Su Zhan stood in the aftermath of Abin Sur's crash, the alien's body still and the Green Lantern ring now securely on his own finger. He steadied his breath, knowing the real challenge was only beginning.
Examining Abin Sur's wounds, Su Zhan noticed something strange. The gash across the Lantern's side was not only the result of a crash—it looked as if some foreign energy had torn through him. From the wound, a small crystal of yellow light drifted out, pulsing with a sinister energy. Su Zhan instantly recognized it as a fragment of the yellow light of fear, the very power wielded by the Sinestro Corps, a source of chaos across the universe.
He recalled the legends: the yellow light, fueled by fear, could corrupt even the bravest. If left unchecked, it could attract Sinestro himself or even worse. The prospect of leaving such a threat on Earth was unacceptable.
"System, is there any use for this thing? If not, I should destroy it now. I don't want to leave a ticking time bomb here," Su Zhan said, his tone serious.
The system's reply was prompt. "You can devour it. By doing so, you will gain the power to harness and absorb fear, generating extra energy. However, the process will not be immediate or easy."
Su Zhan considered this. The power of fear was immense—a constant, renewable source of strength as long as fear existed. But he knew it would not be simple to master, and the risk of corruption was real. Still, the prospect was tempting.
"Alright, store it in the system space for now. If it's hidden there, Sinestro won't be able to sense it, and Earth will be safe," Su Zhan decided. With a thought, the yellow crystal vanished, secured where only he could access it.
He glanced at Abin Sur's body. Beyond being a Green Lantern, Abin Sur was an alien with knowledge and physiology unlike anything on Earth. Su Zhan stored the body as well, intending to study it later. There might be secrets or insights to gain—perhaps even a way to further enhance his own abilities.
He took a mental inventory of his system space. Gravity particles, the Aether (Reality Stone), the Casket of Ancient Winters, and now the yellow crystal of fear. Each was a treasure, powerful and dangerous in its own way. Yet, for now, the only truly useful item was the Green Lantern ring. The rest would have to wait.
The distant thrum of helicopter blades reached his ears. Authorities would arrive soon. Without hesitation, Su Zhan summoned the power of the ring, enveloped himself in green light, and soared into the sky, leaving the crash site behind.
Back at his hotel, Su Zhan sat on the edge of the bed, examining the Green Lantern ring. He knew its energy was running low—soon it would attempt to return to Oa, the Green Lantern Corps' headquarters, for recharging and to complete the formal induction process. He was not interested in joining the Corps or donning their uniform. His own defenses and healing far surpassed what the standard Green Lantern suit could offer. His true goal was to use the ring as a vessel for the Aether, not to become a typical Lantern.
"System, bring out the Aether," he commanded.
In an instant, the Aether materialized before him, a swirling mass of dark, reality-warping energy. The moment it appeared, it surged toward Su Zhan, eager to merge with him again. He felt its hunger, the way it tried to draw energy from his body.
"Let's see if my theory works," Su Zhan muttered, focusing his will. He directed the Aether toward the Green Lantern ring, urging it to enter and be contained. At first, the Aether resisted, pushing back with all its might. The ring's energy flared, and the two forces clashed—a battle of cosmic willpower.
Sweat broke out on Su Zhan's brow. The effort was immense, the strain nearly overwhelming. The Aether was one of the Infinity Stones, a power that feared nothing except its equals. Yet, the Green Lantern ring was unique. Its power to channel and contain energy, fueled by pure will, was formidable.
He gritted his teeth, refusing to yield. If he failed, the Aether would lash out, draining him dry or even turning on him. He could not let that happen.
"Get in there!" Su Zhan roared, pouring every ounce of concentration into the task. The Aether shuddered, then, as if kicked by his will, it began to flow into the ring. At first, only a small portion entered, but suddenly the ring's light intensified, creating a powerful suction. The rest of the Aether was drawn in, unable to resist.
A blinding light filled the room. Su Zhan's vision went white, and then everything went dark as he lost consciousness from the strain.
He did not know how long he was out. When he finally awoke, his head throbbed with pain, but he forced himself to look at his hand. The ring had changed. The once-bright green now glowed a deep, heavy emerald, shot through with streaks of black that swirled like living shadows. Even the Lantern insignia at its center seemed altered, wrapped in a shifting veil of dark energy.
"It's no longer just a Green Lantern ring," Su Zhan whispered, awe in his voice. "Now it's something new—Aether Lantern ring."
He could feel the difference. The ring's power was deeper and more complex, and the Aether's presence was now contained, no longer draining him or threatening to run wild. He had succeeded. With this fusion, he had created a unique artifact, one that combined the infinite willpower of the Lantern Corps with the reality-warping might of the Infinity Stone.
Su Zhan smiled, flexing his fingers as energy danced across the ring. He was no ordinary Lantern, nor simply a wielder of the Aether. He was something else entirely—a force that could change the fate of worlds.
And as he gazed at the swirling shadows within the ring, he knew his journey was only just beginning.