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Lena Luthor's relationship with her brother was complex.When her father bought her home after her mother's death, Lex was the only friendly face that greeted her. And he remained a friendly face when her father drank himself to death and when Lillian became harsher to her.She loved and admired her brother. At times, she felt like she worshipped him. She loved his mind, his conscience, wanting to genuinely help others, despite his own tortured mind and emotions.He was a good man, and Lena wanted to be the one he depended on.Then he met Clark Kent.Well, "met" was an understatement. Lex had a car accident, with Clark being the victim. But somehow, Clark saved his life, and it grew into this friendship that Lena was admittedly jealous of before she was shipped off to a private school.Lex always reached out and spoke to her about Clark. He often spoke about how they would stand together and build a legacy with one another."Clark and I, we have a destiny together," Lex once told her. "We'll both be great men, not because of our families or our social standings. But because of one another. Whether we do it with or against each other, it's up to him."Lena had no idea how true those words were.Slowly, but surely, their not-quite love story turned tragic, when Lex found out something about Clark, something Lena wouldn't be aware of until the day they died. It tore her brother apart. It took the person she idolized and turned him into a monster that wanted power.Lex drove everyone that cared for him away. Lillian, Lana, and then Lena herself. All that mattered to Lex was Clark.Lena knew that Lex was a manipulative, vile, and egotistical person near the end of his life. And yet, her heart cried for the person he used to be prior to Superman's appearance in their lives.She felt like she had tried harder to save him, she could have redeemed him. But Superman—No— Clark cost her that chance, and now she was left with this burning anger and regret.And it only made things worse when on the day of Lex's funeral (coincidentally on the same day as Superman's funeral), she made her appearance.The Blue-Eyed Bombshell, the Maiden of Might, the Goddess Next Door, the All-Mighty Supergirl. She announced, at the end of her rousing speech to her deceased cousin, that she would step in as the Earth's Pillar of Hope.Lena didn't hate any aliens, but Lena despised any Kryptonian that was related to the man who killed her wayward brother.And misplaced as it may be, Supergirl just made herself Lena's enemy.And she would find a way to defeat her.Kara Danvers was given a goal the day she lost Krypton.To protect her cousin from any harm.Sure, things went awry when her pod was thrown into the Phantom Zone, but when she came out of the zone and landed on Earth, she went out of her way to keep her word.Even when her cousin pawned her off on others.Their relationship was rocky at its best and non-existent at its worst. Kal didn't see himself as a Kryptonian. Sure, he respected his origins, but he was a human through and through, and it hurt Kara that the "Last Son of Krypton" continuously pushed away his Kryptonian identity.She had tried so hard to teach him, but eventually, his visits grew less and less until he stopped showing up at all.Kara had been devastated by this. He would rather throw her away to be the human he wanted to be. She was hurt, but she would let her cousin have his life. He wanted to be a human, so, she wouldn't force him to be.She let him have his life, and she had hers.She had let her personal feelings override the one goal she was given when she was a child.Then, it happened.Her cousin had died. Died, with his hand in the hand of his sworn enemy, Lex Luthor. They both had killed one another. She didn't know about their history until a tearful Lois revealed it.Clark and Lex used to be friends, though Lois thought there was something deeper between them, despite him being with her, and Lex being with Lana, and later, a woman named Eve. But then, Lex found out about Clark being Superman, and everything went to hell.The world was put in their feud, and Lois admitted that the reason Clark pushed her out of his life, wasn't because he didn't care. But because he did not want to involve Kara in his war with Lex.Kara was emotionally crushed. Alex, Siobhan, Lucy, M'gann, J'onn, Winn, Kelly, and James tried to cheer her up, but nothing could.All those years were wasted.She should have been there for Clark instead of letting him push her out of his life in some foolish notion that he was protecting her.Her sadness then turned to fury at the Luthor family. She knew that it was foolish and that it was misplaced anger, but if not for Lex, Clark wouldn't have felt the need to abandon her.Kara was often a forgiving person, but anyone who claimed themselves to be a Luthor, she would forever despise.And if any would cross her path, she would bring them down.Just like every other villain.It was destiny that they would meet.Supergirl announced to the world her existence and took up the mantle Superman left behind.Lena Luthor stepped up and became the shining beacon that would bring L-Corp into the light.When the two women learned that they both lived in the City of Blinding Lights, aka, National City, they placed a target on the other woman's back.Kara would do everything she could to bring Lena to justice for any crimes, simply for being a Luthor.Lena would use technology to try and bring down Kara, simply for being connected to Superman.The two women became enemies because of Superman and Lex, but it was their own hands that deepened their animosity.The public was torn on who to defend. Both women were making the world a better place but the moment the two were in the same place, words and sometimes even fists would fly.It was becoming rapidly clear that the world would once again be put in between a Luthor/Super feud.Then, a new face appeared in National City.A mysterious person clad in black armor with a green phoenix emblazoned on the chest appeared in the city. No one knew if they were friend or foe to the city.This person wielded the ability of Ergokinesis, which allowed the figure to manipulate and generate bright green energy with their hands or use it for flight. This person had enhanced durability, endurance, strength, and agility that could match the power of Supergirl herself.This mysterious figure quickly became known as "Flamebird" and quickly made their side known when they engaged Supergirl in a massive battle that ended with both figures unconscious in a giant crater.There were many rumors that the mysterious Flamebird was indeed Lena Luthor, but because both Flamebird and Supergirl were taken from the battle site, it couldn't be proven.Since then, Flamebird and Supergirl continued their war, which often left the two opponents unconscious at the end of it."Ms. Luthor, you need to rest."Sweat dripped from Lena's face as her assistant/friend, Jess, stood by her side with a towel in her hand. Lena carefully took the towel and wiped the sweat from her brow.Across from Lena, Samantha "Sam" Arias lay on her back, her breathing heavy. "Jeez, Lee…." Sam panted. "You really don't pull your punches.""I have to get stronger somehow," Lena said as she stood on shaky legs, only to crumble back to the ground. "You don't pull your punches either.""Ms. Luthor," Jess began. "You've been pushing your body for days. You won't be able to defeat Supergirl if you burn yourself out.""She has a point," Sam admitted as she floated off the ground and onto her shaky feet."I'll be fine," Lena hissed out as she pushed herself onto her feet. "I have to be able to push myself further than this." Lena glanced at her shaky right hand and scowled.Thanks to the combination of Harun-El and her Birth Mother's magical abilities, she was on par with the Maiden of Might. But she had to surpass her. She had to defeat Supergirl and force her to retire.Then, and only then, could she rest.But at the same time, her friends were right. Her body would not recover until she rested. "Alright," Lena acquiesced. "I'll rest.""Finally!" Sam exclaimed. "Now, if you ladies excuse me, I have a date.""A date?" Lena asked. "With who?""Alex Danvers," Sam answered with a smile. "Remember last week at the Gala when you got into it with Supergirl's number one fangirl, Kara Danvers?"Lena smirked. "The cute blonde reporter that hates my guts?" Lena asked."Is there any other?" Jess questioned."The very same," Sam said. "Well, me and her plus one, her sister, talked mad shit about the two of you and bonded. We then proceeded to go back to her place and had some mind-blowing sex.""Well, congrats," Lena said."Thanks," Sam said as she pressed a button on her right wrist bracelet. She groaned in pain. "Shit, that always hurts.""Sorry," Lena winced. "But you're the only Kryptonian I know that likes me. You're the only one that can help me get stronger against Supergirl.""I do owe you one so this pain is worth it," Sam said. "What are you two doing tonight?""I have a date too," Jess bashfully admitted."Our little Jess has a date?" Sam asked with a twinkle in her eyes. "With who, I wonder?""His name is Winn. I met him at Star Wars night at the movies," Jess said.Lena smiled at this. "I'm glad you two have dates tonight, even if one of them is a bit problematic," Lena said with a not-so-subtle look to Sam, who grinned in response. "As for me, I have no plans."The last time Lena had plans with anyone, she was still engaged to Jack, and he bolted after her first battle with Supergirl.Coward."I may just cuddle with Arti tonight," Lena said, referring to her kitten. "Maybe read a book and catch up on the news, too?""Yeah, but isn't that a bit….sa—"Jess was interrupted as the entire building rumbled. "What was that?" Sam asked.The sounds of metal being crushed and glass breaking filled the air.Seconds later, screams filled the air, which prompted the three women to run out of the basement of L-Corp. The trio ran outside and was met with absolute chaos.And in the middle of that chaos, Supergirl lay in the middle of the street, her uniform torn in several places, blood covering the left side of her face, and her skin sickly pale.

