As Z9 concluded its announcement, a tense silence fell over the gathered heroes. The ordeal of facing an enraged Orach had left them drained, both physically and mentally. Some of the younger heroes, still shaken from their brush with death and subsequent revival, struggled to regain their composure.
Suddenly, Superman's voice cut through the quiet, his words sharp with indignation. "A test? You unleashed that... that thing on us for a test? What kind of protectors of life are you? Hypocrites, all of you!"
His outburst sent a ripple of fear through the assembled heroes. Those watching from afar held their breath, some even daring to scold the Man of Steel through their communications channels. The fragile peace that had settled after the Zeta's test now teetered on the edge of collapse.
In response to Superman's words, the Zeta's eyes blazed with an otherworldly light. Simultaneously, the eyes of the projected figure from the looming ship above intensified, focusing on the Kryptonian with laser-like precision. The air crackled with tension, the threat of Saiyan wrath hanging heavy over them all.
Before the situation could escalate further, Wonder Woman's necklace terminal pulsed with a brilliant light. In an instant, another colossal figure materialized before them - Mother2. Unlike her usual calm demeanor, she now exuded an aura of cold authority, her fiery red hair framing a face set in stern judgment as she gazed upon Superman from her majestic throne.
Diana and Rachel exchanged worried glances, acutely aware of the gravity of the situation. Superman had managed to provoke all three Saiyan AIs of the House of Gula simultaneously—a dangerous feat. While they understood his frustration, they also felt a surge of anger at his words about Orach's race. At the same time, they recognized the precarious nature of their current position. After everything Earth's defenders had endured, all they wanted was to bring this ordeal to a close, deal with the remaining Thanagarian threat, and finally rest.
Z9's voice cut through the silence, cold and filled with barely contained fury. "You dare, ant? You, whose very existence hinges on the mercy of my partner, presume to pass judgment on one of the most revered races in the higher realms?"
The AI continued, its voice resonating with the weight of eons. "The Saiyans have stood as guardians of life and its infinite possibilities for longer than your entire lower realm has existed. We've faced threats beyond your comprehension, protected countless civilizations without seeking gratitude or recognition. We do this because we believe in the sanctity and potential of life itself. It is precisely because of this commitment that we, as cultivators, do not tolerate our prestige being questioned by lower realm beings such as yourself. Those who dare to do so forfeit their right to our protection."
Z9's tone grew even colder as it delved into history. "You've heard of the Tuffles, correct? They were sinners who destroyed entire realms for their twisted amusement and experiments. And you, Kryptonian, are nothing more than a descendant of their failed creations – an attempted weapon against the Saiyan race. By all rights, you and anything related to you should have been eradicated. Yet here you stand, alive due to my partner's benevolence, daring to question our methods and motives."
As Z9's words hung in the air, the assembled heroes felt the weight of cosmic history bearing down upon them. Their understanding of the universe and their place in it suddenly seemed woefully inadequate.
Superman, visibly shaken but still defiant, responded, "What does ancient history have to do with me? I may be descended from those the Tuffles experimented on, but I bear no genetic markers of their tampering. How can you call me a criminal? What right do you have to say I should be exterminated?"
The projection from the colossal ship spoke, his voice eerily calm yet tinged with menace. "According to Section 5, Article 3 of the Accords, any entity even remotely connected to the Tuffles must face immediate and total eradication. This mandate extends to purging entire lower realms should a significant resurgence be detected. You, Kryptonian, are by definition a criminal under Alacrity Alliance law. This realm's continued existence hinges on two factors: its uncharted status and the young master's presence. Should he permanently depart this lower realm, and word of your existence reach the higher realms, the Alliance would not hesitate to unleash their warships' full destructive power upon this entire sector."
The revelation sent shockwaves through the gathered heroes. They had always viewed Superman as a beacon of hope and justice. Now, they were faced with the chilling reality that their champion was, in the eyes of higher realm law, a criminal.
Mother2's voice cut through the stunned silence, her tone icy. "Beyond allowing you, a Kryptonian, to live, the young master has shown his kindness by introducing technologies that benefit all of humanity and by tolerating fools amongst you. Case in point, you do remember 'Naked Luthor', don't you?"
Somewhere in Metropolis, Lex Luthor, who had been viewing the confrontation while sipping scotch, choked and sputtered at the mention of his humiliating incident.
Mother2 continued, her voice growing even colder. "The young master isn't merely a higher realm being. He's an Alliance officer, a renowned scientist, and—above all—a prince of Sadala. His prestige is beyond your comprehension, let alone your right to question. He could justifiably eradicate you all for such offenses alone, yet he's shown mercy repeatedly. Organizations on your world dare to emulate the Tuffles, experimenting with life in a misguided attempt to create weapons against my young master. Such actions violate our principles and the accords. The young master would be within his rights—nay, duty-bound—to raze your world and root out these transgressors. Instead, he extended clemency, issuing warnings and offering chances for redemption."
