Rise of the Sun (April Showers)
Everyone looked to the owner of that raised voice, who had entered the other door into Maggie's room. An owner that had on a familiar anti-kryptonite shield and held onto a recognizable green glowing bladed sword. A weapon that had once been used for sparing a life and swung in vengeance. "Get away from the Rthkhah." Alura spoke violently, stepping closer to her daughter she saw as corrupt by the traitor of Krypton. "Get away from the human."
"Ohhhh Ieiu..you are not welcome here. You have the nerve to turn around and call my sister the human instead of my chosen family. You walk in here with your righteousness...Ighai that had once been aimed at my Ynugh Astra In-Ze. Did you know that Samantha In-Ze AND Ruby In-Ze has more respect and honor than you Mother? Yet, you come in here and you bear a kryptonite sword and tell me to get away from someone of my protection, a Zrhythrevium that you could never understand as such? She is a family member and one, just like everyone around you and I, that I will protect with my very life. That sword...that could harm my sisters, my niece and even..MY OWN DAUGHTER..that you DARE to bring in here?!"
No one had even seen her move and one moment Kara had been standing next to Maggie's bedside, holding her hand, the next she was before her own mother whom she kicked right out of the door she'd came in and away from them all. Angrily, Kara held the glowing green blade and snapped it right in half then released the easiest beams of heat vision on both pieces she held, completely melting away the sword. Once it dripped its contents on the floor, she blew an icy blast down on the floor then shot her heat vision at it, leaving nothing left of the element that could hurt her kryptonian kinsfolk. "What nerve she has...bringing THAT sword here!"
"Would someone like to tell me what the fuck is going on here?" Ruby wasn't gonna just remain mute. She had just watched her aunt's own mother wield a dangerous weapon that could be detrimental to them and have that monstrosity far too close to Little Rose. She didn't blame Supergirl for the actions she took. "Aunt Kara?" Relief flooded her thinking about how grateful she was that her aunt Susan and Amelia were on babysitting duty right now.
"Ruby." Kara walked slowly up to her but stopped when her niece lifted a hand to her cheek. "Ruby...please don't.." Even the gentlest of familial affections had her on edge.
"Zhed call me Epol Dovrrosh. What are these veins Aunt Kara." She had just spoken a name other's had called her before. Young Darkness. A name she had just placed as an example of how her aunt was acting. Gasps were heard and instantly both her moms were beside her. One grabbed her aunt's chin, the other pushed her back and away from Ruby. "NO! Don't!" She warned, but her words were ignored forcing her to take matters into her own hands. She rushed at them and pushed her moms away from the Super that she felt tension rise in. "Back..down. I'm fine." Ruby reached up with a speed that easily surpassed her moms, tracing her aunt's cheek. "Aunt Kara? What are these."
"Do you really want to know?" Kara asked, suddenly far more calm than she'd been in days. Something about the close proximity of her niece was leveling her, even from what was coursing through her veins. "There are others." Her tone darkened some again. "We aren't alone Astra Skye."
"Kara?" Alex approached again and this time Ruby didn't force her away. "What happened Kar.."
"There are other kryptonians here, on Earth Alex. Kehp Rrip Raozh.." Kara saw Jehna shake her head. "Who was with you besides Kor-El Aoe."
"Besides that evil traitor and me? That was all I knew of. The ones that we built an army with were halflings. Not even of Krypton. Why?"
"There are five more of our kind here." Kara felt everyone around them shake. She saw her niece counting in her head. "My daughter and you, Sam and Ruby, Me and now Alex, who I defeated and the one whose ass I kicked in the other room. My guess is she wasn't here when the count was done. So, that means there are five." She saw the darkness return to her big sister's orbs. "Four now."
"Kir Aoe.." Jehna walked over to her baby sis. "What is this?" She pointed to Kara's face.
"He had found something that..changed things in him and gave him a power that.."
"I know about the parasite. What is this?" Kara knew what she was asking and instead of denying the subject she sat beside Maggie, taking one of her hands again gently.
"I won't crush it Maggie. You are my sister. I hated what Alura called you." Kara told her meeting shaky browns. "I would never harm any of you." She sighed and leaned back in the chair putting her head back some. Shutting her eyes she knew gazes were locked on her face and for that matter her neck.
