Kryptonian Nights
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.
Kara stepped through the door to her apartment. She was tired after a long day at CATCO, arguing with James and Lena about the direction of a story she was working on, and multiple saves. She needed sleep tonight. She would later put it down to being tired not hearing the two men who grabbed her and injected her with Kryptonite. She collapsed immediately to the floor. She could feel herself being picked up and thrown over someone's shoulder. Things faded in and out before she figured out she was on the roof and darkness invaded her senses in totality.
"Hey Lena, ready for game night?" Alex asked as she entered the Penthouse that the youngest Luthor owned. Sam was due within the hour.
"Yes, I have everything ready I think. You might want to check to see if I have enough to feed Kara." Lena responded. The young Luthor knew Kara was Supergirl. She was still mildly angry about it, but was on the way to forgiving the young Kryptonian.
"Hey, Alex." James came out of the bedroom area where he had changed after work. After he and Lena had started to date Alex had spent several nights consoling Kara. Her sister had wanted to ask Lena out on a date, but her timing wasn't right. She had missed her chance. Kara's heart still gave Lena everything, even if she wasn't entitled to the young Luthor's heart.
"Hey, James. How was the day?" Alex asked as James kissed Lena on her cheek. Alex poured herself a glass of wine shaking her head. It was going to be a hard night for her sister.
"So-So. Just to warn you Alex, Kara and I got into it on a story she is working on." James responded grabbing a beer. Alex sighed. She knew Kara was making plans right now to leave CATCO. Alex had been sworn to secrecy. Not even Cat Grant knew what Kara was up too. She looked over at Lena and James shaking her was no good to it. A knock at the door signalled Brainiac and Vasquez arrival. Few minutes later Sam came through the door. Thirty minutes passed with no Kara.
"Where's Kara? I thought she'd be here by now." Brainiac asked looking over at Alex. The others were drinking and chatting.
"Let me check Brainy." Alex said as she stepped out on Lena's balcony. She pulled out her phone and called her sister. The phone went to voicemail. Alex texted her, but after several minutes she had heard nothing. Alex then called the DEO. "Lopez, can you check Supergirls location?"
"Yes mam. One second." Vasquez stepped out onto the balcony. She walked over to Alex.
"Trouble Director." Vasquez asked as Alex waited for Lopez's response. Alex shook her head.
"Not sure. Supergirls not answering my calls or texts." Alex responded as Lopez came back on the line.
"Director, we cannot locate Supergirl. Her tracker is not responding." Lopez stated as a warning light flashed on Lopez's panel. "Director, you better turn on the local news station. I think that Supergirl has been found." Alex ran inside startling the others as Vasquez followed.
"Lena where's your television. I need to see the local news station." Alex asked as Lena quickly flipped two switches to reveal a large screen television. The local news channel came on to reveal a sight that caused the blood to drain from Alex's face.
"Oh my…" Lena exclaimed looking at a beaten, haggard Supergirl. James immediately went to the bedroom to don his Guardian costume. Vasquez was already speaking with someone on her comms. Brainiac hooked up alerting NCPD to clear the park.
"If you are just joining us you can see a man calling himself the Executioner has Supergirl at his mercy." The reporter stated as Alex watched. The Executioner stood 12 feet in height. He was muscled and scarred as if he had fought in an arena as a gladiator. His skin was tinged a deep red. One eye was yellow and the other black. He moved like a trained fighter. From the looks of Kara she had been tortured before being brought to the park. Blood dripped from two different spots on her head. Alex could tell from the angle of the camera her eyes were glazed over signalling a concussion. She could see she held herself like she had been beaten repeatedly. Supergirl wasn't doing good. On top of it Kara was wrapped in Kryptonite. "This is live from National City Park where Supergirl is being restrained in a green glowing chain which is around her neck, wrists, and ankles."
"Lopez, ready and deploy Alpha, Beta, and Gamma teams. Tell them they have ten minutes. I will meet the teams there. Have Epsilon and Theta teams in reserve." Alex ordered hearing the confirmation from Lopez. Alex hung up just as the Executioner began speaking.
