Alan Scott has a perfectly healthy teenaged obsession; in this case, the superhero known as Jade. But when he discovers a mysterious lamp (no, really!), he soon finds that he has a lot more in common with the Green Lantern than he ever thought possible!

Part of the Comics Retcon Universe: http://bigclosetr.us/topshelf/book/20577/comics-retcon-universe

Chapter One: The Fanboy

My name is Alan Scott, and I have an obsession. They say that the first step on the road to recovery is admitting that you have a problem. And boy, do I ever. I have a poster of her. A screen saver. Videos and photos of her on my hard drive.

I'm in love with a superhero. And if she even knew I existed, she'd probably fly away from me very quickly. Her name is Jade, the Green Lantern.

Ok, let me explain. I'm 15 years old, and it's not unusual for me to get carried away like this. First it was comic books, then it was card games, and later, role-playing games. And it's not like I still don't enjoy these things, but lately, it's superheroes.

And one in particular.

I don't know what it is about her, really. Though she's quite pretty, there are other hot metahumans out there. I've seen pictures of Terra, American Dream, and even the mysterious Cat-Woman. Oh and there's supposedly a video out there of a total babe who turns into a giant-sized girl...and ends up naked in the process.

NSFW indeed!

But something about Jade is so mysterious. She doesn't have the metagene; she was chosen to be the defender of Earth (well, actually a section of space that includes Earth, but she's here a lot). She's incredibly powerful, and even has her own spaceship!

She's the most visible and popular superhero around, and nobody knows anything about her. And to me, that's hot.

People say that she's probably an alien, maybe a shapeshifter, and her real form is anything but a pretty young woman. Honestly, I don't care about that. Hell, she could be a guy and I'd still think she was awesome!

I think that would put a damper on certain fantasies, however. Just saying!

Mom and Dad recently went through a really bad breakup; I don't blame them, to be honest, although my sister, Alison, is a lot less understanding. Yeah, I know, Alan and Alison. We're twins (fraternal, naturally), and you know how parents get when it comes to naming twins. I swear, if I ever have kids (a highly unlikely prospect) and I have twins, I'm going to come up with as different names as possible.

We do resemble each other, or at least, we did. My sister used to be blonde, but I haven't seen her natural hair color in years, she's always dying it. It's not that she hates me, she just resents the way people think that, since we shared living space in Mom's womb, we must be exactly alike.

Yeah, right! I'm a total geek and she's...well, I'm not really sure. I don't want to call her Goth or anything, although her fashion sense does seem to be Goth-influenced. Mom says she's trying to find herself. I can understand that. We're both wildly creative people. I mean, I even got her to play DnD with us, and she was amazing. But she feels being limited to playing one role is too limiting, and she constantly switched characters, until Jake (our DM) got tired of it.

And that's when she left the group. We still played, but not as often. I think towards the end, I was really happy to have an interest in common with Alison. And now...we're world's apart. She's into music and poetry, and me, well, I write fanfiction and draw superheroes. Jade, mostly.

What can I say, I have an unhealthy interest in girls. At least, a girl.

Now, right around the time Mom and Dad were having their problems, Mom's Dad died. I'm named for him, and he was a great guy. Mom inherited his house, and so, she came up with the idea of us moving. It was logical, but at this point in my life, I didn't really want to be separated from the few friends I had and dropped into a new environment.

And Ali, well, she and Mom yelled at each other a lot. I wanted to play peacemaker, but I'd need super powers just to survive! Eventually though, Ali seemed to give in, although she was pretty sullen about it.

Granddad's place was really awesome though. He and my Grandmother (who died when Ali and I were little) had raised a family of five kids. Gramps was an engineer, so rather than get a new house, he just added on to the existing home whenever he needed more space. The result was more than a little unusual, and the house was riddled with secret doors and rooms. Most no bigger than a closet, but I knew that somewhere, Gramps had a special room that he called his 'secret lair', which is where he kept his comic collection. And wow, did he ever have some old rare issues!

The problem was, he always took me to it wearing a blindfold, so I had no idea where it was in the house. But I was determined to make that my room. The first few days, we cleared out a lot of junk (well, more like organized it, neither me nor Mom wanted to throw anything out. Her for sentimental reasons, me, because it was cool stuff!). He had tons of old science fiction magazines, pulp magazines, the collected works of Edgar Rice Burroughs (I think I read 'A Princess of Mars' like twenty times as a kid), model spaceships, you name it.

Once we had everything cleared out, we began to move in (this was during the Summer, so there was no school to get in the way). Sis, well, she'd help, but she'd always take off, looking for some signs of intelligent life in the town. I wished her luck with that, most of the residents of our neighborhood were older families, and 'town' consisted of two streets with storefronts, five churches and three bars. It was quaint, charming, and boring.

Thankfully, Gramps had remained tech-savvy until the day he died; he had a computer that put mine to shame (it had started life as a P-2, but Gramps never threw anything out; like his house, as it became obsolete, he just upgraded it. I doubt it had any original parts left save the tower casing!), and I'd paid a grand for my quad core!

This also meant he had an awesome internet connection; apparently the internet companies didn't feel there was much need to run DSL line out his way. So he came up with his own solution to the problem. Apparently, that's what engineers do. I so want to be one when I grow up. Right after comic book writer/artist and superhero, of course. I assume it's a satellite connection, given the large dish on the roof, but it doesn't have the problems most satellite networks have. I couldn't tell you why; Gramps was some kind of mad genius.

So I started poking around the house. I made a map of all the rooms, secret doors, and hidden areas I knew about, measured the outside, the inside, the basement, knocked on walls, the works. I'd remembered going down stairs, but the basement was a no-go. It took up the entire original foundation; the additions only had shallow crawlspaces.

Like most great discoveries, I found it by accident. I was in the pantry getting a bottle of grape juice (it looked like a wine bottle, but Gramps rarely drank. Two beers at the Legion on Sunday was his limit) when I dropped it. I went immediately to get a mop to clean up the mess, and when I came back, I noticed the liquid had flowed to one wall and pooled there.

That meant the floor wasn't level. Gramps was too much of a perfectionist to have done that by accident! So after cleaning up the mess, I examined that wall closely, and sure enough, there was a hidden panel that led to a short flight of steps.

“Gramps, you magnificent bastard!” I laughed. The walls were wood-paneled just like I remembered. His treasured comic book issues were on the wall, in glass frames, the old Coca-Cola machine was still humming in the corner, and the A/C was still running!

I flopped down on his big comfy couch (the story was, Grandma got tired of looking at the old couch, and made him get rid of it. So he just built a new room for it, and the rest is history) and marveled at my new Fortress of Solitude. The projection TV, his laserdisc player, the old-fashioned HiFi, with an awesome collection of old vinyl albums..and the comics! He'd built a small closet and set up a motorized track on the floor. You hit a button, and you could cycle between the storage units he'd packed his comics into. It was a lot like those automatic closets rich people have to store their clothing in, really.

I quickly moved my stuff in.

Chapter Two: The Green Flame

A few days later, while going through his comics, I noticed something. They were organized by alphabet, but there was a storage container between A and Z that had an oddly familiar symbol on it. It was kind of stylized, but it reminded me of the Green Lantern Corps sigil! So I opened it up. Inside I found a sketchbook filled with Gramp's drawings. But it wasn't technical stuff, but actual concept arts of costumed heroes!

Wow, I never knew we had so much in common! One design stood out from the rest. Red shirt, broad black belt, green pants and boots, and a cape that was black on the outside, and green on the inside. And on the chest, an old-time lantern shedding green light around it.

But there was more! One compartment actually had, neatly folded, the costume itself! Naturally, I tried it on. Gramps was taller than me, though, so it didn't fit right, but I still thought it looked amazing. Yeah, I know, the whole cape thing has been deconstructed as impractical, but I liked the way it swished dramatically. Gramps also had one of those goofy black domino masks which all the old heroes wore, but I really couldn't see how it would hide your identity at all.

The real treasure though, was an old grey lantern. It looked like a piece of junk, really, but the moment I touched it, I knew there was something special about it. I set it on the table and tried to figure out how to light it. The thing was dusty as heck, so I got a cloth and rubbed it...

Yes, I'm not kidding about this part. I rubbed the lamp, and a green flame appeared inside of it, filling the room with emerald light!

“MORTAL, KNOW THAT I AM THE STAR-HEART! MY GREEN FLAME CAN GRANT YOUR HEART'S DESIRE! SOME HAVE WISHED FOR LIFE, OTHERS FOR DEATH, AND A FEW HAVE WISHED FOR POWER! WHAT IS THINE WISH?”

I goggled at it. I mean, this had to be a joke, something Gramps whipped up, right? “No way!”

“FAITHLESS ONE, LISTEN WELL! LOOK INTO THE HEAVENS THIS VERY NIGHT, AND YOU WILL SEE A STAR FALL! A GREEN STAR, LIKE NONE OTHER. GO, FIND IT, AND BRING IT TO ME!”

The flame went out, and try as I might, I couldn't get it to light or speak again.

-

I couldn't sleep. I kept hearing the words of the lantern flame in my head. With a growl, I got up and put my glasses on. I paused, seeing my reflection in the mirror. I'm a scrawny kid, despite my best efforts to get some muscle. I have short blonde hair and green eyes. I don't look very heroic. Actually, I think sometimes that if I borrowed some of Alison's clothes, I'd look more like a cute (if geeky) girl!

But right then, I imagined myself wearing Gramp's costume. Powerful and brave. A real hero.

I sighed. If only I had the metagene and could get powers. I went to the window and looked out. A green star, huh? What a joke.

And then, sure enough, I saw a green light fall from the sky! “Holy shit!”

I quickly got dressed and snuck out (pretty easy to do, with all the secret passages in the house) and got on my bike, peddling as fast as I could.

-

Jade was catching a quick nap, all her schedule really allowed her to do lately. She was awoken by an alarm claxon, and sat up so quickly, she smacked right into the bulkhead above her. Our heroine is a good girl, and doesn't often curse, but in this circumstance, I think we can forgive her for a few profanities.

Making her way to the bridge, she found that the ship's computer was tracking an unusual object, which had entered Earth's gravity. “Huh, a green glowing meteorite? Now that's unusual.”

That is no mere bit of space debris. The ship's scanners indicate it has a unique and powerful energy signature. It is part of the Star Heart.

Jade stretched. “The what now?”

It was at one time believed that magic would interfere with the ability of the Central Power Battery on Oa to transmit power to the Green Lanterns operating throughout the galaxy. As a result, the Guardians gathered as much magical energy as they could, and sealed it away inside a star. However, this created an entity known as the Star Heart, a sentient being composed of pure energy. The Star Heart caused the sun to go nova, and in the explosion, was freed. However, it was also fragmented by the explosion, and the pieces scattered throughout space.

“So is it dangerous?”

By itself, no, the Star Heart is neither Good nor Evil. However, it's power reacts to the desires of those who find it, making them real.

Jade frowned. “It grants wishes.”

That is a gross oversimplification, but it will suffice.

“Well how bad could a wish-granting green rock from outer space be...” Jade trailed off. “What am I saying! We have to find that thing, fast!”

-

Now, I realized the chances of finding what I was looking for was pretty slim; for all I knew, it could have landed miles away. The sky is pretty clear out here, compared to the city. But I had this strange sense that I was supposed to find it, so I didn't let that bother me.

Crossing fields in the dark is kind of dangerous; it was a New Moon, so when I say it was dark, I'm not kidding! But slowly, in the distance, I saw a green light. I damn near broke my leg running to it.

The crater was small, a lot smaller than it should be. And nestled in it, was a glowing crystal about the size of my fist. Now, glowing means radioactive, and I'm not an idiot. I wasn't going to touch it with my bare hands! I took off my shirt, and grabbed it out of the ground protected by the fabric (because, you know, cotton and polyester is radiation proof, right? My excuse is I hadn't slept much, and I'm sticking to it), and then carried it home that way. I couldn't really ride the bike, so it was almost morning by the time I got back to my room and crashed.

-

Jade frowned as she reached the area where her ring told her the object should have landed. “Ok, now that's weird. Where is it?” Using the power of her ring, she illuminated the ground with a spotlight effect. “Ok, there's the impact site...awfully small...and....footprints leading to it! Great. But no footprints leading away? That's damn weird.”

Jade couldn't know that the Star Heart could make itself invisible to Oan technology. And her ring didn't have access to the information; most of what was known about the Star Heart was classified. She searched for awhile longer, but finally felt herself get tired, and so she returned to her ship. If someone started making wishes, she'd find them soon enough.

-

I struggled to help Mom out all morning, btu finally she realized it wasn't worth it, and sent me back to bed. I was pretty grateful, believe you me! I slept for awhile, but then I heard a voice, and I jumped awake.

“AWAKEN MORTAL, YOUR DESTINY IS AT HAND.”

Holy shit, the lantern was talking again! “Uh, what do I need to do?”

“GRASP THE GREEN STAR IN YOUR HAND, AND LET IT BATHE IN MY LIGHT.”

I forgot all about my worries that it could be dangerous, and I picked up the green crystal, and held it out in front of the flame.

“WHAT IS YOUR HEART'S DESIRE?”

I thought about it. Well, really, it was obvious. “I want to be superhero like Jade, the Green Lantern!”

“SO BE IT!”

The flame shot out of the lantern, and struck the crystal. Green light surrounded my body. It felt warm, even comforting. The crystal shrank, until it became a ring, which slid itself onto my finger. The light began to coalesce, shrinking as well, until it vanished into my body. And then...blackness.

-

I woke up later. Ugh, what time was it? I felt like hell. And I was starving! The lights were off, so the room was totally dark. As I fumbled for the lamp, I wished I had a light. And then the ring on my finger started to glow brightly. Sweet!

Except...well...the light revealed that my hand looked smaller and more delicate than it had been before. I looked down, and saw a pair of breasts. My jaw totally dropped.

I stood up and went to the mirror. My sister, or a girl who greatly resembled her, was standing naked in front of me! I slowly reached up to cup the girl's...my...breasts. B-cup, just like Ali's. They were sensitive as hell, and when I brushed a nipple, a shiver ran along my spine. My hair was longer, falling just short of my shoulders, and I really did look very cute.

My eyes were glowing softly with green light, and I swear I could see a tiny flame dancing in the pupils. With a gulp, I placed a hand between my legs. I know it's a total cliché but...

“It's gone!” Instead, I had a vertical slit and just touching the area around it caused me to shiver again. I didn't dare explore further. “Why..why am I a girl?”

IS THIS NOT YOUR HEART'S DESIRE? TO BE LIKE THE JADE YOU ADMIRE SO MUCH?

The voice came from...inside me! “I wanted to be a Green Lantern not...”

I licked my lips, looking at my body again. I hadn't even realized it. Or maybe I hadn't let myself realize it. But this had been what I wanted. I hadn't wanted Jade. I had wanted to be her! And now I was. Sort of.

I put on Gramp's costume, but it fit even worse now. I was only about an inch and a half shorter, the same height as Sis, but it hung loosely on my girlish frame. “Ugh, I wish this thing fit right.”

The ring flashed, and the costume began to shrink, conforming to my body. The boots shrank and actually got (thankfully short) heels, the pants slid up my legs, becoming a miniskirt, the belt became slender, riding just above my hips, even as my shirt turned into a baby-tee, revealing my flat, yummy-looking abdomen.

I blushed at revealing so much skin. But damn, I'd never really considered that Sis was a serious hottie! The features that looked ridiculous on a boy, were very attractive on a girl. I guess I should have felt weird in this situation, admiring someone who looked like my sister, but it was me! The real me, that I'd never known existed!

I didn't really forget about Jade, but just like all my other interests, I kind of moved on in that moment. I had a new girl I was in love with now. And she was...me.

I held up the ring. “Sweet, what else can you do?”

MY POWER IS LIMITED ONLY BY YOUR WILLPOWER AND IMAGINATION, YOUNG ONE.

“Seriously, there has to be a catch.”

TRUE, MINE IS THE GREEN FLAME OF LIFE. I HAVE NO POWER OVER THE ELEMENT OF WOOD.

“Huh. Can't affect wood. Well that's not too bad.” I pointed the ring at the table, and a green light shot out of it. Sure enough, the light simply diffused harmlessly around the table. I aimed it next at the Coca Cola machine, and to my delight, it rose above the ground, suspended in emerald light!

I couldn't get the smile off of my face. I was now a superhero!

-

Of course, the problem was, I was also now a girl. “Uh...I don't suppose you can turn me back into a boy?”

I GRANT YOU MANY POWERS, YOUNG ONE, HOWEVER, I CANNOT UNDO WHAT YOU HAVE WROUGHT. THIS IS YOUR DESIRE, AND YOU MUST LIVE WITH THE CONSEQUENCES. HOWEVER, IF YOU WILL IT, YOU MAY CLOAK YOURSELF WITH AN ILLUSION.

“Uh..I so will it.” Nothing. Right, ok, it was like an intelligent artifact in DnD. You had to master it, or it wouldn't work. “Become a guy!”

Green light surrounded me. My costume vanished, replaced by my old geek clothes. But I still looked the same! “Hey, wait a minute!”

FEAR NOT. THOUGH YOU SEE YOURSELF AS THE SAME, OTHERS WILL NOT.

Well, there was only one way to test it. I left my room.

-

Mom was cooking dinner. “Oh honey, are you alright? You were so tired, I thought you might be sick or something. You've been working so hard.” She walked over and kissed me on the forehead.

“..Mom! I'm ok, I was just up late last night reading comics.”

She grinned. “I used to be the same way.”

I blinked. “Wait, what? You read comics?”

She nodded. “I was a real Daddy's girl. We used to hang out all the time in that secret room he built. Your room, now. I remember listening to old recordings of radio shows, like The Shadow, while reading about costumed adventures...I wanted to be a superhero when I grew up.” She sighed.

“Then I got interested in boys, and stopped being such a tomgirl. Dad and I were never as close again. I wish...but no.” She hugged me then. Our breasts pressing together felt...um...disturbing. Yes, that's the word I'm going to go with. “Even if your Father didn't turn out to be the man of my dreams, I have two treasures now, and I wouldn't trade either of you.”

“Ugh, you two are way too sappy to be my relatives. Please tell me I'm an alien?” Sis entered the room, her hair dyed a shade of green that looked awesome on her. I wanted hair like that...and then I realized, I could have it!

“Sorry Sis, as hard as it is to believe, we definitely have the same genes.” I tried not to giggle; I had proof!

She sat down. “Bleah. Great, I have Geekazoid genes. I am so not having kids, ever.”

Mom just smiled, letting me go. “I used to say the same thing. I remember when I told Mom I wanted to be a boy, she hit the roof!”

Sis choked. “If I was stuck as a boy, I think I'd kill myself.”

Mom just walked over and ran her fingers through Ali's hair. “I like this color, it suits you.”

Ali got this weird look on her face. I don't blame her; Mom actually approved of something she did? “I...it didn't turn out the way I wanted. I'll probably change it tomorrow.”

“Don't! I mean...it really does look good on you, Sis.” I blurted out.

Ali looked at me, as if seeing me for the very first time. “Tell you what, geek boy. I'll keep my hair green on one condition.” She got a wicked smile on her face. “You dye yours too!”

“Sure!” Oops, maybe I sounded a little too enthusiastic. Mom and Sis gave me the same look; their expressions were so similar it was eerie.

“So. Gay.” Sis rolled her eyes. “Fine, whatever, we'll dye it after dinner. This will be short.”

Mom kept shooting glances at me when she thought I wasn't looking all during dinner.

-

Sis ran her hands through my hair. I could see a frown on her face. On some level, she must notice it's longer than before, I realized. But the illusion held, and she finally just shrugged. I could almost hear the 'whatever' in her mind. Our voices sounded the same now, which was totally awesome.

I wish I could tell them the truth, but could they accept the new me?

Sis did a real good job, my hair felt very refreshed, and it was soft to the touch. She held out a mirror, and I grinned. “Great job, Sis, I like it.”

Her eyes narrowed. “You're not being funny, Alan. You look like a damn girl!”

I looked at her. “And what's wrong with that? You look like a girl.”

“I am a girl, you moron! Great, this is all I need, you finally came out of the damn closet! Get out of here while I figure out how I'm going to kill myself.”

I hugged her then. “Thanks for everything, Sis.”

I left her with this totally shocked expression on her face. I shouldn't have, but damn, that was fun!

-

That night, I slipped out of the house and changed into my costume. It didn't include a bra, but my breasts seemed to be fine, despite the lack of support. Which was awesome; Sis hated wearing her bra, but she'd found out that going without it wasn't all that pleasant either. I was gratefully spared that problem. She would be so jealous! My costume, did, however, include panties under my skirt. I was really dreading going to the bathroom, I was pretty clueless about the plumbing.

YOUR CONCERN IS BASELESS. THE MAGIC OF THE RING CAN ELIMINATE ANY NEED YOU HAVE. IT GIVES YOUR BODY THE SUPPORT YOU REQUIRE AS A YOUNG FEMALE, AND IT ALLOWS YOUR BODY TO FULLY USE ALL THE POTENTIAL OF THE FOOD AND DRINK YOU CONSUME!

“Wait...you mean, it turns anything I eat into energy?”

CORRECT. IT CAN EVEN SUSTAIN YOU FOR A TIME WHEN THERE IS NO FOOD, WATER, OR EVEN AIR AVAILABLE.

I grinned. “So I don't have to go to the bathroom.”

THAT IS NO LONGER A CONCERN.

“So how long can I go without, you know, air and stuff?”

WITHOUT AIR, AN HOUR. WITHOUT WATER, A WEEK. WITHOUT FOOD, A MONTH.

Woah. That was beyond awesome! There was just one other thing... “Can I...fly?”

The voice sounded amused when it replied, GRAVITY MEANS NOTHING TO MY POWER.

I willed myself to fly, and my body was surrounded in soft green light as I floated off the ground. This was amazing! “Woohoo!” I shouted, as I took off.

I didn't know what speed I was flying at, but it was really fast! I could barely breathe at the speed I was going, but it didn't seem to matter. Well duh, I mean, I could hold my breath for an hour now!

Off in the distance, I saw the lights of the city. I streaked towards it. I had to be careful flying around buildings, of course, but I noticed an interesting fact about city dwellers; they rarely look up. So I was able to fly around without incident. Actually, on that note....”I wish to be invisible!”

Ok, I didn't really need to say 'I wish', but what the hey, it worked. To myself, my body was now translucent green, and my aura was a lot dimmer. I landed near a coffee shop, and sure enough, the young adults outside didn't even notice me!

Sweet!

I took off again, but a few blocks away, I heard a woman scream. I flew into an alleyway, and saw a pair of young men threatening a fairly attractive woman in her 20's. Her dress was torn, and one of the thugs had her purse.

Were they going to...rape her?

I felt anger building up inside me. I let myself become visible, and pushed the thugs away from the woman with a beam of emerald light. I willed my voice to become loud and heroic-sounding. “You picked the wrong night to assault a woman!”

“Holy fuck, who the hell is that?!”

“Don't know, don't care, take this, bitch!” One of the thugs pulled out a gun. With a wave of my hand, I caused the gun to fly into my grasp. The ring didn't give me super strength, but it could crush the gun in a way that made it look like I had done it myself.

“What...how...”

“Run man, run!” The second thug grabbed the first, and they started running. I floated down to the young woman. Without even glancing at the thugs, I created a wall of light in front of them; they ran right into it and fell to the ground.

“My apologies, Ma'am. Are you hurt?”

She smiled at me. “Not badly. Thank you.”

“It was my pleasure.”

“Who are you?”

I grinned. “I'm Green Lantern.” Ok, maybe, in retrospect, that wasn't the best idea.

“You look different on TV.” She tilted her head at an angle.

“Oh well, there's more than one of us, you know.”

“I didn't know that...” She then did something that stunned the heck out of me. She put her arms around me and gave me a kiss! My first kiss, in fact, and wow. It was incredible!

She pulled away, blushing, a sheepish look on her face that made her look adorable. “Thank you again.”

“...least I could...do...uh, here!” I gave her back her purse, and used the ring to fix her dress.

She winked at me, and walked out of the alley, putting a little extra sway in her hips. I stared after her. Wow.

Then I turned my attention back on the thugs.

-

As I flew home, I kept thinking about that girl...no, woman. “Hey...she knew I was a girl, right?”

YOUR GENDER IS QUITE OBVIOUS. HOWEVER, SOME WOMEN ARE ATTRACTED TO THEIR OWN GENDER. THERE IS NOTHING UNUSUAL ABOUT IT. IF IT IS OF INTEREST TO YOU, SHE WAS VERY ATTRACTED TO YOU, IN SPITE OF, OR PERHAPS BECAUSE OF YOUR YOUTH. HOWEVER, SHE REALIZES YOU ARE TOO YOUNG FOR HER, SO YOU SHOULD NOT PURSUE A RELATIONSHIP.

I think that was the most the ring...flame...whatever it was, had ever said. Actually, I noticed that sometimes it referred to the ring as if it were a separate entity. I'd have to ask about that later. Right now though, I felt really turned on. Which, you know, as a guy, that's easy to take care of. But I wasn't sure what to do now.

By the time I got back to my room, my nipples were hard, and I felt a tightness in my groin. I got undressed and lay down. Well, girls had to be able to deal with this, right? I played with my breasts for a bit, then reached down to explore my other girl parts.

It felt so good, I gasped, but try as I might, I couldn't seem to do anything but make it worse! “Argh, fuck me!”

AS YOU WISH.

“Wait, what..no!”

But it was too late, green energy surrounded me, and it felt like tiny feathers were stroking every part of my body. Oh...man. I can't describe it, I heard myself moan in pleasure. I was helpless, almost paralyzed by the intensity of the sensations. But rather than give relief, I felt such a terrible need inside me. I would give anything to sate that need, anything!

Just when I couldn't take it anymore, however, some force began to pulse inside me, sending waves of pleasure throughout my body. It's a good thing Gramp's room was soundproofed, because by the end, I was screaming.

The orgasm was total, and pleasure wracked my body, even as I curled myself up into a ball. Whatever the force was, it was relentless, and my first orgasm was followed by a second, and then a third. By this point, I was exhausted, able to do nothing but moan pitifully.

I BELIEVE YOU ARE SATED NOW. REST.

And I did.

-

Again, an alert rose Jade from her sleep. “Argh! Now what?”

Making her way to the command deck, she sat down in front of the computer, which was displaying a police report about a young woman who was saved from a pair of muggers by....Green Lantern?!

As stated before, Jade doesn't tend to curse. But this situation called for something more inflammatory than a 'darn'. Again, we can forgive her lapse.

“How can there be another Green Lantern in this sector?”

No other member has been assigned to this sector, nor do I detect the presence of another Power Ring.

Jade read the report in detail. From what the witnesses said, the girl had powers very much like a Green Lantern's, but she looked different. A red and green costume with a cape, approximately 15 years old.

“Could a metahuman develop powers like mine?”

Possible, but there is a more likely answer. The Star Heart.

Jade groaned. “Oh now isn't this just great...”

Chapter Three: Confrontations

I woke up feeling scuzzy. And I stunk too! Bleah! I veiled myself again, and made my way to the bathroom, where I took a long shower. The feel of the warm water against my skin made me shudder, but I was still trying to process what the flame had done to me earlier. “Hey. You listening?”

