In the days that followed, in light of recent events, the League entered an intensely busy period. Former Green Lanterns joined the Hall of Justice in support roles, offering their expertise as J'onn J'onzz coordinated League operations across training, investigations, and criminal crackdowns.
Meanwhile, vacation plans for both families took shape with careful consideration. Due to their demanding work schedules, Bruce and Barbara couldn't participate in the educational expedition planned by Orach's family. Instead, they would rendezvous with the group at a designated spot in the British Virgin Islands after the expedition, where both families would spend the final days of Rachel's university leave together on a private island. Given the limited two-week timeframe, Orach's family focused on visiting two significant sites, the Nazca Lines of Peru and the temples of Varanasi, India.
These locations held profound significance in the Azarath archives as powerful nexus points—places where ancient civilizations had communicated with divine beings and achieved spiritual enlightenment. The presence of ley lines—Earth's natural channels of magical energy—in this region made these sites particularly potent for mystical activities and lent credibility to the archives' accounts. Though Diana had initially proposed including Angkor Wat, she decided to save it for a future exploration after seeing Rachel's enthusiasm for the chosen destinations.
Two days after finalizing their arrangements, the family arrived at the airport. Though Orach could have easily opened a spatial ripple for instant travel, he had expressed a desire to experience a proper human family vacation. Bruce had arranged one of his private jets for their journey to Peru and India.
As they soared through the clouds toward Peru, Orach contentedly gazed out the window while Diana and Rachel engaged in an animated discussion. Rachel, having thoroughly researched both the Azarath archives and online resources, spoke with enthusiasm.
"The ancient texts about the Nazca Lines are interesting," Rachel began, drawing from her research of both the Azarath archives and online resources. "I'm intrigued by their connections to celestial events."
"What have you discovered?" Diana asked, leaning forward with genuine interest.
"According to the Azarath archives," Rachel explained, activating a holographic display from her terminal, "the lines don't just align with astronomical phenomena - they form intricate patterns with the ley lines flowing beneath the earth's surface. Look at these overlays."
Diana leaned forward, studying the projected patterns with intently. "This reminds me of what Mother used to tell me about Themyscira. The ancient civilizations understood these energies in ways we're only beginning to rediscover."
"I know right?" Rachel nodded, her expression thoughtful. "These sites are believed to be powerful nexus points of magical energy. The texts suggest we might be able to tap into the universe's essence there, maybe even communicate with other ancient entities." She paused, adding with a slight smile, "Though that last part is likely either metaphorical or refers to another pantheon of gods."
Diana's expression grew both proud and contemplative. After a moment, she looked straight at Rachel and said, "Rachel, I want you to make the most of this opportunity. I've obtained special permission from the Peruvian government for you to study the lines up close. I expect a detailed report on your findings. This research could earn you university credits and become valuable for your academic portfolio. Even if you remain at your current university, showing this kind of initiative opens doors."
"I will, Mom," Rachel replied firmly. Though her connection to Orach gave her access to higher realm knowledge, she embraced her parents' belief in her experiencing full facets growing up on Earth.
As the jet continued toward Peru, the family settled into comfortable conversation. After landing, they took their arranged transport to the hotel. Once checked in, Diana and Rachel changed into appropriate clothing and expedition gear, while Orach's armor and battle suit morphed to match their attire. Then they headed straight for the Nazca Lines.
Upon reaching the Nazca Lines, Rachel was immediately struck by the vastness of the desert landscape. Unlike the Gobi desert where she had fought previously, this relatively flat, arid coastal plain stretched far and wide with massive glyphs spread across its surface. Their local guide, an experienced archaeologist, led them to a viewing platform that offered a panoramic view of the ancient geoglyphs.
"The scale is incredible," Rachel said, gazing in awe at the ancient geoglyphs. "The hummingbird and monkey figures are so well-defined, even after all these centuries."
"Indeed," their guide nodded appreciatively. "These lines stretch across nearly 190 square miles of desert plateau. The scale is so vast that the figures can only be fully appreciated from above."
Diana walked to the edge of the platform, her expert eye sweeping across the horizon. "The precision is remarkable. To create such massive designs with such accuracy, without modern surveying equipment… is nothing short of extraordinary ancient ingenuity."
"Who knows, Mom? Maybe it was aliens after all," Rachel joked, then turned to the guide eagerly. "When can we get a closer look?"
The guide adjusted his glasses. "I understand your family has special permission, but we must strictly follow preservation protocols. These lines are irreplaceable cultural treasures."
"Of course," Diana replied professionally, presenting her Smithsonian credentials. "I'm Diana Prince, and I'm quite familiar with archaeological preservation standards. We'll take every precaution."
"Excellent," the guide said, reviewing her credentials. "Then please, follow me down this designated path."
They carefully made their way to the famous Hummingbird geoglyph. "This is one of our best-preserved figures," the guide explained, gesturing respectfully. "Here's an interesting fact about this glyph. During winter, the beak aligns perfectly with the winter solstice sunrise—a testament to the astronomical knowledge of the Nazca people."
While Rachel diligently sketched the alignment and took detailed notes, Diana noticed Orach lost in thought. She quietly moved to his side, studying his contemplative expression.
Unable to resist, she nudged his shoulder gently with her own, drawing his attention. Their eyes met, and she offered him a warm smile. "What has you so captivated? The ancient glyphs?"
"No," Orach replied with a mysterious smile playing at his lips. "Just considering something..."
Diana's eyes narrowed as her intuition triggered at his cryptic response. "That look in your eyes... what are you planning?"
"Just thinking of ways to make this vacation more memorable, that's all," Orach replied with a measured smile, though the mischief dancing in his eyes immediately made Diana wary.
As Diana glanced between Orach and the ancient designs spread across the desert floor, a wild thought struck her. Though she tried to dismiss the thought immediately, knowing his playful nature, she worried her suspicion might be right. "Orach... please tell me you're not thinking of altering or adding your own creation to these historical glyphs?" Despite hoping she was just being paranoid, his slight flinch at her words confirmed her suspicions.
Cupping his face in her hands, she turned him to face her directly. "What exactly were you planning to etch into this sacred ground?"
"Have I mentioned how stunning you look today?" Orach deflected with a charming smile.
Diana's lips curved into a knowing smirk. "Playing that game, are we?" She rose on her tiptoes, bringing their faces close together. Her hands traced a sensual path across his back as their noses touched. Just as Orach anticipated a kiss, her fingers found his sensitive tail and gave it a gentle but firm squeeze.
Ah!
Orach's eyes widened in surprise as he stifled a gasp, struggling to maintain his composure so as not to disturb Rachel's studies. Diana's touch softened, and she stroked his tail apologetically as she whispered, "Now, care to share what you were planning?"
Defeated, Orach sighed. "Fine. But for the record, using my tail like that is playing dirty and you know it," he grumbled before continuing. "I thought... I could use Void Sentinel's precision lasers to create portraits of you and Rachel in the desert—a grand gesture of my love for my family. Isn't that what Earth customs encourage—making bold romantic statements?"
Diana's expression softened with affection even as she shook her head at his adorable foolishness. "My love, while the thought is sweet, these sites are irreplaceable treasures of human history." She ran her fingers tenderly through his hair. "I don't need grand gestures - just your heart. Though I do adore this endearing side of you. Now, shall we rejoin our daughter before she wonders what mischief her parents are up to?"
"As you wish," Orach conceded with a gentle smile. Then, as Diana began to step away, he reached back without warning and gave her bottom a firm, affectionate squeeze, making her jump slightly.
"Orach!" she whispered, trying to maintain her composure while fighting back a smile.
"What?" He grinned mischievously. Bending down to her ear, he whispered, "You squeezed my tail first. Turnabout is fair play."
Diana shook her head, unable to hide her amusement. "You're impossible," she said, giving him a gentle nudge with her elbow. He chuckled and let go.
Hand in hand, they returned to where Rachel remained engrossed in her sketches and note-taking while the guide continued explaining the archaeological significance of the ancient designs.
After the guide finished speaking and moved to fetch some tools, Rachel decided to examine the glyphs herself. Kneeling down, she subtly placed her hand on the surface and sent out a pulse of Ki. What she discovered surprised her—strange damage patterns beneath the soil had disconnected the lines from their ancient ley line connections.
"How strange," Rachel remarked thoughtfully.
"What did you find?" Diana asked softly, separating from Orach and crouching down beside her daughter.
"The lines are disconnected from the ley lines," Rachel said, turning to Diana with disappointment. "Even if we tried to channel magic through them, nothing would happen."
"I see." Diana gave her daughter a wry smile. "I understand your disappointment as a young sorceress," she said softly. "But even without magic, these lines showcase remarkable human achievement. Think about the precision, the scale—all accomplished with ancient tools. That alone is worth appreciating, don't you think?"
"That's true," Rachel said, closing her research journal thoughtfully. "It's just... it's a shame we can't verify the texts without the ley line connections." She gazed across the sprawling glyphs admiringly. "Still, I understand what you mean, Mom. Creating such precise shapes without modern technology is remarkable." She smirked. "Unless it really was aliens."
Diana chuckled. "Maybe. Anyway, let's continue our study."
Rachel nodded and for the next three days, they explored the site thoroughly. Orach watched contentedly as Diana and the guide provided historical context while Rachel meticulously documented each glyph. In the evenings, they enjoyed exploring Peruvian culture and cuisine.
After three days in Peru, they set course for India. Landing in New Delhi, Diana proposed an addition to their itinerary. "Let's visit the Taj Mahal in Agra first," she suggested. "We shouldn't miss seeing one of humanity's greatest architectural marvels while we're here."
