't it? But sometimes you have to mix things up. Anyway, I am joined by my co-host, Beerus." I waved.

Lord Beerus: "It's good to talk to you all once again. Yes, I know what you're all thinking. An update to OCAK and to ToD? In one year? What sorcery is this?"

Lord Liquiir: "Sorcery that the author hopes he can keep up. As always, we are joined by Bulma." Liquiir gestured to Bulma, who is sitting at her usual spot at her computer, to join us. She looks surprised.

Bulma: "Oh. I'm getting an actual role this time?"

Lord Liquiir: "Our topic for today is something you're familiar with, so I think it would be best if you talked about it." She smiled and made haste to the couch across from us. "Before we begin with our topic, I just want to let everyone who is reading this know that everyone here hopes that you are all doing okay in these troubling times and most importantly, staying safe."

Bulma: "That's right. The world has changed a lot since our last show and things are hard. Don't worry, though. It's not going to last forever. Everything will get better and go back to normal."

Lord Beerus: "Yes, no longer will you be forced to stay in your house like a hermit. Although, I wouldn't say that's inherently a bad thing because being lazy and doing nothing but watching anime, playing video games, and eating and sleeping all day is socially acceptable now." Both Liquiir and Bulma nodded in a way that looks like they don't want to agree, but they can't help to.

Lord Liquiir: "Well, I suppose that's true."

Bulma: "When you put it like that..." I exchanged a look with Bulma.

Lord Beerus: "Do you want to get on with the show, Bulma?"

Bulma: "Yes, that sounds great. Um...what was the topic again?"

Lord Liquiir: "A certain myth in the Dragon Ball fandom that people accept as fact?"

Bulma: "You have to be more specific. That could literally be anything."

Lord Beerus: "It's everyone's favorite: time travel in Dragon Ball Super." Burma's eyes widened.

Bulma: "That's right! Wow, that's a big one. What if people argue?"

Lord Beerus: "The author has thought about this carefully. And when I say that, I mean that. If people do argue, even with all of the evidence, fuck them." Bulma shrugged.

Bulma: "Sounds good. All right, here it is. People accuse the Future Trunks arc of having plot holes related to time traveling. The reason being that 'Goku Black's creation makes no sense.' Let me tell you exactly why his creation does make sense." I put my paw up to my ear.

Lord Beerus: "If you listen carefully, you can hear the sound of angry typing and the pissed off mutterings of those who didn't pay attention to the Future Trunks arc." Liquiir lowered my paw and tapped it a few times before wrapping his arm around my shoulder.

Lord Liquiir: "Easy. I think we're already starting a war as it is." I wrapped my arm around his waist.

Lord Beerus: "Not us. The author. Besides, a war implies that two opposing forces are battling for supremacy. This will be a slaughter on our part."

Bulma: "Lord Beerus? May I continue?"

Lord Beerus: "You may."

Bulma: "Thank you. Now, first off, there is no time loop or time paradox. There is no 'Closing' it. That's a dub only thing and the dub in this arc was awful. No, the author is not a sub elitist. He loves watching dubs and he'll take them over subs any day of the week."

Lord Liquiir: "You are really starting a war now."

Bulma: "But the fact remains that Funimation completely butchered this arc. What I mean is that the dub changed line after line after line and attempted to explain things that the sub purposely left ambiguous and it just created plot holes in the process. Needless to say, it made everything infinitely worse.

Lord Beerus: "I feel a rant coming on."

Bulma: "The sub just required you to pay attention to the show and if you did that, you should have been good. But because Funimation thought they owned the show, they added in extended explanations for no reason and changed lines to a ridiculous degree that didn't need to be changed."

Lord Liquiir: "It most certainly is a rant."

Bulma: "Even if it was for the sake of 'Clearing things up', which it obviously didn't, that's not what a dub is supposed to do. A dub is supposed to be accurate and faithful to the original language. Regarding that, the dub also ruined the explanation as to why Goku Black didn't get killed even though Present Zamasu got destroyed. The dub said it was the Time Ring that protected him, which led people to think that if you took it off of his finger he'd die. But no, that's just the dub being awful. Then again, it could have just been a different interpretation of the original dialogue, but still."

Lord Beerus: "This rant is lasting longer than I thought it would." Bulma gave me a sharp look.

Bulma: "This needs to be said." She forcefully exhaled and relaxed. "The sub explains that nothing in Goku Black's past affects him, even if he dies. More simply, Goku Black was unaffected because he hopped to another timeline with the use of the Time Ring."

Lord Liquiir: "Which has always been the case in Dragon Ball." Bulma pointed at him.

