Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or DC Comics
"Talking!"
'Thinking!'
"Demon!"
Darkest Hour
Chaos run rampart in the streets of Manhattan as heroes are fighting against undead villains. Damage, Atom Smasher, and Alan Scott are the heavy hitters with them on the front lines in this fight. While other heroes protect and move the innocent people out of harms way.
"You anger burns so bright, but you project on to everyone el-" Sandra Knight also known as Phantom Lady didn't get to finish because Damage uppercuts said Black Lantern in the face.
"For, I don't know. The seventh time! Shut your rooting face!" shouted out Damage
"You think your maligned profile was a casualty of war, Damage? At least you made it out alive," said Human Bomb as he is causing explosions.
The Freedom Fighters were a group of heroes started up during World War II to fight against the Nazis. Even after the war ended the group stick around to protect America, but it wasn't until a few years ago when all, but Damage of the Freedom Fighters were killed. They were brought back by the Black Lantern Rings.
"They keep repeating the same thing over and over," Damage didn't like to keep hearing what his old teammates kept on saying.
"And you keep blowing up the Freedom Fighters only to watch them stitch back together," Atom Smasher says while he throws Black Condor across the city.
"What else am I supposed to do, Atom Smasher? Not even Mr. Terrific has an idea of what's going-"
And just like that one of Mr. Terrific's T-Sphere explodes with the Atom, Mera, Naruto, and Harley all jumping out and landing. Naruto didn't waste anytime as he swings his sword cutting through the Ray and Firebrand.
"A little more turbulence?" Mera really doesn't like going through telephone lines. Harley helps Mera stand on her feet as she too is feeling the turbulence from traveling through the telephone lines.
"Sorry," Atom lands on Atom Smasher's shoulder, "And sorry for that T-Sphere, Mr. Terrific. I'll have the League reimburse you later,"
"Atom?"
"Atom?"
"Do me a quick favor, guys. Point me to Alan Scott." Ray had to get to Scott as quickly as possible.
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The Flash lives up to his name for he is traveling across the world as top speed. Flashes of lightning and streaks of crimson are left behind. Protecting and fighting the Black Lanterns where and when he could.
"This is the Flash," said the hero over the communications for the whole entire Justice League, "If you're receiving this, chances are you already know what we're up against. Black Rings have descended on Earth and are raising our friends, family, and enemies for the dead," the Outsiders are fighting in Gotham as they teamed up with several villains to fight against the dead, "But these Black Lanterns are not them. And they are not unstoppable. Green Lanterns and his Corps have set out to destroy the source behind these Black Rings," the heroes of Star City fight and protect the people there, "That leaving us here to protect Eath until he does. These things are attracted to all kinds of emotional outbursts positive and negative. So first things first, keep your emotions in check," the Titans at Jump City defend their city with all their might, "Secondly, when exposed to intense light their Black Rings become vulnerable. Trick is; from a Green Lantern's Ring. But some of you out there might be able to weaken the Rings enough with your own light to destroy them. We're asking all of you able to shine! Do it as brightly as you can!"
-Coast City-
"Light is everything to them." Black Hand is standing in the dark rain staring at his family's workplace.
"Power levels 97.77%!"
"Especially in the end. But the tunnel of light they see? It leads to where they least expect; the Guardians' ultimate lie," the dead man raises the skull that he's been carrying around, "It's hidden here, beneath the dead."
"Power levels 97.79%!"
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"Barry?"
"Wally?" Flash hasn't had time to talk to Wally when this all started.
"Got your message and spreading the word,"
"Titans are ready to fight too, Flashs. Where should we go?" asked Changeling who once was known as Beast Boy. Changeling became the leader of the Titans when Nightwing left to defend Bludhaven.
"Whever there's trouble, Garfield."
-Manhattan-
"My Ring doesn't exactly operate like Hal's, Atom. It's not connected to that battery out there on Oa. It's its own power source," said Alan Scott, the First Green Lantern, "But here goes nothing."
Alan's Ring was once a Green Lanterns Power Ring that came to Earth. The Ring once belonged to a Green Lantern named Yalan Gar, who was favored by the Guardians of the Universe that they removed the yellow impurity from his Ring; which the Guardians deliberately placed in all Green Lantern Rings to limit their power and could be removed at their discretion. However, Yalan Gur abused his power and interfered with the inhabitants of ancient China. The Guardians then substituted a weakness for wood that allowed the local peasants to successfully attack and mortally wound Yalan with simple wooden clubs. Yalan flew into the sky and raged against the Guardians. His body burned in the atmosphere, becoming the green metallic meteorite that unltimaley became Alan Scott's lantern. Yalan's spirit also possessed the metal, promising death in his rage and life when he realized his mistakes. When Alan received the lantern, the spirit directed Alan to create the Power Ring and persona of Green Lantern, complete wit the Ring's weakness to wood.
"Yeah, Alan. Nothing!" called out Power Girl as she watches the green flames consume the Black Lanterns.
"It's keeping them back, but for how long? And what can the rest of us do?" asked Sandman
"Plenty." Mera drew in everyone's attention as she slams her trident down. The ground shacks then pipes underground bursts out from below. The pipes didn't hold well as the water inside them burst at high pressure hitting all the Black Lanterns.
"Water?" Damage couldn't believe what he is seeing, "What's she gonna do? Drown them?"
"You can't feel fear, Damage. That's just what they want," Atom said as he lands on Damage's shoulder.
"I'm not afraid, Atom. I was pointing out the absurdity of trying to suffocate the dead,"
"Meaning you're covering up fear with attitude,"
Turning to look at the Atom, "Why are you hanging on my shoulder?"
