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.

FURY

Mary Marvel swatted the Parademon aside like as if it was not there. Nothing would stop her.

"Keep pushing!" cried Superman as he battled a swarm of soldiers. "Keep pressing forward!"

Big Barda batted several of the Parademons away with her Mega-Rod. "I never get tired of this! Ha!"

"We're not here for fun, Barda!" said Wonder Woman, lassoing a group of soldiers and swinging them into a wall. "We have to get to the central chamber before Darkseid returns!" She dove at more Parademons, while her husband fired several small concussion bombs from his massive robot suit. Ever prepared, the Batman was wearing his advanced Batbot armour.

"Mary!" yelled Captain Marvel as he struggled against the horde. "Wait for us! You can't take the Furies by yourself!" But Mary could not hear her brother: all her focus was on bulldozing through the army of Parademons and anything else between her and the main chamber. That was where her love was being held.

Mae was taken the previous day, during a bizarre Parademon invasion of Smallville. It was only when several managed to overwhelm Supergirl and Boom Tube away with her that the reason for the attack became clear. Distraught, Mary joined Superman and Captain Marvel in travelling to the Free household for the express purpose of following the army back to Apokolips. Barda tagged along, obviously, and - knowing what they were up against - the Man of Steel recruited the WonderBats as extra help.

It was not exactly clear why Darkseid kidnapped Supergirl, and Mary did not particularly care: all that mattered was finding the woman she loved and getting her safely back home. Superman's warnings about the Apokolips army fell on deaf ears. Nothing would stop the World's Mightiest Girl. She now sped towards a doorway, intending to crash right through it and continue... when it suddenly exploded. Fragments blasted out and smashed into Mary, knocking her down.

As she struggled out of the rubble, Mary was joined by the other heroes. Captain Marvel helped her to her feet, then they all saw what caused the damage. "Do you have an appointment?" mocked Lashina, backed up by fellow Female Furies Bloody Mary, Gillotina, Mad Harriet, Stompa and Wunda.

"Be smart for once, Lashina," said Barda. "Stand down."

"Like that'll happen," the bondaged Fury replied. "You want to get past, you'll have to go through us."

So they did. The Female Furies were a formidable fighting force, but against Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Captain Marvel, Mary Marvel and Big Barda... they did not stand a chance. But even before the fight was over, Mary's patience wore out. Knowing her friends could handle the villainesses, she sailed out of the battlezone - punching Stompa on the way - and headed straight for the central chamber. Batman's scans revealed that was where Mae was. And that was all Mary cared about. She could not lose Mae - she would not. She would rather die.

As she entered the dark chamber, Mary could see a figure standing proud. By Superman's description, she was clearly Granny Goodness, leader of the Furies. "Ah, welcome my... " The elderly-looking woman was cut off as Mary steamrolled into her and began hammering down with fists. She was not in the mood for niceties.

"Where IS she?!" Mary cried as she struck Goodness again and again. "What have you done with my girlfriend?! WHERE IS SHE?!"

"Why, she's right here, young lady."

Mary stopped beating Goodness into a pulp at the voice from the shadows. She had never heard it before, but instinctively knew who had spoken. The Lord of Apokolips. Mary's blood froze just as the other heroes flew in, having taken care of the Female Furies. "Darkseid!" said Superman. "Give it up!"

"You should know by now, Kryptonian, that Darkseid never surrenders." The evil New God emerged from the darkness, hands behind his back. He did not look put out at all. "But I welcome your presence, even as I knew it was an inevitability."

"Where is Supergirl?!" demanded Mary, the initial fear at the dark ruler's arrival replaced with returning rage. "Tell us, or nothing will stop me from... "

"You people with your petty feelings," interrupted Darkseid. "I'm glad one of you has seen sense. Indeed, I should introduce you to the latest member of the Female Furies... " He stood aside as another figure stepped out of the shadows.

Mary's chest clenched. "No... "

Mae-Trix, dark and twisted, evil and perverse, stood before them. She was dressed in black leather that bordered on dominatrix gear, with hair wild and unruly, and fingernails freakishly long and sharp. A tattered cape flowed behind her and a thick collar was strapped tightly around her neck.

Mary felt her heart stop.

"What have you done to her?" Superman gasped.

"I've helped her," replied Darkseid simply. "She's finally begun to realise her full potential. Isn't that right, Matrix?"

Mae narrowed her blood red eyes at the heroes. "Yes, master."

Tears silently poured down Mary's cheeks. "Mae... no... "

"Why don't you show them what you can do?" Darkseid suggested.

Mae smiled. "Gladly, Lord Darkseid." She then clenched her fists and flew forward towards the shocked adventurers - none of whom was more stunned than the woman who loved her...