I checked Supergirl's vitals one more time. She still hadn't woken up since her run in with Reign and Alex hadn't left her side. Everything still appeared to be normal. Under the sun lamps, all her physical wounds had healed. It was just up to her mind to overcome whatever it was going through. I looked over at Alex who had fallen asleep on the bed next to her sister. I grabbed another blanket and covered her up and left them to rest. I wasn't sure the last time either of us had been out of the Med Bay, so I took the chance to go check in with Mon-el.
"Rae?" called J'onn. "How's everything looking?"
"Everything is still stable Sir."
"Good. Where's your cousin?" he asked.
"I'm not sure, I haven't seen him since we were unable to wake her. I wanted to have a word with him, so if I see him, I'll be sure to let him know to come find you," I offered.
"Good. I'd appreciate that," he turned and headed in the opposite direction.
I headed to the training rooms to see if I could find him there; I figured he'd be somewhere blowing off steam, but the training rooms were empty. I ended up searching most of the DEO before I found him coming down from the roof.
"Hey, where have you been?" I asked him, as he tried to brush past me.
"I had to call in a favour."
"Mon-el, wait," I said, catching up to him. "A favour to who?" Before he could answer, a being with a blue face walked in.
"There's an eighty-nine point three seven four chance that someone will crash that ship if they try to move it. Can I leave it there? Or should I just move it myself?"
I looked at Mon-el, silently asking him what the hell, without saying anything.
"Rae, this is Brainiac-5. I met him after I left Daxam, both our ships were thrown off course and we ended up in the same wormhole. He and his crew allowed me to dock aboard their ship to avoid the rougher turbulence of the disruption. They needed some help with their ship and I offered. He told me that if I ever needed help, I could always call him. He's from the future," explained Mon-el. I looked back at Brainiac-5.
"The thirty first century to be exact. I'm half computer, half organic life form. All Coluan, and not to brag, but a twelfth level intellect."
"He'll be able to monitor Kara's mind. He can check to make sure her neural pathways are clear and intact."
"Wait, if he's from the future; the thirty first century to be exact," I looked at Brainiac. "Then how were you able to reach him?"
"When I left him, he gave me this ring. He said when the time was right, I might be able to join him on his mission. He and his crew have formed a legion of superheroes, they protect various planets. But I ended up finding Kara and I gave up any thought of returning to them without her. After seeing what she does here on Earth, I knew she would never leave."
"Okay, so you should be able to wake her up then?" I said, turning my attention back to the visitor.
"Well, I should be able to at least offer some guidance, yes," he said. "May I also suggest that we move her to the ship. We'll be able to preserve whatever hasn't been damaged and allow for the rest to heal while she is in hyper-sleep."
"Right. Well, Agent Danvers is going to want to hear this," I said, heading back to Med Bay. Alex was still sleeping when I walked in. I walked to the side of her bed and gently nudged her arm.
"Alex?" I said, trying not to alarm her.
"Is there change?" she asked, almost before opening her eyes.
"No. No change yet," I said, looking over at Supergirl.
"How long have I been sleeping?"
"Just a couple of hours," I confirmed. I watched as she got out of bed and took her sisters hand. "Alex," I said quietly, "Mon-el's called in a favour. He knows of a crew, they're from the future. It's a long story but the technology they have may help Kara. They want to move her to their ship that's on the premises. Brainy says their hyper-sleep therapy has great healing effects. It'll help to heal her and he's able to monitor her mind and check for damage we can't see."
"How do we know we can trust these people?" she asked.
"We don't," I answered honestly. "But, I do trust that Mon-el wants nothing but the best for Kara and for her to wake up. So I feel like it's at least worth a shot, it's better than just waiting."
"Okay, but I want one of us with her at all times," she said, finally lifting her gaze to me.
"Understood," I agreed, as I started preparing Supergirl for transport.
Moments later, we stood in front of a large tank that had submerged Kara. Brainy had synced up with her mind and was checking for neurological damage. If she had some, her chances of waking decreased greatly.
"Well, the good news is that her mind is alive and alert," announced Brainy, after being silent for a moment.
"Oh, thank god," I let out. I didn't realize I had been holding my breath while waiting.
"The bad news is, she's very angry," he continued.
"When will she wake up?" J'onn asked.
"There's no way to know," he said, turning to Rae who was busy trying to familiarize herself with the new monitors. "But we can monitor basically every movement, every neural firing, every heartbeat with this technology."
"Without Supergirl, I don't like our odds against Reign," stated J'onn.
"What's your call?" I asked.
"Sundown protocol," he answered. "A highly classified contingency plan, to take down Superman if he was to ever turns against us. Red sun grenades, sound bombs, kryptonite darts. Everything we need to take down a rogue Kryptonian on the loose."