"You're Al Pratt's boy. Though to tell you the truth, I wasn't that aware of your father until after I took the name,"
"I don't wear this mask for the Atom. I wear it so I remember not to pull my punches like the rest of you,"
"I can get behind that!" Naruto says as he watches the green magical fires burn the Black Lanterns, "One would think you being a hero is the wrong profession,"
"I know that, but I chose this,"
"Because you're scared," Atom said for he's seen enough heroes act like this to try and cover up their fear.
"Well, after all of this, who the hell wouldn't be!?"
"Al?" Atom Smash looks over to his friend.
"Don't listen to the little man, son. It's okay to be afraid!" Damage's father, the original Atom Smasher jumps through the green magical flames punching Damage in the face.
"Why would you burn an old friend, Alan?" asked Dr. Fate
"Atom, it's not affecting them!" Mera shouted for they all watch as the Black Lanterns either jump or walk through the magical free flames and water.
"It's nice to finally meet my boy," no one notices the Atom shrinking and goes into Atom Smasher's mouth.
No one but Damage, "Atom!? Where are you going?"
"Rage!"
"Fear!"
"Love!"
"You're angry with me, aren't you? All those years and I never even bothered to play a game of catch,"
"My dad never knew about me," powering up his powers.
"Of course I did. I just didn't want you," they clash with both of their powers, "You're trying to detonate your fists the same way I used to, but I can absorb your power, son. And if I can't get at your heart the easy way; I'll just blow you apart and pick through the pieces,"
"Not if I restrain your Atomic punch with a little creative molecular jugging," the Atom showed just how scary he can be be using his powers. Growing to regular size, ripping and tearing through the undead Atom Smasher, "NOW STAY THE HELL AWAY FROM HIM!"
"I don't know what to do," Damage has never seen the Atom do anything like that,
"I do. We do this your way, Grant. We beat them down again and again until it's over. Not for your father, but for the rest of the world. Think you can handle that?"
"Hell, yeah!" Damage can get behind that.
"Hope!"
Just then a hand comes out of Damage's chest that is holding his heart. Damage falls forward with Atom catching him.
"GRANT!"
"Power levels 100%!"
"My sweet, sweet Ray," said Jean Dibny formerly known as Eclipso, Ray's ex-wife standing there holding Damage's heart.
"Jean…?" Ray couldn't believe that his ex-wife is here as a Black Lantern.
"This will be twice I've turned your little world inside out."
-Coast City-
A pain unlike anything that Barry had felt in his entire life rocks through his whole entire body, causing him to stop just outside of Coast City.
"Power levels 100%!"
"What… What is that?" Barry asks himself, "That voice."
-Space Sector 666, Planet Ryut-
On the surface of the planet Scar floats in front of a large Black Lantern Power Core with the other Guardians of the Universe floating around her with black energy connecting them.
"This light awaits."
"Power levels 100%!"
-Coast City-
"Wally. Bart. Change of plans. Tell everyone to get to Coast City pronto!" Flash runs into Coast City, "I feel something!"
-Space Sector 666, Planet Ryut-
The ground shacks as five large fingers rise out of the ground. The fingers lift up the Black Lantern Power Core off the ground. The power surges around both the fingers and Core.
"Transporting! Space Sector 2814!"
-Coast City-
Flash races through the city and see Black Hand standing in front of his home, "Black Hand?"
The house explodes in a blast of energy. The ground rips up. This causes the Flash to lose his footing. Rising up out of the ground is the Black Lantern Power Core with Scar and the rest of the Guardians of the Universe.
"Flesh!"
"Flesh!"
"Flesh!"
"Flesh!"
"Flesh!"
"Flesh!"
"Flesh!"
"Flesh!"
"Flesh!"
"Flesh!"
"Flesh!"
Black Hand who wasn't moved by changed of the ground as the Black Lantern Power Core rises out of the ground, "Nekron. Rise."
Flash watches as black energy bursts out of the ground. From the ground a black lantern comes out, then a hand that is holding the black lantern. A blade comes out of the black lantern black as the lantern itself. As more of the lantern rises it is shown that it is a staff, no; a scythe.
"Hal… Where the hell are you?" Barry asks out loud.
"Coast City," Black Rings float around the being as he fully rises, "Rise," the Black Rings drive into the graves and like a horror movie the dead rise from their graves, "Barry Allen. You owe me your life. You all do."
Nekron stands there wearing a black robe with his wither and sunken in chest. The symbol of Black Hand on Nekron's head and as a belt for his robes. The black lantern on his scythe shines a light that feels like death is waiting for anyone that looks directly into it.
-Space Sector 666, Planet Ryut-
The Blackest Night will descend upon us all.
Without prejudice or mercy. Without reason.
The Seven Corps will fall. As will the universe.
Back to a place devoid of Light. Or Emotion of Life.
The only two Guardians that weren't on Oa when it was sacked Ganthet and Sayd meet with the Lanterns of all the corps meet up.
"The Black Lantern is not here," was the only thing Ganthet said as the planet is dead. Not just of life, but as though Death made its home here.
"The Black Lantern is not here," mocks Sinestro, "A remarkably astute observation, Ganthet,"
"This hole is empty. there's nothing worse than empty!" Larfleeze sits on the ground holding his lantern.
"Where is the Black Battery, Guardian Slime?" growls out Atrocitus for he is trying with all his might from killing the two Guardians that right in front of him.
"Say it, Red. don't spray it," Carol said for Atrocitus spit on her when he spoke.
"I sense the Guardian who betrayed us is within the Black Lantern's presence," said Ganthet as he tries to locate the Black Lantern.
"We can take us to her. And together we can destroy the Darkness behind this," Sayd said as this may be the only chance they have to win against the Blackest Night.
"Then let's all shut up and light up!" Hal summoned his lantern with the emerald green light shining out of it. The other do the same as they summon their lanterns as their lights shine out.
"In fearful day, in raging night,
With strong hearts full, our souls ignite,
When all seems lost in the War of Light,
Look to the stars, for hope burns bright!"
"Power levels 100%!"
