Kryptonian Nights 21
Deanlu
Supergirl is the property of DC comics and the CW. I am borrowing the characters for a little fun and storytelling. These are about the many facets of love.
Ghosts in the Night
"You're all going to love it here. The fall colors are just perfect right now. The golds, reds, purples, oranges and yellows are at their peak. We have several hiking trails, horseback riding, night horse drawn wagon events, and star gazing. Tolliver house was built around 1945 and went through a modernization in the nineteen nineties. Each room is equipped with spacious bedroom, full bath, living area, and a kitchenette if you would rather cook for yourself. Is there anything I can do for you?" Michelle, the concierge asked as Lena signed them all in on the registry. Behind her stood Sam, Alex, Lucy, Vasquez and Kara. Interestingly, Lena would not allow Kara to stay with her. They were still in an argument about her revelation of being Supergirl. Kara was staying with Vasquez while Lucy would be rooming with Lena. Alex and Sam would room together. Alex watched as Kara nervously paid attention to the concierge while trying not to look at Lena. Alex was worried about her sister. The young reporter had been depressed and withdrawn the last few weeks. Alex and Sam were hoping this trip would solve some issues.
"No, I think we will be fine. If we need anything we will let you know." Lena replied smartly as she watched the porters move their bags on the baggage rack toward the elevator. The concierge handed over the keys and information packets to them. "Alright, how about we rest for a couple hours and meet back down here at four o'clock. That will give us time to get things settled and a short nap." Everyone agreed and headed toward the elevator. The concierge stopped Kara before she could join her group.
"Mam, have you been here before?" The concierge asked the young reporter. Her friends got on the elevator except for Vasquez who hung back as the doors closed. Susan had become a good friend to the girl of steel over the last few months. Susan and her family had become the surrogate family she needed at times. So when they had adopted her in the family she started spending more time with them.
"No, I haven't. I would have remembered a trip here. It's really beautiful." Kara responded as Vasquez walked over to see what was going on. The concierge frowned a little scrunching up her face a bit as she attempted to remember where she had see Kara from before. She finally sighed and shook her head.
"Strange, you're just so familiar to me. Hmmm, I'm sorry." Michelle said as Kara smiled brightly. She waved her hand to a nearby porter that was idle. "Jacob would you take the ladies to their room. Room two sixteen. Have a good day Kara." Michelle finished as Jacob escorted them to the elevator.
"No worries. Thank you." Kara replied as Vasquez took her hand and they walked to the elevator. Jacob made sure they were both inside, pressed the button for the second floor, and waited quietly off to the side.
The concierge stared for a long time at elevator doors. "It has begun. She has arrived." Michelle said to no one in particular. A shadow, however, moved toward the elevator.
Vasquez and Kara were soon ensconced in their room. Kara was shocked by how much space they had in the room. Susan went over and set up both their bags on the two luggage racks. Kara went to the window and gazed out over the nearby wood and fields. Susan came up behind Kara and pulled her back into a hug. Kara tensed for a moment before relaxing against her friend. Susan had been a rock in the storm that was her life. Alex had either been angry with her, flippant about things, or distracted by Sam. Lucy had taken Lena's side telling Kara in no uncertain terms that she should have told Lena a long time ...Susan had just listened. She had encouraged, sympathized, and been there for hugs when things were overwhelming. Just like now.
"She's still angry with you." Kara nodded as Susan tightened her hold on the young Kryptonian. Several tears ran down Kara's face as she leaned back into Susan. "Come on, let's go for a walk. We can talk or we can just be quiet and enjoy nature. Okay?" Kara wiped her cheek and turned straight into Susan. Susan looked at those luscious Kryptonian lips for a moment. She then pulled Kara into hug. "It's going to be okay. Come on." Both of them put on their coats, gloves, and scarves heading out for their nature walk. A dark shadow passed through the wall to the suitcase of Kara Danvers. It looked at a journal that was placed in the pocket on the top of the suitcase. It briefly touched the book staying still for several moments. The knock on the door startled the shadow.
"Kara? Susan?" A voice called through the door. The shadow looked at the door and then at the suitcase. Suddenly, a solid corporeal form took shape dressed to look like Kara Danvers. It walked to the door and opened it.
"Yeah, what do you need Sam?" The image of Kara asked quietly. Sam looked at Kara who was dressed in a pair of brown slacks, button down yellowish shirt, brown blazer with a beautiful jade necklace and bracelet.
"Wow! You look really beautiful." Sam commented as Kara the second waited quietly. Sam sighed and nodded. "Listen, I think you and Lena need to spend some time talking while we are here. I just think it would help things get better." Kara the second frowned a little.
"We will see Sam. I just want to rest now." Sam nodded going to reach out for the whom she thought was the young Kryptonian. Kara shied away from her touch backing up and closing the door some. Sam's shoulders fell in defeat.
