Chapter Three

A/N: Harun-El is the official name for black kryptonite.

Lena's POV

Coming to, the smell of fresh air and flowers met my senses. Blinking my eyes into focus, I saw sheer white curtains wafting in the breeze from an open window. The natural light that poured in was slightly diminished by the curtains. Where am I? Looking around, I saw fresh flowers on a nearby table and a familiar brunette sitting in the corner. "I remember you. You helped defeat Reign." I pushed myself up onto my elbows. "Where am I? What happened?" The last thing I remember was being attacked.

Closing her book, the woman smiled. "I did, yes. My name is Alura. You're safe." She paused, placing the book by the flowers. "You were brought here because you were going to die on Earth."

On Earth? Is that not where I am? "Who brought me here?" I sat up fully. All of my muscles rebelled. "If I'm not on Earth, where am I?"

"My daughter brought you here. You were in dire need of medical attention." Alura paused by my bedside to let the information settle before continuing. "You're in Argo city. The last portion of Krypton to survive."

"K-Krypton?" I stammered. "I'm on another planet?" The scientist in me is thrilled but the human side of me is terrified.

She nodded slowly. "Kara will be so upset she wasn't here. She's not left your side in days."

"Days?" I exclaimed. Right. Kara is Supergirl. I pinched the bridge of my nose. My head is starting to pound.

"Kara believes you would hate her more after you found out she brought you here. However, she wanted to save you more," Alura paused with a knowing gleam in her eyes. "She cares dearly for you. I haven't been around my daughter long but you were one of the first people she told me about when she and Mon-El came here to retrieve the Harun-El."

I have so many questions. Pulling up the blanket that had bunched around my hips, I frowned. What am I wearing? "Where are we exactly?"

"A recovery room in our hospital. Kara brought you some clothes from the market." Alura motioned towards the clothes on a nearby chair. "She said what women normally wear here isn't your preference. She wanted to have some normal things for you ready before you woke up." The older woman chuckled with a half smile. One that reminded me of Kara. "Sadly, we do not have the drink called "coffee" here."

"She knows me well," I chuckled. "Am I stable now?"

"Not quite," her face fell. "Your body is failing. People from your world call it cancer. It's in your brain. It was found during the scan I ran once you were out of the healing chamber."

The information hit hard and I became nauseous. "I have cancer?" Is this from making Kryptonite? I was so careful.

"Yes," she nodded. "I am sorry."

I need to be alone. I need to get out of this place. "Where is Kara now?"

"At the altar in the center of town praying to Rao for your recovery." I tried to get to my feet but my legs gave out. Thankfully, Alura was there to catch me. "Kara said you were strong willed. Let me have someone take you to her."

Kara has definitely told you about me. "That would be appreciated." I changed into the new clothes as Alura arranged my ride.

A taller man with dirty blonde hair helped me into a cart attached to his bicycle. The ride through town was slow and bumpy. As we rode, he told me about the places we passed. Everyone seemed present and peaceful as we passed the market. Laughter filled the air as children chased one another.

Climbing out of the cart, I asked if he would stay nearby for a bit in case I needed to get back to recovery. He agreed and joined a group of men who were at a nearby fruit stand. Kryptonians seem so civilized compared to humans. Why would Kara come back to Earth?

I watched Kara from the trees for a few minutes. She looks so different here. Blonde curls cascaded down her shoulders as she rested on her knees, hands clasped in her lap. Her face was turned upwards towards the sunlight as she spoke in hushed tones. Stepping closer, I spoke softly. "Your mother said I could find you here."

Getting to her feet, relief washed over the Kryptonian. "You're awake!" Kara took a step towards me, arms open, then stopped. "I'm glad." She crossed her arms, much like I did when I wanted to protect myself. "We weren't sure if you would."

She wanted to hug me. Standing beside Kara, I looked at the stone tablets. "Your mother said you've not left my side."

"I only left to find your clothes and to pray," she bit her lip. "I hoped actually coming here would be more powerful than at your bedside."

Might as well rip the bandaid off now. "I have cancer."

"Yes," Kara choked, head falling forward. "It's inoperable and fast growing." Her voice shook with every word. Glancing towards me, a melancholy smile ghosted her lips. "I'm glad the clothes worked out."

I looked myself over. "They fit perfectly. Sadly, Krypton doesn't have coffee." Even now, after everything, I don't like seeing her upset. "I'm on another planet," I laughed. "It's hard to believe."

Laughing, Kara grinned. "I'm willing to bet my cape that the scientist part of you was excited." Glaring sideways gained me a snort. "How do you feel? Do you need to sit?"

"I'm better than I was," I paused. "Sitting would be nice." Holding out my arm, I allowed Kara to help me to a nearby bench. "Thanks."

