Chapter Twenty-Six

"She's come undun
She didn't know what she was headed for
And when I found what she was headed for
It was too late"

Metropolis

Kara sat with her legs pulled up to her chin watching Jacob's Ladder. She'd never heard of it, but Ashley had loaned it to her and said it was really good. About a half hour into it, she had turned on the light on the end table next to her. It was that she was getting frightened or anything, she just wanted more light in the room. Picking up the popcorn, she pushed herself deeper into the cushions as the movie continued.

The sound of someone knocking on the door made her jump, the popcorn going everywhere.

"God, give me a heart attack," she whispered. Pausing the DVD, Kara scooped up as much popcorn as she could, when the knock came again.

"Just when it was getting good," she grumbled to herself. Brushing herself off, Kara went over and opened the door. Karen was standing there.

"He's not here," Kara immediately said. The frown on her face conveyed her displeasure at seeing Karen. The smile that had been on Karen's face disappeared at the sight of Kara and let her know it was mutual.

"Is he going to be back soon," Karen asked.

"Probably not," Kara shrugged. "So, bye."

She was about to close the door in Karen's face, but impulsively, Karen pushed her way into the apartment. Kara gave her a look that clearly said, 'what the hell', but Karen was already inside.

"Make yourself at home,' Kara snidely offered.

Karen was nervous and not even sure why she was doing this, but the impulsive thought seemed to have a hold on her.

"Can we talk, Kara?" She turned to look at the other young woman.

"About what?" Kara stood defensively, arms crossed in front of her, a dubious look on her face.

"Well, about us?"

"There is no us."

She wasn't going to make this easy, the little snot, Karen thought. Taking a breath she decided to press ahead.

"Look," Karen started. "I know you don't like me and frankly, I don't really like you, either. You don't know how irritating it is when Wildcat calls me Supergirl."

Kara nodded in agreement.

"Is he senile or something," Kara asked. "I mean I know he's old, but he talks to me like he's my grandpa. I keep expected him to offer me butterscotch candy."

Karen actually smiled at this.

"Maybe it's just one too many shots to the head or something. I don't know," Karen replied.

They both were silent for a moment. It was an uncomfortable silence.

"Well, thanks for stopping by, I'll be sure to let Clark know you stop." Kara finally broke the silence and opened the door. Karen gave her a look and sat down. Kara made a face and closed the door. "So you want to talk more."

She moved into the apartment and then turned to Karen.

"Look, I know what you're trying to do," Kara said. "You're dating my cousin, so you think you have to make nice with me. I get it, really I do, but let's face it, you already said it yourself, and we don't like each other. I don't see that changing, do you?"

"No," Karen admitted. "Look, I didn't come here to try and be pals with you, believe me. I think you're kind a snotty pain to be truthful."

"Way to butter up the boyfriend's family," Kara sarcastically replied. "Your people skills could use a little work. Too bad I'm not a guy, you could just press your breasts against me and we'd be BFF's."

Karen had to bite her tongue not to fire back at Kara. She counted to ten before continuing.

"Like I said, I don't want to be your pal, but we have something in common."

"I doubt it," Kara replied.

"We do. We both care for Clark."

Kara looked at Karen for a moment. As much as she hated to admit it, she could see that Karen was being serious. As much as it pained her to admit it, Kara did believe Karen cared for Clark.

"Okay, that's one thing," she reluctantly admitted.

"We're also both Kryptonians," Karen continued.

"From different universes."

"That's a distinction most people don't seem to care about," Karen offered.

"Yeah, those ingrates in the park certainly didn't," admitted Kara.

"It would have almost been worth it, if I could have gotten one good shot at the little pervert Toyman," Karen absently said. Both women curled their fingers into fists as the thought of the little man.

"That's three things we have in common," Kara replied.

"Look, I'm not asking you to like me," Karen continued. "It's just that I'm going to be with Clark, so can we at least be civil with one another, for his sake?"

