Chapter 91 - Shattered Wings and Blood-Drenched Skies beneath the Looming Shadow - Part 1

Washington D.C.

Within the fortified walls of the DOD base command center, the atmosphere was tense with anticipation. Screens flickered with battle reports from across the globe—Japan, India, Russia, and the home front. Each hard-won victory shone as a fleeting glimmer of hope against the looming alien invasion.

Suddenly, an analyst's voice cut through the din, trembling with a mix of disbelief and terror. "General! The system... it's picked up new bogies! I'm reading one... no, three... God help us, it's... it's thirty ships!" The words hung in the air like a death knell, drawing all eyes to his station.

General Swanwick, who had been coordinating responses with allied nations, whirled around. For a heartbeat, his expression betrayed a flash of shock and concern before an icy calm settled over his features. He narrowed his eyes at the analyst. "Soldier, repeat what you just said," he demanded, his voice sharp and serious.

The analyst, sweat beading on his brow, gulped audibly before responding. "Sir, it's... it's an armada! An armada of 30 ships has entered our system. Twenty large class vessels, ten medium class - likely transport ships. They're approaching our space at an alarming rate." His words sent a wave of panic rippling through the room, scientists and analysts exchanging looks of despair while the generals' faces hardened with grim determination.

As the gravity of the situation settled over the room, another analyst spoke up, his voice tinged with confusion. "General, these readings... they're strange. They don't match the energy signatures of our current invaders."

Before General Swanwick could process this, a third analyst chimed in, excitement in his voice. "Sir! We're receiving a transmission! It's... it's a friendly force! Message reads: 'Rejoice, people of Earth. The Great Thanagarian Empire comes to your aid!'".

Relief swept through the room, but the seasoned generals remained wary. Swanwick exchanged a loaded glance with General Lane, then nodded towards a nearby conference room. As the senior officers filed out, he turned to General Hammond. "Continue monitoring our response efforts and track the movements of this new force," he ordered, his voice low but firm. "You're acting chief until we return."

Once sealed inside, Swanwick didn't mince words. "Gentlemen, this stinks to high heaven. An armada of that size for five enemy ships? I'm calling bullshit."

Grim nods circled the table. One general, playing devil's advocate, suggested, "What if Hawkman's right about those dreadnoughts? We've seen the damage a single scout ship can do. Maybe the Thanagarians know something we don't."

Swanwick's eyes narrowed. "Maybe. But I'm not willing to bet Earth's future on maybes. We need to reach out to the Justice League. If anyone can give us insight into these Thanagarians and their true intentions, it's them."

The room hummed with tense agreement. Just as they prepared to act, General Hammond's voice crackled over the comm, laden with urgency. "Swanwick. We have a problem." The generals exchanged worried glances as Hammond continued, "It seems those politicians received a communique from the Thanagarians. In light of the difficulties in dealing with the current invading force and the ongoing struggle and destruction in Europe, the Thanagarians' intervention has been accepted by the world leaders."

A stunned silence fell over the room. Swanwick's face darkened, his fists clenching at his sides. "Damn it," he growled, voicing the frustration they all felt. "Those short-sighted fools. They're jumping from the frying pan into the fire."

General Lane leaned forward, his face etched with concern. "What's our next move, Swanwick? We can't just sit back and watch this unfold."

Swanwick took a deep breath to calm himself before continuing. "Our priorities are clear. First, we maintain full alert status. These Thanagarians may be 'allies,' but we treat them as unknowns until proven otherwise. Second, we accelerate our outreach to the Justice League. Their expertise in interstellar matters is crucial now more than ever. And third," he emphasized, leaning forward, "we start gathering intel. I want eyes and ears on every Thanagarian movement, every communication. If they so much as sneeze once they land, I want to know about it."

The room hummed with tense agreement as the generals nodded, their faces set with grim determination. Later Swanwick dismissed the rest leaving Lane and himself in the room.

Space

As the Thanagarian armada received Earth's leaders agreement for intervention against the Gordanian invasion, space lit up with the brilliant flares of their ship's engines. Three colossal dreadnought-class vessels, each piece of advanced Thanagarian technology, broke formation and began their descent towards the planet, followed by five transport class ships carrying their warriors and equipment.

One of the ships, picked a familiar energy signature of Thanagarian technology on the surface and veered towards the ravaged European continent. As it pierced through the atmosphere, leaving a trail of ionized particles in its wake, the ship's crew witnessed the cities in ruins, smoke billowing from countless fires, while terrified civilians scrambled for safety amidst the chaos.

