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Green Lantern flew through space, it had taken him a little over 57hrs to reach Ranstad-7. He knew Kilowog would be in good hands with J'onn and the rest of the league would keep him safe while he recovered. His main focus was Katma, she was in trouble and he would do everything he could to bring her back safely, she was too skilled and important to lose.

When he arrived, he was greeted with the sight of a destroyed Green Lantern ship; he flew over to it and used his ring to examine the wreckage. The sight reminded him of the remains of the space station Prometheus. There was no sign of life amongst the debris, but there were also no bodies floating either.

That wasn't unusual since the Power rings maintained a life support system for all green lanterns whether they were in or out of space. It was very rare to find a Green Lantern that had died from exposure in space. However, the readings the ring was giving Green Lantern were very odd and highly concerning. According to his ring, some unknown energy had been used against the ship and it had annihilated the ship's defences and torn through the outer hull with ease. Almost as if it was tearing through tissue paper.

"This is a class 9 stealth and transport curser," Green Lantern observed, "what kind of weapon just tears through it like nothing?"

His ring had no answer for him. Other than that, such a weapon did not exist. Green Lantern looked around and did a few more scans, but he didn't find anything, no iron trails, no evidence of other ships nothing. After doing a few more sweeps, Green Lantern turned his attention to the planet below, if the remains in orbit held no answers, then they had to be found on the planet's surface. Using his ring to pull up what information Oa had on Ranstad-7, he was relieved to find there was only one major settlement and area on the planet that could support life. Hopefully, he would Find Katma there or at the very least any information in regards to what happened in orbit.

John headed for the only city on the planet. As he flew towards it, he noted that most if not all of the planet were vast deserts with next to no vegetation to be found. Every so often he would use his ring to scan for any signs of life but found none. No lizards, not desert bugs or creatures, not even a deep underground water source. It was as if the whole planet was dead…well almost dead. There was Kalanor, the only settlement on the planet. With little choice, John headed there.

He landed in the town square, the moment he did the planet's inhabitants moved away, parents pulled their kids closer and rushed off, windows and doors closed. John wasn't too concerned; it wasn't unusual for lesser developed planets to be wary and shy away from green Lanterns; especially this far out. He glances around taking in the stone worked square shaped buildings and the open-air street that also served as a market.

The design and layout reminded him of middle eastern culture on earth.

The people of Randstad -7 were tall humanoids with fins on top of their heads, any outsider would mistake their species to be aquatic base, however, they lacked the gills and webbing on their hands and feet to move freely through the water. Their race also had either green or purple skin, though most were purple.

Sensing there could be trouble if he hung around, Green Lantern headed for a back ally to watch and observe the people, and hopefully find someone who would be willing to assist him. Skulking around the back ally paid off, not long after he had started, he noticed a figure fleeing through the streets, they looked young and scared. Not far behind them were two guards in robes with an eye in the centre of an upside-down triangle. They walked down the street as if they owned it. Their presence and air of purpose had everyone move out of their way.

"Look for answers and you will find them," Green Lantern muttered. It would do him no good to follow the one being chased. Instead, he hung behind the guards and followed them from a distance. It wasn't hard as the guards didn't notice him, either that or they didn't care.

Eventually, the guards headed into a sewer and the two guards split off from each other. Green Lantern knew these tactics, the possibility that the guards were very familiar with the sewer was high if they were willing to break off. John's suspicions were proven correct as the fugitive they were chasing rounded the corner just as the first guard came out in front of him and the second appeared behind the figure.

"No…no please…" the young fugitive begged.

However, the guards didn't respond. The one behind the fugitive hit, the young runner in the back with a metal rod and then tore a bag off their back once the fugitive was on the ground. With the bag in hand, the guard opened it and employed out its contents. 3 leather-bound books fell out; the young one tried to reach for them but the books were picked up by the guard in the front.

"Contraband," the first guard declared. They then looked down with malice and slight glee in their eyes "you know Desperos' law forbids reading,"

The guard dropped the book and destroyed it with energy that emptied from the guards' staff. Green Lantern watched with wide eyes; he didn't think the metal pole would be an energy weapon. It only took him a moment to realise the energy was coming from the guard as it surrounded him like a very intense Aura and the guard was channelling that energy through the pole.

