GREEN LANTERN NEW GENESIS: RECHARGED
Chapter 8: Independence Day
Shinji, clad in his swimming trunks felt like his patience was running thin, now sitting on the beach of a small uninhabited island on the pacific ocean. Somewhere near hawaii, the self-proclaimed meet-up spot designated by his swimming teacher, speaking of whom…
"Hi!"-Tula exclaimed popping up from the water visibly startling Shinji, even if he was chosen for his ability to overcome great fear it still didn't mean that he couldn't be surpised. The goosebumps ran over his skin before Shinji got up.
"You know, I've asked you not to surprise me Tula."-Shinji said as the atleanan girl slightly raised her eyebrow.
"We've been meeting here for two weeks now, I thought you got used to it. It's not like I'm surpised by the amount of bruises you keep collecting, speaking of bruises how is your stomach?"-Tula asked as Shinji's hand instinctively went towards his stomach, remembering his meeting with the archer girl few days ago. Kid Lantern from that point on made a stance on keeping his aura at all cost now, even if it needed to be as thin as possible.
"It's fine now, can we start?"-Shinji asked as Tula nodded gesturing for him to get in the water, it was hard at first, Tula almost needing to hold him so that he wouldn't drown in panic…on shallow water. But in the next couple of days thanks mostly to Tula's patience and Shinji's own determination to finally put his fear of water behind him once and for all. With that mindset and getting though the goals Tula set for him, those being getting him slowly accliminated in the water so that he wouldn't feel fear and then learning to float. Now Tula was well on way with the third step of Shinji finally learning to swim. That being to actually swim, with Tula now gently pulling Shinji by his hand into slightly deeper water.
"All right, just like I told you, stay calm. You can always fly out, synchronise your arms and legs, in that way you'll keep yourself upfloat. Everything is going to be ok."-Tula reasurred him as Shinji complied to her instructions. Him slowly getting a hang on it as Tula slowly let go of Shinji's waist, him focused enough on his swimming that he didn't register her hands.
"I…think I'm getting a hang on this."-Shinji said as Tula smiled.
"See? I told you would get a hang on swimming quickly! Come on, now lets swim couple of laps around the island to see if you really got it, and just like I showed you, move your arms and head at the same time."-Tula said as Shinji complied, several minutes of swimming later it was the self set "aclimination lesson" to him being under water, his body surrounded by his aura kept to a bare minimum, his eyes opened as not to lock himself away from fear and paranoia on being pressed by thousands of tons. Tula couldn't help but look with curiousness at Shinji who in absolute calm was getting aclimitated himself in the deeps. Few hours passing as already the sun setting with Shinji, now clad in the T-Shirt he brought with him was sitting with Tula on the beach watching the sunset.
"So, tommorow is your big day?"-Tula asked as Shinji turned towards her surprised.
"Yeah, tommorow is the Independence Day. The day where the Justice League members gather their sidekicks to formally meet at the League's Earth HQ, but how did you know?"-Shinji asked looking at Tula who only smiled at his confused facial expression.
"Kaldur and King Orin told us, I thought it was obvious that you as a…partner of the main Green Lantern you would be there as well."-Tula said as Shinji nodded.
"You're right, Ha-GL said that it would be the first step into joining the league and getting more exposure to the world…"-Shinji said looking at the slowly appearing stars 'Although I wonder why they wont tell others about the Watchtower?'-he thought as meanwhile Tula was looking at him phasing out.
"Hey, is everything ok?"-Tula asked snapping Shinji out of his trans.
"Yeah, it's just…I do feel stress for tommorow. It's just that sometimes I feel like an alien despite being from this very same planet."-Shinji said as he then internally facepalmed 'Damn it, again with letting out too much.'-he berated himself as Tula kept smiling.
"Maybe it's because you miss your parents or your homeland? You live with your mentor right? What happened to your parents?"-Tula asked as Shinji's mind ran though a mental armageddon. 'What to do? What to do? What to do? I cant sound impolite but I cant say anything!'-he thought as he mentally assembled a somehow fitting narrative.
"Well, I don't really miss my parents, my father dumped me out when I was four, and my Mom…partook in a science experiment gone wrong and vanished. A decade or so later and my ring found me. In regards of homesickness. I don't miss Japan that much, I was always kinda…detached from everybody, not even finding a real close friend until I joined the Corps."-Shinji said as his thoughts travelled to a certain Graxosian.
"Oh, that's good that you have a friend. I need to get back to Atlantis, and judging by the tommorow's occasion I guess we will have to cancel our lesson."-Tula said with a slight sad tone that even someone still oblivious as Shinji could pick up.
"Okay, so day after tommorow?"-Shinji asked making Tula slightly perk up.
"Right, I believe that it can work. See you then."-Tula said before jumping into the water before swimming away.
"Bye?..."-Shinji said confused before summoning his uniform and flying away back to Coast City. Kid Lantern couldn't help to see Tula in a similar light to Asuka if she didn't suffer the hardships in life that forged her into the person she became, both were good-looking blue-eyed redheads who loved to swim. Him silently chuckling as he remembered the class trip to Okinawa they were denied by Misato. He knew that Asuka could be kind…and sometimes really sweet, but her pride was something that kept her locked out and hiding her internal insecurities and fears. Here he had an example on how Asuka could've been, he could only hope it would happen after she comes back from instrumentality. But for now his only focus was on tommorow, after all, tommorow was the day.