Without hesitation, Orach tapped his terminal. Mother Empress quickly arranged their Agra accommodations and adjusted their Wayne Tech reservations in Varanasi. With the new plans set, they directed their assigned driver toward Agra.
At the Taj Mahal, while Orach didn't quite grasp the romantic symbolism of the monument and felt slightly uncomfortable with the crowds, he dutifully posed with Diana for photos at Rachel's insistence. "Stand right there, Dad!" she directed, camera ready. "Perfect!"
The local restaurant proved their evening's highlight. The rich aromas caught Orach by surprise, making his mouth water—surpassing any Earth cuisine he had tried before. Though as a cultivator — and now more so as a primordial god — he didn't require sustenance, his Saiyan nature still craved delicious food. The moment the food touched his tongue, his taste buds exploded with flavor, and there was no stopping him after that first bite. Seeing her father's enthusiasm, Rachel joined in, embracing the spicy dishes despite their heat being higher than she was accustomed to. She too fell in love with the taste. Be it Diana or the staff, all watched in amazement as father and daughter shared plate after plate of authentic Indian cuisine.
"I've never seen anyone enjoy Butter Chicken quite this much," their waiter remarked, bringing another full platter. "Tell me about it," remarked another waiter, bringing another plate of chili chicken. "It's their third plate of chili chicken."
Diana watched her family devour plate after plate of Indian food, a wry smile playing on her face as she finished her own meal. 'I should really learn to cook Indian food,' she thought, watching them polish off their third helping of chili chicken.
After a restful night at their hotel, they freshened up, changed into casual clothes and sunglasses to maintain their incognito status, and checked out the next morning. They began their journey to Varanasi, taking their assigned transport to the ancient holy city on the banks of the Ganges River.
After arriving in Varanasi, their car pulled up to the hotel. Once they had checked in and refreshed themselves, they headed down to the lobby where their assigned guide awaited them. A distinguished-looking man stood in the marble-floored space, offering them a graceful bow with a warm, genuine smile.
"Namaste, sir, madam, and young miss," Ram said warmly, bringing his palms together in greeting. "I am Ram Chakrabarti, head of biomedical research at Wayne Tech's Patna facility. Welcome to Varanasi. It's an honor to guide you and your family through one of our most sacred cities."
"Patna?" Orach's eyebrow lifted slightly. "That's quite a journey to be a guide."
"Sir… you speak Hindi?" Ram asked, pleasantly surprised.
"Something like that," Orach replied with a slight smile, his terminal's universal translator doing its work. "But tell me—why make such a long journey from Patna?"
Ram's expression brightened. "It was no problem, sir. In fact, I specifically requested this assignment. Your Med Pod technology is transforming healthcare across India," he said with genuine enthusiasm. "What began as a simple partnership exploring medicinal herbs has evolved into full-scale manufacturing of Med Pods right here in India."
His voice softened with emotion. "Even with our limited deployment to hospitals, we're seeing remarkable results. Lives are being saved every day. People who once couldn't afford treatment now have access to world-class medical care. The impact has been so profound that previously hesitant hospitals are placing orders, and even the Indian government is increasing its orders for state-run hospitals. We plan to deploy units across the country within two years."
"As someone born and raised in Varanasi and as someone who has experienced the Med Pod's miracle firsthand," Ram continued, his eyes reflecting his gratitude, "I wanted to thank you personally—not just for protecting our world, but for transforming countless lives." He bowed respectfully. "Please, sir, allow me to express our gratitude by showing you my beloved hometown."
Diana and Rachel exchanged proud glances as Orach studied Ram thoughtfully. Though maintaining his usual composure, genuine curiosity flickered in his eyes as his scouter presented Ram's scan results. "Your words are appreciated," he said quietly. "But you seem to be in good health with no signs of any previous injury or illness. So, how exactly did you experience the Med Pod's benefits?"
A shadow of past pain crossed Ram's face. "It was my wife, sir." He took a steadying breath. "Three years ago, she was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer."
"She initially refused treatment," Ram continued, his voice tight with emotion. "She wanted us to save the money for our son's education instead. But we convinced her to fight." He smiled faintly. "We relocated to Patna for better medical care, but complications arose during the surgery. The cancer had spread."
"Those were the darkest days of our lives," Ram said softly, his eyes distant with painful memories. "The chemotherapy was devastating. Each session, I watched my strong, beautiful wife reduced to tears from the pain. My heart broke seeing her suffer, but I had to stay strong."
He took a deep breath before continuing. "I was juggling everything - my career, our home, our son's needs, and most importantly, ensuring my wife received her treatments. Sometimes..." his voice wavered, "sometimes the treatment seemed worse than the disease itself. I'd watch her growing weaker, and wonder if we were doing the right thing."
"But I held onto hope," Ram's voice grew stronger. "I believed that God wouldn't abandon us, that if we persevered through this darkness, we would find light. We sacrificed everything - even sold our ancestral home here in Varanasi for her treatments." A bittersweet smile crossing his face. "If not for my colleagues' unwavering support during those times, I might have lost everything."
"Then came the miracle of your Med Pod technology. Wayne Tech partnered with my old company to source and process the medicinal herbs for your project but, when the Med Pod proved successful, Wayne Tech quickly established its medical division here and acquired the company in a few short months. My former supervisor shared our story with the new Division Head from Gotham, who had relocated to India to oversee the facility. The Division Head—my current boss—visited our humble rental home back then and brought not only a job offer but, more importantly, hope in the form of a vial of healing compound used in the Med Pod." Ram's expression brightened. "I had heard of your power and the Med Pods' effectiveness, so I chose to believe in you, sir. I'm so grateful I did. The results were immediate—my wife's pain decreased and became bearable, and in the following days, her treatments became more effective. When the Division Head called to ask for my answer after those couple of days, I couldn't refuse."
"But the true miracle arrived when we received access to one of the first locally manufactured Med Pods. Thanks to Wayne Tech's employee support policy, my wife..." Ram's voice caught with emotion. "She was completely healed—as if by divine intervention. Since then, I've dedicated myself to helping others receive this gift." He looked at Orach with profound gratitude. "I owe everything to those who supported us through our darkest times, but especially to you, sir, for bringing this miracle to our world, and to God for bringing you to us."
Diana's gaze softened as she studied Ram. "You are a good man, Ram. Your strength during those dark times was extraordinary," she said warmly. "You were not just a provider but a pillar of strength and hope for your family. Such unwavering faith and dedication is truly inspiring."
Ram smiled humbly. "I only did what any father would do, madam."
"I see. I appreciate you sharing your story," Orach said quietly. "I am happy to know that our technology helped your wife recover and continues to benefit others. Now, please show us your city—my family and I are eager to experience it through your eyes."
"Absolutely, sir!" Ram's face lit up with enthusiasm. "The car is waiting outside. Shall we begin our tour?"
After a short drive, they arrived at their designated parking spot near the ghats. Ram led them through the bustling streets toward the sacred waters, pointing out cultural landmarks. Holy men sat in deep meditation, their bodies adorned with sacred ash, while shopkeepers' calls to tourists created a vibrant atmosphere. Orach deliberately slowed his pace, falling a step behind his family. His enhanced senses picked up something that made his expression turn contemplative.
"Young Master," Mother Empress's voice came through his disguised scouter that appeared as ordinary sunglasses, "you seem troubled. Do you sense something?"
"Mother Empress," Orach replied in a measured tone, his expression turning serious. "The energy signature of this sacred city is unremarkable. While I sense divinity, it is merely lower realm divinity. Given its supposed divine connections, the Ki here should resonate with traces of higher realm energies. Yet my Primordial God Ki remains unmoved—I sense only the fundamental cosmic essence that permeates all creation."
His eyes narrowed as they passed shops displaying various deity idols. "When you first told me about this region's pantheon having striking similarities to the Primordial Gods, I had hoped to find traces of their influence—perhaps evidence that they had descended to guide these people. The Primordial Gods have done this since creation's dawn, manifesting in various forms to guide civilizations before fading once their charges succeed. But, when a true divine presence walks among mortals, it always leaves an indelible mark on reality itself. However, this..." He paused, choosing his words carefully. "This feels like a pale echo."
"Your observation maybe correct, Young Master," Mother Empress responded. "Our data shows significant discrepancies between these deities and the true Primordial Gods. While the names and basic attributes share similarities, their stories, powers and fundamental nature differs greatly. Additionally, our scans have detected a dimensional pocket similar to old Azarath. It likely serves as their divine domain. Should we investigate further?"
"I remember detecting one in this area earlier when I first found Azarath," Orach said, lifting his gaze to the sky momentarily before closing his eyes to focus. "I need to confirm this myself."
Carefully channeling his Primordial God Ki, he reached out with his consciousness, probing the dimensional pocket he had detected during his initial planetary scan. His divine awareness pierced through the veil of reality, revealing what lay beyond, soon coming across a mountain.
When his eyes reopened, they revealed his primordial eyes carrying a dangerous chill. His voice remained controlled as he spoke, "The more I uncover about this Lower Realm, the more it disappoints me. These beings... they're nothing but shadows, distorted interpretations of the true Primordial Gods."
"What did you see, Young Master?" Mother Empress inquired, noting the edge in his voice.
"A mockery," Orach replied, his tone carrying carefully controlled anger. "The creator god of this lower realm, at some point, must have glimpsed the true nature of the Primordial Gods and attempted to recreate their essence. But they understood nothing of their true power, purpose, or fundamental nature. The result is... disappointing."
"How would you like to proceed, Young Master?" Mother Empress asked cautiously.
Ahead, he watched Diana and Rachel marvel at the ancient city's wonders. Orach's expression softened. "Let them enjoy their vacation," he said quietly. "These pale imitations aren't worth our concern." His eyes flickered briefly before returning to normal. "Besides, the true Primordial Gods need no defenders. But should these so-called deities ever threaten what's mine..." His voice carried a deadly calm. "They'll learn the true meaning of primordial power."