The Thanagarian vessel's targeting systems quickly locked onto a Gordanian ship wreaking havoc below. Without hesitation, the dreadnought's weapons unleashed a searing plasma blast. The blast tore through the clouds like a brilliant lance of blue-white fury, striking the Gordanian ship. The Gordanian ship's shields flickered and failed instantly as the plasma burst carved through its hull, creating a gaping hole.

As the Gordanian ship plummeted from the sky, trailing debris and fire, the Thanagarian dreadnought continued its descent. It came to a halt, hovering majestically over the smoldering wreckage of its vanquished foe. The sheer scale of the Thanagarian ship, cast an immense imposing shadow over the battlefield.

Hawkman flew towards the Thanagarian dreadnought, his mind focused on the task ahead. As he neared the ship, he felt a mix of pride and concern. He landed on the exterior platform and walked to the command deck.

Inside, he was greeted by the familiar environment of a Thanagarian ship. The command center bustled with activity. At the helm, Captain Hro Talak stood watching Earth on the viewscreen.

"Welcome back, soldier," Talak's deep voice resonated through the room, a hint of disdain coloring his words. "I trust our... grand entrance made quite the impression on the vermin below?"

Katar felt a chill run down his spine at Talak's choice of words. He removed his helmet, steeling himself before approaching the captain. "Yes, sir," he replied, carefully maintaining a neutral tone. "Earth's people are grateful for our intervention. I believe the upcoming discussions with their leaders will proceed as anticipated. So far, everything is going according to plan."

Talak's piercing gaze fixed on Katar, as he turned his head with a chill in his eyes and said, "According to plan, you say?" He gestured sharply towards the main viewscreen, which now displayed multiple feeds from the ongoing battles. "Then explain this!"

The screens displayed images of Cyborg and Wonder Woman efficiently neutralizing Gordanian ships in Japan and India. Cyborg's energy blast pierced the hull of an incoming vessel, while Wonder Woman's sword cut through a cruiser, splitting it in two.

"What... what is this power?" Talak demanded, his tone serious. "Your reports indicated these individuals were formidable, yes, but this?" He jabbed a finger at the screen, his face contorted with rage. "This level of strength was not accounted for! Our plan hinged on those Gordanian ships causing widespread destruction, giving us the perfect pretext to establish multiple intervention points. Now, we're limited to this single landmass. How, soldier, is this proceeding according to plan?"

Katar's mind raced, trying to make sense of the incredible display of power he was witnessing. 'How could they have hidden such strength? What else don't I know?' Swallowing hard, he fought to keep his voice steady. "Captain, while these two appear to be anomalies, we still hold the advantage. Our numbers, our technology—especially our newly developed specialized weapons—ensure our ultimate success on this world."

Talak's eyes narrowed as he scrutinized Katar's face for any hint of deception. After a tense moment, he grunted—a sound caught between acknowledgment and frustration. "You have a point," he conceded. "These Earth creatures may boast a few formidable defenders, but they won't derail our greater purpose. Our recent deal with that Lantern Corps turncoat provides a safeguard against any Green Lanterns present. Nevertheless, we're undertaking this mission precisely to avoid squandering our warriors on unexpected resistance. Not when the real battle for the Gordanian homeworld looms on the horizon."

Talak's posture straightened, his voice taking on a commanding tone as he issued his new orders. "We proceed to Phase Two. It's time to bring this charade to a close. We'll convince them that their survival hinges on our aid. Just as those fools agreed to let our dreadnoughts descend on their planet, we'll have them toil as our labor force to build the bypass." His steely gaze swept across the command deck, settling once more on Katar. "Prepare yourself, soldier. We make for their United Nations headquarters. It's time we showed these Earthlings the true might of the Thanagarian Empire."

Katar nodded, as he turned to leave, he tapped his communicator, sending a brief message to his teammates. "Martian Manhunter, Aquaman - continue aiding the populace. I'm proceeding with the Thanagarian delegation to the UN. We'll rendezvous with the League there."

As the command deck doors hissed shut behind him, Katar allowed himself a moment of doubt. The plan was proceeding, yes, but at what cost? His wife's tear-stained face flashed in his mind as he gazed at Earth below. Though he hadn't grown to love this planet as much as she had, a pang of guilt still pierced him when he thought of the children who looked at him with innocent admiration. He took a deep breath and released a resigned sigh. He knew their actions were cruel, but to win the war against the Gordanians and ensure the survival of their race, he had to follow through with his superiors' plan.

UN Headquarters - Afternoon

As the last Gordanian vessels were neutralized, a smaller transport vessel dispatched from one of the Thanagarian dreadnoughts. It glided towards the UN building, carrying a delegation from Thanagar.

