Another idea while listening to music in my bed, staring at the ceiling. AU in which Aya is a human and Carol and Hal's daughter. She meets Razer, one of the first Blue Lanterns, when the Anti-Monitor came. That is everything I say now but you will saw once you read.
(On Earth)
An alien ship landed into the Central Park. It was pretty big, white and green. From it, more aliens got out. One of them was a young boy, around 19 years old. He had pale almost grey skin, somber blue eyes which shone of wisdom and intelligence and short ashen-white hair. He had two black markings on both his cheeks and three on his chin. He wore a blue skin-tight black and blue uniform with a strange symbol on his chest. It looked like a bird with opened wings. On his right middle finger he had a blue ring that shoned. Even though he was young, his uniform revealed his perfect sculptated muscles.
The next one was a pink, pig-like alien, with small, red eyes. He wore a green and black uniform with a symbol on his chest. He looked at the three humans in front of him.
One of them was a male, with brown hair, a quiet handsome face despite his at least 46 years. He had a mask so his eyes couldn't be seen. He wore a black and green skin-tight uniform like the pig-like alien. He lifted his right, white gloved hand where a green ring rested on his middle finger.
"Glad to see you again, Kilowog."
The pink alien, Kilowog nodded. "I will never understand you customs, Jordan." He said. His gaze wandered to a female. She was still stunning, around her 46 years old. She wore a violet-pink suit, like a swim suit. She had long brown hair and beautiful brown eyes. Around them she had a mask that looked like a butterfly's wings. On her chest there was an eight-edged yellow star on it. On her middle finger from her right hand a violet ring rested.
The other female, around the young alien's age, or maybe younger, he couldn't say, was really stunning. She had beautiful piercing blue eyes, a pretty face, blonde, almost white hair and a small button nose. She probably had the recessive gene. She was wearing a pretty white knee-lenght dress that embraced her body and made her look angelic. Her pink, perfect lips quircked up into a smile.
"Hello!" She said, her voice sweet, a sing-song sound in one's ears. "I am Aya Jordan."
The two aliens looked at her. The human male, probably her father, smiled.
"Aya, these are Sergeant Kilowog and Blue Lantern Razer."
The blue-eyed alien, Razer, gave her a soft smile. "Greetings, Aya."
She smiled brightly and waved. "Nice to meet you!"
Razer nodded. Aya could observe he was a good looking. Her mother put her hand on her shoulder.
"Aya? Go home."
"But... I want..."
"Aya, listen to your mother. We have to catch up with them. We will also come, but later." Said her father.
Aya lowered her eyes and sighed. "Alright."
She turned around to leave when Razer's voice was heard again, this time sightly softer. "It's okay. She can stay if she wants to."
She turned her head to look at his face. "I would like that very much. Thank you, Blue Lantern Razer."
The boy nodded with another soft smile on his lips.
"I don't know if it's a good idea." Said Aya's father.
"Hal, please. She can take care of herself. Plus, it isn't as she comes with us into space."
Hal sighed. Kilowog snorted. "She will come if this Poozer here opens his mouth again."
"Poozer?" Asked Aya, blushing. Why had he said that 'if Razer opens his mouth again'?
Like reading her thoughts, the Blue Lantern responded:
"I invited her to join us because I wanted to be polite. Don't get my words wrong, Bolovaxian!"
Aya's smile faded. Just polite? He had been polite?
Hal sighed again. "Okay, she may come."
The girl smiled again. "Thank you, father."
(Into the ship)
"Wow..." Muttered Aya as she walked into the main deck. "It is... so..."
"Amaizing?" Offered Razer.
"Incredible?" Asked Hal.
"Both of them." Said Aya distracted, touching a panel. She turned around in time to see a turquoise cube appearing at the console from the middle of the room.
"Greetings, Lanterns. Welcome on the Interceptor."
"Wow..." said Aya. When her parents told her about this, she hadn't predicted it would be so amazing. Despite being the smartest person from her High School, she had dificulties processing everything. She knew all of this were possible thanks to the high-tech the Guardians of the Universe posses. Yet she hadn't expected them to look like a SF movie.
She tried to touch the cube, but her hand went through it. "Hologram." She muttered.
"Greetings. I am LANOS, the Lightspeed Astronomical Navigational Operational Sistem of the Interceptor."
"Hello, Lanos. I am Aya Jordan."
"Welcome on board, Aya Jordan."
She giggled and looked around her as the 'adults' started talking about a new threat, the ManHunters.
Her dress fluttered around her legs, showing her slender legs once in a while, as she turned around over and over again. Razer was caught into the conversation until he caugh a glance in her direction and his gaze fixed on her legs. She didn't seem to observe his glare of if she did, she was good at not letting it see.
Someone, on the other hand, observed the Blue Lantern's wandering gaze when he wasn't paying attention to the discution any more. And that someone was Hal.
"Kid? What are you thinking?"
Razer blinked and forced himself to move his gaze from Aya to her father's eyes. "I was merely distracted. But I did listen to you."
"You were ditracted by what, Razer?" Insisted Hal. He surely won't let the subject slip away. "By my daughter?"
Razer blushed. "N-no... I-it wasn't y-your daughter at all." Stuttered the caught in the act boy.
Aya, who heard the excange, blushed and lowered her eyes. For the first time in her life she felt her cheeks burning. She turned around in order to examine a panel and to hide her red face.
"I hope you are telling the truth, kid."
"I... I am."
Carol sighed. "So, how could we stop something we cannot even approach without being attacked."
Aya turned her head to look at the Lanterns. "How about using an alternator of energy? With the correct energy signature in it, you will be able to destroy the ManHunters."
Razer raised an eyebrow. "You are aware that for creating it we need at least a few months, aren't you?"
"But it is something that can be done, right? I mean, if the Guardians did buid this ship then they probable will crea..."
"Sorry to disappoint you, Aya." Said Hal. "But the won't help."