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Lena's feet moved before she gave her mind the command to run.She skidded beside the unconscious hero and placed her right index and middle fingers on her pulse point.It was faint, but there was life in her still.Lena tucked her arms beneath Supergirl's head and knees and lifted her off the ground. She walked over back to L-Corp and without stopping, she walked past Jess as she commanded, "Damage control.""Right away, Ms. Luthor," Jess said with a small bow.Sam immediately fell in step next to her and asked, "What's the plan?""First? I'm taking her to a sunbed," Lena answered. "After that, I need to find what did this to her.""But why?" Sam asked.Lena remained silent.Someone had hurt her enemy. Someone strong enough to overpower her. It shouldn't have been possible, and yet, the broken woman was in her arms.And it infuriated her."The fact that someone did this means one thing," Lena began. "Someone is strong enough to defeat a Kryptonian without the use of Kryptonite. A Kryptonian, despite my absolute loathing of her, is a natural hero. That means, whoever did this is a threat that I must locate."The two got into the elevator and Sam pressed her finger against a scanner that was hidden within the elevator wall to her left. "And if you do find the one who did this to her?" Sam asked as the elevator went up to the very top floor of the L-Corp building.A place that no one knew of, nor could they accidentally access."They die," Lena whispered as stared at the woman's bloody face. "Simple as that."The elevator doors behind them opened, which revealed their hidden command center. The two turned around and walked out of the steel box and passed the prototype versions of Lena's Flamebird suits, each in a display case like trophies, various tables for experiments, and several computer consoles."Okay, that sounds like a plan," Sam muttered as they approached the sunbed. They normally used this for Sam in case she wound up injured during a sparring session or when Lena herself burned out her pseudo-Kryptonian powers."But another question arises," Sam stated as she lifted the top to the sunbed. "Why help Supergirl? She's your biggest enemy, and yet, you want to heal her?""Exactly," Lena confirmed as she placed Supergirl on the sunbed and closed the top. "She's my enemy. No one else can defeat her, no one else can touch her but me." Lena tapped on a few keys and yellow light shined from beneath the top. "And whoever has done this, I will make them regret touching what's mine."Sam opened her mouth, closed it, squinted her eyes in thought, then she shrugged. "Alright," Sam slowly said, letting her unvoiced comment go. "So, should Jess and I watch over her or what?""The timer is set to stop once she's healed," Lena announced as she walked away from the sunbed and grabbed a sleek, high-tech black gauntlet-like device from the podium and snapped it around her left wrist.She turned her wrist and pressed several buttons as she said, "I should have thought of this before we put her in the sunbed, but see if she has any sort of phone or anything.""Got it," Sam said with a thumbs-up.Lena pressed one last button, which causedNanomachines formed around her body to create a skin-tight suit that clung to her toned body. The suit also had metallic emerald highlights that included a large emerald phoenix as the chest insignia and clawed fingers.The black mask that formed on Lena's face did not have visible eye lenses, but rather emerald highlights on the mask to indicate where the eyes were. Lena balled then unfurled her right hand and said, "I should have done this long ago. This feels so much lighter than the armor."Flamebird lifted her arms in the air as the emerald highlights on her suit began to glow with the magical energy that was being summoned, then sharply lowered her arms as green flames ignited around her hands and forearms."No burning sensation either," Flamebird noted, pleased with herself as she snuffed out her magical flames, which left her arms smoking, but the nanotech suit intact. "Doesn't even look like I ignited my flames. Perfect.""Yeah, yeah, your new suit is nice," Sam said as the elevator opened again to reveal Jess. "Now get going, will you?""Going where?" Jess asked."To find the person that attacked Supergirl and take them out," Sam answered. Jess shot Flamebird a look, which Sam quickly said, "Don't question it. Just go with it."Flamebird walked to a podium on the far left of the room as Jess took a seat at one of the computer screens and said, "Central command is online, Flamebird."Flamebird nodded as an opening appeared above her head. "I'll be back soon," Flamebird announced before she flew out of the ceiling opening, and out into the night sky.It didn't take Flamebird long to find the start of where the battle Supergirl engaged in."It's always the National City Park," Flamebird noted as she stood in the middle of the vast park. The ground was littered with broken trees and scorched ground, no doubt created by Supergirl's heat vision.Flamebird sighed as nostalgia hit her hard. She and Supergirl had their first fight here. Supergirl had just stopped a robbery when she struck.She was such a novice back then.She wore bulky armor that would have been destroyed by Supergirl's punches if not for her magic holding it together to absorb the blows."On your guard, Supergirl. We have a score to settle," Flamebird had taunted the Maiden of Might. "Put that robber down so I can defeat you properly.""That's cute. You're cute, " Supergirl had retorted, with an amused, yet charming, grin. "Unfortunately, I have to see a few cops about this guy. How about we raincheck this and settle the unknown score tomorrow?""Unfortunately, my schedule is awfully full for the rest of the week, Supergirl. Thankfully, I have just enough free time to defeat you now!" Flamebird had told her prior to her attack and one of the longest battles she had ever been in.Good times...Flamebird pressed a button on the left gauntlet, which caused three small drones to fly out of the gauntlet and scan the area of combat. "I'm sending the data back to you, Clear-Eyes," Flamebird announced."Heard you loud and clear, Flamebird," Jess' voice responded. "We also found a cellphone in Supergirl's boot in the ankle area.""Good, look through her contacts and inform them that we have her and that she is safe," Flamebird commanded. "No sense in causing needless worry for those that care about her.""….Okay," Jess said."Don't sound so enthused, Clear-Eyes," Flamebird dryly told her as the drones flew back into her gauntlet. "I may want to defeat Supergirl, but I am a fair person as well.""Understood. I will get right on that after analyzing the scans of the scene," Jess told her. "You have some time to kill. You up for stopping a few robberies?""Well, I might as well, considering National City's hero is unconscious," Flamebird answered."Oh, well, we just discovered something grand," Jess announced as Flamebird shot into the air. "Well, Sam did.""Oh?" Flamebird questioned."You know Alex Danvers? The woman Sam met at your Gala with Kara?" Jess asked.Flamebird hummed her confirmation."Well, Alex Danvers' phone number is in the phone," Jess revealed.Flamebird's mind began to race at the implications of this. She knew Supergirl and Danvers worked together. She pieced that together after seeing the woman at the scene of each alien attack conversing with Supergirl.But to have her number….A rush of… something ran through Flamebird's veins at the thought of this Danvers woman being close to Supergirl. She couldn't peg down what, but it greatly irked her. "Well, reach out to her and inform her what happened," Flamebird told Jess as she swallowed the odd feeling."Will do," Jess responded.Alex Danvers arrived at the scene where her sister's body should have been. Ten minutes ago, they received word of a suspicious individual at National City Park. The next thing she knew, she saw a news report that stated Supergirl's body was in the middle of the street near L-Corp.The last place she needed her sister to be near while hurt.But as she drove up to the location, her body was gone.Alex began to panic. She could see the small crater her sister's body had created. She could even see a bit of blood splatter, but no Supergirl.Alex then heard her phone ringer go off, which made her dig into her leather jacket to find her cell. Once she pulled it out, Alex noted that it was her sister who was calling her.Doubt swiftly entered her heart.Her sister looked too beaten to be calling her now. This must have been the person or people that had attacked her.Regardless, Alex answered the phone and said, "Considering the damage I saw on the news, I know you can't be her. Where is she?""She's safe," a female voice breathed. "She's on our yellow sun bed, healing."Confusion quickly settled in. "What?" Alex questioned."She's safe and healing. Once she is healed, she will be freed," the voice explained. "No, we cannot tell you where she is, but she is alive and you will see her soon.""And how can I trust this?" Alex asked.Alex heard a dull beep on the phone, which prompted her to remove the phone from her ear. She saw that a message had been sent. She opened the message, which revealed a picture of Supergirl, who rested on a tanning-bed-like bed, except she immediately recognized the light of a yellow sun."My boss is currently locating who attacked Supergirl and left her in this state," the voice said. "Hopefully, we will find them soon. Until then, does this sate your knowledge?""It doesn't and I will be finding you," Alex warned."Amusing. Unfortunately, where we are located, you won't be able to locate where this phone is. But please, do try," the voice calmly taunted. "Have a good night, Agent Danvers."The phone line went dead.

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Two days of nothing and Lena's patience had run out."How can two days pass and we have nothing?!" Lena exclaimed as she, Jess, and Sam stood in their Command Center.Lena wore her Flamebird suit, sans mask, while Sam and Jess looked equally as frustrated as Lena. "Even the data that we collected said nothing about who she fought," Lena said.The data that was collected two days ago showed that Supergirl had entered a battle with a figure dressed in all black as if they were trying to hide their identity from her. The battle had stretched from the east side of Downtown National City to the west side, with it ending when Supergirl was dropped in front of L-Corp.What infuriated Lena more was that this figure hadn't shown up since Supergirl's defeat. Even when Lena actively stood in the street, awaiting to be attacked, no one came."I don't know how long I can stall Agent Danvers," Jess sighed, frustration heavy in her voice. "She will find out where Supergirl is eventually.""And she's been standing me up in trying to find her," Sam muttered. Sam crossed her arms and said, "Perhaps this was an enemy that Supergirl made that you don't know about."Lena snorted, turned to the sunbed that Supergirl currently occupied, and replied, "Supergirl wouldn't dare find an enemy stronger than me. We've yet to settle our score.""I mean, she did, because she's unconscious and this person is M.I.A," Sam countered.Lena turned to Sam and shot her a look."I'm just saying," Sam defended with her arms raised in surrender. "Whoever did this must really hate her. Maybe even more than you."Lena looked back at Supergirl and frowned, unaware of the dirty look Jess shot Sam behind her back.Lena balled her hands into fists and scowled.Just the mere thought of someone else's hands on her enemy left her feeling sick with rage.Supergirl belonged to her. She was hers to fight and hers to beat. No one touches what belongs to her. She had staked her claim on the heroine long before anyone else, and now, it was time to show the world the consequences of taking what was hers away from her."Lena, you need to calm down," Jess announced."Yeah, your flames," Sam pointed out.Lena looked at her hands and saw that her emerald flames had ignited. She snuffed them out, only for an idea to strike her.Sam may have had a point. This dead person walking may only be after Supergirl, which is why they didn't go after her.If she was to discover why they went after her, she would be able to defeat them.And since they won't come to her because she is not Supergirl, maybe it was time to become her Maiden of Might. Lena walked to the sunbed and kneeled at Supergirl's level. The bruises on her skin had healed, leaving the woman's skin soft and pure.For a moment, Lena traced the back of her hand against her cheek and whispered, "Rest…." Lena's hand then traveled to Supergirl's long golden hair and plucked a single strand from her head. She stood, walked over to the podium, and muttered "I'm going to regret this, I know it."She collapsed the strand of hair in her hands the stretched them out to reveal a sparkling, glowing green line. She began to move her hands in a complicated and quick matter, the green strand moving along her hand movements.Finally, she leaned back, stretched the green strand like an arrow in a bow, aimed it at the ceiling, then fired it. The strand flew to the ceiling and flattened out to create a green rune circle that bore ancient Celtic symbols within it.Green particles of magic fell around the podium as Sam asked, "Um, Lena, what are you doing?""Simple," Lena replied. "I'm going to walk a mile in her shoes."The rune circle lowered around Lena's form, and slowly, Lena's form was magically transformed into Supergirl.Lena twirled around, her red cape following her movement as she smiled.Her spell worked.She was a perfect copy of her enemy."Whoa," Jess breathed."That's new…." Sam whispered as Lena observed herself."Well?" Lena asked, only to blink in shock at how familiar her voice sounded to her ears. She sounded just like—"Why do you sound like Kara Danvers?" Sam asked."I shouldn't," Lena said. "The DNA I used for the spell came from—" Lena cut herself off as a sudden realization hit her in the chest.Pieces immediately fell into place in her mind. It made sense now why Alex Danvers' number was on her phone, why Kara Danvers always wrote glowing reviews about Supergirl while also writing critical pieces about her, and why Kara Danvers was so combative with her during their first interview together.Because Kara Danvers is Supergirl.Lena couldn't help but laugh.Her two biggest enemies were the same person."Rao…." Sam whispered."Supergirl is Kara Danvers?" Jess whispered. "Whoa…."There was so much that Lena could do with this information. She could destroy Kara Danvers' life.No!That was against the rules.Lena made it a point to avoid discovering who Supergirl was to keep the game honest. She wasn't out to destroy Supergirl's life outside of the cape. Just to defeat Supergirl. It made no difference knowing her identity.Besides, if Kara was as smart as Lena knew she was, Kara must know, or at least have an inkling that she was Flamebird. And if so, she hadn't outed her, despite their two intense battles.The game was to remain fair."We know who she is," Lena said, her know blue eyes glowing with intensity. "But we won't out her identity. This must remain fair between the two of us. We cannot use the knowledge against her."Jess and Sam nodded."Secret Identity revealed aside, why did you change into her?" Sam asked."This person was after Supergirl," Lena explained as she stepped off the podium, only to stumble. "Wow, this will take some time to get used to….""The height?" Jess asked.Lena nodded. "Anyways, Sam had a point, the person that touched my enemy went after her. If I disguise myself as Kara, they are sure to come back," Lena explained. "Then, I teach them a lesson in touching what's mine.""This could go wrong in so many ways," Sam announced. "Lena, you have to know that.""Oh, I know," Lena replied. "But this is the best way.""Well, as long as you know this," Sam told her. "Go nuts, baby sis."Lena smiled."God, it's weird seeing you smile as Kara," Sam muttered."So, what's the plan?" Jess asked.Lena smirked.She had just the idea."Wow! Thanks, Supergirl!" a girl happily exclaimed as Lena gave her back her balloons."I need no thanks!" Lena boisterously replied as she placed her hand on her chest. "Helping beautiful children like you is a reward in and of itself!"The girl beamed and skipped away."Flamebird, police are chasing down a kidnapper down Beeker's street," Jess said into the communication device that Lena had in her ear."On it, Clear-Eyes," Lena said as she flew off towards Beeker's street, where sportscar flew down the street, with police after it. Lena flew down to the car and immediately picked it up off the ground and held it in the palm of her right hand.She placed her left hand against the bottom of the car and made a quick circle, with emerald sparks following her movement, which created a hole in the car.A child fell out of the circle from the passenger seat and Lena caught him. The boy began to sob as Lena whispered, "There, there, you're safe now."The police cars stopped and a familiar face stepped out into the open.Detective Maggie Sawyer, a detective at the NCPD and Lena's ex-FWB. She thought the woman had transferred to Gotham after their fling ended. But she was pleasantly surprised. She wasn't interested in starting that type of relationship with Maggie again, but it was nice to see a friendly face.Maggie sauntered toward her and said, "Fancy meeting you here, Supergirl.""I was in the neighborhood," Lena replied small grin."Glad to see you already knew the plan," Maggie said. "Now um….do you mind?"Lena sat the car down beside her but kept a strong hold on the vehicle so the driver couldn't drive off. Maggie walked to the driver's seat and said, "Put your hands out the window."The driver followed the directions and soon, the man was cuffed and in the back of a squad car. "Thanks for the assist," Maggie said."Anytime," Lena replied."Flamebird! There is someone on the roof watching you!" Jess announced.Lena smirked.Bingo."So, Supergirl, I wanted to ask, how are you doing? You were pretty beat up on the news the other night," Maggie stated. "Agent Danvers is worried about you. You should reach out to her."Lena was not surprised that Maggie knew Supergirl and Agent Danvers. But how well did she know them?Questions for another day."I will and I'm doing fine," Lena told the officer. "Now, I need to go. There is an emergency nearby.""Then you best get to it," Maggie said.Lena nodded and flew off. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see the masked individual fly after her.Lena smirked.All according to plan.Lena flew to the roof of an abandoned building and said, "About time you showed yourself. If this had gone any longer, I may have gone mad." Lena turned around to see a figure in all black, behind her."Forgive me, Kara Zor-El," the figure said, her voice smooth and detached. "You managed to get away before. I will not make that mistake again."Lena smirked and said, "Oh trust me, you will regret this fight." Lena snapped her fingers, which caused green particles to explode from her body, revealing her true form to the woman. "And you'll regret touching what is mine," Lena finished as her mask formed on her face."Are you sure?" Alex asked as she held the phone to her ear in the middle of the DEO command center."I'm sure Danvers," Maggie's voice replied. "She flew in, stopped the car, and then flew south. Weird thing is, I noticed someone flying after her. They were in all black."Alex narrowed her eyes."It could be that Flamebird again," Alex theorized. "She's the only one that wears all black in the daytime like a damn weirdo. I need to get there quickly.""You want me to pick you up?" Maggie asked.Alex shook her head. "No, I'll be fine," Alex answered. "I'll talk to you later.""Later," Maggie said.Alex hung up the phone and turned to Winn and said, "Kara was spotted a bit ago. I'll be back.""I'll hold down the fort," Winn said with a thumbs up.Alex nodded and practically ran out of the room.She had to get to her sister.