"Understood, Young Master," Mother Empress replied solemnly. "I'll have Crescent monitor the dimensional pocket's activity."
Just as Orach was about to rejoin his family, a young girl collided with him, stumbling and falling at his feet. She looked up, rubbing her head with a wince.
"I'm so sorry, uncle! I didn't mean to—" The girl's words died in her throat as she met Orach's gaze. Her eyes widened in wonder as she perceived something extraordinary—a brilliant aura surrounding him that made her feel an all-encompassing sense of peace and comfort. Within it, she glimpsed an ethereal silhouette with a kind, gentle smile gazing back at her. The words slipped from her lips without thinking, "Are... are you a god?"
Orach studied her carefully, noting the unusual clarity in her eyes—the rare ability to perceive what most could not. 'Interesting,' he thought. With a gentle smile, he replied, "No, little one. I am just a man." He extended his hand to help her up.
The girl blinked, her mystical vision fading as she focused on his outstretched hand. Though she now saw him clearly as a foreigner, something about his peaceful aura inspired trust. Taking his hand, she smiled shyly. "Thank you, uncle. I'm really sorry about running into you."
"It's quite alright," Orach replied, discretely sending a tendril of his Ki to assess her. His suspicions were confirmed—she possessed latent potential, dormant but promising. Believing their paths had crossed for a reason, he channeled a careful strand of Life Ki from his dragon domain. The girl shivered slightly as the energy coursed through her, though the sensation passed quickly. "Be more careful next time," he added kindly, releasing her hand.
"I will. Thank you again, uncle." She bowed politely as he nodded and moved to rejoin Diana and Rachel.
Watching his retreating form, the girl raised her hand that had clasped his, still tingling with residual energy. "What a strange uncle," she murmured. "Who—no, what was he?"
"Kiran!" A woman's worried voice cut through her thoughts. "There you are!" Her mother approached, out of breath and clearly upset. "Do you have any idea how worried I was? Running off alone in these crowded streets!"
Kiran turned to her mother, head lowered guiltily. "I'm sorry, Ma. But those kachoris smell so good, and you were taking forever with your shopping..."
Her mother, Rani, reached out and tweaked her ear. "You and your endless appetite for street food!" she scolded.
"Ow, ow! I said I'm sorry, Ma!" Kiran yelped.
Rani's expression softened. "Fine, we'll get your kachoris. But afterward, you're staying right by my side, understood? Your father is waiting for us."
"Yes, Ma! I love you!" Kiran grinned, taking her mother's hand as they headed toward the food stalls. Deep within her, the Life Ki that Orach had gifted was silently at work, flowing through her being and gradually awakening a potential that would transform her destiny.
As Orach joined Diana and Rachel, Ram gestured to the scene before them. "Welcome to the heart of Varanasi," he said, his voice filled with reverence. "These ancient ghats along the Ganges are the spiritual soul of our city. Each stone step you see has witnessed thousands of years of prayers, rituals, and countless human stories."
"It's one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, isn't it?" Rachel asked, recalling her research. "Over 3,000 years of living history, and one of India's seven sacred cities."
Ram nodded approvingly. "Your knowledge is impressive, young miss. Indeed, these 84 ghats each have their own sacred purpose. Most are used for daily rituals and ceremonial bathing, while some are dedicated to cremation rites. After all, Mother Ganga's waters are believed to cleanse both body and spirit, washing away all earthly sins."
Turning to the family, he smiled warmly. "Would you like to experience this sacred tradition? I can arrange for a ceremonial dip in the holy waters before we visit the temples."
Diana and Rachel looked to Orach, who gave a gentle nod of approval.
"We would be honored," Diana replied.
"Excellent," Ram said. "And tomorrow, I suggest we visit the Archaeological Museum. It houses remarkable artifacts, including the original Lion Capital—one of our most precious historical treasures."
"That would be perfect," Diana responded, sharing an enthusiastic look with Rachel. "We're particularly interested in studying the region's ancient artifacts."
Later, following Ram's guidance, the family made their way to one of the less crowded ghats. Ram stepped aside to make a call to his friend, a local priest, to arrange the ceremonial pooja. The morning sun painted the sacred waters with golden hues as they descended the ancient stone steps.
"I've arranged everything," Ram said, gesturing to a distinguished-looking priest approaching them. After warm introductions, the priest or Pandit, explained the sacred ritual to the foreign family. "The pooja begins with offering prayers to Mother Ganga," he said in accented English. "Then, you'll take three sips of water from your cupped hands - this symbolizes purification of body, mind, and soul."
Diana and Rachel listened intently, nodding their understanding. Following the priest's guidance, they began the ceremony, while Orach observed from the steps with quiet interest.
"Orach, join us," Diana called out to him, waving with a warm smile.
Orach's lips curved into a slight smile as he shook his head in amusement. After a moment's consideration, he stepped forward to join them in the waters.
As Orach entered the waters, they began to stir silently around him. When the three joined hands and submerged in the sacred waters, his God Ki suddenly pulsed—accompanied by a dragon's roar echoing from his inner realm. A powerful wave of God Ki radiated from him, flowing through the river. The city shuddered for a brief moment, sending ripples of confusion and alarm through the crowds gathered at the ghats.
The divine energy had an extraordinary effect - years of pollution and damage began to dissolve as the waters were cleansed and rejuvenated. The Ganges shimmered with renewed vitality, its waters taking on an almost ethereal quality. The gathered crowd watched in awe, many falling to their knees in prayer, believing they were witnessing a divine miracle.
"We should leave," Orach whispered to Diana as they emerged from the water, quickly drying themselves with their Ki. Taking Rachel's hand, they rejoined a visibly stunned Ram.
"I... I've never seen anything like this," Ram stammered, his eyes fixed on the shimmering waters.
"Perhaps it's best if we continue our tour tomorrow," Diana suggested gently. "The crowd seems quite overwhelmed."
Back at their hotel room, the family discussed the mysterious occurrence. "What caused your God Ki to react that way?" Diana wondered aloud as they sat together watching the news.
"It's everywhere," Rachel murmured, flipping through different channels only to see the same topic being discussed—the mysterious incident at the ghats.
Orach closed his eyes and reached into his inner realm. When he opened them again, a wry smile crossed his face. "It seems the Dragon Domain of Life responded to the river's condition," he explained. "Tali's domain sensed the pollution in these sacred waters and acted instinctively to purify them." He paused thoughtfully. "The Primordial Dragon Domains still hold many mysteries, even to us. Their will often manifests in unexpected ways, but in this case, the outcome was rather fortunate."
That evening, after a period of meditation that proved especially beneficial for Rachel—her soul feeling lighter and stronger after the day's events—they decided to set aside their questions and enjoy the local cuisine. At a recommended restaurant, they savored traditional dishes and concluded their meal with the famous Kulfi Falooda, a perfect sweet ending to their extraordinary day.
The rest of their stay was devoted to exploring temples and the museum, while whispers of the 'miracle at the ghats' followed them everywhere—through broadcasts, news feeds, and conversations. Soon it was time to depart for the final destination of their vacation - a destination that remained a mystery to both Orach and Rachel.
Diana and Barbara had carefully planned their vacation, with Diana keeping the final destination a surprise. Although Rachel and Orach knew they were headed to a private island, the exact location remained a mystery.
While Orach was content to let the mystery unfold, even instructing Mother Empress—who could easily reveal it to him—to let Diana's plan play out naturally, Rachel's curiosity got the better of her.
"Mom, where exactly are we going?" Rachel asked, trying to hide her impatience.
Diana gave a mischievous smile. "Be patient, my little raven. It's a surprise, but I promise both you and your father will love it."
Rachel opened her mouth to protest but thought better of it. Instead, she turned to watch the passing clouds through the jet's window, eventually drifting off to sleep in the peaceful atmosphere, surrounded by her parents' loving presence.
As the private jet cruised at altitude, Orach noticed Rachel had fallen asleep with her terminal's interface still active, displaying her paper draft and recently scanned notes. Diana rose quietly, asked Mother Empress to close the interface, and covered their daughter with a soft blanket before returning to her seat beside him.
"She's been really putting in the effort lately," Diana observed softly, watching Rachel sleep. "Between her research and Ki control training... but, I must say, the spiritual energy at the ghats seemed to resonate well with her."
"Yes," Orach mused with a thoughtful nod. "Those sites hold traces of genuine spiritual essence—different from our Ki, yet remarkably potent for practitioners of this world's magic." His expression softened as he watched their daughter. "I can sense her soul steadily growing stronger. Though she has far to go, she's making good progress. Each step brings her closer to her next level of cultivation." He paused, a gentle smile crossing his face. "For now though, I want her to take a break. No training, no research—just relax and enjoy what's left of her vacation."
"Oh, I plan to make sure of that. But," Diana turned to face him, her expression softening. "That goes for us too, you know." A warm smile played across her lips. "After everything that's happened, I just want to be Diana Prince—not Wonder Woman, not the Princess of Themyscira. Just Diana, spending time with her family." She reached for his hand, intertwining their fingers. "So what do you say, my prince? Shall we set aside our titles and focus on creating memories together—you, me, and Rachel?"
Orach's lips curved into a gentle smile as he squeezed her hand. "Of course. That was my intention all along."
As their peaceful flight continued, the private jet made its way to their destination. Upon landing in Spanish Town, they were greeted by Bruce and Barbara, who had started their own vacation while Orach's family explored India.
