Hello Everyone, here is the new chapter along with the Trial. I wanted to showcase a bit of background of Cryovians as well that not even Steve (Azure) is aware of, but some unexpected people do however. I actually thought of this on a whim. Please let me know what you guys think. If anything I will re-write if a lot of you think its not good.
Please leave a review on what you think.
I do not own Justice League, or any of it's contents.
Trial
"This Tribunal of John Stewart will now commence", stated the middle head of the tribunal, "Are you ready to call your first witness?"
"I am my Lord. I call Kanjar-Ro", said the alien prosecutor.
A humanoid alien with orange insect-like eyes walked down the corridor wearing a light blue outfit with white trims, gloves, and a helmet with a single white protruding fin form the top walked in.
"Kanjar-Ro, do you agree to let us probe any and all memories you have?" asked a lizard alien swearing the witness in.
"I've got nothing to hide", muttered the alien witness as he step on a floating platform.
The platform floated up towards the prosecuting alien and the tribunal judges where everyone had a clear view of him, "State your name and profession."
"Kanjar-Ro, I'm…a pirate", said Kanjar-Ro.
"A criminal? Yet you come here to bear witness to another crime. Why?" asked the prosecuting alien.
"I may steal things, but it's nothing compared to what he did", said Kanjar-Ro accusing John.
John looked at the alien indifferently with everyone around the League members murmuring in agreement. A beam of light came down covering the alien as he began his story with images of his memory being displayed on a large panel next to the judges.
"I was delivering some blasters that I…'found'…to some rebels on Adjures 4. That's when he showed up. I figured he was going to try and stop me so I shot first", recounted Kanjar-Ro as images of John flying up to him dodging the pirate's blasts when he used his ring to rip out his ship's engine forcing the pirate to crash land on a nearby moon, "His ring tore out my engine. But he still wasn't done with me. He wanted to know if I was working with anyone. I told him to turn around, see for himself. He tried to shoot my friends, but his beam bounced off their deflector shield, and shot towards Adjures 4."
The screen continued playing John battling a battalion of ships swerving in random directions. John shot a beam of green energy only for it to bounce off one of the ships, and headed towards a blue planet formally known as Adjures 4. The planet soon began to glow red with various cracks forming on its outer crust when it exploded.
"There it hit a volcanic fault line starting a devastating chain reaction", recalled Kanjar-Ro when the images finally stop, "Three billion…that's how many were on that planet."
Everyone couldn't believe what they were hearing while Hawkgirl and Azure looked at every skeptically at the encounter, "Something about this seems off…way off. I can't quite put my finger on it", muttered Azure.
"I know what you mean", said Hawkgirl.
"I have no further question", said the prosecuting alien.
"This account is most disturbing. We will recess…20 petacycles", said the middle judge.
The heroes got up as they went towards John who look completely distraught and angry at their presence.
"Now I get it! That's why you didn't put up a fight back on Earth", said Flash.
"I told you all to stay out of this", said John angrily.
"That scum's an obvious liar. Give me five minutes alone with him. I'll get the truth", said Hawkgirl readying her mace.
"No, that'll just add more fuel against John for the prosecution. J'onn do you think maybe-"
"Hawkgirl, Flash, all of you!" interrupted John just as Azure was thinking of a way to get the truth, "Listen to me! Nobody's lying! Do you see that?" asked John directing everyone's attention to an asteroid belt.
"I did it. I'm guilty!"
"Bullshit!" said Azure angrily.
"Language", said Superman.
"Sorry, force of habit I picked up from a…a very close friend", said Azure feeling a bit dishearten at saying that until he shook his head to clear his mentality, "Look, regardless of what you might think, the odds alone of you hitting an actual fault line causing a planet-wide destructions are astronomical! Heck if that were true, I would be winning the lottery right now and paying off a bunch of future tuition, my doctorate, and a bunch of books I borrowed that I owe from college and university!"
"You're a student?!" asked a shocked Flash.
"Try to keep up Flash, you're failing your own monogram here", said Azure, "Look, something about this isn't right, and we're not going to let you give up! There's always hope!"
"Then you're going to have to face the harsh reality here kid. I'm guilty, no ways about it. The faster you learn that life isn't some fantasy or comic book you want it to be, the better you come to terms with it no matter how much you wish it was. Besides, you said it yourself, the odds aren't exactly zero, and I still could've hit that fault line easily given the right conditions", said John as he was led away towards a holding cell.
"I can't believe it. Three billion gone", muttered Flash.
"Neither can I", said Superman thinking about everything that has happened. "Azure's right, something isn't right here. I want to take a closer look at what happened."
"Why? John admits he's guilty. No one is disputing the fact", said Hawkgirl while Azure ruffled his wings in frustration and annoyance with his tail waving angrily.