"Shinji? Shinji! Wake up!"-Hal said shaking Shinji who opened his eyes to see Hal.
"Hal? What hour is it? Have I overslept?"-Shinji asked as Hal pointed at the alarm clock.
"Nope, it's 10 am, and since you came back tired I decided to let you sleep in. Now get yourself ready, eat breakfast and summon your uniform, today's the day."-Hal said before Shinji rushed towards the bathroom, taking a shower before putting on fresh clothes, although he was just as stoic as always he couldn't say he didn't have any excitement, after all the Justice League were the world's greatest superheroes, him hearing ton of praise for every league member in school, which was fairly obvious mostly directed to Hal as he was a local, but still many of the leaguers enjoyed their share of popularity. Even Batman to Shinji's surprise. With Hal talking about this being Shinji's first real step to league membership, which already put him above Guy Gardner aperantly, it did make him somehow excited, probably for the first time in a long while. The two Lanterns then finally sat for breakfast, a quickly prepared set of eggs and toasts.
"Right, lets go, we have like 20 minutes."-Hal said summoning his uniform with Shinji doing the same. Without even washing the dishes the two Lanterns leeped from the balcony.
"Where are we going?"-Kid Lantern asked following Green Lantern as the two broke the speed of sound. The younger of the Lanterns noticing the changing position of the sun, meaning they flew into a different timezone.
"Washington D.C, the capital and the location of the Hall of Justice."-GL explained as Kid Lantern then pointed at the sky.
"And why arent we going to the watchtower?"-He asked as GL sighed with the two now lowering their flight.
"Listen Kid, please don't tell anyone you know about the Watchtower, the Hall is a way safer place for you to be in. The watchtower isnt a clubhouse."-He said as Kid Lantern raised his eyebrow, though it probably couldn't be seen from behind visor-looking mask.
"So you're bringing me to a tourist trap?"-He asked feeling enthusaism die a little bit.
"Come on, it will be some form of fun."-GL countered as the two could now see the Hall of Justice. A large white building in a visible art deco style with a small artificial pond in front of it and people lined up on the sides, seemingly awaiting the arrival of the league members. Green Lantern and Kid Lantern then saw a group that they quickly identified as Batman, Robin, Aquaman, Aqualad, Green Arrow and Speedy.
"Hey there, hope we're not late."-GL said making their presence known to the rest.
"Sup Lantern."-Green Arrow said as he and Green Lantern shook hands just as the two Lanterns landed.
"Yo, KL!"-Robin said as he and Kid Lantern shared a fistpump.
"Wait, where is Kid Flash?"-The young lantern asked as the sound of the wind was getting.
"Oh man! I knew we would be the last ones here."-Kid Flash said with a frown as now he and Flash joined the now complete group.
"Hey Flash!"-GL exclaimed as Flash ran up towards him as the two shared a fist pump.
"Shall we head inside?"-Batamn asked in his stern voice as the group complied. The group of 10 heroes bringing most of the crowd's attention.
"Ready to see the inner sanctum?"-Green Arrow asked as Speedy slightly turned his head towards him.
"Born that way."-He replied as Aqualad looked over his friends
"I'm glad we could all be here."-He said as Kid Flash turned towards Robin and Kid Lantern.
"Have all five sidekicks ever been in the same place at the same time?"-He asked as both Speedy and Kid Lantern had a frown on their face.
"Don't call us sidekicks, not after today."-Speedy said as Kid Lantern turned towards Kid Flash and Robin.
"I think I agree with Speedy here, not all of us here are sidekicks."-Kid Lantern corrected as Robin gave him a clap on his back.
"Sure mister Turf-Partner."-He joked as Kid Flash and even Kid Lantern himself let out a silent chuckle.
"Sorry you two, first time in the hall. I'm little overwhelmed."-Kid Flash said before Robin turned towards him with slight irritation.
"You're overwhelmed. Freeze was underwhelmed, why isnt anyone just whelmed?"-Robin asked as the group finally walked inside the hall of justice to see giant golden statues of the Justice League of America's founding seven members, from left to right: Aquaman, Flash, Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern 2814.1 and Martian Manhunter.
"Wow."-Kid Lantern said looking up towards the statue of his superior.
"Oh, maybe that's why."-Robin added in awe as well before founding himself standing in front of a large silver door with a sign saying "Authorised Personel Only". The door then opened to reveal three Justice League members, one was a red robot with a yellow "T" symbol and a yellow arrow going downwards on his forehead matched by a large blue cape with a colar and a yellow trim around it. The second was a bald green man with red eyes, dressed in a black one-part suit with a red trim around the waist and two red stripes forming an "X" shape on his chest matched with a blue cape with golden buttons. The third was the second Green Lantern in the league, his uniform having way more black than green. He was also not wearing any gloves, but the most important was the fact he didn't wore a mask, his identity completely public. That being a black man of a large athletic build. Kid Lantern immediately recognised the three as Red Tornado, Martian Manhunter and John Stewart, the third Green Lantern of Earth and second Green Lantern in the Justice League.
