Post by johnreiter902 on Jun 19, 2024 0:48:27 GMT
THE ORIGIN OF BLACKLIGHT
By aarnathx
***************
The auditorium existed in a place that shouldn’t exist; a place where natural laws such as ‘gravity,’ ‘oxygen,’ ‘light,’ or even ‘reality’ were subject to the fleeting whims of near-omnipotent beings. Lightning flashed beyond the walls of the structure in a constant barrage of power, insuring that the more ‘human’ occupants were well aware their continued existence depended on their patron’s good graces.
Misty clouds swirled around Mordru’s legs, their damp moisture chilling him slightly. Forcing away the mundane concerns of his mortal flesh, the wizard focused intently on his adversary’s words.
“NO!” Dr. Karma’s shout echoed eerily through the room. “I do NOT accept that! Mordru’s actions violated the ancient pact, and I demand restitution!”
Hovering beside one another, two towering flames- one black, the other white- flickered with life.
The white flame pulsed slightly. >And how did our avatar’s actions violate the pact? <
“His manipulations allowed the Ring of Volthoom to fall into the hands of Joseph Wilson,” Karma explained. “The next designated wielder of the Ring was CLEARLY to be Guy Gardner, and it is our contention that Order’s manipulation of circumstances constitutes the violation. A violation perpetrated by HIM,” Karma finished, sweeping his hand to indicate Mordru.
The ebon flame flickered slightly. >And your explanation for these accusations, Mordru? <
Mordru sniffed haughtily. “I do not answer to the Lords of Chaos, their avatars, champions or minions.”
>But you DO answer to us, < the white flame cautioned.
Mordru bowed deeply. “As ever, Master, I am at your command.”
>Then we bid you answer the question. <
“It was NOT my intention to have the Ring of Volthoom fall into Joseph Wilson’s hands,” Mordru explained. “Once Hal Jordan had surrendered custody of the Ring- VOLUNTARILY, mind you!- it was my intention to see to it that it came into the possession of the next designated successor- Guy Gardner.”
>But this did not happen, < the white flame replied.
“No, my Lord, it did not.” Taking a deep breath, Mordru shrugged. “Events conspired to prevent that from happening.”
>And those events were…? <
“An avalanche blocked the pass leading to the government installation where Gardner was training,” Mordru said, glancing pointedly at Dr. Karma. “A second avalanche buried the installation itself, forcing the soldiers to take shelter within the underground bunkers. They have only NOW freed themselves from their peril.”
Karma shrugged. “Nature is a fickle and unpredictable thing.”
“The mountain heights above the base were examined by myself,” Mordru continued. “They showed evidence of chaotic residue.”
>There ARE other sorcerers in the world that utilize chaotic energy, Mordru, < the black flame challenged. >Why do you believe it to have been Doctor Karma? <
“Because I witnessed it,” Mordru explained.
Karma shook his fist at the Order champion. “LIES! Lies and deceit! There WERE no witnesses…!” Seeing Mordru’s satisfied smile, Karma clenched his jaw shut as he realized what he’d said. Returning his attention to the Lords of Order and Chaos, Karma bowed faintly. “This changes NOTHING. The charges remain before the court. The wrong successor is in possession of the Ring of Volthoom, and I demand its removal.”
>You know that cannot be, < the black flame sighed regretfully.
“Then I demand restitution!”
The white flame seemed to sigh. >And what do you propose as fair restitution? <
“Guy Gardner was pre-ordained to become the next wielder of the Ring of Volthoom, AS AGREED UPON by our most venerable Lords,” Karma rumbled. “I propose that we take measures to level the playing field, so-to-speak.”
The ebon flame seemed to darken in anticipation. >And how do you propose to do this? <
“By granting Guy Gardner THIS,” Karma chuckled. With a flourish of his hand, the dark sorcerer opened his gloved hand. Resting on the palm of his hand, a dark blue ring softly glowed. “My Shadow Priests have labored long on this, my Lord. As the Ring of Volthoom embodies the spirits of the monks of Order, so to THIS ring embodies the spirits of my Chaos priests.”
Mordru snarled in surprise, taking a shocked step backwards from the sheer malevolence radiating from the item. Pointing a shaking finger towards the ring, the wizard turned to the Lord of Order.
