A/N
Here is just a little thing about reviews I would like to put down, as I think you should be recognised for your reviews.
Random/Unknown guest: Thanks for the support, I am glad to see you are enjoying this so far.
Brodie .S: Cheers for the support, and thank you dearly for the feedback on my representation of characters; I love your review!
Pattack: That's why I put it in. We all know that Kyle would think Batman has bad-*** as a power, especially after he heard them talking about him. Thanks for the comment about the fight as well, I hope it's as detailed as people like.
Overall, thank you for the 1,300 views and 9 reviews.
Wait ... that rhymed.
In reality, I had sooo much fun writing this. As you will find out.
Chapter 8) I'm a hero ... in training
31st of September, 10:45AM
Kyle Rayner's POV - Oa
When I imagined the punishment that Hal had in mind, it certainly was no-where near this, and I mean no-where; this is on a whole different scale of detention. Having blasts of willpower energy launched at you, isn't what you might call painless. In fact, it hurts like hell- a worse version of hell.
Next time, I would really, really prefer to be doing something else. Maybe, running a marathon or doing laps; something other than taking part in a dogfight between a weak human and a seemingly ten-tonne Bolovaxian. Speaking of the devil, he appear beneath me and shoulder-tackles me from below. The impact knocks me from my flight and before I could adapt, he latches onto me with a chain.
Uh-oh, this is going to hurt ... a lot.
My prediction comes painfully true, when he yanks down forcefully. Being a human, I naturally can't overcome his strength, and he catapults me into the solid platform (we tend to use for training). As you would expect, I slam into the surface with a thud.
It didn't hurt as much as I thought it would.
That was until Kilowog lands triumphantly on my chest, crushing my poor rubs until I struggle to breathe. For a second, I wonder if he was going to get off, but he eventually does. Gasping uncontrollably, I resist the primal desire to flip the bird on the trainer.
You survived, Kyle. That alone deserves an applause, just like managing to shut Wally up - Impossible, but I did it eventually.
"When will you ever learn, poozer?" Kilowog sighs deeply, whilst extending his tree-trunk hand, presumably to help my whelpy being up. However, this is a lesson I learned a long time ago. Never, ever, show mercy to any opponent. Always play dirty ... which just so happens to be the way I like it.
"No idea. Although, I do think I have had enough for today, at least." I assure, putting on my best innocent smile. Grabbing his hand, (which just so happens to be his ring hand) I construct a large weight and let it go. Not expecting my innovative move, his face turns to shock as he plummets to the ground by his hand.
My totalitarian instructor's head smacks off the floor with a sickening bounce.
"You're gonna pay for that, poozer." he snarls and breaks my construct using his own will of steel.
"What's the matter? Does poor Kilo not like losing to "poozers", awww ... such a pity." I mock, much to his chagrin.
Now standing tall in front of me, his face surprisingly contorts into a ... smile? Or is it a face spasm? I really can't tell. In any of the possible scenarios, I do not, I repeat, do not want to see that again. It looks like a mixture of Emperor Palpatine's smirk and a pig about to laugh. Horrified to my very soul, I shake my head to signify my disapproval.
"What's the matter with you?" he questions rigorously, as though I did something terrible.
"Never smile again, or I swear I am leaving, and never coming back." I threaten, not even jokingly. At this point, I am beyond deadly serious; more like Batman at a funeral, serious. Kilowog only smirks further, expounding into further depths of annoying.
"I see now. It's that time of month for humans, isn't it?" he snickers in a very un-Kilowog way. It seems that large doses of me can rub off on you. Not that, that isn't good, but it's just weird on him. Kilowog is usually the definition of professional narrowness, he lives for his job, and never jokes. Although, his comment really rubbed me the wrong. Internally seething, I prepare to let rip, when I notice the amusement on his face.
" You are a d-... absolute idiot, you know that?" I growl, nearly cursing the wretched alien.
"Come on poozer, of course I know that is reserved for the females of your species. Don't be so short-fused, it will only hurt you in battle." he assures and advises, this time in his serious persona.
Thank you god, the effects of me is only temporary.
The veteran lantern, then lifts off gracefully into the air. Typically speaking, gracefully is not a word a person associates with Kilowog, but that time he definitely was. Gesturing for me to follow with a wave of his hand, I join him into the vast expanses of the space around Oa. As I catch up to him, I notice the central battery. In a nutshell, I would say that it is beautiful and awe-inspiring.
The Central Battery is quite literally: the engine that drives us. Every so often, it pulsates; as if it is alive and pumping willpower into the universe. This is without out a doubt, a memory I want to hold onto forever. The training, the views and the atmosphere of Oa. All of it, I will never forget.
"So, Kilo, how are you?" I interrogate. It's been so long that I need to re-integrate myself to the Corp, especially my friends- Hal, John, Kilo, and hell ... even Guy. These select people have changed my life. Whether for good, or bad, I haven't decided yet.
"Poozer, do I really need to answer that?" he counters. Despite the sassiness in his words, his tone was fairly gentle; as though he was carefully choosing his words.
