Eleven months later.
It's a beautiful, warm, sunny, and breezy morning in National City.
People are starting to stir from their homes to begin their days. Parents and children make their way to work and school, buses zoom through the city streets taking passengers to their desired destinations, foot traffic scurries across streets and up-and-down sidewalks going about the business of trying to live productive, happy lives.
Up among a thin layer of clouds, soaring in the sun and breeze, Kara is engaged in her absolute favorite morning activity... flying.
The quiet serenity of soaring through the lower atmosphere with just the sound of the air flowing past her ears. Peace in the stillness of the horizon, unfettered by the hustle and bustle of the world below as she soaks in the rays of the nurturing yellow sun energizing every fiber of her being from the tips of her toes to the follicles of her golden blonde hair. For the Girl of Steel there is no more refreshing or exhilarating way to clear the mind and focus on the important tasks of the day that lay before her.
Nearly a year since taking on the challenging and rewarding adventure of becoming CatCo's new Editor-In-Chief, Kara is finally starting to feel settled in, not only in her dream job, but her dream life.
Circulation of CatCo magazine has increased 65% since she took the reigns, a testament to lessons learned from her years in the trenches as well as the guidance and mentoring of Cat Grant, Lois Lane, Iris West-Allen, and James Olson. Her personal super hero team of journalistic excellence has been ever present in times of need as she's learned to lead CatCo with the same enthusiasm, compassion, objectivity, and infectious optimism that she employs when battling the forces of evil and darkness with her Super Friends.
From a personal standpoint, though mostly enthusiastic, the initial public reaction to the reveal of her secret identity did result in some anticipated, but tense backlash that required tact and diplomacy not only on Kara's part, but by those closet to her and some select members of local, state, and federal government agencies... including the President.
As the shock has worn off Kara has begun to find a sense of balance in her new life that was never possible before. Gone are the glasses and, more often than not now, the hair is worn completely down, even without the cap. No more awkward excuses to disappear at a moments notice from social functions, meetings, dates (not that those are abundant), etc. The everyday stress of trying to live fulfilling, but separate lives for Kara Danvers and Supergirl has given way to focusing on living the most rewarding and fulfilling life for Kara Danvers Zor-El.
The joy of transparently sharing each day of her life with the world, her friends, and especially her family has been the truest reward of all. Watching her beautiful niece, Esme, grow and thrive under the loving and caring watchful eyes of Alex and Kelly blesses her world with wonder and amazement. The intense pride and deep satisfaction she feels each day as she, Alex, J'onn, and Brainy navigate the rewarding challenges of fostering the public's trust while rebuilding and rebranding the DEO helps to temper, somewhat, the pain of past losses from the struggles they've shared. And the awe and wonder of witnessing the amazing trio of Nia Nal, Andrea Rojas, and Lena Luthor continue to thrive and blossom with each passing day as their respective new enterprises grow and prosper is a constant source of inspiration and motivation.
As Kara begins to descend below the clouds towards the cityscape below she weaves between the buildings and skyscrapers scanning the city streets below for signs of any situations that could require her intervention. As she streaks by the newly rebuilt Ormfell, waving at her friend Orlando who's tending to a garden on the building's roof, her thoughts begin to shift to the special, yet somber event that will be taking place at Andrea's Escuela De Periodismo William Dey (The William Dey School of Journalism) later this morning.
Today is the one year anniversary of the death of Kara's dear friend and former colleague, William Dey. She will gather with her family at Andrea's school later in the morning to participate in a ceremony celebrating Williams's life and bringing to fruition a promise that Andrea made to herself and the team the day of Williams's funeral... the award of the first annual William Dey Scholarship for Journalistic Excellence.
In Kara's mind, Williams's death was the most devastating loss suffered not only in the team's battle with Lex and Nyxly, but in all the years since Kara first assumed the mantel of Supergirl. More painful than sending Mon-El away, more somber than the deaths of Astra, M'yrnn, and Lillian, and a greater source of sorrow and regret for her family than any other single consequence of their collective actions over the last several years, William's passing looms large in all their lives.
As Kara's mind plays through all the amazing memories of her time with William her body instinctively steers itself towards the Tower. As she lands and enters the control center, the memories of that terrible night begin to flood back into her mind.
Finding William lying on the floor in the corner of the room already gone, his phone laying next to his body having sent the video of the horrific events to Andrea. Even though Kara had experienced death before nothing could have prepared her for the flood of sorrow and anger she would feel in that moment. William had made the ultimate sacrifice to try and protect Esme, but not only did Lex and Nyxly kidnap her terrified niece, Lex murdered William in cold blood to sooth this wounded pride, feed his bruised ego, and, worst of all, just because he could.