Both Alex and Lena didn't like what they were seeing, but they both knew that Kara would tell them, that they hoped they wouldn't force the answers for. She always had a reason for her actions, even if they came brash at times. "I injected the parasite mixture into myself to stop him from hurting Alex. He had another syringe and I...I just did it. I didn't have much time...I had to make that split second decision. He was going to kill my sister and I couldn't let that happen. I knew that Sam and Jehna didn't have enough juice to stop him and if they had tried, he would have sucked them dry too. I had to be stronger to protect them, protect all of you. You know about what happened to him. I hear his weak and frail heartbeat from here. I am actually surprised he has one of those at all. I let him fractured but...I couldn't kill him."
Ruby's hands were in one of her mom's and other mom's. Once again, she thanked Rao that Susan, Amelia, Nia and Brainy had been once again absent from the room let alone wing with Little One. She was listening attentively but with a slight squeeze from both her moms, she wasn't alone in her worries. Yes, her aunt had done things completely against what she personified as Supergirl. But it had been necessary yet...wrong in the same sense.
"There are four here?" Alex had to ask and her sister nodded. "Fuck." This was beyond bad news.
"There is a way to track them but..I can find them if I wanted to." Kara explained. "I see the looks of a more dangerous set of worries as to why my veins suddenly flash black. Shall I answer these questions to calm your concerns?" Several of them nodded but she could see and practically smell the fear in the room. "Can we have Alura detained? Please?"
"Yes." Alex saw Lena tap her com to take care of that matter.
"Please have agents come up here, with kryptonite cuffs on them. I want the kryptonian out cold in the hall to be detained for now. Under no circumstances is she to be released or the red lamps to be turned off. Have Aaron and his team stand guard. Also...have her armor removed."
"We heard you boss. Heading up there now." Remzi told them.
"Can I ask something before anything else darling?" Kara looked at her wife giving her that answer with her soft smile. "Have you left us?" Her ceruleans grew brighter, shaking with their own fears.
"No. I wouldn't do that to any of you. "Every single one of you, regardless of nature or background are Zrhythreviumv. We are all one unity. I would never harm any of you. No.." Her words felt tighter almost restricted. "..no…" Kara struggled to breathe fighting to focus. She was losing the will to fight what was pulling her down, knowing if she succumbed to the blackness she might not return from it. It won that war and her body collapsed, forcing Kara to let go of Maggie's hand.
"KARA!" Everyone screamed, but it was Alex and Ruby to dive down and intercept the impact that her body would take, her skull would take if she hit the ground. It was then they saw the full weight of the black veins.
"Rao Sokao..please Rao please.." Alex begged, seeing her sister lay onto her back slightly writhing from something she couldn't understand. But then Kara's hand opened and she saw a glisten of metal within it reaching over. Danvers felt something cold and slightly heavy, though light to her now, with a chain attached to it. "What is this?"
"Alektrah..ask..Kulahn Amarah at...fortress. Umbravh, to...get...all."
"What..what do you...Kara? Kara!" Alex screamed with her daughter trying to shake the Super awake but instead began to seize. It was then she opened her own hand and saw the medallion. She recognized this design and more so the artist it belonged to. "This is...this is...the Stanford Angel of Michelangelo. This is one of Kara's favorites." Alex traced the design of the angel on her knees over a broken pillar. Why this sis. Is this how you feel? So many questions she had but looking up at her ex she had to know more than ever. "You aren't well enough yet Mags."
"Sam?" Sawyer called with her ex's wife turning her head. "Care to carry a passenger?"
"Not without my wife's okay." Sam smirked.
"I can flash dimples." Phoenix narrowed her eyes as did Artemis. "Works just as good as her pout."
"Carefully Sam. If I hear so much as a grunt from you Sawyer I will send you back. Suit up. We are going to the fortress. Send a text to Vasquez and tell Nia to guard Rose with her life." Alex ordered of the group. The sooner they got answers the better..
Kieran, Jhune and Skye touched down first, with Zor-El in Ruby's arms. Phoenix and Artemis were next, with Tijrea in Sam's grasp and Luvrii next to her. Alex looked up at the night sky littered with stars and part of her wished it had been daylight so they'd be able to absorb the solar energy she and the others could use right now. The Director walked in first, awaiting everyone to come inside. The moment the entrance shut, she noticed another keyhole and knew exactly what fit there. You make me wonder...just what the hell were you doing here sis?
"Kelex!" Ruby shouted but Alex paid no attention to her daughter's cry as she turned the medallion once placed in its slot gasping when she heard the clicks and then the voice.