"Robin, Speedy, Aqualad, Kid Flash, Kid Lantern, welcome."-Martian Manhunter said before turning around as the whole group walked inside, Kid Flash and Robin sharing a fist pump before turning towards Kid Lantern and offering him a high five, an invite which he took.
"You now have unlimited access to the gym, our fully stocked galley, and of course our library."-Martian Manhuter added as Kid Lantern couldn't believe the sheer size of the said library. 'I couldn't read those books for a decade even if I was locked inside.'-he thought before Flash turned towards the younger part of the group.
"Make yourselves at home."-He said as Robin, Aqualad and Kid Flash sat in nearby chairs with Kid Lantern summoning a green copy of his chair before GL walked up towards him.
"Oh, let's get this over real quick. Kid this is John Stewart, another Lantern of Earth."-GL said as John walked up towards Kid Lantern and reached out his hand.
"It is good to meet you in person, Kilowog said good things about you."-John said as Kid Lantern silently stuttered before shaking John's hand.
"It..is good to meet you as well sir."-Kid Lantern said as John smiled before turning towards GL.
"I wasn't expecting him to be this polite, in contrast to what can be seen on tv."-He said as GL slightly bended towards him.
"We are working on it, Kilowog told me to make him a little loose. So I think I made some progress."-GL said as he and John joined back with the other leaguers.
"Quick debrief to discuss the coincidence of four ice villains attacking on the same day, we shouldn't be long."-Batman said before a small camera came out of the ceiling.
"Recognised: Batman-02 , Aquaman-06, Flash-04, Green Lantern-05, Green Arrow-08, Martian Manhunter-07, John Stewart-14, Red Tornado-16."-A computerised voice said before another door opened, this time marked "Justice League Members Only".
"That's it!? You promised us a real look inside, not a glorified backstage pass."-Speedy said, visibly annoyed by the so-called disrespect.
"It's a first step, you've been granted access few others get."-Aquaman said to diffuse the situation. Only making more angry.
"Oh really?! Who cares on which side of the glass we're on?!"-He asked pointing upwards towards the large windows where a crowd of civilians was taking photos and looking onto them.
"Roy, you just need to be patient."-Green Arrow said walking up towards his sidekick.
"What I need is respect, they're treating us like kids. Worse, like sidekicks! We deserve better then this."-Speedy said as the four young heroes eyed each other before turning back towards Speedy.
"You're kidding right? You're playing their game? Why? Today was supposed be THE day. Step one in becoming full fledged members of the League."-Speedy exclaimed as Kid Flash unfolded his arms.
"Well sure, but I thought step one was the tour of the HQ."-Kid Flash said as Kid Lantern internally sighed. 'Wait, does this mean Speedy knows about the Watchtower?'-he thought as he turned towards the crimson archer.
"Except the Hall isnt the League's HQ. I bet they never told you, it's just a false front for tourists! And a pit stop for catching Zeta Beam teleporter tubes to the real thing, an oribtting satelite called the Watchtower!"-Speedy exclaimed as every other sidekicks execpt for Kid Lantern had a shocked facial expression. Something that Batman noticed as he turned towards GL.
"We literally flew here from space, it's not like I could hide it when it floats around the orbit."-He explained enough for Batman to get off his back, only to jump on Green Arrow's as all of the Leaguers turned towards the archer.
"I know, I know. But I thought maybe we could make an exception?"-He asked not convincing Batman in the slightest.
"Or not."-Arrow said finally giving up as Aquaman walked up towards speedy.
"You are not helping your cause son, stand down, or-"-He said sternly before being cut off by Speedy.
"Or what!? You'll send me to my room? And I'm not your son! I'm not even his, I thought I was his partner, but not anymore."-Speedy said throwing his hat on the floor as all other four young partners just looked both in awe and shock.
"Guess they're right about you four, you're not ready."-Speedy said walking out of the library just as the nearby computer terminal received a message. With that on a nearby large monitor a giant picture of Superman appeared, probably the biggest hero on the planet.
"Superman to Justice League, there's been an explosion at Project Cadmus, it's on fire."-Superman said as the Leaguers walked up to the monitor.
"I've had my suspitions about Cadmus. This may present the perfect opportunity to-"-But before Batman could finish his sentence he was cut off by another signal, this time a picture of a man in a black suit, white shirt and yellow vest compenting his red bow and black tophat. Kid Lantern recognising the man as Zatara, the Justice League's main magic user.
"Zatara to Justice League. The sorcerer Wotan is using the amulet of Aten to blot out the sun, requesting full league response."-Zatara reported as Batman looked up.
"Superman?"-He asked before Superman gave his explanation.
"It's a small fire, local authorities have it under control."-Superman said with Batman nodding.
"Then Cadmus can wait, all Leaguers randevous at Zatara's coordinates, Batman out."-He reported sending out the distress message as Kid Lantern, Robin, Aqualad and Kid Flash walked up towards him.
"Stay put."-Batman said sternly as to shut down any hopes of cooporating with the league.
"What, why?"-Robin asked as Aquaman, Flash and GL joined Batman.
