[We begin the scene with Carl's friends and family outside.]
I did not realize the forest back here was this deep!
Oh, yeah! Since I've graduated, I plan on going through here more often!
Really now?
Yep!
I see!
It sure is pretty out here.
I agree! I wish I had something like this at my home!
You can always drop by, you know?
Yeah, that's true. Even better I graduated too.
Same.
*Hears distant rustling and thuds. She quickly looks in that direction, wondering what it was.*
💠What was that? If I had to guess, then it sounded like something crashed. I don't think it was a branch... ðŸ’
How about we head that way?
Okay.
[As they do so, something unusual gradually becomes more and more visible. Eventually, they find four differently colored gauntlets.]
Wait, WHAT?! Hang on! Are these Lantern Gauntlets?!
Shut up! WHAT?!?
I wasn't expecting those out of all things! Although... there are infinite universes, right?
Yeah!
Then these must've come from a universe where they are real. The question left is... I wonder who sent these here?
Not entirely sure...
[As if detecting their presence, the gauntlets begin to play a message, starting with the blue and violet colored ones in order.]
Carl Herman Kage of Earth One, you have been chosen to represent the Blue Lantern Corp. We hope you accept our gift.
You have also been chosen as a Violet Lantern Corp member! Your amount of love is astonishing! Do you also accept?
💠I can be two lanterns?! Okay... ðŸ’
I'm not picking up anything suspicious here. I think you should do it.
*Thinks.*
Very well. Then, I accept!
[The two gauntlets then cover up each of Carl's opened hands. Then, he is assigned a task: To go visit Earth 11.]
💠Earth 11, huh? Alright. ðŸ’
Uh, you shouldn't go there...
Why not, Emily?
Your Earth Six variant has put that destination off limits for us. He explained that there's a chaotic man having the time of his life blowing up everything!
*Reacts with surprise, shock, and also partial offense.*
And you expect me to do nothing about that?! That guy's a terrorist!
*Starts crying.*
*Seeing this, he breathes in and out to calm himself down. He then tries comforting her.*
I'm sorry. I understand you're worried about my safety. I do.
Then, please, don't go there! I don't want you to die!
I promise you I'll be fine. I promise. But, I'm still going to confront him.
What?! Are you saying you'll actually try and stop him?!
Yes, exactly! To show him he's not above law. Just like how I'm not.
*Closes his eyes briefly.*
Granted, I've never dealt with a terrorist before, but my experience fighting crime should amount to at least something with these gauntlets.
How did I forget that...? I completely forgot you were able to stop armed robbers without a gun! Just sharp reflexes!
And with as little physical harm as possible.
Honestly, Carl, you'd make an excellent officer!
I couldn't agree more with Markus! Looking back, I'm surprised you weren't one already!
Well... You also got to consider that I wasn't legally old enough to own a vehicle yet. That's what stopped me.
Doesn't your grandfather have one? Ethan Glenn Kage the Second?
He does, but... I don't want to disturb him. He's still a very busy man.
I'm sure he'd be happy to let you replace him as officer! In fact, I know he'd be extremely grateful if you choose to offer!
*Thinks for a moment.*
I'll cross that road when I get there. First, I have an alternate universe terrorist to deal with! Emily, mind opening a portal to Earth 11, please?
*Takes an extremely deep breath.*
I trust you. Please be careful!
*Opens a portal.*
I will! And thanks!
You're... welcome...
*Steps through it. Before fully entering, he is stopped by Melissa.*
Are you really sure you can handle this?
*Sighs.*
Somebody's gotta stop him!
*Also sighs, seeing he has a point. He then hands her traveler to Carl.*
Very well, then. You will need this. Please return it. Do not die on me!
Right! And I won't!
I'm holding you to that! You know what you've signed up for!
[We change scenes to in the middle of nowhere on Earth 11. Here, we see Earth One Carl step foot, ready to confront this destroyer.]
Where could you be...? And, I wonder if I can fly now that I have these?
*Tries, and succeeds.*
Oh, cool! Awesome! Well, I don't have any time to waste!
*He then takes off with his arms extended out fully forward and closed fists.*
[We then switch to a city on fire, where we see another double Lantern Gauntlet as the root of it all. His gauntlets are individually orange and yellow.]