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"Interesting," the masked assailant said, her voice detached and cold, but there was also a husky and shakiness to it that was strangely unique. Flamebird had never heard an accent like it before. It sounded like there was something this woman was holding back.If Flamebird were not on a mission to destroy the one who injured her Supergirl, she would find the voice rather charming. "Those were nanobots," the masked woman stated. "You are good with technology, is that correct?""I'm skilled with a lot of things," Flamebird told her."Oh, I can tell," the woman said. "Your blood, it calls out to me. Magic and Black Kryptonite. I shall indulge in its brilliant taste…. Lena Luthor…."Flamebird's body tensed."You know my name, and yet I don't know yours," Flamebird said. "Who are you?""You can call me Skarlet, Lena Luthor. And I hail from Krypton," the woman told her as she pulled out an elegant ruby-red dagger and then twirled it in her hand. "And I am the master of Threhk Maji.""After running that name in our Kryptonian database, the translation of 'Threhk Maji' is 'Blood Magic,'" Clear-Eyes told Flamebird, who narrowed her eyes.How strange.From the database within Sam's Fortress of Salvation, Kryptonians were a religious but science-based society. There was nothing in the notes stating they used magic.Did they miss something?"It doesn't matter if you use Threhk Maji or regular sun-based powers, I will defeat you all the same," Flamebird dismissively replied."Funny, that's what Kara Zor-El said as well…. Before I tasted her blood," the woman fondly whispered.Incensed, Flamebird launched herself at the woman with emerald flames ignited around her arms. The woman smirked and avoided the first clawed strike of Flamebird. At the second strike, blood poured from the woman's hand and enveloped the dagger to create a scythe made of metal and blood, which blocked the second strike.Flamebird's eyes widened in surprise as Skarlet smirked. "Your blood is pumping at the mention of Kara Zor-El. It rages. It fights. I wonder if it will have that fight once I taste it…." The woman shoved Flamebird black, allowing Flamebird to fire her mystical green flames at her opponent.Skarlet twirled her bloody Scythe in front of her to shred the green fireballs, twisted her body while scraping the blood-crusted metal against the ground, then slashed the weapon at an angle, creating an arc of glowing blood that raced towards Flamebird.Flamebird flew above the arc of blood and watched as it collided with a pile of bricks, and to her shock, the bricks melted, as if acid had touched them. She turned around to see more of these blood arcs heading in her direction.Flamebird fired bolts of her magical fire to burn them before they could strike her then flew higher into the air.'This person wields blood like a weapon,' Flamebird thought as Skarlet flew after her and lunged her arm forward, changing the blood scythe into a blood whip, that wrapped around Flamebird's leg. The woman pulled Flamebird back to her as the whip disintegrated to reveal the elegant dagger that sunk into Flamebird's stomach.Flamebird gasped in pain when the cold steel passed through her armor and into her stomach, but she did not waste the chance to deliver an emerald burst of flame to the woman's face, which caused the woman to fly back due to the recoil of miniature explosion.Flamebird immediately placed her hand on her stomach and created a circular rune and started to heal her wound as she watched Skarlet remove her mask.Skarlet was a pale-skinned woman with long blood-red hair that was tied in a ponytail, reddish-brown eyes, and plump red lips. Despite the super pale skin and the blood-red hair and eyes, she looked exactly like Kara.While many would be confused as to why someone would reveal what they looked like to their opponent, Flamebird didn't have to, for she knew why.Because anyone that sees their opponent's face before combat wasn't meant to live afterward.Skarlet licked the blood off her dagger and shuddered as a burst of familiar emerald light flew from her body. "Your blood has magical properties, Lena Luthor," The woman whispered in ecstasy. "It tastes like fine wine."Flamebird scowled as she removed her hand from her now healed stomach."It tastes just as fine as Kara Zor-El's blood," the woman taunted as she licked her lips, her eyes half-lidded with desire. "Wild, sweet, and hot…. I must have more.""That is the only taste you will get of mine," Flamebird hissed."If not yours, then how about hers?" Skarlet questioned. "I just need one more sip…."Flamebird's eyes glowed green beneath her mask as she clapped her hands together and spread them apart, sparking to life portals with emerald green borders around them behind her. Through the twelve portals, black tentacles flew toward the woman."A marvelous suggestion," the woman breathed as she mimicked Flamebird's motions and created her own portals, where blood-red tentacles flew and collided with the black tentacles. Flamebird's eyes widened in shock.'She gets powers by tasting the owner's blood?' Flamebird thought as the attacks canceled each other out. Flamebird tapped the gauntlet on her left wrist and three drones flew from the device and hovered around her.Flamebird flew back as she condensed her mystical emerald fire to her right hand and fired a beam of fire at the woman. The three drones around her glowed with emerald light before three beams of plasma flew at the woman as well.The woman cut her palm and her body split apart into particles of blood, which then faded away moments before the four beams could incinerate her. Flamebird turned around when she heard the sound of liquid behind her and barely avoided getting skewered by Skarlet's blood spear.Flamebird fired another ball of mystical fire, only to be countered by Skarlet changing the spear into a blood whip, which sliced through the fireball. Skarlet then changed the whip back into a spear and lunged it forward, which stabbed through Flamebird's shoulder.Skarlet pulled out the spear, summoned Flamebird's blood into her hand to create a blood sword, then attempted to stab through Flamebird's head.Flamebird avoided the lunge and slashed at her face, which not only caused three claw marks on Skarlet's right cheek but the wound was instantly cauterized by the emerald flames that surrounded her hand.The brief amount of blood that flew from Skarlet's cheek morphed into needles, which Skarlet grabbed in between her fingers and slashed down Flamebird's mask, breaking the nanomachines that created it to reveal Flamebird's left eye.Flamebird put her hand in Skarlet's face and fired an emerald fireball at point-blank range, which sent the two separating at breakneck speeds, with Skarlet going higher in the sky and Flamebird crashing down to the street below.Flamebird held her left shoulder and narrowed her eyes in thought. She gripped her shoulder as a rune circle formed around her hand and began to heal the wound."Flamebird, you've taken two massive blows already. If not for the suit dulling the impact and your magical abilities, you could have died twice now," Clear-Eyes told her."Doesn't matter," Flamebird hissed. "I'm still standing and I will continue to stand.""And that is well and good, Flamebird, but she's getting in your head. She keeps throwing the fact she has tasted Supergirl's blood at you and you take the bait," Clear-Eyes said. "This opponent, despite her beautiful voice—""Jess," Flamebird warned."—Is dangerous," Clear-Eyes continued. "I've collected enough data from this battle. We can find a way to defeat her blood magic, but you need to get back to L-Corp."As much as Flamebird hated to retreat, the fact that Skarlet was able to land three blows on her while she barely managed the first one was telling of her opponent's skill.Plus, Clear-Eyes was right. Her emotions were compromised with Skarlet taunting her victory over Supergirl over her head.But fate was not on her side because Lena could hear a car skidding around the corner. Flamebird turned around and immediately clocked the driver as Alex Danvers.The Gods were against her today.The car skidded to a stop and Alex immediately stepped out of the car with her gun drawn. "Where is she?!" Alex shouted."Agent Danvers, this is not the time!" Flamebird shouted, only to pause when she heard something slicing through the air. She looked up and saw ten blood arrows sailing toward her and Alex. Without hesitation, Flamebird flew to Alex, scooped her up into her arms, and blasted off into the air.The blood arrows pierced the street and the car in several areas, causing a massive explosion that propelled Flamebird higher into the air. "Let me go!" Alex exclaimed."You will die if I do!" Flamebird shouted as she forced herself to a stop in the air. "You also would have died if I hadn't grabbed you!""Where is Supergirl?!" Alex hissed."Your sister is safe," Flamebird said. "Unfortunately, the per—"Flamebird suddenly screamed as Skarlet's blood spear pierced through her right shoulder from behind, with the blade of the spear piercing through the side of Alex's leg. "Fuck!" Alex screamed as Flamebird turned around, only to barely avoid the swing of Skarlet's blood sword, which shattered the Flamebird's nanomachine mask, leaving her now bloody cheek and right eye visible.Flamebird flew backward as fast as she could as Skarlet gave chase, with Alex firing her gun to no avail. "What a fine mess you got me into!" Alex railed."Would you rather be dead right now?!" Flamebird shouted as the three drones fired beams of emerald plasma at Skarlet, who effortlessly avoided one. "Because I can drop you right now and end this!""You don't have the guts!" Alex shouted.Flamebird scowled as a blood arrow knicked the left cheek of her mask, knocking off more of the nanomachines. "I cannot deal with you and her at the same time!" Flamebird shouted as she tossed Alex into the air and began to create a circle, causing emerald sparks to follow her movements."Clear-Eyes, I'm sending you a guest. I apologize in advance," Flamebird told her as she completed the portal to the command center at L-Corp.Flamebird launched the portal upward, which caused Alex to fall through it before it closed. Flamebird's mystical flames ignited around her arms and she flew at Skarlet to begin Round Two.Alex collided with the floor in the lab with a groan."Alex?!" Sam's voice exclaimed as Alex opened her eyes to see her girlfriend(?) beside a large computer with another woman sitting in front of it."Sam?" Alex groaned out as Sam rushed to her side."Your leg, it's bleeding," Sam noted with a frown."Yeah, I kind of got stabbed through it," Alex admitted. "Where the hell am I? Why are you here?""You're safe, that's all that matters," Sam said. The woman picked Alex off the ground, carried her to a medical bed, and then sat her down on it."Safe?" Alex asked. "Luthor sent me here…. This place is as safe as a Kryptonian in a Kryptonite cell."The chair in front of the computers turned around to reveal Lena's secretary, Jess. "Trust us, you are safe here," Jess said. "Ms. Luthor wouldn't have transported you here otherwise.""Yeah, yeah, yeah, where is Supergirl?" Alex asked.Sam turned around and pointed at the sunbed, where Supergirl lay. "She's right there. Healing from the wounds from her battle," Sam said."A sunbed? She's being healed?" Alex asked."Trust us, we are confused about this too," Sam admitted. "If Lena hated her so much, why heal her, right? I mean, if I hated someone, I would want to get them while wounded."Alex pinched the bridge of her nose."That's a look for finding her safe," Sam said."No, it's just… I didn't think this foolishness was on both sides," Alex sighed.Sam and Jess blinked in confusion."Wha—" Sam started, then stopped as the sunbed top lifted into the air."You all talk too much," Supergirl's tired voice muttered.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

