Apologies for the delay in posting!
So, how intense was this week's episode of SG? First crazy-Kara, then Hank gets thrown into the Paddy Wagon.
But good news is that CBS will broadcast a Flash/Supergirl x-over. The plot of the episode involves parallel earths, so for the sake of clarification, in this fic, all characters are from a singular reality
In response to reviews: One of the actual reasons for writing this fic was to showcase a confrontation between Kara and Slade. And in the comics, Deathroke is the go-to merc when someone wants to take out a superhero.
Anywhoo…
Supergirl, Justice League and Young justice are properties of Warner Bros and CW. I claim credit for nothing.
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CHAPTER 5: "Come on baby, light my fire"
STAR CITY, 5:15AM
"Kara, you're still packing? We'll be late to the airport!" James called.
"You would think that being Supergirl would allow her to pack quickly," Winn added.
"Clark had the same problem when the airports installed x-ray scanners," James said. "'What to do with the suit'".
"I'm almost done, guys!" Kara said on the other side of her hotel bedroom.
"You said that ten minutes ago!" Winn complained. "That's it I'm coming in."
"Winn, don't-" James said and the other man opened the door to see that Kara had just about all of her luggage ready, except for-
"Kara, what happened to the suit?!" Winn asked.
Kara filled the two in on what had happened last night, but was careful to leave out details of secret identities. By the time she finished, their jaws were all but hanging on the floor.
"I know Hank told me to stay away from vigilantes," Kara pouted.
"But what matters is that you're now in their circle," James smiled. "Way to go, Supergirl."
The three were interrupted by a knock on the door. Kara immediately tried to hide the suit as James opened the door to see a neatly dressed man in his early seventies.
"May I help you?" James asked.
"My name is Alfred Pennyworth," the man said in a British accent. "Master Wayne sent me to drive the three of you to the airport."
"Uh-"
"It's okay guys," Kara said.
"And Master Grayson wanted me to give you this, Miss Danvers," Alfred handed her a Rip Curl bag. "He said it should be able to contain your… 'Scuba Diving gear'."
"Why, how thoughtful of him!" Kara said brightly as she gave Alfred a nod.
"I will be waiting for the three of you in the lobby," Alfred replied as he picked up James and Winn's bags.
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THEA QUEEN'S APARTMENT, 6:30AM
Thea awoke feeling sore and bruised.
Getting out of bed, she put on a robe and made her way to the kitchen to make some coffee. Last night was no ordinary patrol, that was for sure. She helped stop a robbery, tumbled with an alien refuge, fought Slade Wilson and managed to make some new friends.
Whether it was just a kyptonian trait, Supergirl – Kara – just seemed to have an aura of positivity about her. Despite the situation, she seemed to be genuinely polite and humble for a super-powered alien. Why would anyone feel threatened by her or Superman? They're both so… nice.
Barbara Gordon was beautiful, strong and smart. But rarer still was her competency on both the streets as Batgirl plus hacking the web as Oracle.
Dick Grayson. He was almost exactly the same age as Roy, and just as good looking. Despite being excessively flirty, he was incredibly agile and confident. When he spoke, it was with an air of authority and leadership.
"So Gotham's A-List bad boy is really the reason why the criminal underworld holds their meetings in the day time," Thea said aloud.
"And also a contributor to why I'm in the mess that I'm in," a voice said in reply.
Thea turned to see Malcolm Merlyn sitting on the lounge in the living room.
"Been here long?" Thea asked sarcastically.
"The 'Birds of Prey'," Malcolm said jovially, "a bit flamboyant for a group of heavily armed girl scouts leaping from the rooftops at night don't you think? Then again, it could worse. Say, as bad as a grown man dressing up like a flying rodent?"
"You say that like it's a bad thing," Thea shot back. "Using stealth, fear, intimidation as weapons against stronger enemies. Why don't you just tell me the truth about him."
"…And that would be?"
"He was one of you wasn't he?" Thea accused. "A League of Assassins member."
Malcolm's expression became sober. "There have been many who have earned the right from Ra's Al-Ghul to train under the League. Few earned the right to simply quit and walk away."
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KATHMANDU, 1995
Bruce Wayne, age 20, entered the restaurant. He was told to come here, hoping that it would be a possible lead. After nearly three years on the road, he had his share of dead ends.
"Table for one, sir?" a waitress asked.