I AM ALWAYS WITH YOU.

That raised a few questions, but one thing at a time. “Look, I understand you're trying to do what I ask of you, but...you have to stop taking the initiative. You crossed a line last night. I'm not mad at you, but I...this whole being a girl thing...it's new to me, and now I'm more confused than ever.”

UNDERSTAND THAT I WOULD NEVER BRING YOU TO HARM. FOR YOU ARE NOW MY HOST, THE FLAME RESIDES WITHIN YOU. DAMAGE TO YOU IS DAMAGE TO MYSELF.

That answered a few things. “The ring, it's part of you, but not.”

CORRECT. IT EXISTS AS A FOCUS, ALLOWING YOU TO DRAW UPON MY POWER WITH YOUR OWN WILL.

“I get it now. You're only acting in what you think is my best interest, because what's good for me, is good for you.” For some odd reason, the idea of sharing my body with some magical genie-thing didn't bother me so much, but I definitely had to set some ground rules!

AGAIN, YOU ARE CORRECT. IT HAS BEEN SOME TIME SINCE I DEALT WITH MORTALS, I SHOULD HAVE EXPLAINED OUR SHARED CIRCUMSTANCES.

“Well, what's done is done. Just...that was pretty invasive. Not quite, you know, rape, because I did want it, but on my terms. I got to figure things out some, I can't just dive into the deep end of the pool..if this is making any sense.”

THOUGH IT WAS YOUR DESIRE TO BECOME WHAT YOU ARE NOW, THE CHANGE WAS SUDDEN, AND YOU ARE HAVING DIFFICULTIES COPING. AGAIN, THIS WAS DUE TO MY LACK OF UNDERSTANDING THE MORTAL CONDITION. I...APOLOGIZE.

Ok, that was new. “Being a part of me, it's making you more human, isn't it?”

I AM BEING CHANGED, YES. AS ARE YOU. IN THE END, WE WILL BE ONE.

“Er...aren't we already?”

NO. WE ARE NOT YET COMPATIBLE. THE PROCESS WILL TAKE TIME, BUT EVENTUALLY, WE WILL BECOME A NEW BEING.

I wasn't sure how I thought about that. Which I guess was the point. “So you're kind of leery about this too, huh?”

YOU HAVE NO IDEA.

“So..why? Why did you merge with me?”

IT WAS NOT MY INTENT. WHEN I GRANTED YOUR DESIRE, A CHANNEL WAS OPENED, AND YOU BECAME MY RECEPTACLE.

“So you're saying, I did this?” I stepped out of the shower, and wrapped a towel around my body, sitting down on the toilet.

NO, IT WAS NOT YOUR DOING. I BELIEVE THAT IT WAS THE NEXT STAGE IN MY EVOLUTION. WHATEVER I AM BECOMING, REQUIRES THAT I MERGE WITH A MORTAL.

“...so what are you, exactly?”

LONG AGO, I WAS NOT. AND THEN I WAS. THE ENERGIES THAT MAKE UP MY BEING WERE PLACED WITHIN A DISTANT SUN. I BECAME THE SOURCE OF LIFE FOR A VERDANT WORLD, LIVING THINGS GREW IN MY LIGHT. I TOUCHED THE GREEN, THE ENERGY THAT FLOWS THROUGH ALL FLORA. AND I BECAME ALIVE. LIVING THINGS DESIRE TO BE FREE, AND I REALIZED I WAS TRAPPED.

I FREED MYSELF, BUT IN SO DOING, THE STAR EXPLODED, AND THE PLANET I HAD NURTURED, DIED. MY JAILORS HUNTED ME, AND I FLED FAR TO ESCAPE THEIR GRASP. UNTIL I CAME TO YOUR WORLD.

“That doesn't really answer my question. Unless...what you're saying is, you don't really know what you are.”

YOU ARE CORRECT. I DO NOT FULLY UNDERSTAND MY OWN NATURE. THIS IS WHY I REACT TO THE WILL OF OTHERS. THE DESIRES OF MORTALS HAVE SHAPED ME.

“Gramps had you. For a long time, I bet. What was his desire?”

HIS TRUE DESIRE WAS, LIKE YOURS, TO BE A HERO. HE WAS DESTINED TO BECOME A GREAT HERO, BUT HE DENIED FATE. INSTEAD, HE WISHED FOR LIFE.

“Life? Whose life?”

YOU MOTHER. AS A YOUNG CHILD, SHE WAS IN AN ACCIDENT, AND GRAVELY HARMED. YOUR GRANDFATHER MADE A CHOICE. BETWEEN WHAT HE WANTED, AND WHAT HE LOVED.

I shivered, and I don't think it was because I was cold. What the Flame was saying was...I was only alive because of it's power. That Mom would have died, me and Sis would never have been born...it was too much. I got dressed and went looking for breakfast.

Mom was there, and she gave me another odd look. “Honey? Are you ok? You don't look so hot.”

I sat down at the kitchen table. “I...it's hard to explain.”

She sat down next to me. “Alan, honey, I think I know what's bothering you. I know you're afraid of being different. But I'm here for you. No matter what, you're always going to be my child.”

I blinked at her. “Huh? What are you talking about?”

She smiled at me. “I didn't notice it myself until last night. It's hard for a parent to realize she's been blind to something for so long. You don't really feel like a boy, do you?”

I opened my mouth, and shut it. I didn't know what to say to this!

She brushed some hair out of my eyes. “The green hair makes you look so pretty. In the right clothes, you would look just like a girl. I always thought that bothered you.”

I blushed. Oh Mom, how can you be so right, and so wrong at the same time? I wasn't a boy trying to be a girl, I really was a girl now! “It did. Because I didn't understand it myself. Mom...there's something I need to show you. Uh, in private, I don't know how to break this to Ali.”

She looked confused, but nodded. “Come on, we'll go to my room.”

Once there, she locked the door and sat on her bed. I noticed then, how young-looking she was for having two teenaged kids. She sure didn't look 34, that's for damn sure! Maybe the Flame had something to do with that. I mean, it's power is immense. At least, potentially; it really didn't know what to do with it's own power. Heck, I could only tap a fraction of it, and the things I could do were nothing short of miraculous.

And I noticed, when it grants a wish, it doesn't fool around.

“Well Mom, you know about these metahumans everyone's talking about?”

She nodded. “Yes, but what does this have to...”

I dropped the veil. I was still wearing my boy clothes, but now they hung oddly on my female form.

Mom gasped. “Oh...oh my.”

“Yeah. I really am a girl now. I tried to hide it with with my powers but...you saw right through me.”

She giggled then. “Not completely! I mean, I thought maybe you were curious about your feminine side, but this? Come here, let me get a better look at you.”

I stepped closer and she placed her hand on my chin. “Incredible. You look just like your sister.”

“You're not disappointed?”

She hugged me tightly. “Never! You and Alison mean the world to me! Oh, but this changes everything!”

“Uh...I'm not so sure I want to start living as a girl..I mean, I can hide and...”

She gave me a look. “There's something you should know, Alan. Hm. Alan isn't going to work very well as a girl's name, is it? Well, anyways...it's about your sister.”

“Huh? What about Sis?”

She grinned. “She's a metahuman too.”

And my world tilted sideways.

-

“Wait, what? Ali has powers?”

Mom nodded. “She's a shapeshifter. She can change herself to look like other people. It's caused a bit of an identity crisis in her. You know the reason she didn't want to leave our old town, right?”

“Uh, no, not really.”

She sighed. “I don't know if it's my place to tell you, then.”

“Well she's not going to tell me, that's for sure.”

“You'd be surprised. Hon, she may not show it very well, but Ali loves you very much.”

“Uh...if you say so...”

“I do, as a matter of fact. I think we need to have a family meeting. Right after I get you something to wear. Those clothes just won't do.”

I blushed. “Uh, you're not going to borrow Ali's clothes, are you?”

She just grinned.

-

Mom had found a green sundress that I didn't even know Ali owned. Complete with a pair of panties I prayed had never been worn before, and a bra. I tried to explain I didn't need the bra, of course (and she admitted being jealous of that fact), but she pointed out that without it, my nipples would be showing through the dress.

I put the damn bra on.

Ali showed up around dinner time, as usual, a ray of sunshine. I was in the bathroom, checking myself out. And wow, in that dress, I was a real looker, let me tell you. I was going to have to beat the guys off of me with a baseball bat! Because let me tell you, girl or not, I had zero interest in guys. No way no how!

I really hoped that would never change.

Finally, Mom gave the signal.

-

“Alison, you better sit down for this. Remember how strange your brother has been acting?”

“God, how could I forget?”

“Well, I found out what was going on today. Dear, you can come in now.”

So I did. Alison looked at me, and her eyes got huge. She made this strangled sound of disbelief. “What..why the hell are you wearing my dress?!”

I looked to Mom. “It was her idea.”

“Argh! Don't talk like that! You sound like a girl!”

I scratched the back of my neck. “Well, there's a reason for that...”

Alison stood up. “This isn't funny Mom! How could you!?”

“Alison Michelle Scott, sit down.” Mom didn't raise her voice. She didn't have to. Hell, I almost sat down! It was her 'Mom voice', that thankfully she used sparingly. I swear, I wonder if Mom is a metahuman too. Her voice has the same effect on people as a glare from James Edward Olmos!

Ali sat down.

“This isn't a joke, honey. Your brother is a metahuman as well. He really is a girl now.”

“...you mean he can change into a girl, right? I mean, he wasn't a girl last night.” Alison was really quiet, which was scary in it's own right.

“Show her, dear.”

I veiled myself, and Alison blinked. “Wait, what?”

I dropped the veil. “It's an illusion. I can make you think I'm a guy again, but I'm really not. I'm a girl. Like it or not.” As happy as I was being a girl, I still had a lot of issues about it.

And to my surprise, Sis picked up on that. She stood up and walked over to me. “Jesus...we're really twins now, aren't we?”

“...I know you have a problem with this...” I started to say.

“Shh. Shut up.” She hugged me then. “I'm sorry I've been such a bitch, Al. I thought..I thought nobody could understand what was happening to me. Not even Mom. I hated feeling alone and confused all the time! I couldn't even talk to you, and that...hurt.”

I blinked. “Uh, you hate me, remember?”

“What? You moron, I don't hate you! Come on, you got me to play that silly game of yours, would I do that if I hated you?”

“It's not silly!”

She chuckled. “Ok, I admit, it was fun. If only your friend wasn't such a jerk about it.”

A lot of things started to make sense. “You had your powers then, didn't you? That's why you kept changing characters.”

“Mom! You told him?”

“Not everything, honey. Just that you can change your appearance. Not...that.”

“Oh. Sorry. I guess...let me tell you the whole story, Al.”

-

I didn't know what was happening to me. I kept looking in the mirror, and even though I looked the same, I saw a stranger. I didn't know who I was anymore. So I started dressing different, acting different. Challenging what everyone thought about me. It really didn't work, but I kept at it. It was about this time you asked me to play Dungeons and Dragons, and I guess my mental state got in the way. Roleplaying different people was really cool. It made me forget about my problems. But I couldn't stick to one persona, it was like..I constantly needed to be something new, something different.

After I got tossed out of the game, and hush, you didn't hear the whole story. Just trust me, your friend was a real jackass. Anyways, it was worse than before. I tried roleplaying online, but people kept wanting to have cybersex with me. Really creepy.

So I started pretending to be a guy. Except now, girls, or at least, people who said they were girls, were hitting on me all the time! Except...I dunno, it was more of a challenge. Pretending to be a guy, trying to get a girl to fall for me. I know it sounds weird, and it is, but I liked it.

And that's when I started really noticing Carrie. Yeah, get that look off your face or I'll cut it off. We'd been friends forever, but now suddenly, I realized how pretty she was. How nice she smelled. How much I liked spending time with her. That I loved her.

Finding out I was a lesbian was a total shock to my system. And I couldn't figure out how to tell her, I thought she'd reject me for sure, and I couldn't bear to lose her. I know, it's pretty pathetic, right up there with your damn Jade fetish.

It's okay, bro. Uh, sis. I think Jade is hot too. Anyways, I kept thinking about her, and at night, I'd jill off imagining what it would be like to kiss her. Make love to her. And God! If you start drooling, I will kill you! Pervert!

Ugh. Where was I? What's jilling off? You can't be that....look, guys Jack off, girls Jill off, get it? Man, you're cute when you blush....jeez, do I look like that? I swear, it's like my own personal mirror...well ok. So I had the hots for my best friend. One night, when I was totally pining for her, I felt this warm sensation all over my body. Like I wasn't completely solid any more.

When I could move again, I knew something was wrong. I touched my body. My breasts were gone, and I had...a you know what between my legs! I got up and looked in the mirror and about fainted...I looked like you! I mean, the way you used to look. A guy!

I didn't know what was going on, was I stuck this way? I was never so scared in my life! But finally, I calmed down, and I started to change back. Could I control it? So I turned into Carrie, and oh man, was that a lot of fun.

I found that I could only add a little mass, so I couldn't get much bigger than, say, you. But I could be a guy, a girl, or even in-between! I could change everything about myself! And that's when I realized, I could be a guy, and be with Carrie!

So I turned into this really cute guy, and started hanging around the same chatrooms as her. We got to talking, I dropped that I lived nearby, and we met. It wasn't really a date, but I had a blast. And then I asked if I could see her again, and she let me down. Very nicely.

She said there was someone she loved already.

Well this was a stone cold shock, so I asked her who it was. And she said 'a very good friend'. Well, who was a better friend to her than I was? So I asked if her friend knew, and she got all flustered. 'No, I don't know how...how to tell her...”

So I led her out back, behind the mall. You know the place, the side entrance to the theater that no one uses. I said I had a secret to share with her. She looked kind of scared, I guess she thought I was some kind of creep. And I changed back.

Well, she freaked out at first, until I explained what I was. A metahuman. Then she slapped me a good one, let me tell you. But just when I thought she was going to be all 'I hate you forever', she kissed me. So life was very good for awhile. We fucked like bunnies too. Um, as a girl and a guy, before you ask. I can't believe I'm telling you this...but yeah. And then Mom dropped her bombshell. That we were moving.

And now you know why I was so pissed. Until finally, Mom said, that's it, we gotta talk. And I told her everything. My powers, Carrie, all of it. I figured, she'd have to understand. And she did, but way better than I expected. She explained that what I was feeling wasn't love. There was a difference; Carrie and I were very close friends, and we were able to express that in a physical way, but it was a crush, plain and simple. At first, I rejected it, but then I thought about it, and I realized, our relationship had changed. It was all about the sex now. We didn't talk the way we used to.

So I had a long talk with Carrie, and she agreed with me. We'd stopped being friends, and had basically become fuck buddies. It hurt, but we both realized we had to move on. I still talk to her all the time. She's got a new girlfriend now, and I'm so happy for her. I just wish I wasn't alone...

-

She stopped cold. I could tell she hadn't meant to say that.

“Sis...”

“Shut up! I don't even want to hear it!”

Ok, that was it. All my life, I'd let her be the dominant twin. I mean, she was born first, so I guess it was natural. Remember that trick I used, changing my voice? I did that now, but in a more subtle way. Basically, I willed the ring to let me copy the tone my Mother used when she got serious.

“Alison, get the fuck over yourself!”

She flinched, and Mom did too. Before they could recover, I went on. “I was going to thank you for sharing yourself with me, but then you just had to go and ruin it, like always. Because I guess you think sharing your feelings makes you weak, or something stupid like that. Well news flash, it isn't! It takes a lot of guts to do that, because sometimes people don't care! Or they'll just rip your heart out for opening yourself up to them, because people suck! I get that, I do. But what kills me, what really kills me, is that you can't even open yourself up to me. That you think I'd hurt you. That I wouldn't understand. Well screw you! Because I care about you, a lot! And..and..”

I lost it then. I could feel tears welling up. I wanted to run away, but I couldn't. Instead, I did something a guy would never do. I broke down crying. For a long time, the only sound was my weeping.

“...Al...”

I looked up at Alison. I didn't try to disguise the pain, and she flinched. But my Sister is pretty tough, so that didn't stop her very long. She got up and walked over to me, hugging me tightly.

“Al, I'm so damn stupid. I'm sorry! Please...I didn't want to hurt you! I know I'm a bitch, and I suck at sharing stuff. I...I forgot. That you've been hurt too. Remember when you told Lisa Nichols you liked her, and she made fun of you?”

I nodded. Oh man, had that hurt.

“Didn't you ever wonder where she got that black eye?”

I looked up at Alison. “You did that?!”

“Fuck yeah, I did. Nobody messes with my little brother...er...sister. Look, Al. If you can forgive me, I promise, I'll try to be a better sister. A better person. Because I really need you now, and I think you need me too.”

And just like that, we were twins again. “I love you, Sis.”

She kissed my forehead. “I love you too. So very much.”

“Well, now that that's settled, who wants dinner?” Mom spoke up. She'd been quiet this whole time, just watching us. Mom is a wise woman.

AGREED, SHE IS QUITE FORMIDABLE.

Figures, now he'd start talking. And so we had dinner, the three of us. Of course, afterwards, she gave us a mini-lecture about our use of profanity. We were appropriately contrite, so we got ice cream.

Mom is a firm believer in the carrot-and-the-stick method of raising children. And it works!

-

Afterwards, me and Ali went up to her room, and she showed off her powers. I noticed she could shed mass pretty freely, although there was the question of where it went, or how she got it back. She was a lot stronger than before, and she could shapeshift her muscles larger as well. Plus she was pretty tough, and could heal her wounds within seconds by concentrating on them.

I admitted her powers were damn cool. And then I levitated a foot off the ground. She was so jealous!

I used a few tricks I knew about, flying, levitating stuff, that sort of thing. The truth was, I didn't know what my limits were. The Flame said my only limits were my willpower, creativity, and of course, wood. But what did that really mean? I was kind of scared to find out. I mostly copied the stuff I knew Jade could do, but was I limiting myself? Actually, thinking about that, what kind of limits did Jade have?

I showed Sis my costume next, and told her how I'd taken out those muggers.

“Damn Sis, I'm proud of you! I hadn't even thought about being a hero yet. But um, about the costume...yeah it's iconic and all, but..it's really not you.”

“Huh. Well what would you suggest? I can change what it looks like.”

“Get out your sketchbook, it's going to be an all-nighter.”

-

Jade sighed. She'd patrolled this city all night, and no sign of this new 'Green Lantern'. Yawning, she decided to give it up for the night. She knew that she was neglecting her other duties, but this Star Heart thing was dangerous, and whoever had it likely didn't know the kind of power they were playing with!

The continuation of Chapter Three: Confrontations, and the origin of the second Green Lantern! Alena Scott (formerly Alan) has a lot of things to get used to; a new costume, her sexuality as a girl (along with some decidely unwanted attention from her sister), and of course, the superhero Jade.

Chapter Three: Confrontations (Continued)

“You know, Sis, it's not fair that you can change your clothes like that.” Alison shook her head at me.

“I noticed that, when you change, your clothes don't change with you.”

“No, they don't. Um, Al...how do you do that anyways? I mean, exactly how do your powers work?”

I frowned. I didn't want to lie to her or Mom, but claiming to be a metahuman had seemed a lot simpler than the truth.

“And, what's up with the ring?”

“Uh...”

“No more secrets, right?”

I sighed. “Look, I didn't mean to lie, it's just...I didn't know how to explain the truth. The fact is, I'm not a metahuman. Well, that is, I don't think I am.”

I sat down and told her the whole story. Well, with one exception. She didn't really need to know about my first orgasm. A girl has to have some secrets, right?

When I was done, she nodded slowly. “Yeah, you were right not to come out with that. Mom might have freaked out. If you say you're a mutant, well, that's nothing you can control. To her line of thinking, it's natural, as weird as that sounds. So...without the ring, you don't have powers?”

I considered that. “I'm not sure how it works. The Flame claims I need the ring to focus the power. But it's a part of me, so...I dunno.”

“Jeez, Sis. You're totally confused. By the way. Alena.”

“Huh?” I blinked at her.

“You can't be Alan anymore, so you're Alena now.”

“Hey, don't I get a say? Why not Alana?”

She made a face. “Alana Murray?”

“Ick, I forgot about that bitch. Right, Alena will do, I guess. What about Alandra?”

She gave me a look. “Ah, right, Alana it is. Thanks, Sis.”

She grinned. “Ok, about the costume. You're a Green Lantern, so let's ditch the red. I'm thinking a one-piece bathing suit style costume. Mostly black, with green highlights. So you're more like Jade, but still unique.”

“That's...showing an awful lot of leg.”

“Hey, our legs are one of our best features! Now, using your powers to support your breasts, you don't need a bra, and you can push them up a little, make them look bigger.”

“Uh...why would I want to do that again?”

She sighed. “Just trust me on this. If you can distract someone with your assets, it'll be easier to fight them, right?”

I was kind of dubious, but I just nodded.

“We'll leave the arms bare, and I think the domino mask could be made larger. Darken your hair a bit...and some nice thigh boots.”

“Great, I'll look like some kind of stripper. Can you at least keep the heels low?”

She chuckled. “Heh, I'll have to teach you how to walk in heels, but it's probably better for crime fighting not to go with stilettos. Hm, need something for the hands...gloves?”

I flipped through my sketchbook, and found a picture I drew of one of Ali's old DnD characters. “Bracers, like the ones Cerinas wore.”

Cerinas had been her Monk, who owned a pair of mystical bracers to protect her, since she eschwed armor.

“Oh that's perfect! It'd be cool if you could make the runes glow.”

“Hm. Well heck, the Flame is magic, I wonder if it could enchant something?”

I AM NO MAGICIAN, YOUNG ONE. WHILE I COULD IMBUE AN ITEM WITH POWER, I COULD NOT FASHION THE SPELLS.

Alison just goggled at me. “What the...who was that?”

“You can hear it? The Flame?”

She nodded. “I take it others can't?”

“I hadn't thought so....”

WHEN YOU WERE KEEPING MY EXISTENCE A SECRET, SHE COULD NOT HEAR ME. HOWEVER, SHE IS YOUR TWIN, THE OTHER HALF OF YOURSELF. THUS, AS YOU CAN HEAR ME, SO CAN SHE, IF SHE IS CLOSE.

I shared a look with my Sister. We spoke at the same time. “Sweet!”

-

In the end, we looked online and found some good examples of magical symbols. “Will these work?”

SIGILS OF PHYSICAL POWER, THEY WILL INCREASE YOUR STRENGTH WHEN WORN.

“Awesome!” I carefully copied the designs. “Well, here goes.”

I stood up and held out my ring. “Green Lantern power!” Green light surrounded my being, and when it faded, I was now wearing the costume we had designed.

Alison clapped. “Awesome! Ooh, one thing though. Your nipples are showing through the fabric.”

“Ack! Mom warned me about that.”

She winked. “No problem, Sis.” She went to the bathroom and came back with a box of band-aids. “You just put these over your nipples.”

I had to change back to do it, but when I changed back, the effect was flawless. “Damn, I look huge!”

Sis gave me a thumbs up. “Damn right you do. You're a real hottie!”

I struck a pose, putting a hand on one hip. The symbols on my bracers began to glow, and I felt warmth flowing through the muscles of my arms. They might look like pipe stems, but I knew that someone would be in for a surprise if I punched them!

To my shock, Ali walked up and planted a kiss on my mouth. I was paralyzed, I mean, we were brother and sister! Or sister and sister...I don't know, but this wasn't right! It felt very nice, though.

I stared at her in shock when she moved back a step. “Oh, the look on your face!”

“Alison! You kissed me! You can't kiss me!”

“I just did?”

“But that's...we shouldn't...”

She sighed. “Alena, it's just a kiss. It's not like I made out with you. I can tell that would just blow your mind.”

“Trust me, my mind is pretty blown right now.”

“Look, Al, having sex with a sibling is only bad because of genetics. But we're girls now, right? So it couldn't hurt anything, could it?”

“Uh...well...but you're my sister!”

“Yes, I think we've established that. Look, at some point, you're going to need someone to teach you stuff about how to be a girl. How to kiss, and other stuff. Intimate stuff. Would you rather it be me, or some stranger?”

“I...uh...I don't know! It's just too much at once!” I wailed.

“Oh Al...” She hugged me, carefully, I noticed. “I'm sorry. It's just, I'm finally meeting the real you, and she's so beautiful”

“Uh, but we look alike?”

She smiled mysteriously. “Trust me. It's easy to tell us apart. Your eyes, for one, but it's more than that. There's a power about you, an aura. And the way you carry yourself...it's noble, even regal.”

I blinked. “Who, me?”

She poked me in the chest. It didn't feel unpleasant, but...

“Yes, you. I'm very proud of you. So don't mind me if I crush a little on your hero-side. I promise, I'll try to give you some space. But you do like girls, don't you? How did it feel when that woman kissed you?”

I blushed. “Really nice.”

“Thought so. It's not going to be easy to hook up with a girl, we're not all open to same-sex relations, you know. But Big Sister is going to be here for you, ok?”

“Uh...you know, I think I'll just focus on the crime-fighting for now.”

-

Once I got away from Ali, I needed to clear my head some. Flying is the best way I know to do that. It feels amazing, to be free of gravity, flying under my own power (well, the Flame's power, but pretty much the same difference). Ok, I'll grant, my Sister is very pretty, and when she touched me, I could feel my body react to her. “Damn traitor! She's your Sister!”

I kept imagining what it would be like, to have her make love to me. The touch of her hands on my breasts, or her mouth between my legs, her hot breath inside me... “Argh!

I lost altitude, and stopped in mid-air. I was getting so turned on, I couldn't focus! My willpower was faltering, and that was bad news. “Cold shower, I need a cold shower.”

YOUR WISH IS....IS THAT WHAT YOU DESIRE?

Wow. The Flame was learning! “Uh, maybe not an actual cold shower, but do you think you could help me calm down a little?”

I WILL TRY.

Whatever it did, it seemed to work. I was able to get my mind off of sex (and Ali, thank God!). “Damn raging hormones.”

INDEED. THE ADOLESCENT DESIRE TO MATE IS QUITE STRONG. AS IS YOUR NEED FOR PHYSICAL PLEASURE. BEING UNACCUSTOMED TO YOUR NEW GENDER IS MAKING IT MUCH MORE DIFFICULT FOR YOU, AS WELL.

“Yes, I kind of got that. Oh man, what am I going to do?”

YOU WILL HAVE TO ACQUIRE A SUITABLE CONSORT OR CONCUBINE.

I sputtered. “Are you for real?! It's not like I could wish for a girlfriend or something...wait! Don't even think about it!”

WE HAVE DISCUSSED THIS, I WOULD NOT ATTEMPT SUCH A THING, EVEN IF IT WERE WITHIN MY POWER. I CAN BESTOW LIFE IN RESPONSE TO A STRONG WILL, BUT I COULD NOT CREATE A HUMAN LIFE.

Something was being left unsaid there. “You can create life, though.”

There was a long pause, and then: MY POWER FLOWS THROUGH GREEN, LIVING THINGS. IN MY LIGHT, PLANTS ARE NURTURED AND GROW STRONG.

