Superflash:Collison Course (Volume 2)

Chapter 21: The Brightest Day

Hal and Tomar had been on their way to Earth while the Worldkillers were attacking. Being unaware of these events the two Green Lanterns made for Coast City. The city was quiet and peaceful, and Hal had a plan for heading there, a plan he had yet to explain. So Tomar was confused and questioned his friend as they landed on the roof of an apartment building.

“Hal…we are on your home planet to find the Worldkillers. I highly doubt that this dwelling will yield the results our search requires.”

“We’re here for a reason Tomar. Trust me.”

Hal opened the roof access door and began to descend the stairwell before taking a step back as Tomar began to follow. Once again the more experienced Lantern was confused as Hal spoke.

“Before we go in there Tomar, you might want to change your appearance.”

“Will my visage frighten whomever it is we are here to see? We have much more important matters to attend to Hal.”

With those words, Tomar stepped down into the stairwell without any idea of where they were headed. He had to pause as Hal took the lead once again with a sigh at his friend’s reluctance to use his ring to alter his appearance. Sinestro had done it once upon helping Hal while he was in prison. But Tomar was also correct, and time was not on their side. So upon entering the hallway of the apartment building, the first person they came across was immediately terrified.

“Fear not human, I mean you no harm. I am a member of the Green Lantern Corps and…”

The young man turned and ran from the avian and fish like creature speaking to him in perfect English. Encountering an alien on his first day living in this apartment was not on his list of expectancies and Hal could only shake his head as Tomar looked back at him in confusion.

“Was it something I said or did, Hal? Why did the human run from me in fear? Green Lanterns are sworn to protect and…”

“Let’s just say that my species isn’t exactly familiar with aliens; Tomar. I was going to tell you that Sinestro once altered his appearance to human form while training me. He…never-mind. The apartment we’re going to is this way.”

Hal led the way down the hall towards a non-descript door with Tomar still right behind him, albeit still confused. The former only hoped that his friend was home right now and would be able to provide them with some assistance in regards to their mission. With a quick knock on the door, Hal only had to wait a few moments as a muffled voice came from the other side.

“Just a second…always at the worst times…look…I told you…”

The door opened just a fraction to reveal a disheveled and exhausted young man, still rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. His words died in his throat as soon as he recognized his friend but not the creature standing there with him.

“Hal?! Hal, where in the hell have you been? You know I’ve had to cover for your disappearance for weeks now! And now you just show up out of nowhere!”

“Tom…I…”

“Just get in here. Can’t let anyone see your… your…what do I even call this…”

Hal and Tomar quickly stepped inside the apartment to avoid drawing any more attention to themselves as doors were beginning to open due to the sound of yelling in the hallway. When they were all safely out of view, Hal began to explain.