Hope Shines Bright: Dark Matter Alt. Ending #2
[Takes place during Razer’s memorial service on Odym]
Somewhere in the afterlife, Razer is joined by his long dead wife. “Ilana, c-can it really be you?” Ilana smiles warmly as she gently brushes his cheek. “Yes beloved, it’s me.” Razer, practically in tears, embraces her for the first time in what felt like a millennia. “I told you I came back for you.” He said, forcing a half smile. Ilana chuckled, “And you most certainly did.” Razer’s half smile falls and he immediately recalls the events prior to her death. “I am so sorry for not listening to you on Volkreig. You were right about everything.” Ilana reciprocates the hug and quietly shushes him. “It’s okay Razer, I know your heart was in the right place.” “No Ilana, it wasn’t. I was so obsessed with protecting you that I didn’t stop to consider the consequences for my actions.” Ilana’s face fell as well. “No you didn’t and for that alone, I would’ve been very disappointed in you.” Razer hung his head in shame; his self-loathing beginning to emerge.
“But…” Ilana started, causing him to perk up a bit. “I’ve seen how far you’ve come since our time on Volkreig. Granted you’ve made some mistakes…” Razer knew exactly what she meant. He could well remember receiving that dreaded Red Lantern ring seconds after Ilana’s death. “However…” She went on, “that’s not to say you’ve done everything in your power to right the wrongs you’ve caused. I’ve witnessed your personal growth from afar and I cannot be more proud of you.” For the first time in a long while, Razer genuinely smiled. “But…” Ilana stated. This caused Razer’s smile to fade. “Your time has not yet come.” “W-What?!” “I’m afraid you cannot join me here beloved.” “Why? Have I not changed for the better?” He asked, desperate for an answer. “You have beloved. But I’m afraid that you are needed elsewhere.” Razer looked at his late wife in disbelief. “More specifically, someone else needs you now more than ever.” She pulls back the veil to reveal a grieving Aya. Razer’s heart sinks at the sight of his true love in tears. “She is mourning you Razer and it is clear that you still love her.” Razer was worried that Ilana would become jealous. But to his surprise, she wasn’t. “Go to her Razer. Be with her.” “Are you certain Ilana?” “I am, beloved. But do not worry; when your time does come, I will always be with you.” Razer nodded knowingly as he slowly faded from the afterlife.
Back on Odym, as the funeral drudged on, something unexpected started to happen. A hand from Razer’s supposedly-lifeless corpse started twitching. Rapidly at first, but then it stayed perfectly upright. No-one noticed this, at first, until they could hear something from within the casket. It started in low and then began to grow:
“In fearful day…”
Upon sensing the creation of a new candidate, a rogue blue lantern levitates from Battery Temple and begins its descent down the mountainside.
“In raging night”
The ring hurdles past various flora and fauna surrounding the area at Mach-speed as it continues its autonomous pursuit.
“With strong hearts full as souls ignite”
Suddenly, with a whoosh and a zip, the ring rockets past the waning crowd of mourners. “Hey what’s that?!” One of them called out, pointing to the streak of blue light left in the ring’s wake. Everyone stopped what they were doing and watched in bewilderment as the blue lantern ring slipped effortlessly onto Razer’s finger.
“When all seems lost in the war of light”
Then, as if by magic, the former Red Lantern rose from his casket and ascended toward the heavens; only to stop halfway.
“Look to the stars where Hope shines Bright!”
As soon as that last line was uttered, Razer: the once fallen son of Volkreig, opened his eyes. Upon doing so, the entire area was immersed in an ethereal bluish-white glow; blinding nearly everybody in its proximity. “What’s going on Hal?” asked Carol, a slight tremble of fear in her voice. “We’re about to find out. Look!” Once the cascading light died down, all those in attendance stared in shock to discover whom it was. Razer slowly descended down until his feet touched the surface. The outfit he was currently wearing no longer had the Red Lantern symbol adorned on his chest, but instead it was the symbol of the Blue Lantern Corps. His original uniform had been fully bathed in a diamond bluish-white color scheme that radiated holy righteousness.