"Alright, see you at four. Kara, you need to keep your glasses on so no one recognizes you." Kara looked confused for a moment and then nodded. She closed the door and leaned back against it. She reverted to shadow again moving down the hall toward Lucy and Lena's room. Interestingly enough Sam and Alex rooms had a door between that could be unlocked for movement back and forth between the two rooms. The shadow passed through the wall to find the Sam speaking with Alex.
"Everything okay?" Alex asked as Sam came to lay beside her on the bed. Sam shook her head no.
"She's withdrawing. She even refused to let me touch her arm." Sam said as she cuddled into Alex. Alex kissed her softly on the head.
"This isn't about you Sam. She's just upset with the situation with Lena." Alex murmured squeezing the young CEO.
"I know. They are both being so damn stubborn. Lena because she won't talk to Kara beyond the niceties. Kara because she respects and loves Lena so much she is giving her room. I really have a bad feeling Alex. Something needs to change soon. They both can't go on like this anymore." Sam whispered as she looked at her lover. Alex sighed and nodded as she pulled Sam deeper into her. The firm, soft mattress gave way letting them wrap each other in a bubble of warmth.
"I can go and talk to her in a bit. Maybe some sisterly advice and encouragement would help." Alex offered as her eyes grew heavy with sleep. Sam nodded falling into a light doze. The shadow moved over to Alex. She placed a hand on Alex's head stilling. Five minutes later the shadow leaned over and kissed the forehead of Alex Danvers. The shadow moved into the next room.
"How long are you going to be mad at Kara?" Lucy asked Lena laying next to her in the bed. Lena looked over at Lucy in aggravation. While Lucy had taken Lena's side the youngest Lane had attempted to encourage Lena to make peace.
"She didn't tell me she was Supergirl. Obviously, I wasn't as good a friend as I thought I was to her. She knew I wouldn't tell anyone. Then to tell James go behind my back and look in my vaults for kryptonite. Luc, you and I both know Kara has a great deal to apologize." The hurt within Lena's voice echoing back at the younger Lane. Lucy reached over and pulled Lena into a hug.
"Kara loves you. You have to give her a chance to make up for it. But you won't even let her try." Lucy argued softly as Lena thought about her words. "Kara is a true friend Lena. She has been there for you, argued for you, and protected you even when she hasn't agreed with you. I agree totally that she should have told you. I'm on your side. You have to give her a break though. As much as she has human emotions she isn't human. Sometimes that Kryptonian mind doesn't work like ours." Lena went to object.
"But Superman…" Lena started only to be cut off by Lucy.
"Superman is more human than Kryptonian in nature. Yes, he is physically a Kryptonian, but he wasn't raised on Krypton. Kara was raised on Krypton. She has a different view of Earth and humanity. Not only that she has been marred by great loss. Loss that we can not imagine. As much as you and I have suffered from our families, Kara has suffered more. Loss of an entire civilization and world, loss of all family, loss of Superman who should have kept her, but turned his back on her, and loss of an Aunt by an adopted family member. The list goes on and on. I'm surprised she is as well turned out as she is today." Lucy explained as she held the youngest Luthor. She tried to get Lena to see Kara's side too. Lena sat up to look down at Lucy. For weeks she had been struggling to come to terms with Kara's revelation and with her betrayal of trust.
"You think I should make good with her?" Lena asked the co-director of the DEO. Lucy let out a long breath.
"I think you should listen to her. I also think she needs to listen to you. None of that can happen though if you won't talk to her. Once you have both done that then you can decide if there is a friendship that is salvageable." Lucy scolded as Lena looked across the room right through the shadowed figure she could not see. "Maybe then you can tackle the other reason you are really mad before it's too late." Lena looked at Lucy bewildered. All their friends saw it. James even saw it and was determinedly messing with it. Lucy and Alex were not pleased with that fact.
"What do you mean 'other reason'?" Lena queried Lucy. Lucy shook her head. She realized that there was no two more oblivious people in the world.
"When you decide that you no longer need James as a 'fuck buddy' and you face up to who you love, you will be better off." Lucy proclaimed to a shocked Luthor. "Just remember Lena. While Kara loves you and is there for you. She won't wait forever. There are others who want her just as bad." Lucy said finally standing and moving to get a drink. Lena laughed as Lucy poured a drink.
"You're delusional." Lena barked out in laughter. Lucy had taken a deep drink. She turned slamming the glass down on the table.
"Lie to yourself all you want. Don't lie to me. I've seen you two together. I know exactly the reason you chose James. It was the fastest, easiest way to hurt Kara. You thought you'd make her pay for hurting you." Lena went to speak again. "No, don't say whatever you are going to say. Just stop and think about it. Kara knows you. If you truly told her how you feel she could really hurt you. James can't. He doesn't even hold a tenth of your heart." Lena looked away. Lucy sighed walking over with a drink for Lena. "Just think about it. If anything take the time we are here to consider what I've said. Come on. Finish the drink. Let's take a nap." Lucy moved over to the windows while finishing her drink. She noticed movement outside. "Now that's interesting."