The young fugitive looked up at the guard and clasped his hands together "I beg Despero's forgiveness, Despero is the start of all things, Despero is the end of all things,"

"Wrong," the first guard corrected and lifted his pole so the energy flowing from it was just in front of the young one's head "we are the end,"

At this Green Lantern had seen enough, sure he needed information but he was not about to let some poor kid be killed to get it. He stepped out and used his ring to form two bubbles around the guards.

"Yeah, no," Green Lantern said and slammed them into the nearby wall. Knocking both guards out. The fugitive they had been after stared at Green Lantern in utter shock, Green Lantern looked down on them "you can demonstrate your gratitude by giving me some information,"

This snapped the poor youth back to reality and they quickly got up and ran away in the opposite direction. "Despero forgive me," they cried and disappeared.

"Hey wait…" Green Lantern called after them, but it was too late. Instead, he turned his attention to the books that were left behind.

"Why would books be banned?" Green Lantern wondered. He opened the books and had his ring translate the language; the books weren't anything special at all. There was a fiction novel a general history book and a journal on some older ruins.

Green Lantern let out a sigh, he wouldn't be getting any information from the guards or the books. He stood there for a moment, pondering his next move.

"Well, I can't stay out in the open and if books are forbidden then this Despero has some serious dictator vibes. He's got enforces and probably has every citizen scared out of their wits," Green Lantern muttered to himself "getting around isn't going to be easy nor is getting information. I wish Kat was here, stealth was always her specialty,"

Suddenly Green Lantern realised something.

"Hold on…Stealth," He looked over at the guards' robes and an idea formed in his head. He quickly took a robe off one of the guards and put it on and pulled up the hood. "Kat did always say the best way to hide was to do it in plain sight,"

Green Lantern made his way to the exit of the sewers and once he was out, he headed back towards the more populated areas. The moment he stepped out many people gave him a wide berth like they had the other guards. He passed a few patrols but they didn't stop him, they gave him a nod of greeting, otherwise, he was ignored.

Green Lantern didn't like seeing the fear in the people's eyes when he walked past them and the fact, he wouldn't be able to get any information from the citizens was not ideal. But if he wasn't stopped, he could go anywhere he wanted. After wandering for a while, he spotted some guards that were slacking off. They were leaning by a wall with slumped postures. Green Lantern eyed them and smiled; he could intimidate them easily enough.

"Excuse me," Green Lantern said as he approached. The guards who were slacking looked up at him "I was wondering if you planned on slacking all day. If that's the case then maybe I should report you to Despero,"

The two guards immediately began to panic and Green Lantern could not lie, he found their fumbling in desperation to appear like they weren't slouching their duties to be amusing.

"We weren't slacking," the first guard said.

"Yeah, we were just taking our lunch break,"

"At this hour?" Green Lantern responded sceptically. He didn't know the time; he was just applying more pressure to get the information he wanted.

"I could be persuaded to forget I saw you slaking off. If you give me some information," Green Lantern offered.

The guards looked at each other and then nodded. "What do you want to know?" one of the guards asked.

"I'm looking for a woman named Katma-tui, I've got a personal message from Despero for her,"

"Katma…you mean High Prestress Katama?" the first guard asked.

Priestess? That didn't sound good, he knew that Katma was not a fan of religion, while her race did have their religious practices, Katma viewed relying on some higher entity to save you in exchange for worship as pointless, since it meant that her peoples' lives would no longer be in their hands.

"That's her, I need to deliver it to her house. Where is it?"

"Um…in the temple district…where all the priests and priestess reside," the guard responded.

Green Lantern grinned, he got the guards to give him directions and left them alone. He headed for the temple district; once there it did not take Green Lantern long to find Katmas house, as he approached however a local got in his way.

"Who are you and what are you doing at Kat's place," the man demanded.

"You know Katma Tui?" Green Lantern asked.

"I'm her friend, and I don't know you. So that makes it my business," the man warned and pulled out a sword.

Green Lantern wasn't impressed, if this man was Kat's friend, then he didn't want to hurt them. But if they weren't taking him out with his ring would cause a scene.

"I'm here on official business from Despero," Green Lantern said.

Immediately the man lost their nerve and put the sword away. "Oh…of course…I didn't realise," he then turned and ran in the opposite direction. Green Lantern watched him go and smirked. Now alone Green Lantern approached Kat's house. He knocked on the door but didn't get a response. Instead, he used his ring to break the lock and opened the door.