*Is seen using energy blasts to wipe out entire buildings, his expression while doing so being cold and emotionless.*
💠All my effort has been leading up to this very day! Oh, what a relief these gauntlets are! I can now do whatever I wish! ðŸ’
*He continues on his rampage, soon getting to a train station. He blows it up as well, knowing people would now be less able to escape.*
[We then see a crying pink-haired kid, who looks at her parents' corpses. A taller figure suddenly appears in front of the child.]
*Crosses his arms.*
Oh, are mommy and daddy dead now? I'm so sorry, young one.
*Brutally beats up the kid, adding to their trauma, her screams being only music to his ears. He even r#### the girl.*
💧💧💢💦 ALRIGHT! YOU'VE PROVEN YOUR POINT! JUST END ME RIGHT NOW! PLEASE!! 💦💢💧💧
Hmph.
*Grabs the young girl by her neck, and takes her out the train station after destroying another wall. Once high enough, he drops the girl, only to catch her neck again from behind.*
I could kill you, but let's be fully honest. That would cutting your pain short, or mercy in other words. The Cascadan Federal Wiper doesn't do mercy, kid. Instead, I'll do this!
*Using another energy beam, he causes every building in the poor girl's sight to explode right in front of her. If she somehow didn't have PTSD at this point, then she does now.*
💧💧💢💢💦💦 AHHHHHHH!!!! WHHYYY??!?! 💦💦💢💢💧💧
*Points to his orange gauntlet mockingly, the one he used for the blast.*
All those people you've seen get wiped out just now... They are now mine! Forever! Even your mommy and daddy! And there's NOTHING you can do! Except watch.
*Wanting to hear more of her screams, he attempts to destroy the surroundings even more with another energy beam. However, a portal appears, causing it to be impeded.*
What the?!
*Gets hit from behind by an ambushing dual blue and violet lantern. This makes him lose grip of the girl while being sent away, allowing his attacker to rescue her.*
*Looks at the traumatized girl.*
Are you alright?!
*A response doesn't come out. She just displays pure silent horror on her face.*
💧 I'll... get you to safety right now, okay? Okay? 💧
*He opens a portal back to Earth One, and gently puts the girl on the other side. The portal then closes. He looks at her abuser.*
💢💢💢 YOU MONSTER!! HOW COULD YOU DO THAT TO A POOR LITTLE GIRL LIKE HER?!? 💢💢💢
*Gets up from where he crashed and turns to face Earth One Carl.*
Monster? You exaggerate me. Wait... just who the hell are you? Why do you sound like me, but younger? Not that it really matters, since you'll be dead. Weakling.
*Attempts to kill him with an energy blast. However, his opponent responds with another portal redirect.*
💢💢💢 With what you've done, you don't deserve an answer from me! 💢💢💢
💠How is he doing that? ðŸ’
*Notices his traveler.*
💠Wait, is he using that thing on his wrist? Hang on... 💢 I get it now! He's a copycat from another world! I'll take that device and put him in his place! 💢ðŸ’
*Fires a multitude of energy blasts at his surroundings, which forces his foe to do damage control through more portals. He charges forward, taking advantage of this distraction.*
*While he tries to minimize damage, he notices his approach and dodges just in time. He also catches his evil opponent attempting to grab hold of his device.*
ðŸ’💢💢 Did he just try to steal my only way home?! Just how far is he going to go?! 💢💢ðŸ’
*Returns his attention back to him.*
💢💢 HEY! What are you planning?! Where'd you find those gauntlets?! 💢💢
*Punches his opponent really hard with a powerful right hook, causing Earth One Carl to be set up above the clouds.*
*He barely manages to recover in time to dodge another incoming attack from his adversary.*
Tch!
*Fires a huge energy beam at him.*
*Tries to block with a shield, but he still gets sent further up by the blast. As a result, he ends up in space.*
*Quickly catches up, but isn't at all surprised due to him still breathing out here.*
Hmph! Of course you're able to survive in space. You are a Lantern Gauntlet, after all.
