As the group emerged from the Dragon realm, their ethereal forms began to fade from Orach's inner realm one by one. Rachel and Diana's souls lingered for a moment, taking one last look at Orach's soul manifestation before they too returned to their physical forms.
Upon regaining consciousness, a wave of dizziness washed over them. Everyone except Adirosas experienced this disorienting sensation. Diana and Rachel, in particular, felt a peculiar heaviness in their souls—as if they carried an invisible weight. The new power gifted by Taliana had created an imbalance with the careful harmony they had cultivated during their training on the Void Sentinel.
"This energy..." Rachel whispered, steadying herself. "It's powerful…"
"Yes, I feel it too. We'll need time to adjust," Diana agreed, steadying herself as she listened to her daughter's words. "We must enter seclusion and meditate—that should help us integrate this new power properly. But first..."
As their vision cleared, they found Orach sitting cross-legged, his eyes closed in deep meditation. The heart tree's branches had wrapped protectively around his shoulders and back, cradling him in their embrace.
"Orach?" Diana called softly, pushing herself to her feet. She remembered Para's warning about how much mental energy Orach had expended to maintain their connection to his inner realm. Worry creased her brow as she approached her partner.
Kneeling beside him, she gently cupped his face in her hands. "Orach," she whispered, her thumb brushing his cheek. "We're back now. Please, open your eyes."
A tense moment passed before Orach's eyelids fluttered. His breathing shifted, becoming more conscious and deliberate. Finally, his eyes opened slowly, taking in the concerned faces around him.
"Diana..." he murmured, his voice slightly hoarse. A small smile formed on his lips as he reached up to place his hand over hers where it rested on his cheek. "Everyone made it back safely, I see."
Rachel stepped forward, her brow furrowed with concern. "Dad, are you alright? Para mentioned the toll this would take on you."
"I'm fine," Orach assured them, though his usual vigor wasn't quite there. "Just... a little drained. Maintaining the connection was more challenging than I anticipated." He attempted to stand but swayed slightly, prompting Diana to steady him.
"Don't push yourself," Diana said firmly, keeping a supportive arm around him. "You need rest."
Aurelia, getting up spoke up. "Perhaps we should all take some time to recover. The experience in brother Orach's inner realm was... intense, to say the least."
"Agreed," Adirosas nodded, his expression thoughtful as his attention fell on Orach. "Brother, we have much to discuss, but sister-in-law is right—you need rest. I need it too; that spell drained my mental energy. It's fortunate we did this at your new home. Let's each take rooms in this estate and get proper rest. Once we've recovered, we can continue our conversation. Besides, we all need time to process everything we've experienced."
The heart tree's branches seemed to respond to their conversation, gently loosening their hold on Orach while maintaining a protective presence. The energy of the tree pulsed softly, as as the door to the inside of the mansion opened welcoming them inside.
"You're right, brother," Orach said, nodding as his voice grew stronger. He turned to Diana. "Diana, you and Rachel especially need to focus on stabilizing Taliana's gift. I can sense the fluctuations in your soul energy from here."
"We will," Diana assured him, exchanging a meaningful look with her daughter. "But first, let's get you somewhere more comfortable. You've done enough for now."
"I am at your mercy, my empress," Orach teased his partner with a tired smile.
"Enough teasing for now," Diana said with a fond smile, helping Orach to his feet. "You need proper rest. Mother Empress, I assume the mansion has a terminal installed—could you guide us to the master bedroom?"
"Right away, Mistress," Mother Empress replied. As Diana stepped forward with Orach towards the mansion entrance, holographic arrows materialized above the stairs to guide their way.
"I'll help you get him there," Rachel offered, moving to support her father's other side.
Adirosas watched the family with a thoughtful expression. "Since you are heading to the east wing, Aurelia and I will take one of the guest rooms on the west wing. Have a good rest."
"Alright," Orach called back to Adirosas while being supported on both sides as they entered the mansion.
Aurelia nodded in agreement with her husband and linked arms with Adirosas. "Let's get going as well, husband."
As they made their way through the mansion's elegant corridors, the building's AI system responded intuitively to their presence. Lights dimmed to a soft glow, and doors opened silently before them, creating a peaceful atmosphere perfect for rest.
"Here we are," Diana said softly as they reached the master bedroom. She helped Orach settle onto the plush bed, then gently removed his scouter and placed it on the bedside stand. "You need to rest now. Everything else can wait until tomorrow."
Orach managed a tired smile. "I appreciate the concern, but I'm only exhausted, not injured."
"Still, Dad..." Rachel adjusted the pillows behind him, her concern evident. "I'll be in my room if either of you needs anything. Just have Mother Empress call me."
"Thank you, sweetheart," Diana smiled warmly at their daughter. After Rachel left, she sat beside Orach, taking in his weary but content expression. "Your inner realm was incredible. You continue to surprise me, even after all this time."
Orach squeezed her hand gently. "You and Rachel could have explored more of my memories while you were there."
"We both prefer hearing your stories directly from you," Diana replied, brushing back his hair. "But that's for another time. You need to sleep."
"Stay with me?" Orach asked softly.
Diana hesitated. "I should probably start working on stabilizing Taliana's gift..."
"Have you forgotten?" His eyes held a knowing gleam. "I'm your cultivation partner."
Diana gave him a playful smack. "You're in no condition for that kind of cultivation right now. Maybe once you've rested properly."
Orach chuckled. "It's interesting how your mind went straight to lovemaking. I wonder why?" He smiled before explaining, "While that's the most effective method, simply sharing space and synchronizing our breathing and Ki can help too. Besides, since Taliana's gift originated from my power, my presence will help you assimilate it more naturally."
Diana felt her cheeks heat up at his gentle teasing. Though part of her wondered if this was just a clever ploy to keep her close and fool around with her, she trusted him completely. "Alright," she conceded, tapping her terminal to recall her battle suit, revealing her beautiful form clad only in delicate lingerie. Settling beside him and resting her head on his shoulder, the familiar comfort of his presence already seemed to calm the restless energy within her. "Good night, love."