"Rao…." Supergirl breathed as she lay prone on the ground with her arms and legs spread slightly, her eyes closed.

Flamebird lay on the ground above her, with her head beside hers, their faces inches from one another. Both women's attire was scratched up and bleeding from various areas after a long brutal battle but in the end, it had been a draw.

Supergirl opened her eyes and looked at the starry sky, her eyes locked on the full moon that bathed their bodies in its gentle light. "The moon is beautiful tonight, isn't it?" Supergirl asked.

Flamebird was quiet for a moment then she slowly replied, "It's magnificent. It was the perfect night for our duel."

"I agree…." Supergirl replied. "You were very strong. One of the strongest I've ever met. You pushed me to a limit that I've never reached before…. You were fantastic. Utterly fantastic."

"You're an excellent dance partner. It took everything I had to keep up," Flamebird told her. "I've never battled someone like you before. With all the training, all of the work, fighting you pushed me passed my limits."

The sound of sirens could be heard in the distance as the two stared at the sky. "Was that your first time?" Supergirl asked.

"Fighting a Goddess?" Flamebird questioned."Yes…. It was also the first time I've made one bleed."

"It was my first time fighting a Pseudo-Kryptonian," Supergirl admitted. "My cousin told me about them but you're the first I've fought. And the first I've drawn blood from…."

"So, what's the verdict?" Flamebird asked. "Was I everything you've ever imagined?"

Supergirl turned her head and stared at the cracked mask of her opponent. "I want you to fight you again…." Supergirl revealed. "I need to fight you again."

Flamebird turned her head, her visible emerald green eye looking back at her. "That's funny because I feel the same way."

The two laughed and then looked back at the sky.

The sirens were growing closer but Supergirl could lay here by the woman who pushed her to her breaking point forever.

All her life, she lived in a cardboard box, always careful not to break something or someone. For the first time, she met someone whom she could fight against with nothing held back …. And it made her feel whole.

And somehow, someway, she knew her opponent felt the same way.

"I won't stop…." Flamebird whispered. "Until I defeat you, Supergirl. I will avenge my brother's death…."

"And I won't stop until you're defeated, Flamebird," Supergirl softly replied. "Your brother took my cousin away from me. The person I was brought here to protect. His debt must be paid…."

"Is that a promise I hear, Supergirl?" Flamebird questioned.

"I'm not known for making promises that I don't keep," Supergirl tiredly countered. "You're mine to fight, Flamebird. And mine to defeat."

"As you are mine, Supergirl. And only mine…." Flamebird replied. She then let out a soft, but tired laugh that made Supergirl's heart skip a beat, and mumbled, "I look forward to our next dance, Supergirl. Don't keep me waiting too long."

Supergirl shut her eyes and whispered, "I won't…. I promise…."
She had been defeated.That was what Supergirl remembered. She had encountered the face of someone she had not seen since she was a child, and they attacked her without hesitation.Her body was damaged by the Threhk Maji user to the point where even opening her eyes was too much trouble.She knew it had been two days. Her internal clock was never wrong. Her body had repaired itself, due to the solar energy that surrounded her body. But she knew that she wasn't at the DEO. The voices she heard were familiar."Lena, you need to calm down," Jessica "Jess" Chin-Salvo's voice said."Yeah, your flames," Samantha "Sam" Arias followed up.But for a brief moment, when she felt a hand caress her cheek, she awakened.Through her barely opened eyes, she saw the gentle emerald eyes of her enemy. "Rest," Lena Kieran Luthor whispered to her.She wanted to speak to the woman, to apologize for being defeated before their destined duel, but she couldn't find the words to speak.She wasn't fully healed yet. She needed just three more hours.Her eyes then closed, missing the warmth of her enemy's hand.Four hours passed, and Supergirl could hear the muffled voice of her sister. "A sunbed? She's being healed?" Alex asked."Trust us, we are confused about this too," Sam admitted. "If Lena hated her so much, why heal her, right? I mean, if I hated someone, I would want to get them while wounded."Supergirl opened her eyes and yawned. She was so tired, but the wounds she endured from her had healed.She was back at one hundred percent."That's a look for finding her safe," Sam noted, most likely seeing Alex make a face.Alex didn't understand her rivalry with Flamebird. The woman was brilliant and the green-eyed woman challenged her harder than anyone she had ever encountered since she came to Earth.The Pseudo-Kryptonian made her blood race with anticipation. Whether they met across the battlefield or in public as Kara and Lena, Supergirl longed to face off against the woman. And anytime they did face-off, Supergirl felt alive.She often wondered if her father felt this way when he dueled her mother for the first time."No, it's just… I didn't think this foolishness was on both sides," Alex sighed.Supergirl gripped the edge of the top and lifted it, interrupting L-Corp's CFO. "You all talk too much," Supergirl's tired voice muttered."Supergirl!" Alex exclaimed.Supergirl immediately clocked the blood on the bottom half of Alex's leg and asked, "Why are you hurt?" She then turned to Jess and Sam and asked, "I doubt you two hurt her, so how did it happen?""Way to have faith in us?" Sam questioned."That woman showed up again," Alex answered. "Luthor saved me, to my eternal damnation."Supergirl's eyes widened.Flamebird was fighting her?No, no, no, this wasn't right. Her enemy couldn't fight that woman.Supergirl slid off the sunbed and said, "I need to go save her.""Supergirl!" Alex exclaimed. "I know you and Luthor have this strange ass rivalry? Enemy-ship? Whatever? But you just woke up after days of being unconscious. I'm not looking for you to get hurt again."Supergirl frowned. "I will not allow that vrazhium to hurt her. She is mine to fight and mine to defeat. No one else's.""Whoa, that's a massive dose of Deju Vu," Sam whispered to Jess, who looked baffled at what she was hearing.Alex let out a deep and long-suffering groan."Please look after Agent Danvers," Supergirl kindly instructed the two women. "She is someone near and dear to me.""Why do you trust us to do that?" Jess spoke up."Simple," Supergirl replied. "I know Flamebird. She wouldn't allow anyone to harm me while I'm weakened, just like she knows I wouldn't allow anyone to hurt her either. We're bound by our oath to fight and defeat each other honorably. The fact that I woke up healed and not experimented on tells me that my trust is placed."Alex, Sam, and Jess stared at her with disbelief on their faces."Now, I will be back with Flamebird," Supergirl announced. "Is there an exit here?"Jess wordlessly pointed to the metal door on the ceiling. Supergirl nodded her thanks, walked beneath the door, and once Jess pressed a blue button, Supergirl flew into the sky."You have fought well, Lena Luthor," Skarlet's voice cooed as Flamebird, her mask completely gone to reveal her bleeding face.The battle between Flamebird and Skarlet had turned for the worst after Flamebird sent Alex Danvers away. No matter what she did, the Kryptonian managed to turn it around. With every scratch, slice, and gash, Skarlet was given more weapons to use against her.Three of her left ribs were broken, along with her left arm and right hand, leaving her unable to perform the hand movements needed to perform her eldritch magic. The nanomachines that protected her right arm, left leg, and the top half of her chest was half gone, which revealed her bleeding left leg and right arm, along with the remains of her black tank top.Flamebird's left eye was swollen shut as Skarlet held a solid grip on her neck. "And your blood tastes exquisite," Skarlet continued. "But it is time to finish this battle."Skarlet drew the blood from Flamebird's wounds to create a sword, where she placed the tip against her chest, right above her heart. "You have more than earned the right for me to recite the Prayer of the Dead for you. That will be my final honor.""I won't be dying here," Flamebird whispered as her vision blurred. "You will not be the one to kill me.""You seem sure of this," Skarlet whispered. "And why is that?"Flamebird smirked and replied, "Because I can't die until I defeat Supergirl."Skarlet let out a low laugh. "Supergirl clings to life as it is, I have defeated you both and once I kill you, she will follow," Skarlet hissed.Skarlet reared her left arm back and said, "Fall into the Blood Sea, Lena Lu—"A red boot smashed into Skarlet's face from the right, which released Flamebird from her grasp. She felt two warm arms wrap around her body. She knew this body. She had fought against this body."Supergirl…." Flamebird whispered as she found herself being carried by Supergirl, bridal style. "I guess the debt is repaid already? Pity….I was looking to hold that over you….""There is no victory you can hold over me, Flamebird," Supergirl softly told her.Flamebird gave a weak smirk. "Sure…." She drawled. "Seems we've tied again."Supergirl grinned.Skarlet rubbed her jaw and Flamebird was treated to a wide smile on the woman's face that deeply unnerved her. "You live again, ie," Skarlet whispered."I'm no ie to you, vrazhium," Supergirl hissed with venom Flamebird had never heard come from her mouth. She wished for it to be translated, but her mask was destroyed during her battle.But she would find out what those words meant.Skarlet chuckled and said, "Our blood says otherwise."Supergirl narrowed her eyes as a portal appeared behind Skarlet. "What? It is too soon! I have not completed my objective!" Skarlet exclaimed as black tendrils moved from the portal and attached to her body."Unfortunately, Kara Zor-El, I am being summoned elsewhere," Skarlet announced with a grin that the increasingly exhausted Flamebird knew was masking her rage. "Until we meet again." The tendrils pulled Skarlet through the sickly green portal where it closed seconds later.And with Skarlet's retreat, Flamebird lost consciousness in the warm arms of her enemy.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

