Journey of the Last Saiyan

Chapter 106: Chapter 106- Tides of Return, Wrath and Redemption - Part 2



Back on the battlefield, Orach's presence commanded the scene. As his killing intent faded, he surveyed the Amazons before him—these proud warriors now reduced to trembling figures unable to meet his gaze. Some had lost control of their bodies, their terror so profound they'd wet themselves. That brief taste of his killing intent had thrust them into visions of endless battlefields and wars, horrors no mortal mind was meant to comprehend. Like being cast into an icy hell, their consciousness struggled against the crushing weight of Orach's vast combat experience.

Even Donna wasn't spared from the overwhelming killing intent. She found herself on her knees, trembling as nightmarish visions of countless battlefields washed over her consciousness. Even as the pressure faded, a lingering dread clung to her very being. Through this haze of terror, she heard Orach's commanding yet gentle voice, "Stand." As if guided by an invisible force, she felt herself being lifted until she stood on shaky legs, still unable to meet the gaze of the being before her. As a warrior who had taken lives herself, she understood what such intense killing intent meant - her potential brother-in-law must have survived countless battles and taken innumerable lives. The realization made her wonder how her sister could have ever formed a bond with someone carrying such darkness.

Observing her internal turmoil, Orach's expression softened. With a gentle sigh, he placed his hand on her head, channeling the healing energies of the dragon realm of life. The warmth of his power flowed through her, not just healing her body but bringing peace to her troubled mind.

As her consciousness stabilized, Donna found herself surprised by the duality of his nature. The terror from moments ago still lingered, but it was overshadowed by the gentle, nurturing energy now flowing through her. Unable to resist, she looked up into his eyes and found herself stunned - they held a kindness that seemed impossible for someone who carried such devastating power.

"Better?" Orach asked softly, withdrawing his hand as he observed her improved condition.

"Yes... thank you... brother-in-law," Donna replied, the familial term coming naturally despite their brief acquaintance.

Her words caught Orach off guard, and his eyebrow rose in surprise. With a warm smile, he couldn't help but pat her head once more, this time channeling a stronger current of life Ki. The energy flowed through her body, awakening dormant potential and refining her very essence. Donna's eyes widened as she felt her strength growing, her capabilities expanding beyond what she thought possible.

"While Diana and I haven't formally tied the knot," Orach said with a gentle warmth in his voice, "it was only a matter of time before we would have been married. Consider this power my gift to you, little sister. Use it wisely."

"By the gods..." Donna whispered in awe as raw power pulsed through her veins, her clenched fists radiating with newfound strength.

"Now Donna," Orach said, his tone turning serious and his eyes sharpening in a way that instantly commanded her attention. "I need you to enlighten me about some things. I was trapped in a very distant place and have only recently found my way back here. However, I've returned to a world that has changed. Even the people, from what I've gathered, are different. Please tell me everything about Diana in this life, and explain why you are at war with Atlantis."

Donna absorbed his words with a mix of understanding and confusion. The revelation that her potential brother-in-law had been trapped somewhere and only recently returned was clear enough, but his comments about a changed world and different people left her puzzled. Most intriguing was his specific phrasing - "Diana in this life" - which hinted at something far more profound than a simple separation.

A thought struck her, 'Could this be more than just a lost love returning? Perhaps this was truly a love that transcended lifetimes, with Diana and this mysterious warrior finding each other across different incarnations…' The idea both thrilled and tickled her. Despite her lingering questions, Donna felt honored to help bridge the gap between her sister and this powerful being who clearly held deep connections to Diana's past.

With renewed purpose, she began recounting Diana's life story—from her early years through her ascension as Queen of the Amazons to the present conflict with Atlantis. Throughout her account, Orach stood motionless and focused, his face a mask of careful neutrality as he absorbed every detail. Though his composed demeanor remained steady, his eyes betrayed occasional flickers of recognition, concern, and at times, a chilling killing intent when certain details emerged.

When she finished, Orach nodded thoughtfully. "Thank you, Donna. Your account brings much-needed clarity. I am glad that despite the hardships, Diana's compassion remains intact." His expression hardened as he turned to face Artemis, who like the others still trembled from the lingering effects of his killing intent.

With a fluid motion, his Ki manifested as an invisible force, drawing Artemis toward him. She found herself held firmly in his grasp, his left hand positioned at her temple. Terror coursed through her as she struggled futilely against his iron grip. Orach closed his eyes, channeling his Ki to establish a mental connection. Though he despised invading others' minds, the threat of those sigils getting agitated the longer he allowed this new timeline to persists left him with no choice.