The inside of the house was fairly spacious, with not a lot of possessions, however, there were several tapestries and vases on display, all decorated with the same purple male figure and a symbol of an eye in a triangle. Green Lantern thought it was plain creepy as this abode did not have the same style and feel as Katmas living space back on Oa. Her place back in the Green Lantern home world was much more tasteful and relaxing.

Looking around the house appeared to be lived in. Green Lantern pulled his ring out and did a quick scan of the room. When his ring beeped, he levitated the cushions on the couch and amongst them hovered a Green Lantern ring. John put the chains back and willed the ring to him. It landed in his hand; he narrowed his eyes and tossed the ring into the air.

The ring fell back down into his hand. John tossed it twice more watching it carefully, there was no hesitation, no glow and no change of course. Normally a Green Lantern would never separate itself from its ring. The most common reason for a ring to be separated from its wielder was death. But this ring wasn't flying away to find a new wielder, even if the ring was out of power, it always had reserve power to find a new bearer.

If Katmas ring was on the planet and was making no effort to find a new holder that meant only one thing.

Katma was still alive.

Not wanting to leave the ring in the house to be found, Green Lantern took it and put it in his other hand. While it would work for him, he could keep it safe until he found Katma.

"Kat, where are you?" Green Lantern wondered. He took a quick look around the house in hopes of finding anything that would give him a clue as to where Katma had gone, however, he didn't find anything.

As Green Lantern was leaving two guards in heavy black armour approached him, they had the same eye symbol on their chest plates as the other guards did.

"You there, you have a personal message for Priestess Tui from Despero?" the first guard said.

"That's right," Green Lantern said. It would look suspicious if he denied it.

"Come, we will escort you to her," the second guard ordered. Without waiting for a response both guards turned and walked off as if they were expecting Green Lantern to follow.

Green Lantern followed cautiously if only to keep up appearances, but if these guards did lead him to Kat, then he would hopefully be able to talk to her in private and find out what was going on and why she left her ring. The guards led Green Lantern to a large Temple that sat on top of a large cliff that overlooked the entire settlement. IT wasn't quite a temple more like a fortress that had elements of the temple and castle-like structures added to it. There was only one way up, a long winding steep path that led up to the top. As Green Lantern and his two escorts walked up the path, he couldn't help but notice the other civilians who were pushing up carts filled with food and other goods along with those who were carrying heavy baskets on their backs. A few guards would occasionally be seen mocking those who were slow and some even bullying the commuters for having less than acceptable offerings to Despero.

It took all of Green Lanterns' willpower to not intervene, he was so close to finding Kat and he didn't want to risk exposing himself. So reluctantly he turned away from the obvious abuse of power and continued onwards and upwards. They arrived at the main entrance and Green Lantern was led through the fortress, the main area had many people placing their offerings around the room with several females in very little clothing checking the offerings; what they were wearing was akin to Princess Lair like Bikini Mail.

Eventually, they came to a large door with golden designs and thick heavy stained glass with an image of a 3-eyed Kalanorian. Inside was a large congregation of people, though the room was full there was a walk space directly through the centre and it led up to an altar where there was a large opening and pure pale white flame was burning. Beyond it was a single figure in front of long purple curtains that was levitating cross-legged in the air. Surrounding the figure were more females, there were some race variations but most of them were Kalanorian and they were all wearing the same skimpy outfits as the others who had been checking the offering.

Green Lantern was starting to not like how this Despero guy was running things.

As soon as he and the guards approached the Alter the guards bowed but Green Lantern didn't and the floating figure turned around. It was a male Kalanorian, who like most of his species had purple skin and a fin on the back of his head, he had a black goatee hanging off his chin and was wearing a toga-like robe that was held in place by a blue clip. However, what was different from all the other Kalanorian was this one had a third eye.

"Greetings, I have been informed that you have a message for Priestess Tui," the figure said.

"That's right, I am under orders from Despero to deliver it personally to her," Green Lantern claimed.

"I see. But I find it odd that Despero would give you such an order when we have never met," the figure said with a smile. Green Lantern froze. "In fact, why would I give one of my guards a message when I can give it to her myself after she is standing right there,"

The figure looked over his shoulder and the Green Lantern's eyes went wide. He knew he'd been caught. Green Lantern dropped the act and pulled his ring out, aiming it at the figure in front of him.