"I guess," Kara reluctantly agreed. She didn't like Karen and wasn't doing it for her.

"Thanks, Kara, we Kryptonians have to stick together," Karen smiled. She stood up and walked towards Kara.

"You're not going to want to hug this out or something, are you," Kara asked unenthusiastically.

"Relax, Clark's not here so we don't have to tolerate each other right now," Karen replied.

"Thank God!" Kara breathed a sigh of relief. Karen smiled and opened the door to leave. She stopped and turned to look at Kara. A new thought brought a bigger smile on her lips.

"Before I go, can I ask one favor?"

"I'm not calling you sis, so forget it," Kara quickly stated.

"Well good, don't get weird on me," Karen replied. "I was just going to ask that next time Toyman tries something have them call me instead of Clark. I won't hold you back like he will, I'll help."

"That actually sounds like a plan," Kara smiled. Karen offered her hand and Kara took it. It was such a sense of relief to make some sort of peace with her; Karen couldn't help herself and pulled Kara into a hug.

"I knew it! I knew it! I knew you were a hugger!" Kara grumbled in Karen embrace.

The Watchtower

Jonn was just finishing an intergalactic communiqué as Lantern, Shayera and Zatanna walked in. They all noticed him sit back from the console deep in thought.

"Who was that, Jonn,' Lantern asked.

"What? Oh, it was from Rann. It seems there is a crisis on Primus 5 and since its location is between several neighboring parties, they asked for our help. They specifically asked for Superman. It seems many groups are going to take part in the operation, even the Guardians and New Genesis, Superman is known by everyone."

"Must be something major," Lantern replied. "We should probably send someone with Superman. Since the Guardians are there, I could go."

"With him gone, we would need your strength here just in case. Two weeks is a long time to be without two of our most powerful members," Jonn said.

"Two weeks? I'll go," Zatanna spoke up. She smiled a big smile when Lantern and Jonn turned to look at her. Shayera was standing next to her and gave her a look.

"You want to spend two weeks alone with Superman? What a shock," Shayera teased.

"Shut up," Zatanna whispered a reply. She blushed and then elbowed Shayera in the ribs.

"I appreciate the offer, Zatanna, but the request was quite specific, Superman and only Superman," Jonn said.

"Doesn't that strike you as a little odd, Jonn," Shayera asked.

"Yes, it does, but that was their request."

"Just to be safe, why don't I contact the Guardians to see if this is on the level," Jonn offered.

"I think that would be prudent. I'll contact some of the other parties as well."

As the two men started to work the communications equipment, Zatanna spoke up again.

"If they change their mind about wanting someone else, keep me in mind."

"Of course, Zatanna, thank you for offering to help out," Jonn replied.

"Just trying to do my part for the team!"

"God, why don't you just hang a sign around your neck saying 'I want to sleep with Superman'," Shayera whispered.

"Like you did with Lantern," Zee snidely replied. Shayera blushed and quickly glanced over to make sure John hadn't heard the comment.

"I-I never," she whispered.

"People in glass houses, Shayera. " Zee said with a smile as she walked out. Shayera was so flustered; she at first didn't know what to do and finally just stormed out after her friend.

New York

Karen was having a bad day. As she walked to work, she passed several bodegas and all the papers and magazines seemed to have some story about Superman and Power Girl. They ran the gambit from fluff pieces about them to the truly bizarre. The ones that bothered her the most were the articles that constantly mentioned they were aliens. They make us sound like pod people, Karen groused.

When she got to work, she was greeted with the news that all the computers were done. That meant hours of checking and rechecking all the systems. It certainly helps when you can move at super speed, but it was still tedious, time-consuming work.

The capper to the beginning of her day was a call from Clark telling her about the two-week mission he was going on. Couldn't they send some else, she asked? Two weeks was a long time to be apart. A long, long time, she emphasized. He laughed and said he wasn't looking forward to it, either, but had to do his part. He promised to try and get back as quick as he could. He ended the phone call by saying he loved her.

