Chapter 14
It was nearly thirty minutes later when they arrived at Kara's door. When they got there Alex drew her weapon. "Did someone bring their key?" Lucy asked.
"Yeah," Alex said right before she kicked the door in. "Kara!" They all separated but it didn't take long for them to find her.
"Oh my god." Sam gasped.
"Kara," Lucy shouted as she rushed to Kara's unconscious form where a plant laid on her chest.
"That's definitely not a friendly plant," Zatanna said and put her hands up in surrender as the others turned to glare at her. "Too soon. I see that now."
The room was racked with silence. The four women paused not knowing what to do only knowing that someone they cared for needed their help. Zatanna shuffled back and forth on her feet waiting for someone to break the quiet. Alex could only look at her little sister. The person she swore to protect was in danger and she didn't know how long she had been in this state. Alex was taken out of her train of thought when she saw Lucy who was in tears reached out to grab the plant.
Moving quickly Alex grabbed Lucy's bare hand. When Lucy looked at her questioningly Alex had to be stern. "Don't. We don't know if it's harmful to humans." When she was sure Lucy understood, Alex back off and looked towards Zatanna. "Zanna can you lift it off of her."
Zatanna sighed in relief. This this she could do. "I can certainly try," Zatanna replied as she rolled her sleeves back. "Esaeler reh." Nothing happened and Zatanna frowned. "Og kcab ot erehw uoy emac." A flash of light but once the light cleared from their eyes the plant was still resting on top of Kara's chest.
"What good is your magic if it cannot lift a freaking plant?" Sam finally broke her silence.
"Sam no."
Where Lucy failed due to Alex intervening Sam succeeded due to her speed. Grabbing hold of the plant on both sides of Kara's chest Sam began to lift it. Alex pushed Lucy back as she saw the muscles ripple on Sam's arms. The floor cracked and just as Alex was able to see space between Kara's chest and the plant she began to thrash. "Drop it Sam!"
"Just a little bit longer Alex. I almost have it." Sam continued pulling. Her arms shook but she held tight to the plant that was now using some of its limbs to hurt Sam.
"Its hurting her." Alex said as she checked Kara's pulse. Sam froze and looked at Alex. "If you continue she'll die." With that knowledge Sam lowered the plant and then proceeded to lift Kara into her arms.
"If magic and brute strength can do nothing." Sam looked into Alex's eyes. "Then lets hope science can be of some use." Sam stood to her full height. Kara tucked safely to her chest. "I'll fly her to the DEO. Hopefully there we can get some answers."
"I'll contact the league and see if they have any information."
"Just contact Batman. He'll know the most and be the fastest to respond." Sam spoke before going towards the window. Alex opened the window for her and watched as Sam flew off with her baby sister.
Turning back around Alex went to her best friend who hadn't moved since she pushed her back. "Luce?"
Lucy wiped her eyes and stood to her feet, brushing off her clothes before looking at Alex. "Come on then. We need to head to the DEO so you can start figuring out that thing." Alex nodded and lead the way back out.
[DEO]
There was a whirlwind of papers as Sam flew into the DEO. "Ka…" Hank began to scold but as he turned around and saw that the one who flew in was Sam he changed his tune. "Sam what is that thing?"
"We don't know. All I know is that she isn't waking up." Sam started heading to the lab Alex usually treats Kara in knowing Hank would follow her. "Alex is on her way and I told Zatanna to call Batman. He'll know what to do." Sam's mood was unstable at best as she held her best friend in her arms.
Not wanting to push Sam further Hank tried to tread lightly with his words. "What makes you think he'll even help. You and Kara are just fire fighters. On top of that the DEO technically doesn't exist."
Sam had just placed Kara onto the table when there was a flash of smoke which revealed Zatanna, Alex, and Lucy. Ignoring the audience they had acquired Sam turned to Hank. "He's going to help because he knowns if I lose Kara I will bring hell to his doorstep. And unlike the rest of the league he participates in." She paused, "He has no contingency plan for me."
Alex rushed over and began working on her sister. Within seconds, she had already got Kara hooked up to several monitors. "Alex any news?"
"All I know for sure is that Kara appears to be sleeping and the plant has some hold on her. If we try removing it physically it hurts her. She was crashing when Sam tried ripping it off. Also, Zanna tried using magic but that had no effect either."
