GREEN LANTERN NEW GENESIS: RECHARGED
Chapter 1: Welcome to Oa
"Wow, so this is Oa?"-Shinji said out loud, as in the back of his head he let out a huge sigh of relief seeing that the destination of his journey after flying for four days straight. And while Ion kept him "charged" so that he didn't require food or sleep, it was still exhausting for someone not used to how the rings work. But that's what basic training is for right? But he couldn't stop mesmerising at the planet, two large rings orbiting around it and what looked like green city lights shining in the night sky. He entered the planet's atmosphere as he couldn't believe what he was seeing, aliens…hundreds of aliens in various shapes, sizes and colours all sharing one thing with him, the ring. He listened to Ion's stories about the great force with over 7200 Lanterns keeping all of 3600 sectors of the known universe safe, but it witnessing it himself with his own eyes was something totally different. It made looking at symbol on his chest different, more proudly.
"So, how do I enter basic training?"-Shinji asked as he was floating in the middle of the large city on the planet's surface, with larger-then-life buildings soaring upwards into the pollution-free sky, all perfectly resonating with his ring. It was that impressive that Shinji forgot that for the first time since any of the two rings flew onto his finger he felt lost in the situation. 'Ask Someone.'-Ion echoed throughout his head as Shinji released a slight chuckle.
"Ha ha, so im supposed to fly to the nearest alien and ask "Hello? Where can I become a Green Lantern?"."-Shinji asked with a risen eyebrow, 'Yes.'-Was the only reply he received as he sighed. 'For an embodiment of willpower that existed since the dawn of the universe it sure doesn't understand sarcasm.'-He thought as he tried to come up with some kind of a plan. 'I heard that.'-Ion suddenly echoed as Shinji tried his best to keep a riposte buried deep within his mind, truly a great test of willpower.
"Hold it poozer."-Suddenly a deep voice emanated as a green beam quickly flew pass Shinji's head, on instinct a green human sized pellet rifle appeared in his arms as he turned to see three peculiar looking aliens, all wearing similar uniforms to his. One resembling a large pink skinned porcine, another looked like a large humanoid chicken, and the third was a beautiful woman that had purple skin, pointed ears and long red hair tied into a ponytail, and all pointing their rings at him.
"I would suggest putting your weapon down."-the chicken said as he put down his ring before looking at his fellow and nodding, with the porcine visibly unhappy and also putting down his ring. Shinji then nodded and the pellet rifle disappeared. 'it seems I'm getting better at making constructs.'-he thought as his mask also automatically vanished.
"I am Shinji Ikari from Earth, I'm here to train as a Green Lantern."-Shinji quickly introduced himself to ease up the tension as the porcine flew up close to him and took his right wrist in a firm grip.
"Where did you get this?"-he asked as he pointed at the ring on Shinji's finger.
"That's a really long story."-Shinji said as the porcine got closer to his face.
"Then better start talking."-The porcine said lowering her voice as Shinji was slowly starting to be afraid for his life. That is until the chicken put his hand on the porcine's shoulder.
"Perhaps the Guardians would want to hear the story of this stray."-he said as the porcine backed away from Shinji's personal space.
"Follow poozer, and don't try to run."-He said as Shinji alongside the other aliens begun to follow him, as they flew along the chicken turned towards the "stray".
"Pardon us for our friend Kilowog, he is…blunt, and by occasion allow us to introduce ourselves, you've already met Kilowog. I am Tomar Re of Xudar from space sector 2813, that makes us essentially neighbours. And this is Laira Omoto of Jayd from space sector 112."-The chicken introduced himself as the woman bowed down mid-air to which Shinji also slightly bowed down his head.
"It's nice to meet you…but pardon me for asking, how did you know about my arrival? Aren't there hundreds of new recruits coming every day?"-Shinji asked as Laira pointed upwards to the sky.
"Oan airspace is well controlled, we can detect hundreds if not thousands Lanterns arriving on the planet, your ring however seems to emit different kind of signal and it brought attention of the head administrator, henceforth sending us to intercept."-Laira explained as soon the four of them found themselves standing in front of a large building.
