SHATTERED WORLDS | DC (2022)

Year 2: Preparations

3 days later

John Stewart/Hal Jordan

Ganthet had gathered the elite force of Green Lanterns and had begun their march towards Earth.

Meanwhile, Hal sat imprisoned on Oa, watching as Ganthet and his army departed for battle. He knew that Superman would be at a severe disadvantage without him, and that all of their hard work would be for nothing if Earth were lost.

Suddenly, his cell opened, and the guard at the door fell unconscious. Hal looked forward, uncertain of what was happening, when John Stewart emerged from around the corner, revealing that he was breaking Hal out. He handed Hal a ring and said, "Take it."

Hal asked, "Why are you helping me?"

John replied, "Isn't it obvious? I agree with you and Superman. I think you guys are doing the right thing on Earth, and I don't want the Guardians to win."

Hal accepted the ring and transformed into a Lantern once again. The two of them immediately took off for Earth. Although they were behind the army that had already departed, they were able to catch up quickly. From a distance, they watched as the formidable force moved forward with a steady pace, exuding an air of superiority and authority.

As they raced towards Earth, John asked Hal, "Can you contact Superman about what's about to happen?"

Hal replied, "Unfortunately, no. They took my communicator."

John cursed, "Damn. Well, we should arrive several hours before them either way. Hopefully, that will be enough time to prepare for what's coming."

They increased their speed, racing towards Earth in the face of desperation. On the way, Hal couldn't stop thinking about what the Guardians had meant by the "intrinsic value" of Earth.

He asked John, "What did they mean by Earth being vital for the universe to exist?"

John replied, "It's a bit complicated, but in short, it has to do with the multiverse, I think."

"What do you mean?"

"The Guardians believe that Earth must survive free and healthy in order to keep the universe functioning. No one knows exactly where they got that idea, but the legend is that they received that information at the beginning of time when they were created."

Hal pondered this and asked, "Do you believe such things?"

John replied, "I don't know. But considering how old this universe is, anything is possible."

Raven/Billy

On Earth, Superman and his team were strategizing for the upcoming attack from the elite Green Lanterns. Superman had ordered his team to take up strategic positions to counter the incoming threat. Raven had been assigned to back up Billy, so she arrived at his school dressed in civilian clothes, so as not to draw any attention. 

 During lunch, Raven approached Billy as he sat with his friends. They were all surprised to see someone like Raven approach Billy."Meet me after school, I need to talk to you," she said before walking away without another word. 

"Is that the girl you said you made out with?" His friends asked. 

 "Yeah, it is," Billy replied, trying to sound nonchalant. 

 "Well, damn, Billy, how the hell did you pull that off?" They asked in disbelief. 

 "With my good looks and charm," he jested, trying to play it cool. 

 After lunch, Billy met up with Raven. "Can't you just talk to me through your mind?" he asked. 

 "Yeah, why?" Raven replied.