"Death in the Family"

Years of missions had taken their toll on the family. Though John and Shayera were well into their late sixties and their children constantly urged them, they still refused retirement. Each of the younger Stewarts had established their own thriving families that were also headed toward a destiny of hero glory. Little did they know that the family patriarch and matriarch would soon go down in a blaze of glory.

It was a burning cosmetic factory. A simple get in, get out mission. A mission that went down the drain when a rafter fell on top of Shayera. Out of instinct, she radioed John. "John, I need help. Burning building in Star city. I'm trapped."

"I'm on my way, babe. Hang in there." John flew as quickly as he could from their home while contacting Rex. "Rex, burning building in Star. Your mother needs help. I'm goin' in but I want you on standby."

"Yeah Dad, be there in 5."

Within minutes John arrived to find his wife face down under a pile of fallen roofing and metal rods. "Are you okay?"

"Wings are a little crushed. Not sure as far as actual injuries. Just be gentle."

John formed a large green hand with his ring that would gradually lift the roofing from Shayera's body. Once the pile was removed, he lifted her up onto his shoulders. After a few steps toward the door, John tripped sending Shayera out in front of him, and hitting his head on the hard ground. "John?! Rex, your father's unconscious. We're down on the main floor. Hurry!"

"Yeah Mom, on my way." He ran in through the door, finding his way to the main floor. "Mom?"

"Over here." Shayera was struggling to stay standing. Rex reached her just in time to catch her.

"Mom? Where's Dad?"

"He's right there. Listen, grab him and get out of here. I think this place is ready to blow."

"I am not going to just leave ya."

"I'll be right behind you, just go."

Rex tossed John over his shoulder and began the run for the exit, Shayera falling further and further behind. The constant jarring of Rex's running brought John back to consciousness. "Rex?" he asked groggily. "Rex?" he seemed fully awake this time. "Boy, put me down! I've got two legs and I know how to use 'em. Get outta here, I'll help your mother."

"No, I'm not leavin' you or Mom."

John got up in his face. "If you've got a brain in your head, you will get your ass out of here."

Rex gritted his teeth knowing better than to argue with the old man. He turned and ran as John went back to Shayera who was currently in a coughing fit. As Rex crossed the threshold, he heard an explosion. He turned around just in time to see his parents mouthing 'I love you' before they were engulfed in a stampede of flames. The Lantern's fate was sealed with a flash of green light and his ring disappearing towards Oa. Rex dropped to his knees. "No. Mom. Dad. No." He choked back his tears and radioed his sister. "Chelsey, something's happened. I don't know how to tell you this, but it's Mom and Dad.

They're not comin' home this time."