"Good evening Lady Alektra In-Ze. How may I assist you this eve?"
"Who is this?"
"I am unable to respond without word spoken." Alex thought about what her sister had said before she passed out.
"Umbravh." They all heard the shift in machines as lights dimmed only for others to come on, illuminating their atmosphere in purples and blues.
"I am referred to as Amarah. Shall I bring up Ewushsehd Threhk Irstun?"
"Yes. Bring up final trial of Zhgehv Chaiahm Threhk. Why was Kara Zor-El testing a strand of World Killer blood?" All eyes landed on her as her daughter set her sister down on the table. "Why is Kelex not functioning?"
"Kelex was put into a stasis upon Lady El's command. With code acknowledged I can assist in your questions. Lady Kara El had been analyzing strands of DNA created by those of Juru. She had been attempting trials upon herself to increase her cell absorption of the yellow sun but immunity to the red sun. Unsure as to her intention of this. Upon her most recent visit, I had picked up fluctuations of her kryptonian cells by what Earth refers to as parasitic toxins. With this infestation in her bloodstream, her trials could be extremely fatal to her life force."
"Can these trials she's been testing on herself be reversed?"
"No reversal or antidote to these tests has been created. Would you like me to analyze the tests again for you and shall I prepare injections for you Lady Alektrah In-Ze?"
"Analyze and test. I will not require such injections." Alex was fuming and one look over at her sister made her heart snap in half. How long had Kara been suffering like this? You aren't alone little sister. I will help you get better. "How many of these trials has Kara performed?"
"Formulas, test results and dates of trials are on the screen. She has attempted seven Lady Alektrah In-Ze." Danvers wanted to puke. She wasn't the only one. "Two of the samples have possible antidotes. One has a fifty two percent chance of success and the second has a sixty percent chance. These administered could render Lady Kara without any solar strength for approximately two Earth years." Alex felt as if her very soul had abandoned her. This wasn't an option and Danvers knew it. Without Supergirl for her sister, Kara would descend into a darkness Alex might not be able to pull her out of.
Lena took one of her wife's hands within both of her own, while sitting on the edge of the table. One look in Kieran's eyes and Danvers knew the air she breathed had left her lungs by that one gaze. Alex was trying to come up with some solution and even among geniuses no one had any kind of answer. Then she thought about what Kara had given her. Her blood.
"Threhk Daohgh Krep."
"What was that Danvers?" Maggie asked inside her armored suit as her wife was. They needed that fresh oxygen, as did Kieran. All three of them had removed the shades on their visors. Yet the need for that fresh air began to filter through the fortress, unbeknownst to them. "Whaaa.." Sawyer detached her hemelt at this, as did the other two. "Guess that's not an issue. Now what did you say?"
"I second that question." Lucy added. The language was beyond beautiful. However, it was something a few of them needed serious schooling for.
"Threhk Daohgh Krep. Blood bonds us. Amarah, prepare to draw my blood. I share enough of that blood of Kara's. Perhaps mine can aid in a solution to her state and antidote to the tests. "When did these tests...when did this begin?"
"A bench will rise from beneath you Lady Alektrah In-Ze. Three have been performed since last you have been here." Alex cringed at the thought. Seven tests. Three before Alex's near death state. All this time her baby sister has been walking this path alone. What good was El Mayarah when she wouldn't even come to her? Who she called her person for so long and looked up to for years. How could I have not see this? She slid into the dome bench laying back some. Alex put her arm out and before she could even adjust three needle tips fired into her upper arm with a solid metal clamp holding her bicep in place. Danvers felt like she would faint just from the initial strike and slight burning.
"Fuck.." After all she'd been poked, prodded, cut, stabbed, burned along with a vast list over the years...this hurt the worst. "Bhuvaih.." Alex's head slammed back and her body bucked nearly right out of the chair-like bench. "FUCK!" If it wasn't for Sam and Ruby, her body would have probably bucked right out. She fought their hold thrashing her skull side to side, an arm still trapped by the thick tightening cuff. Alex screamed in unyielding agony and with it released a powerful blast of heat vision.
"What's happening to her?!" Maggie may be married to Luce, but this was her ex and right now she saw her first real love in excruciating pain. But with her wounded and her wife and sister holding her back, Sawyer wasn't able to get to her. "Alex.."