"I have an appointment with a… 'Mr. Ubu'?"
"Please follow me sir," the waitress answered as she ushered Bruce to a cubicle at the back of the eatery. Seated was a burly African man dressed in a three piece suit.
"Sit," Ubu gestured.
"May I get you two anything?" The waitress asked
"Dara Tea," Ubu replied.
"Jasmine," Bruce added.
Ubu looked Bruce over. "You are a long way from Gotham, Mr. Wayne. How may I help you?"
"How did know I was Br-"
"Your travels have caught the attention of my… master. You left Gotham at the age of fourteen to complete Senior High School in Japan. After that, you all but disappear off the face of the Earth apart from unconfirmed sightings in China, Thailand, South Africa, Rio De Janeiro. Either you were lost, or you were actually seeking something."
"I believe my quest is nearing an end."
"And what makes you believe that you know where you are going? Or that I would even be able to help you get there?"
"I know of someone else who took the same journey."
"Oh? Another 'wanderer'?"
Bruce reached into his pocket and produced a photo of a family portrait – a young man and his wife with their ten year old son. He pointed at the man in the photo -
Malcolm Merlyn.
"Al Sa-her," Ubu muttered.
"'Magician'," Bruce translated as his gaze narrowed. "Take me to him. I wish to have an audience with his 'teachers'."
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DEO HEAQUARTERS, PRESENT DAY, 8:30AM
"That's the last injection," Alex said as she plunged the syringe into M'gann's arm. "With your martian immune system you should be able to interact with Earth's atmosphere without any problems."
"And when is that going to happen, exactly?" M'gann asked.
"That's the problem," Hank answered. "The DEO isn't an immigration service. We were set up to track down hostiles, not refuges. But I've been making some arrangements and we should have an identity set up for you soon."
"So where will I live? What will I do?" M'gann asked.
"How about you stay with Kara and I in National City?" Alex suggested.
"You're serious?"
"I'd have to talk to Kara about it, but I'd say we're more than qualified to help you with life on Earth."
Hank's cell phone suddenly rang. "Excuse me… This is Henshaw… What do you mean, 'he just disappeared'?! …Well find him!" He turned to Alex. "That was our field office in Star City. The team sent to retrieve Slade Wilson say that he disappeared in transit."
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CATCO MEDIA, 10:30AM
"Let's start with the good news," Cat began. She sat at the head of the table in the board room surrounded by Kara, Winn, James and Lucy.
"First of all, your report on Palmer Tech's newest product and it's purchase by Wayne Tech was a smash hit with the geeks and tech heads. Secondly, Keeera's interview with Oliver Queen on vigilante justice has nearly overloaded the servers with all the comments and discussions. In that regards, I congratulate you all. Now for the bad news," she turned to Lucy.
"Last night, Palmer Tech experienced a break-in," Lucy started. "A group of heavily armed thieves and someone matching the description of Slade Wilson, the guy who led the attack on Star City a few years ago."
"It get's better," Cat said.
"The local police received anonymous tip-offs saying that Slade Wilson was stopped by Supergirl and The Batman," Lucy finished.
"The obvious questions," Cat rose out of her seat. "One: What was Supergirl doing in Star City when there is still so much to be done here. Two: what relationship does she have with the Bat vigilante? Do all these heroes have some kind of network? Do they have AA meetings on Friday?"
"Maybe Supergirl was just on some kind of… exchange program?" Kara suggested.
"Here's what I want to see on the front cover tomorrow," Cat said. "Batman, the Arrow, the Flash – a full expose. I want police reports, eyewitness testimonies, everything!"
"Miss Grant," James started. "The Daily Planet-"
"Perry White didn't want to talk about vigilantism because at the time it would make the Daily Planet look like Fortean Times. Now every week, we are all but obligated to talk about alien invaders and our resident protector. I dare say: 'What the hell is the difference?' Well, don't just sit there, get to it!"
They all got up to adjourn.
"Keeera! Stay," Cat said.
"Yes, Miss Grant?"
"Let be honestly say, when I honestly believed you were really Supergirl, you left me humiliated and ashamed when you proved me wrong," Cat said. "But it seems that whenever you are absent, she happens to go AWOL as well and follow you."
"I… I'm sure she's just being her friendly self," Kara mumbled. "You know, keeping an eye on those… frequent cases that need… additional help!"
