Hello, everyone! I know I had been on hiatus for years, but I had to undergo through a series of lifechanging choices and worked various jobs and purchased a new home. As you can see, I've been extremely busy and having writer's block as well didn't make things any easier. I apologize for not writing as often as I want. But I'll make it up to you with this new chapter that will be the start of something new! The long waited new and final season of this tale packed with action, drama, danger, and adventures.
A/N: Spoiler Alert: I had watched the latest Young Justice which Razer appeared (cried tears of joy there!) and want to let you know that this story was already written way before the series came so I hope you understand that this tale will come differently.
Welcome back to this wonderful tale and say hello to chapter 49!
Enjoy!
Rainbow Legend: Spirit of the Dragon
Chapter 49: Voice of the Past
-Dreamscape-
"Where...where am I? This doesn't feel the same," a voice gently spoke out. Blinking his eyes open, the young Daemon known as Koren slowly gathered his surroundings and was surprised to have returned to a different yet familiar place. He was in the Dream Realm once more. Koren had expected the place would bring a new atmosphere considering of the previous visits he had to this world. The whole area was filled with a tempting orange atmosphere with illuminating orbs of light floating in the air. He playfully blew some lights away and became distracted for a moment until he realized what was going on. "I guess this time, it's orange's turn." He knows that the Orange Energy is known for its addicting power. Once it gets a hold of you, it would be quite challenging and nearly impossible to escape its grip.
He caught sight of the temple where he should go. Spreading his wings, he took flight and glided over the orange temple and ventured inside. He examined his surroundings. The walls were covered in a rustic orange color yet shone brightly by the Orange Energy, various piles of rubble surrounded the temple, and ripped banners hung onto the walls, yet the Orange Corps symbol were seen on them. In the center of the room stood a bright, shimmering, orange pool. This place reminded Koren of Okaara where they encountered Larfleeze and when he and Hal attacked their friends while under the orange power's influence.
Larfleeze is the last surviving orange Lantern, making one believe that the temple would be abandoned or barren of life. But due to his experiences here, he believed that he would encounter the Orange Entity soon enough.
"Hello? I am here!" He called out. "Are you out there?"
"Well, now. What have we here?" A chilling, yet charming voice cried out. "If it isn't the chosen child."
Koren listened to the voice but couldn't identify the being. The voice sounded cunning and slithering noises are heard going around the walls, almost like a snake. "I don't want any trouble."
"Oh, there's no trouble. Anyone who wants to keep my power for themselves is no enemy of mine. After all, that's what avarice is. It is my specialty," the voice replied politely.
"I take it that you're the Entity of Avarice, correct?" Koren assumed.
"Good guess. I knew you were smart," the Entity said. Suddenly, an orange serpent-like being slithered into view and continuously moved around Koren. The Entity noticed his insecurity. "Are you afraid of me?"
"Honestly, I'm more nervous than scared. With all due respect, I never pictured you as a snake," Koren replied respectfully. "But you're not as scary as Parallax."
"No one does, child. I have no interest in your fears. That is my sibling's job. In his words, he would say that sometimes fear is the only appropriate response, don't you think?"
Koren nodded. "You've summoned me here because you're going to train me, right?"
"That is my purpose for being present, yet I have a feeling that you are willing to ask me something else, true?" The Entity assumed.
"Yes. But first, who are you?"
"Ophidian."
"Ophidian. Before I provide my question, how about we begin our training?" Koren asked.
"I suppose that is our top priority. But you know, I don't mind waiting a little longer. I like to keep you all to myself. We could even be friends. Wouldn't you agree?" Ophidian added innocently.
Koren wouldn't mind befriending any entity, but he knows that the serpent's power comes from avarice and Ophidian is just trying to find a way to keep him to himself, despite the circumstances. "I appreciate the offer, but I need your training in order to be ready for whatever threats this gauntlet has in store for me."
"So be it. Can't blame me for trying," the Entity grinned. "Shall we begin?" Koren nodded in agreement. "Good. Now, from what I've seen, you seem to have abandoned your true calling. It is your destiny to harness the powers you were given. Yet, you have not utilized them recently."