That was the bright spot of her day.

Metropolis

Clark had made arrangements with Jonn to cover him at work while he was gone. He packed an extra costume and took care of some last minutes details.

"This sucks," Kara said. "I thought this summer I'd get to spend some time with my cousin, but now you're leaving."

"'I'm not thrilled about leaving either, but if I can help out I have to go, Kara," Clark replied.

"Well, why can't I go too?"

"They only wanted me, sorry."

"So when are you going to be back?"

"Two weeks, hopefully sooner."

"I guess I'll just have to keep myself busy while you're gone," Kara offered.

"About that," Clark said. He moved over and sat down across from her. "I know you're an adult and I trust you, but I spoke to Ma earlier and she wanted me to remind you no wild parties or men in the apartment."

"Ma Kent said that," Kara replied. She gave him a look that said she didn't believe him.

"Scout's honor," Clark replied with his fingers in the air.

"Ha-Ha, I know you weren't a Boy Scout, Clark."

"Look, seriously, I worry about you. I know you can handle watching Metropolis when I'm not around, but you're my only flesh and blood, so I want to make sure you're safe. Plus, I don't like the idea of you bringing guys to the apartment."

"Fine, I'll just go to their apartment like you do with your girlfriend," Kara snidely replied.

"I don't like that idea either."

"It's not like I can't take care of myself, Clark," she protested.

"I know, it's just I think of you as more of a sister than a cousin, Kara. You can't fault a brother for wanting to protect his younger sister, can you?"

Kara was deeply touched by his words and gave him a small smile.

"A brother, huh?"

"A big brother," Clark smiled. "Make sure that any guy you talk to knows you have a big brother, a very big brother."

"Then I'd never have any fun at all," she innocently replied.

"That's kind of the idea."

She punched him at this.

"Ow, that hurt," he moaned. "Look, just be careful, please?"

"I'll try."

"One other favor, I'd like to ask you, Kara," Clark began.

"I'm not going to like it, am I?"

"Probably not," he admitted. "Could you be nice to Karen while I'm away?"

"Why? She's your girlfriend, not mine."

"Look I'm not asking you to have sleep over's and pillow fights with her, just be nice."

"Is that what you think girls do when they're together? Really," Kara asked.

"The point it, that with all this stuff happening because of us dating, it's all going to fall on her with me gone. I'm just asking you take it easy on her, okay?"

"I'll try."

"There's one other thing," Clark said.

"Look, I said I'd try, don't push it," Kara fired back. Clark chuckled and pulled a card out of his wallet.

"I just wanted to give you some money unless you don't want it."

"No, I'll take it." She had the card out of his hand before she finished her sentence. "Thanks. How much is on it?"

"It's a debit card, I put enough money on to last you two weeks easily if don't go crazy."

"Define crazy?"

"Kara please."

"Oh, all right.'

"We should probably get up to the tower. Jonn will want to coordinate with you about the two weeks and I want to say good bye to Karen before I go."

"Say good bye, right." Kara made a face as they headed out the door.

The Watchtower – Later

Diana had just arrived and heard about Kal's mission. She knew he was usually the one that went on this type of assignment, but she still wanted to say good-bye and good luck. The last few weeks she hadn't seen much of him. Usually they saw each other and talked all the time, but apparently that had changed. Diana knew he was dating Power Girl, but hoped that wouldn't change their relationship. They had always been very close and she liked it that way.

She checked his room, but he wasn't there. Moving around the station, she didn't see him. She spotted Kara sitting in the cafeteria with Wally and went over to her.

"Hello, Kara, Wally," Diana said. "I was wondering if you knew where Kal was? I wanted to wish him a safe journey."

"He's saying 'good-bye' to his girlfriend," Kara glumly replied.

"They've been saying 'good-bye' for the last two hours," Wally added with a smirk. Kara slapped him.