"So, it's another Geen Lantern, how monotonous," the figure said with a bored tone.

The guards all got on alert and were rushing towards Green Lantern however the figure raised his hand and they stopped.

"It's alright, this one has questions as all who come here do and who am I to deny the answers," the figure said calmly "Allow me to properly introduce myself, I am Despero prophet and chosen vessel of the Pytar. What do you wish to know Green Lantern,"

"What the hell is going on here?" he demanded, "what did you do to Kat?"

"What is happing here is that I am performing a sermon that you interrupted, as for a cat, you will forgive me but do not know what that is," Despero said calmly.

"It's short for Katma," Green Lantern growled "I don't know what sick cult you're running but I'm here to rescue Kat,"

"Rescue? That would imply that Priestess Tui is here against her will. I assure you that is not the case as she converted not long after she came to this planet," Despero said.

"Your lying, Kat hates religion, she had particular views on gods,"

"I am aware, she has told me," Despero claimed "yet here she stands at my side. However, if you will not believe me then you are free to ask her yourself,"

Despero stood back and Green Lantern watched him critically, after a tense moment, he moved towards Katama and stared at her.

"Kat, come with me, we have to leave now," Green Lantern said.

"Why? I'm not going anywhere," Katma responded.

"He did something to you, to make you want to stay. You're a green Lantern, the universe needs you, Oa needs you,"

Katma scowled and pulled away from the human "and what about what I want? Yes, I was a Green Lantern but did that life ever do for me, always fighting, going from place to place at the beck and call of the guardians who do nothing but float in a circle. Never settling down and finding a place to settle down," Katma shot back "Despero offered me a place of my own, where I would not have to leave at the drop of a hat,"

"And you do what for him in return, private religious constellations in the back?" Green Lantern accused.

Katma gave him a slap for that remark.

"You think I am that easy? Do you think that is what is going on here? I am not part of some cult, I am part of a greater calling, one whose leader respects and appreciates my efforts. I am not going back to the Green Lantern corps," Katma said furiously.

"Well said Priestess," Despero complimented. He then turned to green Lanett "you have your answer. Now, please leave and report to your superiors, I would hate to have more unannounced interruptions,"

"Hold on, we're not done here," Green Lantern demanded.

"Yes, we are, as far as I am concerned you have three choices, you can either accept that Priestess Tui is here of her own volition and leave peacefully or you can attempt to take her by force, however that will result in your untimely end. The third option is you can follow Priestess Tuis' lead, forsake your Green Lantern ring and join me,"

"That last one is not happing and I am not leaving without Kat," Green Lantern decided.

"Option 2 then," Despero said and shook his head "I am so disappointed,"

The guards who had been on alert rushed over to him and jabbed Green Lantern with their sticks, using the strange energy to try and hold him down. Green Lantern, however, pushed them both off with his own Green Energy, forming two massive fists that shot out of his back. This seemed to take Despero by surprise. Green Lantern turned on Despot once he'd dealt with the guards and used his Ring to shoot an energy beam at the Kalanorian cult leader. To Green Lanterns' surprise, Desperos' third eye closed and he unleashed a beam pale white beam of his own. Green Lantern pushed back with all his might but Despot's beam tore through Green Lantern like it was nothing.

Once the beam impacted the green power ring, Green Lantern cried out in pain and fell to his knees. Despero walked over to the fallen man and looked down at him.

"Now do you see the error of your ways?" he asked in a mocking tone.

"Yeah, I do. I should've taken you out the moment I entered the room," Green Lantern responded defiantly.

Despero scowled and unleashed another attack at Green Lantern, this time it wasn't a beam but the pale white light that formed an aura around him and levitated Green Lanterns into the air. John started to scream and as Despero focused on the Green Lantern's mind and sent a powerful psychic attack, John felt like his mind was being ripped apart, even though Green Lanterns were supposed to have singular Will, whatever Despero was doing was completely bypassing Green Lantus mental defences. After a few seconds, John went limp and Despot released him; both from his mental attack and his hold.

"Priestess, throw this one into the flame," Despero ordered.