Razer stared down at his hands, contemplating his current situation. Everyone had crowded around to this miracle for themselves. But none were more taken aback than Aya. She carefully pushed herself to the front of the crowd and found herself struggling to comprehend what was transpiring. Then, without thinking, Aya cautiously edged herself toward the man whom was once thought dead. “R-Razer?” She asked, her voice barely a whisper. She reached out to touch him when suddenly he whipped around and glared at her. Tensions were understandably high and no-one said a word. Just then, Razer spoke up, “Aya…it’s me.” The surprising amount of warmth in his voice was almost inhuman. Aya didn’t know what to think. Could this possibly be the man whom she loved with all her heart?
The newly christened Blue Lantern sensed this and with a wave of his hand, he summoned a construct to bring over a blueish-purple lily that had been placed near his casket. He gently floated it into the palms of her hands; not a single petal out of place. Aya gazed at this very peculiar flower and thought, “Why would he choose this one?” Then she remembered how Razer had given her this particular flower when they had visited the ruins of his home back on Volkreig. It had become a symbol of new life taking root amidst the devastation that lay around it. This realization made her eyes light up as brightly as his new uniform. “I-It is you!” She managed to blurt out, her voice choked up with accompanying tears. Razer extends his hand and gentle caresses Aya’s cheek. The former crestfallen android takes hold of his hand and nestles into it; internally promising herself that she will never let him go.
No sooner had their fingers intertwined that the reality of this moment washed over them, overwhelming in its sheer intensity. Their eyes, pools of longing and love, spoke volumes of the trials they endured and the unyielding hope that sustained them through the darkest of nights. Each touch, each glance, ignited a flame that defied the constraints of mortality, burning brighter with every heartbeat. With trembling lips, they drew closer, their breaths mingling in the air, a silent symphony of anticipation and desire. In that moment, Odym faded away, leaving only the echo of their hearts, beating in unison; a rhythm that echoes through time itself. And then, as if drawn by an invisible force, their lips meet in a kiss that transcended the boundaries of life and death.
While they were kissing, the energy from Razer’s Blue Lantern ring starts to swirl around them before culminating into a glorious fireworks display that explodes around them. Everyone gasps in amazement as this wondrous spectacle illuminates, even in broad daylight. Once it concludes, everyone claps and cheers; even the Red Lanterns were shown to be impressed. Amidst the cheering, Razer whispers to Aya, “I am truly sorry for all that I put you through. I wasn’t lying when I said you have more of a soul than I ever had.” Aya smiles meekly. “For what it’s worth…” Razer continued, “You had every right to be angry. I dismissed your affections and kept you at arm’s length because of this.” Aya gazed up at her now revitalized lover. “Razer, while what you said is true, I have come to understand how multifaceted the concept of love truly is. It is an emotion that must understood in both its light and darkest forms.” “Be that as it may; the reason I said those things to you prior to your transformation is because I was confused and afraid.” “Afraid?” asked Aya, “Why?” “I had been in love with Ilana for so long that I become afraid of betraying her memory.” Aya bowed her head with solemn understanding. “As I said before, I saw your memories and felt your pain. But even in death, I would assume Ilana would want you to be happy.” Razer smirked, “Indeed she would have.”
There was a pregnant pause between the two. “Did you really mean what you said?” Aya asked, a twinge of doubt in her voice. Razer looked puzzled, “What did I say?” “That the reason you couldn’t kill me was because you had no hate in your heart for me. Only love.” Razer nodded. ‘Yes Aya, I meant every word of it. I could never hurt you; nor would I want to.” A small tear trickled down Aya’s cheek as the confirmation of her lover’s words resonated in her mind. “Which brings me to another query.” “What might that be?” asked Razer. “Can you ever forgive me?” Aya whimpered, her eyes shimmering with vulnerability and remorse. Razer, though taken aback by her words, held her close to his chest. “Aya, there is nothing to forgive. As I said, you had every right to attack me after the way I hurt you. If anything, I should be asking you for such a boon.” Now it was Aya’s turn to be taken aback. She had not expected Razer to be so even-tempered and calm. But seeing as though he was a changed man, Aya couldn’t stay mad at him. Instead, she stared up at the man whom she had fallen deeply in love with and said, “Of course I forgive you Razer.” “Then I guess you know me better than I thought.” Razer remarked. Aya let out a soft giggle before embracing her beloved in another passionate kiss.