💢💢 I can't believe you were allowed to become one with the atrocities I've seen you cause! 💢💢
💢 I deserve this power! 💢 Before I became a Lantern Gauntlet, all I've had to rely on were the resources at my disposal. With my methods, I ensured no trace whatsoever!
💢💢 Do you honestly not feel any shame and remorse?! 💢💢
Shame and remorse are for the weak! I was disciplined and raised to not be such. Besides, I now know who you are! Let me remind you what year it is, Carl Herman Kage!
WH- WHAT?! How did-
*Interrupts.*
It is 2070! Technology has reached higher levels of advancement! I was shown how to hide even from satellites! While I'm the best at doing so, there's no denying it does get stressful.
*Cracks a twisted smirk.*
Which is why I became a Lantern Gauntlet in the first place! I had the fortune of meeting the Yellow Lantern founder, who knew and generously gave me both his and an Orange Gauntlet!
💢 Then that only means you're still leaving small traces of your doings! How else could they have known about you?! 💢
Even if I did leave a trace, such as a failed drone, then it doesn't matter now! I now possess infinite power! I've received my ultimate prize! You stand no chance, my imposter!
HUH?!
*Reveals himself by removing off his helmet, showing a sinister smile. His voice modifier is also visible and still active.*
*Is completely taken back in confused fear.*
💠The terrorist is another older variant of me?! That can't be possible! I would NEVER do something like this! ðŸ’
*Sees the look on Earth One Carl's face, and relishes it.*
Scared, right? You should be! I have the power to destroy the whole universe if I wanted to! Or maybe even threaten the multiverse, now that you exist in my way!
💠CRAP!! I CAN'T LET HIM DO THAT! I CAN'T! I CAN'T! I CAN'T! ðŸ’
*Starts charging up an orange and yellow energy attack.*
PREPARE FOR YOUR DEMISE!!
*Unleashes it on his younger foe.*
NO!!!!!!
*Fires another energy attack, this one blue and violet, creating a beam clash.*
[We cut to a flashback, where we see a Pre-Lantern Earth 11 Carl blending in at a restaurant.]
*Is seen eating. He looks at a TV, which details disappearances of police officers and other innocent civilians. He only chuckles at it.*
💠Cascadan Federal Wiper... I always love that. ðŸ’
*Hears the laugh, and gets up, curious about it.*
*Sees him approach.*
Huh? Can I... help you? What do you want?
Oh, nothing too much. I just wondered if you had any idea on what happened to the officers.
I do not know what happened to them. It's unfortunate. There's nothing I can do to help, either.
I see... Would you be interested in talking more outside?
What for, exactly?
A potential deal. It's up to you.
You have gotten me interested. Can you wait until I'm finished eating?
Of course. Take your time.
Great.
*He finishes up his food, and leaves the restaurant with him.*
Do you know anywhere private?
Sure. My archive space!
Wonderful.
*Takes him there. After letting him in, his presentation becomes more serious.*
Start speaking.
Trying to scare me? Heh. That's perfect.
Perfect? How so? Explain.
Tell me, when you laughed earlier at the news, just what was that?
*Having had enough, he gets closer, putting a knife to his neck.*
Don't waste my time! I was under the notion we were going to discuss a deal. Not unrelated banter!
Allow me to introduce myself, then. I am the original inventor of the Fear Lantern Gauntlet!
Show me it.
*Does so, also revealing an additional gauntlet Earth 11 Carl wasn't expecting.*
I didn't imagine a second one. Although, what makes you think these gauntlets are at all useful for my purposes?
Our gauntlets are invented to harness infinite power, so long as one has a strong connection to it.
Infinite power, you say? Now you have further piqued my interest.
Indeed. Infinite. The inventor of that orange gauntlet wasn't exactly willing on giving that up.
Very well. I'll accept these gauntlets and let you go only because you gave me an advantage. However, where did you came from?
I flew all the way here from beyond your Solar System. We lanterns can survive space easily.
Even better! I'm willing to answer your earlier question, so long as you don't tell any human.
I'm all ears.
Regarding the disappearances of those officers, I am the one responsible for it. Not as myself, oh no. That'd be too risky.
Then how?