As they lay together in comfortable silence, their breathing naturally fell into sync. Diana could feel the chaotic energy from Taliana's gift gradually beginning to harmonize with her own Ki. Before long, both she and Orach drifted into deep sleep.
Meanwhile, Rachel made her way to her chosen room and soon settled on her bed in a cross-legged, meditative pose. The events in her father's inner realm had left her with much to process. Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and felt the familiar pull as she descended into her inner realm and headed towards her inner world. When she entered her inner world, an unexpected weight pressed down on her—the gravity itself seemed to have intensified.
Upon landing, Rachel felt waves of new power pulse through the planet—raw and untamed, yet oddly familiar. "This is... interesting," she murmured. She knelt down and pressed her palm against the barren ground beneath her.
In the next moment, her eyes sharpened with determination as she commanded, her voice resonating across the world, "Manifest."
Dark magic erupted from beneath her feet, spiraling upward in mesmerizing patterns before coalescing into a form she knew well - her soul manifestation, the mighty raven. But something was different today.
Rachel's eyes widened as she stifled an amused laugh. Her usually majestic soul manifestation had become unexpectedly round and chubby, its imposing presence somewhat diminished by its newly acquired pudgy appearance. Despite the rings of dark flames that still formed a halo around it, the raven looked more adorable than intimidating.
Meeting her gaze, the Raven let out a soft croak that conveyed both delight at her presence and an almost comical plea for assistance. The situation was evident—though Taliana's gift had bestowed immense power upon it, that power required proper integration.
"Don't worry, big guy," she said softly in response to the raven's plea, reaching out to stroke its ethereal feathers. The familiar connection between them hummed with newfound intensity. "This is temporary. We'll work through this together."
Settling into a meditative position before her transformed companion, Rachel gently pressed her palm against its chest. Beneath the surface, she could feel the chaotic energies swirling—powerful but wildly unbalanced.
"Let's begin," she murmured, closing her eyes. For a moment, uncertainty flickered through her mind—how exactly should she proceed? Then she remembered her father's inner realm, the vibrant world she had witnessed there. "Not just a barren planet, but a living, breathing world." Understanding dawned, bringing with it a clear path forward.
Rachel gathered her focus, her voice resonating throughout the planet with each powerful syllable, "Azarath Metrion Zinthos."
As the words left her lips, she could feel the energies beginning to shift and align. Though she knew this would be a long process, she was determined to master this new power. The raven's form began to pulse with a steady rhythm, matching her own heartbeat as they started their journey of integration together.
Hours passed in Azarath as night deepened. While Orach and Diana slept peacefully in the master bedroom and Adirosas and Aurelia meditated in their quarters, Rachel remained focused in her room, deep in the process of integration. Her physical body glistened with sweat as dark magical energy radiated from her form, manifesting as a ring of dark flames behind her.
Within her inner realm, a remarkable transformation was taking place. Her soul manifestation - the mighty raven - began a controlled release of its Ki, shrinking as it did so. The released energy spread across her barren inner world like a cosmic nebula, reminiscent of a planet's first atmosphere. Through the nurturing influence of the Dragon Domain of Life's Ki, this energy began reshaping the terrain, laying the foundation for something greater.
As the hours passed and the intense process began taking its toll, Rachel felt her strength beginning to wane. Suddenly, she sensed a familiar warmth as the soul shard of her father pulsed within her. Pure God Ki flowed from it, rejuvenating her tired spirit and spreading throughout her inner world. Though initially startled by this intervention, Rachel smiled, trusting in her father's guidance.
"Thank you, Dad," she whispered, her determination renewed.
The transformation accelerated. Within hours, her once-barren inner world developed a stable azure atmosphere. The raven, having released the last of its Ki, disappeared in a brilliant flash of dark magical flames. Storm clouds gathered overhead, releasing a downpour of rich Ki that nourished both her consciousness and the land beneath. Despite being in her spiritual form, Rachel could smell the fresh rain smell rising from the wet soil and feel the energizing droplets on her skin. Her body and inner realm pulsed in perfect harmony, more stable and synchronized than ever before.
As the skies cleared, Rachel knew the moment had come. Her eyes snapped open as she commanded, "Manifest!"
A massive tide of dark magic erupted from the transformed world, coalescing into a sight that took her breath away. The raven that appeared was larger and more majestic than ever, its ethereal form wrapped in three rings of dark flames that created a mesmerizing halo. As it spread its wings, raw power radiated throughout her inner realm. Its gaze, intense yet gentle, met hers with profound understanding.
"We've come so far. Let's push a bit further," Rachel murmured, rising to her feet. Understanding that this was the moment to push beyond her current cultivation realm, she extended her right hand toward her soul manifestation. No words were needed - they moved as one, the raven's wing meeting her outstretched fingers.
The moment they touched, dark magical flames erupted from the point of contact, growing until they consumed both Rachel and the raven completely. From these sacred flames, a new being emerged - a matured version of Rachel, taller and more refined, with flowing hair and powerful dark wings spreading from her back. Three rings of dark magical fire blazed behind her like a celestial crown. When she opened her eyes, they burned with the same dark fire, and her roar of triumph shook the very foundations of her inner realm.
This was more than just a transformation - it was a rebirth. Rachel had successfully merged with her soul manifestation, ascending from the mid-manifestation realm straight to the high integration realm, skipping three minor realms in the process. As the power settled within her, a smile of pure joy and wonder spread across her face.
"Now," she spoke, her voice confident and excited as she felt her new power coursing through her, "let's see what we can really do."
The Following Morning
As dawn's first light spilled into Azarath, Rachel's eyes fluttered open. The dark magical flames that had surrounded her through the night dissipated, leaving a perfect ring of scorched fabric on her bed. She drew in a deep breath, savoring the crisp morning air that hummed with magical energy.
"Morning already?" she mused softly, watching golden rays filter through her windows. Despite having spent the entire night in deep meditation, her body thrummed with vitality. The lack of sleep seemed insignificant compared to the raw power now coursing through her veins.
