Across the Stars

by DFM23

In a tale that spans the cosmos, one man learns a lesson. When life is at its darkest, when reality is at its worst, there is a path back to the light. For a man who lost everything and had nothing left to live for, he finds his life born anew. In his worst moment, at the lowest of his lows, he finds the most powerful of all emotions… Hope. Rated M to hedge my bets. Probably T.

12. Epilogue

AN

Many days had past since the battle with Doomsday on Zamaron and in that time Michael and Ghia'ta had allowed their new relationship to blossom into a wholesome romance. That said, not every day could be dedicated to each other when their true duties lay elsewhere. In time, Michael was called away from his lover as his ring guided him back to where his rebirth had began.

Odym remained its tranquil self, a bastion of peaceful existence in the midst of the galaxy's chaotic turbidity. Michael was glad to be back on the Blue Lantern homeworld even if it took him away from Ghia'ta for a time. He walked with Ganthet, recounting his adventures since leaving the planet, from assisting Saint Walker and Razer, to encountering Red Lanterns and Yellow Lanterns, to fighting Doomsday with the Justice League. "…and that's when they offered me a chance to come back to Earth and try my hand membership. Me! Fighting alongside guys like Green Lantern!"

Ganthet laughed, like a grandfather admiring the enthusiasm of a grandson. "Sounds like you have been a very busy man lately." The Guardian mused.

"That's one word for it." Michael agreed, looking down at his power ring. "When I finally discovered what it meant to be everything you were talking about, a saint of the universe, everything just seemed to come into place. I get it. I finally get what it means to be and give hope." Ganthet smiled.

"You have learned a valuable lesson that few others have mastered, Michael. Now that you have embraced what it means to be a Blue Lantern, you can take your light to the ends of the universe and allow others to experience the same hope you experienced."

"I will, Ganthet. I promise to do you proud."

"I should also take this time to remind you of your responsibility." Ganthet added. "As the newest member of the Blue Lanterns, it falls to you to recruit our next member. I trust you'll know what to look for." Michael smiled and nodded.

"I trust my ring can sort out who would be worthy."

"Good. Now, come. The day grows late. It is time to give thanks to the battery." Ganthet took flight and Michael followed, soaring over green forests, babbling brooks, flights of alien birds, and roaring waterfalls. The central battery loomed into view where a multitude of sentient species had gathered, each of them wearing the black and blue of the Blue Lantern Corps. Ganthet took his position alongside Sayd at the foot of the battery while Michael joined the ranks of Blues down below. There were few he recognized and many he did not know, his ring clueing him in; the masked and silent Brother Sepdifer (looking similar to Sister Sercy), the Daffathian Brother Hynn, the young green-skinned Brother Shon, and, like Brother Warth, many who took after Earthen animals in appearance: the Eagle-like Brother Daunt, the leopard-like Brother Gryle, the giraffe-like Brother Mar'K-L, the alligator-like Brother Xrrt… there were many and Michael wondered if he would ever meet them all.

He stood next to Razer, their pair nodding in silent acknowledgment. Ganthet began to speak, "As the cosmos spins, more than ever is the light of hope needed by the denizens of the galaxy. Dark are the corners of the sectors and there live those who need us most. Let us always remember, brothers and sisters, that are to light the darkest hour of those with little to cling to. We are the saints of the universe, we are the answer to prayers, we are the light that pierces the darkness that would otherwise consume every soul of every sentient. We, the Blue Lanterns, give of ourselves for the sake of others, for our gift is not a selfish one. The light of hope that dwells within us all deserves to be shared with everyone in the galaxy. This is our commission. This is our pledge to all." The Guardian turned to the central battery, lifting his hands high as a blue glow greeted him. "Renew yourselves, Lanterns. Find life in your brotherhood, find strength in your calling, find renewal in the blue light."

The Corps thrust their arms skyward and collectively recited the oath, "In fearful day, in raging night, with strong hearts full, our souls ignite," Blue beams erupted from their rings, shooting into the sky, heralding the strength of the Corps like a beacon to the universe, letting all who could see it know that all was not lost… that all would be well. "When all seems lost in the war of light," Michael smiled, feeling pride and joy brim within his heart as he embraced his newfound life with glee. He was a saint of the universe; here to give hope to the hopeless, to be a light in the darkness, to assure everyone that their brightest day was just beyond their blackest night. With power in his voice, he bellowed the final line of the oath with all his spirit, just as his fellow Blue Lanterns did.

"Look to the stars, for HOPE BURNS BRIGHT!"