And this shall be the final chapter of this story. I hope you enjoy it.

The only sensation Lena was aware of was the ringing in her ears and the warm weight of Ella pressed to her chest, under her. She blinkingly opened her eyes. Her field of vision was obscured by a lilac cardigan.

"Kara," her own voice sounded distant, muted.

"Are you okay?" Kara's eye swept between her and Ella. Ella. Lena turned her attention to the girl. She had her hands over her ears and shaking terribly, but she seemed unhurt. Tears were streaking down her cheeks.

"I'm okay," Lena said, ignoring the persistent ringing in her ears.

"We need to get you out of here,"

She nodded. Another explosion went off, not as close as the first one. Kara covered them both again as debris rained in their direction. Now Lena could make out the sounds of terrified screams. She became aware of persons running. This was her fault.

Kara was on her feet, looking around, eyes dark with worry. She bit her lip and Lena watched her hand clench and unclench. She turned back to Lena and helped her to her feet. A wave of nausea hit her and she stumbled into Kara.

"What's wrong?"

Lena just shook her head, "Ella," was all she managed to say.

They both looked at the girl, who was still curled in on herself on the ground.

"Ella we have to go," Kara said, desperately, "It's not safe here,"

She shook her head, crying. She was muttering again and again "My fault, I'm sorry,"

"Ella," Lena implored, "Please,"

Without another word Kara picked her, cradling her against her body. She tried to protest, sobbingly fighting Kara off.

"You're going to get hurt!"

"No one's going to get hurt," Kara insisted, "We're all going to get out of here safely. It's not your fault," She looked to Lena, "We need to find Alex and Maggie,"

Lena nodded and let Kara take the lead. They pushed through the panicked masses, Kara shouting for her sister.

"Kara!" The return cry cut through the chaos and Alex appeared in front of them.

"Is everyone okay?" She asked. It was obvious she'd gone into full alert mode. Behind Alex, Maggie was in the background trying to herd the terrified crowd.

"We're okay," Kara said, "It's him. The one who has a hit on Lena,"

"Are you sure?"

"Ella saw him,"

Alex nodded, that's all the confirmation she needed. "If that's the case we need to get Lena out of here,"

"Ella too," Kara said, she looked to Lena, "Can you take her?"

"Of course," Lena said. Kara passed Ella into her arms.

"I'll be right back. Alex get them out of here,"

"Wait, where are you going?"

"I'm going to help get more people out," she was already running away.

"Kara!" Lena took half a step after her, but Alex grabbed her shoulder.

"Kara knows what she's doing. It's priority that we get you out of here,"

"But we can't just leave her! She's your sister! If she gets hurt! Or worse!"

Alex took Lena by the shoulders, "Listen to me. Kara is going to be fine. I promise you. But you need to get to safety," Her gaze was intense. Her eyes alone said she was willing to drag her out of there is she needed to. Lena, however, wasn't willing to back down.

"But-"

"We need to get Ella to safety,"

Lena took a breath, a single second of deliberation, "Right, let's go,"

Holding Ella tightly to her, Lena ran behind Alex. She sprinted towards Maggie. The sounds of sirens started to join the dim of confusion.

"Maggie! This is the guy who strapped a bomb vest to Ella,"

"Then the target of this is Lena," Maggie didn't miss a beat, "Those sirens are close. They'll be here in seconds. I can commandeer a squad car and get her to safety,"

Alex nodded, looking to Lena. She nodded her agreement as well, "That sounds like the best course of action… but Kara-"

"Isn't who he's after," Alex cut her off.

"No time for discussion," Maggie said, "Come on, I can see the cops," They ran to the edge of the park. Cops cars were streaming in. Maggie pulled out her badge, holding it up towards to the cops who'd just gotten out of the lead car. "Detective Maggie Sawyer, 23rd precinct. I have strong reason to believe the target of this attack is Lena Luthor. I need to commandeer your vehicle to get her to safety,"

"Detective," The officers looked taken back for a couple seconds. They looked between everyone in their small group then the drive nodded, "Understood. Do you have a location or ID on the assailant?"