"Furthermore, since his arrival on this insignificant speck you call home, have your limited senses not detected your planet's improved condition?" Mother2's voice softened slightly. "Your world, once suffocating under its own pollution, now breathes easier. Each release of the young master's God Ki sends a purifying wave across your realm, mending wounds inflicted by generations of human carelessness." She paused, her gaze sweeping over the assembled heroes. "The air is cleaner, the waters are becoming clearer, the very soil beneath your feet grows more fertile. Life flourishes in ways your scientists can scarcely fathom. Yet you dare complain about a test?"
Mother2's eyes narrowed, her voice once again turning cold. "Yes, some of you perished during this trial. But do you not all stand here now, restored to life by the young master's echo? Faced with such magnanimity, such unparalleled generosity, how dare you utter words of ingratitude and accusation?"
The heroes stood frozen, the weight of Mother2's words settling over them like a suffocating shroud. While many scientists had noticed improved conditions of the world, they could never have guessed the source of the improvement was the Saiyan living in Gotham and the very being that instilled terror in them.
CLAP
A sharp clap cut through the tension. Wonder Woman stepped forward, her presence commanding attention. Her voice rang out, steady and authoritative, yet beneath her composed exterior churned a tempest of emotions: fury at Superman's reckless outburst, exasperation with Orach for his secrecy, pride in her future husband's profound impact on their world, and grave concern over the knife-edge situation they now teetered upon.
"Enough," Wonder Woman declared, her gaze settling on Superman with a cold glare that made even the Man of Steel flinch. "Superman, stand down." As Superman nodded reluctantly, she turned to the Saiyan AIs, her expression softening slightly but remaining resolute.
"You three," she addressed Mother2, Z9, and the projected figure, "I understand your anger, but I implore you to stand down for now. As the future mistress of House Gula, I need to understand more about these accords and our current situation. However, that conversation must wait. While I respect the Alacrity Alliance's laws, we must remember that Superman is Earth's defender," Wonder Woman stated firmly. "His words were ill-chosen, but we cannot ignore the impact of your test on us all. I can see why Superman reacted as he did, even if I don't agree with his words."
She turned to the Saiyan AIs, her voice softening slightly. "Orach chose to spare Superman's life. I ask that you honor that decision." Her tone became more diplomatic as she continued, "I suggest we postpone this discussion. We still need to address the Thanagarian situation, and I believe we're all eager to conclude this ordeal. When Orach returns, we can revisit these matters in depth. Can we agree to a temporary truce?"
"Not this time, mistress…"just as Mother2's cold voice was heard, it was cut off by Z9's voice,"Very well." This stunned both Mother2 and the AI of the Dauntless Class ship looming over Earth, making them go quite for they knew amongst them Z9 possessed the highest authority.
Z9's agreement brought a wave of relief to Wonder Woman. However, the AI's next words carried a chilling warning: "However, further transgressions will not be tolerated. The Saiyan Empire is now watching this world. While we'll generally refrain from interfering, any action that threatens my partner's interests will be met with extreme prejudice and swift judgement."
A collective shudder ran through the assembled heroes, but they recognized this as the best possible outcome. Wonder Woman exhaled slowly before addressing the group, "Let's move on to the Thanagarian survivors."
Her gaze fell upon the dozen or so Thanagarians, their faces etched with horror. The test, the carnage, and the display of overwhelming power had utterly broken their spirits. Hawkgirl and Hawkman clung to each other, desperation evident in their eyes, while Hro Talak stared blankly ahead, his mind struggling to process the futility of their invasion attempt.
As Hal Jordan and the Green Lanterns stepped forward, the ship's AI fixed them with a penetrating stare. It had been aware of their presence since its arrival, including the contingent hiding near Jupiter's moons. The AI's eyes narrowed, silently evaluating the Lanterns' next move.
Hal Jordan stepped forward, his voice carrying the weight of his authority as a Green Lantern. "Wonder Woman, with all due respect, this falls under the jurisdiction of the Green Lantern Corps. The Thanagarians have violated galactic law by invading a protected sector. We'll take custody of the survivors and ensure they face justice before the Guardians."
Before Wonder Woman could respond, a cold voice cut through the air. "Not so fast." All eyes turned to Raven, her expression beneath her hood was of cold fury. "I have unfinished business with Hawkgirl." There was no way she would forget the scene of Hawkgirl attacking her mother. She swore to make her pay and she was a her father's daughter, a woman of her word.
Wonder Woman and Cheetah exchanged worried glances, recognizing the dangerous edge in Rachel's tone. They had watched her grow, one as a mother and the other as an aunt figure, and they knew this wasn't just anger – there was a trace of killing intent in her voice.
Rachel's wings unfurled, a ring of dark magic fire igniting behind her. Each step she took towards the Thanagarians crackled with barely contained power. "I made a promise to myself," she said, her voice low and menacing, "on the day I watched Wonder Woman, surrounded, attacked, and captured on that Thanagarian ship. A ship she boarded in good faith for a cultural exchange." Her eyes flashed with barely contained rage. "I swore that day that I would make them pay. And I am my father's daughter – I keep my word."
Wonder Woman moved to intercept, her voice gentle but firm. "Raven, they're already defeated. We should-"
"No!" Rachel's shout echoed across the battlefield. "I'm sorry but, I won't back down from this. I swore to give them a fate worse than death, and that's exactly what I intend to do."
