Footage rolled across the large flat screen television that hung on the baby blue office walls. The video was poorly shot, shaking around through the chaos as the filmer attempted to record the interaction between a blonde women in blue outfit calmly spoke to a man angrily waving a gun around.
A serious female reporter voice calmly recapping the situation as it appeared on screen, providing background noise to a pacing women. She was dressed in a simple navy dress that clung to her body in such a way that highlighted her broad figure.
Her work was left abandoned and unorganized on top of the desk, partially illuminated by a dimmed computer screen. A slim gray tablet layed shattered at the base of the door which now had a slight dent in the hardwood finish.
An image burned in her brain of a simple, crumpled up piece of paper that held the eratic scratches of a delusion man that simply stated "gods among ants" over and over again abandoned in an empty cell.
"What the hell does that mean Lex? Just the Supers? Or all of the aliens?" Lena pondered out loud, struggling to understand his cryptic message to the world. His hatred for aliens presumably festered and grew during his time in prison.
Lena glanced at the television, recalling that this was not the only incident where Supergirl was using a more calming approach rather than her usual smash first talk later tactic. While the Women of Steel's appearances lessened to a degree, only appearing in more serious crimes like the bank heist that happened earlier today.
"Why couldn't you just stay in prison and riot?" Lena groaned, glancing once more at her personal phone she clenched tightly in her left hand.
The only notification that lit up her phone was to alert that she'd gotten another email regarding L-Corp business. The lack of communication from her best friend dramatically increasing her worry by an order of magnitude. Kara had done this before but she would at least let Lena know something was going on, not just ignore her.
Miss Luthor anxiously gnawed on the inside of her cheek as she clicked opened the screen, tapping on the pale blue phone icon. It took her a few moments to find the right contact, drawing the phone to her ear.
Lena leaned against the arm of her sleek leather couch as the ring tone abruptly cut off with a curt,"Hello?"
"I-uh- yes, this is Lena Luthor," she stuttered, surprising herself at how unprofessional she was being.
"Are you in danger?" Alex replied shortly, obviously distracted.
"Have you heard from Kara? We were supposed to meet for lunch last Saturday but she didn't show up. I haven't heard from her since," she reached down to the chess board, snagging the white king.
"Kara is… visiting family," there was more indistinguishable mumbling on the other line that Lena just could not decipher.
"Alex, I'm worried," Lena murmured quietly as if afraid to admit any weakness. Her grip tightened on the marble chest piece in anger of how unhelpful Alex was being.
"Lena, just stay out of it," the strain in her tone intensified as a male voice on the other line shouted angrily.
"I've never asked anything of you, Alex," Lena had not realized how desperate she sounded but she no longer cared. A hurricane of emotions stormed in Lena's stomach as her mind wandered to countless possibilities of what was going on with Kara.
The deeper voice became more prominent, disagreeing with something Alex said. She blinked in confusion, unsure of what exactly was going on on Agent Danver's side. The bickering lasted for several moments as Lena listened keenly, hoping to get a shred of information to help before the phone call ended.
"Damn it," Lena grumbled frustratedly, plopping herself down on to the comfortable couch. Every bone in her body alluded that something was not right. Something was obviously wrong with Kara and since Alex refused to tell her anything.
"Family my ass," she mumbled to herself. For once in her life, she had no idea where to even start. She considered reaching out to James and while reluctant to contact to him out in Metropolis.
"She means well," her gaze flashed away from the small marble chess figure to a massive figured shadowed by moonlight. He stood at the door frame from her balcony, casting a extensive shadow across the office.
"Who are you?" Lena froze, unable to reach any of the number of weapons hidden throughout her office. She made a note to hide a knife or two somewhere within the couch.
"A ally," he took a couple steps closer, hands extended in the air to show he had no visible weapons. The light flashing from the television shined off a well built body, drawing Lena's attention to an outstanding red S against a tight royal blue suit.
"You both certainly know how to make an entrance," Lena said dryly, arms crossing tightly against her chest. It had been a good couple of years since she had seen Superman, their last meeting not being particularly pleasant as it involved the sensitive subject of Kryptonite.
"Why were you with Agent Danvers? Is Supergirl in danger?" Lena demanded, abandoning any desire to present herself as a strict business women. She was too exhausted and worried to care what Superman thought of her.
"Miss Luthor," Superman ran a hand through his hair with an alarming look of fear and possibly even hesitation,"I need your help."
"If not even Alex Danvers can stop you from coming to me for help, than something must seriously be wrong," Even with their limited interactions, Lena knew well enough that the DEO leader would fight heaven and hell for Kara.