As the memories flooded his consciousness, his expression darkened dangerously. Donna instinctively stepped back as another wave of killing intent radiated from him, this time focused entirely on Artemis. Though she couldn't see what her brother-in-law had discovered, the murderous aura told her enough - Artemis had committed some grave mistake.

"You dare call yourself an Amazon?" Orach's voice carried a bone-chilling fury. "Traitors like you deserve a fate far worse than death. Every fiber of my being screams to show you the true face of despair, but your judgment belongs to your Queen." His Ki pulsed, paralyzing Artemis completely.

Turning to Donna, his voice softened slightly. "This conflict should never have happened. Both sides were manipulated by traitors pursuing their own agendas. This woman," he gestured to the paralyzed Artemis, "is one of Themyscira's betrayers. Secure her and withdraw your forces to the island." His expression grew solemn. "Tell your Queen that soon I will call for a ceasefire and will invite all champions to meet in Gotham City. I will meet them all at Robinsons' park. There is much we must discuss."

Before Donna could respond, Orach's head snapped to attention. Through their link, Zeta had alerted him to an approaching Atlantean army that was advancing on their position, their numbers in the thousands moving in formation with their weapons ready.

Seeing Orach turn to look over in another direction with narrowed eyes, Donna curious also, looked over and soon in her field of view came a massive army, alarming her. With her amazons in such a state and the approaching threat in the thousands even with her new found strength, she doubted she could prevail. However, just before she could make a suggestion to retreat she saw a cold smile forming on Orach's face, scaring her a bit.

A cold smile played across his face as he sensed the approaching army. "It seems we have uninvited guests. Perfect timing. I must thank Arthur for his timely assistance. A demonstration would send a clear, swift and unmistakable message. Mother Empress, initiate worldwide broadcast."

At his command, Mother Empress and Zeta coordinated their systems, and within moments, every screen across the globe - from personal devices to massive public displays - began streaming live footage from Zeta, positioned high above the battlefield.

All watched as the Atlantean army halted their advance, their formation tightening as they observed Orach standing beside the Amazon princess. Despite his relaxed posture—arms crossed and a slight smile playing on his lips—something about his presence made the veteran commanders uneasy.

"General Kaelan, that man... there's something unsettling about him," Thoran spoke quietly, his battlefield experience setting off warning bells. "We should proceed with caution."

"Your concerns are noted, Thoran," Kaelan replied, scanning the battlefield with calculating eyes. "But we have our orders. We need to find the source of that pressure we felt. It must not fall into enemy hands. Besides, look at their state—the Amazons are exhausted, their princess is here, and they've clearly just finished fighting. This is a tactical advantage we cannot ignore." He gestured to their substantial forces. "With our numbers, we can overwhelm them swiftly."

Thoran frowned but nodded reluctantly. Together, they stepped forward to meet their opponents, their armor gleaming in the dim light as they approached the battlefield's center. Behind them, their troops maintained perfect formation, weapons at the ready.

"Amazons of Themyscira, I am General Kaelan of Atlantis under Prince Orm's command. In the name of Emperor Arthur and Atlantis, I command you to surrender now. Emperor Arthur might show mercy. However, if you resist"—he spread his arms wide, indicating the vast army behind him—"we will crush you beneath our feet."

"Dream on, Kaelan. We Amazons would rather die than surrender to you Atlanteans," Donna shouted, gritting her teeth as she gripped her sword tightly. Even facing death, she would protect the Amazons' honor. Yet, recalling her brother-in-law's cold smile, her intuition screamed danger—she sensed he was about to act, and that somehow they would survive.

"Hahaha! Truly laughable. I thank Poseidon our Emperor did not marry such a foolish girl." Kaelan shook his head and sighed. "What logic is there in your resistance? Look around you. You're surrounded by the finest army Atlantis has ever assembled. Your warriors can barely stand after their recent battle, and you, princess"—he paused, smirking at Donna—"while stronger than them, are clearly outmatched. Whatever power you think you possess pales in comparison to our might. Why not surrender and become our obedient slaves?"