The couple had seized the opportunity for a break, knowing Gotham was unusually peaceful since Orach's return. With criminals laying low out of caution, they felt confident leaving the city under the protection of Batgirl and Nightwing.
Aboard the Wayne family yacht, they sailed to the British Virgin Islands, making their way to Spanish Town on Virgin Gorda. Despite recent revelations and uncertainties about the future weighing on their minds, Bruce and Barbara chose to focus on the present moment, honoring their shared promise to face whatever challenges lay ahead together.
Their days aboard the yacht were filled with simple pleasures. They spent mornings lounging by the deck pool, afternoons fishing in crystal-clear waters, and evenings savoring exquisite meals crafted by their world-class chef. Together, they even explored vibrant coral reefs through scuba diving and shared peaceful moments under starlit skies while enjoying the clam sea.
As night fell, Bruce and Barbara retreated to their private master suite where they shared deeply intimate moments. In their passionate encounters, Barbara would sometimes embrace her demihuman nature, creating unique, primal and unforgettable experiences that strengthened their bond—leaving lasting impressions, both emotional and physical.
"I never thought I could be this happy," Barbara whispered as she lay contentedly against Bruce's chest, their breathing gradually steadying after their intimate moment. She had shifted back from her demihuman form, feeling safe and cherished in his embrace.
"Neither did I," Bruce replied softly, running his fingers through her hair. A playful smile crossed his lips in the next moment. "I'm glad we got a suite away from the others on the island."
"Oh? And why is that?" Barbara asked, tracing gentle patterns on his chest.
"Well," Bruce said with a playful smirk, "having a private suite has its advantages. After all, it would be rather awkward facing them the next day if they'd heard your moans..." Before he could finish his teasing, he winced. "Argh!"
"Really now?" Barbara's voice carried a dangerous purr as her eyes took on an ethereal glow. The subtle emergence of her claws drew a sharp breath from Bruce as they grazed his chest.
Rising gracefully, she swung her leg over to straddle him in one fluid motion, her generous curves casting alluring shadows in the moonlit suite. Her well-endowed breasts swayed enticingly with each movement, a sight Bruce had grown to deeply appreciate. Her eyes held his with intense focus, like a huntress who had cornered her favorite prey. "And here I thought you enjoyed every sound I made," she purred seductively.
Feeling his heated gaze and growing arousal beneath her, Barbara's smile turned both seductive and predatory. She shifted position deliberately, aligning her wet entrance just above his arousal, creating an exquisite friction between them, while keeping him tantalizingly close—but not allowing him to enter. As she began a slow, teasing rhythm, his pleasured responses only encouraged her to continue their intimate dance.
However, Bruce wasn't about to be easy prey—he was an alpha too. His hands reached out in retaliation, grasping and squeezing her bottom, making her gasp.
Ah!
"Two can play that game, my cheetah," he smirked, looking straight into her eyes. "Yes, I love to hear you moan. But I want those moans just for my ears."
Grrr
Her transformation began - her hair grew longer, her tail emerging above her bottom as fur rippled across her skin, completing her shift to demihuman form. She embraced the primal energy surging through her, intensifying her excitement as she leaned close against his chest. Tracing his neck, she pressed a tender kiss there before whispering, "You're playing a dangerous game, Mr. Wayne, you selfish man..." She gave his neck a sensual lick before adding, "and I love every moment of it." With careful control, she nipped him just firmly enough to leave her mark, claiming Bruce as hers. once more.
"Argh... Only ever with you," he replied tenderly. Intimately familiar with her primal nature by now, he shifted to grasp her hips gently but firmly, guiding her into perfect alignment. As their bodies joined completely under gravity's natural pull, they both gasped at the intense surge of pleasure, pausing to savor their deep connection.
Their eyes met in a passionate gaze before their lips found each other. No words were needed — their love spoke through their actions as they began and soon moved together in perfect rhythm. The yacht's gentle motion through calm waters and the soft sound of waves against the hull created a perfect backdrop as they lost themselves in their passionate embrace, their connection deepening with each passing moment.
After docking in Spanish Town, Bruce and Barbara had a day to explore before their friends' arrival. While the captain handled the docking paperwork, the couple changed into casual attire. Barbara, eager to discover the island's local attractions, enthusiastically led Bruce around the town before they would reunite with Orach, Diana, and Rachel for the final leg of their vacation.
The next morning, Bruce and Barbara welcomed Orach, Diana, and Rachel at airport. They had thoughtfully rented a spacious SUV the previous day to accommodate everyone comfortably. The group took the scenic route through the quaint town, with Rachel and Diana capturing memories on their terminals while stopping at various picturesque locations for family and group photos.
Upon reaching the dock, they boarded the yacht and settled in. While Bruce and Orach relaxed by the deck's poolside, the ladies gathered in one of the cabins, eagerly sharing stories about their respective adventures. After about four hours of smooth sailing, their mysterious destination finally came into view.
Rachel, leaning against the yacht's railing, spotted an island directly ahead. She pulled up her terminal and asked, "Mother Empress, I know we're in the British Virgin Islands, but could you tell me which island that is? Since we're heading straight for it, I assume it's our destination."
"I could, Princess," Mother Empress replied warmly, "but I won't spoil your mother's surprise. You'll discover it soon enough."
"You're in on it too?" Rachel pouted playfully. "You know I could easily check the maps and our heading..."
Mother Empress chuckled. "I'd be disappointed if you couldn't."
A gentle tap on her head made Rachel wince. "Ow!" She turned to find her father beside her. "Dad, what was that for?"
"Your mother put a lot of thought into this surprise," Orach began with a smile. "Try to relax and..." His voice suddenly trailed off as his eyes flickered crimson, God Ki channeling through them as he turned sharply toward the horizon. His expression grew serious as he sensed a disturbance in the lower realm.
"Dad?" Rachel asked, concerned by his sudden change. She attempted to channel her own Ki in the same direction but detected nothing. "I can't sense anything," she muttered, frustration evident in her voice as she watched her father's expression turn blank, an unnervingly calm expression—a look she knew preceded action.
Sensing her anxiety, Orach placed a reassuring hand on her head. "Don't worry about it for now. I'll investigate later."
"Dad..." Rachel's voice wavered slightly. "It's just... I hate feeling so powerless. After reaching High Integration realm, I thought I'd finally be strong enough to help you somehow. But I can't even sense what you can, let alone help you face it. I feel so—"
"Remember Rachel, cultivation isn't a sprint. It's a journey," Orach interrupted gently, his eyes returning to normal as he faced his daughter. "The frustration you're feeling? I felt it too during the Android War and the battles against the corrupted. Those thoughts of 'if only I were stronger' or 'I need to train faster' - they haunted me constantly."
"After the Android War, my stagnation made me feel inadequate. 'Why can't I breakthrough?' 'Why am I so weak when my brothers and sisters need me?' These questions plagued me. But I learned that dwelling on such thoughts only hinders growth. In war, split-second decisions can determine fate. We can't let frustration cloud our judgment, little one."
"You have incredible potential, Rachel. Your mother and I both see it. So, what if you are weak right now? One day, you will rise above this realm and ascend to the higher realms—I know it, your mother knows it. So, take your time, build your foundation properly at each step, and never give in to the temptation of shortcuts to power. That is how many great warriors lose themselves. I should know—during the Android War, I nearly lost myself to hatred and despair as the losses mounted. My darkness offered me great power and enabled me to make the ruthless decisions war demanded, but afterward, my power stagnated and I fell."
He paused, gently brushing her hair aside, letting the weight of his words settle before continuing. "Later, even though I continued to train despite my failure to break through to the next cultivation level, I focused on my duties and research. While my scientific achievements brought recognition, they felt hollow compared to what I had lost. Throughout the Higher Realms, those who once exalted me as one of the seven Young Heavenly Emperors turned away in silence, believing I would never recover. Even within Alacrity and its allied Higher Realms, doubts festered—though few dared voice them openly, fearing the wrath of the Saiyan Empire and my closest allies. Yet through it all, those who truly knew me never wavered, my parents, the rest of the Saiyan God royal family, my people of Sadala, the elders of Alacrity, and your uncles and aunts—the other Young Heavenly Emperors. Their faith in me remained unshaken, even when I had lost faith in myself."
"Dad..." Rachel's fists clenched as she absorbed every word, anger burning in her chest for what her father had endured.
Orach gently uncurled her fingers, his touch calming. "I am happy you feel angry for me, but that's not the lesson here. Learn from my past, my sweet daughter. If doubt ever clouds your path, remember those who believe in you. Let their faith be your beacon if darkness calls. But Rachel, remember - darkness isn't your enemy. Don't fear it, don't deny it - find your balance within it." His expression grew solemn as he continued, "You will stand beside me as an Empress in your own right - I know this in my soul. Take the time you need to reach that height. Do you understand, Rachel, daughter of Orach, princess of the house of Gula?"
Fighting back tears, Rachel closed her eyes. When she opened them again, they gleamed with determination. "Yes, I understand, Dad. I'm sorry for showing weakness—" She winced as Orach flicked her forehead. "Dad, why?"
Orach's smile was gentle. "If you can't show weakness to your parents, who can you show it to? Remember, princess - having weakness simply means having room to grow. That's what we Saiyans do best - we grow stronger. Never fear weakness. Face it head-on. You may fall, you may despair, but you WILL rise again. You are my daughter."
Rachel took a deep breath, nodded, and threw herself into her father's embrace, holding him tightly as waves of love and pride washed over them both.
Nearby, Diana and Barbara had approached to fetch the father-daughter duo but paused when they overheard the conversation beginning. With their enhanced senses, they could hear everything clearly from their hidden spot.
"He really is an amazing father," Barbara murmured, glancing at Diana. "You found a remarkable man, Di."
