As the Zeta's attention fixated on Rachel, the young girl found herself caught in the mecha's inscrutable gaze. Despite her empathic abilities, Rachel couldn't glean even a whisper of emotion or intent from the colossal machine before her. The assembled heroes and villains stood frozen in anticipation, the weight of the alien entity's earlier words—reducing them to mere insects in the cosmic order—hanging heavy in the air. The fate of Earth, the Thanagarians, and perhaps the entire universe now teetered on the edge of a knife, awaiting the inscrutable decisions of this enigmatic being from beyond the stars.
Just then the Zeta gently brought Rachel, cradled in its palm, level with its cockpit hatch. With a soft hiss, the hatch slid open—an unspoken invitation that needed no words. Rachel's heart pounded, a mixture of trepidation and excitement coursing through her veins. She locked eyes with the mecha's eyes one last time, took a deep breath to steel her nerves, and made her choice. With a graceful leap, Rachel plunged into the unknown with the hatch sealing behind her.
Inside the Scarlet Zeta's cockpit
The moment Rachel settled into the pilot's seat, a breathtaking 360-degree view of the battlefield appeared around her, so crisp and lifelike that the cockpit seemed to vanish, leaving her akin to be suspended in mid-air. As she examined her new surrounding, she marveled at the technology, she could see all parties on the outside, their expressions clear to the minute detail. Holographic displays showcasing data, their soft azure glow illuminating the interior with a soft glow.
But it wasn't just the visual spectacle that overwhelmed Rachel's senses. The moment she crossed the threshold, she was enveloped by a Ki so potent, it was unlike anything she had ever felt—yet it carried traces that were achingly familiar. It didn't take her long to recognize this traces as her father's Ki, richer and more concentrated than she had ever experienced, permeating every molecule of air within the cockpit. As she breathed it in, Rachel felt her fatigue melting away, replaced by a surge of power that made her feel invincible. It was as if her father's very essence now flowed through her veins, steeling her for the challenges that lay ahead.
Just as Rachel was beginning to acclimate to her extraordinary surroundings, the main console flared to life. A figure shimmered into existence before her, and Rachel felt her heart skip a beat. It was her father—or rather, a younger version of him. The holographic teenager stood proudly in sleek armor, his wild red hair a stark contrast to the cool blues of the cockpit's displays.
"Welcome, princess," the figure said, his voice a perfect echo of her father's, yet tinged with an eerie, otherworldly quality. "I am Z9, an AI created by my partner - your father. I am responsible for this Scarlet Zeta unit's functions and support during battles."
Rachel took a deep breath, as her mind processed this new development. "Hello... Z9," she managed, her voice steadier than she felt. "You really do look like Father, just... younger. But if he created you, does that mean you're not a S.A.G.E AI? And... why do I feel emotions from you?" The moment their eyes met, Rachel felt a pressure she had only experienced during her father's most intense moments of cultivation. Beneath that pressure, she sensed a mix of profound sadness and something darker—wrath.
Z9's expression remained unchanged, his voice carrying the weight of countless battles as he continued, "Indeed, princess. My partner made me from the ground up, distinct from the central command S.A.G.E AI. I was meant to be his sword, his partner in battle. But during the Android War, I became something more. In a moment of transcendence, when your father shattered his own limitations, he and I became one. As such, princess, I am both his sword and a part of him."
Z9's next words, though delivered with the same stoic expression, carried a chilling warning that made the air in the cockpit grow heavy. "I must be clear, princess. Unlike the S.A.G.E-based AIs loyal to the House of Gula, my allegiance is solely to your father. Though I've acknowledged you, should you or your mother ever betray him..." The AI's eyes flashed, and the temperature in the cockpit plummeted—a stark reminder of the unfathomable power at its command. "I will be the last thing you see."
The weight of Z9's words hung in the air, a palpable tension filling the cockpit. Rachel felt a chill run down her spine, but also a surge of respect for the AI's unwavering loyalty. She was reminded of her grandmother's words, 'For the two of us, it represented his sadness over lost lives, his pain of not being strong enough, his grief from losing connections in the lower realms decimated by the androids, his wrath against the androids for starting that senseless war, and finally, it is his will of vengeance personified.'
Now, hearing that her father and the suit had once fused and become one, the pieces started to fall into place. The sadness and wrath she was feeling from the AI were echoes of her father's own emotions, preserved and amplified within this digital consciousness. Rachel's countenance hardened, her eyes igniting with rings of dark magic fire, a testament to her own power and resolve, as she spoke, "That will never happen, Z9. My father rescued me from my darkness. He is my light, my rock. He gave me a family, a home to return to, despite knowing my past and origins, despite me not carrying his blood. He gave me unconditional love when I thought I deserved none. I would die before betraying him, and I know my mother feels the same. I have felt their connection, their unbreakable bond. They love each other with a depth that transcends realms. Trust me when I say this: betrayal is not just out of the question - it's inconceivable."
As Rachel's words faded, the cockpit hummed with an energy that seemed to resonate with her declaration. For a moment, she thought she saw a flicker of something - approval, perhaps? - in Z9's eyes.
Z9 regarded her silently for a long moment, its expression inscrutable. Then, with a slight nod, it spoke, its tone marginally warmer than before. "We shall see, young one. For now, you have my acknowledgment. But understand this - the legacy you carry comes with responsibilities beyond measure. Your father's journey..." The AI paused, its expression clouding over with what could only be described as digital sorrow. "It has been one of unimaginable sacrifice and pain. The Android War..." Another pause, heavier this time. "It changed everything. It changed him."
Rachel leaned forward, her curiosity piqued, her heart racing. "The Android War... Father never speaks of it, save for its name. What I know, I learned from grandmother's soul fragment. Please, Z9, what happened? How did it change him - and you?"
