"This isn't good," Zachary said as he watched the newly arrived Sinestro Corps member rise to his feet and lock eyes with him. Of all the members of the Sinestro Corps he could encounter, Trevius was one of the deadliest. Among the fact that he was one of the most experienced of the Yellow Lanterns, he was one of Sinestro's best. Being a master assassin and swordsmen ensured him such a spot. He knew he was outclassed by Trevius when it came to combat skill and experience. Zachary knew he had to be careful, and that he couldn't hold back in this fight, otherwise the lives of everyone on the planet, and in the galaxy, would be at risk.

"Great, another one of these guys!" he heard Anakin say in an annoyed tone over the comms.

"I can still hear you, Master Jedi!" Zachary replied while rolling his eyes.

"Might I ask who he is?" Master Di asked as he grabbed the energy blade from his belt.

"Trouble is what he is," he replied simply. "And trust me Master Di, that weapon of yours won't do anything to him. Just get everyone back, and do not engage him. I'll handle this guy, ring to ring." Zach said as he began stepping towards Dez, who was doing the same.

"I rather doubt it," Dez said with a sadistic smirk on his face. "last time we faced each other, I nearly killed you. If it wasn't for your fellow Lanterns, you wouldn't even be here right now." the words stung Zachary more than he cared to admit. He had the misfortune of encountering him once before and it didn't go well for him. Fighting a master swordsman and martial artist as a rookie went about as well as one would think. If it wasn't for Arisia and Chaselon showing up when they did, he wouldn't be here at this moment. "Rather bold to think you can take me by yourself, when the last time nearly resulted in your death." he boasted.

"Its been two years since," Zach simply replied as he cracked his knuckles. "Don't think this will be easy as it was before. Two years is a lot of time to learn after all."

"It most certainly is, but you'd be foolish to think your the only one who's gotten more POWERFUL!" switching his stance, he raised his ring, and let go a blast of yellow energy. In response, Zachary raised a wall between himself and the fear energy, creating a powerful explosion. When the dust cleared, all Dez could see was the green energy from the barrier getting absorbed back into the Green lantern's ring.

"If that's the best you can do, then this fight is going to be over rather quickly," Zach said as he smirked, and readied himself into a fighting stance.

"You haven't seen anything yet!" Dez shot towards the Green Lantern, fast enough that he wasn't able to react quick enough, and was dragged upwards into the sky as a result. Zachary delivered a right hook to Dez's jaw, forcing him to lose his grip on the Green Lantern, and allowing him to gain some distance. "Once I kill you, your friends are next!" he snarled.

"That's why I'm not going to hold back this time." he said closing the distance between them, sending both fists into his stomach, winding him temporarily, and bringing them both higher into the atmosphere. Zach attempted to follow this attack through with another punch, but Dez dodged it just in time, grabbing his right arm, and sending him spiraling downwards. Zachary regained control just in time to notice the construct sword that was swiping down towards him. He responded with his own sword, clashing with Dez before a series of bright blue explosions overtook his body. "What the hell are you guys doing! I told you to stay back!" he exclaimed a he saw the source of the explosions, a small squadron of W shaped fighters, led by an arrowhead, shot past them, and got ready to swing back around for another pass.

"Insects!" Dez snarled as he shot a stream of energy towards the fighters, destroying all but the lead arrowhead, which was severely damaged. Right as Dez reached out with a construct claw to grab it, he was smacked aside by a construct paddle from the Green Lantern.

"Damnit!" he cursed as he shot towards the falling fighter, scooping it up with construct hand, before gently setting down on the ground. He noticed that this was the fighter that belonged to the young alien girl he saved earlier. The younger ones are tend to be more reckless with their lives, just as he himself was at that age. "Kid, you really gotta listen before you get yourself killed." he warned her before shooting back off into the sky, tracking the yellow streak coming towards him.

"You think you've saved her? You merely delay the inevitable." Dez mocked. Now they both accelerated towards each other, breaking the sound barrier many times over, until they finally impacted. The energy they both imparted had created a shock wave that was felt on the ground, and gave quite the light show to them as well. They traded blow after blow, eventually leading Zach to feint a retreat into space, as to give himself more room to fight "Retreating already? I must say I'm rather disappointed." he said while grinning ear to ear.

"Not retreating," he said as he cocked his arms back like a baseball player. "Just needed room to do this!" he said as he swung his arms forward, and a construct baseball bat slammed into Dez, knocking him back, sending him into the remains of the Separatist control ship, and straight through the other side. It didn't take long before he had regained control over, and shot back towards the Green Lantern's direction. This time it was Dez who held the upper hand in close quarters, delivering a flurry of hits across his body, stunning Zach just long enough to envelope him in a large construct claw.