"You—" Just as Donna began to retort, a low chuckle cut through the air. The sound grew into something else entirely—not of joy or amusement, but a dangerous, predatory loud laughter that seemed to echo from somewhere ancient and terrible. Involuntary shivers ran through the Atlantean ranks, causing even the most hardened warriors to grip their weapons tighter.

Thoran's instincts screamed at him to flee. It took every ounce of his strength to maintain his position as he gripped his weapon. Meanwhile, Kaelan's gaze locked onto Orach. Though he too felt a chill of foreboding, he ignored it, firm in his belief in his army's strength.

"What's so funny, stranger? Identify yourself now!" Kaelan demanded.

Orach's laughter subsided as he shook his head. "Greetings, Atlanteans. My title is Emperor Orach. But please, call me Orach."

"How dare you call yourself an emperor! Are you mocking our Emperor? What are you doing here?" Kaelan shouted.

"No, you misunderstand," Orach replied, shaking his head. "I have no intention of mocking your 'Emperor.' I merely introduced myself. As for why I'm here—I have something of a relationship with these Amazons."

"Oh! Are you their pet? Here to beg for the lives of your masters? Perhaps if you kneel—" Before Kaelan could finish, an invisible pressure descended, making his legs buckle and causing him to struggle just to stand.

"You have quite the nerve, Atlantean. I spent my precious time saving these Amazons and listening to your drivel, yet you continue spouting nonsense about enslaving them and massacre? I can't imagine anything more offensive from an ant of the lower realms. It seems you lack the wisdom or the experience to recognize what kind of being you're dealing with. Let me enlighten you, I am one you shouldn't continue provoking with such nonsense." His eyes turned cold as he continued to control his Ki just enough to silence Kaelan. "You enjoy ultimatums, don't you? Here's one from me. Offer your pitiful life without resistance, and your death will be painless. Refuse, and you'll die in despair for your impudence."

Kaelan, now recognizing this being's power, briefly considered recruiting him. But hearing the ultimatum, his pride flared. He refused to believe one man could stop his entire army. With gritted teeth, he shouted, "Atlantis! CHARGE!"

"What a fool. Z, let's give them a sight to remember," said Orach, raising his hand to the darkened sky. With a casual snap of his fingers, the clouds above began to tear apart.

Through these tears, beams of pure energy rained down on the incoming enemy. Each blast found its mark with surgical accuracy, vaporizing entire squadrons of the advancing Atlantean army before they could even process what was happening. The display of power was both awe-inspiring in its precision and chilling in its absolute destructive force. In stunned silence, the Amazons, distant observers including the hidden resistance fighters, and US operatives watched as the massive army disappeared without a trace within seconds, leaving only the two generals standing where their forces had stood moments before.

Around the world, media outlets broadcast live footage of the Atlantean forces' destruction, sending shockwaves through the global leadership. In Atlantis, Emperor Aquaman watched in stunned disbelief as energy beams sliced through the sky, methodically erasing his forces from existence. Grappling with this display of overwhelming power, he immediately commanded his subordinate to contact Orm for explanations. Orm himself was paralyzed with fear as he witnessed this devastating demonstration of strength. Across the globe, people held their breath, waiting to see what this mysterious being would do next. Questions raced through everyone's minds: How could such immense power exist? What did it mean for their world? And did this force truly align with the Amazons?

Just then, Orach vanished and materialized before the only two survivors of the Atlantean army. They stood paralyzed, their minds struggling to process what they had witnessed. No one could fault their panic—they faced power that defied their understanding of reality. When Orach appeared, they instinctively stepped backward, gripped by primal fear of the unknown.

"What's with those reactions, gentlemen?" Orach's gaze swept over the two before settling on Kaelan. With a smile, he continued, "I did say I would show you the face of despair, did I not? I am a man of my word."

Though Orach's expression held no malice, his simple smile struck everyone present as something demonic—the very visage of the devil himself.

"M-mercy," Kaelan stammered, retreating another step, his commanding presence now reduced to that of a frightened child. "Please have mercy. We... we didn't know... about your excellency..."

"Indeed, you didn't know," Orach replied calmly. "But ignorance does not excuse your actions or threats against those under my protection. You've exhausted my patience." He raised his hand toward Kaelan, and in an instant, a horrifying scene unfolded. The space around the general began to distort as the air itself folded inward, compressing and crushing every part of his being. Though his screams couldn't penetrate the warped space around him, all witnessed his terrified, tear and blood-stained face contort in agony until nothing remained but a small, dense sphere where he had stood.