"What's going on?" I ask sincerely, although if it's bad enough to effect Kilo, then I never want to know.
Guess all the endless fighting is taking a heavy toll ... like it has ... to all of us.
"Everything used to simple. A Lantern did one of three things in his life, including: 1) Policing their sector to the best of their abilities. 2) Defending the innocent. Finally, 3) Maintaing peace and justice in the galaxy." he begins, weariness seeping through his voice. Considering all he has seen and done, I believe he is growing tired of it. "Now, violence is everywhere. From Earth to the furthest planets, war is sparked. We no longer have the personnel to keep up our sacred duties. " he carries on. As of that moment, my world froze still.
I know how he feels.
The conflict, and the villains, will never stop. Ever.
"A couple of years ago, I could name our enemies on one hand. But now, they are everywhere. Even-"
"-in our own ranks." I interject, rudely. However, he doesn't seem to mind, instead, he nods.
"Fear can corrupt even the most willed Lanterns." he agrees, looking around him at our fellow member flying by. "Never give in to fear, Kyle. It only breaks you." he continues, a glint of determination in his eyes.
"As long as we stay strong, and never give up, we will always win. That's the way of a Green Lantern." I recall the piece of information I last procured from him. It seems that it has been so long since that day, it's mind-blowing how far I have come.
And so far, I have yet to go.
"That's right, poozer. Haha, we will make an honour guard out of you yet." he chuckles at my mini-speech; he shouldn't have done that.
"Ready for round 2?" I challenge, whilst mocking him with my hand, telling him to bring it on.
"Very funny, poozer... I always knew humans liked getting beat." he accepts, and crosses arms patronisingly.
Let's dance, big-guy.
1st October, 3:00PM
Oa
Of all the people I could have been assigned to, he has to be the worst. This particular Lantern holds great confidence, so much that it twists into absolute arrogance. Arrogance that is dumbfoundedly annoying. To the point where I am consider being pro-active and attack the fool, before he down-right destroys anything left of my fragile mindset; which is also very much damaged and annoying in its own right.
This is Lantern- pretentious and brash, is Guy Gardner himself. From his posture, you could see the self-esteem flowing through his body, like psychological water. To my amazement and nerves, he simply floats their cockily, as though I should bow down to him.
Not a chance.
A tense and un-nerving silence envelops us, neither man backing down. The wait feels like a lecture from Batman; stifling and un-ending. Until Guy seemingly got bored and he sighs dramatically. "Guy Gardener doesn't have time for this." Guy groans. "He has to be out there ... saving the wide, wide world." he informs, casually talking about himself in the third-person.
"Because Guy always saves the galaxy, doesn't he?" I sarcastically scoff. This leads him to menacingly glare at me; not in a way Batman would, but instead to assert his dominance over me. Staring at him right back in his eyes, I smirk. "At least, that's not what I have seen so far." I snicker in his face. On one hand, it seemed to have no effect, but on the other hand, I watch as his lip curls into an innocent smile.
"Look who it is: 00-smartass." he burst out laughing, barely taking in any breaths whilst doing so.
Can he be any more annoying? People say that I am deeply annoying at a molecular level.
After a few bouts of sudden amusement, he let's off one last snort. Then, he beams at me, eyes flickering up and down me every so often- very creepily, I might add. "You aren't much, are you, kid?" he asks, although I presume it to be a rhetorical question. "Ahhh, I'm just messing with ya, kid. I never disrespect anyone I don't like ... most of the time." he waves away the tense situation, with a literal flick of the wrist.
"Soooo ... what are we doing today?" I change the subject as quickly as possible. If I didn't, it would have been possible for him to launch into a tirade about Hal or the League. A part of me feels sorry for him. Being rejected by the League must have been difficult for him, for two seconds altogether. Why did they reject him? The arrogance? the sarcasm? ... my money is on Hal and Jon rejecting him themselves- they never did like Guy.
And for good reason.
"Today, I am going to teach you about the best role model you can have, his names is..." he stops. No doubt, he wants me finish his sentence to boost his already inflated ego.
Sighing, (ready to up and leave) I decide to give the over-grown child his milk. "You." I answer. Biting back the urge to add more onto my response, I force a smile that only just manages to appear on my face.
"Of course, it's me. Who else would be a fantastic role-model to a young Greenie like you?" he asks to no-one in particular. Guy never ceases to stop surprising me-the humour, his dedication to his substantial ego and his unfledging desire to a celebrity- all contained in one human being.
"As I was saying ... If you be me ... well, be LIKE me, as you will never be as good as me ... you won't go wrong." he assures, looking proudly into space. He really needs to get himself checked out for a mental illness, because that is not right. Continued to gaze at the stars, it appears that he has completely forgot about my pathetic existence. Saving me the trouble of listening to him rant and rave all day. No joke, Hal told me a story about that.