Superman's posture hinted that Lena might just have to as he furrowed his eyebrows, avoiding her piercing gaze,"You are right, Kara is in danger. So is Supergirl."
Lena narrowed her eyes as she stood, carefully placing the chess piece where it was initially,"So, what, I help you find your cousin and than you'll help me find my friend?"
It's your brother," he replied begrudgingly, unable to meet her widened eyes.
Lena stood in silence for minutes on end as she attempted to process this newfound information. She could understand why he would take Supergirl, but Kara?
"Why would he take a civilian?" Lena Luthor questioned adamantly, lifting her head to stare at him accusingly.
"He somehow figured out how important Kara is to you, you know, the sister that is openly an ally to Supergirl and has backstabbed his mother multiple times," He said after a deep breath,"Lena, I need your help to save them."
It worried her greatly that Superman of all people came to her to help against the DEO's wishes,"What do you need from me?"
"I already know where they are," Superman revealed a small slip of paper that had an address scribbled on to it,"Your brother kidnapped Supergirl to punish me."
"Why am I not surprised," Lena said tartly,"Why did you not just go with the DEO? I am sure they could have handled this," she had no qualms with this mission to save Kara, but her curiosity got to best of her. She was not very fond of the idea of going up against Lex, even with the aid of Superman.
"We both know Lex. He's unhinged and dangerous, I can't risk innocent lives with my issue. You know what to expect, you'll be level headed and calm."
"And the sister?"
"Alex is...unpredictable when it comes to Kara, I can not begin to imagine the destruction she would cause to get her back," the Kryptonian glanced at Lena, his eyes almost pleading,"I know she lied to you, but I can't do this alone."
"What entirely are you expecting?" Although she did grow up with Lex, when he snapped and went crazy she was staring at an entirely different man. One that not even she could recognize, his insanity made him difficult to understand, to read.
"A fight to say the least. I can't save them on my own, he will undoubtedly have kryptonite to restrain Supergirl and guards to fight off anyone I send in to save them," Superman spoke carefully, as if trying to avoid something.
"And I will infiltrate and miraculously help both Supergirl and Kara escape?" Lena raised an eyebrow doubtfully. How the hell was she supposed to carry out both Supergirl and Kara under fire from countless guards?
"J'onn is going to disguise as one of the guards and set off bombs throughout the building. I have no doubt that you are capable of taking care of whoever stands in your way," Superman said, his light tone hinting that he very well knew better than to come between Lena and Kara.
Lena partially closed her eyes as she considered her options. Risk letting Superman screw up rescuing Kara to avoid confronting Lex, or do everything humanly possible to save the women she loves.
The next hours were unforeseen and terrifying, she may have made some irresponsibly rash decisions in the past but running into a battle basically blind was something she did not necessarily want to do. She lifted her head, staring up at Superman with her brilliant blue glaze flaring with determination as Lena pushed aside the overwhelming feeling of trepidation.
"I just need to get a couple of things before we can go, assuming we are going to attack now," Lena pressed a small button that connected to a speaker,"Eve, please retrieve projects A11 and G97."
"Yes mam." The intercom responded with a quiet voice a female.
"I had a feeling you would agree to help," Superman said, turning his back to Lena. His eyes scanned the skyline, likely searching for the Martian Manhunter.
"I am not doing this for you," Lena snapped. Her distaste for Superman was greatly personal as he was the primary reason Lex went crazy, although she had no issue with what he did as a hero.
Time crawled by until the digital clock that rested on her desk flickered, showing that it was 10:00pm. Another figure lowered itself upon the office balcony. Straining, she could just make out a pale green complection and she recognized it as J'onn J'onzz, a well known ally to Supergirl.
Superman walked off to talk to him, leaving Lena alone. She knew Eve would be here any minute with the items she had requested, so she just took the spare moment to take a breather.
How did you get involved? What am I supposed to do if it comes down to you or Supergirl? Lena was not entirely proud to admit it, but if it did come down to saving Kara or Supergirl, she would likely save Kara. Supergirl has managed to come out of impossible situations time and time again, but Kara was a delicate puppy she had to protect.
It also greatly depended on her elevating infatuation to the enthusiastic reporter that evolved rapidly to an undeniable romantic attraction after her separation from James.
"I have what you requested Lena," a petite blond women poked her head through the door, breaking her train of thought.
"Come in," Lena shook her head in attempt to disregard darker thoughts that loomed in her imagination.
