A/N
Hello once again, my friends. A huge shoutout for all 2,600 views! and the latest reviews, including:
Guest: Don't worry, Kyle's background will be explored later on.
Elvisfonz23: Thanks for the feedback, and no I'm not going give anything away to do with Artemis, and Kyle. Just keep hoping okay.
patattack: Cheers for the compliments, I'm glad you liked the fight and the banter too.
Chapter 11) Lost in translation...
Hal's POV
Out of all the painstakingly awful scenarios that had run through my head, this... has to be so bad, I didn't even think it to be possible. The other ideas I had were all easily blown away by this. How has it come down to this? Every waking moment I have "mentored" Kyle, I never believed this could ever be plausable- a trial... with one of the possible outcomes... getting kicked out of the corp.
Nevertheless, I have all the faith that Kyle will be fine, I mean, he has proven his mettle time, and time again; YJ is a testiment to that, even the Bat would agree. I should have kept quiet, as this all on me. When he trusted me the most, I abandoned the kid, and headed straight to the guardians.
Upon receiving the news, most of them were indifferent at most, but Scar... Scar was livid, and still is. However, the final decision still relies on the majority of the guardians agreeing, and there is rarely a time when these wise beings disagree, too heavily- all expect Scar, who often tends to downright reject the others proposals. Still, I do pity her. It sounds weird that I get to pity an insurmountable powerful sentient, but she (if she is a she) has gone through a lot.
Although, I can't blatantly ignore the fact she wants to expel my friend, Kyle, from the very corp he has worked so hard to get into. Do they even know how many of the other Lanters look down on him? They see the kid as a rip-off... of me. They also whisper that he isn't as willed as me.
But, I know differently.
Sure, Kyle may be rash, sometimes annoying, and yet, he has done something even members of the honour guard have failed- to defeat the Yellow Lantern, Sinestro- that makes him pretty awesome in my books. How could they even debate this? He is obviously a great candidate, the ring wouldn't have latched to his finger otherwise. Damn this system, and it's selective recruitment policies. If it were up to me, we should be holding try-outs for Oa's sake. Great, now Kyle has me saying that.
Reflecting on the ongoing trial, I observe the spectators in the crowd- both Kilowog, and Guy Gardener is here. Of course, John hasn't decided to grace us with his presence, as he has "league" business. What does that even mean anyway?
Overtime, I have noticed the way I'm being phased out of the big seven, even Barry has commented at that, saying: "Where are you, Hal? John is constantly in your seat." well, it is the Barry Allen, so he could be exaggerating slightly. However, believing that I'm apart of the seven is folly: I can tell when I am the least favourite. Oh, and the fact that John always goes on the important missions, leaving me to twiddle my thumbs. Your going off topic, Hal. Refocusing, I spot Kilowog giving me the "poozer" look.
What is he looking at? Huh. "Lantern Jordan!" a voice snaps at me, shaking me from my thoughts. Looking up, I see all of the guardians eyeing me suspiciously, as though I was the one on trial here. "Now that we have your attention, please recount your appeal." the lead guardian speaks up, his voice reverberating around the platform.
"Guardians, as I said previously, I believe that this trial is not needed. Lantern Rayner is fully worthy of his status as a member of the corp, surely his defeat of Sinestro is undeniable evidence of that." I cordially plead with the Guardians of the Universe, not caring that I sound desperate.
"A fluke on his part!" Scar waves it away dismissively, glaring at me. The rest of the guardians glance disapprovingly on their peer, seeking out explanation for the sudden rejection. "A lesser-experienced Lantern- like Rayner- could not possibly defeat Sinestro." Scar elaborates. Annoyingly so, Scar refused to refer to Kyle by his formal position, making me just that bit more irritated than I already am.
"Considering we have witnesses from the League, we must presume he was victorious." another guardian states to Scar's annoyance; I can see it irradiating from her posture.
"The League is hardly trustworthy." Scar replies, teetering dangerously close to a snort, which would be punished by her fellows.The League will remember that the next time you need saving, you little-
"Go on, Lantern Jordan." the leader once again stimulates the appeal, his tone inquisitive, and plain. Before Scar could open her mouth, and intervene, the others cut her off with demanding gazes. "Tell us more about, Lantern Rayner." he adds on, putting his hands inside the sleeves of his red clothes.
"Where to start- Kyle is involved with a team of young heroes, dedicated to helping them grow more independent, and to bond. From this team, I have observed Kyle's spurts, with a little while longer, he may be one of the best Lanterns the corp has." I honestly answer, meeting the penetrating expressions of the guardian's, head on. "So, this... Young Justice... is helping him in ways that I couldn't- providing him with a family, and friends." I carry on, thinking about all my failures in relation to my apprentice.