"Clark got rid of all the kryptonite," pointed out Winn.
"Clark got rid of it for a reason, a reason Kara agreed to," I stated.
"That was before Reign," argued J'onn. "We still have Coville's probe right?"
Despite the internal battle I was having with myself, I agreed. "Prep whatever you have to. I want this to end."
Everyone agreed and left to go do what they needed to; I stayed with Kara. Hoping to gain some clarity before I left, I put my hand on the glass willing her to wake up.
"Still nothing?" I asked, over my shoulder to Rae and Brainy who were still huddled over the desk.
"Unfortunately, she's ready. But it seems as though something is holding her back. The tank should've made this an easy re-entry," explained Brainy.
"What happens if she stays like this?" I asked.
"The longer she remains unconscious, the more likely it is to become permanent," answered Brainy.
I was getting frustrated and I could feel my hope slipping from my grasp. I needed to do something; I couldn't just sit around and wait. Rae looked up at Brainy's admission of things not going well. She stopped doing what she was doing and walked over to me.
"Agent Danvers, may I have a word outside please?" she asked, holding the door out to the hall of the ship. It felt twenty degrees cooler in the hall.
"We just put her in there and we just learned that her neural pathways are clear. We need to give her body time to heal and catch up," said Rae, standing in front of the door and giving me a second to regain my emotions.
"I know, I just," I started, but I could feel myself losing control. I took a deep breath and put my hands on my head. I looked at Rae and sighed, trying to hold myself together. She moved closer and touched my arm. "I have to go, we're executing Sundown protocol."
"I think I could be an asset if I joined you," offered Rae.
"I agree," I said, taking one last look at Kara before we left.
I had changed out of DEO scrubs and into similar attire to Alex.
"What? No polo?" asked Alex, when I joined them in the armoury.
"I've just noticed that polo's are kind of your thing," I said, hiding my amusement.
"So you went with a long sleeve tshirt? That's not going to be functional at all," she argued.
I shrugged, "Winn said it's lightweight Kevlar."
"How did another newbie get cooler clothes before me again?" questioned Alex.
"Okay team. How about some focus on the task at hand? I just had a horrible conversation about James and his kissing abilites. So I'm really looking forward to this take down," said J'onn.
Everyone laughed as they geared up. We went over our last minute details and headed out. It wasn't long before we were standing inside the bank and Reign had joined us. She fell perfectly into our trap. The next few seconds were like a flash. It had been a while since I had been in the field and the shock of it all came back quick. I tried refocusing as Alex through the red star grenade. It blew Reign back twenty feet; the team had her down like lightning. They almost moved together like a well-rehearsed dance. Alex moved closer to apply the kryptonite around her neck. I felt a rush of relief knowing we had her. That feeling didn't last long. Reign grabbed the rope and whipped both agents holding her down across the room. Alex stood frozen in front of her.
"Alex!" I yelled, but I was too late. She had wrapped the rope around Alex's leg and dangled her flat to her back. She pulled the rope back to attack again and I felt my body lurch forward. I shielded Alex from the rope that was targeted to her neck and it snaked around my arm instead. I pulled on the rope and knocked Reign off balance and J'onn came in with a punch that sent her flying against the wall. When she stood up, she glared at Alex before taking off.
"Are you okay?" I asked, my hands going to her leg.
"I think it's broken," she said, lying back down. "I think I'm going to throw up."
I reached for my bag, finding everything that I needed to get Alex back to the DEO. "I'm going to splint your leg so we can get you ready for transport."
"Okay, let's give them some room," ordered J'onn. "Let's get everything packed and move out ASAP."
I looked around to see that everyone had followed orders. "Here, take this," I said, offering some pain medication. I reached down to the pulse in her ankle to check for arterial damage.
"I can't be in an altered state of mind right now. I need to be coherent," she stated.
"The pain is only going to get worse until we get it stable and elevated," I tried. "Pain also alters the mind. I think the DEO will understand your situation."
Grudgingly, she took it. I stabilized her leg the best I could with what we had and I looked around for help to get her off the floor. "Okay, let's try to get to the SUV. I'm going to pull you up, do not attempt any weight on that leg. Just lean on me."
Alex nodded and held out her hand to be pulled up. Once stable on her good leg, I wrapped my arm around her waist and supported her other side. She threw her arm around my neck and leaned into me as she prepared to hobble along. "Okay, lets just take this slow." Alex laughed a little as she struggled.
"I got you," I assured her.
"I know," she answered. "I'm glad you were here. This could've been much worse and way more embarrassing."
We both laughed. I helped her up in to the vehicle where J'onn was waiting to take us back. "Lets go home," he said.