"What?" Lena asked getting up and coming over to the window. Kara and Susan were having a leaf battle in the wood. Susan had Kara down on the ground in a tight hold staring into her eyes. Kara's hand reached up to place her hand on Susan's cheek. She laughed at something Susan said before Susan got to her feet. Susan pulled Kara unceremoniously to her feet. She helped brush Kara off as the walked further into the wood out of sight. Lucy watched the varied emotions that ran across Lena's face.
"Like I said, before it's too late." Lucy walked over. She set her glass down and crawled into the bed. Lena watched for a moment longer. She shook her head and move to climb in the bed. Would Kara really choose Susan? Did she care if she did? Lena closed her eyes and let a worried sleep take her. The Shadow moved across the room to the youngest Luthor. Lena shivered pulling the blanket over her more securely. The shadow faded into nothing.
"So, what are you going to do?" Susan asked as she hopped over a fallen log. Kara smiled following the young agents lead. Susan grabbed her hand as she stumbled at the last minute. Kara enjoyed the feel of Susan's hand as it steadied her. The crisp fall air held a hint of burning leaves on the breeze. Even with the bright sunshine falling between the colored leaves on the trees there was a bite to the air.
"Maybe it's time I looked forward." Kara whispered as she went to kiss Susan. Susan began to fall for those lips she so wanted to taste. She stopped though at the last second. "What?" Kara asked her breath falling across Susan's lips. The warmth an invitation to take what she wanted. Still the young reporter waited for the beautiful brunette to respond.
"Don't. Don't do this unless you mean it. Unless you are willing to step away from Lena and give us a chance Kara." Kara considered the problems with Lena. Susan had been there though. Had not faltered at her side. Had not held her Kryptonian self against her. She had been a friend to the young Danvers. This would irrevocably change things between them which there would be no going back.
"I want too. I want you Susan. But you are right. I need to think, because if we start this then I want it fully as much as you do." Kara whispered back softly. Susan nodded instead pulling Kara into a hug. Kara broke the hug pulling the agent to continue their walk. An hour later they were back at the hotel. Susan went up for a quick nap, while Kara decided to explore the hotel and grounds. She grabbed a small pamphlet off the concierge desk that explained the history.
Tolliver house had been built by a lesbian couple, Lauren and Jamie Tolliver, during a time when lesbians were not tolerated. They had chose this area of Michigan for its remoteness and for the nearby town of Angkor. Angkor was one of the few places in the United States that was made up of malcontents, eclectic, and the strange people of life. In Angkor they found acceptance as well as a home. The west wing of the house was built for the immediate family while the east wing was built for guests and those who needed a retreat. They adopted several young children who had turned out from their parents homes. The children had wandered into Angkor with no place and no one. Lauren and Jamie took them in. They made them their children with the help of Angkor's mayor and couple lived for many a year in the house happily until one day Jamie's parents showed up after finally finding her. They demanded she come home with them. They wanted her to marry an upstanding young man in the community. Jamie rebuked them. She reiterated her love for Lauren promising nothing would separate them except death. Even then she promised they would still be together in the after life. Jamie's parents had left. Lauren and Jamie believed that was the end of it.
Several weeks later a group of men came to Angkor to stay. Before two days had passed Jamie had disappeared. Lauren had been beaten to badly. The group of men had disappeared in the middle of the night. The town in a desperation decided to hunt down the men. They found the men two days later with Jamie tied up in the back of a truck. Jamie had been rescued. The men had confessed to beating Lauren and paid to return Jamie by her parents. By the time Jamie and the towns people made it back Lauren was dead from the beating. Jamie was heartbroken. The children Lauren and Jamie took in cared for the young woman until she died two years later at the age of thirty four from pneumonia. The truth her children said was that she had died of a broken heart. Not able to bear the burden of this world without her beloved wife. It was said her ghost wanders the grounds of Tolliver house to this day desperately looking for her lost love.
Next to the end of the legend was a picture of Jamie. Kara had to do a double take because it looked exactly like her. Kara moved to the front desk where Michelle was working on a computer.
"I know why you think I'm familiar." Kara claimed as she showed Michelle the pamphlet. Michelle nodded in confirmation as she looked into Kara's eyes. It was like looking into a mirror image.
"I didn't want to believe it when I saw you." Michelle spluttered trying to play off the coincidence. Kara cocked her head sideways in question.
"Why?" Kara asked as Michelle signalled to one of the other concierges. John, by his name tag, took over the front. Michelle motioned for the young reporter to follow her. Michelle opened a nearby door that led to the West Wing of the house. John watched smiling as they disappeared behind the door.