As tears begin to roll down her cheeks Kara hears the motor of the elevator activate. She turns around just as Lena steps out of the lift. Lena, seeing her best friend standing there with tears filling her eyes, immediately makes her way to Kara and wraps her arms tightly around her grieving friend.
"When you weren't at your loft I guessed you might have ended up here," Lena whispers in Kara's ear as she continues holding her.
"Honestly I hadn't planned it," Kara responds. "I decided to go flying this morning to clear my head. After I flew past the Ormfell I planned to head back home, but my thoughts drifted to William and my body just flew itself here."
Kara squeezes Lena tightly just before the two step back from one another. As she heads over to the control center table to sit down, Kara wipes away the tears from her face. Lena walks past Kara placing a hand on her shoulder as she passes by and then takes a seat across from her on the other side of the table.
"I know how you feel, Kara," Lena starts. "The memories of that night still haunt me, too. William was an amazing, gifted, and talented man. He could write, he could bake, and he had an innate ability to make you feel comfortable from the first moment he engaged with you."
Kara nods in agreement.
Lena continues, "I barely knew him the first time he offered advice during a difficult moment with one of my spells and helped me see I was being too clinical in my approach to magic. When we first agreed to allow him to embed with us here I was very cynical about having any reporters other than you and Nia knowing my secret, but William proved almost immediately to be not only trustworthy, ethical, and fair, but over time proved to be just as critical a member of this team as any of us. He truly helped the people of National City get an honest glimpse into our struggles balancing what was right versus what was easy and that, as much as anything else, helped bring us all together when the time came to stop my brother and Nyxly for good."
Kara looks at her approvingly. "I know, you are so right. I just wish he hadn't been left alone that night to protect Esme when Lex and Nyxly came for her. I can't shake this sense of guilt whenever I think about how we could have saved him if we had been here."
Lena looks sympathetically at her grieving friend. "Believe me, I understand how you feel. I struggle everyday dealing with the guilt I carry because of all the harm my family has caused. Lex killed William and sometimes I have to remind myself it's not my fault simply because my last name is Luthor. Your capacity for love and compassion has a tendency to make you assume a heightened sense of responsibility even in situations you could not control and that often drives you to be too hard on yourself. Might the outcome of the night have been different had we not gone out to celebrate Alex and Kelly's wedding? Maybe, but we certainly do not know if it would have turned out better. Esme could have been someplace else being watched by someone else and that poor soul could have ended up facing my brother's wrath. Not only that, but that poor stranger probably would not have appreciated the gravity of the situation and recorded the entire thing. That recording unmasked my brother's true nature to the world and helped us figure out what had happened to Esme. Unfortunately I think tragedy was inevitable on that evening and fate has burdened us to live with the guilt of what might have been."
Kara, beginning to feel the weight of guilt lift from her chest, sighs, wipes her eyes, smiles, reaches across the table, places her hand on top of Lena's, and squeezes.
"You sound more and more like me everyday," Kara says slyly.
"I like to think I strike a measured balance between your exuberant optimism and my natural pragmatism," Lena retorts. "I think I've mellowed considerably the last year as I've opened my heart and mind to be more accepting of my magic. I'm embracing my softer side. Besides, if Lex were still here it would drive him insane and even now, after letting go of all the 'Luthor baggage', that still brings a smile to my face."
Kara and Lena laugh as they stand up from the table and embrace once more.
Kara steps away and head towards the balcony stairs. "I should head back to my place and change. I need to stop by CatCo to check in before I head to the school for the ceremony."
"Me, too," Lena responds. "I want to stop by the Foundation to check in with Brainy and Eve. I'll meet you at Andrea's office around 9:45?"
Kara salutes and nods. "I'll be there!" She turns and streaks out the balcony opening.
The clock on the wall of Andrea Rojas' office reads "9:40 am". Andrea is sitting at her desk deep in thought.
Staring at the portrait of William that adorns her office wall, memories of her days as CEO of Obsidian North and Editor-In-Chief of CatCo flood her mind. She thinks back to those days often and finds herself wishing she had made sounder choices, more rationale decisions, and hadn't been so hyper focused on striving for unobtainable goals.
Her overwhelming desire to prove her worth to her father, desperately seeking his approval often overrode her better judgment and, in her mind, led her down the dark path that drew Leviathan to her... ultimately leading her to publish Lex Luthor's personal journals under William's byline.
