Episode fanfic title: Different Oath.

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(Cassandra's P.O.V.): 

After a well-earned rest the next day, I noticed that Razer had left somewhere in the Interceptor to do his thing: 'I'm guessing that he needs to be elsewhere? No, I wouldn't worry much. Besides, he might be busy with something.' I thought with a shrug when I left to shower and dressed in my G.A.P. grey hoodie tucked inside my shorts while wearing a pair of thick, dark grey stockings and fuzzy grey slippers.

I watered my alien flower by placing it in the shadows of my closet so it wouldn't die from the sun since it's a night flower before I stepped outside of my shared room and was greeted by Aya.

"Good morning, Aya," I said. 

"How are you feeling?" Aya asked from her chair. 

"I'm sore from Citrus's punches, but I'm fine. I'm hungry and could use breakfast," I responded weakly to Aya's statement. She then informed me that there wasn't any food except a grilled cheese sandwich; I snickered at the fact that my uncle Hal was secretly forced to, along with Kilowog, eat his regular diet of slugs. While at the mention of them leaving to search for more food supplies, they constructed a device to help them identify safe food. 

Aya walked beside me as I asked about how she was, and at this part, she explained that she had managed to repair her arms, but her legs were still a work in progress. Therefore, she had to move around the ship in a chair: "So... how long will they be gone?" I asked curiously.

"It is rather unsure how long they would return," Aya replied.

I hummed but then asked about Razer, "And Razer?" 

"He is currently in the main hangar. Shall I inform him that you are awake?" She informed me when I was going to the kitchen and turned to her, "Sure, but I'll be in the kitchen." After Aya nodded at my answer and left, being bored made me want to do something; since I could not listen to some dark, edgy songs like I used to, I took out my phone to look for "Mad Tsai's song 'Killer Queen.' " on Spotify. I started swaying my hips to the beat in the kitchen; as soon as I heard the lyrics, I began singing without knowing that a certain someone was watching me.

(Razer's P.O.V.): In the main hangar...

I had let Cassandra rest earlier to heal correctly. It was a relief that she was cured of her heart condition. I haven't had time to recharge my ring yet; lost in my deepest and darkest thoughts, Aya's voice suddenly echoes. At the same time, I gritted my teeth in annoyance at not having some time by myself: "Razer, it's good to see you venture from your shared room. Have you recharged your ring?" She asked. 

"What business is that of yours?" I questioned her, looking over my shoulder to glare at Aya, who responded: "I'm curious about the process and how it differs from the Green Lanterns." I told Aya, "Leave me alone." Then stood up and walked away from her. She mentioned that Cassandra had just woken up and was in the kitchen, which made me worry about her, but I tried to push the thought aside as I entered the empty shared room. 

I felt annoyed that I hadn't known about Jordan's niece and decided to look for her. I eventually found her in the kitchen, where she was singing a strange song: 

" 'There was this girl, the most beautiful in the world

She had all the boys in town wrapped around her finger; oh

She would walk the halls, and everyone would whisper and talk

Because all the girls in town wanted to be her.

But behind those emerald eyes, she's a devil in disguise

The prom queen has blood on her hands

Every boy and girl she dates disappears without a trace

So be careful when she asks you to dance...' "

I blinked as I listened to the song carefully. I was slightly disturbed and found it unexpected that Cassandra heard this song. I watched her dancing and swaying her hips by continuing to sing: 'I would admit...that she is a good dancer.' I thought, causing me to blush slightly and notice that her eyes were closed, that she was lost in the music. I stood there, hidden in the shadows, watching her, and couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions.

On one hand, I admired her confidence and free spirit. She seemed unapologetically herself, not intimidated by anyone or anything. But on the other hand, I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. The lyrics of the song she was singing hinted at a darker side to her, and I didn't know what to make of it.

" '...She's a motherfucking killer queen; she sold her soul at 17

A beautiful and broken mess

She'll fill your heart with kerosene

And light you up 'til you can't breathe

If you break her heart, you might meet your end.' "

Cassandra's eyes fluttered open as the song ended, and she noticed me standing there. A faint blush crept onto her cheeks, and I could see a mix of surprise and embarrassment in her expression. "Razer, you startled me," she said, her voice slightly shaky. "My apologies; I did not mean to intrude," I replied, feeling a tinge of guilt for not announcing my presence earlier. 