"There's a part to the story that's not written here." Michelle explained as they moved down the hallway. Pictures from the decades covered the walls. They soon came to a library which was light and airy painted in an off white. Large picture windows filled the front of the room with natural light and faced out into the wood. There was a fireplace and beautiful built in bookcases filled with books. A piano stood in front of the windows still with Puccini's 'O Mio Babbino Caro'.
"My great grandmother loved Lauren with all her heart." Michelle started throwing Kara off a bit. She had suspected the young woman was some relation to the original owners. "They could be found wandering the wood on long loving strolls, in the library here reading, talking, playing music, or even just going about their day. Tammy, my mother told me that Jamie swore to the priest and doctor on her deathbed she would reunite with Lauren once more. She would not rest until she found her true love again." Michelle spell out to Kara as she lit the candles in the room. The young reporter moved around the library examining pictures and books. She moved to the piano was located. She ran her fingers over the keys almost feeling a compulsion to play. "They were betrayed by Jamie's best friend, Gabrielle. Jamie and Gabrielle had been writing for years. Gabrielle thought Jamie should tell her parents. Jamie disagreed. Gabrielle decided to leave one of the letters sitting out for Jamie's mother to discover when she came to visit. The letter disappeared and soon after the men showed up here at Angkor." Kara began to play the score on the piano.
"Why did she betray her?" Kara asked as she stopped playing for a moment. She was intrigued by the story. The shadow entered the room through the door unbeknownst to the two woman.
"She was jealous of Jamie. She loved her, but she had been forced to marry a gentleman." Michelle finished lighting the well placed candles. As she passed the fireplace where embers still burned she stoked it with several pieces of wood. She then dropped a special mixture of herbs on the fire. "She figured that if she couldn't marry who she loved then Jamie shouldn't be able to marry the person she loved. She destroyed my great grandmothers love." Kara felt faint as the room blurred for a moment. Her head began to pound and her heart beat out of sync. She felt clammy and couldn't quite get her breath under control.
"I'm not feeling well suddenly." Kara complained as she attempted to get up. Michelle had started to mumble something under her breath. "I think I should join my friends." Kara fell back against the seat of the piano as she tried to steady herself against the piano. Michelle's voice rose higher.
"Et factum est in una coniungit." Michelle finished as Kara collapsed forward onto the keys. "I'm sorry Kara Danvers. But this is our only chance. We just need to borrow your body and mind for a while. My great grandmother can only take corporeal form for a few minutes while a ghost. But your body and the incantation will allow her the time she needs to reverse this injustice." Kara's head raised off the piano keys. She looked at her hands, touched her chest and face. Breathed in deeply. "Great Grandma?" Michelle asked as Kara looked toward her.
"Yes granddaughter. You have done well." Jamie confirmed now in Kara's body. Jamie rose moving over and embracing her great granddaughter. "We don't have much time. The spell will only last so long. We have till the hour before midnight when the blood moon is in the right spot. We will get this one chance to reunite me with Lauren for eternity. We need to make sure everything is ready." Michelle nodded leading her grandmother out the door of the library and out the side of the house to the mausoleum. Michelle pulled the key and unlocked the door. They moved down the hallway toward the back of the room where Lauren's coffin rested. Jamie walked up to her tomb. She ran her fingers reverently over Laurens name as she leaned her head against the stone. "Soon my love. Soon, we'll be together." The tomb had already been prepared for the ceremony. Jamie checked over making everything was ready. "I need you to make sure her friends are kept busy tonight. They must not come looking for her or the other one until we have completed the ceremony. Do you understand my sweet girl?" Jamie looked down into her great granddaughter's eyes. Michelle nodded.
"How am I to lure the others away? They seem a tight knit group." Michelle asked her great grandmother.
"Offer a night time wagon ride. The full moon is a great time to take to the fields. I'm sure John will be able to offer enough amenities to tempt them. I will get Kara to get her friend to beg off." Jamie's eyes sparkled with the hope of a lifetimes goal to be reached. Michelle seemed hesitant for a moment.
"Are you sure the ceremony won't hurt any of them?" Michelle asked again looking into the eyes of her great grandmother.
"Oh my sweet girl. If we do this well tonight. Two sets of lives will be set right. Now go. I'll be along in a moment." Michelle nodded as she left the mausoleum. Jamie watched as she left. She then went over to a spot on the floor, sat lotus form and closed her eyes while resting her hands on her knees. She could feel the young reporter fighting to escape. She was strong. With time and her friends Jamie thought she might be able to do it.
"Kara, stop resisting me. Just listen." Jamie demanded as suddenly the two were face to face in the ether between. Kara stood opposite Jamie anger flushed her entire body.
"What have you done? You have no right! You had your chance at life Jamie! It's my time, not yours." Kara yelled at the ghostly entity. Jamie grabbed Kara's arms.
