[CENTER][sup][h1][center][img]https://qph.cf2.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-098ff22137b2a99d5e61436a13887ae7-pjlq[/img][/center][b][center][color=green] T H E   L A N T E R N S[/color]
[color=yellow]T H E   L A N T E R N S[/color][/center]
[/b][/h1][/sup]
[color=silver][sup][i]"In Brightest day, in Blackest Night."[/i][/sup][/color][/CENTER]

[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5O_a_ASgUbM]Previously on: The Lanterns[/url]
[hider=An Unfortunate Greeting (Or How i earned 500 years Military Service)]

[h3]2am Over the Nevada Desert[/h3]
The serene calm of the desert was suddenly shattered by a 15,000kg streak of lightning moving over half the speed of sound.[color=8dc73f]"Tower this is Highball, Highball calling tower, over."[/color] The pilot, Captain Hal Jordan said into his mask as he pulled it up to his face. It took a second before he got a response.

[color=f49ac2]"Highball this is tower, we've got you on radar, you are looking 5 by 5 from over here. How is the new crate holding up?"[/color] Inside of the tower of Nellis Airforce Base was a number of the joint chiefs of staff, including the Chief Air Marshal. At the station was Carol Ferris, chief engineer of Ferris Aircraft INC. [color=f49ac2]"Are you ready to make the push? Over."[/color] Inside of his Cockpit, Hal checked his instruments. Everything was so far looking good, but that wasn't surprising. Ferris were known for sturdy craftsmanship. This was the equivalent of a gentle stroll in the park as far as testing was concerned.

[color=8dc73f]"Roger. All lights are in the green, looks like she's as ready as she's ever going to be. Over."[/color] Hal responded. The big concern wasn't so much it breaking apart. After all, this was a prototype, it was his job as a test pilot to try and break it. But the big concern was doing so in front of the woman who designed it. Especially when he had a date riding on this. He flicked the safety on the of the afterburners to make sure they were still in place [color=8dc73f]"And our deal is still on. Mach 3.3 and you treat me to steaks?[/color]

Carol laughed nervously as several of the old men in chairs behind her seemed to grunt disapprovingly. [color=f49ac2]"Mach 3.5 and i'll pay.[/color] She looked around, several of the other engineers monitoring the Jets systems quickly made some last second adjustments and gave her the thumbs up. [color=f49ac2]"Highball this is Tower, you are go for test. Repeat you are go for test. Over."[/color]

Hal simply laughed as she mentioned Mach 3.5. He seriously doubted this thing could reach Mach 3.3 let alone 3.5. MiG 25 Foxbat held the current speed record for a fighter jet of Mach 2.83 in a dive. Carol was confident the new F-24 "Blackhawk" was going to be the fighter of the future. [color=8dc73f]"Time to make a pretty ladies dream come true"[/color] He whispered to himself away from his mask, before strapping it on fully. [color=8dc73f]"This is Highball ascending to 50,000ft where i shall commence testing."[/color] He reported as he pulled back on the stick gently. He didn't want to put this thing through any more stress than it needed to before something this... Well, frankly insane. But Hal had done stupider things when there was a pretty girl watching... That was a lie, but he probably would have done stupider things if a pretty girl had been watching when he was given $150m worth of equipment. After 20 minutes of gentle climbing, levelling out ever 10,000ft to make sure the engines were doing well enough. Here he sat, among the clouds, the black of the night above him, the rays of the sun on the other side of the planet BARELY just peaking over the horizon. He made the final preparations and checks, made sure he had his checklists ready in case anything went wrong... Not that he'd have terribly much time to go through them if he couldn't pull out of the dive. At least the last thing that would go through his mind would be Carol's plush, doughy ass... Followed by the canopy of the aircraft crumpling in front of him at 3 times the speed of sound. [color=8dc73f]"Tower this is Highball, we are at optimal altitude, all systems continue to register green."[/color] He flicked the safety off of the afterburners. [color=8dc73f]"Awaiting final clearance. Over."[/color]

Carol looked at the rest of the team, before double checking her instruments. Thumbs up from everyone. [color=f49ac2]"Highball this is tower. You are go. Repeat you are go."[/color] Carol took a deep breath and hoped that 7 years and $3t of development wasn't about to smash into the desert floor along with a kinda cute jet jockey who refused to stop hitting on her.

Hal made the last possible checks as every single part of his body went numb from a combination of fear and excitement. He reached a tingly finger up and flicked the switch of the afterburners, before reaching down to the throttle and slowly pushing it up. Immediately he felt himself being forced back into his seat. Barely 5 seconds later and he felt the sound barrier smashing around him. With so little wind resistance up here, it was fairly easy. [color=8dc73f]"Highball to Tower, we are at Mach 1 and continuing to accelerate."[/color] He reported. [color=8dc73f]"All systems continue to register green."[/color] He sat there as he saw the world rush by him, one hand on the stick to keep her steady, the other slowly and cautiously pushing the throttle up. [color=8dc73f]"Mach 1.7. Goodbye Lightning II."[/color] He laughed. There was another jolt about a minute later as he checked his speedometer. [color=8dc73f]"Mach 2."[/color] Hal began to feel blood try to push to the back of his body, but luckily his flightsuit was compressing his arteries and making sure everything flowed at a constant and even rate so he didn't pass out. [color=8dc73f]"Mach 2.6, Congrats, Blackhawk just became the fastest American Production Jet Fighter... Assuming the very handsome men sat behind you choose to go forward with her."[/color] Hal laughed. There was also a few courteous laughs from inside of the tower. He then saw a warning light on the console in front of him.

[color=f49ac2]"Highball, your oil temp is starting to rise. Watch that."[/color] Carol stated.

[color=8dc73f]"It's all good, Tower, it'll stabilize.[/color] Hal replied, as the jet reached Mach 2.7... 2.75... 2.78... 2.79... 2.8... [color=8dc73f]"Looks like in level flight, 2.8's best we're getting."[/color] The speedometer ticked one last time over. [color=8dc73f]"Correction 2.81. Permission to begin dive? Over."[/color] Hal asked.

Carol and the team monitored the data. He didn't have too long on the afterburners left. But everything was in surprisingly good shape to continue. There was a series of thumbs up from around the control room. [color=f49ac2]"You are go to initiate dive. Pull out when you reach 10,000ft.[/color]

[color=8dc73f]"F.A.B. Vergil."[/color] Hal laughed. [color=8dc73f]"Highball beginning my descent. Over."[/color] He slowly eased forward on the control stick. Partially because the shallower the dive, the more time he had to accelerate before he was a bug on a windscreen, but mostly because the G forces were pushing against him on this. With Gravity's help the speedometer began to climb again. [color=8dc73f]"2.85, goodbye Foxhound."[/color] Another jolt [color=8dc73f]"Mach 3, about to leave the Valkyrie in the dust.[/color]

[color=f49ac2]"Highball this is tower, abort the test immediately. I repeat, abort the test immediately."[/color] He heard come through his comms. He frantically looked around the cockpit for what the malfunction was.

[color=8dc73f]"All my instruments are fine up here, she's going strong. 3.06, we've just left Valkyrie behind."[/color]

[color=f49ac2]"Radar just picked up something entering your area. Abort."[/color] Hal quickly checked his instruments. It wasn't coming anywhere close.

[color=8dc73f]"I'm not seeing anything. Maybe Towers equipment is faulty. 3.1."[/color] He replied. Looking around. As he looked out of the cockpit above him, he could see a bright, glowing meteor heading down. [color=8dc73f]"Nothing on port, nothing starboard, nothing fore.[/color] He said. Technically true, technically not court-martialable.

[color=f49ac2]"It's right ontop of you, abort the test now and take evasive action."[/color] Carol ordered.

[color=8dc73f]"With all due respect Tower, as a captain, i do outrank you. I am not seeing any danger in continuing. 3.14 We are pie in the sky."[/color] He lied, seeing the very imminant danger coming towards him. But if he continued to accelerate at this rate, it should miss him. He pushed forward on the stick a little more to get even more speed out.

[color=f49ac2]"IF YOU BREAK THAT PLANE YOU ARE GOING TO BE IN THE MILITARY FOR ANOTHER 500 YEARS BECAUSE THAT'S HOW MUCH SALERY IT'S GOING TO TAKE FOR YOU TO REPLACE THAT THING!!!"[/color] She roared at him, rather unprofessionally, Hal may add. The Chiefs behind her all looked at each other, a little scared of her, but mostly scared of flushing that much money down the drain. At that point, the instruments in the Tower all went dead. Nellis blacked out completely. There was a flurry of activity as the crews rushed to get the emergency backups working again. Of course, Hal had no idea of this, because he had his own set of problems to worry about. Including the fact that his own plane had gone dead at 35,000ft.

[color=8dc73f]"Tower? Tower come in this is Highball! Mayday, Mayday, Mayday, this is Highball, we have lost control. Engine has died, electronics inoperable. Do you read me tower?"[/color] He called out. In his panicked state, he forgot that the radio was electronic as well and was also obviously dead. As the fireball came closer, he began to notice that... Wait, that's not a meteor... Wings, fuselage... That's a plane... No, too strange a design... Aliens? Well, he was right next to Area 51, maybe there was a mix up in booking airspace for test flights. The nose of the plane started to slowly pitch down as he accelerated due to Gravity. He tried to pick up the checklist, but the G's were too intense. [color=8dc73f]"Dammit!!![/color] He grunted, before grabbing the handle between his legs. He saw the altitude meter reach 10,000ft and he pulled as hard as he could. Instantly the canopy blew and a loud roar sent him hurtling safely away from his 500 years repayment scheme. The parachute deployed and he was throttled a bit as the air was caught in the super-highspeed-specialized parachute. He blacked out for a few seconds at this, but quickly regained consciousness. He down to see the rest of the plane smash into a desert mesa, while the UFO smashed into the ground not far from it. It took about 15 minutes for him to land. tucking his legs so he could roll as he hit the dry desert dust. He quickly detached the parachute and bundled it up before taking stock of the situation.

Well, the plane was a writeoff to start with. But the other one seemed to have smashed down relatively intact. Instincts and adrenaline took over as he began to run towards the UFO (Unidentified F****d Object). Getting close was when the tingly feeling returned. [color=8dc73f]"HELLO!!!"[/color] He called out [color=8dc73f]"ANYONE IN THERE!?!?!?[/color] He ran towards the front screen to see two people inside, flames around them. Climbing up, he put his boot into the screen, but as he did so, it didn't smash, but instead vanished, Hal falling through into the cockpit. These two were clearly very badly burned, their skin was all VERY pink, almost rosey, both of them. He quickly undid the straps holding the one in yellow in place, hoisting him over his shoulder, he carried the man out to safety away from the craft, before turning back, running back in and grabbing the man in the green outfit.

[color=39b54a]"Sin... Sine..."[/color] The man hacked and spluttered as he tried to talk.

[color=8dc73f]"Don't try and talk, i've got you. Captain Hal Jordan, US Airforce."[/color] He quickly carried him out and lay him next to the first one. [color=8dc73f]"Sorry, but i don't have a medkit or anything. There's little I can do until help arrives. But let's keep you talking. That's the one i do know. What's your name?"[/color]

[color=39b54a]"Sur... Abin... Sur..."[/color] He coughed out.

[color=8dc73f]"Ah, another military man. Abin, what kind of name is that? Greek? Arabic?"[/color] Hal sat down next to them.

[color=39b54a]"Noti... No time..."[/color] He coughed, writhing around and trying to grab his own hand, before pulling off a green ring that was in it. [color=39b54a]"Gotta k... Gotta keep... Gotta stop... Him..."[/color] He began coughing hard as he weakly threw the ring at Hal. [color=39b54a]"Keep them... He can't... Don't let... Him... Tor lorek san, bor nakka mur"[/color] He managed to cough out, as suddenly there was a bright explosion from the ship, and 6 brightly coloured lights began to zoom out in different directions. A blue, a grey, a pink, a purple, a red and an orange light. Abin then began to cough harder and harder [color=39b54a]"KE-EEP HIM-STOP HIM- HE CAN'T![/color] until one final last deep breath and then Abin fell silent and still.

[color=8dc73f]"Abin... Abin, buddy, stay with me."[/color] He ran over to Abin and started slapping his face lightly, shaking him a little. He then started chest compressions. [color=8dc73f]"ABIN, BUDDY, COME ON![/color] He yelled. [color=8dc73f]"ABIN! DON'T YOU DARE DIE ON ME!"[/color] He continued compressions for 10 seconds before he was distracted by a glowing green light.

[color=c4df9b]"Hal...[/color] Hal looked over to see the ring that Abin had thrown at him it was now glowing and floating in the air. [color=c4df9b]"HAL JORDAN OF EARTH. I SENSE GREAT WILL IN YOUR HEART! SAY THE OATH AND JOIN OUR RANKS!!!"[/color]

Hal instinctively reached out towards it as he felt his lips moving on their own.

[color=8dc73f]"In Brightest Day, In Blackest Night
No Evil Shall Escape My Sight
Let Those Who Worship Evil's Might
Beware My Power, Green Lantern's Light!!!"[/color]

In a bright flash of light, Hal was stood now wearing a green and black outfit with white gloves. The Ring on his finger glowing brightly. He looked down to see the man in yellow slowly start to rouse. [color=8dc73f]"Wow, buddy, you need to lay still."[/color] He said, once again, going into protective mode, not focussing on the freaky ring that just pimped his outfit. The man slowly started to lean up.

[color=fff200]"The ring... It chose you?"[/color] He asked. He then let his head slump back as he clearly tried to stiffle his tears, but that didn't work as Hal saw them flowing. [color=fff200]"Abin Sur... Why...?[/color] He cried softly as he slumped back down.
[/hider]
[hider=A Meeting with The President][h3]Area 51 - Nevada[/h3]
It had been a week since the incident. Hal sat in his Quarantine booth after having been exposed to the crafts exotic energies. At least they had given him a TV to watch while in here. Watching the Battle of New York unfold, he had tried to activate the ring to get involved. But, shortly after he had gotten here, the ring seemed to have run out of juice and he hadn't been able to do anything with it. The boys in the lab tried to take it away from him for study, but the moment anyone took their eyes off of it, i was back on his finger. It seemed to phase through reality itself or teleport or something, but it just kept ending up back with him.