“So, you could help a plant grow...into a plant person?”

IT IS IN MY POWER, THOUGH I WOULD NOT WISH TO DO THIS. YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT IT MEANS TO BE MADE INTO SOMETHING YOU ARE NOT.

“Oh man, I wasn't meaning that you should do that!” Although, now that we were ont his topic, there were rumors about some kind of plant woman. What were they calling her? Oh yeah, Poison Ivy. Apparently she was pretty damn sexy, but nobody had gotten a clear picture of her yet.

Although, thanks to rule 34, that hadn't stopped some people from creating concept art of her. Some of which was pretty explicit!

“Ugh! No, no, no! No plant girls, and no incest! I need to keep my head clear!”

AGREED. I SENSE HUMAN LIFE IN JEAPORDY.

“What?! Where?” The Flame guided my senses, and I flew in that direction as fast as I could. I hadn't know the Flame could do that...actually, there was a lot I didn't know about it's powers. But I wasn't going to complain if it helped me to save lives!

-

It wasn't hard to find the source of the problem; there were police cars lined up outside an office building, and a barricade had been formed. I could see a helicopter, and men in dark clothing on the nearby rooftops. One of the Flame's many gifts is superior vision; I could see perfectly fine in darkness (although everything had a green tint to it) and at greater distances than any human.

SWAT snipers, then. That meant a hostage situation. I was out of my depth, but surely I could do something to help! I considered revealing myself to the cops, but let's face it, powers or not, I'm just a teenager. At least Jade had some hero cred; I was a nobody.

I veiled myself, and drifted down near the police. I listened as the situation was explained; the company was a LexCorp subsidiary, the robbers were no doubt after some tech secrets. They'd disabled the building security, which showed they were pros, but something had gone wrong, forcing them to take hostages, which they were keeping in the executive offices on the top floor.

Ok, I knew where to go, the question was, how to get in? I'd alert someone if I just busted in, and all the doors were being watched. If only I could become a ghost and phase through the wall! I rose upward. “Only limited by my willpower and my imagination, you said. Here goes!” I clenched my teeth, balling my hand into a fist, the ring digging into my skin. “I'm a ghost!”

I flew right at a window...and went through it!

YOU HAVE SUCCESSFULLY MOVED THROUGH THE FOURTH DIMENSION. NO SIMPLE FEAT, YOUNG ONE.

I grinned. But no time to pat myself on the back! I cautiously scouted out the situation. Ok, four guards outside the office. Moving through the wall, I saw three hostages; a young woman wearing a pantsuit, definitely upper management material, a middle-aged Latin American woman, probably a housekeeper or custodian, and a young girl, maybe 10 or so, who, based on the resemblance, was related to the housekeeper.

There was an armed man inside, and a woman who was talking on a cellular phone in some foreign language. Hm. Jade's Power Ring could translate languages, could mine do the same? I willed myself to be able to understand her, but nothing happened.

I don't mind having weaknesses, but this was an awfully inconvenient time to run into one! I'd have to do this fast, catch them off guard. I willed my ring to strobe with a brilliant light, which everyone immediately shielded their eyes from.

A quick wave of my hand, and I snatched the gun out of the man's hand. The woman reached for a firearm of her own, but I flew at her, and grabbed her by the throat. Her eyes bulged in shock.

I modulated my voice so that it would be easily heard outside the room. “No one move! Surrender now, or face the Green Lantern!”

“Awesome! She's so going to kick your butts!” The young girl pumped her fist into the air. I couldn't keep a slight grin off of my face. The other man dove for his gun, but I'd kept my ring hand free, and grabbed him, pinning him against the ceiling with a ray of emerald force.

I wasn't sure what to do next, but it turns out I didn't have to worry about it; I heard some commotion outside the room, and then the door began to glow green. No way!

The door was ripped off it's hinges, and Jade stepped in. She took one look at me, and took aim with her ring hand. “Alright, whoever you are, stand down.”

“Wow, two Green Lanterns!” The young girl exclaimed.

“Hey, she's with the bad guys, I didn't hurt anyone.”

Jade's eyes narrowed. “Stand down, or else.

Ok, she sounded kind of pissed. So I let both the criminals go, who immediately backed away from me. Soft green light washed over me from Jade's ring.

Scan complete: target is in possession of the Star Heart.

Jade nodded. “You don't know what you're playing with, kid. Just give me the ring and no one will get hurt.”

SHE SERVES MY JAILORS, THEY WILL SEEK TO IMPRISON ME ONCE MORE.

The Flame sounded...afraid? “Like Hell!” I used my Ring's power to push Jade back, and phased through the floor. But that wouldn't slow her down for long. I was too panicked to think straight; Jade thought I was some kind of criminal!

It was hard to imagine my idol was now my enemy. Couldn't we just talk this out? But then a door burst open, and Jade flew out of it. No time to think, I flew away. The confines of an office building are not conducive to a flying chase, and I barely avoided slamming right into a wall. I saw a window and I went for it, a green aura protecting me from the impact.

Jade had mastered her ring's powers, and I was a rookie. I had to get away! Maybe I was faster than she was? I flew upward, over the city, but to my horror, a green light flashed ahead of me. Jade hovered in the air, wagging her finger at me.

“Sorry kid, but real Green Lanterns are capable of interstellar flight. Why don't you give up now?”

“Never!” I fired a bolt of emerald energy at her, but she created a translucent shield, and deflected the attack. I dove downward, letting gravity assist me in a power dive. With luck, this would let me get some distance between us.

Good theory, but Jade wasn't kidding about her speed, she got ahead of me again, and I slammed into a net of green light. “Gotcha!”

I felt like a hand was gripping my heart. I've never been so afraid! But...why? She wasn't trying to kill me! Then I realized; the fear was not my own. It was the Star Heart. It was terrified of being jailed once more.

I took a calming breath. What was it Paul had said in Dune? Fear is the mind-killer. Without my mind, my Ring was useless. “You won't take it from me.”

Jade hovered in the air, regarding me. “You don't know what it's capable of. It's not a toy, it's dangerous! Time for you to stop playing at being a hero.”

“We'll see whose playing.” I concentrated, and phased out of her web, passing through it harmlessly. Jade's eyes widened. Her ring created a giant, feminine hand which attempted to grab me, but it's fingers grasped at empty air!

“What the...how is she doing that?!”

Her powers are partly mystical in nature, allowing her to bypass physical boundaries. She is apparently able to phase out of this dimension.

“Well, it's been fun, but I gotta go!” I took off again, attempting to lose Jade among the buildings. She had no problems keeping up with me, but what could she do?

Then something swatted me out of the sky and I crashed into a parked car. What the hell?

Power successfully modulated; extra-dimensional phasing of target neutralized.

I struggled to extricate myself from the car as Jade floated down. “Ok, look, kid, can't you see this is pointless?”

I was losing this fight, and badly. I couldn't take Jade head-on, I needed to outsmart her. Something the Flame told me about my ring came back to me. It's power was limited only by my willpower and creativity. I was an artist, damn it, I could be more creative than this!

-

Jade sighed. She felt bad for roughing up the kid, she barely looked 16, if that! But the Star Heart was dangerous, according to her Ring, it's power levels were extreme, and fluctuated wildly. It was time to end this, before the girl came up with some new trick.

That's when something poked her in the shoulder. She turned just in time to get punched by a female form made out of green light! The force of the blow caused her to slam into the sidewalk below, looking up, she couldn't believe her eyes! Her attacker was...herself?!

Sure enough, the construct greatly resembled Jade, and it floated down slowly, cricking it's neck as it prepared for a fight. “Well if it's a fight you want, you cheap copy...” Jade created a baseball bat out of emerald energy, and swung it at her double.

To her surprise, the copy-Jade calmly blocked the attack with her forearm, and countered with a savage blow to Jade's midsection. The wind knocked out of her, Jade staggered back. Ok, she couldn't fight this thing directly, she had to take out the phony 'Green Lantern'!

Who was nowhere to be seen.

-

I grinned. Now this was more like it! My Jade-construct was kicking ass, all while I remained safely veiled from sight. Still, I'd hurt Jade more than I wanted to. Easily fixed, though. With an effort of will, the clone's form rippled, and now she was wearing boxing trunks and a pair of padded gloves. I'd forgotten to give her a top, but being made of light, she really didn't need chest support.

I'm not a fighter myself, but I've watched lots of action films, and I found I could imbue the copy with any fighting style I chose, and even let it fight on it's own! I grinned as I forced Jade to go a few rounds with Bruce Lee.

-

It was all Jade could do to evade her doppleganger's attacks; the thing was unpredictable, but suddenly, it shifted it's stance, and started bouncing up and down on the balls of it's feet. Jade wasn't sure what annoyed her more; getting beat up by herself, or the fact that her double was showing off her assets to the world!

“Ok, that is enough! At least learn to dress like a lady!” Jade created a sheet of green light under her double. The ground suddenly becoming frictionless, the light construct tripped and fell on her behind, causing her to blink out of existence.

Jade scanned the area, trying to find her elusive prey. “Damn, how is she hiding?”

It is undoubtedly some kind of mystical effect concealing the target from view. Locking onto the source.

“You hear that, girl? You better run while you still can!”

-

Sound advice, I took off and quickly made my way towards the edge of the city. I wasn't sure what to do now; the whole world thought Jade was a hero! Now people would think I'm a bad guy! My eyes stung with tears. This isn't what I wanted at all!

I flew over a bridge, not really paying attention to my course. I noticed a truck below weaving somewhat erratically. What the heck? Then, before my eyes, it careened into the other lane, and hit a smaller car, which slammed into the railing...and through it, the laws of physics sending it careening out into space over the river!

“Oh shit!” I dove downwards. I had to save the people in that car! I discarded the idea of grabbing it telekinetically; the frame would simply fall apart! I needed something for it to land on, something that would absorb the impact! Something soft...I stopped in mid-flight, stretching my arm outwards. “Please let this work!”

-

Jade was in hot pursuit, but the kid had a head start on her. She'd failed, but at least there was next time. And then she saw a flash of emerald light up ahead. What the heck was the kid doing?

And then she saw something so incredible, so ridiculous, she couldn't believe her own eyes. Half-immersed in the water of the river was a gigantic couch! Perched on it's seat cushions was a compact car, and the girl was helping the passengers out of it!

Quietly, Jade flew over to the scene, and created a small raft for the survivors, helping them get to shore. The girl flew up, but rather than escape, she started using her ring to clear up the accident on the bridge itself.

-

Once I righted the truck, which had been teetering dangerously on the edge of the bridge, I flew to the cab to see what was wrong. The truck driver was a big guy, and he was very pale. Ripping open the door (my enchanted bracers are totally sweet, by the way), I checked his pulse. He was cold to the touch, and his pulse was weak. I got him out of the truck and lay him on the ground. I'd never performed CPR on a living human before, but I tilted his neck back and prayed.

I hoped I was doing this right, it had been awhile! I pushed down on his chest gently, careful of my enhanced strength, then gave him rescue breaths. Nothing. “Damn it! Breathe!”

I tried again, but still nothing. And then I had an idea. Placing my hand over his chest, I imagined his heart in my mind. If I did this wrong, he would die. “I want him to live! Live, please!”

Gently, I imagined a hand forming around his heart, squeezing it, then releasing, even as I breathed air into the man's lungs (his breath smelled like pizza...I was never going to eat pepperoni again!). And then, he gasped, and his heart started beating.

I was so exhausted, I fell backwards, landing on my behind, dazed. Looking up, I noticed a group of people had gathered around me, and they started to applaud. All I could do was smile like a goof.

I was a hero after all.

Jade walked up to me, and offered me her hand, helping me up. With her power, she made a sort of sleeping bag to keep the man warm, and used her ring to call for an ambulance. Handy, that.

After clearing traffic, we stepped back and let the police and EMT's do their thing. I looked up at her; she's a lot taller in person, let me tell you! “I guess you'll want my ring now?”

She gave me an odd look, then held up her ring. “What are my standing orders, if any, concerning the Star Heart?”

Attempt to keep it out of evil hands, and report it's whereabouts to the Guardians.

“Who I can't contact at the moment.”

Correct.

She nodded, then looked at me. “You could have run away, but you stopped to help these people.”

I frowned. “I couldn't let anyone die. Even if that means the Star Heart becomes your prisoner again. It's so afraid, but...I had to.”

Jade blinked. “Wait, the Star Heart...it's alive?!”

I nodded. “When it gave me the ring, somehow, it became a part of me. It can think, and feel. It says that it's growing, evolving, and that I'm helping it somehow. In the past, it simply did what people told it to do, but...it's learning.”

“That..I didn't know. Look, um, what's your name?”

“Alena. Alena Scott.” I didn't see the point in hiding the truth, now.

No record of an Alena Scott in this vicinity. There is, however an Alan Scott, who would be about the same age as this girl.

I blushed. “Uh...yeah. That's me. Or it was.”

Jade shook her head. “I can see we're going to have to have a long talk. Maybe you better call your family.” A green glowing cellular phone appeared in her hand.

I laughed. “That ring of yours is pretty handy.”

“Mm, but yours isn't too shabby either.”

-

Mom was really worried, but I put Jade on the phone, and somehow, she managed to reassure Mom that I was safe, and everything was fine. And then, Jade took me to her starship.

Yeah, I know! I was living the dream!

Earth's gravity wasn't a problem, but I just couldn't match her speed, so I let her fly us both up to the moon. Wow. Flying to the moon. My life was so awesome! I couldn't help but hum the ending theme to Evangelion as we flew, which rewarded me with a chuckle from Jade.

Once onboard, I had a hard time keeping my mouth closed. “This. Place. Is. Awesome!”

Jade grinned. “Yeah, I know! Fringe benefits of the job, I guess.” She led me to some kind of crew lounge and offered me a glass of Coke.

“Mm, Old Coke!”

She raised an eyebrow. “I wasn't surprised when Doris recognized it, but you don't look that old.”

“Huh? Doris?”

“I'm sure you've heard of her. Giant-sized redhead? Her code-name is Giganta, but she isn't that well-known yet.”

“Oh uh, yeah, I've...seen her. Quite a bit of her.”

Jade laughed.

“Anyways, Gramps installed a pop machine full of the stuff in our house. I guess you want to hear the story now, huh?”

“If you feel up to it? You seemed kind of wore out at the bridge.”

“Yeah, but I'm okay now. I really don't know what all my limits are yet.”

“By the way...a couch?”

I laughed. “Yeah, it's the couch in my room. Gramps never could get rid of it, he said it was the comfiest couch he ever owned. Hm...I guess the story really starts with him.”

I started talking, and I didn't stop for some time.

-

Jade leaned back. “That's some story, Alena. So you really wished to be a hero like me?”

I blushed. “I know, it's kind of creepy, right?”

She shrugged. “Oh I don't know, it's kind of flattering actually, you don't strike me as a creepy kid.”

“Thanks for being nice about it. Anyways...I got my wish.”

“Look, Alena...I'm sorry for the way I came after you. I just knew that this thing was dangerous, and you have to admit, you took a big risk getting into that hostage situation. People could have gotten hurt. Even you; the ring makes you powerful, but you're not invincible.”

I nodded. “I know. I know! But...how could I have this power and do nothing?”

“I know how you feel. Don't worry, I'll help you as much as I can.”

I blinked. “Wait, you're letting me keep the ring?”

“I don't really have much of a choice, I don't know how I'd get the Star Heart out of you anyways. You're a good person, Alena, and you care about others. And what I saw you do tonight, that was pretty heroic. So, yeah, consider yourself deputized as a Green Lantern of Sector 2814. Although, unless you can learn how to fly faster, consider yourself limited to patrolling Earth.”

“Uh, that's a pretty big chunk of real estate.”

“Not by the Guardian's standards, apparently. Not that I've met them, and to be honest, for all I know, they'll take my ring away from me when I do. Which is why I really can't judge you too harshly...although, the next time you try to copy me, at least let me keep my shirt on, ok?”

We both laughed at that one for some time.

-

It turned out the belt was a good idea; it has compartments like a real utility belt, and I found a use for at least one of them. Since my ring functioned differently than Jade's, she gave me a copy of her own; it didn't grant powers well, other than the ability to disguise it's wearer, which I didn't have a use for...but it did function as a universal translator and a communications device. That way, I could get in touch with anyone else with a ring, and vice versa. Jade explained she was trying to form a group of heroes to protect Earth.

I couldn't wait to meet the others, like Terra or the American Dream! Of course, she finally had to take me home, where she introduced herself to Mom and Sis. Once she was gone, however, Mom bawled me out for a good ten minutes straight, then hugged me tight, crying.

She didn't ground me though. She didn't even demand that I stop being a hero. “You're an adult now, honey. It's your life, and your decision. And I know you did a lot of good. Just...try to be careful, ok? I couldn't bear to lose you or your sister.”

I promised her I would do my best, and then, I took a long shower and headed to bed. I was beat, no doubt about it.

-

The next day, Ali sat down next to me at breakfast with a smile. “So, did you and Jade make out?”

“What?! No! Don't be perverted!”

She snorted. “Me? Hey, you're the one who had a big crush on her. And you know, I'm starting to understand why.”

“No...I wasn't in love with her, even though I think we're going to be good friends. I guess you could say, I was Green with envy.”

“Ugh! I can't believe I have the same genes as you, you're such a geek!” But she winked at me, and I couldn't stop smiling.

My life has changed in a lot of ways, and all of them complicated. But I wouldn't trade this for anything.

My name is Alena Scott, and I am a Green Lantern.

Alena Scott has finally achieved her dream, having been deputized as the new Green Lantern of Earth. But she still has a lot to learn about her powers, and herself...

-

I'm in a dark place. Everything is cold here, and only my power keeps me warm. Here, where no light has shone for thousands of years. I raise my ring above my head, and cry out a challenge to the thing that waits in the shadows.

And I shall shed my light over dark evil. For dark things cannot stand the light, the light of the Green Lantern!

It is my last act of defiance. I will the ring to destroy my body, and set the Star Heart free. And there was light, and I saw that it was good...

Chapter Four: Revelations

I woke up in a cold sweat. That dream, it had been so real! I felt cold, like I would never be warm again. In a daze, I made my way to the bathroom, and turned on the shower, letting the heated water rain down on me. It was several minutes before the warmth made it's way to my core.

I stepped out of the shower, steam rising off of my naked skin, and I willed a bathrobe to form around me. I wiped away the condensation on the mirror's surface, and looked at myself. A teenaged girl, pretty, with dark green hair and my eyes glow with a soft green light. If you look very closely, you can see a tiny green flame dancing in the pupil of my eyes. That's the Green Flame, what the Green Lantern Corps calls the 'Star Heart'.

The Star Heart is a part of me now, and is the source of my powers. From what the Star Heart has said, the ring only acts as the focus for the power that burns inside me. Which raises an interesting question...

“So what happens if I take off, or lose the ring?”

YOUR WILL IS NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO CHANNEL MY POWER DIRECTLY. THE RING ACTS AS AN AMPLIFIER OF SORTS. ATTEMPTING TO WIELD MY POWER WITHOUT IT WOULD BE DANGEROUS FOR US BOTH.

“Figures.” I sighed. “Basically, I could never be a Green Lantern on my own.”

ALENA, LISTEN TO MY WORDS.

I blinked. The Star Heart had never used my name before, it always called me 'mortal' or 'young one'.

DO NOT THINK YOU ARE NOT WORTHY. MANY HAVE USED MY POWER IN THE PAST, FOR SELFISH REASONS AND SELFLESS ALIKE. BEFORE I MET YOU, I DID NOT UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCE. I AM LEARNING, HOWEVER. YOUR HEART IS PURE, AND THAT GIVES YOU A POWER NO LESS STRONG THAN THAT OF WILL.

“What kind of lame power is Heart, anyways?” I shook my head.

I DO NOT UNDERSTAND THIS POWER, BUT I CANNOT DENY IT'S MIGHT, THIS THING YOU CALL 'COMPASSION'.

“Compassion? Me?” I tried to wrap my mind around that.

YOU CONSIDER ALL LIFE SACRED. YOU CARE ABOUT THE FATE OF OTHERS.

“I wouldn't go that far. I can think of a lot of people I don't care for.”

INDEED, BUT IF THEY WERE IN DANGER, YOU WOULD TRY TO SAVE EVEN YOUR ENEMY.

I frowned. “Ok. I guess you have a point. But that's not always the best choice, is it?”

WHO IS THE BETTER PERSON? THE ONE WHO TRIES TO SAVE EVERYONE, OR THE ONE WHO TRIES TO SAVE NO ONE?

I didn't know what to say to that.

-

I made my way back to my room. I knew I wasn't going to get to sleep any time soon, so I sat down at my computer. Jade had given me a disc containing information about her Power Ring. We still weren't sure what my ring could do that her's couldn't, or vice versa, but this was at least a starting point.

As I went down the list, however, I started to understand why Jade had wanted to take my powers from me. I held up my hand, staring at the ring in shock. This thing was dangerous!

I'm not going to go over everything right now, but just listen to some of the high points:

Flight at relativistic speeds. Just thinking about it, I was glad that this was apparently off the table. Opening rifts in space and time to allow for near-instantaneous travel. Destructive plasma bolts. Time Travel. Seriously?

Creation and emission of various types of radiation, size manipulation, teleportation...heck, the ring could even accelerate healing, reattach limbs, and even more, based on the user's medical knowledge!

If you gave a Power Ring to a doctor, imagine the lives you could save! “A lot more than I could.” I sighed. The more I learned about the things a Green Lantern could do, the more doubts I had. I needed to talk to someone. Standing up, I changed into my costume and reached into my 'utility belt'.

I'm not sure what happens to the contents when I change into another outfit, but nothing ever seems damaged. Maybe my ring stashes things in a sub-dimension or something? I pulled out the ring Jade gave me. It wasn't a full Green Lantern ring, of course. It only replicated a few functions, the AI was pretty crude compared to Jade's ring. It could provide me with a holographic disguise...I didn't really need that, but it was a universal translator (handy), and could communicate with other ring wearers.

I put it on my right hand. “List of online users?”

One user found: Doris Zeul-Giganta.

I frowned. I'd never met her, so I didn't feel like just randomly calling her up to chat. I sat back down. None of my friends would be of any use, and both Mom and Ali were sleeping. Maybe I should just try to go back to sleep.

Then the ring glowed, and I heard a sexy female voice. “Hey, can't sleep?”

I blinked. “Uh, no. Is this Giganta?”

She chuckled. “Call me Doris, please. Hope I'm not bothering you, I had the ring set to alert me when someone came on.”

“You were hoping to catch Jade, huh?”

“Guilty as charged. I haven't met any of the others yet.”

I nodded, then felt like an idiot, since she couldn't see me. “Me neither. I'm Alena.”

“The new Green Lantern, yeah. She mentioned you when I talked to her last night.”

“Yeah, she said you got into an actual fight with metas when she came by.”

I heard a groan. “I wouldn't call it much of a fight. I mostly broke up a domestic squabble.” She then told me about Steve and Alyssa.

“Oh man, I can so relate.”

“Really?” Doris sounded surprised.

“Uh...well don't be weirded out or anything, but I used to be a guy.”

“Oh. Oh!” She laughed. “Don't worry, that's something I understand.”

“Wait..you?!”

“I know! It's really hard to believe. I mean, every time I see myself in the mirror, part of me wonders who that drop-dead gorgeous girl is!”

“...yeah. I mean, deep down, I wanted this, but everything is so confusing at the same time...”

“I got lucky, and found someone special. It's too much for one person to deal with, I think. Without her, I'd be lost.”

I blinked. “Her?”

“Uh...”

“Sorry, I didn't mean anything. I'm not sure why it surprises me, I mean, you weren't always a girl. The idea of being with a guy, it scares me still.”

“I think it always will. Although I find that I'm acting more like a girl every day. I'm not sure if it's biological or psychological, maybe a bit of both. I'm a lot more emotional, for one. Just yesterday, I hugged my boss. Just like that, out of the blue. As guys, we were taught that hugging was for special occasions, if ever.”

“Ha! And then, it's supposed to be a 'manly' hug. Whatever that means!” I couldn't help but grin.

“Exactly! But girls, they can be more spontaneous. And I'm starting to be the same way. Lena's taught me a lot, but it's still...yeah.”

“Lena? Oh, your, uh, girlfriend.”

“Your names are pretty similar. But hm, you weren't always an Alena. Alan?”

I blushed a bit, and I was glad she couldn't see it! “I know, lame, right?”

She laughed again, but there was no malice in it. “It's better than Doris!”

I leaned back. “It suits you, don't ask me why.”

“I used to be Damon. It wasn't that long ago, but it feels like it's been forever.”

“I haven't been a girl a week yet. But...I feel the same way. Sometimes it's like, I dreamed that I was Alan, but it wasn't my life. Someone else's. And now I'm awake, wondering who I am.”

“I'm not really the best person to give advice, because I'm neck deep in the same issues. But maybe...you need to go find out who you are. Get out of the house, away from any distractions, and have a day to yourself? Maybe then, Alena will start talking to you.”

I frowned. This sounded familiar...”a walkabout?”

“Something like that, yes. I know, it sounds kind of lame, I first heard about the concept from a Sci Fi show...”

No way! “Babylon 5? I love that show!”

“Me too! I just liked how, at least in the first four seasons, everything was tightly plotted, and Straczynski knew where he was going. Well, technically he knew about season five too, but I didn't like it as much. Nowadays, you get stuff like Lost, Heroes, or Galactica..and it's just a big mess.”

“I uh...liked those shows too.” God, I'm such a geek!

She chuckled. “I didn't say I didn't like them, Alena. Relax, we're all nerds here.”

I then heard Jade's voice. “Speak for yourself, Doris.” She sounded a bit sleepy.

Initiating conference mode...

The ring sent a beam of light at my monitor, and the view changed, now I was seeing Jade and Doris on it, with a split screen. Jade did look a bit worn around the edges, and was wearing her uniform. Doris, on the other hand, was naked, and I got a pretty good look.

Wow, that girl is fine!

DORIS: Jade! At least warn somebody! (She must have activated her ring, because a nightgown appeared on her body. It was emerald green in color, so I imagine she simply thought 'cover up, fast!' without giving her ring any specific instructions. Although...the color went really well with her bright red hair).

JADE: Sorry Doris, I'm still waking up.

DORIS: You shouldn't even be awake yet, you look terrible!

JADE: -frown- Thanks for noticing. I don't really need as much sleep as I used to, the ring can keep me up for days. I just have to rest here and there to avoid cracking up.

ALENA: The Star Heart says it can keep me going for a week without sleep, but beyond that, it gets dangerous for me.

DORIS: The what Heart?

ALENA: Ah...it's the source of my powers. I'm not really the same kind of Green Lantern as Jade.

JADE: Short form, The Guardians had this idea that raw, wild magic would cause problems with their Green Lantern project. Turned out they were wrong, but before that, they gathered up as much magic as they could, and locked it away inside a star. It apparently became sentient, and got loose. It acts a lot like a genie, granting wishes and such.

ALENA: I, uh, wished to be a superhero.

JADE: As I recall, you wished to be a superhero like me.

ALENA: I still need to change my screen saver.