"She's okay!" Ruby assured them as the beams finally stopped after she'd applied pressure to the back of her other mom's neck, close to the head. She was glad that the Director had taken the time to tell her all about pressure points. "Easy Mom." She whispered softly and with slight whimpers, Alex's struggles died down. "Amarah what happened to Alektrah? Why was that so painful to her?"
"Lady Ruby In-Ze, for kryptonians to accept their life essence to be drained, it takes a sharper element to do so. In order to extract, this is done in ways unlike Earth's customs of more than one fine tiny needle. Normal Earth metals are not what they are made of, nor is the securing cuff. This process requires the arm to be tightened to increase blood flow to the tubes."
"Doesn't answer my question." Skye growled somewhat quietly. "How long for analysis of hers and my Aunt's DNA to be tested for possible anomalies?"
"Analysis complete. There are several consistencies that provide a concurrent antitoxin. Would you like them brought up now?"
"Yes." Ruby kept calm, knowing it wouldn't do any of them any good if she was to falter at all.
"Lady Ruby In-Ze, Lady Kara Zor-El is revealing drastic fluctuations in her body. Her life force is depleting quickly. Shall I fill tank with possible theriactic serum from Lady Alektrah In-Ze?" She looked at her mom who glanced down at their hands on Alex's arms.
"Amarah prepare the antitoxin for Lady Kara Zor-El and bring up her vitals for us. I want to know her condition as you administer it." Alex pushed her vocals enough to command, even after blood loss. She nor anyone around her, had a choice. It was this or..
"Very well Lady Alektrah In-Ze. Administering now."
"I've got her mom. Go to Supergirl." Sam was reluctant but dashed over to her sister's side, just as the same cuff like Alex had on clamped around one of Kara's arms. The moment she'd touched down beside Kara, the blonde's body began to spasm. Sam took hold of her and kept her down to avoid her thrashing so the serum could be injected into Zor-El's body.
"K...Kar.." Alex muttered with her eyes opening wider as she heard the screams from her sister flinging her head to the side. With the needles no longer in her and cuff off of her arm that had been like a vice, she jumped right out of the seat and ran to her sister's side. "Khap Nahn Dhugh Vot Rrip Aos Aoe. I'm right here, right beside you Kar. We'll breathe together. Match yours with mine sis." Alex whispered in her ear, brushing blonde strands from Kara's face. "There you go. Match with mine."
Alex's words were of those this brave and kind soul had said to her in times of crisis. It was then something else came to mind and without a second thought she whispered it. "Vokai Zhed Aiahv Astra In-Ze.."
"It's working." Ruby told them watching the charts but she really didn't need them with what she was hearing, especially after picking up the plea that her other mom had whispered to her grandmother. She did hear the slow decrease of anxiety and tidbits of hysteria, relieving her greatly. When she knew that her aunt wouldn't try to move, she nodded to her mom as they let her go.
"Amarah is her body purged of the formulas?" Sam asked before either her wife or daughter could.
"Testing Lady Kara Zor-El for incorrect anomalies now." Artemis and Skye quickly held Supergirl down before the needles could pierce her arm to draw blood, forcing the cuff around her once more. But before Kara could scream out, her wife was at her side and kissed her hard as if to muffle her cry and bring her a comfort none of them could.
"Good thinking Lee." Sam said as she looked to her wife whose eyes were locked on the one with tears running down her face. "Please...let this go quicker."
"Deep breaths Kar. Match with me baby girl." Alex kept one of her sister's hands on her chest over her heart as she kept her own over Kara's. She spoke it over and over, softer each time as if a mantra. At the same time she was thanking Astra like crazy for keeping her sister in this life with her. Finally the draw was done, the needles pulled out and Lena's lips left her wife's. "Amarah what are the results?"
"Conformation of Lady Kara Zor-El indicates a retraction of parasitic DNA and Juru blood. Her life force appears to be leveling out. Anything else I can do to assist Lady Alektrah In-Ze?"
"Actually..yes. Have our linked bloods left traces of the trials before transfusion of her blood into me?"
"Blood analysis along with cell analysis indicate no traces of either." Alex's eyebrow shot up.
"Wait wait wait.." She was about to ask but then realized somehow her years of medical practice had automatically flew the coop during the whole ordeal. "Nevermind."
"What's up Danvers?" Maggie asked with Lucy helping her over.
"I forgot that a phlebotomy wasn't just blood. I forgot where cells are usually from." Sam facepalmed. "Humor me."