Subtly Zatanna's left eye twitched and if not for Sam looking at her she would have never saw the movement. Knowing that the Justice League communicated through ear pieces Sam sped towards Zatanna. It was if Zatanna blinked and suddenly Sam was in front of her. Getting super close Sam placed her ear against Zatanna's to listen into the conversation without saying a word. "You must keep them from doing anything drastic." Zatanna's breath hitched at the close proximity and her only other reaction to it was placing her hand on Sam's waist. "Sam I know you're listening. Now pay attention," Came the gravely voice of the dark knight. "The plant in the image Zatanna sent is called a Black Mercy. It survives off the host by placing them in a dream state. While in that state the victim will dream of that they most desire."
"That they most desire?" Zatanna reiterated.
"Krypton and her family or…" Sam subtly looked over to Lucy who was too set on gazing at Kara to notice. Zatanna caught on quickly from what little she heard already from Sam but remained silent. "Is there a way to get it off Kara?"
"I'm currently on my way there. I need to discuss this in person to best explain it to Agent Danvers. Eta one hour."
The line clicked, and Sam backed away from Zatanna. Raising both hands, Sam pressed them against both sides of her forehead. This unnerved Alex who was getting antsy from being left out of the conversation. "So anything?"
"Batman said he'll be here in an hour. For now lets just check on Kara's vitals. Make sure she's still doing ok."
Alex walked over to her and grabbed her by the hand before leaving the area to talk in private. Once they took several turns and were in a deserted hallway did Alex stop. Turning around she looked up at Sam, "How bad?"
"He didn't give me much over the line. Bruce simply said it was a plant that sends the victim into a dream simulation of what they desire most." Sam paused, "I think right now Kara is probably in her ideal world."
"Her what?" Alex asked puzzled.
"Her perfect world. You know…what if her planet hadn't been destroyed and her family killed. What if Lucy was born on Krypton instead of earth. What if she wasn't a firefighter and joined the military guild following Astra's footsteps. What if Clark was still her little cousin. What if she were normal. In this dream it all feels real." Alex turned and began walking away from Sam. Confused by this sudden turn Sam walked after the woman who was now messing with Kara's room. The room that housed the entire Kryptonian AI of Alura. "Alex what in the world are you doing?"
"I made this room so that only Kara could enter. But I made a failsafe that would allow me to enter if I needed to get information from Alura." Placing her hand on the panel, Alex only waited for a moment before the door opened allow both her and Sam to enter. "I think this situation fits the bill."
"How may I help you?"
Alex looked up at the hologram of Kara's mother, "I need all the information you can give me on the Black Mercy."
"I am sorry. I do not have sufficient information regarding this species."
"Kara is in trouble and nothing we have tried is working." Alex was close to breaking, "Batman said its called a Black Mercy it is an alien plant. Do you know of anything that could help?"
"I do not have sufficient data regarding this species."
Alex was beyond frustrated and exploded, "Damn it Kara is relying on me! She has always relied on me ever since you sent her here. I'm sure you had hoped that she would find people that would take care of her. Who would love her like she was their own." Alex's voice got soften as she admitted that she did but wasn't the picture perfect sibling in the beginning. "All Kara wanted was a family. That's what she is to me. She is my sister. And she needs me now more than ever. So please…tell me how to help my little sister!"
"I do not have sufficient information regarding this species."
Alex backed away from Alura's blue form and turned around to end up with her head in Sam's chest. Alex's eyes began to tear up as she felt Sam wrap her arms around her. "She's never going to want to wake up." Sam tightened her grip, gently swayed back and forth. "It was all she ever thought about growing up. And even now I still catch her gazing into the sky where Krypton would have been. I wish it was real for her."
"She's going to need us when she wakes up Alex." Sam kissed the top of Alex's head. "She's going to lose everything all over again. We have to stay strong." Sam pushed Alex away from her, "So wipe those tears and get back in there Agent Danvers."
[In The Other Room]
Hank stood back as he saw one of his best agents try to keep it together while holding the hand of one he considered his daughter. Zatanna looked at Hank in the corner and back at Lucy who was running her free hand through Kara's hair. Clearing her throat Zatanna approached Lucy, "So I take it you two are close?"