"I haven't needed to use my gifts for some time now," Koren admitted. "My home's been peaceful lately and it has been months since our last adventure."
"Yes. Right now, your gifts lay dormant within you. Let's see if we might not awaken my gift."
Koren then began to concentrate in order to summon the orange power within him.
"You may believe that my power is bad and even dangerous, but like Butcher's rage and Parallax's fear, the Orange power of avarice can provide some benefits, if used for the right reasons. It makes you want to keep something for yourself. In a way, it not only makes you hold on to something precious, but it can also keep them away from danger. Let its power give you the energy to dash to your treasure."
Koren followed Ophidian's command and successfully summoned the orange power. He demonstrated his speed, dashing in every direction for Ophidian to see.
"Excellent, Child," the Entity congratulated him. "You're a natural. But now that the energy flows inside you, show me you have command of it." Ophidian then summoned a glowing sphere and made it turn into a little drone. "Now, try to snatch it from the air."
Koren leaped at it, only for the drone to dodge. Koren watched it zoom around the temple like a flying hummingbird. The young Terragonian chased after it. This training might be extreme for a human like Hal Jordan and speed isn't Kilowog's forte. Terragonians, such as Daemons like Koren and his father, Avian, are more capable for this exercise. For one thing, they have large hearts and lungs, giving them tons of energy for their activities. They tend to recover faster than most creatures which makes them great hunters or warriors. Koren utilized his super speed to catch up to it. Despite his speed, he ended up either hitting walls or make screeching halts to avoid collision. After several tries, he managed to once again catch up to it, but then he began to tire, his speed depleting with each step. He stopped in order to catch his breath.
"Hey, what happened... to my speed? Doesn't the... orange gift gives me tons of speed?" Koren panted.
"True that my gift gives you more speed, but not everything is limitless. Your gift depends on your stamina and use of energy," Ophidian explained. "You used your energy too quickly which is why you're tired. When you're being chased or doing the chasing, you have to study the distance. Use your super speed for short distances and only use a little energy for long distances to avoid exhaustion."
"I see what you're getting at. You were not testing my speed, but my stamina," Koren deduced.
"Exactly," the Entity nodded. "Care to repeat?"
Koren went ahead and repeated the chase, only this time, he conserved his speed and only used it when truly needed. In only a matter of time, he managed to catch the drone which vanished once the test was completed.
"Well done. You've shown exceptional discipline and obedience." Ophidian was impressed. "Butcher would stomp me for saying this but you must know that the strongest warrior does not necessary win. It is speed! Speed of hand and mind!"
"Speed of hand and mind?" Koren wondered.
"Yes. With the speed of hand, you'll be able to punch through water without even getting your hand wet. And speed of mind helps you think ahead and plan for the last possible moment. But it isn't just speed I'm training you for. You're only halfway there." Ophidian then grabs a piece of rubble and crushed it until it formed into a diamond. "Now, try to take this gem away from me without the orange speed."
Koren saw the diamond on its tail slowly moving left and right. He then tried to grab it, but Ophidian swiftly move it away.
"Too slow!" Ophidian chuckled.
"You moved!" Koren said.
"Even if I wasn't moving, that doesn't mean it will be easy. In battles, you'll need complete focus to master the power of concentration."
"How can anyone concentrate through lurking dangers, noises, and moving enemies?" Koren wondered.
"Look how I'm moving the gem. In a way, it's like a floating leaf in the wind. Try again," the entity instructed.
Koren attempted again and again but missed each time.
"Just letting loose with your hand won't do anything. The idea is to focus your energy on a single point that constantly moves around. That will increase your concentration and make your punches even powerful. Remember, when you're in battle, never take your eyes off your opponent. Keep up your concentration to the very end," Ophidian wisely said.
It was then that Koren understood what Ophidian was saying. One cannot attack when one sees the target. One must observe its movements, concentrate, and strike at the right moment. He then nodded and took a deep breath. Closing his eyes, he gathered his power. He opened his eyes and dashed forward. He burst into a surprising speed of his own and concentrating on a single point, he pounced and successfully stole the gem from the entity.