Getting up from the bunk, he had choices galore. Read that magazine for the 17th time, watch one of the other 3 channels, or maybe have his 3rd shower of the day. It was just as he was about to take his shirt off for that 3rd shower that there was a knock at the door. [color=8dc73f]"Come in."[/color] He replied. At that point, the door opened and a guard walked in.

"Captain Jordan, your quarantine is officially over and you are being summoned by the chief." He said, saluting him. Jordan saluted back before following him.

[color=8dc73f]"Honestly, i'd have accepted a summary execution before staying in there longer."[/color] He groaned, finally being allowed to walk around and stretch his legs. He was lead to an office several floors up. [color=8dc73f]"So, which Chief is it?"[/color] He asked, before being shown into the room. Inside of the room was a comfortable sitting lounge with leather sofa's and everything. There were a couple of guards, some guys with weird symbols on their jackets, the Alien in yellow he had rescued, and on a monitor was THE chief. As in, the Commander-In-Chief. Hal immediately stood to attention and saluted [color=8dc73f]"Mr President."[/color]

[color=8493ca]"At ease, son."[/color] The president replied, Hal took the opportunity to sit down. [color=8493ca]"Well, gentlemen, we're in a dally of a pickle here so i've had the call in the best of the best of the few as possible. God knows can't let this stuff get out. Giant trolls attacking New York is one thing, as are those Mutants that saved us. But Aliens? You've signed your NDA's, right Captain?[/color]" The president asked looking at Hal. Hal nodded in response. [color=8493ca]"Good man. This is Agent May of our Strategic Homeland Intelligence Evaluation and Logistics Division."[/color] He motioned over to the woman sat on another sofa in the jacket. Yeah, now Hal recognized that logo. Usually a couple of those guys hanging around the base just before he went on sorties with mutants involved. [color=8493ca]"Our visitor has a heck of a tale to tell. Want to fill Captain Jordan in on this?"[/color] He asked. The alien in yellow nodded, before getting up.

[color=fff200]"Hal Jordan of Earth, my name is Thaal Sinestro of Korugar. I have come to your planet because of a grave threat not only to you but to the entire universe."[/color] He said. [color=fff200]"I will first thank you for my rescue as well as the kind hospitality your government has chosen to show me."[/color] His ring started to glow as a hologram of a [color=fff200]"Despero, a Kalanorian Warlord, wielding a strange power known as The Pyre."[/color]

[color=8dc73f]"Oh, that ol' chestnut..."[/color] Hal shook his head.

[color=fff200]"Despero is exceptionally strong and determined. He has been searching for the power to wipe out some of the other alien races of the galaxy. That is what lead him to the Lantern Rings... He tricked us. A trap that isolated us and destroyed us. But i was able to get all 6 of the other rings before he could get his hands on them."[/color] Sinestro pointed to the ring on Hals finger. [color=fff200]"In total, there are 8 Lantern Rings of Power. Each dedicated to a different emotion, each powerful enough to destroy a planet or banish evil from the galaxy, depending on who's hands they are in. I weild the Gold Ring, it represents the ability to instil great fear in those who would serve evil. You, Hal Jordan have been chosen by the green ring. It represents Will. Pure, unadulterated will, to do what is necessary in the universe."[/color]

[color=8dc73f]"I feel honoured... Did it choose me because of Abin-"[/color] But before Hal could respond, Sinestro interrupted.

[color=fff200]"Abin Sur died a hero, defending what he knew was right. One of the greatest souls this universe has ever known. You, Hal Jordan, are now in charge of keeping his legacy alive."[/color] Sinestro and Hal stared at each other intently, both trying to get in the others head, but it was Sinestro who decided to move on. [color=fff200]"The other rings are Blue that represents hope. Red that represents righteous rage. Star Sapphire that represents love. Grey that indicates Sorrow. Indigo that represents compassion and Orange that represents the insatiable avarice for justice. I, however, have no idea what happened to the rings, i can only assume they were scattered in the crash."[/color] He sighed, but Hal piped up at this point.

[color=8dc73f]"Wait, i remember seeing them. When Abin died, he said something about he can't be allowed to use them. He said something and then there were 5 lights that shot off in different directions. Blue, Orange, Grey, Pink, Red and Purple."[/color] He said, Sinestro stared at Hal for a second, silently.

[color=fff200]"Clearly in his final moments, Abin felt the need to scatter the rings in case we were followed by Despero or one of his men."[/color] Sinestro sighed.

[color=8493ca]"A wise precaution. If what you say about these rings are true, then we are very lucky that it was you and Abin that had them in your possession."[/color] The president replied. [color=8493ca]"So, Mr Sinestro, how do we plan to gather these rings? And how would we choose who wields them?"[/color]

[color=fff200]"That, Mr President, is both an easy and difficult answer. The rings are currently searching for those who may use them. They will seek out those best suited to their use, who feel the strongest of their set emotions. Red will seek out a champion of Anger, Indigo a champion of compassion, etc. And in the meantime, i suspect Despero is on his way, if not right now, then as soon as he has picked up our ships trail. But we must be cautious with the rings. In their tempremental phase like this, they may grab ahold of anyone feeling strong enough emotion and drain them to continue their search."[/color]

[color=8dc73f]"That sounds incredibly dangerous, we have to warn the public."[/color] Hal stated.

[color=fff200]"It sounds a lot worse than it is. They will transform people into some sort of Pseudo champion. Force them to feel their emotion at their absolute zenith, then drain that energy from them and leave. The victim in this scenario will be left rather weak, but nothing a few days of bedrest won't cure. There is little foreseeable chance of actual fatalities."[/color]

[color=8dc73f]"But what if it's someone who's already rather weak from disease or something. Or heaven forbid, the opposite. What if it grabs one of those hyper-powerful mutants and makes them go on a rampage. There's a few mutants out there who're probably angry enough that if the Red ring grabs them, they could kill people."[/color] Hal reiterated.

[color=8493ca]"We are quickly approaching rampant speculation."[/color] The president stated. [color=8493ca]"Mr Sinestro, please do answer Captain Jordans question though."[/color] Sinestro looked at the computer screen, then to Hal, then back to the President.

[color=fff200]"I don't know... But if they are as powerful and as angry as you say, then it may be entirely possible."[/color]

[color=8493ca]"That's a worrying answer, Mr Sinestro, but i appreciate your honesty."[/color] The President sat and thought for a second. [color=8493ca]"But this is why Agent May is here. Captain Jordan, I am hereby officially giving you an effective immediate leave of abscence from your duties in the United States Airforce while you focus on personal matters. I am then unofficially giving you orders to accompany Agent May and Mr Sinestro to one of the S.H.I.E.L.D. Headquarters in Coast City where you will coordinate efforts to hunt down these power rings and recruit anyone who these rings choose."[/color] Hal put his hand up and the President stopped to allow the question.

[color=8dc73f]"What's the official story on the plane going down?"[/color] Hal asked.

[color=8493ca]"Technical fault with the plane itself, don't worry, this won't effect your military record."[/color] The President replied.

[color=8dc73f]"Is there any way we might be able to say that there was no test flight? Just sweep the whole thing under the rug?"[/color] He asked. [color=8dc73f]"I just don't think it's too fair for Ferris Aircraft to take the blame for this. Also, they are a fairly large manufacturer of our military jets, we can't afford to shake public trust at the moment, can we?"[/color] Hal said, putting his best foot forward, also hoping to save Carol and her family some face. The president thought for a second, before relenting.

[color=8493ca]"Alright, Captain, have it your way. But remember we are walking on eggshells here. If this is done quickly and quietly enough that Despero doesn't discover the rings were ever here, then we can discuss moving them to whichever planet Mr Sinestro would like. If not... Well, we'll make decisions as they come. If these rings are as dangerous as you say and can truly choose anyone to go on a rampage, then we may need some extra precautions on our streets. Good hunting gentlemen"[/color] The president saluted to the room with Agent May and Hal saluting back, Sinestro looked around and awkwardly copied the hand manoeuvre before the president signed off. Agent May turned.

[color=f9ad81]"Gentlemen, if you would please follow me, we have a plane waiting. Your possessions have already been packed."[/color] She said, before looking Sinestro up and down. [color=f9ad81]"We may need a disguise for you."[/color]

[color=8dc73f]"Why?"[/color] Hal asked. [color=8dc73f]"All i see is a minor skin mutation on an otherwise regular human being."[/color] He smiled. Sinestro stared at Hal for a second, before his ring glowed and in an instant, Sinestro seemed to change to look like a regular human.

[color=f9ad81]"Alright, we'll sort you out with ID in flight. As well as brand new NDA's."[/color] She replied, before starting to walk, followed by the 2 Lanterns.

[color=8dc73f]"Trust me, i've seen enough freaky stuff that's getting me sent to the nut house if it ever comes out. I ain't telling nobody nothing."[/color][/hider]
[hider=The Batteries][h3]35,000ft above South Dakota[/h3]
Hal walked into the meeting office of the [url=https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/marvelmovies/images/f/fa/Bus7-AoS084.png/revision/latest?cb=20140510232939]large plane[/url] that was taking them to S.H.I.E.L.D. HQ, saluting Agent May and Sinestro as they sat in a chair each, he saw Sinestro sat with 7 strange items on the table in front of them. Looking like old timey lanterns of each of the colours. [color=8dc73f]"So i'm gonna take a blind stab in the dark and assume that these are where our names come from. But i only see 6. Where's the..."[/color] He quickly counted them [color=8dc73f]"Purple one?"[/color]

[color=fff200]"That would be Indigo, Hal Jordan."[/color] Sinestro replied in his usual disappointed manner. [color=fff200]"But yes, you are correct, these are the Power Batteries that allow us to use our rings. Something that i have neglected to trust you with until now."[/color] He replied. Agent May then butted in to correct him.

[color=8882be]"Actually, It was only shortly before takeoff that we were able to recover the others from his craft."[/color] May said coldly. Sinestro didn't respond, simply continuing to stare at Jordan, but Hal could tell he didn't appreciate having his authority undermined by May.

[color=fff200]"The Indigo lantern does not have a battery. It has a staff that materializes when its champion is chosen. This may cause problems down the line."[/color] Sinestro continued as if May hadn't said anything.

[color=8dc73f]"Ok, so how do these work?"[/color] Hal asked, trying to change the subject. [color=8dc73f]"Because my ring hasn't been working for over a week."[/color] Sinestro got up and walked towards the yellow battery.

[color=fff200]"Your Ring is only half of the equation as, although it will be able to store a lot of energy, as well as storing it in your body, it is unable to properly refine pure emotion into energy. That is the Lanterns duty. The Lantern itself draws the emotion from the universe around it and then you may charge your ring using the battery, like so."[/color] Sinestro held his ring finger into the lanterns lense.

[color=fff200]"In blackest day, in brightest night!
Beware your fears made into light
Let those who try to stop what's right,
Be burned by power, The Golden Light!"[/color]

As he did so, the lantern and ring began to glow golden as Hal watched the battery charge the ring up. May and Hal both looked at each other and nodded as if in approval. Hal then walked towards the green one and put his hand into it.

[color=8dc73f]"In brightest day, in blackest night,
No evil shall escape my sight!
Let those who worship evil's might
Beware my power, Green Lantern's light!"[/color]

As he chanted, the reaction was much more fierce, probably because Hals ring was completely out of juice, Hal had to hold the battery itself as i felt like it was trying to draw him in. But as the process finished, the green and black suit once again appeared around Hal.

[color=fff200]"Congratulations, Hal Jordan, you have just taken your first step into a larger world."[/color] Sinestro said.

[color=8dc73f]"Alright, Obi-Wan, what's next?"[/color] Hal asked, Sinestro raised a questioning eyebrow.

[color=fff200]"My name is Sinestro and you will address me as such."[/color] He said, dryly.

[color=8dc73f]"It's just a figure of speech on this planet."[/color] Hal replied, trying to make sure that Sinestro wasn't completely offended. That being said, Hal really kinda wanted to offend this stuck up ass. As each mans eyes narrowed at each other, May got involved.

[color=8882be]"Our next move is to relax and get what rest we can before we reach S.H.I.E.L.D. HQ. 5 Rings between 2 lanterns will have us playing catch up initially. As soon as we have recovered 2 and given them to their proper users, we should gain the upper hand."[/color] She said. She then handed each of them a wallet. The men took the wallets and looked inside. In there was a S.W.O.R.D. Badge as well as ID with their faces on them. Sinestro stared coldly at May, clearly not appreciating that he had been photographed without his permission. Hal tapped him on the shoulder and showed him the photo on his card.

[color=8dc73f]"Hey, they got my bad side too."[/color] Hal smiled. Sinestro simply sat down again, Hal wasn't a mind reader, but he could tell that the thought going through Sinestro's head was [i]"I'm surrounded by idiots"[/i] [color=8dc73f]"Hang on, S.W.O.R.D.? I thought we were working for S.H.I.E.L.D.?"[/color]

[color=8882be]"Officially, S.W.O.R.D. doesn't exist. Or at least, we don't go around advertising our existance. S.H.I.E.L.D. is our arm that deals with Earthborn threats. S.W.O.R.D. is for dealing with Extraterrestrial threats. But we share an Earth HQ. Play your cards right and we'll "[/color] Hal stared at her.

[color=8dc73f]"Wait... We not only know Aliens exist, but we already have a dedicated Anti-Alien Taskforce?"[/color] He looked at Sinestro. [color=8dc73f]"No offense."[/color]

[color=8882be]"Mr Sinestro is not the first here, nor, do i suspect he'll be the last."[/color] She replied.

