Journey of the Last Saiyan

Void Sentinel - Moments before Mogo's devastating attack

"Now," Diana commanded, as she waved her hand sideways in a precise gesture.

The Void Sentinel's systems responded instantly. Crescent's eyes flashed as multiple precise operations began at once. The ship deployed a specialized projector unit while releasing a concentrated plasma cloud into space. At the same moment, the vessel's advanced cloaking systems engaged, making it completely invisible to all forms of detection before executing a brief warp jump.

The plasma cloud ignited in a brilliant flash upon contact with Mogo's attack, while the projector unit broadcast detailed holographic imagery of the Void Sentinel's destruction. The combined effect created a flawless illusion, and when the projector unit itself was destroyed moments later, the deception was complete.

While the Green Lantern Corps celebrated their apparent victory, the cloaked vessel silently warped to its designated position near Mogo and acquired a target lock on the planet.

With precision, the ship's lower hull segments disengaged and slid apart, revealing the massive barrel of its main particle cannon. Energy began to gather at an unprecedented scale as the weapon charged to full capacity.

Diana closed her eyes briefly, listening to the exchange between Orach and Guardian Scar through the ship's communications. When she opened them again, her gaze held the cold determination of an empress standing resolutely behind her emperor.

The moment Orach's signal came through, she spoke a single word that would reshape the battlefield:

"Fire."

Crescent's eyes flashed one final time as the main particle cannon unleashed its devastating payload directly at Mogo, obliterating the mightiest Green Lantern in an instant.

Present Time

"Now, Oan," Orach's voice resonated across all frequencies, each word dripping with contempt and amusement, "do you still believe your pride can protect you when facing me?"

Scar's bitter laughter echoed across the void, a sound filled with the weight of terrible understanding. For the first time since the dawn of the Corps, primal fear gripped his ancient heart.

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Just then, a sudden pulse echoed through Scar's being, as if something had reached into his very essence and drawn out a part of him. His eyes closed instinctively, and in that moment of clarity, he realized what had happened - his fear had been absorbed. When his eyes snapped open, understanding dawned. 'Of course... Sinestro. You finally made your move.'

But, just then Oa's surface erupted in a corona of blinding emerald light. A pillar of pure willpower pierced the heavens, bending space itself around its magnificent radiance. Every Green Lantern present felt the raw power resonating with their rings.

The energy coalesced into something ancient and vast – a cosmic entity taking the form of an ethereal leviathan swimming through the void. Within moments, this awesome display condensed into a single point in space.

At its heart stood Ganthet, his diminutive frame now housing the primordial power. Emerald fire blazed in his eyes as reality itself warped around him, responding to the pure, concentrated willpower flowing through his being.

"Ganthet..." Scar whispered, his eyes wide with recognition as he witnessed this scene. "You actually released Ion."

Using the distraction to his advantage, Sinestro emerged from the shadows of the debris field, his Yellow Lanterns providing cover as he secured Scar. "So this is Ion – willpower incarnate. And it chose Ganthet as its vessel?"

"Yes. Ion is the embodiment of will itself," Scar explained, his voice grave. "But such cosmic power demands a terrible price from its host."

Sinestro's eyes narrowed with calculating interest. "Then my theory was correct. There must be an entity of fear as well."

"Have you taken leave of your senses?" Scar turned sharply, horror evident in his ancient features. "I see your intention clearly – you mean to become its host. Even we Guardians would never attempt such madness unless..." His voice faltered as he watched Ganthet, his oldest friend, making the ultimate sacrifice. "Unless there remained no other choice. Such primal forces can shatter minds, erase identities. What makes you think you could survive such a merger?"

Sinestro's response carried the weight of absolute conviction. "You underestimate my will, Guardian. My vision for universal order transcends your comprehension. I would sacrifice everything to achieve it." He gestured toward the confrontation unfolding before them. "Look at the reality before us – can Ganthet alone defeat this threat? The fear spreading through our ranks offers us an opportunity. We can either watch this hopeless battle unfold, or we can harness that fear – through me. The choice is yours."

The battlefield shifted as Ganthet moved to confront the Zeta directly. His voice, amplified by Ion's power, resonated through the cosmos, "Orach of the Higher Realm. Your presence threatens not just our universe, but the very fabric of reality itself."