Rachel flexed her fingers, feeling the new energy respond instantly to her will. "The Integration Realm..." she whispered, a note of wonder in her voice. "Aunt Taliana's gift—no, Dad's power—it's beyond anything I could have imagined."
Her night of exploration within her inner realm had only scratched the surface of her new capabilities. A familiar fire of determination sparked in her chest as she contemplated the training ahead. She needed to test her limits, to understand just how far she could push this newfound strength.
"With this level of power," she said, rising to her feet, "I could rival a Godking of Earth." A smile curved her lips, though it held no warmth. "Perhaps even the New Gods will think twice before crossing my path. Highfather, Darkseid and..." Her voice trailed off as her eyes hardened, killing intent seeping into the air around her.
Rachel's fists clenched at her sides as she stared into the distance, her voice dropping to a deadly whisper. "Soon, Trigon. Very soon. I'm coming for you." Her eyes blazed with dark fire as she spoke her next words with quiet conviction. "And once you're dealt with, I can finally follow Dad's path to the higher realms with nothing holding me back."
Rachel then rose from her bed, tapping her terminal to deactivate her battle suit. The hood dissolved first, revealing her face, followed by the cape and suit retreating into the terminal. Stretching languidly in her delicate lingerie, she felt refreshed despite her night of meditation. Her eyes briefly fell on the scorched sheets, evidence of her intense practice.
"Mother Empress," she asked while slipping off her undergarments, "are my parents awake?"
"Not yet, princess," Mother Empress's voice resonated softly through the room.
Rachel's brow furrowed with concern. "Dad must be exhausted from yesterday..." She paused halfway to the bathroom, a thought occurring to her. "Did Mom sleep in their room last night?"
"Yes, princess. The Mistress and Young Master are in the master bedroom."
Rachel sighed, shaking her head as she continued to the bathroom. "Even when Dad's this tired... I really need to talk to Mom about giving him proper rest." Her expression turned determined.
While Rachel showered, Mother Empress considered explaining that Diana and Orach had simply engaged in peaceful dual cultivation in restful embrace—not an intense passionate session. However, deciding such intimate details were best left for the Young Master to share, she resolved to inform him later and focused on her duties. She initiated the maintenance sequence for Rachel's battle suit, transported the laundry to the cleaning facility, and dispatched a service droid to come up once Rachel leaves the room to replace the meditation-scorched sheets.
Emerging from her shower, Rachel felt the bathroom's auto-dry function activate, swiftly drying her body. "Not bad, though I still prefer the sonic showers on the ship," she mused, appreciating her new home's amenities. As she entered her room, she noticed the fresh undergarments Mother Empress had laid out. "You're the best, Mother Empress. You always think of everything."
"Thank you, princess. Would you like breakfast now, or would you prefer to wait for your parents?"
Rachel donned her fresh undergarments before responding, "I'll wait for Mom and Dad." With a tap of her terminal, her battle suit materialized, the cape flowing elegantly behind her as the suit synchronized with her Ki. She pulled up her hood, her expression resolute. "But first, I need to have a word with them."
As Rachel strode purposefully toward the master bedroom, the morning sun cast long shadows through the hallway. In the master bedroom, two figures lay peacefully entwined beneath the sheets, stirring gently as dawn's first light filtered through the windows.
Diana stirred first, her blue eyes fluttering open to meet the soft morning light. She found herself nestled perfectly against Orach's chest, their breathing still synchronized from their night together. A gentle smile graced her lips as she felt his steady heartbeat.
"Good morning, my love," she whispered, not wanting to disturb the peaceful atmosphere. She could sense their energies were still harmoniously intertwined, giving her a sense of serene comfort.
Orach's consciousness gradually surfaced, his arms instinctively tightening around Diana. "Morning," he murmured, his voice still heavy with sleep. "How are you feeling?"
"Renewed," Diana replied, turning in his embrace to face him. "Last night helped a lot. The life Ki from Taliana has strengthened my connection to my inner realm and inner world," she paused thoughtfully before continuing. "I can feel my power becoming more accessible. I should be able to maintain Cardinal Pink form longer now, though I'll need to test the exact duration in the ship's training chambers. Still..." Her eyes studied his weary features. "How are you feeling after yesterday? You still look a little tired."
Before Orach could respond, they both sensed a familiar presence approaching their room - Rachel's energy signature.
"Rachel's coming," Orach said softly, as he reached for his scouter and put it on. Checking his wrist terminal, he noticed a message from Mother Empress—and given his daughter's approaching energy signature, he suspected it would explain her current mood.
Diana nodded, her instincts already picking up on Rachel's mood. "And judging by her aura, she seems... concerned about something."
They began to sit up, their movements natural, just as Rachel's footsteps drew closer to their door.
Knock knock
"Mom, Dad, are you both awake? Can I come in?" Rachel asked as she sensed movement in the room.
"Come in, sweetheart," Diana replied warmly.
As the door slid open, Rachel stepped into her parents' room. She took in the scene before her — her father sitting up in his suit and armor, looking tired but better than yesterday, and her mother in her delicate lingerie. Usually, such a scene would warm her heart, but today she was determined to speak her mind to these lovebirds, to ask them to pause their passionate activities while her father recovered from yesterday's mentally draining event.
"Mom, Dad," Rachel began, her voice carrying a note of determination, "I need to speak with you both."
"What's on your mind, sweetheart?" Diana asked, noting the unusual seriousness in her daughter's expression.
"It's about last night," Rachel said softly. "Dad, after everything yesterday, you needed rest. Mom..." She turned to her mother, choosing her words with care. "I know you two love each other, and dual cultivation helps you both, but couldn't these intense sessions wait until Dad recovers?"
Diana's eyes widened in surprise while Orach maintained his composure, though his lips twitched with barely contained laughter. Mother Empress had already informed him about Rachel's concerns through that message, so her words didn't catch him off guard. His heart warmed at his daughter's protective nature, but his mischievous side couldn't resist the opportunity to play along.
"Rachel, dear," Diana said gently after collecting herself, "you've misunderstood. Last night we only rested together, sharing passive dual cultivation as we slept. Nothing more."