Eve wheeled in a small pallet that had two separate steel boxes, each varying in size. Her eyes widened with alarm at the sight of the two men that turned to watch her, glancing at Lena for some sort of explanation.
"You can go home Eve, like I told you hours ago," Lena said kindly,"There is no need to worry."
"With you, Miss Luthor, I always worry," Eve laughed weakly before exiting without a second thought. The best part about the perky blond was that Eve never questioned her experiments, no matter how insane the project.
Lena hurriedly opened the first case, revealing a hefty gauntlet that covered the span of her entire arm. After the skirmish with Mercy Graves, she had been working day and night on some items could help in case a similar situation arises. She set it aside momentarily to lift the lid of the second, gently picking up a thick black fabric.
With both items in hand, she stepped aside to bathroom door, shutting it with a soft thud. Lena placed the gauntlet on to the marble top before unzipping the sleek navy dress. She shivered as the soft dress fell to the ground, realizing how chilling the office had become with the balcony doors wide open. Her hands started to tremble ever so slightly as she pulled up the tight pants over her hips.
Lena squeezed in to the raven black jacket with a faltering hope that the suit she made was successfully bulletproof, sliding on thick leather army boots as she pushed aside that worry. A nauseous worm wiggled deep in her gut, threatening a wave of vomit as she examined the suit in the mirror. The suit was designed to withstand basic bullets, however she had not tested it against alien technology which had become a rising threat. Lena, fiddling with the gauntlet that now protected her left arm, emerged from the bathroom.
She walked over to the two aliens, stretching her arms out to let the suit sit more comfortable across her chest.
"Ready now, Miss Luthor?" J'onn asked, extending a hand. Lena gratefully accepted, instinctively flinching when his hand wrapped around her waist. She lifted her arm, putting it behind his neck.
"Are you alright? Would you prefer a car or?" Superman offered despite the anxious frown that dorned his chiseled features.
"This isn't my first time flying," Lena replied tartly, trying to hide a subtle smile that tugged at the far corner of her mouth as she recalled the first time she had flown with Supergirl.
The two alien men exchanged a quick nod before gently lifting in to the air. Lena's entire body stiffened as her feet left the comforting hardness of her balcony.
"You never told me where we were going," she questioned, hoping desperately that it was not too far away.
"A little farm on the outskirts of Smallville," Superman replied quickly, his tone had a slight twinge of annoyance.
The desire to watch the city below pass by was incredibly strong so in effort to keep her lunch in her stomach, Lena squeezed her eyes shut. The culmination of pure terror, agonizing anxiety and reservation about seeing Lex again after so many years. After she spoke against their mother in court, after she stood with Supergirl, how she rebranded his company, even buying a pro-alien magazine company, she could only imagine how much he hated her.
Her chest constricted as she recalled her last interaction with Kara, which was when Lena went completely out of her way to go to Catco under the guise of business to see her. Kara was still recovering from a stomach bug managing enough strength to start a rough draft for a puff piece. Lena surprised her with an early lunch of pot stickers, and much to the displeasure of Snapper, proceeded to distract her for at least an hour. Maybe two.
And then she made the misguided decision to invite Kara to a fancy dinner with just the two of them. Lena intended to confess her feelings, but it seemed like fate when Kara did not show.
Now that she thought about it, the adorable girl did seem distant lately. Running late, fumbling with excuses, slipping up on said excuses. Something was up with Kara Danvers, but that was a worry for a different day.
Every smile, every little giggle of excitement, every time she adjusted her glasses, the Luthor heiress fell in love a little more. Why did you take her Lex? Anyone but her. Come after me that's fine, but Kara? No one messes with my Kara.
Any sense of time Lena could comprehend was gone as her eyelids jerked open as she felt J'onn descend rapidly. She knew not of when and where they were, although that mattered not. Faint words pressed gently against the back of Lena's mind as her heart dropped into her stomach,"The Luthor name doesn't deserve you." Lez took a deep breath, focusing on those prideful words against the creeping fear of interacting with Lex Luthor.
Pale moonlight highlighted the rooftops of a couple of small buildings bellow that were surrounded by fields of nameless crops. Superman charged straight for the house without a word, leaving Lena and J'onn to land in the midst of the cornfield.
"Wait to follow until you see smoke in the sky," he whispered, hardly even audible. The broad figure disappeared amongst the corn stalks, leaving Lena completely alone.
It took less than 60 seconds before Lena broke the only order that J'onn gave her, following the trail broken stalks that led to the edge of the cornfield.
