When Hope brings new into your life

[hopeburnsbright]

Avalon had not expected the battle to wage so hard. Bullets hurt, and even with his shields, Avalon felt the burn of pain in his shoulder. Due to the nature of his light-made suit, no wound was visible, but lavendar colored blood dripped off the point of his elbow as he held his sword of light aloft.

Dirty and grim, Avalon floated an inch from the muddy, bloody ground as he went forward. In his wake, the warlord's minions lay on the jungle floor, incapacitated. They all stared into nothing, taken with visions of Hope brought on by a touch of Avalon's sword. They would be no bother any more. He was headed for the dungeon where it was believed civillians were being kept.

Extending his left hand, Ava grunted under his breath at the effort, and a single shot of blue light erradicated the cell lock before him. The door swung open inwards, and without fear, the Blue Lantern swept through.

The room was dark when suddenly, it was filled with blue light that seemed almost white, it was so pure. In the center of it was the winged young man, his sword of light held in tight fingers. He overed there in the dark for a second before the light and sword was gone, leaving him standing on the dirt floor.

"Is everyone alright?" the figure asked, his determined expression melting into one of tenderness. Children. They had held children under lock and key. Avalon wanted to cry.

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[hopeburnsbright]

Outside there is a grunt and a flash of light, and then silence. About three beats later, Avalon comes back, this time holding on to his right arm with his left hand. He smiled through it though, and nodded to Hannah as he said, " It is safe now. Outside you will find a man in a uniform like mine, only green. He and the tall man in red and white are my friends, go to them and everyone will be safe."

He then hung back, waiting for Hannah to pass and then followed along after her. Somewhere along the way, he unfurled his wings once more, much to the amazement of the children.

[hopesustainsme]

She nodded calmly. She has been keeping up a brave front for the children and holding on tightly to hope. Hope is what kept them alive in this place. She ushers the children out and the one dozing in her arms actually woke up and was staring at Avalon's wings with wide bright eyes.

She just gave a soft happy hum glad to see that her charge was up to being awake as she made her way over to the others.

"Would you like to walk on your own," she asked the child and got a shy look and more burrowing. Yeah no she's going to be carrying this one for a while more. They're very young and not really ready to deal with strangers, even very interesting ones like Avalon. Hannah doesn't mind she's just glad to be in the fresh air and sun light again.

[hopeburnsbright]

"Ava, you're hurt.." trailed off e tall man in red and white, but the winged Lanten just shook his head.

As everyone started to mingle and rejoyce their freedom, Avalon turnedto Hannah and said softly "What is your name? I am Avalon. I know this is all a very wild ride, but you and I have much tomtalk about."

[hopesustainsme]

At that point Hannah had been able to reunite the very shy child with his elated father who had been one of the freedom fighters who had helped them find the camp. She was very pleased and looking forward to finding the other Novices who had been with her on this missionary trip.

She stopped and gave Avalon a very shy smile because she isn't used to being singled out. "Hannah Flowers.... It's important, isn't it?"

By the look on his face she would have to say yes.

[hopeburnsbright]

"Yea. You did something spectacular here, and those whom watch for such have noticed. You carry the spirit of hopewithin your heart. We must go to Odym, and allow you to speak with the Guardians. There is a choice you must make." he said, his words strangely formal.

There was a rustlemof feathers, and Avalon drew his wings about himself more. Despite his right arm being the one that was injured, he extended his right hand, palm up, to her. "Come and see. You will return in three days. This I promise."

The Green Lantern and Lifeforce just looked confused. They had no idea what was going on.

[hopesustainsme]

She stopped and just listened very seriously. Then she turned and called to one of the other people who worked here.

"Alex. I'll be back in three days. Tell the other Novices all will be fine. I'll see them soon," she called. It's funny but she already is thinking along the lines of a Blue Lantern.

She turns back to Avalon and just flashes him a warm smile. "I believe you and I'm ready to go. I just didn't want to worry the other Novices. They haven't seen me since we were captured. There will be time later."

[hopeburnsbright]

Avalon's hand was warm and slick, though it did not look that way. He mumbled an appology and then extended his aura of blue to cover her as well. Then, suddenly, they were floating upwards towards the clouds. It was fairly surreal for someone who had never flown by Lantern light.

As they pulled out to space, Avalon slowed them and let Hannah get a good look at the planet. "It is beautiful, isn't it?" he asked softly. Between them he parted their hands, and frowned as he saw her palm come back with lanvendar blood. "I will be fine, though.. It looks like I made a messof you." he murmured.

[hopesustainsme]

There is a sense of wonder pouring off of her when they see the clouds and the Earth. It was possibly one of the most lovely things she had ever seen and she has seen many things that have made her pause with wonder.

"Very," she agrees sounding slightly breathless. Then she sees the blood and isn't really horrified. Why would she be?