Emerald energy crackled around him as he continued, "As Guardian and Host of Ion, I stand in judgment. Your path of destruction ends here."

The declaration rippled across space-time, causing even the retreating Yellow Lanterns to pause. Reality bent around Ganthet as Ion's essence merged completely with his being. With a gesture he unleashed a concentrated blast of pure willpower at the Zeta.

The mecha responded instantly, its crystalline wings pulsing with crimson energy. Multiple beams converged into a single devastating counter-attack. The collision of forces created a catastrophic shockwave, threatening to tear the very fabric of space apart.

From their position behind the debris field, Sinestro watched Ganthet's beam beginning to falter. "Time grows short," he pressed, his voice taut with urgency. "You've witnessed this machine's power. Even Ion's might may not be enough. Choose, Scar – will your hesitation doom us all, or will you give us a fighting chance?"

Conflict etched deep lines in Scar's face as he watched the crimson energy slowly overwhelming Ganthet's attack. Finally, grim resolve hardened his features. "What you propose could unleash chaos beyond imagining," he warned. "The entity of fear is not a weapon to be wielded lightly – it is primordial chaos given form. Are you truly prepared for what this means?"

Determination blazed in Sinestro's eyes, barely masking his burning ambition. "Yes. Whatever the cost, I am ready."

As they prepared their desperate gambit, the cosmic battle intensified overhead. The Zeta's crimson beam pushed relentlessly against Ganthet's emerald force, space itself groaning under the strain. Time was running out as the fate of the universe hung in the balance.

But as hope began to fade, something stirred in the depths of space—golden particles coalescing above the yellow lantern central battery in Sinestro's possession. An ancient power awakened, drawn to the scent of fear throughout the sector. Its golden light pulsed through the darkness, casting an eerie glow across the debris field. Soon even the bravest Lanterns shivered, marking the advent of this entity.

"Do you feel it?" Sinestro's voice carried a note of fascination. "The entity responds to our collective fear."

Scar's expression darkened, his figure withering as he poured his life force into summoning the forming entity. "After eons of containment... the being of fear... Parallax stirs."

The void twisted, reality bending as something vast and ancient emerged from between dimensions. Yellow energy crackled through space, taking the form of a massive insectoid creature. Its eyes held the power to terrify even the most stalwart hearts as it gazed at the universe and released a resounding roar.

"Beautiful," Sinestro breathed, extending his arms toward the manifestation. "Come to me, great one. Together, we shall forge order from chaos!"

Above them, just as Ganthet's emerald beam finally gave way to the Zeta's assault, all parties were drawn to the roar. Ganthet was thrown backward, Ion's power flickering around him like a guttering flame. As he struggled to look toward the source of the sound, his eyes widened in shock at the sight of Parallax—the entity that had taken all Guardians' combined might to seal away eons ago—now freed.

"Now, Sinestro!" Scar commanded with his final breath. "But remember—this power bows to no master. It will devour you whole."

Sinestro stood transfixed, watching as Parallax descended. The entity's essence merged with his being, erupting in a yellow light so intense it rivaled the birth of stars.

When the light faded, Sinestro hung suspended in space, his form crackling with terrible power. His eyes, now burning with the same ancient terror as the entity itself.

"This power... yes. With this power, none shall stand in the way of my order." He clenched his fists, assessing his new abilities, then fixed his eyes upon the Zeta. "Let us see how your machine fares against the primal force of fear itself," he declared, his voice carrying an otherworldly echo that chilled all who heard it. The Zeta, however, remained unfazed—its emerald eyes flashed as it raised its hand and, with a casual curl of its finger, beckoned Sinestro to make his move.

Seeing the gesture, Sinestro's expression darkened.

"You dare mock me? The incarnation of fear itself?" His voice carried the weight of Parallax's ancient power. "Very well. Witness true terror."

Sinestro closed his eyes, channeling the boundless energy coursing through him. Golden light erupted from his form, expanding into a massive manifestation that rivaled the Zeta in size. The assembled Lanterns watched in horror and awe as his fear-wrought aura clashed against the mecha's crimson particles. When the giant silhouette of Sinestro opened his eyes again, they held within them the ancient malevolence of Parallax itself.