"Why not?"
"Easy: it's something too simple for them." Answered Razer. "But, I can do it."
Her eyes lit up. "Really? Oh, yeah, you are a high-tech skilfully."
Hal narrowed his eyes. "Razer is the only one here with the requested knowledge to create that thing."
"Actually, Hal, he is not the only one. Did you forget your daughter? She is the smartest person in this city. Maybe from the whole world. It was her idea, after all. Razer, how about working with Aya at this alternator."
"I don't know if it's a good idea." Said Hal, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Why not? I accept."
Aya smiled brightly. "When do we start?"
Hal sighed. "For that you kind of must come with us in space. I don't want you to be hurt, Aya. It will be better if you stay here."
Aya narrowed her eyes. "Yes. I believe Razer would be happy to stay on Earth a while."
"W-what?" Asked Hal, shocked.
"Well, we have to work at the alternator. I guess he has to stay in our house until it is ready."
Razer blushed as Hal facepalmed. "Aya, he cannot. We need him in space."
She smiled. "And you need me in space. Why can't I come with you? I'll stay on the Interceptor and work at the alternator. I don't have anything to do this summer, anyway."
Razer smiled softly, a smile that made her knees tremble. "Look, it is going to be dangerous."
"I can take care of myself, Blue Lantern. You don't need to worry for me."
He approached her carefully, like trying not to trigger a bomb. "I didn't say you can't. But you must be aware that there is a high possibility to be out there for months."
"I don't care. I want to help. I cannot afford those ManHunters to destroy the Universe."
He put his hand on her shoulder. "Exactly like your father: brave and stubborn."
Aya blushed sightly and looked at her feet. "I..."
"You may come with us, Aya." He said softly and went back to the Lanterns.
Aya looked after him. She couldn't believe it. She was going to go into space.
"But..." added Razer. "Don't stand in our way. If you cannot take care if yourself, the first thing I'll do is to bring you back home."
She huffed. "I am capable of taking care of myself."
"We will see."
In the next hour, the Interceptor took flight into space. Aya went to her room. It had only a bunk, near the window, a desck, a chair and a small table. She sat on her bed, looking outside the window at the Earth. She gazed at every part of it she could see. Her door opened with a hiss but she didn't observe. Until a soft voice make itself heard.
"You won't see it for a while. Are you sure you want to come with us, Aya?"
She turned her head to look at the young alien. "Yes. I know. But I also know I did the right thing."
He shook his head. "You really are more stubborn than Jordan."
"How did you came here?"
"You forgot your door unlocked. My advice for you it is to lock it always."
"I mean, how did you become a member of this crew?"
"Long story."
"We have enough time."
Razer sighed. "May I take a sit?"
She made some space for him and he sat on her bed. "Tell me." She ordered.
He nodded. "On my planet there were wars. The warlords fought for power... I left into the army to protect my village, my home, my wife."
Her eyes grew wide. "You have a wife?"
"Had. She is dead now."
(Flashback)
Razer returned from a battle only to find his wife dead, lying on the ground with a part of the wall over her. He gave out a cry of frustation, anguish and pain. He rushed to her side, knelt down and gently put her head on his lap.
"Ilana... But... but... I came back for you. I came back for you... I came back..." he said. He gently caressed her cheek, hoping his touch would be enough to bring her back. I wasn't. "I came back for you. I came back."
He continued to say his mantra ('But... I came back for you') over and over again. He let out another cry, full of pain and got up, laying her head back on the ground. He turned around and closed his eyes.
"I came back for you, Ilana. I am so sorry. I should have been here to protect you... I am sorry for leaving you. For letting you die. I am so sorry, my love."
He returned to his wife and knelt to her side. "I know you wouldn't want me to mourn your loss forever, my love. I promise you that I'll try to protect others and maybe, some day, we will see each other again. I loved and still love you, Ilana. I hope you know that. I hope... I hope you will find the peace your soul has been longing for." He said and closed his eyes. A tear flowned on his cheek, tracing one of his facial markings with rapt precision, before falling on Ilana's cheek. He touched her face, the beautiful face he loved and he won't see again. "My love..."
More tears found themselves on his cheeks. He didn't care. "I won't loose my hope, Ilana."
A Blue Light shone. He looked at it. "What... what is this?"
The Light faded, revealing a Blue Ring. From it a voice made itself heard, saying:
"Razer from the Forgotten Zone, you have great Hope in your heart. Welcome... to the Blue Lantern Corps."
Razer lifted his right hand up and the ring shoved itself into his middle finger. His body glowed blue and when the light faded he was dressed in a blue uniform.
(A few months later)
Razer was fighting with a Red Lantern female. She had almost black skin, two black wings and dark eyes, full of hate.
"How dare you to attack and kill the Green Lanterns?"
"None of your business." She said and attacked him with a whip construct.
The newest Blue Lantern grinned and managed in time to avoid the whip and to launch an attack himself. He managed to hurt the Red Lantern. She clenched her teeth and flied into air.
Razer saw two Green lines on the sky. The Red Lantern also saw them.
"More Green Lanterns?" She breathed Red Energy trying to hit Razer who also was in the air. He avoided them and one of the Greens hit the Red Lantern female full force, flying into a nearby rock.
The other Green, a pink alien was fighting with a ball-like Red Lantern.
Razer watched in awe as another Lantern, in a violet-pink outfit, was engaged in fight with an one-eyed Red Lantern. The Pink Lantern, he assumed, was hit by an energy beams attack and landed on the ground.
"Carol!" Yelled on of the Greens. The Red Lantern female took advantage of his distraction to hit him.
"I'm fine, Hal." The woman, Carol said. She took flight back into sky and tried to defeat the Red Lantern male.
Razer went towards them and whipped the Red Lantern who turned towards his new enemy. He used enery beams to shoot Razer who created a shiel to protect himself. Carol took advantage of the Red Lantern's distraction and lifted her ring hand up. Her ring glowed violet and she launched an energy attack by herself. The violet energy hit the Red Lantern full force and he was caught inside a pink crystal.