Z9's expression turned grave, its eyes seeming to bore into Rachel's very soul. "Child, trust me when I say this - you don't want to know. And I know with certainty that your father would never want you to know. The lives lost, the powers that clashed, what your father and the crew endured... it's beyond your comprehension." The AI's voice softened, taking on an almost paternal tone. "Promise me, Rachel. Promise me you won't dig into this before your father is ready to open up on his own. He carries a mindset similar to his own father's - no father wants their child to see them weak and... broken."
Hearing those words, she opened her mouth to protest, to insist on knowing more, but something in the AI's expression made her pause. Instead, she nodded slowly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I... I promise, Z9. But one day, I hope he'll trust me enough to share that burden."
Z9's expression softened, as it continued,"Trust me, child, I await that day more than you know." The AI's gaze then shifted, focusing on Diana on the battlefield. Rachel followed its line of sight, her heart swelling with warmth as she saw her mother's determined stance, ready to face even the mighty Zeta to rescue her daughter.
Z9 nodded, a hint of approval in its gesture. "Your mother's actions speak volumes, princess. She truly considers herself your mother, willing to face certain death for the mere hope of getting you back. However..." The AI paused, its tone growing serious. "This alone is not enough to win my full acknowledgment."
Rachel's brow furrowed, a mix of confusion and concern etching across her face. "Z9, what are you up to?" she asked, her eyes darting between the displays showing her mother and the inscrutable AI.
"Princess," Z9 said, its voice resonating with a gravity that sent a chill down Rachel's spine, "while you've earned my acknowledgment, your mother still faces a crucial test."
Rachel's eyes widened in alarm. "No!" she exclaimed, her voice echoing in the cockpit. "I've already told you how she feels! Isn't that enough? Z9, please, you must trust in her love for Dad. There's no need for—"
Z9 raised a hand, gently but firmly silencing Rachel's protests. "When it comes to a life partner, especially in the higher realms, things aren't so simple," the AI explained, its tone softening. "Marriage there is sacred, eternal. But here..." Z9 paused, a hint of sadness coloring its voice. "I've analyzed the data from this world. The attitude towards marriage here is... deeply concerning."
The AI continued, painting a vivid contrast between the higher realms and Earth. "In the higher realms, even those with multiple spouses stand united through all trials. Partners complete and balance each other. Even in death, they remain connected, often reincarnating to find each other again. But here? Marriage has become disposable, a temporary arrangement easily discarded."
Z9's gaze intensified, its words tinged with disapproval. "Greed and ego corrupt what should be sacred. While separations occur in the higher realms, they're exceedingly rare. Couples there persevere, working through their issues. The divorce rates in this world... they're a testament to how little value is placed on true partnership."
The AI's expression softened as it regarded Rachel. "I understand your mother's past and her connection with my partner. But I can't overlook her origins. Zeus, her father, and that pantheon of so-called gods... their behavior is utterly reprehensible."
Z9 paused, choosing its next words carefully. "Princess, there's something you should know. In the higher realms, women of extraordinary beauty and power would gladly be your father's consort, let alone his main wife. Even among his childhood friends of equal royal standing, many harbored desires to marry him."
The AI's voice took on an almost whimsical tone as it recounted an incredible tale. "Once, a princess from his group of seven close friends attempted to kidnap your father and four other boys, intending to elope with all of them secretly. Empress Gula was so enraged, she nearly ignited a war between realms. The Saiyan God, Vampire Primordial Queen, the princess's mother, King of the Demiplanes, and the Overlord of Death all mobilized to thwart the blood realm princess before she could complete the ceremony. In the higher realms, marriage, especially between royals from different realms, is no trivial matter."
Rachel listened, wide-eyed and slack-jawed, as Z9 concluded the tale. "Your father and the other boys were rescued, and the blood princess faced reprimand. Yet, such was the strength of their friendship that the boys ultimately forgave her, still viewing her as their big sister within the group." Z9 added with a hint of amusement, "Though they wisely refrained from ever sampling her concoctions again."
The AI's tone grew serious once more. "Believe me, princess, it's far better for your mother to face my test now than to falter before those who covet her position. If she fails to stand her ground... she'll have no standing among the royals, and other women will vie for the position of main wife. However, once she completes this trial, any challenges she might face in the higher realms will seem trivial in comparison."
Rachel absorbed Z9's words, feeling their weight settle over her. After a moment of contemplation, she nodded solemnly. "I... I understand," she whispered. Then, squaring her shoulders, she added with renewed determination, "Alright, Z9. But promise me one thing - my mother won't die during this test."
Z9 regarded her for a long moment before responding, "You have my word, princess. She will not perish."
Despite the AI's assurance, a flicker of doubt still lingered in Rachel's heart. But what choice did she have? With a resigned sigh, she said, "Fine, let's proceed." Then, unable to suppress her curiosity, she added with a hint of her usual spark, "Oh, and Z9? I want that full story about my father's kidnapping adventure later. Every. Single. Detail."
Z9's expression shifted, a mix of surprise and amusement flickering across its digital features. "You truly are a daughter of Orach," it said, a smile creeping into its voice. Rachel couldn't help but grin in response.
As Rachel braced herself for what was to come, the scene outside the Zeta began to shift dramatically.
Gobi Desert
From her position on the rapidly transforming battlefield, Diana watched with mounting concern as her daughter vanished into the colossal mecha suit. 'Be careful, Rachel,' she thought, her maternal instincts screaming at her to intervene.
"Di... Wonder Woman," Cheetah's voice cut through her worried thoughts. "Are you certain about letting her enter that... thing?"
Diana gritted her teeth, frustration and helplessness warring within her. "What choice do I have, Cheetah? That's her father's sword. There's no way I could stop her, even if I wanted to." Her voice softened, tinged with pride, "Besides, she's her father's daughter. She's far stronger than we realize."