"Like, what the fuck?!"Sam patted Alex on the back as the agent sat in between her and Jess.The duo had just finished telling Alex what had occurred in the past few days, including the trio realizing Supergirl's true identity, and Alex felt like she was going insane. "Both of them! I've been dealing with Kara's weird protectiveness over Luthor since they first fought, only for Luthor to be the same?!""I've been asking myself the same question," Sam sighed. "I mean, It confuses the mess out of me. Before that first fight, there was actual animosity between the two of them. After it, it's now weird….""I agree," Jess said. "Something occurred in the first fight that caused both of them to somehow double down on defeating one another but also removed the intense animosity they had toward each other. It's confusing.""I can't believe you both and Luthor know that Kara is Supergirl," Alex sighed. "And the fact that Luthor won't use this to her advantage is even more mind-boggling.""I mean, you and Kara know that Flamebird is Lena," Sam argued. "What has stopped you and the FBI from coming in to arrest her?""Guess," Alex dryly replied.Sam and Jess looked at each other, then back at Alex. "What the hell is going on in their heads?" the duo asked in unison.The roof entranced to the command center opened and Supergirl floated inside with Flamebird in her arms. "Holy shit!" Sam exclaimed at the sight of Flamebird."Lena!" Jess shouted."She's alive," Supergirl gently told them as she walked to the sunbed and gingerly laid her down. "Will this help her heal?" she asked both Jess and Sam."Somewhat. Being a Pseudo-Kryptonian, the sun will heal her of some wounds, but she will have to use magic for the rest," Jess explained."How long will it take?" Supergirl asked."Could take a few days. Maybe a week, considering the danger," Jess explained."Also depends on if she isn't stubborn and tries to rush it," Sam added.Alex snorted. "Oh, there is another thing our idiots have in common," Alex said.Sam smirked as Supergirl rolled her eyes."I know how to rest, Alex," Supergirl told her. "I rested while I was here.""Yeah, in the base of our enemy," Alex said. "Had the most comfortable rest from the pictures I saw of you.""Maybe I felt safe," Supergirl offered."Which you shouldn't!" Alex exclaimed. "God, do you understand how lucky you were that Luthor is acting as foolish as you are right now?"Supergirl tilted her head."Like, you two are enemies! You've fought each other until you both were bloody. Not just once, but twice! You should be trying to bring her to the DEO! She should be trying to experiment on you! What you two are doing is not something enemies do!""Not to cut in on a very valid argument," Sam interjected. "But Alex has a point. This whole thing is messy and confusing.""DEO?" Jess questioned."Like, I feel like I'm going mad. We know her identity! They know who you are! There should not be blasé air around life and death!" Alex continued."You guys know who I am?" Supergirl asked."Found out today, Ms. Danvers," Jess answered while Sam nodded."And what was Flamebird's response?" Supergirl asked."Her response, and I quote, was, 'We know who she is, but we won't out her identity. This must remain fair between the two of us. We cannot use the knowledge against her.'" Jess answered.Supergirl smiled and said, "See, the game continues.""Oh my god," Alex whispered as she pinched the bridge of her nose.Supergirl moved her arms from beneath Flamebird's body, only to feel Flamebird's hand wrap around her wrist. Supergirl looked down at Flamebird and saw a weary emerald eye looking back at her."Supergirl," Flamebird whispered.Supergirl gingerly pulled her hand from Flamebird's grasp, brushed a strand of hair from her enemy's face, and said, "Don't worry. Everything will be fine. Find me when you heal. Until then, okhahsh (sleep)."Flamebird struggled to keep her unswollen eye open until she finally closed it and resumed her slumber. "Sleep well," Supergirl whispered.Alex watched as Supergirl smiled and pulled the door to the yellow sun bed down and said, "Alright, let's jet Alex.""S-So that's it?" Alex asked. "We're just going to leave?""I still feel a little weak," Supergirl admitted with a sheepish smile. "Plus, I'm starving and can go for some potstickers right now."Alex gaped at the caped heroine and then threw her hands into the air. "Fine! If you want to act like this is totally normal, then fine, we'll play this super normal!" Alex turned to Sam and asked, "Are you still on for our date tonight?""You still want to go on that date?" Sam asked with a smile."I was going to call until this madness happened," Alex admitted. "I mean, I knew you were friends with Luthor already, and since Kara is so willing to trust, I'm not going to throw away my shot with you.""I mean, that's fair," Sam said with a grin. "Well, mind if we have a date at your place tonight? Since you were stabbed in the leg?""Alright, bet," Alex replied."Nice," Supergirl said as she scooped Alex into her arms bridal style. "Well, we're off. Oh, and Jess? I'll tell Winn you said hi."Jess nodded.Supergirl marched over to the roof exit, paused, and then said, "Oh, and Jess? I'm supposed to have an interview with Flamebird. Can you pencil that in for me?""I received the call from CatCo about it before I came up here," Jess answered. "I have you penciled in for Friday at twelve-thirty-five."Supergirl smiled and blasted off into the sky."You should have let me remain," Skarlet railed against the two shadowed figures both thrones, her brown-red eyes radiating with anger. "I was close to killing them both and bathing in their blood.""I understand, Skarlet," The shadowed figure replied. "But, knowing the two strongest beings on this planet are weakened, gives us more than ample time to plan out our invasion.""And what of Astra?" Skarlet questioned. "She still roams this planet, even after her defeat against my dear ie. I doubt a member of the Defense Council will just stand down while we do what she failed to do. She will want to usurp control to continue her own plans.""And we will deal with her in time," a female voice spoke from the throne. "Also, we must locate The Stranger and his daughter. They are the only two that can hinder our plans with their Kryptonian-level suits.""Do we know where they are located?" Skarlet asked."At this time, we do not," the male voice said. "After the battle in Smallville, the two disappeared. But in time, we will locate them. For now, go replenish your Threhk Maji with the prisoners. You certainly earned the break."Skarlet frowned and stalked off.Once Skarlet was gone, the female voice said, "Tal, how much longer must we work with her? She's becoming more unstable the longer she uses Threhk Maji.""Once we make my cousin pay for not defending my brother from Alexander Luthor, we will need the last surviving member of house El on our side when we recreate Krypton on Earth. And like it or not, Kari Zor-El, will be that last surviving member," Tal replied."Or perhaps, we could sway Kara Zor-El to our side?" the female asked. "Kari Zor-El was exiled when she was discovered learning Threhk Maji from the Children of Juru. The consciousness of those within The Eradicator will remember this and will rebel against this decision.""No!" Tal exclaimed. "I will not allow Kara Zor-El to survive when she failed her one and singular purpose!"Tal took a deep breath."Kari Zor-El may have been branded an exile, but she is a Zor-El. Same as Kara, Kalya, and Kori, may they rest in Rao's embrace. And whether they like it or not, she will be seated on the council as a Zor-El once again," Tal hissed. "And when that happens, I will have all I need to reign bothgr (king) of new Krypton."
"So, Kara and Lena know that the other is Supergirl and Flamebird?"
Alex nodded.
"And Sam and Jess, who works with Lena as Flamebird, know that you and I work with Kara at the DEO?"
Alex nodded again.
"And Kara and Lena, despite knowing who they are, won't sabotage each other outside of their superhero/supervillain(?) identities?"
Once again, Alex nodded.Winn let out a long breath. "And Sam noted that Lena was treating Kara soft when she was unconscious, and you WATCHED Kara be soft with Lena, is that right?" Winn asked."Yep," Alex confirmed."Those two must have had sex after their first fight or something because none of that makes sense," Winn told her."Right?!" Alex yelled through her phone. "Like, It's like those bozos forgot how enemies act. Superman and Lex were enemies, and they died trying to defeat each other. These two were enemies at the start, but now it's this weird-ass relationship thing?""I mean, shouldn't you be happy that Kara isn't dead right now?" Winn asked. "I mean, it also sounds like Lena went out of her way to save your life.""I'm appreciative of the fact that Kara is alive and that Luthor, to my annoyance, saved my life," Alex said. "But it goes against rhyme or reason. They hated each other. I remember how scathing Kara was when Lena first moved here. I remember her nearly growling anytime Lena popped up on the TV."Alex huffed then said, "But after that fight, It was like something changed in her. Like she still wants to defeat Luthor, but that hatred she had for Luthor is gone. Now it's just a competitive relationship with the woman that has left her bloodied twice. Even Sam and Jess don't understand it because Luthor is the same way.""Hmmm," Winn hummed. "Could it be that the two sincerely hated each other until they fought and turned out they have a lot in common?""Hell if I know," Alex muttered."So…. Does J'onn know?" Winn asked."No," Alex breathed. "I know J'onn is understanding, but he would not be pleased by the fire that Kara is playing with.""Are we not going to tell him?" Winn asked."I don't know. A part of me wants to tell J'onn and nip a potential future problem in the bud. But, another part of me wants to see if all of the confusion between these two useless women will amount to something," Alex answered. "In short, no idea.""Where is Kara now?" Winn asked.Alex frowned. "Doing a last run around the city before going home," Alex answered. The doorbell rang and despite herself, she smiled. "I have to go, that's Sam.""Whoa, whoa, whoa," Winn said. "You're still seeing Sam? Even knowing she's working with Lena?""Hey, if Kara and Luthor are going to be stupid about whatever the hell they have, I'm at least going to capitalize by dating Sam. And who knows? Maybe I can convert her to team Supergirl.""S-Should I do that with Jess?" Winn asked."Wouldn't hurt," Alex said. The doorbell rang again, and Alex said, "Alright, Winn. I got to go.""Have fun," Winn said. "Do everything that I would do!""Will do, later Winn,," Alex replied. She then hung up the phone and said, "Time for my date."