"We're here, welcome to the Guardians Citadel."-Kilowog said as they landed with Shinji standing behind him and standing in front of Tomar Re and Laira, as soon as they reached the large white door Shinji saw another alien sitting in front of some kind of a floating computer, this one far less humanoid then all the Lanterns he met up close. He also wore a Green Lantern uniform, but had four arms and a long insect like head.
"Salaak, we managed to locate this rogue signal. It appears we have another human in the Corps."-Tomar Re said pointing at Shinji, who only awkwardly waved at Salaak.
"The guardians want to see you."-Salaak said as he opened the door to reveal large conference room with a white round table floating upwards in the air. As Shinji looked up he saw 12 small blue humanoids descending down from the open ceiling, eight male and four female, all wearing red robes with the lantern symbol in the centre of their chest before taking their seats.
"I guess this is the reason of this unusual signal."-One of the guardians said with a sharp tone as another one, with peculiar long hair turned towards him, who to differ from other guardians had his long streak of hair put upwards.
"I believe we should give the boy a chance to explain himself Appa."-The other Guardian with a much kinder voice said causing the one sitting in the centre of the table to huff.
"Affirmative, boy…who are you?"-The Guardian, apparently named Appa asked as Shinji recited everything what Ion told him to say.
"I am Shinji Ikari of Earth. I was chosen by my ring to be the Lantern of the Space Sector 2814."-Shinji recited as he was quickly objected.
"This is absurd, a ring would never choose a child let alone so thin looking, not to mention that all three of the lanterns from sector 2814 are active and their rings weren't redirected by Mogo."-Appa said as once again the kind guardian intertwined Appa's words.
"Yet you seem to forget that Lantern Arisia is a full-fledged recruit and by her planet's orbiting cycle it makes her no older then this boy."-the Guardian replied as Shinji wondered if he heard that name before.
"And you Ganthet seem to forget that Lantern Rrab is a Graxonite who's lineage has been guarding sector 2815 since the beginning of the Corps, this human child is of unknown origin with a ring emanating different signal then other rings. Boy, how did you get a hold of this ring?"-Appa asked as Shinji sighed and out of desperation told his story, about Tokyo 3 and the Angel War, about the Third Impact. So much so that Kilowog, Tomar and Laira were asked to leave the citadel as Shinji ended his story on how emotional embodiments found him inside Unit 01 causing few of the Guardians to look "troubled", or at least this was how Shinji viewed it. He did skip the fact that Ion was residing inside of him and that his mother became Adara's avatar. As he ended his story all the guardians looked at each other.
"So you claim to possess the last ring of a Lantern from a dead universe?"-Appa asked as Shinji nodded.
"That is the truth sir."-Was his only reply as Ganthet once again turned towards Appa.
"I do not sense any falsehood in his words Appa, and even if we took away his ring, that flew onto his finger itself deeming him as worthy. What is he supposed to do? He doesn't have anywhere to come back to."-Ganthet said as Appa once again turned towards him.
"You suppose we let this child join the Corps Ganthet? Like I mentioned before we already have three Green Lanterns guarding sector 2814, all three from Earth."-Appa said as Ganthet then turned towards Shinji and showing him a small smile.
"Yet remember Appa that it was always the ring that chose its bearer ever since we started the Corps. Besides I believe that it's a good coincidence, since as you know Sector 2814 is… problematic. Having another pair of hands in that sector would be helpful."-Ganthet argued as Appa then once again looked towards Shinji.
"Very well, we shall put it to discussion, but first."-Appa asked as he rose his hand, causing Shinji's ring to gently leave his finger and fly towards the table.
"Ring overwrite code 01: Ring, status of previous bearer?"-Appa asked as Shinji's ring spoke up.
"Affirmative, Green Lantern of sector 1760: Sodam Yat of Daxam, Status: deceased"-the ring spoke up as if it send some kind of shockwave throughout the council as everyone begun discussing what that status meant much to Shinji's confusion. The discussions were quickly cut by Ganthet who rose his hand to signal silence.
"I believe this makes my arguments more backed up. If what the ring's artificial intelligence saying is the truth that means the "Ultimate Green Lantern" according to the sacred book of Oa handpicked this very human child as its successor. If he wasn't worthy then no force in the universe would make this special ring appear on his finger, but there it is at one with him. I believe that his place in the Corps shouldn't be up to discussion Appa Ali Apsa."- Ganthet said his last argument as Appa sighed.