Word of the Thanagarians' impending address to the UN council spread like wildfire. Reporters gathered at the UN HQ. Justice League members, who had been scattered across the globe aiding in relief efforts, rushed back to the United States as well. They paused only long enough to ensure the most challenging aspects of the cleanup were under control before converging on American soil.

Inside the grand assembly hall, an air of anticipation mixed with trepidation. World leaders shifted in their seats, each showing conflicting emotions on their faces—hope warred with fear, gratitude clashed with suspicion. As Superman, Green Lantern Hal Jordan, Aquaman Arthur Curry, and Martian Manhunter entered the chamber, a palpable shift occurred. Their presence, a living shield of Earth's mightiest heroes, seemed to infuse the room with renewed courage. Spines straightened, chins lifted, and eyes that had been wide with fear now carried determination.

Outside the UN complex, a formidable security perimeter had been established. The remaining Justice League members, except for Batman, Wonder Woman, and Cheetah, stood vigilant at strategic points around the building ready for any possible threat.

Meanwhile, the Teen Titans had been assigned a covert mission. Under strict orders to maintain absolute secrecy, they were deployed to monitor the Thanagarian dreadnoughts from a safe distance. Their task was crucial: to gather intelligence and provide an early warning, should the alien vessels show any signs of hostility. Only Batgirl and Raven were absent from this operation, having returned to the Batcave to report their findings.

Meanwhile, in the depths of the Batcave...

In the Batcave, Batman, his cowl pulled back to reveal the intense gaze of Bruce Wayne, hunched over his supercomputer. At present he was analyzing the data Raven and Batgirl had arrived with. Beside him, Cheetah's keen eyes darted between multiple screens, as she monitored the the Thanagarian movements and the UN proceedings together with Batgirl while Raven just quietly meditated waiting for the last person of their group to arrive.

Soon a sudden rush of displaced air announced Wonder Woman's arrival. Diana emerged through the waterfall entrance, landing gracefully next to the Batmobile platform. As she approached the group, her body shimmered with a soft, pinkish glow - her God Ki at work, instantly drying her armor and hair.

Cheetah's eyes widened, with a tinge of envy as she said, "Now that's a neat trick," she remarked, her voice tinged with admiration. "I really need to learn how to manipulate Ki like that. It'd be so much more convenient than blow-drying after a bath." Her lips curled into a smirk. "Care to teach me when we're not facing potential alien invasion, Di?"

Diana responded with a warm smile. "I couldn't agree more, Barb. I've never been fond of hair dryers myself," she said. "I'd be happy to teach you, though I'm not certain if your nature-based Ki can replicate this effect. But we'll certainly give it a try."

Before Cheetah could reply, Batman's gravelly voice cut through their exchange. "If you two are finished discussing hair care," he said, his tone carrying a hint of impatience, "we can get down to business. Wonder Woman, do you have something for me?"

Diana's expression turned serious. With a nod, she addressed her bangle. "Mother2, please transfer the data from the Gordanian vessel to Batman's computer." The jewel shone for a moment, and a voice promptly replied, "Transfer complete, mistress."

Batman's jaw tightened imperceptibly. Mother2's effortless bypass of his upgraded security measures irked him, though he'd never voice it. Pushing aside his frustration, he initiated his custom analysis script. "Thank you, Diana," he said, leaning back. "While we wait for the results, anything else to report?"

Wonder Woman's face grew grave, her eyes carrying concern. "Yes, and it's... troubling." She recounted her encounter with the Gordanian vessel, her voice steady but laced with unease. "After I brought the ship down, I found the entire crew dead. But Bruce, it wasn't my attack that killed them." She paused, allowing the weight of her next words to settle. "They had been dead long before their descent to Earth began."

A heavy silence fell over the cave, broken only by the distant sound of water and the soft chirping of bats. Batman's eyes narrowed, his mind already racing through possibilities. Diana continued, her voice resolute, "I'm fully convinced now, Bruce. Your suspicions were right. There's far more to this situation than meets the eye."

As the implications of Diana's report sank in, the atmosphere tensed in the Batcave. Just then Raven's voice was heard,"Its useless to care about this now. Now we know they aren't here as allies." She opened her eyes as she landed softly, ending her meditation. She then looked at the one of the screens showing the UN proceedings and continued,"Looks like the proceedings seem to have reached to an interesting part."