"Well I am. J'onn, I need you to come with me. You three, can you buys us some time in court?" asked Superman.
"You're asking the world's fastest man to slow things down?" asked Flash.
"I wanna come with you. I majored in astrophysics and astrometric as well. I can be useful out there", argued Azure.
"Which is why you should stay here and see if you can counter some arguments that are being said. Flash and Hawkgirl can back you up, and provide any other useful information you could use with the comm. Maybe you can help paint a picture on what kind of person John really is", said Superman giving them earpieces.
"Damn it man I'm an engineer not a lawyer. If you want me to build something, or explain something, that I can do. Possibly have Flash read a manual or two before he gets behind the wheel of any heavy machinery."
"Hey!" interrupted an offended Flash.
"But I can't defend someone in court! I don't know how! The only legal training I had is watching TV lawyer drama shows! That's the full extent of any legal training I had", argued Azure.
"Great, so use that. You already got to use that one liner from that space show", countered Superman flying back towards the Javelin with J'onn.
"How does he do that?" asked Azure folding his wings again.
Ding Dong
A bell rang off signaling the continuation of the court as the three remaining Leaguers took their seat. The tribunal judges reappeared once again when John was brought in once more.
"John Stewart, you may now question your accuser", stated the middle head.
"No questions", said John shocking everyone.
"None? Don't you intend to defend yourself?" asked the female judge.
"No, I don't", said I dejected John.
"I object!" yelled out Azure and Flash getting everyone's attention.
"You call this a trial? I say it's a joke!" yelled Flash causing the other two winged heroes to facepalm at his comment.
"Are you both out of your minds?! What do you think you're doing?!" whispered Hawkgirl.
"Prepare to be dazzled", said Flash in a flirty tone.
"I'm just winging it here", groaned Azure to Hawkgirl.
"Remove them!" ordered the middle judge.
Flash instantly used his speed to trip every oncoming alien while Azure flew up freezing their weapons to their hands and holsters making sure they couldn't break away from them. Both heroes arrived at the landing platform in front of the tribunal judges.
"Listen to me, with something this important you've got to listen both sides", said Flash shocking Azure at what he said.
"I agree with my colleague here. Regardless of John's innocence or guilt, it's best to make sure all the details of the matter are accounted for regardless of how insignificant it might seem at first. Even the smallest of details can cause a huge impact down the line whether John Stewart wishes to defend himself or not", said Azure.
"I told you both to stay out of this", said John.
"They're railroading you pal", said Flash just as both heroes were detained by the lizard bailiffs.
"Wait!" ordered the female judge, "These beings may have a point. We don't want any lingering doubts about our final judgment, do we?"
"Of course not", said the second male judge, "But who would speak for John Stewart?"
"Don't you have any lawyers here?" asked Flash.
"We solved our lawyer problem a long time ago", said the middle judge.
"However, both of you could speak for him if you wish", said the female judge.
"But be aware, if you lose, you'll share the same penalty as the accused", said the second male judge.
"The same penalty?" asked Flash looking at John's cuff, "Uh, You wanna say something here Frosty?"
"Say what? I'm in the same boat as you", said Azure also baffled.
"I don't know, you're part Cryovian here", said Flash.
"What does that have to do with anything?" muttered Azure loudly.
"Quite a lot actually", interrupted the female judge getting their attention.
"Indeed, Cryovians were known as Scholars of the Stars gathering vast information of various cultures. Said only to be rivaled by that of Kryptonians and their philosophies", said the second male judge.
"Your Honors, I'm aware of one of the traditions that my mix heritage has once harbor-"
"Then you should be aware that in the past, a Cryovian's insight of their knowledge has had a significant impact on many trials based on their own encounters of alien cultures and customs when were unaware of some important details ourselves", said the middle judge projecting a holographic image of a winged avian alien.
Azure floated down to come face to face with what he can only assume was an actual full blooded Cryovian. The alien had an avian face complete with dark blue beak, and bright blue feathers covering its head and body with some feathers protruding up like some parrots. It had dark purple feather markings running under its icy blue eyes, and scaled hands with talon-like nails on its hands and arms all the way up to its elbows. Its feet had the same ice-like talons and scaly skin up to its knees from what he could tell since the alien bird was wearing what he could describe as a simple dark blue robe with white trimmings, a black sash around its waist, four wings similar to his own, and a long peacock like tail dragging behind it compared to Azure's skinny feathered tail. The two larger wings were folded forward giving it a poncho-like look similar to how his own while is two lower wings drooped behind it blending in with its tail feathers. He had a symbol on his chest that was currently blocked by its wings that Azure couldn't quite make out, but it looked like a glowing blue circle with an insignia inside.