Diana maintained a serious expression, taking a deep breath to calm herself. "He's both - an extraordinary man and an incredible father." She paused, her hands clenching slightly. "You know, when we learnt about Orach's past, and when Adirosas and Aurelia first briefed us on what Orach might face upon his return to the Higher Realms, Rachel and I were shocked. But hearing it from him directly, understanding the depth of what he went through..." She shook her head, anger flickering in her eyes.
"Rachel and I are truly blessed that our paths crossed with his," Diana continued softly, her expression softening as she watched her husband comfort their daughter.
"This vacation has been wonderful so far—we haven't had to be our titles, just a family." She turned to look at her friend and said, "Barb, thank you for helping me arrange everything. They both needed this break, and I want to make every moment count."
Barbara squeezed her friend's shoulder gently. "And so do you, Di. Don't forget to take care of yourself too."
Diana smiled warmly. "I know." She glanced toward the bow. "Come on, we should gather everyone—we're about to dock."
As their yacht approached Necker Island, the pristine white sand beaches and lush tropical vegetation came into view, drawing everyone's attention to the paradise before them.
"Welcome to Necker Island," Barbara announced warmly as they docked. "Our private retreat for the next few days."
"This..." Rachel stood at the bow, taking in the panoramic view of crystal-clear waters and the luxurious villa perched above. She crossed her arms and said, "All right, I'll admit it—Mom, Barbara, this is really nice. You've outdid yourselves with this surprise. I'm genuinely impressed."
Diana and Barbara exchanged knowing glances at her cheeky words, their lips twitching with amusement. With a subtle nod to each other, they stepped forward.
"Why thank you, oh great princess of House Gula," Diana teased, approaching her cheeky daughter with a playful smirk. "We're simply overcome with joy at receiving your royal seal of approval."
"Indeed," Barbara chimed in, linking arms with Rachel. "Now my life is complete. I can die happy!"
'Dad, help!' Rachel pleaded through their mental connection as the two women, wearing matching mischievous grins, began leading her toward the island.
'Sorry, little one,' Orach replied with an amused smile. 'You walked right into that one. Enjoy!'
'Dad you traitor!' Rachel projected back, though her mental connection, laughing as Diana and Barbara playfully teased her along the way.
Bruce approached Orach as the staff efficiently handled their luggage. "The entire island is reserved exclusively for us," he explained. "Complete privacy, top-tier security, and every amenity we could want."
"I notice multiple residences," Orach observed, surveying the layout. "What's the arrangement?"
"Your family will stay in the 'Great House,'" Bruce replied, gesturing to the elegant Balinese structure crowning the island's highest point. "Barbara and I will take 'Bali Hi,'" he added, indicating another beautiful villa with stunning ocean views.
"Good," Orach nodded.
"Yeah," Bruce responded with a knowing look. "While we're all friends here, some... privacy is preferred especially at night."
Orach and Bruce exchanged knowing looks and nodded silently.
As they followed the staff toward their respective accommodations, Orach's expression briefly turned serious. He discreetly activated his terminal, instructing Crescent to monitor for any spatial or temporal anomalies. The disturbance he'd sensed earlier on the yacht had been significant—as if something fundamental to the lower realm had ceased to exist. Though he had infused his God Ki into the very fabric of this universe, creating a simple protective barrier against temporal quakes and reality-altering events—a safeguard implemented while fixing Barry's timeline mistake—he couldn't entirely dismiss the possibility of interference from higher realm powers. Still, that was a concern for another time. For now, his focus remained on his family and this well-earned vacation.
After entering their assigned residence, Orach found Diana and Rachel already exploring the villa. With an amused shake of his head, he made his way to the master suite upstairs. After a quick inspection of the room, he settled on the patio's lounge chair, taking in the peaceful view of the island and sea as the afternoon sun began its descent.
Rachel after a discussion with Diana chose the third room, which offered a stunning panoramic view of the island. "Perfect distance," she muttered to herself with a slight smirk, knowing her parents would appreciate the privacy. After having Crescent beam down her essentials from the ship, she made the space her own, even if just for a few days. Diana had called a family meeting in the great room to discuss evening plans, and though the late hour meant they probably wouldn't do anything too ambitious, Rachel was perfectly content with that prospect.
Meanwhile, Diana finished helping Rachel settle in and gave instructions to the staff regarding meals and evening entertainment. Taking a moment to appreciate their temporary home, she smiled contentedly before seeking out her future husband. She found Orach on the patio, eyes closed in peaceful repose.
"Done exploring?" Orach asked without opening his eyes.
"Yes," Diana replied, settling beside him. "What do you think of our little paradise? We have three full days ahead of us."
"The energy here is different," he mused, eyes still closed. "More... peaceful."
"That's exactly why I chose this place," Diana smiled softly. "Away from the chaos of the city. Even we need moments of tranquility."
"Indeed. So what have you and Barbara planned for the evening?" Orach asked, finally turning to face her with a warm smile.
"Since it's getting late, we'll save the sunset dinner cruise along the coastline for tomorrow when we can join Barbara and Bruce," Diana explained. "For tonight, we've arranged a feast with cultural festivities and a live performance."
"About this feast..." Orach began cautiously.
"Non-stop, of course!" Diana interjected with a knowing smile. "I know my future husband well enough by now. So, just relax and enjoy."
Their moment was interrupted by Rachel's call through their terminals, reminding them about the meeting Diana had scheduled. With a laugh and a quick spatial ripple courtesy of Orach, they materialized in the great room, where they found their daughter tapping her foot impatiently.
After apologizing for making her wait, they explained the evening's plans before heading off to change into their evening attire.
Diana chose an elegant v-neck summer floral one-shoulder dress, while Rachel opted for a casual flowy sleeveless floral tank top paired with denim shorts. Orach, at Diana's insistence, stored his armor in his terminal and donned a short-sleeve buttoned-down floral shirt with shorts - a recent purchase Diana had made specifically for their vacation. She even convinced him to leave his scouter behind in the room.
The evening unfolded beautifully with live performances that were engaging, accompanied by a steady stream of drinks and appetizers. The real entertainment, however, came during the feast, as the staff's eyes progressively widened watching Orach's seemingly endless appetite. The rest of the group barely contained their amusement, especially when Bruce quietly wondered if the island would revise their "unlimited food" policy after tonight.
Later, they took a moonlit stroll along the beach. The two couples walked hand in hand, with Rachel beside them, all enjoying the gentle breeze and rhythmic waves. Their conversations meandered through various topics, carefully avoiding any mention of League business - this was vacation time, after all. Bruce and Orach discussed ongoing projects with an interested Rachel, while Diana and Barbara caught up on work matters, including Barbara's concerns about a new boss and Diana's decision to take a more passive role in the League so she could concentrate on her role at the museum and personal life.
As the evening drew to a close, they made plans for a farewell beach barbecue on their final day. The families bid each other goodnight and retired to their respective villas, looking forward to tomorrow's adventures.
The following morning, both families rose early and enjoyed breakfast in their respective villas before meeting up for the day's adventures. Dressed in hiking attire, they gathered for the island's guided hiking experience. Though Orach seemed skeptical about the recreational value of walking, he good-naturedly joined in. However, the trail proved less challenging than anticipated for the mostly superhuman group.
"Perhaps we should try something more engaging," Bruce suggested trying to improve the mood.
The group agreed and quickly changed into their swimwear for a boat excursion. The staff had arranged snorkeling and scuba diving to explore the vibrant coral reefs. During the initial snorkeling session, Orach remained on the boat while the others followed the guide's instructions. When the group returned to prepare for deeper diving, donning scuba gear, Orach decided to join them. When offered diving equipment, he simply smiled, stepped to the edge of the boat, and jumped off—causing momentary panic among the staff until their alarm turned to astonishment as they watched him casually walk on water.
"Show-off," Diana called out affectionately, while Rachel tried to suppress her laughter at the staff's shocked expressions.
Orach descended beneath the waves, channeling a controlled amount of his God Ki, and joined the others in exploring the underwater wonders. They spent the rest of their morning photographing exotic marine life and colorful coral formations before returning to shore for lunch.
After their meal, the group headed to the beach where the staff had prepared two comfortable spots with shade and loungers. Rachel, wearing a modest one-piece swimsuit under her tank top and shorts, turned to her father.
"Race you to that distant cove?" she challenged with a competitive glint in her eye.
"Sure, little one. You're on," Orach accepted, removing his shirt.
Father and daughter dove into the water, and after a few casual strokes, both channeled their Ki and shot through the water at incredible speeds. Diana watched them with fond exasperation.
"Those two," she sighed, sharing an amused look with Bruce and Barbara. "They are incorrigible."
When Orach and Rachel returned, they found Bruce carefully applying sunscreen to Barbara's back. She had changed out of her flowy coverup dress into an elegant dark green halter neck bikini that drew appreciative glances from Bruce. Diana, relaxing under the shade on her family's spot while browsing through her terminal, smiled at her friends' growing relationship and affection.
As Bruce and Barbara headed for their swim after noticing Orach and Rachel's return, Diana switched off her terminal's holographic display and rose gracefully. She slipped off her coverup dress, revealing a striking white halter neck bikini adorned with floral patterns that complemented her elegant, well-defined figure. Orach's admiring gaze was instantly drawn to her, and he found himself captivated by his lover's natural beauty as she stood bathed in warm sunlight. Rachel, having just finished drying herself with her Ki, noticed her father's entranced expression.
"Don't mind me," she smirked, settling onto the lounger and pulling up her terminal. "Go enjoy yourselves. Mom, he's all yours."
Diana laughed, giving her daughter a grateful wink. "Thanks, my little raven." She turned to Orach with a playful smile. "Shall we?"