“This is intolerable! The amount of Chaos Dr. Karma has contained in that ring will almost INSTANTLY turn anyone towards their side!” Meeting his nemesis’ gaze, Mordru’s own face darkened in anger. “The Ring of Volthoom will only GRADUALLY affect the wielder. As per the rules of the wager, any individual selected will STILL have the opportunity to fight its influence and retain his or her identity. But this,” he added, indicating the ring once more. “THIS will not provide even the SLIGHTEST chance for resistance.” Turning to face the Lords of Chaos and Order, Mordru straightened to his full height. “The instant they dons the ring, they will be nothing more than another tool of chaos.”
>And THAT is unacceptable, < the white flame added firmly.
“And who are YOU to be dictating terms?” Karma snorted in derision. “This matter is…”
>You will be silent, < the black flame rumbled.
Bowing his head in shame, Doctor Karma caught sight of Mordru’s smirk out of the corner of his eye. Turning his head slightly, the sorcerer glared at his foe.
Long moments of silence stretched the patience of both avatars as the dual Lords conversed in the ways near-omnipotent beings do. Finally, the white flame flared brighter.
>It is agreed. For the balance to be maintained, Guy Gardner WILL be given the Ring of Shadows. <
Beneath his helmet, Karma smiled broadly.
>But the Ring’s influence will be diluted, < the ebon flame continued. >It shall have no more influence on him than the Ring of Volthoom has on the selected wielder. Mordru shall see to it that it is done. <
Karma’s smile faltered as Mordru’s widened.
With a flash of light, both Mordru and Doctor Karma found themselves on a grassy hillside. Glancing around in puzzlement, Mordru shrugged.
“I guess the audience is at an end.”
Karma swore under his breath for several long minutes. After calming himself, the sorcerer held out his closed hand to Mordru. “Here. Take the ring to Gardner.”
Grasping the evil talisman in his hand, Mordru felt the chaotic energy begin to sear his flesh.
Seeing his opponent’s pain, Karma chuckled. “Hurts, doesn’t it?”
Clenching his fist tighter in defiance, Mordru smiled. “Nothing I can’t handle, Doctor.”
Chaos’s avatar chuckled darkly. “Just make certain that you give the Ring of Shadows to the RIGHT man, this time.”
Mordru’s answering smile was no warmer than a glacier. “Oh, rest assured I’ll give him the ring, Karma. And also, rest assured I’ll follow my orders. But be warned, Doctor.” Leaning forward, Mordru’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “I KNOW why you arranged for Joseph Wilson to receive the Ring of Volthoom.”
Karma folded his arms across his chest defiantly. “Oh, really? Pray tell?”
“Because Guy Gardner is TWICE the Champion Joseph could ever even dream of being.”
For long moments, the only sound to be heard was the mournful howling of the wind. Finally, Doctor Karma nodded slightly.
“Astute as ever, Mordru. Pity you can prove NOTHING, though.” Karma shrugged. “Truth be told, Joseph’s selection has been a source of major contention between the Lords of Chaos and myself; they feel he’s perfect, I feel that he barely has the brainpower to tie his shoes, and even LESS creativity.”
“And so you arrange for the Ring of Volthoom to fall into his hands, knowing all the while you could lobby to have Guy Gardner selected for YOUR ring,” Mordru finished. “Thus, when the dust settles, you have a Champion solely dedicated to your cause.”
Karma shrugged enigmatically.
Turning away, Mordru’s mind raced as he desperately tried to think of a way out. Finally, he smiled.
“I have a proposal, Doctor,” Mordru said. Turning to face his nemesis, the wizard smiled.
“How would you like the opportunity to reclaim Hal Jordan?”
Behind his helmet, Karma smiled.
***************
MONASTARY OF THE ORDER OF LIGHT
Striding into the cavernous central room, Mordru took a moment to breath deeply of the tranquil air. All around him, the soft chants of the monks filled the air with their music.
>It’s good to be back home, < Mordru thought to himself in satisfaction. >To FEEL the very currents of Order energy flowing around me. <
Catching sight of the avatar of the Lords of Order, several monks approached, bowing respectfully as they approached.
“Greetings, Mordru,” one monk said.
“It is good that you have returned,” another added.
“What news have you for us?” the third monk finished.
