Episode fanfic title: Among Us.

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A/N: Don't play it unless I say so!

Inside the Interceptor, A week later...

" 'Green Lantern combat protocol review question 33.' " 

Kilowog starts only to hear Hal Jordan displaying boredom by being questioned about the Green Lantern Manual quiz, "Seriously? This is the longest pop quiz in history." He sarcastically rolls his eyes. 

While Kia, on the other hand, is thrilled to take a quiz in space, having established herself as Kilowog's top rookie.

"On operational command fail-safes?" he demanded, noticing Hal distractedly playing Solitaire instead of focusing. "Uh, 11?" Hal guessed, but Kilowog wiped it off in annoyance. "That's very close."

Kilowog shook his head in disappointment. "Unfortunately, 'close' only counts in Altaverox ring toss." He turned to the black girl typing diligently and cleared his throat to get her attention. "And you, rookie?"

"The answer is 12, Kilowog," Kia answered confidently. Kilowog beamed proudly at her. "See how Kia answered? She didn't even need to read the manual!" He puffed out his chest, clearly impressed.

Hal sighed, unimpressed. "Don't we have an app that takes care of this boring stuff?" Kilowog narrowed his red eyes at him. "Jordan, when facing the Anti-Monitor, we do things by the book!"

Meanwhile, while others argued, Kia focused on her laptop, researching the regulations for becoming a Green Lantern. She noticed Aya approaching Razer, who was sitting in Cassie's seat and acting strangely.

Curiously, Kia discreetly retrieved a hearing comlink that she and Cassie designed for eavesdropping. She intended to gather information on the situation.

"Razer, I'm glad you're back on the ship," Aya stated, clearly wanting to compliment him. "I'm pleased you completed your task on Odym." Razer coldly countered her. "On the contrary, the Blue Lanterns couldn't help me purge the rage from my heart. It changed nothing."

Kia closely observed Razer's response, realizing something was off. 

"Perhaps that's for the best. I—" Aya hesitated but quickly adjusted her wording. "All of us prefer you unchanged. I can assist you with your scans for the Anti-Monitor." When she reached out to him, he pulled away and turned his back.

"No. I'll work more efficiently alone." Razer continued his search while Kia felt bad for Aya until realization struck her. She mentally freaked out: 'What did I just witness? Aya's disappointed because—OH SHIT SHE LIKES HIM TOO!!! This is REALLY awkward.' Understanding the gravity of what she'd seen, she typed a coded message to Cassie about the incident.

That message was enough to bring Cassie racing out of her room. She hurried past but tripped on her feet again, "Oof! I definitely need to stop tripping," she groaned. Razer quickly sprang to his feet and rushed to help her up. "Are you alright?" he asked, genuinely concerned. "You shouldn't run out like that."

"I'm fine, Razer," she smiled, dusting off her legs and knees while regaining her composure. A faint blush crept over her cheeks as she realized how flustered she looked.

Unbeknownst to them, a certain AI glared at Cassie with barely concealed jealousy. "I wanted to catch you before you disappeared," she said, tucking a stray hair behind her ear. Razer raised an eyebrow but softened his expression. "You know I wouldn't vanish on you, right?" he replied, deadpan.

Cassie rolled her eyes playfully, brushing off her embarrassment. Just then, Kilowog scolded them, and Cassie made funny faces behind his back. Razer stifled a grin, amused, as they settled back into their seats. She quickly set her laptop on the holographic table and began typing fiercely.

Kilowog crossed his arms and smirked. "Don't tell me Bruce is making you handle paperwork?" Cassie focused on her laptop, ignoring the others as it displayed numerous numbers and a list of missing documents.

"Well, Uncle, when a billionaire boss neglects their paperwork, someone has to take charge," she retorted, sending the documents to her boss's printer back on Earth. "Did you just pull a 'Razer'?" Kilowog asked, puzzled.

Cassie rolled her eyes, closed her laptop, and leaned back with a sigh. "I did not pull a 'Razer.' I'm simply stating the obvious." Kia stifled a laugh at their banter, leaning in to listen. "I excel at multitasking—a Lantern always maintains control." Kia leaned closer, feigning boredom as she glanced at her screen.

"Are you sure about that?" she teased, earning a glare in return.

Razer shot a sharp look at Kilowog's earlier comment. "Wait, do you use my name as a verb?" 

Before anyone could respond, an alarm blared through the Interceptor. Aya announced urgently, "I have a communication from Green Lantern 1417." 

"Finally, a call I'm ready to take!" Hal exclaimed enthusiastically. Cassie and Kia jumped up, squealing, "OMG!!!!! The legendary mentor who taught my Uncle/Mr. Jordan how to become a Green Lantern!!!" Razer rolled his eyes, irritated by Hal's excitement over yet another Green Lantern.

He grumbled quietly, jealousy rising within him. 

"Sinestro? Oh, great," Kilowog groaned.

Even so, Razer ignores his anger, wondering who 'Siniestro' is, and questions Hal, "Sinestro? Is he some sort of great warrior?" 

"He's a legend in the core!" Hal starts explaining it to him, "One of the most decorated Green Lanterns ever. In the battle of Kund, he took out 10 platoons solo!" "After messing up the battle plan," Kilowog interrupts and claims: "He's an undisciplined hothead who bends the rules to whatever he needs them to be that day!" 

The two girls grinned along with Hal, and synced: "Like we said, awesome." "And taught me loads of useful tricks." Cassie's Uncle turns to the girls, "Maybe he could mentor you both with some skills too." Of course, Kilowog widens his eyes in horror at the fact that he has to handle two more troublemakers, and there's no way he could do that. 

"That's part of your problem." 

Hal ignores it: "Aya put Mr. Thal Siniestro on the big screen." That's when Siniestro appears on a hologram, and immediately greets him.

====~Time skip~====

While nearing the frigate, Aya states there is an upcoming message from the frigate. A hologram appears of the Spider Guild captain, warning the crew if he helps the Green Lantern, they will interpret them as hostile. Hal objects to it, and the captain claims that he made a big mistake, which then the communication closes. 