Rachel's eyes narrowed skeptically. "Dad? Is that true?"
Sigh
Orach let out an exaggerated sigh, causing both women to look at him in surprise. "Well, I suppose I should be honest with you, my princess. I tried to explain to your mother that I needed rest, but..." He trailed off meaningfully.
"Orach!" Diana exclaimed, catching on to his playful deception.
"Mom, how could you?" Rachel crossed her arms, her expression a mix of disappointment and concern. "I can't believe you'd take advantage of Dad's exhaustion like that!"
"Orach, enough teasing," Diana shot Orach an exasperated look. "Rachel, honey, your father's just being playful. We only did passive cultivation and rested last night that's all."
"Really?" Rachel turned back to her father, uncertainty clear in her voice.
"Diana," Orach said, maintaining his seriousness, "we should be honest with our daughter. You have been rather... insatiable lately."
Diana's eyes narrowed at Orach's mischief before a sly smile crossed her face. "Oh? Well, if that's how you want to play it..." She turned to Rachel with an exaggerated sigh. "You're right, sweetheart. I've been absolutely insatiable lately. I just can't resist him. Why, just yesterday, I had to practically beg your father to teach me new techniques."
Orach's eyes widened, caught off guard by Diana's sudden participation in the teasing. "Diana..."
"And don't even get me started on all the different positions..." Diana continued, her voice taking on a exaggerated tone before Rachel interrupted.
"Mom!" Rachel's face flushed crimson. "That's... that's way too much information! I really don't need to hear this!"
Seeing Rachel's reaction, Orach couldn't hold back any longer and burst into laughter. Diana joined in seconds later, their shared amusement echoing through the room while Rachel stared at them in confusion.
"We're just teasing you, my princess," Orach explained between chuckles. "Your mother and I truly did just rest and practice passive cultivation last night. That actually helped restore my mental energy faster and allowed your mother to better integrate the Life Ki that Taliana gifted to her."
"You... you were both messing with me?" Rachel's jaw dropped in disbelief.
"Consider it a gentle lesson about jumping to conclusions," Diana said warmly, standing to embrace her daughter. "Though your concern for your father is truly touching."
"I can't believe you two," Rachel mumbled into her mother's bosom, fighting back a smile. "And here I was, all prepared to give you both a serious lecture..."
"Your expression was priceless, my princess," Orach said, joining the family embrace. "Almost as priceless as your mother's when you first voiced your concerns."
"Oh, Orach dear," Diana pulled back with a sly, playful smirk, "remember what they say about payback. Since I'm so 'insatiable' lately, perhaps I should show you just how insatiable I can be during our upcoming family vacation."
Orach's lips twitched into a wry smile as he caught the competitive spark in Diana's eyes. Though she wouldn't let his teasing go unpunished, he was no longer the inexperienced man of his past. His training with Durgnar had prepared him well, and he met her challenge with quiet confidence and a simple nod.
"Well then," Diana said, stepping back from their embrace, "shall we have breakfast? Rachel, have you eaten yet?"
"Not yet, Mom. I was hoping we could eat together," Rachel replied, her earlier concerns forgotten in the warmth of family togetherness.
"Mother Empress," Orach called out, "would you please begin preparing breakfast for us?"
"Of course, Young Master," Mother Empress's voice responded, carrying a hint of amusement at the morning's events.
"Perfect," Diana said, heading toward the bathroom. "Give me a few minutes to freshen up, and then we'll all head to the dining hall together."
As Diana stepped into the bathroom, Orach and Rachel shared a knowing look.
"I'm glad you're both doing well," Rachel said softly. "And... I'm sorry for jumping to conclusions."
"Never apologize for caring, my princess," Orach said softly, reaching out to ruffle her hair affectionately. His eyes narrowed as he noticed something different about her Ki when his scouter displayed its readings. "I see you've made quite the breakthrough."
"Yes!" Rachel replied with a tinge of excitement. "Thanks to Aunt Taliana's gift of Life Ki, I've reached the high integration realm! And the best part is, my foundation remains completely stable. I was hoping to spend some time in the ship's training chamber today to explore my new abilities."
Orach nodded with an approving smile."We'll make time for that. It's important to fully understand your new capabilities."
Their conversation paused as Diana emerged from the bathroom, looking refreshed in her battle suit, her cape flowing behind her. "Shall we head to breakfast? Mother Empress should have everything ready by now. We should also invite our guests to join us."
"At their level of cultivation," Orach explained, "sleep becomes optional unless significant mental energy has been expended. They're likely already awake." He turned slightly, addressing the AI. "Mother Empress, please extend our breakfast invitation to Adirosas and Aurelia."
"Of course, Young Master," came the prompt reply.
The family made their way to the dining hall, where they found an impressive spread of Earth cuisines, carefully replicated to match their individual preferences. As they approached the table, a shimmering portal materialized, and through it stepped Adirosas and Aurelia.
"Good morning, House of Gula," they greeted in unison.
"Good morning," Orach replied warmly. "I trust you found your accommodations comfortable?"
Adirosas helped Aurelia to her seat before responding, his eyes studying Orach carefully. "Indeed, brother. Though I notice you haven't fully recovered from yesterday's events."
Orach guided Diana and Rachel to their seats before taking his place at the head of the table. He gave Adirosas a wry look. "Hosting multiple consciousnesses in one's inner realm isn't exactly restful. Especially," he added with a pointed but good-natured glare, "when one of them happens to be a High Emperor-ranked being."
Adirosas chuckled, reaching for a plate of what appeared to be Earth-style pancakes. "You can hardly blame me for that, brother. Though I must say, your mental fortitude is impressive. Few could host multiple consciousnesses of varying power levels without suffering more severe consequences."
"Indeed," Aurelia added, her tone serious. "Orach, taking so many people in was no joke. Is this advanced mental fortitude also, a benefit of your ascension?"
"That's a good question," Orach said thoughtfully as he accepted a plate from Diana with thanks. "I wouldn't know how to explain it though, since I haven't attempted to transform into my primordial form to train—nor do I want to risk it."