"I want to play this game to!" the sick smile on his face never ceasing, he eyed the Republic fleet in orbit, knowing just what his target would be. Before Zach could react, he was flung in the direction of the center battleship. His body made contact with the orange circle on the left side of the ship, the force of the impacting altering the position of the ship, and tilting it heavily on the port side.

"Oh shit!" Zach muttered as he saw the hole made through the ship had sucked out a number of the occupants, who were now exposed to the vacuum of space. Before he could do anything, the ship was rocked with another explosion, this time caused by Dez slicing down the middle of the ship with a construct blade, a larger version of his personal sword. Wasting no time, Zachary launched himself forward, sending a construct fist slamming into him. Once again, he closed the distance, hoping to capitalize on the moment of confusion to impart more blows to the Yellow Lantern. Dez was ready for it however, as the Green Lantern was sent flying after a rather powerful blow to the jaw.

"You claim this fight wouldn't be as easy as before, yet I still don't see any proof of that." he said, grabbing Zachary his neck, and throwing him into a piece of debris. He attempted to follow this through by slashing him with a construct blade, but was blocked by the Green lantern's own construct sword. "This is my area of expertise, you are a fool to presume you can beat me in it!"

"I don't presume anything." Zachary said as he launched himself forward, narrowly missing the blade that was swung his way, darted behind Dez, and delivered a powerful kick to his back, sending him flying. Once more, they locked themselves in hand to hand fighting, sending waves of green and yellow energy off in every direction as they fought it out in orbit. Both would trade blow after blow, bathing the empty vacuum in light. "Is that the best you've got?" Zachary said as he wiped the blood from his mouth.

"You haven't seen anything yet!" Dez came at him once more, only with more ferocity than he was expecting. Zachary was able to land some huts, but it was clear as to who had the upper hand in this fight now. Ducking and blocking as best as he could, each hit he did take felt more powerful that the last. "Two years and you've learned nothing! I was being trained by Assassin Templars when you were still but a child! What training do you have? Who taught you how to fight?" Dez screamed at Zachary as he delivered another flurry of blows across his body.

His body aching from the punishment it was still receiving. In his mind, he could only think of the consequences that would occur if he failed here. The people on the planet below, as well as those in the wider galaxy, would be at Dez's mercy. And if one member of the Sinestro Corps found their way here, more would undoubtedly follow. He couldn't fail, He Wouldn't Fail. He studied Dez's fighting form, trying to anticipate his next move, and exploit it. Zachary caught Dez's next punch, his scowl meeting the twisted grin of Dez.

"The United States Marine Corps!" Zachary shouted in reply as he twisted Dez's arm to the left, before delivering a flying kick directly to his jaw. He followed it with his other knee smashing directly into his ribs, and bringing his elbow down hard on his neck, sending him spiraling downward. Not wanting to lose the initiative, he followed in hot pursuit, landing a series of blows across his back and torso, further stunning him. This was short lived however, as Dez created a construct claw on his hand, swiping it across the Green Lantern's chest, sending him flying backward. Now, hovering above in orbit of the planet, both were battered and bruised, but neither was ready to give up yet. They both knew that only one of them was going to walk away from this fight alive. "Still as easy as it was last time?" he asked in a mocking tone.

"Alright, you've learned something," he admitted. "I guess for how brash and stupid you humans are, you can be quick learners when you want to. But it won't be enough to save you, or your newfound friends on the planet below!"

"You still have to get past me first. And I'll be damned if I leave this universe to the mercy of your kind!" as he put his arms forward, focusing the energy of his ring into a single point, before firing it directly towards the Yellow Lantern. Dez did the same however, resulting in two, bright columns of energy, colliding with each other head on. The emerald light of will, clashed with the yellow light of fear, in a struggle of good against evil above the planet. Both of the Lanterns put everything they had in their rings, attempting to overcome the other. But it wasn't long before Dez's energy slowly overcame the Green Lantern's own, pushing him steadily back, until the energy blast made contact with him.

The resulting explosion was powerful enough that it, at least momentarily, knocked him out, causing him to spiral down to the surface of the planet. This pleased Dez, who smiled as he watched the Green Lantern fall down to the planet's surface, and funnily enough, not that far from where they encountered each other. "Now you will die, Green Lantern!" he said as he raced down the planet below.

For those back on the surface of the planet, the events going on above them were unlike anything they had ever seen. Bright flashes of green and yellow filled the sky as they watched both fighters go at each other with everything they had. While most of the planet had no idea that was occurring, the Republic forces on the ground did, assisted by the recording equipment aboard their fleet in orbit. Although such recordings were temporarily disabled when the flagship of the fleet, the Resolute, destroyed in the fighting between the two Lanterns. Luckily most of those on the bridge had managed to evacuate, including Admiral Yularen.

"The Admiral made it to an escape pod just before the ship was destroyed." Anakin informed the group as they watched the spectacle above them. "I still can't believe this is happening!"