By the time the relatively large barn got into view, just a couple of yards away, Superman had tore through the roof of the ranch house towards the sky. A man in a gigantic platinum suit followed closely, launching a barrage of green tinted bullets.
An outburst of flashing white drew her attention back to the barn, which now leaked thick black smoke out a window. Gunshots sounded off, reminding Lena once more how dangerous this was going to be. She examined the pale brown exterior, realizing in the faint light that the barn had been added on to by the shimmering of a broad steel wall on the far end.
Lena had a strong suspicion that he tainted the metal with Kryptonite as an added precaution. After his numerous defeats against Superman, Lex would be more than prepared for his glorious return.
Taking another quick look around to ensure Superman was keeping Lex preoccupied. Sure enough, the two men were further up in the sky, red laser vision against a seafoam blue beam. Lena charged at the closest door, ramming into it with as much strength as she could muster. The door swung open, knocking off its hinges as Lena incidentally misjudged how strong it would be.
She ducked through the door way, keeping as low. Several small fires scattered throughout the barn as people were hiding behind obstacles shooting aimlessly. Lena spotted a beastly green man effortlessly batting aside Lex's henchmen in the midst of a thin smoke fog.
Pulsating lime green light caught her attention, drawing her crystal blue-green eyes to a cage in the far corner of the barn. Dozens of spotlights were bolted to the ceiling providing a sickening tint of green.
"Overkill, much?" Lena whispered to herself, surveying her surroundings for the best route. If she could get Supergirl out, than she would have three aliens distracting Lex while Lena escaped with Kara.
Lena tapped a tiny red button just below her left index finger, resulting in a light blue kinetic shield radiating from small blue jewels lining the outside of the gauntlet. A person in a basic black ski mask took notice of Lena's advancement and started open firing.
She picked up pace, flinching each time a bullet pelted off the shield with a soft clink. Lena kept her head low, keeping her right arm closer to her chest. Shouting from several paces away alerted Lena that her cover had been blown.
Work… Come on… She fiddled with a small dial resting on the base of her wrist, cranking it up to max volume. On the top of the gauntlet, a small gun revealed itself. A quick, rapid firing of a concentration red energy blasted out of the tip, slamming into multiple henchman. Those that were hit lifted into the air, falling hard on to the dirt floor and were knocked out instantly.
To add to the bewilderment and chaos, a new truckload of Lex's anti-alien allies filled in. J'onn disappeared amongst the sprawling chaos, assuming a new human identity to blend in.
This new batch of baddies incidentally made it easier for Lena to slip through relatively unnoticed. A couple of people attacked her, although she made quick work of them with a few precise blows to the head.
Lena abandoned all sense of caution as the cell was only feet away, tearing through the rowdy mass. Tilting her head to the side, eyes narrowed as she made out a single shape leaning against the farthest corner of the cell.
She could make out a sickening familiar flower dress darkened thick splatters of blood. Scraps and scratches scattered the girls skin, only drawing attention to her sunken in face. That soft, caring face now scarred, tense in agony as she took in a staggered breath.
"Kara," Lena exhaled, overcome with sorrow. Her entire mind went blank as Lena froze with the disturbing realization at what lay just a few steps away.
The Kryptonian women rolled in Lena's direction, her usually bright puppy eyes dark pools of misery. Surprise and alarm sparked a knee jerk reaction as Kara tried to push her body further away.
Lena ripped her gaze away from the broken alien, pushing away the forthcoming surge of emotions at the idiotic idea that Kara was a Kryptonian. She closely examined the door, realizing very quickly the door likely had a remote connection that opened it.
She gripped the steel frame that lined the door with her enhanced arm and yanked it open with surprise ease, taking note that the electronic pulses from the arm likely interrupted the lock to falsely open.
Kara attempted to stand on her own, however crumbled with her own weight with a heart wrenching whimper.
The two women locked eyes as Lena stepped over several petite pools of blood, leaning down to aid her to her feet, heart wrenching at the site of the girl she adored in such unimaginable pain. Her hand brushed against a deep gash across Kara's side, angering Lena to a state of pure rage at the thought that this was because of Lex. He tortured an innocent girl who apparently happened to be a Kryptonian just because of her connection with Lena.
Kara staggered as she tried to regain balance as she heavily leaned against the Luthor sister's right side.
The two women staggered out of the steel cage, taking each step with every caution to avoid increasing Kara's wounds. Lena's throat burned with the temptation of tears, biting her tongue to draw attention away from the sobbing pain in her chest.