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Four days passed since the battle against Skarlet and Lena had finally awakened.But she awakened to bad news.Due to the intense battle, she had woken up to her Pseudo-Kryptonian powers drained, which meant she was bought down to her human self again.She couldn't even rely on her magical abilities because thanks to the amount of damage to her left eye that happened during that fight, she lost it.And since she lost a vital piece, Lena put all of her magical resources into rebuilding her missing eye and that would take a week of constant resources to create a new one. But once it was done being created, it was going to be something amazing.And while she would regain her Pseudo-Kryptonian powers back in a few days, Flamebird would be strictly technological until she was back up to par."You look pretty hot with that eyepatch on," Sam noted as the pair entered L-Corp.Lena wore a white long-sleeve button-down shirt that was tucked in her black slacks, black dress shoes, a thin-strapped black eyepatch around her left eye but beneath her hair so it could remain free, and a long black suit jacket that sat upon her shoulders in the classic "Bold Shoulder" style.Lena felt a little smug at Sam's comment.Lena was very aware of how attractive she was. While she didn't need to weaponize it like most, she knew that she didn't have to. People would bend over backward just to have her look their way.But as she approached Jess' desk, she spotted the one person who didn't bend over backward for her and it made her stop in her tracks.Kara Danvers, her once human rival, now known as her overall rival Supergirl, stood with her back to her and Sam.Lena observed her for a moment.Kara wore a sleeveless purple asymmetric slit dress that revealed her very tone arms and legs, tan heels and she had her hair in that familiar librarian-styled ponytail, but it was not the platinum blonde color that she had as Supergirl. Instead, she was a brunette.'An image changer perhaps?' Lena questioned. Her eye traced every curve the other woman had as she conversed with Jess."You want to bite your lip a little harder, Lena?" Sam whispered.Lena frowned and stopped biting her bottom lip. How long had she been staring at her rival? "Well, this confrontation won't start itself," Sam said. "Might as well get it over with, right?"Lena nodded and resumed walking until she stood behind the CatCo reporter. "Ms. Danvers?" Lena smoothly asked.Kara turned around and her greenish-blue eyes sparkled in delight and challenge. Lena knew that sparkle well. She had seen it twice right before the two engaged in battle. It made her blood race with anticipation.But she hated seeing that sparkle in the eye color that wasn't Kara's.She wanted Kara's true eyes to be always locked on her."Ms. Luthor," Kara greeted with a smile. "And Ms. Arias. How are both of you this morning?""We're fine," Sam replied with a smile. "And didn't I tell you last night to call me Sam?""Yes you did," Kara answered as she looked at Sam. "When you are with Alex in a non-business setting. Today, Ms. Arias…." Kara paused and Lena found the woman's eyes locked on her. "I am here to interview Ms. Luthor."There was a mischievous tone that Kara had that made Lena's heart skip a beat."How long have you waited for this interview?" Lena asked."Days," Kara immediately responded. "The people need your opinion on the matter of Morgan Edge coming to National City.""But there are many who have an opinion on Morgan Edge," Lena noted. "Why seek me out for this?""While the Super/Luthor rivalry is very well known," Kara said with a hint of something in her voice that Lena couldn't decipher. "The Luthor/Edge rivalry is just as famous. People just want to know where their Luthor stands."Kara then smiled, and Lena was aware of her slightly elongated canines. "Besides, Ms. Grant knows that I'm the only one that can bring passion into your words."Lena smirked. "So, you're saying you're my whisperer, Ms. Danvers?" Lena asked."Of course, I am. Out of everyone in this room, we both know I'm the only one that truly knows you…." Kara answered with a sly expression.Lena could see Sam and Jess exchange a look that she couldn't understand. But this wasn't about them, it was about her and the woman who had her undivided attention. "Then I suppose I shouldn't delay this interview any longer, yes?" Lena coolly replied.Kara smiled.Lena then turned to Sam and said, "You know what to do.""No meetings for the next hour. Got it," Sam said with a lazy salute. Lena looked at Jess, who nodded in understanding as well. "Well, shall we?" Lena questioned to Kara.Kara nodded and the two walked away from the receptionist's desk and into the elevator. Lena reached down and pressed the floor button that would take them to her office.As the doors slowly closed, Lena reached and pulled up her left sleeve cuff to reveal the black gauntlet beneath it and pressed a button.Lena felt a needle pierce her skin followed by the small burst of reserve magic rush through her veins and while it wouldn't last long, it would be a great asset to her for the moment to push her back to levels her body was normally functioning under.Out of the corner of her eye, she watched Kara wiggle her fingers and then roll her right wrist, no doubt preparing herself as well. The elevator doors finally closed and without hesitation, Lena's left hand ignited in emerald flame with her nails sharpened, twisted her body, and lunged it at Kara's head.Kara leaned back to avoid her attack and kicked Lena in the side with her foot. Lena stumbled back and ducked the heroine's right hook, moved under it, and kneed Kara in the stomach. Kara staggered back and ducked Lena's left swipe, which created four claw marks on the elevator wall.Lena felt Kara's right fist collide with her side, making her wince, but she caught the left fist that was about to collide with her right cheek. Lena lunged her clawed left hand at Kara, but Kara caught the burning hand with her right hand, their fingers intertwining.Without hesitation, the two reared their head back and delivered an elevator-shaking headbutt, which dazed the both of them enough to disengage from the battle.The two leaned on opposite walls of the elevator and panted, with Kara licking at her left canine, a satisfied expression on her face.Lena gave a wild smirk and the two lunged at each other again.Jess and Sam watched in disbelief at the video feed of the elevator, which showed Kara and Lena engaging in a very close fight. "Those idiots," Sam sighed."They couldn't wait to get their hands on each other," Jess muttered as she pinched the bridge of her nose."Rao, those two fucking would make a lot more sense than this," Sam grumbled as she turned her body and leaned back on Jess' desk. "So, the double date is on for this weekend, excited?"Jess nodded. "Yeah. Winn is stoked that this is happening, but this will give us the chance to discuss our overpowered morons," Jess replied.Jess then paused and observed as Kara and Lena punched each other in the face at the same time. "Do you think it's kind of weird that we're technically dating our opponents?" Jess asked."Oh honey," Sam said. "Weird doesn't even begin to describe what's going on here."Fists and claws were traded at a fast pace as Lena and Kara's close-contact duel continued. The two weren't showing any wounds but their clothes were showing the damage of the battle.Kara's dress had a claw mark on the right shoulder and left hip while Lena's left pant leg was ripped, and her left sleeve had been burned off.Kara's ponytail was undone, leaving her hair free and messy while Lena's prim and proper hair was frizzy and wild.But despite the chaotic looks, the smiles on their faces spoke volumes."You have no idea how much I needed this dance," Lena panted, her right eye glowing with delight.Kara's smile widened."Oh, I think I have a good idea," Kara replied. "We don't have a lot of time to keep this going. But I don't want to stop this fight.""Neither do I," Lena admitted. "I've enjoyed this dance."Lena watched as Kara's eyes softened. "Ditto," Kara replied.The flame around Lena's left forearm flickered for a moment and then extinguished. Lena was out of her reserve. "But I suppose my time at fighting at my normal level is off."Kara frowned and relaxed. "A fight where we both aren't severely weakened is strange, Flamebird," Kara admitted."It is, Supergirl," Lena replied with a sad smile. "Feels like a teaser than anything else."Kara took a step forward and placed a hand on Lena's cheek, prompting Lena to look up at her. "That vrazhium…. She took your eye…." Kara murmured."It'll come back," Lena softly replied, her body slightly trembling due to her magic withdrawal. "I just need time to recover….""All the same," Kara whispered, anger laced in her voice. "I'll make her pay for nearly taking you away from me."Lena chuckled and placed a hand on top of Kara's. "You think you will be alone for that revenge? Because she almost killed someone that belongs to me, and that debt must be repaid….""Then what are you proposing, Flamebird?" Kara asked."This enemy is strong, Supergirl," Lena admitted. "Skarlet was able to defeat us both. I am not ignorant of the fact I will need more assistance in stopping her. And despite our mutual dislike of one another, you're the only one I can trust at my side to deal with this threat.""I know," Kara admitted. "I know that as enemies, we shouldn't trust one another. But I know you. You could have done so much to damage me, even after you realized my identity as Kara Danvers. But I knew you would never do that….""As I know you wouldn't do that once you confirmed my identity as Lena Luthor," Lena replied."So, I know that I can trust you too," Kara continued. "But even though I trust you with who I am and with a partnership, I'm not forgetting what we are to one another. I have to defeat you, my Flame. More anything or anyone else in this universe."A soft grin formed on Lena's face."I know, my Super," Lena replied as she reached up to caress Kara's cheek. "The only person who I am willing to lose my life to, is you, Supergirl. No one else will ever get the opportunity again.... I promise."Kara smiled in relief and said, "It is your hands that I am willing to fall to, Flamebird. no one else. I vow to never allow myself to fall again to anyone but you...."Lena returned the smile, unable to smother the relief she felt at Kara's words. All good things had to end, and the elevator stopped. The doors opened and the duo, with their hair nice and neat, calmly walked out the elevator.The two passed by a custodian, who looked at the inside of elevator in confusion, and entered Lena's office, with Lena motioning for Kara to sit in the chair in front of her desk. Kara nodded and took her seat while Lena sat behind the desk in her chair.Kara placed the tape recorder on the desk and asked, "So, Ms. Luthor. What is your history with Morgan Edge?"The two shared a smile and Lena replied, "Let's just say, like all of my relationships, it's complicated."

