Chapter 74 - The Prelude to Betrayal - Part 2

Orach's demeanor and comments during the interview sent a clear message about his perceptions of the human race and his attitude towards hubris-filled individuals. Although he was not openly aggressive and generally reciprocated respect, it was clear that any transgression against his bottomline would elicit a deadly response.

His statements also introduced the unfamiliar audience to a military division known as CADMUS. Orach's warning about their 'experiments' made it clear to the group that he had a problem with their operations. Despite his known focus on his work at Wayne Tech and general disinterest in worldly affairs, Orach's tone led them to conclude that CADMUS was conducting inhumane experiments that pushed him to intervene.

After the interview, Vicky turned off her recorder, thanked Orach for his time, and politely moved on to other potential interviewees. She grabbed a drink from a passing waiter and consumed it in one gulp, as if needing to calm her nerves after her recent encounter. She proceeded to interview more individuals and socialize with the crowd.

Meanwhile, Clark and Lois remained by Orach's side. Clark seemed hesitant to question Orach, perhaps due to the presence of Lucifer and Maze. From his perspective, they were ordinary civilians, and he didn't want to share sensitive information. Lois, however, did not hesitate to question Orach, "Mr. Orach, are CADMUS group's actions nearing the point of no return?"

Orach simply responded, "Yes."

After a moment of silent contemplation, Lois nodded, took Clark's hand, and they both walked away.

Orach watched them go, swirled the drink in his hand, and took a sip. Seeing an opportunity, Lucifer and Maze joined the conversation. "You made quite a statement. I'm curious, why do you care about these flawed creatures? Even if you teach them a lesson now, they'll find a way to repeat their mistakes. It's in their nature to never learn."

Orach finished his drink and replied, "That's a cynical viewpoint, Mr. Morningstar."

Lucifer gave a wry smile and said, "Unfortunately, it comes from experience, my friend. You are new to this world. I, however, have seen the human race drive itself to extinction countless times for the most trivial reasons, never learning from past mistakes."

Listening to Lucifer's words, Orach looked at his drink and swirled it around. After Lucifer finished speaking, Orach said, "I see. I appreciate your input. However, after interacting with a few individuals who have earned my respect, I still want to believe in their potential, with just a little guidance."

Upon hearing this, Lucifer gave Orach a wry smile and nodded. After some light conversation, Lucifer and Maze excused themselves, leaving Orach alone to examine the exhibits. He was drawn to an artifact encased in glass and asked Mother Empress to scan it. Soon after, he was joined by Bruce, "Enjoying the exhibition?"

Orach, still looking at the artifact, replied, "It's fine."

Bruce then asked, "Orach, I understand you freezing Lex was you being lenient, but you can't just leave him like that forever."

Orach glanced at Bruce and said, "Why not? He's a troublemaker, isn't he? He might as well be a part of this museum's art collection."

Bruce stared back at Orach, who simply smiled and said while turning his head back to the artifact, "Relax. He'll only be frozen for 24 hours. It's just a little lesson. Personally, I'd like to kill him and be done with it, but I don't want to ruin Diana's big night."

Bruce relaxed his shoulders upon hearing this, but before he could reply, a voice came from behind him, "Good. I was worried when I heard what you did to Lex."

Bruce turned to see Diana and Barbara approaching them, their elegant dresses swishing around their ankles. However, Orach, engrossed in examining the relic before him, didn't even notice their arrival. Bruce offered a warm smile and nod to Diana, which she returned graciously, her eyes sparkling with amusement. However, upon closer inspection, her brow furrowed slightly when she realized that Orach was so absorbed in the relic that he didn't even acknowledge her presence.

Unable to resist, she sidled up to him, her shoulder gently nudging his. The subtle movement brought Orach's attention to her. His eyes meeting hers and found her grinning at him.

"Finished with your work, then?" Orach asked, quickly shutting down his analysis and flashing her a roguish smile.