"This group sounds beneficial, but your witness account alone is not enough." Scar comments in a direct attempt to undermine the credibility of my observations. "Can anyone else among us, testify?" she confidently continues, sweeping her eyes across the corp.
"I can!" a deep voice emerges from the mass crowd, and John Stewart appears above them. Okayyyy, so maybe I spoke too soon. I mean can anyone blame me? John has been very detached from me, lately. "I will vouch for Kyle Rayner!" he yells again, just so the rest of the spectators can fully hear his cry.
"Very well, then, give your side of the argument, Lantern Stewart." Scar nearly sighs, the disdain highly present on her never wavering voice.
"Where to begin," John announces as he floats by my side, keeping just outside my peripheral vision. "Kyle was present in a warring scenario which involved may of Earths most villainous characters, including: Black Adam, Killer Frost, and the mind-controller Gorilla Grodd. During this heated engagement, a hero named Green Arrow laid witness to Kyle's triumph over Sinestro. He said it was genuine, but still with tremendous effort. Surely, this is grounds for the dropping of this tribunal." John eagerly brings forth his opinion, maintaining a watchful eye over the guardians.
"Lantern Stewart, he have previously considered this, and have decided your League is not thoroughly reliable, meaning their evidence isn't credible enough." Scar sneers, and yet retains her usual expressionless appearance.
"What about my testimony!" another shout comes from the crowd, and the hulking veteran Kilowog hovers upwards. And Kilowog? The guardians have to believe this. Smirking at the turn of events, I quickly switch to a blank expression, hoping that no-one noticed.
And of course, Scar did. Nothing odd can get past her, it's unbelievable.
"Hmmmmm," the lead guardian considers "Go on." he accepts after careful deliberation.
"It is my opinion that Kyle has the potential to become an effective Lantern," Kilowog starts. Oh yeah, you tell them Kilo. "but," he emphasises. The overseers of the trial collectively lean forward curiously. What the hell!? "He... shouldn't be here. I have been a lantern for a long time, and... it is my belief that we must stay true to the rules of the corp. Otherwise, it defeats the point." Kilowog grounds out, solemnly.
"Oh, come on! Yo-"
"Silence! Lantern Jordan!" I am cut off by one of the guardians- I am too annoyed to tell which of them. "You must wait your turn." the presumably male voice sternly orders.
"That's all I have to say." Kilowog informs, and flies back to the group with his head hung low. How could he? He just said he had the potential! Hopefully, mine, and John's defence will be enough.
"And now, it is up to us to decide the fate of Kyle." Scar responds, callously. Then, the guardians remain silent, each one reviewing all of the details with their own scrutiny. This is it, if Kyle leaves, I may lose my trust in this corp. How can they sit there, and find a solution? There is no problem here, only the ones that Scar has caused. The divide that she was wrought will influence them, as it always has done. Ever since the start of the Green Lanterns, she has defied the others at every turn, after damn turn.
A creepily eerie silence erupts over the platform- neither lantern or guardian willing to break the built up tension. The drama is overwhelming, to the point that I am feeling the urge to get up, and scramble away, just to avoid it. If this does go sideways, I wonder how he will react. Will he be angry, sad, or just... confused? Either way, I am sorry for him. This never would have happened if I didn't open my loud mouth. Best thing I can do for him now, is stay strong. John must be in the same predicament, as he wouldn't have taken away his precious time, and come here. Yet, he did.
That is all that matters. I suppose, anyway.
The endless waiting finally ends when the de-facto lead guardian clears his throat, demanding absolute attention. "Guardians, take your vote. Majority, Rayner will be stripped of his status, and ring." he commands, and immediately Scar tilts her head up, and lights her eyes up in a brilliant white, signalling her vote. In a terrifying sequence, several others so the same manoeuvre in utter synchronisation.
As it stands, it is even. One more vote would spell the end of Kyle's brief tenure as a lantern. Say no, say no, please. I beg that whatever emotions these beings have left will make them take sympathy with Kyle.
My hope shatters, as the lead guardian goes in favour. In all of my years, I have never felt my soul crushed in this way. This means I may never see Kyle again, and that he will have to be kicked off the Young Justice team. He isn't capable of fighting without his powers; not in the same way Batman, or Robin can.
Now, my only concern is how I will announce this to Kyle- the news will destroy him- all he ever wanted to be is a hero, comparable to me. He won't get that chance after this... unless he seeks out any other power. But, he hardly going to spill chemicals on himself, and he definitely cannot transform into a Kryptonian. Not that I know of, maybe he will snatch a way. Although, it still won't be the same for him; that, I can assure anyone.
"It has been elected," Scar heartily reverberates her voice. "Kyle Rayner is no longer a Green Lantern. Would anyone volunteer to strip his ring from him?" Scar raises an eyebrow at the silent participants.
"I will." I unconsciously mutter, knowing it is up to me to make this right.