As the words left her lips, Diana's eyes widened as she saw the Mecha's gaze shift towards her, its eyes flashing momentarily. Suddenly, a line of text materialized before them all, incomprehensible to most. However, having spent time with Orach, Diana recognized the script as Saiyan.
The crowd grew uneasy, unable to decipher the alien text. But then, to Diana's surprise, the necklace terminal she wore began to glow. Her eyes shimmered, and the script before her morphed, appearing as if written in English. This was unprecedented - the terminal had never before aided her in reading Saiyan script. She had assumed she would need to learn her future husband's native language, an prospect she had actually looked forward to. But given the current predicament, she appreciated the necklace's unexpected assistance.
"Greetings, Diana of Earth. I am Z9, the AI created by my partner - the one you call husband. I oversee this Scarlet Zeta unit's functions and battle support. I am both his sword and an extension of his being." As understanding dawned on Diana, her expression shifted from confusion to seriousness. She nodded in acknowledgment, relaxing her posture slightly while remaining vigilant.
Taking a deep breath, she replied, "Greetings, Z9. As you seem to know, I am Diana Prince, Princess of Themyscira and your pilot's - or rather, your partner's - future wife."
Wonder Woman's open declaration of her relationship with the higher realm alien sent shockwaves through the onlookers. Unbeknownst to most present, save for the distant war correspondents, Mother2, under Z9's control, had tapped into all communications and was broadcasting a live feed from every available camera on the battlefield. Around the world, people watched in wide-eyed astonishment. Some were utterly shocked, jaws slack, while others felt their hearts shatter like glass. Wonder Woman had always been an unattainable goddess in their eyes. The revelation that she was betrothed to someone shook them to their core. Yet, many marveled at Wonder Woman's ability to communicate with the mechanical being, while they remained baffled by the alien script.
The Zeta's eyes flashed once more, and another set of text materialized before them all. "Tell me, future mistress," it read, "if we left it to you, what would you do with the Thanagarians?"
Diana contemplated her response carefully, aware of the weight her words carried. "The Thanagarians will face justice for their actions," she stated firmly. "They'll be held accountable for the lives lost and the destruction caused. However, as an Amazon and a defender of Earth, I believe in fair trials and rehabilitation where possible."
The Zeta's eyes flashed, and new text appeared: "Justice? Rehabilitation? For those who sought to destroy your world? Your compassion is admirable, but potentially misplaced."
Diana stood her ground, her voice unwavering. "It's not just compassion, Z9. It's about upholding the principles we fight for. While I won't hesitate to end my enemies if I must, I also believe that if we respond to their aggression with unbridled vengeance, how are we any better?"
The mecha's eyes flashed once more, its next words appearing with sharp intensity: "Principles? While you may care about principles, what about those who suffered by their hands? What about those who lost their loved ones? Right now, you stand safe because the might of the Great Saiyan empire lent you a hand and destroyed the incoming armada, which had one clear objective—to destroy your world in the name of their war. Tell me, oh future mistress of the house of Gula, how would you and your friends have fared against that when you faced a desperate struggle with just an advance party? While given your powers and those terminals, you and the little princess, Rachel, would have survived, you would have watched the world around you burn. How would your principles serve you then? Having principles is a must, for they separate intelligent life from beasts, but your current principles are naive and not something an empress would uphold. Didn't you promise Gula you would become an empress worthy enough to stand by my partner's side?"
Diana's eyes widened as she absorbed Z9's words, feeling the weight of the challenge before her. She took a deep breath, steadying herself before responding.
"You're right, Z9. I did promise Gula I would become an empress worthy of standing by your partner's side. But I promised her I would become one in my own right, and being an empress doesn't mean abandoning one's principles. It means adapting them to face greater challenges."
She paused, her gaze unwavering as she faced the imposing mecha. "Yes, we stand safe now because of the Saiyan empire's intervention, and for that, as one of Earth's champions, you have our gratitude. And you're correct—our struggle against the advance party was desperate. But that doesn't negate the importance of justice and rehabilitation."
"An empress must consider not just immediate threats, but long-term consequences. Unbridled vengeance might satisfy our anger now, but it could sow the seeds for future conflicts. True strength lies in breaking cycles of violence, not perpetuating them."
Diana's voice grew stronger, infused with the wisdom of her Amazon heritage and her experiences as a hero of Earth. "As for those who suffered and lost loved ones, justice serves them better than mere revenge. It acknowledges their pain and works to prevent such tragedies in the future."
She gestured towards the defeated Thanagarians. "By showing mercy and offering a chance for rehabilitation, we open the possibility for change. Some may never take that chance, and for them, we have a separate isolated space to act as a prison from which there is no escape. But for those who do change, we turn enemies into potential allies. That's not naivety—it's strategic foresight."
Diana stood tall, her presence commanding despite the otherworldly display of power before her. "An empress worthy of the house of Gula should be able to balance ruthlessness with mercy, strength with compassion. I know, understand, and accept what you represent, but if my husband is ruthless, then I, his other half, shall be his mercy and compassion that will bring balance to his existence. These aren't weaknesses, Z9. They're the foundations of lasting peace and prosperity across realms. Isn't that what the Saiyan race stands for?"
Hearing these words, Zeta's eyes flashed once more as Z9 inside the cockpit became visibly stunned. Rachel felt like she should start carrying popcorn in her dimensional pocket of her terminal. She was both proud of her mother's resolve and convictions but also amused at Z9's reactions.
Z9's eyes flashed and his expression became cold as another set of words materialized in front of Zeta: "Interesting. Very interesting. Let's see if you are capable of it."
As Diana comprehended Z9's words, a foreboding feeling washed over her. She braced herself as the world around them began to shift dramatically. The Mecha's eyes blazed with an otherworldly light, and seams throughout its armor parted, revealing a pulsating inner frame. Its emerald crystal wings extended outwards, radiating energy. Green particles erupted from the mecha like a fountain, spreading across the region and slowly morphing to a deep crimson. The sky itself took on a blood-red hue, casting an eerie glow that made the hovering mecha appear even more ominous and intimidating.