Diana raised an eyebrow at his swift movement, suspicion flickering in her eyes. But she decided to do the introductions first. "Yes, some follow-ups took longer than expected. But I'm glad you both could make it. Let me introduce you to my best friend, Barbara Minerva. Barbara, meet Bruce Wayne and my boyfriend, Orach." She gestured invitingly towards Barbara.

Barbara, her eyes wide and her posture stiff, stuttered out a greeting, "Hel...lo Mr. Wayne and... Mr. Orach. Diana mentioned she had a new boyfriend, but... I never would have imagined it was you, a being from a higher realm."

Bruce offered a polite nod and a warm smile. Orach, in contrast, replied with a gentle calmness that seemed to put Barbara at ease, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Barbara. I am Orach, Diana's partner. I've been enjoying your presentations tonight, and I admire your work. However, it seems Diana failed to mention my identity to you beforehand?"

Barbara, catching Diana's amused smirk, huffed in annoyance, "She didn't. Some best friend she is! Humph!"

Diana simply laughed, "Oh, come on, Barb. I just wanted to pull a little prank. Your reactions are priceless."

Barbara retorted, "Very funny, Di. Just remember, payback's a bitch!" The two women broke into laughter, their friendship evident in the easy banter.

Observing their interaction, Orach made a mental note for Mother Empress to keep a passive eye on Barbara.

Following the introductions, Diana turned her attention to the relic that had caught Orach's attention. She closed the gap between them, her voice a teasing lilt as she asked, "Now ORACH, what caught your eye with this Mesopotamian relic?"

Orach, enjoying the warmth of Diana's body against his, sighed, "This artifact is not simple. If my readings are correct, it has the potential to create chaos in the world. Quite frankly, this artifact should be destroyed."

His words sent shockwaves through Diana, Bruce, and Barbara. Barbara, in a moment of passion, stepped forward, her voice vehement as she objected, "No! We can't destroy this relic, it's a piece of history. I am still researching parts of its past."

Orach locked eyes with the surprisingly brave woman who had just confronted him. Diana, momentarily taken aback, looked alarmed. Sensing her unease, Orach offered Barbara a gentle smile and shook his head lightly at Diana, signaling Diana to relax. Diana called out to her friend, "Barb! Calm down. I'm sure Orach can elaborate further. Let's just hear him out."

Barbara, realizing the gravity of her actions, stepped back, her face pale and trembling. Diana came up behind her, placing a comforting hand on her friend's shoulder. "He won't hurt you. Isn't that right, ORACH," she said, her gaze shifting to Orach, a subtle challenge in her tone.

Orach offered Barbara a gentle smile, "No, I won't. I apologize for startling you without context."

Diana's features softened, her smile genuine as she nodded at Orach. She then asked, "Now, Orach, could you explain? What is so dangerous about this relic?"

Orach sighed, "This relic, or rather this stone, if my readings are correct, has the potential to warp reality. In the wrong hands, it could even open breaches to other random lower realms."

Bruce and Diana's faces hardened upon realizing the potential danger of the relic. Barbara, who had just calmed down, was both confused and frightened by Orach's findings.

"Diana, this can't stay here," Bruce said, his gaze focused on Diana.

"I know. But it belongs to the museum, and Barbara is currently researching it. We can't just take it," Diana replied. Amidst their discussion, Barbara tried to voice her opinion.

"Um…Excuse me…" she started, but was drowned out by Bruce's response.

"I won't. I'll just make an offer the museum can't refuse."

Seeing the two ignore Barbara, Orach decided to intervene.

CLAP

He clapped his hands, drawing the attention of all three to him. "It appears Miss Barbara would like a say in the fate of the relic she is in charge of."

Diana and Bruce turned to Barbara, their expressions apologetic. Diana said, "Sorry, Barb. We got carried away. But you must understand, this relic is too dangerous to be left on display."

Barbara looked appreciatively at Orach, who nodded in acknowledgment. She then addressed Diana, "I understand that, Diana. As long as we aren't destroying a piece of history, and if Mr. Wayne is willing to generously support my research and become my second benefactor for my research trip to Africa, I can make this relic seem less desirable to the museum. That should allow Mr. Wayne to make an offer." She turned to Bruce with a sly smile.