I send out nano-drones that can't be detected by satellites or any other means, which are programmed to find and take calculated control of a person's mind.
Hence the disappearances. I see now. Do you know what happens next?
They die. I lost count on how many officers I've killed via the drones exploding up inside them at a random hard to reach place.
Did your laugh mean you love being seen as someone scary? I'm more of the man that uses fear solely as intimidation.
Every. Day.
Then I'm certain you'll enjoy the fact you can torture souls with that Orange Gauntlet before you!
*Cracks a sadistic smile.*
I. Am. Sold!
[We return back to the battle.]
*Is still struggling.*
💠What did he mean by drones?! I MUST BE CAREFUL!! ðŸ’
*While focusing on his energy blast, he also forms a shield around himself.*
ðŸ’💢 Why has he done that?! WAIT! DAMN IT! I MENTIONED DRONES!! FUCK! 💢ðŸ’
*He increase his attack output.*
*Does the same, and also notices cracks forming on his barrier's external layer. He quickly takes care of said cracks, knowing what this is.*
💢 WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?!? CHEATING?!? 💢
💢 NOT CHEATING!! WINNING!! 💢
*Increases his attack output once again.*
*Feels his energy beam get SIGNIFICANTLY overpowered.*
ðŸ’💢💦 I CAN'T LOSE HERE! I CAN'T LOSE HERE! NOT ON THE PROMISE I MADE TO EMILY AND MY FAMILY! AND ESPECIALLY NOT ON... 💦💢ðŸ’
.
.
.
.
.
.
ðŸ’💢💢 MY LOVELY DESCENDANTS IN OTHER UNIVERSES AS WELL AS EVERYONE FROM HERE!!!!!! 💢💢ðŸ’
*His energy blast EXPLODES in power. So much so it reaches his evil variant, who desperately struggles.*
ðŸ’💢💢💦 I CAN'T LOSE HERE! I CAN'T LOSE HERE! NOT TO THIS LOWLY VERSION OF ME! I WILL NOT SUFFER THIS DEFEAT! 💦💢💢ðŸ’
*The drones he attempted to use to cheat the fight start to malfunction.*
Drones: {TIME ERROR! TIME ERROR!} *They then all blow up as a result of this unexpected glitch.*
💢💢 YOUR APOCALYPSE ENDS HERE!! RIGHT NOW!!!! 💢💢
💢💢 I WON'T LET IT!!! 💢💢
*As he continues pushing back, his Yellow Lantern Gauntlet stops functioning due to now focusing on only himself, which greatly depowers him.*
💢💢 NO! NOO!!!! 💢💢
💢💢 IT'S OVER!!! 💢💢
*His blast finally consumes Earth 11 Carl.*
💢💢💢 AHHHHHHRRGH- 💢💢💢
*Gets sent back by the explosion. Once he recovers his momentum, he pants and looks at his hands. The gauntlets share colors for a brief moment.*
💠This man... He was quite literally the darkest version of me in every respect! I can't believe I could get this nightmarish in a separate universe! ðŸ’
*Exhausted, he flies back down to Earth 11, declaring...*
I will never be like you! Never! ... And I hope the people you killed can find peace now!
*Opens a portal back to Earth One, and goes through it.*
*Is seen waiting, and notices Earth One Carl's return.*
*Upon seeing her, he walks closer and quickly hugs the girl.*
*Does the same.*
Did you do it?
Yes. Earth 11 is finally at peace. At the cost of... me putting a man under the dirt for good.
NO. WAY!
💠I CAN'T BELIEVE IT! HE TOOK THE TERRORIST DOWN BY HIMSELF!?! ðŸ’
*Hugs Carl hard.*
*Same, also really hard.*
*Returns the affection, with a look of remorse that he had to kill.*
It's not something I wish to experience again! He... was another version of me!
HE WAS?!
HUH?!?
Yeah! Yeah, he was!
Who would've thought all this time it was an evil variant...
He was a nightmare. I don't want to be anyone like him. I've got to remain accountable.
*He then lets go and looks at his mother, removing the traveler and holding it out for her.*
Please. I don't deserve this privilege after what I've did.
*She ultimately shakes her head, which surprises Carl.*
What?! Why?!