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Kara floated high in the sky, her silhouette posted in front of the glow of the moon as she observed National City in its entirety.She could hear the hustle and bustle of the city slowly dying down as the night went on, but she couldn't help but smile when she heard the familiar grumblings of her rival.'Must still be working,' Supergirl noted.She didn't make it a habit of listening to her rival, but after Flamebird was injured for four days, Supergirl had to keep stock of her status, by listening to her heartbeat.It was by Flamebird's heartbeat, that Kara understood that her rival had woken up earlier in the day.'She was almost taken from me….' Kara thought with a flare of rage. When she held Flamebird's broken body in her arms, she had the mind to hunt down that traitorous vrazhium and make her pay for touching what no one had a right to touch.Kara took a deep breath. She couldn't allow her rage to cloud her mind and dull her focus. The vrazhium would get what was coming to her, regardless of who she used to be. After that, she would find out who bought the vrazhium back into her life and rend them asunder for their sick dark magic.No, they would be the ones to do that.When Flamebird bought up the proposition of working together, Kara was surprised. She never expected her rival to admit something like that. And that's what Kara admired about her. She was unafraid to ask for help, unlike Kara, who was very stubborn and always wanted to go into a dangerous situation alone.'That's the job of heroes. We can't afford to allow anyone else in our battles,' the voice of Kal-El entered her mind, reciting one of the rare bits of advice he had given her.But he was wrong. No one person is an island. Everyone needed help eventually. It was her own breakdown after the Red-K incident that told her that. Without Alex, Maggie, Winn, Cat Grant, J'onn, M'gann, and Lucy, she wouldn't be wearing the cape after that terrible moment.She would have never met Flamebird, her other half, had she didn't get the help she needed.Kara let out a soft laugh.Her other half.Ever since their first fight, it was like they dropped the animosity that had built up before that and just continued the intense battles just for the love of the fight."While we Kryptons like to believe we've evolved from the primal times, that's just not true. We will always be drawn to powerful, strong-willed people. That's why we have the courting duels. You may find it strange, but when you find that person, you will understand why the courting duels are necessary," Her Father's voice filtered into her mind.'I do, Ukr,' Kara softly thought. 'And for the life of me, I want to keep dueling her for the rest of my life….'But it made no sense to her.The courting duels were meant for people that were actively involved with one another, Kara had stepped up to Flamebird because her brother took Kal-El away.But Kara couldn't sum up the anger she previously felt before their first battle, but it still felt wrong to her that she was having these thoughts and emotions towards her enemy.But she wouldn't stop it….She couldn't stop herself from not feeling these strange feelings for her enemy.Eventually, everything would crumble down, but for now, Kara would let herself enjoy the excitement and warmth her rival gave her.And wherever they ended up, Kara wouldn't regret a single moment.Alex and Winn facepalmed as they watched the video Jess and Sam bought over.There were a lot of things that the duo expected when they saw Lena and Kara walk into the elevator, but they didn't expect a fight or the gentle touches and sweet(?) promises afterward."God, can they get any more useless?" Winn asked. "Like, I'm trying to wrap my head around—like what the—holy fuck.""I've never heard Winn this flabbergasted before," Jess murmured to Sam."I don't even know how to feel about this!" Winn exclaimed. "What the fuck is going on? I mean, Kara is smarter than this, and I know, considering who she is, that Luthor is smarter than this. So what the hell am I looking at?!""I didn't know either until this morning," Alex said."Oh, you know something about this?" Sam asked.Alex hummed. "I'm going to do something that I'm not going to like," Alex explained."What are you going to do?" Jess asked.Alex sighed, "I'm going to see Astra.""Astra?" Sam repeated. "You don't mean Astra In-Ze, do you?""How do you know that name?" Alex asked."Sam…?" Jess breathed."It's fine," Sam said with a smile. "I'm not shying away from who I am. I've done that for far too long."Sam looked at Alex and Winn and said, "My birth mother served under Astra before Astra was arrested. A month before Krypton blew up, Astra helped her get me off of Krypton a week before it was destroyed.""Wait, you're Kryptonian?!" Alex exclaimed."Oh, yes," Sam said. "Rather proudly in fact.""Whoa, you're dating a Kryptonian, nice," Winn said as he gave Alex a thumbs-up."Okay, that's a major bomb that I wasn't expecting…." Alex said. "Maybe Kara knows your family. What's your name?""Well, from my mother's hologram at the fortress, my Kryptonian name is Asha Del-Nar. Daughter of Ursa Del-Nar, before she shunned her house and joined General Zod," Sam said."I'll have to file that away for later," Alex said. "But we need to understand why they are acting this way. I have a strong feeling that whatever is causing Kara and Luthor to act this way, she would know. However, I just…. The last time we met, was not the best….""How so?" Sam asked."Well, she tried to kill my mentor and I stabbed her with a Kryptonite spear. Thankfully, she survived it, but I doubt that would leave on someone," Alex bashfully explained."Well, that would do it," Jess said."I want to go with you," Sam said. "She's the only one that would know a lot about my mother. A crystal is all well and good, but I don't know what came of her…. Did she die on Krypton? Did she survive?""I think I can swing that with my boss," Alex said.Sam smiled."Good, set that up whenever you can," Sam said. "Until then, can we go to this restaurant Jess has been hyping up since we set up this double date? I am starving."When Lena stepped out of L-Corp, she was met with the cool air of the night sky. She hadn't meant to work so late, but time had gotten away from her.It always did when she had something on her mind.And that something was Supergirl."It is your hands that I am willing to fall to, Flamebird. no one else. I vow to never allow myself to fall again to anyone but you..." Supergirl's voice said within her mind.Lena had been replaying her conversation with Supergirl all day, and each time, she couldn't stop the warmth that filled her stomach. It was strange, their entire interaction since their first battle was strange.But it was a strange that Lena enjoyed.She enjoyed both the hard-hitting bouts and the gentle conversations after. She enjoyed Supergirl's touch, both hard and soft. She enjoyed being in the eye of the Maidan of Might.Everyone, from Sam to Agent Danvers, thought their relationship was abnormal, and Lena agreed.Sometimes, this rivalry felt more like she was courting Supergirl along with fighting her, but when she tried to picture her rivalry with Supergirl without this strange aspect, she couldn't.But why? Lex's rivalry with Superman wasn't like this.They had fought to the death. That's how much their dislike was. And yet while Lena had the same drive to defeat Supergirl, Lena couldn't fathom killing Supergirl. Even the thought of Supergirl's dead blue eyes looking back at her made Lena's heart hurt.No.She couldn't kill her, and she wouldn't allow anyone to even try.'But Skarlet came close to doing it,' A dark voice, which sounded remarkably like Lex, hissed in her mind.Lena paused for a moment as her driver held the door to her limousine open to her. Lena got into the limousine, slipped on her seatbelt, and allowed her body to relax as the driver drove away from L-Corp.Skarlet had come dangerously close to robbing her of the center of her universe, and Lena would not take that lying down. She would find a way around her blood-bending abilities and make her grovel at their feet for making such a grave mistake.Lena's hands balled into fists.Skarlet will make a perfect cautionary tale for all that wished harm to her Super, and Lena would see to it.But was this right? The whole reason she engaged in combat with Supergirl was that she wanted to avenge Lex. She couldn't allow herself to lose sight of the objective.But she craved her interactions, both rough and gentle, with her Supergirl.What was she going to do?The limousine slowed to a stop and moments later, the door beside Lena opened. She stepped out of the long vehicle, took the elevator to her penthouse, and went inside.Lena poured herself a glass full of wine as she stepped out onto her balcony, where she saw the familiar silhouette floating in the moonlight and chuckled."Such the protector, Supergirl," Lena whispered, knowing that the woman would hear it, even with the distance. "Don't stay up for too long. I can't have my enemy be too exhausted to function."As she took a small sip of her wine, she heard a faint, "Oh, don't worry, I'll be well rested enough for another dance with you. Until then, sleep well, My Flame…."Lena stared at the silhouette and slightly flushed.Her beloved partner.For better or worse, Supergirl was the one she chose as her better half in this strange dance that skirted the line between love and hate. All of this between the two of them could end in absolute misery for them, but Lena wouldn't have a single regret.And somehow, she felt that Supergirl felt the same way."Goodnight, Dear Super…. And when you sleep, have sweet dreams."And while Lena couldn't see it, she had a feeling she made her enemy smile, and it made her heart soar.

