Here's the final chapter. It acts kind of like an epilogue and wraps everything up.
Hal, John, Guy and Kilowag guided Kyle back to Oa to meet up with the Guardians. Saint Walker left after bidding his farewells and well wishes, wanting to get home. The other Green Lanterns were glad to have Kyle back. Whether or not he was going to return to his duties this soon was debatable, but they were glad that he was safe.
Hal apologized profusely. And while Kyle did still harbor some resentment towards everything leading up to this point, he did forgive Hal. He couldn't hold a grudge against Hal. Kyle was just glad to be away from the chaos that was Atrocitus and Sinestro. Not that his normal life was much better.
During their journey, Hal never let Kyle go. No matter how much Kyle argued with embarrassment, Hal refused to let him out of his sight. He already lost Kyle once, he didn't want to again.
They landed on Oa without issue and reported to the Guardians. They were glad to hear that Atrocitus and Sinestro were dealt with and that Kyle was safe. Ranakar, however, didn't leave it at that, demanding that Hal and Kyle return to the Corps. it infuriated everyone in the room. Guy loudly argued that Kyle should stay home after what he went through, along with finishing up what was left of his festering issues. John argued that the last thing Kyle needed was to be thrown into the battlefield so soon. Kilowag voiced his agreement with the two Lanterns, and Hal was livid.
It took an interruption from Ganthet to calm everyone down. He agreed with the Lanterns, believing that Kyle needed time to let everything sink in. His capture and emotional temperament needed to be attended to. Ranakar scoffed at his argument annoyed by his fellow Guardian's constant defense towards the Earth Lanterns, Kyle especially. However, he had to accept Ganthet's argument and allow it.
The Lanterns were dismissed, and they went on their way. Kilowag retreated to his quarters and John reported to the training hall. Guy gave Kyle a bear hug. He spouted words of encouragement and told Kyle he was glad that he was okay. Guy was willing to admit that he missed having Kyle around, but wanted him to get better. Kyle thanked Guy before he finally let him go.
Guy left Hal and Kyle alone, going off to take care of some business. Kyle seemed at ease with the care that everyone was so caring. He appreciated their attentiveness, even if it was a little overwhelming. Hal placed a hand on Kyle's shoulder, stealing Kyle's attention. Hal was calm, giving Kyle a pleasant smile.
"You ready?" Hal asked.
"Yeah." Kyle sighed.
The court case was reinstated. Thanks to Bruce, they were able to push it back for a bit while Hal rescued Kyle. Kyle was unnerved by the case. While the distraction of Atrocitus and Sinestro detoured his attention, he couldn't help but have harbored anxiety for his trauma. He wasn't sure that he was entirely ready to handle it. Reinvigorated courage or not.
Thankfully, he had a larger support system than before. He had Hal, who was his main support. He lightened his tone about the situation, but he stood by Kyle. Then there was Bruce, who continued to watch over him from the shadows. The new members were John and Guy. John kept an eye on him and his surroundings, making sure nothing went wrong, and Guy was in the courthouse with him and Hal.
Kyle was called to the stand. This time, he didn't even acknowledge Bueno. He knew he was there, but refused to look at him, uninterested in the looks he was getting. Kyle took a seat and was given the initiation to the witness stand.
"Do you promise to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?" The judge interrogated.
"I do." Kyle agreed.
The case went well. Kyle stood his ground against all lines of questioning he got. David kept his questions to the point, making sure to emphasize the lack of memories and how he did nothing wrong. For John, Kyle didn't let his questioning get to him. He tried to pawn the jury into believing that Kyle's memory cleared his client, since it could have been anyone. Kyle defended his stance, knowing that it was him. Even if he didn't remember the incident itself, the fact the he recalled his attacker only saying 'Bueno' was enough to get his side out.
With the help of a medical examiner from the night in question, the jury was able to agree that Bueno Excellente was guilty. They agreed to a fifteen year sentence without parole. It was a sentence that everyone could agree with.
Kyle exited the courtroom with relief. It was finally over. He could finally put this ordeal behind him and move on. Guy proudly congratulated Kyle for getting justice and couldn't wait for Kyle to return to the Corps. When he was ready of course.
Bruce let Kyle know that he was happy for Kyle. happy that this was over and happy that he was safe. It was an appreciated sentiment. One that shouldn't be taken lightly.
Hal was relieved. He extended a hand to Kyle, offering him comfort. Kyle accepted it before Hal embraced him. Hal was ready to leave this all behind him, and he was sure that Kyle was too.
The doors of Hal's house opened up. It was Kyle carrying several suitcases. Hal invited Kyle in, offering him the guest room. Kyle had spent a few nights at his apartment before deciding to take up Hal's offer to stay with him for a while. He wanted to be closer to people, a little afraid to be alone. Kyle entered the room without haste. It hadn't changed since he was last there.
"Thank you." Kyle sighed.
"Anything for you." Hal replied. "Would you like to go to the base? I don't think I've every offered you a tour.
"Yeah."
I want to thank everyone who has followed this piece. I know it wasn't something that I usually right and may not be perfect, but I'm glad that you've read it. I may write more Hal and Kyle centric fics in the future (probably not based around this, but I'd still like to write stuff about them) so if you'd like to see that, there may be a chance you will.