"The first explosions came from the southeastern quadrant of the park," Maggie said, "No other visual confirmation on his location,"

The cops nodded and stepped away from the car. One radioed in the information Maggie had just told them.

"Lena, Alex, get in," Maggie said, heading to the driver's side.

Lena opened the back door and placed Ella in first. She was about to get in herself when one of the cops they'd just spoken to yelled something she couldn't make out. But she heard Maggie curse just a second after. The next thing she knew she was blown back by an explosion. It knocked back against the side of the car, knocking the wind from her lung. Her vision blurred. The ringing in her ears all she could hear. It pierced her eardrums like a hot needle. Just the act of gasping caused a wave of pain. Looking around, she saw Alex prone on the ground some thirty meters away. Maggie had been on the other side of the car. She couldn't see what had happened to her from where she was. What she could see was a man walking towards her. His face was partly obscured by a cloth mask.

"Damn Luthor, if I'd known your contract would have caused me this much trouble I would have never taken it, advance payment or not. No wonder anyone wants to deal with Luthors, even in my circles," He smirked. Lena tried to get up, but her senses were still working against her. Her skin went cold. She couldn't see a way out of this. "Well, at least I get the rest of my money for this shit storm," He cocked his gun at her.

"Leave her alone," Ella burst out of the car, "Lena's nice! Don't hurt her,"

"Ella!" Her body moved on its own. She grabbed Ella and pulled her behind her.

Her hit man stopped cold. His eyes reflected shock, then they quickly shifted to mirth.

"The street rat is here?" He laughed, "And here I thought I'd have to track her down afterwards,"

"Ella isn't part of this. Just kill me. Let her go,"

"I would, but the brat was supposed to the die the other day so I let her see my face. I can't let her go around like that. She just recognized me after all. Clandestineness is a big part of my job details. If it makes you feel better, it won't hurt,"

Lena covered Ella with her own body. There was the sound of gunshots and Lena was hit was a gust of wind. A shadow fell over her. She took a breath, and then other, waiting for the pain. There was none.

"Supergirl!"

Ella's cry snapped her too. She turned around and gazed upon her salvation. It was Supergirl.

"Supergirl! You saved us," Ella was ecstatic.

The hero looked back over her shoulder to grin at them.

"Sorry I'm a little late,"

"You're right on time," Lena smiled, hugging Ella to her.

"Shit," The hitman unloaded his clip against Supergirl.

"Obviously that's not working," Supergirl almost sounded amused, "Unless you have something bigger you want to try I'd suggest you start running."

He pulled out a grenade and tossed it at her. She caught it with one hand and sighed, "At least you didn't put another little girl in a bomb vest," She wound back her hand like she was about to give an opening pitch and the solid flick of the arm she sent the grenade skyward. It got well above the park before exploding like an ersatz firework. This time the hitman decided his best option was to run.

Supergirl helped Lena to her feet, "Are you okay?"

"Thanks to you,"

"I'm just happy I got here in time,"

"Supergirl, he's getting away," Ella said. She was clinging to Lena's side with one hand, pointing the direction he was running.

"Oh I don't think he's going to get very far," She said knowingly, a huge grin on her face.

Lena looked past Supergirl and saw Alex Danvers was back on her feet, spiriting after the hitman. In a space of a few seconds, she'd closed the distance and tackled him to the ground.

"Go, Alex!" Ella cheered.

"Go, Alex," Supergirl echoed. She walked over to her as she placed handcuffs on him.

"Thanks for the assist Supergirl," Alex said smoothly, "It's not like you could have caught him in literally a second,"

"You had it handled," Supergirl said nonchalantly.

"Mmhm," Alex nodded.

"Is everyone in one piece?" Maggie asked, joining them.

"We're okay," Lena said.

"Thanks to Supergirl," Ella said.

"Hey, who tackled the guy?" Alex said.

Ella giggled, "Supergirl and Alex," She added.