"What bothers me more is how their doing all of this." Rex replied.

"I still don't understand how this is possible!" Ahsoka said to no one in particular. "None of this should be happening right now."

"Neither do I kid, but maybe we'll get some more answers when that green one comes back down."

"If he survives this fight," Captain Keeli said as he lowered the electrobinoculars from his eyes. "Doesn't look like he's winning that fight. I think we need to be more concerned about what happens if the yellow one wins. Or more specifically, how we can evacuate without being slaughtered."

"Let us hope it doesn't come down to that." Master Di said, taking the binocs from Keeli, and putting them to his eyes. But just as he did, a large explosion filled the sky, forcing those watching to avert their gaze from above. When they looked back up, all they could see was a green light streak down from orbit, and impacting nearly on top of them.

"That's not good." Rex muttered as he watched the Green Lantern slowly stumble out from the crater formed from his crash landing. It was obvious from his posture that he was in pain. Nevertheless, he still stood back up, looking upwards at the yellow ball of light coming towards him. "Looks like we'll get to see who wins this fight real soon!" Rex said as he pulled his pistols from their holsters.

"We've got to help him!" Ahsoka said as she looked over to her master, who's grip on his lightsaber only tightened.

"What do you say Master Di?" he asked.

"If we do nothing, we will lose this battle. If we intervene, there's no guarantee we'd be of any real assistance to Green Lantern. But we can't sit idly by, not after all the help he has given already." he replied.

"Its settled then!" Anakin said as he ignited his lightsaber. "Rex, tell the men to throw everything they have at the yellow one!" he ordered.

"Right away sir!" was his reply. "Move into position and prepare to fire!" They let the yellow figure descend further, putting him directly in their sights, before opening fire on him with everything they had. Hundreds of blaster bolt and cannon rounds slammed into the Yellow Lantern, who was readying himself to strike the final blow against the Green Lantern. He looked over at them, a look of annoyance on his face as they continued to pour fire onto him.

"What such pathetic weaponry," he said as a sadistic smirk grew across his face. "And once I'm done with you, I'll see what else this universe has to offer." he said as he raised his ring hand towards the small army below, ready to exterminate them.

Zachary's body ached everywhere. It hurt even worse as he dragged himself to his feet and out of the crater he had made in the ground. As much as his body screamed at him to stay down and rest, he knew he couldn't. Not when one of the most vile members of the Sinestro Corps had followed him to this universe. Not when knowing what the consequences would be if he did give up. He was a member of the Green Lantern Corps, and he wouldn't give up yet. Ignoring his injuries, he balled his fist tight as he watched Dez stare down at him, ready to strike once more. As he got ready to cock his fist back,a series of blue bolts and explosions blanketed the Yellow Lantern's body. He was knocked back slightly from the attack, but the look on his face showed he was more annoyed by the effort than hurt by it.

"Son of a bitch!" he swore to himself as he got back up. "I thought I told them to stay back!"

"And once I'm done with you, I'll see what else this universe has to offer." Dez said as he brought his attention on the Republic forces now firing on him.

"Like hell you will!" Zachary cursed as he gripped him in a large construct fist, slamming him hard onto the ground, and following it up with a powerful blast from his ring. "Your fight is with me, not them you damn coward. Now come and fight me!" he taunted as Dez got to his feet, looking no worse for wear than the Green Lantern did. Both were bruised and bloodied, but both could still fight.

"If that's the best you got left, this fight is already over."

"How about you come and find out?" Zach said as he formed his right hand into a 'Bring it on' gesture. The taunt seemed to have worked, as Dez shifted himself into a fighting stance, and launched himself towards the Green Lantern. But right as he did, Zachary caught sight of a familiar blue and red streak in the sky above, coming towards them. Then he heard the unmistakable sound of a sonic boom, followed by a cloud of dust being kicked up as the object impacted Dez, and dragged him into the atmosphere. It took a moment for him to realize what had happened, but when he did, he breathed a sigh of relief "Ah, looks like the cavalry has finally arrived." he said as he looked up into the sky.

"So this is the guy giving you trouble, huh?" Superman's voice was like a rush of cold air over his exhausted body. Now he wasn't alone, and would no longer have to worry about what would happen if he went down. As he looked back up at the sky, he soon realized that Supes wasn't alone. Two Javelin's, flanked by four separate green streaks of light, punctured the atmosphere, and made their way to his location. He soon realized the streaks of light were four more members of the Green Lantern Corps. And more specifically, four that he knew very well. Two broke off of the main group, alongside Shazam, who had just exited the lead Javelin, and raced towards the fight. The rest, landed nearby among the wreckage.

"Looks like you guys will get to meet some of my friends!" Zachary said softly as he coughed up some blood. By now, the adrenaline had worn off, and a sharp pain stabbed all across his body. He could no longer ignore his body screaming to rest. His fight was over, the others could handle Dez, and he could take a break.