"Thanks for your help, boy."
Razer nodded though he couldn't help his curiousity. "Pink Lantern?:
"Nope. Star Sapphire. Protector of Love. I explain you later. Now, go and help my husband and Kilowog. I have to go back to Shir-Rev."
Razer nodded again and watched how the Star Sapphire returned to her friend. He went to help the Green Lanterns.
(Skipping the battle in which the goodie managed to win but Shir-Rev died; into the Interceptor)
"Thanks for your help, kid. Without you we wouldn't have won." Said the Green Lantern captain, Hal Jordan.
Carol put her hand on Razer's shoulder. "Your help was well-timed. We would appreciate if you joined our cause."
"Me?"
"Yeah." Answered Hal. "With your ring boosting out powers we have a great chance to win the war."
"I... I made a promise. I accept."
(End of flashback)
Aya listened in awe the story. The poor boy in front of her had suffered his whole life. Everything he had loved was gone, dead, yet he had refused to let himself live a miserable life, full of pain and regrets. His choice had been to help the others.
"Wow... Incredible." She mumbled.
He gave her a sad smile. "I know."
"I... I'am sorry for your loss."
Razer nodded. "Aya, enjoy and love your family as long as you still have one. When they are dead, it will be too late."
"What..."
"My whole family died. My three siblings when I was only two years old, my parents when I was nine, a few days after my wedding with Ilana."
Aya gasped. "Oh..."
A tear flowned Razer's cheek, tracing one of his facial markings. Aya felt her eyes wetting with tears. She couldn't take it any longer. She started crying silenty for the young man in fron of her. He reached out one hand and wipped her tears away.
"Don't cry, Aya. Not because of me." He said, his voice soft, almost a whisper.
She nodded and wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. Why she did that she had no idea. She only knew she didn't want to see him sad. She wanted to take his sadness away, to comfort him somehow. He put his hands on her back, with the barest of brushes.
"I... I tried to move on..." he whispered. "It's been almost 2 years since I lost her."
Aya nuzzled his chest. "Since you lost the love of your life."
"Yeah. I... I want her to find the peace she had longed for since then."
"But you cannot. You are not able to let her go."
"No yet."
Aya couldn't believe it. They were complementary to each other. "You will find the necessary strength, Razer. You only..."
"I only have to wait a bit longer." He said and kissed her on the top of her head. Where had that came from? He had no idea.
She pulled back a little to look into his sad eyes. "Everything will be alright, Razer."
"I know, Aya... I know."
She smiled at him and they broke apart. "Where have you been after you defeated Atrocitus and the Red Lantern Armada and before the ManHunter incident?"
"On Odym, the homeworld of the Blue Lantern Corps."
"I wish I could see it."
"Maybe you will."
Aya smiled and yawned. Razer got up from her bed. "You should sleep. Who knows when you will be able to get some sleep."
She nodded and lied down. He draped a blancket on her body. "Good night, Aya." He said and went to the door. "Don't forget to lock your door from now on."
"Good night, Razer. I won't forget." She said and fell asleep, dreaming a beautiful white-haired woman.
(Dream)
Aya was walking. She was in an unknown place to her.
"Hello? Is someone here?" She asked.
In front of her a woman materialised. "Hello, Aya."
The woman had long white hair, blue eyes, pale, almost grey skin and two black markings on each her cheeks. She wore a long white dress and smiled at Aya.
"Who are you? And how do you know my name?"
"My husband knows you, Aya. So, it is logic that I also know you."
"Husband?" Repeated the confused girl. Her eyes grew wide. "Do you... do you mean Razer?"
The woman nodded.
"It means... You are Ilana. But... but you are dead."
"I was allowed to talk to you, child. I have only one chance so listen carefully: whatever happens you have to be by Razer's side. He needs you, Aya, more than he needed me."
"What do you mean?"
"There is no time for explanations, child. Do you wonder who killed me and his family?"
Seeing her nod, Ilana continued. "Atrocitus."
Aya's eyes grew wide. "Wh-what?"
"He wanted Razer in his army so badly that he didn't care what it took. He killed Razer's family, one by one."
"But Razer refused to be a victim of rage and hate, didn't he?"
Ilana nodded and placed her hands on her belly. "What I will tell you next, Aya, is something that no one else knows. A few days before Razer told me he will go to fight for liberty, I discovered something about myself." She gently caressed her belly. "I discovered I was with a child."
Aya narrowed her eyes. "So Razer has a child?"
"No. Our unborn child died at least three months after Razer left. The school was on fire. I entered to save the kids. I managed to have them out in time but I was caught under some supporting beams. I have lost my counscience and when I woke up the healer told me I have lost my child."
A tear was seen down her cheek, tracing one of her markinks. Aya closed her eyes, tears welling in them. "I have no idea. I am so sorry." She whispered.
Ilana gave a sad smile and approached the girl. "I am older than you and Razer, Aya."
"Really?"
"Yup. I am 24 years old now and from my experience I've learned that life is full of second chances. I have a chance to talk to you, Razer has a new chance at happiness."
"How so?"
"You. You are his second chance, Aya."
"No... No! No... I... I barely know him. How could you say that I am... that we will be..."
"It is the truth, Aya. It doesn't matter you two barely know each other. You are special, Aya, and I feel that there is a connection between you and Razer. Your love is universal."
"Universal?" Asked Aya as Ilana's form started fading away.
The older woman hugged Aya. "Yes. We don't have enough time. Please, don't tell Razer... And take care of him, give him love..."
Aya nodded as Ilana disappeared in what looked like snowflakes. "I will."
(Back to reality)
Aya woke up panting. Her face was sweaty. Lanos' hologram appeared.
"Aya Jordan, are you alright? Your breathing, heart rate and blood pressure have grown."
