Dark Alliance 14

"She's really out," Diana commented, looking into the back seat of their rented SUV. "We may have to wake her when we get out to the farm."

"I'm not surprised," Kal said quietly. "She's not even close to being well enough to travel. I think the only reason the healers agreed to let her leave was because she would have injured herself worse trying to escape."

Diana nodded unhappily, wishing she could have convinced Chryseis to remain with the healers a few more days. "I don't think she'll ever go back."

"She might." Kal reached over and took her hand gently. "She just needs some time to heal, emotionally as well as physically."

"Kal, are you sure your parents are okay with this?" Diana asked. "This is a little different than just a visit now…"

"Diana, they were fine with it." Kal gently squeezed her hand in reassurance. "I explained the situation and they were rather insistent that we come out to the farm for a few days."

"So I guess I should call you Clark while we're here," Diana said softly. "But how are you going to explain me—or Chryseis?"

"Well, Ma and Pa already know who you both are, so there isn't going to be a problem there," Kal mused. "Chryseis could be your cousin—she resembles you enough."

"That would work," Diana agreed. "And I think she would go along with it. I, um…sort of had an idea…"

"Go ahead," Kal encouraged her. "I was going to suggest that we just say we're dating, but…"

"I was going to suggest the same." Diana laughed with relief, glad they'd both had the same idea. She had been almost embarrassed to suggest it. "I think we could make that believable."

"Yes, we can," Kal agreed. "Particularly because once we get back, I'd like to take you on a real date. If that's okay."

"I'd like that very much," Diana smiled.

"So this is where Superman, I mean, Clark grew up?" Chryseis stared around with wide eyes, trying to commit every detail of the farm to memory. "I can't believe he left all of this…it's so peaceful here…"

"That it is," Jonathan agreed. "But Clark was blessed with extraordinary gifts and chose to use them to make the world a better place. We miss him a lot, but I for one couldn't be prouder of my boy."

"He really is a good person," Chryseis said with a small smile. "And I see now where he gets it from."

"I'd say that your folks did a fine job too," Jonathan said quietly, steadying Chryseis gently as she stumbled. "Easy there, kiddo."

"Guess I should have spent a little more time with the healers," Chryseis admitted. Her body still ached all over and she was exhausted again. "But I just couldn't remain there…not after…"

"It's all right, you don't have to explain." Jonathan carefully wrapped the youngster in a comforting hug. "Now why don't we head back up to the house and see what Martha is cooking up? I'd bet she's put out quite a spread."

"That sounds good," Chryseis admitted. She was startled to realize that she was getting hungry. She let Jonathan lead her back to the house and said softly, "My father…he was a good man. But we weren't able to ever settle down and find a home like this."

"Clark filled us in a little," Jonathan replied. "Your father had to make a lot of hard choices. But he did a fine job of raising a beautiful daughter."

"I wish you could have met him, sir." Chryseis said wistfully. "I think you would have liked him."

"Is she sleeping?" Kal asked as Diana came back down the stairs. Chryseis had been nearly dead on her feet by the time supper was over and Diana had almost had to carry her upstairs to his old room.

"Yes." Diana smiled a little and sat beside him on the couch, leaning against him. "She was really tired. And she still has a lot of healing to do."

"I'd like to know just what happened to her," Martha said softly as she and Jonathan joined the couple. "From what Clark told us over the phone, there was some kind of battle, but why was a child like her in a fight like that?"

Diana shuddered at the memory and Kal gave her a gentle squeeze to comfort her. Slowly they filled the Kents in on the details of what had happened on Paradise Island just a few days before. Kal's grip tightened as he spoke of Diana's death and resurrection. She moved closer and laid her head on his shoulder to offer comfort as she recounted the details of the fight, Chryseis' transformation, and Hades' defeat. She concluded with Sesshomaru's request that she act as guardian for the youngster.

"Poor dear," Martha said softly. "I thought she seemed sad at dinner. Diana, honey, I know she's your ward now, but she's welcome to stay here if she wants to. We'd be glad to have her."

"Thank you, Mrs. Kent, it means a lot," Diana smiled. Kal hugged her closer.

"We're going to talk to Bruce about setting up an identity for her too," he added. "I don't know what she's going to want to do though. Chryseis hasn't really been able to get out and experience much of the world. And with her abilities growing with her…"

"Are you going to ask her to join the Justice League?" Jonathan wanted to know.

"It depends," Kal admitted. Diana looked up at him questioningly as he continued. "Chryseis may not want to join, but if she does, I think she's a good candidate for the League."

"I wouldn't talk about it until she brings it up herself," Jonathan advised. "She's been through a lot more than most people could handle and stay sane. Let her sleep, eat and run around the farm for a day or two—just to let her sort things out. She's got good sense and I think she may just surprise you."

"I'm still a little surprised that Ma didn't make me take the couch tonight," Kal said quietly as he settled into the guest room bed. Diana smiled as she joined him.

"I… asked her if it would be all right if you stayed with me," she admitted shyly, cuddling close to him. "The way things are right now I don't think I could sleep without you there."

"Nightmares again?" Kal asked gently, trailing his fingers up and down her back and wishing he knew how to help.

"Yes." Diana found she couldn't meet his gaze now. "I'm sorry, Kal…"

"For what?" He countered. "Diana, you have nothing to apologize for. Nothing."

"I am an Amazon and a warrior. I shouldn't be letting this get to me…" Diana's protest was silenced as he gently laid a finger over her lips.

"It doesn't mean you don't have feelings, Di." Kal held her tighter and slid one hand into her silky hair. "You're allowed to hurt—and cry if you need to. And…I'll be here for as long as you need me."

Diana shook her head and just held onto him, fighting back the tears. "I'll be all right. It's just…so much has happened…"

"I know," Kal answered, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. "It all happened so fast that neither of us has had time to process any of the last few days. But now we've all got a couple of days to recover."

"And to figure out where we go from here." Diana looked up at him with a small smile. Kal smiled back, understanding her meaning.

"We can make this work," he said softly. "I love you and I'm not going to lose you again."

"You won't, Kal." Diana held him closer for a long time without speaking. She had a feeling that she wouldn't be the only one having nightmares. "I'm right here. And I'm not going anywhere."