[color=8dc73f]"Ok... So... The Men In Black are real."[/color] He groaned, before he sat down with the Green battery and looked it over. He could feel the raw power radiating off of it. Sitting there, looking into the green light, he could almost feel the universe at his fingertips. Every living being on this planet their hopes, their dreams, their will to survive thrive, to create to destroy, to-

[color=8882be]"Captain!"[/color] Hal snapped out of his trance and looked at May who was stood over him, Sinestro was no longer in the room and neither were the other batteries.

[color=8dc73f]"Yeah?"[/color] He asked, his throat suddenly really dry.

[color=8882be]"Buckle up, we're landing."[/color] Hal looked at the clock. 4 hours had passed. Hal shook his head and got up, before carrying the battery with him to his seat and sitting down before doing his seatbelt up.

[color=fff200]"Do not look too deeply into the Lantern, you may not like what you find."[/color] Sinestro said to him.

[color=8dc73f]"What the hell is that even supposed to mean?"[/color] Hal asked him. Sinestro simply looked out of the window in response. [color=8dc73f]"Cryptic ass..."[/color][/hider]
[hider=First Flight of the Green Lantern][center][img]https://qph.cf2.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-098ff22137b2a99d5e61436a13887ae7-pjlq[/img]
[h1][color=green][b]The Lanterns[/b][/color][/h1][hr][/center]

[h3]Coast City, California[/h3]

The name Horace Wilks means nothing to you. In fact, it means nothing to almost everyone. Not that Horace see's this as a bad thing, he's a simple man with simple needs and desires. He was married straight out of highschool and has beautiful house with 2 daughters. Waking up this morning, he could hear the latest cheesy pop-song on the radio alarm. He looked at the alarm to see the time "10:01" He grabbed the clock as he quickly realized what was happening. This was the third time he had slept through his alarm this month, that was grounds for disciplinary action. Quickly leaping out of bed, he ran over to the wardrobe, pulling his clothes out and pulling them on as quickly as he could, before running out of the house. He looked around, not seeing his car. "What the fu... UUUUUGH!!!" He pulled his phone out of his pocket and dialed his wife. "Hello, dear, where's the car? What do you need it for? Well, i need it. Why didn't you wake me?" He asked. "AAaaaaaaaaahhh!" He roared, before running off down the street to try, in vain, to make it to work before he was fired. As he began to run, the heavens opened and sheets of rain pelted down.

By the time he had gotten to the city center, he had given up. Looking at his phone, he saw the time was 10:26 and he was hungry. Well, if he was going to be late and soaking wet anyway, better be late on a full stomach. Horace entered the McDonalds and waited in the que for several minutes, leaving immense puddles of rainwater dripping off of him, before finally being seen.

"Hello, can i please get a sausage and egg McMuffin meal? Large coffee." He asked. The woman behind the till pointed to the clock. 10:31. "Look, i'm not having a good day, can you please just give me an egg McMuffin meal?"

"I'm sorry, sir, but i'm not allowed to serve breakfast after 10:30am." Horace grunted in frustration. He then saw someone getting handed a pancake breakfast meal.

"Well, then why is he getting served?" He asked.

"That customer obviously made the order before 10:30." The woman replied with a smile. Horace's face soured even more. He looked at his phone to see 10:29 on it.

"Hey, it's not even 10:30 yet, look." He showed her his phone.

"I'm afraid that your phone must be running slow, sir."

"Have you ever heard the expression, the customer is always right?" He asked. He then saw the clock on his phone flip over to 10:30.

"Yes i have, and your phone now says that it's 10:30, i'm afraid that i cannot serve you breakfast. May i offer you a Big Tasty?"

"No you may not offer me a big tasty, i don't want a big tasty, i want an egg mcmuffin." He growled.

"Well, i'm sorry, i'm afraid that there is nothing i can do." She replied, big smile still across her face. Horace looked around, before looking behind her and seeing a whole row of egg mcmuffins on the pre-made bench behind her.

"Wait, can't i just buy one of those? You're going to throw them away anyway." She turned around and looked at the row.

"Ooooh, i'm sorry, but it's past 10:30, i am afraid that i could lose my job for selling you one of those."

"BUT YOU'RE GOING TO THROW THEM AWAY!" He yelled.

"Sir, if you are not satisfied with the lunch menu, then you can speak to the manager, or call our offices." She said. Horace didn't even care that he was getting later for work by the second, this was a matter of principle.

"Yes i would. Get your manager down here right now." He ordered. She spoke into a mic and a few moments later, the manager arrived.

"Hello sir, can i help you?" Asked the manager.

"Yes, you can, i want to buy an egg mcmuffin, one of those ones sat right there and about to get thrown away!" Horace demanded.

"Was this employee refusing to sell one to you?" The manager asked.

"Yes, she kept on saying "BuT iTS pAsT 10:30!!!" Despite the fact that it was 10:28." He growled.

"I'm sorry, sir, but it's past 10:30 and we aren't allowed to sell them anymore. We could lose our license." The manager replied.

"SELL ME THE FUDGING BURGER!!!" Horace snapped.

"Sir, if you will not remain calm, i'm afraid that we are going to have to call the police." Horace wasn't paying attention anymore as he watched an employee picking up the tray of muffins and taking them to the back to throw them in the dumpster and all he could feel was the purest of anger. He only wanted this one thing to brighten up his already pretty shitty day.

[color=ed1c24]"Horace..."[/color] A voice said. Horace looked around, he could see the manager still talking at him, but he couldn't hear a word the man was trying to say. [color=ed1c24]"Horace Wilks, I sense in you great rage. Say the oath and join our ranks."[/color] As the manager continued to talk at Horace, he saw the mans eyes starting to turn red, before his teeth sharpened, red foam started to pour from his mouth.

"Umm... Sir... Are you alright?"

[color=9e0b0f]"With blood and rage of crimson red,
From the corpse of the innocent, so freshly dead,
Together with our Righteous hate,
We'll burn all evil--that is your fate!"[/color] 

Horace's clothes exploded, revealing a crimson red business suit, with black lines and the [url=https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41cjAGFrTML._SX425_.jpg]Red Lantern Logo[/url] over his breast-pocket. his eyes were now a burning red. Red fists of energy lanced out, punching the till operator and the manager in the face, before he let out a roar and a shockwave of red energy erupted through the McDonalds, throwing over tables and smashing the windows. Horace stomped through the carnage outside, before red hands of energy launched up to the golden arches and pulled them down and throwing them across the street. People were now running away screaming.

[color=9e0b0f]"BURN EVERYTHING!!! BURN!!!"[/color] He roared as he opened his mouth and a beam of fire shot from it, setting the McDonalds sign on fire.
[hr]
[h3]S.H.I.E.L.D. HQ, Coast City[/h3]
Hal, Sinestro and May sat around a large table looking at several dossiers. Hal slammed his down on the table, forcing the other 2 to take notice [color=8dc73f]"Ok, i appreciate this whole "Let's pick out some guys for our team who aren't likely to go insane and kill us the moment they see a power ring" thing we've got going on, but shouldn't we be going out there and find the rings and whoever they belong to and add them to our team instead?"[/color] Sinestro eyed Hal for a second, before looking at May.

[color=fff200]"Hal Jordan makes an excellent point, Agent May. Your Shadowy "Boss" as you call him, put whichever members of his organization as he wishes under my..."[/color] He shook his head [color=fff200]"Under our command. But the Rings will be the ones deciding who will be facing Despero when he comes."[/color]

[color=8493ca]"And if we choose the correct team, then the chances of Despero making it to Earth are considerably lower... Also, my Boss is a rather paranoid guy. He's not going to trust anyone he hasn't personally vetted."[/color] May replied. At that point, May's phone began to beep loudly. [color=8493ca]"Well, that's moot now, we've got a live one."[/color] She said, pressing a button under the desk and a small keyboard folding out. Pressing a few buttons, a video feed of the burger restraunt on fire with the man in the red suit outside of it came on the large moniton the back wall.

[color=8dc73f]"Red. That's anger right?"[/color] Hal asked. He watched the guy belch a massive plume of fire into the air. [color=8dc73f]"That's a lot of anger and i don't think he's putting it to the most constructive use as a hero."[/color]

[color=fff200]"Rage, a very different emotion from simple anger. Believe it or not, this is the ring i'm second least afraid of."[/color] Sinestro replied, watching it. [color=fff200]"Yes, that is just him acting on mindless aggression. Not the Champion of Rage at all."[/color] Sinestro got up and in a flash of gold, was wearing his Lantern suit and his face was back to the rosy pink. [color=fff200]"Come, Hal Jordan. This will be a good test of your abilities."[/color] He patted Hal on the shoulder, before walking over to the window and opening it.

[color=8dc73f]"Um, Sinestro, what are you doing?"[/color] Hal asked as he began climbing out. [color=8dc73f]"Buddy i know things are a bit hard with your teams loss, but this isn't the answer."[/color] Hal pushed away the chair and ran towards the window. Sinestro floated out of it, before turning around and looking at Hal, confused. May and Hal looked shocked as Sinestro floated there.

[color=fff200]"You... You didn't know Lanterns could fly?"[/color] Sinestro asked. Hal and May looked at each other. [color=fff200]"You're trying to tell me that you have been a Lantern for almost 2 weeks and you haven't attempted flight even once?"[/color] Hal wasn't quite sure about the physiology of Sinestro's people, so how their veins worked was something of a mystery to him. But he could SWEAR he could see a vein bulging in Sinestro's immense forehead and his eye twitch a little. [color=fff200]"Never mind"[/color] Sinestro wheezed in purest frustration. [color=fff200]"Now, Green Lantern Hal Jordan, fly out here with me and let us go and retrieve the Red Ring."[/color] He said.

[color=8dc73f]"Ok, yeah, fly... How?"[/color] Hal asked. Sinestro's forehead vein bulged just a little harder.

[color=fff200]"Transform and all will become clear."[/color] He grunted, clearly trying to remain as civil as he could. Hal nodded, before looking at the ring, gripping his hand tight, the green light enveloped him and he stood in his costume. He then simply levitated off the ground and over to Sinestro. [color=fff200]The ring instils natural instincts into your brain when it is active. Flight and construct creation is as natural as breathing.[/color] Hal looked himself over as he floated.

[color=8dc73f]"Well, alright."[/color] He laughed, before turning to May [color=8dc73f]"Highball requesting permission to sortie, ma'am?"[/color] He asked. May simply stared.

[color=8493ca]"Permission granted, Captain."[/color] She replied. Hal saluted her before rocketting off upstate. Sinestro watched with a little bit of surprise. He had gone from no idea that he could fly to being able to fly at jet speeds in less than a minute. Maybe this Human wasn't as incompetant as he suspected.
[hr]
[h3]Coast City, California[/h3]
The two finally arrived to see Horace advancing on a pair of police that were emptying clip after clip of ammunition into him, a red shield blocking it. Sinestro floated a few hundred feet above them, he watched Hal circling the area. [color=fff200]"Enjoying the view?"[/color] Sinestro asked. Hal could hear him just as clearly as if they were stood next to each other, despite him flying around.

[color=8dc73f]"Built in 2 way communication, convenient."[/color] He continued to fly in a circle before finding his vector for attack. [color=8dc73f]"Highball, descending for attack."[/color] He called, before flying down and onto an attack vector. His ring creating a large green construct fist out in front of him. Sinestro sat back and watched. He needed an idea of Hals base line before he could begin training the Green Lantern in earnest. As Hal rocketted towards Horace, the Red Lantern looked up, his now-forklike tongue whipped around his face.

[color=ed1c24]"Ah, my misbegotten brotheren!"[/color] He laughed, before belching a large lance of magma straight at Hal. The green fist, managed to cut right through the magma and splattered it off to the side, onto cars and the now abandoned streets, before the fist made contact with Horace's. The nearby police were thrown backwards by the force of the Impact and they scurried for cover, leaving these two to sort things out between themselves. [color=ed1c24]"Come to stop my evil rampage, or maybe to join me, brother?"[/color] He laughed, before a pair of red uzi's appeared in his hands and he began to fire at Hal at point blanc range. Hal, quickly summoned more green hands to block the incoming red fire.

[color=8dc73f]"Calm down, citizen, i'm here to save you from that ring."[/color] Hal managed to grunt out, mostly trying to focus on not dying right now. Horace, however, simply laughed maniacally.

[color=ed1c24]"Save me...? Save me? HAHAHAHA I DO NOT NEED SAVING FOR I AM ALREADY SAVED!!!"[/color] He roared, before the uzi's turned into a pair of rocket launchers and he turned towards another fast food chain. [color=ed1c24]"I'M GOING TO BURN THE ENTIRE OF CORPORATE AMERICA TO THE GROUND! THAT'S MY SALVATION!!!"[/color] He fired the Rocket Launchers, Hal instinctively created a few more hands that reached out and grabbed the rockets, crushing them in his grip and setting them off, sending Hal back a few feet from the force. He turned and summoned a large Baseball Bat and struck Horace across the face with it. Horace slowly looked back up at Hal, spitting some blood onto the floor which sizzled from the lava inside of it, before his hands turned into large, red, scizzor-like claws that he began slashing at Hal wildly with. Hal stumbled back, summoning a shield to deflect the blows, after about 10 swipes, he quickly lifted off from the ground and rocketted into the air, Horace in close persuit, flying towards Sinestro.

[color=8dc73f]"ANY CHANCE OF A HAND, GOLD!?"[/color] Hal yelled at him as he shot past.

[color=fff200]"You've got this Green Lantern."[/color] Sinestro smiled and saluted to him. That was the first time Hal had seen him smile and he did NOT appreciate it. Lances of lava shot past Hal as he instinctively took evasive action. Horace summoned his uzi's back and began pumping out an endless stream of red bullet and lava blasts towards Hal. Hal couldn't help but be reminded of those old japanese flying games in the arcade that ate a god chunk of his allowance as a kid. But he had gotten good at them and he was going to remain good at them as a Super Hero. He smiled, before focussing on weeving around.