"You claim to be his partner, his wife, his mercy, his compassion, and his balance," Z9's words blazed in the air, each syllable charged with challenge. "Now, prove your worth."
The mecha's arms extended forward, palms converging. Crimson particles swirled and coalesced between them, forming a pulsating sphere. Within its depths, a silhouette began to take shape, growing more distinct with each passing moment.
"Behold," Z9 continued, its words materializing before them, "a glimpse of what he became in the crucible of the Android war, and what he may yet become. This echo—a mere fraction of his true power—is all I dare manifest in this lower realm without risking its destruction. This is his fury incarnate, his rage unbound. Your task, Diana of Themyscira, is to quell the tempest within."
Diana's eyes widened as the figure emerged from the sphere. Her breath caught in her throat at the sight of a man both achingly familiar and terrifyingly alien. Wild, shoulder-length black hair framed a face she knew intimately, yet his bare, chiseled torso bore unfamiliar scars. Dark blue pants hugged his powerful legs, while a black-furred tail—a detail that sent a shiver down her spine—coiled around his waist like a sentient belt. But it was his eyes that truly unnerved her, tightly closed, with two crimson lines trailing down his cheeks, resembling tears of blood frozen in time.
Every fiber of Diana's being screamed at her to retreat, her inner realm roiling with a turmoil she'd never experienced before. She watched, transfixed, as the mecha lowered its hands, allowing the figure to descend. Time seemed to stretch as he fell, his movements liquid grace despite the palpable danger he exuded.
The moment his first foot touched the sand, a miracle unfolded. Life exploded from the barren earth—lush grass, vibrant flowers, even small saplings bursting forth in a dizzying display of creation. But as his other foot made contact, the newly birthed paradise withered and died, crumbling to ash in the span of a heartbeat.
A collective gasp rose from the onlookers. Diana felt her heart race, the gravity of the situation settling over her like a lead weight. This "echo," as Z9 had called it, was more than just dangerous—it was a force of nature, creation and destruction personified. And now, she was being asked to tame it.
Steeling herself, Diana took a deep breath. She had faced gods and monsters before, but this... this was different. This was personal.
"Wonder Woman, what's happening? Is that... Orach?" Batman's voice cut through the chaos, his usual stoic tone tinged with a rare note of alarm.
Diana's reply came as a whisper, her eyes fixed on the figure before them. "It's... an echo of Orach. The AI within Scarlet Zeta, Z9, has manifested this as a test. I'm to calm this echo."
Cheetah's voice rang out, confusion evident. "Calm it? What does that even mean?"
Diana took a deep breath, her voice steadying as she explained. "This echo represents Orach during the darkest days of a war that shaped him into the man we know today. It's a fragment of his past, brimming with anger and devoid of mercy."
As if responding to her words, the echo's eyes snapped open. Crimson orbs blazed with an inner fire, seeming to burn through reality itself. The very ground beneath its feet fractured, waves of raw energy pulsing outward. Gods, celestials, demons, and Earth's mightiest champions alike buckled under the pressure, forced to their knees.
Diana, her form radiating with the pinkish glow of her Super Saiyan Blackberry transformation, stood firm. She had tapped into her God Ki, allowing her to withstand the overwhelming aura. Yet, as she gazed into those burning eyes, she saw only an abyss of crimson - a heart stripped of all emotion save for rage. The enormity of her task struck her then, leaving her momentarily at a loss.
"Sister!" Ares' voice, usually so confident, now rang with desperation. Diana turned, shocked to see the God of War on his knees, gasping for breath. "Listen to me... be... be very careful. I sense war radiating from that man... war on a scale I can't even begin to comprehend. He's not just dangerous... he's cataclysmic!"
The gravity of the situation crystallized in that moment. If Ares, the very embodiment of conflict, was reduced to this state, what hope did they have?
Before Diana could process this revelation, her heightened senses failed her. In a blur of motion beyond even her perception, the echo materialized before her. Fingers like steel cables closed around her throat, lifting her effortlessly from the ground. Diana gasped, her godly strength proving futile against this grip. She found herself staring into those crimson eyes, now mere inches from her own. There was no recognition there, no mercy - only an inferno of unrestrained power.
As the pressure on her throat increased, Diana realized the true nature of her challenge. This wasn't a battle to be won with fists or weapons. To reach Orach, to calm this storm of rage and pain, she would need to dig deeper than she ever had before.
"Wonder Woman!" Superman's voice thundered across the battlefield as he streaked towards them, his fist cocked back for a devastating blow. In a blur of motion that defied comprehension, Orach's free hand shot out, effortlessly catching Superman's punch. The impact sent shockwaves rippling through the air, causing the Gobi desert to quake and splinter beneath their feet, sand erupting in massive plumes.
With a casual flick of his wrist, Orach sent Earth's mightiest hero hurtling through the air. Superman's body carved a path through countless dunes before finally coming to rest miles away, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake. The ease with which Orach had dispatched Superman sent a chill of dread through the assembled heroes and gods.
Batman's voice, taut with urgency, crackled through their telepathic link. "Superman will recover. Focus on extracting Wonder Woman from the echo's grasp. Green Lanterns, your constructs might be our best shot against Orach's echo. Pool your willpower into one of you and create an attack powerful enough to at least free Diana, if not damage Orach. Flash, Hermes - coordinate and strike with everything you've got. Distract him. J'onn, any progress on a psychic connection?"
The response came in the form of Martian Manhunter's agonized cries as his psychic probe rebounded upon him with devastating force, leaving the Martian writhing on the ground, his mind reeling from the backlash.
Queen Hippolyta's voice rose above the chaos, her battle cry igniting the spirits of her Amazonian warriors. "Amazons, to arms! Protect the princess!" A hail of flaming arrows, each imbued with ancient magic, arced through the air towards Orach.