"Very well, we shall put it to vote. Those in favour of Shinji Ikari of Earth joining the Corps?"-Appa asked as all of the Guardians eyes begun glow white as few agonising minutes that to Shinji seemed like hours, before suddenly the door out of the citadel. 'I know what you are thinking, wait for it.'-Ion suddenly said in his head as Shinji gave a slight nod. Appa Ali Apsa then opened his eyes as once again moved his hand and made the ring fly back on Shinji's finger.
"The council has decided in favour of joining."-Appa replied as Shinji managed to hide his smile as he stood on attention.
"Thank you…Guardian Council."-Shinji said slightly bowing his head down.
"Welcome to the Green Lantern Corps Shinji Ikari."-Ganthet replied just as Kilowog, Tomar-Re and Laira flew inside the citadel.
"And I don't see any problems in beginning his training immediately Sergeant Kilowog, although I would suggest reporting to the foundry for issuing a personal power battery with Honour Guard Lantern Tomar Re."-Appa said as then Shinji looked up to the large pink alien as four of them left the citadel.
"Training?"-Shinji asked as the alien gave him a sadistic grin. But before Shinji's fear would take the better of him Laira put a hand on his shoulder.
"But first the battery, food and rest, you've flown for days straight with only your ring energy, however what most interests me is how your peculiar ring is able to contain so much power without frequent charging?"-Laira asked as then Kilowog turned Shinji around towards himself.
"Technicalities for later, for now let's deal with formalities."-Kilowog said as he aimed his ring at Shinji's chest, before firing a beam that much to latter's confusion took away his lantern symbol from his chest.
"You're going need to work for it if you want it back, starting tomorrow morning on the training ground. For now you're just a plain Whitecircle…or Blackcircle. I gotta go to handle graduation of couple other poozers, Tomar and Laira will show you around. Now I will have to deal with bunch of kids, first Fentara's kid and Sinestro's kid and now this…"-Kilowog said to himself as he flew away from the group leaving Shinji, Tomar and Laira floating in the middle of Oan sky.
Shinji was amazed by the green molten metal of the foundry residing under Oa's crust. Tomar Re only smiled as he pointed at the new freshly created rings.
"Welcome to the Foundry young Shinji, this is where new power batteries and power rings are created for new recruits."-Tomar Re said as he lead Shinji and Laira throughout the large space, a bit confused now Shinji had another question.
"Are you sure that we are allowed to be here?"-Shinji asked as Laira turned towards him.
"Tomar Re is a member of the Lantern Honour Guard, special group of Lanterns responsible for not only protecting their sectors but also dealing with dangers that regular Lanterns are not experienced enough to do it themselves."-Laira explained as Tomar then turned back towards them.
"And im only showing you the part that the Honour Guard Lanterns are allow to enter, even the Guardians keep their secrets."-Tomar said as he took one of the freshly forged power batteries and gave it Shinji.
"It's now yours, charge your ring, say the oath."-Tomar said as Shinji put the ring closer to the emanating green light, at first not knowing what to say the Oath immediately burned itself in Shinji's brain, and so he began.
"In brightest day…in blackest night, no evil shall escape my sight, let those who warship evil's might, BEWARE MY POWER! GREEN LANTERN'S LIGHT!" -Shinji recited out as the entire foundry shined emerald for a second.
"This is the commissary, here you can find food from all the reaches of the universe."-Tomar Re said as he alongside Shinji and Laira walked inside the commissary and Shinji couldn't stop mesmerising at aliens sitting in various groups, chatting, laughing and sharing their food. And the weirdest thing was that he could understand it all. As if he was a character in a pre-impact science fiction movie or a character in a Manga. Shinji picked up his tray as in few seconds he found himself standing in front another alien. This one, although humanoid with its "wide" posture. Had olive green screen and wore a dirty lantern suit that seemed to resemble a tank top.
"Oi Tomar! What do you want for lunch today?"-The alien asked as Tomar pointed at Shinji.
"Hello Greet, im not here to eat, however my little friend here is."-Tomar replied as Greet then looked at Shinji before a smile appeared on his face.