"I... I know, Lanos. I... I had a strange dream, that's all." She said, steading her pulse.
The hologram disappeared and Aya got up from her bed. She opened her door only to find herself face-to-face with Razer on the hallway.
"Jordan asked me to bring you to the bridge."
Aya nodded and lowered her eyes. She felt pittyful and sympathetic towards the Blue Lantern alien. She also... felt... compassion for him. "Razer? May I ask you something?"
"Um... yeah, sure."
"It is about your past. Did you... did you and Ilana have any kids?"
His eyes grew wide, his expression sadened. "No." He finally answered. "We haven't had the chance."
Aya nodded and remembered what Ilana had said to her. "Life is full of second chances, Razer. Don't let them slip away."
He nodded, a sad smile on his lips. "I know. Come on."
(On the main deck)
Tomar-Re, a bird-fish-like Green Lantern alien was there. "Even if it is as you say, Hal Jordan, how will we be able to find the right frequency?"
"I've no idea but you have to believe me."
"What's going on?" Asked Aya.
"Jordan thinks that there is someone who turned on the ManHunters using a hard-to-find frequency." Answered Kilowog.
"Well, it may be possible." Said Aya and Razer in unison.
"At least you are by my side. Any ideas, kids?"
"Nope." Answered the 'kids'.
Tomar-Re sighed. "I am not sure yet."
"Well, I can detect the frequency." Said Aya.
Carol smiled. "Good. We have to collect some things. You and Razer stay here and find it."
Aya nodded as Hal narrowed his eyes. "He comes with us."
"No. Hal, she needs someone to protect her if some ManHuntars come."
Hal sighed. "If you even dare to think to do something to her I will kill you, Razer."
Razer rolled his eyes. "I won't." He vowed.
(One hour later)
Aya let out a frustrated sigh. "I cannot find it."
"Patience, Aya. Patience." Tried Razer to comfort her. Which he failed.
"At least you have a ring that keeps you calm."
He raised an eyebrow. "You think? I have to meditate daily to control my powers and to stay calm."
"Really?"
"Oh Grotz, really. Do you know how hard it is to stay calm when you are near Jordan and Kilowog?"
Aya giggled. "My father will be happy to know what you think about him."
"Please, don't tell him."
"It was just a joke, Razer."
Razer shook his head. "I have an idea. Come!" He said, reaching out one hand.
"Where?"
"To start your first meditation lesson. We should be somewhere more... private and queitly."
Aya nodded and blushed. "How about my room?" She suggested.
"It's good."
She took his hand and they went to her room.
Razer sat on Aya's bed into a lotus position. The girl followed his example and closed her eyes.
"Take a deep breath. Focus on the calmness of the lake."
Aya nodded and took a very very deep breath.
"Now, focus on your breathing pattern and on my voice. Try and steady the beating of your heart. Everything is serene around you."
Razer opened his eyes to see a small smile across her face. She was calm, peaceful. He took his time to observe her. She was really beautiful. He studied her face, her nose, her elegant neck, her perfect position. His eyes lingered on her chest, on the bit of cleavage she was showing and he blushed. What was he thinking? Hardly, he moved his gaze to her abdomen and then legs. She had a pillow onto her lap in an attempt to hide her underwear. Strange, he felt the urge to close the distance between them. He moved closer, their knees barely touching.
"Razer?" She asked, opening her eyes.
He blinked and blushed, trying to look at her face. "Yes, Aya?"
"Is it good?"
"What?"
"How I am performing the action. Is it good?"
"Um... yeah. Perfect."
She smiled and closed her eyes again. Razer took a very very very deep breath to calm himself down. What was in his mind?
"Now, Aya, I want you to ignore every little foreign distraction."
He saw her nodding. "Focus on the calmness of the lake." She repeated. "Steady your heartbeating. Ignore the foreign distraction."
Razer closed his eyes with a small smile across his face. He meditated, focused on her voice, on her breathing, on the shiver he felt where they were in physical contact.
(A few minutes later)
Aya opened her eyes, curiousity finding its way out. She studied Razer's relaxed features. She could tell he was handsome. His muscles were well-defined despite his age. His chest was broad and she imagined his strength. Aya shook her head. What was wrong with her? She had never felt something like this.
"Razer?"
He opened his eyes. "Mmm?"
"We should return to our work."
He nodded and got up from the bed. Aya also got up but didn't move.
"Aya?"
"I have a bad feeling. Something bad is going to happen."
She started running towards the door. Franatically, she pushed the buttons and the door opened with a hiss. She went to the main deck with Razer on her tail. What they saw let them wordless. Hal was blown up by a giant robot.
"Noooo! Father!" Screamed Aya, tears running down her cheeks. "Father."
Razer looked sadly at her. He took her into a comforting embrace, trying to calm her down. "It's okay, Aya. Let it go." He whispered against her ear. His breath was hot, the warmth spreading through her like fire. She started sobbing into his arms, her body shaking. Her mind wasn't working as it had to, everything was wrong. So wrong.
"I... I... can... believe it..." She managed between sobs.
Razer stroked her arm gently. "I am so sorry, Aya. I am so sorry."
She wrapped her arms around him. "Razer... He... he is dead."
"Shhh. Calm down, Aya. You have to be calm."
"I ca... cannot. I can't stop... from being... sad... from crying."
"No one asks you not to be sad, Aya. But you have to be strong. Don't loose your hope."
"I've... I've just lost my father, Razer... I..."
"Aya, it's okay. Cry, if it makes you feel better."
The door opened with a hiss. Razer pulled apart and looked to Carol.
"You saw it, didn't you?" Asked the older woman, observing her daughter wipping her tears away.
The only respons she received was a nod from Razer.
Aya had excused herself and went to her quarters. She had started sobbing with her head buried in her pillow.
A few minutes after she had left, Razer had gone to his own room. With a little stop before. He had stopped at Aya's door. And there he was, trying the door. As he predicted, it was unlocked. He entered, trying not to scare her.