"Lex...y.." Alex's head turned instantly as her chestnut eyes met beautiful warm sky blue eyes that appeared lighter than the usual ceruleans they were. She smiled and put her head down putting her forehead against her sister's. "Lexy."
"I'm right here Kir Aoe." Alex lifted her head some as Jehna came over and knelt down. "Nahkluv Wai Aoe." Danvers showed that deep appreciation in their native tongue, gaining a smile from her big sister in return. She knew how difficult it had been for her Kara's own blood sister to stay back and let them be with her through all of this. She had been the one to give Jehna a warriors name as Jhune, being that close to her real name as she could get. It seemed to fit her perfectly, bringing Jehna's own thanks to Alex. She'd bug Kara about another suit later. Alex took one of her hands and placed it in Kara's, scooting over some so she could run her fingers through their sister's blonde locks.
"Looking good Little Danvers." Maggie said when those unearthly blues looked at her and she couldn't help but give the dimples.
"I'm so proud of you darling." Lena smiled with her head on her wife's stomach, hiding the tears that had been streaming down her cheeks like rivers. This whole ordeal had terrified the hell out of her. She knew that, thanks to the ring Kara had given her and along with the amulet, she had a prolonged life span but seeing her soulmate almost perish nearly gave her a full blown heart attack. Now, after witnessing what Kara had done for Alex..
"You are tough as nails Kara." Lucy added holding her wife's hand.
"Fam...ily.."
"That's right Kar. Family." Alex and the others would shower her with affection right now but later...ohhhhh later...she was gonna...kick her sister's ass..
Lena was grateful she had placed an order for more sectionals for the already seven section couch setup she had. Now fitting fifteen at most, a good portion of that had been taken over with wine, soda and iced tea sippers with a few bouncing little Rose on their laps. Kieran was typing away at some replies for both business and personal while on the phone with the President, who was curious how Kira was doing. She had learned later on, how Catherine had purposely mispronounced the name while at CATCO. She happened to look over and see Nia on her laptop as well. Cat's concerns were well placed when her Vice President hadn't properly checked in for two weeks.
"I cannot believe how pathetic he is with numbers. How could she have ever put this moron in charge?" Nia sighed in disbelief at the douchebag.
"Well, you can't always get the right balance when that asshat of a tin can gets a broken off tab stuck up his.." Lena held up a hand as Sam, Maggie and Lucy did. Alex dropped her head and pulled out her wallet.
"You are too easy to collect on Mom." Ruby smirked while drinking her flavored iced tea with little Rose snatching a sip when she fell in her lap from an unexpected float over. "Hey."
"Yum!" Little claps and a big grin had Skye just giving up the rest.
"She gets away with everything I swear Danvers." Maggie snickered sipping her glass of wine until her ex swiped it from her. "Hey! That's mine." She glared.
"You aren't cleared by the doctor." Alex grinned taking a big sip of the red then pulling it away scrunching up her face. "This shi...stuff is nasty."
"Nice save." Lena pointed out then took the glass from her hand. "This is imported from Italy, from a friend of mine. Don't knock the fine wine."
"I thought you weren't really drinking any.." Alex stopped Lucy right there smirking.
"Immune now remember?"
"Just like she can't get fat. Greeeeeaaat. Two Danvers that cheat the system." Alex's Co Director grumbled.
"Don't hate the playa' hate the game." Danvers cheekily commented as she reached for the bowl of peanuts.
"Hey Alex?" Lena called with her sister in law looking her way. "Can I uh...talk to you outside?"
"Sure. Hey Sammy..hold my nuts." Alex smirked with a few of them almost spraying their beverages right out their nostrils. Her wife took the bowl and slowly licked her bottom lip giving her the signature predatory look. "Later."
"Do you two have to eye fuck...fuck." Sawyer snatched up her jacket and pulled out her wallet as both Sam and Ruby signaled to pay up. "Yeah yeah yeah.."
"Fack!" Skye glanced down sighing shaking her head.
"This is all your faults thank you. See, I have learned to quiet that tone around Little One." Ruby laughed as she grabbed the bowl of cheddar and sour cream potato chips only to have a little hand come up and signal her to pay as she floated a foot above the floor. "Can I win?"
"Chips!" Skye glared at those that chuckled not quietly enough.
"At least she's laying off my...oreos. Dammit." Sam, Maggie and Ruby held out their hands.