"Makes sense. Not bad," Adirosas nodded appreciatively as he sampled the Earth cuisine. "What's on the agenda for today?"
Orach glanced between Diana and Rachel before meeting Adirosas's gaze. "I know you have questions about what you witnessed in my inner realm. While I haven't fully recovered, I'll make time to discuss that with you." He turned to address his family. "Diana, Rachel, given your recent breakthroughs, I have an interesting mission that will help you test your new capabilities."
"Mother Empress, please brief them about our recent discovery," Orach requested.
"Certainly," responded Mother Empress. "We've detected an previously unknown island near the British Isles. Investigation revealed it to be a secret base belonging to a criminal organization that opposes the Justice League. Of particular interest, they successfully created a primitive yet functional stargate - an interdimensional portal device capable of traveling between universes within this lower realm."
Sharing the relevant data to their terminals, Mother Empress continued, "However, when Young Master investigated, he found the base abandoned, littered with casualties. The perpetrator was an android—"
At the mention of 'android', both Adirosas and Aurelia's expressions darkened, their eyes flickering with killing intent. Orach raised a hand before they could interject.
"This android is native to this lower realm, not a remnant of the Android War," he explained calmly. "While it poses no threat to beings of our level, it does present a reasonable challenge for Earth's heroes. It's an energy absorption type, and during my encounter with it, I discovered it had absorbed powers from that universe's Diana of Themyscira."
Diana and Rachel's eyes narrowed as they grasped the gravity of the situation. Seeing their concern, Orach raised a calming hand. "I've already destroyed the android," he assured them, "and carefully extracted and contained its stolen energies within specialized crystals. These powers can be safely returned to their rightful owner."
"So what's the mission?" Rachel asked, leaning forward with interest.
"I want you and your mother to brief the Justice League about our findings. Together, you'll secure the island—while it will officially be under Justice League jurisdiction, we'll maintain control of the key technologies. Then, using the interdimensional portal with Mother Empress's guidance, you both will travel to the android's universe to return Diana's counterpart's powers."
"I understand. It will be an excellent opportunity to test out new abilities," Diana observed thoughtfully. "And helping another version of myself does sound interesting."
Diana then leaned forward, and asked after a moment of contemplation. "What should we expect when we arrive in this parallel universe? Have we gathered any intelligence about their current situation?"
"Mother Empress, please share the relevant data," Orach requested.
"According to the retrieved data from the Android," Mother Empress began, "this parallel Earth appears to be approximately five years ahead of our timeline. Their Justice League faced a significant crisis after a particular event and the android's creation, which led to several heroes losing their powers, including that universe's Diana."
"How did an android manage to steal powers from a being like mother's counterpart in the first place?" Rachel asked, her brow furrowed in concern.
"While the complete details are unclear," Mother Empress responded in a grave tone, "the data reveals a disturbing sequence of events. Amanda Waller of that universe orchestrated an elaborate deception. She manipulated public opinion by releasing doctored footage that appeared to show heroes attacking civilians."
"That's despicable," Rachel interjected, her fists clenching.
"Indeed, princess," Mother Empress continued. "Once public sentiment turned against the heroes, Waller unveiled a device capable of temporarily negating metahuman abilities. With the heroes weakened and society turned against them, she deployed multiple specialized androids - similar to the one Young Master encountered - programmed to absorb and store their powers."
"A calculated trap," Diana observed, her expression grave. "Even the mightiest can fall, when faced with betrayal and careful planning." She met Orach's knowing smile, her mind already trying to piece together his intentions. He rarely sent them into unknown situations without thorough preparation, which meant this mission held deeper purpose.
Diana's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. 'What lesson is he trying to teach us? Perhaps about humanity's response when confronted with beings of tremendous power? Or maybe he wants to test how we handle complex situations without relying on overwhelming force? Or could there be another reason entirely?' Whatever his purpose, she trusted his judgment.
"We accept the mission," Diana declared firmly. "With Mother Empress's help, we'll gather intelligence to safeguard our universe from facing such a situation."
Rachel nodded decisively. "I'm ready."
Orach took another bite of his breakfast, chewing thoughtfully before speaking. "Remember," he said, his voice carrying both warmth and warning, "I'll be monitoring the situation. But unless absolutely necessary, this is your mission to handle."
Diana and Rachel exchanged knowing glances and replied in unison, "Got it."
After breakfast concluded, Diana and Rachel departed for their mission on Earth through a spatial ripple Rachel created. Meanwhile, Orach led Adirosas and Aurelia to the estate's gardens. They settled onto elegantly carved stone benches surrounded by blooming flowers.
Adirosas's expression grew solemn as he gazed intently at Orach. "Brother," he said, his voice carrying both concern and curiosity, "I need to understand everything that happened to you. What we witnessed in your inner realm... it was unlike anything I've ever seen Then there's the matter of those visions Para told us about."
Orach drew in a deep breath, his eyes distant as he prepared to reveal his tale. "Very well," he said quietly. "It all began when I was banished to the Void Realm..."
Hall of Justice
Meanwhile, at the Hall of Justice, Diana and Rachel walked through a spatial ripple. Thanks to Azarath's accelerated time flow, only a few hours had passed since their departure. Their sudden appearance drew the immediate attention of Martian Manhunter and Cyborg, who were monitoring multiple holographic displays showing an unfolding situation.
"Wonder Woman, Raven," Martian Manhunter greeted them first upon noticing their arrival. "Good timing."
Cyborg turned from his console, his cybernetic eye pulsing with data streams. "We've got a situation developing. Approximately two hours ago, an island materialized off the British coast. It's causing quite a stir - governments worldwide are scrambling to respond, and our satellites are picking up unusual energy signatures."
"We know about the island," Diana replied, in a serious tone as she commanded, "That's why we're here. J'onn, Victor - initiate Code Yellow protocol. Contact all League members and the Titans immediately. We have critical intelligence that needs to be shared."
