Hey guys! So I'm not entirely sure how often I'll be updating this story. I'm still trying to work out a good enough plot line. But yeah here you go. I don't own anything. Kara doesn't necessarily follow the traditional story of Supergirl. But I do take from the cartoons, comics, and movies a bit. Like I said, I OWN NOTHING. Enjoy!
Clark's POV
Sitting on the front porch I breathe in the crisp summer air. I glance over at my little brother, who is now napping peacefully on the porch swing lightly swaying in the wind. A crooked smirk springs to my face. Though our relationship started out a little rocky, the two of us couldn't be closer now. He's my little brother, and I wouldn't give that up for anything. I gaze out at the rows of corn stretching toward the horizon and contemplate how lucky I am to have such a life. Between my parents, friends, Conner, and Lois I have more loved ones than I could ever deserve. I'm thankful for each and every one of them. I think back to the engagement ring Conner helped me pick out just before we made the flight to Kansas. I glance back over at him. A frown begins to form on my face as I wish he had someone special like I did. Apparently he and M'gann are taking a break in their relationship. With good reason. Conner seems quite upset about it, but with him it's best not to pry. He'll talk when he wants to, and not a second before. I can defiantly relate to his stubbornness. Ma and Pa had a terrible time trying to get me to open up when I was experiencing the same problems while in high school. Though Conner's well past that age and is now enrolled in college, his advanced aging has kept him from being at the same level as most young adults his age.
Taking a sip of lemonade and leaning back in the rocking chair, I continue to listen in on the peaceful sounds of the farm. Ma is baking happily in the kitchen. I can smell the beginnings of the apple pie. Pa went into town after Conner and I had finished loading the truck with the hay stacks. We offered to go along but he politely declined, said we had already "done too much work for a vacation." I know he wouldn't have minded if we went along to help, but he wanted Conner to rest after what happened. I never thought she would go that far, lose control like that. But as time goes on I can see M'gann getting darker. But going as far as trying to mold Conner's mind into what she wanted? I scowl at the rustling grass, quickly lessening my gaze as I begin to feel my heat vision kick in. Speaking of M'gann, I still need to call Bruce. Conner had begged me not to mention it to a soul, but Batman controlled the team. He wouldn't appreciate me keeping this from him. We'll most likely have to notify J'onn as well. I pull my cell phone from my pocket and hit the proper speed dial. Before it even begins to ring Conner shuffles slightly. I glance over at him and am immediately out of my chair. A scowl distorts his features as he flinches. Poor kid. He's been having nightmares recently. Not surprising after what she did to him. The nightmares usually result in me shaking him awake before he brings down the entire apartment complex in Metropolis by striking the wall in his sleep. Lightly moving him aside, I sit down and begin to run my fingers through his hair. It's almost time for a haircut. There's no way you're going to grow your hair long like Dick. I chuckle at the memory of Bruce chasing the young man down and forcing him into chopping off the long locks that reached his shoulders.
"Kent? Kent, you're the one who called me. Now talk." I hadn't noticed that Bruce had already picked up. I didn't even hear it ring.
Clearing my throat I do my best not to wake Conner. "Hey Bruce, sorry I got a little distracted." He doesn't accept the apology, just waits for me to continue sputtering like a fool. "I wanted to talk to you about M'gann." Conner shifts slightly at the sound of his ex's name. I pause making sure he stays asleep. "She…" That's when I see it. A red beam heading straight for the house. I drop the phone and fly toward it, taking the blow and crashing to the ground. The first few porch steps are crushed, but at least the rest of the property is safe. Conner wakes up and is on his feet. I can hear Bruce shouting, demanding to know what's happening. More beams fly into the sky.
Conner picks up the phone and explains the situation as I change into my suit. He hangs up. "Batman will be here in five minutes." I look at him in question. He shrugs as we run. "Said he didn't like the sound of it." He smirks to me. "Personally I think it's just an excuse to get out of a board meeting."
I chuckle, pick my little brother up by the arms, and fly us toward the next farm over.
