Chapter 131

Having drained the Cosmic Control Rod of every iota of power, Lydia held it aloft one last time before it disintegrated, dissolving into the same cosmic dust as its previous master. The dust particles twinkled and danced in the light before scattering in the cosmic wind, carrying with them the remnants of a once powerful being and his instrument of power.

There was a pause as Lydia savored the sense of victory, her eyes narrowing with determination. The pulsing energy within her was like a churning ocean during a storm, the Cosmic Control Rod's power mingling with her own, amplifying her cosmic connection exponentially.

She then turned her gaze towards the two slain Celestials. Their colossal forms, even in death, were majestic, their silent visages mirroring the stern calmness they had once embodied. They seemed like two cosmic mountains, their bodies slowly spinning in the void, silent and enigmatic. Lydia lifted her hand, extending it towards the lifeless Celestials.

With her action, a silent command filled the cosmos, an imperative that rippled across the silent emptiness. The air between Lydia and the Celestials shimmered, as if heated by an unseen sun, before streams of cosmic energy began to traverse the distance. It was like watching a river flow in reverse, the Celestials acting as cosmic springs while Lydia stood as the cosmic ocean ready to receive.

The energy flowed into Lydia, threading its way into her being, amplifying her already immense power. It was as if she was the center of a cosmic storm, the radiating energy swirling around her like a hurricane. The energy streams pulsated, their rhythm matching Lydia's own cosmic heartbeat. Her body seemed to resonate with the energy, her figure shining even brighter as she began to absorb the vast cosmic energy stored within the Celestials.

Cosmic power rushed into Lydia, each pulse a crashing wave of pure celestial might. From a distance, she would appear as a star being born, her incandescent form radiating light that was visible throughout the void. The dead Celestials seemed to deflate, their cosmic essence being drawn out of them and into Lydia's shining form.

This energy was different, cleaner, purer than any she had absorbed before. The Cosmic Control Rod and Annihilus, powerful as they were, had a rough edge to their energy, a burning sensation. The Celestials' energy, however, was refined, distilled, like a stream running through a crystal clear brook. It flowed into her with ease, as if willingly succumbing to her pull.

The intricate cosmic patterns that had been woven into the Celestials were slowly unwoven as Lydia absorbed their energy. It was as if she was pulling threads from an elaborate tapestry, undoing centuries of cosmic grandeur with her irresistible pull. Yet, even as she unwove their cosmic pattern, she was weaving her own, reshaping the energy she was consuming and making it her own.

A low growl of satisfaction rumbled in Lydia's throat as she drew more and more energy into herself. She could feel herself growing stronger, her cosmic power reaching heights she never thought possible. Her body thrummed with power, like a bowstring pulled taut and ready to unleash.

"More," she growled, her voice resonating with cosmic might. Her figure pulsated and shimmered, the energy crackling around her, making the void around her tremble. A cosmic feast was laid bare before her, and Lydia, the newly anointed cosmic goddess, was gorging herself on its offerings.

It was an impossible sight, like watching a star in the throes of a supernova, only to contract and become even brighter, more dazzling. Each pulse of light from Lydia was like the beating of a cosmic heart, radiating in waves that rippled through the void of space.

The power she now wielded made the universe seem to hum in harmony with her, a symphony of cosmic energy that seemed to resonate with every atom, every particle, every quark. And at the center of this symphony was Lydia, a radiant goddess wielding a power that could shape the very fabric of the cosmos.

Each pulse of energy was like a tidal wave, crashing over the dead Celestials, drawing out their cosmic essence and infusing it into her being. They deflated like long-discarded balloons, their majestic forms becoming hollow shells as Lydia drew their energy into herself. And with each wave, Lydia shone brighter, her body humming with celestial power.

On the distant fringes of the battlefield, the remaining fleet gazed in awe at the spectacle unfolding before them. Nova Prime, Gladiator, Thor, Loki, Hela, the Silver Surfer, and the rest, all were silent, all eyes fixated on Lydia. They could feel the raw power emanating from her, a palpable pressure that made the hair on their skin stand on end, their breath catch in their throats.

Finally, the last threads of the Celestials' cosmic power were drawn into Lydia, and the two mighty beings, once among the most powerful in the universe, were reduced to husks, their energy now part of the radiant goddess who commanded the battlefield.

Her form pulsated with power, her skin glowing like a sun in the throes of fusion. And then came the growl, low and guttural, filled with a primal satisfaction that echoed through the void. It was the growl of a predator sated, but still hungry for more.

Her eyes, now glowing pools of cosmic energy, flicked to the Silver Surfer. He had always been a conduit for cosmic power, but now he was the next feast, the next banquet of energy for her to consume. The next pulse of her cosmic heart rippled out towards him, an unmistakable beacon that her hunger was not yet sated.