"Very well," Scar puts her hands by her side. "afterwards, allow the ring to seek a candidate. As it should have." she firmly orders, leaving no room for further debate.
3rd October, 07:30AM- Coast City
The same words repeat themselves in my brain, never stopping; never understanding. Only a few short hours ago, the most unimaginable, awful moment of my miserable life took place. Those words phrased every so calmly. "I'm sorry Kyle, but... I have to take your ring." that apology from Hal, was the catalyst to my annihilation. Without another word, I left Mount Justice behind, telling my sympathetic friends that I am coming back.
But... can I go back?
Once upon a time, I would have laughed, and sneered, if you said that I was not going to be green, forever. Back then, I was too gullible. All of this mess is my doing. I thought that maybe, just maybe... everything was going smoothly.
How wrong I was, huh.
So, here I am- slumped on a random rooftop, guessing how cruel the next twist in my life will be. One of them, is that I fall off this building, however, that isn't possible. I'm too good for that nonsense, proportionally, I have a better chance of meeting Batman with his cowl down. He always seemed like the Sylvester Stallone type to me, or he is Shia Lebeouf, as he is undeniably insane enough to be a vigilante.
I'm doing that thing again- going off topic- it tends to happen when I'm furious. Wait... I am furious. How could they?! After everything I have done for that corp, they throw me out like a discardable camera! Absolutely fantastic! I bet that Hal put them up to this! He thinks I fell for the fake smile, and that atrocious apology. Guess what, I haven't! I will never forgive him!
The uncontrollable wrath through my veins seeks no way of being put out, instead it eggs me on, driving me insane. Thank you Oa! For being such idiots! No evil shall escape my sight, my ass! THEY are the evil!
Amogst my rage, I could sense another horrifying emotion slithering into me- dread, in it's uncomfortable form of paranioa. Are they coming for me? Coming to tie up any loose ends- namely me? If they do come, the only way I can protect myself is by hiding.
No! You are not some coward! As my two prominent emotions battle over my mind, my heart beats at an extraordinary rate. This feeling... I have never dreamt of having before. The seething wrath is boiling my blood, but the fear is wreaking havoc on my brain. To the point, I don't control myself anymore. Lurching forward cradling my knees, I appear like a weeping child; both frightened, and alone. That is because I am.
Kill them all! Hide from them! Skin them alive! Run away! the swirl of contradicting thought clouds my vision, and throbs my head viciously. As my body shakes with the effort of the war, one last thought embodies everything that I believe.
This is not the end.
If they want to play dirty, then that's all great by me; all I will do is be dirty back. If you want to strip me of my ring, I will obtain another. If you want to split me away from my friends, I will reforge our bonds, ten times stronger. Beforehand, all I ever strived to achieve is justice, but now... all I need is revenge.
Nobody is halting me from my ambition- to prove them wrong.
Superman, you had better watch your back, because Kyle Rayner is on the block. Death is too easy for them! What if Superman wants to fight me?
On que, two brilliantly shining rings slowly approach me, practically daring me to place them on my finger- one is yellow, the other... is red. Grasping them without delay, I slip them back on each middle finger, feeling their strength course through me; my body acting as a conduit. Suddenly, I keel over, and convulse heavily on the ground. Instead of vomit, a thick crimson gushes out, until I faint from the sight.
Mount Justice, 09:00AM
Robin's POV
Grading this moment on a scale of one to horrendous, I think that the latter provides a more accurate insight into what's happening. Here we were, enjoying our morning breakfast after the mission, and... Kyle turns up. But... this isn't the Kyle as we knew him. The Kyle we know and love, tends to emit a green aura, not a combination of red, and yellow. His once awesome suit, has descended into a scary sight. His entire body is shiny, like metal armour, and a diagonal line comes across from his left shoulder to his right waist. The top half is a bright yellow, and the bottom is a sickening blood-red crimson.
"OMG!" Wally exclaims at the sight, his plate shattering on the ground as he drops it, sausages rolling onto the ground. "What the hell!?" Wally chokes, waving his hands in front of his eyes.
"Don't ask, or stare. Tell me when more food is ready." Kyle simply replies, and marches off in the direction of his room. "I mean it!" he yells over his shoulder, somehow realising that we were observing him striding away.
"Call Hal?" Wally questions, taken aback by the outburst.
"Yeah," I huff, and trudge to the kitchen, wanting to escape the overwhelming atmosphere. "I am so whelmed." I mutter to myself, whilst slicing up some bacon.
A/N
Thanks for reading this chapter for me guys, and I love all the reviews so far, it just makes my skin crawl when another comes in. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the epic, and sudden transformation of Kyle Rayner, because I sure did.
P.S. If you haven't seen it already, I have a DC story on this account, which has the same amount of praise as this. So, feel free to check it out for some original DC character awesomess. It also includes an original city, villains, and etc.