[color=8dc73f]"What's the matter, Red? Somebody never learned target tracking?"[/color] He taunted Horace, who simply roared in frustration, 8 new hands made of red energy hot from the ring, each holding an Uzi, which began firing at Hal. Hal picked up the pace, summoning a shield to catch any stray bullets. He had done this kind of fighting before. It wasn't too disimilar to his Training Dogfights back at the academy. Just needed to bleed off the guys energy and not give him a good opportunity to actually hit him, before swooping in for the kill. Slowly, the hands with the uzi's began to fade, Horace's face looking confused. He roared in anger and they popped back up for a few seconds, before dropping again. Hal made one final flourish, before turning around. Time for the kill. Immediately, he pushed every bit of will he had behind him, rocketting at Horace at almost Mach speed, a large green fist forming in front of him, before raising it and bringing it down on Horace's head, sending the man spiralling into the tarmacked road bellow them, leaving a brand new hole in the road. Hal slowly floated down and landed next to him. Sinestro already having arrived there.

[color=ed1c24]"You... You cannot..."[/color] Horace grizzled a little bit, trying to get back up, but Sinestro simply put his boot onto the back of Horaces head before sharply smashing it into the floor to render him fully unconscious, without leaving any longterm damage. A containtment beam shot from Sinestro's ring, enveloping the Red Ring and pulling it from Horace's finger.

[color=8dc73f]"Alright..."[/color] Hal huffed, a little tired from that. [color=8dc73f]"3 down, 5 to go."[/color] He smiled, before holding up a hand for Sinestro. Sinestro looked at him confused. [color=8dc73f]"Come on, buddy, don't leave me hanging."[/color] Sinestro shook his head before lifting off into the air. The police approached them, Hal looked at them. [color=8dc73f]"Don't worry about this guy, not his fault. Umm... It's... Umm... You know what-"[/color] He reached in his pocket and pulled out a S.W.O.R.D. business card. [color=8dc73f]"Just call these guys, they'll give you an official statement on what that was, but just know, it's not this guys fault."[/color] He said, giving them the thumbs up, before shooting into the air after Sinestro. [color=8dc73f]"So... We have it... Now what?"[/color] Hal asked Sinestro as he caught up with him.

[color=fff200]"Little choice in the matter, we're going to have to wait for the Hero of Rage to show himself. We'll have to bleed off some of its energy off to keep it from escaping. If we can calm it, then the next time it goes active will be when the true Red Lantern makes himself known."[/color]

[color=8dc73f]"Convoluted... But it makes sense."[/color] Hal sighed. [color=8dc73f]"Hey, race you back to HQ!"[/color] He then set off at his top speed.

[color=fff200]"Green Lantern Hal Jordan, you still have much to learn.[/color] Sinestro replied, before immediately shooting straight past Hal as if he was standing still.[/hider]
[hider=The Champion of Rage Appears][h3]S.H.I.E.L.D. H.Q., Coast City[/h3]

The Red Lantern ring sat in a reinforced jar on the table in between Hal, Sinestro and May. It seemed to constantly tap against the glass, as if an angry hornet, a low rumbling from within. [color=8dc73f]"Yup, that thing looks pissed."[/color] Hal stated the obvious.

[color=fff200]"It is the Ring of Rage, i am no sure how you were expecting it to react to encarceration."[/color] Sinestro responded.

[color=8dc73f]"Honestly, i was expecting it to... Well, lay on the table like a regular ring."[/color] Hal replied.

[color=fff200]"These are sacred artifacts that channel the rawest emotions from all of the creatures across the galaxy. You should consider yourself lucky that my ring of Fear isn't on the loose or it would be forcing you to feel your deepest and most disturbing fears."[/color] He replied. Hal sat and thought for a second.

[color=8dc73f]"We talkin' standing in front of the whole school wearing just my underwear or we talking existential horror like my old man stood over me telling me i'll never amount to nothing and that we live in a cold unfeeling universe where the most we can hope for is to make people remember us for a few generations before we rot in the ground and are inevitably forgotten and may as well have never existed to begin with?"[/color] Sinestro's eyebrow slowly raised. [color=8dc73f]"Look, i sit in a cockpit of a 15 ton death machine for several hours at a time with nothing but my own thoughts, i think about this crap."[/color] Sinestro gave that look of questioning how someone with so few braincells figured out how to breathe let alone use a power ring.

[color=fff200]"In any case, we need to consider putting out feelers to figure out who the Champion of Rage is."[/color] He said [color=fff200]"Agent May, do you have any idea's?"[/color] May looked at the Ring. [color=fff200]"No."[/color] Sinestro stated, very matter-of-factly, before May's eyes darted to Sinestro.

[color=8dc73f]"What?"[/color] Hal asked, looking confused.

[color=fff200]"Agent May is under some misguided belief that she can simply choose to become our Champion of Rage."[/color] He replied.

[color=8493ca]"The Director has made his position on these rings very clear. At least one of our agents is to be given one of them."[/color] She replied.

[color=fff200]"And as i told your mysterious Director when he made that demand, that is quite impossible to guarentee."[/color] He replied. [color=fff200]"Why are you humans incapable of understanding such a simple rule. THE RING CHOOSES THE BARER! IF I LET YOU PUT THAT RING ON, YOU WILL BE SUBSUMED LIKE THE MAN WE TOOK IT OFF OF!"[/color] Sinestro raised his voice a little, not into a shout, just reiterating his point louder and slower. May simply smiled at Sinestro

[color=8493ca]"Perhaps i have a lot more rage than you give me credit for."[/color] She said rather coldly, she put her hand on the glass and the Ring reacted, glowing brighter and brighter. Hal simply stared.

[color=fff200]"Be it on your own head if you release that ring and uses your body to kill everyone in this building."[/color] Sinestro and May sat staring daggers at each other again. As they did, the Red Ring began to glow brighter and brighter. It suddenly shot out of the other side of the glass from May, rocketting out of the window and immediately zooming off at what seemed like Lightspeed. Hal and Sinestro looked at each other, then seconds later, a flash of Green and Gold set off following the Ring at the same breakneck speed.
[hr]
[h3]Coast City, California, 10 minutes ago.[/h3]
Jessica Cruz had just gotten home from a fairly exhausting day. A protest against expansion of oil drilling, volunteering at the pet rescue center, a second protest against the expansion of non-replant logging, then finally tending to the community garden in her neighbourhood. Getting home to her small appartment, she slumped down on her sofa and let out a long, unadulterated exhale. [color=a2d39c]"Christ i need to curb it with the protests."[/color] She said, grabbing her face and trying to massage some of the aches away. She had college in the morning. Luckily, all her work was up to date, so that wasn't really much of a problem, but it was going in and sitting and listening for so long... Effort is hard... She then looked over to the framed newspaper clipping she had of Jadav Payeng, the man in India who had single handedly grown an entire forest... Effort was hard, but with enough effort, anyone could change the world. He did it, she'd do it. As she felt her strength returning to her, a second wind flowing through her branches, she heard it...

[color=ed1c24]"Mrrrrow..."[/color] Turning to the kitchen area, she saw her angry little bundle of extra fluffy joy. Dexter, a long-haired Russian Blue sat there on the counter. She looked down to her hands all covered in his extra sharp and pointy "Shows of affection" let out a deep sigh before jumping back up.

[color=a2d39c]"Dexxy! My super-duper-fluffy bundle of joy!"[/color] She exclaimed. [color=a2d39c]"And what are we so loud and proud about today?"[/color] She asked, daring to risk a hand stroking him down the back. One stroke from the top of his head to the small of his back. Any further and it was back to the rubbing alcohol. His fur was coarse and unkempt. Attempts at grooming were dangerous and any attempt to actually bath him was bordering on suicidal. But he needed someone to look after him. She had watched as he was brought into the rescue center, practically feral. Watched over him, tried her best to show him love and attempting to domesticate him, while hoping against hope that one day he may be adopted. Then the day came. After 1 year, if an animal hadn't been adopted, it was common practice to have them put down. It was a policy from the top, she had protested against it multiple times, but she had to be honest, she had never actually seen an animal stay at the rescue for more than a year, meaning she had never actually witnessed this. She knew a number of other shelters had this cutoff point as low as 6 weeks. She remembered the day, getting him into the carrier, tears pouring down her face as she prepared to take him to the vet clinic onsite... Walking through the doors... To the administration office and signing the paperwork to take him home with her. He was a living, breathing creature and one day, she would figure out how to turn him into one of those cats on the internet that wanted the cheeseburger and rolled over and did everything a cat should do.

[color=ed1c24]"Mrrrrow..."[/color] The growl came again. She looked down to him sat on the counter next to his bowl. She then looked at the time, 8:03.

[color=a2d39c]"DEXXY I'M SO SORRY!!!"[/color] She fake cried. [color=a2d39c]"3 MINUTES LATE FOR YOUR DINNER, YOU HAVE PRACTICALLY WASTED AWAY TO THE BONE."[/color] She twirled and slumped her back against the counter as she slapped her head as if fake-dying in a play. [color=a2d39c]"That's her, officer, that's the one, take her away for animal cruelty and attempted genocide of the feline race!"[/color] She looked at Dexter who was still very much waiting for his food. [color=a2d39c]"Alright killer, i'll get you your food now."[/color]

[color=ed1c24]"Mrrrrow..."[/color] The exact same growl every time. She knew once he reached 5 was when he stopped taking her shtick and would just clawing the furniture in protest. She had had to put all of her porceline collection into storage the day he came home as she was somewhat incentivised to keep him happy. Walking over to the cupboard, she pulled out a small tin of tuna and the box of kibble. Jessica was Vegan and but she knew that cats absolutely weren't built for that lifestyle. Pouring the brine into the sink before putting tuna into his bowl along with the kibble at a 2/3 ratio, she finished it off with hiding his medication in a particularly fat piece of tuna. She put the tuna on the floor next to the counter and Dexter was immediately in there, his jaw working like a steam shovel, just scooping as much as could fit into this mouth, 3 chews and swallow, then onto the next bite. Jessica managed to get another stroke down his back, another angry growl escaping the cat as she turned and walked over to the sofa. As she sat down there was a knock a the door.

[color=a2d39c]"Uuuuuuugh, dios mio..."[/color] She groaned as she got up and walked over to the door. She looked through the peep-hole. 3 Police Officers. [color=a2d39c]"Uuuuuugh!!! Look, for the last time-"[/color] She began, starting to unlock the door to give them a piece of her mind. [color=a2d39c]"My right to peaceful protest is protected my the Constitution and you facist bullyboys are not getting me to admit that i-"[/color] As the lock went click and she turned the handle, the door suddenly and very violently smashed into her face, sending her sprawling across the floor. Everything suddenly went very surreal for her. She heard the 3 men barge in and start rumagging through her stuff.

"30 seconds, in and out, grab whatever you can." One of them said. Jessica slowly started to try and crawl back to her feet, but there was a sharp pain in the back of her head as she realized she was swiftly stomped up as her face smashed into the wooden floorboards. "No, dumbass, the small stuff. People see cops carrying a TV, they're gonna remember it!" Jessica tried to get up again, but this time there was a debilitating pain in her side as her ears started ringing. "WHAT THE HELL ASSHOLE!?!?!?" One of them yelled. Jessica felt her stomach suddenly feeling rather warm as she manged to look down and see a bullet hole having ripped straight through her gut from back to front. "GRAB AND RUN!" It was at this point that the shock set in and Jess could only lay there staring at the blood seeping through the cracks in her floorboards. This was sort of broken when she heard screams of agony, managing to look up, she saw Dexter was now latched onto one of the cops arms, clawing and biting. "GET IT OFF!!! GET IT OFF!!!"

"What is going on in here?" A voice asked, Jessica looked up to see her neighbour, Mr Jenson stood there. An old retired maths teacher who lost his wife to Cancer 2 years ago. Jessica tried to reach up to warn him, but all she succeeded in doing was seeing Mr Jensons reunion with his wife as a bullet ripped straight through his forehead.

[color=a2d39c]"H... Hel...p..."[/color] She tried to wheeze out, but her breaths were too shallow to really make any considerable noise. There was a third, fourth and fifth gunshot as she saw Dexter fall to the floor as well, covered in his own blood. [color=a2d39c]"D-EEXX!"[/color] She tried to wheeze out, before the guy with the gun took aim at Jessica's head and one final shot ended her involvement in the situation. As everything went black, she could see something glowing red...

Dexter floated through the void of space. He had no idea of concepts of heaven or hell or pergatory. He only understood violence and food and the tall cultist that provided him with comfort, but didn't understand her place as she kept touching him without his permission. As Dexter seemed to float towards a gaping maw of utter blackness, suddenly the void was engulfed in a red light. [color=9e0b0f]"DEX-TER!!!"[/color] Dexter looked around, before finding himself sat on a rock, surrounded by a red, flowing river, intense heat as if lava, but viscous as blood. [color=9e0b0f]"DEX-TER!!!"[/color] The voice came again. As Dexter looked up, he saw a pair of volcanoes erupting side by side and in the center, an immense red, demonic being wearing a strange symbol on his chest. [color=9e0b0f]"DEX-TER, I SENSE IN YOU THE MOST UNHOLY AND POWERFUL OF RAGES!!! SPEAK THE OATH!!! YELL IT!!! DEMAND THE GODS KNOW YOUR RAGE AS YOU JOIN OUR RANKS!!!!"[/color] It roared as the volcano's unleashed their pyroclastic fury around him. The cat opened his mouth as a red ring slipped onto the end of his tail.

[color=ed1c24]"With blood and rage of crimson red,
From the corpse of the innocent, so freshly dead,
Together with our Righteous hate,
We'll burn all evil--that is your fate!"[/color]

The blood pooling around Dexter slowly started to rush back into his body, pulling it into the bullet-holes as they closed up, the bullets slowly pushing out and clattering to the floor. The robbers were currently running down the hallway to the lift to make their escape. As one of them pressed the call button furiously, the others looked at him. "What the fuck, man! That was supposed to be a smash and grab. Get in, get the goods, get gone, we could have tipped at least 3 more of these guys, but you just had to be the big man, just HAD to turn a simple burglary into a double homocide!!! Uuuuugh, we're getting the chair for this!!!"