"Perhaps," Cat replied. "But since she's no longer flying solo, I'm leaving it in your hands to arrange any kind of contact with these, new 'friends' of hers. Is that understood?"
"Yes, Miss Grant!"
Cat gave a dismissive wave.
Kara sighed to herself. What on Earth have I got myself into?
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SOMEWHERE IN THE HIMALAYAS, 1995
Bruce's whole skin was numbed by the cold, his palms scratched and raw. The climb up the mountain required all of his strength – physically and mentally to reach the summit. After minutes – if not hours – of free-climbing vertical rock, his hands finally landed atop flat ground.
Finally.
He hauled himself up and was astounded by what he saw: carved into the stone was the entrance to an ancient city that had to be old as millennia.
Nanda Parbat.
Getting to his feet, he could see the faint flicker of candle light and shimmering shadows-
"Halt! Don't make a single move!" The voice, deep and electronic, came from a hooded figure wearing a mask and a crimson jacket. The figure was surrounded by two others wearing identical hooded uniforms with black scarves concealing their faces.
Assassins.
The crimson-clad figure removed it's mask, revealing a beautiful girl with black hair, almond-shaped green eyes and high cheek bones. She appeared to be his own age.
"I am Talia Al-Ghul, Daughter of the Demon," she declared. "State your intentions!"
"Is this how you welcome your guests?" Bruce asked.
"If you are a guest, then who invited you?" Talia cocked her brow.
"I'm beginning to wonder if Ubu sent me into a trap," Bruce said.
The assassins both drew their swords.
"And you have sprung it, intruder," she snapped her fingers. "Take him!"
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THE DANVERS APARTMENT, 5PM
"Alex! I'm home!" Kara called as she opened the door.
Alex came over and gave her sister a hug.
"What a day it has been," she said.
"You got that right," Kara replied.
"Hank filled me in on what happened in Star City. There's been a… complication."
"What happened?"
"Slade didn't make it to the pickup."
"You're kidding?"
"The Agent in Charge says that one minute the truck was surrounded by bright light, the next, he's gone."
"Alex, that guy was able to take me down and nearly kill me," Kara sighed.
"But what matters is that you've got some new backup," Alex smiled. "Remember when we were kids how you would cut out pictures of Bruce Wayne from magazines and hang them on your dresser? You were obsessed."
"And he turns out to be the Dark DILF," Kara giggled. "How's M'gann?"
"She's excellent," Alex answered as she produced a file. "We just finished her processing and creating a new identity."
"What did you give her?"
"Megan Morse, age fifteen. Her cover is 'exchange student from Vancouver'."
"She's only fifteen?" Kara asked.
"Chronologically, she's closer to fifty. Biologically however, she's around early to mid-teens."
"So is she staying with Hank?"
"Actually, I suggested that she stay with us."
"You're serious?!"
"You don't approve?"
"I don't mind at all," Kara wrapped her arms around Alex's shoulders. "You put up with me when we were kids. I'm sure one more teenage alien won't hurt."
Alex nuzzled her back. "When Clark brought you to us, you were so shy and scared. But M'gann, she's so excited about being on Earth."
As if on cue, there was a knock on the door.
"I'll get it," Kara said. She opened the door to see a pretty girl with short brown hair and freckles.
"Kara!" The girl shouted as she threw her arms around her in a tight hug.
"Wait," Kara gasped. "Who are you-" she looked down and noticed the girls eyes – light amber.
"M'gann?"
The girl's skin changed from fair to green. "In the flesh!"
Kara smiled as she looked at M'gann's 'human' form. "You look… fabulous!"
"You think so?" the martian asked.
"She spent hours pouring through issues of Seventeen and Elle until she was happy that she finally got 'the look'," Alex explained. "Now M'gann, are you ready for your first sampling of human food?"
"Yes, please!" She answered.
"So the menu consists of pizza, cheeseburgers or southern-style chicken. Take your pick."
"I vote pizza!" Kara called.
"I second!" M'gann added.
"Alright," Alex replied.
"Anything good on TV tonight?" Kara asked.
"There's that Glee marathon-"
"Ooh, I love Glee!" M'gann cheered.
Half an hour later and the three girls were on the couch having each eaten their share of mozzarella on pan pastry. To add to the fun, M'gann decided to put captions on so that she could sing along to each song.
