Brightest Day, Blackest Night
Random one shot drabbles about Hal and Kyle. Mainly fatherly/son fluff. Set in same universe as my Bat Bro series, Second Chances, and Arrow Family.
Rated T for language and sexual references.
I do not own Green Lantern or anything related to DC.
Chapter 1: A Lantern's Light
Kyle's POV
"What do you think?" I asked, showing my work to my assistant, Terry Berg.
"Kyle, it's amazing!" he exclaimed as I smiled.
"Thanks, man… I guess that's it for tonight."
"Yeah. I need to be getting home anyway." He replied as I flipped the lights off and locked the door. "Bye Kyle!" he called.
"Bye Terry!" I called as we headed off in separate directions.
I pulled my hoodie a little closer to my face as I headed out into the night air.
I nearly fell flat on my face as something magically appeared before me… Holy shit! Is that an alien! Oh my God!
The creature pressed something into my hand before muttering, "You will have to do."
I stared at the… ring? What? I looked back up to find the creature to have disappeared. What just happened? I'm so confused right now.
"Oh man... I think my life just got a lot more complicated."
Hal's POV
I quickly pulled my shirt on. Carol will kill me if I'm late for another date.
"Hal."
I nearly jumped as I turned to find John Stewart standing directly behind me.
"What are you doing here?"
"Ganthet made another ring." He stated.
"And that matters to me because?"
"Because, you have been chosen to train the boy."
"What!" I exclaimed as he moved towards the door and opened it to reveal a teenager, fidgeting nervously.
"This is Kyle Rayner. He was chosen by Ganthet. You shall be his mentor and train him."
"What! But, John. You're in charge-"
"I'm needed elsewhere. Everything's already been setup. The boy is yours to train. Unfortunately, you're the only one available." He replied before turning to the kid. "Kyle, this is your new mentor. Meet Hal Jordan."
"John, I can't-"
"It's already been decided. Here." He said, thrusting several papers into my hand. "If anyone asks, you're his guardian."
"Guardian!"
"It's only temporary… Bring him to Oa in a few days." He ordered before turning back to the kid. "Kyle, be good, listen to what Hal tells you. I'll see you in a few days." He said before leaving the two of us alone.
"Come on. I'll show you to your room."
He followed me to my spare bedroom.
"Well, this is the guest room, I guess. I normally don't get too many visitors." I said, showing the kid inside as he dropped his gear onto the bed.
"So… Kyle, how old are you?" I asked as the teen awkwardly took a seat on the bed and looked up at me.
"Sixteen."
"Okay… Do you need to call your parents and tell them you're okay?"
His gaze dropped to the carpet before whispering, "I don't have any."
"Sorry… Who takes care of you?"
"No one. My dad walked out on us when I was three and my mom… she passed away right before I turned seventeen."
"Then how did you-"
"I got a fake id and occasionally stay with friends. But, I do have a job."
"Where do you work?"
"I work for Feast Magazine. I'm a graphic artist."
Uh huh. He likes art, so he makes no money and has no real career. "That's cool… I'm a test pilot."
"Flying's cool, I guess."
"You've never flown before?" I asked as he shook his head.
"Why did he pick me? I never asked for this." The kid whispered.
"Technically, none of us actually choose this life… it choses us."
"But, why?"
"You were thought to be worthy of it… Just remember one thing."
"What?"
"Fear is your greatest enemy and your greatest weakness. Now, I have a date that you've already made me late for."
********Break********
"Carol, I just can't-"
"Hal, I think it's a good thing."
"I can't take care of a kid. I hate kids." I whined.
"It'll be good for you. It'll teach you responsibility. Maybe you'll start thinking about someone other than yourself."
"But-"
"It's not like it's permanent. He's leaving the moment you're done training him, right?"
"Yeah, but-" I replied as she sighed.
"Then I see no problem. It's just for a little while. Besides, it's probably for the best." She replied.