He draws closer to the starboard tower while evading lasers from the machinery, and communicates to Siniestro, "Siniestro, I hate to rush you—" "Don't get hysterical, Jordan," The legendary Green Lantern stated: "I'm almost there." 

"Cassie! Kia! Go to Siniestro and lead him to the Interceptor," Hal ordered. The girls put on their lantern suits and flew out. As Cassie approached him, she called out, "Okay, Siniestro! Follow us!" Obeying her orders, he did as instructed, while Kia used her holographic guns to shoot down the laser with full precision and accuracy.

As they darted through the chaotic battlefield, Hal kept his focus sharp. The frigate came closer, its bulk casting a shadow over the surrounding debris. "Kia! Keep an eye on Siniestro's six! We can't afford any mistakes!" he ordered, his voice calm amid the chaos.

"We got it, Hal!" Kia replied, her resolve evident. She shot forward, taking the lead, her vibrant green energy trailing behind her like a comet. Kia flanked Siniestro, her holographic pistols glowing brightly as they fired precise volleys at the approaching threats.

Siniestro clenched his jaw, pushing through the thrill of the chase. "Your leadership is commendable, Earthlings," he acknowledged, pushing his own power ring to its limits. "But this clown-fest won't matter if we can't break through the frigate's defenses." And what he did next made the girls' jaws drop.

He uses his holographic structure of a missile by aiming at the three blasters and shooting at them, "AYALA MADRE DE DIOS!!!" 

"Well, shit, that's something you don't see every day!" Cassie exclaims as he grins, "You ain't seen nothing yet." He tells her calmly before swinging down and following the girls while Kia does her best to protect their backs until she gets shot in the hip, "Agh!" 

Kia screams, prompting Cassie to panic. "Kia!" she cries, rushing in to protect her with a shield. "I've got you, just hang on!" 

"Ngh, I'll try," Kia replies. "We need to get your friend out of here," Siniestro urges as Hal's niece lifts Kia into her arms, ignoring Siniestro and flying as fast as she can, her heart racing with urgency.

"Siniestro, cover us!" Cassie insists, struggling to balance Kia's weight while maintaining a flickering shield against incoming blasts. Unfortunately, she can't use her healing abilities from her power ring since it's already in use.

With a quick nod, Siniestro raised his hand, creating a large wall of energy that absorbed several incoming lasers. The blast sent shockwaves through the air, giving the girls just enough time to get away.

"Let's go!" he said, the glow from his ring getting stronger as he got ready for the next wave of enemy fire. "Do you think you've done something heroic by freeing Neuraxis? You don't know what he's capable of..." The spider alien paused, seemingly at random, and turned away. "There's something I need to do."

He ended the call, which confused everyone, especially Kilowog. "What was that about?" "Warning." Aya began, "The Spider Guild ship has initiated its self-destruct sequence." "Its engines are about to go critical."

As they got closer to the Interceptor, Hal kept giving orders, staying calm even though things were tough. "Everyone, stay on your toes! We're almost through!" 

"Get ready for impact!" Cassie warned, glancing at Kia, whose face was pale but focused. "Just hang on a little longer! We're nearly there!" 

(Cassandra's POV): in the medbay...

"OW!" Kia yelped.

"Stay still. I'm almost done healing your wound." I scolded her, using the energy from my blue lantern power ring to continue healing her wound. As I did so, a door slid open behind us, catching our attention as the boys entered: "Hey Cassie, how's the patient?"

Kia carefully stood up, with my help of course, and replied, "Ready for action." "Yeah, I think you're okay." I looked at her with a mixture of concern and finished healing her.

"Good to hear," Kilowog replied, giving me a quick glance. I could tell he was still a little skeptical of my healing methods, but I knew the Blue Lantern Power Ring had worked wonders.

I just don't know if it can heal more than injuries. 

"You need to take it easy, though," he added, crossing his arms. Kia waved him off, "I'm not staying behind while you go out there. We've been through too much." She straightened up, trying to show that she was ready, even if the bandage around her hip said otherwise.

"You're exaggerating." I deadpanned. 

Only to have my best friend continue: "All I'm saying is that I'm fine--OW! Puta madre de mierda, Cassandra!" "I've had enough already," I cut her off by deliberately pinching her side. She hissed and slapped my shoulder for me to stop, to which I did as she pointed at me. 

"Te odio, Cassandra." She glared. Her insult made me grin smugly at her and simply say: "And~ I love you too, Kia." Our banter ended with my uncle and Kilowog leaving the medbay, not long after telling us to join them to meet Siniestro, which we both agreed to when Razer walked in.

Every time I saw him, I felt my cheeks turn pink.

"H-Hey, Razer." 

"Cassandra," Razer said, glancing between us with his typical ambiguity. 

I swear, he never could be just a little bit direct.

 "Look who's finally here." Kia cuts in, "Ya decided to join the party, huh?"

My heart raced as Razer's gaze shifted to me, revealing a mixture of intrigue and annoyance in his intense blue eyes. "Is everything... okay with you two?" he asked cautiously, glancing at Kia's bandaged hip. 

I felt a pang of jealousy, but was glad to be acknowledged.

"We're fine, just a scratch," she replied a little too cheerfully, while I nodded and quickly added, "I'm fine. Thanks to my power ring," I showed him my ring and continued, "but you should see Siniestro's skills sooner. He seems to like our skills."

Razer's eyebrows twitch at the mention of the legendary Siniestro. Since the drunken incident over a week ago, I've gained a better understanding of his personality and how he expresses his caring side. 

He fiercely defended his friends, often growling subtly at anyone who insulted, complimented, or approached me. Yet, I recognized that beneath his gruff exterior lay a kind heart—albeit in his own way.

After each beating heart of mine, I recalled the night before, wondering why Razer had carried me, lifted a strand of my hair from my face, and whispered " 'Beautiful' " to me. Like, I know I'm not a psychic, but I can feel his feelings for me are growing stronger. 

Anyway, Kia, who was watching the whole thing, started to say something that made her suddenly smile at us.

