𝓙𝓾𝓼𝓽 𝓟𝓻𝓮𝓽𝓮𝓷𝓭 || D. Grayson

ʀᴇʟᴇᴀꜱᴇ

a/n: triple update you say?

desperately NEEDED to get these chapters out of the way, so consider them as fillers.

now... back to our regularly scheduled mayhem

"Guilty!? How are they guilty! I spent two months running my mouth when you had the decision made all along!?"

"Let the defendants rise," the Tribunal ignored my screams. "The Tribunal of the High Court of the Polygloture of Rimbor finds them guilty on all accounts."

"YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING ME!?" I yelled, my voice echoing off the metallic walls. The nine Rings flared violently, pulsing white-hot, washing the courtroom in a blinding aura. "They've been manipulated! They were fighting under duress, mind-controlled! You can't declare them guilty!"

The chief Tribune remained unmoved, eyes cold as molten silver.

"White Lantern," the Tribunal intoned, voice reverberating like a hammer against metal, "your plea has been noted. Yet the High Court's decision is final."

I slammed my fists on the podium, the Rings spiraling in response, sending a shockwave that rattled the delegates' chairs.

"I... I WON'T LET THIS HAPPEN!" I roared, the white light around me flaring until the courtroom seemed suspended in a kaleidoscope of colors. "I am the First White Lantern! I carry the power of the entire Emotional Spectrum and I swear on that power, if you think you can condemn the Justice League while knowing the truth, you will regret it!"

"Zaria..." Diana called out and I turned slightly. "The damage has been done... It's over."

I gritted my teeth, my Rings pulsing faster, sending ripples of light cascading like auroras across the walls.

"Take them away," the Tribunal ordered and I turned fully only to see John smiling softly at me.

John's smile was calm, almost serene, but there was an undercurrent of pain in his eyes. He raised a single hand in a faint wave.

"John, don't you-"

"Hey, at least I got to see you grow to your full potential," he said quietly, voice carrying over the murmurs of the Tribunal. "I was always betting on you, kid."

"I'm fixing this," I promised just as Hal, Guy and Kyle held me back lightly.

"There's nothing more you can do, Zar... It's been an honor fighting alongside you," he gave us a nod as the League descended back to their cells.

I watched as the Justice League was escorted away, John's calm gaze lingering on me like a tether until he disappeared. My Rings flared brighter, white-hot and almost uncontrollable, as my hands trembled with frustration and rage.

"No!" I screamed, my voice cracking. "This is wrong! You can't just... just lock them up!"

"Breathe before you turn into a supernova," Kyle muttered as the room cleared.

I stumbled back, shaking from the intensity of the Rings' glow, the light bathing the courtroom in a blinding white. My fingers curled into fists, then opened, then curled again. My chest heaved.

"Zaria!" I heard M'gann's voice. "We have the evidence! The Light and the Reach on holographic record admitting they framed the League. It should easily clear them of all charges."

"M'gann..." Hal sighed, placing a hand on Hawkman's shoulder who didn't dare move after his wife was taken. "You're too late."

"TRIBUNAL!" I yelled, constructing a hand to slam the door before he could leave. "I demand a retrial."