"Fine. it's not like it's permanent. The moment he's finished training, I never have to deal with him again."
"Your choice." She replied before straddling my waist. "Now, let's talk about something else."
Gently pushing her off of me, I climbed on top of her. "Let's not talk at all."
********Break********
Kyle's POV
"Remember, you're ring belongs to you. You have the power to call it back." Hal stated as he held my ring in his hand. "Call it back."
"What? I just say here ringy ringy?"
He sighed before saying, "Use your mind."
I concentrated as the ring flew from his outstretched palm and slid onto my finger.
"It worked!" I exclaimed.
"Now put it on and do what I do...In brightest day, in blackest night, No evil shall escape my sight. Let those who worship evil's might, Beware my power...Green Lantern's light!"
I watched in amazement as Hal transformed. This is freaking awesome!
"Now you."
"Um… In lightest day, something night-"
"Start over."
"Can you say it one more time?"
"You need to take this seriously!"
"I'm trying! I just… I just need a break, okay?"
Pushing past him, I walked outside and took a seat on the steps. It wasn't about half a minute before he sat down beside me.
"You're afraid, aren't you?"
I looked down at the ring on my finger. "A Green Lantern's supposed to be fearless… I just don't know if I can." I whispered.
He sighed before saying, "When I was given my ring, I didn't think I could do it either."
I looked up at him. "Really?"
"Yeah. It wasn't until someone very close to me gave me the courage I needed. Long story short, you can do this."
"How do you know?"
"Because, I did it… Come on, we're taking a break."
"Where are we going?"
"To meet some friends of mine from Oa."
"You have friends?" I asked in surprise.
********Break********
"Welcome to Oa." Hal stated as we landed on the planet.
I stared in awe at the sight of aliens, futuristic buildings, and Green Lanterns.
"What is this place?" I asked.
"It lies in the center of the galaxy. The Guardians are in charge here and we use it as our headquarters… Over there is the meeting hall and that's the central power battery-"
"Does it supply power to all the Lanterns?"
"No, we use it as a flashlight." He sarcastically replied before continuing. "Down there is the foundry. It's where the rings and the lanterns are made from willpower. That's Memorial Hall; where tribute is paid to those that have fallen-"
"What's that over there?" I asked, pointing to a dome like structure.
"The Inner Sanctuary. Unless, they call for you, you won't be going in there. But, we will be going to the Hazard Simulation Facility."
"What's that for?"
"Training." He replied as we approached the course.
I looked around in amazement at the training courses.
"Okay. You stay here and Kilowog will be here soon." Hal stated.
"Where are you going?" I asked as he turned to leave.
"Relax kid. I'll catch up with you later." He replied before leaving.
I looked up at the enormous alien approaching me.
"You must be the new kid." It stated as I nodded.
"I'm Kilowog, your drill sergeant."
"I'm Kyle." I replied.
"Ready to get started?"
"Um, okay?"
********Break********
Hal's POV
Walking into the dining hall, I could see John Stewart, Alan Scott, and Guy Gardner.
"How's Kyle?" John asked as I walked up to them.
"He's fine." I replied.
"Lose him already, Hal?" Guy scoffed as I crossed my arms.
"No. He's with Kilowog." I replied as they stood.
"Then let's see what you've managed to show him." Guy smirked.
The four of us headed to the Hazard Simulation Facility and arrived just in time to see Kilowog and Kyle finishing up.
"How was he?" I asked as Kilowog shrugged.
"Not bad, poozer. Not bad at all." He responded, slapping Kyle on the back as the kid nearly fell over from the force.
"Good… Kyle, this is Alan Scott, Guy Gardner and you already know John."
Kyle's POV
"It's nice to meet you all." I stated.
Soon, Alan, John, and Hal were talking as Guy walked over to me.
"So kid, it's too bad that we didn't get to see you in action… So, how about have a little friendly one on one battle?"