Returning their bow, Mordru shrugged in apology. “I wish that I had time to converse with you, Brothers, but time grows short. Please have Hal Jordan sent to my private study.”
Bowing once more, the three monks withdrew from the wizard. Sighing to himself, Mordru slowly walked to a side door and entered his chambers.
A short time later, a soft knock drew Mordru’s attention from the tome he was reading.
“Come in.”
Entering the room, the tall, brown haired man sketched a short bow. “You asked for me, Sir?”
Sitting behind his desk, the wizard gently closed the ancient book, his face impassive.
Seeing his mentor’s expression, Hal repressed a shudder. “It went as badly as we feared?”
By way of a reply, Mordru reached into his coat pocket and, grasping the ring, flipped it through the air towards Hal.
Deftly catching it, Hal stared in undisguised horror at the ring.
“The Ring of Shadows,” Mordru said.
“Just holding it makes my skin crawl,” Hal hissed.
“That’s from the undiluted Chaos energy it contains,” Mordru explained. “Once I’ve finished with my modifications of it, it’ll be more tolerable.”
“Modifications? What modifications?” Staring at the ring he held with sick fascination, Hal shook his head. “I can’t think of any way it COULD be modified to make it more tolerable.”
“As you are no doubt aware, the ring is powered by chaos magic. The chaos energy of the ring is an ever-present thing; it need never be recharged,” Mordru explained. “In order to counteract the effects of the Chaos energy in the ring, I’ll have to charge it with an equal amount of Order energy. The problem is that, unlike the Chaos energy, the Order energy must be replenished. In order to do that, you MUST charge it at the Battery every twenty-four hours.”
“Battery?”
Holding out his hands, Mordru’s brow furrowed in concentration briefly and, with a flash of light, a large, dark blue lantern-shaped battery appeared in his grasp.
“THIS Battery,” Mordru said, setting it down on the desk.
Staring at the ring he held, Hal’s hand shook faintly. “And… if the Order energy should be depleted? What then?”
Mordru clasped his hands behind his back. “Then the Chaos energy would begin to… affect you. You would begin to slide into THEIR grasp once more.” Seeing the Champion’s eyes widen in panic, Mordru placed his hand on Hal’s shoulder. “But, as soon as you recharged the Order energy, the ring’s influences would be at an end once more.”
“I… am hesitant about wielding a Ring once more,” Hal confessed. “I still have the memories of my actions I perpetrated while in the thrall of Chaos, as Power Ring.” Another shudder rippled through his body. “My thoughts are haunted by the evil I took part in as a member of the Crime Syndicate.”
“And THIS, Hal, is a way you can gain a measure of redemption for yourself,” Mordru reasoned. “What better way than to wield power once more, and to fight the very beings you once called allies?”
Hal nodded once more, lost in thought. Finally, taking a deep breath, Order’s Champion slipped the ring onto his finger. A low thunderclap echoed through the room, accompanied by a brief burst of midnight-blue chaos energy. When Mordru’s eyes cleared, he saw Hal staring in abject terror at the ring on his right hand.
“What just happened?” Hal’s voice was little more than a whisper.
“The ring is now bonded to you, Hal,” Mordru explained in a quiet voice. Rubbing a tired hand over his face, the wizard sighed.
Elsewhere, in the auditorium between spaces, Doctor Karma stiffened slightly, his head tilted to one side. Turning to the flickering black flame before him, Chaos’ avatar bowed.
“It is done.”
DAYS LATER
The diner, like most all diners, bustled with the lunchtime crowd. As patrons came and went, one man sat alone in the corner booth, an untouched cup of coffee in front of him. Running a hand over his bald pate, the man glanced in irritation at his watch.
Sliding into the seat opposite the impatient man, Mordru’s teeth flashed in a smile behind his dark beard.
“Been waiting long?”
“Y’know, for an all-powerful wizard of Order, you have an unerring habit of being late all the time,” Alexander Luthor growled.
“There’s a rumor going around through the hero community,” the wizard explained, ignoring Alex’s outburst. “They say that you’re organizing a group of heroes together to fight the Syndicate.”
Alex shrugged nonchalantly. “Maybe. Why do you ask?”
Mordru flashed another smile. “Because if it’s true, then I’ve got someone you might want to check out.”