"Will you listen. Please. I have been separated from my love for half a century. I have roamed these grounds all this time. Never in heaven nor in hell. All I'm asking is that you let me borrow your body for the ceremony. I have to be in corporeal form for it to be effective. Please Kara! I've been betrayed once and lost everything. Please let me have this one chance." Jamie pleaded with the young Kryptonian. Kara shook Jamie loose of her arms.
"You could have asked. You have no idea of what your playing at Jamie. You may win here and be reunited to your love. What about me? You could make things ten times worse. I saw who your betrayer looked like in this time. I felt your anger toward my friend, Sam. Can you honestly tell me you won't try to take revenge against my friend?" Kara growled back to the ghostly entity. "On top of this I am not human. You could kill her with what your planning. Oh yes, I can see your thoughts clearly. I would guess it's part of sharing the same body. Part of the joining. You and I both know this is risky and dangerous." Jamie came forward grabbing Kara's hand.
"Then help me. Help me control your body. Please Kara. I do not want to face life for all of eternity stuck here in time and space. I've been here too long alone. Would you not take the risk if it would reunite you with your family." Kara looked off to the side shaking her head. "Help me reunite with my love." Kara looked up into the grey ether that surrounded them. What choice did she really have?
"Alright. I agree. God, I hope this works." Kara said as she saw the gleam of hope ignite in Jamie's eyes.
"Thank you Kara Zor-el. I will never be able to thank you enough." Jamie hugged the woman who looked like her.
"Yeah, well, just make sure you get it right." Kara said as the ether faded away finding Jamie back in the crypt sitting on the floor. She checked the octagonal window to make sure of the time.
"I will Kara." Jamie got up closing and locking the door. She headed down the path and into the West Wing. She moved down the hallway into the dining area to find Kara's friends all sitting readying to have dinner. "Here we go Kara. Please help me." Jamie said under her breath as she approached the group.
"Hey, where have you been? We were looking for you." Alex inquired worriedly as she rose to hug her sister. Her sister tensed a little as Alex hugged her, but relaxed after a moment. Alex pulled back looking over her sister. Something wasn't right. She could tell. She just couldn't put a finger on it.
"I'm fine Alex. Relax. We will talk tomorrow." Kara promised. Alex took a last look and nodded. "So what's for dinner? I feel like I haven't eaten in ages." Everyone laughed at the table. Soon Dinner was being served. The group talked, laughed, and reminisced about their earlier years. Dinner gave way to drinks by a fireplace and study. Susan hung close to Kara receiving increasingly more positive affection from the young reporter. Sam, Alex, and Lucy were flummoxed by Kara's behavior. Lena heard the echo of Lucy's warning in her head. It was going on close to nine when John stepped into the study area.
"We have a wagon ride for you prepared tonight. If you would get your coats, hats and gloves we have a beautiful ride under the fullmoon planned." Everyone agreed and headed upstairs to their rooms to get warmer clothing. On the way down Kara whispered into Susan's ear. Susan looked up concerned, but nodded to the young Kryptonian. Once they stepped out of the elevator Kara called to Lena.
"Lena." The young Luthor stopped as her shoulders tensed. Lena turned to look at Kara. "Could we talk instead." Kara saw the hesitation in the CEO. Lucy and Alex looked over at the Luthor even as Sam and Susan went out to get in the wagon. "Please, I think it would go a long way to making things more pleasant here at least and in the long run." Lena looked down for a moment in consideration. Finally, she nodded her agreement.
"Go on Lucy and Alex. Kara and I are going to talk." Alex and Lucy nodded heading out to the wagon. Kara and Lena watched as the wagon headed off down the road. "Alright, you wanted to talk. Let's talk." Lena urged her friend. Kara smiled softly and motioned for her to follow. They took a side path along the house toward the wood. "I thought you wanted to talk." Lena accused the reporter. Kara seemed to hesitate with her words as they moved into the wood.
"I do. I just am trying to think how to say the things I need to say without you getting mad. Also it's a beautiful night with the full moon. We may as well enjoy it even with needing to talk." Kara supplied as they moved along the path. Lena couldn't wait any longer.
"Why couldn't you trust me? Why did I have to find out the hard way with you being revealed saving me?" Lena asked as they walked along the path. Kara steadying her when she tripped.
"What can I say that you will believe? I was selfish because with you, I was just Kara Danvers. No one else. Not Kryptonian. Not a Superhero. We became friends and I didn't want to lose that. I didn't want you to see her. Supergirl. She's what I do. Not what I am. Kara Zor-el is even a figment almost. Some hybrid between Supergirl, Krypton, and Earth." Kara's words eased some of Lena's nervousness. Enough so she wasn't paying attention to where they were headed. "Kara Danvers though...she was special. She was yours and mine. Something only ours in a way." They walked for a while in silence thinking about what had been said.