Saint Bro'Dee Walker; a saint from the planet Astonia who becomes the recipient of the first Blue Power Ring after he aids his people in finding hope despite their sun's approaching death. Saint Walker aided Hal Jordan and the other Green Lanterns after they were ambushed by Atrocitus and his Red Lantern Corps.
"In blackest day, in brightest night!
Beware your fears made into light,
Let those who try to stop what's right,
Burn like my power, Sinestro's might!"
"Power levels 100%!"
Thall Sinestro; an anthropologist from the planet Korugar who was specializing in reconstructing the ruins of long dead civilization when indoctrinated into the Green Lantern Corps by the Green Lantern Phrohl Gosgotha, who crash landed in one of the ruins and died giving his Green Power Ring to Sinestro, advising him to us it to defend himself from a Weoponer of Qward who pursued the Lantern. Taking Gosgotha's post, Sinestro became one of the greatest Green Lanterns alongside Abin Sur because of his desire for order, which eventually led him to the idea of secretly becoming a dictator on Korugar. However, this rule over his own planet was exposed to Sur's successor, Hal Jordan, who was helping him stop an attempted Khund invasion on Korugar. As a result, Sinestro was brought before the Guardians and banished to Qward. There, he plotted his revenge by allying himself with the Weoponers of Qward who created a Yellow Power Ring for so he can face and outnumber the Guardians and the Green Lanterns as the leader and namesake of the Sinestro Corps.
"In brightest day, in blackest night,
No evil shall escape my sight,
Let those who worship evil's might,
Beware my power,
Green Lantern's Light!"
"Power levels 100%!"
Hal Jordan, the first Green Lantern from Earth. You know and you love him.
"With blood and rage of crimson red,
Ripped from a corpse so fleshly dead,
Together with out hellish hate,
We'll burn you all, that is your fate!"
"Power levels 100%!"
Atrocitus; a struggling psychologist from the planet Ryut who survived the massacre executed by the Manhunters on his sector with four others who teamed up with him to form the Five Inversions, a terrorist cabal ben on the destruction of the Guardians of the Universe.
"For hearts long lost and full of fright,
For those alone in blackest night,
Accept our ring and join our fight,
Love conquers all, with violet light!"
"Power levels 100%!"
Carol Ferris; the vice president of Ferris Aircraft, former love interest of Hal Jordan, and previous bearer of the position; Star Sapphire. After employing Jordan for a time as a pilot with Ferris Aircraft, he claims he cannot be near her without being with her. As she does not date employees, he left to resume his career in the United States Air Force. Due to her heartache over Jordan's absence, a Violet Power Ring was sent to tell her she has the potential to be the most powerful member of the Star Sapphire Corps. The Ring also tells her that, by leading the Violet Corps, she will be in a position to protect Jordan during the War of Light; hearing this, she accepts the invitation.
"Tor lorek san, bor nakka mur,
Natromo faan tornek wot ur,
Ten Lantern ker lo Abin Sur,
Taan lek lek nok, Formorrow Sur!"
"Power levels 100%!"
Indigo-1; once known as Iroque, Sur's greatest enmey, who is responsible for the death of his daughter. She became the first person to convert to the Indigo Tribe.
The only one that didn't say his oath was Larfleeze, "Eh?"
Larfleeze; billions of years ago, Larfleeze belonged to a small guild of thieves which stole a number of artifacts from the planet Maltus, including a mysterious box supposedly worth an entire star system to the right buyer. In retaliation, the Guardians of the Universe sent their Manhunters to pursue them. Those that escaped discovered a map belonging to the Guardian Krona that told of treasure. The guild followed the map into the Vage System to the planet Okaara. There they discovered a temple, inside of which was a Power Battery containing the Orange Light of Avarice. Feelings its power speak to them, the criminals fought amongst themselves for it. Eventually the Guardians and their Manhunters found them, however, because of its proximity to Larfleeze and the others, the Guardians could not get within reaching distance of the box.
The Guardians and Manhunters who tried were incinerated by the Orange Light of Avarice. Fearing the power of the Orange Light, the Guardians offered the two surviving guild members, Larfleeze and Turpa a deal. In exchange for the mysterious box, the Guardians would trade the Orange Light with two additional conditions. First, as long as the Orange Light remained within the Vega System, the Guardians would agree not to interfere with it. Then secondly, for the safety of the others, only one of the two thieves would be allowed to keep the Orange Light for themselves. Why the Guardians were desperate to get the box back because it contained the fear entity Parallax. Agreeing to these terms, the two guild members fought to the death for the right to own the Orange Light, and Larfleeze emerged victorious.
"What are you waiting for, Larfleeze?" asked Sinestro for he can't believe that one of the strongest Lanterns had to be Larfleeze.
"I'm hungry," says the Agent Orange
"Again?" Carol can't believe that the Orange Lantern is hungry again because she'd seen him devour a large meal not too long ago.
Sayd floats over to Larfleeze, "You vowed to assist us against the Black Lanterns in exchange for a Guardian, Larfleez. I have pledged to sacrifice my freedom and serve you once we eliminate this Darkness,"
"I want more than you, Guaridian. I want a feast! A planet wide banquet all to myself! I wish to swim in lakes of grape liver jelly and morsmorsh fizz! Promise me that too, Guardian, promise me or I'm taking my Ring and going home!"
Growing angrier by the second, Let me kill him!" roars out Atrocitus with blood coming out of his mouth.
Sinestro crosses his arms, "A plausible solution. We can follow the Orange Ring to whatever glutton it latches onto next," the Yellow Lantern agrees with the Red Lantern for it would be easier to do that.
"This is not his fault, Sinestro. Larfleeze's hunger is an affliction. He suffers because of the Light he wields," Indigo-1 tells this to the Yellow Lantern for she seen how the Agent Orange works before.
"I bet if I shoved that Lantern down his throat he'd charge right up!" grows out the Red Lantern.