"Supergirl, Last of the Kryptonians. You have been judged guilty by the council of Daxam for crimes against the people of Daxam, for the death of their leader, Rhea, and for the death of Daxam their planet. They have sentenced you to eternal repeated death. I have been sent to carry out the sentence. As your judge, jury, and executioner do you have any words in your defense." The Executioner pulled out a large blade with a vibrating laser edge. Kara knew exactly what that meant. She was not so far in time away from Krypton that she had not seen one of these sentences carried out. She would be executed over and over again by being set in a time loop. Every moment would be repeatedly felt with all the emotion of the first time and the physical pain too. The worse part would be the world around her would go on after not realizing what had happened.
"I invoke ARJU!" The Executioner brought his blade to resting position. He ran his fingers across his chin repeatedly. No one had ever asked for ARJU before. It would mean a slow torturous reliving of the moments of each of the charges. If she survived she would never be the same again. Suddenly, the Executioner was surrounded by humans in battle gear. The Executioner and his men began to respond only to stop in shock. "STOOOOOPPPPP!" Kara Zor-El yelled stopping the motion of everyone. She labored against the Kryptonite. It wore on her, spent her strength, but it would not kill her before she tried to make it through this. She had to protect those present. More was going on here than her life. All present looked toward Supergirl. "Do not harm them. They will stay back and wait. I have invoked ARJU! You must comply." Kara yelled as she stumbled forward falling to her knees. Alex moved catching her hoping that the Executioner didn't kill her for it. Kara leaned her head against Alex's shoulder. She whispered softly to her sister.
"You must allow this to happen. You must notify Superman and Batman. They will gather enough hero's to save us all. You must move quickly Alex. Time is of the essence. If I should fall the Daxamites will come to reclaim the planet. If the lead levels are still to high they will destroy it. You must move quickly. They are most likely in the dark of the moon waiting." Kara was suddenly wrenched away from her sister. She was suspended by an unseen force in front of everyone seven feet off the ground.
"ARJU is granted. Who is your second? Your Do'mine?" The Executioner asked loudly. He watched as the humans who were watching now tried to hide their faces and blend in with the darkness as not to be called forward. "Who will stand by your side Supergirl? Who will help you fight the pain?" Kara saw Alex begin to speak. She made sure her sister could not.
"None. I stand alone. I bear the weight alone." Kara stated looking the Executioner directly in the eyes. He looked for a long time at her. These were not normal circumstances. There was always a second. Always. Why would the Kryptonian do this alone? Was she really that strong? Again he stared at her long and hard. Just as he began to agree a voice called out in the crowd.
"I will be Supergirls Second. I will be her Do'mine!" The voice called as the crowd parted and Lena Luthor stepped forward. "I will stand by her side and fight the pain with her." The Executioner looked at the young brunette. As humans went she did not look like much to him. She had courage and something more. She was definitely not to be underestimated.
"Permission to speak with the human." Kara called out as the Executioner considered all that was happening. He nodded lowering Supergirl to the ground. The Executioner stepped back allowing Alex and Lena to step forward. He kept careful eye on those around them. Kara took a slow, raspy breath. "Lena, you will not serve as my second nor will you Alex. It is too dangerous. Alex will be needed to form up defenses. You cannot do this Alex. I love you." Kara whispered to her sister kissing her forehead. "Lena, you have James. You do not understand what this will be like. What little we are together will be totally destroyed if you do this. I can't risk that. I can't risk your death. This could kill us both. I will do this on my own."
"Kara, for once just shut up. You always think you know best. Well not this time. I am doing this whether you like it or not. Alex do what you need to do. I will take care of Kara." Lena stated stepping forward and linking her hand with Supergirls. Kara went to argue when the Executioner had had enough.
"Supergirl sentence will now be carried out. Do'mine place your hands in Supergirls hands." Alex stepped away as Lena took her place in front of Kara. "Place your brows against one another." Suddenly, both women were levitated off the ground into the air seven feet.