Leaving us confused.

"But~ you were jealous of Cassie getting complimented by Siniestro earlier, weren't you?~" Razer's eyebrows furrowed deeper at Kia's teasing, his usual stoic demeanor cracking just enough for me to catch a glimpse of the nervous warmth beneath.

I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks, the way his gaze flickered between me and Kia, a silent battle of emotions playing out in the air between us:

"..." he finally managed to grunt, crossing his arms in a way that was meant to look tough but only made him look adorably defensive. The corner of his mouth twitched as if he was trying to keep any emotion from escaping his angry expression.

I couldn't help but look away from Razer and Kia as she leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Oh, come on, Razer! I saw the way you glared at Siniestro when he complimented Cassie over the comlink. It was like watching a predator defend his territory!"

"Y-You s-saw nothing, woman!" Razer replied, sounding frustrated. His fist, which was holding his power ring, started glowing brightly as if he was ready to retaliate. 

That's when it struck me, and I gasped in horror. "You didn't just set up another secret camera to capture his reaction, did you?" Kia nodded triumphantly. "I'm just trying to help you two get together," she said calmly. "Besides, it's working."

When Razer let out a low growl—a sound that both thrilled and terrified me—I had to take action and immediately stepped in between the two, to protect her before she could provoke his anger further.

"All right, you've made your point, Kia!" I created a wall with my blue power ring to stop the fight. "Please remove them from the main hangar, now." I ordered, receiving a look from Kia that said, 'You-know-I'm-right.'

She sighed in defeat and walked to the exit, but then turned back to us, pointing and saying, "Fine, but I'll say this—you two are definitely adorable when you speak in sync."

"We don't—" Razer and I said together, looking at each other in surprise as our faces turned red.

Kia gave a little nod as if to prove her point. "Anyway, I'm heading over to say hi to Siniestro."

Once she'd gone, I pulled the structure wall back into my power ring and massaged my nose a little, as if I were tired. Razer was pretty annoyed: 

"I don't get how you're friends with her, " he said before putting a hand over his face with a look that said, 'I'm too tired for this,' and I shook my head. "Well, Razer," I say, "it's because we both have a similar approach to justice and breaking the rules." 

Razer crossed his arms, looking even more annoyed. "How can you support what she does?" 

I shrugged, trying to keep it light even as his frustration radiated off him like heat, "Sometimes chaos is just another form of justice, and you know that, besides, she has good intentions." He gave me a deadpan expression and I sighed as I began to explain: 

"She may appear mischievous, but she genuinely cares." The red lantern raised an eyebrow in disbelief, thinking I must be an idiot, which I wasn't. "Cares?" he scoffed. "Is that what you call her meddling in our lives? If this continues, the universe might implode from sheer absurdity." 

I shook my head, "Maybe she's just trying to guide us toward a path we're too stubborn to take ourselves." His intense gaze widened by this before slowly softening slightly with a smile, making me blush at what I said.

"W-We s-should probably head out." I nervously stammered.

"R-Right, let's not keep anyone waiting." He cleared his throat, and the tension between us felt palpable, heavy with unspoken words.

I took a step back, creating some space that felt both relieving and disheartening. 

As we walked side by side, I stole glances at him, trying to decipher the emotions flickering across his face and expression: 'Was he feeling the same thing as I was?' 

Near the cell room...

Once we entered, the first I did was walk over to my Uncle's side and heard this: "I managed to liberate some Spider Guild tech from our friends before I left." Siniestro comments while pulling out a weird blaster of some sort which made my eyes sparkle at the tech only to frown at what Razer said next: 

"I'd hardly call their primitive devices 'tech'." He harshly comments. Making Siniestro tilt his head with his expression filled with distaste and skepticism, "Siniestro, this is a Razer." My Uncle introduces him to his old mentor, "A Red Lantern who's on our side now." 

Siniestro glances at him before stowing the weapon behind his back: "You keep a Red Lantern mascot on the Guardian's most advanced prototype ship?" He continues, "Have I taught you nothing?" Razer bristles at the disrespect, but I gently place a hand on his chest, surprising him and helping him calm down. 

He shoots me a soft, apologetic look, which I acknowledge with a gentle smile before redirecting my focus to the conversation, "He's done very good work. We can vouch for him," my Uncle assures him.

" 'We?'" Earning a puzzled look from his old mentor, he then notices Kia and me as my Uncle adds, "Oh, I forgot. This is Cassie, my niece, a new blue lantern, and this is Kia, her best friend and our latest addition to the Green Lantern Corps."

Siniestro's gaze shifts between my Uncle and us, his brow furrowing slightly as he processes the information. "A blue lantern and a newcomer to the Green Lantern Corps, you say? Interesting." His tone drips with a mix of skepticism and curiosity. 

"We're not just rookies, Siniestro," Kia asserts, her confidence shining through. "We're here to prove we're not damsels in distress or cowards." She stands tall, determination sparking in her eyes, and I add, "She's right!"

I step forward. "We may be newcomers, sir, but we've fought before. With training from Kilowog and my uncle, especially Razer, we're more prepared than you think. So reconsider your judgment about a red lantern joining this fight."

Siniestro's lips twist into a playful smile that lights up his cold yellow eyes. "Proving yourselves in a chaotic universe is no small feat, but it doesn't earn trust. Training may hone your skills, but the heart of a true warrior is never fake." He paused before he said something that left me stunned: 

"But since you and your friend know how to work as a team, you both did a great job in leading me out of the Spider Guild prison." 

I stood surprised and proud after receiving a compliment from him, "I—" "Thank you, sir." "Please, call me Siniestro. It's a pleasure to meet two beauties on this fine ship." He takes our hands and kisses them, catching us off guard. 

We (Kia and I) exchange our flushed looks and stifled giggles. Meanwhile, a certain red lantern seethes silently at this unexpected gesture. 

"So, what made you a blue lantern? Specifically, what does your power ring do?" He asked out of curiosity. I smiled and showed him my ring. "I became a blue lantern because I believed in hope—hope to join my Uncle in battle in space and make new friends. If I didn't, I wouldn't be here speaking with you. 