Lucy visibly tensed but relaxed as she looks up at the strange woman. "Yeah you could say that." Zatanna watched as Lucy's demeanor changed and figured this was the face she wore at work. "So how is it you know Kara?"
"Through Sam actually." Zatanna said with a smile. "I met Sam when she was eight and I was fourteen. We kept in touch. Until about a few years ago." She paused with a frown on her face. "Sam and I had a bit of a falling out but I'm hoping to fix that while I'm here."
"Oh."
"Don't get me wrong Lucy. Kara is a very good friend of mine but I'm here because of Sam. There is something Kara wished to speak with me about regarding her. I will not leave until I know what it was." Zatanna saw as Lucy nodded and squeezed Kara's hand. "You must really care for Kara. From what I've been told you haven't known anyone here long."
Lucy laughed slightly though it came out more like a sob. "They all just wormed their way into my life you know. Once moment I'm starting my first day of work living out of a hotel. Then the next thing I know I was having dinner with all of them and moving in with Alex. And Kara…Kara's just…there's no one else like her." Lucy kept talking and didn't notice Zatanna smirk at her. "She's just so sweet and brave and she's always there when I need her. And she was finally going to tell me…" Lucy broke down at this point and put her head on Kara's hip, "What she's been saying in Kryptonian. Pero esto sucede y yo no se que hacer. Coño." (But this happens, and I don't know what to do. Fuck.)
Zatanna's eyes widened as Lucy finally broke down but was shocked at her Spanish. She rounded the table and was going to place her hand on Lucy's shoulder but stopped as she saw Lucy lean further into Kara. Before she could offer any words of comfort the doors to the room opened and five people walked in. "Hope you come with good news Batman."
Shrouded in his usual black cloak, Batman stopped at the table and looked down at the young Kryptonian. Lucy at this point was now sitting straight as an arrow and had wiped her tears from her face. Batman glared at her briefly before turning to Zatanna and nodded his acknowledgment of her. Then he turned to Sam, "As I stated the Black Mercy sends its victim into a dream state. Once inside it, its virtually impossible to escape on one's own. Trying to remove it with force as you probably already tried will cause her body to go into shock." Batman then took hold of Kara's head and turned it to the side. Using a gloved hand he pointed at the tentacle that was wrapped around the base of her neck. "It punctured her skin here to get to her nervous system. The longer Kara stays in her ideal paradise the more her life is in danger. The plant will feast on her body as long as she's under its control."
"Get to the point!"
He glared at Sam but continued, "We need to set up a neuro link to her brain. It will allow one person to enter her dream world and return her back to consciousness."
"We have some equipment that could potentially be used for parts," Hank offered looking at this strange man cloaked in darkness. He wasn't sure if he should trust this vigilante with someone he felt responsible for. Batman looked at him and nodded.
Batman then pulled something from his toolbelt and began waving it over Kara's head. "Theoretically speaking if one were to enter a realistic dream and get killed. It could potentially kill them or cause significant brain damage. That being said who will be the one to enter Kara's dream?"
Sam raised her hand, "Seeing as I'm the one with powers I should go get Kara."
Alex quickly shot that down, "She's my responsibility. Once the tech is ready I'll be the one to go in and get her out." Alex stated as she looked up at Batman and then Hank. Both men nodded though Hank didn't look pleased. Sam was about to protest when Alex turned to her and spoke in Kryptonian, "I need you out here. If things look bad stop Hank from pulling me out. Give me the time I need. I either come back with Kara…or I don't come back at all."
Sam's eyes widened but she tilted her head down in acceptance. "You have my word." Sam looked at Lucy who she knew understood what was said and winked at her. "Now let's get started shall we?"
Batman began gathering the necessary materials before speaking to Hank in hushed voices. Alex continued checking Kara's vitals and smiled when she saw Lucy set up a small solar panel near Kara's head. The bruising that was there from her earlier injures began to clear way and that made Lucy feel a bit better.
"Who do you think was behind this," Zatanna asked as she leaned against a wall beside Hank.
"We know Astra isn't in control of herself so probably Non. If he found out Astra visited Kara to save her life then he'd want to remove that connection." Sam said and looked over at Alex who agreed.