When they emerged from the prison, she was delighted to see that a good portion of the men were dead or had fled. There were still a dedicated group of henchmen that fought amongst themselves. A familiar face stood apart from the crowd, effortlessly holding his own against the humans.
Time melded together, appearing both slow and fast at once as the two women wordlessly hurried scuttled towards the exit.
Any hope of escaping exploded with the sound of something massive crashing through the barn. Wood splintered, sending shrapnell of metal parts and spintering oak. Lena winced as something penetrated her shoulder, but she refused to let a little scratch stop her now.
Behind her loudly shoved aside debri, straightening with a robotic whir of gears.
"Get away from it!" An enraged screech demanded with such power and hatred that it forced her legs to stop working.
"Lex…" Lena murmured to herself in disappointment, overpowering the urge to turn to confront him and instead moved one impossibly heavy foot after the other.
She could hear him advancing from the loud, sputtering jets that gave away his location. Not that he was trying to be stealthy either, as a clunky silver suit came in to view.
"Has it corrupted you too, sister? Brainwashed you, just like all of National City?" Lex spat with disgust,"I'm disappointed. I was wrong, you aren't smart enough to see what monsters they truly are."
"She has done nothing wrong, just because she is a person that happened to be an alien?" With a worried glance at J'onn who just took notice of her predicament, Lena knew she had to keep Lex talking until the Martian could break free.
"That is not an alien, that is a monster!" He hissed, taking a large stride effortlessly,"How are you so blind? All of these intruders, especially your beloved Supers', should have died with their planets!"
"Hey, I'm not too fond of Superman either, but at least he saves people," Lena Luthor peeked at Kara for half a second, a second wind of rebellion coursed through her veins at the sight of the Kryptonian's bruised face,"Not torture them."
"You are blinded by love, how can you not recognize this as your precious Supergirl? This is on you, her pain. Her misery. This is your formula, darling, I merely improved upon it." A sickening smirked creeped across his narrowed face as Lex flickered his gaze from Lena to Kara, eyes narrowing with cynicism.
"What? I appreciate Supergirl's work, but love is a stretch…" Just as the words escaped from her lips, the world around her fell into a nauseating silence. Her sensations flickered from silence to suffocating overwhelment of emotions, heart skidding to a halt,"She can't be."
"Oh my silly little sister, catching on to her mind games?" Lex snickered, now only a couple of feet away.
"Regardless of her lies," Lena pushed herself to speak as she noticed J'onn had almost taken out the last of the lackeys,"I still love her Lex, she's all I have. You're going to have to kill me first." Her voice, while proud, quivered.
His face lit up, almost sorrow with her choice in words,"Your death won't be in vain." Lex angled his chest, revealing a stunning emeraldesque stone as a centerpiece,"Last chance, Lena."
"No," Lena pushed Kara behind her, a tight hand around the weakened Kryptonians wrist to keep her steady. "She's corrupted me by being the most kind, astonishingly selfless person that I know. She has risked her life for me countless occasions and saved more than you can imagine."
"You're too far gone, better off d-" a cloaked green figure slammed in to Lex, carrying him back through the gap in the roof.
"Lena?" A faint voice mumbled in her left ear, causing the hair on the back of Lena's neck to prick. Lena meant every word she said, hoping that in Kara's indisposed condition would prevent her from recalling her desperate words.
"I'm here," Lena whispered, drawing Kara's arm over her shoulder, resting her free hand around the alien's waist.
Thanks to J'onn and a few cowardice henchmen, the two women managed to escape the building, only to be greeted with the more troublesome issue on hand. Sure, Lena managed to get Kara out, but no way to get her home. Not until either Superman or J'onn defeated her brother.
"We'll just rest here for a moment, okay?" She said quietly, leading Kara to a decaying stack of chopped wood. They would at least be out of view, safe in the shadows until Lena could figure out a way to escape. The ailing heroine only responding with a faint groan when her back lightly hit the woodstack, pale moonlight focusing her attention to Kara's now opened eyes. Kara seemed somewhat more alert as she followed each of Lena's movements as the Luthor reject took a few steps away to take in their surroundings.
Her mind raced, flicking back from ideas of calling for help, risking Kara's identity, or waiting and risking their lives furthermore. There were no vehicles in sight, although she knew that somehow Lex and his men got here, so they had to have some form of transportation.
Lena was so focused in her own head she failed to notice the armada of helicopters that approached. At least three, maybe four, hovered overhead as they slowly descended. The incredibly dangerous blades sputtered, pushing down the tall stalks.