UN Headquarters

After the pleasantries and introductions, the Thanagarian commander addressed the UN assembly, his voice grave. "Esteemed leaders of Earth, the Gordanian threat you witnessed today was merely a scouting force. Our intelligence indicates that their main invasion fleet is en route to your planet as we speak. Please observe this evidence of the fate of the worlds they target."

The commander projected images of worlds ravaged by Gordanian forces, displaying the frightening visage of Gordanians and their advanced weaponry.

A wave of shock and fear rippled through the room. The U.S. President rose from his seat, his face ashen, and asked, "How much time do we have before this invasion force arrives?"

"Based on our calculations, no more than 1 Earth month," the commander replied, his tone grim. "Which is why we must act swiftly. The planetary shield we propose is your best hope against the impending Gordanian onslaught."

The Chinese Premier leaned forward, his brow furrowed with concern. "If what you say is true, how can we possibly construct such a shield in time?"

"With our advanced technology and your world's resources, it is possible," the Thanagarian assured. "But we must begin immediately. Every moment of delay puts your planet at greater risk."

The Russian President's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "And how do we know this isn't some elaborate ruse to gain control of our planet?"

The Thanagarian commander spread his wings slightly, a gesture of openness. "We understand your skepticism. We invite your scientists and experts to work alongside us every step of the way. Transparency is crucial in this endeavor."

As the commander spoke, the U.S. President received a report that made his eyes widen with alarm. He interrupted, his voice now tinged with a mix of concern and skepticism, "I appreciate your commitment to transparency, Commander. In that spirit, I must ask: If your intentions are purely to assist us, why have you brought an entire armada into our solar system?"

The Thanagarian Commander's wings bristled, his eyes narrowing as frustration seeped into his voice. "The Gordanian fleet boasts dreadnought-class ships of their own," he declared, his words laced with exasperation. "As one of our own, a hero of your world, has already informed you. I assure you, they will descend upon your planet in overwhelming numbers."

He paused, his piercing gaze sweeping across the assembly. World leaders flinched under the weight of his stare. The Commander's voice dropped, taking on a grimmer tone. "Let me be frank—your current weapons are woefully inadequate. They won't even scratch the surface of the Gordanian shields. So, I ask you this, without the forces we've brought, how do you propose to survive?"

A suffocating silence fell over the assembly hall. The Commander's blunt words hung in the air, their implications impossible to ignore. World leaders exchanged anxious glances, as they felt the weight of their impending decision. Before them loomed a stark choice, risk potential subjugation under Thanagarian protection or face certain annihilation at the hands of the Gordanians. Either way, the future of humanity seemed to balance on a knife's edge.

Batcave

Meanwhile, in the depths of the Batcave, the assembled heroes watched the proceedings with growing unease. Batman's eyes narrowed, his gravelly voice breaking the tense silence. "Do we believe this?" he growled, skepticism evident in his tone.

Wonder Woman paused, her brow furrowed in thought. After a moment, she spoke, her voice steady but laced with skepticism, "I have to say, they're really selling this narrative. It's quite convincing, but after what we've uncovered, I highly doubt it."

Cheetah, her tail twitching with agitation, chimed in, "I agree. I call bullshit on this whole charade."

Batgirl was about to voice her thoughts when she noticed Raven's intense focus on her bangle terminal. "Rachel?" she asked, her voice a mix of curiosity and concern.

The young girl's actions caught everyone's attention. As if on cue, the other heroes shifted their gaze from the UN proceedings to Raven, their expressions etched with intrigue.

However, Raven didn't pay attention to their call. Instead, her fingers danced across the holographic interface of her terminal, her focus unwavering as she worked. Soon with a sweeping gesture, she conjured a cascade of data that materialized in the air before them, expanding into a dizzying array of holographic screens.

"Sorry, Batman," Rachel said nonchalantly, a hint of a smirk playing at the corners of her mouth. "Your machine, while being the best on Earth, was taking too much time analyzing the data. Mother2 is faster."

Batman's eye twitched almost imperceptibly at the comment, a reaction not lost on Wonder Woman and Cheetah, who exchanged amused glances, wry smiles tugging at their lips.

Rachel's expression suddenly grew serious, her voice taking on a grave tone. "The Gordanian ships were preprogrammed to attack Earth. The code, despite appearing Gordanian, is actually Thanagarian in disguise." Her eyes met each of her companions' in turn, conveying the weight of her discovery. "Without a doubt, this is a ploy. Whatever they want to build, I highly doubt it's going to be anything good for us."

Batman and Batgirl immediately turned their attention to the holographic displays, their eyes narrowing as they sifted through the data. The tension in the Batcave was palpable, as the gravity of the situation settled in.