Cassandra looked down at the floor for a moment before gathering herself. "No, it's fine. I was...enjoying some music. Did you need something?" I hesitated, unsure how to approach the topic I wanted to discuss. "I...heard the song you were singing. It's...bewitching. Is there a reason you chose that particular song?"Cassandra's eyes flickered with a hint of worry, but she quickly masked it with a smile. 

"Oh, you mean 'Killer Queen'? It's just a catchy tune. I like the dark edge of it. Makes me feel strong, you know?" I nodded, not entirely convinced by her explanation. "R-Right. Well, I hope you're feeling better after yesterday's battle." Cassandra's smile faded slightly, and she looked down at her hands.

"Yeah, thanks. I'm sore, but it's nothing compared to what I've gone through. I'll be fine." I couldn't help but feel a sense of protectiveness toward her. Beneath her confident exterior, Cassandra had a vulnerable side, which made me want to shield her from harm. But I knew I had to be careful with the feelings because Cassandra would not accept them. 

We were from different worlds, different species.

How would it work?

And what does she see in me?

Cassandra looked up at me with warmth in her silver eyes. I couldn't help but feel a rush of emotions, but I cut her off abruptly, telling her I had something urgent to do. I left the kitchen without waiting for her response and headed straight to our shared room to recharge my ring. Sitting in silence, I stared at my power ring, reciting the Red Lantern Oath:

" 'With blood and rage of crimson red, we fill men's souls with darkest dread...' "  Suddenly, the door slides open, revealing Cassandra and Aya.

(Cassandra's P.O.V.):

Razer was furious and seemed surprised to see us present. "What are you doing here!?! I told you both to leave me alone!" he exclaimed while covering his red charge. Aya spoke up: "I was monitoring. Your vitals signs have gone abnormally high." I joined in and mentioned, "And you've been acting strangely a few seconds ago," I spoke, crossing my arms: "Not giving me the chance to say anything."

I glanced at Aya and then back at Razer, concern evident on my face. "Is everything okay?" I asked cautiously while taking a step closer to him. Razer sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping: "You... You both don't understand how hard it is. I've turned to Atrocitus'cult of hate," He continues to explain, "But the ring stayed with me, which means the rage in my heart remains... and so I must use the Red Lantern oath to recharge it." 

"I have observed now the ring that affects your emotional state; what is the rest of this Oath?" Aya showed an interest in the Red Lanterns, which intrigued me too. However, I've been sharing a room with Razer for about 22 weeks now, and I know how he can react to certain things. So, I decided not to pursue the conversation any further. If I were in Aya's place, I would have wished myself luck, given how easily Razer can get furious. But right now isn't the best time to let him answer.

Oh, but he did. As Razer sneers a bit before responding, " 'And twist your mind to pain and hate, will burn you all, that is your Faith.' " My mind was filled with screams as I mentally prayed Aya to control her curiosity. I made a mental note to teach her how to avoid asking too many questions to people when they aren't in the mood to talk or explain: 'OOOkkaayyy~~ this isn't going to end well.' I bit my lower lip nervously at what would happen next. 

Aya's curiosity is now increasing: "Interesting." "Interesting?! It's vile, and I'm forced to say it repeatedly." "Razer, I did not intend-" She was cut off when Razer pointed out, "GET OUT!?!" He lashed out and yelled at her to leave the room, and once he watched her go me into the room, I felt angry about how he treated my friend like that: 

"Razer, that was uncalled for!" I exclaimed, my voice filled with anger. "Aya didn't mean any harm. She was merely curious." 

Razer looked at me, his eyes filled with frustration and rage; while he began saying something, I was shocked to hear his harsh words: "You don't understand, Cassandra. None of you do. Living with this rage, this darkness inside of me... it consumes me. I can't escape it. And I can't have anyone else get tangled up in it."