"Aya?"
She lifted her head up. "What?"
He went to her bed and took a sit. He gently placed his hand on her back. "I am sorry, Aya. I know you are pained an..."
"You know?" She cut him off. "You know my pain? My dad died a few minutes ago right under my nose. And you tell me you know I am pained?"
He frowned and took his hand away. "I've lost my whole family, Aya. I've lost the woman I loved. I've lost everyone I cared about. So yes, I believe I am able to say that I know what you are going through. Think at your mother for a second. She has wittnessed the love of her life dying. How do you think she feels?"
Aya's eyes grew wide. "I... She suffers."
"Exactly. You are not the only one, Aya. Carol has the courage to stay there and fight. What are you going to do?"
"I don't know. I... I really don't know." She answered and turned around. "I am so sorry for the way I've treated you, Razer."
"It's okay." He whispered, hugging her. "Pain is normal, Aya. Crying is normal. If you feel the need to cry, just... just let it go."
She nodded and more tears appeared on her cheeks. Her body was shaking. "I cannot believe he's gone."
He kissed her on the top of her head and she lied down, sobbing. He caressed her arm in an attempt to comfort her.
"It's okay, Aya. Let it go."
More tears appeared. "He... he is dead... I cannot... I felt... that..."
"It's alright, Aya. I know... I know."
She started sobbing. "Ra... Razer..."
He leaned down. "It's alright. Don't... don't stop it. You..."
"I... I feel so weak... I cannot do anything."
(Several hours later)
Kilowog was arguing with Tomar-Re.
"If he has died we would have seen his ring searching for a new host. We didn't see anything."
"I am afraid that Hal Jordan is really dead."
"No! No... he is no-t. He can not be! He is..."
"Kilowog... Kilowog, can you hear me?"
"Shut up, Jordan! Can't you see I..." His eyes grew wide. "Jordan?"
"Yup. I came home. Me and another billions friends."
"What?"
(After a few minutes)
Aya hugged Hal tightly. "Father... I thought that I'he lost you."
"Aya..." He breathed against her neck.
Carol wipped a tear. "Hal..."
He let Aya go and went to his wife. "Carol..." he said and hugged her. "That thing that blasted me... The Anti-Monitor, it ate a whole Universe at breakfast and now comes after our world."
"That means me and Razer don't have to create an alternator for the ManHunters, but for the Anti-Monitor."
"If we find the right frequency they used to send the Anti-Monitor to our Universe, we can change it in order to destroy that thing."
Aya nodded. "We should start working to it."
Razer also nodded.
(One month later)
Aya let out a frustrated sigh. "I don't fing it." She was wearing a white t-shirt showing a bit of her cleavage, green shorts and white boots.
Razer looked at her with a raised eyebrow. They were in her quarters, trying to find the right energy signature. "Patience, Aya. We will succed."
She stopped working at her device and looked at him. "How may I be calm?"
He sighed and put his hand on her shoulder. "Turn around."
"Why?"
"Trust me!"
She nodded and complied. He gently started massaging her shoulders. "You are tense. Relax! Take deep breath."
Aya made as he had told her and relaxed. "Mmm... Razer... It feels so good. Thank you."
"That's better. You okay?"
"Yeah. Thank you."
He nodded and bent down, his breath hot of her neck making her moan softly. He suddenly stopped massaging her. "Get back to work. That robot could be anywhere, ready to destroy us."
Aya nodded, though it disappointed her that he had stopped. She turned around and started working at her device. Strange but everytime they were together she felt something... something wonderful and painful at the same time. A sharp need had started rising inside the 18-years-old girl. When she and Razer touched, even from an accident, even for a brief second, she felt like she was was flying. Like she had wings. What was wrong with her? What happened to her? It was the first time she felt like that and it managed to scare her. She wondered if Razer felt the same way.
(A few weeks later)
"Good news, guys!" Exclaimed Hal. "We have been invited on Shard to celebrate the alliance between the Red and the Green Lanterns."
Aya smiled brightly. She looked up from her device and stole a glance in Razer's direction. He didn't seem too happy.
The alien sighed. "May we stop somewhere first? There is a small planet not far from here."
"Sure thing, kid. What is this about?"
Razer glared at the Green Lantern. "It is called 'privacy'. I really don't feel the need to share that with you."
Hal nodded, showing that he understood.
A few minutes later, the Interceptor touched down. "I'll be right back in no time." Said Razer and left.
Carol looked down sadly. "Volkreg." She muttered.
Aya looked outside the window. She saw only ruins and ash. She got up.
"I go to make sure he doesn't destroy anything."
Hal nodded. He was still apprehensive regarding his daughter and Razer alone but the kid hadn't cross the limit so far. And he looked like he did care about her.
Aya followed Razer carefully not to be seen by him. They arrived at a house. His old home. Aya tried to sneak and she did hide behind a wall, watching Razer looking around, remembering his old life. Remembering her. Aya felt something inside her chest cavity. Was it... jealousy? Why would she be jealous on Ilana? After all she was dead. And she told Aya that she and Razer may be together. The girl had thought about it a lot and found that she may be interested in Razer. That she may be in love with him.
Aya couldn't take it anymore. She got out from her hiding place and the sound of someone behind him made Razer snap out of his revery.
"I apologize for the intrusion, Razer. I shouldn't have done it." She said when she saw him tensing.
"It's okay. I just... I haven't heard you coming, that's all."
"I should go."
"No... Stay."
"Why?"
He smiled even though she couldn't see him. "Because I want you here."
Aya titled her head to the side. "I do not understand. Please explain."
He turned around. "You really don't understand, do you?"
Aya lowered her eyes.
He sighed. "Then it doesn't matter. If you have understood you would have known."
"What?"
"It doesn't matter, Aya. You won't understand."
She frowned and took his hands in hers. "Then make me understand, Razer. I want to know. I want to understand."
