Gatekeeper

Every pair of eyes turned to the vortex spinning in mid-air. It wasn't just the visual spectacle that held their attention—it was the overwhelming presence of energy radiating from the portal, pulling at every being in the room like an invisible force. This was what they had all come for. After decades, even centuries, of failed attempts to unlock the temple's secrets, the door was finally opening.

But then something even more extraordinary happened.

A figure appeared out of thin air, shimmering like a translucent ghost. At first glance, it looked like a young girl, her delicate features softened by the golden light surrounding her. But as she became more distinct, it became clear she was no girl. Her features, though feminine, carried a androgynous quality, and her aura exuded something beyond mere youth. She held something in her hand—an object no larger than a figurine, glowing faintly yet radiating immense power. Waves of energy rippled from it, brushing against the room's occupants and sending shivers down their spines.

The crowd stared, their expressions a mix of awe and confusion. Some whispered nervously to one another, speculating about what they were witnessing. Others stood frozen, unable to process the sight before them.

Two figures in the room, however, didn't just stare—they reacted.

Cruz and Borich, leaders of the Krafal Second Alliance and Aval United, immediately recognized both the figure and the object in her hand. Their pupils constricted, their expressions tightening as shock gave way to something more primal: urgency.

The figure wasn't just anyone. She was the Stardust Child, the very person they had spent years chasing across the galaxy. And the object in her hand wasn't just a random trinket—it was the key to the temple. The small statue, its golden light flickering like a heartbeat, was the final piece of the puzzle they had been trying to solve for years.

On the sidelines, Charlie watched through Iron Man's interface, his digital eyes widening in surprise. What just happened? he thought. Things are moving way faster than I expected.

Unbeknownst to most of the crowd, Green Lantern had already entered the chamber with the Stardust Child in tow. Hal had kept a low profile, slipping in quietly while Cruz and Borich argued. Charlie had been focused on assembling the final pieces needed to activate the temple when something unexpected occurred.

Hal had removed the statue from his subspace storage, intending to hold onto it while figuring out their next move. But as soon as the statue left the subspace, it reacted as though it had a mind of its own. It flew into the Stardust Child's hand, glowing brighter with every passing second. The boy was lifted into the air, the golden energy surrounding him pulsating in rhythm with the statue's light. It was as though the temple itself had recognized him as the rightful bearer.

The boy floated higher, his face a mix of wonder and fear. Around him, the golden light intensified, casting long shadows on the walls of the chamber. And then he heard it—a voice. Soft yet powerful, it called to him, not in words but in feelings, pulling him toward the vortex. The sound resonated deep within him, like a melody he'd known his entire life.

It felt like destiny.

The boy's gaze shifted to the vortex, now spinning faster and brighter. It wasn't just a portal; it was his destination. He didn't know how or why, but he knew this place was meant for him, and he was meant for it.

Cruz and Borich moved simultaneously, their instincts honed by years of experience. Without a word, they launched themselves into the air, their movements fluid and precise. Both leaders knew what was at stake. Whoever controlled the Stardust Child and the key would control the temple. And whoever controlled the temple would gain power beyond imagination.

The two leaders were equals in strength and speed. Their movements were almost synchronized as they closed the gap between themselves and the boy. But neither of them reached him.

A brilliant green flash filled the room, and in an instant, both leaders were knocked back. Cruz felt his head slam into something solid and unyielding, like an iron wall, while Borich felt a cold, steely grip clamp down on his neck before he was hurled backward like a rag doll.

The crowd gasped as Green Lantern hovered in the air, glowing with an aura of emerald energy. His presence was commanding, almost divine, as he positioned himself between the boy and the two leaders. The green light surrounding him pulsed, a silent warning to anyone who dared to approach.

Cruz and Borich scrambled to their feet, their expressions a mix of shock and anger. For years, they had been the undisputed powerhouses of their respective factions. Now, in a matter of seconds, they had been dismissed—by a single man.

The Stardust Child, still suspended in the air, hesitated. The golden energy enveloping him pulled him toward the vortex, but he looked back at Hal, his eyes wide with uncertainty. He didn't know what awaited him on the other side, and for all his instincts told him to move forward, he felt a deep reluctance to leave Hal behind.

Hal smiled gently. "Go," he said, his voice calm and reassuring.

"But..." The boy's voice was barely a whisper. He glanced at the vortex, then back at Hal. Though the pull of the portal was undeniable, his trust in Hal was stronger.

"It's okay," Hal said, his smile widening. "I'll be right here when you come back. Go."

The boy hesitated for a moment longer before nodding. Hal's words gave him the courage he needed. He turned toward the vortex, clutching the glowing statue tightly.

"Wait for me," he said softly.

Hal gave him a thumbs-up. "You've got this."

Before the boy could step forward, another figure appeared. Deadpool sauntered into the scene, his signature irreverence breaking the tension. "Hey, kid! Don't leave without me!" he called, grabbing the boy's free hand. "Let's make this an adventure."

The boy glanced at Deadpool, confused but not afraid. He had met the strange man earlier in their journey and, though eccentric, Deadpool had proven to be a trustworthy ally. Together, the two of them stepped toward the vortex, their forms disappearing into the swirling light.

The hall erupted into chaos. Seeing their opportunity slipping away, the gathered factions surged forward, their desperation palpable. Cruz and Borich led the charge, their factions close behind. Everyone hoped to force their way through, believing that sheer numbers would overwhelm Hal's defenses.

But Hal was ready.

With a flick of his wrist, the green light expanded, forming a massive dome around the vortex. The barrier solidified into a glowing shield, impenetrable and unyielding. Hal smiled, clearly enjoying himself.

"Sorry," he said, his tone light but firm. "The temple's closed today."

The crowd froze in frustration, their hopes dashed. No one dared challenge Hal directly, not after seeing what he had done to Cruz and Borich. For now, the temple's secrets would remain just out of reach.

Hal, still hovering in mid-air, stretched his arms lazily. "Want to get in?" he asked, his tone almost mocking. "You'll have to deal with the gatekeeper first."