Thoran watched in horror, understanding the futility of resistance against such power. He closed his eyes, accepting his fate and offering a silent prayer to Poseidon to protect Atlantis and guide Emperor Arthur away from further conflict with this being.

"Open your eyes, Atlantean," Orach commanded. The general looked up, surprised to still be alive. "Unlike your companion, you showed wisdom in your caution. You recognized the threat I posed from the beginning - a trait of a true warrior. For this, you will live. Return to your Emperor as my messenger. Tell him what transpired here today, and ensure he understands that any future aggression against the Amazons will be met with similar consequences."

Thoran bowed deeply, his voice steady despite his fear. "I will deliver your message faithfully, Lord Orach."

"Good," Orach nodded, handing the bead to Thoran, who caught it with trembling hands. "Now go. And remember—what you witnessed today was merely a fraction of my power. Should Atlantis choose to test my resolve again, I shall not be so merciful."

As Thoran hurried away from the battlefield, the implications of this demonstration rippled across the watching world.

Just then, Orach took flight, hovering over the battlefield. He raised his hand toward a life sign he detected nearby and, using his Ki, pulled her toward him. Soon, everyone saw a woman flying at great speed before halting in front of Orach, left panting. Orach, unmoved by her condition, commanded Mother Empress to use the woman's camera to broadcast a message. Soon Orach's face appeared on the broadcast, his voice resonating with Ki energy across the world: "Greetings, Earth. I am Emperor Orach, a being from the higher realms. Once, my name struck fear throughout this world—until someone altered time itself, changing a crucial moment that created this twisted reality. A reality where a once-carefree champion of land and sea, who despised the throne, now rules as a ruthless Emperor. Where my better half—once a kind, compassionate warrior princess—reigns as an uncompromising Queen, leading her people to war. Where one of this world's greatest heroes fell as a child, leaving his parents broken—one becoming a merciless protector, the other descending into chaos-spreading madness. This once-peaceful world now burns with war."

He paused, sighing deeply. "I was trapped in another realm for a long, long time, driven only by the hope of reuniting with my other half and our daughter. Yet I've returned to find a world at war, my other half with no memory of me, and our daughter, though alive, imprisoned. So, understand this clearly, I am beyond angry," his expression darkened. "Let this serve as both warning and reminder: what you witnessed was merely a fraction of my power. I demand an immediate ceasefire. All champions and those in power must meet me at Robinson's Park in Gotham City within three hours. Cyborg, have your president release Kal-El of Planet Krypton from his wrongful imprisonment and bring him to the meeting. If Kal-El is not present, I will personally make a move, and those who stand in my way will not survive. Diana of Themyscira and Aquaman of Atlantis, I strongly advise you to bring the traitors behind this senseless war—the Amazon Circe and Orm. And remember this, test my patience, and I will make examples of any who dare."

In the next moment, as screens worldwide went dark, the impact of Orach's message rippled across the globe. In the United Nations headquarters, emergency sessions erupted into chaos as representatives debated their response. The Security Council members huddled in intense discussion, their faces grave.

Atlantis, Royal Palace

"My Emperor," a general approached Aquaman cautiously, "our forces... they were simply erased. What are your orders?" Aquaman gripped his trident tightly, his voice barely containing his rage. "Find Orm. Now."

While the generals bowed and left to carryout his orders the Emperor of Atlantis's mind was in turmoil,'He always counseled for war, pushed for escalation again and again. I didn't see it in my pain, my loss but, he always was to eager. If what this being says is true about my... other self...but, after so much blood have been spilled after Mera…no… perhaps' He recalled Orach's face and a hope ignited within him, a hope to see his beloved again,'perhaps it's time we questioned everything."

Themyscira Royal Palace

In the great hall of Themyscira's palace, Queen Diana stood before her war council, her mind reeling from Orach's broadcast. As his message began, her bangle - dormant since birth - suddenly blazed with light. A projection materialized, showing the devastating battlefield scenes across Europe, including her sister's forces, and then... him. The man from her dreams.

Her heart thundered as she watched his face, a face that had haunted her nights for years. His display of power, his bearing, his words - they struck something deep within her. When he called her his "better half," joy and pain warred in her chest. Joy at words that felt right, pain because despite having the fragments of the original timeline, she didn't know him, she couldn't say that she fully recognized him.