Mera, her eyes blazing with determination, raised her trident. "Atlanteans, attack!" she commanded, her troops unleashing a barrage of energy weapons in perfect synchronization with the Amazonian volley.
Orach remained motionless, his crimson eyes unflinching as the combined assault hurtled towards him. With a mere thought, he released a pulse of dark Ki that expanded outward in a perfect sphere. The incoming attacks simply ceased to exist as they touched the energy wave, leaving nothing but stunned silence in its wake.
Aquaman's voice, thick with frustration and fear, cut through the eerie quiet. "Dammit, Batman! This is beyond anything we've faced. We're out of our depth here!"
In twin blurs of motion, Flash and Hermes circled Orach, building momentum for a devastating attack. As they converged on their target, fists poised to deliver supersonic blows, Orach's movements defied logic. His free hand snatched Flash from the air, while his tail, moving with impossible precision, wrapped around Hermes' wrist. Both speedsters found themselves frozen in disbelief, their godlike speed rendered utterly meaningless.
With casual disdain, Orach flung them aside. Flash and Hermes' bodies carved deep furrows through the desert landscape before disappearing beyond the horizon.
From the rear, Queen Hera's eyes blazed with divine light as she channeled her power. Waves of golden energy washed over the injured Olympians and Earth's champions, mending wounds and reinvigorating their spirits. As the healing magic faded, it was replaced by a surge of strength that coursed through every warrior present.
"Ares!" Hera's voice rang out, a mixture of command and maternal concern. "Shake off this paralysis, my son! Diana's life hangs in the balance, and she may be our only hope against this abomination. We must free her from its grasp!"
The God of War, his face contorted in agony, struggled to rise. As he reached out with his divine senses, attempting to channel the echo's overwhelming aura of conflict, Ares found himself drowning in a maelstrom of violence beyond comprehension. He fell to his knees, clutching his head as visions of unimaginable carnage flooded his mind.
"Mother," Ares gasped, his voice raw with pain and disbelief. "The scale of destruction... the sheer magnitude of loss... it's beyond anything I've ever encountered. How can any being survive such horrors? This is impossible…impossible! We cannot hope to stand against this power... we cannot survive this!"
Hera's eyes widened at her son's words, a flicker of fear crossing her face before being replaced by steely determination. In a flash of divine light, she appeared behind Ares, her hand resting on his shoulder. As the torrent of energy and visions flowed from Ares into her, Hera's form trembled, the weight of countless battles threatening to overwhelm even her godly essence.
Gritting her teeth against the onslaught, Hera raised her staff high. Golden light erupted from its tip, washing over the assembled forces in waves of raw power. Gods and mortals alike felt their strength surge to unprecedented levels, a final, desperate gambit against the unstoppable force that was Orach's echo.
As one, they turned to face their foe. Superman, having recovered from his earlier defeat, soared high into the sky. His eyes blazed with solar fury as he unleashed a concentrated heat vision beam of unparalleled intensity. The Green Lanterns, their rings pulsing with the combined willpower of the Corps, manifested a colossal energy construct that dwarfed the battlefield. Cyborg's arm reconfigured into a cannon that hummed with barely contained power, while Blue Beetle and Starfire combined their might to create a devastating energy blasts.
As these forces converged on Orach, the air itself seemed to warp and twist under the strain.
Orach remained unmoved, his grip on Diana's throat unwavering. However, just as the attacks were about to make contact, Orach's aura flared. A dome of crimson energy exploded outward, effortlessly deflecting the incoming assaults. The heroes watched in horror as their most potent strikes dissipated like mist before the sun.
Orach's echo, drawn to Diana's God Ki, initially sought to investigate this intriguing energy. However, as the heroes repeatedly interfered, his patience wore thin. With cold determination, he decided to eliminate these nuisances.
In a blur of motion, the echo slammed Wonder Woman into the ground. As she struggled to breathe, Hercules seized the moment. Empowered by Hera's blessing, the demigod lunged forward, his legendary strength behind a devastating punch. But Orach's reflexes proved beyond their perception. His left hand effortlessly caught Hercules' fist mid-strike, leaving the son of Zeus paralyzed with shock.
What followed was a display of brutality that would haunt those present for years to come. With emotionless efficiency, Orach tore Hercules' right arm from its socket. Golden ichor sprayed across the sand as the demigod's agonized scream pierced the air. Before anyone could react, Orach's foot came down with sickening force, crushing Hercules' spine and extinguishing the life of one of mythology's greatest heroes.
A horrified silence descended upon the battlefield, broken only by the dull thud of Hercules' lifeless body hitting the ground. The death of such an iconic figure sent shockwaves through both divine and mortal ranks. As the reality of the situation sank in, a mixture of grief and fury ignited within the Greek pantheon. Their protective instincts, amplified by Hera's empowerment, erupted into a desperate, frenzied assault against this seemingly unstoppable foe.
As the chaos of battle raged around them, Cheetah seized a fleeting moment of opportunity. With lightning-fast reflexes, she darted towards Wonder Woman, who was still recovering from Orach's brutal grip. In one fluid motion, Cheetah scooped up the Amazon princess and bounded away from the epicenter of destruction.
"Diana, we need to retreat," Cheetah urged, her voice a mix of concern and urgency. "This... this version of Orach is beyond anything we've faced. He's tearing through gods like they're made of paper!"
Wonder Woman, her breath still ragged, locked eyes with her longtime friend. "No, Barbara. I... I think I know how to handle this." A spark of determination ignited in her azure gaze.
Cheetah's eyes widened in disbelief. "You have a plan? How?" She paused, then added quickly, "Whatever it is, how can I help?"
Diana's expression softened, touched by Cheetah's willingness to assist. "When I was in his grasp, looking into those eyes... I realized something. Brute force won't work against this echo of my Orach. We need to reach him, the real him beneath all that rage."