"Now, creature of the higher realms, face my judgment!" With a single gesture, he conjured countless spear-like constructs of pure fear-energy, launching them in a devastating barrage at the Zeta.

The mecha remained motionless as the surrounding crimson particles swirled around it, systematically neutralizing each projectile upon contact. Space itself lit up with successive explosions – exactly as Sinestro had anticipated. Using the chaos as cover, he channeled more of Parallax's power and lunged forward, his fear-enhanced fist aimed at the Zeta's core.

"PERISH!" The roar that escaped him was barely mortal, reverberating with Parallax's otherworldly presence.

But before the punch could connect, Zeta's left hand shot up and intercepted Sinestro's fist. The impact sent shockwaves rippling through space, yet the mecha hadn't moved an inch from its position. Sinestro's eyes widened in disbelief – even wielding Parallax's power, he couldn't make the machine budge.

"Impossible..." he breathed. Yet before he could process what had happened, the Zeta's grip tightened like a predator's vise. To his mounting horror, Sinestro felt his energy, now enhanced with Parallax's power – the very essence of fear itself – being drawn out of him and into the machine.

"No... NO! Release me at once!" Sinestro struggled against the Zeta's grasp, but the drain continued unabated. The golden aura body of Sinestro slowly started showing cracks and as more energy was absorbed the faster the crack spread.

Suddenly, taking advantage of Sinestro's disturbed state, Parallax's consciousness surged forth borrowing Sinestro's voice, refusing to be contained. "YOU DARE ATTEMPT TO CONTAIN FEAR ITSELF?" The entity's voice thundered through space-time. Reality began to warp around them as Parallax exercised its fundamental powers, trying to tear open the fabric of space to escape.

Inside the Zeta's cockpit, Z9 calmly announced, "Warning: Reality distortion detected." Orach watched the surrounding space distort, his eyes narrowing with interest as he studied the incoming data. "Implementing countermeasures."

Just as the space around them twisted and buckled as Parallax created nightmarish distortions, the Zeta's crimson particle field expanded, systematically neutralizing each distortion. The machine's grip remained unwavering, its absorption process continuing to drain Sinestro.

"Impossible!" Parallax roared through Sinestro. "I am beyond your comprehension! I am—" The entity's voice faltered as another massive crack appeared in the golden aura, its power steadily diminishing against the Zeta's relentless drain.

Gritting his teeth against the drain of power, Sinestro seized a moment of weakness in Parallax's consciousness, and took back control. But, knowing he couldn't let the enemy drain him further, his mind then reached out across the sector and beyond, sensing the primordial fear that existed in all living beings. Drawing upon this vast reservoir of terror, he began pulling it toward himself like a cosmic maelstrom.

"You think you can contain fear itself?" Sinestro snarled, his voice echoing with renewed strength. "Fear is eternal. Fear is infinite!"

Streams of yellow energy began flowing through space, converging on his position. Each particle represented a fragment of fear from countless beings, merging with his aura and slowly mending the fractures in his giant manifestation.

But even as Sinestro's form began to stabilize, the machine's grip remained unrelenting. For every crack that healed, new ones appeared elsewhere, spreading like a web across his golden silhouette.

For a moment, the battle between absorption and regeneration seemed to have reached a stalemate. Then, a diminutive figure streaked through space like a blazing comet and slammed into Sinestro, shattering the portion of his construct held in the Zeta's grasp and breaking the seeming deadlock.

"AAARRRGGGHHHH!" Sinestro's scream echoed through space as the impact sent him hurtling away from the Zeta.

The Yellow Lantern Corps seized this moment, launching a barrage of constructs at the Zeta to buy time for their leader to escape and stabilize himself. The mecha stood motionless while crimson particles surrounding it dissolved the energy constructs, its emerald eyes tracking every movement of its attackers.

As his momentum slowed, Sinestro steadied himself at a distance, his golden aura flickering with residual power while his aura body crumbled and dissipated. Though rage burned within him at the intervention, he recognized the tactical necessity of retreat. When he turned to face his unexpected savior, his eyes widened in disbelief. Having witnessed the devastating fear unleashed during Ganthet's defeat, he had been certain the Guardian was lost—yet there hovered Ganthet, still carrying Ion's power within.

"Ganthet?" he breathed. His genuine shock quickly hardened into a grave expression. "So, you still live."