"I can understand that Kara. But you asked Jimmy to go behind my back and search my vaults for kryptonite. I had already told you I didn't have anymore." Lena argued back making the reporter stumble a little.
"You are right. I was wrong to do that. I should have waited till Jonn or Alex did it without my knowledge. Then you wouldn't be mad at me. You could blame the DEO then." Kara insinuated as they arrived at the mausoleum. Lena looked up at her friend. She acknowledged that would have been what happened. Especially with the way Alex was worried about her sister during the problems with Reign. Lena nodded suddenly realizing they had come to a stop.
"Kara, where are we?" Lena asked as Kara stepped forward unlocking the door of the mausoleum. Kara turned bowing low and using her hands to indicate Lena should enter.
"My lady, I have something to show you. I did some exploring today and learned a great deal of history." Kara said straightening as Lena entered the crypt. Kara closed the door behind them. She knew Michelle would come soon to lock it so there would be no escape for the Luthor. "Did you know that Tolliver House was once owned by a Lesbian couple."
"No, I did not. Did you discover that today?" Lena inquired as she looked around the tomb curiously. Candles were lit down a hallway leading somewhere deeper within. Obviously Kara had prepared to come and talk here tonight. Kara motioned for Lena to follow. "You know Kara this is more my mother's style. Creepy buildings, darkened hallways, and mysterious places." Kara stopped in the hallway turning around into Lena's personal space.
"I would never hurt you Lena. I will always protect you. Has our trust fallen so far?" Kara's face fell in despondence. Lena reached up touching Kara's cheek. There was something there in her eyes unfamiliar and different, but it was still her Kara.
"No, I'm just confused. Hurt still from you hiding things from me. And…" Lena broke off looking away. Kara moved forward framing Lena's face with her hands. Kara's eyes bore into Lena's pulling words forth from her. "I...love...you." Lena breathed out as Kara leaned forward kissing her softly and slowly. Lena couldn't stop kissing Kara. It was like this well of emptiness was suddenly being filled with so much love flooding her with warmth. She had a hard time thinking straight as Kara carefully walked them backwards down the hallway. She never heard the gate to the crypt open. She never heard the chanting begin in the background. All she could feel was Kara's undying love and devotion. Before she knew it she and Kara were laying on a pallet slowly making love. She couldn't stop. She needed more. So much more. Her coat was gone followed quickly by her clothes. The chanting in the tomb rose louder now. She could hear whoever it was chanting in Latin. She could tell their were candles burning around them. She could hear something being thrown into the brazier nearby which caused flashes around them. She couldn't do anything but respond in passion to Kara's overtures. It was almost like someone else was controlling her.
Suddenly, she was jerked forward out of her body. Lena looked around and began to panic. There was nothing but grey clouds or smoke. Everything seemed to pass through her. She closed her eyes trying to will it away. She could see herself and Kara making love on a pallet that had been set up in the crypt. That's when she heard them both speak.
"Jamie, Oh God Jamie. Where have you been?" Her mouth spoke to Kara's image. There seemed to be a light glow enveloping their bodies.
"Oh God Lauren, I've waited for so long." Kara continued to love Lena's body even as she looked on in disbelief.
"Bizarre isn't it?" Kara Danver's voice came from behind her. Lena turned to see Kara almost as see through as a glass. "Yeah, I'm a ghost. Jamie's fault." Kara pointed at their two bodies making love on the pallet. Even as the crescendo of the chant rose in Latin.
"That's not you? You're a ghost?" Lena hollered her mind overloading with what was happening. "Kara? You're dead?" Lena whimpered in fear as Kara moved toward her. How was Kara dead? How was her body still alive? If this was Kara, then who had she been kissing? Lena began to feel faint when Kara grabbed hold of her.
"Hey, hey. Stay with me. Only a little while longer. We will both be returned to our bodies. Just give Jamie, Lauren, and Michelle another fifteen minutes. Hang in there Lena. Hey, look at me." Kara pleaded with the youngest Luthor. Then Lena was hitting Kara, punching her while what was going on behind them was forgotten by her.
"How could you? How could you die on me and not tell me? How could you let me die? Don't you care about me? Your damn Kryptonian honor fall away?" Lena screamed in anger at Kara. Kara stepped back from Lena. "You couldn't trust me. You couldn't love me enough to warn me.