"This is a League mission."-Aquaman added to Batman's argument as Flash unfolded his arms.
"You're not trained."-He said as Kid Flash raised his eyebrow.
"Since when!?"-He asked unfolding his arms before Flash gave him a full explanation.
"I mean you're not trained to work as a part of this team."-Flash said gesturing to Batman and Aquaman.
"There will be other missions. When you'll be ready."-Aquaman said trying to one-up Flash in their argument.
"But for now, stay put."-Batman sternly added finishing any discussion, GL on the other hand bended down on his knee.
"Sorry Kid, but those are the rules. I'm sure there will be an occasion someday."-GL said before joining other heroes.
"Glad to not bring you-know-who?"-Green Arrow asked turning towards Martian Manhunter.
"Indeed."-He replied as they joined the rest of the heroes behind the closed doors leaving the younger heroes alone.
"Ugh, when we're ready? How we are supposed to be ready when they treat us like sidekicks?"-Kid Flash asked visibly annoyed as Aqualad slightly looked down.
"My mentor, my king…I thought he trusted me."-Aqualad said as Kid Flash kept his hands unfolded.
"Trust? They don't even trust us with the basics. They've got a secret H.Q in space!"-He exclaimed as Kid Lantern looked at his ring.
"Judging by what happened to their last real Earth headquarters…making your base of limits does make sense."-He said as Aqualad let out a sigh.
"What else arent they telling us?"-He rhetorically asked as Robin looked away.
"I have a better question, why didn't we leave with Speedy?"-He asked before a brief silence surrounded the four young heroes.
"What is…project Kadmus?"-Aqualad asked finally breaking the silence.
"Don't know, but I can find out."-Robin said as his mood lifted up immediately, walking up to the nearest terminal with others quickly joining him. The computer denying him access as he let out a chuckle.
"Wanna bet?"-He asked as in a blink of an eye he had access to all the systems.
"Whoa, how are you doing that?"-Kid Flash asked before Robin snarkly replied.
"Same system as the Batcave, all right. Project Cadmus, genetics lab here in D.C. That's all there is, but if Batman's suspicious. Maybe we should investigate."-Robin said turning towards Kid Flash and Kid Lantern.
"Solve their case before they do. It would be poetic justice."-Aqualad said as a calm smirk appeared on his face.
"Hey, heh, they're all about justice."-Robin said as Aqualad then remembered their mentor's words.
"But they said stay put."-Aqualad replied before Kid Lantern stepped in.
"But they were talking about bloting out the sun."-He explained as Robin nodded.
"Exactly what KL said, we have a free hand."-he added before Kid Flash put his hand on Robin's shoulder.
"Wait are…are you going to Cadmus? Because if you're going, I'm going."-Kid Flash said before he and Robin turned towards Aqualad.
"Just like that? We're a team on a mission?"-He asked as Robin smirked.
"We didn't come for a playdate."-Robin said before turning towards Kid Lantern.
"So KL, are up to it?"-Robin asked as Kid Lantern turned his ring hand into a fist.
"Ri-"-But before he could finish he noticed his ring begun to glow, it was a message.
"Lantern Ikari? Can you hear me?"-the voice of Salaak asked as Kid Lantern projected the image on the nearby wall.
"Yes Lantern Salaak, what's the emergency?"-Kid Lantern asked as Salaak brought up an image of a large planet.
"We received a distress call from the planet Aoran near the edge of your sector, since the remaining three of your sector Lanterns and the Lantern of Sector 2815 are currently busy with other tasks you'll have to do it solo. Note that the message was rapidly cut off mid-sentence so I suggest maximum caution and wait for your back-up to arrive, the coordinants for Aoran are now uploaded to yout ring, good luck Lantern Ikari."-Salaak said before the holoimage vanished, Kid Lantern sighed before turning towards his friends.
"You've heard the Man, guess you'll be going to Cadmus without me."-He said before Aqualad walked up towards him.
"What you have to do is probably of greater importance then what is happening in Cadmus, good luck."-Aqualad said as Kid Lantern nodded before taking a deep breath in and jolting upwards, using his density shift to get out of the Hall and in matter of minutes left Earth's atmosphere.
"Ring, take me to Aoran!"-Kid Lantern exclaimed receiving an 'Affirmative.' from his ring and feeling his body go on autopilot. It would take at least few hours of flight to get to the edge of his sector without using the Space-Fold. 'I just hope the guys will have a better time then me.'-he thought as in a span of few hours he finally reached Aoran, and it immediately sent his senses on high alert. From the orbit's point of view Aoran seemed like a planet way more advanced then Earth, with orbitting space stations akin to the Watchtower or other Corps's Sector Houses. 'If so, then why was the contact cut off?'-he thought before flying into one of the stations, and his body was quickly ran over by goosebumps and cold sweats. The bodies of the natives, looking very similar to humans all twisted and looking as if they were dead for centuries.
"Dead, all of them…ring, run over a scan of every humanoid lifeform on the planet and count them."-Kid Lantern said before his ring lit up in reply.
