Around the time when Earth's defenders first engaged the Furies, a massive golden portal appeared near Saturn's orbit. Through this dimensional gate emerged an awe-inspiring sight - a colossal crimson dragon, its scales gleaming with ethereal fire as it's wings spread wide as it fully emerged from the portal. The creature's size dwarfed Earth itself, yet it moved with impossible grace, wrapped in a protective layer of azure light.
Atop the dragon's head sat a figure in meditation - a man known as Adirosas, wielding an ornate staff and radiating immense powerful aura. His eyes were closed in deep concentration as he searched for a specific energy signature - one belonging to his long-lost brother.
This search had begun not long ago, when news shook the higher realms - the birth of a new primordial God, an event unseen since the age of creation. For Adirosas and his companions, known throughout the known thirteen higher realms as the Seven Demon prodigies or Young Heavenly Emperors, this revelation came with another shocking truth.
"Sister, what news do you bring?" murmured Anselm Kessler, the 13th prince of the enlightened Mandala realm, his voice trembling with barely contained emotion. The chamber fell into absolute silence as all eyes turned to the Blood Princess.
The princess had summoned all her fellow Young Heavenly Emperors to their secret sanctuary - a pocket dimension that held special significance for them all. This realm, originally a gift from their now lost brother during his early explorations of the many lower realms, had transformed from a desolate planet into their private haven. Here stood a magnificent castle, surrounded by unique zones that reflected each emperor's personality, where they could train, bond, and simply be themselves.
But gatherings here had become rare since the Android War that devastated much of the thirteen higher realms, particularly the realm of Alacrity closest to the discovered higher realm of the Androids. The threat had been so severe that the seven found themselves pulled apart, each dealing with their own battles. This separation continued even after the war, as fate seemed determined to keep them apart when their brother needed them most - during his final battle against the corrupted ones.
The news of his death and the fall of Sadala and the Saiyan race had affected each of them profoundly. One emperor, known for his peaceful diplomatic approach, shocked all by unleashing unprecedented carnage upon his enemies, blaming them for preventing him from rushing to his brother's aid.
The Blood Princess sank into deep depression, while Adirosas's grief ran so deep that it drove away his politically-motivated wives who couldn't accept his changed nature. However, those who truly loved him—especially Aaurelia, the Fire Dragon Queen, his first and primary wife—stood unwavering beside him, along with his other devoted wives.
Some retreated into centuries of secluded cultivation, while others trained with maddening intensity, determined never to fail their remaining siblings again.
Now, after what felt like an eternity of mourning, six figures sat around an empty seventh seat in their grand castle's central chamber summoned with a note that stated there was news regarding their lost brother.
The Blood Princess, Amara Raktadeva—daughter of the Blood Monarch, the Primordial Vampire Queen Isangria—tapped her seat's armrest. Her crimson eyes gleamed with conflicting emotions: cold calculation, thoughtfulness, and barely contained anger at her traitorous ex-husband and her mother for hiding news of her lost brother. Despite her gratitude to her former husband for helping her through depression before his betrayal came to light, she now wrestled with a profound sense of loss, uncertain how to one day explain his treachery to their unborn child. Yet beneath this storm of emotions flickered something her companions hadn't witnessed in centuries: hope.
"How long has it been," Amara mused softly, her gaze sweeping across the familiar faces of those with whom she'd forged unbreakable bonds in her youth, "since we last gathered in these halls like this?"
"Come now, Amara," Ayami Misumi interjected, the First Princess of the Demiplanes fixing her with a knowing look. Her mixed heritage - half high human, half high spider spirit - was evident in her otherworldly aura. "You didn't summon us for mere reminiscence. This is about the primordial god signature, isn't it?"
Amara's eyes flashed with recognition. "I should have known the Demiplane ruler would inform you as well."
"Yes," Ayami's tone carried both hurt and indignation, "and I won't be talking to my father for quite some time. To keep such news from us..."
"Sister," Haruki, her half-dragon brother, interrupted gently, "while the secrecy pains me too, perhaps we should consider their position. Even they were late to learn of this. Only the Supreme Ruler of Death knew from the beginning." At the mention of that ancient being, an involuntary shiver passed through all present.