It wasn’t long before the two lovers were greeted by a pair of familiar faces. It was Hal and Kilowog, accompanied by Carol who was too transfixed by the whole ordeal not to join them. “I’m glad to see you all have survived.” Razer said calmly. To his surprise, Kilowog said nothing. Instead, he pulled the young Blue Lantern into one of his famous bear hugs, to which he wholeheartedly reciprocated. “That was some display you put on just now kid.” Hal remarked. Razer rolled his eyes. “But…I sure am glad to have you back.” Hal said, holding out his hand. The new Blue Lantern smiled warmly as he firmly shook his leader’s hand with pride. As he did so, Razer glanced over at Carol with a perplexed look about him. “Who’s she Hal?” He asked, “Another of your earthling mates?” “That’s one way of putting it.” Said Carol. Hal commenced the introductions. “Razer, this is Carol Ferris: my former boss back on earth. Carol, this is Razer: a trusted member of my crew and one I’m glad to call…my friend.”
With this being said, both lanterns kindly shook hands. “Glad to finally meet the man who just came back from the dead.” Carol quipped. Razer chuckled, “It was…life changing to say the least.” “I’ll say.” Carol muttered. “So you must be the woman that Hal aimlessly drones on about.” “Yeah, I guess I am.” “I will never understand the appeal of getting into an intimate relationship with one’s superiors.” Razer remarked. “It’s complicated.” Hal called over. “What he means to say is, we’ve always had an unspoken bond between us. One made even more difficult when I became the head of my father’s company back home.” “And this made you want her even more?” Razer called over to Hal, trying to piece it all together. “Well…that was just a small perk that came with it.” Hal explained. “Oh yeah.” chortled Kilowog, “Hal’s always been a flirt when it comes to women...especially the high-ranking sort.” “Yeah, I got a glimpse of that back on Zamaron.” Carol huffed, remembering her first encounter with the Star Sapphires. “And as I told you, she was just a friend.” Hal retorted indignantly. “A friend who was trying to drug and/or imprison you.” Razer added. “True, but what woman wouldn’t want to imprison all this?” Hal boasted. “Oh boy.” Kilowog groaned as he face palmed himself. “Has he always been this vain?” Razer asked, eying Carol for information. “No.” She sighed dejectedly, “Sometimes, he’s much worse.” Both Razer and Kilowog looked at each other knowingly.
Hal, finally having enough of this mini ‘roast-fest’, decided to cut in. “Alright that’s enough out of you.” He said, briefly pushing Carol off to the side. “Guess it’s true what they say, ‘if you can’t stand the heat, stay out of the engine room.” Kilowog chimed in, looking very amused with Hal’s antics toward Carol. “It’s out of the kitchen actually.” Hal said, quickly correcting his sergeant. “Is she always like this?” asked Razer. “She can be quite determined when she wants to be.” Said Hal loftily. “But anyway, I think I can speak for both of us when I say it’s great to have you back Razer.” “It’s endearing to be back Hal and needless to say, I feel a lot better than how Kilowog looks.” The Green Lantern sergeant chuckled as he shook his head. “Always with the smart mouth.” “Hey, that’s Razer for you.” Hal shrugged.
For the rest of the day, the Interceptor crew mingled among the many Lantern factions that were present. When Razer encountered Bleez; Atrocitus’ former lieutenant, amidst the crowd, she had nothing but a look of restrained admiration upon her face. “I never thought I’d say this to an enemy of the Red Lanterns but…great to see alive Razer.” “Thank you Bleez. It must’ve been hard for you to say such a thing.” “Yeah well, don’t get used to it!” She snapped. Razer rolled his eyes, “Some things never change.” He thought as he continued his rounds. The young Blue Lantern met all sorts of people; many of them congratulated him for his phenomenal return while others asked him how it was possible. But Razer had the same answer: “I just…never lost hope.” Two faces stood back amidst the hectic crowd; both sporting grins and a warm sense of pride: Saint Walker and Ganthet. “Now do you see Saint Walker? How hope never truly dies.” “Indeed I do. The beauty of hope is life-everlasting and I do believe that brother Razer has finally found new purpose after all.”
THE END