"Forgive me Lena. Forgive me." Kara begged as Lena looked at her not understanding what was about to happen. Suddenly, they were both jerked out of time. Lena watched as Kara waited in shadow watching the council of Krypton argue over the continued drilling on the planet core. Lena felt the young girl ache with understanding of what was happening to her planet. Knowledge she could never have believed flashed through her mind as she saw moment after moment of family and friends teaching all that had been lost as Krypton died. Then suddenly in the dark of night Kara's mother and father rush into her bedroom grabbing her. Her father lifts her up apologizing and running down a narrow hallway with Kara. They come to the launch bay and a waiting pod. She watched those last moments as Kara's mother gave her, her necklace and sent her daughter away. Even more though she felt the rending of Kara's soul. She felt how she tried to be brave, but the immense pain only grew. She watched through Kara's eyes as her planet exploded. The wail that echoed across the park from Lena Luthor's lips shook those standing around. Kara's scream cut them deeper. The Executioner though shook his head. He watched along with the two in the shared dreamscape as the young Kryptonian fell into the Phantom Zone spending time awake, asleep, and half awake always in agony and alone. Alone and cold inside. The Executioner shook his head not understanding. The Kryptonian was not to blame for the death of Daxam. She was innocent.
"For the crime of the death of the planet Daxam, Supergirl is declared innocent. The charge is dropped!" The Executioner's voice echoed over the park. The chain of Kryptonite around Kara's feet were loosed and fell away. The group that had gathered shouted with joy! However, for the two women suspended over the park nothing but aching loneliness and pain enveloped them. They heard nothing but what was going on the dreamscape. Already having lived through the event. Heart and souls torn and bleeding inside.
"I crossed an ocean of stars looking for my son. I'm not going to let you get in my way now." Rhea said to Kara. Kara screamed out in pain every time she was injured. Supergirls frustration rose as she attempted to change time and events. Each attack on Supergirl by Rhea on the ship, in the fortress, at the DEO with words, emotion, and physical cuts pushing Kara to her wits end. Lena watched as Kara labored to find a solution. Her heart filled with love for Mon-El, but also torn. Torn with love for...Lena looked shocked through Kara's eyes realizing the Kryptonian loved her. Kara hadn't just come for Mon-El. She had truly come for Lena. Kara's pain on her behalf when betrayed by Rhea shocked and heartened Lena. She watched as Rhea betrayed Kara at every turn. Kara taking responsibility for everything when none of it was really her fault. She watched as once more the Kryptonians home was threatened. Kara saving Cat Grant when she could have saved the President. She chose the older Grant because she saw her as family. Kara had gone willingly so she would not lose another home. She felt every strike deeply from Superman and Supergirls fight. She felt the weakness and pain from her fight with Rhea. She felt overbearing weight and guilt from using the weapon to make the Daxamites leave the planet. Supergirl felt she had ultimately failed. The Executioner watched again as the Kryptonian shouldered the blame, hurt, and guilt for all that had happened when it was not her fault. The Daxamites had been the aggressors led down the wrong path by their Queen. Again the Daxamites had made the errors. Rhea had led them wrong. The Kryptonian was not guilty.
"For the crime against the people of Daxam and for the death of their leader, Rhea, Supergirl is declared innocent. You are released from your sentence. You have done no wrong." The last of the Kryptonite shackles fell away and disappeared. "You are released into the hands of your Do'Mine for care. I apologized Supergirl. You have committed no crime." Shouts of joy echoed around the park as Lena and Kara were lowered to the ground. Lena held tightly to Kara as Superman and Batman landed nearby where Alex and the DEO waited. Kara shook only wanting to retreat away from the park and all the attention placed upon her. The Executioner bent down on one knee before Kara Zor-El. "You have been done wrong repeatedly Supergirl. Your planet, this planets humans, the aliens here have all betrayed you...yet you cling to them. Why?"
"I cannot tell you what I see or feel." Kara said already beginning to withdraw from everything even as Lena held her tighter attempting to reassure her. Kara knew that unconsciousness from the Kryptonite and all she had been through was coming fast. "I just know they are worthy. She is worthy." The Executioner watched her for a moment considering what she had said.