"For Kara's sake I hope Astra isn't harmed further for keeping Kara safe," Alex added while working.
It wasn't long after that when Batman cleared his throat gathering the attention of all within the room. "It's ready." He walked over to the spare bed in the room and placed the headset down to hook it up to one that was already on Kara.
"And you're sure this will work?" Alex asked
Batman glared at her but Zatanna was the one who spoke first, "He's usually never wrong when it comes to technology."
"This would go a lot quicker if you'd stop questioning everything."
Alex rolled her eyes and looked over at Sam as she got on the bed. It was the only time she showed that she was scared. Seeing this Sam flashed forward as Alex began to lay down. "If anyone can bring her home its you." Sam said as she grabbed Alex's hand.
"Watch over me."
Batman placed the headset on Alex and began turning on the machine. "Closer your eyes and relax."
"See you soon." Sam said and she felt as Alex squeezed her hand one last time before falling into a deep sleep. Sam pouted when she realized she couldn't do anything to help either of the Danvers siblings except to simply watch over them. She looked up at Batman, "How long before this becomes dangerous?"
"I'd say she has roughly four hours before she gets sucked into the world Kara's mind has created. Or less depending on how the plant will take her intrusion."
Sam exhaled, "Great."
[Inside Kara's Paradise]
When Alex came to she was lying down on a stone floor. Her head felt like it got slammed with a ton of bricks but she simply shook it off and stood to her feet. Taking in her surroundings Alex heart ached at what Kara would go through yet again once she woke up. "I'm on Krypton," Alex sighed. The building she was in was breathtaking but her awestruck expression didn't last long when a robot came rushing towards her.
"State your business?"
"I'm here to see Kara Zor-El," Alex responded in Kryptonian hoping it would suffice.
"Lady Kara is with Master Zor-El." The robot said. "I shall let her know she has company." Then it floated away leaving Alex alone with her thoughts.
Not wanting to wait Alex decided to explore while she was there. So she left the room and started poking her head into rooms as she passed. When she heard voices she hurried into a room she was closest to. She nearly fell down a set of stairs leading down into the room below. When she stopped in the center of what seemed to be a separate living space Alex heard what she assumed to be running water. Just as she heard it though the water stopped and a strangely familiar voice was heard from the next room over. "Did you finish talking with your father my love?"
"Shit." Alex muttered. Not only did she recognize the voice, Alex knew this would be a big problem in waking Kara up. Thinking quickly Alex walked over to the sofa in the far end of the room with what appeared to be a fire place. Situating herself in a nonthreatening manner Alex prepared to meet the owner of the voice. When she heard the footsteps reach her Alex turned around and did as Kara taught her was a typical Kryptonian greeting. "Pardon the intrusion, I was told to wait for Kara Zor-El here."
Alex had to keep her expression neutral but all she wanted to do was gape at the image before her. Draped in white cloth with the standard house of El crest was none other than Lucy Lane. Nothing about her was different than her true version of herself and Alex was in awe. "Oh…well she's currently with her Father. I'm sure she shouldn't take much longer. Can I get you anything…"
"Alex and no I'm fine thank you."
Lucy paused and Alex saw the distinct eyebrow twitch she gets when she doesn't fully trust what is being said. Alex hoped Kara returned soon before she had to eliminate Lucy to avoid being caught too soon. "Alex…what a unique name." Lucy began twirling her bracelet and Alex knew it was what Kara had told her was Krypton's version of a wedding ring. The wedding bracelets consisted of two metals of different colors that intertwined with one another. The colors chosen were specific for the couple and no others were allowed to duplicate or use the color chosen.
Just then the door to the living space opened and Alex looked over to see her sister as well as an older man descend the stairs. She then watched as Lucy's face brightened as Kara walked up to her. It saddened Alex to know Kara would hurt from waking up from this as she saw her little sister kiss the one she loved deeply before turning her attention to Alex. Glancing at Kara's wrist she saw a matching bracelet to the one Lucy had. "Who are you?"
"Kara its me Alex." Alex knew she would be treading into dangerous waters but continued anyway. "Your sister." She saw the Lucy copy look at her with distrusting eyes.
"I have no sister."