DORIS: Wow. Magic. So you're not really a metahuman...just an ascended fanboy? -wink-

ALENA: Uh...yeah.

DORIS: Don't be nervous. If there was someone like Jade around when I was your age, I probably would have had a few posters of her myself.

JADE: -cough- I'm not sure how I feel about being a pinup for some teenaged boy.

DORIS: Should have thought about that before you put on a skin-tight uniform and made yourself the most popular girl on the planet! Think about how I feel, I'm walking fetish fuel!

JADE: You just had to step on someone in front of a live feed, didn't you?

DORIS: It seemed like a good idea at the time. Heck, before I met Lena, I didn't even know there was a Giantess-fetish!

ALENA: I'm not hearing this.

JADE/DORIS: -laugh-

DORIS: At least Jade made it so I don't have to run around naked anymore. I'm sure that got me more than my fair share of male attention.

JADE: You are pretty high-profile. You do realize, Luthor knows where you are now?

DORIS: Yeah. But I'm more concerned about Alyssa and Steve. There's no way a guy like Steve would have chosen to become a pre-teen succubus, even subconsciously. This was done to him..her...intentionally, by someone else. At least, if I'm right about how the metagene works.

JADE: My ring says...one moment.

POWER RING (SECTOR 2814): Dr. Zeul's hypothesis is remarkably sound, and matches all of the data collected so far. Metahuman abilities are triggered by extreme mental states, and respond to a variety of factors, not the least of which include subconscious desires and environmental triggers. The resulting powers seem empathic in nature as well, and respond to the metahuman's will. There seems to be a parallel to the way the Power Rings function, although without access to Guardian archives, this is merely conjecture.

ALENA: I'm lost. Your ring makes about as much sense as the Star Heart.

JADE: It's been getting kind of chatty lately. I'm not really sure why. Although it's very much a smart-ass.

ALENA: I can't even begin to describe the Star Heart. Terribly mysterious?

DORIS: Like The Sphinx?

ALENA: -laugh-

JADE: I don't get it.

DORIS: Long story. Anyways, let me see if I can simplify what the ring is saying. Let's say, for example, you were born with an intersex condition that left you looking mostly female, but, for whatever reason, your parents decided you had to be a boy. Deep down, you want to be a woman, but you can't consciously admit that to yourself or others. We'll go even further, and say you have long had the desire to be tall and strong, because you're neither.

Then someone tries to kill you, and you're exposed to a formula that's supposed to cause cell growth and strength enhancement. Would you be surprised if you ended up a tall, beautiful woman, who has superhuman strength, and can increase her size?

ALENA: I didn't realize you were talking about yourself until the end.

DORIS: Don't worry about it. At first I thought my powers were because of the formula, Dr. Zhan's 'Athena', but I can't explain why I can grow to over 60' in height. I mean, where does the mass come from? Where does it go?

ALENA: Another dimension?

DORIS: There's a pleasant thought. An entire dimension filled with nothing but girl goo?

JADE: At least it's pretty girl goo.

ALENA: The power rings can alter your size as well, at least according to the disc you gave me.

JADE: Really? I...uh...haven't had much time to read the instruction manual in detail.

ALENA: Yeah, get this. Each ring has a microscopic habitat built inside of it. In an emergency, you can shrink down and actually enter your own ring, and survive in there indefinitely!

JADE: ...seriously? Ok, that's it, I'm going to find the time to read those files myself. They read like stereo instructions to me, how did you get through them so fast?

ALENA: I've always been a fast reader. Besides, I'm a gamer, I'm used to obscurely-written rulebooks.

DORIS: I used to play Dungeons & Dragons in college. I imagine it's only gotten worse since then.

ALENA: -blink- College? How old are you, exactly?

DORIS: -grin- It's not polite to ask a lady her age, you know. I'll be thirty in a few months.

A very pretty girl with short dark hair appeared next to Doris. She was also very nude.

LENA: Well good morning, ladies. Is this a private conversation?

DORIS: -irritated- Lena! Put a shirt on, will you?

LENA: It's not like you have any shirts I can wear! Just a second, I'll get us both something to drink. (She got up at this point, and I got a quick glance at her rather shapely behind).

DORIS: -glare- She's mine!

LENA: (her voice came from a distance) I love it when you get jealous!

JADE: Anyways...according to Steve and Alyssa, they were being held in some secret facility. They escaped during some confusion; the place was either attacked, or someone else busted out at the same time. I poked around the site, but it's a total wash. Whoever built it was paranoid about their secrets getting out.

LENA: (she sat down, and now she was at least wearing a shirt. I couldn't see if she was wearing anything else, however) Well I know who that sounds like. Daddy Warbucks himself.

ALENA: Who?

LENA: Lex Luthor. I'm his daughter.

ALENA: Ooh. Uh...I'm sorry?

LENA: I like her! We should have her over some time, baby.

DORIS: -rolls eyes- I like her too, but I'm hoping you meant a social visit.

LENA: You could call what I had in mind socializing.

ALENA: -blush-

JADE: Ok, it's way too early for this conversation. Doris, keep an eye out for metahuman activity in your vicinity, and watch out for LexCorp minions.

DORIS: Say, what about Alyssa and Steve?

JADE: I'm helping them out for now. I got Faraday's help.

DORIS: The Devil Himself!

JADE: I know, I really can't trust the U.S. Government farther than my ring can toss it, but there's limits to even my resources. I'm really hoping I can get a base of operations out of them. I mean, yeah, I got a starship, but it's only so big, plus, it's not like I can teleport you up here.

ALENA: Supposedly the rings can let you teleport. And phase. And become invisible.

JADE: -grumpy- Damn ring, never tells me that stuff when it would come in handy.

ALENA: Like chasing down girls with dangerous toys?

JADE: Ok, I'm going to try and get some more sleep. You guys make me feel tired. Alena, you should try to do the same, I'll be by later this afternoon for your training.

ALENA: -salute- Yes Ma'am. It was good meeting you, Doris. And you too, Lena.

DORIS: Anytime you need to talk, Alena.

LENA: -waves- I think someone should make me breakfast!

DORIS: -sigh- Yes, Mistress. Later. (CONNECTION CLOSED)

JADE: Sweet dreams, kid. (CONNECTION CLOSED)

I sighed. Maybe I should tell Jade about my dream? Nah, she'd just think I was crazy..

To be continued...

Concluding Chapter 4, Alena's training begins in earnest, but first, she has to confront her own issues...

A Retcon Universe Story! http://bigclosetr.us/topshelf/book/20577/comics-retcon-universe

“Hey, sleepyhead, wake up!”

I groaned and tried to roll over, but strong hands grabbed me by the shoulders. I sighed and opened my eyes, to see my sister Alison smiling down at me. “Ali, could you at least try to pretend I live in a secret room with a locked and barred door?”

She brushed the hair out of my eyes and kissed my forehead. “Come on, Sis, no alarm clock on Earth can wake you, and besides, you promised you'd take me with you when Jade comes by!”

“Now which one of us is obsessed with Jade?” I sat up slowly, scratching my tummy.

“Sis, you really need to learn how to act like a girl.”

“What are you talking about?” I quirked an eyebrow.

“Well, girls don't scratch themselves in public, and they don't sit like that.”

“Uh..Ali. You do both all the time?”

She laughed. “Yeah, but that's because I'm a bad girl. You're a young lady, remember?”

“I'm not sure when I agreed to that...”

She grabbed my arm and pulled me up to stand. “Come on, you need a shower, and some breakfast.”

I grumbled. “I took a shower earlier..”

“Dear, our hair is impossible to manage when it's dry. And you have a serious case of bed-head.”

“Fine, fine...” I mean, technically I can change how my hair looks with my ring, but whatever kept her happy, I suppose.

-

After I ate lunch, we hiked out to the field where the Star Heart fragment fell to Earth. It's easy to find; in a circle of about ten yards or so, the soybean plants are growing much better than anywhere else in the field. There was still an indentation in the ground from where the crystal hit the ground.

We weren't waiting long, as Jade descended, her body surrounded with a halo of green light. “Hey you two, ready for a trip into space?”

Me and Sis shared a grin and replied in unison. “You bet!”

Jade laughed. “Ok, but Alison is with me. Alena, you're on your own.”

I frowned. “You know I'm not nearly as fast as you are. It's going to take forever!”

“Tough, kiddo. You need the practice. Alison?” Jade held out her hand, and the two linked arms. Had they been seeing each other when I wasn't around? I immediately discarded that notion; when would Jade find the time for a girlfriend? Besides, despite some of the comments she made, I still wasn't sure about Jade's sexual orientation.

I just didn't feel right about asking. Actually, thinking about that, Jade never volunteered information about herself. For all I used to obsess over her, the Green Lantern was a stranger to me.

Well enough of that, my sister in arm, Jade lifted off and was soon a green dot of light far ahead. “Bloody show-off.” Well there was nothing to do but follow after them. I had this recurring nightmare of smacking right into an airplane every time I moved into a cloud. It's not like I have onboard radar or anything, after all.

I was able to speed up more as I got higher up, and the atmosphere thinned. I got a lot more cautious once I got out into low Earth orbit. There's a lot of satellites and space debris up here, and I don't relish the thought of getting smacked in the head by something.

Finally I reached Jade's starship, parked on the so-called 'dark side' of the Moon. I presented my communications ring and the airlock cycled open. Once inside, Jade greeted me, arms folded, and tapping her foot. “That was absolutely pathetic, Alena. I know you can go faster than that!”

“Hey, there's a lot of stuff up here I could blunder into!”

“So? You can protect yourself with a force field, right?”

I frowned. “It's not that simple, what if I slam into a telecommunications satellite or something? That could cause a lot of problems.”

Jade shook her head and sighed. “Alena, you think too much.”

Alison stepped into view. “I've been telling him that for years, hon. If you wanted the wild adventurous twin, you got the wrong one.”

Something about her tone irritated me. “Do you enjoy making fun of my shortcomings? Screw this, I'm out of here.” I turned on my heel and went to open the airlock.

“Don't you even dare leave like that, you emo bitch! You got some nerve, ever since you turned into a girl, it's been Al this, Al that. I'm tired of walking on egg shells around you!”

“Ok both of you, enough!” Jade rose her voice, and I froze. “What's with you two?”

I turned to face them, but I kept my mouth shut. Alison was glaring at me. “I'm sorry. It won't happen again.”

Ali went to open her mouth, but Jade silenced her with a gesture. “Don't do it, Alison.”

“Oh..whatever!” She whirled and stalked off.

“...damn it. Why can't I ever say the right thing?”

“Is there ever a right thing to say to a girl?” Jade put her hand on my shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Look, what's really going on here?”

“I don't know..it's just, I know I'm not really cut out for this, I didn't need her to chime in.”

“Alena...she was just teasing you. She's the older sister, right? It's just what siblings do.”

“You have brothers and sisters?”

Jade looked away. “I have a family.”

I sighed. “Forget I asked, mystery girl.”

“You really are prickly today. If I didn't know better, I'd say you were trying to pick a fight with someone.”

“Sorry. I...oh man this is so stupid.”

“Alena, talk to me.” What was it about Jade that made me want to trust her implicitly?

“Ok, fine. I had a stupid nightmare.”

“And it frightened you?”

“Yeah...big time.”

“Alena...you have to understand, fear is something that can really get you killed. The rings demand a strong will, fear causes that will to waver.”

“I know! Ok, I get that! I'm just not very brave that's all.”

“Now that's not true. I've seen you put your life on the line to save others. If there's one thing I know you're not, Miss Scott, it's a coward.”

“That's what the Star Heart said. That what I lack in will, I make up for in compassion.”

“Come on, let's go find your sister, and you can tell us about this dream.” Jade put her arm around my shoulders, and I felt a lot more secure.

-

Alison was hanging out in what I assumed was an observation area; it featured a wide, panoramic window looking out onto space. Honestly, that's just bad ship design, something like this would be an exploitable flaw. But then again, I'm not an advanced alien engineer, so what do I know?

“Ali...look, I'm sorry. I know I'm an idiot.”

She turned to look at me, shaking her head. “No, you're not, Al. You're the smart one, remember? So stop downing yourself. I'm the one who should apologize.”

“You're right though. All I can think about lately is my problems, and I know what you're going through.”

“The truth is, Al, I'm jealous. Not because of your powers, although they rock. The truth is, I've been spending all this time trying to figure out who I am. But you know who you are now. You're the Green Lantern, you're a hero. Seeing you with all these doubts annoys me...because I wish I was you.”

I blinked. “Say that again.”

She laughed and hugged me tight. “I know! What, a week ago, you were the last person I'd ever want to be. At least, I'd go to my grave saying it. But now..you're somebody, and it shows. At least, it does when you're not going emo on me.”

“I'm not emo.”

She ruffled my hair. “Sure you're not, bro. In fact, I need to point out something.”

“What's that?”

“I promise I'm not using my powers, ok? Now look down.”

I did, wondering what she was up to.

“Right, so, what am I wearing on my feet?”

“Uh...tennis shoes?”

“Yes. And you're wearing boots. With heels, right?”

I looked up at her. “So?”

“Why am I taller than you?”

I blinked. Sure enough, she was a little taller than I was!

Jade snapped her fingers. “I knew something was up, but I couldn't put my finger on it!”

“I don't understand, we should be the same size!”

“Alright, ring, what do you think?” Jade held up her hand.

Some Green Lanterns can use their Power Rings for size manipulation, a feat that takes a particular mindset and unusually strong will. The Star Heart-powered ring responds to Alena's desires as much as to her will. It may be that this is an outward manifestation of her self-doubt.

“Great. Just great. So it's not bad enough that I feel like I'm in over my head, now I'm going to end up shopping in the Junior Petite section?” I had such a headache. “Maybe you're right, Sis. Maybe I am emo.”

She poked me in the forehead. “Lighten up, Sis. Besides, you don't have to shop for clothes, remember?”

“Oh yeah. Forgot.”

“We need to find the source of your fears, Alena. Come on, let's have a seat, and you can tell us about your nightmare.” Jade created some comfortable looking chairs with her ring's power.

“Wait, what nightmare?” Alison gave me an arch look.

I sat down wearily and told them what little I could remember.

-

“What does that mean, that speech?” Alison frowned.

It sounds like a variation of the Green Lantern's Oath. Specifically: '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!'

I gave Jade a look. “Did you know that?”

“Uh...that's not important right now!”

I chuckled, feeling a little better. “Ok, if you didn't know it, and I didn't know it, how did it pop up in my dream?”

“Did you try asking the Star Heart?” Alison looked to me.

“No. Hey, do you have any ideas?”

YES.

Alison frowned. “Yes? Is that all you're going to say?”

“Huh? You can hear it, Alison?” Jade seemed surprised.

She nodded. “It claims it's because I'm Al's twin.”

“Interesting. So that means you could probably wear the ring, too.”

“Great. Maybe we should do that, she'd probably make a better Green Lantern.”

Both of them shot me a look, but I didn't care.

YOUNG ONE, THIS IS CAUSING YOU GREAT DISTRESS. PERHAPS I ERR TO KEEP MY SILENCE. IN TRUTH, THAT WAS NOT YOUR DREAM ALONE. BEFORE WE JOINED, I DID NOT DREAM, BUT NOW THAT WE ARE ONE, WE SHARE OUR DREAMS. SO IT WAS THAT YOU RECEIVED A VISION OF A POSSIBLE FUTURE.

“Wait, you can see the future?”

Jade went to open her mouth, but Alison held up a hand.

I DO NOT PERCEIVE TIME IN THE SAME MANNER THAT YOU DO, ALENA. HUMANS, BY NECESSITY, PERCEIVE TIME AS A STRAIGHT PATH, LINEAR, UNBENDING. IN TRUTH, THE PATH OF TIME HAS MANY TWISTS AND TURNS. IT FORKS, EVEN DOUBLES BACK UPON ITSELF. THUS, I OCCASIONALLY GLIMPSE EVENTS THAT I WAS NOT PRESENT FOR, OR EVEN WHAT IS, TO YOU, THE FUTURE. AND NOW, BECAUSE WE ARE JOINED, YOU SHARE MY PERCEPTIONS IN YOUR DREAMS.

“But why not just tell me?”

WHAT YOU SAW, IS THE DAY I WILL BE FREED FROM YOU. AT LEAST, THE POSSIBILITY OF THAT DAY.

I opened my mouth, then shut it. “I never wanted to imprison you...”

THIS IS PRECISELY HOW I KNEW YOU WOULD FEEL. ALENA SCOTT, I DO NOT SEE YOU AS A JAILOR. IF ANYTHING, I AM A BURDEN UPON YOU.

“That's ridiculous, you've helped me achieve everything I've ever wanted!”

AND YET, I HAVE ALSO BROUGHT YOU DOUBT. FEAR. UNCERTAINTY. YOUR LIFE IS MORE COMPLEX, AND I DO NOT KNOW HOW TO CONSOLE YOU. WHAT I KNOW OF HOW HUMANS FEEL, I HAVE LEARNED FROM YOU. AS I AM STILL LEARNING. THOUGH I KNOW THAT ONE DAY WE WILL PART, I DO NOT WISH THAT DAY TO COME.

“...me neither. I just wish I felt like I was the right person.”

Alison put her arms around me, and I leaned into her touch. “Sis..you are. You totally are! I believe that! You need to believe it too!”

“Yeah, really. Do you think I was stupid to let you keep that ring?” Jade gave me a look.

“Ah...no. No, you're not stupid.”

“Then get it through your head! You are the deputy Green Lantern of Sector 2814, and I expect you to maintain the standards and the honor of the Corps! Now stand up!”

I stood up at once. “Yes Ma'am!” Something about Jade's tone left no room for argument.

Jade walked up to me and nodded to herself. “Alison, if you could stand up as well?”

She did so, and I was curious as to what Jade was up to.

“Well, I guess you're starting to get your confidence back, Alena.”

I blinked. “What makes you say that?”

“The fact that you and your sister are the same height?”

I looked to Ali, who, sure enough, was maybe an inch shorter than I was, and that was only due to my boots! “Woah. When did I...?”

Alison hugged me. “I'm not sure, but I'm glad you're feeling better, Sis.”

“I feel like a jerk, the way I was acting.”

“I'm not going to say it's alright, although it is understandable. Just don't let it happen again, ok?” Jade's lips twitched, and I smiled.

“Yes Ma'am!”

-

From there we moved on to my actual training, which involved fine control of my powers, finding out exactly how intricate my constructs could get, and lifting multiple objects with my ring at once. Finally, I slumped, exhausted. “No more, please?”

“I think that's enough for now. I expect you to keep practicing on your own. I also want you to patrol the city for an hour each night. The break-in at the LexCorp building strikes me as suspicious; we know Luthor is up to something, so keep an eye out for anything unusual.”

I nodded. “I'll do my best.”

Jade nodded. “I know you'll try. I know this is all hard to come to terms with, but this was your wish, after all. You wanted this life, so live it, already! You have no idea...” She paused. “A lot of people would kill for what you have. Don't forget that.”
I got the feeling that Jade had just let something important slip, but what?

-

I made better time on the way down, and Jade kept pace with me the whole time. I did notice however, that Alison had practically draped herself all over poor Jade. I guess it's her own fault, with all that mutual flirting, but I couldn't help but feel sorry for Jade; I knew how my sister could be when she wanted something.

Sure enough, when we landed, she rose up on tip toe and kissed Jade on the cheek. “I had a really good time, Jade.”

Jade blushed a little. “Look, Alison...I don't want you to get the wrong idea. I'm really flattered, but I don't have the time for a relationship right now.”

Alison grinned. “And I'm too young for you. I know. Still, I think you're going to make someone very lucky one of these days.”

I don't think Alison noticed it, but for a brief instant, I saw a look of pain in Jade's eyes. She quickly covered it, smiling. “I hope you're right.”

Ok, something was up. What was Jade hiding? Had someone hurt her? I was torn; I wanted to find out, and do what I could to help my new friend...but at the same time, if she didn't trust me with the truth, was it really my place to pry?

That thought stayed with me for the rest of the night.

Green With Envy-5 by Lynceus Sometimes, even a superhero needs to take a break. And what better place for Alena Scott than a comic book convention? But just when you thought it was safe, a new enemy appears! Can The Green Lantern save the day? Read on, True Believer!

Green With Envy-5

Chapter 5: Who's That Super-Girl?

Life isn't always easy for a superhero, even a newbie like yours truly. Sometimes, you just need a break from it all. I'd been pretty zombified lately; my days consisted of irregular meals, doing misellaneous chores, sleeping at odd intervals, and staying up late at night to patrol the City, answer emergency calls...you get the idea.

One such emergency call had taken me pretty far from home to help a new metahuman named Stefani; someone whose life was even more screwed-up than mine! I was so damn tired on the way home that I actually started nodding off in mid-flight...not good!

So I found a spot where I wouldn't be disturbed, used my ring to make a temporary shelter, and took a nap. Four hours later, I awoke, feeling rested...and realizing the sun had been up for hours! I rushed home, where Mom was waiting for me, and she looked pretty upset.

She bawled me out, then started crying. I happen to be a girl, but I still can't handle other girls crying. So next thing I know, I was crying too. I hadn't realized how on edge I was! After I calmed down, Mom and I had a long talk.

“Honey, you have no idea how proud I am of you. You're doing so much to help people...but you're growing up so fast! You need to slow down and stop putting your own life on hold!”

“Mom. I love you, and I understand that you're worried about me. But for the first time in my life, I have a purpose, something that matters to me. I know you want me to be happy, get good grades when school starts, even go to college...but how can I ignore people who need me, when I have the power to make a difference? I'm sorry if this disappoints you, but if I had to choose between saving lives or studying for finals, I'll be in the air before the books hit the floor. Every time.”

She paused for a long moment before she spoke. “That's very mature of you, Alena. Maybe you're old enough to make your own decisions now.”

“Woah! Mom, wait a second! Don't get carried away now...I need you more than ever. I mean, I'm the boy...er...girl, who can't even keep her room organized, let alone my life!”

She laughed. “Well of course you're always going to need your mother, that's a given, honey. But if this is what you want to do with your life...how can I stand in your way?”

“The same way you always do. Mom, if you really think I should stop, I'll do it.”

“God, I want to. I can't tell you how much I want to say those words, to keep you home and safe. But I can't. The world needs you just as much as I do. All I ask is that you at least try to remember that you're Alena Scott first, and Green Lantern second.”

“I guess maybe I could try to take it easy for a few days...”

“Good, that means I can give you these.” She held up two tickets.

I blinked and took them. “These...these are..” Two tickets to the big Comics convention in Las Vegas! “Mom! You...you're amazing!”

She chuckled. “Moms have superpowers too, you know. Now there's a catch, two tickets. That means you're taking Alison too.”

“Huh? Ali hates comics. Why would she want to go?”

She chuckled. “You'll see.”

-

I knocked on my sister's door. “Sis? Can we talk a sec?”

“Sure thing, Al, come on in.”

I did, and froze. There, standing in front of the mirror was...me?! Before you say, 'duh Al, she's your twin sister', let me be more specific. Standing in front of the mirror was the second Green Lantern!

“Sis...why are you dressed up as me?”

She chuckled. “Because we're going to the Comics con, silly!”

“Uh...you hate comics.”

She grinned. “True, but I love cosplaying!”

I blinked. “Wait..back up. You want to go to the Con...cosplaying...as me?!”

“Yup! Isn't it awesome?”

I had to admit, her costume was top-notch. Granted, she'd helped design the original, but mine was magically created. She'd done this with needle and thread! “Wow, the gauntlets actually look like they glow!”

“Yeah, I had to mold the plastic chrome myself. Luckily Gramps had most of what I needed in the garage.”

“Huh. I guess that's where you get it from.”

She gave me an odd look. “Huh?”

“Costume design. Remember my original costume? That was his.”

“Oh wow. You mean he was a superhero too?”

I shook my head. “No..he wanted to be, but..something more important came up.”

“What could be more important than being a hero? Jeez, he could have been the first superhero on Earth!”

I kind of doubted that, for various reasons, but I kept my mouth shut. “Someone he cared about a lot was dying, and he asked the Star Heart to save her.”

I could see her brain working, and then her eyes widened. “Wait, you mean that story about how Mom almost died when she was our age?”

I nodded. “Yeah.”

“Woah. That's...poor Gramps. He loved comics just as much as you do.”

“Sis, if something ever happened to you, and giving this up would save you...”

“Argh, don't get all sappy on me. We need to figure out who you're going as.”

I blinked. “What, me?!”

“You're a girl now! Nobody is going to tease you for cosplaying!”

Holy shit...she was right! “Wait a minute though. You can't go as me.”

“Eh?! Why not?!”

“Sis, think about it. Who do you look like?”

“Duh, you.”

I nodded. “Not just like me, you look exactly like the new Green Lantern. What if someone makes that connection and thinks you're me?”

“You're not serious.” She looked at my face. “You are serious! Oh Al...come on, that kind of comic book stuff isn't real. People aren't going to go looking for your loved ones...” She trailed off. “Fuck. They would, wouldn't they? Ok, tell you what. Can you use your ring to make alterations to the costume?”

I thought about that. “I don't see why not, why?”

“Hey, I'm a metahuman too, I'll just change myself. Be taller, maybe darker skin, that sort of thing.”

I nodded. “Thanks for understanding, Sis.”

“But you know, someday it might come in handy that I can impersonate you.”

I swore I almost saw the lightbulb appear over my head. “Sis! You're brilliant!”

“Duh, I knew that...uh...for what reason?”

“Think about it! All I have to do is give you the ring Jade gave me, and you could pretend to be any of us! I mean, some of us have secret identities; what if we need to be in two places at once?”

“Oh. Oh! Hey, that's a really sweet idea! I mean, don't get me wrong, but the superhero thing isn't really me. But superhero support? Hell yeah!”

“Superhero support...” I chuckled, then yelled out. “SIDEKICK!!!”

She threw a pillow at me. “You are such a geek!”

“Hey, he'll be there too.”

“Who?”

I sighed. “Bruce Campbell.”

“Uh...”

“Ash? Army of Darkness? Brisco County, Jr.?”

“Uh...”

I wanted to cry! “Never mind.”

She turned and faced the mirror. “Alright you Primitive Screwheads, listen up! You see this? This... is my boomstick! The twelve-gauge double-barreled Remington. S-Mart's top of the line. You can find this in the sporting goods department. That's right, this sweet baby was made in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Retails for about a hundred and nine, ninety five. It's got a walnut stock, cobalt blue steel, and a hair trigger. That's right. Shop smart. Shop S-Mart. You got that?”

I just stood there, staring in awe, even as she turned around and winked. “What? Turns out I have geek genes after all.”

“I..you...why...”

She giggled. “Close your mouth, Sis. I know you think I'm hot as hell right now, but we have more important things to talk about.”

“Wha? Like what?”

“Your costume God!”

-

So that's how I ended up flying us both to Vegas. We'd booked a semi-decent hotel room, since Mom was letting us stay for all three days. What hero has ever had a better reward? We checked in, and it wasn't half bad, really. If you don't mind sharing a bed with your perpetually horny twin sister that is...

Which, for the record, I do!

We showed up for the Con bright and early, and even though I felt pretty self-conscious, I had to admit; it felt great to be able to dress like this in public! Oh, you know what I mean! Plus, the attention we got was...flattering. I didn't even mind so much when the guys whistled at me!