"I don't know. Hal said-"
"What? Did he tell you to brush your teeth every night before bedtime and not to talk to strangers?"
"No, but-"
"Then what? You too much of a wimp to fight?"
"No, but-"
"Then let's go. I'm not gonna hurt you… much."
Hal's POV
Alan, John, and I stood on the observation deck and watched as Kyle and Guy faced each other. Come on, kid.
"Hey kid, you ever seen Red Dawn?" Guy yelled.
"Yeah, why?"
"Cause… Wolverines!" he yelled, unleashing a pack of the green beasts.
Kyle quickly put up an energy shield and managed to block Guy's attack. Guy called off his wolverines as Kyle unleashed his attack.
We all watched in amazement as he conjured the Batmobile and sent it crashing through Guy's defenses and came to stop right on top of Guy.
John and Alan broke the silence as they busted out laughing. "Kyle ran Guy over with the Batmobile!"
Batman? Seriously? Yet, I couldn't help but to smile.
"Rayner, the Guardians have called for you." Kilowog stated, flying over to us.
********Break********
Kyle's POV
I walked into a circular room with the Guardians all sitting on these enormous pedestal structures.
"Lantern Rayner, welcome." one of them stated as I turned to face him.
immediately, I recognized him as the one who gave me the ring.
"Um, hi?" I replied as they swapped glances and began murmuring.
"Ganthet, you chose a child?" one of them scoffed.
"No. He will be the greatest of them all. Young Rayner is destined for greatness." Ganthet stated.
Me? Greatness? What?
*******Break********
"Psst, Kyle."
"What Terry?" I asked, looking up from my design.
"Um, there's a guy here to see you and he's so hot. He looks like Ryan Reynolds." He stated dreamily as I raised an eyebrow.
"Okay?" I replied as Hal walked through the door.
"Kyle, I need to talk to you."
"Okay… Terry, this is… um, my... um, guardian?"
I watched as Terry shook Hal's hand and smiled. God, help me.
"Terry, can you give us a minute?" I asked as Terry excused himself and left, making sure to check out Hal's ass on the way out.
"Hal, what are you doing here?"
"I have a limited amount of time to train you and we need to get started."
"But, I'm working."
"You were supposed to have left forty-seven minutes ago." He sharply replied as I rolled my eyes.
"I wasn't finished with my design."
"You can color tomorrow, Kyle. Get up. We're leaving." He ordered as he headed for the door.
"You're not the boss of me." I muttered under my breath as he sharply turned around.
"What was that?"
"Nothing." I growled, grabbing my jacket.
"See you tomorrow, Terry." I called as he waved.
I locked the door behind me before falling into step beside Hal.
"So, is that boy your… well, um-"
"He's my assistant and friend… I'm not gay. I have a girlfriend."
"Just asking… So, who are you dating?"
"Her name's Alex. She's a photographer. We've been together for a while."
"That's nice… Do I really look like Ryan Reynolds?"
********Break********
Hal's POV
"Kyle-" I stated, opening the door to his room as he quickly hid something beneath the sheets.
"What are you hiding?" I asked.
"Nothing! And can you please knock!"
I quickly pulled a Batman comic book out from under his sheets.
"Really? You're reading about that vampire?"
"Batman's awesome!"
"You're supposed to be learning your ring!"
"Five more minutes?" he pleaded, reaching for the comic as I rolled my eyes.
"Fine. But, you'd better be working on your ring when I come back in here." I ordered as he flipped the book back open.
"Will you take me to meet the Justice League?"
"No. You have four minutes left."
As I left, I heard mutter something about me being a "fun sucker."
********Break********
Kyle's POV
"Kyle, can we talk for a minute?" Terry asked as I locked the door to the office.
"Yeah, what's up?"
"David and I had a fight… Is something wrong with me?" he whispered as I shook my head.
"Come on Terry. Don't think like that. Just give it time. David will come around."