CLAP
A sharp clap cut through the tension. All eyes turned to Yuan Chenyu, heir to the Yuan Immortal Family—one of the five families that jointly ruled as a council over their higher realm, the Celestial Imperium.
His usually composed demeanor had cracked, revealing barely contained impatience. "Enough! Big Sisters Amara and Ayami, you clearly know something we don't. So please, just tell us already."
The remaining young emperors nodded in agreement. Amara and Ayami exchanged meaningful glances before the Blood Princess rose from her throne. Her voice, when it came, carried both authority and wonder.
"What I'm about to reveal comes directly from my mother, and as you have seen, confirmed by other rulers as well." She paused, gathering herself. "Our brother - the one we mourned, the one whose loss nearly broke us...he lives. But more than that - he has transcended his former existence to become something unseen since creation's dawn: a Primordial God."
The news sent shockwaves through the group. Though not bound by blood, their brotherhood transcended such mortal concepts. Each had deeply mourned their brother's loss, and now, knowing he lived, they cared little about his transcendence—his survival alone pulled them from their lingering despair. Though each yearned to tear through space to find their lost companion immediately, their sister's wisdom prevailed.
"We cannot rush in with our full power," she cautioned raising her hand to calm them. "We each are Emperor rank. The lower realm where his signature originates is fragile. We must proceed with care, lest we destroy our chances of finding him. As such only one shall go first, to assess out the situation."
"I volunteer," Adirosas declared, rising from his seat. His eyes blazed with determination. "Our brother needs us, and with my magic I shall be the first to find him."
The group exchanged knowing looks before nodding in agreement. Ayami stepped forward, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Be careful, brother. We'll await your word before making our next move."
"Here," Amara said, tapping her wrist terminal to transfer the coordinates her mother had provided. "These are the coordinates for that lower realm. Once you arrive you should be able to locate the right universe within it using your magic."
With a graceful gesture, Adirosas opened a shimmering golden portal and stepped through, emerging in his private chambers within the Aetherium Concordance higher realm. There, he found his wife, the Dragon Queen Aurelia, deep in meditation.
"My love," he spoke softly, causing her eyes to flutter open. "I bring news."
As he shared the revelation about their long-lost brother, Aurelia's expression transformed from shock to joy. "Then we must find him," she declared, rising to her feet. "I owe him—" she paused, catching herself. "I mean, I owe brother-in-law and his crew for protecting our brethren from the lower realms during the conflict. Husband, let's go bring him back!"
Adirosas nodded in agreement, and together they began making arrangements for their departure. As a young prodigy, he was highly valued by the High Council of great mages who ruled their higher realm. Though his magic could easily bypass any security measures—as he had often done in his mischievous younger days—he preferred to avoid the hassle of dealing with the council elders upon his return. Moreover, he wished to show proper respect to his masters who sat on the council.
Before departing, they sought an audience with the Grand Magus of the High Council. The ancient being heard their purpose and granted them passage through the realms, but with a stern warning: "Remember the protocols of interference. Respect the natural order to the greatest extent possible."
With their plans set and permissions granted, the couple prepared for their journey across the vast expanse of reality.
Adirosas conjured a shimmering golden portal while focusing on the mysterious Primordial God's Ki signature using the coordinates Amara had shared. Though unable to pinpoint the exact location within the lower realm's universes, he managed to lock onto the lower realm itself. He nodded to his wife, who began her transformation. As she shifted into her true dragon form, onlookers throughout their estate watched in awe. Her scales burned crimson, and her wings stretched vast enough to span continents across the many worlds of the lower realms. They first arrived in another universe within the lower realm but, by tracing the faint signature, they ultimately found their way to the right universe and headed toward Earth, tracing the lingering primordial signature from when Orach's Primordial God Ki had last erupted from the Zeta.
As they approached Earth, they sensed faint traces of familiar God Ki, which encouraged them to proceed toward the blue planet. However, as they drew close, they became aware of its delicate nature. The Dragon Queen transformed into a more suitable humanoid form—an elegant woman with flowing red hair, golden horns, and a regal dress with a high slit—before descending alongside her husband.