"Thank you," Alex grinned and winked at the girl.

"It was an impressive tackle," Maggie said, kissing Alex's cheek. She pulled the hitman to his feet, "Now, let's get someone to find you a nice cold cell to rot in," She gave him a shove that wasn't gentle in the least, pushing him towards the cops running towards them.

Ella giggled again. Lena smiled down at her, giving her a hug. She picked her up. "Looks like you got to help catch a bad guy. You're a hero, just like Supergirl,"

The girl's eyes went wide and she turned to look at Supergirl. The hero smiled widely, "I couldn't agree more. I wouldn't have been able to do it without Ella, thank you," Ella was overcome with joy, laughing giddily.

Lena looked around, wearing a mild frown.

"Something wrong?" Supergirl asked.

"I'm just looking for Kara. She was with us before, but she went off by herself to help evacuate people,"

Supergirl stood at full alert, "Right, well I'm sorry to leave to so suddenly but I believe I hear something about a fire across town. If you'll excuse me Ms. Luthor, Agent Danvers, Ella,"

"Supergirl wait!" Ella cried.

The hero paused in the air, looked down at her.

"Will I see you again?"

She smiled, a warm, radiant smile, "I'm sure we will. I always visit my friends,"

"We're friends?"

"We are. Friends forever," Supergirl nodded and took off into the sky.

"I'm friends with Supergirl," Ella laughed.

"Supergirl is friends with all the brave heroes in this city," Alex added, grinning as well. This only increased Ella's joy.

"There you all are!" Kara ran in suddenly, taking deep breaths.

"Kara!" Ella cried happily went she saw her. She leant away from Lena, reaching out for her. Kara took her into her arm.

"If everyone okay?" She asked, mainly looking at Lena.

"Supergirl saved us!" Ella said.

"She did! Wow! You know I did just see her fly past,"

"Kara, guess what she said! Guess!"

"I don't know, tell me!"

"She said I was her friend,"

"Oh wow! That's amazing,"

Alex coughed, "I don't know about you all but I wouldn't mind going somewhere with no so much excitement,"

"Oh yes, please," Kara said.

They got Maggie and went out for dinner together. Ella, however, didn't even make to dessert before she nodded away, leaning against Lena in their booth. Lena gave a fond little sigh when she felt the girl slump sleepily against her.

"Okay, that means the end of the night for us,"

"I'll help you get Ella home," Kara said, standing.

"You really don't have to,"

"Please," Kara gave her brightest smile, "I want to,"

Lena's smile reflected Kara's, "Okay,"

"Night guys," Kara said to Maggie and Alex as she picked up the dozing Ella.

"Have a good night," Alex said.

"Maybe we can hang again sometime. Preferably, without anything exploding,"

"Definitely without any explosions," Lena said with a smile.

Alex and Maggie watched as they left. Lena placed a hand on Kara's arm, pressing closer for a moment to say something softly to her.

"What do you think about them?" Maggie asked.

"Who?"

"Lena and your sister?"

"Kara is insistent on her friendship with Lena. And when Kara wants to be your friend, god help you, you will be,"

Maggie chuckled, "She is a Luthor," She said after a moment.

"Admittedly I was hesitant when Kara first told me she was going a gala L-Corp as Lena's guest. But Lena's heart seems to be in the right place. What's that thing cops say? Innocent until proven to be like your family,"

Maggie laughed, "One, that's not quite how it goes. Two, lawyers say that more than cops,"

Alex chuckled, placing an arm around Maggie and pulling her closer, "Well, I trust her. Doesn't mean I'm not ready to send her to a world of pain if she does ever hurt Kara,"

"Now, you see, when you say stuff like that I'm not sure if you just mean you'll kick the shit out of her, or if you can actually send her to a world that will be eternal torment for someone,"

Alex hummed in thought, "I could actually look into that latter option, thanks for the suggestion,"

Maggie shook her head in amusement, "Alright Ms. Overprotective big sis what do you say we call it a night too,"

"We did almost get blown up today. Do you think that's a good enough excuse to call in sick tomorrow?" Alex asked she slide out of the booth after Maggie.