"You think so?" he asked as I nodded.
"Yeah, man. You're a great guy. David's lucky to have you." I replied as he smiled.
"Thanks Kyle. You're a great guy… even if your butt's not that great."
I looked at him in shock before saying, "You wound me, sir. I have a magnificent tuckus!"
He laughed as we continued walking down the alley. We stopped as five thugs from a local gang stepped in our path.
"Aww, aren't the little faggots so cute together?" one of them asked as Terry took a step closer to me.
"Back off!" I threatened as they laughed.
"Start with the blonde." The leader ordered as I was slammed into the alley wall by two of them.
"Get off him!" I screamed as they started beating Terry.
I watched as they landed blow after blow on him as Terry started screaing in pain… I have to do something!
I struggled against the two holding me before looking at the ring and muttering, "In brightest day, in blackest-"
I stopped as a green flash of light removed the thugs holding me down and the ones on Terry. The gang quickly scattered as Hal gave me a pissed look before picking Terry up.
"Go home!" he ordered.
********Break********
Kyle's POV
"Is Terry going to be okay?" I asked as Hal entered the apartment.
"He'll live… What in the Hell we're you planning on doing!" Hal shouted.
"I had to do something! We were jumped and they were hurting him! I could have used the ring-"
"I've told you that the ring is not a toy!"
"I know that! I couldn't just stand there and do nothing!" I yelled.
"Do you want everyone to learn your identity! Do you even realize that someone might have been watching you! Your stupid ass could have been killed!"
"I didn't know! I couldn't let them hurt Terry! It's wrong!"
"It's not your job, Kyle! The ring is not your toy and it gives you no right to use it just because some gay kid's getting picked on!"
"If I can't use it to help people then what's the point of even having it!" I yelled back at him. "I didn't ask for this! If your so damn perfect then you keep it!" I screamed as I threw the ring across the room before heading for the door.
"Where the Hell do you think you're going!"
"Away from you!" I screamed, slamming the door behind me.
I let out a scream of frustration as I walked away from the apartment. Who does he think he is? He's not the boss of me.
"It must be hard to be a teenager these days." A dark voice stated.
My eyes widened as a yellow light snaked its way around my body, pinning my arms to my sides and binding my hands behind my back.
"Hal! He-" I screamed before a pink hand covered my mouth.
"Silence!" he ordered. "So this is the new Lantern chosen by Ganthet… Why would he choose you? Why would he choose a child? What kind of Lantern throws his ring away? No matter, let's see what you're made of."
My eyes grew wide as he opened a wormhole and forced me inside. He released me as my body collided with hard concrete. I clenched my teeth to stop a painful yelp from coming out. I could see that we were in an airplane hangar? Lady Carol was written on the side of the plane. Getting to my feet, I looked up to find a pink alien in a yellow uniform hovering over me.
"Sinestro!"
"So, you have heard of me?" he asked.
"You're supposed to be in the Sciencells."
He rolled his eyes as he replied, "I escaped."
"The Green Lanterns are going to stop you and put you back where you belong!" I shouted as he laughed.
"They can try." He growled before slamming me into the wall of the hangar with an energy beam.
I gasped for breath as I fell to the ground. I could feel blood trickling down the side of my face as I tried to stand.
"I am not afraid of you!" I yelled.
"You should be."
Another yellow energy beam shot out and wrapped itself around my waist before dragging me over to him. My hair was yanked back as I was pressed against him. A glowing yellow knife appeared at my throat.
"I know you're here, Jordan." Sinestro growled as Hal appeared.
"Let the kid go, Sinestro!"
"Hand over your ring."
"Don't!" I yelled, only to have the knife press deeper into the throat, drawing blood.
"Sinestro! Stop!" Hal yelled as he took a step closer.
I could see two rings on Hal's finger… that means one of them is mine. Slowly I lifted my hand as I closed my eyes. Concentrate, Kyle. Concentrate.