The ride back to the DEO was rough. Alex tried to hide it but every bump caused her to wince. When we arrived, Brainy was able to apply a splint that gently eased the bones back in place bit by bit and I was able to cast it not long after.
We were just finishing up her cast when J'onn walked in with Mon-el and Winn.
"How's it feel?" asked Mon-el.
"Like my tibia was snapped in half and stretched back together," she said, lightly.
"Can I sign it?" asked Winn.
"Not until it's dry," I interrupted. "That's like art right there."
"I don't understand," said Alex, "that much kryptonite left Supergirl incapacitated."
"Maybe she's not solely Kryptonian," offered J'onn.
"Brainy has told me stories of the insane hybrids they have fought. They were designed for maximum destruction," said Mon-el. "Maybe she's just the strength for someone else's plan."
"No, the soil did hurt her. Just not enough," said Alex, thinking it through.
"Do you have a plan?" asked J'onn.
"Concentrate it," she answered. "Put it straight in her bloodstream. Jugular should work."
"There's just a tiny hiccup with that plan," chimed in Winn. "Who's strong enough to administer that shot?"
"I'll do it," offered Mon-el, without hesitation.
"I'll back him up," I added.
"Let me do this for Kara. Let me be the hero she knows I can be."
J'onn looked at Alex, silently debating. I saw Alex nod, before J'onn spoke.
"Okay, suit up," said the director.
Everyone left to prepare for the next mission and I started cleaning up from the plaster.
"Well, this is going to throw a huge wrench into everyday tasks," she said, leaning against the bed. "Not a bad job though Agent Gand."
"Well, I'm glad you like it," I said, handing her a pair of crutches. "No weight on it."
"Of course," she said, adjusting the sticks.
"Can I help you with anything? Do you need anything for the pain?" I asked, knowing she wouldn't take it anyway.
"I think I'm good for now," she said, with a small smile. "I think I'm just going to go sit with Kara, since I'm no good to anyone now."
"Okay, I'm just going to clean up and I'll head over to check her latest scans," I said.
By the time I cleaned up, Alex was sitting next to Kara's bedside. I could hear her talking as I got closer and I stopped when I realized she was talking to her sister.
"I did this," she said, a tear falling. "I told you Kara Danvers was my favourite person and then I told you to forget who you are. And now, I'm not sure we can do this without you."
I felt for Alex, I couldn't imagine having a loved one lying in front of you and not being able to do anything but wait. I coughed a bit when I stepped into Med Bay so Alex knew I was there.
"Hey, how is she?"
"Good, everything looks good," she answered, wiping at her tears. "I couldn't check the monitors because I couldn't get back there with my crutches but she's got a strong pulse and blood pressure is good."
I moved over to the monitors. "Yeah, everything still looks strong. Hopefully it won't be long now," I said, trying to sound positive and moving beside her to take a look at Kara's pupils.
"Hey, how's your arm?" asked Alex.
It took me a second before I remembered Reign wrapping the rope around my arm. I pulled up my sleeve and saw no marks. "Fine," I said, a little shocked. "Come to think of it, I only felt the force when I pulled it. It was a weird feeling."
"Good, um, also, thank you," she said, touching my arm. "For having my back out there, usually that's Supergirl's job."
"Of course," I answered. She looked up from her seat and we locked eyes. At that moment, something fluttered in my stomach. I smiled, just as Winn came in over our earpieces.
"She's hitting Albatross Bay! We need to get there now!"
"I have to go," I said, not wanting to pull away.
"Yeah. I'll see you when you get back," she said, brushing her hair back. "Just, you know, be careful."
"I will," I turned and headed towards the door.
"Like really careful, more than my careful," she called.
I watched Rae leave and sat back down beside Kara. I realized I had a small, goofy smile that I couldn't shake and my stomach was still in knots. Rae made me feel something I had been afraid to feel since Maggie. It scared me but I was happy to be able to feel it again.
Brainy came in and interrupted my thoughts. "I have a feed running with Mon-el, I thought maybe you'd like to stay updated?"
"Yes, I would. Thanks," I answered, as he pulled a chair up beside me.
"I can control the ship from here and offer back up while they're fighting. I've already taken her down twice but she's fighting through everything they throw at her."
I watched the screen he worked on while listening to his play by play. "She tried freezing Mon-el but Rae threw a weight at her and knocked her off balance. J'onn is trying to knock her down. Rae is over trying to punch Mon-el free from the ice block and Reign just heat visioned her clean across the yard into the side of the building."
Listening was just giving me anxiety while I waited for the end. I looked away trying to calm my nerves and I heard a gasp. When I looked back at Brainy was staring at Kara, whose eyes had opened.
"Oh my god, Kara."
"I have to help them," she said, her voice was weak.
"No, they're using kyroptonite. You can't," I argued.