The taste of bile swamped her system as the first copter landed effortlessly, doors swinging open as a team of specially dressed operative jumped out. She squinted, staying just within the shadows to attempt to see what they were up against. Terror swiftly turned to unprecedented joy when she recognized the short, auburn hair that belonged to Director Alex Danvers.
"Over here!" Lena yelled, fearful about revealing her position in case Lex was watching. However, this was not the time for fear but for action.
Alex shouted something to her agents, most of them heading to the barn while a special team took off towards the ranch house. The DEO Director made her way cautiously over to where Lena stood, pistol aiming at her head.
"Alex, stay calm, it's me. Lena," She said calmly, raising her hands above her head. For once, Lena understood Alex's concern for Kara as she now shared it,"We don't have time for your caution."
"How do I know Lex didn't brainwash you?" She growled, her approachment remaining precise and vigilant as per usual.
"If you so graciously check behind that woodstack behind me, you will find your sister beaten within inches of her life. Thanks to me, of course," Lena replied smartly, skin burning in disgust at how after all she has done for the Danvers family, Alex still treated her like an enemy.
"Oh…" Alex stopped abruptly at the sight of her sister in such horrid shape. She forced herself to bend down, taking Kara's arm and looped it around her neck,"I'm sorry Lena."
"Whatever," ignoring the regretful look that fell upon the elder Danvers features.
Without being asked to, Lena helped Director Danvers lift Kara to her unsteady feet. One step at a time, the Luthor and Danvers sisters made their way back to the helicopter. Countless emotions clouded her head, the loudest of course being the piercing pain in her heart for Kara. A large part of her shuddered at the thought that she had been lied to for years, but Lena knew there was more to this story than she could assume.
Wordlessly, Alex stepped in to the flank of the helicopter. The slender agent carefully picked Kara up by her waist with Lena supporting the Kryptonians back, lifting her in to the bed of the helicopter. Danvers extended her free hand out to Lena which she gratefully accepted.
"Let's go!" Alex ordered the pilot as Lena slammed the door shut behind her.
Agent Danvers led a dazed Kara to a hospital gurney that was lit with scarlet light, bolted to the helicopter wall. She did not need any persuading, collapsing against the cushion with a grateful groan.
"Lena…" Alex sighed heavily, fastening three nylon straps across Kara's chest, belly, and thighs.
"Don't worry, her secret is safe with me," Lena muttered, her gaze slowly combing over the mutilated body of the Kryptonian. The red light only highlighted the wounds, revealing at least about a dozen severe gashes amongst bruises and little scratches.
Lena's throat tightened, heart throbbing. The well light chopper cabin gave a new, horrid look at how extensive Kara's wounds were. Her sleek blond hair was now tainted with a muddy red, as was much of the aliens pale skin. There was rarely a visible spot on the weakened alien that was not blemished with a bruise or scratch.
"Hey, I trust you," she seemed to struggle with picking words for what she wanted to say. Alex pulled out a thick wad of gaze from a small cabinet overhead and started to lightly wrap what she could,"It's just… She didn't want you to find this way."
"And you have to understand that I care for her far to much for this to destroy our friendship. I will work out this pressing issue with her, not you," Lena rested her hand gently on top of Kara's, hoping the gesture would be comforting for them both.
Silent tension creeped slowly as Alex set to work applying the limited medicine that would work against her impenetrable Kryptonian skin. There was not much for Lena to say, she still struggled to surrender to the idea that Kara deceived her for all this time. Emotionally speaking, she was distraught as that meant Kara would always be in danger.
Guilt swamped her system as Lena had a brief moment to come to terms that this was her fault. She still did not completely regret her creation of the kryptonite, but rather her idiotic assumption that she could have friends in her line of work. Lena had gravely miscalculated, believing that she could actually safely maintain a friendship with both Lillian and Lex in prison.
Lena's ill fated relationships with James was a side effect of her growing amorous attraction to the bright girl, she had hoped he would prove a potent distraction. He was not.
"You were her last link to being human," Alex spoke, shattering Lena's string of thoughts.
Lena tried to ignore her, but Agent Danvers caramel eyes caused her skin to flush and burn. If Alex was going to keep trying to get her to talk, it was in the least going to be on her terms,"Superman was wrong to have recruited me for this. He said you were too emotional, assuming I am not? My best friend was at the mercy of my delusional brother. And then in the midst of a life threatening battle, I learn that Kara had an entire secret life unbeknownst to me. You do not get to tell me that her last link to her humanity when she very well may be mine?"