Learning of his imprisonment in another realm, driven only by thoughts of reuniting with her, guilt crashed over her like a wave. But it was the mention of their daughter that shook her to her core. The sketches and paintings she couldn't bring herself to destroy of the mysterious young girl came to her mind. Now she understood why they were so dear to her - the girl was her daughter.

Blood dripped from her clenched fist as rage built within her for the one who altered the timeline. For she finally understood why this world felt wrong. Someone's selfish desire that ripped her family apart. The revelation of traitors in their midst only stoked that fury higher. Her fingers trace her golden lasso as pieces began falling into place as the projection faded.

"My Queen," Circe stepped forward, her usual arrogant confidence now wavered. "These accusations are baseless—"

"SILENCE!" Diana's voice thundered through the chamber. In one fluid motion, she whipped the lasso through the air, binding Circe within its golden embrace.

"For months you whispered poison in my ear about Atlantean threats, pushed for preemptive strikes. Now I learn it was all deception?" Diana's voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "Answer me, witch - did you betray us?"

General Phillipus stepped forward, her weathered hand gripping her sword hilt. "How many of our sisters died because of your counsel? How many, including our beloved Queen Hippolyta?" Her voice shook with barely contained fury. "Answer your Queen, Circe!"

Circe struggled against the lasso's power, her teeth gritting with effort. The golden cord blazed brighter with each attempt of her's to resist, its magic compelling truth from her very soul. Suddenly, her resistance crumbled - but not in defeat. An eerie chuckle escaped her lips, growing into maniacal laughter that echoed through the chamber.

The generals immediately drew their weapons, blades gleaming in the lasso's light. Diana's eyes narrowed dangerously as she summoned her newfound power. Her hair rippled and shifted to a deep blackberry hue, while crackling energy danced across her muscles. This display of her new found might was a form she had recently awakened.

Circe lifted her gaze to meet Diana's, her eyes now sharp with cunning malice. "Even in this altered timeline, your higher realm powers remain beyond my comprehension, Diana," she sneered. "Though things didn't unfold exactly as planned, watching you all tear each other apart has been... delicious. I had hoped to see Themyscira sink beneath the waves, to witness the complete annihilation of both Amazon and Atlantean civilizations. In the original timeline, your monster of a partner and your divine powers made you untouchable. I had resigned myself to forget my hatred for you."

A cruel smile twisted her lips. "But then... salvation. When the Flash altered history, I sensed the temporal disturbance. I preserved my memories in a mystical artifact, ensuring I would remember everything when the new timeline stabilized. And what a glorious new reality it was - your partner gone, your powers dormant, everything perfectly vulnerable. Manipulating those ambitious fools Artemis and Orm into orchestrating the assassination was child's play. Even your unexpected awakening couldn't derail the momentum of this war. Both sides were already drunk on destructive powers, racing toward mutual annihilation. Everything was perfect..." her voice dripped with venom, "until that monster returned."

Diana's eyes narrowed as she tightened the lasso's grip. "Tell me about this artifact—where have you hidden it? Could it restore my true memories?" Her voice hardened. "And the Flash—who is this being who dared alter our timeline?"

Circe's lips curled into a mocking smile. "Yes. It can. But, do truly think I hadn't prepared for your lasso's power? I've hidden the artifact where even I can't find it—protected by a spell that will reveal it only at my true desire. No magic can trace it. The artifact's power is far beyond what you could grasp, Princess. And the Flash? Just another so called hero—a friend of yours, actually—who foolishly tampered with time itself. Though his meddling largely succeeded in reshaping reality, something curious remains. This new timeline stays unstable, refusing to fully settle. Something... resists the change."

"And Artemis? How did you convince her to betray Themyscira?" Diana commanded, the lasso pulsing brighter.

"Artemis... oh, she was delightfully easy to manipulate. Her ambition, combined with Orm's thirst for power, made them perfect pawns. Just a few whispered suggestions about threats and betrayals, and they moved exactly as I planned."

"And Orach... tell me who he truly is to me." asked Diana despite knowing the answer in her heart.

Circe's eyes gleamed with malice. "He is exactly what he claims—your other half, your partner, the one whose very existence makes even the gods tremble. The being who struck terror into all creation. In the original timeline, I could tolerate your power somehow, but his protection of you was... insufferable."

Diana fell silent hearing these words, a confirmation to her feelings and speculations. Her new transformation dropped and she momentarily loosened her grip on the lasso to gesture for the guards. In that split second, Circe's form began to shimmer with purple energy.