She really was stubborn. "Aya..."
"Please..." she said, closing her eyes. "Just try."
He nodded and let her hands go. Aya opened her eyes and both of them turned around at the same time. She made a step to leave, but his left hand catching hers stopped her. Razer took her a few feet away from their spot and she saw more flowers. All of them were under their own strains and leaves.
"Razer?" She asked as he let her go, confusion and curiosity in her voice.
He smiled and picked up a wonderful Hope Rose. He started talking. "This place was a dead world before. It didn't allow for life to exist. But now it does."
He turned around and showed her the flower. "It changed. As I did."
Aya smiled and took the flower from him.
"I am not the same person I used to be before, Aya. I change every day. Thaks to you."
She blushed and looked at the Hope Rose from her hands. "It is beautiful!"
Razer approached her with a small smile. He grabbed her shoulders. "No, Aya. It is pretty. But you... you are beautiful." He said and bent down. "Despite what I vowed, depite what I had though after Ilana died, despite everything and everyone, Aya, I fell in love with you." He whispered. "I love you, Aya! And I hope you feel the same way for me as I do for you."
She smiled happily and closed even more the distance between their faces. "I do. I fell in love with you too, Razer. I love you!"
He made to close the last millimeters between their faces and gently, very gently, he brushed his lips against hers. Aya's eyes grew wide for a brief second but she mimicked him, closing them immediately. She let their kiss, their first kiss, her first kiss consume her. She had lost herself into it. Into him. She wrapped her arms around his neck as his hads came to rest on her waist. When he licked her lower lip she didn't resist. She sightly parted her lips, deepening his kiss, letting him explore her mouth with his tongue. His sharp teeth caught her lower lip for a moment and she gave out a soft moan. A purring sound filled his throat. Both of them wanted more. Needed more. He started moving. They arrived at the door and he opened it, still kissing her. They moved together as he managed to lead the way to the bedroom. It was his house after all. Aya moaned as he nibbled her lower lip before releasing it. Releasing her.
"Razer?"
He gave her a soft smile and picked her up bridal style. He gently placed her on the bed and eased himself over her. One of her hands was in his hair,.keeping him to her, and the other on the small of his back. One of his hand slid under her green skirt and she moaned into his mouth. He moved his lips to her throat, kissing and nibbling, while caressing her tigh.
Something inside of Aya screamed. Every cell screamed for more of his touch. She clutched at the fron of his uniform, wanting to get her hands inside. She had no idea why she did that. Everything was instinctive. He let out a huffing laugh against her neck and purred. His breath was hot and the warmth was spreading through her like fire. She was afraid she was burning. He withdrew his hand from her tigh and grinned at her.
"Razer!"
He bent down and kissed her slow, agonizingly slow. He broke the kiss when she lifted her head up, seekinh more.
"Razer..." From the tone of her voice he could tell she was impatient.
He knelt, straddling her legs and let his hands flirt with the thin green t-shirt that covered her overheated body. He draped it over her head and tossed it on the floor. They didn't care. Aya bit her lip and blushed as he looked at her.
"Razer?"
"You are beautiful, Aya." He repeated and leaned down. He kissed her throat and stopped to her collarbone where he began to nibble and kiss her sensible skin.
Something was wrong. He did love her but he didn't want to force himself on her. She was still new, he was her first love from what he understood. He wanted her to be sure. To be ready.
Her hands moved up and down his body, eager to aquitance with him. He stopped from his work to her collarbone to look into her piercing blue eyes. She gave a mewl of protest but he stopped from touching her.
"Razer?"
He bent down and brushed their noses. His warm breath was sweet against her swollen lips.
"I am sorry, Aya. I shouldn't have let myself do this to you."
"Ra-Razer..."
"I got carried away. I apologize, Aya."
She looked at him with wide, curious eyes. "You... you got carried away?"
"Yeah. With... with all these. I... I forgot you are still new to love and lovers but I..."
Aya sighed. What was he saying? "So, after all, you say you don't love me?"
"What? No... No. Of course I love you, Aya. But... we should wait."
"Wait?"
Now she sounded like an echo. "Yeah. To wait until you are ready to do... this. I won't force myself on you again, Aya."
"But you haven't done that. It was... It is my choice."
"I know... I know but... Do you feel ready, Aya? To do this? To... to..."
"I... I don't know. Probably no..."
He let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. He bent down and kissed her softly. A way of apology.
But she had already forgave him.
He got up from her and gave her back her shirt. She accepted it and blushed. He turned around and sighed. "Aya?"
"Yes?"
"Please don't tell Jordan that... you know..."
"Alright."
She got up and hugged him from behind. "But we are goimg to tell them we are together now, right?"
"Be sure of it." He said.
His ring beeped and Hal's voice was heard.
"Kid, Aya, return to the Interceptor. We have a ManHunter situation on Ysmault."
Razer smiled. "Funny." He said to Aya before turning around and picking her up bridal style.
She retrived her flower and they returned to the ship.
(On Ysmault)
The small team got out from the Interceptor.
A Guardian came to them. When she saw Aya, her eyes narrowed.
"Who is this child? And what is she doing here?"
"She is my daughter." Answered Hal.
"Why have you brought her with you? She doesn't even have a ring."
Razer clenched his fists. "Who cares about those rings? She doesn't need one. She can be a hero with or without a ring!"
"Razer..." Aya gasped.
"You... you... you!" Said the pissed off Guardian.
"Me what? You weren't expecting someone to have the courage to confront you, were you? Aya can do much good even without a ring. From what I saw she has the greated WillPower that you, Guardian, keep talking about. She is smarter that you and the other Guardians an..."
"Watch your tone, Blue Lantern. You are allowed here only because you helped Hal Jordan." Responded the now angry Guardian. She was so angry at what he had told her that it was a miracle she could focus on levitating. "As I said, a ManHunter showed here. If a Red Lantern finds out, our alliance will be broken."