-To be continued in THE GATHERING STORM-
By aarnathx
***************
The auditorium existed in a place that shouldn’t exist; a place where natural laws such as ‘gravity,’ ‘oxygen,’ ‘light,’ or even ‘reality’ were subject to the fleeting whims of near-omnipotent beings. Lightning flashed beyond the walls of the structure in a constant barrage of power, insuring that the more ‘human’ occupants were well aware their continued existence depended on their patron’s good graces.
Misty clouds swirled around Mordru’s legs, their damp moisture chilling him slightly. Forcing away the mundane concerns of his mortal flesh, the wizard focused intently on his adversary’s words.
“NO!” Dr. Karma’s shout echoed eerily through the room. “I do NOT accept that! Mordru’s actions violated the ancient pact, and I demand restitution!”
Hovering beside one another, two towering flames- one black, the other white- flickered with life.
The white flame pulsed slightly. >And how did our avatar’s actions violate the pact? <
“His manipulations allowed the Ring of Volthoom to fall into the hands of Joseph Wilson,” Karma explained. “The next designated wielder of the Ring was CLEARLY to be Guy Gardner, and it is our contention that Order’s manipulation of circumstances constitutes the violation. A violation perpetrated by HIM,” Karma finished, sweeping his hand to indicate Mordru.
The ebon flame flickered slightly. >And your explanation for these accusations, Mordru? <
Mordru sniffed haughtily. “I do not answer to the Lords of Chaos, their avatars, champions or minions.”
>But you DO answer to us, < the white flame cautioned.
Mordru bowed deeply. “As ever, Master, I am at your command.”
>Then we bid you answer the question. <
“It was NOT my intention to have the Ring of Volthoom fall into Joseph Wilson’s hands,” Mordru explained. “Once Hal Jordan had surrendered custody of the Ring- VOLUNTARILY, mind you!- it was my intention to see to it that it came into the possession of the next designated successor- Guy Gardner.”
>But this did not happen, < the white flame replied.
“No, my Lord, it did not.” Taking a deep breath, Mordru shrugged. “Events conspired to prevent that from happening.”
>And those events were…? <
“An avalanche blocked the pass leading to the government installation where Gardner was training,” Mordru said, glancing pointedly at Dr. Karma. “A second avalanche buried the installation itself, forcing the soldiers to take shelter within the underground bunkers. They have only NOW freed themselves from their peril.”
Karma shrugged. “Nature is a fickle and unpredictable thing.”
“The mountain heights above the base were examined by myself,” Mordru continued. “They showed evidence of chaotic residue.”
>There ARE other sorcerers in the world that utilize chaotic energy, Mordru, < the black flame challenged. >Why do you believe it to have been Doctor Karma? <
“Because I witnessed it,” Mordru explained.
Karma shook his fist at the Order champion. “LIES! Lies and deceit! There WERE no witnesses…!” Seeing Mordru’s satisfied smile, Karma clenched his jaw shut as he realized what he’d said. Returning his attention to the Lords of Order and Chaos, Karma bowed faintly. “This changes NOTHING. The charges remain before the court. The wrong successor is in possession of the Ring of Volthoom, and I demand its removal.”
>You know that cannot be, < the black flame sighed regretfully.
“Then I demand restitution!”
The white flame seemed to sigh. >And what do you propose as fair restitution? <
“Guy Gardner was pre-ordained to become the next wielder of the Ring of Volthoom, AS AGREED UPON by our most venerable Lords,” Karma rumbled. “I propose that we take measures to level the playing field, so-to-speak.”
The ebon flame seemed to darken in anticipation. >And how do you propose to do this? <
“By granting Guy Gardner THIS,” Karma chuckled. With a flourish of his hand, the dark sorcerer opened his gloved hand. Resting on the palm of his hand, a dark blue ring softly glowed. “My Shadow Priests have labored long on this, my Lord. As the Ring of Volthoom embodies the spirits of the monks of Order, so to THIS ring embodies the spirits of my Chaos priests.”
Mordru snarled in surprise, taking a shocked step backwards from the sheer malevolence radiating from the item. Pointing a shaking finger towards the ring, the wizard turned to the Lord of Order.