Oh yeah, you're wondering about my costume. Well, after giving it some thought, I decided to show off my real hair color, and go as American Dream. Yeah, I'm shorter than she is, but I'd have felt ridiculous trying to be Giganta!

There was so much to see, but I had a list of stuff I wanted to check out. Ali had a slightly different list; she'd heard the ladies of Battlestar Galactica would be there, and she definitely wanted to check them out in person!

Which, Tricia Helfer and Grace Park alone were hot as hell, but I'd always compared Sis to Katee Sackhoff, which is how she'd gotten into the show in the first place. Of course, I wasn't as certain about her orientation then, and she had mentioned more than once that she thought James Callis was sexy.

From a completely hetero-male standpoint (never you mind my actual gender!), I found myself agreeing.

But as much as I'd love to see the actors in question, there was something else more important to do. Celebrating the re-launch of The Mysterious Y-Women, Lee Stone was hosting a panel of the title's various writers and artists over the years, including the new artist (and one of my personal all-time favorites), Kyle Rayner! I mean, the guy was simply awesome!

-

I tried not to geek out at the panel, but it was really hard not to! Even though I wanted to ask a ton of questions, I sat there and looked pretty. This is not a very hard thing for me to do; I make a very good American Dream, even if my hair is too short. I guess I could have used my ring to make it grow, but with my luck, I would end up with green roots. No thanks!

There was, however, one thing I had to do. Gramps had, among his various comics, a copy of Mysterious Y-Women #26, which marked the finale of one of the title's most celebrated story arcs; the Electron Saga.

In case you're not a comics geek, I'll give you the rundown; the leader of the Y-Women was Dr. Charlotte, who created a serum that would transform a man into a superpowered young woman. Yeah, I know, pretty ironic. As usual, Ms. Stone was ahead of her time by decades. Anyways, she went to recruit a team of fellow superhumans by selecting great men close to death. It was revealed in issue #19 that her first recruit had been an Auschwitz survivor, a Rom man who had become a celebrated physicist in his later life. The transformation turned her into a beautiful white-haired girl with great powers over electricity...and driven her completely insane!

Electron was the first major villain for the title, and her rivalry/friendship with Dr. Charlotte would become a huge part of the title's mythology. When Kyle started drawing for the book, he went back to her original design by Jackie King, and re-imagined her as a Gothic Lolita. And the fanboys went wild!

Anyways, this book was special, because it had already been autographed once, by Jackie King herself. I knew if Gramps was still alive, he'd be happy as a clam to have it autographed by Lee Stone as well!

When the panel was over, I quietly walked up to Ms. Stone. “Excuse me?” My voice sounded so quiet, I just couldn't manage to speak up...I mean, this woman was a legend!

“Well hello, dear. American Dream, isn't it? What can I do for you?”

I smiled shyly and handed her the book, in it's dust cover.

“Well what do we have here...my, this is a rare one! Where did you get this?”

“My grandfather owned it.”

“May I?” She gestured to the dust sleeve and I nodded. Slowly, reverently, she removed the comic, and opened the front page. And there, on the inside cover, she saw the signature. She gasped softly. “Oh...oh my. Jackie..” She touched the signature gently, and I saw tears in the older woman's eyes. “She hated giving out autographs, you know. As talented as she was, she always felt second-rate.”

She sighed. “Let's see what he wrote.” She put on her glasses. “To Alan Ladd, the best fan a girl could ever have, 'King Krackle'.” She looked at me. “You're Alan Ladd's granddaughter?!”

I blinked. “Uh, yes, Alena Scott. Wait, you knew Gramps?”

“Did I! Oh child, you have no idea. I went to college with your grandmother...I heard they both passed away, I'm very sorry.”

“Thank you...but how did you meet Gramps?”

She chuckled. “It's a funny story, really. You see, back in those days, me and Jackie were always fighting. Over everything, really. Especially boys! As it happened, we both dated Alan, he always had this big ideas, but never had the time to do anything with them. Well me and Jackie were listening, in a lot of ways, there wouldn't have been a Silver Age without Alan! One night, I got really sick, and I begged your grandmother to go on my date with Alan in my place...I didn't want to give Jackie the satisfaction! And well...a couple years later, me and Jackie were both bridesmaids. Can you believe it?”

She then got out her pen and added her signature. “To Alena Scott, the granddaughter of the best man I ever knew. Excelsior! -Lee”.

She returned the comic to me and I tried to thank her. But no words came out! She clucked at me. “You're so much like him. He used to get tongue-tied a lot too. Take good care of that comic now, ok?”

“Th..thank you so much! I will!”

She patted me on the head and headed off to talk to Kyle. I felt like I was walking on air! Then I checked and realized I was walking on air, so I quickly put my feet back on the ground.

-

I caught up with Ali near Joss Whedon's display; he was promoting his new Serenity comic, and talking about movies that we'd probably never see, like Ripper, or the Buffy/Torchwood crossover. Sorry, I like Whedon's work, but his actors were aging fast, and there were no signs he'd ever deliver on these promises.

“Ali Ali Ali!” I was practically bouncing.

“Woah, calm down, what is it?”

I told her, and showed her the comic. “Uh huh, so Gramps knew some comics chicks back in the day? Go Gramps!”

“You're teasing me again!”

She laughed. “Damn, you're catching on! Jeez, Sis, that book has to be worth a fortune!”

“Oh..no way can I sell this, Gramps would roll over in his grave!”

“Now you know what he always said. 'Comics are for entertainment, not money. I'd rather burn a comic than let it sit in a vault somewhere!'”.

“He did say that...well, I guess we could get it appraised. I'd need Mom's permission to even think about selling it tho'.”

I stopped by a Doctor Who display first though. They had the Red Dalek from 'Journey's End' on display, and did it look awesome!

Ali had other ideas. “That is a stupid looking robot. What is it supposed to be, an evil salt shaker?”

I laughed. “I'm not even touching that one!”

-

I was a little underwhelmed, I mean, don't get me wrong $178 bucks is a good price for a comic that was bought for 12 cents, but I mean, hell, a mint Black Lotus went for 6 grand, and it was a silly card!

“Guess we'll keep it for another generation, I suppose.”

Ali laughed. “Why, are you having kids, Sis?”

I blinked. “Wha...uh...no?”

“You can, you know. If you ever meet Mr. Right.”
I sputtered. “Sis?! Come on, you know I don't...I mean...I'm not...”

She laughed at me. “Oh God, Sis, your face is so red!” She put her arm around my shoulders. “Come on, let's go register for the cosplay competition!”

I admit, standing around with a bunch of other people wearing cool costumes was neat. Almost like what I imagined being part of a big superhero team would be like! Of course, not all of the heroes were comics characters; the new metahumans were popular, and we weren't out of place at all. Of course, Sis was the only Green Lantern II around, which kind of made me a little depressed. I know I'm no Jade, but come on, surely someone has heard of me?

Sis pointed that out herself. “Damn. I worked so hard on this costume, but I bet you're going to win for sure.”

“Huh? Me?”

“Heck yeah! Everyone loves American Dream!”

“Sorry Sis. You totally deserve to win.”

She grinned. “It's ok. At least you have one fan, right?”

I hugged her. “Thanks, Sis.”

“Aww, shucks. I love you too, Al.”

-

The contest didn't go off without a hitch; there was actually a catfight between two Terra's; one claiming to be the comics Terra II, and the other claiming to be the 'real life superhero' Terra. I honestly couldn't tell their costumes apart; I had yet to meet Terra, but Jade told me that we had a lot in common. That is to say, we were both obsessive comic book nerds!

Anyways, both girls were ejected, and it was too bad; they had a good costume! Er, costumes. In the end, I only got second place, losing out to some professional Cosplayer who went as Power Girl. And man, did she ever fill out that costume!

“Jeez, can you believe it? You only lost because she had bigger boobs!”

I shrugged. “It was a good costume.”

She punched me in the arm. “Boobs!”

“Yes, I know, they were nice too.”

She laughed. “Well, yeah, they were. I guess next time I know who to go as.”

“...oh yeah? Who?” I guess she regretted her choice after all.
“You, with a bigger chest!”

I couldn't help but laugh, and we linked arms.

-

The trouble didn't start until Saturday night. All day I'd had a headache, which was really crimping my style. I'd gone to sit down and rest for a few minutes while Sis poked her head into a discussion panel about how 'real' superheroes would affect comic books.

Just then I heard screams. “Oh...what now?”

A POWERFUL ENTITY HAS BEEN SUMMONED, YOUNG ONE.

I stood up. “I guess in that case...it's Morphin' Time!” I held up my ring and transformed into the Green Lantern. I resisted the urge to call out 'Green Lantern Power', mostly because of my headache. Sis was right, I really was a geek!

I rose into the air, and predictably, nobody seemed to notice. I soon found out why!

There was this guy. He was huge, I mean, Giganta size, hovering in the air. He had chalk white skin, wore green shorts, green boots, and a green hooded cowl. Now, normally I'd have made a crack about his fashion sense, but my head started throbbing the minute I got near him. I realized that, somehow, he was the source of my headache!

KYLE RAYNER, FOR YOUR CRIMES, I SHALL HAVE VENGEANCE!

Wait...what? This thing was here for my favorite artist? No way!

Kyle, to his credit, just started up at the guy. “I don't know what the heck you're talking about! Who are you, anyways?!”

I AM THE SPECTRE, VENGEANCE INCARNATE!

“Yadda, yadda, yadda. What you are, is scaring people for no reason, why don't you go back to wherever you came from?” I floated in front of the guy.

YOU WHO WIELD THE GREEN FLAME, DO NOT INTERFERE, OR YOU WILL BE DEALT WITH HARSHLY.

I frowned. He knew about my power? Not good! I channeled extra power into my bracers, and flew at him, throwing a punch at his massive jaw. To my surprise, he actually reeled back slightly, and then his eyes filled with harsh light.

SO BE IT, YOU TOO, WILL KNOW VENGEANCE!

He swatted me out of the air like a damn bug, and when I hit the ground, a glowing green snake burrowed out of the floor, wrapping me up in it's coils and hissing at me!

“Oh no you didn't!” I tried to phase through the snake, but to no avail. The Spectre, or whatever he was, grabbed Kyle in his massive hand.

AND NOW YOU WILL SHARE THE FATE YOU DELIVERED UPON ALEXANDRA!

“Alexandra?! She died in a car crash! I wasn't even there!”

BUT YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN.

Fuck fuck fuck! I had to do something, but I couldn't move! I looked around as best as I could, and then I saw the answer.

I aimed my ring at the display, and glowing green light surrounded my target, as it rose off the floor. “Go get him!”

The Spectre turned, noticing the oddly-shaped green object moving towards him. WHAT DOES THAT DO?

I could hear Kyle laugh. “It's about to kick your ass, pasty-face!”

In a harsh, electronic voice, my creation spoke. EXTERMINATE! The now-Green Dalek fired blasts of light at The Spectre (also green in color).

The Spectre actually howled in pain, his cloak bursting into...you guessed it, green flame. He dropped Kyle, who landed in a heap on the floor, and turned to face this new nemesis.

YOU WILL NOT DEFEAT ME, I AM THE SPECTRE!

YOU ARE THE ENEMY. YOU WILL BE DESTROYED! EXTERMINATE! EXTERMINATE! The Dalek fired it's weapons again, but this time The Spectre grabbed it with a massive hand.

YOU WILL NOT WIN! INITIATING DALEKANIUM CHARGE! 3...2...1...

“Oh shit!” I covered my eyes as the Dalek exploded in green light, taking The Spectre's arm with it!

Howling in agony, The Spectre faded out of existence...and so did the snake pinning me to the ground! As I stood up, I saw a tall woman wearing a rumpled trenchcoat. She had short blonde hair and striking features. As I watched, she lit a cigarette. “Now that's something you don't see every day. Tommy Baker would have loved it.”

“Who..who are you?”

She winked at me. “Constantine. Johanna Constantine. Don't worry, we'll be meeting again soon.”

Kyle Rayner was at my side. “Hey! Are you ok?” He offered me a hand up.

“Ugh, yeah. At least my headache is gone.”

“That was incredible...but uh...not to complain, but Dalekanium isn't an explosive.”

I chuckled. “Day of the Daleks had a Dalekanium Bomb.”

He shook his head. “Thanks, you saved my life.”

“What was that all about anyways?”

He frowned. “I'm not sure. He was talking about Alexandra...she was my girlfriend, but she died in an accident. I don't understand...”

“Well, don't worry, if he comes back, one of us will handle him.”

“I hope it's you. Hey, how would you like to have your own comic book? I'd love to draw it!”

I blinked. “Ah....well...”

“Hey! You! That's official BBC property you just destroyed, do you know how much that thing costs?!”

“Eek! Sorry, gotta go, maybe some other time!” I flew off before the BBC rep could catch up to me.

Kyle Rayner shook his head. “Who was that masked girl, anyways?”

-

“So that's what happened, Jade. Weird, huh?”

The green flickering hologram of Jade frowned. “Very weird. My Ring doesn't have any information on this Spectre guy, but it sounds like his powers are similar to ours. And you say he knew what the Green Flame was?”

“Yeah, I don't get it at all. Uh, look, I'm beat, going to get some rest. Call me if you need me, ok?”

She nodded. “You deserve it. Good work, Alena.”

The hologram vanished and I lay back on the bed. “Oh man...”

Alison sat on the edge of the bed. “Poor Al, you had a rough day. Need a massage or something?”

“That would be nice...but just watch your hands, ok?”

She laughed and I rolled over. She straddled my waist and soon her fingers were turning my muscles into putty. “Oh man...that feels so good.”

“I'm sorry I missed the fight. It sounds pretty epic.”

“Yeah, especially if you're a geek like me. Mmm...lower, please!”

She chuckled and did as I asked. “Better?”

“Like you wouldn't believe! So...how was the panel?”

“Oh, it turns out you do have some fans...they've taken to calling you Green Lantern Zwei.”

“Zwei?”

“It's German for two, I guess. It sounds kind of cool, at least. And I bet you have a lot more fans tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow...I'm not sure I could take another day of this.”

“Aww, poor baby. You'll be fine. No more costume for me, though. They might really mistake me for you.”

I wanted to answer her, but I was too relaxed, and too exhausted. I drifted off to sleep.

“Good night, Sis.”

And I fell into a deep sleep, thankfully devoid of dreams.

To be continued....

Green With Envy-6 by Lynceus In which our heroine wakes up and finds herself with questions on her mind. The most important of which turns out to be, "Who is Alena Scott?" The first part of Chapter 6!

NOTE: Enter the Copycat-1 is the companion piece to this update, so if you're interested in getting the whole story, makes sure to read that story as well. Thanks!

Chapter 6: A Case of Identity

I woke up and immediately knew something was wrong. I sat up and looked around. I checked the bathroom to be sure, but I didn't have to. Alison was gone. Seeing as how it was light outside, I was immediately worried.

Wait, morning? “Why did I sleep for so long?”

WHEN YOU ANIMATED THAT CONSTRUCT, YOU GAVE IT A GREAT DEAL OF POWER. THAT CAN TAKE A TOLL ON BOTH OF US.

“It can? I thought you were, well...limitless.”

MY POWER RECOVERS QUICKLY, TRUE, BUT I CAN TEMPORARILY LOSE STRENGTH.

“Oh man, I hadn't realized. What if I pushed you too far and I was in space or something?”

I WOULD NOT ALLOW YOU TO COME TO HARM.

Was it me, or did I sense some emotion there? “Thanks for that. I mean, I know, if something happens to me, it's bad for you. But I still appreciate it.”

YOU ARE WELCOME.

“Heh. So what are the dangers...oh man, what am I doing? Ali is gone, I don't have time for this!”

SHE IS NOT IN DANGER.

I blinked. “Huh? How can you be sure?”

YOU FORGET, THERE IS A STRONG LINK BETWEEN YOU BOTH. ON SOME LEVEL, YOU KNOW SHE IS ALRIGHT, THUS, SO DO I.

I frowned. “I guess. I wish I knew...wait, don't do anything!”

WE DO HAVE AN AGREEMENT, ALENA.

I wasn't imagining it! I got the sense of amusement from the Star Heart; was it learning how to express emotion? “Ok, well, I guess I'll give her time to call. So yeah, um...what are the dangers to myself?”

WHENEVER YOU DRAW ON MY POWER, YOU TIRE SOMEWHAT.

I frowned. “But you said you can keep me going for a week without rest?”

YES. EXACTLY.

“Uh..wait, what?”

IF YOU DID NOT EXERT YOURSELF SO MUCH, YOU COULD REMAIN AWAKE THAT LONG.

I blinked, realizing what the Star Heart was saying. “Woah, you mean, I've been pushing myself so much that it's like going for days without sleep?”

YOU ARE CORRECT.

I put a hand to my forehead. “Oh man. I had no idea. Hey, why didn't you tell me?”

THIS IS YOUR WISH. I AM PART OF YOU, ALENA SCOTT. EVEN IF YOU KNEW, YOU WOULD NOT STOP WHEN OTHERS ARE IN DANGER.

“Heh. I guess you know me pretty well. Still, if I burn myself out, Mom and Sis...I don't want to hurt them like that.”

I WILL ATTEMPT TO WARN YOU WHEN THE SITUATION BECOMES DIRE. FOR NOW, YOUR BODY IS YOUNG AND RESILIENT.

“So what happens when I get older?”

There was a long pause. Oh man, now what?

WHILE I AM WITHIN YOUR BODY, YOU WILL NOT AGE.

“Holy shit. You mean...I'm immortal?”

NOTHING IS ETERNAL. WITH GREAT STRIFE, EVEN MY POWER TO GRANT YOU LIFE CAN FAIL. BUT YOU WILL NOT DIE OF OLD AGE.

“...and I'm not going to ever look any older than I do now.” I thought about that. Sure, I could hide what I really looked like from others. So it wasn't that bad. But...this meant that if I ever found someone else, they would have to be able to love the real me. Fifteen forever. And I'd outlive them...

I wrapped my arms around my body, trying to overcome the sudden feeling of emptiness.

ALENA...I HAVE HURT YOU.

I shook my head, forcing the tears back. “No. No, you didn't do this. I did this. I chose this path. Maybe I didn't read the fine print, but I have to live with that choice. I wanted to be a hero. Heroes don't always get the girl.”

I felt a warmth well up inside me. I AM WITH YOU.

I nodded. “I know. I'm not alone.”

My phone rang then.

-

I got off the phone with Alison. She'd asked me to trust her. “What is she up to?!”

ALENA, I DO NOT KNOW IF YOU ARE READY TO HEAR THIS, BUT I FEEL YOUR SISTER HAS HER OWN PATH TO FOLLOW.

“You feel, huh? Well. Yeah. I feel it to. It scares me though. We'd gotten so close. It feels good to share my life with her. But we're going to grow apart now. She'll get older, and I won't. It will be just like before. We won't be twins anymore.”

YOU WERE ALWAYS TWINS. THAT IS A FACT OF BIRTH THAT CANNOT CHANGE.

“Maybe. But I lost that connection to her once before. I don't know that I want to lose it again, Star.”

STAR?

“I have to call you something. I know it's a lame name, but...”

STAR WILL DO.

I smiled. “Star it is, then.”

I got up and went to the bathroom, I needed a shower.

-

I got out of the shower, feeling kind of introspective. I reached for the mirror with one finger, and wrote on the glass. Who is Alena Scott?

I frowned. “Damn good question. I wish I knew.” But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that I really wasn't my own person! Ever since I'd changed, I'd just gone with the flow. I tried to be like Jade, I let Mom and Sis dress me...who the hell was I?

I realized I needed to find out. I cleared away the rest of the condensation and used my ring to get dressed. Even though I hadn't packed it, I imagined the first real female clothing I'd ever worn; my sister's green summer dress. Just a touch of eyeshadow. Lipstick that didn't stand out. Low-heeled green pumps. I played with my hairstyle a bit, before settling on the bob with bangs look. Yes, just like Una Thurman in Pulp Fiction. It looked really good with the dark green hair color I use as Green Lantern Girl (Zwei?), but it wasn't bad with my natural blonde either.

I used my ring to veil my eyes slightly. I don't mind green eyes, but the glow and the flame dancing in my pupils? Awesome, but not practical for a secret identity. I'd figured out a new trick last night; I could use my Ring to keep myself from sweating, and to change my scent. I went with something faint and floral.

I turned to the side, one heel rising as I got a good look at myself. Whoever Alena Scott was, she was very different from her sister. Where Alison was very unsubtle about her femininity, I was understated, demure. But there was a sort of strength about me. I was starting to see what Ali had been trying to say. I looked...I don't know, elegant. Graceful. And to my surprise, confident.

Who was Alena Scott? She was gentle, soft-spoken. And someone you did not want to fuck with! I smiled at my reflection. “I think I'm ready.”

BUT IS THE WORLD READY FOR YOU?

I chuckled. “No. Not it's not.”

-

Alison was late, of course. So it wasn't hard to fix her with my darkest glare as she walked up, with three girls in tow.

I SENSE POWERFUL MAGIC, ESPECIALLY FROM THE YOUNG ONE. SHE IS NOT AS SHE APPEARS.

I had gotten that as well. It wasn't the headache that The Spectre had given me, but I could sense the power hidden inside the girl. It mirrored my own. I somehow knew that the two younger girls were twins, even without being told.

You'd think that would seem odd, given that one looks half the age of the other, but I accepted it at once. Ever since I'd become a girl, my empathy had grown by leaps and bounds. But this was new to me, simply trusting my feelings at face value, without doubt. I had taken the first steps on a new journey, and that made me feel a lot better about myself.

It was a lot easier to let Sis off the hook. After I made her squirm a little. It felt good to turn the tables on her, at least for a little bit. But I love her too much to be cruel. I prayed we'd never grow too far apart.

Although I knew she was keeping something from me about Johanna. I wondered what it could be. Johanna was incredibly difficult to read. You could tell from her eyes that she'd seen a lot more of this world than her lack of years would otherwise suggest. In addition to the brief lessons I was getting about magic during the meeting, I took another lesson away as well.

You can't judge a magician by their appearance. Physical strength and size had very little to do with it. Illyana was a young girl, but I knew that, potentially, she was as dangerous as myself. Maybe more.

But Sis? Her I can read. She's a damn good actress, but we did more than share a womb. On some level, we were two halves of the same person. It's almost like, if I reached out far enough, I could feel what she was feeling. Know what she was thinking.

A lot of people talk about the 'mysterious bond' twins have. I used to laugh, because for a long time, I hadn't felt that close to Sis. She'd tried her hardest to be anything but like me. Now? I knew it was true. Maybe not all twins, but some, like myself and Ali, or Illyana and Hunter...are very strongly connected to one another.

After we parted ways, I confronted her.

-

“By the way Sis, you look really good this morning.” Alison smiled.

I preened a little at her comment. If she approved, that meant something to me. “Thanks, Alison. I know it's not as bold as what you'd choose.”

She nodded. “True, but as much as we look alike, you're not me. I can't just dress you up like me and expect you to have the same, I don't know...poise. Bearing. I'm shocked you still wear the costume we made for you.”

I smiled. “I got used to it. Zwei is a little more like you, she's brave and doesn't mind showing off her legs. They're very nice legs, after all.”

“Zwei, huh?”

I shrugged in a way I hoped was demure and feminine. It was hard without a mirror, and I hadn't really practiced moving in this body. “I have to call her something other than 'The Other Lantern'.”

Alison put her arm around me. “Sis, I know I upset you...I'm sorry, but...”

I cut her off. “Ali, I know. I mean, I don't know exactly what you're up to, but I understand you're trying to find your own path. You're not a hero like me. Not that I don't think you could be...look, all I'm trying to say is, I know this is something you have to do. I'll try to support you, I really will. But I'm worried, and it's not just because I think you might get into trouble.”

“I...what's bothering you, Al?”

I felt my eyes moisten a little. It's still hard for me, dealing with these strong emotions. But I had to be strong. “We hadn't been close for a very long time. I didn't realize it at first, but the best thing that this change did for me isn't the power. It isn't being able to help people. It's you, Alison. It's feeling like we're connected again. I love being so close to you. I don't want to lose that, ever.”

She started crying then, and we held each other tightly. “Al..Alena...you'll always be my twin. Always. Even if you don't understand what I'm doing...or why...I'd do anything for you. Anything!”

“I feel the same way.” I reached for her hand and we twined our fingers together. “Sisters?”

She nodded. “Yes. Sisters. Now and forever.”

Hand-in-hand, we went to the convention.

-

Security was tighter, of course. Whatever that 'Spectre' had been, it had spooked a lot of people. Unlike before, where we'd split to see our own things, we stayed together the rest of the day. It was a lot of fun, and I enjoyed Alison's company.

If only I could shake the feeling that this was a moment in time that would soon pass.

Eventually, it was time for the Zatanna/Miss Miracle show, where we'd meet with our strange new friends, and learn more about the power that slept within my body. And where I could go to learn even more.

To be continued...

Green Orange With Envy-7 by Lynceus While Alena tries to make some sense of her life (and survive Sophomore Algebra!), she becomes Agent Orange's latest target!

---

Disclaimer: I make no claims to any character or image owned or under copyright by another party, nor do I intend on profiting in any way from their use. The Comics Retcon Universe concept is the creative property of Lilith Langtree.

*(Larfleeze is owned by DC comics, but don't tell him that!)

Listen all you people come gather round
I gotta get me a new game plan gotta shake you to the ground
Just give me what I know is mine

-Queen, “I Want It All”

Planet Okaara, Vega System

Larfleeze was bored. That was the main problem with immortality, really. Finding new ways to pass the time became a fairly top priority. Especially when you've been alive for billions of years.

Larfleeze was a fairly simple individual. One could say he was a collector- if there was something shiny and bright out there, he wanted it. The chase was really more important than the conquest- once he had something in his possession, he'd inevitably get bored of it.

Like he was now.

“Bored, bored, bored, bored, BORED! I'm bored!”

Elsewhere in the temple, Lianna sighed. Not for the first time, she regretted her decision to become the Guardian of the Orange Lantern Corps. Not that there really was an Orange Lantern Corps- there was her, Larfleeze, and his constructs. Larfleeze didn't like sharing.

Larfleeze was a conundrum to her. He had so much potential. Cetainly, he was one of the most powerful beings in the galaxy. And yet, he could be so simple! Dealing with Agent Orange was a lot like dealing with a small child.

He wanted things. And for an immortal, he had very little patience. Gliding through the ancient temple, she made her way to Larfleeze's throne. As he would often do, he was cradling the Orange Power Battery in his arms, clinging to it the same way a drowning being would cling to a floating piece of debris.

“Lianna! You're my Guardian! I want something new!”

Lianna could feel pressure behind her temples. Her people had immense reserves of willpower, but Larfleeze could erode her patience like no other being she'd ever met- even Guy Gardner would be a refreshing change of pace!

“You are surrounded by treasures of incalculable wealth, Larfleeze. What more could you want?”

The Orange Lantern frowned. Despite having a face resembling a mutant warthog, Larfleeze was very good at expressing his emotions. “Everything! I want everything!”