"I-Is this-"
"Correct, this was Kualee, our residential Cryovian who once lived on this planet long before our time. His insight on many cultures helped build the foundation of this tribunal, along with many other insights to our technological advances over the ages right up to his departure to a neighboring solar system", interrupted the female judge.
"Since you and John Stewart hail from the same planet, perhaps it would be wise if you and your…associate, defend him properly to leave out any doubt as you stated", said the second male judge.
"Based on his rendering notes, along with a couple others from another visiting Kryptonian at the time, we were able solved our lawyer problem based on the similar views both idealist shared", said middle judge.
"Okay, you're people are cuckoo crazy." Oof
"Stop making bird puns! I've never met a Cryovian before! This is my first time seeing one in person! Like I said I'm half human" said Azure throwing another snowball at the speedster.
"Lord have mercy", groaned John facepalming at the speedster's actions.
"What is your answer friends of John Stewart?" asked the middle judge.
"Don't do it" muttered John harshly.
"What you think I'm just gonna sit back and watch you play martyr? They even said it themselves, Frosty's word here has a huge impact so maybe we can swing some favor our way", said Flash, "We'll defend him!"
"Wait, Flash!"
"Very well. Proceed." said the middle judge.
Groan "Dios mio", groaned out Azure.
"But first I like to say a few words about…about Habeas Corpus. Yeah, Habeas Corpus, and ipso facto…Phi Beta Kappa", said Flash trying to think of ways to stall.
"You did not just mix the root of my native language with ancient Greek", muttered Azure in frustration feeling a bit offended, 'Note to self, never tell Diana…for both our sakes', mentally thought Azure.
"There have been many times were someone like John has been wrongfully accused of things that he hasn't done. I mean, sure he's not perfect, and if anything he's a bit rough around the edges, but then again who isn't? There are times where many people have done horrible things, and have gotten away with it", drowned on Flash, "I-"
"Enough! Is there a point to this?!" asked an irritated middle judge.
"Your Honors, you'll have to forgive my colleague. As you have witness, while he does possess incredible speed abilities, he tends to jump in first without thinking of the consequences. He was simply trying to express some of the ways our own court system is set up. I would like to recall Kanjar-Ro back to the stand so we may cross-examine him", said Azure trying to think of ways to stall for time as well.
"I'm afraid we cannot my Lords", said the prosecuting alien.
"Care to explain why counselor?" asked Azure leering at him.
"He cannot locate him at the moment, and it would be waste of time to send the Manhunters to look for him when he is not on trial here. John Stewart is", said the prosecutor.
"Hey, that's not fair!" responded Flash.
"Agreed, John Stewart may be on trial, but Kanjar-Ro is still a key witness in the case as well as the cornerstone of your prosecution. We wish to cross-examine him as there were many questionable details during his recall of the incident", said Azure.
"That is preposterous. We probed and scan his memory of the entire incident as we all witness first hand with his permission. Our memory technology forbids anyone from lying in these proceedings", said the prosecutor.
"That's where you're wrong. Memories cannot be altered true, but they can be fabricated in one's own mind", said Azure.
"Explain", said the second male judge.
"Your Honors, if I were to ask you to recall any previous case in the past, regardless of the outcome, your technology would be able to display every detail that your mind has perceived correct?"
"Correct", said all three judges at once.
"What if, hypothetically of course, I ask you think of the verdict as guilty even if is fictional. I would ask you what would be the outcome if said fictional outcome came true. Just that one tiny detail kept in your mind when you start recalling the case I previously asked, and was able to display this incident word for word, but with the outcome I asked for, would it not display as well since this would also be part of your memory in a way since the majority of these facts were also true?" asked Azure.
"Hey, that's good. Where'd you learn that?" whispered Flash when Azure landed next to him.
"From a TV episode, I'm just winging it here. I have no idea about other alien physiology or technology", whispered Azure back making Flash go wide-eyed at his explanation.
"I never thought about it like that before", said the second male judge.
'That worked?!' thought a surprised Azure and Flash hearing debating muttering from the audience.
"I suppose it's quite possible, but we've never really had such an encounter before…have we?" asked the female judge.
"It's hard to say. However, we cannot postpone this trial based on a hunch. A crime was still committed here, and justice will be served. Manhunters, step forward", ordered the middle judge as the robots from before step forward in perfect synchronization.
"Look for Kanjar-Ro, and bring him back here so the defendant can properly question him", ordered the judge.
"No man escapes the Manhunters", said the robots as they flew off.
"Man, whoever programmed those things, really left a huge stick up their-"
"Azure, Flash, heads up. I think I may have found someone who could help. His name's Kilowog, and he's a Green Lantern who's work with John. He's agreed to help us", said Hawkgirl over the comm.