Saint Walker kneels down to Agent Orange, "Your attack on the Blue Lanterns is forgiven, Larfleeze. As long as you are within the vicinity of my Blue Light, you will feel no hunger. All will be well,"
"Mmm, yes. The hunger fades," he can feel it working as the old alien doesn't feel as hunger anymore, "But I could go for some dessert," and it's back.
Growing tried of this Hal had a green energy construct grab Larfleeze by the head and does what Atrocitus said her would do. And force his head to his battery.
"Here's the cherry on top!"
"Yow!"
"Power levels 100,000%!"
"The Rainbow Rodeo's locked and loaded, Ganthet. So where'd this big bad Black Lantern go?"
-Coast City-
Flash is running around dodging the dead left and right like a bad zombie movie. The dead tries to claw and grab the Fastest Man alive to turn him into one of them.
"What you've done to my friends and these poor people has gone way beyond sacrilegious!" Barry believes the dead should stay dead. To rest in peace.
"Your death was the first, Barry Allen of Earth. And your rebirth the last. So says Nekron," said said entity of Death.
Black Hand leaps into the fray and clothes line him, "It's instinctual for people like you to fight against the Darkness, Flash, but dying is inevitable. We age because we aren't supposed to be here,"
"So you went through more than a wardrobe change since I've been gone. What's your story, Black Hand? Beyond spewing philosophical nonsense?"
The Flash was slammed into the ground, "I'm happy now, Flash. I'm dead. Like you were,"
Seeing the skull that Black Hand is carrying, "Where did you get that skull from?" Flash grabs hold of the skull only for pain to flare through his entire body.
"Emotional tether manifested!"
The dead behind Flash grabs hold of him and pulls him away. The Scarlet Speedster stares at the skull in fear. For he saw whose skull that is, "Wh- Where did you get that skull!?"
"Don't worry, Flash. I won't disturb your body. You aren't my type," Black Hand aims his Black Ring at the hero with black energy bursting out of the Ring as it powers up.
"I'd hate to know who is!" races in Wally West, Kid Flash.
Flash uses this chance to escape from the dead and race besides Wally, "Nice of you to swing by,"
"So one Green Lantern baddie,"
"One giant skeleton guy," using their speed to destroy the dead, "One freaky Guardian," race pass Scar who tried to grab them.
"And a Black Lantern in a pear tree. I'm guessing this si what made the skies go pitch black?"
"I'd blame the one who switched the battery on, Wally. He calls himself Nekron,"
"Kyle mentioned a Nekron before. Some kind of alien entity that's able to animate the dead. Looks like he got an upgrade,"
"Along with Black Hand. I feel like I need a show just listening to him,"
"The bad guys have changed since the days I was the kid to your Flash. Now I'm the Nightwing to your Batman,"
"You're the Flash to my Flash, Wally. The more the merrier. But on top of the grim reaper and his Halloween troupe, we're got seven million people clawing their way out of their graves. So tell me you're not the only one coming,"
"We don't have a Flash Corps to back us up, Barry, but we're got plenty of friends."
Standing before them is all the members of the Justice League and the Titans that could come and fight right here in Coast City.
-Mamhattan-
"Grant Emeron of Earth!"
"Rise!"
"STOP!" Atom grab hold of Damage's hand and tries to take the Black Ring off of Damage's hand, "Leave the kid alone!"
"Damage was misunderstood like I was, Ray. No one ever believed in him. Not until you came along tonight," Eclipse frees Damage from Atom as the black energy is bursting out of his body. "And what glimmer of hope you ignited in him tasted so good," she licks her non existing lips.
A torrent of water came and takes off the top of Eclipse's head, "How about a little something to wash it down?" Mera was the one that commanded the water.
Naruto cuts Damage in half, but just like the other Black Lanterns it didn't do very much, "This is getting us nowhere!" he yells out with him cutting another Black Lantern in half, "We have to find the source!"
"Where would the source be? Didi said that it would start in the Hall of Justice," Harley knocks a Black Lantern's head off, "Four!"
Arms stretches out wrapping around Atom, Harley, Mera, and Naruto, "Let's take a trip, Little Mermaid!" somehow they start to shrink and fall into Damage's Black Ring, "Under the sea!"
"I love the Little Mermaid!" before Harley tries to slam her hammer into Eclipse's head.
-Coast City-
The heavy hitters of the Justice League takes the lead for they have the heroes who can take the hard blows and keep going. The Titans are more the back up, but they still know what they are doing. Superman is flying around using his heat vision to burn through the living dead with Superboy destroying any of the dead that dodges the heat vision.
Donna and Cassie Sandsmark use their lassos and gather the dead so that Superman can burn them with his heat vision. It was strange at first when Cassie came into play a little over a year ago. This was around the time when Donna came to the Justice League to be their new Wonder Woman, Cassie joined the Titans with several people pointing out that they have the same abilities. Donna meets with Cassie to learn that her father was Lennox who was Zeus's son. When that came out that they are related through the same Pantheon the new Wonder Woman decided to take Cassie as her side kick. Donna even went as far as to take Cassie to Themyscira to visit Diana to see her aunt.
Impulse races over to Barry and Wally, "Wally! Grandpa!"
"Call me Barry or Flash, Bart. Grandpa makes me feel old," having his grandson in his time does make the Fastest Man Alive feels old.
"I'm your grandson from the 31st century. You are old. So I've got good news and I've got bad news. What do you want first?"
"The goods news!" called out Barry
"The bad news!" called out Wally
"Sorry, Wally. Seniority wins. Good news is; no one's really sure how or why, but when the Black Lanterns try to take Dove's heart,"
"Dove? Of Hawk and Dove? I thought they were both dead," that's what Barry thought for he was still alive when they both died.