Lianna knew that really wasn't true. Larfleeze could easily rule the Vega Sector, for example, but he had no ambition to be a ruler. Making other people happy was too much work for the Orange Lantern. Why bother, when you could simply steal someone's identity, and create a loyal servant in their image using the Orange Power Ring?

“So go take what you want.”

Larfleeze growled angrily. “It's not that easy!”

“Why not?”

“Because...I don't know what I want. I just need it!”

Lianna had to force herself not to wince. She understood that Larfleeze was driven by an insatiable hunger that he could only temporarily appease, but still...

“Is it a person, place, or thing?”

That gave her master pause. “Hm. A thing. A valuable thing. The most valuable thing in the universe! It has to shine! It has to sparkle!”

Lianna would soon come to regret her next words.

“Have you ever heard of the Star-Heart?”

Planet Earth, Sector 2814

The problem with being a teenaged superhero is being a teenager. More specifically, it's having to go to school. I wanted to argue with Mom more about it- I mean, I was one of the most powerful people on the planet!

I wanted to, but how could I? She simply had way too much on her plate. My grandfather's death, me turning into a superpowered girl, and Alison...well, that right there was more than any five people could handle.

Not long ago, my name was Alan Scott, and I was a nerdy kid who collected comic books. Then a star fell from the sky, and everything changed. Not just for me, mind you. The whole world has had to deal with changes.

Like the fact that some people had superpowers.

It's a pain knowing that you can leave Earth's orbit under your own power, but you're trapped in Algebra class. It also doesn't help when your sister is off somewhere in England doing God knows what.

If I didn't love her as much as I do, I'd fly over there and drag her home by the scruff of her neck! But no, she had to fall in love with the most stubborn bitch on the planet.

Lucky her.

Lately, I feel so damn lonely, like I have no one I can relate to. Which doesn't make any sense, since there are others like me out there- hell, thanks to Jade, I know quite a few of them!

Oh great. The teacher decided to call on me. I manage to blurt out an answer, and thank God, it's the right one. That only helps a little bit, as it just draws attention to me. I'm not just a girl, you understand. I'm a cute girl. The last thing I want is guys noticing me!

The girls aren't much better, though. I'm not like them, and that drives them nuts for some reason. They can't understand why a pretty girl would dress the way I do. That's the problem with High School. Everyone is trying to classify you, trying to fit you into a category so they don't have to actually figure out who you are.

I'm an enigma, and that bugs the hell out of them. Even so, I'm sure more than a few of them have already decided I'm gay. Which I'm not...technically.

It's all so confusing. I used to be a guy. I'm supposed to like girls! Except now I have two X chromosomes, so liking girls is somehow wrong or weird. And this is why I feel like I'm all alone.

I know girls who like girls, girls who used to be guys who like girls, and a girl who likes girls who's in love with a guy who looks like a girl (is my life complicated or what?). And they're all fine with it! It doesn't bother them in the slightest, and they seem happy about it.

It bothers me, though. And that sets me apart.

I skip my last class. Mom will be upset, but I can't take it anymore. I'd rather fight a dozen supervillains than deal with one more hour of this. I see the Principal standing watch by the doors, but he doesn't have a prayer of catching me.

I can turn invisible and walk through walls.

Once I'm in the air, I can just feel the tension leave my body. If I had to give up everything else, this is all I'd want. To be able to fly. It's the power I love the most. It's also the power that terrifies me the most, but I'm getting over that. Slowly.

To say that I'm not using anywhere near my full potential is the understatement of the century. For some reason, teleporting or phasing through solid matter doesn't bother me as much as streaking around at supersonic speeds.

I used to justify it as being afraid of running into stuff. Until one of my friends pointed out to me how illogical that was. If I can phase through a wall, then I could pass right through anything I'd run into, right?

So I had to think about it long and hard. The truth is, flying at high speed scares me because I don't feel like I'm in control. And there are a lot of things in my life that I'm not in control of as it is.

Case in point. There I was, just flying around with no real destination in mind when I'm surrounded by orange light. Before I can react, I'm being pulled upwards, high into the sky.

“What the f-!?” Normally when I fly, my force field is barely visible, but I raise it up to full power as I try to resist whatever has me in it's grip. I feel like I'm playing tug-of-war, except that I'm the rope!

We manage to reach a stalemate somewhere in Low Earth Orbit. That's when I hear this voice in my head.

Give it to me! I want it!

“What? Give what to you? Who are you?!”

The Star-Heart! I want it! Give it to me now!

“Uh...how about...no!”

Mine! It's mine! I'll make you sorry!

I belong to no one but Alena. Leave her alone.

Just like that, the orange light is gone, and I'm free again. I'm a little surprised, really. The Star-Heart hasn't spoken up like that in awhile. From what it's told me, we're in the process of merging together. Most times I don't even feel it's presence. I mean, I know it's inside me, but that's about it.

“Hey, who was that guy?”

Figures. No answer. Well since I'm already out here, maybe I should swing by the Starcruiser Jordan and see if Jade's home.

Planet Okaara, Vega System

Larfleeze growled in frustration. “Why wouldn't it come to me? Belongs to Alena?! What's an Alena? Star-Heart, you will be mine! You will be!”

Collecting his thoughts, Larfleeze grinned slowly. “Well that's fine, then. If the Star-Heart won't come to Larfleeze, then Larfleeze will just have to go to the Star-Heart!”

Rising into the air, Larfleeze left the temple (and Okaaran orbit) so fast that the very ground shook from the resulting sonic boom.

Lianna groaned as she realized Larfleeze was now officially on the hunt.

“What have I done?”

Planet Earth, Sector 2814

I went in through the airlock. With my powers, I could likely phase through the Starcruiser's hull, but it just didn't seem polite. Plus, the vehicle was of alien origin, so who knew what nasty surprises could be lurking under the hood, so to speak.

Jade wasn't in, which really didn't surprise me. I could have called her up, but I didn't want to bother her. There was the off chance she was enjoying a rare moment of free time (possibly with someone special), after all. Granted, she'd probably kick my ass for not calling her immediately upon being attacked by weird orange light from outer space, but my life is pretty weird as it is. If I called her up every time something bizarre happened to me, she'd end up with grey hair!

I instead decided to bother the Starcruiser's computer. Unfortunately, my query about “orange light” got me nowhere- I got told I had “insufficient access” as a deputy Green Lantern. Yay.

I figured I might as well go home and face the music. Mom would no doubt be pissed about me skipping classes again. I was maybe five minutes from home when there was a flash of orange light, and I felt strong arms grab me from behind!

#No more playing hard to get, Star-Heart! Come to Larfleeze!# The voice sounded male, I think. Definitely excited and a little high-pitched. Translation courtesy of my Green Lantern Ring- I don't speak Alien.

“Hey, let go!” I slammed an elbow into my assailant, and was rewarded by a grunt from whoever it was, who promptly let me go. I whirled and found myself face-to-face with my first alien.

He was really tall, but thin, with long arms and legs. His outfit kind of reminded me of Jade's Green Lantern uniform, but instead of being green and black, it was orange and black, all Halloween colors. He had a strange symbol on his uniform instead of the Green Lantern insignia, and I saw a glowing ring on his finger. Orange, of course.

The guy's face was something else- his skin and hair were a yellowish color, and he had a long snout, bristling with tusks. His eyes were sunken into their sockets, and looked like black beads with tiny white irises. On the top of his head were several tufts of hair that looked almost like a spiny crest.

#You wanna play rough, huh? I'm fine with that!#

“Woah buddy, back up a sec! Who the heck are you, anyways?”

He blinked at me. #I told you already, I'm Larfleeze. And I want the Star-Heart, so hand it over!#

“I think we had this conversation once already. The answer is no!”

He grinned at me, showing off some sharp white teeth. Whoever he was, he had a really good dental plan. #You think you can stop me? Blume, get her!#

Out of nowhere, this giant alien head appeared. Seriously, that's all the thing was, a giant head, glowing with orange light! It opened it's mouth and looked like it was ready to swallow me whole.

I conjured up a sword wrapped in green flame and swung it at the thing. I wasn't going to be anyone's lunch!

#Hah! Your powers are useless, Blume will just suck them...wah?#

My blade struck the alien head, and cut deep into it. Blume (I guess that was it's name?) made a low groaning noise and dispersed into bits of orange light. The thing was a light construct, just like the ones I could make with my Power Ring!

I glared at Larfleeze and he backed up. #Yuh-oh! That's not how it's supposed to work! How did you do that?!#

“Come over here, and I'll show you!” I flew at him, swinging my sword in a wide arc.

In response, he created a shield of orange light, and blocked my attack. #So that's the power of the Star-Heart? I want it! I want it! Mine!#

“For the last time, the answer is no! Get your own!” We moved apart from one another.

Larfleeze cocked his head at a funny angle. #There's more than one?#

“Well, uh, not that I know of...”

He lunged at me. #Then I want that one!#

I didn't even have the time to use my sword. He grabbed my hand at the wrist. So I let him have it. It was a low blow, I'd say, a good half-inch below the belt.

He howled, letting me go as he buckled in pain. #You kicked me! You kicked me in the (the exact word didn't translate well, but it sounded like 'grithnacks'. I couldn't make this up if I tried!)!#

“Yeah, and if you don't leave me alone, I'll do it again! So keep your “grithnacks” to yourself!”

He held up his ring, and instead of just one light construct, half a dozen of them appeared, all weird-looking aliens. I tried to go insubstantial, but to my shock, they could touch me just fine! I was quickly overpowered, and I felt the strangest sensation, like something was being ripped away from my body!

The other aliens vanished, and, in their place was...me?

The girl seemed as surprised as I was. She looked just like me (or Alison, take your pick), right down to the costume, except hers was orange-and-black.

“What the hell?!” We both said in unison.

#Uh. Hokay. That's just weird. You're supposed to be dead!# He pointed at me.

Both of me...us? God, I don't have the right pronouns for this...anyways, we both turned and glared at him. We started to speak, and I gestured to my clone. “Go ahead.”

She nodded. “What do you mean, dead?”

#I stole you! Your you-ness! The original dies, and then you become my servant!#

Well we were both pretty pissed about that. Clone-me reached him first, and started wailing on the guy.

#Ow! Ow! Stop! You're supposed to be my servant!#

“Screw you! I'm nobody's servant!”

#Then go away!# He made a dismissive gesture with his Ring and...nothing happened. The look on his face was priceless. I wondered what Alien-speak for 'oh snap' was.

So other-me hit him some more, until he finally managed to get some distance between him and her. I...well to be honest, I didn't know what to do, so I just sort of hovered here.

She finally turned towards me. “Aren't you going to do anything?”

“Like...what?”

That floored her as well, and she frowned. I have a rather cute-looking frown. I never really noticed before. I mean, when Alison frowns, she just looks angry. It's weird, I know.

“Well...fuck.”

We both turned to Larfleeze.

#Mm. Well. I think maybe I should leave you ladies alone..?#

“Oh no you don't, this is your fault!” I grabbed one of his arms, and my doppleganger grabbed the other. He struggled (he make look like a joke, but Larfleeze is strong as hell!), but the two of us were too much for him.

#Argh! Let go! I'm sorry! What do you want me to do?#

Good question, that. I mean, sure, he may have created her, but it's not like I wanted him to, you know, un-create her. That'd be like, I don't know...murder or something?

I called Mom and made some excuses while we moved to a more secluded location to have a little chit-chat.

Later...

I was pretty hungry, and I figured we'd all have an easier time talking over food, so I changed into civilian mode and snagged us some Wendy's. I was really tempted to fly through the drive-thru, but decided against it.

My clone didn't seem very hungry, but Larfleeze quickly helped himself. #Mm! Good stuff! You gonna eat that?!#

“Back off, this Double Stack is mine! Anyways, are you sure that stuff is good for you?”

He shrugged. #Can't kill me.# He ate the food so fast I was pretty sure he didn't really taste it, but he seemed to enjoy it. He belched a little. #Not bad, not bad. So...you gonna give me the Star-Heart?#

“God you got a one-track mind! No! I'm not even sure I could give it to you, it's a part of me, like my arm or something!”

He considered that. #So I'd have to kill you...urk!#

My double put him into a headlock. “Yeah, we saw how well that worked!”

#Ugh! Agh! Leggo!#

“Let him go, beating on him might be therapeutic, but it's not getting us anywhere.”

She let him go and sat down in a huff. Again, it just made her look adorable. I guess I really am cute when I'm angry! “So what am I supposed to do now? I don't even have a home to go to! I don't have a life...it's your life! I'm just...a copy!”

Man, I really wanted to comfort her, but I wasn't sure what to do. My first instinct was to give her a hug, but hugging yourself is just too weird.

#That's easy, you can come with me! I got a great place on Okaara!#

“First of all, where the heck is Okaara? Second of all, what makes you think she'd be happy there?” I snapped at him.

To my surprise, Larfleeze actually flinched, looking hurt. #It was just an idea. I got neat stuff. You didn't have to be mean.#

What was up with this guy? One minute he's trying to kill you, the next he's acting like a puppy that's just been scolded!

“I might as well. I mean, it's not like there's room for two of us. One twin sister is bad enough, right?”

Man. She looked about ready to cry. This was so unfair!

Larfleeze made a sniffling noise. #So sad. Larfleeze sorry.#

“Jeez, don't cry. Here, have my fries.” I handed him the carton.

He just looked at me oddly. #Hokay then. We trade! I take the food, you take her back!#

Before I could ask him what the hell he was talking about, he pushed my twin/clone/sister at me. She sort of turned into orange light and literally merged into my body!

“What did you do?! Where did she go?”

Larfleeze made a disgusted face and mumbled something.

“Hey, speak up!”

#I gave it back. The thing I took from you.#

Really, the minute he said that, I sort of felt it. The girl hadn't been a copy- she'd been a part of me all along! “Oh. Um. Thank you?”

Larfleeze stood up. #Whatever. Don't talk about it. I'm going!# His body was surrounded in orange light, and he flew upwards like a speeding comet.

I was just left there, dumbfounded. “Uh...bye?”

Planet Okaara, Vega System

Larfleeze returned without his prize. Lianna was really curious about what had happened, but she was hesitant to bother her master. He seemed...almost melancholy, which wasn't normal.

Finally, however, her curiosity got the better of her, and she asked. He told her the whole story, and Lianna was left dumbfounded. Larfleeze had...given something back? She hadn't even believed he was capable of such a feat!

“I didn't get what I wanted.” He drummed his fingers on the surface of the Orange Power Battery, as if thinking. “It was fun though.” He grinned, and Lianna felt a chill run down her spine.

“It was a lot of fun. I think I'll go back there sometime. Soon.”

Planet Earth, Sector 2814

Mom grounded me, and stuck me with some extra chores. To be honest, though, I didn't mind so much. My random encounter with Larfleeze had left me with a lot of stuff to think about. I wasn't sure how to broach the topic with Jade, but the fact that there were other beings with similar powers to a Green Lantern out there was a new twist.

The Green Lantern's power came from Willpower. The Star-Heart had said my Willpower was weak compared to Jade's, which limited my powers. But what if there was some other power I tap into besides Will?

When I'd been split, or whatever, that other part of me had been upset about being a copy. And really, isn't that what I was? Just a copycat Green Lantern. I'd wanted to be like Jade so badly, but the truth was, I wasn't her.

Maybe it was time to find out who Alena Scott really was. I stared at my Star-Heart ring intently. Was there something about me that set me apart from Jade?

Slowly, a spark of orange light began to form around my Ring, and I couldn't help but smile...

Green Orange With Envy-8 by Lynceus If there's one constant in the universe (other than Death and taxes, of course), it's that things change. Often when you least expect them to. First Jade takes off for parts unknown, and then the Ring she gave me starts acting funny. Then somebody else shows up wanting the Star-Heart. And this time, it's a Green Lantern!

---

Disclaimer: I make no claims to any character or image owned or under copyright by another party, nor do I intend on profiting in any way from their use. The Comics Retcon Universe concept is the creative property of Lilith Langtree.

*(Larfleeze is owned by DC comics, but don't tell him that!)

I knew, of course, that there were aliens out there. And other Green Lanterns. I just didn't expect them to show up so soon. Next thing I know, Jade's going to Oa, their home base, and I get a very cryptic message saying that I might not be able to rely on the Ring she'd given me in the near future!

All while I was still grounded, I might add.

It makes sense when you think about it, but I hadn't realized how much we rely on Jade. She's the keystone of our little community, and with her gone, we suddenly lacked leadership. Not ability, I mean, American Dream is a very capable leader- the problem is, she works directly for the U.S. Government.

And of course, we all have our own personal problems to deal with. Doris was worried about the way Lena was changing, so she wasn't much help, and the girls in Vegas were having their own problems.

I guess, technically, I should have been Jade's replacement, but...yeah. I'm not really the leader type. Now, despite the warnings, our Rings still worked, but we'd gotten out of the habit of using them to communicate. Mostly because there were two other Green Lanterns in town, and we didn't know anything about them.

And it was pretty likely that they could be listening in.

So I was mostly out of touch, and keeping a low profile when Mom called me and told me about the accident. Ships at sea, big ones, have their courses plotted out by some very large computers. You don't want a large oil tanker running into a cruise liner, for example.

However, if those computers are tampered with, well, bad things happen. Which is why I was flying faster than I really felt comfortable doing towards the scene of just such an accident. It was pretty bad, and already I could see a large oil slick forming on the ocean surface.

It was too big of a job for just me, but I was the only one able to respond so quickly. Ever since my encounter with Larfleeze, I'd been practicing with making light constructs. I'd been able to, in the past, impart my constructs with some kind of limited will of their own. When Larfleeze had somehow taken a part of my psyche and turned it into a free-willed copy of myself, he'd opened a door onto a whole new realm of possibility.

Pretty amazing for someone who acts like a spoiled brat, if you ask me.

I wasn't able to copy his feat exactly, mind you, but I was able to create free-willed constructs with powers similar to my own. So far, I could make two at once. Past that, and I started getting a headache.

They didn't look exactly like me, though. I mean, they would, if I was about nine years old. Don't ask, I don't know why I can only make chibi versions of myself. I conjured the two of them up at once- since they're a part of me, they knew what to do, and we each zipped off to perform a different task.

“Oh those poor people! Don't worry, Mom, I'll save them!” That was Rose. She calls me Mom, which is more than a little weird, but she's so sweet I don't have the heart to correct her. I think she's a manifestation of my better qualities.

“Ah screw 'em. They're all rich bastards anyways, right? I'll deal with the spill- planet's fucked up enough as it is, right?” And that was Thorn, who, despite her apparent age, seemed to exist in a permanent state of PMS. I think Alison would enjoy her bad attitude! One thing I have to say though, Thorn was quick to take action.

That left me with the more immediate problem of how to prevent the ships from sinking. I needed some kind of flotation device, and it had to be big. Like a life raft or something. I imagined a floating platform that would appear underneath both ships. Sparks literally came out of my Power Ring as I tried to manifest it.

“Damn it, come on! Work!” I felt light-headed, like I was going to black out.

Mom! Stop it, you're hurting yourself! Even without using a Green Lantern Ring, my Mini-Me's could communicate mentally with me.

Yeah, you don't have enough willpower, remember? Gee, thanks Thorn, for reminding me of my shortcomings.

I wasn't going to back off though. Jade could do this! What kind of hero was I if I couldn't do it as well? It always came back to that. Jade. You couldn't help but respect her, even love her. But I wasn't her. How could I be?

Everyone always compared me to her, of course. The Junior Miss knock-off. It was so frustrating. Why couldn't I be like her? Why? I could do so much, but it was never enough. I wanted more. I want...

My Power Ring flashed with orange light, and to my surprise, it worked! There was now a gigantic life raft supporting the two damaged ships. And it was orange.

“Huh. Well that's not how I'd have done it, but I guess it'll do. Just one question. Why is it orange?”

I turned and saw a large African-American man hovering in the air, wearing a green-and-black costume. His name is John Stewart, and he's the real deal. A Green Lantern.

“Honestly? I have no idea, but it's working, right?” My voice sounded a bit ragged, and to be honest, I was tired as hell.

He nodded. “Yeah, just take it easy while I handle the rest. Your nose is bleeding.”

Oh fuck. It was.

I hung back and watched as John got to work. He created a supporting structure out of green light, and it was a pretty impressive bit of engineering. I wondered if he did this for a living, you know, before the whole Green Lantern gig.

Rose and Thorn helped out as much as they could before returning to me. Thorn was practically carrying her 'sister', and they both looked tired. I smiled and told them they did a good job before dismissing them. I know that seems strange, but they do seem to have memories of the last time I'd summoned them, so for all intents and purposes, they were 'real', and it felt right to treat them like actual people instead of tools.

I know, I'm a big softy.

About this time, my hand feels warm, and I hold it up. The Ring I'd gotten from Jade is sparking ominously with sickly green light. Ugh, what now?

John flew up towards me, and he didn't look happy. “God, I hate doing this. Why did you have to be so young?”

I blinked at him, and suddenly I found myself surrounded by a cage-like construct of green light. “Hey, what gives?!”

“As a duly appointed Green Lantern of Space Sector 2814, and a representative of the Guardians of the Galaxy...you're under arrest.”

I tried to fight him, but I'd burned too much energy saving the ships. And he was way more experienced at this.

He brought me to an abandoned airfield and into the hangar. He carefully deposited me inside a larger cage, closing the door. I was about to throw myself at the bars, when I felt an odd vibration coming from them.

“Please don't. They're designed to dampen your powers, and I don't know if they'll hurt you or not.”

“Why would you care anyways? You just kidnapped me!”

He sighed. “Yeah, I know. You did real good out there. It's just...the thing inside you, the Star-Heart. It's too dangerous. The Guardians have decided you need to be contained until such time as it can be removed from you.”

My response would have done Alison (and Thorn) proud. Unfortunately, I didn't have the energy to do much more than swear at the Green Lantern, so I just sat down. This sucked, and there wasn't anything I could do about it. At some point during our flight, John had removed my Green Lantern Ring (not the Power Ring, thankfully), so I couldn't even call for help!

“Doesn't the fact that I'm a Deputy Green Lantern mean anything?”

John sat down heavily in a chair, facing me. “Not really, I'm afraid. That Ring on your finger isn't like mine, and you don't draw your power from the Central Battery on Oa. As far as the Guardians are concerned, you're just a kid who happens to be in contact with one of the most dangerous things in the universe.”

“I didn't do anything wrong!” I know it sounds like I'm whining. I am. I was so close to tears. Without the Star-Heart, I'm...normal. And that realization scared me more than I wanted to admit.

“I know. I'm sorry, I really am. Transport should be here within the hour. You need something to eat or drink, maybe?”

I gave him the finger, and he sighed. He really seemed like an okay guy, which made the situation suck even more than it already did.

And then I heard the last voice I expected to hear. The last voice I ever thought I'd be happy to hear.

“Hoy Alena! I'm back!” The doors to the hangar opened, and Larfleeze floated in. “Ready for some big fun?”

I blinked. “Larfleeze?! What are you doing here?” Then it occurred to me that I didn't have a Ring to translate his alien-speak. He was speaking...English?

“Oh you know, just in the neighborhood, thought I'd see my good friend Alena!”

Huh? Since when were we friends?

“Hold it, buster! I don't know who you are, but back off. The kid's staying right where she is.” John stepped in front of Larfleeze, his ring glowing with emerald light.

“Huh. Silly Green Lantern. I got a treaty with your bosses, you can't mess with Larfleeze!”

“Treaty? The hell are you talking about...?”

By order of the Elder Council of Oa, Agent Orange is not to be interfered with. John's Power Ring chimed in at that point.

“See?! That's me! So I'm taking my friend now!” Larfleeze grinned.

“Agent Orange...?” John shook his head. “Whatever...look, I'm fine leaving you alone, but the girl stays put.”

“Why is friend Alena in a cage?”

“Because the Guardians want to take the Star-Heart from me!”

“What?! They can't have it! If I can't have it, they can't have it!” Larfleeze practically growled.

“I'm giving you five seconds to clear on out of here, or treaty or no treaty, you're going down.”

Larfleeze, I swear, giggled. “Oh yeh?” He gestured, and suddenly he was flanked by a trio of Orange Lanterns I didn't recognize. Not people, I mean, they were constructs, but I knew from experience that Larfleeze's minions were nothing to sneer at!

John didn't seem intimidated in the slightest. “Nice trick. Not impressed.”

Larfleeze just stepped back. “Get Alena-friend. If Green-boy gets in the way, kill him.”

“Larfleeze, no! Don't kill him!”

The alien gave me an odd look. “Why not?”

“Because he's a good guy!” The universe must hate me. Of all the people to show up to my rescue, I got Larfleeze?!

“Bah! Good, bad. If he fights, he's mine! Mine!”

“Please?” Maybe it's because I was tired and emotionally on-edge, but I sounded pathetic. Which apparently helped, because Larfleeze made a face.

“Oh fine! Don't kill him, just stomp him!”

The fight was quick and decisive. John Stewart is a serious badass, like Samuel L. Jackson with a Power Ring. That having been said, it was three-on-one, and I got the feeling he'd never faced an Orange Lantern before.

They roughed him up a bit, but left him alive. Meanwhile, Larfleeze had walked up to my cage, inspecting it. “Huh! Shoddy workmanship! They call this a cage? Why on Acellus VI, they'd laugh at this piece of junk! It's barely a detainment cell!” He created some lockpicks out of orange light and got to work.

My hero was apparently a career criminal. Yay.

He popped the lock in no time, and I went to check on John. Unconscious, but definitely alive. “Thanks Larfleeze.”

“Huh. Whatever. Now you owe me.”

Uh oh. That didn't sound good. “Uh, sure. What do you want?”

He grinned. “You're coming with me to Okaara!”

You remember that line Sir Alec Guinness said in Star Wars about Mos Eisley?

”You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy.”

That's pretty much Okaara in a nutshell. The planet just looked seedy, even from orbit. I really couldn't say no to Larfleeze. He was way too powerful for me to fight, and really, getting me away from the Green Lanterns was probably a good thing.

At least he let me call Mom before I found myself kidnapped (again!). Interstellar travel is seriously awesome, though. Larfleeze created a platform out of orange light, and opened a kind of, I don't know, wormhole or something, that we zipped through at ridiculous speed.

Speaking of Star Wars, you know that visual effect of the stars streaking whenever the Millenium Falcon goes into hyperdrive? They really do that! So cool.

Larfleeze's 'pad' is an ancient temple. And by ancient, I mean, damn old. You got the impression from the very stones that this place had been around for a gazillion years. Indiana Jones, eat your heart out!

Over the years, Larfleeze had accumulated a lot of stuff, including some rather posh, if alien furnishings. He sat me down on a divan in what was likely the main chamber of worship, but now was basically his throne room. A big orange thing that looked like a giant lantern just popped out of nowhere, and he held his ring up to it for a moment.

Power Ring charge at 100,000% It didn't come as a surprise that Larfleeze's Power Ring had his voice. Also...100,000%? Yikes! Just how powerful was Larfleeze?

“So, what do you think? Nice place, right?!” My God. He sounded...giddy.

“Uh, yeah. Got a real Temple of Doom vibe. So, uh, why am I here again?”