"Affirmative, the scan only detects one living humanoid lifeform on the planet's surface, residing on the central continent."-His ring's AI spoke as Kid Lantern left the station and entered Aoran's atmosphere, only to find a beautiful planet, with pink skies and green plateaus. The local wildlife still seemed to do just fine. 'If the planet's fine, then what happneed to all of the humanoids?'-he thought as he reached to what seemed like the largest city, nothing seemed wrong at the beginning, that was until he looked down to see more twisted corpses. 'Right, that means the last survivor can either be some guy with god complex who sucked life out of the planet's every inhabitant, or is a last survivor of some plauge.'-he thought before almost being hit by a violet beam.
"What the?"-Kid Lantern asked himself as another beam almost flew pass him. Before several more violet beams appeared in the vicinity.
"Ring! You've said that there was only one humanoid lifeform left on this planet!"-Kid Lantern exclaimed hiding behind the nearest large structure. His ring only lit up in confirmation.
"The analyse was correct, whatever attacked must've been either automatoned or unalive."-His ring's AI bluntly anwsered as Kid Lantern raised his eyebrow from under his mask.
"Fine, then find me where the main guy is."-Kid Lantern said as he summoned a holographic map with a dot residing in the centre of the city. 'There you are.'-he thought before flying out from his makeshift shelter. In a little more then five minutes he flew up to see who was his opponent.
"So you are the Green Lantern sent here by the Guardians? A mere child? Shame that my conquest of the universe has to begin with such a frail kill."-The man spoke up as Kid Lantern eyed his oponent, he was a man dressed in a dark purple body suit with blue gloves, boots, belt, cape and colour with a red star-like mask residing on his face, what brought Kid Lantern's attention was a silver band around his right arm.
"Are you the one who butchered all those Aorans? In the name of the Green Lantern Corps stand down, put your appendages in the air and put down your weapon, and this isnt something for debate."-Kid Lantern said as the man chuckled.
"Those fouls didn't understand the sheer power of immortality, with this Star Band…I'll lead my crusade until we reach Oa and decapitate every single Lantern and Guardian on our way! Soon enough the universe will tremble under the rule of Evil Star, and for your second request…that wont happen."-Evil Star said as with a rise of his Star Band summoned several humanoids dressed in similar costumes to their master, what cought his attention was the fact his henchmen looked as dead as other Aorans he found. But then the realisation struck him as did the immminent disgust…those were husks of Aoran children.
"Have you met my Starlings? Future children of the fools that Aoran's soil brought, if it wasn't for me they would continue their meaningless existance, now they serve a much greater cause! My Starlings, bring me the Lantern's head!"-Evil Star exclaimed as the Starlings rushed at Kid Lantern, firing their violet beams from copy-star bands. Kid Lantern…no, Shinji Ikari for a second kept himself away from retaliating, after all those were still children's bodies. 'AHHH! They're dead anyways!'-he thought before summoning a Pallet Rifle and with the help of his visor managed the destroy the copy star bands, with it efectively sending the Starlings bodies down into the Aoran forests. 'All right, first find shelter, contact Salaak, report and figure out what to do.'-he thought before increasing his speed. Meanwhile Evil Star kept standing on the tower, watching the footage from the last Star Band copy.
"The Lantern has sent me back several hours in my plan, unfortunately for him I still have enough power to deal with him."-Evil Star said before being surrounded by a violet aura, as quickly four new corpses of children appeared before being transformed into four new Starlings who all bowed in front of their master.
"Listen to me my children, a Green Lantern is here to halt our conquest, find and eliminate him, or what? Bring him to me, we will send the Guardians a message by killing the first of our many Lantern victims."-Evil Star said as the four Starlings flew away in different directions searching for their prey.
"All right, this cave should work for now. Ring! Contact Lantern Salaak!"-Kid Lantern said as his mask vanished allowing him to wipe the sweat from the covered part of his face, his ring then let out a small sound before projecting a large image of Salaak on the cavern's wall.
"Report Lantern Ikari, what is the situation on Aoran?"-Salaak asked before Shinji brought up a construct of Evil Star.
"He happened, he refers to himself as "Evil Star", from what my ring's analysis said he was the one responsible for total annihilation of his race, he created a device called a Star Band. It is similar in function to our power rings, although they cannot create constructs. What is the most important part is that he can create henchmen out of Aorans corpses and outfit them with copy star bands, known as "Starlings". He aims for the conquest of the entire known universe and wants to attack Oa, probably using the bodies of the Aorans as an army. I've sent the footage I was able to record with my mask back to Oa."-Shinji reported with Salaak only giving a affirmative nod.
"I understand Lantern Ikari, from what I can see is that it will take a lot of time before this Evil Star can gather his army, Lanterns 2814.1, 2814.3 and 2815 are still busy, but 2814.2 has finished his assignment and I'll redirect him for Aoran. For now Lantern Ikari stay low, good luck."-Salaak said before vanishing leaving Shinji alone in the darkness.
"Ring, bring me up the map and show me where the Starlings are."-Shinji said with his ring complying to his orders and projecting a map on the wall. He sighed as he saw that his posistion was safe.
"I just hope the Cadmus team is doing well…"
The Cadmus team…wasn't doing really well. First off they discovered that Cadmus was actually a giant underground facility, second was the fact they breeded living weapons called Genomorphs that wanted to kill them, and the third was something called "Project Kr". One which Robin wanted to investigate, as signalled by the fact that the elevator the trio resided after escaping another Genomorph attack was going down rather then up.