Diana gave her friend a wry smile, while Bruce admired the audacity of the woman before him. He said, "Miss Minerva, your passion for your work is admirable." Bruce reached out for her hand, raising it to his lips for a gentle kiss, "I would be glad to fund your research."

Barbara blushed, but managed to maintain her composure. She replied, "You really are as charming as they say, Mr. Wayne. I appreciate your support."

Diana watched her friend interact with Bruce, hopeful for a budding romance. After agreeing on the plan for removing the relic from the museum, Diana asked, "Barb, you mentioned Bruce being your second patron. Who's the first?"

Barbara replied, "While you were busy with some patrons, a businesswoman expressed interest in my work on the Amazon exhibit. After discussing my current research topic, she agreed to fund my expedition. Her contribution, coupled with Bruce's, would give me more flexibility in my research. I believe her name was... Ve something... Ah, yes! Veronica Cale!"

Bruce's mind filled with concern upon hearing the name, while Orach became even more determined to have Mother Empress keep an eye on Barbara.

Bruce suggested, "Barbara, why don't I fund the entire expedition? Wayne Tech can cover all your costs, and I guarantee you full discretion and flexibility with your findings. What do you say?"

Barbara felt flattered and enjoyed Bruce's attention, but she had already accepted a donation from Veronica Cale and didn't want to go back on her word. Bruce, although he dialed back his insistence, made a mental note to look deeper into the activities of Empire Enterprises.

The rest of the night passed pleasantly, with the two couples discussing various exhibits, sharing amusing anecdotes from their past adventures and discoveries, and enjoying each other's company until the evening's event came to a close.

Both couples had decided to seize the next day, Friday, and the upcoming weekend by making plans for a double date. Bruce had offered to take Barbara home, while Orach and Diana had chosen to enjoy a tranquil stroll in the softly lit gardens nearby, soaking in the beauty of the starlit night before heading to her apartment.

Diana, her fingers interlaced with Orach's, led him through the gardens. She eagerly shared her favorite peaceful spots and the flowers she had grown to love. Seeing her enthusiasm in sharing these little aspects of her world brought a tender smile to Orach's face. As they walked hand in hand, they made the garden their own little world, tuning out the outside world's noise and distractions. They came across a fountain and sat down on a nearby public bench, with Diana resting her head on Orach's shoulder. They enjoyed the serenity of the garden, the only sound being the gentle trickle of water from the fountain.

After basking in the calm atmosphere for a while, they reluctantly rose and continued their journey towards Diana's high-rise apartment. Upon reaching her building, Orach, following the research provided by Mother Empress on human dating etiquette, planned to bid her goodnight and make his way back to Wayne Manor. However, Diana, seeing him prepare to leave, took hold of his hand and led him upstairs to her apartment, a playful smile on her face.

"You were planning to use space law to simply return to Wayne Manor, weren't you?" Diana asked, guiding him towards the elevator with a playful smile on her face.

"Indeed, I was. Based on my research, it seems that human male etiquette advises against presumptuously following one's date to their home or apartment, at least until the third date or upon invitation. Hence, I thought of wishing you a good night and leaving. Have I misunderstood something?" Orach responded, confusion tingeing his voice.

Upon hearing his words, Diana couldn't contain her laughter. Once they were tucked into the elevator, the doors closing behind them, her laughter echoed in the small space, a melody that lightened the atmosphere. Catching her breath, she replied, "Oh, Orach, that might apply to others, but we are different. For most people, the initial dates are about getting to know one another, slowly earning trust, and being welcomed into each other's homes. But you and I? We already share a profound bond and trust each other implicitly. And, mister, didn't you already visit my apartment to drop off my beautiful gift?" She paused, moving closer to plant a soft kiss on his cheek, her voice a soothing whisper as she continued, "Thank you for the gift. I love it. So, you are more than welcome to visit my place anytime."