"Another human? Luckily I still have enough of Human food after the black hole known as Guy Gardner visited Oa, what do you want kid?"-Greet asked as Shinji tried to look over the counter to locate something visibly "earthly".
"Can I ask for rice? A lot of rice? And black coffee?"-Shinji asked as Greet clapped his hands before grabbing Shinji's trey, and after few minutes he returned with six bowls of rice and a cup of coffee.
"There ya go kid, it's on the house."-Greet said as Shinji nodded.
"Thank you Greet."-Shinji said as he, Tomar and Laira sat in one of the empty tables. As he looked down the Earthly looking rice he wolfed down six bowls in matter of few minutes with a pair of construct chopsticks before jugging down the cup of coffee he was given. Although the rice was a bit undercooked, Shinji after feeding on his ring's energy for days of flight that for a normal lantern according to Ion would take around 18 months to get to Oa without using the ultrawarp tunnels. Shinji wiped his mouth with a napkin that resided on the trey before releasing a jaw-cracking yawn. 'There goes Ion providing energy for me.'-he thought as then Tomar and Laira lead him to another part of Oa. As the door opened it revealed a giant corridor filled with doors and Lanterns all chatting with each other.
"Here are the barracks, if you want to sleep on Oa then as a Lantern you are provided accommodations for resting."-Laira said as she pointed at one of the free bedrooms and asked Shinji to press his ring onto something that resembled a lock to which he complied, causing the room to open and reveal a small bed with a bedside table, a drawer for keeping the power battery and a small bathroom designed for humanoids, so a toilet, a small sink and something that resembled a shower. All being illuminated by a small window showing the towering skyscrapers in the higher levels of the city.
"It maybe is a little small but please understand, we spent the last few Earth weeks rebuilding our planet after our war with Krona, henceforth not all Lanterns receive accommodation of similar size."-Tomar explained as Shinji nodded.
"It is enough, a side from the ring and the battery I don't have any of my other belongings."-Shinji said as he put down the battery inside the drawer.
"Good luck on your basic training, and don't worry about Kilowog, he may have an rough exterior but he does have a soft heart."-Laira said as Shinji bowed down for the final time.
"Thank you for your help."-Shinji said as both Laira and Tomar slightly bowed down before closing the door. Shinji then turned around as he for the first time in days de-summoned his uniform to reveal his old school Uniform and hair clips he used when he was piloting Unit 01. 'I guess my LCL form still kept them?'-he thought as he folded up his clothes and put them inside his drawer, now completely naked a side from his ring he made his way towards the bathroom and stepped inside the "shower". Only to be surprised that somehow it managed to clean him without a single drop of water as he smelled better and his breath tasted better. He then fell down on his bed face flat as he began to wonder. 'Asuka, Misato…I hope you're alive, here I'm on my own, with only my ring and willpower. If I was strong then…would it choose as well and turn everything around? This is another universe, and by this logic it means another Earth. Guardian Appa mentioned something of three other Earth Green Lanterns, I wonder if I'll meet them soon.'-he thought as he soon had fallen asleep.
Shinji rose up from his bed, he looked outside though his window to realise its morning, or at least it seemed like morning as the dawn of the Sto-Oa star that worked as planet's sun was emanating over it. Shinji took a quick waterless shower before putting on his clothes, summoning his uniform over them. He closed the door to his room before flying to the commissary. As he entered he saw that there were far less lanterns enjoying their breakfast. 'Probably went back to their sectors right?'-Shinji asked as he expected some kind of reply from Ion in his mind…but that didn't happen. He didn't mind for now as he grabbed himself a tray and found himself standing in front of Greet.
"Hey kid."-Greet said as he grabbed Shinji's tray, who then took a look around the commissary, and what brought most of his attention was a scene happening at one of the tables, with a lantern that resembled a human seemed to bicker with another lantern that looked like a giant lizard. And the bickering quickly seemed to be turning into a fight. Shinji swallowed air and rose his ring with full intention of trying to stop it, only to be stopped himself by Greet who put his hand on Shinji's shoulder.