Katma was only too happy to oblige, she grabbed Green Lantern by his clothes and dragged him towards the Pytar.

"Kat stop," Green Lantern tried. However, Katma didn't stop, she dragged Green Lantern over to the burning flamed and threw him into it. Green Lantern cried out in pain as he fell through the fire. As he fell there was a tingling sensation around him and then everything disappeared.

For a brief moment, John couldn't tell what happened to him, the pain from the Pytar had gone and he felt like he was floating in nothingness. He wondered if he was dead and if not, would he meet Death. He hoped that the Reaper was nice and hey, maybe if he mentioned he was friends with Alucard, then the reaper would give him a nice afterlife.

All of a sudden, he felt himself falling again and this time he hit and landed on something hard with a grunt. It wasn't enough to seriously hurt him. Green Lantern opened his eyes to see two Kalanorian standing over him and trying to help him up. One he recognised as the same one that had confronted him outside Katmas home and the other was an older male with a bandana like a scarf tied around his neck. Both were wearing heavy battle gear.

"Easy, your alright friend," the Kalanorian with the scarf said "just give yourself a moment to collect yourself,"

"Uh…thanks," John said and the Kalanorian helped him stand "where am I?"

"Welcome to the Resistance fellow non-believer. My name is Shifflet, and this is my son, Radocko," Shifflet introduced "though I think you two have already met.

"Resistance?" John asked and Shifflet nodded. John let out a sigh "of course, there is always resistance. Don't take this the wrong way but you're the 3rd resistance I've met this year,"

"No offence taken, it pleases me that you have been part of so many, I hope they were all successful," Shifflet said happily.

John thought about the previous resistances the League had encountered and helped, the Black Hawks in WW2, Slade's resistance and now this. "They were in the end, here's hoping I'm three for three,"

"Now that is what I like to hear," Shifflet praised.

"Yeah, but how did I get here?" John asked.

"We plucked you from a fiery death with our matter transport," Radocko claimed.

"You have a matter transporter?" John asked in shock.

Shifflet nodded and pointed to a circular tube-like device behind him. "it's a little rickety, but we have saved many from the same fate that nearly befell you,"

"And it was the only thing I could think of to save you," a female voice spoke up.

John turned around to see that Katma was coming over with a very proactive sway in her hips, it drew John's attention.

"Kat, you're okay," Green Lantern said in relief. He ran over to her to embrace her but was met with a harsh punch in the jaw. It held enough force that John stumbled back and tripped over a cylinder that was lying on the ground and he fell onto his back.

"Okay, I may have deserved that one," John muttered as he sat up to see a very angry Katma standing over him.

"What are you doing here?" she demanded in an angry tone.

"Nice to see you two, I thought you were in trouble," John responded "especially since I found this," Jhon held up Katma's power ring "This isn't something you leave lying around and it's not something any Green Lantern would part with,"

"It is if they are going undercover and don't wish to be identified," Katma scolded and snatched back her ring "a cover you almost blew with your reckless stunt,"

"Sorry," John apologised, Katma huffed in response but didn't push the matter further. Instead, she grabbed him and pulled him into a deep kiss. John returned, once they pulled away, he looked around "So what's going on here, you start the Rebel Alliance or something?" John asked. Great, he was starting to sound like Flash.

"I didn't start it, some people do not like Despero rule, they helped me infiltrate Despero's inner circle and in turn, I help them," Katma claimed

"I see, sorry I almost ruined it," John apologised.

"You should be. But subtlety was never your strong suit,"

John looked at what Katma was wearing "not yours either I see,"

"Oh, you'd be surprised how subtle I can be in this outfit," Kat said flirtatiously. But she suddenly turned serious again. "How did you even know I was here? More importantly, why did you think I was in trouble?"

"Kilowog told me, said you'd been captured," John shrugged.

"Kilowog made to Oa?"

"No, he crashed on earth, told me you were in trouble before passing out. I came straight here,"

"You left Kilowog injured and alone on your planet?" Katma scowled.

"I left him with my team," John defended "I would never leave him alone, especially in the state, he was in. Trust me, Kat, he's in good hands, my friends will look after him,"

Katma nodded, she hadn't meant to sound harsh but after losing everyone who came to Ranstad-7 with her she couldn't help but worry. Katma prayed that Kilowog would recover, he was too good of a Green Lantern to lose.