"As for your other question, sir. My ring allows me to heal and defend myself." He hummed, "I see. And what made you a green lantern, rookie?" Kia grinned: "I was chosen because my friend, Cassie wanted me to help out while she was gone but since there's another green lantern back on Earth. I decided, why not join in the war than stay put am I right?" 

Just then, Aya enters with a specially made drink for him, and my uncle begins. "Welcome aboard, Green Lantern Siniestro." She continues: "You require any refreshment?" 

Siniestro frowned, then stared at her, and turned around to meet my Uncle, without replying to her offer: "Leave it to you both to turn the fastest weapon in the Universe into some sort of day spa." His disappointed expression prompts an angry retort from Kilowog. 

"This ain't no day spa! No one's getting soft here!" He quickly takes a drink from the tray, downs half of it, and narrows his eyes at him. Kia, on the other hand, briefly shows an alien-like expression before excusing herself:

"Excuse me, but I'm going to my room," she says, rushing out and leaving me and the guys, along with Aya, confused by her sudden haste. Considering our long history, I decided to let it go for a moment, even though Kia's abrupt exit is unusual. 

But knowing her so well, I retreat into my own thoughts. 

As I sift through the memories we've shared, I wonder what could have triggered such a swift departure. Kia has always been one to wear her heart on her sleeve, but this was different—there was a flicker of something in her eyes, a mixture of panic and determination that I couldn't quite place. 

The guys, ever the cynics, exchange knowing glances, and I can see the unspoken questions hanging in the thick air, "Should we follow her?" My uncle asks, half-serious, half-joking, yet his concern is clear. I shake my head, "No, let her be. I'm sure she forgot something." 

Everyone seems to understand, except I can feel Razer's gaze on me. He seems to sense something's off but doesn't question it, which I appreciate. I ponder what triggered my best friend's reaction. 

Suddenly, a silent gasp escapes my lips at what I realize about the brain alien, and I turn around to leave without anyone stopping me. By walking down the hallway, I spotted her entering the storage room: 'I wonder why Kia reacted that way?' I thought, before entering, and to my surprise...

Kia was taking out something from an old box when I entered, I started to say, "Kia, what—" but she dragged me inside and quickly locked the door. She grips my shoulders, her anger palpable, and whispers, "Cassie, escuchamé muy bien y ayuda a arreglar este aretes..."

Throwing something at me, I caught it and took a good look at the strange pieces that go with the "earrings" in my hands when I suddenly caught on and widened my eyes in shock as she began to explain.

---Time skip, Cassie and Kia have already joined with the others...

"Neuraxis is on the most wanted list, but there's almost no info." Kilowog starts, "What gives?" Hal shrugged, "Maybe it escaped from the buffet at the last Guardian formal dinner and they want payback." 

This made both the girls smirk which made him look at them weirdly, "Still, the question is why are you girls wearing earrings?" The girls exchanged a glance, their smirks morphing into playful grins. Kia spoke up, "We... figured it was about time to jazz up our gear." 

"A little sparkle can't hurt when you're on the frontlines, right?" I said by joining in with her. Not wanting to tell the guys the real reason why we are wearing them, "Sparkle, huh?"  Kilowog raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms: "You sure this ain't just a distraction?" 

All of a sudden, the lights are off. Kilowog squinted into the darkness, his eyes adjusting even as he growled, "Aya, what's going on?" *click the music* (If you all think it doesn't match then sorry but this song just got into it)

Aya checked the controls and stated: "Someone... or something has tampered with the power couplings." 

And as soon as we all sensed someone nearby, we turned around only for Razer to get shot in the chest by none other than Siniestro with the same weapon he brought from the Spider Guild:

"Razer!" I knelt beside him, anxiously placing a hand on his face and asking if he was okay. He only groaned in response; It fully made me angry, the fury boiling within me. "Get up, Razer! I can't lose you!" I shouted, my voice a mixture of desperation and rage. 

I clenched my fists, with my uncle, who on the other hand, called out to Siniestro, "Siniestro, what's wrong? Talk to me, buddy!" But Siniestro ignored him and kept shooting, while Kia used her power ring to protect us all.

Unfortunately, the vital systems get shut down as I pull Razer into a protective embrace while praying for him to be alright; With Kia and Kilowog, however, they confined Sinestro, but he frees himself after firing a spider net, capturing the Green Lanterns and Kia. 

I prepared to launch my attack but I couldn't help but worry about Razer—his body lay still, a stark reminder of how high the stakes were right now so I turned to my friend for assistance, "Aya, keep him safe," I commanded, concentrating on the threat before me.  As he approaches them,

 "You need to stop it or I'll have to force you to obey." I calmly threatened him, as he smirked: "Heh, I doubt that, sweetheart." He continues, "How about you and I leave these pesky friends and go on a date? Hm?~"

Sinestro's smirk was infuriating, which caused my eye to twitch angrily as I narrowed my eyes, "A date? With you? I'd rather face a swarm of Manhunters than the likes of you," I retorted, with my fist swinging through the air, he dodges with an agility that belies his size. 

He grins, revealing sharp teeth, and counters with a kick to my midsection. I barely sidestep, feeling the rush of wind as his foot grazes me. "Is that all you've got?" I taunt, adrenaline coursing through me, knowing this will take a while. 

I focus on finding a way to catch him off guard.

"Let's see how tough you are without your weapon," I flick my wrist, unleashing bright blue energy from my ring that forms radiant chains, which I hurl at him. 

Siniestro's eyes widen as the chains wrap around his arms and body, temporarily restraining him until he reaches for his weapon and shoots me in the stomach. Pain explodes through me, blurring my vision as I stagger back, clutching my wound. 

I glance at my hand, noticing the blood, but there's no time to heal. 

I must keep fighting.

With every ounce of energy, I grit my teeth and stand tall, refusing to show weakness. But he breaks free and pins my wrists above my head, grinning maliciously. "Not so tough, are ya, sweetheart?"

