Chapter 21: Breakdown
I don't get called into seeing the Guardians too often. That's usually Hal for doing things his own way, which the Guardians aren't ever pleased with a lot. Especially Appa Ali Apsa, the de facto leader of the Guardians. For beings who are supposed to be free of emotion, he's always angered when it comes to Hal Jordan.
I reach to the Council Hall and make my way to their chambers. The Guardians of the Universe not only created and founded the Green Lantern Corps, they also created our Power Rings that allow us to be Green Lanterns. They're intelligent, immortal beings with rumored extraordinary powers. Though with them being short blue men with white hair or balding hair, they don't look like much of a threat. But they are.
With me standing in the middle of the Chamber Room, the Guardians stand at their very high pedestals, looking down on me as if I was an ant and they were gods. Other than Appa Ali Apsa, I only know of one other Guardian well enough: Ganthet. Compared to the others, Ganthet is actually sympathetic and shows care about the Green Lanterns. He even goes out of his way to defend Jordan when he does something the Guardians don't like.
"Hal Jordan of Earth, Green Lantern of Sector 2814." Appa says. "You have been shying from your duties of the Green Lantern Corps recently. Why is that?"
"I told you why I haven't been on Oa lately. I've formed a Team with other heroes from Earth to protect lives and bring justice. And with all due respect, but I have not shied from my duties as a Green Lantern whatsoever."
"This is true Appa", Ganthet says. "Kyle Rayner may not have been reporting back to Oa as frequently as he as in the past, but he upholds the principles of the Corps."
"Nevertheless", Appa replies, "Green Lantern Rayner must still report back to Oa more frequently and must follow our orders when requested."
"Last I checked, I haven't received any mission requests from the Corps in the last three months. So if that is all there is, I think I will take my leave."
"Green Lantern of 2814! We are not done just yet!"
"Well I'm done!" And then I storm myself out the room. Now outside of the Council Hall, I smack my fist against the building wall and make a crack in it, which reforms itself right away. Before I can fly away, someone stops me before I do.
"Kyle Rayner, may I have a moment with you?", Ganthet says before I leave for Earth.
"For you Ganthet, you can have as many as you'd like."
"First off, I want to apologize for Appa's words towards you. I've calmed him down and talked to the rest of the council as well. I can assure you, this is not how all the Guardians feel about you Lantern Rayner."
"Well I appreciate that. Thank you." If I could say I have a friend amongst the Guardians, that friend would most definitely be Ganthet. He always knows how to calm me or reach to me when I need it.
"And do not take this as an order, but I would remind you that you should return to Oa more frequently."
"I know I should. I've just been busier now with the Team and school starting back up. I don't know how Hal does it sometimes, juggling his job and the League and the Corps every day."
"Handling personal and professional duties all together can be difficult, but not impossible. It takes time and practice in order to get something like this down to pact. But know that you will not have to do this alone."
"You're going to do my homework while I'm away fighting space pirates?"
"I could, but not likely no. I was referring to the friends and family that you have." Wisest of them all I say.
"You know Ganthet, if I didn't know any better, you're showing compassion and kindness towards a mere human."
"Perhaps. As far as I know, I'm giving advice to one of my best Green Lanterns. I hope you listen to it very much", he says as he floats his way back to his chambers.
"One of his best… Who would've thought", I say smiling from the Guardian's words of wisdom.
Star City
August 27, 14:38 EDT
After I took what felt like an hour-long shower, I decided to spend my free time training at the Wildcat Gym. Grandpa Grant opened the gym years ago. It doesn't get as much business as it did before, but Grandpa still lets people use it if they want to, mostly kids who're either on the street or don't have much. As much as a tough old coot he is, he does have a soft heart.
For the last hour or so, I've been pummeling the punching bags and even knocking out the sand out of some of them. It's a shame they can't punch back, that'd make things more interesting.
Just as I'm about to start on my next punching bag, it falls flat on the ground before I can even throw a punch. I look to the wall facing me and find an arrow sticking out of it. A green arrow.
"You here to practice your archery? I haven't seen you here in forever", I say as I turn around to face the Emerald Archer.
"For your information, my archery is in top condition" he says as he walks up to me in civilian clothing, with his bow in hand and quiver on back. "I'm actually here to see you."
"What do you need?"
"Just thought I'd drop by and see how you are."
"And how I'm adjusting to the Team. Dinah asked you to check on me, didn't she?"