"There's a new Dove, Barry. A girl," racing together for Impulse to explain some more, "When the Black Lanterns try to take Dove's heart, she lights up like a roman candle and burns them up. And they don't come back,"
"So somehow Dove's tapping into the White Light the Lanterns were talking about. Let's get her front and center,"
"The Titans are already working on that!"
Dove just walks through all the fighting as White Light washes out of her destroying the living dead that try to come close to her.
"Connection severed!"
Hawk and Dove; two heroes Hank Hall the original Hawk and Don Hall the original Dove were given powers by the Lords of Chaos and Order. Dove representing reason and nonviolence and Hawk representing force and agression, they complement one another and find a state of balance in order to effectively combat evil.
While saving a young boy who was being attacked by th Anti-Monitor's Shadow Demons. The creature that killed Dove came from behind while he was saving a kid from a falling building and Hawk was too far away to intervene. Hawk continued on his own, but without Dove to restrain him, he became violent to the point where many superheroes considered him nearly as much trouble as the supervillains.
Sometime later Dawn Granger became the second Dove when she received her powers while attempting to save her mother from terrorists. This Dove, while considerable more aggressive and self confident than Don, this Dove fights mostly defensively, preferring to out think and remain in control of her opponent. She also heals quickly and cannont revert to Dawn if her wounds or some other condition would be fatal to Dawn. They managed to hold their own against the Lords of Chaos creation called Kestrel.
During their time together a villain from the future comes and attack both Hawk and Dove by the name of Monarch. It was during this time when Monarch's identity was revealed as Hank Hall from the future. Monarch attacked Hawk and Dove and managed to murder Dawn in front of Hank, causing him to suffer the psychotic break, killing Monarch, and assume his villainous identity. He briefly became a recurring foe for Captain Atom before absorbing Waverider's time travel powers, subsequently changing his form and name to Extant.
As Extant, Hawk murdered several members of the Justice League; during a rematch however, Atom Smasher used the New God Metron's Mobius Chair to transfer Hall onto a doomed plane in place of Atom Smasher's mother; the plane exploded due to the terrorist actions of Kobra.
A woman in a coma wakens to revealing it was the presumed dead Dawn Granger. Dawn's death was revealed to be a hoax orchestrated by the villain Mordru, who was also revealed to have caued Hank's insanity that set him down the path to becoming Monarch and later Extant. Dawn later gained a new partner when her estranged and aggressive British sister, Holly Granger, was granted the mystical powers of Chaos, becoming the third Hawk.
Earlier Hank lures Holly and Dawn to a library with a trail of dead hawks and doves. A ruse by Black Lantern Hank Hill, he kills Holly Granger by ripping out her heart. A Black Ring then claims Holly's body and the two Black Lantern Hawks assault and torment Dawn. Eventually Dove goes to Titan's Tower for help, only to find it under attack by more Black Lanterns Titans. Holly and Hank catch up to her and resume their attack. When Holly attempts to rip out Dawn's heart, a blast of white energy radiates from her body, severing the connection between Holly and the Ring. Dawn then turns the light on the other Black Lanterns, destroying all but Terra, Tempest, and Hank. Dawn and the Titans joined the Justice League to battle the rest of the Black Lanterns in Coast City.
"Which leads me to the bad news. Donna Troy was bitten by a Black Lantern and she started getting sick,"
"You should've taken her to Doctor Mid-nite or S.T.A.R Labs," Wally said with him and the other racing towards Nekron.
"We tried Wally, but Donna said if she was going down, she was going down fighting. Um, where are we going? Is that the Black Lantern boss?" Brat just realized where they were heading.
"Don't stop running Bart. And don't focus on him. Focus on the aliens floating in the sky,"
"Who?"
"The Guardians of Oa. We might not have Green Lanterns to help, but we're got on step better if you're talking sheer power," Flash leaps up and grabs one of the Guardians, "We get them clear of this black goo and maybe they'll wake up and lend us a hand,"
Scar comes from nowhere and attacks Flash by cutting his back, "They are ours to drain!" puking up black goo onto Impulse to trap him with the other Guardians, "These Guardians fight to preserve order in a universe that will never find balance," turns and pukes black goo onto Wally, "The pendulum always swings between order and chaos. Between love and hate. Between life and death!"
"You're getting a little pale for a Guardian," Hal and the other Lanterns arrived just in time as they all blast Scar, "You look like you could use some color,"
"You have no idea how much I've been looking forward to this," Sinestro has for the longest time has wanted to kill one of the Guardians.
Scar who survived the blast from all seven Lanterns flies out of the smoke is several burns all over her body, "LANTERNS! you will feed our Lord Nekron!"
"You wrangler does not deserve the title lord," Saint Walker told the Guardian, "And you do not deserve to be called a Guardian,"
"None of them do!" Atrocitus pukes up the hot red blood as Saint Walker blasts Scar.
Larfleeze comes from behind and told hold of the Guardian, "A Guardian? I want this one! She's different from the others. And what's different is worth more!" Scar's tongue wraps around Agent Orange's throat.
"Hey, Larfleeze, I'd send that one back to the kitchen. She's overcooked," the other come and blast Scar with her body exploding.
Flash appears next to Hal, "Hal! You're late!"
"That's my line,"
"You know anything about this Nekron?" Flash had to ask his Green Lantern friend since he knows mostly what is happening in the universe.
"The Corps has faced him before. Some kind of undead creature who uses the deceased as puppets. But the Black Rings are new. No worries though. I brought the color coded cavalry,"
"There it is," Indigo-1 and the other fly over to the Black Lantern Power Core, "The central Black Lantern. We destroy the Lantern and we destroy everything connected to it,"
"What do we need to do?" Sinestro asked
"We must recreate the White Light that gave birth to life, Sinestro," the Purple Lantern holds up her ring, "It is the antithesis of the death powering the Black Lantern.