"We're already aware of the island," Diana replied with grave authority. "That's precisely why we're here. J'onn, Victor—initiate Code Yellow protocol and contact all League members at once. We have critical intelligence to share."
The two heroes exchanged glances at Diana's unusually grave demeanor. Code Yellow typically signaled uncertain danger that warranted extra caution. Without hesitation, Cyborg's hands flew across the holographic interface while J'onn established telepathic links with available League members recalling them back to the Hall of Justice. As emergency protocols activated throughout the Hall, Diana and Rachel took their seats at the conference table, preparing to brief their colleagues on the interdimensional threat Orach had discovered.
Within minutes, the Hall's main conference room filled with the champions of Earth. Some arrived in person while others joined remotely, their faces appearing on the massive display screens that lined the walls.
"Diana! Rachel!" Kara swooped in through the main entrance, her arms laden with shopping bags. She was dressed casually in high-heeled boots, fitted jeans, and a cropped top - clearly enjoying her time adapting to Earth fashion.
Diana offered a warm smile while Rachel raised an eyebrow at Kara's haul. "Seems you went shopping. Did you buy out the whole mall?"
"Just the essentials," Kara laughed, setting her bags in a corner before taking a seat beside Rachel. "Kal gave me a tour of the city earlier after you both left with Orach. We thought it would help me blend in better."
"He did, did he?" Diana chuckled, thinking about her friend's expression when he saw the bill.
"Speaking of shopping," Rachel said, "Barbara and I know this amazing boutique in Jump City. We should make it a girls' day - help you build a proper Earth wardrobe."
Kara's eyes lit up. "Batgirl, right? Yes! Though..." she paused, searching for the right words, "what do you call it again? When girls hang out together?"
"A girls' day out," Rachel supplied with an amused smile.
"Right! I'll master all these Earth terms eventually," Kara said confidently.
As their casual conversation wound down, the room had filled with both Justice League members and Teen Titans, either present physically or connected remotely. The atmosphere grew serious as Superman took his seat.
"Wonder Woman," he began, "what can you tell us about this mysterious island?"
"What's the situation?" Batman's direct question followed as he settled into his chair.
Diana stood, activating her terminal. Through Mother Empress's connection to the Justice League mainframe, detailed holographic projections of the island materialized above the conference table.
"By now, you're all aware of the island that appeared off the British coast," Diana began, her voice commanding attention. "What you don't know is that Orach discovered it before retrieving Rachel, myself, and our guests from the higher realms. The Void Sentinel detected unusual energy signatures, prompting Orach to investigate. What he found was concerning - a hidden base belonging to a coalition of our most formidable adversaries. More concerning still, they've constructed an interdimensional portal."
A wave of tension swept through the assembled heroes.
Flash's eyes narrowed as he leaned forward in his chair to ask, "As in a portal to the multiverse?"
"Yes," Diana nodded, confirming.
Remembering their past encounters with the criminal speedster Zoom from Earth-2, Flash and the remote Team Flash members' expressions darkened.
"We can't let that technology remain there—we haven't had the best luck dealing with people from other universes," Flash said gravely.
"Do we have intel on these criminals?" Batman's eyes narrowed beneath his cowl.
"Batman, the portal should be our immediate concern," Superman interjected, leaning forward. "I agree with Flash. That kind of technology could be disastrous in the wrong hands."
Batman turned to face him. "Orach's involvement changes things. He wouldn't leave such technology unchecked."
"Batman is correct," Diana confirmed, nodding. "Orach has already placed restrictions on the portal - only House of Gula members can activate it. As for the criminals, Mother Empress recovered partial data from their damaged systems. We have some names, but that's not why I called this meeting..."
"There's more, isn't there?" Cheetah's intuitive question cut through the discussion. She knew her friend too well. "Spill, Diana."
Diana's expression grew grave. "The base was littered with casualties when Orach arrived. Their experiments with interdimensional travel attracted something dangerous - an android with power absorption capabilities. During the confrontation, Orach discovered it had already stolen powers from that universe's Wonder Woman."
Aquaman let out a low whistle. "That's... something. To be able to take down a Wonder Woman, the android must be one tough S.O.B. Though I assume Orach handled it?"
"The android has been neutralized," Diana confirmed. "However, we still need to secure the base and its technology." She turned to Batman and continued, "We'll need to negotiate with the EU, British government, and UN to establish Justice League jurisdiction over the island — Orach has authorized me to invoke his name during negotiations, if necessary."
"Why would Orach take such an interest?" Batman questioned after a thoughtful pause. "He typically maintains distance from our affairs."
Diana's expression softened slightly. "The technology itself holds little value for him - it's primitive by his standards. But after his banishment, when Rachel and I had no way to reach him..." She paused, collecting herself. "The portal will remain under House of Gula's control. If something similar ever happens again, we'll have a way to find him."
The room fell silent as the implications sank in. Many remembered the toll Orach's absence had taken on Diana and Rachel.
"There's one more thing," Diana continued. "The stolen powers need to be returned. When Orach destroyed the android he extracted and contained them in specialized crystals. We have a responsibility to return them to their rightful owner. That means traveling to the android's home universe."
The announcement sparked immediate debate among the assembled heroes.
"Too risky," Batman stated flatly. "Either their Wonder Woman is compromised, or we're dealing with a force capable of creating androids specifically designed to counter us. Without more intelligence, we could be walking into a trap—even with noble intentions to help. Our primary responsibility is to this universe, this Earth."
"I agree with Batman," Superman added. "It's dangerous."
"Hold on boys," Cheetah cut in, her gaze moving from the two men to Diana. "Before we jump to conclusions - what do we actually know about this other universe?"
Diana nodded. "Mother Empress, please share your findings."
The holographic display shifted, as Mother Empress presented her findings. Upon learning about the situation on the other side, many expressions became grave.
"Amanda Waller," Batman said gravely, leaning back in his chair. The mention of a failsafe android particularly troubled him - he had been developing a similar contingency himself, though that was information he preferred to keep private for now.
Before the discussion could continue, Kara suddenly shot up from her seat, her fists slamming onto the conference table with enough force to crack its surface. Her eyes blazed crimson with barely contained fury.