Bulma: "Yes. A million times yes." Now she's pointing her finger upward. "For example, Trunks warning Goku and his friends, 17 and 18 becoming good, and Cell dying didn't affect the other timelines. It's consistent with the show's already established rules, which is another fairly common complaint about this arc." She lowered her hand and crossed her arms.

Lord Beerus: "Timelines are removed from each other. That's why they're referred to as 'Separate' or 'Alternate' timelines."

Bulma: "So, was the Time Ring a device that helped with his not dying? Yes, but only because he used it to travel to another timeline, not because he was wearing it and it had some kind of passive effect. The bottom line is the English dub for this arc was an abomination."

Lord Beerus: "Abomination? It's true to an extent, but perhaps it's still a bit harsh."

Bulma: "Maybe, but it's hard not to feel this way. Funimation didn't do this arc any justice. Actually, there are quite a few bad dialogue and line changes, but it was nowhere near this bad. Except for the 'Alley-oop!' thing in episode 131 when Goku threw Freeza. That was horrible."

Lord Beerus: "At least we were given what is possibly the greatest line that has ever been uttered in Dragon Ball in this arc. You know which one I'm talking about. The one that involves not shooting?" Bulma rolled her eyes.

Bulma: "Anyway, there's not even an implied loop in the sub. A perfect example is Gowasu's death. In one version, Present Zamasu struck his neck to kill him. There was also tea and daifuku and a table and a chair. In the other version, Goku Black stabbed him through the chest and there was no tea, daifuku, or anything. So with that in mind, here's a riddle. We should all know by now that DBS had a horrible preproduction and did anything they could to cut corners and save time. Why, then, would they go out of their way to completely reanimate Gowasu's death scene? The only, and let me stress this, the only logical conclusion is that this is not a time loop."

Lord Liquiir: "It's the only one."

Lord Beerus: "There's no other conclusion you could arrive at. None that would make sense that is."

Bulma: "What further proves our point is that Goku didn't recognize Goku Black when they swapped bodies. Remember, if this was a time loop like many people think it is, they would have already fought multiple times and Goku would have already known about Zamasu's plan to steal his body. But he didn't recognize him. All he said was 'Hey, you got my face!'"

Lord Beerus: "What's amusing to me is some people say 'But he was wearing Zamasu's clothes!' to try and justify their idea that this is a time loop. Like Goku would forget what Zamasu looked like. Right."

Bulma: "People also love to point out that Goku's and Zamasu's short spar is proof that it's a time loop. How? Why would their spar be any different? I can't comprehend why it would. Listen, it's possible for events in two different realities to play out exactly the same, like their sparring match. However, it is simply not possible to have two different versions of the same event in the same reality. That brings me to our third example on how this can't be a time loop."

Lord Beerus: "This one involves me, so I'm going to step in."

Bulma: "Take it away."

Lord Beerus: "Excellent. Now, people cite that me killing Zamasu is supposedly what created the Goku Black we know. Not true. We are shown that Goku Black succeeded in swapping bodies with Goku because I never interfered in the first place. If this was really a time loop then I wouldn't interfere. Every. Single. Time. I can't choose to not destroy Zamasu but also choose to destroy him if the events played out exactly the same. By definition, that's 100% an impossibility and not how a time loop works. In this instance, you have two different realities. And what does that mean?"

Lord Liquiir: "It's not a time loop. Pay attention next time. And don't trust the English dub. Just don't."

Bulma: "So many people are obsessed with the time loop and time paradox hypothesis and do anything they can to try and make it work. Despite the show - or at least the sub, not the terrible dub for this arc - going out of its way to show us that this isn't a time loop and Goku and Zamasu must have met under different circumstances. Also, the arrival of Trunks is the only thing that explains why Lord Beerus would behave differently."

Lord Beerus: "This is something that's particularly obnoxious. People who watched the older shows, usually the...to put it nicely, the people who watched DBZ, have gotten so spoiled with information being spoon fed to them by daddy Toriyama that if something's not obvious, they say it 'Doesn't make sense' and that it's shit. They are simply incapable of coming up with their own conclusions using contextual clues from the show."

Bulma: "Exactly! Just because-before I forget, 'daddy Toriyama'. I like that. Just because the anime doesn't show or tell us and make it blatantly obvious doesn't mean it's impossible. That's unrealistic thinking. In fact, I believe they did show us how they could have met differently, but it was very subtle and people didn't pick up on it. Remember that whole GodTube thing and Zamasu watched the fight between Goku and Hit to learn more about Goku? There's your answer. In my mind it's almost a forgone conclusion that Zamasu would have inevitably found out about their fight."