"Your Honors, since Kanjar-Ro is not present, I'd like to call upon a surprise witness. I call the Green Lantern Kilowog to the stand", said Azure just as a pink monstrous alien arrived wearing a Green Lantern uniform similar to John He had a large underjaw, and everyone could already tell his strength based on the muscles shown from his suit.
"Surprised witness? He was nowhere near the crime. What kind of witness can he be?" said the prosecutor.
"Uh…that's a good question", muttered Azure not really sure how to answer.
"A big scary one, that's what", said Flash making Azure groan.
"Fine, I'll take it", quietly muttered Azure as he flew up to Kilowog, "Green Lantern Kilowog, how well do you know Green Lantern John Stewart?"
"He's one of the best of us. A true dedicated soldier, and a good member of the Corp. I personally trained him when he got his ring, and even then he was one of my top students of many cadets. Even more so than the first Earthling who got the ring too", said Kilowog with pride in his voice making John look dishearten at his words.
"Have you ever known John, or any other Green Lantern for that matter, to cause devastating damage such as this?" asked Azure feeling determined and a sense of hope ever since Kilowog arrived.
"Objection, he's idolizing the witness", said the Prosecutor.
"That's not true", countered Flash.
"Sustained", said all three judges.
"Let me rephrase my question. Have you ever known any Green Lantern to use their rings for nefarious purposes?" asked Azure only to be surprised that Kilowog was silent.
"Uh…Well there was one who did betray the Corp. He did use his ring to enslave his planet in a tyrannical rule, but we were able to stop him and imprisoned him for his crime", said Kilowog making Azure feel slightly dishearten at his statement.
'That came back to bite me in the butt faster than I anticipated', thought Azure, "You said you served alongside John. Do you think John Stewart is capable of doing something like this?"
"Never! Not in a million years!" said Kilowog determinedly reigniting Azure's hope, "One time, John and I were investigating a distress call to provide immediate assistance and rescue. Once we arrived we were ambushed by several Nethorians after we imprisoned their leader who was conquering planets in a nearby solar system. They managed to separate us, and pinned me down. I thought I was a goner, but I wasn't going to go down without a fight. That's when John rushed in risking his own life for mine, and we managed to push them back and arrest the group. The Nethorians would have gotten me for sure if it hadn't been for John Stewart. He saved my life, and risked his own to do it. That's the kind of guy he is. A true Green Lantern", said Kilowog proudly with his ring shining brightly.
"Thank you Kilowog. John couldn't have asked for a better character witness", said Flash looking at the prosecution, "Your turn."
"I hope it was enough", whispered Azure landing next to Flash.
"What do you mean?" whispered Flash.
"Kilowog, can you tell me exactly what a Green Lantern does?" asked the Prosecutor.
"Shit", muttered both heroes at the same time.
"Well that's easy, we catch bad guys", said Kilowog making Azure lightly slam his head against the hover platform's panel.
"Commendable. But how do you know who the bad guys are?" asked the Prosecutor.
"How? Uh, I just know", said Kilowog.
"Oh, So your saying you use your obviously superior intellect to routinely sort out matters of life and death?" said the Prosecutor.
"Wait, what did he say?" muttered Azure out loud.
"I didn't say…I mean, well…y-yeah, kind of", said Kilowog not knowing how to answer the Prosecutor's question.
"And then you and the other Green Lanterns enforce these rules with those incredibly deadly rings", said the Prosecutor pointing towards Kilowog's ring.
"Oh boy", muttered Flash nervously sweating.
"Objection!" said Azure flying up to the Prosecutor.
"On what grounds?" asked the Prosecutor.
"Your Honors, can we play back to the Prosecution's first question to Kanjar-Ro?" asked Azure with the screen showing back the Prosecution questioning the bug-eyed alien.
Playback
"State your name and profession."
"Kanjar-Ro, I'm…a pirate", said Kanjar-Ro.
"A criminal? Yet you come here to bear witness to another crime. Why?" asked the prosecuting alien.
End Playback
"Stop! Right there!" said Azure accusingly.
"What about it? It was a simple question", asked an annoyed Prosecutor.
"You yourself have labeled Kanjar-Ro, your own witness, as a criminal. So how do you sir, know that he was in fact a criminal", said Azure.
"He said it himself that he was a pirate! My Lords this is ridiculous, may I please continue my questioning?"
"Quite the contrary! There are those who have been known to dabble in piracy, but have been hailed as heroes of rebellions or uprising to usurp tyrannical rules in the past have they not?" asked Azure pointing an accusing finger at the Prosecutor.
"He does bring up a point counselor", said the middle judge.