"Would you be mad if I said no?"
I sigh at the answer. "Can she not be so overbearing all the time, even indirectly?"
"She means well Sara. She needs time to adjust too now that you're out and about being a hero yourself. But if you ask me, she's got nothing to worry about."
"Well thanks for the support, Ollie", I say as I get another punching bag ready again.
"How long have you been here, bloodying your fists?"
"I've also been working on my kicks and bo staff techniques. And ever since I got back from the Cave."
"But that was 6 hours ago!" He says a bit surprised. "Sara, you gotta get out more and have some fun."
"This is how I have fun", as I start punching the bag. "I don't hardly ever do much after all."
"How about you try to have normal teenager fun? Go to the mall, or the park? Not spend all day tiring yourself in this giant sweaty locker room."
"Says the man who shoots arrows on a daily basis."
"Take it from someone who's seen the world and almost lost everything from being stranded on an island. Life's too short and you should live your life and experience things you've never done before. So maybe you should get out of this den for a jungle cat and do something that's fun for people your age."
"Yeah well… I honestly wouldn't even know what to do. Or who to do it with."
"You can always do something with Artemis or the others."
"I'm pretty sure Artemis would want to have a sparring match or a bow and arrow contest between us. Which by the way, I'd still like to learn more someday."
"I'll be sure to find you a bow and quiver that matches your outfit then." As much as I appreciate the techniques as I know now, I've wanted to learn archery lately. It would help to expand my repertoire on how to fight. Just call me the White Arrow.
"And if not her, try the others."
"I'm sure they're busy with other things in their lives. Besides, I don't even know if they'd even want to do anything with me."
"Well you'll never know until you try", he says as he heads out, leaving me all alone, sweaty and pondering.
Maybe I should spend some time with one of my teammates. Kaldur may be in Atlantis. M'gann and Superboy are at the Cave, but I think she'd rather me not be a third wheel. Robin is out with Batman most likely. Like I said, Artemis may not be the best idea. And Wally… Nah. That just leaves…
"I wonder what Kyle is doing now."
Coast City
August 27, 17:42 EDT
Finally making it back from Oa, I head straight for Coast City. As I soar over my beloved city, I look below and see the people of Coast City enjoying their day out and about. I fly right by the Ferris Air corporation building in town. Either Carol is working on her next plane model design or she and Hal are using her desk for another reason.
I lower myself down as I reach my neighborhood. I land myself near a couple of bushes and look around just in case someone can't see me. I depower my ring, losing the GL custom uniform and going back to my regular clothes: white t-shirt, blue jeans, and grey tennis shoes.
I start walking down the street and 5 minutes in, I make it home. My house is adequately average sized, not too big but not too small. As much as I'd love to live in a big mansion, I'm fine with what we have here. Besides, it's just my mom and I so we don't need too much space really.
I unlock and open the front door to find my house the way it usually is: living room neat and organized, dining room table covered with books, kitchen neat with a few dishes in the sink. Home sweet home.
"Kyle!", a voice said from the back of the house.
"Hey mom!" I answer back.
Coming from her room would be my mom, Laura Rayner, the most hardworking, caring and beautiful mother a son could have. She has auburn hair, about my height, and green eyes like mine. She's a nurse at the Coast City General Hospital, helping save lives that come into her hospital. I guess you could say that I got my sense of wanting to help others from her, along with the eyes.
My mom raised me all by herself since I was a baby. From what she's told me, my father abandoned us soon after I was born. Mom never knew why, or has never told me if she does. As much as I'd like to ask her about him, she doesn't like to talk about it too much. So I don't press her about it really. Besides, I know who I am. If anything, I get my willingness to help and my free spirit and hope from her. That's all I need.
"I wasn't sure if you were working the day or night shift today", I say to her.
"I go in later tonight. Hopefully we won't be too busy for me to stay all night."
"Yeah hopefully."
"So, how has your day been so far?"
"Oh you know, nothing too special. Just got back from Oa so I'll probably just be sleeping the rest of the day."
"Well at least one of us will be getting some rest."
Now I know what you're thinking. Yes, I my mom knows about me being a Green Lantern. I didn't tell her right away, so I could protect her from that life and anyone that could use her against me. But something in me just couldn't keep lying to her about this. As much as I know I need to protect her, I hate lying to her. The one person other than Hal that's always been there for me, supporting me with every decision I've made.