"DAM MITTS!" All their heads dropped in surrender.
Both stepped out onto the deck, glancing at the reflection of the moon in Kieran's pool and spa then up to the source. Alex walked closer to the railing to lean over it some. Lena chose to pull up one of the patio chairs and sit down. Both had thanked the landscaper for putting in the waterfall that splashed into the rather big swim vessel, giving them a background noise that would drown out their upcoming chat from attentive ears. Lena though, had also been grateful she had gone for swivel rockers for outdoor decor. She wasn't even sure how to begin the conversation, but knew better than to get worked up with not only Super hearing but who knows what else..
"Just ask. You know you don't have to be guarded with me Lena. We've gone over this before, who knows how many times." Alex spoke smoothly and calmly and sometimes she hated that about the older of the Danvers duo.
"A couple things if I may." Her bigger sister nodded." Did Kara by chance tell you before that..she could place stones for longevity in jewelry?"
"I had overheard it a few times being around Lois and Clark. Mrs. Kent had mentioned something to him about a way to stay with him longer. So...kinda." Alex answered still not turning to face her sister. She didn't think of Lena as anything else now and as awkward as it was, Maggie had become like a sister even if they still flirted without meaning to. Hell...even if they had...banged each other previously, more than once..that was in the past. For the most part. "Why do you ask Lee?"
"So she didn't tell you she'd put them in my ring or the bracelet." A shake of head confirmed it for her. "Why do you think I really wanted you out here, just us two?"
"So you could check out my ass probably." Alex turned around to see Lena narrowing eyes at her. "Ha ha I was kidding Kieran. I think it has to do with the recent turn of events." She was about to read every bit of Lena's body language to see if she was correct. "After Kara's blood turned me into practically a kryptonian...you are wondering if it can do the same for you." There it was, the shift and slight tension along the right side then the attempt to hide the hard swallow. "I'm not immune to kryptonite." Alex told her making her way over to take up one of the seats beside Lena noticing emeralds grow large at her response.
"How is that possible?" This news had knocked her thoughts into next week.
"Non. He engineered some way around the cure. Because of that…" Alex shut her eyes releasing a heavy breath. "She's immune to the anti k remedy." Lena felt confusion riddle her thoughts. "Why the look?"
"She grabbed the kryptonite sword and snapped it in half Alex. If she was still vulnerable...she wouldn't have been able to do that."
"I know. I've thought about that too. Trust me, it's baffling me like crazy. At first, I thought it was the parasites or the toxins she was injecting into herself over the course of trials and the last dose. I can't wrap my head around that one either. Then...there is the...last dose. It eats at me that she couldn't come to any of us for this. Why...why did she feel that she couldn't.."
"I know Alex. It digs at the very pit of my soul she didn't and felt as if she wasn't able to. Should we be worried? I mean...what do we do now.." Lena didn't like the wretched feeling tearing her apart inside that seemed to fester and grow.
"She's unable to use any of her powers right now. I haven't tried to bring any of that up around her. It makes me sick just thinking about doing so. Now that you bring it up though...perhaps we should do a few tests. Maybe more than a few."
"Suuuuuure. You can be the one to poke my wife." Lena wasn't gonna play that game. She knew better.
"Hell no! I think we should make Lucy do it." Alex grinned. "Consider that idea for a moment you rather intelligent businesswoman."
"You just wanna pay her back for eating the imported chocolates I got you a subscription for."
"Well, there's that too. No. Lucy does have a medical background and when her and I trained for a while together, before we got hooked into the DEO stuff, I got really ill and she was pairing up with me as a medic. She drew my blood and gave me the antibiotics. So, she can do it really gently. We can use a smaller gage on her like a butterfly needle. But look Lena...I know you want to be able to protect Kar. I know that you have been thinking, which I don't need to be a mind reader to know, about this whole transfusion thing. Tell me Lena.." Alex leaned over forcing her gaze. "..is this about protecting her or being a strength different than you already are with her."
"I.." Lena leaned back in the chair setting both hands on the arms of the rocker. Was she doing this for..for that..
"I've been puking some Lee and I've gotten the shakes too. Sounds get way too loud, smells make me wanna vomit even more." Alex told her. "Instead of feeling that normal body temperature I feel like my blood is boiling. I snapped the handlebars on my favorite ride. I sneezed and blasted heat vision through the garage door." She could see the surprise in Lena's face. "I feel like I can't breathe and pass out in the shower sometimes when the steam gets too thick. Even hot tea or coffee...I feel faint from the heat they put out. You know that Kara can usually touch scalding things with her bare hands. I can't."