"We're headed down?"-Aqualad asked before Kid Flash turned towards Robin.
"Dude, out is up."-He said as Robin narrowed his eyes.
"Excuse me, Project Kr? It's down on sub-level 52."-Robin said in a tone that meant all three of them were now in a spot with no way out. 'Dang it, if only KL was here, with his ring it would be far easier.'-he thought before Aqualad stepped out.
"This is out of control. Perhaps, perhaps we should contact the league."-Aqualad said bringing some sense into the situation, but before any of them could do something the elevator reached it's final stop. The door opened to reveal…a corridor, one looking as if it could be a look inside of an living organism. Robin didn't even hesitate before running out of the elevator leaving his comrades alone in making the decision.
"We are already here."-Kid Flash said before rushing off towards Robin, Aqualad only sighed before joining in as well. The three now fully ready into finding out what Project Kr really was, until the corridor split.
"Which way?"-Aqualad asked with Robin only silently scoffing.
"Yeah, bizzare hallway number one or bizzare hallway number two?"-Robin asked looking over the two corridors.
"Halt!"-Suddenly a voice exclaimed as the three young heroes turned around to see the same humanoid genomorph that lead them inside, dressed in a white hospital gown. With the fact he resembled more some sort of demon with his two horns and pale skin it didn't help to think that something like this was ordinary in a typical research facility. The genomorph then used his telekinesis to throw two barrels at the heroes, the explosion in the background making it obvious to make a run for it. Robin only threw a batarang as a last resort that was tanked by the Genomorph's telepathy. And so they ran, until Kid Flash managed to reach the door labled Project Kr. That was until he noticed a female scientist walking out of the supposed laboratory, not having enough space to break Kid Flash, unintentionally but still sweeped her legs, making her fall onto the floor just as Robin and Aqualad ran up towards them. To stop the closing door Kid Flash grabbed a nearby crate, managing to hold the door long enough for his friends.
"Hurry!"-Kid Flash exclaimed before Robin jumped though the door with Aqualad kicking the crate though the door, closing just before a group of Genomorphs could attack them.
"I disabled the door, we're safe."-Robin said looking towards Aqualad.
"We're trapped."-Aqualad stated as Robin couldn't agree more, Kid Flash on the other hand was more focus on exploring, and what he found was…surprising to say the least.
"Uhm guys, you'll wanna see this."-Kid Flash said before pressing a button on the console he found. In a blink of an eye several lights turned on from the ceiling, them gazing at a pod, a pod that contained something that shocked the three young heroes.
"Whoa."-Robin said as they examined what the pod held, a clone of Supeman. One younger and probably around their age, dressed in a white suit with the famous "S" symbol, on top of him there were three little genomorphs.
"Big K little r, the atomic symbol for Krypton, clone?"-Kid Flash asked as he walked up closer to the pod.
"Robin, hack."-Aqualad instructed before Robin walked up to the console and plugged in a cable from his gauntlet.
"Weapon designation: Superboy. A clone forcegrown in 16 weeks from DNA aquired from Superman."-Robin recited.
"Stolen from Superman."-Aqualad corrected as the fact that Cadmus aquired the DNA from the Man of Steel himself was virtually imposible.
"No way the big guy knows this."-Kid Flash quickly added as all three had shared the same thoughts.
"Solar suit allows him to absorb yellow sun radiation 24/7."-Robin added before Aqualad pointed at the small genos.
"And these..creatures?"-Aqualad asked pointing at the three gnomes.
"Genomorph-Gnomes, telepathic. Forcefeeding him education."-Robin explained still shocked with what they saw.
"And we can guess what else, they're making a slave out of well…Superman's son."-Kid Flash said as this was the final straw.
"Now we contact the League."-Aqualad said pressing his beltbuckle in order to contact Aquaman, to no avail. Same with Robin and him trying to signal Batman.
"No signal."-Robin bluntly stated, Kid Flash then turned towards the door and then back towards his friends.
"We're in too deep, literally. Damn now I really regret that Kid Lantern isnt here. That ring would sure be useful."-Kid Flash lamented before taking another glance at the Superboy, the sheer thought of the fact that they grew a slave Superman down here send shivers down his spine.
"This is wrong."-He said as all three thought the exact same way.
"We cant leave him like this."-Robin said adding to the argument.
"Set him free, do it."-Aqualad instructed turning towards Robin, who oblidged and in couple of clicks the pod opened…Before suddenly at a speed way higher than a regular human Superboy tuckled Aqualad down to the ground. Robin and Kid Flash not wasting any second before rushing to hold the raging clone.
"Whoa, hang on Supey!"-Kid Flash said while barely holding onto Superboy's arm.
"We're on your side!"-Robin added before with a punch Superboy sent Kid Flash flying. 'I'm sure Shinji is having way more fun then we do…'-he thought before hitting a glass pilar and falling onto the ground losing his conciousness.
"I don't wanna do this."-Robin said before detonating a smoke bomb on Superboy's face, using that small window Aqualad kicked superboy away before Robin fired his stun gun. Not doing any real damage as Superboy pulled Robin by the wire and tuckled him to the ground with his foot, crushing him underneath it. Aqualad then reached out for one of his hilts and summoned a water hammer.