Even now, a year later, as she prepares to honor William by awarding the first of what she hopes will be many annual journalism scholarships at the school she founded in his memory, she still cannot shake the sorrow and guilt of feeling responsible for his death. As the overwhelming emotions begin to fill her there is a knock at her door that snaps her out of her melancholy, allowing her to collect herself.
"Yes?", Andrea says. "Come in."
The door opens, a young woman steps in. "Ms. Rojas, Ms. Luthor and Ms. Danvers Zor-El are here. Should I show them in?"
"Yes, Emma," Andrea responds, "please."
Emma turns and motions to the pair waiting outside the door. Kara and Lena step through the doorway. Emma closes the door behind herself as she returns to her desk.
Andrea steps out from behind her desk, approaches Lena, and hugs her. Lena notices the somewhat somber look on her oldest friend's face.
"Andrea, how are you holding up?", Lena asks.
"I'm okay," Andrea responds.
"You sure?", Lena gives her a concerned, but inquisitive stare. "I've known you for a long time and I've seen that look."
Andrea sighs mournfully. "To be honest, I know we're here to celebrate William's memory today, but it's still so hard not to linger on the pain of his loss, too."
Lena, steps back from the embrace and keeps her hands on Andrea's upper arms. "We get it. This is going to be a difficult day for all of us." Lena cracks a playful smile and continues, "If it makes you feel any better I found this one at the Tower this morning in tears."
Lena points a thumb at Kara.
Andrea steps away from Lena, moves toward Kara, and opens her arms for an embrace. "Are you okay, sweetie?"
Kara hugs Andrea. "I'm doing better. This one sat me down, reminded me that I can't stop every tragedy, and that fate often takes the choice out of our hands. Doesn't necessarily quell the sadness of the day, but it does help remind me that even with these amazing powers there are no guarantees that I can make everything better."
"Am I really starting to sound that much like you?", Lena interjects quixotically with a wry smile on her face.
Andrea's cracks the first smile she's had all morning as she turns to her friend and says, "Afraid so, honey. Might as well change your last name to Danvers."
The three of them giggle, breaking the tension of the moment.
Kara turns her head towards Lena and says, "We'd be lucky to have you."
"Damn right you would," Lena snaps back confidently. "Tried to get Alex and Kelly to adopt me at the wedding last year, but ended up a Godmother instead."
Kara glances ironically at Lena. "Well, you may not be a fairy, but you are our resident witch... so that does seem oddly appropriate."
Lena steps towards Kara and jokingly smacks her on the arm. "Very funny, Supergirl! Didn't know that stand up comedy was one of your super powers."
Kara smiles back at Lena and shrugs her shoulders incredulously.
"It's taken me a while, but I do know, that though I may have unintentionally played a role in William's death, ultimately there is no one to blame other than Lex," Andrea adds. "Guilt still creeps in sometimes, but now I just wish I had a chance to apologize to him for my deplorable behavior at CatCo and tell him how much I miss him."
"I know what you mean," Kara agrees. "I wish I could talk to him again, too, even just one more time."
Lena cautiously remarks, "I might be able to help with that."
Kara and Andrea both look at Lena and simultaneously say, "What?"
"Well," Lena begins, "there is a spell that my mother's friend, Florence, showed me that she's used to speak with Elizabeth over the years. It will allow those of us on the physical plane to communicate with the cosmic life force of a deceased loved one. There is no guarantee that the spirit will choose to communicate once the spell is cast, but I'm willing to try it."
Kara blurts out, "That would be amazing! I imagine Alex, Kelly, J'onn, Brainy, and Nia would like a chance to say a proper goodbye, too. J'onn's psychic abilities might even be able to help amplify the effectiveness of the spell."
"If you think it's really possible," Andrea utters, "I'd like to try."
Lena's looks at Kara. "Everyone should be here soon. While Andrea and I finish getting ready for the ceremony, let them know what we're planning. We'll meet at the Tower this evening around 6."
Kara enthusiastically responds, "I'm on it!"
The three ladies turn, Andrea opens the door, and they head out of her office.
Night has begun to take hold of National City. The sun has dipped back below the horizon and the starry night peppers the skyline.
At the Tower, Lena is preparing her supplies on the control room table as Kara sits quietly by her side watching her work. The familiar buzz of the elevator machinery briefly permeates the room.
As Kara and Lena look up the doors of the elevator slide open to reveal Alex, Kelly, Nia, Brainy, J'onn, and Andrea.
Lena smiles and looks back down to continue her preparations as Kara makes her way towards the elevator to greet her loved ones.