For a fleeting moment, Lena felt better after getting that off her chest, even if it was rambling and ranting to Miss Danvers. Her heart skipped a couple hundred beats when she realised with a sinking feeling that Kara's eyes, while glazed over with pain, were wide open.
"I would have gone, you know that," Alex pointed out softly, her tone seeping with questions and genuine sorrow.
"If you had, Lex would have killed you. I fear that after this last stunt, I may be higher up on that kill list," Lena Luthor tilted her head slightly to meet Alex's apologetic golden oak eyes.
"Thank you," a slight smile touched her lips as Alex laid a hand on Lena's shoulder. "I know how much you care for each other, I only wish she had told you sooner."
Lena simply nodded in agreement, no longer feeling in the most talkative mood. Her hand shifted slightly, something cold touched her fingertips. Out of the corner of her eye she could see that Kara had shifted her hand so that their fingers were loosely intertwined.
"She's lucky to have a friend like you," Alex said over her shoulder as she walked over to the pilot. The director spoke quietly to the pilot, likely inquiring how far away they were from National City amongst other things.
"Yeah, a friend," Lena muttered to herself, unable to mask the hefty disappointment, her gaze slowly returning to Kara's face.
The Kryptonian meet her with lovely light seafoam eyes that seeped with regret. Her chest rose and fell more steadily, reassuring Lena just enough that Kara would be okay.
"Sorry," she mumbled pitifully, voice hoarse and hardly recognizable.
"Hush, relax," Lena despising the fact that Kara felt the need to apologize. They could discuss their issues later, when she was not bleeding out onto the deck of a government helicopter.
"But-" Kara was interrupted by a rough cough, spitting up a couple drops of blood. Pain tightened her soft complexion as Supergirl struggled to sit up against the straps.
Raising her eyes for a brief moment to ensure Alex was not paying attention, Lena unhooked the straps as quietly as humanly possible. Kara tightened her hand around Lena's as she pulled herself up.
She leaned her back against the steel backing of the helicopter, head tilted to face Lena who had scooted next to Kara.
"You are my hero, Lena Luthor," Kara said through clenched teeth. She was still a little wobbly, however the Girl of Steel refused to lay down.
"You are delusional," Lena teased lightly,"I just fought a couple of henchmen after flying countless miles in the arms of a martian."
"I'm serious Lena, I don't know what I will do without you…" Another cough shook her body as she leaned forward slightly.
"Kara, we'll get through this. I'm not going to lose the most important person in my life to a little miscommunication," it was going to take a hell of a lot more than learning Kara Danvers is an alien to get Lena to hate her.
"So I have good news and bad news," Alex was focused on a small tablet in her hands as she walked over to Lena and Kara. She glanced up at them, an eyebrow arched in skepticism at seeing how close the two women were sitting.
"Dealers choice," Kara grumbled, resting her head against Lena's right shoulder.
Her eyes widened just enough for Alex to notice but she forced herself to remain calm, raising her head higher to meet Agent Danvers thoughtful study.
"We are less than an hour from National City, where we can get Supergirl some proper medical attention," Alex stated as she examined a bandage that had a darker tint of red than the others, her voice shadowed in distress.
"He escaped," Lena stated, voice shrouded in despire,"Lex is still out there." She actually had the slightest hope that between the DEO, Superman, and J'onn, somehow someone would catch him.
"Yeah…" Alex rubbed her forehead with her index finger and thumb,"We still have no idea how Lex found Kara, Brainy believes he has created some sort of instrument that can locate Kryptonians. The sooner we found out exactly how the sooner we can take him down."
"I can pull any and all of Lex's old blueprints, but he kept his old anti-alien projects a secret even from me," Lena offered quietly, keeping still as to not disturb Kara.
"That would be great, thank you," Alex nodded in appreciation,"I will be sure to get you a DEO ID, our resources are at your disposal."
"As is LCorps," Miss Luthor said with a pained sigh,"I am no longer safe… I said some things that upset him."
"This is bad, isn't it?" A tired Kara squeaked, snuggling up closer in a desperate attempt to absorb Lena's burning warmth.
"Yeah," Lena knew that Kara would do anything to protect her, but who would protect Kara? She lacked supernatural super powers, no fantastical speed or impossible strength, just her impressive IQ,"I won't let him hurt you, not again."
Hesitant at first, Lena protectively coiled an arm around Kara. She blinked in surprise, startled at how frigid the alien's skin was compared to her own blazing touch,"You've protected earth time and time again, maybe it is time you let us protect you."
"And how is that? National City has become very dependant on Supergirl," Alex pointed out reluctantly,"Even with DEO agents going undercover and J'onn covering the image front, there is so much we can not do without her."