Ganthet had used Sinestro's desperate attack as a diversion, not only to recover but to position himself for this precise moment of intervention.

"There's no time for explanations," Ganthet cut in, his telepathic voice resonating urgently in Sinestro's mind. "Your Lanterns won't hold much longer. That machine… no, the being inside, is far more dangerous than either of us anticipated. We must work together to put an end to this before our time runs out." His strength was waning under the immense burden of hosting Ion's power.

Sinestro's eyes narrowed. "Combine forces? With you?" His voice dripped with contempt as he replied in his mind. "The same Guardian whose order banished me?"

"Don't let your pride blind you, Sinestro," Ganthet responded. "Look at what just happened - even with Parallax's power merged within you and drawing on the fear of others, that machine overpowered you effortlessly. Neither of us stands a chance against it alone."

Sinestro's expression twisted with internal conflict as he felt his power returning, drawing strength from the surrounding fear. He glanced at the Zeta, whose beams were decimating his Lantern Corps. Finally, pragmatism overcame pride, and he, with gritted teeth, turned to Ganthet. "Speak quickly then, Guardian. What do you propose?"

"Fusing with Ion has given me valuable insight about the emotional spectrum," Ganthet spoke with grave tone. "The fundamental nature of our powers - both Ion's willpower and Parallax's fear - they operate on a cosmic scale. Sinestro, your connection to Parallax grants you the power to alter reality itself. You could unmake entire universes."

Ganthet's eyes blazed with emerald energy as he surveyed the battlefield. "I propose a coordinated attack. I will use Ion's power to manipulate time and space, creating a temporal lock around that monster. At that precise moment, you must channel every ounce of Parallax's destructive might—enough power to shatter reality itself."

Sinestro's eyes narrowed. "Have you lost it? We would essentially destroy everything? The entire universe we are fighting for will be gone!"

"What other choice remains?" Ganthet shot back. "You didn't see what I did. There is a void inside that being—it will be the end of us all. We must destroy it, or... give all creation a merciful death."

A heavy silence followed Ganthet's words. Sinestro studied the Guardian's face and saw nothing but grim resolve.

"To think," Sinestro let out a bitter chuckle, "that a Guardian of the Universe would advocate such destruction. We truly are in dire straits." He turned to the Zeta, his expression hardening with resolve. "It's a desperate gambit, Ganthet. But... let's do it."

Ganthet gave a solemn nod. Without another word, the two cosmic entities streaked through space in perfect synchronization, their golden and emerald trails interweaving as they approached the Zeta. The machine's sensors tracked their every movement with precision. As they made their final approach, the Zeta had just finished dispatching the last of the Yellow Lantern Corps, its emerald eyes turning to meet their incoming forms.

Sinestro struck first, tapping into his connection with Parallax and manifesting an enormous construct of pure fear-energy in the form of a reality-warping spear. The weapon distorted space itself as it cleaved toward the Zeta. The machine's eyes flashed briefly before it shifted downward in one fluid motion, evading the attack as the spear passed harmlessly through the space it had occupied moments before.

In that same instant, Ganthet seized the opportunity. A massive green hand of pure willpower materialized from the opposite direction, aiming straight for the Zeta's new position. Yet once again, the machine displayed its uncanny reflexes, pivoting effortlessly through space to evade both attacks.

Anticipating this outcome, Sinestro gritted his teeth and manifested two colossal arms of yellow energy. With force, he seized nearby debris and attempted to crush the Zeta between them. The collision sent shockwaves rippling through space, shattering the debris into countless fragments.

In the next instant, searing pain erupted in Sinestro's chest. The Zeta had materialized behind him in a swirling storm of crimson particles, its casual backhand sending him flying as blood sprayed from his mouth. His body crashed violently into the debris field. Ganthet moved swiftly to intervene, but Sinestro was already pushing himself up. Wiping blood from his lips, his eyes blazed with defiance as he dissolved his previous spear construct. Drawing deep on his power, he once more manifested an enormous aura body, this time wielding a reality-warping spear that distorted the very fabric of space around its edge.

The battle intensified as the Zeta engaged both opponents. It deflected Ganthet's emerald sword construct before raising his rifle and unleashing a concentrated blast of Ki energy. The Guardian hastily erected multiple layers of shields against the onslaught, but each barrier crumbled under the overwhelming force. Ganthet narrowly escaped the blast zone, the searing energy grazing his form as he withdrew.