Hearing these words, the Saiyan AIs looked on with interest, while the heroes grew visibly alarmed. Hal quickly interjected, "Raven, please stop. They're already defeated and will face justice—"
But, before he could finish, the ship's AI spoke. Its voice carried a finality that brooked no argument. "Silence, Lantern. Only the mistress has any say in the decisions of a member of the House of Gula." The AI's attention shifted, its tone growing colder. "And don't think we've overlooked your hidden contingent on Jupiter's moon. Any further interference, and we'll treat it as an act of aggression."
Hal retreated, his expression grim. The Green Lantern contingent he had positioned near Jupiter's moons, initially meant to provide backup, had been exposed. He had hoped their covert presence would gather vital intelligence for Oa, offering the Guardians insight into the unprecedented power they now faced. But that strategy had crumbled in an instant.
The Green Lantern's mind raced, searching for a way to mitigate the damage, but he recognized the precarious nature of their position. Any misstep now could ignite a conflict they were woefully unprepared to face. With great reluctance, Hal remained silent, acutely aware that they were treading on dangerously thin ice.
Z9, having silently observed Rachel and analyzed Mother2's logs, understood the source of her rage. With a chilling smile that sent shivers down the spines of those present, he manifested as a colossal visage of a younger Orach. "Princess," he addressed Rachel, his voice blending curiosity and approval, "what precisely do you have in mind?"
Instead of answering, Rachel stepped through a ripple in space, materializing before Hawkgirl and Hawkman. Her voice dripped with contempt as she addressed Hawkgirl. "When you attacked Wonder Woman, my mother, did you ever imagine it would lead to this? Your people on their knees, your fleet in ruins, your grand invasion reduced to ashes?"
Hawkman let out a bitter laugh. "We've lost, girl. What more can you do to us? Our world will burn at the hands of the Gordanians. Your vengeance is meaningless in the face of that. Do your worst."
Rachel's skin turned red, another pair of eyes manifesting as dark flames danced at her fingertips. "You have no idea what true suffering is," she hissed. "Allow me to educate you. This flame will scorch your very soul. I wonder how long you'll last before begging for death?"
As Rachel's hand descended towards Hawkman, Wonder Woman appeared in a blur of motion, catching her wrist. "Rachel, stop! This isn't justice. They're not worth corrupting your soul over."
Conflict warred in Rachel's eyes, her resolve wavering for the first time.
Sensing an opportunity, Z9 interjected. "Princess, if I may... I have a suggestion that might satisfy your desire for retribution without compromising your principles."
Rachel turned, curiosity mingling with the anger in her eyes. "What do you mean?"
Z9 smiled as he addressed the ship's AI. "Summon Adellca. Have her bring the Soulblight leaves."
The name sent a visible shudder through the Green Lanterns present. Before anyone could question further, a ripple in space heralded the arrival of a woman clad in a form-fitting, white Saiyan battle suit. Energy pulsed along intricate channels woven into the fabric, and a cape flowed behind her, giving her an otherworldly presence.
Adellca knelt before Wonder Woman and Rachel, presenting an ornate box. "Greetings, Mistress and Princess. I am Adellca, newly sworn to the service of House Gula. I bring you the Soulblight leaves, as requested." She opened the box, revealing a collection of ominous, shimmering black leaves. "To punish a transgressor, simply place a leaf upon them."
Rachel's brow furrowed in confusion. She looked to Z9 for explanation.
The Z9 with a smile explained,"These leaves, Princess, are harvested from the Blood Realm. They grant a twisted form of immortality – eternal life, yes, but every moment filled with exquisite agony. A most fitting punishment for those who would dare harm your family, wouldn't you agree?"
Rachel's eyes widened, a mix of horror and fascination flickering across her features as she contemplated the leaves' power. In a heartbeat, her hand darted out. Manipulating the fabric of space itself, she snatched two leaves from the box. Before anyone could react, she pressed them against the foreheads of both Hawkman and Hawkgirl.
The effect was instantaneous and horrifying. The leaves seemed to liquefy, seeping into their skin like living ink. Hawkman and Hawkgirl's screams of agony pierced the air, only to be cut brutally short as their bodies began to change. Their skin cracked and split, dark tendrils erupting from within to wrap around their forms like a cocoon of torment. Bones shifted and twisted beneath their flesh, contorting into unnatural shapes.
In mere seconds, it was over. Where once stood two proud Thanagarian warriors, now there were only two grotesque statues of twisted flesh and writhing tendrils. Their eyes, the only part of them still recognizably human, darted wildly in terror, unable to even blink as they lived their worst nightmares made manifest.
The assembled heroes watched in stunned horror, many taking involuntary steps back from the nightmarish scene. Wonder Woman's face was a mask of shock and disappointment, her eyes never leaving her daughter. Hal Jordan looked as if he might be sick, his ring flickering erratically in response to his turbulent emotions.
Rachel observed the entire process with icy detachment. As the final tendril settled, she turned to Green Lantern Hal, her voice emotionless. "Do what you will with them now. I'm finished." Without awaiting a response, she grasped her mother's arm and vanished through a spatial ripple, materializing near Cheetah and the rest of the heroes.