Taking his arm, they walked toward the sea together, leaving their daughter contentedly reviewing photos in the shade. The afternoon sun sparkled on the water as two couples enjoyed their time together, each finding their own chances of creating new memorable moments on this island paradise.
After enjoying their afternoon activities, the group returned to freshen up before embarking on a sunset cruise along the coastline. Being the only guests aboard created an intimate atmosphere. While Bruce and Barbara enjoyed their romantic moments together, Diana and Orach made sure Rachel felt included as they all enjoyed the live performances, scenic views, and exquisite dinner service.
Upon returning to their villa, Rachel stretched and yawned. "I'm exhausted," she announced with a telling smile. "Think I'll turn in early. Goodnight!" Before either parent could respond, she had already headed to her room, leaving them alone.
Diana and Orach exchanged knowing looks, a light chuckle escaping Diana's lips while Orach gave a wry smile - their daughter's thoughtfulness wasn't lost on them. "Seems we have her blessing," Orach remarked, pulling Diana into his embrace by her waist. She chuckled softly, "So it seems." Rising on her toes, she wrapped her arms around his neck and met his lips in a passionate kiss.
Without breaking their connection, Orach willed a spatial ripple behind them. They fell through, materializing above their bed in the master suite, Diana landing on top of him as their kiss deepened. Her fingers found his shirt collar, ripping the fabric apart while his hands moved to her waist. He channeled his Ki with precise control, using it to delicately dissolve her spaghetti-strap summer dress into ash, revealing the delicate seamless lingerie beneath. As her dress vanished, her hands were already tracing the defined muscles of his chest, moving down to his shorts. While he used his Ki once more to reduce her bra to ash, freeing her breasts, she managed to unbuckle his belt and work open his shorts releasing his rising arousal, their lips never parting throughout the passionate exchange.
Ah!
They parted briefly, Diana catching her breath as waves of desire coursed through her. Her body burned with yearning for this man—her man—as she embraced their passion born of deep love. His fingertips traced along her waist, Ki energy flowing through his touch, drawing soft moans with each caress. Though she tried to stifle her pleasure by biting her lip, when his hands reached her black lace panties, dissolving them to ash with a precise burst of Ki, and then firmly grasped her bottom, she could no longer hold back.
Ah!
She arched backward as pleasure surged through her moistening core. Her breasts swayed with the motion, drawing his heated gaze. His hands traced upward to cup them, kneading the soft flesh as his thumbs circled her hardening nipples, eliciting another deep moan from her lips.
Ah!
"You really are beautiful," he whispered tenderly, gazing at her with warmth as his hands caressed her breasts.
"And you fight unfairly... ah!" she gasped between breaths, another wave of pleasure building as he channeled his Ki through his thumbs, circling and slightly pinching her hardened nipples. "Always using your Ki to heighten everything."
"You say that but, your body is clearly enjoying my touch," he replied with a playful smile. Rising from the bed, his hands slid to grip her hips, lifting her until they were face to face. Their noses brushed before their lips met in a brief but passionate kiss. Then he lifted her higher, bending slightly to bring her breasts level with his face.
"Perfect," he murmured, eyes fixed on her breasts. "Then what's stopping you?" Diana's provocative tone made his desire surge. Lowering his mouth to her left breast, he traced her nipple with his tongue before pressing a gentle kiss against it. The unexpected sensation drew a surprised moan from her throat.
Ah!
He continued his intimate exploration, drawing her nipple into his mouth while alternating between gentle suction and careful strokes of his tongue. With each motion, he channeled a carefully amounts of his Ki that heightened every sensation exponentially. As his tongue traced deliberate circles around her areola, each Ki-enhanced touch sent waves of pleasure radiating through her sensitive flesh. Her nipple hardened further under his focused attention, prompting him to gradually increase both pressure and suction. He even occasionally grazed the sensitive peak with his teeth while maintaining the steady flow of Ki, creating an overwhelming combination of physical and energetic stimulation that had Diana crying out unreservedly, her back arching as she pressed herself closer to his mouth.
Ah!...
Intense pleasure coursed through her body, causing Diana to unconsciously thread her fingers through his hair, tightening her grip. Orach maintained his steady hold on her with one hand while his other hand began trailing along her leg, his Ki-infused touches sending shivers of pleasure through her body.
His hand moved deliberately upward, tracing her defined abs before continuing lower. When he reached her most intimate area, he brushed against her sensitive bud before finding her entrance. He slipped his middle finger inside her welcoming warmth and began a rhythmic motion. The dual stimulation overwhelmed her senses. Her body trembled as she held him tighter, the pleasure building steadily until she reached her peak with a powerful climax that left her gasping, her release flowing freely over his fingers.
AH!… Ah!… Ah!
Withdrawing his fingers, he brought them to his lips to taste her essence. "Mmm, you're especially sweet today. I wonder why?"
Diana, overwhelmed by the multiple waves of pleasure, breathed heavily, "Orach, I need you now... please..."
With a tender smile, Orach adjusted their position, gently spreading her legs to align himself with her entrance. She wrapped her arms around his back as he began to ease himself inside, the initial contact drawing a sharp intake of breath from both of them.
Ah!
As he pressed deeper, Diana felt herself stretching to accommodate him, waves of pleasure mixing with the slight tension of entry. Reading her body's signals, Orach made a swift decision. In one fluid motion, he let gravity aid their union, supporting her as she slid down his length until he was fully sheathed within her. Her head came to rest naturally against his shoulder, her lips close to his ear, as their bodies joined completely. The sudden fullness made them both gasp - her inner walls gripping him tightly despite her arousal. Diana's back arched instinctively as the intense sensation of their joining sent a powerful surge of pleasure through her core, pulling a deep moan from her throat.
Ah!
As their bodies joined, their Ki merged and resonated powerfully, their inner realms stirring in preparation for an intense dual cultivation. They held still, savoring their profound connection as Diana rested her head on his shoulder. Her lips brushed his ear as she whispered softly, "I love you, Orach."
"I love you too, Diana, with all that I am," Orach replied.
"Please," she breathed against his skin, "take me."
At her words, Orach lifted her face until their eyes met, captured her lips in a deep kiss, and began to move.
With each powerful thrust, Diana's moans echoed their shared pleasure as Orach found a perfect rhythm. His movements started gentle but grew more intense, his upward motions perfectly timed with her downward descent. Using gravity to their advantage, each stroke brought them closer together, their bodies moving in perfect synchronization as the passion between them built steadily.
Ah!… Ah!… Ah!
Diana pulled back briefly to catch her breath, but found herself lost in waves of pleasure as their bodies moved together. Each powerful motion sent tremors through her, her form rising and falling in perfect rhythm, her breasts swaying enticingly with their movements. As pleasure mounted, her inner muscles tightened instinctively around him, drawing gasps from them both.
Ah!
Their passion intensified at this response, Diana's fingers pressing into Orach's back as their movements grew more urgent. The sensations built steadily, bringing her closer to the edge.
"I'm... coming!"
Their shared passion crested in an overwhelming climax that left them both breathless.
In the afterglow, Diana felt a deep warmth spread through her core as they reached completion together, Orach's essence flowing deep within her womb. "That was... incredible," she whispered, their bodies still joined as one. She nestled her head against his shoulder while he traced gentle kisses along her neck, their forms settling into peaceful stillness, their Ki flaring together as their eyes glowed while Diana's hair briefly shifted to Cardinal Pink in the moonlit room.
They remained like that for several peaceful moments, basking in their intimate connection, until Diana reluctantly lifted her head to meet his gaze.
"We should probably clean up and rest soon," she said with a small smile. "Tomorrow will be another busy day."
Orach nodded in agreement, though reluctant to let her go. They carefully separated, both feeling the loss of their intimate connection as he helped her stand. Her legs trembled slightly as her inner realm pulsed with power, prompting him to keep a steadying arm around her waist.
"Care to join me in the shower?" Diana asked, with a playful glint in her eyes.
Orach answered with a tender kiss, leading them towards the shower where their Ki continued to resonate in perfect harmony. They took their time washing each other, savoring these quiet moments together. After drying off, they made their way to bed, Diana settling naturally against his shoulder.
"You know," Diana said, turning to look up at him with a soft smile, "we have that Jacuzzi on the patio. Tomorrow night we should stargaze there. Just us and the night sky."
"Sure," Orach replied quietly. They shared one final kiss before drifting off to sleep, content in each other's arms.
The third day began peacefully with sunrise yoga on the beach. Diana, Barbara, and Rachel enjoyed the session together, though the two older women's playful discussion about their romantic evenings had Rachel rolling her eyes before heading back to the house.
After changing, the group gathered for a cooking class with the island's chef to learn traditional Caribbean dishes. Diana, Barbara, and surprisingly Bruce took to the instructions naturally. Rachel, however, struggled with filleting fish, her frustration nearly leading her to use Ki on the stubborn seafood. Orach appeared beside her, placing a calming hand on her head. Under his patient guidance following the chef's instructions, Rachel succeeded in preparing her dish.
Her proud smile at overcoming this challenge made Diana and Barbara chuckle, while Orach watched with amusement. He knew Rachel had only learned simple cooking, since with him and Mother Empress around, his daughter—the princess of the House of Gula—had never needed to learn more. This realization made him internally scold himself for spoiling her, and he resolved to ask Diana to help teach Rachel more cooking skills. Rachel, meanwhile, paid no mind to their amused reactions. She was simply happy to have learned something new and silently determined to surprise her parents with her cooking in the future.
The afternoon brought excitement as Bruce introduced them to various water sports equipment. An impromptu jet ski race ensued, with Orach hovering above as judge. To everyone's surprise, Rachel claimed second place, right behind Bruce's expected first-place finish. They concluded their day with an island tour, marveling at exotic birds and vibrant plant life, before retiring to their respective villas for leisurely swims in their private pools.