"Foolish girl," Circe cackled as her body dissolved into mist. "Did you think I wouldn't have an escape plan?" With a thunderous crack, she vanished, leaving only echoing laughter in her wake.

"Secure the palace!" General Phillipus barked, drawing her sword. "She couldn't have gone far!"

Diana stood motionless, her fists clenched as she recalled her lasso. "No, she's gone. But she'll be at Gotham. She's too proud not to watch even if her work unravels."

Phillipus asked carefully. "My Queen…about your... other life?"

Diana's hand unconsciously touched her necklace. "They're the truth. In my heart, I have known them to be the truth since these powers of mine awakened…today just confirmed it." Her eyes refocused with determination. "Phillipus, prepare for our departure. Its time to face him."

As she strode toward her chambers, Diana's voice carried both anticipation and resolution as she spoke to herself. "Soon, Orach. Soon we'll stand face to face, and perhaps... perhaps I'll finally remember everything."

Circe's Hidden Sanctum

Circe materialized in her ancient sanctum, her composure twisting with fury. "Years of planning, undone in moments!" she snarled, magical energy crackling around her trembling form. "I was so close to seeing both civilizations tear each other apart!"

With a gesture of contained rage, she transformed her Amazonian attire into flowing robes of deep purple and crimson. Her steps echoed against stone as she approached an ornate fountain at the chamber's heart.

"If my carefully laid plans must crumble," she whispered, her voice taking on a dangerous edge, "then I shall ensure they all burn in the chaos to come." Her fingers danced over the dark water, weaving intricate patterns of forbidden magic. The liquid rose and twisted, forming a window between realms, and through it, a face emerged—its ancient eyes crackling with lightning.

"Greetings, Godking," Circe purred, dropping into a deep, respectful bow. Her lips curved into a calculating smile as she added, "I bring news of a prophecy and power that even you might find... intriguing."

Europe - Battlefield

After ending the broadcast, Orach turned his attention to Lois Lane, who hung suspended in air by his Ki. Where most humans would cower in terror, she met his gaze unflinchingly. A mix of respect and amusement crossed his features as he observed her defiance.

"You truly are remarkable, Miss Lane," he commented. "In both timelines, your courage stands unmatched."

Lois processed his words carefully before asking, "You speak as if you knew me in this 'original timeline' you mentioned."

"Perceptive as ever," Orach replied, a slight smile playing on his lips. "You don't even question the existence of an altered timeline."

Lois gave him a measured look and shrugged. "After witnessing your power today, questioning your claims would be pointless. You're practically a god—and what god needs to lie to mortals? Now, please tell me about this other timeline."

A wry smile crossed Orach's face. "You were quite the annoyance in the original timeline. A renowned journalist who fearlessly criticized me when the rest of the world trembled at my name. At first, I attributed your boldness to having Superman—Kal-El—as your protector. Before my arrival, he was considered Earth's mightiest defender and your lover, after all."

"Wait," Lois interjected, her eyes widening. "Are you saying I was not only a reporter, but I was also involved with this…Superman? The alien from Krypton?"

Orach chuckled at Lois's startled reaction. "Yes, in the original timeline, you were one of Earth's most respected journalists. Your relationship with Superman was quite well-known, though it made you a target at times. But you never let that stop you from pursuing the truth."

Lois absorbed this information, her curiosity clearly stirring despite her current military role. "And in this timeline... what happened to change all that?"

"Always have to be the first to get the scoop, don't you?" Orach shook his head with a smile as he descended, lowering her gently to the ground beside the waiting Donna.

"Brother-in-law," Donna's voice trembled with a mix of hope and disbelief, "is what you're saying true? This world—our reality—it's wrong?"

Orach's expression softened as he noticed the hope in her eyes. "Yes, Donna. And before you ask—when I restore the timeline, Hippolyta, your mother, will live again."

Tears welled in Donna's eyes, but she quickly brushed them away. Drawing herself up with the dignity of an Amazon warrior princess, she met Orach's gaze with fierce determination. "Then I pledge myself to your cause, brother-in-law. Command me as you will." She dropped to one knee, placing her right fist over her heart in the ancient Amazon salute.

The surrounding Amazons, who had witnessed everything, exchanged glances before following Donna's lead. As one, they knelt, their voices ringing out in unison, "We await your command, Lord Orach."