"It's not worth it, see those two? Both of them are from the same sector, from Tanaghar and Rann, and after some events that are too complicated for a human kid to understand those two planets suddenly became neighbours and tensions just keep rising. Be it the first lesson, we're not unified all the times, as any group were bound to infighting. But here we're talking and your food is getting cold."-Greet said as he handed the tray over back to Shinji.
"Thanks Greet."-Shinji said as he grabbed his tray and walked away from the counter.
"Hey kid! I never got your name."-Greet said as Shinji turned towards him.
"Oh, I'm Shinji Ikari."-Shinji introduced himself as he then turned back and sat in one of empty chairs and begun to eat his food. As he finished he then looked at his ring.
"So, where to basic training?"-Shinji asked himself as he didn't receive any answers. Shinji raised his eyebrow as he bent down closer to his ring.
"Ion, are you there?"-Shinji asked as the ring finally lit up.
"Being known as Ion cannot be located."-The ring's AI spoke up as Shinji's sighed. 'So Ion has abandoned me as well, story of my life.'-He thought as he formulated his question in a different manner.
"Ok, ring…where is the basic training?"-Shinji asked as his ring lit up before pulling his finger up.
"Right! Right! Just don't rip my finger off!"-Shinji said as he lifted himself up from the ground and flew following his ring like a GPS before finding himself standing in a large space being encased by a dome, similar to a gym found in some schools. He looked around himself searching for Kilowog or anyone else.
"So im first, and have nothing to kill my time, I wished I had my SDAT or a Cello to practice."-Shinji thought as his thoughts made quick work and a green replica of his own old Cello complete with a fiddlestick. 'I guess this is something better to with my free time then just listen to music.'-he thought as he closed his eyes, his ring subconsciously summoning a small chair for him to sit on before beginning to play the familiar melody of "Bach Cello Suite no.1" begun to echo throughout the facility. Shinji being so immersed in his music that the fact 'Im playing my cello in space in the very centre of the universe.'quickly disappeared. He was so immersed that he didn't hear footsteps getting closer and closer. As he finshed his song he looked up he saw a peculiar person looking at him, a girl. The cello quickly disappeared as Shinji stood up from his chair, it also vanishing subconsciously.
"Uhm hello, im here for basic training."-Shinji bluntly said as he found himself facing the most dangerous enemy the Green Lantern trainee had faced other than angels, a conversation with a girl. He took a closer look at the girl looking at him, she had orange skin, pointed ears, short blonde hair and crystal blue eyes. She wore a white blouse with a green upper part with a blank white circle similar to Shinji's black and a short green skirt, that kind of outfit flattening her figure. In Shinji's eyes she wasn't just pretty, she was beautiful, he didn't knew how to call it but his brain felt like it just discovered a new standard of beauty lighting up like a green lightbulb. The girl itself also found herself staring at this boy who just few seconds ago was so focused on playing his instrument. 'This must be the new human recruit! But he doesn't look like Hal at all, he's smaller, he has to be my age, my age…'-she thought as then looked at his thin build and peculiar choice in uniform with it seeming to almost be his skin. Her view travelled upwards though his chest as she was a bit confused by the number of small vents on his uniform, especially in space. Before her eyes found themselves looking at his face and his soft features, short brown hair and small blue eyes, that although small seemed to have a lot of depth, she didn't knew this feeling, although it was similar to what she felt towards Hal Jordan, her superior and definitely not-a-crush-since-that-would-definitely-be-weird-and-would-stain-their-friendship. Here it was something else, all she could think was that he seemed…cute? With her two heart's heartbeats increasing.
"I never met anyone eager to take Kilowog's basic training."-the girl teased as Shinji wiped the back of his head.
"Not really, I just didn't have anything else to do, so I just sat here and begun to play my instrument."-Shinji said as then girl smiled at him.
"Well at least you aren't late. I've also heard you playing your instrument, it was a nice melody."-The girl replied as Shinji blushed, and in her opinion it kinda looked adorable.
"So, you're here for basic training as well?"-Shinji asked as his mind's inner self immediately facepalmed. 'What the hell are you doing!? Asuka was right you really are an idiot! She's a Whitecircle like you so it should be obvious!'-he thought as much to his surprise only happily nodded.