Kara's POV
"Ebby, clean up your toys. We're leaving!" I holler behind me as I finish my hair in my bedroom mirror. Just then a thin black lab trots in, scooping up her various toys scattered around the room, and placing them in her bag. I smile softly, glad that I can take someone with me.
I'm running away today. Two weeks ago I came home from work early. That's when I found out that the people who've referred to themselves as my parents for twenty years were keeping secrets. What parent doesn't keep secrets though? I admit that most kids at my age still don't fully know who their parents are, but my case is an extreme. As I ran downstairs to grab hamburger meat for dinner from the basement I saw it. It had never been there before. At least, I had never seen it before. The thin crease in the wall outlining a hidden doorway. My eyes had never before noticed it. I tilt my head sideways, taking in the new sight. My eyes had been becoming clearer lately. At first I had thought that it was just in my mind, but now I'm not particularly sure. Walking forward I pushed at the doorway. It didn't budge. So instead, I waited. Three days later my father went in. The small camera I had set up found the key pad and entrance code. Twenty-four hours of agony later, after they had both gone to work, I crept downstairs and went through the door. My breath caught. Test tubes, machines, paperwork, it was all there. Leafing through old files I read a scientific version of my life story. "Kara Johnson, 2013, seventeen year old female, height: 5'7", weight: 145 pounds." My brow drew together. This is all about me. I skip ahead a few pages. "A virus has gone through Smallville high school. As in previous situations, the subject has shown no sign of illness. She has remained healthy throughout her seventeen years, never once showing immunodeficiency. Blood work is normal." Blood work? I've never had bloodwork! There's never been a reason for me to have blood work! Shutting the file I went all the way back to the first. "Kara "Zor-el" Johnson, female, DBO unknown, twelve pounds seven ounces, twenty-six inches. Subject was found June third 1996..." I stared at the page puzzled. That's my birthday. "…in a vessel from the planet Krypton." Krypton! Isn't that Superman's planet? "An attached message explained Krypton's suspected demise and reason for sending the child. Kara Zor-el was sent after her cousin, Kalel Jor-el; however, no other vessels have been found." Wait my cousin? What cousin? I have a cousin? The new information sent my mind spinning. I took pictures of the paperwork and read them on my own over the next few days. Apparently Joan and Rebecca Johnson were the two scientist trusted by Cadmus to raise a Kryptonian baby that fell from the sky. The only thing I knew was that they weren't my parents. So there was no way I was going to allow them to act like they were.
And now all my planning is done. My bags are packed and now wait in a heap by the front door. Ebby is ready. Everything is in order. Goodbye whoever you people are. I think to myself as I stare intently at the mirror, coating my lashes in mascara. Before I can ponder a slight burn in my eyes, a red beam clouds my vision and the mirror shatters. The sudden break startles me. I flinch and push away from the banister. My back collides with something. The material gives way. Suddenly I'm falling and meeting the ground. I feel dirt and stones beneath my hands. My eyes spring open, releasing more red light. I'm outside and the chicken coop just spontaneously combusts. I shout in surprise and try to shut my eyes but the action is more difficult than I intend. What's happening? I know I'm the cause of this. I had read through the files. Superman's power ability and the hypothesis of my own. But those were just words. I never believed they would become a reality. Close your eyes. Stop it! I cup my hands over my face and finally shut my eyes tight. Sighing in relief I ponder what just happened. Heat vision, you've got to be kidding me. I remember the sight of the side of the house that I just burst through. And super strength, perfect. Now was not the time to be sarcastic and joking, but I can't think of any other way of handling this. I wonder if it's stopped yet. Taking my hands away from my face I continue to keep my eyes shut tight. I go to press off of the ground to stand, but it's gone. I panic, feeling around for the earth. But it's not there, and now I can feel my hair collecting at the top of my head, hanging down. What?! I open my eyes to see the dirt driveway ten feet under me. I gasp in surprise and attempt to get down, but it just results in me flailing my body. I feel like an idiot! Now I can fly but I can't manage to get down. I'm just going to float off into space! I glare at my situation, resulting in another beam of heat vision erupting from my eyes. Stop! Surprisingly, it listens. My altitude increases. Out of desperation I yank on the windpump. It's quickly uprooted. Fantastic! I toss the weightless metal to the side just as I hear a voice behind me.