"SHUT IT! We are not getting anything, because there were no witnesses and we are all wearing gloves and once this gun is in the sea, that's the end of any evidence." As the door opened, the 3 rushed in, before pressing the ground floor button. As they turned back, they saw it. A tidal wave of red energy rushing towards them. The 3 men screamed as they saw the cat they had just killed in the center of that red lava. The door closed... But not fast enough as Dexter slipped straight through the gap. The last thing that was heard from the 3 men was the utmost terror as the lift slowly descended, as if taking them to hell personally.
[hr]

As Hal and Sinestro arrived, they followed the energy trail of the red ring in through the window to see the scene. Hal rushed over the girls body, putting fingers to her throat. [color=8dc73f]"I got a pulse. Gold, can we-"[/color] Sinestro grabbed Hals arm and pushed the Ring towards her body.

[color=fff200]"Then there is time, will her to live, Green Lantern."[/color] The green energy from the ring surrounded Jessica's body. [color=fff200]"It will not guarentee her survival, but it will stabilize her long enough to get her to a medical center."[/color] He got up and jogged out the door, straight over the corpse of the math teacher. [color=fff200]"Too late for this one"[/color] He heard the bloodcurdling screams from the elevator and looked at Hal. [color=fff200]"Green Lantern, the Red Ring has found a new host. and is heading down."[/color] He jogged back over to the window they had entered through.

[color=8dc73f]"But what about her?"[/color] Hal asked. He then heard a scream from outside the door, one of the other neighbours checking on the commotion no-doubt. Hal ran out into the hallway and saw an old lady screaming. [color=8dc73f]"Ma'am. I need your help."[/color] He ran over to her, the old lady seemed shocked but looked at Hal as he asked for her help. [color=8dc73f]"Ma'am, i need you to call 911 RIGHT NOW. There is a girl in that appartment there fighting for her life and she needs an Ambulance ASAP."[/color] He said to her, the old lady nodded and Hal then ran back into the appartment and leapt out of the window, following Sinestro down to the lobby, rushing into the appartment block, they stood outside of the lift in a covered position, both holding their rings towards the door. As the door opened, they would see something out of a horror film. The lift entirely painted in the gore of 3 fairly large men, fragments of bone and viscera everywhere, bits of organ sticking to the ceiling of it, the most foul smell of death to be sure... But most prominently was a single cat, sitting in the middle of the utter carnage. adorned in a spandex outfit of red and black. [color=8dc73f]"Ummm... Sin-Gold..."[/color] Hal corrected himself in confusion. [color=8dc73f]"That's a cat..."[/color] Dexter started to lick himself. [color=8dc73f]"The Red ring has chosen a cat... Is it the champion or-"[/color] As Hal asked, the cat looked up, first at Hal, then at Sinestro.

[color=ed1c24]"I kill..."[/color] The cat growled out. [color=ed1c24]"Monsters kill food-barer!"[/color] It said.

[color=8dc73f]"And now it talks..."[/color] Hal, stood here in spandex pyjama's, next to an alien from space, in front of a talking cat in an elevator straight out of a horror film, every one of them weilding magical rings... He started to once again question reality or if he had finally had that psychotic break. Altitude madness they called it. Too much time up there causing bubbles in the blood stream damages the brain when they pass through. The technical, medical term for it was "Tutti-Fruity-coocoo-cachoo-pants-on-head-banana's" But Hal wasn't a doctor, so that was just a guess.

[color=fff200]"She isn't dead."[/color] Sinestro spoke to Dexter. As he said that, Dexter Shot straight up through the ceiling of the lift. breaking the cables, the lift dropped and smashed on the floor as there wasn't enough time for the emergency brakes to kick in. Sinestro flew through the gap created by the lifts drop and followed Dexter. Hal finally snapped back to reality and followed the 2. As he landed outside of the appartment again, he saw several other tennants had come to look, Dexter was stood atop Jessica's body, his corse tongue licking her face.

[color=ed1c24]"Awaken food-barer... Monsters dead..."[/color] He demanded. Sinestro stood looking at the scene as Hal joined him.

[color=8dc73f]"So, verdict?"[/color] Hal asked.

[color=fff200]"The Champion of Rage has been chosen..."[/color] Sinestro replied. He reached out with his ring and a yellow pet carrier formed around Dexter. Dex immediately lashed out, and a red claw smashed straight through the consruct, before the yellow repaired itself. At that point, the red costume around Dexter disappeared, that claw being the last reserves of his rings energy after he used all of the rest of it to butcher the monsters. He continued to scratch, lash out, scream and do all of that to the cage, but without his ring, there was no chance of him breaking it. Hal pulled out his phone and called May.

[color=8dc73f]"Send a containment crew to my location and make sure you warn them that the elevator is out of order, but they'll need to clean up in there... And warn them that it's not a pretty sight."[/color] Hal said. The sounds of sirens could finally be heard as the first responders arrived. Hal and Sinestro floated up to the top of the building with Dexter to wait for the containment crew to arrive. [/hider]
[hider=Meeting the Director][h3]Blyniville Airforce Base, Coast City[/h3]

Dexter was currently being examined by the boys in the lab. May called the others to a meeting.[color=8493ca]"Gentlemen, we have a special guest with us today."[/color] May said, pressing a button on a remote and the TV turned on. Sat in the shadows was a figure with a cat on his lap. The cat in question specifically being Dexter. Hal looked visibly concerned as the man on the TV stroked the cat with seemingly no concern towards the fluffy ball of genocidal rage sat there.

[color=6ecff6]"Pleasure to meet you."[/color] The voice was distorted, clearly this man was trying to keep his identity a secret. [color=6ecff6]"Call me Director Gonzalez. I think it's time that we had this talk face to face."[/color]

[color=8dc73f]"Or face to lack of face."[/color] Hal replied. Gonzalez didn't respond.

[color=6ecff6]"So far, we have had multiple reports of ring activities from across the globe."[/color] A picture of the world came up.

[hider=Map of the world][img]https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/b6546f0f64fe.png[/img][/hider]

The crew looked at the map. Obviously, the attacks on Coast City from the Red Ring were marked as well as another pair on New York and Washington in the last week without too much incident. [color=8dc73f]"Looks like the Orange Ring has been busy on the border. Probably latching onto the drug cartels. Then it's made it's way over to the middle-east, probably latching onto the Oil Barons, then over to China doing... Who knows what? But the Blue Ring is also active in those areas."[/color]

[color=6ecff6]"The Blue ring seems to have found a host, but they are being ellusive."[/color] Gonzalez replied.

[color=fff200]"The Blue ring is the absolute least of our worries."[/color] Sinestro replied. [color=fff200]"Blue is the colour of Hope, the most incorruptible force in this universe. Even if the Blue Ring's current host is not the true champion, it will mostly act in the best interests of hopes and dreams of the world around it. I suggest we leave the Blue ring for the moment and redouble our efforts on the more dangerous rings."[/color]

[color=8dc73f]"Orange seems to be the one i'd label most dangerous. Love is pretty incorruptible as is Compassion."[/color] Sinestro looked over at Hal with a more serious look than usual.

[color=fff200]"NEVER... Underestimate the powers of Love and Compassion."[/color] Sinestro growled. [color=fff200]"They have lead some of the most upstanding and noble of heroes down the darkest paths. You have no idea what people will do in the name of feeling the love of another or easing others perceived suffering."[/color] Sinestro gave that thousand yard stare that Hal had seen on the faces of other pilots after sorties. The same look he had seen on another pilot who had accidentally initiated an airstrike on friendlies due to them giving him bad coordinates. That stuff messed up a man and it looked like Sinestro had gotten a first-hand look at what those rings had done before.

[color=8dc73f]"Sinestro..."[/color] Hal said, legitimate concern on his face. [color=8dc73f]"If you need to talk-"[/color]

[color=fff200]"What i need, Hal Jordan, is to save your planet."[/color] Sinestro replied coldly.

[color=7ea7d8]"There will be plenty of time for shrinks later."[/color] May replied. [color=8493ca]"The Indigo ring seems most active in Africa. Primarily along the Gold Coast, our best estimates put the slave trade along there at 1/200 people are in some form of indentured servitude. Mostly in the sex and fishing industries."[/color]

[color=8dc73f]"Yeah, they could use some compassion over there."[/color] Hal sighed.

[color=7ea7d8]"That combined with the current famines in central Africa, no wonder it's chosen there as its stomping ground."[/color] May continued [color=7ea7d8]"Looks like its attempts to push east are being quashed by the Blue ring and its user."[/color]

[color=8dc73f]"Meanwhile the Pink ring-"[/color] Hal began.

[color=fff200]"Star Sapphire."[/color] Sinestro corrected.

[color=8dc73f]"Seems to be hitting all the romantic destinations. London, Paris, Madrid, Honolulu... No surprise being that it's the Love ring."[/color] He continued looking at the map. [color=8dc73f]"Alright, which was the latest hit?"[/color] The photo zoomed in on a Japan.

[color=8493ca]"Sapporo, the Star Sapphire ring took over a pair of kids who had run away from home due to their parents forbidding their love."[/color] May replied

[color=8dc73f]"A pair of kids?"[/color] Hal asked. [color=8dc73f]"How did 1 ring take control of 2 people?"[/color] Sinestro and May both looked at Hal. [color=8dc73f]"What?"[/color]

[color=fff200]"Did you not read the dossier i wrote on the rings and their powers?"[/color] Sinestro asked. May looked angrilly at Hal as Hal slowly rubbed the back of is head in nervousness.

[color=8dc73f]"I... I don't think it was delivered to me. You know, maybe someone from accounting screwed up?"[/color] Mays look of disapproval and Sinestro's continued questioning of Hal's intelligence was NOT abated by this excuse. Sinestro sighed.

[color=fff200]"Although each ring has the power to create energy constructs, grant flight, rapid rejuvination and environmental control, each of the rings has unique powers, specifically not shared by the others. Star Sapphire has the power to split itself into 2, sharing itself with the hosts true love."[/color] Sinestro stated.

[color=8dc73f]"And the Green rings unique ability is...?"[/color] Hal asked. Sinestro smiled that cruel smile that made the hairs on the back of Hals neck stand up.

[color=fff200]"In the dossier."[/color] He replied.

[color=8dc73f]"Ok, i deserved that. So, Sapporo is our next destination. Wheels up in 30?"[/color] Hal asked, getting up from the table.

[color=6ecff6]"Before that, i am handing down some executive decisions for you."[/color] Gonzales replied. [color=6ecff6]"Number 1. You are now going to be based out of Blyniville Air Base."[/color] Hal looked confused.

[color=8dc73f]"I mean, i'm glad for the opportunity to be based out of my hometown, but why specifically?"[/color] Hal asked.

[color=6ecff6]"Your comfort is only a by-product of the decision. In order to secure the assistance of our Champion of Rage, i have made some concessions to him."[/color] Gonzalez replied.

[color=92278f]"Mrrow..."[/color] Dexter's meow was also distorted by the voice filter as well.

[color=6ecff6]"Most notably, he is to remain close to his owner, who is in critical care at St Martin's."[/color] Gonzales continued. [color=6ecff6]"The bullets used by those bastards were only .22, which is why she wasn't killed by that bullet through her eye, but is currently in a medically induced coma."[/color]

[color=92278f]"My name is Dex-Starr now..."[/color] Dex said, his voice continuing to be distorted by the filter.

[color=8dc73f]"And Dex-Starr... You are joining us in Sapporo?"[/color] Hal asked the cat.

[color=92278f]"Dex-Starr will kill for Gonzales."[/color] He stated.

[color=8dc73f]"And if we need people not dead?"[/color] Hal asked. Dex simply began licking himself, not answering the question. [color=8dc73f]"Beautiful."[/color] Hal said with a smile at Sinestro that begged the alien to save him.

[color=8493ca]"Wheels up in 30."[/color] May said.

[color=8dc73f]"That's my line, i called dibs on that!"[/color] Hal yelled as he got to his feet.[/hider]
[hider=It's A Cat][h3]30,000ft above the Pacific Ocean[/h3]
Hal, Sinestro, May and Dex sat on the plane as it flew over the Pacific towards Sapporo. Hal stared at Dex as he sat licking himself. [color=8dc73f]"Ok. I'm gonna be the one to say this."[/color] Hal said, guesticulating wildly at Dex. [color=8dc73f]"IT'S A CAT!!!"[/color] Dex stopped licking himself and looked at Hal.

[color=ed1c24]"It is human who smells of Steak Sauce."[/color] He replied. [color=ed1c24]"Dex-Starr can state obvious too."[/color] Hal felt like he was living in a coo-coo-clock.

[color=8dc73f]"Sinestro, i'm being damn serious right now, how the HELL is a cat the Champion of Rage? This raises so many questions. Are there SERIOUSLY not angrier people out there? I mean, i caught a documentary the other day of that Thomas Wayne guy. That guy saw both his wife and son gunned down in front of him. You are telling me this cat was able to comprehend more rage than him?"[/color] Hal asked. Dex's eyes narrowed.

[color=ed1c24]"Dex-Starr's rage is currently aimed at Green Steak-Sauce-Human."[/color] He growled as his ring glowed a darker red.

[color=8dc73f]"AND WHY DOES IT TALK?!?!?"[/color] Hal yelled at Sinestro. [color=8dc73f]"I can get around the secret agent who knows how to kill me in 200,000,000 different ways with just her big toe, I can just wrap my head around an alien man from space that came baring magic rings that turned us into the god-damned Power Rangers, but a talking cat joining the team? That's it, i'm drawing the line and demanding answers!"[/color] He looked at May for validation. May was just as curious, but she was trained to be restrained and not act out irrationally, unlike Jordan, who, despite his Air Force training, the stress was clearly getting to him. Sinestro looked at May.