They soon detected unique energy signatures that made them raise their eyebrows and followed them to their source. Hovering in the skies above, they discovered a world at war. Grotesque invaders assaulted what appeared to be a relatively primitive civilization, though it was defended by notable champions. Their attention focused on two particular beings, one operating from a mobile command center, and another fighting on the frontlines with sword and shield. It was these two individuals that their magical trace led toward.
They observed, following the ancient protocols about non-interference, until something extraordinary happened - the warrior girl revealed a blue crystal that pulsed with familiar energy.
The Dragon Queen's eyes transformed, becoming draconic as she scrutinized the crystal. "Husband," she whispered, her voice tense with emotion, "that's a sealing crystal... it's faint and slightly different, but it bears his essence. We must question that girl."
Adirosas nodded gravely, gripping his staff tighter. They needed answers - how did this warrior girl come to possess a higher realm sealing crystal? What was her connection to their brother? Was she ally or enemy?
Just as the girl prepared to activate the crystal, they made their move traveling through a portal. The Dragon Queen's hand shot out, covering the warrior's mouth, while Adirosas stepped through a golden portal, casting two spells that both negated an incoming attack and froze her opponent in time.
The fate of this world now hung on the girl's next words. If she proved to be their brother's ally, they would extend their protection. But if she had somehow imprisoned or was exploiting him...nothing would stop this husband and wife pair to tear this world and perhaps this entire lower realm apart.
Donna POV
'Higher realm beings!' I thought with a jolt of recognition. 'That would explain their power!' My eyes darted towards Darkseid—the Mad God who had pushed Earth's defenders to our limits now stood frozen.
The mysterious man who had addressed me stood tall and imposing in an elegant white suit that seemed to shimmer with otherworldly energy. His ornate staff gleamed with an azure glow, and atop his head sat what appeared to be a top hat - an oddly mundane choice that somehow added to his mystique. Behind his circular eyeglasses, his eyes flickered with an ethereal azure glow.
Despite his unusual appearance, he carried himself with an unmistakable aura of authority and power—similar to my brother-in-law. The power radiating from him felt ancient and absolute. One glance was enough to confirm this was no ordinary being.
"My wife," he spoke with gentle authority, "please release our young friend so we may converse properly."
Those words stunned me—the invisible force that had been restraining me and covering my mouth to prevent me from summoning the crystal's power belonged to his wife? The only visible part had been a single hand, yet it had completely immobilized me.
As if in answer, a figure emerged gracefully from a shimmering golden portal. She was breathtaking - cascading crimson hair framed a face of striking beauty, with delicate scales adorning her fair brown skin. Her regal red dress with its black bodice and dramatic side slit spoke of refined taste, while curved golden horns and sharp, determined eyes hinted at tremendous power barely contained within.
"Husband," she spoke, her voice rich with authority, "why waste time with questions? A simple spell would extract all we need to know. My dragon eyes can see clearly now- that crystal she holds bears Orach's signature. While her possession of it suggests his protection..." Her eyes narrowed slightly. "We know nothing of her true nature or how she came by it. The lower realms harbor both good and ill."
I bristled internally at her dismissive tone, but before I could react, her husband replied, "I understand your concerns, my love. But look at her - there's a honest warrior's spirit in those eyes. Something tells me, if my brother chose to trust her, there must be good reason."
I must have shown visible surprise when they referred to my brother-in-law, Orach, as their "brother." While this confirmed they weren't enemies, I felt frustrated that such powerful beings had simply observed our desperate battle. Then I remembered my brother-in-law's principle: higher beings should interfere in lower realm affairs only when necessary, and only after fully understanding the situation. Even well-intentioned intervention from higher realm beings could have catastrophic consequences. These visitors were clearly following the same principle.
When the woman finally released me in the next moment, I landed gracefully and put some distance between us, studying her features with new understanding. These were truly beings from another realm entirely.