"Lena! I did not die on you. You are not dead." At least Kara hoped they weren't. "Our bodies are being borrowed by two lovers who looked like us. They want to be together again." Lena fought the hold Kara had on her. "Lena! I love you! Stop please." Lena finally stopped falling against Kara as she wept openly and harshly. "God Lena, I love you. I told you I would always protect you. Always. You'll be back in your body in a minute…" Kara felt the tug on her soul as Michelle came to a certain part of the incantation. Kara looked up as she watched Michelle cut Lauren and then Jamie's hands. The two lovers grasped each others hand together as the moon fell through the octagonal window in the front of the crypt wall. The moonlight magnified beaming down on the two lovers even as the both orgasmed erupting in soul haunting screams. There was a blinding light. Lena and Kara were propelled forward in a dizzying catapult as if being thrown thousands of meters to abruptly stop. All became silent as the moon moved out of phase with the window. Kara's head felt like it was exploding, her body so cold she could barely move. Everything felt wrong. She felt heavy, weighed down again. She heard Lena groan next to her, but could not move to save her.
"Kara? Kara!" Somewhere in the background she could hear Alex and Lucy yelling. "Lena! Lena are you in there?" Kara felt Lena's hand in hers and heard her call out to their friends. Kara was having trouble breathing...living again. She heard Michelle's voice nearby yelling for them to give the couple a minute.
"I promise you. I promise you. Kara agreed to help. She will be alright." Michelle kept protesting even as Susan demanded answers. She heard Lucy near.
"Lena, are you okay?" Lucy demanded as Alex checked Kara. Her sister was terrifyingly cold. Almost as cold as a cadaver. Her breathing was ragged like she had forgotten how to breath.
"Yeah, I'm okay. Please check Kara. She's been dead longer." Lena's voice trembled as Lucy covered her body and helped her up. Alex was desperately trying to get a response from Kara. Her sister was catatonic, eyes open, but staring into nothing.
"Susan, I need your help." Sam took her place holding Michelle. Susan rushed over noticing for the first time the state Lena and Kara were in now. Alex had torn part of her sisters shirt that laid off to the side. She wrapped her sisters hand to keep it from bleeding. "Kara, I need you to talk to me. Come on. Kara." Alex implored desperately trying to get any response from her sister.
"Kara." Susan called placing a hand on the young reporters face. "Kara, I need you to come back to us. Come on sweety. You're scaring Lena and Alex. Come on." Kara tried to speak. Her mind finally catching with her body and soul. She shivered, desperately cold from the length of time out of her body. "Susan? Susan is Lena?" Suddenly, Lena was wrapped around her side.
"I'm here Kara. I'm here. We're safe. Come on back to us." Lena's voice implored to the Kryptonian. Lena moved off to the side as Alex took her place. They needed to move both women into a warmer place.
"Kara, are you back enough. Can we get you to the house?" Alex asked even as Susan held on to arm. Anchoring her to the present. Kara nodded as Susan and Alex helped Kara up. Lucy helped Lena. Sam had grabbed Michelle leading her back to the house. They entered the West wing through the side door. Michelle took them to the library that had belonged Lauren and Jamie. Kara was settled in a chair by the fire as Lena was settled in the other chair. Sam ran off to get clothes for both women. Hot tea and soup was brought into the room. Once both women were dressed and their hands taken care of Alex took over the interrogation. "Someone explain to me what is going on?" Michelle explained everything that had happened since they had checked into the hotel. Lena added her information. Alex knelt in front of Kara then. Her sister looked utterly destroyed. In her mind she had taken advantage of Lena. Led her into a dangerous situation without consent. She was pretty sure she had destroyed everything now.
"Kara, can you tell me what happened." The young Kryptonian slowly pulled her mind back into the room. While staring into the fire allowed her to exist, it worried Alex deeply. In slow halting words Kara told Alex and the others she had agreed to help. How she and Jamie had worked as one to not draw attention to the change. When she was finished she stared back into the fire. "Kara are you sure you're fine." Kara nodded even as Michelle came over.
"Please I think I can help. I know you don't trust me. But please." Michelle begged the older Danvers. Alex hesitated for a moment and then nodded. Michelle took Alex's place in front of Kara. "Kara Danvers, please look at me." Kara's face turned toward Michelle. Michelle placed her left hand on Kara's forehead and her right on her heart. "Quod agens non corrigatur. Quod perierat et inventus est. Et unum. et restaurata" Kara closed her eyes. She felt those little pieces of her that were out of order begin to fit together again like pieces of a puzzle.
"I think Jamie should have told me the longer in the ether, the harder to return. There's something about just existing that is seductive." Kara observed as she opened her eyes. Susan handed her some soup. Kara thanked her with a nod. Kara sipped quietly on the soup allowing its warmth to disperse the cold within.
"Are you okay?" Lena asked as she reached a hand to take Kara's free one. Kara nodded though Lena could tell there was a lot going on in the young reporters mind. "How much was you and how much was Jamie?" Lean asked needing to know it had been Kara. Not this other woman who had been with her.