"I can have some of my weapons specialists work on some weapons that can help take down more threatening criminals," Lena murmured thoughtfully,"But Kara needs a chance to recover at her own pace. Safe and away from National City, away from Lex."
"I can still fight him," Kara declared feebly as another bought of shivers consumed her slouching stature.
"What are you suggesting? To ship her off to some safe house until this is over?" Alex rolled her eyes at her sisters outburst as she turned her attention to Lena.
"I have a safe house, completely off record where she would be safe. I can equip the house with security measurements in case he finds her," by off the record, she meant she bought a cabin in the woods on the side of a mountain. The only way to get there was by plane and had limited connection to the outside world.
"And leave her there unguarded? Alone? I don't think so," Alex Danvers narrowed her eyes in thought. "What if I sent a team with her?"
Lena pondered for a couple of moments as she considered the offer. The less people that knew about the cabin the better, even if in this situation it would be ideal to have the DEOs A team to protect Supergirl,"More people mean more supplies. More traffic. More vulnerabilities, he just has to find the right agent and exploit their weakness and...game over."
"That's true," Pure desperation drained her face, drawing Lena's attention to how exhausted Agent Danvers appeared. Lena now noticed the dark rings under her eyes, how there was a tired hunch that formed in Alex's demeanor.
"Who do you trust most to not give away the location the cabin?" She questioned as she contemplated a viable plan.
"Brainy," Kara wheezed ,lifting her head for a fleeting moment as she unapologetically interrupted Alex.
"Hear me out before interrupting," Lena asked with careful consideration,"I give Brainy the coordinates and a restricted network phone. That way we can still communicate safely. When Lex becomes a series threat, we'll return."
"You? You'd go with her?" Alex questioned, tone quivering in admiration and a touch of perplexity.
"We're both in danger from Lex. He has allies within LCorp, those who would be rewarded handsomely if they killed me," there was a part of her that longed for the chance to get away from the monotonous life as CEO but a potent sense of trepidation about being alone with Kara for an unforeseeable amount of time.
"What exactly happened?" The DEO agent sat down on a thin metal chair that was bolted to the floor to the side of the bed.
"We were almost out when Lex crashed through the ceiling. I couldn't fight him…" She trailed off, partially stalling as she contemplated how to word what had happened.
"I had to keep his attention so J'onn could get to him so I said somethings that may have angered him," Lena kept it vague, desperately hoping that neither would question her.
"I would imagine saying that you loved an alien would make him a little more than mad," Kara voice trembled with amusement.
"Don't make me take that back," Lena said, unable to fight the smile that breached her lips. As far as Kara knew, that love was platonic, but Lex knew her better than that. An ominous feeling in her chest forced Lena to realize her brother would unfortunately deduce the true meaning of her words.
"I don't know about this…" Alex said with heavy skepticism,"Having both of you at the same location? If he finds you… No. It's putting too much at risk. Kara just needs time to recover, and when Lex is captured you can return."
"With all due respect Director Danvers, that is not your decision. You have no idea what Lex is capable of, we don't know what exactly he did to her, one thing I can guarantee is that it's not only physical, but possibly mental damage," Lena met Alex's challenged glare with her own.
"Please, stop arguing," Kara's chest jerked forwards as another round of coughing violently shook her body. A thin trail of blood dripped from the corner of her mouth as a low groan escaped her lips.
"Alex, do something!" Lena demanded, every part of her screamed try anything regardless of the lack of knowledge in the medical field.
"I can't… Kara doesn't exactly apply to normal human medical treatments. Not unless we either weaken her with Kryptonite or she burns out her powers, which in this state I'm not sure is a good idea," the Danvers sister sighed helplessly.
All Lena could do was watch, holding her breath until Kara's erratic breathing steadied. She finally allowed herself to breathe, that was until the gorgeous alien resumed her former position in leaning against Lena's shoulder.
Seeing the vulnerable hero like this shattered her heart, she just wanted to protect her. To hold Kara safely in her arms and let someone else do the fighting. Let someone else risk their life and let Kara lead her own, preferably one where they were more than friends.
"What do you want to do?" Lena questioned softly, offering the only she could; a choice.
Her response came quicker than either Lena or Alex anticipated,"the cabin."
"Okay than," Agent Danvers simply nodded in agreement, poorly hiding the disappointment in her tone.
Lena, however, elated that Kara choose her over her sister. Over taking up the mantle of Supergirl again when she recovered from her external wounds, Kara Danvers choose Lena Luthor.