Fueled by a fierce determination to protect Razer and my new family, I spit in his eye and kicked him off me. I begin to summon my blue power ring to heal, but Siniestro stomps on my hand, making me scream in pain.

The heat of battle courses through me, and my vision flickers, but I refuse to let it consume me. 

I need to focus. 

Siniestro laughs, a low, menacing sound that echoes in the chaos.

"You think you can fight me? You're just a wounded animal." With a surge of adrenaline, I twist my body, using my weight to throw him off balance. He stumbles back, momentarily surprised, and I seize the opportunity.

But the pain from my stomach is overwhelming, and I feel myself losing blood as I concentrate on the warm glow wrapping around my hand and abdomen. 

Just as the healing energy was about to finish, Siniestro lunged at me again, this time stepping on my stomach and breaking a few ribs, causing blood to spill from the corners of my mouth.

Wincing in pain and aiming his weapon at me, I close my eyes ready for death but then suddenly, Razer intervenes, seizing the Spider Guild weapon by slamming him hard against the wall. 

Leaving me stunned, I blinked in disbelief, as Razer's formidable frame loomed over the figure of my 'would-be' assassin. 

Time seemed to freeze as I processed what had just happened. I turned to Razer, whose jaw was clenched and blue eyes blazing with anger as he faced me. Feeling exhausted, I began to collapse when strong arms caught me just in time. 

"Cassandra, are you alright?" His voice was laced with fear and concern. My heart raced in my chest, and I nodded, wincing slightly. I gathered my energy to use my blue ring to heal myself while Razer sat me up gently, "Ngh, I'll live," 

I groaned while covering my injured abdomen: "I just... need time to heal." Watching Razer sigh in relief before the crew members were free from the spider net, "This is one of your greatest Green Lanterns?" He suspiciously questioned.

Leaving my Uncle to answer him: "Anyone can have a bad day." Kia was the first to rise, repeatedly punching Siniestro until my uncle placed a hand on her shoulder, saying, "Easy there, tiger. He's out." 

She shot him a glare before joining me and Razer, who carefully lifted me off the ground.

"Now what?" I asked. 

"Lock him in the science cell." My Uncle orders, and before Kilowog can do it, Kia grabs his arm with a glare, "But get that ring off him first. This is Thal Sinestro we're dealing with and the last thing I need is someone trying to harm us."

After placing the old mentor in the cell, we waited as I used my meditation skills to heal myself. Razer, Kia, and Aya kept a watchful eye on me until I was fully healed. "All done." 

"Are you sure?" Razer asked. 

"Yep," I confirmed.

Kia steps in, "Estás segura?" 

"Yes." I responded firmly, brushing aside any lingering discomfort, "I'm sure. We can't just sit here forever. Plus, we need to know why the fuck Siniestro attacked like that." Standing up, and left.

Unknown to her, Razer's expression gradually softened as he took a moment to gaze at Cassandra's back while she walked away, appreciating the way she sways her hips, unaware of his attentive eyes on her.

In the cell...

"What's happening? What have you done? What-what's going on?" 

Our moment ended with the sound of an awake Siniestro, who seemed to be confused and startled as if he didn't know what he did a few minutes ago: 

"Sorry, Thal." My Uncle starts, "Until we figure out what caused your freak out, You'll stay in there with the fish."

Kia comes in with her arms crossed, "You do realize you tried to kill us?" She explained. 

"What? I did no such thing! You've all gone mad." 

Kilowog commented, "You might have caught a bug on the Spider Guild ship." 

I then chirped in to fully glare at Siniestro: "Literally you just injured me while calling me sweetheart." I continue in disgust, "Like, dude. You're not my type. AND of course, you look like death warmed over."

"Whatever, I did to you, woman. I apologize for the unusual behavior I caused, and for your information, I don't feel ill at all. And I-I don't remember anything..." His voice trails off while my Uncle tells him, "Well, don't worry." He continues, "We'll take you to Oa and get you all fixed up."

While the others departed, I observed that Kia remained in front of Siniestro's cell. I then inquired, "You coming, Kia?" "I intend to conduct further questioning." She glances at me, "I'll catch up." 

I nodded and departed to meet up with Kilowog, mentioning a "Volpian flu," which causes mild hallucinations:'That is interesting information, I should keep that for emergencies.'  

"He attempted to kill us." My train of thought was abruptly interrupted by my uncle's objection to the idea of it not being relevant to the issue at hand, "It's a bad case," he stated, shrugging his shoulders.

"Cassie, take that weapon and the rest of the Spider Guild tech and stash it in one of the storage spaces." I nodded at his order and took the weapon with me while walking. Before I left, Kilowog said, "And lock it down." He keeps Siniestro's power ring in a container.

I gave a quick nod before glancing at Razer and sending him a wink.

I wasn't sure what would happen next.

In the storage room...

As soon as I got to the room again, I pushed a button to open the shelf where I placed the Spider Guild weapon there before I began thinking about why Kia gave me the earrings/comlinks for earlier...

Qᴜɪᴄᴋ ꜰʟᴀꜱʜʙᴀᴄᴋ~

" 'Okay, why do we need these old earrings for?' " I asked.

" 'Do you remember when Brainiac tried to mind control the Justice League with his technology device thingie he created?' "

I nodded, " 'Yeah, but it doesn't explain about the—' "

Cut off by Kia's look, the realization slowly dawned on me, and I immediately got excited: " 'OH! I get it now!' " 

" 'Exactly!" Kia grinned, leaning closer as if sharing a top-secret plan. " 'With these, we can protect our minds without getting mind-controlled. The earrings are just a bonus—they'll keep us safe.' "

ᴇɴᴅ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇ Qᴜɪᴄᴋ ꜰʟᴀꜱʜʙᴀᴄᴋ~

"Hello, Cassandra." 

Razer strolled in looking all casual and confident, with his hands behind his back and stealing glances my way every now and then. Everything seemed pretty normal at first, but I couldn't help but feel like something was off. 