We're dealing with a chaotic terrorist, right?
Yes, but...
There's no "but" in this case. With an individual like him, the game is way different and more drastic.
.
.
.
.
💧 It's not something I hope to do again, though, even as monstrous as he was by destroying whole buildings on a whim. 💧 There was debris and bodies everywhere... 💧💧
I know you don't want to do it again, but sometimes... you may not have a choice. As an archivist myself, I know history could be much worse if someone was kept alive.
I know... but... I still feel terrible about all this. Really terrible, especially also with the possibility I could go down that path too!
I understand how you feel, I really do. However, you wouldn't put innocents under the dirt on a whim, would you? Like he has?
Of course not! You know I wouldn't do that!
Exactly. I know you wouldn't, which is why I'm willing to let you keep that traveler.
Didn't you want it back, though?
I did, but really... I'm willing to wait for Lance to come and deliver another one at my doorstep.
Oh, right. I've forgot about that.
Besides, you crave for good stuff to do, right?
*Puts the device back on, and looks at Ashley.*
What's your name?
Ashley Cara Reynolds. ... 💧💧 I can't believe my parents are dead!! 💧💧
Calm down. Calm down. Who were they?
*Sniffles as she says the following.*
💧💧 Phillip... Carson Reynolds... and... Rebecca... Shelby Eastgate! 💧💧
*She starts wailing profusely, and is comforted by Carl and Emily, who wipe off her tears.*
Poor girl...
Poor girl...
💧💢💢💧 JUST WHAT DID THEY DO?!? I DON'T UNDERSTAND!! JUST WHY, CASCADAN FEDERAL WIPER?!?!? 💧💢💢💧
💠What?! Cascadan Federal Wiper?!? Oh, no... Don't tell me... HAVE I KILLED POLICE THERE?! ðŸ’
💠Don't tell me that variant also murdered cops too!! ðŸ’
💠How did things end up so wrong there?! Were officers murdered AS WELL?! THAT'S UNACCEPTABLE! ðŸ’
*Comforts the girl as well. She eventually lets go, and looks at Emily and Carl.*
I have also noticed a problem. Could the two of you come here, please?
Um, sure.
Alright.
Can you stay put please, Ashley?
*Nods.*
Thanks.
Can I join in as well?
Well... Sure, I guess. Follow me.
*Takes them not too far away from Ashley, but not too close to avoid her hearing. She sighs.*
I'm afraid I don't have anything good to say concerning Rebecca.
What's wrong with her?
Yeah, what's the problem?
From what I can tell, she generally seems to be a transphobic person.
Yikes!
Shoot!
*Sighs in disappointment.*
Seriously? Come on...
Yeah... This is made worse by the fact Ashley's young. She's more impressionable, and as such, is easier to make a transphobe if influenced by Rebecca.
Great... That's the variant of her mother out... What about Phillip?
Despite being her boyfriend, he actually seems good enough as a person, although still the kind to not really get involved.
Not get involved? That kind of rings a bell for me.
It does?
Yeah. Hmm...
*Thinks, and is able to recall.*
Wait, I remember now. I believe I've heard of a Phillip and Rebecca that were just neutral multiverse spectators.
Interesting! Do they not explore at all?
Not that I can recall. They just watch whatever happens.
Hm. Fair enough.
You're talking Earth Six, right?
💠Earth Six? ðŸ’
Oh, yeah! I should've specified!
It's all good! However, returning to the matter at hand, I suppose we could adopt her for the time being. Bring her in as family.
I'm in agreement. That sounds like the best option for right now.
I also think this is for the better.
*Realizes, and thinks while Markus talks.*
💠Wait, hang on... He came up with that idea first! Is he planning to start fatherhood early or something?! Then, how does he view us?! ðŸ’
Me too. She definitely needs somewhere to stay. Can't leave a child like her homeless. Or anyone for that matter. Doing so purposely is extremely frowned upon back home.
Then we're all dismissed. Let's return to Ashley, alright?
Okay!
*Follows Melissa along with Markus. Not seeing Emily do the same, he turns around and notices her starting to cry again.*
Is everything alright?!
*Runs up to him suddenly, catching the now hugged Carl off guard.*
Whoa!