Z9's lips curved into a smile, pride glimmering in his eyes. He recognized that the young princess wasn't merely fulfilling a promise; she was setting an example with the two Thanagarians—a chilling warning that the House of Gula was not to be crossed. With a silent nod, he directed Mother2 to terminate the global broadcast. With a smile, the ship's AI addressed Rachel, "Excellent work, Princess. You've upheld your word admirably. Let the Lanterns manage the aftermath. I propose that you and the Mistress join us aboard the ship. You can use the living quarters to rest and recover after going through this battle. Afterward, the facilities are at your disposal—vast archives of knowledge, cutting-edge training rooms, and laboratories at the forefront of scientific discovery. All these resources are available for your education, training, and growth."
Wonder Woman, ever the perceptive mother, grasped the intricacy of Rachel's actions. She comprehended her daughter's intentions but also perceived the emotional burden it had exacted, concealed beneath Rachel's composed exterior. Diana realized that Rachel might benefit from a reprieve from her peers, whose expressions now betrayed a mix of shock and discomfort when their gazes landed on the young girl. With a gentle touch on Rachel's shoulder, Wonder Woman responded to Z9, "We appreciate your invitation. We'll briefly return home to gather some essentials, then contact you for transport to the ship."
With this, the three AIs disappeared from view. The Zeta, having transformed, soared through a spatial rift back to the ship. Adellca, with a graceful bow, approached the Green Lanterns. She offered her expertise in managing the Thanagarian prisoners and volunteered to convey a crucial message to the Guardians - one that served as both an explanation of her departure from their ranks and a stern warning about the new power dynamics at play.
Diana offered Rachel a reassuring smile before bidding farewell to those assembled, expressing her gratitude for their aid in the conflict. As mother and daughter prepared to depart through Rachel's spatial ripple, the weight of Rachel's actions hung heavily in the air. The grotesque transformation of Hawkman and Hawkgirl stood as a chilling testament to the House of Gula's power and ruthlessness. The line between justice and vengeance had blurred beyond recognition, and the repercussions of this day would reverberate through the superhero community, divine pantheons, and watchful observers for years to come.
Meanwhile, within the grotesque forms of Hawkman and Hawkgirl, an eternal, silent scream persisted—a chilling reminder of the consequences of defying the House of Gula and its formidable heir. As the Green Lanterns departed with the prisoners and Adellca, the heroes, gods, and armies dispersed. The Thanagarian war had finally drawn to a close, leaving behind an ominous legacy that would echo through the ages.
The Void Realm: A Desperate Struggle
In the vast emptiness of the Void Realm, a realm bereft of known primordial laws, a lone figure fought against impossible odds. Orach, once a proud warrior, now crawled across the surface of an improbable planet, his body battered and bloodied, one leg torn away by the savage denizens of this hellish place. His destination, a mesmerizing pure white tree that stood in stark contrast to the surrounding chaos.
This realm between realms was not meant to harbor life. From the begining, it had been home only to the ravenous void beasts, entities that attacked anything foreign to their domain with ruthless efficiency. Yet here Orach found himself, on a tiny celestial body that defied all known rules of this lawless expanse.
Time lost all meaning in this realm. What seemed like eons of relentless pursuit had led Orach to this impossible sanctuary. The fearsome Void King Ghidorah—a being so terrifying that even true gods trembled at its name—had been his merciless tormentor. In a moment of nightmarish violence, Ghidorah had torn Orach's leg from his body and damaged his terminal, forcing him to put Mother Empress into preservation mode. Truly alone in this perilous realm, Orach had persevered. Now, inexplicably, upon crashing on this world, he noticed that the great beast and its lesser kin avoided this small world, as if repelled by an unseen force.
In a realm where survival without God Ki was deemed impossible, this small planet pulsed with the faintest whisper of life-sustaining energy. It was as if the universe itself had conspired to create this haven, hidden away in the most unlikely of places.
Orach's arrival on this world had been pure chance – a desperate plunge through reality as he fled from the Void King's relentless pursuit. His God Ki reserves depleted, blood flowing freely from his grievous wounds, he had crashed upon the planet's surface. As his consciousness started to slip away, his fading vision had caught a glimpse of something wondrous: a tree of purest white, its branches swaying in a non-existent breeze.
Noticing the white tree and attracted by it, Orach summoned the last vestiges of his strength. With agonizing determination, he dragged his battered body towards this impossible beacon of hope. Each movement was excruciating, but his indomitable will pushed him onward, defying the void that sought to claim him.
Throughout his harrowing ordeal, Orach's resolve had been fueled by an unwavering desire to return to his loved ones. He yearned to embrace his partner and lover, to watch his daughter grow, to be there when she needed him most. The burning questions about the war's outcome, the fate of his world, his people, and his parents drove him forward. And beneath it all, a fierce determination to grow stronger, to one day return as an unquestionable power that none could challenge.
Now, even as his body teetered on the brink of collapse, the sight of this miraculous tree ignited a spark of hope within him. If such a wonder could exist here, in this realm, perhaps there was still a chance for survival... for finding a way back home.