Lois watched the scene unfold with mounting astonishment. These were the same Amazons she had faced in battle—proud, fierce warriors who had earned their fearsome reputation. Yet here they were, willingly kneeling before a man. The significance of this moment wasn't lost on her—it spoke volumes about both Orach's true identity and the weight of his revelations.

"Stand," Orach commanded gently, using his Ki to help them rise. His expression softened as he addressed the gathered warriors. "I understand your feelings. Trust me, no one in this world is more eager to fix this timeline than I am. I have a daughter sealed in another realm. I cannot free her, lest she too become affected by the altered timeline."

Donna's eyes widened with wonder. "Right. You mentioned that earlier. A niece huh? So, I'm an aunt! I can't wait to meet her." Her excitement was genuine, bringing a rare warmth to the battlefield.

Orach remained silent for a moment, wrestling with a difficult truth. He knew Donna didn't exist in the original timeline, but seeing her devotion and knowing how much Diana had come to love this sister in this reality... He released a contemplative sigh. 'Perhaps Otton was right,' he thought. 'Love does make us question our deepest principles at times. The things I do for you, Diana... But then again, maybe some changes are worth preserving. As long as they find happiness.' Looking at Donna one last time, he made his decision.

Orach turned to Lois, his expression grave. "You wish to understand the origin of this altered timeline? It stems from a single moment of devastating loss."

The gathered warriors fell silent as Lois asked, "What do you mean?"

"In the original timeline there was once a hero known as the Flash, a speedster. In his youth, he witnessed his mother's murder during a home invasion. Despite this trauma, he grew into a good man. But fate wasn't done with him. Years later, after gaining his incredible speed powers and becoming a hero of the people and protector of Central City, he suffered another crushing blow - his father was killed by a rival speedster in the very same house where he lost his mother."

"Broken by grief, he made a choice that would reshape reality itself. Using his speed, he created a temporal breach, traveling back to save his mother. But the laws of time are not meant to be broken by mortals. His actions created a cascade of changes, altering countless lives. Take Kal-El, for instance - in the original timeline, his ship landed in Kansas, where loving parents raised him to become Earth's greatest champion, Superman. But in this altered reality, his vessel crashed in Metropolis, causing devastation. The government captured him - an innocent child - out of fear and still he rots in an secret facility of your government far from the image of the Superman I know."

"The Metropolis Incident..." Lois whispered, the pieces finally falling into place. As someone directly impacted by that historic catastrophe, she had never known the true story behind it until now.

"Brother-in-law," Donna's expression darkened with determination, "what became of this Flash after he altered time? With the combined might of the Amazon army at your disposal, we could hunt him down. Even his incredible speed wouldn't save him from our warriors."

Orach's expression darkened. "The Flash's fate is... complicated. I know his location and will handle him personally. For now, retreat and await your Queen's arrival. I have other matters to attend to."

Later as the Amazons departed with renewed purpose, Orach ascended into the sky. With a thought, he opened a spatial ripple and vanished, materializing moments later in Zeta's cockpit.

"Welcome back. We put on a decent performance," Z9 observed, their artificial voice carrying a hint of curiosity. "Though I wonder if such theatrics were truly necessary."

Orach settled into his pilot seat, his expression thoughtful. "It was the most efficient path. Brute force would only breed more resistance and resentment. By revealing the truth and demonstrating overwhelming power simultaneously, we can minimize bloodshed while achieving our objectives."

"I see," Z9 mused. "Not only does it instill the necessary fear to ensure compliance, but it also forces any hidden opposition to reveal themselves prematurely. Thereby eliminating majority of the unknown variables."

"Exactly," Orach confirmed, his eyes scanning the holographic displays materializing around him.

Z9 asked curiously, "What do you intend to do with the Flash? Eliminating him, would violate time laws. He must exist to ensure Reverse Flash returns to the past to help that ant, Barry become the Flash."

"I'm well aware," Orach said, his expression darkening. "That's precisely why I'll revive him—after teaching him a lesson he'll never forget."

Just then Mother Empress materialized in the cockpit. "Young Master, why not take it a step further? We could establish subtle safeguards over him. While I understand your reluctance toward control, in this case it serves a purpose. He would retain his free will and live a normal life, but we could prevent any future attempts to tamper with time."

After a moment of contemplation, Orach nodded. "Agreed. I won't allow another incident like this to occur. Now, it's time we moved on to our next target. Set course for Gotham."


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