"Now then," the man said kindly, "Let's have a proper conversation shall we? I am a humble mage that goes by name, Adirosas and behind you is my lovely wife, reigning queen of fire dragons, Aurelia. We hail from the higher realm called Aetherium Concordance and have come in search of Prince Orach of Sadala. Now, would you please explain your connection to Prince Orach?"
I knew I had to handle this delicately. Without my sister or brother-in-law present, I needed to be both respectful and firm. Taking a deep breath, I met his gaze.
"I am Donna Prince of Themyscira, an island nation of this world," I began formally. "While I recognize you both as higher realm beings, I must ask—why are you, coming from different higher realms, here? Last I checked this world exists within a universe that is a part of a lower realm under the Alacrity Alliance's jurisdiction. Also, even though you claim brotherhood with Prince Orach of Sadala, with all due respect, you look nothing like a Saiyan. What proof can you offer of this connection?"
A warning growl rumbled from his wife's direction, but the man raised a hand to calm her. His reply was measured. "Your caution is logical, young warrior. The answer is simple—I belong to a different race, but I have no need to prove myself beyond that. Know only that I respect the Alacrity Alliance's jurisdiction over this world, even if their direct oversight has been... minimal." He smiled, reaching into his suit pocket and producing a small medallion bearing the unmistakable crest of the Alacrity Alliance. "However, as a gesture of good faith, this should suffice. It proves my high standing within the Alliance and the friendly relations between our higher realms."
He tossed the medallion to me. I caught it and examined the intricate crest, recognizing the unmistakable markings of the Alacrity Alliance—the same ones I had seen on my future brother-in-law's armor. The medallion pulsed with a faint energy beneath my fingers, confirming its authenticity.
"Very well," I said, stepping forward to return the medallion before maintaining a safe distance. "I acknowledge your status within the Alacrity Alliance. Thank you for your openness, and I apologize if my questioning seemed rude. You must understand our caution—a previous encounter with a higher realm being led to conflict due to misunderstandings. I needed to establish these basic facts to prevent similar issues. That said, I cannot share information about the person you seek without absolute certainty of your intentions. He and his family mean everything to me. I would gladly sacrifice my life before becoming a threat to their safety."
As I spoke, I noticed Adirosas listening intently while his wife Aurelia studied me with piercing draconic eyes. I kept the crystal close, ready to activate it if needed. But then something unexpected happened - their expressions transformed from attentiveness to utter bewilderment, as if my words had revealed something monumental. They exchanged a meaningful glance, confirming what they'd heard.
'Was what I said that shocking?'
In an instant, they vanished from sight. Before I could even register their movement, they materialized directly before me. "What are you-" I began, but my words cut short as Adirosas's eyes flashed with brilliant azure light.
"Dominate," he commanded, and in the next instant my world went dark.
I found myself floating in an endless void, disconnected from my physical form. Through the darkness, a voice echoed: "Explain your relationship with Prince Orach of Sadala. What did you mean by 'his family'?"
'What...what was that? That voice...isn't it Adirosas?' Suddenly, I felt a strange pull. Though I fought against this compulsion with every fiber of my being, the words spilled forth unbidden: "Prince Orach of Sadala is my big sister Diana Prince's fiancé—my future brother-in-law."
'No! Why am I revealing such details? DAMN IT, WHAT DID THESE BASTARDS DO TO ME?' I screamed in rage and terror as I continued speaking against my will. "Their family includes their adopted daughter, my niece Rachel."
'No! Stop!' I pleaded silently, my heart breaking at this betrayal of trust. 'Please, someone help me! Diana... I'm so sorry...'
But even as I struggled, I could sense their shock intensifying. Whatever they had expected to learn, this revelation seemed to have shaken them to their core. Adirosas waved his hand and released his mental hold on me, and I collapsed to my knees, gasping.
"Impossible..." Aurelia whispered, her beautiful features twisting with disbelief. "The same man who declared science as his only love is now engaged? And he's raising a child? Both are lower realm beings, no less?"
"Indeed," Adirosas replied softly, his usual composure wavering. "Adopted or not, that child is now the princess of the House of Gula. I... I have a niece." His voice carried a mix of wonder and shock. "This changes everything."