Their final evening on the island centered around a beach bonfire, complete with a staff-arranged barbecue. The group shared stories and laughter, savoring their last night together. Later, as Rachel retired to bed, the couples retreated to their villas. Diana and Orach, dressed in swimwear, settled into their Jacuzzi, sipping drinks while enjoying the calm night sky and the rhythmic sound of waves.
The following morning brought their idyllic vacation to an end. While Bruce and Barbara packed their luggage conventionally, Diana and Rachel simply transferred their belongings to their terminal space or the Void Sentinel. As they boarded the yacht for their journey home, they carried memories of their island getaway. While the family were enjoying their peaceful reprieve, different powers throughout this universe also sensed the disturbance.
New Genesis - The Celestial Palace
In the sacred halls of the palace, Highfather sat upon his throne, his expression deeply contemplative. The recent battle with the higher realm beings - Aurelia and her husband Adirosas - had left him wounded when his projection was destroyed. Though grateful for managing to save his son and his forces from annihilation, the recovery process had been demanding.
During his recovery period, when the throne chamber was sealed to all except those he specifically summoned, Highfather experienced something unprecedented. It happened around the time Orach's family began their vacation on Necker Island - a massive disturbance rippled through the lower realm, detected through his connection to the Source.
"What could cause such a profound disturbance?" he whispered, rising from his throne in disbelief.
Once strong enough, Highfather began a methodical investigation. Merging his consciousness with the Source, he connected with his counterparts across the multiverse, manifesting as the true body of the Highfather. His omniscient gaze swept across all universes, and what he discovered was deeply troubling - throughout the multiverse, different versions of Darkseid were dying.
The revelation deeply unsettled him. Though Darkseid's death could bring peace to individual universes, Highfather's connection to the Source revealed a darker truth, both he and his nemesis were essential pillars holding the multiverse together, despite their eternal conflict. The widespread death of so many versions pointed to one inescapable conclusion - Darkseid's true form had fallen.
"How is this possible?" Highfather murmured, his eyes fluttering open as the strain of channeling the Source became overwhelming. "Darkseid... he is... dead."
As his expanded consciousness retreated, the true body of Highfather dissolved, leaving this universe's version still reeling from the revelation. His thoughts turned to the higher realm beings. 'Could they be responsible for Darkseid's true death?'
Taking a deep breath, he pushed speculation aside. He needed facts. His first step was to check on this universe's Darkseid. After connecting with the Source again, he made a startling discovery - contrary to his expectations, this universe's Darkseid lived. Though faintly detected and clearly injured, his energy signature was steadily growing stronger.
"He... lives?" Highfather pondered, leaning back on his throne. "But why? By all rights, he should have perished with his true form. How has he survived?"
Driven by this mystery of why this universe's Darkseid remained unaffected, Highfather pushed his recovered powers to their limit, searching for answers. The strain of using the power of Source was immense - blood trickled from his mouth as he probed deeper into the fabric of reality of this universe. Finally, after hours of exhaustive searching, he detected a foreign yet familiar presence intricately woven into the very fabric of their universe. But, when he attempted to probe this presence, a powerful force surged back at him.
The violent backlash shattered Highfather's connection to the Source, forcing him to cough up a mouthful of blood. While channeling energy to heal himself, his mind raced to identify that familiar presence. Suddenly, recognition dawned—he had encountered it before, when an unfamiliar new god's energy signature had first manifested in this universe. That same event had ultimately drawn his son and the New Gods into their conflict with the Higher Realm beings.
"It must be him," Highfather murmured, his expression growing serious. "But when did that being interact with our universe at such a profound level?"
He gazed out at the skies of New Genesis, lost in deep contemplation. After a few moments, realization struck him—there had been a massive disturbance in space and time, one that this very being had helped stabilize. "Could it be?" he pondered aloud. "Did he weave his power into the very fabric of our universe during that event? Did that power shield our universe from the aftershocks of Darkseid's true death? But," His expression darkened. "How far do his schemes reach? Could this protection also mean we are now isolated in some ways?"
Feeling more questions arise than answers, High Father's frustration mounted. With a weary sigh, he transported himself from the throne chamber to the medical facility of New Genesis. There, healers worked tirelessly to tend to the unconscious beings lying on beds, surrounded by sophisticated medical equipment that monitored their conditions. His attention focused particularly on their most critical patient - the rescued Guardian, Ganthet.
In the aftermath of the devastating conflict between Orach and the Green Lanterns, his son had managed to save a handful of Guardians along with a few Green and Blue Lanterns. These survivors now fought for their lives under his protection. The recent encounters with the higher realm beings had shaken even the mightiest among them. Adirosas had effortlessly destroyed his projection, while Orach had demonstrated power beyond their comprehension.
The reports from his son Scott and daughter-in-law Barda painted a grim picture. They described witnessing a one-sided war where even the Guardians' greatest weapons proved futile. The manifestations of Will and Fear from the Emotional spectrum, their most powerful assets, had been crushed with apparent ease. The colossal ship that accompanied Orach had systematically decimated their forces, even destroying the mighty Mogo - their strongest Green Lantern, a sentient planet who had even been enhanced by Blue Lantern power during the conflict.
What troubled him most was the encounter his children had with one of Orach's crew - a dark-winged sorceress who had fought Barda to a standstill and wounded Scott before they managed to escape. The fear he saw in his usually fearless son's eyes and the solemn demeanor of his warrior daughter-in-law spoke volumes about the threat they faced.
"Highfather." A familiar voice pulled him from his thoughts. He turned to see Sayd, one of the recovered Guardians, approaching his position on the observation platform. "You've finally emerged. Did your communion with the Source yield any answers?"
"Guardian Sayd," High Father acknowledged with a gentle nod. "It's heartening to see you recovering well. While I did glimpse beyond the veil and found some answers, they only led to more questions. We face... a rather complex adversary."
Sayd's laugh carried a bitter edge. "Complex? I'd say impossible. You yourself warned us about making an enemy of this being. You even cautioned Ganthet specifically. Tell me truthfully, Highfather - do you believe any power we could muster would truly serve as a deterrent?"
"Perhaps... perhaps not," High Father replied, his expression grave. "But we owe it to those who fell in battle, and to those who still live, to try. Our universe needs its guardians of peace and order."
Sayd turned to look at the survivors, her expression haunted. "I want to hope, Highfather. But I remember everything— that cold laughter, those strange eyes, that calculating cunning with which he manipulated us from the start, that utter disregard of us all and above all... that overwhelming power. These memories haunt my dreams. I've asked myself countless times, 'What went wrong? What could we have done differently?' But against such might..." She drew a shaky breath. "I can only hope."
"Speaking of hope," High Father said, his tone serious, "What of the Blue Lantern Central Battery? Was it truly destroyed? Can you still not sense the manifestation of Hope?"
"Yes, it was," Sayd replied. "But, what you suspect is correct. As long as living beings exist in our universe, the possibility remains to reconstitute the manifestation of Hope. However, I need to fully recover before we can attempt to gather enough Hope energy to reform Adara, the entity of Hope."
"And Ganthet?" High Father asked, looking at his unconscious form. "Any improvement?"
"Some, but not much. The fusion with Ion took a severe toll—we don't know if he'll even be the same after he wakes up. What's more, the entity has now dispersed. We don't know where it went or if it will resurface." replied Sayd shaking her head.
"Yet that itself offers hope," High Father observed. "Even if Ganthet isn't the same, he's still your kin, and the universe is better for his presence in it. According to my reports, Green Lanterns who weren't involved in the conflict can still access their rings' power and continue patrolling their sectors. Though diminished, the Corps endures—which means the manifestation must still exist somewhere in the universe."
"True," Sayd conceded, "though I worry about what might happen when it seeks a new host. These entities are more instinctual—we need to be careful."
"Agreed." High Father turned to face her directly with a serious expression. "Guardian, is it possible to harness other aspects of the emotional spectrum? Could you teach us to forge such weapons? I understand the toll it takes and the difficulty in controlling such power, but I've often wondered why none of your rings have chosen a New God. While mortals can grow and channel their emotions effectively, they remain inherently flawed beings. Wouldn't it be more logical to entrust this power to the New Gods of New Genesis, or at least have us serve as commanders leading your mortal corps?"
Sayd's expression turned thoughtful. "In the past, I would have refused outright, even to you, Highfather. But these are extraordinary times. Once I and the other Guardians have fully recovered, we can begin coordinating our efforts."
"Excellent," High Father nodded appreciatively. "You are one of us now, Guardian Sayd. When we face the higher realm beings again - whatever the outcome - we New Gods will stand with you."
"Thank you, Highfather," Sayd replied softly. "Though I pray we might find another way. Perhaps through negotiation? Your son's report from Earth, combined with our own observations, suggests this being can be reasoned with. We just need to understand how."
"I share that hope," High Father said, before bidding farewell and returning to his palace. There, he would continue his communion with the Source, searching for paths forward and answers to their mounting questions.
On Apokolips's Side
After Adirosas casually attacked, through a swirling portal, Darkseid found himself hurled into the cold vacuum of space. The self-proclaimed god of evil's trajectory brought him dangerously close to an unstable, dying world. As the planet began its catastrophic death throes, Darkseid's eyes narrowed. Even for a New God, the raw destructive force of an exploding planet was not to be underestimated.