“This is intolerable! The amount of Chaos Dr. Karma has contained in that ring will almost INSTANTLY turn anyone towards their side!” Meeting his nemesis’ gaze, Mordru’s own face darkened in anger. “The Ring of Volthoom will only GRADUALLY affect the wielder. As per the rules of the wager, any individual selected will STILL have the opportunity to fight its influence and retain his or her identity. But this,” he added, indicating the ring once more. “THIS will not provide even the SLIGHTEST chance for resistance.” Turning to face the Lords of Chaos and Order, Mordru straightened to his full height. “The instant they dons the ring, they will be nothing more than another tool of chaos.”
>And THAT is unacceptable, < the white flame added firmly.
“And who are YOU to be dictating terms?” Karma snorted in derision. “This matter is…”
>You will be silent, < the black flame rumbled.
Bowing his head in shame, Doctor Karma caught sight of Mordru’s smirk out of the corner of his eye. Turning his head slightly, the sorcerer glared at his foe.
Long moments of silence stretched the patience of both avatars as the dual Lords conversed in the ways near-omnipotent beings do. Finally, the white flame flared brighter.
>It is agreed. For the balance to be maintained, Guy Gardner WILL be given the Ring of Shadows. <
Beneath his helmet, Karma smiled broadly.
>But the Ring’s influence will be diluted, < the ebon flame continued. >It shall have no more influence on him than the Ring of Volthoom has on the selected wielder. Mordru shall see to it that it is done. <
Karma’s smile faltered as Mordru’s widened.
With a flash of light, both Mordru and Doctor Karma found themselves on a grassy hillside. Glancing around in puzzlement, Mordru shrugged.
“I guess the audience is at an end.”
Karma swore under his breath for several long minutes. After calming himself, the sorcerer held out his closed hand to Mordru. “Here. Take the ring to Gardner.”
Grasping the evil talisman in his hand, Mordru felt the chaotic energy begin to sear his flesh.
Seeing his opponent’s pain, Karma chuckled. “Hurts, doesn’t it?”
Clenching his fist tighter in defiance, Mordru smiled. “Nothing I can’t handle, Doctor.”
Chaos’s avatar chuckled darkly. “Just make certain that you give the Ring of Shadows to the RIGHT man, this time.”
Mordru’s answering smile was no warmer than a glacier. “Oh, rest assured I’ll give him the ring, Karma. And also, rest assured I’ll follow my orders. But be warned, Doctor.” Leaning forward, Mordru’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “I KNOW why you arranged for Joseph Wilson to receive the Ring of Volthoom.”
Karma folded his arms across his chest defiantly. “Oh, really? Pray tell?”
“Because Guy Gardner is TWICE the Champion Joseph could ever even dream of being.”
For long moments, the only sound to be heard was the mournful howling of the wind. Finally, Doctor Karma nodded slightly.
“Astute as ever, Mordru. Pity you can prove NOTHING, though.” Karma shrugged. “Truth be told, Joseph’s selection has been a source of major contention between the Lords of Chaos and myself; they feel he’s perfect, I feel that he barely has the brainpower to tie his shoes, and even LESS creativity.”
“And so you arrange for the Ring of Volthoom to fall into his hands, knowing all the while you could lobby to have Guy Gardner selected for YOUR ring,” Mordru finished. “Thus, when the dust settles, you have a Champion solely dedicated to your cause.”
Karma shrugged enigmatically.
Turning away, Mordru’s mind raced as he desperately tried to think of a way out. Finally, he smiled.
“I have a proposal, Doctor,” Mordru said. Turning to face his nemesis, the wizard smiled.
“How would you like the opportunity to reclaim Hal Jordan?”
Behind his helmet, Karma smiled.
***************
MONASTARY OF THE ORDER OF LIGHT
Striding into the cavernous central room, Mordru took a moment to breath deeply of the tranquil air. All around him, the soft chants of the monks filled the air with their music.
>It’s good to be back home, < Mordru thought to himself in satisfaction. >To FEEL the very currents of Order energy flowing around me. <
Catching sight of the avatar of the Lords of Order, several monks approached, bowing respectfully as they approached.
“Greetings, Mordru,” one monk said.
“It is good that you have returned,” another added.
“What news have you for us?” the third monk finished.
