Supergirl: beyond crisis on earth x Chapter 11 Shelter from the Storm
Lena was sitting on her balcony looking out on National City and the rising son in the distance. Kara comes behind her girlfriend and hugs her from behind and kisses the crook of her neck " i thought Cat Grant had a nice view from her office" Lena turns around in Kara's arms " I love waking up next to you." Lena kissed Kara secretly Lena felt a little guilty because of her little secret she was carrying. Since the incident in the lab and the conversation that she and Kara had Lena has been working on a secret project that will be a great equalizer. She called it the Iron Maiden protocol and kept it off of the L Corp books so the DEO or anybody at L corp found it. Lena knew in the end if Jimmy Olsen can get out there and defend the streets of National City she could as well. Yet no one questions Jimmy being guardian except for maybe Kiara. This was to prove to everyone that she was just as capable of fighting than any of them. Still it bothered her to lie to Kara especially since it made her a hypocrite since at the beginning Lena made honest essential to their friendship let alone relationship and let Lena was the one lying. As Lena and Kara are locked in the passionate kiss they both failed to notice they were being watched till it was too late. Suddenly the glass was blown up and reign descended before them. Kara goes to protect Lena but Kara was quickly dispatched by the stronger Reign. Reign then looks towards Lena " where is the child? Where is Ruby Arias." Before Reign could get any closer Lena sprayed Reign in the face with Kryptonite gas weakening and causing her to retreat. Lena went to Kara who was still on the ground after the hit Reign had delivered. Kara was okay but now the new problem of the day is that Reign was hunting Ruby and by the looks would stop at nothing till she kills her
Elsewhere in another high end penthouse Kiara Wagner was giddy with excitement. Diana rolled her eyes full well knowing why Kiara was so happy. Kiara turned to Diana and shrugged. "Sue me. I am happy the legion is leaving they have been nothing short of bothers and the DEO won't say that because they are all buddy buddy, but lest you forget Mon El was one of the biggest opponents to me being free and coming to National City so forgive me please if i am overjoyed at the prospect of that second rate band of heroes leaving." Diana didn't think Kiara's criticisms of the legion were valid, maybe of Mon El, but she saw a lot from Imra and Brainiac and didn't think they deserved to be criticized like that. Though Diana knows a lot of the criticism comes from Kiara's evil perspective never fully considering herself a hero held the legion to her standard of evil and in her mind they could never stop her and to an extend she was maybe right. That being said, Mon El did not try in any way to be welcoming to her at the beginning and made her life that much harder at the start, and Diana knows that Kiara never forgives or forgets unlike Kara who is the opposite. Kiara had already said she would not be seeing the legion off later today choosing to spend the day with her new best friends Kate Kane and Ivy. Although tomorrow was the annual National City Adam Smith dinner and Diana was invited to go being that she had worked with many of the major businesses in National City helping them acquire priceless antiques. Kiara had already said she would be her plus one, but the stunner was that Pamela had agreed to go with Kate. It would be their first "date" in public but this was also a major test for the young couple and would go a long way proving especially for Ivy that they would be a normal couple like everyone else. However on a side note Kiara told Diana that Kate wanted to bring Ivy because it would not be fair that Kiara had an Amazon, and Kara had a multimillionaire on their respective shoulders as she went stag to one of the biggest events of the year especially for business people. Kiara and Diana went out of their bedroom to see the all too familiar sight of the redheaded couple to be at the dining room table talking and conversing. Over the past few months they have both become near and dear to both Diana and Kiara. Diana had become good friends with Ivy in the short time she had been there and likewise Kiara and Kate seem like they have been friends forever at this point it almost felt like they were family. Ivy and Kate acknowledged the arrival of the other two. Kiara noticed that Kate had that crazy idea smirk she has become accustomed to seeing on batwoman's face.. Kiara sat down " okay Kate what's on your mind?" Kate turned to the Kryptonian " why would there be anything on my mind." Kiara chuckled you really don't know how well I know you do you. You have that smirk which usually means you have a pretty out of left field idea on your mind. So before this goes on any further just spit it out." Kate for her credit was pretty shocked that Kiara had that kind of a read on her to know this " well if you must know I have been toying with an idea, but it involved the two of you." Diana then looked at the redhead "Oh does it now" Kate starts laughing nervously " So these past few weeks since we worked together it showed me something I had not seen working alone for so long, and that's that being a part of a team having those people to rely on to lean on is better than working alone. Then this got me thinking why do we have to stop partnering up why don't we create our own team the three of us we would be better prepared than team supergirl i mean lets be honest it was in no small part because of the people at this table that the world killers have not massacred hundreds if not thousands of innocent people. I know Kiara is not the biggest fan of the DEO, I know i have no loyalty to the DEO, and Diana I know you can really go either way, and its not like the league has you busy, and like