"So are we to say that you, counselor, with your own superior intellect, as you stated, can freely sort out this matter out of this individual while we succumb to your own decision based on what you, and you alone, stated? Isn't that considered tyrannical by definition? Are we not of our intelligence able to distinct right from wrong of our own free will?" asked Azure putting more pressure on him.
"That's enough, you've made your point. Counselor, you will either rephrase your question, or have it stricken for the record", said the second male judge.
"Very well then, I'll rephrase my question. Kilowog, on whose authority gave you the right to take action against those who are considered to have malicious intent to the innocent masses?" asked the Prosecutor.
"Damn, he's good", muttered Flash and Azure at the same time.
"We did!" interrupted a booming voice when in five blue skin aliens with white hair in various designs hovered inside the court.
Each alien was wearing identical deep crimson red robes with black necklines, and the Green Lantern symbols on their chest. John and Kilowog looked on in surprised while John looked down in disappointment at the new group that arrived.
"Who are they?" asked Azure to Kilowog.
"The Guardians of Oa, the founders of the Green Lantern Corp", said Kilowog shocking Azure and Flash.
"Just make it end already", groaned out John.
Azure looked down at them feeling a small surge of power that quickly faded. He looked around noticing that the Guardians were also looking at him with a neutral expression making it hard for him to read what they were thinking.
The trial went on with Flash and Azure trying their best to defend John with Azure asking scenario questions that could defend John. However, the prosecution was determined to twist each of their witnesses' words against them, and was growing more impatient by the minute.
"Where's Hawkgirl? I can't get a hold of her", whispered Flash.
"I don't know. I kept trying our comms, but she's not responding. We're running out of time, I don't know how much long we can keep this up. I'm literally grasping for straws with these questions. There's only so much I can use here", whispered Azure looking at the Prosecutor who was verbally slamming the Guardian that was being questioned, and constantly interrupting him before he could make a counter-statement, "And it looks like he's about to make his final move."
"While it's true we Guardian's control the Lantern Corp's power source. But the individual Lanterns have complete autonomy", explained the Guardian.
"So if one of them does something wrong it's not your fault", said the Prosecutor.
"Uh, You misunderstand. We give them autonomy because we trust their experience and-"
"No other questions", interrupted the Prosecutor.
The Guardian looked on in disdain and was about to descend when Azure looked at the ring and thought of something that they could use.
"How much more must we hear? We demand an immediate judgement!" demanded the Prosecutor.
"I object!" said Flash.
"Overruled", said the three judges in an annoying tone.
"Wait! Guardian, I have one final question to ask you", said Azure floating down to the Guardian.
"This is an outrage! They are just trying to draw out this matter when they literally have nothing to defend him with!" said the Prosecutor.
"Your Honors, please. I believe that this is vital, and it is quite significant to what the Guardian has stated", pleaded Azure.
"Well, unlike your colleague, you have been more rational so far. Very well, we'll allow it", said the middle judge.
"Guardian, how are the Green Lantern's chosen for their position?"
The Guardian looked him giving him a small smile as he raise his platform once again, "An excellent question. When a Green Lantern passes away, his ring will seek out the nearest individual with the greatest willpower. Once the Ring has chosen its bearer, it will grant them access to their own personal Battery in which they are inaugurated into the Corp once they speak the oath", said the Guardian.
"You speak as if the Ring has some sentience. Why is that?" asked Azure.
"I suppose one would say that there is some sentience in the rings. The rings were programmed to sense those with the highest willpower, and give them a small introduction to what the Corp represents. The rings will then take the new Lantern back to our home planet of Oa, where they are trained on how to properly wield the ring and its vast power", explained the Guardian.
"You say willpower as if this is essential", said Azure.
"The rings are able to create constructs based on how strong the bearer's willpower is. The stronger the will, the stronger the construct", said the Guardian.
"So it's similar to a white hole generator that reacts to its bearer's emotion", said Azure.
"Not similar…is", said the Guardian causing quite a commotion in the court with the judges demanding order.
"Very stimulating, what does all this have to do with what happened? This just proves that a dangerous weapon like those rings shouldn't be in the hands of criminals like John Stewart!" said the Prosecutor impatiently.
"Agreed, what does all this have to do with John Stewart?" asked the female judge.
"It led me to this next question. Did a Ring ever chose the Green Lantern that enslaved his planet?" asked Azure.
"No", said the Guardian shocking everyone, "Upon our investigation, the Green Lantern in question was given the ring as a means of defense when its previous bearer was gravely injured. However, after defeating the enemy that was attacking them, he refused to return the ring, and left its previous bearer to succumb to his injuries making him the new owner of the ring. We never learned about this until we removed his ring, and witness the recording his ring showed us once it was removed."