"BRAINIAC!" she snarled, the name carrying years of pain and hatred.
"Kara!" Rachel reached for her friend's trembling hand feeling her emotions. "What's wrong?"
"What is it?" Superman was instantly at his cousin's side, his face etched with concern as he placed a hand on her shoulder. "Have you come across this… Brainiac?"
"Kal..." Kara closed her eyes, taking comfort in her cousin's touch. When she opened them again, she turned to Diana and Rachel with fierce determination. "Please, let me join you on this mission."
"Kara—" Superman began, but Diana raised her hand, her expression grave.
"Tell us what you know about Brainiac first," Diana requested, her eyes studying the young Kryptonian carefully.
Kara's hands clenched into fists as she spoke, her voice tight with controlled anger. "While this one is different. The Brainiac I know is a cosmic conqueror, a being that travels from world to world, collecting knowledge and destroying civilizations. Its robotic forces are unlike anything you've ever faced—they adapt to any weapon, any strategy. We threw everything we had at them on Krypton, but..." She paused, pain flickering across her features. "We were powerless. In the end, Brainiac didn't just take our knowledge—it took an entire city. Kandor, along with all its people, was ripped from Krypton's surface. I lost so many friends that day."
Superman wrapped his arms around his cousin, pulling her into a protective embrace. "Kara, I had no idea..."
After a moment, Kara pulled back with a determined smile. "I'm okay, Kal. Really. I am not weak anymore and I want to see how I'll fare against this version of it." Her eyes lit up as a thought struck her. "Wait—you have access to the Kryptonian archives in your Fortress. Uncle Jor-El must have documented everything about Brainiac's attack. That information could be crucial for what we'll face there."
Flash's gaze shifted between Superman and Wonder Woman. "Batman has a point and Supergirl's testimony only adds on to the complexity of the situation. We're talking about facing a cosmic conqueror and power-draining androids, all while operating in an unfamiliar universe. That's not a risk we should take lightly."
Aquaman leaned forward, gripping his trident firmly. "Guys, think about it—if there's a Brainiac in our universe, we'll likely face our own version one day. Wouldn't we rather learn from this encounter now than be caught off guard later?"
"Exactly," Cyborg agreed, his cybernetic eye scanning through the shared data from Mother Empress. "Remember how fighting Steppenwolf prepared us for Darkseid? I agree to lend the other Justice League a hand."
Martian Manhunter added thoughtfully, "There's another angle to consider. These androids could give us insight into Amanda Waller's capabilities. If their version is collaborating with Brainiac, we need to know what our Waller might be capable of."
"League, with all due respect," Nightwing added firmly, "I'm tired of always being caught off guard by new threats. We've lost too many lives in the last conflict. We should seize this opportunity to gather intelligence and experience."
Black Canary, who had been quietly observing, spoke up. "We also need to understand why an alien conqueror would work with Amanda Waller in the first place. I agree - this could help us prepare for future threats. We should send an elite team."
Batman, who had been quietly analyzing the data, finally nodded. "Very well if we are doing this then... Superman, take Supergirl to the Fortress and review everything we have on Brainiac. For the deployment, we'll operate as two teams. Team Alpha will be Wonder Woman, Raven, Supergirl, and Cheetah—will engage enemy forces and support their Justice League. Team Beta will be myself, Batgirl, and Flash—will infiltrate Waller's facilities to gather intelligence." He turned to Diana, lowering his voice. "It's unusual for Orach to approve such a risky mission for both you and Rachel."
"I was surprised too," Diana admitted. "But he trusts us, and the plan is sound."
"What about the island?" Flash asked, gesturing to the holographic display.
"Cyborg and I will establish surveillance," Aquaman replied decisively. "We'll monitor all activity in the area."
"I'll handle diplomatic relations with authorities in your absence," J'onn added. "We need to keep the situation contained and calm."
Batman nodded. "I'll initiate contact with the relevant parties to start negotiations. After we secure an agreement, you'll take point on any further diplomatic relations."
Diana's voice carried authority as she spoke. "Time is critical. The longer we wait, the more vulnerable our counterparts become. Let's secure the island first."
"I should be going with you," Superman said to Batman, concern evident in his voice.
Batman responded firmly. "This mission requires stealth and precision. Besides, our Earth needs you here defending it alongside the others."
Superman nodded reluctantly. "I don't like it, but I understand."
Diana rose from her chair, gathering everyone's attention. "Then it's settled. Let's move out."
On Britain's side
Prime Minister Evans sat at her desk, surrounded by her most trusted advisors. The sudden appearance of an island off the British coast had thrown the government into crisis mode.
"The latest satellite imagery confirms it," Defense Secretary Porter announced, spreading photographs across the Prime Minister's desk. "The island is approximately 30 square kilometers, and our scans reveal terrain unlike anything we've encountered. Most concerning, the central zone appears completely impervious to our scanning technology."
"What's our current containment status?" Evans asked, studying the images intently.
"The Royal Navy has established a perimeter," Admiral Sarah Hughes reported. "We've redirected all civilian vessels away from the area, and the RAF is maintaining constant aerial surveillance." Her aide, a naval intelligence officer, added, "Our coastal monitoring stations are detecting unusual electromagnetic frequencies emanating from the island. They're not harmful, but they don't match anything in our database."
"And what of the public?" Evans asked, turning to her communications director.
"Social media is exploding with theories," he replied, scrolling through his tablet. "We've managed to keep most civilian drones away, but photos are already circulating online. The press is demanding answers."
"And the international response?" asked Evans.
"The EU Security Council is convening an emergency session," Foreign Secretary Mitchell interjected. "The Americans are mobilizing their Sixth Fleet, and NATO is requesting clearance to establish a joint task force."
"Typical," Evans pinched the bridge of her nose. "And what about the Justice League? Have they made contact?"
"Yes, Prime Minister," Porter confirmed. "Batman has requested a secure channel for negotiations regarding League jurisdiction over the island. And..." he hesitated, "they claim Prince Orach is personally involved."