[color=fff200]"Are all of your military personelle as irrational as this one?"[/color] Sinestro asked. He then looked at Hal. [color=fff200]"To answer your quesion, Green Lantern, the rings are not simply drawn to those who have felt the most of their emotion in their lives. When they are on the hunt, they are looking for the correct kinds of it. Dex-Starr is the one full of the most righteous anger at this very moment and it was enough to convince the ring to choose him. His speech is due to the rings translation matrix allowing you to understand what he's saying.[/color]

[color=8dc73f]"Wait. The ring has a translation matrix?"[/color] He asked. He looked at May. [color=8dc73f]"Say something in... German, i dunno."[/color] May rolled her eyes.

[color=7ea7d8]"You're an idiot."[/color] She said.

[color=8dc73f]"No i'm not, this is a valid experiment."[/color] Hal reasoned.

[color=7ea7d8]"Well, then it works."[/color] May replied.

[color=8dc73f]"No, you need to say something in German for me to tell."[/color] Hal said. May looked at Sinestro.

[color=7ea7d8]"So it turns everything i say into something he understands."[/color] She replied. [color=7ea7d8]"Not surprising, considering we don't speak Korugarian."[/color]

[color=8dc73f]"What's..."[/color] Hal stopped himself, realizing that question was most definitely in the briefing that Sinestro had written. [color=8dc73f]"So, what happens if you say something in Spanish?"[/color] Hal asked. [color=8dc73f]"I'm a Cali boy, i speak Spanish."[/color] He replied.

[color=7ea7d8]"Creo que sonaría exactamente lo mismo."[/color] May replied.

[color=8dc73f]"Ah, that came through as Spanish because i understand it."[/color] Hal pointed at her.

[color=7ea7d8]"Alright, so that was a fair experiment."[/color] She replied.

[color=8dc73f]"But, back to the cat?"[/color] Hal asked.

[color=fff200]"He is not the first non-sapient animal that has been made into the Champion."[/color] Sinestro put his ring out and began creating constructs of several other creatures. A squirrel, a dog, a space-whale looking thing, an entire planet.

[color=8dc73f]"A planet became a Lantern?"[/color] Hal asked.

[color=fff200]"Mogo, one of the strongest of our order. He was Green just as you are."[/color] He said.

[color=8dc73f]"Well, Mogo never got to meet Hal Jordan. And that's a shame for him, because i'm gonna be better than him.[/color] Hal replied with an arm-pump. Sinestro looked at Hal.

[color=fff200]"For all our sakes, i hope you are right."[/color] Sinestro replied.[/hider]
[hider=Despero][color=8dc73f][h1]Green Lantern[/h1][/color]

The door to the spacious house opened and Hal walked through with his bags, looking around. "So, Dad, where's my room going to be?" He asked. Thomas followed him in with the Social Worker.

"Well, i prepared a room for you upstairs" he stated, staring at the Social Worker.

"I'm so happy to see Hal getting along with you." She smiled, before leaning into Thomas "He's a tricky one, he'll try to escape the first chance he gets." She whispered.

"I've dealt with rebellious children before." He replied, pushing her away a little.

"Ah yes, the daughter you mentioned. Where is she?" She looked around.

"I had to leave her back in..." He paused for a second.

"England?" the Social Worker asked.

"Yes! Yes, that's right." Thomas replied. The Social Worker watched Hal head upstairs. The house was a small, two-story house in the suburbs of Coast City, about 10 minutes drive from the ocean.

"How the hell did you afford all of this?" Hal yelled from upstairs.

"I have a lot of connections in the world, as well as some back home." He replied. The Social Worker looked at her clip-board.

"Alright, i have some other clients to see, but that should be everything." She smiled. "If he gets loose, call us." She then turned around and walked out. Thomas closed the door behind her.

"Green Lantern, get down here!" Thomas called. Hal skipped down the stairs to see Thomas stood in the hallway. "Time to get you up to speed on how this is going to work." He walked into the dining room and Hal followed. This room had no windows to the outside, just a large fire-place and a table with chairs. Thomas scrunched up his fist and the Golden ring appeared, before he transformed. Exploding in a flash of golden light. He then stood [url=https://i.pinimg.com/originals/a6/96/b6/a696b6d2f07db7ae01154d77fb5f1a19.jpg]gold and black uniform and now looking decidedly less human.[/url]

[color=aba000]"In blackest day, in brightest night!"
"Beware your fears made into light"
"Let those who try to stop what's right,"
"Be burned by the power, The Golden Light!"[/color]

"Wow..." Hal stood, staring in total awe at Thomas. "So... You're an alien, like Supergirl?" He asked.

"Supergirl? Ah yes, the Kryptonian, sort of, but my people are more like yours, lacking any real power on our homeworld." He replied.

"And Thomas isn't your name, is it?"

"My name is Thaal Sinestro. I am the Gold Lantern and the champion of all that is good and just in the universe. My homeworld was constantly raided by slavers and warlords, till i showed them how to feel fear. That was when the Golden Ring chose me. It represents the power to instil fear into the hearts of those who would transgress. You wield the Green ring, it represents the power of Will, to keep going forward and never stop, regardless of what stands in your way." Hal scrunched up his own fist

[color=8dc73f]In brightest day, in blackest night,
No evil shall escape my sight!
Let those who worship evil's might
Beware my power, Green Lantern's light![/color]

He yelled as he transformed too. "So, you said that you were the leader of "The Lanterns" Is it just the two of us or are there more?" He asked. Thaal nodded.

"Yes, The Lanterns consist of 7 Lanterns in total." His ring glowed before projections of the other rings appeared. "[url=https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/greenlantern/images/2/28/656075-ring_blue_2007_12_26001copy_super.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20090126003507]Blue[/url] represents Hope, the most incorruptible force in the universe. [url=https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/greenlantern/images/2/20/656091-ring_orange_2007_12_26001copy_super.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20090126003953]Orange[/url] represents Averice, for those who's heart is filled with an insatiable need for justice and an inability to stop until it has been despensed. [url=https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/greenlantern/images/1/18/656090-ring_indigo_2007_12_26001copy_super.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20090126003213]Indigo[/url] represents Compassion, those who cannot help but always see the best in everyone and help them become the best they can be. [url=https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/greenlantern/images/7/79/656083-ring_violet_2007_12_26001copy_super.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20090126004408]Star Sapphire[/url], Love. The Lantern who fight to protect everything they hold dear and true in the universe. And [url=https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/greenlantern/images/0/07/544973-rings_red_2007_12_26001copy_super.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20081230013535]Red[/url], that represents Rage, for those who can harness the greatest rage at the existence of evil in the universe."

"So, we're going to go fight bad guys and save the universe?" Hal asked, unable to contain his excitement.

"No." Sinestro replied, bluntly. "The other Lanterns are dead. This fault lies with an immensely powerful villain by the name of Despero." A [url=https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/dchallofjustice/images/e/ef/Bb-despero.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20120823194142]hologram[/url] of him appeared from Sinestro's ring, before the hologram came to life, it showed Sinestro and the other lanterns silently attacking despero, but him defeating them with his eye-blasts, fire power and sword, until only Sinestro remained. "I took the rings and fled. But he wasn't going to give up that easily." He said. "He destroyed my barrier." the Hologram followed Sinestro's every word. "And the rings were scattered in this direction, they all landed on this planet. I have been tracking the rings down, but haven't been able to find them bond with anyone... Until i found out about you."

"I feel honoured." Hal chirped.

"You should... You should also feel afraid, because Despero is coming." He said. "He wasn't able to give chase immediately, but it won't find him terribly long. I have until he finds us to whip you into shape, make you superior to my old friends and gather the other rings. Then, we may be able to stand a chance against him. Your training shall start tomorrow, for the moment, it's a lot to take in, you will find me a hard teacher, but a fair one."

"Alright, and don't worry, this Despero guy seems tough, but he hasn't met Hal Jordan." He pumped his arm.

"That's what Abin said..."

"Who?" Hal asked. Sinestro looked down and breathed a heavy sigh of sadness.

"Abin Sur... Your predecessor... And my oldest friend."

"I'm... Sorry." Hal whispered.

"Don't be sorry, be willful." Thaal ordered. "Abin died doing what he knew was right, we all knew the risks and i know he had no regrets. If you want to show me that you are sorry that he died, then you will not die. You will show him that the man he passed his ring onto will surpass him and do a better job than he ever could."

"Alright." Hal nodded. "Where do we start?" He asked.

"Not going to take time to adjust?" He asked.

"Never have before, don't ever plan to start. Despero is on his way and taking time for myself is only wasting precious time. How do we find the other rings?" He asked. Thaal smiled a little.

"Alright, the rings are going to start looking for whoever exibits their trait the most and try to latch onto them. I've spotted a few attempts from the last few weeks, but the Rings haven't been able to bond properly and have moved onto a new target." He said, a golden map of earth appeared. He pointed to Gotham City on it "First was a large crocodile mutant that the Red Ring chose, but it wasn't able to bond properly, i fought the man until he was forced to let go of it, but the ring slipped through my fingers." He then pointed to a small island off the coast of Malaysia "The locals call this place "Madripoor" I tracked the Orange ring here to some criminal, he caused a lot of damage before it escaped.

"I'm beginning to see a pattern..." Hal sighed.

"I'm not able to do this alone. With the two of us, the next time a ring appears, we should be able to stop it, and capture the ring before it escapes." Hal looked down at his own ring.

"So... How do these things even work?" He asked. "I know i can make swords and hands and stuff, but-" Sinestro looked at him with a face of utter disbelief.

"You mean... You've had the ring for 2 weeks and you haven't even used it, outside of the first time yet?" He asked. "Who knows you have the ring?"

"Well, Detective Stewart. He's been my best friend ever since i can remember. He told me not to use it so i don't draw attention to myself. I hear there's some shady government agencies like the Illuminati that kidnap young people with super-powers and brainwash them." Thaal rubbed the bridge of his nose.

"Uuuuuuugh... We have a lot more work to do than i thought..." He grabbed Hal's ring hand and picked it up. "This ring is powered by your emotions and your imagination."

"So, if i imagined-" At that point, a giant green sandwich appeared in front of him.

"Always a sandwich..." Thaal sighed "Just once, i'd like someone's first construct to be something other than food... Anyway, yes. You need to be able to use this as if it was a natural reflex." He explained. "For example-" At that point, a yellow sword jumped from Sinestro's ring and sliced the sandwich into several pieces.

"Is that why Despero wants the Rings so badly?"

"He wants the Rings, because with all 7 rings, he will become invincible."

"How?" Hal asked.

"Look, don't ask so many questions about what Despero will do if he gets the rings, let's focus on making sure you never have to find out." Thaal grunted. Thaal then walked towards the back door and into the back garden. He then rocketted into the sky.

"We can fly?" He asked. "Super-cool!" He then jumped and, by instinct, rocketted up after Sinestro. "SO AWESOME!!!" He yelled, flying past Sinestro. Sinestro sighed as he followed Hal into the clouds. "I've never felt anything like this! Can we go fight bad guys? Can we save some people from a sinking ship? Can we-"

"HAL!!!" Sinestro snapped. "Get ahold of yourself. We have pressing matters. Yes, we will stop evil as we find it, but our top objective right now is to get you trained into the true Green Lantern and finding the other 5 rings. Hal stopped and nodded.

"Yeah, alright, show me how." He asked. Sinestro summoned a golden sword in his hands.

"Defend yourself." He ordered.

****

[h2]3 hours later[/h2]

****

Sinestro helped Hal up the stairs of the appartment, arm over his shoulder. "Let me back in, coach... I'm good for one more round..." Hal grogily mumbled, his eye was black, his lip and nose bleeding.

"You did well. I remember when Abin first taught me like this. Consider yourself lucky that you can walk on the one leg."

"But that social worker... She'll take me away... If i look like this..." Sinestro nodded.

"Don't worry about that." Sinestro replied. "Get some sleep. Tomorrow, we go on the hunt."

"I'll be ready at dawn..." He groaned, rolling onto the bed and falling asleep almost instantly. Sinestro made his way back downstairs, sitting down at the computer, he began typing away at it.[

[color=92278f][h1]Deep Space, just outside Kree Territory[/h1][/color]

[i]"This is K.M.S. Ollisias of Merchant Floatilla Ruul, we are under attack from multiple enemy vessels, our shields have failed and we are being boarded. Mayday, MaydAAAAAAAAAAHH!!!"[/i]

[color=007236]"For the last time... Where is the Green Lantern of this sector? We know that you rendered him help 2 weeks ago. You can tell me, or you can tell Lord Despero when he arrives. I offer you a quick and painless death. Milord will not be so kind."[/color] The Skrull asked the captain. The bridge of the ship was completely torn to shreds with weapon fire having destroyed most of it. The Kree captain staired daggers at the Skrull. [color=007236]"For the last time, it's my bullet, or Lord Despero's Pyre..."[/color] The Kree spat in his face. [color=007236]"Well, don't say i didn't warn you."[/color] He punched the Kree across the face hard, a tooth flying free from the Kree's lips.

[color=9e005d]"As amusing as it is to see you hurt this man, my underling, it is not going to get us anywhere."[/color] Said a deep and powerful voice as the door opened and Lord Despero walked through.

[color=7ea7d8]"L-l-l-l-lord Despero..."[/color] The Kree stammered, he began to shake in his bonds. [color=7ea7d8]"Please, Skrull, i beg of you, end me now. I'll tell you everything."[/color] The stepped away before transforming into a beautiful Kree woman, he blew the captain a kiss, before transforming back into Skrull form and kneeling at Despero's feet.

[color=9e005d]"Yes, little Kree, you are correct to be afraid. But you wound me with your begs to die so quickly. Does my magnificence not please you? Does the entropic nature of my splendor gouge at your very soul?"[/color] he asked, there was a laughter from the SpaceKnight in the corner.

[color=007236]"Milord, i suspect this one thinks he is superior to you. Maybe he thinks that he is too good to bask in your presence."[/color] The colour drained from the Kree's face.