"So you're saying the Rings would never choose anyone who would purposefully misuse its power to instill fear and malice to those around them, but instead chose someone who is noble with a strong sense of justice like John Stewart?" asked Azure smirking at the Prosecutor who was fuming at this statement.
"Precisely", said the Guardian folding his hands together.
"Thank you Guardian, I have no further questions", said Azure.
"Having heard all the facts, we will now consider", said the middle judge as they disappeared from their personal monitor.
"Nice save", said Flash.
"But was it enough?" asked Azure worryingly
"We did everything we could", said Flash reassuringly.
"I wish you hadn't", said John.
"No man left behind soldier. That's what you taught us", said Flash reminding them of the alien invasion.
The tribunal judges reappeared on the screen once again with the bailiffs calming the crowd wanting to hear the verdict.
"John Stewart, you are commendable through your actions and past heroic deeds as a Green Lantern. Your friend has made it clear that when the ring chose you, it was a choice of your character", said the middle judge making Flash and Azure think that they may have won the case.
"However, we cannot overlook the fact on what has happened. Three billion lives have been lost, and was destroyed from your own careless actions. The consequences of this cannot be so easily overlooked, and an example must be made to all who wield this responsibility", said the second male judge.
"We find John Stewart…guilty", said the middle judge shocking the two heroes.
"Do you wish to make a statement before we pass sentence?" asked the female judge.
"No", said a dishearten John.
"Very well then. Normally the sentence is for a crime such as this is quite severe", said the second male judge shocking the three heroes.
"However, your Cryovian advocate has enlighten us to not only with your past heroics, but also on why the ring has chosen you based on your own merits and characteristics", said the female judge.
"Even so, the facts still remains clear. There is no other alternative to a crime such as this. John Stewart is guilty, and the only appropriate action is in fact…termination", said the middle judge as a large metallic dome appeared to materialize from the middle of the floor.
"Whoa! Time out! I want an appeal!" said Flash with the bailiffs shocking them both onto the same platform as John.
"Will you show some dignity for once in your life?" said John angrily towards Flash.
"This isn't right! We can't just sit here, and do nothing!" said Flash.
"We have to. I'm sorry, both of you", sighed a dishearten Azure.
"Think of the others like us. We all need to be held accountable. We have too much power not to be", said John, "Sad as it is, even the kid gets it. I hope you don't have any lingering regrets."
The lizard bailiffs guided the three of them into the dome while Flash continued to resist, "Would it be alright if I can say a final prayer before the sentence is carried out?" asked Azure to the bailiffs.
"Of course, the judges have allowed you each one moment of silence to make your final amends", said one of the bailiffs as the dome started to close.
Crash
"STOP!" yelled out Superman as he crashed through the same hole he made earlier dragging Kanjar-Ro in his grip. He punched the dome the three where in and ripped it apart as he used his heat vision to destroy John's cuffs.
"Superman, what's going on?" asked a surprised Azure.
"John's innocent!" yelled out Superman as he whispered into his earpiece, "That's your cue Hawkgirl."
The meteor belt suddenly began to be distorted as if was some kind of projection, and suddenly vanished revealing a bright blue planet with several moons orbiting around it shocking everyone in the courtroom.
"Adjures 4 was never destroyed. Its right where it's always was. It was all an illusion. A 'frame up' as they say on my planet", said Superman.
Azure noticed Kanjar-Ro slowly slipping away and started to make a run for the exit when he was suddenly frozen from his waist down in a solid piece of ice, "Going somewhere pirate?"
"You!" yelled John angrily as he jumped down grabbing the half frozen alien by his shirt, "Why'd you do this to me?! Why?!"
"F-For money", whimpered Kanjar-Ro.
"Whose money?!" interrogated John.
"The Manhunters!" whimpered Kanjar-Ro.
The other three Leaguers noticed the Guardians quickly departing as they rushed out the exit. Superman and Azure followed them with Flash and John flying behind after reclaiming his ring. They managed to catch up to the Guardians looking distraught ignoring them until John, Azure, and Superman blocked their path with J'onn rendezvousing with the group.
"What's going on?"
"None of your concern", responded one of the Guardians.
"Guardians please, what exactly is happening here? Why all the secrecy?" asked Azure.
Sigh "It's the Manhunters", said another Guardian.
"Where are they?" asked John sternly.
"Heading back to Oa", replied the third Guardian.
"Back to Oa? They've been there before?" asked John.
"Yes, we created them there", said the first Guardian shocking them, "It was before the Lantern Corp. We thought robots would make good peacekeepers, but they were flawed. They couldn't understand the subtle gradations between good and evil."
"Why didn't you decommission them?" asked Superman.
"We reprogrammed them for lesser duties. Tracking, hunting, guarding. They didn't seem to object", said the second Guardian.