"I will think on this Zor-El. You and your planet should not worry. The Daxamites have set their judgement. They will not attack your planet. I give my protection to Earth and her protector, Supergirl. I leave you in peace." The Executioner said as he and his men disappeared. Over head a ships engines could be heard leaving orbit. Kara looked into the night and then into Lena's eyes before the blessed darkness swallowed her whole.
One week later…
"She is still having trouble with chills. We think it's from the Kryptonite. She won't be back to work for another week Lena and James. More than anything she won't talk to anyone. I really wish you would try again Lena." Alex asked as both stood in the DEO's main room as Brainy spoke softly to Kara.
"I think Lena has done enough Alex. Kara endangered her life. Lena owes her nothing." James argued back angrily. He had been like this since that night as Lena had clung to Kara for several days after. Ignoring James and those around them. Lena speaking softly in Kryptonese which she hadn't known before that night. Kara had responded by wrapping herself around Lena and staying in a deep sleep. On the third day, Lena had left for home to change. Her and James had gotten into an argument when he had started trying to discuss what had happened. Since then the couple had walked on eggshells around each other.
"No, I'll help her if I can."Lena said as she went toward where Kara was leaned back in a reclining chair with solar lamps. Brainy looked up as the door opened. He smiled at the young Luthor.
"Well, I'll just go get that soup you wanted and be back in a bit." Brainy said as Lena approached where Kara reclined. Brainy stopped and hugged the young Luthor before leaving the room. The young Kryptonians eyes were closed and her body was still without powers. Lena could see the shivering of Kara's body from chills. Lena pulled up a chaiir and linked her hands with Karas.
"Zrhueiao, you should be resting." Kara spoke without opening her eyes. Lena smiled at the word for beautiful in Kryptonese. Since serving as Kara's Do'mine she could feel the young Kryptonians emotion and feelings. Kara's love continued to wrap her in warm. Comforting. Loving.
"How can I rest when you have not recovered? How can I sleep when I know you do not?" Lena whispered even as the connection they shared since that night flared to life. "Alex says you are not following directions. You need to get better zhao. You need to get well." Kara ran her hand over Lena's cheek. She could smell James all over her and it angered her. She felt so connected to Lena. Something had to give.
"Be happy Zhao! Enjoy your life." Kara whispered as a violent chill took her causing her to remove her hand and wrap the blanket around her tighter. "Be happy. James needs you. You should go."
"No!" Lena croaked out as her voice cracked. She felt Kara trying to pull away. She couldn't allow that. She needed this connection. For the first time everything felt right. Lena moved climbing into the chair as Kara made room for her without realizing it. Lena wrapped herself around Kara feeling the Kryptonian finally relax. "I am with you. Rest Kara, I am with you." James watched with Alex from outside the room.
"I'm going to loose her to Kara,aren't I?" James asked turning to look at Alex as the elder Danver's watched her sister finally sleep, finally relax. She ran her hands over her face. She knew that night that things had changed between Lena and Kara. She hadn't realized how much until she had gone to talk to Alura's AI about what a Do'mine was and what it meant. She had left in shock. Not knowing how to help Kara.
"I don't know. I do know they are connected now. God help anyone who tries to separate them." Alex said looking up at James. James turned back to the room where Kara and Lena slept. For a long time he watched as Lena laid soft kisses on the young reporters head while whispering soft words. He then took a deep breath and turned leaving the new couple. He knew Lena was Kara's now. It wasn't a bad thing. It hurt though. It would hurt for a long time. He wouldn't stand in their way though. If anything he had learned it was that both would do what was best even if it was wrong. So he would make the first step easy. He would break up with Lena so Kara could be happy. It was one thing he could do for both of them. He had a chance on working for the Associated Press as a photographer. He had been feeling kind of boxed in since taking the position offered by Cat. He could do better out there in the world. Bringing peoples problems in picture for all to see and aiding them in the shadows as Guardian.
Alex turned back to watch as Kara and Lena slept. She didn't know how this would turn out. She just knew that for good or bad, Lena and Kara were meant to be together. Kara's life depended on it now. Alex remembered the words of Alura's AI.