"Yes, and I know it's weird. I mean I come with a plan on how to save the universe and I still get demoted to a Whitecircle, I wonder what my Ma and Da would think if they saw me like this?"-She said with an amused smile as Shinji's eyebrow rose up.
"You saved the Universe?"-Shinji asked, visibly impressed by what she said, the girl then looked at Shinji with the same amused smile before pointing at his ring.
"How new are you?"-the girl asked as Shinji sighed.
"I just arrived here yesterday."-Shinji said as the girl nodded with her smile still present.
"Oh, it must be really exciting to be the fourth Lantern of your planet. Making 2814 the sector with the most number of active Lanterns, weird looking that all the other sectors just begun expanding to two."-The girl said as Shinji nodded. 'And technically the first Lantern of my universe.'- he thought as he looked at his ring.
"Well nobody asked you."-Another voice spoke up as Shinji and the Girl turned around to see another girl a little bit older than them, she had red skin, black eyes and hair and a small tattoo under her left eye. She then flew upwards towards them as she thrusted her hand out towards Shinji.
"Soranik Sinestro of Korugar, sector 1417."-she introduced herself as Shinji shook her hand.
"Shinji Ikari of Earth, sector 2814."-Shinji introduced himself as the orange girl then gently pushed Soranik away.
"And im Arisia Rrab of Graxos IV in sector 2815, that essentially makes us neighbours!"-Arisia said as she shook Shinji's hand who made connection with what he heard yesterday.
"I heard from the Guardians that your family has a long history in serving the Corps."-Shinji said as Arisia nodded.
"Yes, my Ma, Da, Grandma, Granda, Uncle…and essentially all the family members before were Lanterns. Soranik's father is a lantern as well."-Arisia said as Shinji turned towards Soranik who nodded in confirmation.
"Were? What happened to them?"-Shinji asked as their trainer walked inside the facility.
"They died."-Kilowog's voice grumbled as all three turned back towards their instructor.
"And let this be the your first lesson, our life expectancy is short, very few of us get the privilege of retiring and raising a family, our job is to keep the trouble in the universe to its bear minimum. And in the most extreme circumstances to die so that the innocent live, so if any of you poozers want to quit its your last chance."-Kilowog spoke up as he looked at the three young rookies, probably the youngest group in history. All three having determined facial expression.
"No sir!"-All three of them said in unified voice. 'No more running, no fear.'-Shinji recited as the Drill Officer showed them a sadistic grin as he clashed his fist with his palm.
"Let's begin."
A/N: We have the second chapter done! With it covering both original chapters 2 and a bit of chapter 3 while expanding a bit. I'm still wondering how Shinji got a power battery when originally it was just Ion powering his ring. Plus some cameos from fan favourite Lanterns that could or could not play a bigger role in the future, but for now serve as wink of the eye to the fans. With this chapter we have developed a format on how this story will contrast itself from the original. Bigger chapters and more world building. With us getting towards our first original chapter. And here we did some setting up some things that in the original would reappear in chapter 11. Notably the relationship between Shinji and Arisia, and to differ this version from the version we saw in chapter 1 from the more Prime Earth/New Earth however you want to call it incarnation of the character i brought some elements from other media. Henceforth the colour of the eyes being changed from golden brown to Crystal Blue from the First Flight/Emerald Knights design of the character that is the de facto also the design of Arisia in this story. Speaking of Emerald Knights, as with the original story that movie is adjusted canon here as well. But what about GLTAS and the supposed debut of Mogo? Well as Greg Weisman said that this show is adjusted canon as well. So we'll see in the future. Also for those wondering about…the stuff that Geoff Johns rightfully retconned. In this universe a Graxos IV year lasts around 24 Earth Months, so that makes Arisia around 28 earth years in Earth's solar cycle and 14 Graxonite years. Damn got that out my system…next time we'll see progress on Shinji's training and his first mission as a trainee before receiving his badge. About Yui and other Lantern colours, since my notes show that this universe's blackest night is supposed to happen around the season 4 of Young Justice we'll see the Lantern Corps In the far future, although some colours like the Violet light of love and Blue light of Hope will make appearances as early as season 1. Until next time! And I don't own Evangelion or DC, that belongs to Studio Khara and Warner Bros Discovery.