"Didn't I tell you to wait until the team was ready?" he heard Batman's voice scolding him.

"Yeah, well," he paused as he coughed again. "If you saw what I did, you'd act just as I had."

"Alert, multiple internal injuries detected! Immediate medical assistance required!" The ring told him as he staggered towards the now landed Javelin's. Batman, Flash, and Hawkgirl exited the Javelin, and made their way over to him.

"Yeah, yeah ring," he said weakly, just as Two Six and Arisia landed beside him. "I'll handle it later." he said just before his vision faded and he collapsed on the ground.

"LANTERN!"

The darkness surrounded him. As he looked all around, all he could see was the inky black that reminded him of space. Zachary tried using his ring to help guide the way, but the darkness didn't shrink. As best he could tell, he was walking on nothing. As he continued on, trying to find some way out, he began to hear voices. They were faint at first, but steadily drew closer, and closer. They were coming from all directions, and becoming louder, and louder. Then he could make out what he was hearing.

"Why did you leave us?" he heard a voice behind him ask. His eyes widened as he slowly turned to face the familiar voice. The voice came from none other than his mother, who stood before him.

"Ma? Is that you?" he asked as tears welled up in his eyes.

"You said you would always keep us safe!" another voice cried out. This time of his brother, who stood behind him. "Why weren't you there to save us?"

"I'm so sorry, to both of you. All this power I have at my fingertips, but I still couldn't save you. Please forgive me." he pleaded as he looked at both of them. Their eyes as black as the void that surrounded them. Then, as quick as this all started, a bright light overtook everything.

Zachary's eyes opened and he was no longer surrounded by darkness. Instead, he was laying on a medical bed, in building made of hardlight energy. To his left, were Lantern's Two Six and Arisia, who were chatting on the other side of the room. Directly to his right, sat Flash and Hawkgirl, both of which looked uneasy, and wore concerned looks on their faces. Zachary grunted as he tried to get up, which alerted the four that were in the room that he was awake.

"Do not sit up yet!" Arisia said as she eased him back down. "Your injuries were quite severe, so please stay down."

"Seems like you both beat the hell out of each other." Flash commented as he looked down on his wounded comrade. "But it definitely seems like he did you worse."

"Your lucky we got here when we did." Hawkgirl told him. "If it wasn't for Batman picking up another anomaly, and Arisia tracking your ring signature, you'd be dead right now."

"What, you don't think I'd be able to eke out a win?" Zachary chuckled, pain shooting through his abdomen once more.

"An unlikely outcome," Two Six said in her usual serious tone. "Even if you did, your injuries were quite severe. Its doubtful local forces would have been able to heal you properly."

"Well thank you for the moral support."

"You are most certainly welcome." she replied happily.

"I've got two questions then, first being what happened to Dez?" he asked, worried about the possibility he escaped.

"Lantern's Chaselon and Larvox, alongside Superman and Shazam, were able to neutralize him shortly after you collapsed. He's currently sitting in a Sciencell back on Oa. You no longer need to worry about him." Arisia informed him.

"Ok then, how long have I been unconscious for then?"

"Roughly 18 hours give or take," Flash said. "Me and Kendra haven't left this room since. Hell, we haven't even slept yet."

"And we weren't going to until you woke up." Kendra assured him.

"Well thanks guys. I'm serious, not many people I know would spend nearly a whole day sitting here, bored out of their minds, waiting for me to wake up."

"Its what friends are for." Flash said as he put a hand on Zach's shoulder. "Also, that was some wicked stuff you did protecting that planet."

"Huh?" Zachary said confused for a moment as he remembered why he was even here in the first place. "How did you-"

"Those Jedi told us everything that happened," Kendra interrupted. "From the moment you crossed the anomaly, to you breaking a blockade, trashing that army, and fighting that yellow fascist. That and your fellow Lanterns accessed your ring's recordings, matching what they said with what it showed."

"We were all annoyed at first when you went without waiting for us, but as Kendra said, that all changed when we saw what happened."

"So where's everyone else?"

"Shazam and the rest of team two are back on Earth. Batman and Superman are currently talking with those Jedi people." Flash told him.

"Good, lets not keep them waiting anymore." Zachary said as he reached his right hand out, summoning his ring to his finger. Once again, Arisia and Flash tried to get him to lay back down, but Zach just put out his hand. "I'm not going to just sit around all day. While I recognize I'm in no position to fight, I can still walk. Now lets figure out what's going on."

Writers Note

Just to let everyone know, I'm shipping off to Parris Island on the first of next month for boot camp, so the earliest I'll be able to put out another chapter will be later this year. Just figured I'd let everyone know so people don't think I stopped writing or anything like that. I'll still update it, just not as frequently as I'd like to.