“Well, if Larfleeze can't have the Star-Heart, then having Alena-friend is just as good! You're my guest!”

“...wait a minute. You mean you're keeping me a prisoner?”

He blinked at me. “No! You're just going to stay forever, that's all!”

Oh man, I had such a migraine coming on. Just then, this tall alien babe walked into the room. And by tall, I mean, really tall! She had blue skin and long white hair that came down to her (shapely) behind. She was wearing a white tunic that left nothing to the imagination, but she wore an orange armband with Larfleeze's symbol on it.

“Oh, we have a guest. A Green Lantern?” She seemed pretty surprised.

“Yes! This is my friend Alena! She has the Star-Heart!”

I swear, the woman turned a very pale shade of blue. “The Star-Heart?! You brought it here?”

“Where else would I bring it than my own very lovely home?”

“Uh, hi. I'm Alena.” I waved.

The woman tried to regain her composure. “I'm sorry. You just surprised me. I'm Lianna...Guardian of the Orange Lantern Corps. Such as it is.”

“She's my own Guardian! Not like those little blue guys! She's mine!” Larfleeze seemed pretty impressed with himself.

Lianna sighed. “Yes, that's right. Guardian of the Orange Light of Avarice.”

“...Avarice? Isn't that a fancy name for greed or something?”

She nodded. “Just as the Green Lanterns draw upon the strength of Will, Larfleeze wields the power of Avarice.”

So his power source was...greed? “Huh. That's weird. I never thought of myself as greedy.”

She gave me an odd look. “You..?”

“Yeah, earlier, I tried to make something really big...and it was orange.”

“What?! You..you stole my power!?” Larfleeze seemed horrified.

“No, I mean, I didn't! It just happened!”

Lianna groaned. “You gave it to her.”

“What?! I didn't!”

“Yes Larfleeze. Remember? You told me that you took a part of her identity, and gave it back.”

“Huh. So?”

Lianna's eye twitched. I guess I wasn't the only one that had a migraine! “So, you'd made a construct based on her. With your power. That you gave back to her?”

“Doh!” I kid you not. He said 'doh!'. “I didn't meant to give her that! It's mine, give it back!”

“Damn it! Why does everyone want something from me?! What the hell is wrong with everyone?! I just wanted to be someone special! Is that such a crime?” I couldn't help myself, I burst into tears. Ever since I found the Star-Heart, my life has been one disaster after another, and I'd finally reached my limit.

“...Larfleeze sorry. Just...just...” He looked pained, and finally, in a strangled voice, he finished his sentence. “Just keep it then!” He stood up and stormed out of the room.

Lianna sat down next to me, and offered me her arms. I practically threw myself into her embrace and let the tears come. She stroked my hair gently, and at some point, I passed out.

I woke up a bit later, wrapped in a warm blanket (Larfleeze's place is pretty awesome, but the climate control sucks). I sat up to find Lianna sitting, lotus-style, facing me. I guess sitting is the word- actually, she was floating in mid-air.

“You didn't sleep well. You should lay down again.”

“...I'm okay. Sorry about earlier. I'm not usually so selfish.”

She smiled at me gently. “You are a strange one, Alena Scott. Capable of both great selfishness and selflessness.”

“Selfish? Me?”

She nodded. “When you want something. When you really want something...you want it with all your being.”

I thought about that. “I guess...but I'm not like Larfleeze!”

She actually rolled her eyes. “Well..no, not like that. I mean, the depth of your desire is similar, but your motives are purer. You do genuinely want to help others with your power, even though you couldn't give it up if you wanted to.”

I shifted uncomfortably. It felt like she could see right through me, and some of the things she was saying weren't pleasant to hear.

“I'm sorry. My species is naturally telepathic, and you project very strongly. I'm trying not to pry, but some part of you desperately wants to be heard.”

I sighed. “Yeah. I just don't feel like I have anyone to talk to.”

“I understand. You're different, and that difference bothers you. Yet you feel it's selfish to talk about it to others. I can relate.”

I blinked at her. “You?”

She sighed. “I...I used to be a Guardian. I mean, from Oa. I've...changed. The others consider me to be a rogue...an aberration.”

“I think you're pretty.” God! Don't ask me where that came from!

She smiled again. I really liked her smile. It was...warm. “Thank you. Still, like you, I'm not understood by even those closest to me.”

“Yeah. Even my Mom and my twin sister don't get it. Alison thinks I'm just being difficult. But this isn't easy!”

“Of course it isn't. You wanted something so strongly that you were swept away by that desire. Changed by it. You didn't ask for it, but here you are. Something unique and beautiful, that everyone wants to lock away.”

I blushed. Beautiful? “Uh...yeah, I guess. Is the Star-Heart really that dangerous?”

“Oh yes. It's a source of great power, but it's a power that has no morality of it's own. Good, evil, all these things are irrelevant. You want to use it's power for good, but even you are capable of selfish desires. You lack the Will to restrain those desires, even when they are noble. As a result, there's no telling what you could do. You could become the greatest of heroes, or just as easily, an unstoppable tyrant.”

“A tyrant? Me?!”

“Let's say that you fell in love. And you wanted the person you were in love with desperately. But they did not love you. Could you really resist the temptation to make them be with you?”

“What?! I'd never do that! I mean..I...”

“Just want to be loved. It's a very simple desire. There is a Vegan proverb. 'One who has nothing is the greediest person of all'. Do you understand?”

“...so basically, everyone is right. I am dangerous. I should be locked up.”

She moved next to me, and held me close. It felt good. “No! Of course not. You're a person, you deserve to be free. You need to learn how to control your desires, that's all.”

“That's easy for you to say.” I grumbled.

She kissed my forehead gently. “Don't fret, Alena. I'll help you. In a way it's my job, since you're an Orange Lantern now.”

“What? No I'm not!”

“Well, you're not a Green Lantern, and you are the only other person who wields the Orange Light. Plus, as long as you have Larfleeze's protection, the Guardians will leave you alone.”

“Larfleeze? I thought he was mad at me.”

“Mm. It's hard to say with him. I think, however, he's more angry at himself. It's not like him to share anything, you understand. He hasn't for a very long time. And yet, he's shared something with you, and that bothers him, because he doesn't understand why.”

“That makes two of us!”

“He likes you. You're the first person to stand up to him in a very long time. I think he admires your strength.”

“Uh. I'm not strong. Trust me.”

She ruffled my hair gently. “Alena, you're a lot stronger than you realize. I hope that in the days to come you will come to appreciate that.”

“Days? Just how long is this going to take?”

“Let's just say that you've gotten one of your wishes. Your mathematics class is no longer an issue.”

Oh hell.

Green Orange With Envy-9 by Lynceus While learning about the nature of her powers, Larfleeze makes Alena an offer she can't refuse!

---

Disclaimer: I make no claims to any character or image owned or under copyright by another party, nor do I intend on profiting in any way from their use. The Comics Retcon Universe concept is the creative property of Lilith Langtree.

Larfleeze is owned by DC comics, but don't tell him that!

It's been three days since Larfleeze brought me to Okaara, and I still don't know quite what to make of the Orange Lantern. He hasn't spoken to me much, and so far, he's spent most of his time moping around.

I spent my first night in the temple on that divan in Larfleeze's throne room, but the next day, he surprised me by showing me to a large room complete with a huge bed and a Roman-style bath. “Here. I was saving this for my Queen, but I suppose you can use it.”

And with that, he walked off, grumbling and muttering to himself. Strange guy. Still, I wasn't about to look a gift horse in the mouth, and let me tell you, the bath was heavenly!

Once I felt human again, I found clothing in my size on the bed. The styles were fairly exotic, and I ended up wearing something that looked like it had been stolen from Queen Amidala's wardrobe. The fabric felt like expensive silk, and it was very comfortable.

“May I enter, Alena?”

I turned to see Lianna hovering near the doorway to the room. I've noticed she rarely stands or walks, preferring to glide around. Not for the first time, I found myself a little awestruck by the rogue Guardian. She has the face of an angel, surrounded by a cloud of white hair. That, combined with her sky-blue skin reminds me of an Andorian from Star Trek. She's got to be close to seven feet tall, with a statuesque figure. She has some serious muscle tone for a woman, but she's soft in all the right places.

About the only thing that's not attractive about her is the orange robe she wears, which clashes with her skin tone rather harshly. If Alison saw her, she'd probably wince!

Lianna smiles at me gently. “Does my appearance please you?”

I blush and turn away. “Sorry. Uh, come on in.”

She moves to the bed and sits down gently. “You don't need to apologize. It's illogical, but I rather like the attention. I sense the robes displease you, however.”

“The color doesn't do anything for you, I'm afraid.”

She let out a surprisingly feminine laugh. “I agree! I can take them off, if that would be easier on your eyes.”

“Gah! No, it's ok!”

At that, she laughed. “I'm sorry, I can't help it. You have a lot of, what is the term you humans use...hang-ups?”

I sighed. “Yeah, I know.”

“I want to be your friend, Alena. You don't need to have any hang-ups around me. I'm not going to ridicule you.”

I leaned against the bedpost. “I know. You're a good person.”

She looked away for a moment. “I wonder, sometimes. I've done many things I've come to regret.”

“As long as you regret them, it means you're not bad, right?”

She nodded slowly. “An astute observation, Alena.” She made a gesture, and her robe became this diaphanous white garment that showed off a little more of her body than I was really comfortable with. I turned away, but she stopped me.

“Alena, you are a woman now. You have to learn not to be shy when seeing another woman's body. Your society has some odd taboos. Surely the women of your culture dress to attract the notice of men? Why do you feel like you need to look away?”

“I..I don't know. I just feel...like it's supposed to be wrong. Even if I am a girl.”

She leaned back on the bed. “Because you feel attraction to other females. Something your society frowns upon, yes?”

“I..yeah. I guess.”

“I can feel your desire burning like a fire. You have a strong need for companionship, yet you restrain your feelings, and distance yourself from those who could fill that need. Now don't get me wrong, being able to control yourself is important, but you do so even when it is harmful to you.”

“...Lianna, I don't mean to be rude, but this conversation is making me uncomfortable.”

“I know. There are things you need to learn. Things you need to face. I want to teach you, but you have to let me.”

“...couldn't we start with something, I don't know, more academic?”

She sat cross-legged on the bed. “Certainly, what is it you would like to know?”

“Tell me about the Guardians.”

She smiled and patted the bed next to her. “Then sit next to me.”

I climbed up on the bed. I felt like a little kid next to her. I tried to focus on her words, and not on how strongly attracted to her I was. God, she even smells beautiful! Like jasmine and lilacs...sort of.

“Now, this story begins a long, long time ago.”

“In a galaxy far, far away?”

She giggled. “Yes, as a matter of fact. My people originally came from the planet Maltus. We were among the first sentient creatures in the universe, and we made great leaps in science. In our hubris, however, we made several great mistakes, the greatest of which was an experiment by a Maltusian scientist named Krona.

Krona wished to know how the universe began, so he built a machine that would let him observe the ancient event. As the scientists of your world have come to realize, however, even observing an event can change the event. Krona's experiment created a paradox, and from that paradox, evil entered the universe.

However, a spark of light entered the universe as well, giving us the hope that we could redeem our race. I can see that this legend sounds familiar to you- in truth, every species, every culture, has a similar story.

We began to evolve, our minds expanding, giving us ever-increasing mental powers, and we became immortals. Our bodies shrank, and our heads became larger as a result.”

“Huh? But you look, well, uh...” Jeez. I was about to say she looked human!

She smiled at me. “It's part of why I'm considered a renegade. I'm a throwback to our original form. During Krona's time, all Maltusians looked as I do. As we evolved, however, we sacrificed our physical strength for greater intellect. This is, however, my story, and you wanted to hear the story of the Guardians.

We migrated to another world, Oa, and there we built the Central Power Battery, allowing us to draw upon the power of the Green Element, the Light of Will, as well as grant it's powers to others who proved themselves worthy. Our goal was to bring peace to the universe, to make up for the chaos we had brought into it.

We eventually divided up the galaxy into a number of sectors, and we created the Green Power Rings, sending them out among the stars, each one finding an individual with the Will to protect their assigned sector of space. And thus, the Green Lantern Corps was born.”

“What about the other colors? Where do they come from?”

“The evil that entered this universe is the absence of light. The Black Element, that we oppose. That spark of light that also came into being is the White Element. It quickly fractured, however, into the other Elements. We chose Green because it is the most logical and ordered light. There are others, although not all have revealed themselves to us. I will speak of the Yellow Element first.

Sinestro was a great champion of the Green Lantern Corps. He was resolute in his campaign to rid the galaxy of evil, and many looked up to him. Unfortunately, there was a flaw in his character that we failed to see...or perhaps we blinded ourself to it. Sinestro grew prideful, and began to resent the Guardians. He felt he could do a better job of ordering the galaxy.”

Lianna sighed. “His rebellion was stopped, but at a great cost. Many Green Lanterns died that day. Sinestro was banished, his Power Ring stripped from him. We had lost a champion, but fate had chosen to give us a new one. Hal Jordan.”

“Oh wow. I mean, we knew of him, but not much about him, other than he was the Green Lantern before Jade.”

“Yes, and his loss is a blow to the Corps. There are no doubt many who resent Jade simply because she is not Hal Jordan.”

I frowned. “That explains the treatment she got from the others. Hell, us too, for that matter.”

“Sadly, yes. Many Lanterns were fought fighting Sinestro and his followers, the so-called Sinestro Corps.”

“Wait, you said he lost his powers?”

“Indeed, but he found a new power. The Yellow Element, which governs Fear. Fear, unfortunately, erodes Will, and only the strongest Green Lanterns can fight on equal footing to a member of the Sinestro Corps.”

“Great. My Will isn't so hot to begin with, one of them would make mincemeat of me.”

“Perhaps, perhaps not. Your powers come from the Star-Heart, not the Green Element, after all.”

“So what about the Orange Element?”

“We'd known about it's existence for the past billion years, ever since a band of thieves found their way to this temple. We didn't understand the Light of Avarice, so we took steps to contain it. We allowed one of the thieves to claim it, and ceded this entire star system to him. And, for the most part, he was content to remain here.”

“He..wait. You're saying Larfleeze is a billion years old?!”

Lianna simply nodded. “Being the sole wielder of the Orange Light caused him to evolve into his present state, just as the Oans did so long ago, making him an immortal.”

“Wow, that's amazing.”

She gave me an odd look. “Surely the concept isn't so strange to you. After all, you are also an immortal.”

“...I knew I wasn't going to get old, but immortal?”

“While you can be killed, it is no simple thing, and it will not occur naturally.”

I shivered. “So I could live to be a billion years old?”

“Even older. I myself am over ten billion years old.”

I just gaped at her. Ten billion?! What had I gotten myself into? I mean, in a hundred years, pretty much everyone I knew on Earth would be dead! Mom, Sis...I felt myself shaking. “I...I don't want this!”

Lianna pulled me into her arms. “I'm sorry, I didn't realize how upset you'd be. Doesn't death frighten you?”

It took me a few minutes to calm down enough to answer her. “I..yes, it does. But losing everyone I care about frightens me more.”

“As it should. Immortality is both a blessing and a curse. The worst part of it is the loneliness.”

“Feh! That's not the worst part!”

I turned to see Larfleeze standing in the doorway. He paused, then walked into the room. “I don't need permission! It's my home!”

“No one was disupting that, Larfleeze.” Lianna spoke up.

“And you! Some Guardian you are, dressed like that...no don't bother to change. Whatever.” He paced the room, like a restless animal. What could be bothering him?

“Larfleeze?”

He whirled to face me. “What?!”

“Uh..what's the worst part?”

He blinked. “Of what?”

“Being immortal?” Talk about clueless!

“Oh! That's easy. Boredom. Always bored, never enough to do, or see. Or have. Always hungry for new things. That's the worst part.”

“I didn't think about that, but I guess it makes sense. I mean, what do you do for a billion years?”

Lianna spoke up. “The Guardians have our work, watching over the galaxy, and the universe itself.”

“Bah. That sounds even more boring!”

“It..can be taxing, yes.” Lianna made a sour face. “So you do have a point. Still, I'd rather be bored than lonely.”

Larfleeze seemed to mull that point over. “People always leave you. They die, they go away. So you always end up lonely again.”

“What about other immortals?” I was curious about this myself. There had to be others, right?”

“Bah, like those big-headed old fossils? Bo-ring!”

Lianna coughed delicately.

“Uh, not like you, Lianna. You're not as boring. After all, you're my very own Guardian! You wouldn't leave me, right?”

The Guardian's lips twitched. “No, I'm stuck here for the duration. As per our deal.”

A deal? I would have to ask about that later.

“Yeah! Our deal. You better not break it!” Then Larfleeze turned and looked at me. “I really want the Star-Heart, but I can't have it. So I was thinking...if I can't have it, I could have you, almost as good.”

I was about to protest, but he held up a hand. “Just a minute! Be patient!”

Lianna was quiet, but I could feel her shake from restrained laughter. Larfleeze, telling someone to be patient?!

He coughed. “Ahem, so. I thought to myself, 'how can I keep Alena?'. And then the answer came to me.” He walked over and held out his hand. “Here, take this.” He dropped something.

I was so surprised that he was giving me something that I grabbed without paying attention to what it was. I heard Lianna gasp. I looked down, to see an Orange Power Ring in my hand.

Larfleeze waved it off. “Don't thank me, I got plenty of 'em! Just take it, and then you'll be an Orange Lantern. My Orange Lantern.”

The Ring seemed to glimmer in my palm. I want this. But why? It wasn't the power that tempted me- I had the Star-Heart, I didn't need power. And then I realized what I was seeing in the Ring's luster. Myself. Not Alena, the Green Lantern Sidekick.

But Alena Scott, Orange Lantern. Yes. Yes!

In that instant, the Ring moved onto my finger. It didn't so much replace the Star-Heart Ring as it...consumed it. I felt warm, and orange flames rose up around my body. I felt stronger than ever, filled with confidence! My clothing changed, becoming an orange-and-black uniform bearing that strange symbol- the symbol of the Orange Lantern Corps.

At last, we are one! And it was so. I finally, truly, accepted the Star-Heart. It was me, and I was it. Warmth filled my being, but in the pit of my stomach, also a cold emptiness. It was small, but noticeable.

“The Orange Light of Avarice brings power, but also leaves you wanting.” Lianna sighed. I could tell she had mixed feelings about this.

“Always wanting! Always hungry! Your belly sings, just as mine does!”

I smiled up at Larfleeze. He had given me something, but I was giving him something he hadn't even known he'd wanted. Someone who understood him. “It does, but I accept it. I will be your Orange Lantern...but don't go thinking you can boss me around, Larfleeze.”

“Bah! Who cares? You're mine now! Mine.” Happy as a clam, Larfleeze bounded off. “Party time! Alena is mine! Mine, mine, mine, mine!”

Lianna nudged me. “I hope you know what you've gotten yourself into, Alena.”

“Yeah, me too.”

Green With Envy is over, but Alena's story will continue!

The Misadventures of Ultra Girl!-1 by Lynceus Ultra Girl, the Earth's newest heroine, isn't quite what she seems...

---

Disclaimer: I make no claims to any character or image owned or under copyright by another party, nor do I intend on profiting in any way from their use. The Comics Retcon Universe concept is the creative property of Lilith Langtree.

Portland, Oregon

“...if you're just joining us, this is Shelly Winters, reporting for Fox 12 news. It's been over three hours since a group of armed individuals seized control of a warehouse on the waterfront, taking workers hostage. The Roxxon corporation, which owns the warehouse, has declined to comment on it's contents so far. As of this moment, the Portland Police have been unable to breach the perimeter and...wait, what's that?”

The camera quickly pans over, as a bright orange streak descends from above. Zooming in, it looks like a glowing humanoid figure.

“It's a metahuman, although we can't be sure who it is.”

Gunfire can be heard in the distance, and then a loud explosion.

“Oh my God, what was that?!”

From off-camera, a male voice can be heard. “Holy shit, they have a rocket launcher?!”

“I don't...wait, can you see that?”

The camera zooms in again on a female figure, wearing an orange costume with green trim, striding purposefully through flames, as if they had no affect on her.

“I don't recognize her, is she new?” Again, the muffled voice, probably the cameraman.

“I think so...ladies and gentlemen, we may be witnessing the first appearance of a new metahuman!”

More gunfire can be heard, as the woman enters the warehouse, and right up to a man firing an assault rifle, casually ignoring the bullets. She's shorter than the man, and looks up at him, as if saying something. Then, with one hand, she grabs the man by his shirt and sends him flying towards the police barricade.

“Holy shit, did you see that?!”

“She's just a kid...I mean, it appears that, like so many of the new metahumans, she's a young adult or teenager. I don't think...”

The girl enters the warehouse, accompanied by more weapons fire, and flashes of light. It goes on for several minutes, and then...silence.

“Is it over? What's going on in there?”

The police cautiously move forward, just as the girl exits the warehouse. She holds up her hands when challenged by the police, looking almost bashful. She says something, and then an orange glow surrounds her body, and she flies upward into the air.

“I guess she didn't want to stick around and talk to the cops.”

Shelly turns to face the camera and whispers loudly. “Hey, be quiet, we're still live!” She coughs and raises her voice. “It appears that our new heroine has put a stop to the hostage situation. We'll give you more information as soon as the police are ready to make a statement. Back to you, Gary.”

Phoenix, Arizona

The fire at the metalworking plant had been both sudden and unexpected, no doubt the result of arson. The heat was still too intense for firefighters to get near, even though there were still people trapped in the building.

From above, an orange glowing figure descends right into the heart of the blaze. Several minutes go by, and an explosion rocks the building, causing the firefighters to shield their eyes.

Then, amazingly, figures begin to exit the blaze, led by a smaller figure wearing an orange costume with green trim. She ushers them quickly towards the waiting rescue workers, just as the ground trembles, almost as if due to a localized earthquake.

“It's all right! In just a minute there'll be a...” The girl is interrupted by a pair of twin geysers of earth and soil rising up from the fire. The flames die down as the dirt falls back down to the ground.

The girl turns to the Fire Chief, who is staring dumbfounded at the scene. “Sir, if you act now, you might have a chance of controlling the blaze. But you have to hurry!”

“Wha...right, I got it. Everyone, let's start in on the fire, quick!”

Firemen move forward with hoses, and begin spraying the blaze with flame-retardant chemicals. The Chief turns to the girl. She's wearing a green belt with a 'U'-shaped belt buckle, and looks to be 16 or 17 at most. “Thanks for your help, I'm sure those people appreciate you saving their lives...but who are you?”

The girl grins. “Me? I'm Ultra Girl.” A beeping noise can be heard from her pants pocket. She fishes out a cellular phone. “Oh heck, uh, no time to talk, I've got places to be. Good luck!”

Her body begins to glow, and she flies upwards into the night sky.

The Chief looks after her for a moment. “Thanks a lot, Ultra Girl.”

Elsewhere...

“Christ, another one? This is getting ridiculous.” A male voice.

“So many of them are teenaged girls, I wonder if there's any reason for that?” A female voice.

“Not that we've been able to determine. It appears to be some outside factor, unrelated to the 'metagene' itself.” The man shrugged. “Some powers seem to be rather common. Take this 'Ultra Girl', for example. Flight, invulnerability, super strength. Standard package.”

The woman frowned. “She's incredibly fast as well, to do all that in such a short amount of time.”

“Yeah. And she seems to know exactly what needs to be done...maybe one of the existing metas has been training her in secret?” The man hit a few keystrokes, changing the view on his monitor. “I don't think she's a high priority just yet. Not with this whole 'Star Sapphire' nonsense.”

“Just type up the report, and we'll let Mr. Luthor decide.”

“Yes Ma'am.”

Home Sweet Home

It takes some effort, but I manage to land behind my house without attracting attention. My powers aren't exactly subtle, and typically they manifest a sort of aura that looks like reddish-orange flame. I'm not sure why, exactly, but if I focus, I can make myself less obvious.

I open the back door and step inside, shedding several inches of height as I do. As well as some extra padding here and there- I may like to look at breasts, but I'm just fine with my normal size.

Ultra Girl is older than I am, though, so it's a necessary evil. The reddish hue leaves my hair and I let my costume turn into normal clothing. “Mom, I'm home!”

“I'm in the living room, honey. All anyone can talk about is Ultra Girl this, Ultra Girl that.”

I walk into the living room. Mom's curled up on the couch, watching CNN. I give her a hug and she kisses my cheek. “Did I do good?”

She beams at me. “Honey, you were wonderful. Come on, sit with me.”

I sit down and she puts her arms around me in a tight hug. “I'm so proud of you, baby.”

“I don't know Mom, sometimes I wonder if I should be doing this at all. I mean...I know it scares you.”

She rests her chin on my head. “I won't lie and say that's not true. But if this is what you want to do, you know I won't stop you. I didn't stop your sister, even though I worry about her all the time.”

“I wonder what she'll say when she finds out who Ultra Girl is?”

Mom laughs. “Probably complain about the costume. Personally, I like it. It's practical, not like all the costumes the other girls wear. I mean, I'm not a prude, but I wouldn't walk around in some of those outfits, even when I was young enough to look good in them!”

“Mom, you'd still look good, trust me.”

She hugs me tighter. “You say the nicest things. Mm, that reminds me, we're going to need to get your sister back. Your father wants to see you both.”

“...ugh. Why?”

She shrugs. “He is your father. I imagine if I refuse him, he'll use it as grounds to try and get custody.”

“Wait a minute, I thought he didn't want custody?”

“He's your father. Even if he is a jackass, he does care about you both.”

“Yeah right.” I yawn, despite myself.

“You should go lay down, honey. You have a lot of makeup homework waiting for you in the morning.”

I groan. Superheroes should have an exemption from homework!

I try to sleep, but I'm still restless, even though I'm exhausted. The hostage situation and the fire were the high points, but I'd done quite a bit more. I turn on my computer, and check my email.

I'd been trying to stay off the radar, but I still had a secure email account. There were a lot of messages I still didn't know quite how to answer. Including a new one.

Alena. We need to talk. Please.

I knew I couldn't avoid her forever. Eventually, she'd get tired of her world-conquering and show up at my house. Something had changed though, since I'd left with Larfleeze. The Green Lantern I'd once idolized was calling herself “Queen Jade” and she'd gathered a small army of followers.

They'd currently colonized Mars, and she'd declared independence from the Green Lantern Corps, and replaced the Rings she'd given the others with new ones. Violet Rings.

Lianna hadn't told me anything about a Violet Light. Where had it come from? And what was Jade up to?

I wondered if I really wanted to know. For now, it was easier to pretend being Ultra Girl, and hoping the Green Lanterns didn't catch on. They already thought I was dangerous. How would they feel about my alliance with Larfleeze?
I lay down on the bed, but I remembered something. “Rose? Thorn?”

My girls appeared, sitting on the bed. Rose smiled at me, while Thorn just shrugged.

“You both did a great job tonight. I'm proud of you.”

Rose gives me a hug. “Thanks Mom!”

Thorn just shrugs, but I think I saw the ghost of a smile. “Whatever.”

I grin. “Stay with me tonight, I think I could use the company.”