The Entity was stunned by the results but was also pleased. Now Ophidian understood why the other Entities were sure of him. This boy has plenty of potential and just might be the answer they needed for the future. With its tail, Ophidian patted Koren's head. "Magnificent! You have truly mastered these exercises. You're one step closer to your true potential. My only regret is that our time together is at its near end. This is where we part ways. Never forget all the lessons you've learned from us."
"If I may, Ophidian, before I go, I want to ask you," Koren said. "My real question is why? I know what I'm training for, but why me? Why, out of all the creatures in my world or even the whole universe, am I chosen?" Koren asked.
Ophidian had expected this from a young soul. Even though the future shall not be revealed, Ophidian believed that he does have the right to know this piece of information. "Like most leaders, they are chosen for their hearts."
"But I'm not brave like Hal, or strong like Kilowog, or even smart like Razer. I'm not even a lantern like my dad or have royal blood. I'm not even a hero like...Aya," he recalled of his friend who gave her life, maybe her own existence to save the universe from the Manhunters. "My heart is not without fear, pain, or loss."
Ophidian can understand why Koren doubts himself despite his gifted talents and privileged training. A young soul like him could never have imagined being given such responsibilities and knowing that the fate of the future rests in his hands. Each of the Entities are known for one unique attribute that empowers the lanterns, but each one has given advice to Koren. So, like its siblings, Ophidian didn't resist passing down his words of wisdom. "Without fear, there's no courage and without pain, there's no peace. As for loss, only those who love suffers loss. It hurts but it'll all be worth it. At least, that's what Predator will say. You're young, yes, but that answer tells us what you are but not who you are. If you only focus on what you are, you'll never be able to see on what you could be or what you're meant to be."
Koren took his words to heart. Maybe there's more to him than he realized. Every step he takes brings him closer to the truth. To the purpose of all his training. Suddenly, he felt drowsy. The will to sleep consumed his body and before his sight became shrouded in darkness, he could hear Ophidian's final words.
"I must leave you now, child. Your destiny is drawing near. But here's my warning: Truth shall be revealed, lives will be in danger, and everyone's hope will lie within you. There will be challenges ahead. Know that even if you have my power and orange lanterns are technically loners, use this gift to keep your companions closer. Remember that you are not alone and never will be. You have allies."
The sun rose with the dawn as its light shone brightly through a bedroom window. Inside, someone shuffled inside the bed covers until he rose up. He yawns and stretches his arms, trying to fully wake himself up from sleep. His dark orange hair was ruffled, and some hung over his eyes which he later brushed back.
"Another dream about the Entities. Let's see, green, then red, followed by violet, blue, yellow, and now orange. All that's left is indigo. But what or when will the training may bring?" The boy, aka Koren, recalled his previous dreams. "It has been a while since my last dream, months even."
He turned and got off the bed, walking towards the window which he opened, letting in the fresh air. He shivered since the air was cold considering that it was winter once more in his home. Koren remembers his last adventure with the crew. It began with a mission to stop the Anti-Monitor which led to not only meeting new lanterns, friends and enemies, but also the betrayal of their AI, Aya. In the end, actions were forgiven. Friends were returned but at a terrible cost. In order to save the universe, Aya sacrificed herself to destroy the Manhunter invasion. It was a heartbreaking loss, especially for him and Razer. After that, Razer set off into the depths of space to search for Aya whom he believes is still alive somewhere.
It has been many months since he last saw the crew. Despite enjoying his travels in space, he enjoys the fresh breeze blowing while soaring through the skies of Neo Terra. After returning, he and Avian continued living their lives. It was peaceful, sometimes a little boring, but at least they are back with their friends at home. Koren enjoyed telling stories of his adventures to his friends and even went on creating their own adventures. After all, they are growing up and Koren has turned fifteen. It's hard to tell time while being in space. Now that he's home, he can see the seasons changing and feel himself getting older.
Koren suddenly felt something nuzzling him. Looking down, he saw that it was only Rusty. "Morning, boy." His pet lupidile barked in response. "I know. It's breakfast time." In a short moment, Koren had fed Rusty his breakfast and prepared his and his father's breakfast. As soon as Koren sat down to eat, the silence was broken by a known voice.
"You're up early."
Koren turned to see Avian behind him with a smile. "No, you just overslept," he retorted.