"Kara?" A grunt of pain cuts him off and again I'm alone.
Completely surprised I open my eyes. The heat vision explodes from my eyes, carving into the dirt path and pushing me upward another fifty feet. That's when I see them. Superman and Superboy! What are they doing here? Luckily the frustration and embarrassment are covered by the sheer relief I feel from no longer being alone. Before I can call down for help a rustling catches my ears. A black jet appears on the horizon. I squint to see more clearly against the rising sun. Bad idea! A beam springs from my eyes and heads straight for the plane. I quickly slam my hands over my eyes. I'm not sure if the heat vision hit its mark of not, but I don't hear a crash so I'm slightly relieved. A thump comes from somewhere below and two arms begin to wrap around my waist. I tense. On instinct I push away from him. Apparently it was more forceful than I intended. He releases a short grunt and falls to the ground; I hear his impact. I'm sent in the opposite direction. Fearing that I'm headed higher into the sky I begin to try aiming my body downward. Get down to the ground already! Suddenly I feel the air passing by me, as I rip though the wind and fall down at least two hundred feet. I should have been more specific! "No, no!" I reach above me trying to keep from colliding with the earth below, but it's no use. The impact is hard but not too painful. My clothing tears as my hair is pulled from its previous ponytail. After sliding through pasture my body finally comes to a stop. I can feel the earth build around me as a crater my size is formed. I stay there, curled in a ball, with my hands pressed into my eyes. Don't look around you. I hear footsteps approaching. If you look at them they could die!
A pair of hands grab my shoulders to turn me onto my back. I sit up quickly and move backward, leaning up against the mound of dirt behind me. "No, don't!" I shout. There are growls a few feet away. Ebby starts to bark as the figures approach. It sounds as though someone is holding her back by the collar.
"Don't move." A deep voice threatens. I don't recognize it.
A grunt of disapproval sounds before another voice chimes in. "It's alright. You're safe. We're not going to hurt you."
I shake my head, still not removing my hands. "But I might hurt you." There's a pause. No one knows exactly what to say. They probably think that I'm some evil metahuman that tried to attack them.
There's a shuffle to my left. "Stay still." The deep voice says again, much less hostile than before. "I'm going to place an inhibitor collar around your neck. When I activate it, it'll cancel out your powers and you won't be able to hurt any of us." I nod in understanding and consent. He leans forward.
Ebby starts to emit a low growl. But someone shushes her. "It's okay girl. Kara's alright."
The voice is so familiar, but before I can contemplate where I know it from there's more movement to my left. Cool metal rubs against my neck as he puts on the collar. There are a few beeps as the devise hums and comes to life. Suddenly I feel complete fatigue. Leaning forward, my shoulders slouch as I sigh. "You can open your eyes now." I shake my head no. "The collar temporarily takes away your powers. You won't hurt any of us."
"Promise?" I ask and scoff to myself. What are you, seven?"
His voice is softer now, like a father speaking to his child. "Promise."
Fingers shaking, I hesitantly lower my hands. My arms lace around my knees as I bring them up to my chest. There's a chuckle from my right. "You can open your eyes. Everything'll be alright."
My entire face is scrunched as I try to keep my eyes closed. But curiosity wins. I crack my right eye open slightly and close it immediately. Nothing happens. Slowly, I open the pair and stare intently at my knees, squinting and trying to activate the heat vision. When I finally realize that they are telling the truth, I relax. The more youthful voice chuckles and releases Ebby. The lab launches herself at me. I stare at her as she licks my face, not wanting to touch her and crush a bone. They boy that held Ebby speaks up. "You can pet her. The super strength is taken care of too."