In that same moment, the Zeta revealed its true combat capabilities. As Sinestro's spear hurtled toward it, the machine's crystalline wings detached while its left hand underwent a series of rapid transformations, its components shifting and realigning. The wings, glowing with an otherworldly light, merged seamlessly with the transformed hand to form a massive blade that instantly shifted from emerald to crimson. It executed a perfect arc with its crystal sword, meeting Sinestro's reality-warping spear that left distortions in space-time in its wake. The collision of the two weapons created a catastrophic discharge of energy, making the surrounding space itself buckle under the strain. Fractal patterns of energy spread outward as both weapons fought for dominance, while shockwaves rippled through space, causing nearby debris to disintegrate on contact.

The Zeta's combat systems analyzed the conflict point in real-time, making microscopic adjustments to its blade's quantum resonance frequency. These precise modifications caused Sinestro's spear construct to destabilize at its very core. The Yellow Lantern's eyes widened in disbelief as his weapon began to unravel from within, its reality-warping properties turning against themselves.

But in the next moment, Sinestro's expression turned ugly as he poured more of Parallax's power into the construct. The spear pulsed with renewed strength, causing the surrounding space to crack like glass. Micro-fissures appeared in reality itself, light seeping through.

The Zeta's sensors immediately detected the critical spatial instability. The surrounding crimson Ki particles began vibrating at trans-dimensional frequencies, creating a stabilizing field around the dangerous fissures.

The Zeta's blade surged forward, layer by layer, it systematically dismantled the reality-warping construct, safely converting its energy and redirecting its power into subspace. The sword continued its perfect arc, cleaving through Sinestro's massive aura body. The Yellow Lantern could only watch in horror as his construct shattered like crystalline glass, sending him crashing once again into the debris field.

As the Zeta hovered over its fallen opponent, Sinestro glared up with hatred burning in his yellow eyes. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth as he spat, "If you're going to end this, then do it!"

But before the Zeta could act, twelve pillars of pure willpower erupted from the surrounding debris. They connected in perfect synchronization, forming an intricate geometric pattern that pulsed with emerald light. During the intense battle, Ganthet had been methodically placing sigils across the battlefield, each one a crucial part of his greater design.

Inside the Zeta's cockpit, Z9 swiftly processed the emerging pattern. "These energy signatures—it's a formation," he reported, his algorithms analyzing the complex arrangement. "Time law signature detected... Confirmed: a time lock formation."

"These two are more dangerous than we anticipated," Orach replied, his eyes narrowing as he studied the intricate arrangement. "They represent the old order—bound by their established principles, they'll fight to preserve it until their dying breath."

The geometric construct continued to grow more complex as Ganthet worked, his movements precise despite his exhaustion. The intricate pattern pulsed with growing intensity as the trap neared completion.

A dark chuckle escaped Sinestro's bloodied lips as he observed the formation enclosing both him and the Zeta. "Ganthet, you clever old bastard," he whispered, his voice carrying both respect and malice. "So be it."

His hatred for the being that had destroyed his chance to bring order to this chaotic universe consumed him. With nothing left to lose, Sinestro fixed his manic gaze on the Zeta and began reciting his oath, each word resonating with growing power, "In blackest day... in brightest night, Beware... your fears made into... light. Let those... who try to stop what's right... Burn like his power... Sinestro's might!"

Yellow energy erupted from his form in violent waves as Parallax's essence manifested through him with unprecedented intensity. The very fabric of reality distorted around him, space itself buckling under the strain. "Goodbye, Saiyan," he snarled, his face engulfed in blinding yellow light. "DIE!"

From the Void Sentinel, which had been engaging the remnants of the Green Lantern Corps, Diana and Rachel watched in horror as the scene unfolded.

"ORACH!" Diana cried out. "DAD!" Rachel screamed simultaneously, their voices filled with terror as they witnessed the Zeta being engulfed by the reality-warping explosion.

Ganthet, alarmed that Sinestro had acted sooner than expected, raced to complete the formation. His hands moved fast as he sealed the time-lock just as the explosion reached its peak, containing the devastating blast within a temporal prison. Victory seemed within reach—until an impossible sound shattered his hope.