"Do'mine are the other half of a person's soul. If Lena stepped forward and volunteered then in some way her heart and soul knew she must. If Lena should reject Kara now she will fade into half of what she one was. In essence, she will die inside. You know what that means Alex.
However, if Lena accepts and embraces the full of Do'mine she will experience untold love and pleasure. A world once seen only in fog and haze will open up to her. LCorp and Supergirl as we know it will change the world in amazing ways.
Have faith young Alex! Kara will make it through this in one way or another. But no matter what way. She will need you. Even with her Do'mine the act of ARJU has long lasting consequences. Some of them quite terrible. You will need to be prepared for more sensory issues and attacks. The Kryptonite also has entered her blood stream once again. Continued exposure will only make the effects worse each time.
Alex watched now as Kara's body had slumped into a restful sleep as Lena curled around her like a cocoon wrapping her body and love around the Kryptonian. Vasquez came to stand next to her as did Cat Grant.
"Will she recover?" Cat asked as Vasquez handed Alex a clipboard with the latest medical readings on Supergirl. Alex studied the data shaking her head in worry.
"With time and rest. It was close this time though. She almost sacrificed her life again for us." Alex signed something at the bottom and made a note. "Vasquez, take this to Dr. Hamilton. She will add this to the IV when Kara wakes." Vasquez nodded moving off toward the doctor's office area. Cat moved next to Alex.
"Why are you worried? She won. She survived. Isn't that enough?" Cat asked watching the two soon to be lovers sleep.
"I told you what Kara said that night when she wouldn't let me be here Do'mine." Alex stated as she watched her sister and Lena. Cat nodded turning to Alex.
"She was right. The entire Daxamite fleet was in hiding behind the in it's dark shadow. Batman confirmed it when he landed. If it hadn't been for The Executioner's grace toward Kara that entire fleet would have attempted to destroy Earth." Cat let out a slow, trembling breath. Alex nodded to Cat. "Kara saved our planet again by going through ARJU. She didn't have too. She could have allowed the sentence to be carried out. She might have too. She's been tired lately. She's felt guilty about a great deal. However, she couldn't see the rest of the planet enslaved and destroyed. She sees it as her home now. She will fight to the death to protect it. It's time she had help Cat. One person, even with Kara's powers, cannot hold off an entire space fleet." Alex stated firmly as Cat nodded in understanding. "We need to form a protective defense against alien invasion. We need a league of Superheroes to back them up. We need a interplanetary diplomatic corp to represent Earth to the other planets we are now dealing with at this time." Alex reached in her pocket and handed it to Cat. "All these are Kara's ideas. She fleshed all of it out for the President and Congress on this jump drive. She also has some very powerful information to help the process said you could make this happen. Should she fall she said you need to form a trustworthy group of humans and aliens who will work to protect the planet." Cat took the jumpdrive staring at it in contemplation.
"She didn't expect to survive?" Cat stared at Alex with a puzzled look. Alex shook her head in confirmation.
"She's still not sure she will fully recover. She is taking steps to make sure Earth is safe should she fall." Alex said looking back toward where her sister lay deep in sleep. Cat turned watching as the hand of Lena Luthor ran over Kara's heart softly as if to soothe a deep pain.
"Take care of them. Do what you must to make sure they survive! I will not have the savior of this world thrice over die on my watch if I can help it. I will not have my friend...my family die from this Alex." Cat Grant says as she reaches over and pulls the older Danvers into a tight hug. "Don't let her give up. Don't you give up. We will make her live. We will find a way. Do you understand?" Alex took a trembling breath and nodded into Cat's shoulder. "We are her family. We will be there to support them both." Alex nodded finally taking in a deep breath and stepping back. Vasquez waited at the end of the corridor making sure the two woman had her privacy. Cat took one more look and then began to walk away. "Take care of our girls Director Danvers." Alex smiled and looked back toward Lena and Kara. Her sister's eyes were wide open looking at her.
"All will be fine." Kara mouthed silently to Alex. Alex smiled brighter as Kara pulled Lena tightly to her. All would be fine. Kara Zor-el would make sure.