"Come on Kara, you got to join me in this one!" she pleaded.
"Fine, just this once," Kara answered.
"We clawed, we chained our hearts in vain,
We jumped never asking why
We kissed, I fell under your spell.
A love no one could deny," M'gann started
"Don't you ever say I just walked away
I will always want you
I can't live a lie, running for my life
I will always want you…" Kara continued.
Both girls rose to their feet.
"I came in like a wrecking ball!
I never hit so hard in love
All I wanted was to break your walls
All you ever did was wreck me
Yeah, you, you wre-e-eck me!"
Alex rolled her eyes and groaned.
This is going to be a looong night…
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NANDA PARBAT, 1995
Bruce made his way to the massive wooden door at the end of the coutyard. He pushed it open, revealing a throne room. Sitting on a dais was a middle-aged man wearing a green mantle. Flanking him on both sides were at least a hundred assassins.
"You managed to find this place," Ra's Al-Ghul said as he rose an stepped down onto the throne room floor. "Most who try to come here are killed during the climb. What of the sentries?"
"No contest," Bruce replied.
"I trust that they died honourably?"
"They should be right behind me…"
Talia and her escorts then entered, each looking bloody and bruised while Bruce didn't so much have a scratch.
"Father!" she said as she dropped to her knees, drew her dagger and held it at her throat. Her escorts did the same.
"Just say the words and I will pay the price for not dying in battle."
"I will give no so order," Ra's said calmly as he came in front of Bruce. "Tell me, son, why are you here?"
"I seek the ones who trained Malcolm Merlyn-"
"That name has no meaning in this place!" The voice came from an assassin who broke rank and stepped forward. He pulled down his scarf to reveal that he was none other than Merlyn, the "magician".
"Tell me, Wayne, what would lead Gotham's favoured to travel the world in search of me?" Merlyn asked.
"Because we have suffered the same loss," Bruce answered. "The evil that has corrupted Starling City has come to Gotham and took the ones that I loved most just as it took yours."
"And yet I sense that you seek more than just a kindred spirit," Ra's suggested, "or even retribution against the one's responsible. So what do you want?"
"The means to fight injustice," Bruce answered.
"And what would you have to offer by way of recompense for the things you will learn?"
"If you know who I am, you but have to name the price."
"Gold and money have no place in the world the League of Assassins seeks to create," Ra's said.
As he spoke a young girl of ten broke emerged from behind the Assassins and whispered something into his ear that made him chuckle.
"My youngest child, Nyssa, has taken a liking to you, Mr. Wayne," Ra's explained. "She says you have the look in your eyes of a man who never takes anything at face value but questions everything. For that she has named you 'Al-Muhaqqiq'… the Detective."
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THE DANVERS APARTMENT, PRESENT DAY, 7:30AM
Beep-Beep-Beep!
Kara was awakened by the sound of the smoke alarm in the kitchen.
"Someone help!" she heard M'gann call out.
"I'm coming, M'gann!"
Kara rushed to the kitchen to see the young martian trying to put out a fire. She blew her freeze breath and managed to extinguish to flames.
"What the hell is going on?" Alex demanded as she emerged from her bedroom.
M'gann's face grew bashful. "We had so much fun last night, so I thought I'd make breakfast." She held up two plates containing grilled eggs, sausages and waffles.
"That's very thoughtful of you," Alex said. She took a fork and tried a bite. "This is delicious! Where did you learn how to cook?"
"Food Network," she replied.
"I know it's your first attempt, but I'm not complaining," Kara commented.
Alex's cell phone rang. "This is Danvers."
"How's M'gann?" Hank asked.
"She's doing fine," Alex answered. "We just had a little incident in the kitchen where she tried to cook breakfast."
A pause.
"Hank?"
"…Alex," Hank started slowly, "how did she cook?"
"She used the grill and it caught on fire. Is that a problem?"
"It's… nothing. Listen, Kara's new friends just sent a care package by air mail that should be arriving any second-"
THUMP!
"Air mail?" Alex peeked around to see a military footlocker that had landed on the balcony.
"Wayne Tech courier drone," Hank explained. "I'll leave you girls to it."
Kara and M'gann dragged the footlocker into the living room.
"For a new set of tights it feels heavy," Kara commented. But upon opening it her jaw dropped.