I backed away, only to be pinned to the wall by Razer's red-gloved hands, already having my fantasies rising with my heart over to him, and glanced at the power battery Razer was using. I couldn't comprehend the turmoil he must be experiencing, torn between his past and present self. I took a step back, hurt by his words. I had always tried to be there for him, to understand him. But it seemed like he was pushing me away, too. "Razer, I may not understand completely, but that doesn't mean I can't support you. We're a team, remember? We're here for each other."

He looked conflicted, his anger warring with his desire to protect me. "Cassandra, I... I don't want to get angry with you right now; I suggest you leave, being around and close to me... it's dangerous." I shook my head, standing my ground while furthering the conversation as tears filled my eyes. 

"I can't just walk away from you, Razer. I care about you. And I believe there's more to you than just anger. You deserve a chance to find Peace." Razer looked at me. His expression of rage had increased: "Peace? There isn't any 'Peace' for me." 'If I were afraid earlier, then I am afraid now...' I thought in panic by listening to him, "YOU THINK YOU CAN HELP ME?!? Heh, how in Grotz's do you think you are going to do? You're just a useless, fleshy human, an idiot, and stubborn but also annoying than the whole universe! He continues, "I can't let myself get close to anyone, especially not you. It's too dangerous." 

His words cut deep, but I refused to let him push me away. I reached out and touched his hand, the red energy from his ring constructed into a dagger right across my neck between us: "Razer, I may not have a ring or any special powers, but that doesn't mean I can't make a difference. I believe in you and that you can find a way to control your anger. You can face it, A.G.H.!" Razer's grip on my hand tightened, his red ring glowing brightly. His anger worsened, and I felt his grip ready to crack my hand: "Don't you even think of telling me what's right!" He growls predatorically, "Razer, you're hurting me..." 

"Does it look like I care!" I widened my eyes in shock at his threat, and my heart began shattering in sadness, anger, and pain. Tears streamed down my face as I realized how deep Razer's rage and pain ran. The realization hit Razer after he came to his senses to understand what he said, a shadow cast down over my silver eyes as I took a deep breath and mustered all the courage I had to tell him. "Razer... I care about you too much. But if staying with you means putting myself in harm's way, then maybe it's best if I leave. "

Somehow, my words hurt him; tears started falling from my eyes even more, and Razer started to realize it, "Cassandra, I-" He tried to reach me, but I slapped it away, "SAVE IT! If you don't want me to calm you down, then FINE! HAVE IT YOUR WAY! I see I'm not helpful to anyone!" I continue shouting and venting, "Do you think I had a better life? My parents always tell me what to do and who to be friends with, even if I don't like the people they choose. They don't understand my rebellious side and are always trying to suppress it... at least now I know when I'm not wanted to the WHOLE DAMN UNIVERSE." The room fell silent after my outburst, the weight of my words hanging heavily in the air. Razer stood there, stunned and hurt, his eyes filled with remorse.

"I... I didn't mean to make you feel that way, Cassandra," he finally managed to say, his voice barely a whisper. "I never wanted to hurt you." With that, I pushed past him, ignoring the pain in my hand. Of course, it shocked Razer of my actions, but I didn't care, and I certainly needed to breathe, so I ran out of the room: "Leave me the F*ck alone, Razer!" I shouted; I needed time to gather my thoughts and heal from this emotional turmoil. As I wandered the halls of the Interceptor, Aya was sitting near her computer typing down some of Razer's language (I was secretly learning to read and typing the language for translation purposes) when she called me: "Cassandra." 

I said nothing for a second without hesitation. I held my tears with a heavy sigh, not wanting Aya to know what happened, and so I glanced, "Yes, Aya?" "Will you aid me in recreating an alternative oath for Razer's vitals not to increase his emotional reaction?" "...Sure, which is missing?" I asked with a fake smile before she pointed at the bottom line of it, typed down the words, and motioned her to see if I ordered it correctly: "It seems well written. Your lessons on Volkergian grammar and reading that I have taught have become useful skills for you. You're professionally prepared." Aya smiles as I return it, "I'm glad."