"Kara right now you are suffering from the effects of a creature called the Black Mercy. It created this illusion of what your heart desires most to incapacitate you back on Earth."
"Earth," Kara looked as though she was wondering what that word sounded familiar.
"Yes Earth its where you've been for the last fifteen years. I've come to take you home." Again Alex saw the recognition on Kara's face when she switched into English.
"I am home." Alex face dropped slightly but she acknowledged that Kara understood what she had said in English. The realization only lasted a second though seeing as Kara took a quick step towards her and struck her hard in the temple. Everything went dark after that.
Kara looked at Lucy wondering what was going on. "I Zhor did she tell you anything before we got here?"
"No, just that her name was Alex and she needed to speak with you. Though I assumed she wasn't from Krypton given her name."
Kara stooped down and checked on Alex's pulse, "Don't you find it odd how just a few days ago I was suffering from the Argo fever saying I was from Earth and now she comes claiming it was true."
"Don't worry about it my love. Maybe its just a prank set on by one of your military friends."
Zor-El placed is hand on his daughter's shoulder, "Think nothing of it. Your mother will have this intruder dealt with in court for intruding on private property."
"I suppose you both are right." Kara said but glanced down at the one who claimed to be her sister.
[DEO]
Everything was quiet except for the separate beeps of the two Danvers' heartbeats. They were closely matched to one another just slightly off by a second or two and Sam thought it was fitting that Alex's was the one chasing after Kara's. Sam still held Alex's hand as they waited and constantly looked over at Kara where Lucy was stationed beside. " ta- nahn rrip?" (Baby Lane how are you?) Sam asked concerned when Lucy suddenly looked as if the color drained from her face.
Out of the corner of her eye she saw Batman observing their conversation probably wondering if Lucy understood. "I don't know why but I suddenly feel dizzy." Lucy replied in Kryptonian as she placed her free hand to her temple.
Sam frowned at this and looked to her best friend. Was it possible Lucy was feeling the link between them from Kara being her Zhao, Sam thought to herself. She then looked over to Kara's monitor and noticed that Kara's heartbeat had slowed slightly. Totally possible that Lucy is now feeling the pain from Kara, Sam cleared her throat after that thought. "Why don't you get some rest. If anything changes I'll let you know."
"No I'm ok. I'm just stressed is all."
" you need to rest." Sam insisted but saw that with the sharp look Lucy was giving her currently it was to deaf ears. Sighing Sam nodded and dropped the topic before turning back to look at Alex. Several moments of silence passed before anything happened.
The stark silence was interrupted by loud beeping and Alex's body jerking as she gasped in pain. Sam watched as Henshaw's eyes widened in panic as he looked at the monitor. "We're losing her. Pull her out now." When Batman didn't move forward to do so Zatanna made a move to do it but was cut off by Sam who leaned over Alex's head stopping anyone from touching the headset.
"I can't let you do that," Sam growled.
"Steele," Henshaw scolded while pulling his weapon.
Sam smirked, "You're going to need more firepower than that Director. Besides if we pull her out now we lose Kara." Sam took some calming breathes and looked over at Lucy.
"Director Henshaw I know you are worried about Alex. We all are but please give her some more time," Lucy asked politely trying to diffuse the situation seeing as all the agents in the room were pointing their weapons at Sam.
Hank put his weapon away and looked at both Sam and Lucy. "I am the one responsible for her safety! This is on my head!" He bellowed getting worked up. He tried to approach to get the headset off but Sam got in his face.
"But she asked me to stop you. That's what she said in Kryptonian before she went under."
"What?"
"She knew you would react this way if things went bad. So she told me to stop you because she wants to save Kara."
"You think I don't want that? I want them both back. More than anything."
"I know you do. I know she is more than just some agent to you. She's family. But if you pull her out before she reaches Kara…Alex will never forgive you. And you know that."
"I can't lose her." Hank muttered looking at Sam.
"Neither can I and we won't. Because even though she's human Alex has the unique ability to always find a way. You just have to trust her." Sam finally saw Hank relax and she let out a breath looking over at Lucy to see how she was doing. Then looking at Zatanna who was watching her carefully. Sam then looked around to see all the guns pointed at her. "Now would you kindly tell your men to lower their weapons. They'd only hurt Alex if they fired at me."