Lord Liquiir: "It's common knowledge that Gowasu wants to become a GodTuber. I see no reason why he wouldn't show Zamasu their fight. Or he just learns about it some other way. Think about it. A mortal using God Ki? It was the talk of all 12 universes! If it's anything like YouTube, it was most likely a recommended video. As Bulma said, very subtle. And Gowasu? I think you should just go for it at this point."

Lord Beerus: "Even if you don't want to accept that scenario...for whatever reason, just use your imagination. Why do you think one section in Toei's official timeline chart is mostly blank?"

Lord Liquiir: "Ah, the chart. A lot of people misunderstood it and thought 'Well, that section is mostly blank, so because it didn't tell us how Goku and Zamasu might have met differently it's confirmation that it's a time loop! Look at us! We're so smart!' I'm guessing those people have never heard of the term 'Choose your own adventure.'"

Lord Beerus: "That's a good guess because a disturbingly large portion of the Dragon Ball fandom hasn't heard of a lot of things. Things like context. Or subtext. Or common sense. Or paying attention. Or getting anything higher than an F in their English class."

Lord Liquiir: "Wow. If the author keeps all of that in, he's a brave soul indeed."

Lord Beerus: "But am I wrong? Are the things I said not facts?"

Lord Liquiir: "Getting back to the topic at hand."

Lord Beerus: "Coward."

Lord Liquiir: "How Goku and Zamasu met under different circumstances is for you to decide. If you don't want to accept the scenario we gave anyway." I removed my arm from his waist and began playfully ruffling his fur.

Lord Beerus: "You are a coward." Giving me a smile, Liquiir batted my paws away.

Lord Liquiir: "Hey, stop messing up my fur." I smiled back and pressed on, ignoring his protests.

Lord Beerus: "Never." Just keep in mind, I didn't mean ninety percent or a ridiculous number like that. Maybe twenty, but considering how many Dragon Ball fans there are worldwide, that's a small number. Comparatively. The point is that you're going to have your morons. That's the case with every fandom. And, unfortunately, the author has encountered a lot of these people online.

Bulma: "I...I guess I'll take over now. Try not to turn your light petting into heavy petting."

Lord Beerus: "No promises. Hey!" Liquiir's managed to get me on top of him and he's giving me a tight hug from behind. He got my arms as well, pinning them to my sides. Damn it, I think I lost.

Lord Liquiir: "I think you lost, too."

Bulma: "In conclusion, you might be able to argue that the Future Trunks arc has a plot hole somewhere, but time travel definitely isn't one of them. Should we quickly go over the time travel plot holes the Cell arc has?"

Lord Liquiir: "Before I answer, just give me one second." Liquiir gave me a squeeze and then let me go. I sat up and moved back to my spot. He sat up in turn and moved to his. "Okay, we're good. Yes, we should go over them."

Lord Beerus: "I think it would be a missed opportunity if we didn't."

Bulma: "Okay, great. People say it's easier to make sense of the Cell arc, but that's just because they probably saw it when they were eight years old and they don't think about it too hard today. The plot holes are: why and how does Trunks' timeline exist in the first place? Cell's need to come first. Why does Cell say that Trunks is the one who kills Freeza and King Cold in his timeline? It should have been Goku. Why does Cell say his time machine was pre-programmed to show up a year before Trunks arrived to give Goku the heart medicine? That's him confirming that he didn't change the coordinates, so the other obvious question is why would Trunks' program it to go back that far? All gaping plot holes and zero answers."

Lord Beerus: "What makes it funnier is these are only some of the plot holes in the Cell arc. The others don't have to do with time travel, but they're still plot holes nonetheless. There are probably a couple in the Android arc somewhere as well, but I digress." I looked over at Liquiir. "I'm surprised you let me go."

Lord Liquiir: "Are you offended?"

Lord Beerus: "Not at all. I'm just surprised."

Lord Liquiir: "I can understand that. But as much as I love it, not every show needs to end with a cuddling session."

Lord Beerus: "Probably not, but some people might disagree."

Lord Liquiir: "Are you one of those people?"

Lord Beerus: "To be honest, not really. Of course, I also still love it when it does happen."

Lord Liquiir: "You better." We all laughed a little.

Bulma: "Love is so great. I love love. Moving on, this topic was very fun for the author to write. It was fun having a significant role. It was fun busting this myth and we will bust many more Dragon Ball myths and provide more food for thought in the future. There's so much to choose from. The possibilities are endless. I think the real challenge will lie in figuring out what to pick next."

Lord Liquiir: "I think the next time we do Dragon Ball Mythbusters we should explain the difference between power scaling and power creep. Or would that fall under a 'Knowledge is Power' segment? Yes, it would fall under a Knowledge is Power segment."

Lord Beerus: "I think that would be perfect. The amount of times the author has seen someone talk about power scaling when they actually mean power creep is too many to count. It's incredibly annoying every time."