"Always." Rubbing her hands together, Kara sighed. "I'm sorry for bringing you here. When you were attacked, I panicked. Nothing on Earth was going to work but I knew Krypton might be able to heal you. During a secondary scan," Kara took in a shaky breath, "we noticed the cancer. Earth tests can't catch it that small. If untreated you have less than a year." A single tear ran down the woman's face.

Instinctively, I reached out and brushed it away. The action startled us both. "You're leaving something out. I may be-," Furious isn't the right word anymore. I'm upset, yes, but not furious. "Upset with you but I know that look and tone. What is it?"

"There is a way to heal you but you may not like it. Your mother will actually kill me for it," Kara laughed bitterly. "It's a long shot too."

"What is it?"

Looking towards the sky, Kara set her jaw. "To change your cells to become kryptonian by using a specific type of kryptonite. Once it's used, and you're under Earth's sun, your body should heal itself. However, the change will be permanent. You will live much longer. You'll be like me. The only people who you would know in a thousand years would be me, Brainy, and J'onn."

The question came before I realized. "How long do Kryptonians live for on earth?" Am I actually considering this? No. I'm a scientist. It's just for knowledge.

Kara's attention moved back to me. Curious eyes studied me. "It's uncertain. There's not much research since it's just my cousin and I."

"Guess," I smirked.

"A couple thousand years or longer depending on the situation. We're not immortal. We can drown, be killed by someone just as strong, or by kryptonite."

My stomach churned. I would never kill you or hurt you like that. But others would. "So I die in a year or pal around with you, Brainy, and J'onn for the next couple thousand years?" I paused. "Give or take a few centuries."

"Yes." Reaching up, Kara went to fix her nonexistent glasses then realized what she was doing.

"Old habits die hard," I offered with a soft smile.

"Yeah," she breathed. "I didn't know about the cancer until we were here." Holding the bench seat, Kara kicked a rock that she had been rolling under her foot. "I wanted the choice to be yours."

"I appreciate that. Considering you have feelings for me." Kara stiffened. "I remember everything before the attack." I paused, looking across the clearing. "Conversations you had with your mother filtered into my sleep as well. While I would have taken a loved one off planet, I'm not sure what I would do about the permanent treatment option."

"I'd never want to force a longer life on anyone. Besides," Kara shrugged, "it might not even be an option."

"Why do you say that?" Something tugged at my heart.

"To get the kryptonite, we have to go before the council to ask for it. If they deem it too dangerous, they will deny my request. Even though my family is a founding member. I put in a request for an audience with the council when we found the cancer. I've not heard back yet."

"Ah," I fell silent. My new reality began to sink in all at once. I need to change the subject. "Your mother is still alive. Why did you come back to Earth?"

"Earth is my home now," Kara fidgeted with her nails. "I have friends and family there. I enjoy being Supergirl and…" her voice trailed.

"And?" I pried gently.

"And you're there," she whispered. "Even if you hate me."

My heart clenched at the pain in Kara's voice. "I don't…" I stopped the words. I feel betrayed. She hurt me more than anyone has. I let her in and she broke my heart.

"Please," Kara choked. "Don't say something you don't mean just to make me feel better."

"Kara Zor-El." A man jogged towards us. "You and your guest are wanted at the council building. Your mother asked me to take you there."

The council room was circular and built so no one person had more power than the others. I stayed near the door while Kara stepped into the center. "Council members, I come to you today with another request. I need to use platinum kryptonite to save the life of a human from planet Earth. Technology on that planet is far behind Krypton's and using kryptonite is the only way to save her life."

"Kara Zor-El, this is the second time you've come before us asking for a limited resource. Wouldn't giving this human kryptonian powers be harmful to your planet?"

"The human in question is the same human who created the Harun-El my mother brought back. While I am Earth's champion, she is Earth's greatest mind." She still thinks that highly of me?

Another council member looked in my direction. "You are the one who made the black kryptonite?"

"Yes, Sir." How do I properly address them? Kara never told me. "Alura said you wanted to get away from using it. If any Earthling can help you do that, it would be me."

"Are you mates?" Another asked.

I spoke before Kara could. "Not exactly." Her attention snapped towards me with a velocity that would knock most off balance. "Our families have never gotten along. That was probably because one of them was a human male who, while he is a genius, is also a madman. He wouldn't let go of his vendetta. Something I do not have. Women, for the most part, think more logically." Each member nodded in agreement. Feeling more secure, I stepped forward and stood beside Kara. All eyes were on us. "I am aware that my life would be extended. With that time, I would love the opportunity to learn and help advance Kryptonian technology. It far surpasses anything I've seen."

"One more question." His eyes fell on Kara this time. "You clearly have a strong bond to this human but do you trust her?"

"With my life," Kara spoke with no hesitation. "On many occasions, knowing and unknowing, Lena Luthor has saved my life."