I forced myself to stand, anger burning through my exhaustion. "What you just did was unforgivable," I spat, gripping the crystal tighter. "If you truly are my brother-in-law's allies, you would never have violated my mind like that."
Adirosas at least had the decency to look regretful. "You speak truth, little sister. I apologize for my... extreme methods. But please understand - we've been searching for Orach for so long, and this news..." He exchanged a meaningful look with his wife before continuing, "Let me explain. Your brother-in-law, despite his status as prince and prodigy, was notorious for avoiding anything related to romance or marriage. When you mentioned 'his family,' we initially thought perhaps other Saiyans of royal blood had survived. That's why I used the Dominate spell - we needed absolute certainty. But learning he's chosen to marry your sister..." He shook his head in amazement. "It's completely contrary to everything we knew of him."
"Since you are to be my brother's sister-in-law," he continued with newfound warmth, "you are, in a way, my little sister as well. Allow us to prove our sincerity." He nodded to his wife and raised his ornate staff.
What happened next left me absolutely stunned. Adirosas brought his staff down with purpose, commanding, "Gate!" In an instant, a shimmering golden portal materialized behind the subdued furies, commanders and the frozen form of Darkseid, consuming them entirely.
Before I could even ask about our enemy's fate, Aurelia's transformation began. A fierce aura of flames engulfed her form as she leaped skyward. Massive wings erupted from her back, and a thunderous roar shook the entire battlefield as her body shifted and grew. Where the woman had been now hovered an enormous dragon, its scales burning crimson and golden horns gleaming in the light. The dragon's massive head turned toward the Apokoliptian forces and their support ships, its maw opening wide.
A complex magical circle materialized before the dragon's jaws, and from it erupted an inferno unlike anything I'd ever witnessed - flames magnified a hundredfold, screaming toward our enemies. I tensed, worried about our own forces caught in the battlefield, but Adirosas quickly assured me, "Fear not - I've already cast protective wards around your allies." He added with a slight smirk, "Though I make no promises about their equipment."
The breath attack struck the ships with devastating force. The scorching heat melted through their hulls in seconds, tearing straight through the first vessel and catching the second as it attempted to escape. In one devastating strike, the massive ships were obliterated, consumed by consecutive explosions. But Aurelia wasn't finished - her dragon breath swept across the swarm of parademons, incinerating them completely, leaving not even ashes behind. Despite Adirosas's reassurance, I couldn't help but worry about our forces. I reached for my earpiece to contact Batgirl at the mobile command center.
"Batgirl, come in. What's the situation-" Before I could finish, her shocked voice cut through.
"Wonder Girl... is that an actual DRAGON?! Did a fantasy creature just materialize and unleash hell on our enemies? Wait - please don't tell me this is what Orach left in those crystals! This is beyond overkill!" Batgirl's voice came through so loud I had to remove my earpiece to protect my hearing. Looking up at the magnificent creature above us, I couldn't blame her reaction. All I could think was, 'These higher realm beings are truly beyond absurd.'
Meanwhile, aboard the Void Sentinel...
As their ship traversed through space toward Earth, Orach and Diana were enjoying a peaceful moment together in what could only be described as an advanced jacuzzi, the warped space outside creating a mesmerizing view through the observation windows.
Achoo
Suddenly, Orach sneezed - a sound that startled them both, given his enhanced physiology should have made such a thing impossible. Diana, amused by this rare display of normalcy, nestled back against his chest and teased, "You know what they say - someone must be talking about you somewhere."
Though puzzled, Orach decided not to dwell on the strange occurrence, choosing instead to savor this intimate moment with Diana.
Back on Earth...
"Batgirl, this isn't from the crystal," I explained, trying to calm her. "We have visitors from the higher realms."
"Sorry about my outburst," she replied after a moment. "How many? Though I guess I don't need to ask if they're friend or foe - seeing as they're only targeting enemies while our forces remain unharmed, they must be allies, right?"
I glanced at Adirosas's irritatingly serene smile and sighed. "Yes... they're allies of my brother-in-law. Two of them - one male and that dragon, who happens to be his wife."