"In brightest day, in blackest night, No evil shall escape my sight. Let those who worship evil's might, Beware my power...Green Lantern's light!"
I elbowed him in the ribs as the ring appeared on my finger. He released me as Hal shot an energy beam at him and succeeded in knocking him into a wall. I quickly moved until I was beside Hal and raised my ring, creating a shield as Sinestro shot energy beams at us.
It wasn't long before we were joined by Alan Scott, John Stewart, and Guy Gardner. We quickly formed a circle around Sinestro as he started laughing.
"Nowhere to go! Surrender now!" John called out as he shook his head.
"In blackest day, in brightest night, beware your fears made into light. Let those who try to stop what's right, burn like his powers, Sinestro's might!" he screamed as a bright yellow light engulfed the room.
When we were finally able to see, he was gone.
"We'll report back to the Guardians." John stated before he, Alan, and Guy left us alone.
I walked over to Hal as he glared at me through his mask. Before we could speak, the hangar doors opened and a woman stepped inside.
"What the Hell happened to my plane!" she screamed as Hal paled.
I quickly shot a glance at the smoking, charred remains of the plane. Uh oh.
"Carol… I can replace it?" he responded as she shot him a death glare.
"You couldn't afford it! I know! I sign your paycheck!" she yelled as I watched them before she turned to me. "This the kid?"
"Yeah, this is Kyle. Kyle, this is Carol, my girlfriend/boss."
I waved as she groaned.
"Do I want to know what happened?" she asked as we shook our heads.
********Break********
Hal's POV
He winced as I cleaned out his cuts. At least the cut on his neck's not that bad.
"You sure you're okay?"
"I'm okay… I'm sorry, Hal."
"For what?"
"I left my ring here. I got kidnapped. I almost got us killed. Sinestro got away. I got you into trouble with your girlfriend." He glumly replied.
"Kyle, you're probably not going to believe me when I tell you, but you did good today. You held your own without the ring. You didn't let fear in. You did good today kid… I'm proud of you."
"Really?" He asked in shock.
I nodded as a small smile tugged at his lips.
"It's late. You'd better go to bed."
"Um, could we just stay up for a little bit longer?"
"I guess." I replied, flicking the TV on.
About an hour later, I could barely keep my eyes open. Something soon hit my shoulder. I glanced over to see Kyle asleep with his head on my shoulder. I rolled my eyes before lifting his slumbering frame into my arms. I carried him to his room and pulled the sheets over him.
"Goodnight, kid." I whispered, heading towards the door.
"Night Dad." a sleepy voice replied as I froze.
Dad? Dad! I am not that old!
********Break*********
Kyle's POV
"Hey Hal?" I called as we sat down for breakfast.
"What?" he replied, sliding a plate of burnt toast across the table.
"What happens to me when we're done training?" I softly asked as he shrugged.
"Guardians will assign you where they want you."
"I kinda like it here."
"You don't have much of a choice, kid."
"But, I haven't even finished school yet." I replied as he put a forkful of eggs into his mouth.
"Sorry."
"And I like staying with you." I whispered as he transferred his attention from his plate to me.
He groaned as he got up and left the kitchen. Did I say something wrong? I stabbed at my greasy sausage in silence until a sheet of paper was dropped in front me.
"What's this?" I asked as he shrugged.
"Adoption papers…Well, I thought that you could stay with me and… Never mind. It's a stupid idea and you'll eighteen in like two years." He mumbled as he reached across the table.
I quickly pulled the paper out of his grasp. We stared at each other for a while before he returned his attention back to his breakfast. I slid the paper that now held my signature over to him. He looked at me as I smiled.
"Does this mean I get to call you Dad now?" I smirked as he rolled his eyes.
"No. You can call me Hal."
"What about Father?"
"No."
"Daddy?"
"No."
"What about Pops? Do you like Pops?"
"Kyle-"
"Ha! That wasn't a no!"