Training Day

Variant cover from Justice League #6 (Oct. 2018). © and TM DC.  Art by Jim Lee. 

“You’ll get used to stuff like this…eventually,” John Stewart said. “There’ll come a day when ‘being shrunk to microscopic size for training purposes’ will be old hat. Down here, we can use our powers at full strength without worrying about stuff like property damage. Besides – haven’t you ever wanted to take a really close look at your backyard?”   
 
Blue Lantern Esperanza Cavalera managed a nervous smile in response, then turned to the man responsible for this amazing transformation – the Atom. 
 
“And you’re certain there will be no side effects,” she asked the Justice League veteran.  . The “Mighty Mite” chuckled and smiled warmly at her. “You know, Superboy had the same concerns before I shrank him, Supergirl, and Steel down to help Superman out of a jam,” he said. “I’ll tell you what I told him – you’re perfectly safe. Scout’s honor.” 
 
“In that case, let’s do what we came here to do,” Esperanza replied. She turned to face her twin sister, Luzia – the latest member of the Indigo Tribe. “Time for some training.” 

“Okay, Luzia, here we go,” the Atom said. “Both John and I have used Indigo Tribe gear before, so we’re going to show you some of the things it can do for you.” 

“As you wish,” Luzia replied. “I know some of those things already – flight, for example.”  She demonstrated this by flying in a quick circle around the group. “The ring translates languages for me, too. Came in handy when Esperanza and I helped out some Chinese sailors on a damaged freighter.” 

“I know that feeling,” John said. “Have you tried teleporting with the ring yet?” 
 
Luzia nodded. “A few times. I’m told going extremely long distances can be very exhausting, so I stick to short trips around town.” 

“Okay, that’s good,” the Atom said. “You’re lucky - John and I had to learn how to use the ring fast, in life-or-death situations. Taking a slow, steady pace wasn’t an option for us.”  He smiled as he opened a small pack. “Let’s try a little target practice,” he said before throwing a handful of tiny objects onto the ground nearby. A moment later, he enlarged them, revealing them to be children’s toys – jacks, to be precise.  

Jacks, at her current size, were as large as cars. 
 
As Luzia prepared to fire at the nearby toys, the Green Lantern stepped forward.  “Remember, you can access the powers of other Lanterns when they’re close.  Try hitting those with something lean, mean, and green.”  Nodding, Luzia concentrated on the emerald power of Will, and the symbol of the Green Lantern Corps appeared near her forehead. A moment later, she fired a large, glowing, green boxing glove at one of the jacks, smashing it to pieces. 

“Nice,” John said, grinning. “Went for one of the Hal Jordan classics, I see.” 

“I saw him do it on TV once,” Luzia replied. “It seemed… appropriate.” 

“Since Mr. Stewart was so kind to assist us today,” Esperanza said to her sister. “Why don’t you use the power of my Corps to re-energize his ring for him?”  With a nod, Luzia silently channeled the power of her sister’s azure ring to supercharge the green ring on John’s finger. In response, the ring began to verbally provide status reports to its wearer. 
 
“Ring power at 120 percent… 130…” the ring said. 
 
“Okay, I’m good, Luzia,” John said. “I won’t need that much juice to get home today, but thanks.”   
 
“Your ring can heal those in need as well,” Atom said. “Though not to the level your sister’s ring can, of course.” 
 
“Lantern 2814.3,” said John’s ring. “Crisis situation at Sector 2261. All lanterns within transit range are ordered to assemble there as soon as possible.” 
 
“2261,” John said. “That’s Mogo’s sector… damn. Sorry, folks, but I’ve got to get moving.  Atom, mind embiggening me back to my regular size? Can’t say I wanna try getting around on a living planet while fun-sized.” 
 
“Sure thing,” Atom replied.  “Going up.”  

Cover from Legends of Tomorrow: The Atom (Feb. 2018). © and TM DC.  Art by Steve Dillon. 

After the Atom quickly activated hidden controls in his costume, the group rapidly grew to their regular heights. Luzia noticed a look of concern on her sister’s face as they stood in her back yard. 
 
“Are you okay, Esperanza,” Luzia said. Her sister shook her head ‘no’ in response as she walked toward John.  

“I’d like to come with you, Mr. Stewart,” the Blue Lantern said. “Something… important to me is on Mogo. I want to help.” 
 
“No problem,” John replied. “If it’s as big as it sounds, we’ll need all the help we can get.” 

Esperanza turned to face her sister. “I have to go, Luzia,” she said softly. “It’s important. I know I can count on you to keep training, and to be the light you’re meant to be. “ 

“I’ll try,” Luzia said.  

“Hey, I believe in you,” Esperanza replied. “Okay? All will be well.”   And with that, she gave her twin a big hug. 

“Nok,” Luzia replied in the language of the Indigo Tribe. “Compassion be with you, sister.” 

“See you soon,” the Blue Lantern said. “I’m ready, Mr. Stewart.” 

Luzia watched silently as her sister and the veteran Green Lantern flew at high speed toward space. I won’t let you down, Esperanza, she thought. Through the power of compassion, I’ll be the light you want me to be. I will atone for my sins.