"Not out loud anyway", said John making the Guardians glare at him angrily.
"So their AI systems must've degraded where they perceived you as evil, and bided their time to discredit the Lantern Corp causing chaos and distrust among your ranks in order to lure you away from Oa", deducted Azure.
"Not quite, they do in fact harbor some kind of resentment towards us. We were foolish to think they were simply machines", said the third Guardian.
"Obviously", said John making the Guardians look at him again.
"How is that possible?" asked Flash.
"Same way the human brain works, it's all just a bunch of electrical circuits and nodes", said Superman.
Oa
An army of Manhunters began fighting several torrents on a large green planet that was surrounded by green energy. The Manhunters were able to successfully make an opening as they descended on the planet to try and take down the other turrets that weren't locked onto them. Some even managed to hack several torrents, draining the green energy powering them, and reactivated with their own energy.
Deep in the center of a building, the remaining Guardians left behind used their green energy to construct a shield around them while simultaneously handling the torrents to hold back the mechanical invaders.
"Don't let up brothers! They're weakening!" ordered the Manhunter leader.
The leader landed along with a landing party of his own as he ordered his fellow Manhunters around, "They can't hide in there forever. Rip it open."
The Manhunters melted the platform they were on revealing where the Guardians were making their last stand, "Rip them to-"
BOOM
Several beams of heat and cold started slicing through several Manhunters drawing their attention to their origin. They saw a large green sphere rapidly approaching them while Superman and Azure unleashed a barrage of their beams from small openings John made in his energy bubble. Once the group was in the planet's atmosphere, the heroes dispersed destroying as many robots as they can.
Superman quickly demolished a hoard of Manhunters by flying through them, and used his heat vision to slice off some of the arms of other Manhunters while he punched them away, and ripped the other in half.
Flash landed racing through the surface drawing fire from several Manhunters forcing them to hit each other, and tripped several others to use them as shields from enemy fire. He raced through another barrage when he found himself trapped by a squad. A green energy beam easily ripped through them where he saw John hovering above him, and waved in gratitude.
"Got your back", said John when Flash looked behind him to see several Manhunters approaching.
Azure phased through the leading robot ripping out its circuitry, and placed his hands together creating an ice katana to slice through another. He shot ice beams from both his hands instantly freezing the Manhunters' weapons and hands, and created a lance instantly slicing their heads off. He breathed out an icy wind slowly encasing the last Manhunter in ice, and threw his lance at the frozen robot instantly piercing it. Azure breathed out a misty wisp of cold air and snapped his finger as the ice lance exploded into several icicles shredding the robot to pieces, "And we got yours soldier."
"Been practicing those kendo lesson I see", smirked John.
"I'm used to it thanks to my fencing training. In fact, I could show you a few pointers", said Azure creating an ice rapier.
"Alright, let's see how good you can teach", said John creating a green energy rapier as they began slicing through several robots with Azure guiding his movements.
J'onn phased through several turrets destroying the Manhunters controlling them while Flash continued to draw their fire evading them as much as possible with his speed. Eventually a piece of debris managed to hit Flash in the face knocking him down when John appeared creating an energy wall. Azure created an ice wall to take over the defense and let John rest, "There's too many of them", said Azure.
BOOM
The three heroes looked up to see Hawkgirl leading several other Green Lanterns as they began to join the fight.
"You three take the North Tower! Kilowog and I will take the South", ordered a spherical alien as he and Kilowog began attacking several turrets by slicing them off completely.
Hawkgirl smashed several robots before charging towards a turret, and instantly destroying it with her mace.
The Guardians that arrived with John rendezvous with him as he looked around, "Where are the other Guardians?"
"Deep in the central chamber near the Main Battery", said one of the Guardians.
"Go! I'll protect them here!" said Azure creating a barricade of ice around them.
John flew in the main chamber where a giant green lantern surrounded by green energy was hovering in the center. John looked around when he was suddenly ambushed by the Manhunter leader. The leader quickly flew over towards the main battery just as John recovered from his shock.
Groan "Manhunter! Stop!" yelled John encasing the android in an energy bubble.
"Not until we regained what is rightfully ours", said the Manhunter destroying the energy bubble as John flew up shooting several energy blasts that the Manhunter dodged before the two clashed with one another.
"That power was stolen from us by the Guardians. It is rightfully ours", said the Manhunter.
"It was never yours! It was always the Guardians!" grunted John.
"And they betrayed us. Just like they betrayed you", said the Manhunter overpowering John, and threw him to the side, "This power is our destiny."
The Manhunter entered the Main Battery absorbing as much energy as it could destroying it's corporal form. The Guardians that were in the other chambered soon entered when a growing energy Manhunter ascended through the roof absorbing all the energy from every Guardian and Lantern in the area.