"And we cannot afford such things." Said Hal. "So we must destroy that robot."
"Exactly." Said the Guardina and flied away.
(Later)
"These are the coordinates she gave us." Said Aya, holding a white device. "But I see no Manhunter."
"Maybe it's destroyed." Offered Kilowog.
"Less likely." Responded Razer. "They aren't easy destroyable."
Aya nodded, looking at her device. "Strange."
"What is it, Aya?" Asked Hal.
"A signal. No! There are more ManHunters."
"What?" Asked the Lanterns.
As an answer to their question, three ManHunters came to them and attacked them, saying their mantra over and over again.
"No man escapes the ManHunters!"
Hal and Carol worked as a team on one of the robots and Kilowog taking the second one.
"Aya, stay behind me!" Ordered Razer.
"You cannot protect me and you at the same time."
"But I can at least try."
Aya nodded, still unsure, and moved behind her lover. For any eventuality, she took out a gun running on Green Energy.
(Skipping the battle)
They won. They destroyed the ManHunters. But thst wasn't a surprise. A surprise was what Aya did. After Razer had destroyed the ManHunter that threatened Aya's life, the girl in question literally jumped on her lover and kissed him.
Anyway, Zox and Bleez came in time to see the detroyed robots.
"What happened here? You put your robots to attack us again?" Asked a very pissed off Zox.
Bleez clenched her fists. "I told you we cannot trust the Guardians and their pets. They fooled us."
Aya had to refrain the irrational urge to shoot the Red Lantern with her gun. "Pets? The Green Lanterns aren't some pets. They are the protectors of the Universe."
Bleez's eyes glowed red. "What big worrds coming from a pathetic human! Careful, little one!"
Razer growled. "You..."
"Enough!" Yelled Zox. "I am going to broke the alliance we have with you."
"What?" Asked Hal.
"No, you are not!" Said Aya. She took a device from her belt and turned it on. She worked on a few settings and soon a sound was heard. There were more frequencies at once that made the Lanterns to cover their ears. She approached the Red Lanterns and the sound became louder and louder. Her friends made a few steps back as the sound grew even more louder.
Zox and Bleez passed out due to the frequencies. Aya let out a breath of relief. The others were more than 10 feet away from her. She turned around and smiled at them.
"There is no danger. But I suggest you to take them into the Interceptor for any eventuality."
Hal and Kilowog nodded and used two bed constructs to lift them up.
(An hour later)
The Guardian entered into the Interceptor, clearly pissed off.
"The Prime-Magistrate and his second in command haven't appeared. I hope you at least took care of the ManHunters."
"We did." Answered Hal. "And we know why Zox and Bleez haven't appeared." He added with a nervous chuckle."
"Oh no. What have you done this time, 2814?"
"Well, not what I have done but... what they have seen."
The Guardian raised an eyebrow. "Please, tell me you didn't..."
"Actually, I did."
"Where are they?"
"Follow me."
What she saw made her blood go cold. Hal ungagged Zox.
"How dare you to do something like that to me? To put your robots attack me and then to lock me in this cell? I am Prime-Magistrat Zox. Our alliance will be..."
"Gag him again!" Ordered the Guardian which Hal happily obeyed.
(Later)
Zox and Bleez were finally freed from their cell. They were looking outside the window with the other Lanterns. The Anti-Monitor was devouring the Maelstrom.
"Look there, Zox." Said Hal. "That thing eats our world. We didn't restart the ManHunters. It did. If you want to survive, now, more than ever we have to work together. What do you say?"
"I will tell the Red Lanterns to get ready and prepare the ships."
Hal let out a breath of relief. "Aya, Razer, how is your alternator?"
"Not ready. We need more time." Answered Aya.
"What alternator?" Asked the Guardian.
"Aya and Razer worked together to create an alternator to destroy the Anti-Monitor."
"It cannot be destroyed. Its creator, Krona, made him counscious that it is the most perfect being in the world. No one managed to destroy it. Why do you think we sent it to another Universe?"
Hal facepalmed. "And when did you plan to tell us? When we would have died?"
She sighed. "I have an idea. Get me outside."
Hal nodded. They left, she in a green bubble projected from Hal's ring.
"Anti-Monitor, I am a Guardian like the one who created you. You will obey everything I say. You will stop the ManHunters!"
It turned its head towards them. "You... You order me what to do, Guardian? You and your fellows Guardians are nothing compared to me."
"What?" She asked, obvious not in the mood for that kind of talks. She got out from the bubble and flight towards it. "You will answer me or else..." still she didn't finish. She used her powers to destroy the spatial beast.
It absorved her energy and turned it into anty-matter. The Anti-Monitor lifted its hand and shot the Guardian. She screamed and disappeared in a few seconds.
(Back into the Interceptir)
They all gasped at what they saw. Hal returned as fast as he could but his fear was powerful and made him fly slower. Way too slow. Kilowog got up from his sit.
"Razer, come with me."
He nodded and both of them went to the door. Carol sighed.
"Bring him back, please." She pleaded.
Aya wanted to beg Razer to stay with her, to be there for her in case something will happen. But she knew that her father needed the whole help he could get. She whispered softly Razer's name.
He turned around.
"Be careful, Razer."
He only nodded. What could he tell to her? That he was probably going to dead? No. He had to make sure she was safe and to bring her father back. He and Kilowog left without a word spoken between the two of them.
The Anti-Monitor lifted its head. It shot the Interceptor, ready to turn everything into anti-matter.
"Noooo!" Screamed Razer and flied faster. He hit the Anti-Monitor with all the force he could muster and,.furtunately, it was enough to stop the beast.
Razer sighed and tried to destroy it. Easy to say, hard to do.
(Back on the Interceptor)
"Razer..." Aya muttered. "Please, come back to me."
Carol looked at her daughter. "Oh, Aya..."