I chose to push these 'off' feelings aside, convincing myself that this was just a typical moment, even though my feelings for him were lingering in the back of my mind, which makes it difficult to breathe.

"Hey, Razer. It took me by surprise when Siniestro called me sweetheart," I admit, shivering slightly at the unwelcome thought, "That kind of compliment from him did NOT sit well with me at all." 

To my surprise, Razer looks taken aback by my admission, his brow slightly furrowed as he processes what I've just said, "I'm sure he'll get over with it real soon," he replies with a hint of assurance in his voice. "But you..." He paused slightly, "I'd...rather talk about you."

His unexpected response left me feeling a mix of confusion and curiosity when he leaned a bit closer to my face. 

"You... would? Why would you want to talk about me?" I ask, tilting my head slightly as I try to understand his motives.'Why would he prioritize me over a mission discussion? Could it be that he was ready to talk about his feelings?' I wondered in thought. 

Razer looks from my face to my body, as if with interest that made me feel nervous.

"Your knowledge in fixing the ship is very resourceful..." He then slowly leans his arm over my head with the shelf to support himself while staring down at me with icy blue eyes filled with seduction? 

*perfect screenshot XD TuT🥵*

"Plus,~" he leans in, pinning a hand beside my head with a sly smirk. "You really look great today.~" 'Is he... flirting with me right now?' I blink at his bold compliment, feeling myself heat up throughout my face it might as well look like a tomato.

The air thickens around us, and I muster the courage to respond.

"I—I always dress the same," I stammered, suddenly shy at his nearness, a feeling I hadn't experienced before with anyone other than him, "T-Though..." Clearing my throat a bit, "I am trying a lavender perfume today. I didn't think you could smell it from so far away..."

Razer hums with interest in my nervousness, 'Damnit!' 

"That's it." He continues to add by caressing my cheek before lifting my chin to meet his gaze: "I'm really liking the way you're put them on for me to... let me kiss you."

My heart pounded, my mind blanked, and the air thickened until I could barely breathe as Razer's lips finally met mine. 

*steamy stuff start🥵😏 *

I initially froze but gradually kissed him back, tongue and everything. His hands grasped around my face before slowly using another hand to lower to my waist before he took my left thigh and lifted it. 

My breath hitched as my leg was now around his waist, my hands around his helmet, pulling him closer. The kiss deepened a silent conversation of desire and need passing between us. I arched into him, feeling the hard planes of his chest against my own. 

He pulled back slightly, eyes dark and intense, and a small smile played on his lips before he crashed his lips back on mine. His lips were warm, insistent—too insistent. 

Making me realize that Razer never kissed me nor did this before. He was always hesitant, and restrained, like he was afraid of crossing a line. But this? This was hungry, possessive, and wrong.

My mind screamed even as my body responded, my hands gripping his shoulders for balance as his tongue slid against mine. His fingers dug into my thigh, pulling me closer, and for a heartbeat, I melted—until reality crashed back.

Razer doesn't do this.

Razer doesn't flirt like this.

I wrenched my mouth away, gasping. "W-Wait—" His eyes were half-lidded, a smirk playing on his lips, "Don't stop now, darling—"

'But more like, someone else. And he DOESN'T call me that!' 

The steamy moment ended!😪

Without a second thought, I pushed him away and slapped him across the face, which startled him. "What the hell are you doing kissing me out of nowhere, Razer?" I question him with a scolding look, "Is there something you need that doesn't involve kissing?" 

"Nothing's wrong, darling." Razer rubbed his cheek and smugly adds, "I thought you might enjoy a little extra attention from me."

I raise an eyebrow in confusion when he suddenly chuckles darkly, and then caresses my lower lip ever so slowly, "While I'd like to continue this 'interaction,' your uncle asked me to fetch that Spider Guild weapon."

"Huh...?"

"See you around, Cassandra." Razer grabbed the blaster behind me and flashed a flirtatious grin as he left the storage room.

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"...What the F-just happened?" 

I asked no one in particular when I realized what had just happened, I rushed out of the room and went to find the others to warn them.

A/N: Okay, that's over with! Time skip~ Main hangar...

(Kia's POV):

Cassie, and I decided not to use our lantern rings since we wanted to help Aya by discussing and fixing the minor repairs on the ship in order to get everything back online. Having already seen Kilowog going after Uncle Hal downstairs to check up on things...

I felt like something was off.

And sure enough, I was right. 

Just as I was about to turn around, I found Siniestro out of his cell, facing me, which got me quick on my feet into made me the one to punch him square in the face, my fist connected with a satisfying thud, the shock of the impact reverberating through my knuckles. 

Siniestro quietly stumbled back, surprise flashing across his face. That brief moment of astonishment gave me the edge I needed. I didn't wait for him to regain his composure; with every ounce of adrenaline surging through me, I was ready for round two.

"You're not getting away this time!" I shouted, my heart racing as I moved to close the distance between us. I could hear Cassie yelling something from the other side of the room, but my focus was solely on the former Green Lantern standing before me.

He coughed, wiping blood from his lip. "Bold move." 

We narrowed our eyes at him. 

"However," Siniestro continued, "I must speak to you three." 

We softened, exchanged glances, and waited. "No one on this vessel is behaving predictably." 

"And! We're sorry for attacking you, Siniestro," Cassie said, echoing our thoughts, just like Aya did before. "No need to apologize, I figured you didn't know," Siniestro replied. 

We nodded our thanks before I added, replying to Aya's earlier statement, "Someone else finally noticed." He activated his Green Lantern ring, transforming into his suit, and motioned for us to follow. 

We obeyed, and he explained that the brain-like alien was named Neuraxis, a known "mind jumper."  Which we figured and listened to him adding the fact that Neuraxis can take over another's body at will.

"I have a better idea.

- How'd he get out? - Never mind that.

The sound you're hearing is this room and the entire ship de-pressurizing.

I've only just pieced it all together.

I was briefed by the Guardians that Neuraxis was one of the most wanted assassins in the Universe, But even they completely underestimated what he was capable of.

So did I.

It was Neuraxis that took over the Spider Guild captain and caused him to destroy his own ship.