Avian then joined his son at the table. Over the relaxing months since their last mission, Avian had managed to grow himself a stubble beard. They both blessed their meal and ate quietly.
"How are you feeling?" Koren asked.
"A little better every day, thanks to you, son," Avian replied before he coughed. "My fever's broke and I am regaining my strength. I'll be at full strength soon enough. I just have a little cough." He assured him, but he continued coughing. During the last month, the winter season had brought its coldest days that many Terragonians became sick. Some even came down with bronchitis or even pneumonia. Unfortunately, Avian became one such victim. The cold had climbed into his lungs and made him too ill to leave his bed. But with his friends and son's help, Avian slowly recovered.
"Maybe you should see the doctor again, dad," Koren suggested, concerned for his father's health. His kind are known to have high endurance and fast healing properties, but truth be told is that Avian is not getting younger and those advantages will slowly disappear over time.
"For him to tell me something I already know that I'm getting older and should rest more? I know that," Avian replied.
Avian knows Koren means well but he just didn't want his son to worry for him. It is a father's job to worry for their young, not the other way around. Deep down, Avian knew where all this was coming from. Glimpses of traumatic events from their last adventure played over his mind: the dangerous encounters with Biogons, deadly combat with the Sinestro Corps, the losses of dear friends and allies, including Aya at the hands of the Anti-Monitor only for her to return until her betrayal after defeating the Anti-Monitor. The whole universe would have ceased to exist if not for Hal, Kilowog, and Razer's efforts to bring Aya back which they succeeded only to lose her again after sacrificing herself to terminate the manhunter horde. As a father, Avian raised his son and prayed for him for a life without suffering. But life doesn't work that way. The last two years are proof of that. Yet, he'll be lying that he didn't have a great memories.
"Don't worry, son. A few more days and I'll be up and flying," Avian said.
"I know, dad. I just don't want you to get sick again or even...die like mom. Mom may not wanted to leave me, but I still miss her."
Avian hadn't heard Koren mentioned Holly in a while, but he never forgotten her. He wondered what their lives would have been like if Holly was alive today. Would they have family outings? Go fishing and pick fresh berries? And...would he still met Hal and the rest of the team?
Koren discovered his father's calm yet sad face and regretted mentioning his mother. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring her up again. I know we should forget about the past." He placed his chin over his now folded arms on the table, looking glum.
His son's words broke the silence and helped Avian collect his wishful thoughts and buried them back in the dark. "No, son," he sighed. "I'm not upset. We all miss her. Your mom was fearless, kind, and smart. Though she wasn't born a warrior, a lantern, or even one of royal blood, she had the purest heart I've ever seen. A trait I see in you every day. She will always love us, no matter where she is."
Koren curiously looked up to his father, listening to every word that escaped from his lips. Hearing tales about his mother helps him get closer to her. He quietly recalled his reunion with Holly from the dream he had from when they stayed with the Indigo tribe. He didn't forget her words to him and wished he could see her again. After the Manhunters were defeated, he finally told his father of Holly. The news shocked Avian, but he later became pleased to know Koren had the chance to meet her.
"Remembering those we've lost in the past is what keeps their memory alive today, especially in our hearts," Avian continued. "They wouldn't want us to forget but they would want us to move on with our lives." If only his own advice would work for him. He never forgotten about Holly, but what really hurts him is that he also never forgotten the truth of her death. The truth he never told Koren about and prayed he never will.
Koren cheered up by his words, but made a slight frown before asking Avian. "If I were stronger, everyone who died, could I have done something about it?" He asked, recalling the deaths of fellow lanterns like Shyir Rev and Aya.
His father understood his pain even if it wasn't obviously shown. "We can never know what would have happen, Koren. What will happen is another matter entirely. Do you remember why we fight?"
Koren nodded. "We fight to survive."
"True, but you must remember this: we don't fight for the people who died, but for those who are alive. We value our freedom and with that freedom, we fight for our families so that they will have a future," Avian advised wisely. "This is the Terragonian way. Promise you won't forget?"
"Promise," his son vowed.
"Koren! Hey, Koren!"