"Whoever you are... you will pay," he growled, the image of those mysterious figures burning in his mind. They had appeared at the crucial moment, thwarting his plans when victory was within his grasp. As debris from the dying world pelted his form, his rage only intensified. Whether his opponent had deliberately thrown him into this deadly path remained uncertain, yet Darkseid embraced this belief—it fed his wrath. Drawing upon his immense power, he unleashed Omega beams to destroy the largest debris while channeling energy to shield himself from the explosion. But even his godlike constitution had its limits. The combined toll of his earlier battle and the planetary explosion proved too much, leaving him teetering on the edge of consciousness.
With his last moments of awareness, Darkseid activated the emergency beacon hidden within his armor. As darkness crept into the edges of his vision, a grim smile crossed his features. He could survive the vacuum of space indefinitely, but patience had never been his strong suit. Better to summon his forces and begin planning his revenge.
"My lord!" The familiar screech of Granny Goodness cut through his semi-conscious state as an Apokoliptian battle cruiser materialized nearby. Within moments, he was brought aboard and rushed to the medical bay.
"Set course... for Apokolips," Darkseid commanded through gritted teeth. "Maintain distance from Earth... prepare new soldiers for my armies... once I recover, we go to war." His voice carried the weight of absolute authority despite his weakened state.
In the following days, as he rested in his fortress on Apokolips, focusing on healing and rebuilding his strength, Darkseid experienced something unusual. Just before Highfather would detect the multiversal disturbance, a searing pain lanced through Darkseid's being, and a profound sense of loss washed over him. Visions of countless lifetimes flashed before his eyes, staggering him in that singular moment—but as swiftly as they appeared, they shattered one after another, vanishing from his mind. Yet rather than weakening him further, this incident brought an unexpected lightness, as if a great weight had been lifted. His power began to stabilize and gradually increase. Though reaching his peak would take time, his recovery was assured. Even in his unconscious state, his mind remained fixed on specific individuals—those who would face the full measure of his wrath once he returned to full strength.
A Dying Universe in the Lower Realm
At the edge of a dying universe, Wonder Woman stood as its last sentinel. Eons of solitude had worn on her immortal spirit as she watched countless stars fade and civilizations crumble. Now, in this cosmic twilight, her greatest regret weighed heavily - the love she never confessed to her dearest friend. The holographic message she'd discovered revealed he had harbored the same feelings, their mutual fear of risking their friendship keeping them apart. As she held the device containing his final words, tears fell freely in the endless void.
"Why didn't we take that chance?" she whispered, her fingers brushing against the holographic device. Her voice caught as memories flooded back - of battles fought side by side, of quiet moments shared between missions, of unwavering trust that had grown over decades of partnership.
"After Steve," she continued softly, "I never thought I could feel that deeply again. But you... you proved me wrong. You stood beside me against gods and monsters alike, never backing down despite being mortal. Your indomitable will, your unshakeable principles—they were your greatest strength and what I always respected about you, yet somehow they were also what I came to hate about you."
Diana's eyes glistened as she gazed at the device. "But, it wasn't entirely your fault. Of all the men I've known since Steve, you understood me best. Perhaps that's why no other relationship lasted - my heart already knew its truth." She paused, a bitter smile crossing her face. "But I was a coward. I told myself I was protecting our friendship, protecting myself from the pain of watching you age while I remained unchanged. In the end, I lost you anyway, and now..." her voice broke, "now all I have are regrets and memories."
Just then a malevolent laugh echoed through the dying cosmos, followed by a shock wave that rippled through reality itself. Rising from her grief, Wonder Woman witnessed a massive figure in the distance systematically destroying the remaining dying worlds, absorbing their essence into its growing form. Her eyes widened in recognition - Trigon, a demon she and her allies had defeated ages ago.
Upon seeing this old enemy, she steadied herself and carefully secured the precious holographic device within her armor. Drawing her sword, Diana's expression hardened into that of a warrior. In a burst of speed, she crossed the vast distance and struck—her blade carving deep through demonic flesh.
"ARRRGHH!" Trigon's roar of pain echoed through the void. The demon recoiled, genuine shock crossing his features as he channeled demonic energy to heal his wound. "An Amazon? Here, at the end of all things?" His eyes narrowed with recognition. "Wonder Woman..."
"Die, monster!" Diana snarled, pivoting gracefully to launch another attack.
"Insolent ant!" Trigon's four eyes blazed as energy beams of impossible power lanced toward Wonder Woman, but she met them without hesitation. Her blessed blade traced a perfect arc through space, deflecting the devastating attack into nearby debris. Though her arms trembled with the strain, she held her ground.
"Impressive. You are strong, but not strong enough. Submit to your fate, Amazon," Trigon commanded, his massive form casting shadows across the cosmic void.
Wonder Woman raised her sword, its edge catching the light of distant dying stars. "Never! We've defeated you before, demon, and I shall do so again!"
"Foolish mortal," Trigon's laughter boomed through space. "I am not the weakling you once knew. This version of me transcends many universes, and you..." His clawed finger pointed at her as dark energy crackled around it. "You stand utterly alone."
Wonder Woman gripped her sword hilt tighter and assumed a battle stance. "Even so, I am still an Amazon warrior. And as long as I draw breath, I will defend what remains of this universe—even if it's just its memory as its last protector."
Trigon's cruel laughter echoed through the void. "Then let us see how long that breath lasts, mortal."
Wonder Woman's eyes narrowed as she watched demonic energy gather around her foe.
In an instant, Trigon unleashed a devastating barrage of hellfire, the sheer intensity of his demonic energy warping space itself. Wonder Woman wove through the assault with swift, decisive movements. As she closed the distance and found an opening, her sword struck—but this time Trigon was prepared. His massive hand caught the blade, dark energy crackling at the point where divine metal met demon flesh.
"You caught me off guard once, Amazon," he sneered, tightening his grip until the sword began to crack. "But your weapons were forged to battle lesser demons. I have devoured entire pantheons across multiple realities!"
Diana's eyes widened as her blessed blade shattered. But, in the next instance, without hesitation, she channeled all her godly strength and spun, delivering a devastating kick to Trigon's face. The demon's head snapped back from the impact, his laughter only grew louder.
"Now that's the spirit!" Trigon's voice boomed across the void. "Show me the power that helped seal my weaker self! Let me taste the strength of the last warrior!"
Wonder Woman uncoiled her lasso, its golden light a defiant beacon in the darkness. "I've faced gods and monsters, Trigon. You don't frighten me."
The battle intensified as Diana used her lasso to bind one of Trigon's arms, using her flight to pivot around his massive form. But the demon's power had grown beyond anything she'd faced before. His free hand grabbed the lasso, and despite its divine nature, began pulling her toward him.
"Good, good. Show me your strength!" Trigon's eyes blazed brighter as divine energy emanated from her. "You grow more intriguing by the moment. In another time, I would have forced you to bear my offspring to see what such a union might produce. But now, I have a foe and a disobedient daughter to deal with. So, Amazon, your power... your divine essence... will serve me well when I devour the next universe!"
Wonder Woman was alarmed and disgusted as she heard his words. She fought with everything she had but with each exchange, each brutal collision, she felt her strength ebbing. Trigon's attacks were not just physical - his demonic energy was corrupting the very space around them, making it harder to move and attack.
"You fought well, Amazon," Trigon sneered as his massive hand closed around her battered form. "But like this dying universe, the age of heroes and gods has ended. Now begins the reign of demons."
"Never!" Diana snarled defiantly, struggling against his grip as she felt her divine essence being drained. "I may fall today, but there will always be heroes to stand against evil like you!"
Trigon's laughter echoed through the void. "How naive. Only a handful of beings could challenge me now. Even Hell's princes bow before my might. With Lucifer absent and Hell leaderless, I shall unite all demons under my banner." His eyes blazed with dark pride. "What are a few heroes against the legions of Hell? Unless the Heavens themselves intervene or Lucifer returns, nothing will stop my conquest – until I reach that higher realm being who dared humiliate me and steal my daughter."
His expression twisted with malevolent glee as he tightened his grip on Wonder Woman. "And speaking of that being... my spies tell me he took another version of you as his beloved. Made her the mother of my child he stole." A cruel smile split his features. "I wonder how he'll react when I crush her just as I'll crush you today."
To Trigon's surprise, Wonder Woman's bloodied lips curved into a smile, followed by a defiant laugh that rang clear despite her failing strength.
Hahaha
"Something amuses you, Amazon?" Trigon growled, loosening his grip slightly. "What could possibly be funny as you face your demise?"
Diana's eyes gleamed with fierce determination. "You are. I don't know what you mean by 'Higher Realm,' but your desperate pursuit of such power… it all speaks of fear and tells me exactly who you speak off. Tell me, demon—is this being who shook the multiverse a while back, the one you speak of with such hatred?"
Trigon's grip tightened once more, his four eyes pulsing with hellfire. "Watch your tongue, Amazon. You know nothing of what you speak."
Wonder Woman coughed, blood staining her lips, yet her smile remained unwavering. "I know the difference between hatred born of pride and hatred born of terror. You're not just angry at this being—you're terrified of them. Do your worst, demon. If another version of me gave her heart to that being, I know precisely what kind of soul they must possess. I truly pity you. When they find you—and they will—I'll be waiting in Hell to witness your punishment."
Her last thoughts were of her fallen loved ones, comrades, lastly of the man whose hologram she still carried, of a universe she had protected until its final moments. 'Bruce…"
With a surge of demonic power, Trigon absorbed Wonder Woman's essence completely, her immortal soul joining countless others in his infernal collection. The demon's form grew even larger, now incorporating traces of divine power into his hellish being.
"Her power exceeded my expectations," Trigon murmured into the void. "Now, to seek the next universe ripe for conquest..."
He raised his hand, revealing a red crystalline stone in the center of his palm. Closing his eyes, he activated the artifact—the stone shimmered, and he vanished in the next instant.