After a moment of intense scrutiny, Batman's gravelly voice broke the silence. "This is enough proof. Batgirl, contact Cyborg and have him discretely deliver the message to the Leaguers and the Titans. From this point onwards, Hawkman and Hawkgirl aren't to be trusted. Tell them to look out for any sign of betrayal, but to act as usual."

Wonder Woman, her brow furrowed with concern, stepped forward. "What's the plan here, Bruce? We don't have enough information. I suggest capturing either Hawkman or Hawkgirl. I can use my lasso to make them tell us the truth."

Batman's face was etched with concern as he contemplated Diana's suggestion. "That idea has some merit, Diana," he admitted, his voice low and thoughtful. "Hawkgirl hasn't been herself lately." He paused, pulling up logs and footage from their recent mission in Russia. The others gathered closer, watching intently as the scenes played out before them.

"Her aggression is normally higher than ours, but during this mission, it was borderline excessive," Batman continued, his finger tracing the erratic patterns of Hawkgirl's movements on the screen. "She's clearly burdened by something – guilt, perhaps, knowing what her people truly want from our world."

Batman's voice grew grave as he continued, his words measured and heavy with implication. "I've considered using the lasso as one of our more drastic approaches to get straight answers. But this assumes she truly knows the plan. And if we did that, we'd be burning bridges with the Hawk couple."

Cheetah, her tail twitching with impatience. Her eyes narrowed as she interjected with frustration in her voice. "Isn't it already too late for that, Bruce? They've been lying to us this whole time. We need answers, we might as well try it."

As the debate raged on, Rachel found herself lost in thought. Her mind wandered to the Thanagarian armada looming over Earth.

Rachel's POV

'Armada... hmm... there must be a way,' she mused silently.

Seeking guidance, I reached out to Mother2 and tapped into the network established by my father and Mother Empress, hoping to scan the alien ships. The response was disappointing: "Princess, the technology presently available to us, is limited and blocked by the Nth metal in their hulls. I suggest boarding one of the ships on the planet. This unit can then connect to their network, access their databanks, and possibly take control."

Rachel pondered the suggestion, her mind working overtime thinking of a strategy, 'The ships in space are out of reach for now, but they brought three dreadnought-class ships when they landed. If I could access one, we'd have guaranteed answers. But how?'

A sudden idea struck her. 'Wait, mom, Wonder Woman is the princess of Themyscira! She could act as an ambassador, join the discussions, and I could follow as her entourage.' But doubt crept in as quickly as the idea had formed. 'No, considering their numbers, that's too risky. Mom's our strongest warrior. If she's captured before the fight begins, we'd be at a severe disadvantage.'

Frustration welled up inside her. 'Damn it! There has to be a better way. Think, Rachel, think! What would Dad do?'

Sigh

Just then, a soft sigh echoed in her mind, startling her. The voice was distant but achingly familiar.

Kiddo. It's too early, but you need guidance. Come in.

'DAD!' Rachel's heart leapt. It was indeed her father's voice. Before she could process what was happening, her vision blurred. In the blink of an eye, she found herself standing on an island with only a small modern house with coconut trees surrounding it, with her standing on its pristine beach, facing a vast, shimmering ocean beneath an azure sky. The beauty of the scene took her breath away.

"You like it?" Her father's voice, closer now, sent a jolt through her. Rachel spun around, eager to see him after so long, longing to feel his embrace. But what she saw left her stunned speechless.

"...Dad?" she managed to ask, staring at what could only be described as a 5-year-old version of her father. The chubby, cute child wore a serious expression, his tail wrapped around his waist, clad in a miniature version of her father's armor. The contrast between this child and her powerful, imposing father was so absurd that Rachel found herself struggling not to burst into laughter.

The child-version of her father raised an eyebrow, his serious demeanor only making him look more adorable. "Who else, my silly princess? Also, stop holding back. I can tell you want to laugh right now."

That was all it took. Rachel's laughter bubbled up and spilled over, filling the air with its joyous sound. She knew this was her father, her rock, the one she had missed so desperately. But his current appearance was simply too precious to resist.

Clap

"Alright. Alright!"Even as he clapped his hands, trying to regain control, it only made her laugh harder. But soon as the sky began to darken, Rachel realized her father was getting upset.

Seeing this, her laughter slowly subsided, Rachel moved closer, kneeling down to embrace her father's childlike form. "Rachel," he began, his voice a mixture of affection and seriousness that seemed at odds with his current appearance. "I missed you, Dad," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I know you are a soul shard and must have something important to tell me, but just for a moment, please let me hold you in peace."