"Hold up - did you just say that dragon is someone's WIFE? Then is the male also a dragon?" I could hear the disbelief in Barbara's voice. The question made me realize I didn't actually know what Adirosas was. I turned to him. "Are you also a dragon?"
His warm laughter filled the air. "You might think so, but no." His gaze turned loving as he watched the magnificent red dragon above. "I'm simply a fortunate fool who somehow earned the respect, loyalty, and love of the Queen of the Red Flame Dragons."
"The dragon you see was initially in human form when they arrived," I explained to Batgirl. "She transformed to help us deal with the invasion."
"Understood. I'll inform all forces that the dragon is friendly. But Wonder Girl... be careful. I'm deploying with my crystal too, just in case these 'allies' aren't what they seem."
"Copy that," I responded, ending the transmission.
"Another sister perhaps?" Adirosas's voice caught me off guard. "She carries a sealing crystal, which means she too is under my brother's protection, yes?"
'That smug face is really asking to be punched,' I thought, but managed to keep my composure. "First, eavesdropping on private conversations is considered rude here. But to answer your question - she's a sister in arms, a trusted comrade I'd fight beside any day. She's also my niece's friend, which makes her important to my brother-in-law. I believe that's why she received a crystal - because she earned his trust and respect, just as he earned ours."
Just as I finished speaking, the battlefield trembled as Aurelia's dragon form let out a thunderous roar, her gaze fixed on something in the sky. The sound drew everyone's attention upward.
"How fascinating," Adirosas mused, his eyes gleaming with interest. "Someone in this lower realm has managed to manipulate their creation god's energy and bypass my restrictions. Simple barriers, true, but still... Little sister, it seems we have more visitors approaching."
Following their gaze, I watched as a boom tube materialized in the sky, expanding to allow five massive vessel through.
"A boom tube..." I muttered, wondering who else could be joining this increasingly chaotic day. As several figures descended from the lead ship, and on recognizing the one in the lead, my blood boiled. "That's... that New Genesis bastard!" My fists clenched involuntarily as I recalled his inappropriate behavior during his previous visit, my expression darkening.
Adirosas noticed my reaction immediately. "Oh? Bad blood between you and these ones, little sister? Are they enemies as well?"
A thought struck me then. 'It's risky, but maybe...' I turned to Adirosas. "Say, big brother—"
"Ah, don't force yourself!" he interrupted dramatically, raising a hand. "Just ask what you need. I'll wait for the day you can call me brother naturally." His serene smile was almost insufferable.
'Yeah, I'm definitely asking brother-in-law to train me so I can punch that smug face one day,' I thought before clearing my throat.
"Since you've taken to calling me little sister," I began carefully, "would you be willing to defend my honor if needed?"
Adirosas raised an eyebrow at my request, studying the approaching figures from New Genesis. His expression shifted to something more serious. "I see the situation now," he murmured. Then, turning to me with unexpected warmth, he said, "Be yourself, little sister. You now have another brother watching over you. Move forward boldly—I'll step in when necessary."
His protective words caught me off guard. Besides my brother-in-law, no man had ever shown such brotherly concern for me. I had to admit, it felt reassuring to have this kind of backup.
My thoughts were interrupted by a commanding voice from above. Orion of New Genesis, adorned in ornate armor, descended to hover several meters away from us on his Astro Harness. His eyes were fixed on Aurelia's dragon form with a mix of wariness, suspicion and indignation.
"Identify yourself, great beast!" he called out, his voice carrying both authority and a hint of fear. "What manner of creature are you? Are you responsible for this widespread destruction? Answer now you beast!"
I noticed Adirosas's expression shift subtly at the newcomer's demanding tone. His serene smile remained, but there was now a dangerous glint in his eyes. 'Oh, and here I thought, I would need to act but, this moron went for the wife of a higher realm being. He is begging for it. This should be interesting,' I thought, watching the situation unfold.
Adirosas raised his staff slightly, his serene smile taking on an steely edge. "My dear wife," he called out, his voice carrying clearly across the battlefield, "this ant seems to be addressing you rather... impolitely."