Everyone blasts and combine their energy to destroy the Black Lantern Power Core, "I think I saw this on a Saturday morning cartoon,"
"Me too." Hall had to agree Carol as this does remind him about a Saturday morning cartoon.
"Guardians," Nekron finally spoke out as he watches Ganthet and Sayd blasts the undead so they don't attack the other Lanterns for they need to focus their attention on more important things, "Your lie is about to be exposed."
"Flesh!" a Black Ring flies out of the Black Lantern Power Core.
"Whoa! Those things are fast!" shouted out Bart as the Black Ring zooms pass his.
"Cassie… It's too late… Where's D- Dove?"
Cassie helps Donna stand up on her own feet, "Donna? What's wrong?"
"I'm ch- changing… I'm s- seeing things." Donna can see a pink aura surrounds Cassie. She has to wonder if this is how all the Black Lanterns see.
"Love!"
"Is it just me or is this not doing a damn thing?" Hal asked out loud.
Black Hand holds up the skull that he has been carrying for the longest time, "It is, Green Lantern. It's making Nekron stronger."
"Donna!" shouted out Wonder Girl as black energy starts to come out of the new Wonder Woman.
"Joker of Earth."
Black goo comes out of the skull. The black goo recreates the skeleton with the Black Ring going onto a finger. The man that has been dead for several years finally come back. The man that the world wanted dead and was happy about it. The mad man is back.
"Rise!"
"My God. Joker?"
Hal have heard of the Joker and how he has been dead for several years now.
"Emotional tether registered!"
"Joker?" Superman didn't want to believe it.
"He's back?"
"Many of you died. But you came back,"
"Joker?" Green Arrow asks for he can't believe his eyes.
"Emotional tether registered!"
"And though some have questioned why they escaped death, you all failed to realize you did not escape death. You are still connected to it. To me. I put myself between you and everlasting death. I allowed your numerous resurrections. You will help me expose the Guardians' greatest secret and return this universe to a place of quiet, dark order."
The Joker begins to laugh. The laugh that still haunt people's dreams. While the mad man is laughing black go comes out of his mouth with Black Rings coming out as well.
"Flesh!"
"Buddy Baker of Earth!"
"Tora Olafsdotter of Earth!"
"Donna Troy of Earth!" a Black Ring flies onto Wonder Woman's finger causing her even more pain.
"Kal-El of Krypton!" a Black Ring flies onto Superman's finger causing him pain.
"Conner Kent of Earth!" a Black Ring flies onto Superboy's finger causing him pain.
"Bart Allen of Earth!" a Black Ring flies onto Impulse's finger causing him pain.
"Oliver Queen of Earth!" a Black Ring flies onto Green Arrow's finger causing him pain.
"DIE!" commands Nekron.
Hal flies over and binds the Joker with a green energy construct, "That's enough Joker!"
Flash runs through those that now have Black Rings on as black energy is coming out of their bodies. Their skins become deathly pale for they can't fight off the Black Ring's effects.
"You have served your purpose, Joker. Back to rest."
"Connection severed!"
Hal put up a shield to block the black energy as the Joker explodes leaving behind his skull. Those that gained the Black Rings have become full Black Lanterns.
"The light awaits us!"
A Black Ring flies and breaks through Hal's green energy construct, "Hal Jordan of Earth!"
A Black Ring flies behind the Flash as he runs around, "Barry Allen of Earth!"
"What just happened?" Carol asks as she blasts the Black Ring flies towards Hal.
"Hal Jordan of Earth!"
"A swarm of Black Rings is trying to take control of the living as well as the dead," explained Saint Walker as he too blasts at the Black Ring flying towards Hal.
Hal throws up a shield, "Not the living, Walker. The resurrected!"
"Hal Jordan of Earth!"
The Black Ring easily breaks through Hal's shield at the same time as three arrows go into his back.
"Nekron gave us a stay of execution buddy, but our time is up. No more fighting over scraps of existence like we do. No more good guys or bad guys." Green Arrow explains as he watches Superman tackles Hal to the ground.
The reason why the Black Ring is chasing Hal is because he died while reigniting a sun. he was resurrected by Kyle Rayner and the Green Lantern Corps.
"No more anything!" Green Arrow comes from behind Hal to hold him down. Oliver died in a plane explosion and was brought to life. Donna was taking one of her trail and was killed by a demon. She escaped from the Underworld and found life again. Superman fell at the hands of Doomsday and then was revived by Kryptonian Technology.
"Barry Allen of Earth!"
While this is going on Hal has to think that death and resurrection were only part of the job. But it's something else as Nekron said he was the one that let them come back to life. If so, then you have to wonder that when this is all over will they keep coming back, or will they stay dead for good?
"Come. I hunger." Nekron leads a horde of undead with the Guardians connected with black energy coming out of his scythe.
Sinestro, Larfleeze, and Atrocitus blasts Superman with none of them holding back.
"I've started the fire burning, Jordan, but a Green Lantern is the only one capable of the kill shot!" yelled out the Yellow Lantern
"I want the kill shot too!" Agent Orange yells out for he wants to be the one to do it.
"Finish Superman off before he kills someone. Namely you!" Sinestro really doesn't want to die here and now.
"No!" Hal flies through the horde of undead with the Black Ring still chasing him, "Superman's not dead Sinestro1 he can't be!"
"Hal Jordan of Earth!"
"If you're intent on keeping your Ring holstered, we might as well lie down and die!" shouted back the Yellow Lantern, "Contrary to Indigo's bright idea, we don't have the power to destroy the Black Lantern!"
Flash runs through the open graves with Impulse running after him, "I knew there was something wrong about your return, Barry. I felt it because I'm just like you. I'm still dead."
"Barry Allen of Earth!"
Impluse gets in close and takes hold of his grandfather, "You were the first lifeline Nekron created he kept you from truly passing on!"
"Bart?"
"Barry Allen of Earth!"