"You're hurt. Shouldn't you see a medic before we go?" She doesn't want him to hurt himself even more by this trip. Concern for his well-being colors her emotions and voice.

[hopeburnsbright]

"All I need is time. I will heal much more quickly that you will probably be accustomed." he replied with a warm smile. Drawin in a breath, he then gave his head a shake, his tone soft as he said "The Guardians would scold me for notmbeing a good example to you. Most Blue Lanterns are not so.. Rough around the edges, as me."

The young man pulled his wings tightly against his back and tried to keep smiling. All would be well, he knew. Avalon was just.. Doing his usual fretting thing. He knew it. He schooled his worry away, and then said softly "Whenever you are ready.. Close your eyes and we will go."

[hopesustainsme]

"You're not a bad example," she tells him very honestly. "I don't even quite understand what is going on just yet. I will understand in time of course. What matters is you are here. The people from the camp are safe again, and soon I will have answers to questions I don't know how to ask just yet."

She isn't afraid or nervous. Just very aware that the horrible situation she was in with the others is over. People are safe again and all is as she had prayed for. She gives him another smile then closes her eyes.

[hopeburnsbright]

There was a feeling of falling, of plummeting through space and time until everything came back in a sudden jerk. Avalon's hand on her shoulder was gentle as he murmured "We are here. Open your eyes."

Odym. Beautiful, blue and green, Odym was the most beautiful planet in the known universe. Even Ava held a certain reverence for it. "Come. They are waiting for us." he said softly.

[hopesustainsme]

"Oh my Lord," she said with awe. She couldn't help it. The change was amazing and she had to take a moment to take it all in. She bites her lower lip to hold back a child-like giggle.

"All right." And she will pad after him on light feet. Her shoes are coming apart and should have been replaced but she hasn't had time in months and for now they suit her just fine.

[hopeburnsbright]

Theymfloat down to the surface, to a low-set series of buildings that seemed to flow into the landscape. There, they were greeted as if they had been expected.

"Brother Avalon. We are glad to see you. Greetings, Hannah. Welcome to Odym." the strange small blue skinned man said. Avalon escorted her to him, and then took a step back, stiffly. The differences between him and the other Lanterns there was stark. Avalon stood at attention, while many of them lounged in comfort or meditated. The Guardian turned to Avalon and dismissed him with a nod, though it was not rude; it was how Avalon wished to be treated, and so he was.

"Good luck, Hannah. I will see you in three days." he said in a gentle tone, before spreading his wings and flying awayupon his own power.

[hopesustainsme]

Hannah waved good bye to Avalon. Then turned and smiled at Ganthet. She ended up walking off with him as they slowly began to talk. They discussed many things in length.

He had wanted to know what her life had been like in her own words. Slowly he pulled it all from her getting her to not be so humble on her successes and failures.

He learned that she was not very worldly but had spent much of her life raised by nuns. Sisters of an order that dedicated themselves to charitable works helping others and acting to help people however they could. She had been on the cusp of taking her vows to officially become one of the Sisters in a few months.

Gathet offered the idea that perhaps she could help people in other ways. Hannah had wrinkled her nose at him in thought then said perhaps that was true. She liked the idea of helping many people.

They talked more about that and many other things. The days pass quickly and soon it is the third day. Her answer was very clear and honest so it should not surprise Avalon to see Hannah resting on rock drinking tea on the third day in a very clean uniform with softer lines than his.

[hopeburnsbright]

She knew everything about him, too. In fact, Hannah might know Avalon as well as he fancies he knows himself, tough that would be proven in time. For now, he seemed happy to see her, and comes to sit across from the girl, his expression excited. "You accepted!" was the first thing out of his lips.

[hopesustainsme]

"Yes!" She bounces slightly with a happy smile.

"It was..." She had been told she would have to face the demons she had buried one day. That it would test her hope but she knew all would be well.

"It was the right thing for me. I am happy. Thank you for bringing me here, Brother Avalon."

[hopeburnsbright]

"We all walk our own path." replied Avalon with a sage nod. He then scribbed a hand through his hair, and drew in a measured breath before saying "I am based out of Earth, too. Though you were choosen because you are from Earth,bwhere I am not. I was born on a planet called Naltor, in Sector 5." The young man then grinned, "I get to be your mentor. I hope I do a good job."

[hopesustainsme]

"Ah," she looks very pleased by that. "This will give me a chance to explain the situation to the Mother Superior."

She is glad and knows that it will not disappoint the Mother. She had not been worried but she knows she can not reasonably take her vows and become a Nun now, her path has changed.

"I think you will, Brother. You did a very good job at helping me save the children. You stayed as calm as I did when there were evil things in that place. You.... showed them what mercy you could. I am pleased you will be teaching me."