Her words elicited a mischievous smile from Orach. He replied, "Is that so? Well, then you won't mind this." In a swift, graceful movement, he lifted her off her feet, causing a startled gasp to escape her lips. Holding her in a princess carry, he walked through a ripple in space. As they exited the ripple, Diana found herself in her own apartment, more specifically, in her bedroom. She was once again amazed by Orach's mastery over the primordial laws. The thought of training with him and learning from his vast knowledge excited her. But right at this moment, she decided to set her eagerness aside. For now, she wanted to savor the moment. She felt a thrill of anticipation about what would happen next, especially with Orach leading in such a charming manner.

Orach gently set her down on her bed, his fingers deftly working to free her hair from its ponytail, letting it cascade freely over her shoulders. His gaze lingered on her face, his eyes locked onto hers, their depths pulling him in. The anticipation was palpable, her breath hitching as he leaned closer. But instead of granting her the kiss she was expecting, he offered her a warm smile and began a slow descent down her body, his gaze drinking in her every curve.

Reaching her feet, he delicately removed her shoes. Diana savored the tender care he was showing her. She had been on heels throughout the day, and though she was used to it, the feeling of freedom that came with taking them off was always a welcome relief.

As Orach's hands began to massage her legs, he infused his touch with a gentle flow of his Ki, amplifying the sensation and sending waves of relaxation and pleasure coursing through her. His every touch sending thrills of pleasure up her spine. Diana bit her lip, trying to suppress the moan that threatened to escape her lips. But the pleasure was too much, and soon she was driven on the verge.

Aaahhh

Unable to resist the pleasure, she released a sensual moan, making Orach pause in his ministrations. He looked up at her, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction and a hint of mischief. "Need a break?" he asked, his voice husky.

Diana, her breath coming in short gasps, nodded. "Could you... could you get me some water?" she managed to ask.

Orach offered Diana a tender smile before excusing himself from the room. Once alone, Diana exhaled a prolonged sigh, still feeling the lingering sensation of the massage. She could feel a certain dampness between her legs – a testament to how hot and bothered the massage had made her.

Swiftly, she rose from the bed, removing her necklace and bangle at her dressing table. She then procured her pajamas and fresh undergarments from her drawer, heading straight for the bathroom. She shed her dress, stockings, and lingerie, stepping into the refreshing chill of the shower. The cold water cascaded over her, soothing her heated body. A breathy chuckle escaped her lips as she realized her plan to tease Orach might have backfired slightly. Nevertheless, the thought only elicited a smile. It had been a while since she had felt this rush of excitement, and she was thoroughly enjoying Orach's attentive care.

After her quick, cooling shower, Diana emerged in her pajamas, her wet hair wrapped in a towel. On her nightstand, she found the glass of water Orach had left for her. As she sipped the water, sounds from the kitchen caught her attention.

Emerging from her bedroom, Diana found Orach in the kitchen, his hands deftly moving over the fresh vegetables before dropping them into a sizzling wok. The intoxicating aroma of garlic and spices filled the apartment, mingling with the savory scent of marinated chicken frying on an adjacent stovetop. The sight of him cooking, his muscles rippling beneath his shirt as he moved, was unexpectedly attractive.

"You're out. Had a nice shower?" Orach asked, his voice carrying a playful lilt that made Diana's heart flutter.

"Yes, I did. Sorry for just abruptly going in for a shower. After all the day's work and walking around, I really just wanted to get out of that dress and take a nice, relaxing shower," Diana responded, glossing over the true reason behind her sudden need for a shower. Her eyes twinkled with curiosity as she moved closer to him, the warmth of the kitchen embracing her. "Since when did you start cooking? Did Alfred teach you?"

Orach smiled at her question. "Well, during my deployment on various missions, there were times when being able to cook was a necessity. I developed my cooking skills to ensure I could survive independently when needed." He expertly maneuvered the wok, spreading the heat evenly before adding the seasoning. "So, building off that experience, Alfred helped me learn a few Earth cuisines. Since you were in the shower and it's already late evening, I thought you might be hungry, so I decided to cook this dish for us."