She gestured towards the carnage unfolding before them. "In this state, he'll destroy everything. But there's a connection - the God Ki within me. It's a fusion of Orach's power and my original divinity. This echo... it's from Orach's past, before he knew me. Yet it targeted me specifically. I need to use that connection."
Wonder Woman's voice grew more urgent. "I need to concentrate, to summon every ounce of God Ki within me. It might be our only chance to break through to him. Cheetah, I need you to buy me time."
Cheetah nodded, her expression grave. "I'll do what I can, Diana. But please, be swift. I don't know how long any of us can last against... that." With a final nod of understanding, Cheetah darted away to rally the remaining fighters.
Amid the chaos, Diana closed her eyes and turned her focus inward. Her consciousness shifted to her inner world—a landscape both familiar and alien. She found herself in the training grounds of Sadala's strategic division, where she had first encountered the primordial goddess. This inner world, a place she had visited countless times during her training with Raven in Azarath, now served as the battleground for her most crucial fight.
Seated cross-legged on the ground, Diana reached out with her consciousness, calling upon the new essence of her soul - the part of her intertwined with Orach. 'I need you,' she thought fiercely. 'Orach needs us. Grant me access to the true power sleeping within... to you.'
A deafening roar shook the very fabric of her inner world, causing the sky of Sadala to tremble. Diana's eyes flew open to behold a colossal figure materializing before her. The beast - no, her soul given form - stood majestic and terrifying. Its crimson eyes, so like Orach's in this moment, bore into her with ancient wisdom and raw power.
As the creature's massive index finger touched her forehead, Diana felt a surge of energy unlike anything she had experienced before. Power coursed through her veins. An ethereal, pinkish aura enveloped her, crackling with energy that made the air itself hum with potential.
Her hair, once black, began to shift and change. It flowed through shades of deep purple, reminiscent of the night sky, before settling into a brilliant cardinal pink that seemed to pulse with power. Diana knew this transformation was temporary - her body and understanding of the primordial laws were still developing, not yet ready to fully contain this level of power.
But it would have to be enough. In this moment, facing an enraged echo of the man she loved, she needed every ounce of strength to match his speed and tap into her connection with Orach.
As her transformation settled, Diana opened her eyes, now shimmering with newfound power. The battlefield around her came into sharp focus, the devastation wrought by Orach's echo more apparent than ever. With renewed determination, she prepared to confront him, hoping that the connection forged by their shared God Ki would be enough to break through the madness and calm him.
"Hold on, my love," Diana whispered as she looked at the Sadala sky. "I'm coming for you."
Outside, in the physical world, the battle had devolved into utter chaos. The Greek pantheon, driven by grief and fury over Hercules' brutal demise, hurled themselves at Orach with reckless abandon. Queen Hera had entrusted Zeus's thunderbolt to Athena, who now wielded it against the Saiyan echo. Lightning crackled through the air, the divine weapon clashing against Orach's overwhelming power.
Earth's heroes joined the fray, their efforts seeming futile against the unstoppable force before them. Superman, coordinating with the gods, found himself caught by the legs and hurled into the distant dunes. Starfire's energy blasts were met with casual indifference as Orach grabbed her by the hair, swinging her like a rag doll. In a horrifying display of brutality, he tore the scarab from Blue Beetle's back, leaving the young hero broken and defeated.
The Flash, zipping around and hurling lightning, was caught off-guard as Orach suddenly appeared before him. A single, contemptuous slap sent the speedster crashing into the sand. But Orach wasn't finished, he stomped on the Flash's legs, the sound of shattering bones drowned out by agonized screams.
Green Lanterns poured their will into massive constructs, only to watch them shatter like glass against Orach's might. The battlefield was a symphony of destruction, each passing moment bringing new horrors and crushing any hope of victory.
As the carnage unfolded, Wonder Woman's eyes snapped open, her transformed state radiating power. She knew that time was running out. With renewed determination, she prepared to confront the echo of Orach, hoping that the connection forged by their shared God Ki would be enough to break through the madness and save not just Earth, but the very fabric of reality itself.
Lucifer's usually composed demeanor cracked, his eyes widening in alarm as he examined the scene. "Bloody hell," he exclaimed, turning to his angelic brother. "Amenadiel, we need to interfere. Wonder Woman and Raven are our only hope of reaching the real Orach when he returns!"
Maze, ever the pragmatist, interjected, "Lucifer, even if she dies, surely Orach can't blame us? It's his echo, after all. If it kills them, we shouldn't be held responsible."
Amenadiel shook his head gravely. "I doubt that reasoning would hold, Mazikeen. It's clear these higher realm beings operate on a different level. Once we're seen as having failed or stepped out of line, I fear we'd mean little to them. Luci is right; we must save her."
A rare look of determination settled on Lucifer's face. "Glad we're in agreement, brother. Shall we?" With a shared nod, both celestial beings unfurled their magnificent wings, preparing to enter the fray.
Maze let out a long-suffering sigh. "I really want to want to go back home." Despite her complaints, she wrapped her arms around Lucifer's neck, allowing him to secure her by the waist. With a powerful beat of their wings, the unlikely trio took to the sky, streaking towards the epicenter of the battle.
As they approached their target, Lucifer released Maze, allowing her to descend silently into position. The celestial brothers shared a knowing glance before diverging, each intent on flanking Orach's echo. Their strategy, while audacious, hinged on the element of surprise - a commodity in short supply against such a formidable opponent.
Lucifer and Amenadiel struck simultaneously. For a heartbeat, it seemed their gambit might succeed. But Orach's echo moved with inhuman speed, effortlessly catching Amenadiel's spear in one hand and Lucifer's fist in the other. The brothers found themselves immobilized, their considerable strength rendered inconsequential against this cosmic force.