"Good, then hopefully he will report to the Guardians what's going on out here," Katma said.

"Please, it's more like he'll fly straight back here as soon as he can and burst in to save the day," John snorted.

"he's not you," Katma shot back.

"Oh, I am well aware of that fact," John said and leaned in closer "I'm much better looking,"

"Your full of yourself Stewart," Katma said with a smile "anyway, I need to get back to the temple, rest for now and I'll be back once I've completed my duties,"

"I'll come with you,"

"No, you won't, you'll stay here and coordinate with them," Katma ordered. John frowned "Besides I did just kill you and it would blow my cover if you showed up at the temple," Katma resonated "and you'd stand out in a brass bikini,"

Katma turned and walked away. John watched her go and let out a relieved sigh. He was glad she was okay. Once she was gone, he headed over to Shifflet to see what he could do to help. Shifflet didn't have anything for John to do at the moment and directed him to a sleeping area, he rested for a few hours before he started helping out. Katma returned to the resistance base several hours later, bringing with her baskets of food, John recognised it as some of the offerings from Despero's temple.

Katma explained that part of her role as a priestess was to appraise the offerings, since food is the most common offering, she always sneaked a basket or two out of the temple and gives it to the resistance. Despero doesn't notice nor does his guards since the priestess disposes of the offering not deemed worthy of Despero.

On the second day, he was helping to check the weapons, he hadn't used his power ring for anything while he'd been assisting the resistance, there weren't many tasks that required it and he wanted to save his energy, after all, he didn't have his power battery with him and he would need it if the base was discovered. On the evening of the second day, Katma came down and called everyone together.

"Despero has revealed his plan, he intends to send his troops out into the sector to take over other planets," Katma announced.

"Despero doesn't have enough men let alone any ships to conquer other worlds," Shifflet claimed.

"he's using the Pytar to empower his men in a similar way our Rings empower Green Lanterns. They will be able to cross the void of space with ease,"

"Even then it would still be impossible, Despero wouldn't have the manpower for that," John pointed out "No offence but this planet isn't exactly heavily populated,"

"He will if he recruits from the planets he conquers, and you have seen the powers of the Pytar," Katma retorted.

"Power or no I bet he couldn't withstand the might of the Green Lantern corp. I'll fly to Oa and the guardians to mobilise every lantern we have. There is no way the Corp will ignore this threat," John said.

"That's a good idea we will need the backup since communication outside Ranstad-7 is impossible thanks to Despero," Katma agreed "In the meantime, I will go back to the temple and keep gathering information while the resistance launches raids and small attacks around the city. It will split Despero's forces and limit the number of men he sends into space,"

"If we're lucky he may even hold off the invasion altogether," Radocko added.

"That would be a very good outcome," Katma agreed.

"Alright then, I'll head out now. Make sure to hold down the fort till I get back," John declared "with any luck, we'll have Despero off Ranstad-7 in the next few days,"

No sooner had John said that did a nearby wall blow open and lasers and other weapons were let loose as Despero's men flood into the resistance base. The Kalanorian who had not fallen under Desperos' control had no warning and many were shot down on the spot. Despero's men only held the advantage for a few seconds.

"They found us, we are betrayed," Radocko yelled enraged and he shot a look at Katma.

"Sorry Hunny but I am too good for that," Katma retorted. She called her ring to her and her Green Lantern uniform formed on her. Wasting no time, she flew into the air and put up a shield to protect the rest of the resistance who were scrambling to get their weapons. Parts of her shield were pierced by the energy that Despero's weapons used, but having the shield up was better than not having any protection at all.

Jhon dashed forward and held his ring up, intending to support Katma and reinforce the shield. However only small green sparks came out of his ring.

"What the?" John gasped. He tried again but the result was the same.

"Stewart, what are you waiting for," Katma scolded.

John looked up at her "something's wrong, my rings not working," he claimed.

"What?" Katma gasped, looking down at John. The loss of focus for that split second was all it took to bring down Katmas shield and Desperos men continued to flood in. "Damn it," she cursed. Instead of putting up another shield, she aimed her ring at the ceiling. Unleashing a beam of energy, he dropped a portion of the ceiling on top of Desperos men "grab any weapons you can, we're leaving," she ordered.