"Oh, all right, I guess I'll just stop by her room and speak to him," Diana replied.

"Trust me, Diana, you don't want to do that," Kara said.

"Why not?"

Kara and Wally looked at each other than at Diana. The innocent look on her face told them she hadn't understood their meaning earlier.

"They're doing it, Diana," Kara informed her.

"Doing what?"

Wally chuckled and Kara slapped him again.

"Ow, you're going to have to spell it out for her," Wally joked.

'Spell what out," Diana asked. "What are you trying to say?"

"Sex, Diana, they're having sex," Wally replied. He had a huge grin on his face.

"It's disgusting," Kara grumbled. "They're like rabbits, those two! I mean come on, have some decency!"

"I think it's hot," Wally replied. "Big Blue is such a lucky guy!"

The look Kara gave Wally made him stop smiling.

"Disgusting, absolutely," he quickly said, afraid she would hit him again.

For Diana's part, she just stood there stunned. It hadn't entered her mind they Kal's relationship with Power Girl had gone that far already.

"Are you okay there, Princess," Kara asked. "You look a little pale?"

"What? Oh, um, ah, yes, I'm-I'm fine, just surprised," Diana managed to say. "I'll-I'll speak with Kal when-when he's-they're- finished."

Diana blushed and awkwardly turned and walked away.

New York - Later

Clark had left. Karen was still smiling as she thought about their last hours together. She already desperately missed him, but making love to him before he left had certainly helped ease the separation.

As much as she'd like to dwell on these thoughts. The world intruded. Bank robbers had hijacked a city bus as a getaway vehicle. They were currently barreling down the city streets creating more chaos and damage. This looks like a job for Power Girl, Karen said with a laugh.

Several minutes later, the bus was stopped, the robbers disarmed and in custody, the passengers safe. The police thanked her for the help. Then the media arrived. They immediately began to fire questions at Karen.

"Where's your boyfriend, Power Girl?"

"Is he really a Superman in every way?"

"What are your measurements?"

"Are those real or fake?"

"Do you aliens do it the same way we humans do?"

The questions continued as more and more reporters showed up. They got dirtier and more offensive. Karen tried to hold her temper, but finally they pushed her over the edge.

"Are you two going to conquer Earth or some other planet?"

"Enough!" She shouted. "I'm not going to put up with your filthy comments and innuendos any more! Superman and I are in love! We haven't done anything to you! We're not a threat! We just want to help! Why can't you leave us alone?"

The reporters were silent for a moment, stunned by her outburst. It didn't last long. The questions started all over again.

"You can all go to hell!"

Karen lifted off and flew as fast as she could away from them. The reporters continued to shout questions and comments as she disappeared.

The Watchtower

Karen arrived in a foul mood, the disgusting comments and rude questions still ringing in her ears. She wanted to punch something, but tried to keep her temper under control. Her day seemed to only get worse as it went on. Everyone gave her a wide path having heard about the incident, everyone except Diana.

The revelation about the nature of Kal's relationship with Power Girl disturbed Diana more than she wanted to admit. She wasn't quite sure why, but she didn't like it. Yes, Power Girl was a hero and a valuable member of the League, but the thought of her with Kal irritated Diana. Kal and Diana were best friends, yet she hadn't seen him before he'd left. He'd been with Power Girl. It felt as if she were intruding on their special relationship.

When Diana heard about Power Girl's outburst to the reporters, Bruce's words seemed to float through her mind. Diana could certainly understand the woman's outrage and anger, but somehow felt it would only make things worse. For Kal's sake, Diana decided she should talk to Power Girl.

She found her in the cafeteria getting a cup of coffee. The place was full, but everyone saw how upset Karen was and stayed away.

"Power Girl, I'd like to talk to you," Diana said in her most official voice.

"I'm really not in the mood, Princess," Karen replied.

