As All Light Dies

Sector 2261, Planet Mogo, Near The Planetary Core

Lyssa Drak watched as she used her Power Ring to move the last segment of a grim, foreboding structure into place.  She looked upon her work with a deep sense of pride – only she was allowed the honor of assembling that which would provide power to the elite warriors of her dread master. Without her efforts, the Black Lantern Corps would wield powerless rings in battle against the forces of the living.  Without her, the Lord of the Unliving would have no legions to command.

Internal artwork from Blackest Night #4 (Oct. 2009). © and TM DC. Written by Geoff Johns. Art by Ivan Reis.

As the ebon Central Power Battery began to thrum within the cavern, emitting an unnatural dark glow, Lyssa knelt before her leader as he inspected the massive structure with eyes devoid of life, of feeling.

“It is done, dread Master,” Lyssa said. “The rings of your soldiers begin to grow in power, the charge with them becomes ever stronger… and with each life they take, each living heart rent asunder, stronger still.”

Internal artwork from Green Lantern #20 (May 2013). © and TM DC. Written by Geoff Johns. Art by Doug Mahnke.

“Rise, loyal one,” Nekron replied. “Things proceed as I have planned. Our ranks grow in number with each passing moment. This time… the Blackest Night shall fall, and the Light will never diminish it again.”

“Our enemies gather, my Lord,” Lyssa said. “Many Lanterns, from several Corps, assemble upon the surface of this world. They will attempt to thwart you, to deny your greatness… to destroy you.”

“Of course they will,” the grim figure said in response. “And with each Lantern sent to face my forces on Mogo, the fools merely add more ringbearers to my ranks. The death of each bright light brings more darkness to the land, until the inevitable occurs… and only I remain.”

“They are both brave and bold, my Lord,” the Talokite said, concern in her tone. “They will undoubtedly recruit others of great power, as they did before.  Kryptonians, Amazons, and more… and we lack the numbers to defeat them, should they present a unified front in resistance.”

Internal artwork from Blackest Night #5 (Nov. 2009). © and TM DC. Written by Geoff Johns. Art by Ivan Reis.

“You forget your place,” Nekron rumbled, filling Lyssa’s heart with an emotion she knew too well, one she often used as a weapon.  Fear.  “The rabble will send their strongest to challenge us, yes… but this time, they must not only contend with the power of my Black Lanterns… but with the overwhelming power of the Gray.  The pervasive grip of Sorrow will overwhelm their hearts, leaving them vulnerable… weak… defenseless.” 

“Prey unto the slaughter,” Lyssa murmured, voice barely above a whisper.  “This is why you have not slain Mogo, is it not?”

“Correct,” Nekron replied. “While Mogo would make a potent Black Lantern, as a Gray Lantern he shrouds himself with waves of grief and sorrow. Even those of great will and power succumb to it in time. And so, both Mogo and the creature called Luzia Cavalera must not only live but thrive.  You must ensure this. Let no undead take their hearts.  To do so is to incur my wrath… and my dark retribution. Suffering hitherto unknown, even to your Book of Parallax.”

Fighting back a shiver of pure fear, Lyssa nodded in agreement. “It shall be so, my Lord. And should the enemy seek to recreate the White Lantern?”

“Then we shall divide them… conquer them… and add them to our ranks. Go now, and await the arrival of my new, dark Hand. They will prove most adept at this… and you will ensure their success.”

“By your command, great Nekron.  It shall be done.” Lyssa said, solemnly.  She turned and left the dread ruler of the unliving, heading to meet his newest servant and warrior. And if this great “hand” should be severed… it will be my time. My chance to prove my mettle at Nekron’s side.  A wicked smile grew on her face, visions of darkness and power within her dark mind and soul.