The Kalanorian were quick to obey, but many were injured and lay dead on the floor. But they couldn't worry about them now, the resistance only had time to grab the bare minimum of weapons and power pack before a second wall blew down; letting even more soldiers into their hideout. Knowing that their underground escape route was cut off, the resistance headed above ground. This was very risky since Despero's forces would easily sawm the streets but they had no other choice.

Desperos forces chased them through the city, the resistance tried to use the winding streets to their advantage but there seemed to be soldiers at every turn. Katma did what she could but she couldn't defend the large group of 30 or so survivors and fight at the same time. Under normal circumstances Katma would have managed, but since the soldiers had weapons that tore through Kat's defensive constructs she needed to concentrate.

It wasn't long before the resistance turned a corner and came out into the main street, once there they came face to face with several large tanks. One blocked their way forward and another was moving towards them from the other end. John desperately glanced around for an escape route however the smaller laneways and alleys were filling up with soldiers.

"Kat gets us out of here by air," John shouted. He knew Katma would be able to make a stable dome that could be used to evacuate the surviving resistance.

"No can do," Katma said and she created a dome around her and the resistance as Desperos forces got into position. The tank stopped moving and aimed its cannon at the group as did the other one that hadn't moved. From all sides, Despero's forces raised their weapons and from the sky above there were even some soldiers flying, surrounded by the pure white energy.

Jhon knew what this was, there was no way out. He glanced down at his ring, he hoped it would work for its next wielder.

"We're surrounded," Radocko panicked.

"Then we make our last stand here," Katma declared. Her voice and tone sounded confident and brave but she like John knew they weren't going to survive.

A heavily armoured Kalanorian came out from the far side tank. He looked over the resistance with a mixture of sadistic glee and contempt. He raised his arm at the ready, prepared to give the command to fire. However, the second before he could give the order, a sudden pillar of black flames erupted in front of the shielded resistance.

Many Kalanorian took a step back having never seen such a thing before.

"It can't be…that's not possible…is it?" John said he couldn't believe what he was seeing. But it had to be after all he'd seen the black flames enough times to recognise them by now.

"Stewart, what is it?" Katma demanded "What's happing? What are these flames?"

Before john could answer a long-silvered blade flew out of the pillar and went straight through the neck of the commander. The Kalanorian watched as their commander stood there choking and the pillar of flames disappeared. Standing in its place was Hawk girl, J'onn Alucard, Flash and a fully recovered Kilowog. Kilowog had a green power battery in one hand.

John smirked; help had arrived.

The league didn't spare John or the resistance a glance, the moment the flames were gone they sprang into action. Flash sped off and quickly cleared the ground troops out of the alleys moving so fast that in less than 2 seconds he had them all unconscious and gathered up the soldiers' weapons in a pile and was dusting his hands off. Kilowog and Hawkgirl both headed for the tanks, Kilowog sued his ring to lift a tank and threw it away. He didn't care where it landed as long as it wasn't pointing at his friends.

Hawk girl headed for the far tank with Alucard, Alucard zoomed ahead of her and grabbed his sword before launching himself into the air to join J'onn who was focusing on the aerial combatants. The tank fired at hawk girl and but she knocked the energy blast away with her electrified mace before she slammed it into the tank itself. The Kalanorian metal was no match for the Thanagarains' brute strength and Enth metal weapon.

In the sky, J'onn shitted into a large serpent and coiled his serpentine form around the flying soldiers. Squeezing them tight until they passed out and then he dropped them. Those that he did not capture fell to Alucard's blade.

Katma and their resistance could only watch as the armed forces that were blocking their path and were about to gun them down not but a few seconds ago had all been dispatched. Tanks, aerial and ground forces were dealt with in less than a minute. John was relieved to see his friends and a smile formed on his face at the sight of Hawk girl ripping the tank and some of Desperos men several new ones.

Once the area was clear, Kilowog flew over and landed in front of Katmas shield. Katma dropped it and immediately hugged the Bolovaxian.

"He Kat heard you needed some help," Kilowog said and returned the hug.

"You're alive…Stweart told me you were but…he said you were badly injured and crashed," Katma responded. His voice filled with worry and relief.

"Yep, those earth poozers fixed me up really good," Kilowog said "came as quickly as I could,"

The two shared one more hug before they both pulled away. Hawkgirl and Alucard walked over to John.