"We came back because he wanted us to, but we belong to Nekron!" Kid Flash uses his speed to help Flash slip through Bart's fingers, "Hey, Wally! When are you going to stop picking on me!?"
"What happened to Bart? Is he?"
"I don't know, Wally!" he really doesn't but wants to know, "But protect him and yourself. I need to get rid of this tagalong!"
"Barry Allen of Earth!"
"Hal! Throw me a line!"
Flying in low, "What are you?" Hal didn't get to finish because Saint Walker blasted the Black Ring as Hal throws out a green chain at Flash who caught it.
"Just hang, on!"
"Hal Jordan of Earth!"
"Barry Allen of Earth!"
Hal makes the chain shorter to bring him close to his friend Barry as the Fastest Man on the planet goes faster.
"The Black Rings have new targets!"
"I notice!"
"And they're fast," Hal just wanted to add to this.
"I notice that too! But I'm faster!"
Using his speed to the fastest that he can go. Thunder cracks with lightning flying all over the place.
"Connection severed!"
"Connection severed!"
Both of the Black Rings fall harmlessly to the ground. And with a koom boom Flash breaks through the sound barrier. It took him several miles to slow down and come to a speed that Hal can fly next to the Scarlet Speedster.
"Without a cosmic treadmill, time travel is gusswork at best, but I was hoping it'd be enough,"
"Time travel?" this is the first time that Hal has heard this.
"Black Hand and Nekron reanimated Joker and used him to trigger an emotional reaction in all of us that the Black Rings latched on to. I ran us two seconds into the future to break it. As long as we don't jump out of our boots again, the Ring won't have anything to grab onto,"
"By why was the Joker the only Black Lantern that combusted on its own?"
"I don't know. Maybe Batman did something to Joker's body just in case he was ever brought back to life?"
"I wouldn't put it pass him," Hal decides to change and go back to what they were talking about, "If we stop this, do Superman and Wonder Woman die? Do we die, Barry?"
All what Barry does is turn and look at Hal, "I sure as hell hope not!"
-Unknown Location-
"You want to hate me so badly, but you can't, can you, Ray?" Eclipse says to her ex husband, "Even after burning Sue and breaking Damage's heart, you still can't bring yourself to feel anything but pity. Oh, sweetie. I love you!"
"I would find that sweet, if I didn't do the same thing!" Harley says with Naruto wondering what she meant.
Boston Brand comes from behind and takes over the Black Lantern and takes over her body, "Come here often? And I you do, why?"
"Jean?"
"Just on the outside, short stuff. It's Deadman. I've been leaping into these Black Lanterns trying to learn a thing or two, which I think is doing some serious damage. To me. You, Fish Woman, the Lady Clown, and the Pirate being the only things still alive inside their network drew me right to you,"
"Contamination detected! Rerouting!"
"I c- can't stay in this bag of bones any longer, b- but you've g- got to get out of here and w- warn them. I can hear their directive. Like a whisper. Every Black Lantern in the universe… everyone one of them… is coming to Earth," Eclipse's tongue comes out of her mouth for she takes control back over her body, "GET OUT, BOSTON BRAND!"
Mera grabs hold of Eclipse's tongue, "Jean brought us here, Atom, but do you need her to take us out?"
"No!"
"Good!" violently rips not just Eclipse's tongue, but her lower jaw off.
"RAY! Don't leave me like I left you! I love you, Ray! I'll always love you!"
"GO! And don't look back!" yells out Mera and Ray just does that.
Atom flies through the blackness that connects all the Black Lanterns together with everyone holding onto him. While they all fly through it Mera asks out loud the one thing that was on her mind.
"Every Black Lantern in the universe? How many do you think that means?"
"I don't know,"
"I hate to say this, but if this is happening all over the universe then it is an untold number for all the lives that this is effecting," Harley was the one that said this, "The Lanterns are most likely the ones that turn first since they would be the first ones to try and stop this,"
Atom can see where the crazy blonde is thinking, "I hate to agree with Harley with this, but she's right. With so many Lanterns running around how are we going to stop it?" he turns to Deathstroke, "You said that Death one of the Endless sent you to help. Did Death tell you anything?"
Shacking his head, "No, just that hope will come when the darkness hour was here. Let's just hope we're not too long for ever we're going!"
-Outer Space-
Flying through space with everyone single Black Lantern flying after him is John Stewart giving a message over open communications for anyone to hear him, "If anyone on Earth can read me! This is Green Lantern John Stewart! YOU'VE GOT INCOMING!"
-Coast City-
"Whose Ring are we leaping out off?" Mera asked as everyone comes out of a Black Lantern Ring with Atom making them grow bigger.
"I saw one of the bacl holes flickering, like it wasn't working properly. I figured it might be one of its last," Atom saw they came out of Wonder Woman's Ring, "Legs?"
Mera quickly jumps in front of them and takes Wonder Woman on, "Atom! Stay down! I will hold her. Find the Flash!"
"You think you have the strength to face an Amazon, Altantian?"
"You Amazons always think your better than everyone else! It's high time that someone shows you otherwise!"
"Rage!"
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Hal flies back to the fight and throw out several green energy constructs that destroy a Black Lantern that Sinestro cut in half.
"Connection severed!"
"You escaped the Black Ring?"
"We outran it," said Flash with him coming through.
"Too bad." that was all Sinestro said.
"What now, Hal?" Carol blasts a Black Lantern with the help from Hal as it severed connection. A green dinosaur is causing chaos behind them, "Even together we did nothing to the Black Lantern powering these things,"
"Because even toether we're a fraction of the White Light,"
"Green Lantern is correct," Saint Walker sees where Hal Jordan is going with this, "We may be able to unify to destroy a single Black Lantern, but Nekron himself…"
"Will require everyone channeling the Light of Life," Indigo-1 finished what Saint Walker was explaining.