I pet her gently and then with total relief throw my arms around her neck and burry my face in her fur. She wines gently and licks the side of my face, attempting to comfort me. I smile and lean back, rubbing her belly as she lays down. I let out a small laugh. "Well girl, I don't think we're running away anymore."
"Running away?" The question of concern comes from my left.
Looking up to see the three men surrounding me, I jump slightly. "Gosh!" I wait for a minute, staring at each one intently. Eventually I relax. "Smallville is a little ways from Gotham and Metropolis isn't it?" Superman chuckles while Batman and Superboy remain passive. Wait, I know that laugh. Then I look to Superboy. My brow creases. Seriously? "Conner?" I ask slowly. The three stare at me. It's Conner! My best friend stood before me. I stare at him in disbelief. We've been friends for five years. How could he possibly be a superhero? I look back to Superman. "And Clark." I state rather flatly. Clark, the guy who babysat me growing up is Superman. I can't quite believe it. But their silence and shock confirms it. I scoff. "Glasses aren't much of a disguise you know." I shrug. "Then again, you did better than Conner." The boy crosses his arms and scowls at me.
"Why are you running?" Batman asks, the gruffness of his voice easily mistaken for aggression.
Pushing the intimidation aside I look up at him and then over to Superman. "Do you hear anyone coming?" He looks at me curiously, but shakes his head no. I look back to the Dark Knight. "Can I show you? It'd be easier than trying to explain." I shrug. "I really don't quite understand, myself." He gives a stiff nod. Letting Ebby go I stand, but my knees buckle. I catch myself, my hands digging into the moist dirt.
Clark is at my side in an instant. "Are you alright?"
I nod and take his extended had. "It's the collar. It'll make you feel fatigued."
I look at him and nod in understanding. Leading them back through the field and into the house, I take note to what part I destroyed. I push the basement door on its hinges only for it to fall off and create a clamor as it falls down the stairs. "Oops." I mutter before walking down. Walking across the room I reveal the door and type in the key code. As the door slides open I step aside.
Batman shakes his head. "You first."
I nod and enter. Not quite sure of what I'm supposed to do I walk to the center of the room and wait. They come in one by one, Batman first, followed by the two Kryptonians. The bat starts to open files and shift through the computer. He downloads what he wishes and continues on to the lab tables in the back. After revisiting the files he stares at me. I freeze. What does he know? I don't know where to look exactly. Making eye contact would be proper, but the intimidation is much higher than I'm used to. I stare intently at his shoes while I clench my fists at my sides. The nails dig into flesh, and a wave of calmness follows the slight prick. A nervous habit that my mother- not my mother- always tried to break me of. I chance a glance back at the masked crusader. He's still staring at me. Eventually, it's enough to anger me. "What?"
He doesn't answer. Touching the side of his head he speaks. "Batman to Cave." I question him with a raised eyebrow. He must have a radio or something. I justify. After a pause Batman speaks again. "Prepare a room and the med bay for a blood test."
My eyes widen as I take a step back. "Excuse me?" Walking backward I run into Clark and stiffen. They're taking me away. They're going to run experiments on me. Put me in a cage. The whole point of leaving was to be free of that.
Clark rests a hand on my shoulder. "It's okay Kara. You'll be fine. We're just taking you to a secure location." I look up at him, still startled.
Conner comes up to us and shrugs. "You were going to runaway anyway."
I scowl at him. "You know, when one of your best friends needs to be comforted, you typically don't shrug it off like it's nothing."
He smirks. "What are friends for?"
I roll my eyes. "I regret teaching you sarcasm."
Clark smirks. "At least you're already packed."
I nod without a word, walk out of the room, go upstairs, and plop down on the front porch steps. My bags are behind me, luckily they weren't destroyed by heat vision. Ebby lays down next to me putting her head in my lap. I scratch behind her ear, making her tail flop happily. Conner comes up from behind and sits next to me. Resting his arms on his knees, he looks down at his hands. "You okay?" I take in a deep breath and let it out slowly. My head falls into my hands as tears threaten to drop. This can't be real. This shouldn't be real. Why does it have to be real? He puts his arm around my back and pulls me close. I rest my head on his shoulder as I allow a single tear to escape and trickle down my cheek. "Kara, no crying." He says sadly, wiping away the trail left behind. "If you're moving into the cave, I'll be there." I look up at him. A ghost of a smile crosses his features. "I live there."