"that's an interesting choice of weapon." Hawk girl commented and gestured to the rifle in John's hand that he had picked up.

"Yeah, it's uh…it's a long story," John responded sheepishly.

"Are you hurt?" Alucard asked.

"Just a few bumps and bruises, nothing serious," John assured.

Alucard stared at John for a moment and then nodded, he turned away to look towards Flash who was now introducing himself to Katma.

"Ah you must be the mystery woman," Flash said playfully.

"And you are?" Katma asked.

"Delighted to meet you," Flash flirted.

"Oh, you're quick," Katma smiled playfully "I like a man who moves fast,"

Flash leaned forward a bit "Well I maybe fast but even I know that there are times when speed is not a good thing,"

John scowled at that remark. He marched over to flash.

"Back off hotshot," john warned.

"Aw come on GL, I'm just having some fun," Flash whined.

"Well go have your fun elsewhere,"

"And who am I supposed to have fun with? Hawk Girl no thanks, I like my man parts where they are," Flash huffed.

John glared at him. But his body relaxed, he knew he shouldn't be mad at Flash.

"Not to sound ungrateful but how did you get here so fast?" Green Lantern asked "it's too far for the Javelin and it took me close to 60hrs to get here by my power ring,"

"Alucard moved his castle," J'onn stated as he walked up.

"Wait he did what?" John asked in disbelief.

"Yeah, turns out Als castle can travel across the universe as fast as it can across the earth," Flash grinned "it's convenient,"

John stared at his friends and then looked at Kilowog. The Bolovaxian nodded, it was then that John noticed that Kilowog was wearing one of the protective charms that Alucard had given out. He then whirled around to face Alucard.

"Didn't you say if your castle left the ocean floor it would infect and kill off all life on the plant?" John accused "and you brought it here?"

"I did…however, his plane is barren with only one small location that is inhabited," Alucard claimed "However Green Lantern Kilowog informed me that this planet is barren on…so the risk of desolation is next to non-existent,"

"Well, he's not wrong," Katama said. She would ask Kilowog and John about this moving castle later.

"Indeed…it is the only reason I consented to use Castlevania to come to your aid," Alucard finished. He then looked at Kilowog and held out his hand "Green Lantern Kilowog…please return the proactive charm. It was a loan…not a gift,"

There was a subtle threat in the undertone of that statement. Kilowog nodded and took off the charm, handing it back to Alucard. Alucard nodded in thanks and then passed it over to John, its rightful owner. Once John took it back Alucard made no further comment on it, Kilowog guessed that it was some kind of sign of trust between the two. John realised that Alucard only allowed Kilowog the use of the charm out of necessity now he was here, Alucard saw no reason to allow Kilowog safe passage through his castle. Since John would now likely need it to go back to earth.

Shifflet approached the group "While we are all grateful for your help, we should not linger here in the open," he advised.

"Agreed, let's make our way to our secondary base," Katma said, taking charge. The survivors started to move throughout the city with Katma and Kilowog at the front and the league bringing up the rear for protection.

"So did you really travel here using Alucard's castle?" John asked "I just can't believe it,"

"It was pretty fun, especially when the librarian and Drac wanted to eat Kilowog," Flash added with a smile "bit of a bumpy entrance though,"

"So, you moved it, what happened to the spot where it was before?" John asked.

"The cliffs will still be there and I suspect the ocean has already filled in the air pocket the castle cratered," Alucard answered.

"It won't cause problems?"

"No, perhaps a minor underwater earthquake or a strong current…but no permeant or lasting damage…the lava pools may dissipate now though," Alucard stated.

"Well, whatever happens, I'm sure Bats and Supes can deal with it," Flash assured "that and Aquaman if he has a problem with it,"

"I do not see why he would, my castle was far below the sea floor and a fair distance away from Atlantis," Alucard pointed out "I doubt he will even notice it's gone,"

John had to agree on that point, after all, it's not as if the Aquaman visited the castle regularly, far from it. Apart from the odd Patrol passing the entrance to the Lava pools, most Atlantean's stayed away from that area. John moved away from the league, he caught up to Katma who was talking to Kilowog and he joined the conversations with Katma brightening up at his presence. From the very back of the group, Hawk girl watched the interaction intensely.