"Jamie may have given me the courage, but it was all me Lena. What I said on the trail was me. The minute we entered the crypt it was fully me. You have nothing to fear. Every word was true." Kara held Lena's eyes allowing her to see everything. Lena nodded finally looking down as Kara drank her soup. "I need to think Kara. We have a week here yet. If your up for staying here still. Let me have the week to think." Kara nodded her ascent. Lena looked at the others for their agreement. They all nodded. "Okay, I'm going up to my room. I will see you all in the morning. Lucy, will you come with me?" The youngest Lane nodded her head. "Michelle, you have a great deal to make up for after this. I don't know if I can forgive what you have done to me or to Kara." Michelle nodded her understanding. Lena and Lucy left the room. Alex looked like she was ready to argue when Kara intervened.
"Alex, can you leave it till morning. I will write out everything for you tomorrow. Just not tonight." Alex definitely looked like she was fighting with herself. Finally she relented though.
"Alright, but no more Kara. If something happens or changes I'm the first to know. Understand?" Kara nodded as Alex hugged her tightly.
"I need some time alone Alex. I know you want to stay. I just need some time." Alex was not happy about this. She wanted to protect Kara. She wanted to keep track of her. She could understand though the need to try and get yourself back together.
"I will be getting a key to your me to appear next to your bed multiple times tonight." Alex argued terrified that Kara would disappear. Sam came up and hugged Kara.
"I'll take care of her. Let Susan take care of you. We're here for you." Kara nodded again very much overwhelmed by now with all that happened. The two women left the room. Though Alex did pause at the door to look back at her sister. Only Susan, Kara, and Michelle were left. Michelle came to stand before Kara.
"I know nothing can make up for what Jamie asked of you. What I asked of you. I can't even begin to know what you experienced while in the ether. I can tell you they are together. I can tell you we are all very grateful including John who is Gabrielle's great, grandson. His mother wanted to make this right. She never could find a way. John and I spent the better part of our lives here trying to figure it out. You see because of the curse on Jamie and Lauren I could never leave here. John fell under the curse as soon as he arrived though we were never sure how. Jamie knew she wouldn't be able to talk with you if this succeeded so she left this letter for you. I'm sorry Kara for any pain this has caused you." Michelle apologized waiting for the Kryptonian to acknowledge her words. Kara nodded again taking the envelope. "These rooms are open to you and your friends. I will leave you now. Again, thank you Kara. Thank you so much." Michelle hugged the young woman and then left. The door clicked shut as Susan came to kneel before Kara. She had watched as the young woman had become more and more tense with each person that spoke with her. Kara opened the letter.
Kara,
If you're reading this then the ceremony worked. I am with Lauren again and for all time. Thank you so much for trusting me. There are no words to describe my joy. Thank you again.
Lena loves you Kara. She loves you deeply and completely. Whether she will allow herself to acknowledge that love is another question I cannot answer. Do not fret. Have faith for you have more than one that loves you. Susan's heart is committed also. You are a lucky woman to have so many who cherish you. To be free to love openly.
Lauren and I will meet you one day on the other side. Be good to yourself. Astra told me to tell you not to rush it Kara Zor-el. Your time will come. When it does do not be afraid.
With all our love,
Jamie and Lauren
"I'm thinking that things are now worse than before. Not to mention my grasp on reality is a little fragile right now." Kara reflected quietly as the fire popped and crackled. Susan reached up and took the cup with soup out of the girl of steel's hands. She set it off to the side. Once she was done she turned back to Kara. The agent opened her arms. Kara never hesitated. She dove for the arms letting go a sob as she wept for what she had gained and lost. Some time later both women ended up in front of the fireplace cuddled together. Susan gave as much comfort to Kara as she could. "Sorry, you must think I'm the worst kind of bitch. Just a few hours ago I was flirting and talking with you about a relationship. Then you come into the crypt to find Lena and I shagging." Kara assessed as she looked at Susan. Susan smiled at the young Kryptonian.
"How are you? Truly, how are you?" Susan questioned the reporter. Kara sighed cuddling in tighter to Susan. Susan reached behind her to the blanket falling off the couch. She threw it over Supergirl and her. "This couldn't have been easy. This is not your run of the mill alien encounter."
"Confused, cold inside, hurt…" Kara stuttered out slowly letting the warmth sink into her body and soul. "There are parts of me still there in the ether. I'm not sure all of me is back." Susan nodded making sure the youngest Danvers was warm.
"Let's take it one day at a time then. Don't worry about us. I'm your friend. Don't worry about Lena. It will work out. Tonight just rest. I'm here. No matter what you need. Just ask. I'll protect you." Kara nodded as she fell asleep to the crackling of the fire. Susan sighed softly once Kara was asleep knowing she was probably going to lose Kara to Lena. She smiled as she kissed Kara's head. One way or another it would be okay. She just had to be patient and wait. They all needed to be patient and wait.
Notes:
1st Latin statement: And the two be joined as one.
2nd Latin statement: That which was broke, shall be mended. That which was lost shall be found. Be one. Be restored