"Nah, that won't cut it. With our jobs getting blown up happens twice a week, at least,"

"Fair point," Alex placed her arm around Maggie's shoulders, "We'll have to come up with something else," Laughing, Maggie wrapped her hand around her waist. They went home together, arm in arm.

Kara placed Ella down in bed and tiptoed back to the door where Lena was standing. Lena gave a soft sigh.

"Had a bomb vest strapped on her, and got shot at, all in the space of 72 hours,"

"She'll have some great stories to tell her grandkids one day," Kara said, trying to lighten the mood.

Lena smiled, giving an amused breath, "She certainly will,"

They stepped out of the room quietly, closing the door behind them, "Thank you for today?"

"You're thanking me? Even though you almost got shot because you came out today?"

"Almost getting shot is a month experience for me Kara, nothing new," She said, grinning playfully.

"I'm glad you still enjoyed it," Kara glanced down for a second, fixing her glasses, "I should probably get going. You need to rest too,"

"Right, of course," She tried not to sound too disappointed. She walked Kara to her door, "Have a good night Kara,"

Kara surprised her, by hugging her, "You too Lena, bye,"

"Thanks for letting me know,"

It was the afternoon of the next day. Lena had gone into the office, taking Ella with her. Maggie had just called her. When she hung up she leant back in her chair, sighing heavily. She rubbed her forehead. She knew this was coming, but it didn't make this moment any easier. She sent a message to Jess telling her to have Benjamin go around to her place and collect Ella's things.

"Ella, sweetie," Lena went over to where Ella was sitting on the couch, "What are you doing?"

She held up a picture she was working on, "It's Supergirl,"

"It's a good likeness," Lena smiled.

"Oh and look," She rifled through the pages on the table, "This is one of L-Corp. And see, that's you there, in your office,"

Lena's heart twisted painfully. "Sweetheart, come here for a moment," She pulled her onto her lap.

"Is something wrong?"

"Well, do you remember when they said you'll be staying with me until they can find you a proper home?"

Ella nodded uncertainly.

"I just got word they found you a foster home,"

"You don't want me anymore?"

"No, no, Ella, sweetie, that's not it at all," Lena shook her head, tucking some of Ella's hair behind her ear gently, "It's just, I can't take of you right now,"

"But we were having fun together,"

"We did. And I'm sure we will again. But, right now you need more than just someone to have fun with. You need a proper home. I wish I could give that to you, but I just can't. But this family has two moms who are going to be great foster moms, and they have kids you can play with,"

"Oh… okay," Ella looked down.

"Hey," Lena said softly, "You may not be able to live with me. But we can still be friends. I actually got you something," Lena stood, collection the small box she had Jess get this morning.

"I got this for you, so we can stay in touch,"

"You got me a phone?"

"I did. It's got my number on it already. I'll pay for it along as you have so your foster moms won't have to worry about that. You can call whenever you want to talk. And I promise we'll see each other again,"

"You promise?" Ella's eyes looked a little watery as she accepted the phone.

"Cross my heart,"

Ella tackled hugged Lena around her waist. Lena felt a hot ball of emotion well up her throat. She kneeled down and gave her proper hug.

"Please tell me Ella is still here!"

The suddenly cry made both Lena and Ella jump. A slightly flustered looking Kara let out a huge sigh of relief.

"You're still here. I thought I was going to miss you. I just got word that they found somewhere for Ella,"

Lena nodded, standing, "We were just saying our goodbyes. The social worker should be here any minute actually,"

"Kara, Lena got me phone so we can call each other,"

"Well that just makes my gift look plain by comparison," Kara said, her smile deflating a little.

"You have a gift for me?" Ella perked up.

"Yeah, it's nothing much," Kara held out a gift bag.

Ella took it with a quick, "Thank you,"

"I just knew you wanted one so I looked around and –"

Ella's scream of delight cut off anything else Kara had been about to say.