Returning their bow, Mordru shrugged in apology. “I wish that I had time to converse with you, Brothers, but time grows short. Please have Hal Jordan sent to my private study.”
Bowing once more, the three monks withdrew from the wizard. Sighing to himself, Mordru slowly walked to a side door and entered his chambers.
A short time later, a soft knock drew Mordru’s attention from the tome he was reading.
“Come in.”
Entering the room, the tall, brown haired man sketched a short bow. “You asked for me, Sir?”
Sitting behind his desk, the wizard gently closed the ancient book, his face impassive.
Seeing his mentor’s expression, Hal repressed a shudder. “It went as badly as we feared?”
By way of a reply, Mordru reached into his coat pocket and, grasping the ring, flipped it through the air towards Hal.
Deftly catching it, Hal stared in undisguised horror at the ring.
“The Ring of Shadows,” Mordru said.
“Just holding it makes my skin crawl,” Hal hissed.
“That’s from the undiluted Chaos energy it contains,” Mordru explained. “Once I’ve finished with my modifications of it, it’ll be more tolerable.”
“Modifications? What modifications?” Staring at the ring he held with sick fascination, Hal shook his head. “I can’t think of any way it COULD be modified to make it more tolerable.”
“As you are no doubt aware, the ring is powered by chaos magic. The chaos energy of the ring is an ever-present thing; it need never be recharged,” Mordru explained. “In order to counteract the effects of the Chaos energy in the ring, I’ll have to charge it with an equal amount of Order energy. The problem is that, unlike the Chaos energy, the Order energy must be replenished. In order to do that, you MUST charge it at the Battery every twenty-four hours.”
“Battery?”
Holding out his hands, Mordru’s brow furrowed in concentration briefly and, with a flash of light, a large, dark blue lantern-shaped battery appeared in his grasp.
“THIS Battery,” Mordru said, setting it down on the desk.
Staring at the ring he held, Hal’s hand shook faintly. “And… if the Order energy should be depleted? What then?”
Mordru clasped his hands behind his back. “Then the Chaos energy would begin to… affect you. You would begin to slide into THEIR grasp once more.” Seeing the Champion’s eyes widen in panic, Mordru placed his hand on Hal’s shoulder. “But, as soon as you recharged the Order energy, the ring’s influences would be at an end once more.”
“I… am hesitant about wielding a Ring once more,” Hal confessed. “I still have the memories of my actions I perpetrated while in the thrall of Chaos, as Power Ring.” Another shudder rippled through his body. “My thoughts are haunted by the evil I took part in as a member of the Crime Syndicate.”
“And THIS, Hal, is a way you can gain a measure of redemption for yourself,” Mordru reasoned. “What better way than to wield power once more, and to fight the very beings you once called allies?”
Hal nodded once more, lost in thought. Finally, taking a deep breath, Order’s Champion slipped the ring onto his finger. A low thunderclap echoed through the room, accompanied by a brief burst of midnight-blue chaos energy. When Mordru’s eyes cleared, he saw Hal staring in abject terror at the ring on his right hand.
“What just happened?” Hal’s voice was little more than a whisper.
“The ring is now bonded to you, Hal,” Mordru explained in a quiet voice. Rubbing a tired hand over his face, the wizard sighed.
Elsewhere, in the auditorium between spaces, Doctor Karma stiffened slightly, his head tilted to one side. Turning to the flickering black flame before him, Chaos’ avatar bowed.
“It is done.”
DAYS LATER
The diner, like most all diners, bustled with the lunchtime crowd. As patrons came and went, one man sat alone in the corner booth, an untouched cup of coffee in front of him. Running a hand over his bald pate, the man glanced in irritation at his watch.
Sliding into the seat opposite the impatient man, Mordru’s teeth flashed in a smile behind his dark beard.
“Been waiting long?”
“Y’know, for an all-powerful wizard of Order, you have an unerring habit of being late all the time,” Alexander Luthor growled.
“There’s a rumor going around through the hero community,” the wizard explained, ignoring Alex’s outburst. “They say that you’re organizing a group of heroes together to fight the Syndicate.”
Alex shrugged nonchalantly. “Maybe. Why do you ask?”
Mordru flashed another smile. “Because if it’s true, then I’ve got someone you might want to check out.”
-To be continued in THE GATHERING STORM-