With a flourish, he tossed the fried chicken chunks into the wok, sautéing them with the vegetables. The seasoning coated the chicken, releasing a burst of aromatic spices. He then added the noodles, mixing everything until the ingredients were well-integrated. The spicy chicken noodle dish was ready. He served two generous portions into bowls, garnishing them meticulously. Despite his nonchalant demeanor, Diana could tell that he had made sure to leave enough for seconds, knowing well his own hunger.

"That does smell incredible," Diana admitted, taking in the aroma of the food, her stomach growling in anticipation. "But we could've just ordered pizza, you know?"

Orach chuckled at her comment, "While pizza may be a convenient and tasty option, I have a preference for homemade food. Plus, I've heard that a good meal is the first step in winning your partner's heart, so I wanted to cook for you. I hope you enjoy the food." Using his Ki, he spread the dishes and cutlery on the dining table.

Upon hearing his words, Diana chuckled playfully, her eyes sparkling with mirth as she teased, "You know, traditionally it was us women who used that tactic to win over our heart's desire, not the other way around."

Orach simply smiled as he replied, "Isn't the modern world all about progress and blurred traditional roles? And for Saiyans, love and food are intertwined. Believe it or not, my father won my mother's heart largely through his cooking. My mother was a formidable force on the battlefield, but when it came to the kitchen... well, let's just say, as much as I cherish the meals my mother lovingly prepared for me, I always preferred my father's culinary creations." His words ended on a nostalgic note, a wistful smile tugging at his lips as memories of his home and parents filled his mind.

Diana, intrigued by this glimpse into Orach's family, she listened attentively to his anecdotes. Noticing his melancholic smile, she instinctively wrapped her arms around him in a comforting embrace, a silent reassurance of her presence. She knew Orach was awaiting the arrival of his support ship, which could provide answers about his unexpected landing here and the fate of his realm, his comrades, and above all else, his parents. Feeling her warmth, Orach reciprocated the embrace. After a moment, he gently pulled away and suggested, "Let's eat before the food gets cold."

As Diana took her seat at the dining table, she flashed him a teasing smile, "Next time, it's my turn to cook. Since you like spicy food, I'll prepare Stifado. Just you wait and see how good it is."

Orach responded with a wry smile, "I'm looking forward to it. But remember, we Saiyans have a large appetite. Don't hesitate to ask for help. I'm more than willing to assist you in the kitchen."

Diana felt a surge of competitive spirit at his words. She raised an eyebrow, her smile turning provocative as she retorted, "Is that a challenge, Mr. Saiyan? Just wait and see. I promise to fill you up to the brim."

Orach's laughter echoed in the room, a hearty sound that warmed Diana's heart. He played along and responded "I'm looking forward to it, princess. Bring it on."

Basked in the soft luminescence of the ambient lights, they settled down for their meal.

Cale Estate

Veronica Cale, a woman of influence and stature, had just returned from a prestigious art exhibit. She had spent the evening mingling with other business tycoons, schmoozing for potential business opportunities, and carefully observing one particular individual, Barbara Minerva. The constant effort to maintain appearances within her high-class social circles was exhausting. She was tired of the pretense and craved a moment of solitude and authenticity.

She slipped out of her attire, replacing it with a comfortable silk nightgown. Picking up a crystal decanter, she poured herself a generous measure of scotch, the golden liquid catching the light of the softly lit bedroom, as it swirled in her glass. As she sipped the potent liquid, she reflected on her interactions with Barbara, her target for the evening. The professor was exactly as she had hoped, ripe for manipulation. Veronica knew she could use Barbara's ambition to ensure her participation in the upcoming expedition to the recently discovered ruins in Africa.

A twinge of guilt gnawed at her conscience as she acknowledged the fact that she was on the brink of ruining an innocent woman's life. But she smothered the guilt with another gulp of scotch, reminding herself of the stakes. Her frustrations, the resentment over her circumstances, morphed into a burning hatred for those who had pushed her to this point.