"I understand your feelings and share them, but that was not the way to handle things," Diana continued. "You're only making things worse."

"Look, I know I went off, but I couldn't stand there and listen to it anymore, okay? I don't need a lecture from you, Princess," Karen fired back. "Save it for the new recruits."

It was Diana's turn to get angry. Power Girl had a way of being rather blunt and right now it irritated Diana.

"As a senior member, the behavior of all members is my responsibility," Diana said. "Your actions, while understandable, only make things harder for the League and our goals.'

"Oh, God, you're not going to start talking about the mission, are you," Karen grumbled. "You're not even dating Batman and you're starting to sound like him."

Diana clenched her fists in anger, but willed herself to remain calm. Everyone in the cafeteria was riveted to their exchange.

"My personal life is none of your concern," Diana replied. Her voice was low, but had an edge to it.

"But my personal life is open for everyone to discuss," Karen asked.

"When it involves Kal, yes," Diana replied.

"Clark.'

"What?"

"His name is Clark," Karen said. She still hadn't turned to face Diana and continued to bang around the coffee station.

"I know his name," Diana replied. "You're missing the point, Power Girl. By making a scene today you only fuel the fear that is spreading through the Patriarchal world. The Man's world has always been subject to fear and your outburst today only feeds into that. You should think before you react."

"I don't want to listen to this," Karen commented and started to walk away. Diana reached out and stopped her. The two women looked into each other's eyes for the first time.

"Whether you want to hear it or not, it's not going away. You can just hide from it, Power Girl," Diana said.

'Why not? It's worked for you Amazons," Karen fired back. She pulled her arm away from Diana. Both women were angry now.

"What do you mean," Diana asked. The anger was barely contained in her voice.

"You're always spouting off about what warriors you Amazons are, yet you've been hiding away for what, a couple thousand years? You talk about fear ruling the Man's world, but what about you? The very thought of a man, any man, setting so much as a foot on your precious island sends you Amazons into a panic," Karen viciously said. "Your whole lives are defined by fear, Princess, so don't try and lecture me!"

Diana was livid. It took all her control not to swing at Karen.

"You dare?" Diana hissed. "You have no idea what was done to my sisters! The brutality, the rape, the torture and humiliation! You think a few rude comments from reporters can compare with that? Hera help me, do you understand nothing?"

Karen didn't want to have this conversation but now it was on. She wasn't going to stand here and be lecture by Wonder Woman.

"I think I understand better than you do Princess." The rage was practically dripping off Karen's words. "You're right, I have no idea of the horrors you Amazons went through. They must be unimaginable to endure. What I do know is those horrors didn't stop when you Amazons ran away and hid on your island! Every day, average ordinary women go through those same brutalities. They're raped and beaten, but they don't have the luxury of being whisked by the Gods to paradise. They have to deal with it, all of it and try and go on. They have the same scars your sisters do but they have to stay and face their fears. So don't lecture me about fear or running away, Princess!"

The room seemed ready to explode. They could see that neither woman was going to back down. If these two started, there wasn't anyone to stop them. Diana and Karen stood nose-to-nose, eyes locked on each other, both seething with anger and rage.

It was Batman that made the first move.

"That's enough, walk away both of you," he spoke up. Bruce used his most grim, commanding voice, hoping he could head this off. Even he knew he couldn't stop them once they started. Everyone collectively held his or her breath for a moment.

"I'm done here anyway,' Karen finally said. She turned and walked away. Diana flashed a look at Bruce and then stormed out.

Wally, Shayera, Kara and Zee all let out a collective sigh of relief. They had been watching the confrontation along with everyone else in the cafeteria.

"Wow," Kara whispered.

"I was afraid they were really going to go at in there for a second," Zee said.

"This is definitely not good," Shayera added. They sat in silence pondering what they had just seen.

"As scary as that was," Wally started. "Did anyone else find the idea of those two going at it as hot as I did?"

All three women reached over and smacked him.