"I don't care if it makes me vulnerable. I'll use it against her," she said, trying to sit up.
"Reign won't see it coming," I said, realizing this might help us but torn because I knew she shouldn't be fighting. She got up and headed out. I knew with my leg, I wouldn't be able to stop her. "Mon-el has the syringe, the kryptonite is concentrated!"
I looked at Brainy while he controlled the ship. I waited for his commentary to pick up but he was so focused on the action he wasn't saying anything.
"I'll cover you, you get the syringe!" he announced, talking to Supergirl. I hated not being out there, not knowing what was going on.
Eventually, Brainy blew out a loud sigh and said they were on their way back but it felt like time was standing still. We waited at the desks for the four to enter. Supergirl, Mon-el and J'onn flew in and landed softly on the balcony, while Rae jumped over its ledge shortly after.
"Everyone okay?" Winn asked.
"Yeah, not bad," J'onn answered.
"What happened?" I asked.
"Supergirl administered the shot and Reign took off, looking wounded," answered Mon-el.
"She had a look in her eye this time, I've never seen it before," added Supergirl.
"Well, lets hope she needs enough time to recover for us to come up with a better game plan," said J'onn. "For now, let's get some rest so we can come back fresh and ready to come up with something new."
I saw Supergirl leave with Mon-el and I made my way over to Rae.
"Hey, you okay?" I asked. "I heard you took quite the blow."
"Yeah, I'm good. Thanks," she answered, unzipping her jacket and lifting her shirt. "I mean, it didn't feel great being thrown through a wall but I don't see anything where I felt the twinge."
I held her shirt while she turned a bit so I could see her back. Her body was well toned I noticed.
"Is there something back there?" she asked, making realize I was staring.
"Um, no," I said, dropping her shirt. "Looks good."
"Oh good," Rae answered. "Well, I should probably get home. Hopefully, I can catch a cuddle before Charlie's out for the night. Are you okay getting home? Can I give you a lift? I just got my DEO issued license and access to one of their rides!"
"I should be okay. I'm going to check on Supergirl," I said, smiling and leaning on my crutches. "Give Charlie a hug for me though."
"I will, have a good night," said Rae, walking past me, towards the locker room.
"Good night." I watched her walk into the locker room before heading in the direction I saw Kara leave. She was just saying good night to Mon-el.
"Hey," she said, looping her arm through mine. "Wine?"
"Yes! Please," I said, leaning against her. "It's been a very long day."
We headed back to Kara's apartment and she got us drinks while I got comfy on the couch.
"So, you're feeling okay?" I asked, accepting a glass from her.
"Yeah, you know I always come back," she answered.
"I wasn't so sure," I said, taking a sip of wine. "I was scared this time."
"Well, you look like you should've been preoccupied," she said, also taking a sip and pointing to my leg. "I want to sign that by the way."
"Yeah, I'm lucky it's just my leg and not my neck."
"Really? Why would you guys attempt something so dangerous? How did you get away from her?" she asked.
"I didn't. I mean, I couldn't," I pointed to my leg. "Rae jumped in front of me and shielded me. Reign ended up roping Rae's arm and she pulled her off balance. Then J'onn sent her flying. The pain from my leg was so bad it made me feel sick to my stomach. Rae went right into action, she didn't even hesitate."
Kara smiled while listening. "Well, it's easy to jump into the line of danger when it's someone you care about. This whole situation has made me think about the whole Mon-el situation. We just jumped back into where we were but I feel like when he left, it forced me to grow from it and I don't think I'm the same person. I had to tell him that I want to start over and go slow. We need to get to know each other again."
"I know what you mean," I answered. "After Maggie, it felt like I'd never be able to find those feelings again. But you're right, those situations force you to change your perspective and appreciate different things. I've had to figure that out and I'm still finding the things I appreciate about myself."
"You mean appreciating things like how hot Rae looks in her official DEO gear?" grinned Kara. I threw a pillow at her. "She does make you feel some type of way though right? Because you guys click pretty well together, work or otherwise."
"I did touch her arm to say thanks after she worked on my leg and it felt like my stomach was going to knot itself. But I just left it because my mind started racing, thinking that I could find those feelings again. It almost felt like I was getting closure from everything, but I'm still not sure if I'm in the right place to be starting something new and that wouldn't be fair to anyone."
"Has Rae been sending out signals?"
I laughed, "they could be signals I guess. I know she cares about me as a friend. But she's a caring person in general, so it could be in my head. I don't know and I definitely don't want to be rejected again. Why is dating so hard?"
"Well, it wouldn't be worth it if it was easy," said Kara. "I think you'll know when you meet the right person. It'll all just click for you."
"I'm so glad you're back. I missed you, I missed this," I said, leaning over and hugging her.