Bulma: "It's settled then. Make a note of it."

Lord Beerus: "In the next show we will answer the questions you asked...last year. Hopefully we answer them this year, not next year."

Lord Liquiir: "With that out of the way, here is a scene you can expect from the ninth chapter of OCAK. Enjoy the sneak peek."

Lord Beerus: "Liquiir...what I'm about to ask may upset you. If you refuse to answer me I would understand." He looked at me suspiciously.

Lord Liquiir: "Okay. What is it?"

Lord Beerus: "Heles...she..." I looked away from him and stared at the wall. I don't want to ask him this. I just want to leave this in the past forever. But I have a sick curiosity that needs to be satisfied. I looked back at him and took his paw in mine. "When Heles was telling me about what was going on with you, she said that you were suicidal because I accidentally rejected you. She made it sound very common that Kitsunians kill themselves if they get rejected. Or they die of a broken heart. Are either of those things true? And were you thinking about it?" Liquiir looked down and closed his eyes.

Lord Liquiir: "Heles was describing the most extreme and the very worst case scenario. Yes, my people are known to commit suicide if we are rejected and some have died of a broken heart. However, neither is very common and it was never my intention to kill myself." He uncomfortably pulled at his pants and opened his eyes. He's still not looking at me, though. I don't think he can bring himself to do it. "I did say that dying sounded like a good idea. I am aware of that. Still, the thought only manifested after...after seeing you again." I lightly flinched at that. "Even then, I wasn't sure I was going to go through with that idea. I wasn't sure of a lot of things at that time. My original plan was to simply grieve and eventually accept my rejection. I would never have truly moved on, but I would have accepted it." He raised his head and softly smiled at me. It's sincere.

Lord Beerus: "Why are you smiling? I don't think this is the kind of conversation you'd smile over."

Lord Liquiir: "In a strange way, I'm just happy that we're able to talk about this at all. I'm happy that we can be completely open with one another. Also, it's just yet another reminder that you saved me. I can never thank you enough. I love you so much." I smiled and kissed him on the lips.

Lord Beerus: "I love you, too. I'd do anything for you. If you haven't already, you might as well find the time to thank Heles for telling me everything. And even Korn for letting me see you. If it weren't for them, who knows what would have happened? Regarding Heles, it sounds like she intentionally exaggerated your condition to induce drastic action from me."

Lord Liquiir: "Actually, I don't believe that she exaggerated. Not on purpose. I believe that she was merely speculating how far gone I was into my own pit of depression and where my journey would end. Whatever the case may be, it doesn't matter. We can officially move on and enjoy the rest of our lives together." My smile widened as I wrapped my arms around him and held the back of his head. He returned the hug and sighed happily.

Lord Beerus: "I can't think of a single thing I'd rather do."

Bulma: "I love seeing that. Talking about the past instead of ignoring it. I think that's what every couple should try to do." I gently grabbed Liquiir's paw and scooted closer to him. Once I got close enough he rested his head on my shoulder. Only three more chapters to go before we're officially life mates.

Lord Beerus: "It's time for our show to come to an end. Thank you, Bulma, for all of your help."

Bulma: "Always happy to help."

Lord Beerus: "And good job, Liquiir. You were a great host."

Lord Liquiir: "Always happy to show you up."

Lord Beerus: "Show me up? That's cute."

Lord Liquiir: "No, that's adorable. Because that's exactly what I am."

Lord Beerus: "I won't deny that. Now, I don't believe that we have anything more to say, other than pass this information along. So, that's all for this show. Farewell."

Bulma: "See you all later!"

Lord Liquiir: "Don't start a war. And if you do, make sure you're prepared for a long one. Okay, goodbye." We all waved to the audience.

There we go. I hope that everyone who read this finally understands the time travel in the Future Trunks arc (which honestly was more consistent with its own internal logic than DBZ) and the origins of Goku Black.

I want to give a shout out to a Reddit user by the name of Terez27. When the time loop/paradox controversy was making its rounds throughout the fandom years ago, they were right there to set everything straight.

If you look up posts about the Future Trunks arc on Reddit, chances are you'll see Terez27 in each post at least once. They were everywhere. Too bad not everyone uses Reddit and don't know about this wonderful person.

I'm serious. They were the person who helped me understand everything. To be honest, basically all of the information I used in this show comes from them. Thank you so much. I really do wish more people knew about you.

I also want to let everyone know who's been suffering through the virus that my heart goes out to you all. Same with the protesters and the black community. Racism is evil and disgusting and I hope we can live in a world where it's gone. I support you all 100 percent. BlackLivesMatter.

As always, until the next show, D.F.T.B.A. (Don't Forget To Be Awesome!) Have an awesome day!