Inside the footlocker was a military-grade laptop. But right underneath it lay a body-suit covered in navy-blue metal plates. On the chest was the red and gold 'S'. Folded next to the suit was gold-plated utility belt, a maroon cape made of chain-mail and a matching pair of boots.
"Woah…!"
The laptop then flashed to life:
"ORACLE NETWORK LOGIN. PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME"
"Kara Danvers."
"USER NOT RECOGNIZED"
"Supergirl."
"USER NOT RECOGNIZED"
Kara rolled her eyes. "Kara… Zor-El?"
"ACKNOWLEDGED"
The laptop opened up a webcam application, and Kara could see the familiar faces of Barry Allen and Barbara Gordon.
"It's good to see you again, Kara," Barry said.
"You too, Barry," Kara smiled.
"Is your sister with you?" Barbara asked.
"Right here," Alex answered. "Just want to say thanks for helping my sis the other night."
"It was a pleasure," Barbara asnswered. "Bruce and Dick send their apologies that they couldn't appear-"
"Hello there!" M'gann interrupted. "Kara told me all about you guys."
"Is that… the alien?" Barry asked. "She sounds… endearing."
Barbara cleared her throat. "Lucios Fox who runs Wayne-Tech R&D drew up the designs that Barry was able to put together at STAR Labs. We thought we'd walk you through the suit's functions before you use it."
"Lead on," Kara said.
"The base-layer is an Advanced flight suit for space-diving," Barbara explained.
"Wayne-Tech designed it to compliment the Space Shuttle replacement program. If an astronaut had to suddenly eject during re-entry, this would allow them to survive until they could pull their 'chute. Barry will fill you in on the tactical additions."
"Each plate has three layers," he continued. "The first layer consists of lead-dipped triple-weave kevlar."
"Lead?" Kara replied. "To protect me from-"
"Kryptonite," Alex finished. "But the DEO has researched heaps of preventative measures. A perfect means of shielding hasn't been achieved. Heck, kryptonite can even be lethal to humans if exposed for too long."
"All true," Barry nodded. "At best this should cut exposure down by forty per cent. Which brings us to the next two layers: a solar energy collector that will absorb sunlight and UV radiation should you ever get injured or run into a meta-human with a samurai sword. And last but not least – a refractive coat that will help disperse energy… based weapons as well as-" he lowered his voice to a whisper "-radar."
This thing has Stealth? Kara thought.
"This is so awesome," M'gann whispered.
Kara picked up the cape. Despite being made of chain-mail it felt light as a feather. "I've seen this material on Krypton. It's Nth-metal!"
"Nth-metal? The stuff the Thanagarians use?" Alex asked.
"Of course, none of this is fool-proof," Barbara added. "In battle take whatever measures you can to defend yourself. But in the event that you're in a situation like the other night where you've lost your powers and you're up against a tougher opponent, you need to be able to fight dirty. So Bruce lended you a spare utility belt."
Kara picked up the belt. Examining the pouches, she found spaces for a first-aid kit, an encrypted radio, incendiary capsules, smoke bombs.
"So when I'm down, I'm meant to take cover and throw batarangs?" Kara asked. "So, do I get to keep all of this?"
"It's tailored for you only, and I don't think it would fit on Superman," Barry answered.
"Why don't you try it on?" Barbara suggested.
Kara picked up the suit and took it into her bedroom. After a minute she came out.
"It took a while to get into, it's so tight."
Alex could only stare. "My God."
"You look badass, Kara," M'gann. "Sure, it's revealing and leaves little to the imagination when it comes to kryptonian anatomy, but badass."
Kara practiced throwing a few punches and kicks. "This sure beats trying to kick someone while wearing a skirt. I guess the only trade-off is that it'll be hard to hide it under my work clothes-"
"ALERT! ALERT!" An automated voice came from the laptop.
"Kara, you've got a situation brewing in downtown National City," Barbara said. "Got a pyromaniac in a jetpack buzzing around National City General Hospital setting buildings on fire."
"Wasn't Carter's class going on a field trip to NCGH?" Alex asked Kara.
Kara nodded. "I'm on it!"
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NATIONAL CITY GENERAL HOSPITAL
Carter Grant followed his classmates as they made their way through the western wing on the top level.
"The NCGH Gene Therapy unit is the most advanced of it's kind in America, if not the globe," the tour guide lectured. "In addition to it's contributions to the Human Genome Project, the unit is dedicated to find cures for the most common human diseases ranging from caner to Down's Syndrome."