Hearing this I saw my father stunned, confused but, nod and hugged me back though his small hand could only hold a portion of me. After a few minutes, I knew I had let go, so that he could impart what he wanted to let me know so, reluctantly released him from my hug.

Then Dad's expression turned serious, despite his childlike appearance. "Rachel," he began, his voice soft yet firm, "I owe you an apology. While I never want to be the cause of your tears, I need you to understand something. As a Saiyan, my life is intertwined with intense battles and high-stakes conflicts. There may be times when I choose to face these challenges alone—not because I don't trust you or your mother, but because I can't bear the thought of losing you both. The pain of loss... even though I understand it's part of living... it's still something I never want to experience again."

His words struck a chord deep within me. After learning about Dad's past from Grandmother, I understood the weight behind his words. I couldn't help but soften, yet a part of me still yearned to be selfish, to accompany him forever. "Dad, I know," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

Dad's eyes widened, a mix of confusion and panic flashing across his face. "How... how is that possible?" he stammered, taking a step back.

It was the first time I had seen such raw panic in my father's eyes. I realized then that if Grandmother hadn't revealed his painful past, Dad would have never shared it with me or Mom.

"Grandmother told me," I explained softly. "She came out to protect me from the mark when you weren't awake." I proceeded to recount what had transpired in Themyscira, watching as Dad's emotions shifted from panic to shock, and finally to unadulterated fury.

The sky above us darkened ominously, lightning crackling through the clouds. The once-calm ocean began to rage, mirroring Dad's tumultuous emotions. It was clear that this soul space was a reflection of Dad's inner turmoil as he absorbed my experiences.

Suddenly, Dad's voice boomed, filled with righteous anger, "HE DARED TO HARM YOU! I'LL SLAUGHTER THEM ALL!" Nine bolts of lightning struck around us, reminiscent of Grandmother's heavenly tribulation. Instinctively, I wrapped my arms around him, trying to calm his fury as I told him about Grandmother killing Zeus.

After a moment, Dad's tension eased. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and continued, "I'm truly sorry, Rachel. My main body left this part of me within you to aid you through another eventuality and provide guidance in his absence. You've just begun your true journey by forming your nascent world in your inner realm. However, you still need to grow stronger before you're ready to fully access this space or learn the techniques I've left for you. I made an exception this time because your troubled thoughts awakened me, and I noticed your nascent world has been constantly active lately, as if perpetually ready for battle. I knew I had to reveal myself to you now."

As I listened silently, I was stunned and a little embarrassed. Dad knew me too well. I was also amazed to learn he had left techniques for me to master.

"It's fine, Dad," I said softly, my voice a blend of relief and lingering apprehension. "It was a bit unnerving, but I got to meet Grandmother and have a chat with her." A smile played on my lips as I added, "Now I see where your ruthless streak comes from."

I watched as Dad's expression grew complex, a mix of emotions flickering across his childlike features. "Ruthless, you say..." he began, his voice carrying a weight that seemed at odds with his current appearance. "That mother of mine would never show you her true ruthless side, trust me. Even with me, she rarely revealed it, but after hearing so much about her reputation—one that instilled sheer terror in her enemies—I became curious and witnessed it once..." A shiver ran through his body before he continued, "Let's just say there's a good reason why her name is renowned in other higher realms. Although she's from the God branch and royalty at that, she possesses a savage side that would make even the most battle-hardened war maniacs quake in their boots."

He paused, and I felt another slight shiver run through him. His eyes met mine, a hint of panic visible as he pleaded, "Don't breathe a word of this to her when you next see her. She always wants me to see her as nothing but a loving, doting mother. If you tell her I saw her ruthless side, the consequences could be dire for me. Please, daughter." I was astounded—my father, one of the most formidable beings I knew, was actually afraid of my grandmother. I barely suppressed a grin, already concocting plans to tease Dad's main body with this juicy information upon his return.

I nodded solemnly, assuring Dad of my silence, but his resigned expression told me he'd seen right through my facade.

"Let's move on to the main issue at hand," Dad said, his tone becoming more serious. "You can't stay here for long; your soul needs to grow stronger. I know you're facing a challenging situation. Those bird-brains... the Thanagarians pose a significant threat to your world, and you're struggling to uncover their true intentions, aren't you? You were considering asking your mother, Wonder Woman, to act as an ambassador representing Themyscira at the UN, correct?"

I listened silently, stunned by how accurately he had read the situation. I nodded, confirming his words.

"Yes," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. "Apparently, they're bringing some of the leaders to show their technology on one of their ships under the guise of a cultural and technological exchange. I was thinking I could accompany Mom in disguise to gain access to their ship and have Mother2 hack them. But..."