[Krypton]
Alex woke up with a gasp and found herself in a large room with a raised platform in the center. Looking more at her surroundings she realized Alura, Zor-El, Lucy, Astra and Kara were all present as well as a few guards behind her. Evaluating the situation Alex knew she was probably in what was considered a court room on Krypton.
"The high council has rendered our verdict on the alien spy. We impose the maximum penalty. Banishment to the Phantom Zone." Alura stated coldly.
"Kara if they take me away you and I will be trapped here until the Black Mercy kills us." Alex pleaded taking several steps towards her sister who was wrapped protectively around Lucy. She didn't get far for the guards grabbed hold of her stopping her movement.
"Don't listen to her. Once she is gone we will be happy like we were before she came here." Zor-El said overlapping Alex's pleas.
"Why do you think they are trying to silence me? Its because they are afraid of what I have to say. Even though I'm speaking in English I know you understand me Kara!" Alex began struggling against the guards trying to break free.
"She's trying to confuse you with lies."
"No I am trying to remind you of the truth. Life isn't perfect. I know it can be hard and it can be lonely especially for you. You have sacrificed, and you have lost so much I wish you could have had a life with your family but even if you did Kara it wouldn't be this." Alex said seeing Kara's face remain emotionless it seemed nearly hopeless. "Because this isn't real and deep-down Kara you know it." Alex saw Kara's face twitch just before there was what seemed to be an earthquake. Kara was knocked around but stabilized herself and Lucy before looking back at Alex. "I can't promise you a life and loss because pain is a part of life its what makes us who we are! It's what makes you a hero!"
Alex elbowed one of her guards in the face causing him to release his grip before turning on the other one who wasn't as strong. Using her cuffs to her advantage Alex jammed it up the man's nose with enough force to break it. Once she was out of their grasp, Alex ran towards Kara with a new hope of reaching her sister. But just as before she was stopped by Zor-El blocking her path. "You fight every day to keep people from struggling like you have. I know you can remember," There was another earthquake but now Alex was struggling against three men who were pushing her to the raised platform, "if you try. Please, please try Kara. Cause Earth needs Captain Danvers."
Kara's eyes widened slightly, "Captain…" She took a few steps towards Alex but was stopped by Lucy and Zor-El.
"Yes, remember that life with Justin, Jacob, Mike and Sam." At Sam's name Kara looked at Alex again. "Remember Sam! She is miserable without you by her side. She needs you. Your friends need you." Alex was getting dragged on to the platform close to tears, desperately trying to reach Kara mentally and physically. "And I need my Sister!" Another more violent earthquake tore through the room. As Alex struggled to remain standing she began to cry, "Kara I can't choose this for you. You have to choose it yourself."
One of the guards hit Alex causing her to bend forward and Kara shifted looking as if she wanted to help Alex escape her pain. Yet she was stopped as Lucy linked their hands together and brushed her hair behind her ear. "Don't worry her suffering will be over soon."
Kara looked at Lucy confused, "Why are you speaking her tongue?" Before Lucy could answer Kara's question Alex continued talking.
"Please come back to us. Kara please!"
On the verge of tears Kara looked at her father and finally realized what Alex said was true. "I wish. I want so much for all of this to be true. To stay here with you. But this isn't real." Kara removed her hand from Lucy. "You're not really her." Kara sobbed before she moved around her father to walk over to Alex but Alura stepped before her. "You taught me to be so strong. And I am thank you. Krypton will be in my heart forever. But Alex is right. My sister is right! I have to go."
"Kara!" Alura hugged her and suddenly Kara was finding it hard to breath as Alura tightened her grip. "We will never let you leave." Kara's eyes widened at the declaration just as another earthquake came in and knocked them to the floor allowing her to escape her mother's grasp.
"Alex!"
Alex reached towards Kara, "I got you! I got you!"
[Three hours later at the DEO]
Alex sat up gasping and with her free hand took the headset off while simultaneously squeezing Sam's hand. "Alex thank god," Hank exclaimed in relief.
Then Alex turned to see if Kara was ok even though she had yet to catch her breath. Seeing Kara still motionless on the bed Alex jumped off hers ripping her hand from Sam's before turning to Hank. "You pulled me out? How could you?" She then turned to Sam. "I told you to stop him," Alex growled.