As Orach's fingertips finally brushed against the smooth, luminescent bark of the white tree, a surge of energy pulsed through his broken body. The branches above him rustled vigorously, as if welcoming him. In that moment, suspended between life and death, Orach surrendered to a deep slumber, his mind plunging into a vivid tapestry of memories.
His life unfolded before him in a kaleidoscope of images and emotions. Orach saw himself as a mischievous child, his pranks leaving chaos in their wake, only to face the stern yet loving reproaches of his parents and elders. He relived the warmth of their embrace, the pride in their eyes as he grew stronger. The faces of his childhood friends flashed by, their shared laughter echoing through time. Even the exasperated scoldings from powerful figures like the Primordial Vampire Queen and the King of the Demiplanes brought a bittersweet smile to his unconscious face.
The memories shifted to Frisee, his mother's trusted second-in-command. Their bond, forged through years of service under his mother, had grown unbreakable. Orach vividly recalled their grueling training sessions, each pushing the other beyond their limits. The sting of shared defeats, the wisdom gleaned from failures, and the thrill of hard-won victories—be it against his mother in training or during perilous missions—all flashed through his mind. As their journey progressed, Frisee had become more than just a comrade. She emerged as one of Orach's guiding lights, second only to his parents—a mentor, trusted confidante, and a big sister tempered in the fires of countless battles.
But then the memories darkened, plunging Orach into the horrors of the Android War. The face of Shin, the boy he couldn't save, appeared before him. Despite his failure, Shin had never blamed him, offering a smile of gratitude for the warmth, comfort, and company Orach provided in his final moments as the boy died in his arms. The image twisted, morphing into Shin's sister, her eyes filled with hatred as she fought against Orach, now a weapon of the very Androids who had taken her. The agony of that impossible choice—to break his promise to Shin or to let countless innocent worlds fall—tore through Orach anew.
The faces of his loyal squad members, now lost, flashed before him - their laughter, their courage, and their final moments etched into his soul as they fought against the True God level Android. He relived the moment when that incredible power had surged through him, the force that had ultimately destroyed the android but at such a terrible cost. The pain of their loss intertwined with the lessons learned, the strength gained, and the solemn vow he had made to honor their memory.
As Orach's consciousness drifted deeper into this sea of memories, the white tree's energy continued to flow into him. Unknown to the slumbering warrior, this miraculous tree was more than just a sanctuary - it was a nexus of possibilities, a seed of hope planted in the barren soil of the Void Realm. Its power mended his broken body, replenishing his depleted ki, and began to unlock something far greater within him.
In the depths of his healing trance, Orach's mind began to expand beyond the confines of his own experiences. The tree, sensing the true extent of the Saiyan's power straining against its chains, worked to prepare him for the challenges that lay ahead. Its energy reshaped Orach's ki pathways, reinforcing his body to withstand the impending eruption of power that his unconscious state could no longer contain.
Soon Orach's body underwent a miraculous transformation. His missing leg reformed, muscle and sinew knitting together with newfound strength. His ki reserves, once depleted, now swelled with a power he had never before experienced. And deep within his core, something new began to stir - a connection to the very fabric of the Void Realm itself.
As Orach's healing reached its final stages, the vivid tapestry of his past memories began to fade, yielding to a swirling maelstrom of potential futures. Visions flashed before his mind's eye, each more extraordinary than the last. He saw himself wielding cosmic powers that defied comprehension, standing as a bulwark against threats that made the Android War pale in comparison. Alternate realities unfurled before him, paths not taken and potential destinies that awaited, each a testament to the infinite possibilities that lay ahead.
Through this maelstrom of futures, two faces remained constant: Diana and Rachel. Their presence anchored him, a reminder of his purpose and the love that drove him forward. Yet, as these visions continued, new faces began to emerge, each one sending a jolt of surprise through Orach's consciousness.
A pair of siblings materialized—a brother and sister whose Saiyan armor bore unmistakable Amazonian aesthetics. He watched as Diana and Rachel guided them through training exercises, their movements a perfect blend of Saiyan power and Amazonian grace. The scene shifted, revealing a radiant blonde woman soaring through the skies, her form wreathed in solar energy. Twin girls followed in her wake, their flight patterns mirroring each other with uncanny precision.
The visions continued to unfold. Soon a woman appeared draped in red attire, her eyes closed in deep concentration, surrounded by a swirling maelstrom of crimson energy. Books orbited her form, seemingly caught in an invisible gravitational pull, while two mischievous boys attempted to sneak away from her watchful presence.
The final scene radiated pure joy: all these figures gathered together, alongside two who wore his parents' clothes. Children played while adults watched over them with loving smiles, their faces beaming with happiness.
As the implications of these visions sank in, a tempest of emotions surged through Orach. Confusion warred with an unexpected sense of longing, but beneath it all, a spark of anger ignited. Every child in these visions bore a Saiyan tail—the meaning unmistakable. Despite the privileges his titles afforded him, including the right to multiple partners, Orach had never entertained such thoughts. His parents' devoted love had set an unshakeable standard in his mind, one he'd never imagined surpassing. The very idea of marriage had once seemed foreign to him, let alone the concept of multiple partners. Moreover, the presence of two strangers wearing his parents' clothes could mean only one thing: his parents had passed on and entered the cycle of reincarnation.