The crack that split reality itself drew his horrified gaze. The crimson Ki particles that had been stabilizing local space-time ceased their repair efforts. Without the Zeta's influence, the damage spread rapidly. Space buckled and tore, fissures spreading like cracks in glass until a massive rift yawned open, its gravitational pull inexorable.

Exhausted beyond measure, Ganthet knew he couldn't both seal the rift and resist its pull. With grim determination, he made his final choice. Channeling Ion's power into his ring, he released the entity to seek a new host, ensuring hope for the Green Lantern Corps' eventual rebirth. His last act would be to use what remained of his power, now carrying Ion's signature, to ensure the time-locked prison containing both threats would be pulled into exile—saving this universe from their destructive power.

As his depleted form began drifting toward the rift, a boom tube suddenly materialized behind him. The portal swallowed him whole before vanishing, leaving the rift to slowly begin sealing under Ion's lingering influence.

The Void Sentinel executed a precise warp jump, positioning itself near the shrinking tear in space-time. A figure wreathed in pinkish aura shot forth, streaking through the void and into the rift. Before the rift could seal completely, the massive vessel fired a specialized beam that halted the repair process, maintaining and even expanding the opening to accommodate its bulk.

What remained of the Green Lantern Corps, alongside their Blue Lantern allies and the surviving Guardians, rallied under Kilowog and Sayd's leadership. They could not—would not—let their fallen comrades' sacrifices be in vain. Though their numbers had dwindled to a mere resistance force, they attacked the Void Sentinel with desperate determination.

Sayd watched with growing despair as her worst fears materialized. Her once-mighty order reduced to a handful, their peacekeeping force decimated. Yet hope, though weakened by its entity's destruction in this universe, still burned. She channeled every remnant of power she could muster, even drawing upon her own life force to empower their last stand.

The Void Sentinel held its position as it stabilized the rift. Its automated defenses unleashed devastating energy beams from defense turrets, creating an impenetrable barrier while its shields remained primed. The attacking Lanterns stood no chance against its superior firepower, yet this display of force was merely a prelude to the true horror about to unfold.

A mysterious figure stepped through a ripple in space on the launch bay platform, their form wreathed in dark energy. A ring of black flames circled behind them as dark angelic wings unfurled from their back. With fluid grace, they brought their hands together, conjuring five concentric circles of arcane power. The resulting lance of pure darkness cut through the Lantern forces like a scythe, sending the survivors scrambling in panic as their formation shattered.

As the lance of dark energy dissipated, a bone-chilling voice echoed across the battlefield, each word, though spoken calmly, dripped with cold fury.

"Your precious order ends today," the figure declared, dark power crackling around their form. "And your light will be forever dimmed." The voice grew even colder as they continued, "Pray… Pray with all your might, that my parents return safely. For if they don't..." There was a pause, heavy with menace. "I swear by all that I am, nothing in this universe will stop me from destroying every last one of you. Only they can stay my hand now."

The remaining Lanterns watched their rings flicker as waves of dark energy pulsed from the figure. Behind her, the silhouette of a giant Raven materialized, its thunderous roar shaking them to their very core.

Inside the Rift

Diana passed through the dimensional rift, her divine Ki and battle suit instantly activating to shield her from the hostile environment. A wave of discomfort washed over her before her body adjusted to the new dimensional laws. She realized that this was no ordinary space - it was a realm that rejected normal matter and energy.

"Orach," she whispered, following their bond like a beacon through the desolate expanse. The barren landscape stretched endlessly in every direction, radiating an almost palpable sense of isolation that made her heart ache.

Through their connection, she could feel that he was alive and relatively unharmed. But after nearly losing him once when he was banished to the Void realm, she wouldn't risk his banishment to this forsaken dimension. Before entering the rift, she had given clear instructions to both her daughter and the Void Sentinel's AI, "Rachel, Crescent - maintain position and keep that rift stable at all costs. Your father is alive, I can feel it. Trust me, I am going to get him back."

"Yes, mom," Rachel had replied, her voice steadier now that she knew her father was safe.