The dragon's massive head turned toward Orion, smoke curling from her nostrils. When she spoke, her voice resonated with power and disdain. "You dare command me, ant? I am Aurelia, Queen of the Red Flame Dragons and First Lady of the Young Heavenly Emperor Adirosas of Aetherium Concordance higher realm. Your measly authority means nothing in my presence." She spread her wings wide, killing intent flashing in her eyes. "KNEEL AND APOLOGIZE. This will be your only chance, ant of the lower realms!"
Her words shocked everyone present. I looked at Adirosas, who maintained his smile though his controlled posture suggested he was restraining himself from getting involved. I couldn't help but gulp. My sister and Rachel had once explained the hierarchy of cultivators to me—someone with "Emperor" in their title was among the elite of the higher realms, powerful enough to establish their own domains. And I had been thinking about punching someone like that! He must have sensed my gaze because he turned to give me a knowing smile. 'Nope. I'm still going to train until I can land a punch on that face!'
Meanwhile Orion's expression darkened at the perceived slight, his Astro Harness humming with increased energy as his anger rose. "I am Orion of New Genesis, son of Highfather, and I will not be dismissed by creatures who dare trespass in our jurisdiction without proper-"
Before he could finish, waves of fiery red Ki rippled outward from Aurelia, making Orion's Mother Box shriek in alarm. The very fabric of reality seemed to buckle as the temperature around them soared to unbearable levels.
"I warned you, ant," Aurelia's voice thundered across the battlefield as I saw her crimson energy swirled within her maw, far more intense than her previous displays of power. "Now... you die."
Flames of impossible hues—colors that mortal eyes struggled to comprehend—coalesced between her massive jaws. The energy buildup grew so intense that reality warped and distortions started to appear around her. With a thunderous roar, she unleashed a devastating breath attack that headed straight towards Orion.
Just as the attack was about to hit, a blinding flash of light forced me to shield my eyes. The intense radiance was accompanied by a deafening explosion that shook the very air around us.
When my vision cleared, I saw a scene that made me catch my breath. The ships in orbit had been completely obliterated, reduced to nothing but scattered debris. But what truly caught my attention was Orion - alive, but visibly shaken. He stood protected behind a translucent, shimmering silhouette of an old man. The figure's ethereal form was severely damaged, missing an arm and covered in spreading cracks that threatened to shatter its entire being.
"Father... you..." Orion's voice trembled with a mixture of shock and gratitude as he addressed the figure. Hearing his words, I understood who this was, Highfather himself, leader of the New Gods of New Genesis, had intervened to save his son.
"We must withdraw, my son," Highfather commanded, his voice carrying both authority and urgency. Multiple boom tubes materialized instantly, and the New Genesis forces started retreating without hesitation, their faces pale at the sight of their leader's damaged manifestation.
"Tempus Frigidus!" A powerful voice resonated through the air. In an instant, all of New Genesis forces hung motionless in the sky, frozen in time - all except for Highfather's manifestation.
The ethereal form of Highfather briefly flickered, as if caught in the temporal effect, before breaking free of the stasis. His recovered movement drew a knowing look from Adirosas.
"Just as I suspected," Adirosas declared, his usual serene smile taking on a more intrigued quality. He rose gracefully into the air, staff held loosely at his side. "You're the one who can harness this lower realm's creation god's power and broke through my restrictions in this systems, aren't you?"
Despite my curiosity about the confrontation above, I turned my attention to my injured comrades below. They needed me more, and I trusted our powerful ally could handle whatever came next.
End of POV
As Adirosas ascended to meet Highfather's manifestation, the very air between them grew tense as the two beings of immense power, each representing vastly different realms of existence, sized each other up in tense silence.
"Beings from the higher realms appearing in our universe..." Highfather's voice carried both authority and wariness. His damaged ethereal form flickered slightly as he continued, "What brings entities of your caliber to interfere in the affairs of our universe?"