"Have you told your sister or even your wife? Does Ruby know?" Alex shook her head. "How long have you had.."
"Ten days. I didn't want to bring it up until I knew Kara was safe and secure. After hearing there is another four running around...that kinda took a backseat."
"Alura hasn't given anything up?" Lena saw the disdain in her sister's face along with what sounded like kryptonian profanity. "The nerve."
"Agreed. She just shoved in a few things in kryptonese about her distaste of her daughter sharing their race by offering that change in me. I don't think she knew I was close enough to hear or...that we had a camera in there." Alex was forcefully shoving her own distaste for the bitch, so unlike the person her sister had wept for and missed for years. It had infuriated her even more, when she found out by a stunned yet somewhat excited Kara, that her real mother was alive and well. Then...I will not lose her if I can help it.. She meant it and would kick open the gates of hell and rescue her from the devil himself if he were to show up and try to take her sister. Alex's own soul be damned.
"I put those in there for a reason. After everything we dealt with at the DEO, I needed to. They can't even be traced by Ruby. I don't know that she knows about them. I haven't told anyone but you. But Al.."
"That can wait. As for the blood thing, perhaps ask Jehna."
"What did you wanna ask me?" Both women glanced up as they watched Jhune touchdown on the deck. She slipped into one of the chairs with them spinning around to look at her. "Looks like both of you need some answers."
"You up for them?" Both Alex and Lena said at the same time. Jehna smiled as she grabbed the deck of cards on the side of the table to shuffle and deal.
"As long as you are up for a little five card."
"We can do that." Kieran motioned for her other sister to pass them their cards and hoped that the answers Jehna had...would solve all their problems..
Glancing at the calendar had a Captain and Co Director raising an eyebrow. Usually winters ran December, January and February. But this year even March had given them the coldest of chills. Perhaps it was global warming or Mother Nature was giving the whole country payback for the fires set by a certain prior President. Either way, at least April was on the dot. It made them wonder if May and June would give them a pour down. Spring had certainly been shortened that was for sure.
"I hate when you drop my rook like that." Maggie grumbled with Lucy snickering then looking at her niece who was watching with big eyes. "C'mere Little Zor-El." Sawyer waved Rose over whom flew right to her then settled down on one of the Captain's knees. "See this piece?"
"Castle!" Rose clapped happily.
"That's right. See that mean old Queen? That mean old Queen took my castle." If Maggie's wife had heat vision she would be a pile of dust by now.
"See, this Queen is young. That Queen is old. You wanna know how you tell?" Lucy smirked and pointed to Maggie's piece. "White hair means she's old."
"Snow White isn't old." Both women heard a snicker from over in the lazyboy as Ruby was engulfed in her 3DS.
"Snow White is for di…" Lucy gasped as Sam slapped a hand over her mouth which made the Co Director look up.
"That isn't a conversation to have around a five year old Major."
"That isn't even one for a ten, let alone a fifteen year old Mom."
"I don't know...the way schools are right now, sex ed is...shit." Ruby smiled clapping as did Rose.
"Ah ha! Pay up Sammy." Maggie laughed with Sam slapping fifty dollars in her hand. "Bout time you slip."
"Well, if you don't hand over the cheetos you might be looking at a burnt hairline."
"No Aunzee no!" Artemis looked at the nervous kryptonian that was now hiding her face in Tijrea's shoulder, shaking.
"Oh Roselyn..I'm sorry baby." Sam knelt down and handed Rose the last cookie she had in her unoccupied hand. "Here you go." That did it and the little girl turned and gave a big smile clapping and taking the cookie. "Cookies make it all better don't they?"
"Cookies!" Sam chuckled with her niece chewing it slowly.
"Savor the cookie kiddo." She was glad that calmed her frightened state down. Yet Sam's was far from calm and was just about to stand and check up on the duo at the deck, when three of them came in. "Everything alright?"
"Ro...selynnn..Alexi..Zor.." Everyone stood up at the sound of their hero's voice.
"Mama!" The little girl squealed as she flew in. Ruby was hot on her trail almost immediately. "Mama hurt." That did it as they all rushed out of the room and towards the bedroom that Kara was occupying.