Outside
Azure looked on when he saw the green energy being absorbed from the Guardians, "Guardians! Hang on! What do I do?! I need to help somehow! Come on Steve think! Think! There's always hope!"
"Y-Young one", groaned out one of the Guardian.
"Guardian", said Azure rushing to his aid.
"Y-You have the power to e-end this. It is d-deep within y-you. F-Feel it, feel the power y-your predecessors once g-guarded as they s-spread hope to the u-universe. The true power of the C-Cryovians", groaned out the Guardian touching Azure's forehead with a small blue light emitting from him.
Main Chamber
John could feel the energy leaving his ring with his eyes returning to their normal brown color while holding the Guardians that were dying from the Manhunter absorbing all the energy, "A-All is l-lost."
"Not while I'm still standing", said a determined John as he stood in front of the giant lantern.
"In Brightest Day,
In Blackest Night,
No Evil Shall Escape My Sight!"
John absorbing the green energy back into his ring as he gripped his hand tightly trying not to let the power destroy him.
Outside
Azure felt a surge of power as his eyes glowed bright blue overcome with an emotion he didn't quite understand. A blue complex lantern like symbol appeared on his chest momentarily as he stood up sensing where John was. He looked towards his direction as he began to speak in a clam tone.
"In Fearful Day,
In Raging Night,
With Strong Hearts Full,
Our Souls Ignite."
A blue energy pulse suddenly flew out of him heading directly towards John.
Main Chamber
"Let Those Who Worship Evil's Might!"
John struggled to contain the power trying to finish his oath with green lightning destroying the building around him until the Manhunter was absorbed into his ring. A blue pulse of energy hit him making his eyes glow completely green, and his ring flaring up brightly with power.
Outside
"When All Seems Lost In The War of Light,
Look To The Stars,
For Hope Burns Bright!"
Azure released a large blue avian creature making him loose conscious as it flew towards John to help him.
Main Chamber
John was unaware of a blue avian creature entering him as he felt a surge of power and strength enter through him giving him the edge to finish the fight.
"Beware My Power!
Green Lantern's Light!"
John shot out a large energy blast destroying the Manhunter leader he absorbed and once again returning the remaining power back to the Main Battery in the center.
The other leaguers watched on as the energy blast draw their attention when the other Manhunters soon started to deactivate. The watched in awe at the display of power unaware that on the edge of the main chamber lied an unconscious Azure with the other guardians recovering, and gently lifted him up to the air, and on his feet when they saw he was recovering.
Groan "W-What happened? I lost consciousness there for a minute", groaned out Azure not being able to recall what happened.
"You mean you don't remember?" asked the Guardians.
"Guardians? You're okay! John did it! The Manhunters", said Azure looking over his ice barricade seeing how they were all deactivated.
The Guardians looked at each other and stayed silent while letting the young hero enjoy their moment in victory.
The Leaguers and Lanterns helped around to clean up the remnants of the battle with Hawkgirl instantly becoming popular with the other Lanterns when they saw John coming out with the remaining Guardians, "The Ring choose wisely when it picked you John Stewart. We thank you for saving Oa."
The other Lanterns rushed towards John as they congratulated him over his victory, "John, good work", congratulated Kilowog.
"I guess we were wrong about you John. We should've known better", said the spherical alien with the other Lanterns looking at him apologetically.
"Yeah, you should have", said John as he walked away.
The Leaguers watched the interaction waiting for him, "Try not to be too hard on them soldier", said Azure folding his wings in front of him.
"You all believed in me, when I didn't even believe in myself. You never gave up hope on me", said John.
"Hey, what are friends for", said Flash tapping John's shoulder.
"Let's go home", said John creating an energy bubble as they flew up into space.
"You guys do remember that we have to pick up the Javelin right?" asked Azure.
"Can I fly it back this time?" asked Flash excitedly.
"No!" yelled the other leaguers.
"Kidding! I'm kidding! Sheesh, No need to get so riled up about it", said Flash defensively.
Main Chamber
All the Guardians reunited with one another as they looked on at the retreating heroes.
"Was it wise to not tell him anything?" asked one of the Guardians.
"He does share their blood, even if he is a hybrid", said another.
"We'll let him go for now. He's still learning his place in the universe, just like his predecessors did when they decided to seek out and spread knowledge to all parts of the universe", said the first Guardian smiling.
"I thought they were all lost. To think a Child of Adara still lives", said another Guardian.
"No doubt Adara wanted to help his sibling that he sensed was in trouble. He used the blood in that young one as a conduit to share a bit of power that was stored inside like us with Ion. It truly is a marvelous thing the wonders of the universe", said the first Guardian as they turned around heading back to begin the reparations of Oa.