In the cosmic space near Oa, the battle between Hulk and Parallax continued. Although Parallax's strength weakened over time, his injuries grew more severe, and the chaotic consciousness in his mind was increasingly burned away, it was still challenging for Hulk to kill him quickly. After all, Parallax was still a monstrous entity of near-godlike strength, with vitality even surpassing Hulk's. To defeat him swiftly, Hulk would need to further master his rage and enhance his power; otherwise, he would need time to wear Parallax down.
"It looks like this is going to take a while. Let's check on Oa; there's some business with Miss Martian there, and we can also get a view of the battlefield," Robert suggested to the Avengers observing nearby.
Robert mentioned Oa because Miss Martian was still there. Earlier, the three had teleported together into a forbidden palace on Oa. Robert had teleported out with Parallax, while Kara flew out to continue fighting him. Miss Martian, however, had stayed on Oa.
After Robert and Kara left, Miss Martian spent some time observing Oa and engaged in discussions with the Green Lantern Corps. Without her, they wouldn't have known that the Guardians of the Universe were dead and that Sinestro had become part of Parallax.
When the Avengers had dealt with Parallax's gigantic form, the Green Lantern Corps, especially Tomar-Re and Kilowog, felt relieved, glad they no longer had to worry about Sinestro interfering with the Avengers. However, when a humanoid monster resembling Parallax with the same powers appeared, they realized he hadn't been truly defeated—he'd only grown stronger.
Fortunately, the Avengers had not disappointed the Green Lantern Corps. Kara and the Avengers kept Parallax contained, though just as the Green Lanterns breathed a sigh of relief, Miss Martian entered their control center with news of the new Parallax and the Guardians' demise.
The Green Lanterns' morale took a severe hit. They realized that even if Parallax was eventually defeated, they would never return to their former status. The Guardians of the Universe, their leaders, were gone. Sinestro, who was once the Corps' last hope and far stronger than other Lanterns, was dead too. Though their numbers were still large, they now lacked both powerful leadership and direction.
Without a stabilizing figure, how much longer could the Green Lantern Corps continue? The Corps was made up of diverse races from across the universe. With a leader, they could maintain internal stability, but without one, it could easily lead to chaos and even conflict within.
And Oa itself, a valuable asset, was now likely coveted by many, with each Green Lantern beginning to look at their former comrades with a hint of distrust.
"Don't worry, there's a way to solve your problem. Isn't the Avengers an ideal candidate to lead you?" Miss Martian's voice interrupted their dark thoughts, snapping them back to reality as they looked at her in shock and apprehension.
The Lanterns weren't shocked by the suggestion that the Avengers lead them, but by how Miss Martian had been able to read their thoughts so easily. The Green Lantern rings had built-in mind-shielding capabilities, and experienced Lanterns trained to build mental defenses. This had previously helped prevent Parallax from easily exploiting their fears.
Now, without any signs of an attack, Miss Martian had effortlessly read their thoughts.
"You don't need to worry; if you join the Avengers as an auxiliary organization, I won't be reading your minds. After all, I don't target allies. But for now, you're not allies," Miss Martian said calmly, a slight smile on her face.
Seeing the wary looks, she added, "If it's any consolation, without Hal, the Avengers wouldn't have come all this way. Otherwise, Oa and the Green Lantern Corps might already have been destroyed by Parallax."
Seeing Hulk battle Parallax on their main screen, Tomar-Re hesitated. It was clear the Avengers were far stronger than the Green Lantern Corps in its current state. But since they hadn't known each other before, it felt bitter to think of placing the Corps under the Avengers' authority.
Miss Martian noted their hesitation and pressed, "The Avengers saved you, didn't they? Even if Parallax had absorbed all of Oa's fear energy, the Avengers would still have been able to stop him, and at that point, there wouldn't be a Corps left to worry about."
"Oh, by the way," Miss Martian continued, "I've already informed the Avengers. Since Hulk can handle Parallax alone, the others are on their way over to rest."
As the Avengers began approaching Oa, many Green Lanterns realized the advantages of becoming an auxiliary unit. With the Avengers' support, they wouldn't have to fear facing powerful enemies alone.
"You're pretty good, kid, scaring so many Lanterns all by yourself," Robert teased as he appeared next to Miss Martian. The sudden appearance of Robert and Kara startled the Green Lantern Corps.
In truth, Robert wasn't too invested in Oa. While the Corps had a large membership, their average combat power was, in his view, no greater than that of the older-model Stark-built Iron Man suits.
Still, Robert worried that if he left Miss Martian alone, the Lanterns might act impulsively and attack her. While she was skilled, it was unreasonable to expect her to handle them alone.
That said, the Green Lanterns had no intention of attacking. Miss Martian's mind-reading ability had made them wary, and they knew from her earlier words that Parallax, who could wipe out Oa, was no match for the Avengers.
Seeing Robert and Kara arrive without acknowledging them, the Green Lanterns became uneasy. Did the Avengers even want to incorporate them?
Miss Martian chuckled aloud, hearing their thoughts. Before, they were hesitant about joining the Avengers; now, they were worried they wouldn't be accepted. This change was almost amusing.
Fortunately, their concerns were short-lived. Steve Rogers and Tony Stark arrived shortly after, eager to recruit such a powerful cosmic organization.
For Tony Stark especially, the Green Lantern Corps could be instrumental in gathering intelligence on Thanos and the Infinity Stones and perhaps even help track down Howard and Maria Stark.
Negotiations between the Avengers and the Green Lantern Corps soon began, proceeding smoothly. However, while things were settling on Oa, back on Earth, troubles were brewing.
In Fawcett City, USA, numerous reports of missing children had caught public attention. Strangely, when these children returned, they all recounted the same story. According to them, they'd been taken to a mysterious realm and guided by an old wizard through a test. None of the children had passed, so they were safely sent back.
With so many children recounting the same experience, it was clear that this was no mere fantasy but something real happening.
_________________________
[Check out my Patreon for +200 additional chapters in all my fanfics! $5 for all!!]
[w w w . p a t r e o n .com / INNIT]
[+50 PowerStones = +1 Chapter] [+5 Reviews = +1 Chapter]