me you based your antiquities business here. So tell me what is stopping us from forming the best team since the justice league." Kiara and Diana looked to Ivy who nodded that Kate was in fact serious about this. Diana was the first to give her opinion " while it is an interesting idea it comes with its draw backs first of which is the reaction of DEO all of a sudden a new team forms there could be a turf war and while you and Kiara are not big fans of the DEO i am friends with most of them albeit that Olsen and Mon El grated my nerves. Second we would need others, it can't just be us we would need to recruit." Kate looked to Diana. "I actually have an answer for that. I have been looking for potential candidates in case that would be an issue Kate laid out a group of files on the table the first of which is Leslie Willis aka Livewire, Second was Ivy to figure there, and the third was surprising Lena Luthor," Kiara and Diana looked up thinking Kate was joking to villains and CEO. Diana responded quickly " so your team is consistent of three villains no offense to the present company, and a CEO sister of one of the world's worst villains with no fighting experience or combat training is that right." Kate shrugs. "Yah, that's about the size of it." Kate's nonchalant approach earned an eye roll from Diana, but strangely there were two parties at the table that had not said anything about the ideas and both were involved in this scheme of Kate's. Kiara and Ivy had stayed silent to this point weighing the idea. If you had asked them both a year ago about them even joining a superhero group of any kind they would have laughed at you, and maybe killed you while they did.
Kate asked them both their respective opinions. Kiara was the first to chime in " look we all know my past and have never played on a team or played well with others. Honestly if it was not for Diana I would have let Kara die that day when Reign beat her that day. With that I am barely a part time member of the DEO and that is because I want reign's pelt on my wall. That being said it is an interesting prospect to be part of a rival team against the DEO and to show them how to really fight crime." Kate then turned to her girlfriend " Babe what you think" Ivy looked around in truth Ivy was skeptical she had never been a hero yet she was instrumental in fabricating the cure against pestilences virus for the first time putting her skills to use in a positive manner sure that Kate was rubbing off on her in all the right ways. Still her past could not be overlooked there would be many like Batman who would come for her, but maybe it was time to look at things from another perspective maybe she did not need to defend mother nature by herself she talked with Kate about starting a new division of Kane industries specializing in restoration and protection of the environment having the full funding of the company, and Ivy would be in charge of it . So maybe she could become a super hero and help in a different way. Ivy looked up " You know Kiara hit it on the head and she came from a different background sure, but a lot of our back story is the same when you think about it. We both were not the greatest members of society and we both have blood on our hands whether we thought we were right to do it or wrong. The night Kate came into my life I went there with the express desire to kill her for a slash and burn operation her company was funding. These past few days i have often wondered how many stories like that there have been, and how many I passed judgement without knowing the full picture. Maybe it's time to start atoning for those sins and maybe this is about as good of a way as any to do that." Kate then looked around the table " it sounds to me like we have three yeses, and after getting affirmative nods from Kiara and Ivy the three looked to Diana who was the only outstanding vote. Diana looked around at the three women. This was the closest she had come to a family in over a century, and she had to admit she did like working with Kate, had mutual respect for Ivy, and of course loved Kiara with all her heart. So after pondering it for a few moments Diana looks at the three and nods affirmatively.
At the DEO Kara and Lena had arrived to tell everyone of the events of the morning barring the personal details of course. What was sure is that Ruby needed to be protected at all costs. Lena suggested taking her to Lex's old mansion because of its cloaking defense. Alex volunteered to keep watch over Ruby at the mansion till they could stop the world killers. For now it seemed like Purity and Pestilence had not resurfaced yet thankfully or Kara and Lena would have been in trouble. For her part Lena was a tad nervous because she had been working on iron maiden at Lex's mansion for the privacy it afforded her, but this was a matter of life and death so Lena would risk it.
Lena and Alex take Ruby to the mansion. When they arrive there is just a field there and both Alex and Ruby turn to Lena who walks over to a nearby post and opens the panel on the post deactivating the clock device revealing the elaborate mansion and all its glory. Lena, Alex, and Ruby entered the mansion. Lena told the other two they had their choice of rooms. Ruby went to go find a room when Lena spoke to Alex if anything is to happen Lex's has a security bunker downstairs get Ruby there you can contact help there." Alex turned to Lena " What about you?' Lena sternly looked at Alex " i will do my best to fight Reign off" Alex squared up with Lena " thats suicide Lena she would kill you. Do you what Kara would do if she knew I knowingly let you go into harm's way like that." Lena understood Alex's predicament, but Alex didn't know of Iron Maiden, but truth be told outside of test Lena has not tested its battle features which was a concern considering it would be a trial by combat if she needed to activate it against Reign.