"Will we get to see the Gene Sequencing Computers?" The question came from Garfield Logan, Carter's friend and "trip buddy."
"Unfortunately that area is off limits," the guide answered.
"Damn," Garfield muttered.
"Hey, don't your parents work in this unit?" Carter asked.
"Yeah, they're researchers," Garfield answered. "But they never talk about it."
VROOOOOOOM!
"What was that?"
"It sounded like a jet engine-"
The glass ceiling shattered, and hovering over the walkway was someone wearing a jet-pack, his face concealed by a gas mask that made him look part-insect. In his hands was a flame thrower.
"The Firefly is here for the housewarming part! So how do you all want to die? The quick, incinerating blast of an explosion? Or a nice slow BURN!"
He pointed the flame thrower at the children and pulled the trigger, but the blaze was blocked by a red and blue blurr.
"You can give up now, or I can force you to surrender," Supergirl said. "Your choice."
"Don't hate me, Supergirl," Firefly taunted as he shot straight up into the air. "I just want to melt your face!"
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THE DANVERS APARTMENT
Alex was hard at work on the laptop while M'gann's eyes were glued to the TV news report.
"Much of the hospital has been set ablaze as a result of the actions resulting from the perpetuator known simply as 'Firefly'. We've just received word that a dozen children are trapped on the top floor of the West Wing."
"The perp is one 'Ted Carson'," Barbara said via the Laptop. "Former pyrotechnics employee at CBS. Sent to Arkham Asylum after being diagnosed with pyromania."
"So why is he setting fire to a hospital?" Alex asked aloud.
"We have confirmation that Supergirl has arrived at the scene and that Firefly has given chase and in flying towards the other end of the city," the news report continued.
"That building is going to collapse!" Alex shouted. "Kara's fast but she can't be in two places at once!"
"She doesn't have to be," M'gann answered as she started to levitate off the floor. Her shape changed so that she wore a blue cape and an outfit identical to J'onn's martian form.
"What do you think you're doing?" Alex demanded.
The balcony door opened and M'gann disappeared.
"Hank is going to kill me…"
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DOWNTOWN NATIONAL CITY
Kara wove past the city skyscrapers as Firefly kept shooting.
"Sooner or later you got to run out of fuel!" She called.
"Not before the hospital burns down!" he taunted back.
Damn it, she thought. He was leading her further and further away. Every second spent chasing him was one second closer to those kids dying.
"I'll rescue the kids. You bring him down."
It wasn't verbal, but was spoken within her own thoughts.
"M'gann? Is that you?"
Out of the corner of her eye she could see a figure flying in the opposite direction towards the hospital.
"Kick his ass, Kara."
Kara accelerated until she was forty feet behind Firefly, when suddenly he stopped in mid-air. He holstered the flame-thrower, reached behind his jet pack and produced a gun of the same make as the one used by Slade Wilson, but Kara could see that instead of glowing green with kryptonite, this weapon glowed hot with molten alloy-lava.
"Oh Shi-"
Kara ducked as a lance of hot liquid metal shot overhead.
"I hate ray-guns!"
.
"She left us! She left us! Supergirl left us!" A girl kept screaming.
"I'm sure she'll come back once she defeats him," Carter said.
He and the other children huddled together as they felt the heat from the fire getting closer and closer.
"Supergirl never gives up," Garfield added.
The floor beneath them started to grind and suddenly the roof caved in as a support beam fell from the ceiling right above them. One more shake of the floor and the children fell through to the next story down-
And they remained hanging in suspended animation.
"What's happening?" Carter asked.
"Look!" Garfield pointed at a figure hovering across from them. It was a girl, the same age as himself and Carter, but judging from her green skin tone and outfit, she definitely not normal.
"Don't be afraid," M'gann said to the children. Her eyes started to glow as she moved the children towards the hospital courtyard where firefighters were waiting.
"Wow," Garfield whispered.
.
Kara flew straight at Firefly who kept shooting his allow cannon. She was able to dodge most of the rounds, but one managed to hit her hard in the abdomen. While her suit was able to withstand the heat, the force was enough to drop her altitude several meters.
"Either you're the bravest person I've ever faced, or you're a complete fool," Firefly kept taunting. "I must say, Supergirl, that's the first time anyone has tried to actually stop my weaponry by flying into it. So why don't we just end it now?"