Shortly after I came aboard the Interceptor, it took over my mind as well.

The victim doesn't remember what happened when under Neuraxis' power."

The news shocked Cassie and me, though her frown was deeper than mine. Concerned, I squeezed her shoulder to comfort her, "You okay?" "Y-yeah, just..." she stammered, sounding flustered. Before I could reassure her, she leaned in and whispered, "I'll tell you later."

I stayed hesitant on that, but as a friend who has been there for her, I don't push her to answer and just nod at her by continuing to listen to Siniestro's explanation: 

"It'll do the same to everyone, picking us off one by one. But do not fear." Siniestro explains, "I have an absolute test to see who the alien is inhabiting. We purge the ship of oxygen. The real Lanterns among us will be protected by our Power Rings' life support fields."

Cassie then guessed, "And Neuraxis will not?"

"Correct," Siniestro nodded. "Only Neuraxis is barred from Aya. But I don't understand why he hasn't mind-controlled you. Yet." I raised my hand eagerly. "The earrings, Niestro! I made them as a precaution against mind control." "And they worked!" Cassie added.

The lantern boys stared, a mix of confusion, amazement, and boredom on their faces. We blushed, suddenly aware of our geeky enthusiasm, which felt awkward when we should be focused on stopping Neuraxis.

"I see..." Siniestro narrowed his eyes. "At least you're well-prepared. Good work." 

Sending us a small proud smile at us that only we both could see, before returning to the main point of why we were all here, "So that means the only choice it will have is to go back to its own body in the science cell. The one room on the ship that will remain pressurized."

"How can we be so sure Neuraxis isn't controlling you right now?" Hal questions, looking very suspicious of him, until Siniestro uses his power ring to destroy the weapon near the dock as it explodes; Turning it into ash and pieces of what's left of it.

Cassie nudges me silently to put on my earring again, to which I did as told before anything else happened, in an instant, we notice Siniestro glows green as did myself, Cassie, Kilowog and Mr. Jordan, until it was finally Razer's turn.

Which is why Razer suddenly starts to choke on his breath, grabbing his neck in the process, he wheezes out of pain as he continues to struggle to breathe, that I glance at the other,s and then to Aya, who seemed to be in conflict. 

She suddenly suggests, "Green Lantern Sinestro, we must re-pressurize the vessel." But Siniestro stops her as I did for Cassie, surprisingly, she was frozen as ice, and didn't even move a muscle but the pain in her silver eyes wasn't hard to see. 

"No. Neuraxis is still controlling him. We must wait." He tells us, Mr. Jordan turns to him and questions in concern for Razer, "What if you're wrong, Sinestro? What if it won't leave?" "Criminals have a keen sense of preservation, Jordan," Siniestro explained.

We all turn to Razer (actually Neuraxis in this case) and I was the one to speak, "What's it going to be, Neuraxis?" I kneel down to his side on one knee: "If you want to live, the only pressurized space on the ship is in the science cell." 

"I give you my word as a Green Lantern, you will not be harmed. Now go!" Mr. Jordan joins in, but the mind control wasn't giving up, making Cassie instantly panic, "We must re-pressurize the area now!"

Siniestro, who has his arms crossed, told her: "Not yet." 

After some time, Razer was finally free and was gasping for air. All of us got to him but before I could join in to ask how he is, my eyes were met when I saw Siniestro sneaking back above the second floor.

I narrow my eyes at this before I transform into my lantern suit and followed him quietly, once I found Siniestro near the cell, and what shocked me the most was that he was talking to it without showing any remorse.

"Something the matter?" He coldly asked, while the brain alien continues struggling to breathe, I widen my eyes in horror at what he said next, and hid behind a wall by covering my mouth, "Oh, wait It seems I forgot I'd compromised this chamber's seal when I broke out."

My heart was pounding in my chest as I continued to listen, "There's no atmosphere in here, either. It's difficult to mind jump when you're in a state of shock, isn't it?" And sure enough, Neuraxis was dead, or more accurately, murdered.

Back with the others...

"Razer, what is your status?" Aya asked.

"I'll live." Razer responds, grabbing his forehead from the wave of dizziness, "But I feel how Kilowog looks." Who glances at Kilowog, who responds to his sarcastic remark: "Always with the smart mouth."

Kneeling, Cassie cradled his face, searching for injuries. He flushed crimson at the closeness, then gasped as she unexpectedly slapped him across the face, causing Kilowog to be the only one bursting out laughing like it was no tomorrow.

Mr. Jordan, on the other hand, covers his laugh with a fit of coughs, whereas Aya just stared blankly at what had just happened: "What in Krozgs name was that for?" He exclaimed in anger. 

"Making sure you're not mind controlled." Cassie simply smiles. Before hugging him and he froze, but not before returning it, "But I'm so glad that you're alright." 

Meanwhile, now back in the cell of the Interceptor... 

"Justice is served," Siniestro reattached the wall.

I'd already left my hiding spot, entering the cell ahead of the others. "Por que mientes (Why do you lie)?" I confronted him. My voice startled him briefly. Composing himself, he turned, his golden eyes predatory. "Because no one does a job as well as I do, Kia Roberts."

"But the code—" 

I get cut off by him, "The code is, as you humans say, bullshit." Siniestro pinned me against the cell wall, his face inches from mine, the heat of his breath ghosting across my cheek. "You cling to your rules, your little morality plays. They crumble under pressure, Kia. 

"They always do. I offer order, true order, not the illusion you preach."

"Order built on lies and fear?" I spat, trying to push him away, but his grip was like iron. "That's not justice, it's tyranny!" He chuckled, a low, dangerous sound. "Tyranny? Or efficiency? Tell me, Kia, how many lives did your precious code save today? I saved the entire sector. They may not like the method, but they'll reap the benefits."

My mind raced, trying to find a chance to prove him wrong, but it was making more sense.

"See? You can't even fight back my words when you know I'm right." Siniestro continues, already leaning away from me, "Now, I would appreciate it if you do not inform the others of what had really happened here."