Yet, as anger threatened to consume him, a strange calm settled over Orach's being. He focused on the genuine smiles adorning every face in the vision—especially those of Diana, Rachel, and the two figures he supposed were his reincarnated parents—and the palpable sense of love and unity that permeated the scene.
As the visions faded, Orach's consciousness stirred within his inner world. The familiar sight of his deity's smiling statue brought a momentary peace to his weary, agitated soul. Yet this tranquility proved fleeting. A startling sight jolted him: between his position and the revered statue now stood a small white tree, its roots submerged in a serene pond. The tree pulsed with an energy at once alien and oddly familiar. Bewilderment washed over Orach as he struggled to comprehend this sudden intrusion into his inner world.
But the surprises didn't end there. As Orach's gaze swept across his inner world, his expression darkened. Above, where he should have seen only the silhouette of his soul, nine colossal dragon heads loomed. Their eyes blazed with primordial power, and as one, they released a deafening roar that shook the very foundations of his being.
ROAR
The dragons' roar reverberated through Orach's inner realm, unleashing a torrent of long-sealed power. This force, dormant since the Android War, now surged through him with an intensity that threatened to once more overwhelm him. As the energy raged on, soon the small white tree reacted. A beam of pure white, radiant energy erupted from its branches, intertwining with Orach's soul in a brilliant display of light and power.
The transformation was swift. Orach's soul, manifested as a great winged silhouette, unfurled its magnificent wings. Its cloak of primordial chaos now shimmered with threads of pristine white light, creating a harmonious blend. From this empowered form, a pillar of God Ki erupted, its brilliance so intense that even the mighty dragons were forced to lower their heads.
Orach's brow furrowed as he observed the spectacle before him. "This isn't right," he mused, recalling the day he had sealed away this tremendous power. The memory of the Android War and the destruction it had wrought was still fresh in his mind. Even with the aid of his trusted mecha, Zeta, he had struggled to contain this force—a manifestation of primordial chaos that resonated deeply with him. The fear of becoming like the malevolent Saiyan God Sevich, or perhaps something even more terrifying, had compelled him to chain this power within the depths of his soul. For years, this decision had hindered his progress, leaving him stagnant in his cultivation.
Now, in the mysterious Void Realm—where his true power could only affect the enigmatic void beasts—Orach saw an opportunity. Here, he could finally understand and master this force that had both empowered and terrified him. "You're all part of me," he addressed the dragons, his voice firm. "We shouldn't be at odds."
"Balance is key, but first I must understand your natures," Orach mused. His soul, now a stabilizing force, allowed him to settle into a cross-legged position. Closing his eyes, he reached out with his consciousness to each dragon head, ready to explore the multifaceted nature of his power.
The dragons, sensing Orach's intentions, reacted with a mix of defiance and curiosity. Most snarled, releasing thunderous roars that seemed to challenge his resolve. Yet, amidst the cacophony of draconic voices, one dragon observed keenly, a hint of a smile playing across its ancient features as it welcomed Orach's probing consciousness.
As Orach's mind delved deeper into the essence of the dragons, he found himself pulled into what could only be described as an inner realm within an inner realm. The concept was mind-boggling, defying all he knew about the nature of consciousness and reality. If one dragon possessed its own inner world, it stood to reason that the others might as well. This unprecedented discovery sent a shiver of excitement and trepidation down Orach's spine, for it indicated that these dragons were far more than mere manifestation of power - they were sentient beings of immense complexity.
Descending into this new realm, Orach found himself surrounded by an ethereal fog. As the mist parted, he realized he was standing on the surface of a vast, mirror-like lake. The sky above was hauntingly familiar, yet alien in its beauty. "Amazing," he breathed, his voice barely above a whisper. "The sky... it's somewhat familiar, though I can't quite place it."
Suddenly, a voice pierced the silence, causing Orach to stumble backward in shock. "Took you long enough, my foolish young master." The words, spoken in a tone he thought he'd never hear again, sent a jolt of disbelief through his entire being.
Before Orach could regain his composure, the voice continued, "While I appreciate your words and the vow you made to honor our wishes on our tombstones, I would have preferred you delved into yourself and found your way to each of us a bit earlier." The familiar cadence, the gentle chiding - it was unmistakable. Overwhelmed by emotion, Orach could barely choke out a single word: "Para... how?"
Through the dissipating fog, a figure emerged, walking on the water's surface with graceful steps. It was a sight Orach never thought he'd witness again - the Saiyan woman who had been more than just a personal maid. Para had helped raise him alongside his mother, served as one of his mentors, and had become family in his heart. Her devotion had known no bounds, following him on his adventures as a valued member of his squad, ultimately sacrificing herself to ensure his survival.
As she drew closer, Orach's eyes drank in every detail. Para wore a sleek Saiyan battle suit, proudly displaying the emblem of the house of Gula and their squad on her chest. Her face, still as beautiful as he remembered, wore a warm smile. Luscious black hair flowed down her back, framing striking obsidian eyes that seemed to peer into his very soul.