Lena was down stairs in Lex's lab working on an L Corp project as she told Ruby and Alex while Alex kept Ruby entertained. Lena felt for Ruby because they could not tell her that her mother was part of an unholy trinity of powerful Kryptonians bent on ineradicating all the sinners of the world. Ruby was not stupid though she knew they were keeping something from her she just didn't know what. Even worse is that she thought something had happened to Sam which bothered both Alex and Lena because it made Ruby worried more than she had to be. Lena was preparing Iron Maiden for a fight with Reign adding Kryptonite based weapons to weaken and neutralize Reign. For long distance she used the built in micro machine gun using kryptonite based ammunition, as well as converting her smoke screen into a dense kryptonite fog. For a short distance she had a kryptonite tipped blade hidden in her right hand and Kryptonite gas released from her finger tips. As well as all the other weaponry that she had added to the Iron Maiden she just hoped that it would hold up under the punishment that would come from Reign, and Lena had to know she needed to go full Luthor because the lightest hesitation could mean her death as well at the death of Ruby, and Alex if she were to fail before the cavalry got there. Lena just hoped she did not have to use it, but Lena was a realist Reign wanted Ruby dead and he was very persistent so chances are a fight was coming it was only a matter of time.
A couple hours later Lena heard a commotion up stairs, and then the mansion alarms blaring. Lena went to access the security camera's looking for confirmation of what she already knew to be true Reign was walking toward the mansion it looked like she was going to get the test run that she had wanted maybe not against the opponent that she had wanted but now was as good of a time as any she just hoped she would live to tell the tail. Alex and Ruby came running. " Reign is in the mansion" Lena nodded " I know i saw her on the security camera's do what I told you and get Alex to safety." Alex shook her head "Lena, I am not leaving you here to be killed by Reign." Lena turned to Alex " I think Reign is going to find it is not going to be as easy as she thinks to beat a Luthor especially on our home turf." Lena goes to the vault and pulls a large case out of the vault and puts it on the floor in front of her. Alex looks down at the case and then up at Lena " are you serious" Before Lena could respond a loud crash happened causing the three to look and standing right before them stood Reign look menacing as ever Lena turned to Alex " get Ruby out of here, and stepped on the case which started to activate and coming alive. Alex and Ruby stood in shock as Lena bent over and the case latched on to Lena. After a few second Lena was encased in a chrome and red suit of armor looking far more advanced than Lex's lexosuit. Lena looked through the visual display within the suit " computer activated Iron Maiden '' Immediately the suit began to power up and Lena saw Reign throw the display. She turned to Alex "What are you still doing here get Ruby out of here and call for help." This time Alex listened and ushered Ruby out of the room leaving Lena and Standing across from each other. Reign chuckled " you think you could stop me human" Lena raised her hand and out came the machine gun " I think you will find a much harder fight than you think" Then the machine gun began to fire hitting Reign with the Kryptonite, and sending her flying into the wall. Reign was stunned by the attack and the hurt that she felt. Lena saw reign stunned and kept on the attack using pulse bolts from her gauntlets to hit Reign before she could get up. As the dust clears from the bolt barrage Reign is missing before Iron Maiden could do anything Reign strikes her from the side sending her flying before Iron Maiden could stand Reign tackles Iron Maiden in to the ceiling into the mansion and threw the roof finally throwing her down hitting the ground with a massive crash. Lena's display was lighting up like a Christmas tree from the shots. Reign hovers above Iron maiden and fires her heat ray. Lena quickly fires another plasma bolt to match the attack. The force of both attacks creates a blinding. Lena took this time to use the pocket Jericho missile and fired it at Reign while she was blinded and hit Reign knocking her out of the sky. This time it was Lena's turn to fly, engaging the thrusters sending another round of plasma bolts. Reign flew in top speed through the smoke causing Iron Maiden and flew away from Reign activating the shoulder mini missiles sending them at Reign who used her heat beat to swat them from the sky. Lena deploys her counter measures to blind Reign and used her brakes slowing her down and letting Reign pass her and hitting her in the back with a Plasma vote in the back knocking her out of the sky