[color=9e005d]"Oh come, come,"[/color] Despero began [color=9e005d]"This man is an honoured guest. His people now belong to me, those smart enough to surrender have a place in my fleet. After all, a ruler who scorches the earth of every conquest rules naught but a kingdom of ashes. Don't you agree?"[/color] He asked, walking towards the captain and picking him up by clamping his hand onto the side of the captains cheeks. He nodded the Kree's head for him. [color=9e005d]"See? This one is smart. And you said that he wasn't smart enough to take my offer. Now, to seal the deal, you just need to tell me everything about the Green Lantern that you helped."[/color] The Kree stared at him, too afraid to speak, too afraid to move. [color=9e005d]"Come now, this is a very generous offer on my part. Do you not wish to live?"[/color]

[color=7ea7d8]"I'm... Sorry... He saved my daughter... You can do what you want... But i cannot give him up... On my honour..."[/color] At that point, Despero slammed the Kree's head into one of the broken consoles.

[color=9e005d]"HONOUR!? WHAT DO THE KREE KNOW OF HONOUR!?!?"[/color] he roared. [color=9e005d]"WHEN MY PEOPLE WERE DYING AND WE ASKED FOR AID, THE KREE WERE NO-WHERE TO BE SEEN, NOR THE SKRULLS, THE THANAGARIANS, THE SHI'AR, NOT EVEN YOUR PRECIOUS LANTERNS!!![/color] He roared. He then began to laugh [color=9e005d]"Ah, you made me angry. I like that in a subordinate. Now, here's your last chance, tell me, or i will keep on tearing your mind apart and stitching it back together, until i get what i want to know."[/color] The Kree's mouth gibbered and he wept, blood and snot flowing from his nose.

[color=7ea7d8]"I... I... I CAN'T!!!"[/color] He wept. Despero brought him face to face.

[color=9e005d]"Then you will die braver than most..."[/color] Despero's third eye opened and a red ray shot into the Kree's head. The Kree began to gibber and burble as the life drained from his face. He slowly began to melt, as if being hollowed out and made into nothing more than a lump of skin. [color=9e005d]"Well, how about that? He didn't know anyway."[/color] Despero laughed. He then walked out, being followed by the Skrull. [color=9e005d]"I liked that man, find his daughter, give her a nice position in the fleet."[/color] He smiled [color=9e005d]"Anyone that harms her has to answer to me."[/color] Walking down the hallway. before getting to the end, he nodded to his underlings, before disappearing in a roar of fire.

He appeared again back in the throne-room of his ship. [color=fff200]"Milord, i question why you choose to interrogate prisoners personally."[/color]

[color=9e005d]"Because i rarely get to use my power these days. I enjoy the flexing of muscles"[/color] Lyssa nodded

[color=fff200]"As is your prerogative."[/color]

[color=9e005d]"What does your magic book say about finding Sinestro?"[/color] he asked, sitting in his throne and staring out of the main viewport. The book in her arms began glowing as it opened and her own eyes exploded with golden light.

[color=fff200]"I see a planet covered in water. I see... He who walked through hell and he who rides for its master... The Mighty Thunderer... A Daughter of the Kree... And... A boy who should not be... Willed back by the Wizard who guards the Rock of Eternity."[/color]

[color=9e005d]"The Wizard... If it is protected by The Rock of Eternity, then we will have to tread lightly... Start searching the databases for a planet that fits that description. I am curious to see what little backwater stain on the universe he is hiding on."[/color] Despero grinned from ear to ear.

[color=fff200]"That may take some time... Although our best estimate based on the ships last known trajectory puts him somewhere in the vicinity of Sector ZZ9-Plural-Z-Alpha."[/color] she whispered. Despero's smile faded. He looked out at the field of destruction that the battle had wrought, fragments of ships still exploding as they drifted into each other. 

[color=9e005d]"Very well."[/color] He looked at the communications officer. [color=9e005d]"Get me Death's Head."[/color][/hider]
[hider=Love in Saporo][h3]Sapporo, Japan, Hideyoshi Residence.[/h3]
Sinestro and Hal stood outside of the door of the house and rang the door bell. They were both wearing black suits. May was at the house of the other victim. A woman answered the door. Hal took out the Interpol Badge that S.H.I.E.L.D. used for overt operations like this. [color=8dc73f]"Ohayo Gozaimasu, my name is Agent Green, this is Agent Gold, we need to come in and ask your son, Kamina a few questions about a recent incident he experienced?"[/color] The woman nodded.

"Yes, yes of course." When she talked it looked weird to Hal, her lips were moving, but the wrong sounds were coming out. It was like a badly dubbed movie from the 1960's. As they entered, Hal took his shoes off and motioned to Sinestro to do the same, before Mrs Hideyoshi lead them to another room and sat them down. "Would you like some refreshments? Tea?" Sinestro looked at Hal, who subtly nodded to him.

[color=fff200]"Yes, i will have some Tea."[/color] He said, somewhat confused by all of these Earth drinks. Hal also nodded to her with a smile. A minute later, Kamina entered and his mother brought the drinks to them. Hal took out his phone and placed it on the table, pressing Record for everyone to see.

[color=8dc73f]"This is Agent Green and Agent Gold, the time is...[/color] He checked his watch [color=8dc73f]"17:07 JST, please can you state your names for the official recording?"[/color] He asked.

"Mrs Hideyoshi Yuki" The mother said.

[color=f49ac2]"Hideyoshi Kamina"[/color] The son responded.

[color=8dc73f]"Thank you. Now, the incident, 3 day ago, can you please give me an official record of what happened?"[/color] Kamina swallowed, then looked at his mother who looked back reassuringly.

[color=f49ac2]"I had gone to school. It was a fairly uneventful day. After school, i met with Morita Burai."[/color]

[color=8dc73f]"Mr Morita Burai. Is this a friend? A colleague?"[/color] Kamina looked at his mothers disapproving stare.

[color=f49ac2]"He is... Was... My..."[/color] Kamina looked down.

[color=fff200]"Your lover."[/color] Sinestro said, recognizing the fidgety look of explaining forbidden love in front of a disapproving parent. Hal was taken aback a little, having sudden flashbacks to the looks of several of his colleagues back in the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" classes when he first joined the academy. Kamina nodded.

[color=8dc73f]"Please..."[/color] Hal was going to ask him to confirm, but he could see this was difficult enough as is, so better to just move on. [color=8dc73f]"Mr Hideyoshi has nodded to confirm that Mr Morita Burai was his lover. Please continue."[/color]

[color=f49ac2]"I had met with Burai in order to go to town to the Arcade. There was a brand new Undead Rampage machine going there, but Burai showed me 500,000 yen. He had been working a part time job and saving up the money. It was enough to get us down to Tokyo and maybe rent an apartment for long enough for us to get jobs and support ourselves."[/color] His mother looked on the verge of tears. Hal looked back and forth between them for a second.

[color=8dc73f]"Would you feel more comfortable if your mother wasn't in the room?"[/color] He asked. Kamina looked at his mother, he had a look that said he had brought her enough pain that he would not ask her to bare the indignity of being dismissed.

[color=f49ac2]"No, i am perfectly fine, thank you. I would rather she stayed."[/color] He replied. [color=f49ac2]"Burai and I argued. I was..."[/color] He looked at his mother again. [color=f49ac2]"I was very tempted by his offer. I have always dreamed of moving to the big city to explore a career in train operation. Whereas Burai was looking to become an Actor. But i also thought of my parents. My Father would be very disapproving and Mother would be heartbroken by such an action. I decided that we should save some more and wait for the end of the school year. But Burai was... Burai's parents were less understanding."[/color] Hal was taken aback by that. This woman looked ready to disown him from what he was saying. Whatever Burai's parents were doing had to be a lot worse. [color=f49ac2]"Burai wanted to go now... Then... He was insistent on leaving immediately. I suggested that he go down by himself. His money would support himself far longer than both of us anyway and i would join him at the end of the school year. That's when he..."[/color] He looked at his mother who looked back in shame. He made a kissing motion with his lips.

[color=8dc73f]"He embraced you?"[/color] Hal asked.

[color=f49ac2]"Yes. And as i did, i saw him... Change..."[/color] Kamina looked a little uncomfortable. [color=f49ac2]"His clothes changed into a pink... revealing outfit..."[/color]

[color=8dc73f]"Did he say something? A rhythmic chant?"[/color] Hal asked. Kamina nodded.

[color=f49ac2]"Yes... He said something... I can't remember quite. It was something about a long lost heart. Maybe joining a fight?[/color]

[color=fff200]“For hearts long lost and full of fright,

For those alone in Blackest Night,

Accept our ring and join our fight.

Love conquers all with Violet Light...”[/color] Sinestro recited.

[color=f49ac2]"Yes, that was it, how did you-"[/color] Kamina began, but Hal butted in.

[color=8dc73f]"It doesn't matter, please, is there anything else you remember?"[/color]

[color=f49ac2]"Burai started glowing brilliantly and then i saw a joy in him i had never felt before. He looked at me, there was a ring on his finger. It... It split into two rings, not down the middle or anything, it just... Became two, full rings and it floated towards my finger. I wanted to run or scream or anything, but... I heard that chant... And then it all goes fuzzy."[/color] He was definitely trying to remember something. Hal had seen the reports. They had trashed a whole street, including an office block. But they were stopped just after people reported a blue light.

[color=fff200]"There were a number of reports that your... Episode... Finished just after a blue light appeared around the area. Is there anything you remember about this blue light?"[/color] Sinestro asked. Sinestro had been the one to insist on putting the Blue ring on the backburner, but any information about him would be useful. So far, everyone elses brains had been too scrambled by the experience to remember anything of any real value apart from him being big and wearing blue. Kamina seemed to wrack his brain, before he looked at Hal.

[color=f49ac2]"I think... Wait a second, i saw him in class today."[/color] Hal and Sinestro both looked shocked. A good bit of luck. If the Blue Lantern were in the area, he could be either recruited or at least made to surrender the Ring so they could find the true champion. Either way, they were moving closer. Kamina ran out to his bedroom, before running back with his rucksack and beginning to pull books out. Finally getting a Religious Studies book out, he flicked through the pages and stopped on a page, before turning the book to Hal and Sinestro. It was on the Shinto deities that had been adopted from other religions and there, center stage was him. Kangiten in Shinto, he was more commonly known as Ganesh in the Hindu faith. [color=f49ac2]"That's him, that's the one who was in blue."[/color] Hal and Sinestro looked at each other. [color=f49ac2]"Could it be that the gods are returning? I saw on the News that the Norse god Thor was battling monsters in America. Perhaps Kangiten is here to help us as well?"[/color] Hal looked sceptical, but Sinestro's poker-face hadn't changed even slightly.

[color=8dc73f]"Was there anything else? Something he said? Any information you can provide would be much appreciated."[/color] Kamina was looking a lot more chipper since he thought he had been saved by a god.

[color=f49ac2]"Yes, i remember, after that warm, fuzzy feeling left me, he said to us...[/color]

[color=f49ac2]"[/color][color=fff200]A[/color][color=f49ac2]l[/color][color=fff200]l[/color] [color=f49ac2]W[/color][color=fff200]i[/color][color=f49ac2]l[/color][color=fff200]l[/color] [color=f49ac2]B[/color][color=fff200]e[/color] [color=f49ac2]W[/color][color=fff200]e[/color][color=f49ac2]l[/color][color=fff200]l[/color][color=f49ac2]"[/color] Kamina and Sinestro said in unison. Sinestro leaned over to Hal and whispered in his ear.

[color=fff200]"It's a phrase the Blue Lantern is known for. It was definitely him."[/color] Sinestro finished his drink and got up. [color=fff200]"Thank you very much for he drink."[/color] Hal also got up.

[color=8dc73f]"Yes. Uhhh... Mrs Hideyoshi, do not worry about the damage, we are satisfied that your son was not in control of his actions and consider the matter regarding your son closed. If you have any further information that helps us, please call us."[/color] He handed her a small business card. He bowed to her before walking back to the foyer and putting his shoes back on with Sinestro in tow. As soon as they were outside, he uploaded the recording to S.W.O.R.D.'s Database [color=8dc73f]"And now we play the waiting game."[/color] He said. Sinestro started walking back to the car. [color=8dc73f]"Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, where are you going, buddy?"[/color] Hal asked. Sinestro looked at him, confused. [color=8dc73f]"This is Sapporo, the Beer capitol of Japan. We are now waiting for the nerds back at base to analyze what's going on. You and me, on the otherhand, have a few hours."[/color] He smiled. [color=8dc73f]"We are going to go and enjoy ourselves."[/color] Sinestro turned and continued to go to the car.

[color=fff200]"Green Lantern, we have bigger problems to deal with right now."[/color] Sinestro replied dismissively.

[color=8dc73f]"Yeah we've got bigger problems. Ever since this INSANITY began, after i have had a week in a holding cell, the only time i have not been chasing these things is when i'm sleeping after a long day of chasing these things. I need to sit down, have a beer in a stationary place without having to worry about the weight of the world being on my shoulders."[/color] He stormed up to Sinestro and grabbed him by the collar of his suit. [color=8dc73f]"We are going out, we are getting minted and we are going to have FUN. DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR!?!?!"[/color] Sinestro looked Hal up and down. Yes, this was most certainly a man on the edge. Better take the opportunity before he finally snaps.

[color=fff200]"Ok."[/color] Sinestro relented.[/hider]
[hider=What Do We Do With The Drunken Lantern?][h3]Sapporo, Japan. City Center[/h3]

Hal and Sinestro had gone to the city center. Hal had been to Japan on a few assignments in the past, but never really learned the language, so mostly stuck to the places near the US bases where most of the locals spoke enough English for him to get by, but it was a completely new experience when he actually was able to communicate with them in their language. And it had been with that full understanding that a pair of "Gaijin" had come to be accepted at a small bar.

[h3]"KA[color=8dc73f]M[/color]PA[color=fff200]I[/color]!"[/h3]

A cheer went out as Hal, Sinestro and 4 of the locals raised their glasses in a toast. So far, they had drank several bottles of a local beer and were now helping the 4 locals finish their second bottle of Sake. Sinestro let out a wheeze, not particularly used to his alcohols being served hot.