J'onn steps off the lift first, opens his arms, and Kara steps in for his embrace. "Hello, Kara."
Kara responds warmly, "Hello, J'onn."
Kara steps away from J'onn as he makes his way towards the control room table and continues to greet her family as they exit the elevator one-by-one, hugging each of them and exchanging quick pleasantries.
As the room continues to fill with people Lena looks up from her supplies and says, "I'm so glad you're all here. Alex, Kelly, where's my Goddaughter?"
"She's spending the evening with Grandma Eliza," Alex responds.
"Then she's safe and in the best hands," Lena adds with a smile. "As Kara explained earlier, given the intense emotions of the day and the lingering sense of loss we still struggle with because of William's death I suggested trying a spell that my mother's friend showed me for communicating with the cosmic life force of lost loved ones. The spell itself doesn't appear to be particularly complex, but Florence did tell me that even if the spell works spirits may choose not to communicate unless the bond is truly strong. I'm confident that William's bond to this family was strong enough, especially with Kara and Nia, to make this work."
Lena turns to J'onn. "Having said that, J'onn, if you could focus your psychic energies on your memories of William I believe that will also help us make the strongest connection possible."
"I'd be honored to assist," J'onn replies.
"Thank you," Lena responds.
Motioning to everyone she adds, "Please stand around the table, holding hands, and concentrate on your fondest memories of William."
Kara and J'onn stand to either side of Lena taking each of her hands as Brainy, Nia, Andrea, Alex, and Kelly complete the chain.
Lena begins to mutter the incantation and J'onn's eyes turn red as he focuses his psychic energies on his memories of William. After a few moments billowing white smoke begins to flow out of the small cauldron in front of Lena. As the room fills with mist a silhouette begins to take shape and a ghostly form appears before the group.
"Hello, my dear friends," William's apparition says. "How I've missed you all and so longed to be here with you again. Lena, J'onn thank you so much for helping to get me here."
Almost simultaneously, Andrea, Kara, Kelly, and Nia gasp, "William!"
Nia's grasp on Brainy's hand tightens as tears begin to well up in her eyes and she places her other hand over her mouth. Andrea's legs buckle under her as she trembles and slips down into a chair, grief overwhelming her. Alex puts her arm around her wife's shoulders, pulls her in close, and Kelly sets her head on Alex's shoulder as tears begin to stream down both their faces. Kara and Lena look at each other and lace their fingers together as Lena squeezes Kara's hand tightly. A reserved smile begins to form on J'onn's face as he places his hand on Lena's shoulder and his eyes fade back to their natural color.
"Please know," William begins, "that I've sensed your sorrow and pain for so long. I want you to know that I treasured my time here in this place with you all and regret nothing. The opportunity to witness your heart, your compassion, the fullness of your commitment to make the world a better, safer place inspired me more than I can ever convey. When you first agreed to allow me access to this sacred place it was trying for us all. We had to learn to respect one another and develop trust in the idea that we all were truly fighting for the same cause. We had our ups and downs as we learned to not only co-exist, but thrive as a cohesive team. By the time fate's turn so tragically intervened I truly felt that we had all accepted each other and trusted that we were united as a force for good."
"Oh, William," Andrea mutters in anguish through her tears, "I'm so sorry."
William's specter glides over to Andrea's chair and kneels down. "Andrea, forgiveness was never something you needed to seek from me. I know you were driven by an overwhelming desire to please a father unwilling to bestow his approval or acknowledge your successes. You were poisoned by a darkness whose hold over you you feared you'd never be able to shake. We had our differences and I questioned some of your decisions, but in the end I took great pride in the work we did together and I'm forever grateful to you for putting me on the path that led to this incredible place and these amazing people. Though my time with them may have been brief it was life affirming and transformative. Please know that you share no responsibility for what happened. I'm so proud of the changes you've made in your life in the past year and I'm so happy those positive steps have led you here, too."
Andrea looks up into William's eyes and wipes the tears from her own. "Thank you."
William straightens up and turns to look at Alex and Kelly.
"I knew from the first moment I saw Esme with the two of you that that little girl was the luckiest person in the world. You are amazing mothers raising an incredible daughter. I treasured every moment I shared with her. Tell her for me that not only does she have the best Godmother ever," William tilts his head towards Lena and continues, "but I promise that I will also keep a watchful eye on her, always."
"She loves you, William," Alex strains to say through her sorrow, "as we all do. She misses you everyday and loves making your favorite recipes."