Seizing the moment of apparent distraction, Maze launched her assault. With deadly grace, Hell's finest torturer vaulted towards Orach's exposed back, her demon blades at the ready. But even as she committed to the strike, a chill of realization swept through her. Orach's senses had already detected her incoming attack.
With inhuman speed, Orach's tail struck. Maze felt a searing pain as it pierced her abdomen, stopping her mid-attack. Suspended in disbelief, she watched dark blood spill from her lips. The realization hit her harder than the blow - Mazikeen, Hell's fiercest demon, had been bested in an instant. Her world faded to black as the impossible became reality.
"MAZIKEEN!" Lucifer's voice shattered the air, a primal roar of anguish and fury. But his moment of distraction cost him dearly. With a flick of his tail, Orach sent Maze's limp form sailing through the air, discarded like a broken doll.
Before Lucifer could react, Orach's hands shot out, impossibly fast. He seized the celestial brothers, their divine power rendered useless in his grip. With terrifying ease, he slammed them together. The impact echoed across the desert, a thunderous collision of celestial might that sent tremors through the very earth.
As the dust settled, revealing Lucifer and Amenadiel's battered forms, the true horror of their situation became clear. This was no mere battle - it was the prelude to annihilation. Hell's sovereign, Heaven's mightiest, and Earth's greatest defenders lay broken and defeated. Unless a miracle intervened, Orach's echo would reduce their world to cinders, an apocalypse brought forth by a being that defied comprehension.
Amidst the chaos, Diana's eyes flashed open, her form now enveloped in a soft, pulsating pink aura. Time was of the essence, and she knew it. With unwavering resolve etched on her features, Wonder Woman ascended, her transformation complete. Her hair, now a shimmering cardinal pink, marked her as a warrior of unprecedented power - a Super Saiyan unlike any before.
As she soared towards the heart of the battle, Diana's thoughts raced. Silently invoking her connection with Orach.
"Orach!" Diana's voice thundered across the battlefield, a clarion call that silenced the chaos. All eyes turned to Wonder Woman, her form radiant with newfound power as she materialized near the echo of Orach.
The echo pivoted, his crimson gaze locking onto Diana's transformed state. A flicker of recognition passed across his face, quickly buried beneath layers of rage. Sensing the familiar yet alien Saiyan nature of her aura, he unleashed his own God Ki, a tempest of raw power that clashed against Diana's pink radiance.
Diana felt herself being pushed back, her feet carving furrows in the sand. But she refused to yield. Gritting her teeth, she channeled every ounce of her newfound God Ki into her stance, into her words. "I know you don't recognize me," she began, her voice steady despite the maelstrom surrounding them. "But I see you, Orach. Not just this echo of pain and fury, but the man beneath - the man you're destined to become."
With each word, Diana took a step forward, fighting against the overwhelming pressure of Orach's aura. "I carry a piece of you within me," she continued, her voice growing stronger. "A fragment of the you that exists beyond this moment of anguish. Can you feel it, Orach? Can you sense the connection that binds us?"
As she spoke, Diana extended her hand, palm up, an offering of peace amidst the storm of violence. The battlefield held its collective breath, the air thick with tension as the echo of Orach stared at her outstretched hand.
"You've known war and loss," Diana's voice softened, filled with empathy. "While I can't fathom the full weight of your pain, I understand the agony of losing those you swore to protect, the helplessness, the feeling of not being strong enough. But there's more to our existence. Remember the time before the war—your parents, your world, your alliance. There's love, Orach. There's hope. And in your future, you find both—with me."
For a heartbeat, nothing happened. Then, almost imperceptibly, the crimson in Orach's eyes began to flicker. The aura of destruction surrounding him wavered, like a flame caught in a sudden breeze.
Encouraged by this subtle shift, Diana took another step forward. "Let me show you," she whispered, her hand still extended. "Let me show you the future that awaits if you can find the strength to move beyond this pain."
As Diana's words hung in the air, an eerie silence fell over the battlefield. All eyes were fixed on the interaction between Wonder Woman and the echo of Orach, the tension palpable as everyone waited to see if Diana's gambit would pay off.
Slowly, as if fighting against an invisible force, Orach's hand began to move. The gods tensed, ready for another attack, but Diana remained steadfast, her faith unwavering. As Orach's fingers neared hers, the pink aura of her God Ki intensified, reaching out to meet his touch.
The moment their hands connected, a blinding flash of light engulfed them both. When it faded, Orach stood frozen, his eyes wide with an emotion that defied description. The crimson rage was gone, replaced by a swirling maelstrom of confusion, pain, and a glimmer of something that might have been hope.
"That's it," Diana murmured, gently clasping his hand. "Feel it, Orach. See the moments that await you beyond this shadow of your past. Look into my memories. See what's waiting for you on Earth. Come back to me."
As the echo of Orach grappled with this new reality, the air around them began to shimmer. The God Ki that Diana had channeled was creating a bridge between past and present, allowing the echo to glimpse fragments of a future it had never known.
But to Diana's surprise, this connection was a two-way street. As Orach's echo viewed the future through her memories, she found herself plunged into his past. A blinding flash of light engulfed her consciousness, and when it faded, Diana found herself adrift in the vastness of space.
What she saw left her breathless. Before her unfolded a scene of unimaginable beauty and horrific destruction. Planets burned, some frozen in the moment of their annihilation. At the center of this cosmic carnage, two colossal beings were locked in combat, the scene frozen in a single, terrible moment.
One figure wore an expression of shock, caught off-guard by its opponent - a silhouette wreathed in swirling, primordial chaos that illuminated the entire sector of space. As Diana's gaze focused, she realized that the silhouette resembled the Zeta mecha, but damaged almost beyond recognition. It was missing a leg and an arm, its armor covered with glowing crystals. With its remaining arm, it was unleashing a devastating sword strike against its foe.