She was definitely surprised once I told her and actually showed her the power ring and what it could do. But after I calmed her down and meeting Hal too, she realized that I was doing something amazing and bigger than myself. And as much as she'd rather have me stay in school and do anything else, she knows she couldn't stop me from being the hero she's always seen in me.
"Have you seen my power battery?"
"In your room like always, Kyle."
"Thank you", I say as I kiss her on the cheek and head to my room.
My room's pretty normal and neat most of the time, the bed made, schoolbooks on my desk, TV with some movies and video games. The only things that stand out would be my art supplies next to and on my bed and my power battery under my bed. I know it's not the best hiding spot, but it's been safe so far.
Maybe I should take it to the Cave. I'll be there most of the time so it'll be there when I need a quick charge. Plus, not having it here might make my home safer from attacks. I'd rather not risk my mom's safety anymore.
I bring out my battery, which looks exactly like every other Green Lantern power battery: an actual green lantern with a handle. If you back away from it enough, facing in front of it you can see the GL insignia.
I place my ring wearing fist right in front of the lantern, close my eyes and say the words:
"In brightest day, in blackest night
No evil shall escape my sight.
Let those who worship evils might
Beware my power, Green Lantern's light."
As I speak the Green Lantern oath, the lantern's light glows brighter and brighter until it dims down as I finish the oath. I open my eyes and bring my fist to my face. I can feel the ring's power recharged, the energy flowing in it.
"I'll never get used to that, no matter how many times I see you do that."
I turn around to find my mom standing in the doorway, looking to me and my power battery. "Sorry, hope it didn't get too bright in the house."
"You're fine", she says as she tussles my hair and lays on the edge of my bed.
She looks over to my art supplies and sketches. One of the sketches catches her eye. She grabs it and takes a closer look to the subject of my art. "You know, the more drawings and art pieces I see you make, the more amazed I am of how incredible an artist you've become."
"Thanks, mom. I could always draw you something special if you'd like."
"I think this will do just fine. I know it's only her face, but still she looks so beautiful." She shows me the drawing in her hand, which turns out to be one of my earlier drawings of Sara.
As soon as I see it, I feel my face turning a bit red. "Yeah, she is…"
My mom probably notices my redness and ponders a bit. "I take it this is someone you know?"
"That girl that was following me and my friends a few months ago. She's on the Team now."
"Well that certainly makes things interesting I bet."
"You have no idea", I say as I laugh at her comment.
"So, when do you plan on asking her out?" If my face wasn't as red before, it sure as hell is now. Flaring like a bonfire.
"Mom! I'm pretty sure dating a teammate of mine is not the best idea for the team dynamic."
"Do you like this girl?"
I hesitate for a second before answering her. "Mom, I don't think you under—"
"Do you like her or not? It's a simple question, Kyle."
She's right. It is a simple question. The answer, however, is anything but simple…
I take a deep breath, exhaling slowly, then silent for a moment. "Even if I do like her, which I am not admitting to, I'm not even looking to date. I have enough on my plate with school, the Corps and the Team. Going on dinner dates, with someone that I work with, would not only throw off the Team's dynamic, but it would also cloud my, and maybe hers, judgment. Besides, I don't think I'm her type. She's free spirited and strike first, ask later and very, very sneaky, and I'm…"
I think I lost my train of thought. I have no words to say, until my mom lays her hand my leg. I look up to her, and she has this endearing look on her face.
"You're worried something will happen again, aren't you?"
I huff air out of my mouth, astonished at how she picked up on that. No matter where I am or what I'm thinking, mom always knows how to read me. Like I'm one of her books. Her favorite no doubt.
"I miss her too, but what happened to Alexandra was not your fault."
"Tell that to her family", I say as I place my head against the backwall. "If I had just kept my distance after I got this", I raise my hand with my ring on it, "maybe she'd still be alive."
"You can't think like that, Kyle. If you keep wondering on what could have happened, you'll never know what will happen to you now. And besides, I know she wouldn't want you to dwell on her like this."
I grab my sketchbook and flip through the pages, reaching to the very end of it. The last entry shows a woman's face, young and beautiful easily. With long, flowing red hair, and bright blue eyes. A tear rolls down my right cheek, my eyes watery now. Alex... No, she wouldn't.
I exhale through my nostrils, closing the book right after. "Thank you, mom, for always knowing what to say."