"But what?" Dad asked, raising an eyebrow. "Afraid of risking your mother's capture?"

I nodded silently, my fears laid bare before him.

Dad's expression softened, a mix of pride and understanding in his eyes. "Silly girl," he said, his voice gentle yet firm. "Your mother is more powerful than you think. You're the kid here learn to depend on us. Just as we trust you, I ask you to trust us, your parents. Trust in her strength."

His words struck a chord within me, but I couldn't help but challenge him. "Why didn't you trust us then during the Central City incident?"

Dad's gaze met mine, unwavering and intense. After a moment of silence, he spoke, his voice carrying the weight of his convictions. "That is different, and you know it. You know I wouldn't have interfered if it wasn't a catastrophe that threatened to destroy the world. I trust you and your mother to handle anything else that this lower realm has to throw at you. I'd rather spend time in my lab or just enjoying family time with you both."

His words hit me hard, and I tightened my hug, nodding before apologizing. "Sorry, Dad. I know better."

"It's fine," he reassured me, his voice soft yet resolute. "It's reasonable for you to carry a little anger towards my main body. I know I was selfish, but I know I wouldn't hesitate to do it again. So, I'll take on your anger and even hits from you both for my selfishness, but I won't budge on protecting you both."

I didn't know what to say, so I simply nodded. But in that moment, I swore to myself that I would grow stronger, no matter what. I would stand by him, and I would protect him too.

"Now, Rachel," Dad continued, his voice taking on a more serious tone, "we've discussed trusting your mother to infiltrate the ship. But haven't I always taught you to have a contingency plan? It's time to think beyond the constraints of the lower realms. You're my daughter, a child of higher realms. What else can you do?"

His words left me stunned. I wracked my brain, trying to come up with an answer that would meet his expectations. After a moment of tense silence, I had to admit defeat. "I'm sorry, Dad," I whispered, shame coloring my cheeks. "I can't think of anything else."

In a blink, Dad vanished from my embrace. Before I could react, a sharp pain bloomed on the top of my head. "Ouch!" I yelped, rubbing the spot where he'd hit me with his small hand. "Dad! What was that for?" The familiar sting reminded me of my younger days when I'd done something mischievous.

Dad reappeared before me, his expression a mix of exasperation and fondness. "How else am I supposed to react, my silly daughter?" he sighed dramatically, though I could see the corners of his mouth twitching, fighting a smile. "Maybe I'm just a terrible teacher."

Just then his form flickered, reminding us both of the limited time we had. Dad's playful demeanor vanished, replaced by urgency. "Alright, we don't have much time," he said, his tone sharp. "I would have preferred you to be stronger before teaching you this, but this knowledge will not only help in your current predicament but will also be crucial for your growth as a cultivator."

Dad's eyes locked with mine, his next words resonating deep within my core. "Rachel," he said, his voice low and intense, "the key is your soul, my silly girl. We cultivators don't just hone our bodies; we cultivate our very essence. Your soul is your greatest asset—the core of our power, the cradle of our inner realms, our direct link to the primordial laws. Master it, and you'll unlock feats beyond your wildest dreams."

My heart raced with excitement and a touch of fear at the weight of his words. Dad continued, "Now, sit cross-legged, close your eyes, and tap into your inner realm."

Realizing our time was running short, I wasted no time following his instructions. As I settled into position, I saw Dad's form flicker again, more pronounced this time. "I may not be able to stay awake for long. I'll have to sleep for a while. But I can at least guide you towards understanding the power of the soul."

I listened intently, my heart pounding with anticipation as Dad's words resonated within me. Closing my eyes, I focused my mind on the task at hand.

"Now, visualize your nascent world," Dad's voice guided me. "Remember how Azarath is forming spiritually. This world, like Azarath, is the manifestation of the brilliant light at your core—your soul. Land on the world, bend down, and touch its surface."

Following dad's instructions, I descend onto the world within my inner realm. As my fingers brushed against its surface, a jolt of energy coursed through my body.

"Now, feel its warmth, feel the core, its power," Orach continued, his voice filled with encouragement. "This is the source of your strength, your magic, your very existence."

I gasped softly as a surge of energy flowed through my veins. It was unlike anything I had ever experienced - raw, potent, and intimately familiar all at once. Dad's guidance continued, his words painting a vivid picture in my mind.

"By understanding and controlling this energy, you can extend your senses beyond your physical form. You can connect with all that is around you on a deeper level."

My voice was barely above a whisper, filled with the awe and wonder I was feeling. "I can feel it, Dad. It's... incredible. I don't know how to put it into words... it's like I've become whole."