Adirosas's lips curved into an amused smile. "How fascinating. While you individually remain insignificant, you've managed to channel your creation god's power to break through my simple restrictions. Though..." His eyes gleamed with curiosity. "I wonder which low to mid level of restriction would fully bind you? You're fortunate I have no interest in unleashing my true power, or you'd be less than dust. That artifact of yours intrigues me, but alas you aren't truly here..." He gestured at Highfather's flickering form. "This is merely a projection."
With a casual shrug, he added, "Oh well. Maybe someday. Now however, I believe before I allow you to take your son away, he requires a lesson in manners - a fitting punishment for disrespecting my wife."
"Wait-" Highfather's protest was cut short as Adirosas's eyes turned purple and he released a fraction of his aura. The sky itself transformed, taking on an otherworldly purple hue. Under this supernatural pressure, Highfather's manifestation found itself completely immobilized.
In a flash of movement that defied mortal perception, Adirosas appeared beside the time-locked Orion. With a gentle tap of his staff against the Astro Harness, he released the New God from temporal stasis.
Orion's eyes darted between his father's restrained form and the smiling figure before him. Feeling the dreadful aura emanating from Adirosas he asked, "What manner of being are you?"
"Me?" Adirosas adjusted his glasses, the light catching them ominously. "I'm but a humble mage. Though at this moment, I speak as a husband." His serene smile remained, but his eyes carried an unmistakable edge of killing intent. "You were quite presumptuous, making demands of my wife. After she assisted a world in this universe by eliminating a significant threat, gratitude would have been more appropriate than accusations. Since your father neglected to teach you proper respect for beings of the higher realms..." His smile widened slightly. "I suppose that responsibility falls to me. Aren't I generous?"
To Orion, the smiling figure before him emanated an aura more terrifying than any he had faced before. Yet his warrior's pride would not let him back down. Gritting his teeth, he channeled his Astro force and launched himself at Adirosas.
As Orion charged forward, Adirosas remained perfectly still, his smile unwavering. The air crackled with the raw power of the Astro force as Orion closed the distance.
However, Adirosas responded with a lazy flick of his staff. Complex magical circles materialized, instantly halting Orion's charge. "Let this be your lesson - power without understanding is meaningless. Your energy, while formidable in your universe, means nothing before the higher realms."
"I... won't... yield!" Orion strained against the barrier.
"Admirable." With a gentle tap of his staff, Adirosas began systematically dismantling the Astro Harness. Purple arcane rings compressed around Orion as his technology betrayed him, it's system failing under precise magical assault.
"What an odd design," Adirosas mused, studying the failing systems. "Primitive, and not elegant at all." His staff touched a primary node. "Now, where to apply pressure..."
Reality sheared along predetermined lines. With surgical precision, Orion's right arm separated cleanly from his body.
"ARGHHHH!"
His scream of agony echoed across the battlefield as blood sprayed profusely from the injury and the Astro Harness sparked violently, its connections severed.
"Now then," Adirosas spoke calmly, as if discussing the weather, "shall we continue your education, or have you learned sufficient respect?"
"My love," Aurelia's telepathic voice suddenly resonated in Adirosas's mind with a mixture of affection and practicality. "While I understand your desire to teach him a lesson, we have more pressing matters to attend to. We still need to learn about your brother's experiences from that little girl."
Adirosas's expression softened slightly at his wife's words. She was right, as usual. The mystery of his brother's activities in this realm held far more significance than disciplining an arrogant fool.
"Consider yourself fortunate, fool," he addressed Orion, lowering his staff. "My wife's wisdom stays my hand... for now."
With a dismissive wave of his staff, Adirosas dispelled his magical bindings. "Return home and reflect on today's lesson," he said coldly as the boomtube's energy engulfed the forces of New Genesis.
Turning his attention to Highfather's manifestation, whose ethereal form crackled with barely contained anger, Adirosas simply adjusted his glasses. "As for you..." In a flash, he appeared before the New God's projection. "Consider this a reminder of the hierarchy between realms."
His staff descended in one fluid motion, striking the manifestation. The ethereal form shattered like stained glass, dissolving into particles of light that scattered and faded into nothingness.
"Now then," Adirosas turned back to face the assembled heroes, his pleasant smile returning, "I believe we have more pressing matters to discuss."