Soon after helping her, I excused myself to get some water, where I found a secluded corner spot in the kitchen, turned off the lights, and slowly sank to the floor, letting the tears flow freely. It hurt to walk away from Razer, but I couldn't keep sacrificing my well-being for someone who didn't appreciate it. As I sat down, attempting to comprehend everything. A few moments later, after the doors had closed behind me and all light had vanished, I pressed a button to ensure the walls were fully soundproof. 

I took a deep breath and let out a scream, knowing that even Aya wouldn't be able to hear me.

(Author P.O.V.) Later on, after Hal and Kilowog came back to the Interceptor...

"Have you finished your recharging ritual?" Aya started. Razer stared in boredom at his power charge while his arms crossed under his chin, coldly replying, "No." "I have something that might help; I ran a detailed analysis of the rhythm and meter of your Red Lantern Oath. She thoroughly explains, And I've created an alternative that should also be effective." She presented him with a written message in the Volkergian language to read as Razer recited the oath; he then extended his right arm to begin the oath:

 " 'The power of the crimson red

Can lead your soul away from dread

And heal the deepest wounds of hate

Let no one else decide your fate."

"I detect no change in your metabolical rate. Have you recharged?" "Yes, Razer lied, "Your concern is... appreciated." Aya nods, only to tell him: "I did not do this alone; Cassandra created the last line of the alternative Red Lantern Oath." Razer widened his blue eyes in shock; his heart pounded in a leap of hope but did not show it through his demeanor: "S-She did what? She doesn't know the language." "You are mistaken, Razer," Aya explained by glancing at him through her right shoulder to see his reaction, "I have been secretly teaching her your language as she was the one that asked for my assistance to surprise you as a gift, which has been happening for the last few days in the Interceptor."

Razer asked to be alone, making Aya leave with a soft smile; once she was gone, he started saying the original oath to charge his ring with tears in his eyes, feeling the regret and pain he had said to Cassandra earlier. After that, he rushed out of the room, desperately searching for Cassandra. As Razer searched for Cassandra, he couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. He was angry with himself for pushing her away and being unable to control his anger. 

Razer's feelings for Cassandra had grown more substantial, but he had been trying to suppress them. However, he realized that he couldn't control them anymore. He eventually found Cassandra sitting on the floor in the kitchen with her back against the wall. Her eyes were filled with sadness and hope as she looked up at him. Razer approached her slowly, not knowing what to say.

"Cassandra," he said softly, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have pushed you away. I know you care about me, and I appreciate it more than you know." Cassandra didn't look up at him, but she motioned him to continue, only for Razer to hesitantly knelt on one knee before he sighed heavily: "...I-It may sound odd for you, but..." he continued, "I was wrong, for telling you that you were useless... and I never wish anything to harm you, Cassandra, I know I've been pushing you away, but it's not because I don't care about you. It's because I'm afraid. Afraid of what will happen if I let myself get close to you. But I can't keep living like this. I'll...never forgive myself for hurting you or any ill faith in you, and I lo-Like you... a-as a friend."

As Razer finished his speech, Cassandra finally looked up at him. Her eyes were filled with a mixture of disbelief and hope. She could see the sincerity in his eyes, and his gray skin turning into shades of pink over his cheeks. Cassandra tried to wipe her tears away, but a red-gloved hand reached out to do it for her. Razer grazed his thumb under her silver eyes, and before she knew it, Cassandra could see that he was trying to make things right.

Cassandra's heart skipped a beat as she heard Razer's confession. She had suspected there was more to him than just anger, and now she knew for sure. She could see the vulnerability in him, and she knew he was putting himself in a position of weakness by admitting his fears. But she also knew that she could help him overcome them. She reached out and touched his hand, her fingers interlacing with his. "R-Razer, I believe in you. I know you can control your anger, and want to help you. But you have to let me in. You can't keep pushing me away."

Razer looked at her, his icy blue eyes filled with warmth. He knew that he couldn't keep living like his feelings for Cassandra. He took a deep breath before he finally nodded, his hand tightening around hers, he pulled her into a hug, and they both stayed in each other's embrace until they were needed to eat for dinner.