But she didn't hear. She was too scared for her lover's life. And for her father's, of course.
Bleez dramatically rolled her eyes. "There are plenty of guys, human. He is not the only one. If he dies you will get over it. You will move on and find someone else. If you wish, I will arrange you a meeting with a guy I know."
Aya glared at her, daggers in her eyes. "Is that a joke? Is that a blasted joke? Dammit, Bleez! Could you be more hearless?"
Bleez raised an eyebrow. "When you are a Red Lantern you cannot be in other way than heartless. How do you think I managed to survive?"
"I really don't care! All I care about is Razer and my father's life. They could even die!"
Then it hit her. The reality was such a cold shower. She looked at the device from her belt. "I am not able to destroy it. But I can at least try to put it is stasis." Aya whispered. "Mother? Are there some spatial costumes?"
"What for?"
"I have a plan. But I have to get out from here."
"No. Aya, I cannot let you do this!"
"You were almost anti-matter, Star Sapphire. If she wants to put her own life in danger for her, let her be!" Said Bleez harsly.
"Please... I will be fine."
Carol sighed and nodded, defeated. "Razer was right. You are as stubborn as Hal is. Or even more. In the cargo bay we have some costums. But be careful, okay?"
"I will be." Promised the girl and ran towards the cargo bay. "I hope I still have time. No! I know I still have time."
She was ready to get dressed when something glowed before her. A green ring. Appa's voice was heard.
"Aya Jordan, you have showen yourself with a strong Will. Welcome... to the Green Lantern Corps."
Aya accepted the rong. Her dream since she was a child came true. Her clothes changed into an uniform. She had a black sleevless t-shirt which showed a bit of cleavage, with the Green Lantern symbol on her chest. She wore black pants and boots. The only green things were the symbol, the edges of her uniform, a belt, with her device attached to it, around her waist and her new fingerless gloves. She smiled brightly and left the Interceptor behind.
She flied as fast as she could in time to pass by Hal and Kilowog who were returning. They had startled expressions on their faces when they saw her.
"Aya?" Asked Hal. "Where are you going? And what is with... this?"
"I will explain you later, I promise. Where is Razer?"
"Dammit!" Cursed Hal. "Probably he is behind."
"I'll go after him." She said and left. Hal could hear her yelling to him to go back to the Interceptor. He complied.
Razer was surrendered by at 3 ManHunters. He had fought them but they were too many. Even for him. He was with his back pressed against an asteroid, waiting his end, his death.
"I am sorry, Aya." He whispered and closed his eyes. He didn't have the necessary strenght to fight. Another 3 ManHunters came. He was going to die. He heard their mantra, spoked in unison.
"No man escapes the ManHunters."
He was ready to receive their shot. "Please, Aya, forgive me. I hope you will be happy... with somebody else. I love you..." he whispered, ready for the final blast. The ultimate sacrifice. For her. For the Universe.
But his end didn't come. He couldn't see the green energy that cut all the ManHunters. Yet he heard a soft and lovingly voice scolding him.
"So that is what you understand by 'be careful', huh?"
He opened his eyes and let out a breath he didn't know was holding. "Aya... You... you came back for me."
"Always." She whispered and gave him her hand.
He accepted it and flied to her. "You are a Green Lantern." He said, gently grabbing her forearms.
Aya nodded but frowned. "Razer..."
"Aya?"
She looked to her left and her eyes gew wide. She saw the Anti-Monitor lifting his huge hand to them . How funny. He was ready to give his life for their cause, for their love. And she was the same. She pushed him and created a shield construct to protect herslef. Her eyes glowed bright green, she was surrendered by a green halo. Probably it was from Razer's ring or because of her will, but she felt more powerful than before. The anti-energy didn't break through her shield. Her eyes changed their color to violet and she felt her love for Razer. She looked at him. His body emanated his own love for her. From the Interceptor she saw the love emanated from every Lantern there. Even from Zox and Bleez. Her long hair fluttered behind her as her eyes changed their color from violet to green and to blue. Her body was engulfed in even bigger green flames as her shield became more useful. The Anti-Monitor tried to turn her into anti-matter, to feed with her unique energy. But it couldn't. She was way too powerful for it.
Razer's breath quieckened. Aya's eyes color became steady: a sweet turquoise hue that occupied all her eye.
"Razer, go! Return to the ship!"
"No! I refuse to leave you!"
Aya looked a him. "Razer..."
"I am sure, Aya. I won't leave you!" He said and winked at her. "I will be here if you need me." He vowed.
She nodded and grinned. If Razer wouldn't have been frightened about what happened to her he would have been in awe at how stunning she looked.
Aya took the device from her belt. She started switching frequencies. All the frequencies she and Razer had found. Electro-magnetic waves went through the Anti-Monitor's body, short-chircuiting it. Aya continued to switch the frequencies on per second. Her body ached for her to stop. Everything was chaotic around her, in her. She didn't care. She flied from her place to the Anti-Monitor who was unable to move due to the chaotic frequencies. Razer didn't even move from his place. He was going to keep his promise. He will protect and help and save her. The woman he loved so dearly.
"You cannot stop me. You are inferior to me."
"Maybe I am. But I am also superior. I have something you will never ever have: emotions. And they are what gives me strength." She said in what looked like a fearless voice.
Her love for Razer was what kept her going.
The Anti-Monitor tried to shoot her bit it couldn't. She attached the alternator to its chest and flied back. She knew she had only one chance. She continued to fly back and then advanced towards the spatial beast. Her speed increased with every inch made. She made a fist and shot the Anti-Monitor in the middle of its chest where she had placed the device. There was a big explosion and smoke. From the Interceptor no one could see anything. But Razer did see. He saw...
Cliffhanger. Yay, my first chapter ready. It is official the longest chapter I've ever made. Also, sorry fir the spelling mistakes. Anyway, I hope you like it. Tell me what you think. Comments and criticisms are welcomed but no flames please. Read and review please.