"I got this..back up Rubes." Alex told her daughter while handing her niece to her. She noticed the others attempt to come closer but she waved her hand to keep them backed away. Danvers could already tell that the symptoms weren't good.
Kara was thrashing after kicking half the covers off her and even with the MIT tank she was in, sweat drenched it leaving it far too saturated to keep on her body. "Lena, get me another tank or t-shirt or something for her. Oh...and a sports bra. Grab some boxers too." Alex practically demanded but she knew Lena wouldn't fault her for the tone. She slowly brought a hand to her sister's face. "Kar.." She spoke softly but still her sister was thrashing. She heard the clothes set down and nodded her head. "I've got her." Alex turned her head and looked into scared emeralds. "I've got her." It was her way of telling her sister's wife to get out and hoped everyone else got the hint.
"Take care of her Alex." Lena told her and ushered their family out, including Jehna. "She's in good hands." Her other sister sighed but followed her out, shutting the door behind them.
"It's just you and me sis." Alex carefully discarded the drenched sticky clothing and replaced it with the fresh clean ones, grateful that Lena had picked some that could breathe more. It had been a little difficult with how much Kara was flinging around but once done, Alex climbed on the bed to lay on her side facing her sister. She took one of her hands and put it to her chest doing the same with her own. This was their ritual. No other person or action could come close to what this did for them. 'Come on Kar...feel my heartbeat. Match your breathing with mine. Slow deep breaths in. Slow deep breaths out.' She whispered in her sister's ear, unaware of how she had done so.
Obviously she had reached her because Kara's breathing evened out. Alex didn't care how many times it took or how often she had to do this for her baby sister. When she knew there was no more struggle, Alex took a hand softly up to Kara's chin lifting it. "Open those beautiful blues for me Kar." The slight push and eyelids lifted revealing sky blue ceruleans. Alex wondered if, from purging Kara's system of that darkness, it brought out a far brighter blue into her orbs.
The last time she'd saw them like that was when they had their first sisters night after Kara had saved her, J'onn had made her shoot her sister out of the sky and scared eyes of a thirteen year old were looking at her frightened and lost. How betrayed she looked at the DEO on that table. How hurt she was until Alex showed her more that she hadn't been able to before that. There weren't anymore secrets between them after that, she felt nothing but pure relief.
"Al...ex.." Kara locked eyes with her sister's warm browns noticing the smile on her face. "You..okay?"
"Am I okay? Oh...Kar..you dork." Alex laughed and pulled her sister into her arms, knowing when Kara rolled onto her other side what she was searching for. "That's right sis. I'm the big spoon." Danvers had no issue with holding her and still felt a slight shaking from the blonde. "What happened Kar. Was it a nightmare?" She saw her nod. "Wanna talk about it?"
"I...I hurt you Lexy." Kara was near tears when she said the words. "I...my hands.."
"You didn't hurt me Kar. I'm okay. We are all okay I promise. You didn't hurt me."
"Hand...Saokryv Rrip." Alex felt the shakes more now, hearing the sniffles which made her hold her a little tighter against her body.
"You didn't strangle me Kar. You didn't touch me that way. No heat vision. None of it."
"Promise?" Her voice sounded so frail and it killed Alex to hear, but she would be the strength for them both right now.
"Vrreiahv. I promise sis." I promise. Alex whispered in her ear unaware of the shades of her browns darkening toward pitch black, only to return to the chestnut tempree they were before. It didn't take long for her little sister to wear down and when Alex knew the blonde was out cold and snoring as usual, She slid the phone out from under the blanket she had put there when she had knelt down to check on Kara. 'Vrreiahv.'
She flicked the screen, entered her passcode and drew the correct pattern, then went through another code to get to a different contact list. Alex checked again at her sister's breathing and heartbeat then listened for chatter in the other room sighing with the conversation looming there. Returning to the task at hand, she found the contact number 5797866 and entered a text.
Vrreiahv khap Rrip Tul Throniv Vokai Chao Zhehd. Alex typed and waited a response, which came far quicker than she expected.
A promise made and kept to protect her and them. This honor between us is permanent. I will personally see to the demise of the others. You have my word Ie Im Kryptahn and you know this oath is met. His words rang true to the devotion he had and Alex saw that clear as day.
Thank you Calehb. She answered to his text.
Alex quickly deleted the messages and exited that screen, returning to her normal one. Was she playing with fire? Yes. Did she care? Rao no..