"It's been a while, hasn't it, young master?" Para's voice was gentle, but before she could say more, Orach's emotions exploded. With a face twisted in a mixture of grief, rage, and disbelief, he erupted with power and launched himself at her, unleashing a devastating strike.
"You are NOT Para!" Orach roared, his voice raw with emotion. "Whatever you are, you dare mimic her form, her voice... I WILL DESTROY YOU!" Unknowingly, Orach had tapped into the full might of his final stage of Super Saiyan God Blue, with tendrils of silver aura intertwining with the divine blue energy that surrounded him.
Para's eyes narrowed as she observed Orach's enraged state. As his punch made contact, she caught it effortlessly, the impact sending shockwaves rippling through the air and water. The lake's surface erupted in massive waves, with the two figures standing at the epicenter of the chaos.
Startled by how easily his attack had been neutralized, Orach's certainty solidified. The Para he knew had never possessed such overwhelming power. Before he could process this new information, the woman smiled - a familiar, warm expression that sent a pang through his heart - and with a swift motion, she sent his body crashing into the lake.
"Calm down, young master," Para chided, her voice a mixture of exasperation and fondness. "I am me, not some mimicry of myself. Also, in this space, you won't win this way. You aren't meant to." With surprising gentleness, she reached down to pull the soaking wet Orach from the water, dragging him to a nearby floating gazebo that seemed to materialize out of thin air.
As Para forcefully sat Orach down, a tea set manifested before them. With practiced ease, she began pouring tea for both of them, the familiar ritual a stark contrast to the surreal surroundings. Orach, still wearing a cold, suspicious expression, had no choice but to play along, his mind racing to make sense of the situation.
Observing her young master's guarded demeanor, Para felt a mixture of warmth and helplessness wash over her. She understood the depth of his love for her - a familial bond that now fueled his anger and disbelief. To him, she was a cherished memory, and the thought of an imposter using her image was an unforgivable insult.
With a resigned sigh, Para served the tea and spoke softly, "Please drink, young master. It's been so long since I've had the pleasure of serving you. Allow me this small joy." With a snap of her fingers, she dried Orach's clothes, but still conjured a towel to dry his hair, enjoying the familiar act of caring for him.
Orach sat in stunned silence, his emotions a turbulent storm. Every action, every mannerism was hauntingly accurate - so real that a part of him yearned for it to be true. Yet, his rational mind screamed in protest, refusing to accept what seemed impossible. Torn between hope and skepticism, he decided to bide his time and gather more information.
"Who are you, really?" Orach finally asked, his voice a mixture of suspicion and barely concealed hope. "Are you some kind of beast, reading my mind to take this form, trying to catch me off guard?"
Para's eyes flashed with a hint of her old fire. "Watch it, young master," she warned, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "Here, I am more powerful. Don't make me bend you over for a spanking like in the old days." The threat, so characteristic of the Para he knew, sent a shiver down Orach's spine. He vividly recalled how, much like his mother, this woman possessed a temper he'd rather not face, regardless of how powerful he had become.
Swallowing hard, Orach backpedaled slightly. "I... apologize for my rudeness. But the question remains - who are you, truly?"
As she continued to tenderly dry his hair, Para's expression softened. "It really is me, young master. We, your crew, always saw the light within you - the incredible power you were capable of channeling, especially when piloting your mecha, Zeta. But in that final moment, when you transcended your limits, we witnessed something extraordinary. In our last breaths, we saw these dragons manifest from the primordial chaos and laws that resonated with your power. We knew then that even with Zeta as a conduit, you wouldn't be able to control it fully."
Para paused, her eyes distant with the weight of memory. "So, instead of entering the cycle of reincarnation, we made a choice. We decided to help you by becoming one with these dragons, which at that time were pure, instinctual forces without true sentience. Since then, each of us has observed glimpses of your life, young master."
Her expression grew somber as she continued, "When your growth stagnated because you felt compelled to keep us - the dragons - restrained, it pained and frustrated us deeply. We never wanted to be the reason for holding you back." She paused to gently rap her knuckles against his head, a familiar gesture of admonishment. "But what hurt us more was watching you become a different man. You stopped exploring, barely left your lab, and trained as if you were merely waiting for the next war to break out. We wanted you to truly live, young master - not just exist because of the promises you made to us in our final moments or for the sake of your family. We wanted you to stay true to yourself."
A chuckle escaped her lips as she recalled a particular memory. "The only saving grace we found was that you still retained a bit of your mischievous nature. Stealing an entire pod for your experiments from your mother's ship? I bet she would have scolded you endlessly if she knew. But given the members of your division and your status, I doubt even SAGE, the central command AI, would have reported you."
Her expression grew serious once more. "However, the more you changed, the more you drifted from the Orach we knew, loved, and sacrificed ourselves for, the more our anger grew. One of us, your adventure-loving friend, is particularly cross with you. When you meet him, be prepared for quite a fight."