💧💧 Please, tell me! I want to know for our sake! Ignoring that we're really related to alternate you's, do you still genuinely see Galvin, Carter and I as family? 💧💧
*Gives a strong hug back.*
💧💧 How could I say no?! Of course I do! In fact, I wish Galvin was here to train with you two! 💧💧
*His gauntlets start to glow brighter and brighter as he continues talking.*
💧 Granted, we may've had a rough start when we first properly met, but I'm past that now! If he were here, then I'm willing to extend the favor! 💧
💠Are those gauntlets getting brighter?!? ðŸ’
💠What is this?!? ðŸ’
Like I've said before, I sincerely hope to give every one of you a long, healthy and LOVELY LIFE!
Oh, my goodness!!
*Closes her eyes.*
WHOAAA!!
*Covers them instead.*
What is happening?!
*Peaks out from a tree, and opens her mouth.*
Ooooohhhh!
*Does so, too, and is accompanied by Daisy, Otis and Carter.*
I never dreamed we'd see THIS!
Me neither, Anna!
Holy smokes!!
Wowww!!
*Pulls out her phone, and realizes the time is glitching up.*
WHAT THE?! What's going on with my phone?!
*Looks, seeing the same thing.*
I don't know! That clock is reversing and advancing back by minutes!
You don't think it's because of this, is it?!
That can't be possible... Right?!
[As the light disappears, so does the temporal malfunctioning of Daisy's phone. Anna puts two and two together.]
It was because of those gauntlets! Carl must have such a huge connection to those emotions that he's beginning to warp time!
WHAT?!
NO WAY!!
HOLY COW!!
💠I should also tell him about that message we found! ðŸ’
*Lets go of Emily and looks at his hands, seeing the weapons share blue and violet colors as opposed to being individually different.*
Wow... This is incredible!! I had no idea these gauntlets could mix together! That's neat!!
And your uniform has changed too! It's also a mix of blue and violet! I never thought those colors would look good on you!
I'm with her on that one! You look amazing, Carl!
Well, thank you!
*Gives a thumbs up.*
Anytime!
Hey, can you come here, please?! Also, you look sick in that new uniform!
Yes, you do! She's right!
I'm in complete agreement with them!
*Chuckles.*
Thanks!
We have found something while you were busy!
Yeah, you should see!
Alright. I'm coming!
*Follows them, soon seeing a box that displays a message.*
[Box: Should your gauntlets ever crack and break, only then, can this box before you be opened. We hope this solution is permanent.]
That's a weird message.
I can tell this box was specifically delivered with you in mind, which is why I wanted to let you know this was here.
Right. Got it. Meanwhile, we likely should orient ourselves with the gauntlets.
That's another thing! Otis and I have been training together!
Really?!
Yeah! She's an excellent archer! You should see!
*Smiles.*
I look forward to watching!
*Follows them to an open area, where he watches from the ground.*
*Puts on her gauntlet, which is indigo.*
*Same, but his is green instead.*
*Looks at Otis.*
I assume you're ready?
Yes!
Then let's do it!
*Creates a bow and arrow construct with her gauntlet.*
*Makes a sword construct instead. He flies toward Anna.*
*Flies backward and begins firing arrows at Otis.*
*He deflects them before sending energy blasts.*
*She once more fires, hitting every attack perfectly.*
💠My mother would get nostalgic over this. ðŸ’
*Creates a lasso construct, and tries using the dust to his advantage.*
*Seeing the incoming green light, she tries to evade.*
*Despite Anna's dodging, he has succeeded in latching onto her gauntlet.*
*Noticing, she fires an energy blast that destroys Otis' lasso.*
Dang it!
Nice try.
*Her gauntlet freed, she punches the Green Lantern away before firing more arrows at him.*
*Launches more energy attacks. However, one of them hits a flash bang arrow.*
Urrgh...!
*Uses this opportunity to try removing the gauntlet.*
*Due to being blinded and stunned, Anna succeeds despite his resists.*
Man! That was fast!
Yeah. I think this is enough for now.
*Takes off her gauntlet, too.*
Let's take a small break.
Right.
Yeah...
Next Volume