Both Daemons heard someone calling Koren from the outside. Koren peeked through the window as Rusty joined him, barking at the intruder. Outside were two of his friends: the Reaper Karadu and the teen Lupian Dakota. Ever since they won the Lupian race, Dakota and Koren became close friends.
"We're going sledding! The others are waiting for us. Want to come?" Dakota asked.
Koren thought it was fun, but he wondered if he should go and play with his friends or stay with Avian until he fully recovers.
"Go ahead, son. Winter is almost over. You should enjoy the season before it melts away," Avian said.
"Are you sure? I don't mind staying here with you."
"Oh, go on. Go have fun!" Avian insisted. "Stay here and you'll become an old man before I do. You're almost grown but you're still young. Enjoy the rest of your childhood, Koren. I'll be here when you get back."
"Well, if you say so. Thanks!" He quickly dashed back to his room to dress warmly and was about to join his friends before he stopped by the door. He looked back at his dad and, without hesitation, ran to embrace him in a hug. "I may not be a little boy anymore, but one is never too old for a hug."
Avian didn't deny this loving action and returned the hug. "And there's no wrong time for me to say these words: I love you, Koren."
"I love you too, Dad. Get plenty of rest." Koren then dashed through the door and joined his friends before they took off to have some fun.
Avian stood by the door watching the young ones enjoying the freedom they have and the fun memories they will create. He sighed, feeling content in how well Koren had grown. He reminisced the fifteen years he spent raising his son and the adventures he took with his friends. Looking down on his green lantern ring on his finger, he wondered what had become of the crew. Hal had probably returned to Earth and is now flying some aircraft which he'll end up crashing. Kilowog might be training new recruits with tender, loving care he is known to give. And Razer, well, all he hopes is for him to be safe and at peace. After taking off to search for Aya in endless space, one would wonder if he'll ever succeed.
"My dear friends, though our last mission left us with a bittersweet victory, I hope that you are all at peace," Avian softly wished before looking up to the sky. "Holly, if Aya is with you, let her know that we all miss her and we thank her for everything." He then returned inside his home, then removed his ring and placed it inside the case, not noticing a dim glow coming from it.
When the sun disappeared for the night, Koren returned home after his friends left for their homes. He had loads of fun with them. They ran through the snowy fields, enjoyed flying across the clear, blue sky, and slid down hills where they landed into soft, cold mounds. Being at home with his own kind filled his heart pride and joy. Though he wasn't a little boy anymore, he was still young and his heart yearns for adventure. Once his last space trip ended, he and Avian returned home where they belonged, yet the thought of leaving his friends made him sad. But Razer's departure was the one that crushed him the most. Now, he finds himself looking up to the sky, hoping to see either Hal and his crew flying a new Interceptor while coming in for a landing or Razer after his search for Aya be it successful or not. Until then, he will just keep on looking up and wonder if they are also looking up the same sky.
After having dinner and some quality father-son time with Avian, he went to bed with Rusty. Before he went to sleep, the cold, metal touch from the gauntlet reminded Koren that it's still stuck in his hand. After fighting against the red lanterns, the Sinestro Corps, Anti-Monitor, and Aya with her manhunter army, Koren wonders if there was another threat they will have to face. And if there was, would they be strong enough to stop it? He recalled his mother's words from his dream during his stay with the Indigo Tribe: for soon he will have to face his greatest enemy. "Who is this enemy and why would he want to harm us?" Koren wondered. "I wish I could find the answer soon. If Aya were here, she would probably calculate a solution soon. I hope you're at peace, Aya." With those words, he drifted off to a peaceful sleep.
Hours passed and it was in the middle of the night that an unexpected event occurred. Koren was busily snoozing in his bed, dreaming of daring quests and delicious treats. Suddenly, a strange noise disturbed his happy dreamland trip.
"I'm here."
Koren heard the noise and alertly woke up. Normally, his lupidile would have detected any intruders in the house, but Rusty is currently on the floor, sleeping like a log.
"Hello?"
Unable to recognize the mysterious voice, he became confused. Who could be at his house and especially in the middle of the night? Against his better judgement, Koren then called out. "Hello?"
Rusty then woke up with a whimper when he heard his master's voice.
"Sorry to wake you, boy. Do you hear anything?"