At the same time, I know that there must be some redeeming qualities in him. Otherwise, the ring wouldn't have chosen him, although it would be funny if his ring malfunctioned and picked him instead.
Says the guy that was chosen by a little blue guardian.
Thinking about it now, was I selected for a reason, or was it pure chance.I have a feeling this question will haunt my mind for a long time to come, serves me right for coming up with it.
Suddenly, Guy swerves around, the same look of confidence on his face. "You know... I could show you some smooth moves." he informs slowly, wanting to savour the moment that I accept help from him.
"Sure, why not?" I groan, but secretly, I actually want to see what he has in store for me. Have I learnt everything I need to know? Or, has Hal been holding me back? John, well John, I have no idea what he does. Motioning for me to follow him, I am let to the training platform for the second time in two days.
"Can you hear me? " Guy asks once we reach the platform, and gently touch down. For a second, my mind seized up. Did he just telepathically tell me something?
"W-Wait ... are you a Martian? " I think, incredulously. At this point, my mind equals severely blown.
"Really? Martian? Believe it or not, there are obviously things the GREAT Hal Jordan hasn't told you." he remarks. It's remarkable how similar it is to the telepathic link Miss. M puts between us. "Listen up, kid. Guy Gardener is going to teach you how to be a hero." he winks at me, with a smirk on his face.
Then, he disapears out of thin air; my eagerness is replaced by an unshakeable nihilism. "Where the heck are you?! " I telepathically yell, seeing the annoying brat is nowhere to be found. After a few seconds, space itself seems to sigh, before Guy pops up in front of my eyes.
"Invisibility is my favourite past-time. For a lantern as willed as me, it's really, really easy. So, I think you might struggle a bit." Guy comments insolently. Sometimes, I have a feeling that Kilowog would kill him in a heartbeat.
I'm starting to think the same thing.
1st October, 6:00PM
Oa
For the next three hours of my down-trodden life, I was subjected to a game of hide and seek; practically ruining my enjoyment levels for the day. Guy and a very reluctant me, took it in turns to attempt to hide from the other, using our shared skillsets- invisibility, Light refraction- basically the whole lot.
Furthermore, he didn't take into account that I am struggling with my abilities. On the other hand, I have improved; my skillset has expanded and I generally feel better about myself. Resisting the urge to scream in victory, I tap a point in open space, and Guy emerges.
"Gotcha." I state dramatically. Guy shakes his and face-palms; not at me, but his own failure to succeed at beating a newbie lantern like me.
"Gotta hand it to you, I am impressed... still not as spectacularly awesome as me, though. Nobody is THAT good." he responds, shaking off my triumph with his own bigotry. "Some day, I want to get you to a club, or something like that." he randomly briefs, whilst gazing into the atmosphere.
"A club?" I literally raise an eyebrow at his suggestion. Is he really that stupid, because we can't just walk into a bar; we have an important job to do.
"Yes, a club- full of women, and booze- just the way I like it." he elaborates, a touch of nostalgia being picked up from his tone.
"Ok then, have fun with that." I retort. However, being the Guy Gardener, he doesn't pay attention enough to hear my words.
"Friend of yours?" Guy answers back, still observing the atmosphere. Until now, I believed he was staring at the stars, although now, I see a green aura flowing off a fellow peer heading towards us. "Maybe he's here to congratulate me on my amazing-ness." Guy reasons in his own way; once again blinded by his blooming ego. Carefully observing the incoming lantern, he eventually reaches us. Instead of greeting Guy, he moves straight past him, and up to me.
"Hello?" I tentatively imply, hoping that whatever he had to say isn't that serious.
"Greetings, Lantern Rayner." the squid-like alien cordially greets.
He's being nice.
This has to be bad.
"An ally named Batman requests your presence in Bialya, you are ordered to meet up with a so-called "bio-ship" in American airspace." he continues, still speaking in a polite and well-mannered tone,as if I am going to explode at any second.
"Why have I been requested to Bialya?" I question curiously, wanted to know the details, before I dive head first into this.
"To acquire LexCorp weapons, and arrest a known fugitive known as Ra's al Ghul, that is all I have been told by Lantern Stewart." he bluntly replies, to his credit. No hedging around the fence with this lantern.
"Better get going, the Bat hates lateness. After all this time, I still don't understand why he hates me, I mean, what is there not to like?" Guy butts in.
"Don't make me answer that."
A/N
I really hope I did a good presentation of Kilowog and Guy Gardener, review how you think I did . Also, don't be afraid to critisise me, lol.
I did this chapter dedicated to Oa, as I don't think the Green Lantern's are ever done justice. Everything is about Superman and Batman's struggles, that we forget about how others are struggling. For example, the corp are fractured and it's a very turbulant time for them. They have no idea who is is friend or foe anymore. Add in the likes of Hal shrugging off his duty to the corp, and mostly staying on Earth, they lack a role model.
Sinestro used to be that figure of admiration, so, when he turned to fear, it ruined the corp.
Anyway, sorry for the deeper meaning and mini-rant.
Kyle Rayner, out.