The vast ocean of space seemed to shrink as Lydia turned her gaze towards Carol, the focus of her attention shifting from the Silver Surfer to her. The intensity of that gaze was like staring into a collapsing star, all-consuming and ferocious in its radiance.

Carol could see no recognition in those brilliant eyes, just a primal desire for more power. This wasn't the Lydia she knew, the woman she cared for, the woman she'd shared laughter and love with. This was a being of cosmic power, an entity whose very existence seemed tied to the primordial energies that birthed the universe itself.

Lydia's growl rippled through the vacuum of space, a soundless roar of displeasure that nonetheless seemed to echo within every being present. It was an affirmation of her dominance, a clear warning to those who dared stand in her way.

But Carol stood her ground. Fear had no place in her heart. Fear was an emotion for those who couldn't face their challenges head-on, and she was no coward. She had battled cosmic threats, stood toe-to-toe with god-like beings, and yet this was her most significant challenge yet.

She extended her hand towards Lydia, a symbol of her intent to reach out, not to battle. Her body was poised in a non-threatening stance, an olive branch extended in the midst of a cosmic maelstrom. She inched closer, her heart pounding with a fierce resolve. Each step was like wading through an invisible force field, the pressure of Lydia's power pulsating in time with the cosmic heartbeat that had been set in rhythm with Lydia's absorption of energy.

The tension in the void was palpable as the remaining fleets watched in silent anticipation. All eyes were focused on the drama unfolding between Lydia and Carol, the once love-filled relationship now a cosmic standoff.

A ripple of power emanated from Lydia's outstretched hand, cascading through the silent void of space towards Carol. It was not a direct, brutal attack; instead, it was more akin to a royal's dismissive hand wave, brimming with an absolute arrogance only capable from someone wielding incomprehensible power. Lydia's annoyance was not hidden; it was as stark and evident as the glow that surrounded her.

In the microseconds before the ripple reached her, Carol had only a fraction of a moment to brace herself. Despite the gentle appearance of Lydia's flick, the force that hit Carol was anything but. It was like a cosmic wind, unyielding and powerful, its raw intensity utterly unmatched by anything Carol had ever experienced.

The impact was immediate and jarring. Carol was flung through space like a leaf caught in a storm, tumbling end over end in a chaotic whirl of motion. The backdrop of stars, planets, and the remaining battle fleets blurred into a spiraling kaleidoscope of color as Carol fought to regain control.

Her world spun, but Carol's will remained undeterred. She clenched her teeth, determination etched in every line of her face. She concentrated, channeling her own cosmic energy to counter the uncontrolled spin. It was a struggle, her powers against a force much larger than her, but Carol's stubborn spirit won out.

She righted herself, regaining control over her flight. Her body instantly redirected its course, burning a streak of brilliant light through the emptiness of space. She was like a comet, heading directly for the eye of a cosmic storm.

Once again, she took up her position in Lydia's path, defiant and unyielding. A quiet resolve settled over her features. No matter the might of the cosmic tempest she faced, she wouldn't back down. It was a statement, loud and clear – not on her watch.

A flare of anger sparked in Lydia's otherwise impassive eyes. The cosmic aura around her seemed to respond in kind, shimmering with an intensity that matched the increasing anger coursing through her veins. Her hand flicked once again, this time with a visible jolt of frustration, a gesture mirrored by a rippling wave of raw cosmic power that surged toward Carol.

This cosmic force was no longer the gentle, dismissive wave of earlier. Now it resembled a focused lance of energy, its target singular and its intent clear. Yet despite its amplified intensity, there was an element of restraint, an indication that Lydia still held back, refraining from unleashing her full might.

The surge of energy barreled toward Carol with such velocity that it seemed to distort the space around it. Yet, Carol stood her ground, planting herself in a defensive stance as if she intended to weather the impending storm. She was like a sentinel, firm and unyielding, her willpower refusing to be dwarfed by the approaching torrent of power.

As this drama unfolded, the Silver Surfer watched in growing apprehension. His silvery form was completely still, like a statue carved out of cosmic energy. His eyes, usually serene and composed, betrayed a hint of uncertainty as he watched Lydia approach. His instincts screamed at him to either fight or flee, but he was keenly aware of the futility of either action.

Instead, he put his faith in the figure standing defiantly against the onslaught. He could sense Lydia's reluctance to cause harm to this brave individual. It was a thin thread of hope, but it was all he had. The Surfer could only stand by and watch, silently praying for Carol's strength and resolve to be enough to halt this cosmic maelstrom.

Lydia's voice echoed through the vacuum of space, a chilling sound that resonated with the cosmic power she now held. "Why do you obstruct me?" she demanded, her tone more curious than hostile, as if she couldn't quite comprehend the persistence of the figure in front of her.

The corners of Carol's mouth twitched upward in a brave smile. There was an undeniably resolute determination in her eyes, even as she stared up at the being that Lydia had become. "Because this isn't you, Lydia. You don't need to take in more power. You don't need to become something you're not," Carol implored, her voice strong and steady despite the daunting situation.