"Sharing a kitchen with her was one of the greatest joys of my life and made my time here at the Tower that much more special," William adds with a slight bow making Alex and Kelly both smile.
"William," Nia mutters, "I should have dreamed what was going to happen. I should have..."
"Nia," William says with a compassionate smile, "my Dreamer. The cat naps at your desk, nodding off in meetings, had I only known then what I know now."
Nia giggles slightly. "I'm so sorry I didn't..."
"It's okay," William responds. "Nothing that happened that night was your fault or the fault of anyone else here. Lex was evil and deranged. In that moment he pulled the trigger because that was his nature. It wasn't an article in a magazine or the Love totem that drove him to kill. He did it because it is who he is. Dreams or no dreams, fate had it's plan, but it's okay. You are a gift to this world and I'm so proud of all that you've accomplished and all that you're still to achieve. You have an amazing future as a journalist and your community couldn't ask for a better protector and champion."
"Lex caused all of us so much pain," Brainy grimly remarks.
William's apparition nods in agreement. "Yes he did, but in the end you persevered. At times you may have bent, there may have been cracks in your armor, but this team... this family stood proud and strong. It shined its light on the world and emboldened everyone to stand up to the darkness. At every turn that Lex tried to tear you down he only succeeded in strengthening the ties that bind you. Never lose that, Brainy. Never lose her."
"There is 0% chance of that ever happening," Brainy assures William.
Williams smiles and nods as Nia rests her head on Brainy's shoulder.
William turns to face Kara, Lena, and J'onn. "J'onn Jones... The Paragon of Honor. You are the rock, the soul of this family. You have lived so long, loved so many, suffered so much pain, yet you preserve and stand strong to protect and defend these amazing people you hold so dear. I know letting me in was hard, but you kept an open mind, trusted in Kara's confidence and faith in me, and gave me an opportunity to find my place in all of this. Thank you... for loving and caring for these precious souls so deeply."
J'onn smiles and nods approvingly. "You belonged here and we are forever grateful for you having joined our family."
William nods at J'onn then fixes his ghostly gaze on Lena and Kara as Lena says, "I am so sorry for what Lex did to you."
"I know," William replies thoughtfully, "but you were never meant to bear the burden of Lex's treachery. He may share your surname, but he was never truly your family. From the moment you made your way into this world you were destined to be here, with these people, this family. Through all the trails and pain, through the heartache and uncertainty, no matter how dark the path became you always found your way back because you have a light in your soul so bright that the night never comes. It lights your way even when you feel the most lost and alone. It guided you to find your truth, embrace your gifts, wed science and magic to make the world a better place. Elizabeth and Lillian are both so proud of you. And this one here..."
William and Lena both look at Kara.
"She is your anchor," Willam continues. "Your lives, your worlds are intertwined. After all that has come before, you bring out the best in one other, inspire each other, you are the beacons that bring the other home when one of you is lost. If J'onn is the soul of this family, you two are its beating heart."
Lena and Kara, still holding hands, look devotedly at each other for a moment, tears welling in their eyes, and then back at William.
"I found my way," Lena mutters through her tears, "because in my first struggling moments attempting to use my gifts your kind words and thoughtful advice opened my eyes and gave me new perspective. I owe you so much."
"We all do," Kara adds.
"To think," William utters with a charming ghostly smile, "I went on a date with Supergirl and didn't even know it."
Kara giggles and sniffles.
William jokes, "It explains that masterful trick shot."
"Yeah, well, that was probably more Alex's mentoring than Supergirl's prowess," Kara says slyly with a another slight sniffle.
William smiles lovingly, "Kara, your friendship, your support, your advice, you made each day brighter. I think the most tragic loss I suffered at Lex's hands was the lost opportunity to see if we had a chance."
Kara looks at him affectionately and nods in agreement.
Williams continues, "This family struggled so much with the pain of fearing they would never be able to rescue you and I mourned the opportunity to see if a wonderful friend could have been something more."
"I know," Kara says.
"But I trust that this life has a plan," William says, "and that it's plan holds something special and amazing for you. You have an indomitable spirit and an unending ability to inspire hope. You make us better, all of us and I know there is someone out there meant to share in that life with you. Never surrender your hope. They are out there and you will find them."
Kara closes her eyes and looks down. "I hope..."
"You do," William interjects with a reassuring smile as he begins to vanish, "and it's that hope that shines bright and lights the way for us all."
The mist begins to fade. Sighs, tears, and sniffles fill the room.
Kara turns to Lena, tears in her eyes, and they embrace, holding each other tightly.