"Let us decide. We will call you back when a choice has been made."

"Thank you," Kara and I spoke in unison.

Once back at the Zor-El home, Kara set me up in a guest room. "Do you need anything? Dinner will be ready in a few hours."

"I'm fine for now. Thank you." Nodding, Kara went to leave. "I meant what I said." She stopped at the door, back still facing me. "I can eventually forgive you. But I would like the chance to do so in my own time."

"I did too. I know we've grown apart but you've always been there for me."

"And you for me. More than I realized," I paused. "A lot makes sense now. The pain in your eyes when I used or made kryptonite, why you would seem to disappear for weeks, or need to cancel plans at the last minute. I understand now why you felt so betrayed when I used or created kryptonite. And why you always saved me whenever possible."

"I will always try to save you, Lena. No matter what." Kara cleared her throat. "Lillian knows who I am. She's known for a while now."

"When she stole the alien registry?"

"Yes. She never told you because she knew you finding out I've been lying would hurt you more. Make you hate me more." Resting her forehead against the doorframe, Kara scoffed. "And she was right." With that, the woman left.

Not wanting to sleep, I noticed a stack of books on the table beside me. A folded piece of paper with my name rested on top. Kara's handwriting. Picking up the note, I unfolded it.

Figured you could use some "light" reading. I knew you'd have questions about my planet, my old life. Here's your chance to learn as much as possible while we're here. I can fill in any blanks when you're ready. -Kara

God, this woman knows me better than anyone. It's terrifying. Picking up the stack of books, it was hard to choose which to read first. Flipping open The History Of Krypton, I began to read.

"I wondered-," I startled, not realizing time had passed. "Sorry. I didn't mean to scare you." Blinking away from the page, I saw Kara in the doorway holding a tray of food. "Dinner is ready. I figured you'd want to eat in here and continue reading."

Closing the book, I chuckled. "Thank you. I need rest but you know how stir crazy I can get."

"A stack of books always kept you in place," Kara smiled, a warm one I hadn't seen in a long time. Placing the tray across my lap, she glanced over the pile of books beside me. "I wondered which ones you'd read first."

"It was hard to decide." Picking up a book, I grinned. "Seeing twelve year old Kara notes and doodles is also entertaining," I teased.

Blushing, Kara looked away. "I got bored in some classes."

"I noticed." Shifting, I sipped some water.

"I'll leave you to it." Turning Kara went to leave.

"Wait." She stopped halfway to the door. "Join me?" Looking over her shoulder, Kara studied me. She's scared too. "It's not because I only know two people here. It's an olive branch."

"Back in a few."

I didn't start to eat until Kara returned. I watched as she balanced a tray on her lap as she sat across the room. Part of me wanted her closer. I guess my heart is forgiving her without me realizing it. Or it could be that I may die in a year. "Who's Astra?" Kara choked on her water. "Sorry. She left a note in one of the books." I thumbed through a book to find it. "Here." I held out the folded piece of paper.

"She was my aunt." Taking the paper, Kara bit her lip as she read it. "She and her husband tried to launch an attack on Earth before you came to National City. Thankfully, we stopped it." Running her fingers over the words, she continued. "I couldn't reach her soon enough. Alex was forced to kill her."

"I'm so sorry." Nodding, Kara cleared her throat. "She was proud of you."

"Alex did what she had to do. Astra was about to kill J'onn. It was a messy situation."

"We don't have to talk about it. I can see how much it hurts." I desperately want to comfort her. Today has made me see her differently. "The food here is all grown, correct?"

"Yes. Argo is self sufficient. I do miss pizza though," Kara shrugged.

"And pot stickers," I added. That warm smile I loved to see broke across Kara's face.

"Yeeeesssss," Kara threw her head back. "Pizza, pot stickers, that red wine you always brought over, and a movie were always the best nights." I loved those. So many memories. Noticing my expression, Kara bit the inside of her cheek. "I know they're off the table now."

Maybe not forever. "We'll see what the future holds." A spark of hope gleamed in dull eyes.

Xxx

Over the next week, Kara showed me all of Argo City and answered every question I could possibly ask. Seeing Kara here, basically human, giving me as much space as I needed, has helped me start to forgive her. Hearing Kara's laugh warmed my soul as we walked through the market. Maybe, if I live through this, we can rekindle our friendship. I may only have a year left.

"Lena?" Kara turned when she realized I wasn't beside her. "Are you okay?" Before I could answer, we received a message that The Council had made a decision.

Making our way to the council building, my heart started to hammer behind my ribs. Standing outside the doors, I grabbed Kara's hand out of habit. Lacing our fingers, Kara squeezed. "No matter what they've chosen, I'll be with you, in whatever capacity you want, until the end."

"Thank you, Kara." I squeezed her hand back.