Para's eyes softened as she continued, "When we saw you face the corrupted and get injured, our dragon nature roared to break free and unleash our might against Sevich and his army. But we knew you couldn't handle the additional strain, so we kept silent, our anger in check."
A warm smile spread across her face as she reached the end of her tale. "But you know something? I was overjoyed when you, the boy who once proclaimed that science and exploration were all he needed and swore he'd never marry, fell in love. Watching you form that connection, and then adopt a daughter - it truly made my heart soar. Through them, we saw you slowly regain your old self. It calmed us all to a big extent, and since then, we've been waiting for a day like this when you would finally delve inside and connect with us."
Her expression turned slightly exasperated. "Though I must say, we really wish it wasn't in the dreaded Void realm that you connected with us. You need to quickly reconcile with all of us and regain control of this power to quickly escape. You don't even know the coordinates of your new family's lower realm - it's going to be a process of trial and error to find your way back."
As Para's words washed over him, Orach felt his defenses crumbling. The wealth of personal details, the familiar mannerisms, the depth of emotion in her voice - it all pointed to an impossible truth. His voice barely above a whisper, thick with emotion, he managed to say, "You... you really are her, aren't you?"
Para's smile was radiant as she nodded, reaching out to cup Orach's face in her hands. "Yes, young master. It's really me. And now, it's time for you to reconnect with all of us - your old crew, now part of your very being. We have much to discuss, and even more to prepare for. You have never run away from challenges have you, its not in your nature, not in any Saiyan's nature. So, my sweet boy, rise and face us and our feelings straight ahead. Also, remember you are never alone, you won't be facing any challenge that lies ahead alone."
As the reality of the situation sank in, a tempest of emotions surged through Orach. Joy at reuniting with Para, relief at finally understanding the true nature of the dragons, and a profound sense of loss for the lives his comrades had sacrificed. But beneath it all, a simmering anger began to rise.
"This isn't right," Orach muttered, his fists clenching at his sides. "You should have moved on, found new lives in the cycle of reincarnation. Instead, you're trapped here, wardens to my power because I was too weak to control it myself."
Para's eyes widened in surprise, but before she could respond, Orach's rage erupted. The air around him crackled with energy, his aura flaring to life in a brilliant display of power. But just as quickly as it had come, the fury dissipated, replaced by an eerie calm as a familiar sound reached his ears.
The soft rustling of leaves, reminiscent of the white tree he had encountered earlier, washed over him like a soothing balm. In that moment, clarity struck Orach like a bolt of lightning. His journey to the Void realm, his interaction with the mysterious tree - it wasn't mere coincidence.
Memories of his grandfather's teachings flooded back to him. The old man's words, once dismissed as mere ramblings, now rang with profound truth. "The Void realm," Orach whispered, his eyes widening with realization, "it's not a lawless chaos. It's governed by its own unique set of laws, different from the primordial ones we know."
As if responding to his epiphany, Orach felt power surge within him. Raw and primal, yet strangely familiar, it resonated with his expanding understanding of space laws. A daring hypothesis began to form in his mind—a plan that might help him set his comrades free.
"Para," Orach said, his voice filled with newfound determination, "I think I understand now. As I face you all, I'll seek to understand this new power. And if I'm right, if this is truly the path I'm meant to walk, then perhaps..."
He paused, his eyes meeting Para's with a mixture of hope and resolve. "Perhaps I can use this power to free you all. To finally allow you to enter the cycle of reincarnation and find the peace you deserve."
Para's expression softened, a mixture of pride and understanding washing over her features. Though she might not fully comprehend Orach's sudden insight, she couldn't help but admire her young charge's growth and perceptiveness.
"You never cease to amaze me, young master," she said warmly. "Your ability to perceive things from fresh perspectives is truly remarkable. However, remember that there's no need to rush this process. I cherish my role in your life, and I'm in no hurry to leave your side."
A playful glint appeared in her eyes. "Besides, I'm eager to see how you'll handle a newborn. Rachel was already quite a sensible child when you adopted her, but a baby? That will be something to behold. I remember how awkward you were around infants when your cousins, fellow princes and princesses, or their wives gave birth—staring at them, terrified to hold them. But then you'd spend time with them, go quiet, rush off to your lab, and return the next day with tiny armor for the babies!" She chuckled at the memory. "Your quirks made you beloved, even among Sadala's royalty. So, trust me, you'll need my guidance—especially for your wife. That girl, Diana was it, has no idea how challenging our race's infants can be."
Her tone grew more serious. "Remember, young master, cultivation is a journey to be savored, not a race to be won. Take your time to fully grasp these new concepts. And always remember," she said with conviction, "whatever lies ahead, whatever path you choose, we face it together. You are never alone in this journey."
Orach, though mildly flustered by the teasing, savored this long-missed banter. A smile played at the corners of his lips as he nodded, a quiet resolve settling over him. The challenges ahead were daunting, no doubt, yet for the first time in ages, he felt a spark of excitement and a renewed thirst for exploration kindling within.
Taking a deep breath, Orach squared his shoulders. It was time to confront his past, embrace his present, and carve out a new future - not just for himself, but for all those who had stood by him through thick and thin. The true test of his strength and character was about to begin.