She reached for her phone, dialing a familiar number. "I made contact with the professor tonight," she began, her voice steady and resolute. "Her knowledge about the Amazons is exactly what we had hoped for. I convinced her to allow us to fund her expedition to Africa. Ensure that the preparations from our end are complete by the end of next week. Arrange for reliable personnel to infiltrate her team. Our plan must succeed. I am convinced that she can lead us to Themyscira. We just need to ensure she possesses the power to brave the trials of the island's guardians."

The voice on the other end echoed with concern, "Are you sure, Veronica? If what those bastards said is true, then this isn't a bell that can be un-rung. We'll be destroying an innocent life."

"What choice do I have?" retorted Veronica, her voice filled with bitterness. "It's the fault of those false gods and the whores on that island. Also, blame that naive girl's choice to be an advocate of that damned Wonder Woman."

A sigh echoed from the other end, followed by a resigned agreement, "I'll make the arrangements."

Veronica relaxed upon hearing this and felt a surge of gratitude. "Thank you, Adrianna. I know I can count on you," she said, her voice softer now.

"Always, V. Let's bring back our little girl. Good night," Adrianna replied before the call ended.

Left alone with her thoughts, Veronica swirled her drink and stepped onto the balcony, the cool night breeze subtly brushing her skin. She looked up at the vast expanse of the night sky, her heart heavy with longing and resolve. "Mother is coming, my child," she vowed, her voice barely more than a whisper against the wind. "I swear I'll bring you back home and make those false gods and Amazon whores pay for messing with our family!"

Wayne Manor

As midnight struck, Orach returned to Wayne Manor. Following a pleasant dinner, he spent a relaxed evening with Diana, engrossed in conversation and a movie. Diana shared her encounter with Hera, detailing her journey into her soul space where she glimpsed Sadala. She also described her interaction with the goddess, which guided her in unlocking her Super Saiyan Rosé form. Orach was surprised not by Sadala or Diana's new powers and form, but by the fact that Diana was guided by the Mother of all, Goddess Parvati. This dispelled his doubts about his own journey to this lower realm being directed by divine intervention. Despite his calm demeanor, his thoughts were chaotic. Sensing his uneasiness through their bond, and suspecting that the discussion of Sadala had made him melancholic, Diana snuggled closer and suggested a movie to lift his spirits.

As midnight approached, they agreed to call it a night, considering Diana had work the following day. Nevertheless, they made plans for the upcoming weekend, ending with a passionate kiss as Diana lovingly wrapped her arms around Orach's neck.

Back in his room at Wayne Manor, Orach allowed himself to fall face down onto his bed, his shock at the day's revelations finally showing. Mother Empress materialized and remarked,"That was quite a revelation."

Turning to face Mother Empress, Orach replied, "That's an understatement."

Mother Empress agreed, "Indeed. But it confirms our earlier assumptions."

"Yes, it also explains why there's a statue of Diana in my inner world. It appears she's destined to be my soulmate," Orach mused.

Mother Empress nodded in agreement before diverting the discussion to the event's data. "Young Master, I've analyzed the data provided by Lucifer Morningstar. I've mapped out the various dimensions within this lower realm, divided into two factions but existing within the same sphere of influence. Interestingly, I believe I've discovered the source of Barry Allen's power - the so-called speed force. Here's my analysis." She projected multiple screens displaying the data for Orach's review.

Orach studied the data, his interest in the speed force piqued. He realized there was still much to learn and several concepts he found peculiar.

Seeing the late hour, Orach decided to retire for the night. But before drifting off to sleep, remembering his art work 'Naked Luthor', he instructed Mother Empress with a mischievous glint in his eyes, "I'm feeling philanthropic. Let's spread some joy."

Mother Empress, catching on to his intentions, replied with a smirk, "Of course, young master. I'm sure the world will be grateful."

Just as Orach was about to close his eyes, he added, "Make it a slow bleed." Mother Empress acknowledged his instructions, and Orach drifted off to sleep, leaving her to carry out his 'philanthropic' wish.