Sam kept all emotion from her face and prepared for whatever Alex had to dish out. When Alex lunged at her Sam didn't block her efforts but calmly replied to her. "I did Alex."
"She was about to choose us!" Alex yelled at her. Hank rushed in and grabbed at Alex but Alex fought against him until she elbowed him. Sam stepped forward and embraced Alex. "She was about to come home," Alex yelled into Sam's ear causing her to wince at the volume. "Why did you pull me out? Why!"
"Alex I didn't. We didn't," Hank said to Alex as she fought against Sam's bear hug.
"Then how did I come back?"
"Because you did it," Lucy said. Alex turned her head towards her best friend who sat beside her sister and saw as the Black Mercy began to move off Kara's chest. It crawled away and landed on the floor below where it withered and died. "You were able to convince her." Kara slowly began to wake up and Lucy who was still holding Kara's hand smiled down at her favorite Kryptonian. "Hey."
Alex saw Kara's free hand shakily reach for the oxygen mask that was over her face. "Lucy…Lucy back away from Kara."
Either not listening or not caring Lucy continued to try and help Kara adjust to reality. "Hey its ok Kara. We're here. It's okay." But as soon as Kara looked over to Lucy she violently jerked away landing on her ass still shaking. Lucy frowned but didn't try to approach Kara after that.
"Sam," Alex muttered tapping her arm signaling for her to let go. Once Sam had done so Alex nodded at Kara.
Sam understood and knelt in front of Kara who seemed frozen. Sam at this angle could see the tears of sadness and anger trail down Kara's face. Watching in silence, Sam saw as Kara closed her eyes and they flashed red several times before they reopened. She didn't approach Kara but just offered her presence just like Kara does for her when she's upset. It took several moments but when Kara was ready she looked up at Sam. "Who did this to me?"
"Non," Sam said while tilting her head at Kara trying to get a hold on her mental state.
"Where is he," Kara coldly asked. All traces of sadness vanished from her face replaced by rage.
"While you were out I put out a tracker for the radiation put out by your heat vision. Within the last hour there have been four areas that spiked with that specific signature." Batman stated, and it was the first time Kara was made aware of his presence.
"I can help further by specifically locating him. Do you happen to have a 3d model of the area?" Zatanna asked twirling her wand around.
Everyone left the room following Hank towards the large computer monitors leaving Sam alone with Kara. Once the door shut behind them Kara fell forward into Sam's chest and her body was wrecked with uncontrollable sobs. Sam drew Kara closer to her and just held her while she released everything she was feeling. Sam ran her fingers through Kara's hair and kissed the top of her head for several moments and smiled slightly when Kara was able to get control of her sobs. In a few more moments Kara pushed away from Sam and wiped her tears from her face.
"After I find Non…can I stay with you tonight?"
Sam reached over and fixed Kara's hair. "Of course. Whatever you need Kar."
Once they returned to the main group Batman had taken over the DEO's computers and Zatanna was standing in front of an enlarged 3D model of National City. There were several red dots in different areas on the map already and Kara guessed it was the radiation signatures Batman picked up already. "How does this work?" Kara asked as she came into the room but kept her distance from everyone but Sam.
"I'll use a spell I saw my father perform once." Zatanna said as she flicked her wand before her. "Now that I know who I'm looking for it should be easy." She closed her eyes and then reopened them as she spoke backwards, "Etacol eht Nainotpyrk Non." It took several moments and then suddenly another red dot appeared on the map.
"He's mine," Kara growled but before she could Sam put a hand on her shoulder.
"You need me you call." Sam stated seriously.
"Keep Alex and I Zhor safe." Kara said and she noticed Lucy looked up at her words. At Sam's nod Kara fly out of there causing a huge gust of wind to push everyone back a few feet.
Once she was gone everyone turned to Alex wondering what the hell happened. Alex sighed, and tears came to her eyes, "I had to rip her away from Krypton. She lost it all over again." Everyone frowned. "She was married over there Sam."
Sam tilted her head slightly to Lucy and Alex nodded. "Shit," Sam muttered. Lucy looked from Alex to Sam and Sam froze…Lucy had understood that last part.