I look at him, slightly confused. "What about Metropolis?"
He shrugs. "Sometimes I stay with Clark on weekends. But I usually commute to school." I contemplate the thought of having a friend to stay with. It probably wouldn't be so bad. I try to look on the bright side. "Besides, I don't think Clark would mind setting up the couch for you every now and again." He winks, making me smile.
I chuckle slightly and sigh. "Thanks Conner."
"You're actually taking this really well."
I shrug. "I've known about this for weeks now. I just needed to empty my bank account and get everything ready without being too obvious. My parents didn't let me go to college. Now I know why. But yeah, if they would've figured out that I was leaving permanently they probably would've put me back in Cadmus."
His eyes grow wide. "Cadmus?"
I stare at him in shock. "Batman didn't tell you?"
He stands and takes a few steps back, as though I have a disease. "No, he forgot to mention." He scowls at the Dark Knight who is now standing behind me.
I jump up and get out of his way. "Come with me." He walks toward the black jet I had almost destroyed earlier. I glance back at Clark who's wearing a glare of his own.
"Did I do something wrong?" I ask sheepishly, afraid of the answer.
Clark's gaze softens. "No Kara, Batman just wants to speak with you privately." He walks over to Conner who still seems a little uneasy. "We'll meet you at the cave. Don't worry."
Ebby comes up to my side and wines. I crouch down and hug her. "Bye girl. Sorry you can't come with me like we planned." She licks my face and begins to follow me. But as I step onto the platform of the Batjet it retracts and the lab is left behind. I wave a last goodbye as she barks.
I take the seat next to Batman and strap myself in. "Can I ask where the cave is?" He doesn't answer. "Never mind." I stare out the window and sigh as we take off. "Goodbye Smallville." After ten minutes I turn back to the bat. "Can I at least ask what awaits me at the cave?"
His jaw tightens as if he's annoyed. Give me a break bats. It's been a rough day. "A home."
I make an uncertain face. "I meant more along the lines of testing." He glances at me in question. I shrug. "Injections? Wires? Tests? Am I going to be a lab rat?
He doesn't break eye contact. "Just a blood test. A few vials are all we'll need."
I nod. "Shouldn't you be watching where you're flying?"
He smirks slightly, barely noticeable. "We're fine." His fatherly voice is back.
I relax slightly, thinking about what the rest of the day holds. A thought pops into my head. "Why didn't you tell Conner that I was from Cadmus?"
"You're not."
"But all the files were from Cadmus. My parents… those people are scientists for Cadmus."
"But you weren't made in Cadmus. You grew up under the scientists. You weren't grown there."
"Grown?"
"Something you'll have to ask Conner."
I nod. "Do they know that I'm Kryptonian?"
"They suspect."
"So you didn't tell them." He shakes his head stiffly. "Why?"
"Because I know Clark. And once he finds out that you're his cousin, he'll create an incredibly strong attachment to you. This'll be easier if he finds out later. It took me long enough to convince him to let you come with me now. I can't imagine how hard headed he would be if he found out you were related."
"How do you even know I'm his cousin? That's just what the paperwork said."
He turned to me. "There was a holographic message in the pod you came in. Your father told them everything."
I raise an eyebrow. "And you believe that?"
"You don't?"
I shake my head. "It's a big coincidence. Especially the fact that I live on the farm next to the Kent's. Something's not right."
Batman smirks again. "My thoughts exactly."
So that's the first chapter. Just to be clear, I'm dividing Cadmus a little. I'll mainly be focusing on Amanda Waller's Cadmus for Kara. Where they know all of the League's identities and have kept everything pretty much secret. From there I'll branch off to the Cadmus that the Light is aware of for Conner's story, obviously the Light can't know everything Waller does. Thanks for reading!