"Enough!"-He exclaimed before tuckling Superboy with it, sending him flying back at his pod. Aqualad then tried to help Robin up, only for the Boy Wonder to succumb to the damage and fall into unconciousness. Superboy got up as well and was ready to attack Aqualad, who reached out his hand.
"We are trying to help you!"-Aqualad said not really convinving the raging clone who once again rushed at him. But this time Aqualad was ready as he dodged Superboy's attack and tackled into the wall, seemingly forgetting the fact that Superboy possessed super strength, with the clone kicking him away as the two entrered a brief one-on-one fight before Aqualad locked him and used his bio-electricity, shocking him severly. In order to free himself from the hero's grasp Superboy jumped upward, knocking Aqualad into the ceiling. He then did it again as it was finally enough to knock Aqualad out, him losing conciousness as well. The clone looked around to see the three defeated heroes, before reopening the door.
'Right, the coast is clear. If those Starlings follow though the same flight patterns thoughout the whole planet then that means I should have a clear shot on one of them from here.'-Kid Lantern thought as he walked out from the cavern that for a while served as his shelter, with him on-foot making his way though the forest before reaching a cliff. Luckilly for him the Starlings proved to be not so…inteligent, so they didn't bother to check any of the caverns under Aoran surface. Giving Kid Lantern enough time to formulate a plan so that he can have a jump on Evil Star before his backup would arrive. So now with an Eva sniper rifle in hand, his finger on the trigger, he waited, and received what he wanted. Shooting a green bullet straight into the copy Star Band, destroying it and sending the former Starling's body into a freefall.
"Great! Now I'll have a chance to finish off the rest in one blow."-Kid Lantern silently cheered before reshaping his sniper rifle into the portable version of the positron rifle. With his guesses proving correct, three Starlings crossing their paths in the air, all in Kid Lantern's crosshairs, with a pull of a trigger the rest of Evil Star's minions were now vaporised. Not wasting anymore time Kid Lantern lifted himself from the ground and made his way back towards Evil Star. Who as every evil space warlord didn't move a meter from where he stood. Without a word he sent a beam at Evil Star's tower, utterly destroying it under him before he flew upwards facing the young Lantern.
"I was expecting that my Starlings would deal with you, I guess you need to deal with some things yourself!"-Evil Star exclaimed as he fired a large violet beam from his hands, one which destroyed a large portion of the abandoned city. Kid Lantern's retaliation was far less spectacular, summoning a large Eva fist and punching hard enough to send Evil Star flying. Making it obvious that while posessing vast power Evil Star lacked any real expierience in combat, but still proved a dangerous opponent. Evil Star fired another beam that Kid Lantern dodged, sending another beam and generating a pellet rifle and firing at Evil Star. The two continued to exchange attacks, Evil Star then fired another violet beam at Kid Lantern who tanked his beam with a construct wall.
"Is this the best a Green Lantern can do? If so then my conquest will be easier then I thought."-Evil Star said as Kid Lantern slightly looked up to see a green light.
"Who said that I want to beat you? I am only a distraction."-Kid Lantern said confusing Evil Star just enough before being hit by a green big rig. Kid Lantern looked up to see a human man, dressed in black pants, combat boots and a black sleeveless shirt with a green front and the Green Lantern symbol. What cought Kid Lantern's attention was the man's ginger hair and a cocky smirk not even he in all effort to hide his secret identity would be able to reproduce.
"Don't worry Kid, they big Guy's here."-The Lantern said before lowering his flight to float infront of Kid Lantern, it was Guy Gardner, the second Green Lantern of Earth.
"Lantern Gardner…"-Kid Lantern said as Guy only kept smirking.
"Oh, you're the junior Jordan's takin care of!"-But before Guy could continue Evil Star made himself known as he fired another beam at the two Lanterns, who managed to narrowly dodge it.
"Lets keep the meet-up talk for later and now focus and takin' the bozo down."-Guy commanded with Kid Lantern nodding. The two Lanterns rushed towards Evil Star, the two firing their rings at Evil Star, who despite being much stronger couldn't keep up with an expierienced Lantern and someone who despite being a Lantern for a short period of time still exceeded at combat. Guy kept Evil Star busy with his blunt yet powerful attacks with Kid Lantern distracting him with his constructs.
"Damn it! I wont let myself be toyed with by two mediocore Green Lanterns!"-Evil Star said before he received a football in the face followed by punch to the jaw.
"WHO YA CALLIN' MEDIOCRE?!"-Guy roared as it sent Evil Star flying.
"That's it! ARISE MY ARMY!"-Evil Star exclaimed, raising his Star Band arm into the air, surrounded by violet aura before letting out almost an animalistic kind of roar. Before a green tendril slipped though and reached out for the Star Band. Quickly surrounding the confused and powerless Evil Star in a green bubble. Guy only whistled before he flew up towards Kid Lantern.
"You sneaked away this power ring rip off from him while I beated the crap out of him, impressive."-Guy said as Kid Lantern's mask vanished.