Though Rachel couldn't see it, Orach smiled, his pride in his daughter evident in his voice. "Good. Now, try to extend that energy outward. Imagine it spreading beyond your core, touching everything around you. Let it fill your inner realm."

As I focused, concentrating on expanding the energy, suddenly I couldn't help but gasp as I witnessed a breathtaking sight. A massive tide of dark magic rose from the world, taking shape before my very eyes. It transformed into a giant, majestic bird—a raven of unparalleled beauty and power.

This wasn't just any raven. Rings of dark flames soon rose and encircled it, creating a mesmerizing halo as it spread its wings wide, its power soon radiating throughout her inner realm. Its gaze, intense and knowing, fixed directly on me. I felt a connection, deep and unbreakable.

To my amazement, the creature - my soul made manifest - wrapped its wings around me in a warm, protective embrace. Then, in a fluid motion, it shrank, coming to rest on my shoulder. The raven nuzzled against my face, its touch both comforting and electrifying.

A smile of pure joy and wonder spread across my face as I interacted with it. "This is amazing," I breathed out, my voice filled with excitement and a newfound confidence i was feeling. My eyes still closed, savoring the moment, I asked, "Dad, is that my soul?"

Orach's voice, when it came, was filled with pride. "Yes, Rachel. That is the manifestation of your soul, shaped by your experiences and your power." He at this point had a wry smile on his face unbeknownst to Rachel,"The raven form is particularly fitting for you."

As the warmth of my soul's presence enveloped me, a thought struck me. "But Dad," I asked, opening my eyes to look at him, "how can this help us with the Thanagarians?"

Dad's form was starting to fade, but his voice remained clear and resolute. "By mastering this technique, Rachel, you'll be able to expand your senses beyond imagination. You'll detect threats before they manifest, sense intentions, and see through deceptions. But most importantly, you'll be able to separate from your body and infiltrate the Thanagarian ships using your soul even bringing your terminal with you using space laws."

His voice dropped an octave, becoming more serious. "Listen carefully, daughter. You, like me, possess a link to the primordial laws of space and time. In your soul form, your connection to the space laws will be stronger. But be very careful - there's a reason why so few of us are favored by these laws. They're incredibly complex, and with greater power comes greater risk."

My heart raced with a mixture of excitement and tinge of fear. Dad continued, "Use Azarath as your anchor and starting point when you do this. My Ki should have evolved the realm to support you by now. Remember, your soul is eternal and powerful. With it, you can overcome any obstacle."

As Dad's image began to fade completely, his final words echoed in my mind. "But heed this warning, don't stay out of your body for more than 5-7 minutes. You're not powerful enough yet to maintain the separation for longer. Is that understood?"

Before I could respond, I found myself back in the Batcave. The transition was jarring, and for a moment, I felt disoriented. Slowly, I became aware of multiple voices around me, one sounding particularly panicked. I felt someone shaking my body.

With effort, I released a breath and opened my eyes. I found myself enveloped in Mom's embrace, her eyes filled with worry. "Sorry to worry you, Mom," I said softly, reaching out to wipe away the tears forming in her eyes.

Mom's relief was palpable as she hugged me tighter. "Silly girl, how could I not worry? You suddenly went silent, just standing there with tears rolling down your cheeks. No matter how much we called out, you wouldn't answer."

I took a deep breath, knowing I had to explain what had happened. With a reassuring smile, I recounted my conversation with Dad's soul shard, carefully omitting the details about Azarath as he had wanted it to remain a family secret.

The reactions around the room were varied. Cheetah murmured, "What a man. That's one doting father." Batgirl agreed, while Batman nodded silently.

Mom's expression, however, cycled through a range of emotions - from stunned surprise to relief, and finally settling on anger. "He's going to accept our anger and beatings, right? Just wait until he gets back. I'm going to give him a beating he'll remember."

I could only offer Mom a wry smile, silently praying to the primordial gods to let Dad heal properly after her inevitable outburst since I knew Dad always suppressed his power with her.

Batman's cough brought everyone's attention back to the matter at hand. "I agree with Raven and Orach's plan," he said, his voice steady and authoritative. "This could guarantee us access to their plans. I'll coordinate with General Swanwick and Cyborg to arrange for Wonder Woman to join the leaders in visiting the Thanagarian ship. Meanwhile, Raven, you focus on mastering that technique."

With renewed determination, we agreed on the plan. As Mom and I prepared to leave the Batcave to head back to her apartment using space laws, my mind was already racing with plans for my training.