[color=8dc73f]"See, i told you we needed a night off."[/color] Hal coughed after his 4th glass of the hot booze.

[color=fff200]"The disunity of humanity is most perplexing to me."[/color] Sinestro said [color=fff200]"Out in the cosmos, most civilizations that have gotten to your point in development have either fully or a least MOSTLY unified, maybe 4 or 5 factions AT MOST and yet there are 195 factions, 237 if you don't count factions that are ruled by other factions and too many religious orders to count, some of which are quite literally a joke to make fun of the other factions. Although i'm surprised about those of you who worship Shuma-Gorath as some kind of joke."[/color] Sinestro then raised his cup [color=fff200]"Kampai"[/color]

[h3]"KAMPAI!"[/h3]

Another inebriated cheer went around the bar as Sinestro drank another glass. Hal finished his cup as one of the other patrons cracked another bottle that had been left on the radiator and began pouring it around.

[color=8dc73f]"Who the heck is Shuma-Gorath?"[/color] Hal asked. Sinestro looked into his cup and swirled the sake around a little

[color=fff200]"A weird flying tentacle monster me and Abin once found a bunch of cultists on Koord worshipping. Ooh boy, they gave us some trouble, but."[/color] He made finger guns and playfully shot at Hal a few times.

[color=8dc73f]"Oh dear, someone can't handle their Earth Booze."[/color] Hal laughed. At that point the door to the bar opened and people looked around to see Agent May walk in. [color=8dc73f]"Ohayo gozaimasu fellow Gaijin!"[/color] Hal laughed at her.

[color=8493ca]"There you are."[/color] May frowned.

[color=8dc73f]"Here we are!"[/color] Hal giggled. [color=8dc73f]"Got us!"[/color]

[color=8493ca]"And you're drunk."[/color] She sighed. Hal and Sinestro looked at each other, shocked at the accusation.

[color=8dc73f]"No you're drunk!"[/color] Hal said, spilling some of his drink. [color=8dc73f]"OH NO, I AM SO SORRY!"[/color] He yelled, licking the table. The other patrons laughing as he did so.

[color=8493ca]"Are you sure you should be talking about..."[/color] She made a vague guesture towards Sinestro, who was continuing to stare into the glass

[color=fff200]"Going to be honest, Agent May, i doubt i'm going to remember this tomorrow, let alone this lot."[/color] He groaned. He then looked up at her, his eyes drifting across her. [color=fff200]"You know, Agent May, you remind me a lot of Ar..."[/color] He then stopped himself as he trailed off, before looking at her knuckles to see a red hue to them. [color=fff200]"What happened to your hand? Looks like you punched someone SUPER hard."[/color] He then lapped his tongue a little. [color=fff200]"Punched... Punshed... Punched... That's a really weird word. Rhymes with table...[/color]

[color=8dc73f]"What? No it doesn't. Not even close."[/color] Hal laughed.

[color=fff200]"Does in my language."[/color] Sinestro sneered back sarcastically.

[color=8493ca]"Turns out Morita's dad didn't appreciate my questions or his sons actions and had some strong feelings on the matter. I convinced him not to act on his strong feelings again."[/color] She said, flexing her knuckles.

[color=8dc73f]"You need to be cut off. Agent May, take his keys."[/color] Hal ordered. He then quickly patted himself over before pulling the keys from his pocket. [color=8dc73f]"Oh wait... Hey, Sinestro..."[/color] He jingled them, before May grabbed them from him with one swift swipe of her hand. Hal looked forlornly into his empty hand [color=8dc73f]"My keys..."[/color] He moaned quietly. He then grabbed another glass. [color=8dc73f]"Kampai?"[/color]

[h3]"K[color=fff200]A[/color]MPAI!"[/h3]

Came the response as everyone drank their glasses. May then sat down with them and grabbed a glass. [color=8493ca]"Kampai!"[/color] She sighed, resigning herself to joining in on tomorrows hangovers. Just as she was about to bring the drink to her lips, she suddenly heard something outside. Screaming, mass screaming, something was coming. Then she heard the tell-tale sound of a weapon revving up, jumping across the table, she grabbed Hal, just as the wall behind her exploded. As she dived she saw Sinestro instantly stand up and form a golden barrier around everyone in the bar. As the smoke cleared, a tall, physically intimidating man stood in silhouette as the smoke whisped around his cloak. A very large gun in one hand and his other hand seemed to be a... Well, a Mace. Metal from head to toe, a large red cape, blue and yellow robes around his torso and very large, metal teeth protruding from an underbite jaw that looked like it could bike straight through a battleship hull.

[color=silver]"You value your lives and those around you?"[/color] It said in a loud, booming, gutteral voice. [color=silver]"Then hand over your rings and maybe you and them stay healthy, yes?"[/color] The intimidating man said, lowering the gun to point at Hal and Sinestro.[/hider]
[hider=Deaths Head Vs The Lanterns][h3]Sapporo, Japan. City Center[/h3]
[color=silver]"So, we're going to be doing this the hard way, yes?"[/color] The metal man said. [color=silver]"I am Deaths Head. I think it's always appropriate to let my prey know who it is that's going to be bringing them in."[/color] The laser cannon in his hand glowed again. [color=silver]"The only question is how warm you are going to be when you are brought in. Usual body temperature? Or extra crispy...?"[/color]

Hal was up on his feet quickly. He looked around at the others. The barman had already dived down, while the rest of the people in here were a little too inebriated to really care and... Damn he really wanted to watch Robocop right now... No, stay focussed. In a flash of green light, his suit came on, Sinestro followed them, his skin turning rose and his Gold Lantern outfit appearing on.

[color=silver]"Oh, Sinestro?"[/color] Deaths Head said, realizing exactly who it was. [color=silver]"Been a while. Last time i worked with you was that nasty business with Atrocitus. He did not go down easy, you remember yes?-"[/color] At that point, Sinestro burst towards him in a flash of gold light and with one powerful, solid gold left hook, sent Deaths Head flying straight across the street and into a closed flower shop.

[color=8dc73f]"Friend of yours?"[/color] Hal asked. Sinestro turned around with a look of purest thunder. [color=8dc73f]"OoOoOoOoh! Sorry i asked."[/color] Hal said, waving his hands condescendingly.

[color=fff200]"Are you competent enough?"[/color] Sinestro asked. Hal looked at his hands.

[color=8dc73f]"I got 2 hands, 1 ring and one alien jerk to punch into next week!"[/color] Hal said, stumbling a little from all the booze he had consumed. [color=8dc73f]"Although when we get home, i am showing you Robocop and you are GOING to like it."[/color] He then flew out and floated just above the street to see Deaths Head slowly pick himself up and fix his jaw.

[color=silver]"A little unsportsmanlike of you, yes?"[/color] He asked. [color=silver]"Alright, extra crispy it is."[/color] He pointed the gun at Hal and a purple blast of energy shot out. Hal instinctively shot his hand out and a green bank vault door appeared to intercept the blast. The vault door exploded and the shards of green construct flew past Hal. [color=silver]"Impressive"[/color] Deaths Head laughed.

[color=8dc73f]"TAKE THIS YOU METAL TIC-TAC!!!"[/color] He yelled, the ring creating an A-10 Thunderbolt on each of his arms and he pointed them at Deaths Head, before the distinctive [i]BRRRRRRT!!![/i] Rang out through the streets and green bullets began spraying Deaths Head. The Robot man then rocketted into the air with the boosters in his boots. Hal was far too drunk to effectively track his shots. But it was keeping him on the move. Deaths Head dodging left and right, keeping moving and taking advantage of the inebriated humans state.

Meanwhile, Sinestro was watching from the street bellow while May was helping people to safety. [color=8493ca]"What are you waiting for, Sinestro, get in there!"[/color] She asked him. She only had her side arm on her and she knew enough to know that it would do nothing against that alien cyborg.

[color=fff200]"Look at Green Lantern for a second..."[/color] Sinestro said. [color=fff200]"I've not see him do that before."[/color]

As Deaths Head dodged some more of the shots, he put the laser cannon away and his other hand turned into a mass of blades that began to spin. He then launched himself towards Hal at Breakneck speed. As he did, the A-10's on Hals wrist suddenly had large chainsaw blades shoot out of them for Hal to bring up and block the the spinning blade from Deaths Head, then swinging the chainsaw Warthog on his left arm to block the incoming Mace from Deaths Head's right arm. The blades revved loudly, but they were unable to cut through Deaths Heads thick armour. A comically large boot then appeared on the end of Hals foot as he reared it back, before delivering a devastating shot between Deaths Heads legs, right into the crotch. A loud [i]CLANG![/i] rang out and he was pushed up a few meters in the air, but Deaths Head looked down at Hal, slightly confused.

[color=silver]"BAD FORM, HUMAN LANTERN!!!"[/color] He roared.

[color=8dc73f]"Don't believe that Star Trek crap about Human Valor, when it comes down to a fight, we do what it takes to win."[/color] He said, dancing from side to side in the air with the chainsaw A-10s.

[color=silver]"An almost admirable trait."[/color] His blades began to spin again. [color=silver]"Almost..."[/color] He said, before launching at him again, as he did, Hal flew backwards and the ring created a large, green human in front of him. On the ground, May facepalmed as she watched the sight.

[color=8493ca]"Did he just make a Construct Captain Kirk?"[/color] Sinestro looked at her as the pair helped get people out of the line of fire. Sinestro was only half helping, mostly just watching how Hal handled himself in this drunken state. As the Kirk construct appeared, he locked his fingers together and in one powerful double-axehandle strike, sent Deaths Head plummeting to the ground. Sinestro watched and nodded approvingly. before the giant Kirk Construct rocketted towards the ground for a double-stomp straight ontop of Deaths Head. Tarmac cracked and rubble flew out. The Kirk Construct then shattered again, as Deaths Head punched his way up through it and rocketted towards Hal. Hal tried to create a large shield in front of him, but Deaths Head broke straight through it with his mace, before swinging again towards Hals face. Hal created another shield, but the mace shattered it again, bashing Hal straight across the jaw and sending him spinning towards the ground. A large green trampolene appeared just in time to catch Hal, however, it bounded him straight off and he hit his head on the ground. Deaths Head slowly descended to the ground towards Hal.

[color=silver]"Now, it would have been just so much easier to agree to hand over the ring, yes?"[/color] He asked, walking towards Hal as he slowly tried to get to his feet.

[color=8dc73f]"Oooooooh"[/color] He groaned, stumbling to his feet. [color=8dc73f]"ngy Jaw..."[/color] He grounded, trying not to move his jaw too much. Deaths Heads spinning blades turned back into his hand and he grabbed Hal by the back of his head and smashed it into a wall, A construct of a big pillow appeared in front of his face before he hit the wall.

[color=silver]"The ring in my hand and maybe the pain stops?"[/color] Deaths Head growled

[color=8dc73f]"Show we the way chu home..."[/color] Hal slowly started singing, another smash into the wall beside the pillow, but the pillow moved to once again absorb the impact. [color=8dc73f]"um tiyad ans i wannu go za bed..."[/color] Deaths Heads Mace turned into a second hand, he then pushed Hals face into the pillow with one hand and grabbed Hals ring hand with the other, trying to crush it, but the ring glowed and a large shark burst out of it and chomped down on Deaths Head's head. Deaths Head fell backwards, wrestling with the construct

[color=silver]"GET THIS INFERNAL AMPHIBIAN OFF OF ME!!!"[/color] He roared, throwing it to the side where the Shark flopped about for a few seconds before smashing into green shards. As Deaths Head rolled over to get away from it, he suddenly felt something in the back of his head.

[color=8dc73f]"Shows over, Robot-head."[/color] Hal grinned. Deaths Head slowly got to his feet, he then turned around slowly to see that Hal was no longer in his Green Lantern outfit and the ring was no longer glowing.

[color=silver]"I think not..."[/color] Deaths Head grinned.

[color=8dc73f]"Suit yourself"[/color] Hal then tried to create something, but nothing happened. He tried it again and again, before looking down at himself. [color=8dc73f]"Ah..."[/color] He groaned.

[color=silver]"Ah indeed..."[/color] Deaths Head grinned, getting the laser cannon from his back again and pointing it at Hal's chest. [color=silver]"So, you surrender, yes?"[/color] He asked. At that point, a large golden fist sent Deaths Head flying. Sinestro floated over to Hal.

[color=fff200]"What was the first thing i told you about being a Lantern?"[/color] He asked.

[color=8dc73f]"Charge the damn ring?"[/color] Hal replied. Sinestro nodded.

[color=fff200]"Go help May, i'll deal with Deaths Head. You've weakened him enough that i should be able to take him from here."[/color] At that point, Deaths Head shot into the air, screaming audibly as a glowing red aura seemed to be around his head. The pair looked to see Dex-Starr currently latched on and slashing him over and over with his claws.

[color=silver]"GET IT OFF! GET IT OFF!!!"[/color] Was all they could hear in the distance. Sinestro launched himself towards Deaths Head, a large golden clamp grabbing him around the torso and keeping his arms bound to his side while Dex-Starr continued to attack the face.

[color=fff200]"Yield and i will call off the feline."[/color] Sinestro said.

[color=silver]"DEATHS HEAD YIELDS TO NO-ONE!!!"[/color] He roared as the claws continued to slash back and forth across his face. [color=silver]"I WI-EEEEEEEEE"[/color] As he yelled, Dex created a clamp that forced Deaths Heads jaw open and all of the claws latched straight onto Deaths Heads tongue.

[color=ed1c24]"SURRENDER!!!"[/color] Dex roared in his demonic voice.

[color=fff200]"I think you'd better do what the cat wants."[/color] Sinestro laughed.

[color=silver]"U URRUNUR U URRUNRUR!!!!!"[/color] He roared while the cat, literally, had his tongue. Sinestro looked at Dex, who let go and slowly floated way. Sinestro slowly reeled in Deaths Head.

[color=fff200]"Good job..."[/color] He mumbled.[/hider]