"I don't think I could do that on my own, not yet at least."-Shinji said as Guy gave him a strong clap on the back.
"Kiddo, for a rookie you've handled it quite well. With that we can finally talk! Guy Gardner, Green Lantern 2814.2."-Guy said, reaching out his hand towards Shinji who shook it.
"Shinji Ikari, Green Lantern 2814.4. You know Lantern Gardner, you differ from what I heard either Hal or John Stewart."-Shinji said while reinforcing the bubble to shut Evil Star up. Guy only laughed when he heard Shinji's words.
"They're just jealous 'cause they're not the best Lantern, if you want to be the best like the man over here then stick around me, I'll get Evil Star to Oa and you can go back to your sidekicks meet-up."-Guy said taking the sphere with his ring.
"You think this is over brat!? I'll come back and have my revenge, you have no ide-."-Evil Star was once again shut off, this time by a fist inside the bubble knocking him out. Shinji sighed before handing the Star Band to Guy.
"I guess this is goodbye."-Shinji said as Guy nodded.
"Yeah, I want to get some zzz's and maybe later have a talk with Jordan and Stewart regarding picking up slack regarding Sector protection. See ya 'round Kid! And I own you hot wings!"-Guy said before the two Lanterns split off, Guy flying off to Oa and Shinji getting back to Earth. With another trip lasting few hours Shinji summoned his mask as he entered Earth's atmosphere and made his way to the East Coast.
"Ring, take me to Cadmus!"-Kid Lantern exclaimed, his ring only lit up in confirmation before he put up speed and reached his destination, only to find rubble. He immediately scanned though the rubble for any familiar DNA or bio-signal.
"Signal of: Robin, Aqualad and Kid Flash located."-Kid Lantern's ring AI spoke up as meanwhile his visor switched to a vision highlighting the three heroes in green. Locating the piece of rubble they were stuck under he summoned an Eva Hand and lifted it up, revealing Kid Flash, Aqualad and Robin alongside another boy dressed in a ripped apart white suit.
"Guys!"-Kid Lantern exclaimed landing before Kid Flash runned up towards him for a high five, before the young speedster twisted in pain.
"Dude, you missed some serious fireworks."-Kid Flash said, Kid Lantern only looked around the rubble that supposedly was once Kadmus. 'Wow, some serious fireworks indeed.'-he thought as meanwhile Aqualad panted for air.
"We, we did it."-He said turning towards Robin, who only smirk.
"Was there any doubt?"-He asked as Superboy looked around, first at the grey monster that was once Cadmus's leading scientist before turning towards the four young heroes.
"See? The moon!"-Kid Flash said pointing upwards, with Superboy looking up towards it. Before suddenly Superman appeared.
"Oh, and Superman! Do we keep our promises or what?"-Kid Flash added as quickly Superman was joined by all of his fellow leaguers, the situation turning awkard for Kid Lantern as even from where he stood he could feel GL's confusement. With Batman, Superman, Flash and later GL standing in front of the young heroes. Without hesitation Superboy walked up towards his precedessor, lifting up the tarnished part of his costume to reveal the familiar "S".
"Is that what I think it is?"-Batman asked, with Kid Flash walking up next to Superboy.
"He doesn't like being called an it."-He said as Superboy didn't need his advocacy.
"I'm Superman's clone."-Superboy explained sending a wave of confusement thoughout the whole league, except for Batman who narrowed his eyes.
"Start talking."-Batman said with the three heroes now explaining what got them here, Kid Lantern on the other hand was pulled to the side by GL.
"I got a briefing from Guy regarding what happened on Aoran Kid, sorry I wasn't able to help…you ok?"-GL asked as Kid Lantern wiped the back of his head.
"Yeah, Lantern Gardner helped me to put the guy down."-Kid Lantern explained, GL only rubbed the bridge of his mask nose before pointing at the giant.
"Listen, go home now before Batman will get on your back for reasons unknown while I help the league."-GL said with Kid Lantern nodding before shooting out into the sky. 'So, you wont talk about the whole race being extinct? You keep making me ask more questions without anwsers Shinji.'-Hal thought before joining the rest of the league.
A/N: Wow, we are finally here. Independence Day! And yes Shinji was off on his own while the team had it's maiden mission in Cadmus. Like I said, this wont be a one-to-one adaptation. As Shinji is still the protagonist with the POV revolving around him and his journey as the superhero world changes around him, sometimes with his influence sometimes changing the world he lives in. With this chapter marking the start of the first season and beginning Shinji's real involvement with other younger heroes. Also we got John Stewart's and Guy Gardner's debut so that's 3 out of 4 main Earth Lanterns introduced. Regarding Evil Star, I know the Starlings werent actually dead children but the idea you've seen in this chapter came up while I worked on how to fit him in and make him Shinji's real first space threat without two Lanterns behind him, using that to show how much like his Earth friends he still needs to learn despite being a full-time Green Lantern. I wanted to make an announcement as well: I'm looking for a beta-reader/lore consultant regarding this story, one that would help me smooth out and consult regarding some ideas, so if you have deep knowledge of DC then DM me on reddit or on . That's all for today, see ya! And as always I don't own Evangelion or DC Comic, that belongs to Studio Khara and Warner Bros Discovery.