For a moment, it seemed like Lydia might have heard her. There was a flicker of something—recognition?—in her cosmic eyes. But just as quickly, it was replaced by an undeniable need. "I need more power...to protect," she said slowly, as if trying to convince herself as much as Carol.

Before Carol could react, Lydia lifted her hand and made a flicking gesture. The gesture was casual, almost lazy, but the resultant force was anything but. A wave of cosmic energy erupted from Lydia, washing over Carol and sending her careening through space.

Through the streaks of light and power, Carol twisted and turned, managing to right herself. She steadied her course, steeling herself for what was to come next. Lydia may not recognize her now, but Carol was determined to bring her back. No matter the cost.

Lydia stood, a figure of colossal cosmic power amidst the stars, and watched as Carol once more barred her path. Her brow furrowed, a ripple of pure, unadulterated annoyance cascading over her features. A swirling mass of energy danced around her in an unsettling display of her power, casting prismatic colors across the infinite expanse of space.

"And just what are you protecting?" Carol asked, her voice echoing in the emptiness. There was a hint of pleading in her tone, an urging for Lydia to remember who she once was.

The question seemed to perplex Lydia. She turned her gaze upon Carol, her eyes radiating with uncontainable power. "My loved ones. My people," Lydia answered simply. Her voice was a haunting symphony, as vast and profound as the cosmos itself.

"And who are these loved ones?" Carol inquired, her voice steady but her heart pounding. She needed Lydia to remember, to recall the faces of those she held dear before she was lost completely.

A flicker of confusion crossed Lydia's face. She tilted her head slightly, her brows knitting together as she sought the answer deep within her mind. As if the faces of those she loved had become blurred, vague shapes dancing just beyond the edge of her memory.

With a wave of her hand, Lydia cast Carol aside once more. The energy surrounding her rippled with impatience and an undercurrent of rage. She didn't have time for such trivial questions. Her sights were set on a new source of power - the Silver Surfer.

As she approached him, the Surfer felt a shiver of apprehension. The radiance of her figure was blinding, her aura throbbing with the pulse of the universe itself. It was an awe-inspiring spectacle that filled him with both wonder and fear. "Lydia..." He murmured her name, barely audible amidst the cosmic orchestra humming around them.

But as Lydia reached out her hand towards the Silver Surfer, intent on absorbing his power, another hand intercepted hers. Carol had returned, her expression determined, undeterred by the display of power and the simmering anger. "No, Lydia," she said firmly, holding onto Lydia's hand as if it were a lifeline. "This is not you." The unspoken plea in her eyes was as visible as a supernova in the void of space.

Lydia's eyes narrowed as she felt a grip on her hand. An unwanted touch. A hindrance to her goal. Her luminous form pulsed, fluctuating wildly as her annoyance reached a peak. "Who dares...?" Her voice echoed through the void, deep and resounding.

As she turned to look at the audacious interloper, something caught her eye. The woman's face was familiar, tugging at the fringes of her recollection. She studied the lines of her face, the determination etched in her features, the concern shimmering in her eyes. She knew this woman. But her name? It slipped through her grasp like stardust through the fingers, tantalizingly close yet just out of reach.

"Lydia," Carol pleaded, her voice choked with emotion. She clung to Lydia's hand, intertwining their fingers tightly as if that connection would bridge the growing chasm between them. "You have to remember. Please, remember..."

Her voice echoed in the vast emptiness of space, a lighthouse trying to guide a lost soul home. The words were desperate, a plea, and a prayer rolled into one, casting out into the universe, hoping to reach Lydia before it was too late.

Carol's plea reverberated through the silence, echoing in the infinite expanse of space. Lydia's gaze, previously hard and unyielding, softened. Her irises, swirling nebulae of cosmic energy, began to stabilize.

"Ca...rol..." Lydia murmured, the name falling from her lips like a rediscovered melody. The moment the name registered, a wave of memories washed over her. She remembered Carol's smile, the laughter they had shared, the intimacy of their connection. A pang of realization struck Lydia as she became aware of her intentions, her goal to absorb the Silver Surfer's energy, and the overwhelming hunger for power that had been consuming her.

Lydia's grip on Carol's hand tightened as she felt her own heart hammering against her chest. Her brows furrowed in confusion and guilt. "I... I am sorry..." she stammered, her voice shaking. She looked over at the Silver Surfer, meeting his wide-eyed gaze, and then back to Carol. "I...I don't understand..."

The pulsating cosmic energy surrounding her began to recede, shrinking back into her form. Her radiance dimmed, though her essence still pulsed with a remnant of the power she had absorbed. With a troubled expression, she turned back to Carol, her eyes filled with confusion and a plea for understanding. "What... What just happened?" Lydia asked, her voice barely above a whisper, drowned in the vast silence of space.