I stayed silent and turned my gaze back to the now-murdered Neuraxis in front of me, then back at the Green Lantern hero legend who Mr. Jordan has admired for so long, "I won't say it." I quietly promised: "You have my word." 

"Good." 

He turns his body back to where he was standing as he and I were both now standing side by side while feeling the tension in the cell. I glance at him and before I could ask him something else, Mr. Jordan and the others, came into the cell.

"What happened?" 

"I must have damaged the venting system when I escaped." Siniestro explained, "Criminal's body suffocated before his mind returned." "Thal. The Green Lantern code..." "I didn't kill him, Jordan. I simply didn't save him in time."

I met his golden eyes, at once, I simply nodded, and did my part: "He's right..." I began, "The minute I followed Siniestro, just in case, he got mind-controlled again, I took notice of him entering the cell in shock when he came to find out that Neuraxis had died.

"I, too witnessed it and asked if I could pay my respects." Lying through my teeth makes me want to purge as I felt so much guilt for doing this, especially to Mr. Jordan; If he ever knew about this secret lie, he wouldn't just be angry... 

He would be in rage and deny that his mentor had done it. I should tell Cassie about it too, but for now, I must keep it to myself until I see her.

"A tragic accident." Siniestro walks away while saying, "Perhaps it's for the best. You wouldn't want to take a chance on Neuraxis getting loose on Oa, would you?" Once out of sight, I hear Mr. Jordan say: "He has a point." My Uncle agrees, "Let's get this ship moving and report back to Oa."

While I was staring at Neuraxis' body one last time, I immediately began to cover my mouth, ran away to the bathroom of my room, and began vomiting out the anxiety I was feeling...

For the very first time, I was actually terrified.

(Razer's POV): In the medbay...

I slowly waited for Aya to check up my status, as I opened my eyes and turned my head left, seeing her typing away on the controls while scanning for any abnormal mind control that could have harm the crew, especially Cassandra. 

"All your systems appear to be back online." She says.

I push myself up and shift to face her, "Did I... do anything strange while under the influence of Neuraxis?" I ask her, worried that I might have done something wrong, as Aya looks at me with concern.

"Other than trying to kill your fellow Green Lanterns?" she replied.

I took a moment to collect my thoughts before responding, "Yes... Did I... harm anyone?"

Aya remains silent for a moment, blinks slowly, and responds, "I should have known you were not yourself." 

"Why?" I inquire. 

She then answers, "You... should ask Cassandra about that." 

Aya departs without exhibiting any discernible emotion regarding the incident or its consequences. Other than that, I need to find out what happened while I was mind-controlled. 

I got up and headed to the hallway to find Cassandra.

Upon entering the shared bedroom, I found her chatting with Kia, faint music playing in the background; They quieted when I entered. Kia said goodbye to Cassandra, touched my shoulder, whispered "Good luck," and left.

Now, it was just me. 

And Cassandra.

We exchanged no words, only gazing at each other while questions continued swirling around my mind about what had happened during the presence of Neuraxis. I sighed internally and stepped closer to Cassie, silently expressing my concern as I looked down at her.

"It was just a kiss!" she blurted, then clamped her hands over her mouth. My eyes widened in shock. "Elaborate on the 'kiss' part?" I demanded, approaching her. She evaded me, but I quickly seized her wrists and drew her near, but not too close. 

However, the way Cassandra was avoiding me made me realize what Neuraxis did.

"Neuraxis made me kiss you?" I nearly shouted, the confined space amplifying my voice. My mind reeling that I didn't hear or feel her hands trying to calm me down. Me? Kissing Cassandra? 

Under mind control or not, the idea had never occurred to me since I realized my feelings for Cassandra had deepened further, and if I were honest, I have always thought of doing it when she or I are ready, but now... after finding this out from her.

It sent a shiver down my spine, but also in complete that was definitely not a system error. Cassandra was a mess of emotions, face flushed crimson, silver eyes darting around like a trapped bird that's struggling to breathe.

Guiltily releasing her wrists, fearing I'd bruised her (and the wrath of Hal Jordan), I gently slid my hands from her arms to her shoulders, squeezing them lightly. "Tell me...tell me what happened when Neuraxis was mind-controlling me?"

At first, she didn't speak, but then glanced up at me for a split second before turning her gaze back to the floor where her shoes.

"It...it wasn't exactly a kiss-kiss," she mumbled, barely audible, "More like... a forced make-out kiss." 

I felt my heart pounding, not from shock but from anger and rage mixing within me as I tried to calm down with the breathing exercises I learned from Saint Walker. Fortunately for me, it helped, and it gave me time to continue listening to her explanation: 

"A-At f-first!" Cassandra gulps with a stutter, "I...I t-thought it was you, b-but then...after he called me weird pet names, which I knew for a fact that you wouldn't call me those things a-and um..."

The more she described, the less I understood, and the more mortified I felt. 

"I-it caught me off guard, so I had no choice but to slap him or you! And I swear I only did it because he was controlling you!" I hesitated, closing the distance, watching Cassandra for any reaction. 

Her stillness drew me closer, the glittering stars mirroring the shrinking space between us. "I... I'm sorry, Cassandra." I paused, knowing the words were inadequate to express the violation she must have felt when I was mind-controlled, "That Neuraxis would use me in such a cruel way, and it... It disgusts me to know what he had done to you was unacceptable."

Cassandra finally met my gaze, "Razer..."

"I am not done." I shut her up, which she obeyed and kept quiet while I kept on going, "You did not deserve that, and if I had control over my mind back then, I would've blast Neuraxis to oblivion." I swallowed, my throat dry. "What must I do to never let this happen again?" 

My hands tightened slightly on her shoulders, a silent plea for honesty and a promise of protection. Cassandra took a shaky breath and then began to do something unexpected, she takes one of my glowed hands and motioned me to touch her face.

'Her face is softer than I thought.' 

"You can kiss away the sin that touched me." Her bold words made me freeze on the spot, until I realize what I was doing.

I place my lips onto hers and we both stayed like that.