A month later
Kara had been recovering, perhaps slower than desired, but she was getting there. She often had nightmares and had panic attacks, and couldn't be around too many green things at once.
But she was getting better.
It had been a month of long days and long nights for her. Her days were spent at the DEO constantly refining her technique, or helping look for Jeremiah.
With the new information of Jeremiah's whereabouts thrown into the mix, the sisters' lives had gotten chaotic.
Kara's nights weren't any easier for her. She spent them constantly attempting to fend off encroaching nightmares or projections of her fear as a result of her PTSD. She often had dreams about Alex dying, Jeremiah betraying them, and being killed in Cadmus, among many others. Sometimes, she'd just be too afraid to sleep and she'd lay awake at night, contemplating everything that had changed.
Alex had informed Kara about the full story of Jeremiah's alleged 'death' and now, they both wanted to find him more than ever.
Her big sister had noticed Kara's distinct behavioral shift. When she was first back, she'd at least attempt to smile and she'd laugh. Joke around.
Now, Kara seemed to be falling into a pit of darkness. The true effects of what had happened had finally started to catch up to her. But who could really blame her? Her dark past...
The dark days ahead...
There was only one thing that could pull her out of this darkness.
Even though Kara had been hurt beyond what any words could ever convey, all she ever talked about was wanting to help people. Make sure they never went through the same things she was forced to.
Because only Kara Danvers could survive that and still have hope in humanity, and a kind heart.
Would risk her own life for other people's health and happiness.
Lately, Alex had been trying to think of a way Kara could help people, without exposing herself. She could see how Kara was spiraling and knew having a purpose would help. But between searching for Jeremiah, restless sleep, and periodic panic attacks, her little sister was being stretched far too thin.
Alex knew her baby sister needed to help people. It was who she was. She was born selfless, passionate, kind. She was born to change the world. But Alex was too afraid to let her use her powers publicly and save people, like her cousin, Superman.
She didn't want to risk Kara exposing herself and getting recaptured.
That's when Alex got an idea.
Just the week before, she found a way to give Kara that purpose, and fulfill her innate need to help.
Her solution? Become a DEO agent.
Kara was already far more proficient in combat than any other agent there, and almost matched Alex, which was impressive in and of itself. Alex would still be a superior agent since she had use of firearms, and explosive weapons, but Kara could still be a major asset.
Plus, the DEO could help her learn to use her powers discreetly, and teach her combat strategy. She would have all the skills she would need if she ever wanted to become like Superman, except more refined in her tactical fighting skills.
It was perfect.
Alex had gone to J'onn to ask about it, and he eagerly agreed. Their father figure had also noticed a somewhat empty feeling from Kara as of late, and figured she was a great fit for the DEO already with her skill set.
He had been observing her during her own personal training, and being impressed was an understatement. Aside from Agent Danvers, Kara was perhaps the most qualified and best field agent that had walked through his doors in years.
He was about to ask her about joining as an official agent, but saw she was in a sparring match.
He noticed her technique was a little rough and she fought more with self-defense than intent to harm, but that was something that could be taught.
He took a moment to watch.
It was currently a three-on-one, with her against Agent Butler, Agent Jacobs, and Agent Leonard. All at the same time.
The match had just started and J'onn settled in to watch how she handled it. He decided right then that if she was able to impress him, he'd ask her to join on the spot.
The agents circled her, surrounding her, before they made their move. Leonard automatically went for a low sweep to her legs, as Jacob tried to tackle high. Together, they would have knocked her down in opposite directions, and clotheslined her. They would have had sufficient momentum to beat her.
But she was ready.
She skillfully leaped away from the sweep and deftly sidestepped the tackle, while closing the distance between her and Butler.
She automatically hooked one of his legs with hers, and took him down while remaining upright herself. She kicked him in the stomach, winding him, before turning back to fight the other two. She recalled her training with Alex.
When fighting multiple opponents, always line them up. If you are surrounded, it's much harder to win rather than only fighting one at a time.
With them closing diagonally from both directions, she stepped back and circled left towards Jacobs. He immediately turned and Leonard followed suit.
They were in a line, she had executed a perfect evasive maneuver.
J'onn was impressed. He had only ever seen her fight one opponent at a time, and she was showing great proficiency against three. Her evasive tactics were already almost top-notch, but he figured those would be a strong suit of hers. Having to constantly evade Hank's kryptonite-infused knuckles and all.
When Jacobs charged in, Kara turned and rotated her body into a complex Judo throw Alex had recently taught her. He landed on the ground with a thud, and she was all of a sudden left with one opponent.
He went for a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu technique and grabbed for her arm. Instead of evading away, like she normally did, she decided to take the offensive.
Kara latched onto Agent Leonard's arm, and hooked her legs up and around his neck. She then spun in a difficult half-twist move, and easily dispatched him as well.
The three fallen agents stood and gave her wide grins, congratulating her on an impressive win, and some playful trash talk.
"We went easy on you today."
"We won't let you win next time. We'll be ready."
"Psh, I totally let you throw me. In fact, it was quite fun."
Kara laughed at the good-natured banter and smiled wide at them too. It was the first time she had genuinely smiled in weeks.
She had been spending a lot of time with Alex, but they mostly ended up talking about Kara's time at Cadmus. Alex was helping by talking through it all with her, but sometimes Kara just needed a little bit of fun.
It had now become apparent after their joking and her smile, that she also needed the DEO. He knew it would only benefit her but didn't know how she'd react to his proposition. He was also afraid of pushing too far, too soon. But now was the chance.
As Kara walked out, he cautiously intercepted her. And explained his proposal.
Kara regarded him carefully, decision already made.