Leaving her daughter under the protection of House Sadala's AIs, Diana focused solely on reaching her fiancé. A brilliant flash suddenly illuminated the horizon, and before she could react, a massive shockwave slammed into her. The impact sent her careening through the void until she crashed into what appeared to be a floating asteroid, the impact cratering its surface.

"What was that?" Diana muttered, pushing herself up from the crater her impact had created. Through the void, she spotted a fountain of crimson particles erupting in the distance - Zeta's unmistakable energy signature. A wry smile crossed her face as she prepared to launch herself toward him.

But something caught her eye - a metallic glint reflecting off what appeared to be a vessel embedded in a nearby asteroid. As she drew closer, her breath caught in her throat. The triangular ship bore a familiar crest.

Through their bond, she could sense Orach's power remaining strong and steady. After a moment's consideration, she made her decision. "He can handle himself," she whispered, trusting in her partner's abilities. "This... this needs investigation."

Landing gracefully before the ship, Diana activated her terminal's scanning systems. The results were surprising - a single life sign in suspended animation, preserved in cryogenic sleep. The vessel's age indicators suggested it had been adrift here for years.

Carefully wiping away the accumulated frost from the viewing panel, Diana revealed the face of its occupant - a young blonde girl, beautiful even in her frozen state. Dried tears marked her cheeks, her expression locked in what must have been her final conscious moment of anguish.

"Poor thing," Diana murmured, her fingers tracing the crest on the hull. Its design confirmed her suspicions about the girl's identity. She straightened, decision made. "We can't leave her here. No one deserves to be trapped in this forsaken place."

Diana activated her comm link. "Orach, once you're finished, come find me," she said firmly. "I've discovered something you need to see. Something that will surely interest our friends."

Inside the Zeta's Cockpit - Minutes Earlier

Orach leaned back in his pilot seat, massaging his temples as he spoke in frustration, "Why do beings of this lower realm insist on banishing me?"

"Given how we outclass them, it's their only viable strategy," Z9 replied dryly. "The blast has neutralized the enemy. Only the entity remains, and it's significantly weakened."

When Sinestro's explosion hit, the Zeta's advanced shields had easily withstood the impact. However, they found themselves trapped in a time-locked space, frozen at the explosion's peak moment. Yet the Zeta, powered by its enhanced Ki drive and the God Ki of both Sadala and its pilot, remained operational - its existence transcending the laws of this dimension.

"Status on the formation analysis?" Orach asked, studying the geometric patterns surrounding them.

"Complete," Z9 responded. "Their containment design is needlessly complex. Breaking free should be simple."

Nodding, Orach channeled his Ki through the Zeta's systems. The mecha's eyes flashed as its sword disassembled, its crystal blade-like wings detaching before smoothly reintegrating with the main body. Its hand reverted to its normal form as brilliant crimson energy surged through its destroyer mode. With wings spread wide, the Zeta shattered the time-lock construct, unleashing a fountain of crimson particles as they broke free.

As reality stabilized, they found their opponent - now reduced to an insect-like entity - floating weakly in space. Orach quickly contained it in a particle field for later study. A sudden communication from Diana startled him, bringing an apologetic smile to his face. He had managed to get himself banished again, after all.

With a sigh, he directed the Zeta toward Diana's coordinates, the captured fear entity trailing behind them in its crimson sphere. They found her standing beside a small vessel on a floating asteroid, the sight making Orach raise an eyebrow in curiosity.

The Zeta landed gracefully, kneeling to offer Diana its open palm. She lifted the mysterious small ship with ease, placing it in the mecha's grasp before flying up to the opening cockpit. Landing smoothly in Orach's lap, she greeted him with a playful smile.

"Well hello there, stranger," Diana said with a playful wink as she wrapped her hands around his neck. "Mind giving a lady a lift?"

"For you, my beautiful lady? Always," Orach replied warmly.

Diana's eyes narrowed teasingly. "Oh? So you wouldn't offer if I wasn't beautiful?"

Chuckling, Orach adjusted her position more comfortably in his lap. "You're the only beauty that catches my eye, my lady."

As their playful banter continued, the Zeta reverted from its destroyer mode and located the dimensional tear. They passed through, bringing with them both the captured fear entity and the mysterious ship.

Z9, after scanning the vessel and its familiar crest, could only imagine his partner's reaction - Orach would likely be tempted to send this particular discovery right back into banishment.