Lena lands in front of Reign. When suddenly Reign comes alive throwing a piece of debris hitting Iron Maiden in the chest. Lena is now getting critical damage from her chest area after the hit. Reign grabs Iron maiden and throws her through the wall of the mansion. Before reign could recover, reign grabbed Iron maiden again and threw her through another wall and a bunch of furniture. Lena was worried now Reign kept coming and she had major damage reports all over the suit and though the Kryptonite was slowing Reign down it was not quick enough. Reign was walking towards her and grabbed her by the neck. Lena activates the Kryptonite smoke screen catching Reign off guard and then deploying the Kryptonite blade and stabbing Reign in the leg receiving a feral scream from Reign then Lena used the unabeam in her chest plate at full power hitting Reign in the chest flying across the room. Lena got up and Reign was still being affected by the Kryptonite gas Lena fired more plasma bolts and flew at Reign and deployed the Kryptonite gas from the gauntlets further weakening Reign. Reign in a move of desperation Reign head butted Lena and hit Reign with her heat beam pushing her back. Reign was staggered and then activated her chrome buster, her most powerful weapon. As four apparatus detaching from the back of the suit and deploying a massive blast directly at Reign sending reign flying out of the house and leaving a big crater as Reign went flying through the yard. Reign was greatly weakened by this fight. Secretly she had respect for this human woman for the fight gives her a better fight than even supergirl. Both Reign and Iron Maiden staggered up, Reign now incredibly weakened by the Kryptonite and at this point Iron Maiden was at 88% damage and systems were now failing. Reign was preparing a heat beam shot and Reign lifted her hand for another plasma blast. Before either of them fired a shot they were interrupted by the arrival of the cavalry, and when both of them turned and supergirl, Wonder Woman, Overgirl, and J'onn arrived with Alex and Ruby stood behind them. Reign looked to them and then to Iron Maiden and saw that in her weakened state she was no match and retreated till she had her sisters with her for the final fight.
As the group looked at Reign retreat Kara turned to Alex and hugged her, being so worried about her sister's fate. However Kara didn't see Lena and this concerned her " Alex where is Lena." Kara was now getting frantic now starting to fear the worst. Before Alex could answer " Lena Luthor is fine" The group turned to the mysterious figure in the damaged metal suit. The figure reiterated " Lena Luthor is fine" Kara takes a few steps forward " and how would you know that" Kara said it quite menacingly. Alex stepped in front of Kara. "You're not going to want to do that Kara , you're probably going to want to hear her out. Kara then looked at the figure " canopy release " and to the shock of all present except Alex and Ruby when the suit opened up and out stepped Lena Luthor. Kara was the most shocked at this " Lena". Lena then spoke " well this was not the way I wanted everyone to find out, but given the circumstances it was the only way to fight Reign" and Lena knew that Kara and her would be having a conversation later. Lena looked back at the Iron Maiden suit dented, scrapped, and sparking all over the place smiling proud at the performance granted it needed work, but it survived a fight with a powerful kryptonian and fought her to a tee.
Later after getting checked out by medical and getting painkillers she found Kara in her apartment knowing full well what this next conversation was going to be about. Karab turns to her girlfriend " I remember when we first met and became friends you told me to never betray you to always be honest with you, and I have been you even know that i am supergirl. I have kept my promise to you every step of the way, and how do you repay me by lying to me these past weeks about this secret project of yours." Lena understood Kara's anger " Kara i hit this from you because i knew you would react like this. You have no problem with anyone else going out in the streets and fighting. Jimmy, Mon El, Alex, J'onn, Diana, Overgirl, hell even Batwoman was going out and kicking the scum of this city across the city, but if it's me who wants to do crime fighting then you take personal offense to it. I know you're scared that something might happen to me. I get it, but you can't keep me coddled up Kara. So I did the only thing I could and I took a page out of Jimmy's play book and I went for the shock and ah and created my own suit more advanced than the Lexosuit to prove a point that I can fight crime better than anybody. I knew if I told you you would try and stop me every which way you could." Lena did catch Kara off guard a little because she knew Lena was right she would have tried to stop her " Lena i am sorry if i am overprotective but you have no idea what it feels like to know that the most important person in your life can be hurt and there is nothing i can do about it if i don't get there quick enough. When I didn't see you at the mansion the fear that ran through me was something I have never felt before no matter how bad the situation or the enemy. I have never felt that before." After trading those major barbs both started to calm down. Both women understood the other's argument, but they understood that maybe there was going to need to be some compromise here. For Kara's part she was impressed that Lena was able to fight Reign. Maybe it was time to expand the team or at least get more help for the final battle against the world killers. " Lena, I know once you put your mind on something I can't stop you. It is one of the things I love about you, but also one of the things I hate. If you want to fight crime i can't stop you but you have to promise me that if anything happens you don't get in over your head in conflict like taking on a worldkiller on by yourself. I want you to be safe, and I want you to train with us at the DEO." Lena was happy at Kara's acceptance to the situation, and frankly she did not want to lick a gift horse in the mouth and nodded yes and kissed Kara