Rusty moved his ears, trying to detect any strange sounds, but besides Avian's snoring and the wind outside, there was no other noise. He only whined.
"I must be hearing things," Koren assumed. However, before his head could make contact with his pillow, the same voice called out again.
"Hello?"
"Who's there?" Koren asked. Rusty tilt his head confusingly. Normally, canines have great sense of hearing, but for some reason, he is unable to detect the voice.
"Please, find me."
Koren listened on. The voice belonged to a woman, a kind, curious woman yet it sounded non-human. For some reason, he believed he had heard that voice before. "That voice. No, it can't be. It's impossible."
"I'm here. It's me."
It was then that he recognized the voice. He quickly got out of bed, took out a flashlight, and began searching for the voice. He followed it around the house, trying to pinpoint the source. He checked the washroom, the closets, and even the kitchen. He kept hearing her wherever he went. "Please, where are you? I'm coming." He checked every corner, every room, but he is unable to find her. There was just one place to look for the voice: Avian's room.
Koren was nervous in entering his father's quarters, not because he wasn't allowed but he knowing if he's discovered during this late hour, he is unable to provide a valid excuse to say in his defense. There was also the fear that this voice from the past would only be a memory. After exhaling a deep breath he was holding, he silently entered his father's room. Avian rested heavily in his bed, sound asleep. Koren scanned the room without making a sound.
"Is anyone there?"
He heard the voice again coming from the drawer. Koren tiptoed towards the drawer and opened it. Inside he found the case where his father's GL ring resided. When he opened the case, the ring let out a weak pulsating green glow. "Hello?" Koren called out. "If you are who I think are, please say your name."
Avian suddenly shifted. Koren froze when his father moved and covered his mouth. Thankfully, Avian did not wake up and continued to sleep.
Koren sighed in relief and waited for the ring to respond. Unfortunately, the ring remained silent. "I know I heard you. Please, let me hear your voice again. Don't be afraid because I am a friend." He waited and waited, but no voice replied back. Koren became disappointed but he didn't want to lose hope. The ring did let out a glow, meaning something or someone was calling out to him. "I wonder." He then did the unexpected: he took the ring and put it on his free hand. Nothing happened. He waited and looked at the ring, but sadly, no voice or glow came to him. Koren only sighed in disappointment. Careful to not wake Avian up, Koren left to his room, his mind wondering why only he heard the voice and why didn't it respond. Without a given answer, he only returned to his bed and resumed his rest.
"Hello?"
The young Daemon woke up with full alert, only to find himself in total darkness. He was no longer in his room and was alone. He turned around, but everywhere he looked, there was nothing. "Am I dreaming? Certainly is a strange dream. Where are you? Are you invisible?"
"I am not invisible but I am here with you," the female voice replied.
"Where is here?" Koren wondered.
"I cannot explain it, but it has something to do with the fact that you are wearing your father's ring. It gave me the opportunity to speak to you even more clearly than before. Why only you can hear me is the answer I do not possess."
"Okay. But I can't see you," Koren replied.
"I apologize. Maybe this will help."
In an instant, the darkness was slightly brightened when the voice appeared as a floating green sprite. It flew in front of Koren who became awed by the mystifying figure. Despite meeting the stranger, there was a sense of safety surrounding them. He did not fear or avoid her.
"Is this better?" She asked.
"Yes, it is. And if I may, do I know you?" Koren asked, hoping the visitor was friendly.
"To tell the truth, I woke up with little to no memory of who I am or what I am. But after weeks and later months had passed, the voices I've heard from you and Avian recovered memories that I believed were lost long ago. To answer your question, yes, you do know me. And may I say that I am joyous to hear your sweet voice again, Koren."
The mentioning of his name and his father's dawned the truth of the voice's identity. Koren was stunned by this revelation. The voice belonged to a friend he knew, a friend who had risked her life countless times despite being born as an AI, and someone who had thought to be dead since her sacrifice months ago. Trembling with joy, he can only say the name he heard in the past.
"Aya?"
Hope you liked it!
Well, this marks the beginning of Season 3. Soon, there will be unexpected surprises, an old forgotten legend will be remembered, new enemies as well as old will rise up, and new heroes will become legends.
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