"You found the Supergirl shirt!" She pulled a pastel blue t-shirt with a Supergirl crest on it, "You found it!"

Lena laughed as she watched Ella jump up to hug Kara, "I think she likes it, Kara,"

"Yeah," Kara laughed.

"Kara, can I get your number so we can call each other?"

"Of course," Kara smiled brightly. She took the phone and stored her number. She was about to hand it back to Ella, but she paused, frowning at the screen, "You should personalise your background. Something nicer than this," She gestured to the generic placeholder. She gasped suddenly, eyes lighting up with an idea, "Let's make a picture of the three of us your background,"

Ella's eyes lit up as bright as Kara, and they both looked to Lena eagerly.

"I can't very well say no, can I?" Lena laughed.

Kara's grin brighten, "Come on, squish in," She made them sit together, Ella in the middle. She took the photo. She took several photos actually. The trio ended up messing around with the different camera features until Jess came into of the office.

"Ms. Luthor, there's an Emily Wilson downstairs. The social worker,"

"Thank you, Jess. Let her know we'll be down in a moment," Lena said.

"Is this it?" Ella asked.

Lena smiled sadly, "It is. But remember, you can call me anytime. Day or night,"

"The same goes for me," Kara said.

They took her down to the lobby of L-Corp and met with Wilson. Ella was nervously peering from behind Lena. Lena placed a hand on her head.

"It's okay,"

Ella looked up at her, glancing between her and Kara.

"You're foster family is going to be great. I know it," Said reassuringly.

Ella hugged her, and then Lena before taking the hand of the social worker and letting her lead her away.

Lena took a shuttering breath and turned sharply, walking back towards the elevator.

"Hey, hey," Kara ran after her, "Are you okay?"

Lena didn't say anything until they the door closed in the elevator. She shook her head, covering her eyes. Kara dug around her bag for a few seconds, coming out with a handkerchief. She handed it to Lena with a small smile.

"Thanks," Lena gave a small smile in return a watery laugh escaping, "You must you think I'm ridiculous, getting emotional like this,"

"No I don't. It wasn't easy to tell her goodbye. You care about, how could you not?"

Lena wiped her eyes, nodding.

"If I'm honest I'm a little surprised that you let her go. Seeing the two of you together, I thought you were considering…"

"Adopting her?" Lena asked when Kara trailed off.

Kara nodded.

"I considered it,"

"Why… why didn't you?"

Lena bit her lip, looking down. Her hands twisted the handkerchief.

"You don't have to answer that,"

"No. It's fine." Lena said softly. But she didn't say anything more right away. She leant against the wall of the elevator. The doors opened. Lena stepped out, Kara following behind her. She didn't speak again until they were in her office.

"She almost died twice because of me,"

"That wasn't your fault,"

"I know that," Lena sighed, "I do. But… the fact is that's something that is a part of my life. Every day. I don't know how to be someone's mother. And my best frame of reference it's a very good one. Even if that wasn't the case right now L-Corp is a big part of my life. I don't think I have the place to be the CEO and I want to be and the parent Ella would need me to be. The worse thing I could do for her is make her related to me. The Luthor name isn't an easy thing to carry. She's too good to go through what I have to. She deserves someone better than me. I could never be the mother she needs. A kid needs love and attention. Between L-Corp and everything else those aren't things I can give,"

"For what it's worth, while she was with you, you gave her those things in abundance,"

Lena smiled, "Thank you, Kara. And I'm sorry for the trouble I caused you this weekend,"

Kara shook her head, smiling, "No trouble at all,"

I have some explaining to do, don't I? I'd expect most people were expecting this story to end with Lena adopting Ella. From the start, this is how I planned the ending. Admittedly, I considered more than once changing it. I really got attached to Ella. It was really hard for me to write that goodbye. But Lena would have done what's best for Ella and that would be letting her go. So I did too. If it helps, Lena and Kara do apsolutely keep in touch with Ella.

Nardragon~ until the next page.