"That monster is involved?" Evans's shock was shared by all present. Her gaze turned solemn in the next moment. "Set up the secure line. If there's anyone equipped to handle whatever's on that island, that even has that monster's interest, it's them. But make it clear—we expect full transparency during the negotiations." She straightened in her chair. "And inform the EU Council of both the League's involvement and Prince Orach's interest. That should give them pause before making any unilateral decisions."
"And get me Director Carter from MI6," she added. "I want every piece of intelligence we have on any unusual activity in the area over the past month. Something this big doesn't just appear without warning."
"Right away, Prime Minister," Mitchell nodded, already dialing on his secure phone.
As her team dispersed to carry out her orders, Evans walked to the window, gazing toward the direction of the mysterious island. "What could be significant enough to draw that being's attention?" she murmured. An unsettling feeling gnawed at her about this whole situation.
The next hour moved swiftly. The secure line with Batman was established, and negotiations proceeded with remarkable efficiency. While some members of both the British command and EU Council initially attempted to leverage the situation for political advantage, the mere mention of Prince Orach's involvement quickly sobered such ambitions.
With agreements in place, the Justice League deployed to the island. Following Mother Empress's guidance through the island's terrain and mist, they landed on the bridge leading to what appeared to be the main facility.
"It's amazing how they have built such a structure here and keep this island hidden for so long," J'onn observed, his telepathic senses probing the structure before them. "There is only... death inside."
"J'onn, what are you picking up?"asked Batman.
"Bodies, Batman. A lot of them," replied J'onn as they arrived at the main gate entrance, which had been blown apart during Orach's previous visit.
"Yeah. no kidding. it reeks of death."commented Cheetah with a frown.
"This... it's horrible," Supergirl whispered, her face pale as they surveyed the devastation. "How vicious was that android?"
Raven remained silent as they passed the wreckage and fallen bodies, her empathic abilities picking up lingering traces of terror and desperation.
"If this is what they're dealing with in their world," Batgirl said grimly, "we need to be prepared for anything once we cross over."
"Kara," Wonder Woman placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Center yourself. We'll need you focused."
Flash zipped through the facility in a blur of red, returning moments later. "I've done a full sweep. It's bad... but the facility itself is secure."
"Man, this whole facility is a mess," added Cyborg following along the rest.
Soon they made their way to the central chamber, where the battle's aftermath was most evident. The scorched walls and structural damage testified to the intensity of Orach's confrontation with the android. Diana and Rachel exchanged knowing looks - Mother Empress's report hadn't done justice to the destruction before them.
"My god..." Cyborg breathed, his cybernetic eye scanning the massive ring structure dominating the chamber. "This is incredible."
"Cyborg, can you interface with what's left of their systems?" Batman's voice cut through their awe.
"Connecting now," Cyborg replied, extending his technological tendrils toward the damaged mainframe. After a moment of silence, he continued, "I'm in, but it's not good. Power levels are critically low. The core's intact but cold - we're looking at a 45-minute wait minimum before the portal's stable enough to use."
"Understood. Begin the power-up sequence," Batman turned to Diana. "Were you able to get the coordinates from Mother Empress?"
"Yes," Wonder Woman nodded, tapping her terminal to share the details and her voice authorization to Cyborg. "Mother Empress provided exact dimensional coordinates and temporal markers."
"Get those loaded into the system," Batman instructed Cyborg. "We can't afford any mistakes with interdimensional travel."
As Cyborg worked on integrating the coordinates while the power levels began to climb, Batman addressed the team. "Everyone clear on their objectives?"
"Team Alpha, under my command, will locate that universe's Wonder Woman to restore her power and, if necessary, engage hostile forces while supporting the alternate Justice League," stated Wonder Woman. "Meanwhile, Team Beta, under your command, will gather intelligence on Amanda Waller's operation."
"Correct," Batman confirmed. "Remember, we're dealing with technology capable of neutralizing powers and abilities. Stay alert and don't take unnecessary risks."
"I have to say though, the technology is here is advanced." remarked Batgirl as she tried to examine the equipment.
Raven stepped forward, raising her hand with closed eyes as she concentrated.
"Do you sense anything unusual?" Batgirl asked, studying Raven's concentrated expression. "The report mentioned mystical defenses that Orach destroyed... is there something else we should know about?"
Raven's eyes opened slowly, a slight frown crossing her features. "Maybe... it's faint, but nothing that poses a threat to our mission now."
"That's… good to hear, I guess," Batgirl replied.
"Cyborg, what's our status?" Batman's voice cut through the tension.
"Power levels at 15% and climbing steadily," Cyborg reported, his cybernetic eye scanning the readouts. "Systems are responding better than expected. Coordinate integration is complete and locked in."
"Good," Batman turned to face the imposing portal structure. "Now we wait."
The team spread out across the chamber, each hero examining different pieces of equipment while maintaining their guard. The low hum of the portal's power systems grew steadily stronger, filling the chamber as Cyborg continued the revival sequence.
Finally, when the indicators reached optimal levels, Cyborg announced, "We're at full power." His hands moved smoothly across the control interface. "Remember everyone—once you cross over, there's no guarantee of a peaceful landing zone. You might step directly into combat. I'll wait for Mother Empress's signal before sending the return signal. Are we ready?"
"Do it," Batman commanded, his voice firm.
Cyborg initiated the sequence with Mother Empress assisting silently to tackle any interference to ensure safe travel. The massive ring structure pulsed with energy, creating distortions in the air around it. Within moments, a swirling vortex of blue-white energy materialized, casting an ethereal glow throughout the chamber.
"Portal is stable and locked on target," Cyborg confirmed. "Good luck, everyone."
Wonder Woman turned to Batman and nodded. "Stay safe," she said, before addressing her team. "Alpha squad, move out!" She led her group through the portal, their forms disappearing into the swirling energy.
"Beta team, on me," Batman ordered, striding purposefully toward the portal. As the remaining heroes followed him into the vortex, Cyborg initiated the shut down sequence. "See you later guys."