She wraps her arms around me as I do the same to her, taking in this special moment. "You're welcome, Kyle."
Not a second sooner, my phone starts ringing. I pull it out of my pants pocket. The caller reads unknown to my phone. I answer. "Hello?"
"I take it you're still on Earth. Either that or Oa gets great cell reception."
"Sara? How'd you get my number?"
"Do you really want me to explain how I picked your phone off you, got you phone number, and put your phone back on you, all while you never noticed I did any of this?"
"Wally gave it to you, didn't he?"
"How'd you know?"
"You're good, but you're not that good. And plus, Wally would do anything to annoy me."
"When does he not?" I laugh at her Wally joke.
"So, what's up?"
"You doing anything right now?"
I look to my mom as I answer. "Not at the moment, no."
"Good. You up for hanging out?" She wants to hang out with me? Maybe mom's got a point.
"Sure. When can you get to Coast City?" The doorbell rings right after. Of course she's here.
"Soon."
"I don't even want to know how. I'll be out in a minute." I hang up my phone. "I shouldn't be gone for too long."
"I know you'll be fine. Besides, you'll be home before I will. Late night, remember?"
"Course." We both get up from my bed, I grab my favorite red jacket, and kiss my mom on the cheek. "Be safe, love you."
"Love you too, son", she says as I walk out of my room, with my mom standing in the doorway. The ring chose me for my ingenuity, willpower and hope, but I think I got those and much more from her. The one person I can always depend on.
"You get my address from Wally too?", Kyle asks me, to which I laugh at.
"No, that I got from the phonebook. You live in Coast City, your last name is Rayner. Two plus two equals four."
"Right. Dinah teach you how to track down thugs or criminals like that?"
"That and a few other things", she says as we walk down the streets through Coast City. I've never actually been to Coast City. It's just about the same as Star City, just different names and heroes that roam the streets. And also, there're no Ferris Air buildings anywhere in Star City. At least Ollie doesn't have to worry about any competition in any sort from Carol Ferris.
"So, what brings you to my side of town? Well, my town actually?" Kyle asks comically.
"Honestly, there's not much to do at home. Dinah and Ollie are out doing League business, Grant's sleeping the day away, the old war dog. And the others are busy doing their own thing."
"And I'm not doing my own thing?"
"I called to see if you were free."
"And you didn't with them?"
"Not really, no. Like I said, they were doing their own thing. Or at least I figured."
"Sounds more like you're still getting used to spending time with the others without me."
"Maybe. I just feel out of place. I always have."
"Hey, we all feel out of place. Some of us are just more comfortable with ourselves and the others."
"You may be, but to them, I'm probably the ninja in white who stalked you guys and attacks anything in sight."
"That just shows you're badass. And I'm pretty sure M'gann feels more out of place than you. Especially since she's from Mars."
"Well she sure doesn't show it with that can-do attitude and 'Hello, Megan!'" Kyle starts laughing at my comment, which makes me laugh with him. I can't explain it, but when I'm with Kyle, I feel relaxed and comfortable and safe. I haven't known him too long, but I already trust him with my life.
Kyle's ring starts glowing like crazy, like fireworks in Oz. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing. It's Kaldur", he says, which doesn't help my confusion. "I gave Kaldur a sort of beacon construct before he left for Atlantis. I told him if he needed anything to press it. I guess he needs to talk."
"You're going to Atlantis?"
"Well how else am I gonna get a hold of him? Atlantis doesn't have any cell service underwater. Or cell phones for that matter."
"Well at least I got to spend a little time with you before you go swimming", I say with a bit of a sadness in my voice.
Kyle looks to me, with a saddened look himself. Then his head pops up, like a bobblehead. "How about you come with?"
His question brings my head up like a bobblehead now. "Wait, you want me to go to Atlantis? Doesn't Aqualad just want to see you?"
"Probably, but it'd be nice to bring someone along, especially since it'll be my first time. And I'm sure Kaldur won't mind."
"Hold up", I say abruptly. "You've been to distant planets across our universe, but you've never been to Atlantis? Like ever?"
"Nope. All I know is from what Hal and Kaldur have told me about it. It supposed to be beautifully stunning. So, you up for it?"
I have to admit, I'm a little excited to go to Atlantis. I've been to other cities and countries around the world, but to get the chance to actually go to the legendary underwater nation? Not a lot of people get that chance. And I'm definitely not passing it up.
"I'm in!"