40 Chapter 40 - The Odyssey - Part 7

Everyone got quiet. Diana was surprised and confused by Hera's words, and so was everyone else. They were all struggling to understand.

Hera's words hung in the air, and no one knew what to say. Diana was shocked and trying to process the news.

Hippolyta and Antiope were the first to snap out of it. They turned to Diana, looking serious and wanting answers. "Diana, what's going on? When did you get married? We need an explanation!"

"Mother…Aunt…" Diana stammered, her words trailing off as she grappled with her confusion.

Just then, the instigator of the chaos decided to intervene. Hera, who had been observing Diana closely, noticed the genuine surprise that crossed her face. "It seems you are not aware of your situation." Hera's voice resonated in the silent room.

"Hera, please guide us. What do you mean I got married? How is it possible that I am unaware of my own marriage?" asked Diana, her tone a blend of sincerity and confusion. She was desperate to understand this bewildering situation.

Hera looked at Diana and felt different. Her usual dislike for Zeus's other children seemed to go away. Diana was different from her father. She didn't have Zeus's divine power anymore. This made Hera feel confused, scared, and relieved. Diana was no longer Zeus's child, she had become even more than Zeus himself.

Therefore, Hera decided to share her discovery with everyone. "Let's sit down and talk about this," Hera suggested. Instead of sitting on Hippolyta's throne, she used her divine power to create a throne next to it. This throne was slightly higher, showing her superior position. She settled on her throne and gestured for everyone else to sit.

The room was filled with tension as everyone found a seat. The silence was heavy with anticipation and confusion. Hera took a deep breath, ready to reveal the mystery that had caused so much turmoil.

"Diana, could you tell us in detail what happened when Orach's divine power supposedly touched yours?" Hera asked in a tone that was surprisingly gentle.

Diana nodded and spoke,"When Orach and I made physical contact, an unexpected jolt pulsed through us. It was as if our energies resonated with each other and a sense of shock and astonishment took over us. Neither of us could comprehend what was causing this resonance, but we instinctively knew it wasn't harmful. We both acknowledged the strange feeling and decided to delve deeper within ourselves, trying to pinpoint the source of this resonance.

While exploring, I felt a deep bond with Orach. When I recently asked him how he felt when our bond was established, he said it felt like a comforting home and a strange familiarity. He noticed his God Ki, his people's term for divine power, was flaring up, as if it were reaching out. In that moment, he thought it was reaching out to me. He was right, as his God Ki moved towards mine, like a moth to a flame.

At the same time, I was filled with a mix of feelings. Something inside me felt both scared and eager for something unknown, which I guessed was being caused by Orach. When I realized this, I felt a bit uncomfortable as a wave of bright, red energy flowed into me. This energy was familiar - it was the same kind that Orach used.

Then, something amazing happened. Even though this new energy made me uncomfortable at first, it also felt warm and comforting. It moved towards my inner divinity like a hunter that had found its target. This sudden attack made me feel powerless and a bit scared. My divinity, a pale gold being, was being consumed by this hungry red energy. As I watched, I felt a wave of sadness as my light gold inner divinity slowly vanished, replaced by a pure, white being.

The change didn't stop with the golden color disappearing. The red energy blended with my new white divinity, creating vibrant pink divinity. All through this change, I felt stronger than ever before. This strength started when the golden color faded and grew stronger as the red energy mixed with the white divinity. I had never felt so strong.

The change didn't just create a new, strong power, but it also made my body stronger. My bones felt harder, my muscles felt firmer, and my blood seemed to flow better. It was like my body was getting ready to use and handle this new power without getting any backlash. This surprised me, but it also made me feel amazed and happy.

Although I felt somewhat violated, I knew Orach hadn't intentionally created this bond between us. The feeling was like he had imprinted himself on me, leaving me colored in his hue. I was caught between the excitement of my new ability and the strange feeling of being connected to him.

When I first connected with Orach, it was a surprise. I struggled with the reality of our linked destinies. But, I knew I needed time to understand this new bond.

Our connection has since deepened. What started as an attraction has grown into an emotional relationship. So, I've been thinking a lot about what it all means. After coming home, I'm focused on learning about my new abilities and understanding our bond. This way, when I see Orach again, I won't regret or resent how I felt before. I'm ready to see what's possible, without wondering, "What if?".

Hera listened to Diana's story and smiled. "Diana, you and Orach have a Soul Bond. It's rare and happens when two souls connect deeply."

"Diana," Hera said, "This bond means you and Orach are inseparable. Your souls have merged into an unbreakable bond. How will you respond to this?"

Diana thought of Orach and their shared moments. She felt calm.

"Diana," Hera continued, "You and Orach are soulmates. The Universe wants you together. You're meant to be."

Diana replied, "I understand the Soul Bond. I'm ready for this. But I want to take it my own way."

"I want to get to know him, and he me. We are one in the Universe's eyes, but I won't tell him this yet."

Diana's voice was stronger, "We will learn about each other, our likes, dislikes, dreams, and fears. We may disagree, but we will also share happiness and sadness."

She thought of Orach's words, "He confessed his love and wants to marry me. When we both choose each other out of love and respect, then we'll marry. Only then will I tell him about our bond. I choose him, not because the Universe tells me to."

Diana felt calm and ready for what was next. Hera was surprised by Diana's strength and admired it.

"Diana," said Hera, "Your words show your understanding and spirit. It's good to see you so determined and wise."

"But we have a serious problem," Hera said. "It came up when I was examining your divinity and trying to understand your bond with Orach," she added, her expression grave.

Diana braced herself for what Hera was going to say next. Hera noticed this and began. "Before I tell you," she said, and then she made a clear shield around the room. The shield made the room quiet and private. Everyone knew Hera was about to say something important.

Hera continued, "I made this shield to make sure that what I'm about to say stays in this room." She looked around the room. Everyone nodded, so she took a deep breath and shared the shocking news: "Zeus is in a coma."

Hippolyta was shocked. "WHAT? How can this be?" Even though she didn't really like Zeus, she was surprised because everyone worshiped Zeus.

Hera looked at Hippolyta and said, "A few days ago, Zeus fell into a coma. It happened suddenly at a party he threw. He suddenly grabbed his chest in pain, fell to his knees, and screamed in pain. He spat out blood before losing consciousness and has been asleep ever since."

Hera revealed a surprising fact, time on Mount Olympus worked differently. The moment Zeus slipped into a coma was the exact moment when Diana and Orach formed their special bond.

Silence fell as everyone absorbed Hera's words. Diana was taken aback and struggled to understand.

Hera explained to Diana that her golden divinity was a gift from Zeus, her father. But Orach's 'God Ki' was different. When it joined with Diana's divinity, it transformed hers into a stronger and purer form.

Hera dropped a bombshell, "Your divinity now exceeds mine or even Zeus's in terms of quality."

She suggested a staggering possibility, "If you can harness this new power, you could fight us gods alone, perhaps even becoming a god slayer."

The room fell silent again. Diana, a mere mortal and previously just a Zeus's daughter, now held a power that could rival or surpass the gods.

All eyes were on her, filled with awe, fear, and respect. Despite the turmoil, Diana remained strong upon hearing the revelation. She knew she had become powerful, but this was a pleasant surprise.

Orach's pledge to guide her resonated in her mind, a testament to his faith in her capabilities and her potential to transcend human limitations.

Diana resolved to rise to this challenge, to train, learn, and grow stronger.

In the hushed room, Diana closed her eyes for a moment and sensed her new power. By now she knew having this power was a massive responsibility, but she was ready to bear it. She was prepared to tackle any obstacle and prove that she could stand with Orach.