But what truly shook Diana to her core, what made her blood run cold with primal fear, was what emerged from the cosmic storm surrounding the Zeta. From its back rose nine colossal dragon heads, their eyes glowing with malevolent red light as they fixed their gaze upon their enemy.
As Diana struggled to comprehend the sheer scale of the destruction and power before her, she was suddenly overwhelmed by a tidal wave of emotions that were not her own. Rage, despair, and an unyielding determination crashed over her, threatening to sweep her away.
Then came the voices - echoes of final words spoken by Orach's fallen comrades. Each voice resonated with a unique blend of emotions, painting a vivid tapestry of sacrifice, hope, and unwavering loyalty.
'Young master, live! You hear me, live! The higher realms need more kind souls like you. Live on, for the sake of those who can't.'
'My dearest Orach, as your maid and mentor, watching you grow has been the greatest joy of my life. This war may reshape you, but I implore you—preserve that gentle heart of yours, even if your hands must learn to be ruthless.'
'Listen up, kid! This is my last order as your captain. End this damn war, put these bastards in the ground, and then you better live a long, full life. That's an order!'
'Young master... my realm may be gone, but I harbor no ill will. Just promise me you'll stop this madness. Be the hero I know you are.'
'Hey, Orach... remember all those wild adventures we shared? All the lives we touched along the way? Keep that spirit burning bright, my friend. Never stop exploring, growing, evolving beyond our cultivation. Become something extraordinary—something none of us could have ever dreamed of.'
'Orach, my brother died in your arms, and now my world is ash. But you - you're still breathing. So live, damn it! Live and make sure my brother's sacrifice wasn't in vain.'
'In this ruthless cultivator's world, your compassion shines like a star. Be that guiding light for the lower realms, Orach. Show them that even in darkness, kindness can prevail.'
'I've witnessed the true extent of your power when you pilot the Zeta, Orach. Use it one last time. End this monster, end this war. Let your light blaze a trail for those still fighting in the shadows. Make our sacrifices mean something.'
As each voice faded, their words etched themselves into Diana's heart, giving her a profound understanding of the weight Orach carried. These weren't just comrades; they were family, each leaving behind a piece of themselves, their hopes and dreams, all entrusted to Orach's care.
Suddenly the vision shifted. Diana was pulled back to the present, her hand still clasped with Orach's echo. The battlefield around them seemed to have faded into the background, as if time itself had slowed to witness this pivotal moment.
"I see you now, Orach," Diana whispered, her voice trembling with newfound understanding. Tears streaked her cheeks as she gazed into his crimson eyes. "Your pain, your battles, the crushing weight you've carried all this time. But I also see your incredible strength, your kindness hidden beneath layers of necessary detachment, and your indomitable will. You've honored their memory, lived up to their hopes. Now, it's time for the next chapter—one of healing, of finding peace, of building a future that would make them proud. Are you ready to take that step forward, with me by your side?"
Orach's echo, still frozen in place, began to tremble. His eyes, no longer crimson but swirling with a mix of emotions, locked onto Diana's. In that moment, she understood - he had seen glimpses of their shared future, just as she had glimpsed his past.
"You... you're real," Orach's echo spoke, his voice a hoarse whisper. "You're from a future I never thought possible."
Diana nodded, her grip on his hand tightening reassuringly. "Yes, Orach. I am. And that future is still waiting for you. For us. But first, we need to end this conflict."
The echo of Orach looked around, seeming to truly see the destruction he had caused for the first time. The bodies of fallen gods and heroes littered the battlefield, a testament to the devastating power he had unleashed in his rage.
"I... I didn't mean for this," he said, his voice filled with regret. "I was lost in my pain, in my anger. I couldn't see beyond it."
"I know," Diana replied softly. "But you can choose differently now. You can be more than your pain, Orach. You can be the hero I know you'll become."
As these words left Diana's lips, the air around them began to shimmer once more. The echo of Orach started to fade, his form becoming translucent. But before he disappeared entirely, he looked at Diana one last time, a hint of a smile on his face.
"Thank you," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "For showing me that there's more... that there can be more."
With those final words, the echo vanished completely, leaving Diana standing alone in the center of a vortex of crimson particles. These particles then spread across the region, healing all wounds and even reviving those who had fallen. The oppressive aura that had permeated the air dissipated, replaced by an almost tangible sense of relief.
As the dust settled, the gods and heroes cautiously approached Wonder Woman. Superman was the first to reach her side, his expression a mix of awe and concern.
"Diana," he began, "what just happened? How did you...?"
Wonder Woman turned to face her allies, her eyes still glowing with the remnants of her God Ki. "I reached him," she said simply.
As the reality of what had just occurred began to settle in, the Scarlet Zeta mecha's eyes shone one last time before it started its descent. The wings folded back, and its armor shifted, returning to its original state. The ominous crimson particles that had filled the air moments ago now transformed into a soothing green, dissipating the blood-red sky and revealing a clear, tranquil expanse above.
The Zeta mecha touched down on the desert surface, its mechanical voice carrying a hint of approval as it announced, "Trial successfully completed."
In an instant, Raven materialized beside Diana, concern etched on her face. "Wonder Woman! Mom, are you alright?" she whispered urgently.
Diana's lips curved into a reassuring smile. "I'm fine, Raven. I... experienced something profound. We'll discuss it later." Her gaze then lifted to meet the Zeta's glowing eyes. "Thank you," she said, her voice filled with genuine gratitude.
The Zeta's eyes pulsed with an increased brightness. "Gratitude? Unexpected. You witnessed something significant, didn't you?" its voice resonated with curiosity.
Diana nodded solemnly. "I saw the moment that defined him—Orach's pivotal battle. I heard the voices of those he lost. Thank you for standing by his side, for saving him. Without you, our paths might never have crossed."
The Zeta's eyes shone brilliantly as Z9's voice filled the air. "Diana of Earth, your ability to witness that moment proves your worth. I hereby acknowledge you as the future mistress of House Gula."