DISCLAIMERS/NOTES

1. This is a fan fiction based on characters owned by DC Comics. I DO NOT OWN THEM. This is just for fun.

2. This is a femslash story. If you don't like that sort of thing, you won't like this.

3. Just a reminder: the Supergirl in this story is not Kara Zor-El, but the post-Crisis Matrix with an altered backstory. For more information, see Disclaimers/Notes for the first chapter.

4. Three years on this site. How time flies.

BATTLING THE BANSHEE

Supergirl struggled for leverage as the villainess wrapped her hand around her throat. "I didn't want this," sneered the Silver Banshee. "But you just won't leave me alone!"

"Should've... thought about that... before... " the Girl of Steel choked. She managed to get a grip of Banshee's wrist and struggled to pull her hand away. But the skull-faced woman was almost as strong as her. "Give it... up, Siobhan... "

"Never!" Banshee elbowed Supergirl in the gut and lifted her up, before slamming her back down to the ground. She kept her grip on her throat. "I've lived too long with this curse! It must end now!"

"Get away from her!" came a yell from behind. Banshee whirled around, never letting go of Supergirl, and unleashed her hypersonic wail at a charging Mary Marvel. The sonics hit the World's Mightiest Girl full force. Mary cried in agony as she flew back at the vibrations, crashing into the ground.

Supergirl's heart skipped. "No... !" She then grit her teeth, reared back and, as Banshee turned to face her again, struck the villainess as hard as she could, sending Banshee whirling backwards. The Girl of Steel then grabbed her by the arm, spun around and flung her into a far-off wall. Supergirl did not even take a moment to crink her neck, rushing straight to the fallen form of her lover. "Mary!" she gasped when she reached her. "Talk to me - tell me you're alright!" She prayed the sonic scream had not proved fatal.

Supergirl released a breath she did not even realise she was holding when Mary looked up. "I... I'm OK," murmured Mary. "Just... caught me offguard."

"It's OK, I can - urk!" Supergirl was cut off when Banshee's arms wrapped tight around her from behind, one back around her neck, the other gripping her at the waist. When Mary tried to get up, Banshee kicked her hard in the face, then held her foot down on Mary's throat, keeping her grounded. Supergirl once more tried to wriggle out of the Gaelic's grasp.

"I won't rest until I'm free," Banshee growled. "I thought you understood! I thought you'd help me!" What the Silver Banshee was saying was only half-right. Supergirl knew of her curse, and indeed tried to help her lift it, but Siobhan McDougal always resorted to murder to achieve her goal. And that, Supergirl could not condone.

"Not... this way... " gurgled the shapeshifter. Just today, Banshee killed seven people.

"Help me," Banshee said, her lips close to the heroine's ear. "Help me lift my curse and you can rule my clan with me. I'll make it worth your while." She then opened her mouth wide and ran her tongue up Supergirl's cheek. The Girl of Steel's eyes widened at the same time her skin crawled.

Suddenly, there was a loud crack, followed by another cry from the Banshee. But she was not using her power - it was a cry of pain. Before Supergirl knew what was happening, she was free of Banshee's reverse-bearhug as the villainess was pulled to the ground. Supergirl looked down to see Mary release Banshee's now-broken leg and straddle her. The World's Mightiest Girl began raining a series of fists upon her.

"You'll... NEVER... touch... her... AGAIN!" Mary bellowed between each punch. She then got to her feet, picked Banshee up and, with another strike, sent the villainess sailing across the street and crashing into a building. Mary made a move to fly after her, but was stopped by her girlfriend.

Supergirl held Mary's arm. The white-and-gold-clad heroine was a ball of fury, ready to explode. "Mary, it's alright."

"No one treats you like that!" snapped Mary. "No one!"

Despite the situation, Supergirl could not help but be touched by her darling's love. But her mind returned to the business at hand at the sound of groans, and sight of Silver Banshee crawling out of the rubble. Determination filled the Girl of Steel. "What say we finish this together?"

Mary nodded resolutely, her anger abated. "Music to my ears."