"We need all our Corps to unite and use every beam we have o destroy the Black Lantern Battery,"
Indigo-1 turned to the Guardian, "My Tribe can gather them, Ganthet, but it will take time,"
Ganthet turns to Hal and with a wave of his hand the Ring flies off Hal's finger, "Then I will join this fight not as a leader removed, but as another living being fight for his life,"
"What are you doing?" Hal kind of needs that to fight.
"You Ring has been able to replicate itself before in times of great need it will again," Ganthet holds the flouting Ring with it making another, "I am Ganthet of Oa," the Ring flies onto his finger, "I welcome myself to the Green Lantern Corps! We can double our efforts to halt Nekron until the others arrive," green energy flows out of the Guardian for it has been a long time since he'd used the green energy from the Green Lantern Corps.
"Tell us how," asks Saint Walker for now it looks like things are turning for the better.
"Although you each wield different light, your Rings are all based on Oan Technology. And thus, unknown to you, they contain the same safeguard. According to the Book of Oa, the the Shadow of the Blackest Night, the Rings are capable of deputizing an individual for twenty four hours," Ganthet explains how their Rings can make more of themselves.
"You don't control our Rings!" roars out the Red Lanterns
Narrowing his eyes, "Nor do I wish to, Atrocitus, but as my last act as a Guardian; I've already triggered the process."
Blood like red energy comes out of Atrocitus's Ring, "Scanning for Rage!"
"Scanning for Hope!"
"Scanning for Love!"
"Scanning for Fear!"
"Scanning for Compassion!"
"Scanning for Avarice!"
"Sentient located!" the Blue Rings flies out and flies around Naruto, "Naruto Uzumaki of Earth. You have the ability to instill great hope," it still flies around the blonde, "Balance," it flies off, "Barry Allen of Earth! You have the ability to instill great hope!" the symbol of the Blue Lantern Corps appears in Flash's eyes.
Larfleeze tries to stop the second Ring from flying off, "On, no! No, you don't! get back HERE! I don't share with anyone! ANYONE!"
The Orange Ring flies around Naruto, "Naruto Uzumaki of Earth. You want it all," just like the Blue Ring it circles around, "Balance," and the Orange Ring flies off.
A Yellow Ring flies and circles around Naruto, "Naruto Uzumaki of Earth. You have the ability to instill great fear," the Ring circles around, "Balance," and the Yellow Ring flies off.
A Purple Ring flies and circles around Naruto, "Naruto Uzumaki of Earth. You have the ability to feel great compassion," the Ring circles around, "Balance," the Purple Ring flies off.
A Ring Ring flies and circles around Naruto, "Naruto Uzumaki of Earth. You have great rage in your heart," the Ring circles around, "Balance," the Red Ring flies off.
A Pink Ring flies and circles around Naruto, "Naruto Uzumaki of Earth. You have great love in your heart," the Ring circles around, "Balance," the Pink Ring flies off.
-Metropolis-
The thick metal doors bend inward as the undead are breaking through. Luthor who is now wearing his father's power armor looks back at the thick metal door.
"They got here quicker than I expected. Faster than a speeding bullet. Ha!" he knows it's a bad joke but couldn't help himself.
The door is finally ripped opened as the undead floods in.
"I took your lives apart before. I can do it again!" he opens fire onto the undead, but there is too many of them.
One of the undead grab holds Luthor, "Grandson! Your past has finally caught up with you!"
The Orange Ring flies in and zips around him, "Lex Luthor of Earth! You want it all!"
Mine!" the symbol of the Orange Lantern Corps appears in Luthor's eyes.
-Gotham-
A woman screams as a crow peaks at her. Scarecrow stands over her as he captured several people during the chaos and used his Fear Gas on them.
"What it it?"
"Oh, G- God! Oh, God, g- get it off of me!"
"What do you see?" he ignores the screaming woman as he walks over to his work lab, "What has my delicious Fear Gas shown you?" he holds up several beakers before throwing the liquid vision of his Fear Gas onto his face but it doesn't do a thing, "AND WHY WON'T IT SHOW ME!?" Scarecrow rips his mask, "I want to feel it too! But not even the undead can frighten me. I need him! I need to be hunted by the Batman!" Scarecrow grabs a pitchfork, "I'll leave you like a trail across the streets of Gotham! When the rows circle and feed, he'll come looking for me! I need it!"
A Yellow Ring flies into his labs and over to the man, "Jonathan Crane of Earth! You have the ability to instill great fear! Welcome to the Sinestro Corps!" the symbol of the Sinetro Corps appears in the Scarecrow's eyes.
-Coast City-
Atom jumps and kicks a few undead away as he watches Black Canary hit Green Arrow away, "There they are. I've got to… Green Arrow? Ollie? Not Ollie too, please not him too!"
The Purple Ring flies over to Ray, "Ray Palmer of Earth. You have the ability to feel great compassion. Welcome to the Indigo Tribe!"
"Nok." was what Ray says as the symbol of the Indigo Tribe appears in his eyes.
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A Red Ring and a Pink Ring flies over to Mera and Harley. During the fight Harley joined in as Mera was having a hard time fighting Donna.
"Mera of Earth. You have great rage in your heart. You belong to the Red Lantern Corps." blood comes out of the Queen of Atlantis' mouth.
"Harleen Uzumaki of Earth. You have great love in your heart. Welcome to the Star Sapphires." the symbol of the Star Sapphires appears in Harley's eyes with her looking over to her husband as she licks her lips. A shiver goes down Naruto's spine for he doesn't know if that's a good thing or not.
"Carol, why did the Ring go to Harley?" Hal asks the Star Sapphire.
"She's changed in the last few years, Hal. The once criminal is now a married woman. That lust in her eyes though are a little scary,"
"I feel sorry for whoever is her husband,"
No more worries, Hal," both Hal and Carol look over to see Flash and everyone else who gained a Ring, "All will be well." Flash says with a grin on his face.