He looked around – she was nowhere to be seen.
"Don't tell me I actually busted a cap in that bitch's sorry little-"
"Not even close, fly-boy."
Supergirl came up from underneath and gripped the gun in a vice-like grip. She brought her knee up hard into the jet pack. Grabbing him by the scruff of the collar she shot up straight into the stratosphere until his face started to turn blue.
"Shoot your mouth off now, Firefly!"
"Don't kill me!"
"Why target the hospital? Who sent you?"
"They wanted me to destroy the labs. Please, I was… doing my job."
Kara drew back her fist.
"Wrong answer!"
.
Kara landed at the Hospital courtyard to see a bunch of kids surrounding M'gann.
"Look, it's Supergirl!" One of the kids said.
She strode right up to M'gann.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?!" she whispered.
"What does it look it?" M'gann answered.
"When your uncle finds out, he's going to totally kick your little green-"
They were interrupted as a Cat-Co news van appeared and a camera crew led by James filed out.
Not now, damn it! Kara thought.
"Kara, you just took down a pyromaniac and I just saved these kids. Do your really have to be so grumpy?"
"I'm not being grumpy. You were supposed to be at home with Alex! And would you stop using your telepathy and talk normally?"
"Supergirl!" James called as he pointed his camera. "Nice upgrades. Who's your new friend?"
M'gann took a step forward. "Hi! I'm M-"
"Miss Martian!" Kara blurted out as she wrapped her arm around the other girl's shoulder.
"'Miss Martian'? Could you be any more lame, Kara?"
"And you thought my secret identity was a famous celebrity."
"Well, you are definitely a poser for the paparazzi."
"Look who's talking."
.
DEO HEADQUARTERS, 5:00PM
Alex watched as Firefly was thrown into the interrogation room. Throughout his transportation, Hank didn't say a word to her. Normally Hank Henshaw was patient and calm. For the first time ever, Alex thought he was going to explode.
"You and Kara had just one job: to keep her out of sight!" He shouted as he paced back and forth. "Now 'Miss Martian' is trending on Facebook and Twitter!"
"I had no idea she was going to do that, Hank," Alex pleaded.
Hank pinched the bridge of his nose. "I don't need this. I honestly don't," he took a deep sigh. "Tomorrow – the three of you in the test fields. We'll take M'gann through the same course Kara went through when she first signed up."
"You know that Cat Grant wants an exclusive interview with her," Alex said.
Hank ran his fingers through his hair. "I'm going to my office, I'm going to lock the door, eat a whole pack of Oreos and wish to whatever god is out there that this is all just a very bad dream!"
He stormed off and did just that. Once he was in his office, he closed the door and morphed into his martian form. He was about to down the Oreos when he turned to the shadow in the corner.
"You come all this way for a house visit? You could have just called," J'onn said.
"She performed better than expected," Batman rumbled.
"'Expected'?"
"First Slade Wilson – a mercenary self-trained to take out super-powered targets," Batman replied. "Firefly. There's only one reason why he would be dispatched in National City."
He reached into his utility belt and produced a cheap cigarette lighter that he held in front of J'onn's face.
"You bastard-"
"You try your hardest to fight it, don't you?" Batman lit a flame. "'Hank Henhaw' isn't supposed to have this problem, but J'onn J'onzz – along with every other green martian – has a natural fear of fire; it disrupts your shapeshifting and psionic abilities at the cellular level. That's why your people's 'neighbours' used it as a weapon on Mars."
J'onn startled to quiver. "…Please, stop it."
"Today M'gann nearly sets the kitchen on fire by cooking breakfast. Then she rescues a bunch of schoolkids from a building on fire – and she doesn't so much as flinch. It's obvious," he blew out the flame, "she's not your niece."
J'onn recomposed himself. "If you even think of threatening her-"
"I wouldn't," Batman replied. "But just remember: it cost Max Lord half a million dollars to create a pound of synthetic kryptonite strong enough to bring down a kyptonian. For a green martian, all I need is five dollars at 7-Eleven."
.
NEXT CHAPTER:
So Batman knows about M'gann's true nature. What is he going to do with that information? And who was it that hired Deathstroke and Firefly?
Until then, please review, follow and fav!
Also feel free to check out my other fics based on Supergirl and other fandom's.