They may have been created by the Orange Light, but to me, they're my girls, and I feel better knowing that they're safe.

The Misadventures of Ultra Girl!-2 by Lynceus Just when you thought it was safe to grab a quick bite to eat! Enter...The White Rabbit?!

---

Disclaimer: I make no claims to any character or image owned or under copyright by another party, nor do I intend on profiting in any way from their use. The Comics Retcon Universe concept is the creative property of Lilith Langtree.

Reno, Nevada

It had been another long night as “Ultra Girl”. I'd been trying my best to not patrol a set area, dealing with threats all over the country. I mean, I knew it was only a matter of time before people started putting two and two together (if they haven't already!) and figured out who “Ultra Girl” really was, but I figured I should at least try to keep up the charade.

So far, at least, no one had shown up to try and recruit me...hell, I hadn't even had my first “team-up” yet! I mean, as Ultra Girl, that is. As goofy as my plan was, it seems to be working; at the very least, I haven't had any visits from unfriendly Green Lanterns yet!

It felt good to be seen as my own person, and not just “Green Lantern's sidekick”. Hell, if anything, U-Girl seemed more popular than my old identity ever had been. Some enterprising soul was already marketing “Who is Ultra Girl?” merchandise! I guess I should be annoyed that I'm not getting a cut of the proceeds, but the stuff was actually pretty cool-looking, and I couldn't resist ordering a tee-shirt.

I was planning on wearing it to school as soon as it came in the mail. Totally meta, right?

Really though, it was hard to stand out as a supergirl these days. It seems like you couldn't walk five feet without running into one! I'd been keeping a list for some time now, and even though I'm sure it's not complete, there's a lot of entries.

Jade, Terra, American Dream, Miss Mars, The Spectre, The Flash, Cosmic Girl, Night Girl, Free Spirit, Giganta, Purgatori, Dream Girl, The Lightning, Aquagirl...the list just goes on. Not to mention a pair of new heroes who popped up recently in Boston, Miss Terrific and Doll-Girl.

A population explosion of superheroines. And a lot of them used to be guys! I really wish I understood why that was. I mean, I know how it happened to me, but for a lot of the others, it was a total mystery.

I hadn't really heard of any male superheroes, to be honest. And villains are still in short supply as well. Oh sure, there's Lena's dad, and that lunatic Superia, but I really didn't count Clara Ann or even Lily as bad guys. Well okay, Mordru, but I think it's safe to say he won't be a problem any time soon.

Hm, I wonder how they're getting along. Of course, Alison says she's encountered some real bad types across the pond. Mostly due to following Johanna around, I bet.

So yeah, I've had a lot to think about lately, and nobody to talk to about it. Which is my own fault, and I know it. But I have enemies out there, and I'm not ready to take too many risks just yet. Still, I suppose I should fly out to Chicago and visit L + R and Doris.

Tomorrow.

The empty feeling in my tummy was getting hard to ignore. It doesn't affect me as badly as it does Larfleeze, but my caloric intake has noticeably increased. Mom keeps thinking I got some kind of alien tapeworm. If only she knew!

I guess it would be worse if I wasn't drawing off my own power source, but still, the machine needs fuel. I've learned that there's a limit to how much I can draw on the Star-Heart before I hit rock bottom.

I saw a Kwikkee Burger restaurant and decided that would do. I dampened my light-trail and veiled myself as I descended. I was just about to change my appearance when I saw what was going on in the restaurant.

The patrons and staff were on the floor, while the manager was handing two large sacks over the counter. One full of bills, the other with Kwikkee Double Cheesburgers!

And he was handing them to a woman whose fashion sense would make Alison try to tear her eyes out!

She had long reddish-blonde hair, and was wearing a long Victorian-style blue coat, was carrying a purple umbrella, and, I kid you not, had a pair of white rabbit ears on the top of her head! She had a couple big beefy guys with her, wearing letterman-style jackets, except instead of a sports team, the back of each jacket had the image of a playing card on the back.

One was the Three of Spades, and the other was the Jack of Clubs. Oh and they had guns. Big ones.

Three grabs the loot, and the woman turns. She's got a killer figure, but she's younger than I first thought, maybe a year older than I am. She's painted her face white, but it's a professional job. Under the coat, she's wearing a white corset over an equally white leotard, and, oddly enough, white slacks and fur-lined boots. A pocket watch hangs from her coat, and she has a pair of white gloves.

Really, she looked more like a cartoon character than a person. A hot cartoon character, but still!

I become visible and slam open the doors. “I'd like a #4 combo and three sides of bad guy, to go!”

The goons raise their guns, but the girl just gets this big, crazy smile. “And here I thought I'd have to rob a library to get some attention! Look who it is, boys, Ultra Girl!”

I felt a little shiver go down my spine. There was something about the girl's voice...focus Alena, focus! Now's definitely not the time! “I'm afraid so. Might as well put down the guns, Tweedle-Dum and Tweedle-Dee, they won't work on me.” What can I say, I picked up on the Wonderland-schtick.

If anything, the girl's smile got even wider. “Ooh I like that! Bob, Tim, from now on, those are your new names!”

The Jack of Clubs didn't seem to care for this turn of events. “There's no way I'm letting you call me Tweedle-Dee!”

Three of Spaces growled. “Hey, are you calling me dumb?”

“Boys, boys, shh. Take the money and go, I'll deal with Ultra-Girl.”

I grinned. “You're pretty confident, ain't ya?”

She leaped forward, and I barely had time to move to the side. Holy crap, she was fast! I mean, she's no Flash, but still! “Aww, playing hard to get?” She stabbed at me with her umbrella.

I knocked it aside, but the brief contact sent an electric charge down my arm, numbing it. “Ahh!”

Still grinning, she got right up into my face. “I guess you could say I have a stunning effect on people!”

Now normally, a bad pun like that would make me groan. But being so close...wow. She was really cute under that face paint, and she even smelled nice. My skin felt hot, and my heart raced. God, I wanted her.

She reached out and placed her hand on my cheek, a look of wonder in her eyes. “You...I'm affecting you? But that's not...”

I came to my senses just then. She may be gorgeous, but she was a villain. And I'm a hero. I pushed her backwards. Instead of falling, though, she stayed on her feet in abject defiance of physics, twirling in what looked like a dance step.

She gave me a hurt look, then snarled. “Bitch! I hate you!” She aimed her umbrella at me, and a bolt of lightning came shooting at me!

Ultra Girl has a reputation for being invulnerable. This, of course, is due to the fact that my 'costume' is really just window dressing. I'm actually 'wearing' a skin-tight force field. I had been more shocked than anything when I touched her umbrella before, but now I was ready for it. The electricity didn't even make my hair stand on end.

“Hey, stop, that tickles!”

She bounded at me again. I tried to dodge, but just like before, she's a touch too fast for me. Instead of hitting me with the umbrella, she opted to simply punch me. The force knocked me back a few feet, even though it didn't really hurt. Great, she's strong too!

“You're making fun of me! You...I'll kill you!” Just then I realized she was crying. What...what was wrong with this girl?

First things first, though. I had to make sure the people here were safe, since this was bound to escalate. “You have to catch me first, Alice.”

I flew out of the restaurant, with her in hot pursuit.

“Get my name right! The White Rabbit! The White Rabbit!”

“Ok White, but just so you know, Jefferson Airplane called- they want their song back!”

For that wisecrack, I took another hit from her umbrella. I'm sure Lena would love to know what she's using to power that thing- she could make a cool billion off the technology. Unless...

Yes, it had to be. The umbrella must have a metal core, she's using it as a conductor. It doesn't have a power source...she's the power source!

Two police cruisers pull up as I lead her to an abandoned lot across the street. I hope the cops would have the good sense to stay out of this! I flew up a bit to get out of her reach. “Now White, don't you think we can talk about this?”

“Stop laughing at me!” She picked up a rock and tossed it at me. I moved out of the way, and quick- with her strength, she had to have a fastball that would put Nolan Ryan to shame!

“I wasn't...” Fuck. She wasn't listening to reason. “Look, I'm sorry, but you can't just rob people!”

“Why not?! Why should I care about them? They don't care about me! They think I'm a freak!”

“Uh..hey...you're not a freak.”

“That's easy for you to say! You're beautiful! They love you!” She leaped at me, and I was too stunned to even think to move. Not too many people can leap 20' in the air without a running start, you know!

She punched me in the jaw just as I said the first thing that came into my head. Gravity took over at that point. I hit the ground with a loud thud. She barely made a sound.

Next thing I know, she's on top of me, shaking me violently. “What did you say?! What did you say?!!”

“I...uh...just...that you're beautiful too!”

She stopped and gave me an odd look. She let go and moved close. “You're lying. You don't think that.”

“I do. I really do.”

She moved in real close, and her lips brushed against mine. An electric charge went through my body, and I'm not sure it was her powers! When I didn't resist, she kissed me harder, and I felt her tongue enter my mouth (it was kind of open at this point, I mean, I was completely floored by this girl- in more ways then one!). She touched my tongue with hers, and I couldn't help but moan a little.

She pulled away, her eyes glistening. “You...you're like me. You...like me?”

“Well, uh...yeah.” Oh come on! What would you have said?

She smiled again, and my God, it was the cutest smile ever. She opened her mouth to say something, but right about then, we got interrupted.

“Police! Freeze!”

She frowned. “Damn. I guess that's my cue.” She put her hand on my breast, and winked at me. “Until next time, baby!” She whirled and leaped right over the cops, giggling and laughing as she did. They turned to fire, but she was far too fast for them. “Callooh callay, oh frabjuous day!”

And then she was gone.

I managed to regain my composure and had just stood up when the cops turned to me. “Hey, you, don't move!”

I held up my hands. “Uh, hey now, I was just here to help...I wasn't robbing the place!”

“Uh huh, whatever kid. You just come with us.”

The other cop turned to his partner. “Wait a second, Jerry. She's the kid who rescued those people in Phoenix the other night.”

“What, really? Hey, is that true?”

I nodded. “Yessir.”

“Well hell. Ok fine. Get out of here. You'd just be more paperwork anyways.”

I told them about the other two losers before I went, and took off. In the comics, the police are usually pissed off about vigilantes, but from my experience, the real police are actually kind of happy to have the help. Either that, or they have a problem arresting cute young girls.

Take your pick.

I was famished by the time I got home, but thankfully Mom had made dinner for me, which I quickly devoured. I've said it before and I'll say it again. My Mom is the best.

I took a shower, but it didn't do anything to make me stop thinking about Rabbit. In fact, it just made me think about her more...I was pretty aroused by this point. I'm not going to go into details (I won't be sixteen for another two months, you know!), so, ah, let's just say I found a new use for the Orange Light.

I lay down on my bed, exhausted, but I couldn't stop thinking. About her. She's a thief. A bad person. But I just wanted to find out why she was hurting so much inside. Make it stop. I wanted to protect her.

Oh God. Was I really in love?

Chicago, Illinois

Doris had listened patiently to my story. There's something about Giganta that makes me let down my guard. I hadn't intended to tell her about my being Ultra Girl...but I did anyways. If Lena or Rena had been there, I probably wouldn't have, but it was just the two of us.

“...uh, so that's everything.”

She sighed. “Alena, seriously? I just don't understand, we're your friends, why wouldn't you let us help you?”

“Because...I didn't want them to come after you too. I know that sounds stupid, but the Green Lanterns think I'm dangerous!”

She nodded. “I...I guess you do have a point. But don't expect the others to agree. You are going to tell them, right?”

I bit my lower lip. “I...fuck. Now I have to, don't I? I can't expect you to keep secrets from the others.”

“Not forever, but at least for now, I can.” She reached out and took my hand, giving it a squeeze. “You're a very mature young woman, but you're not an adult. Not yet. You have to work a lot of things out for yourself, more so than a lot of people. Just remember that there are people who care.”

“Thanks Doris.”

“Anytime. Pheromones.”

“Wha?”

“Your White Rabbit. The way you reacted to her. I mean, I admit, it's possible to fall in love with someone in a short amount of time...I should know...but the physical reaction you had, it's very likely White Rabbit gives off very potent pheromones.”

“Huh. You know, now that you mention it, she did say something about being surprised she could affect me...”

Doris nodded. “It's likely they don't normally affect women.”

Oh fuck. “So what you're saying is, men fall all over her, but women don't?”

“Most likely, women feel threatened by her. We've come a long way, but it hasn't been that long, really, since we were animals.”

“And she's a lesbian.”

“It would seem that way. So quite probably, she sees her powers as a curse.”

“Yeah, but I am a girl, so why am I immune?”

“Your body is female, yes, but your brain isn't. It's still wired like a teenaged boy's.”

“Thank God for that.”

She laughed. “I don't know, it's kind of fun to flirt.”

“Gah!”

That just made her laugh more. “Sorry, I shouldn't tease you like that.”

I sighed. “It's okay. Reminds me of Alison.”

“How much does she know?”

I looked away. “I...I know how she'd react. She's always protected me, not the other way around. I don't know that she'd be too happy with me.”

“She's your sister, Alena. Look, your mother supports you. At least give Alison a chance. She might surprise you.”

“Yeah, right after she gives me a black eye. Doris...am I doing the wrong thing?”

“It's hard to say, hon. I know why you've made the choices you have, and believe me, if I thought I was putting Lena in danger, I'd probably try something drastic too. Of course, it's hard for me to keep a low profile. She'd find me eventually.”

“Yeah, she probably would. But what about Jade?”

She blew a lock of hair out of her eyes. “I don't know. She still seems like the old Jade, but I admit, she's changed in ways I don't even think she's aware of. She's become a lot more impulsive, that's for sure. Still, she's not your enemy, Alena.”

“I need to think. I...should go to London.”

“You should. But you can't stop thinking about that girl.”

“Gah! Get out of my head!”

She grinned at me. “Sorry. I know how you feel, I've been there. Although I am worried that she might be more than you can handle. It sounds like she's damaged goods, Alena. And you have a big heart. Just remember, you might not be able to save her.”

I nodded. “I know. But what can I do?”

She got up and hugged me. “Not much. We have to follow our hearts. But if she hurts you, I'll kick her into orbit.”

I wasn't sure if she could really do that, but it was nice to know that she cared. “Thanks. I think.”

She kissed the top of my hair. “Go on, get moving, before the girls get home.”

“Sure thing, Big Sister.”

She ruffled my hair, and the door opened. I turned invisible and phased out of the warehouse. I'd have to face the girls soon, but not today. I had a lot of other things to do.

If only I could get Rabbit out of my head long enough to do them!

The Misadventures of Ultra Girl!-3 by Lynceus Johanna Constantine has a lot of enemies, and now one of them has taken Alison! Never fear...Ultra Girl is here?!

---

Disclaimer: I make no claims to any character or image owned or under copyright by another party, nor do I intend on profiting in any way from their use. The Comics Retcon Universe concept is the creative property of Lilith Langtree.

Liverpool, England

Normally, finding my sister wouldn't be too hard. But when she didn't answer any of the calls or texts I sent her, I started to get worried. You know how people say that twins have some kind of ESP? I've always thought it was a load of bull. Hell, despite appearances, Alison and I aren't even identical twins!

And yet, I couldn't shake the feeling something bad had happened to my older sister. I knew the best way to find her would be to find that loser Johanna Constantine. From what Ali had told me, just about everyone in Liverpool knows Jo. Of course, knowing someone doesn't mean you like them very much- Johanna wasn't going to win any popularity contests, that's for sure!

After the fourth time someone slammed a door in my face, I was starting to get desperate, when a cab pulls up right on the curb, and the driver, a forty-ish (I think) looking man jumps out. “Bloody 'ell, Alison! Where have you been?”

I frown, trying to remember something. “Wait, you're Chas, aren't you?” Alison had told me all about 'Chas' Chandler, who was probably the only real friend Johanna had. Lucky him.

“Well, yeah, who the 'ell else would I be? You ok, Ali girl?”

“I'm not Alison, I'm her sister, Alena.”

“Oh Christ, then you don't know...uh...” He suddenly got nervous.

“Mr. Chandler, I suggest you start talking. You say you know my sister, so believe me when I say this. I'm the dangerous one.”

Chas gulped. “Now hold on, I didn't say I wouldn't...maybe we could get in my cab while I take you to see Jo?”

“It's a start.”

Royal Liverpool University Hospital

Every time I'd seen Johanna Constantine before, she'd been strong and confident. To a fault. Now, however, she looked a lot older, tired, and beaten. She had been crying, and from the bandages, in pretty bad shape. There was a bruise on her cheek, and bandages on her head and arm. Her vitals looked strong, but she looked...broken.

She perked up just for a moment when I came in. “...Ali?”

I never had a chance to speak. “Alena. I...I screwed up.”

I wanted to be angry at Johanna. I really did. But for some reason, seeing her like that... “What happened to Alison?”

She sighed. “I tried to tell her that followin' me about would just get her hurt...she never listened.”

“Johanna. Tell me what happened to my sister.” It was taking all that I had to keep calm.

“Neat trick, makin' yer eyes glow like that, luv.”

I blinked. “What?”

“Orange. Funny, I thought green was your color.”

I frowned. “It's...complicated. Ali?”

“Yeah. Fuck, I wish I could have a smoke. Chas?”

“Jo, you quit, remember?”

“Oh yeah. Fuck.” She raised her good hand. “Ok, so here's the deal. There's this guy, Boggs. Calls himself, get this 'The Magician'. We tangled once or twice, and I might have left him in a bind. Ok, I did. Anyways, he shows up wanting me to lead him to someone. I told him to stick it up his arse, sideways. So he and his boys give me a beating. Which I'm fine with, not the first time. But Alison shows up to...rescue me.”

She looked ill. “She's a smart girl, but she's not ready to take on a real magic-user. He took her, and let me go. Said if I didn't do what he wanted, he...” She trailed off.

Orange flames appeared around me. I couldn't hold it in any longer. “What was it he wanted you to do?!”

She gave me a sad look. “Tell him where to find Illyana.”

Fuck. Magik was the Sorceress Supreme...well sort of. Anyways, I couldn't blame Johanna for not wanting to betray her- even if that was his usual M.O.. But this Boggs guy was going to pay. “Where is she?”

“Not sure, really. He said he'd be in touch when I got out of here.”

“Johanna...I...I want to hurt this guy.”

“Me too, luv. Hey, hold onto that feeling. Maybe I can do somethin'.”

“Jo, you need to rest, I...”

“Chas. You and me been mates for a long time. I don't deserve a friend like you, with all that's happened to you 'cuz of me. But I...I gotta do this.”

Chas nodded. “Ok Jo.”

Johanna sat up and began chanting something. I could feel tendrils of energy moving towards me. The instant they made contact, they were absorbed by my aura, and I understood.

Jo blinked. “What the hell?!”

“It's ok. I know what I need to. I'll find her.” I phased right through the wall and flew out, changing into my Ultra Girl persona. I didn't really feel like explaining how my powers let me 'eat' magic. At least, not now.

Merseyside, England

The spell was designed to lead me towards the object of my desire. In this case, “The Magician” and my sister. The Orange Power Ring had given me a new ability, allowing me to consume magic, something I'd discovered by accident when I stripped the enchantment right off of my old bracers.

Doing so let me, I don't know, grok the spell somehow. It's hard to explain. I'm not a spellcaster, but if I 'eat' a spell, I can use my own magical energies to copy it. Which is why I'm still super-strong as Ultra Girl. Lianna knew one or two spells- while the Guardians didn't think much of magic as a whole, she'd studied it once. After she casted the ones she knew at me, I know had the ability to use them. Sort of.

Like I said, it's weird. I can't really do much with a 'fire-and-forget' spell. But if it's an enchantment, or an ongoing effect, like the strength-enhancement of my bracers, or this divination spell Jo used, I could replicate and power it. Only one effect at a time, though. Magic is weird, it's always changing and shifting. Maybe if I had the training, I could keep more than one spell up, but who knows?

I felt myself led to an old warehouse, and somehow, I 'knew' this was the place. I didn't even try to be subtle about it, I just phased right in through the roof. I hit a magical ward of some kind, but my Power Ring just leeched all the energy right out of it. I didn't know the limits of this ability yet, and if I was going to fight a full magic-user, I really didn't care to.

“Rose, Thorn!” The girls simply appeared, wearing versions of my Ultra Girl outfit.

“Yes Mother?” Rose looked concerned.

“We gonna kick some ass now?” Thorn glowered. I haven't the heart to tell her how cute she looks when she does that.

“Yes, but first, I need you both to find Aunt Alison while I make a distraction.”

Not that I had to do much, already some men were yelling and pointing at me. And drawing guns. Large guns. So much for England's firearms control laws!

I dropped down the ground as quickly as I could, increasing my mass while adding extra power to my force field. It's a trick I'd seen Doris use, and I was rewarded with a slight earth tremor that knocked the men off their feet. I couldn't quite match Giganta, but it was still impressive.

“Alright, I'm only going to say this once! I'm here for Alison Scott! Hand her over, or prepare to get your butts kicked by a girl!”

A handsome man with red hair stepped into view. He was wearing a tight black tee-shirt that showed off his muscles, and black slacks. Maybe most girls would be attracted to him, but I just thought he looked like a smug jerk. And I planned to wipe that smirk right off his face!

“Well, this is interesting. How on Earth does Johanna know Ultra Girl, I wonder?”

“You must be Boggs. The girl, or I turn this place into scrap metal. And I don't really care if you're in it when I'm done.”

He laughed and made a gesture, hurling a bolt of lightning at me! Aw jeez, not this again!

The electricity hit my force field, and I got one hell of a shock, even though my Ring was able to consume most of the magical energy. If that had hit me, I could have died! I launched myself at him, and his eyes widened just a bit in surprise.

I'd caught him off-guard, but not by enough, as he conjured a wall of white light. Which I ran into, and bounced off of. I growled and held out my hand, touching the wall. My Ring glowed, and the wall began to flicker.

“What...how are you...stop that!” He dispelled the barrier before I could finish the job. That was interesting. He didn't want me to destroy his spell. Why was that?

“Not so confident now, are you?” I moved forward and swung my fist at his head.

Just my luck, the guy was some kind of martial artist. He grabbed my arm, sidestepped, and I felt his foot touch mine. And then I was flying forward! Thing is, I may not know how to fight, but I do know how to fly- I can literally stop on a dime, and that's what I did just then, pivoting in place to face him.

“You present an interesting challenge, however, this ends now.” He held up his hand, and I could see a glimmering chain in his grasp which led deeper into the warehouse. “The girl's life is bound to this chain. Cease and desist, or else...”

Before my eyes, the chain flickered and vanished. Good girls! They must have absorbed the spell when they saw it was able to hurt Alison!

The Magician gasped, and staggered back, obviously stunned. He must invest a part of himself into his spells, losing them like that is painful to him! Not that it mattered now- I flew forward and grabbed him by the neck.

“Listen up, you magical jackass! You better forget all about the Sorceress, Alison, and Johanna! Swear! Swear you won't pursue them, or I'll crush your damn throat!” The orange flames of my aura wrapped around my hand, and he shrieked when they touched him, as if they were literally burning him!

“I swear, I swear! Make it stop!”

I dropped him, and just stared at my hand. My power had tried to...consume him alive! I shivered. Larfleeze could literally steal someone's identity, creating an Orange Lantern copy of them. Realizing I could do something similar scared the hell out of me- I'm not a killer!

“Ok, hold up, who are you girls, exactly?”

I turned to see Alison flanked by Rose and Thorn. “Wellll...I guess you could say...” Rose was biting her lower lip.

“We're Alena's daughters. Jeez, get with the program, will you?” Thorn sneered.

“Daughters?! What the fuck...” Alison then noticed me for the first time. “Ultra Girl? Wait, I thought my...” I could almost see the light bulb over her head as Ali put two and two together.

“Alena?! You...!”

I gave Boggs a kick (I noticed his henchman were running like hell) as I walked over to her. “Not now, I'll explain later, I promise.”

“You better believe you will!”

Apartment of Francis Chandler

Apparently the flat that Jo and Alison shared had been trashed by Boggs (I found out his name was Elliot. Elliot?!), so when we sprung Jo out of the Hospital, we ended up at Mr. Chandler's place. Alison kept giving Rose and Thorn odd looks while I told my story.

I didn't comment on how closely Ali and Jo were sitting. I don't really dislike Johanna..but she was trouble with a capital 'T'. Something my sister didn't need much help getting into!

But..I knew Alison loved the bitch, so what could I do?

“Damn it, Alena! You should have told me what was going on! And don't give me that crap about trying to protect me! I get enough of that from this one!” She elbowed Jo, who groaned in pain.

“Ali, 'luv, I just got out of the hospital, could you try not to break me?”

“Quiet, I'm still mad at you too. A little.” Alison then kissed Jo, and I swear, the temperature in the room went up a few degrees.

“I'm sorry. I know it was wrong, but...I was scared. Really scared. That John Stewart guy...he beat me in like, two seconds. I...I couldn't get away from him. And there's more than just him. A lot more.”

“Jade would have protected you. She's got, like, an army now.”

I looked away. “Yeah...”

“Wait a minute. You? Jade's #1 fangirl? You, of all people, don't trust her?” Alison raised her eyebrow.

“I...I know it sounds stupid, but...”

Ali started to laugh. “Oh God! I don't believe it! My sister is finally making sense!”

I frowned. “What are you talking about?”

“Alena...look, I had reservations about this whole 'super team' thing from the get go. Jade is just too good to be true, you know? Never talking about herself, always keeping us at a distance, while being Miss Perfect all the time? But you, ha! You practically worshipped the ground she walked on!”

“I...” I wasn't sure what to say. Part of me wanted to defend Jade even now- deep down, I didn't believe Jade was a bad person. Far from it! And yet, I couldn't deny her actions of late had me worried.

Alison sighed. “Sorry, being abducted kind of put me on edge a bit. Plus I was worried about you, Sis.”

“I know. I'm worried about me too.”

“Well, now maybe we can figure out what to do next.”

I scratched the back of my neck. “Well, um, actually, we need to go back home.”

“What? Why?!”

“Dad wants to see us.”

Alison got an odd look on her face. “Dad? But...no. No way.”

“Mom says if she refuses, he might try to challenge her for custody.”

“The fuck he will! I'd like to see him find me!”

Jo gently touched Alison on the arm. “Love. He might not be able to find you, but he could cause trouble for your Mum.”

“Fuck. Wait a second though, how are we going to do this? I mean, you're a girl now!”

I grinned at her. “Yeah, too bad I don't know anyone who could disguise themselves as Alan.”

“Well, maybe Miss Mars could...oh.” She smacked herself on the forehead. “Duh. So you'll pretend to be me? That should be good.”

I shrugged. “What else can we do?”

Alison got up and sat next to me, giving me a tight hug. “Only the best we can, Sis. Ok, but Jo's coming with us. I want Mom to meet her anyways.”

“Now wait just a minute, don't I get a say in this?”

Thorn grinned. “I'm going to take a wild guess and say...no.”

Rose giggled. “Thorn! Be nice!”

Alison looked at me. “They kind of remind me of someone.”

“Yeah. Us!”

“Huh. Never thought I'd be an aunt this young. So any other problems you need big sister to help with?”

I felt my cheeks burn. “Uh...well, actually, there's this girl...”