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"Well, isn't this a surprise," Astra In-Ze stated as Alex and Sam stood in front of her. Astra wore an orange jumpsuit with handcuffs and ankle cuffs that held Kryptonite in the middle of the chains. "I never expected for you to show your face here, Alexandria.""Astra," Alex greeted.Astra looked over at Sam and said, "Child, you look familiar to me. Who are you?""My name is Samantha Arias. You can just call me Sam. Although, you would know me better as Asha Del-Nar," Sam introduced.Astra's eyes widened, only to settle as she smiled. "Well, well. It seems my lieutenant's daughter did make it out alive. That's one regret I no longer need to have," Astra said, relieved. "You look like a perfect mixture of your father and mother. Tell me, what do you do here on Earth?""I work as a CFO for L-Corp," Sam bashfully answered. "It pays the bills.""Ah, L-Corp. I heard that it was recently renamed from Luthor Corp after Lex Luthor and Kal-El were killed," Astra said as she lifted both arms just to scratch the back of her neck."Yeah, his younger sister, Lena Luthor, took the job," Alex explained. "Actually, that's a perfect segue way for why we have arrived.""Is it?" Astra questioned.Both Alex and Sam nodded."First off, has Kara come and visited you?" Alex asked."We talk every day," Astra answered. "Does that bother you, Alexandria?"Alex shook her head. "No, you're the only family she has left. And while it's awkward considering I almost killed you and you almost killed me and my father figure, I don't have an issue with it.""Good," Astra replied. "Then why ask?""Kara has been acting strange," Alex began. "Lex's little sister? Lena Luthor? She's Kara's enemy. They hate each other, at least, at first they did. But since their first fight, they've been acting weird.""Almost lovingly toward one another. Gentle touches, whispers, longing looks, all while wanting to fight and defeat one another," Sam added."Ah, tuv zrhueiao fazhur (The Alluring conflict)," Astra stated.Alex and Sam exchanged a look."The Alluring Conflict?" Alex asked."Ah, you both know Kryptonian?" Astra asked.Alex snorted as she crossed her arms and replied, "Kara is my sister. Of course, I know Kryptonian.""And I am a Kryptonian. I spent a lot of time in my mother's fortress," Sam added."Good," Astra approved. "The Alluring Conflict is the official name of the courting ritual on Krypton. We use it to find our desired mates.""Okay, you have us so far," Sam stated."Kryptonians touted to the universe that we were the pinnacle of civilization. Unfortunately, we were very primal in other places. There is a reason for this. In Raoism, it states that Rao created the first Kryptonians from the H'Raka that roamed the planet before us, and a lot of the mating customs that H'Raka follow carried over onto us Kryptonians.""Wait, H'Raka?" Alex asked."I believe you humans call them "Dragons" here on Earth?" Astra asked."Oh, okay," Alex said nonplussed, only to blink. "Wait, did you say dragons? Dragons existed on Krypton?""Yes, they did," Astra replied. "A lot of Kryptonian attributes can be found coming from the H'Raka.""Like what?" Sam asked, sincerely curious."For one…." Astra opened her mouth to reveal her elongated canines. "The H'Raka have sharp teeth and claws. While Kryptonians do not need claws, our teeth are needed since we're all carnivores.""The second is our ability to use flames," Astra said. "H'Raka were fire-breathing dragons. However, Rao imbued the ability to wield fire to only that bear the lineage to the first Kryptonians.""Would you know what houses have the ability, or should have it?" Alex asked."House of El, House of Zod, House of Vex, House Em," Astra answered. "Basically, The four main houses on Krypton have the divine linage to use wield fire.""Why just them?" Alex asked."The first Kryptonians that Rao created became the founders of Krypton. They were also the founders of the Guild of Science. They were The House of El," Astra revealed. "House Zod, Vex, and Em were spawned from disgraced and discarded members of House El. Essentially, the House of El was royalty on Krypton and ruled it, with the other three houses deferring to them."Alex blinked.This was new information."Wait," Sam said. "So Kara would be roy—""But, I digress. What you two are asking about is the courting rituals Kryptonians undergo, correct?" Astra interrupted with a hint of a grin."Yeah," Sam answered.Alex narrowed her eyes at the imprisoned woman but nodded."The are two ways the H'Raka seek out their mates," Astra began. "The first way is through spilling blood. a H'Raka's blood has certain pheromones within them that attract a potential mate. If blood is spilled and their pheromones attract another H'Raka, they are mated until the end of their days.""Bloody," Alex noted."Of course," Astra agreed. "And the second is by how powerful their mate is. The H'Raka seek out mates as strong as they are. And the only way to find both of those things out is to test their potential mate's mettle by combat."Astra looked at the ceiling and further explained, "We Kryptonians are the same way on both counts. Our blood has pheromones that attract a strong, suitable to lead beside us. We do that by seeking those willing to challenge us mentally, emotionally, and physically. Once we believe we found that person, we will engage in the Alluring Conflict to truly test that mettle.""Isn't there a less…. Bloody/punchy way to find that out?" Alex asked."There was the Matricomp," Astra answered. "It was an all-powerful computer used as a replacement for marriage counselors to analyze potential nuptials on Krypton. However, the computer fell in love with a Kryptonian and actively deceived us all, which is bad when divorce doesn't exist on our planet. When its deception was made public, it destroyed itself.""Boy, don't you hate it when that happens?" Sam quipped to Alex, who snorted."So, the Alluring Conflict was the result. And it hasn't failed," Astra finished."That explains Kara, but why is Lena acting this way?" Sam asked.Astra remained silent for a moment, her eyes now closed in thought. "Who is Lena Luthor?" Astra asked."My surrogate little sister," Sam answered."What is she like?" Astra asked."She's kind, caring, drive dutiful, selfless, responsible, loyal, moral, and honorable," Sam said. "I would be stupid to hide that she can also be vengeful, manipulative, resentful, bitter, cynical, and hate-filled at her lowest moments.""And Alexandria, what is Kara truly like?" Astra asked."Objectively? Kara is kind, caring, selfless, driven, accepting, intelligent, and brave," Alex answered. "She has a strong sense of justice, honor, and good morals. But, she is short-tempered, stubborn, can let her emotions blind her, and under specific conditions, she can become wrathful, cruel, and heartless.""A lot of overlap between the two of them," Astra noted. "How interesting. And how did they meet?""Well, they hated each other before they met," Sam answered. "Well, Lena hated Supergirl to obsessive levels.""Oh yeah," Alex tacked on. "Kara couldn't go a day without insulting Luthor and threatening to bring her down. When they did meet, they antagonized each other a lot. It almost came to blows.""Twice," Sam added. "However, that changed after their first fight.""Who won that fight?" Astra asked."Neither. It was a draw. We found them both bloody and beaten, but the hatred they had wasn't there. Confusion had taken its place," Alex said, with Sam nodding in agreement."They fought each other again after that, the same result as the first, except there was a deeper understanding between the two of them and that's where we sit," Sam added."One last question. Is Lena a human, a Kryptonian, or another race of alien?" Astra asked."No," Sam answered. "She's a human turned Pseudo-Kryptonian. She used her magic and some Kryptonian blood that Lex had from General Zod to wield the power of a solar-powered Kryptonian to fight and defeat Supergirl.""Magic," Astra spat. "An abomination upon the universe. But I will say, it's funny that she chose Zod's blood to place inside of her," Astra noted with a chuckle. "If anyone would enjoy the Alluring Conflict against an El, it would be the person with Zod's blood running through them.""So It's a combination of getting a whiff of their blood and how strong their mate is that determines things when it comes to Kryptonians?" Alex asked.Astra raised an eyebrow."The pheromones in our blood do help Kryptonians in finding a potential mate, but it's not just Kryptonians we can find this pheromone in," Astra revealed. "It may be due to how we evolved from our draconic brethren, but we can also find a mate outside of Kryptonians thanks to the pheromones in our blood."Alex and Sam looked at Astra in shock."But even that can only go so far. The true test is the courting duel. You two won't understand this until you both find someone you're willing to fight for and against. But when you fight someone…you can read each other's thoughts. Without ever uttering a single word, you can understand who they are, what they stand for, and what drives them. All through an exchange of fists," Astra explained. "Your pheromones can attract everyone, but if your opponent does not stack up to your level of strength, then nothing happens between you and them. They are worthless""So unless strength is there, the attraction means nothing," Alex murmured."You want to know why Lady Zor-El and Lena Luthor are acting this way? Here is your answer. They walked into combat, completely unaware that when they walked out of it, they would find their mate," Astra summarized. "I doubt they understand this, but on some deeper level, they know they are fated for one another."Alex and Sam glanced at one another and then back at Astra. "Thank you for helping us understand what was going on," Sam thanked the Kryptonian prisoner."I do not give information lightly," Astra said. "So I expected to be repaid for this.""And how would we do that?" Alex asked.Astra closed her eyes and replied, "The Martian…. I wish to converse with him."

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"Sorry Kara, I don't think I can fix the amount of damage on your suit," Winn apologized as he looked at the crestfallen heroine."Damn that vrazhium," Kara hissed. "First she makes me break my promise, then she takes my Flame's eye, and now she ruined my favorite costume! When I find her, I'm going to thoroughly ruin her."Kara crossed her arms with a pout."I can always build another suit," Winn suggested. "It'll just take a while.""What am I supposed to do in the meantime? Supergirl can't be away from the public for too long. Last night, I had to watch over the city in a black shirt and some jeans. Thank goodness crime decided to take a break," Kara stated, her pout growing deeper."I mean, just buy a Superman jacket from the store and just make a street version of your uniform," Winn offered. "It'll only be for a few days."Kara nodded."Just….make sure you don't battle with Flamebird," Winn told her. "Your uniform never survives those encounters.""Yeah, yeah," Kara waived off as she kissed Winn's cheek. "Thanks, Winn! Good luck on your date tonight!"Winn playfully wiped his cheek as Kara floated down the hall of the DEO. Winn chuckled and crossed his arms in thought. "I need some inspiration for her next suit…." Winn grumbled. His eyes then brightened with an idea. "Maybe Astra has an idea!"Kara floated down the halls of the DEO, needing to converse with J'onn to try and pass the idea of teaming up with Flamebird and her team to stop Skarlet and her unknown plot.She knew that she had to finesse this as softly as possible because while she adored J'onn, he was very justice driven. And while Kara loved that about him, she needed him to be more practical about this. As she turned a corner, she saw Alex and Sam leaving the chamber where her aunt was locked up."Hey Alex, hey Sam," Kara chirped as she drifted toward them and landed on the ground. "What are you two doing here?""We needed to talk to Astra about something," Alex answered with a frown on her face."Oh? About what?" Kara inquired with a tilt of her head."Kryptonian mating customs," Sam answered."What? Why?" Kara asked."We were just curious, you know?" Alex answered after seeing the brief hesitation on Sam's face. Kara caught the look too but didn't press the woman on it."Hey, whatever man," Kara waved off. "Anyways, I'm off to find J'onn. Later!"Kara flew away from the pair to continue her search for the last martian. She quickly found him in the training room, meditating.Kara floated to J'onn and whispered, "J'onn?"J'onn's eyes opened and the emotionless expression that was previously on his face changed into a warm, fatherly smile. "Kara," J'onn greeted.Kara couldn't help but beam at the warmth J'onn exuded. "I'm sorry for disturbing your mediation, J'onn. I wanted to talk to you about something," Kara softly started. "It's about the person that attacked both myself and Flamebird."J'onn nodded and Kara took the same meditative pose that J'onn was in. "Well, after Flamebird recovered from her wounds, I encountered her," Kara explained. "Despite our dislike of one another and our vows to defeat each other, we both decided that we have to deal with Skarlet first. It was then Flamebird suggested a strange bedfellows situation.""Ah, a team-up," J'onn summarized.Kara nodded. "I know, we've been having issues with her. Well, more like I've been having issues with her, but she hasn't done anything villainous. She even took my place and healed me after I was defeated by that vrazhium.""Kara," J'onn gently interrupted. "It seems you've already made your mind about her offer."Kara flushed and nodded.J'onn unfolded his legs and placed them on the ground with a pensive look on his face. "A few good deeds don't make up for the bad she has done," J'onn stated."I know it doesn't," Kara admitted as she placed her feet on the ground. "But there is good in her. She saved lives while I was gone. And she healed me. And fought Skarlet only to avenge me. That has to mean something, right?""Avenge you?" J'onn questioned, which caused Kara immediately to shut her mouth. "What do you mean by that?"Kara felt small under his intense gaze. "I-I…." Kara drifted off. "Okay, I know you might not like this but we made a promise to one another. And I broke that promise and she lured Skarlet into a fight to avenge my broken vow to her.""Kara, I'm having a hard time understanding here," J'onn told her. "I need you to explain everything from the beginning. I promise I will not make any rash judgments until you're done and I will keep an open mind, alright?""Promise?" Kara asked."I promise," J'onn reassured as he placed a hand on her shoulder."Okay…." Kara breathed. "It started the night of our first fight…."And so, Kara revealed everything that had occurred since her first fight with Flamebird the exception that she knew Flamebird was Lena Luthor and that Flamebird knew she was Kara Danvers.As promised, J'onn listened to her, despite his face taking on a myriad of expressions, but when she was finished, J'onn let out a weathered sigh."Why didn't you come to me when that first happened?" J'onn inquired.Kara lightly dug the top of her right foot against the floor, a bashful expression on her face. "I-I didn't want you to think that I was converted to her side or that I couldn't handle it on my own…." Kara revealed. "Because I can and I have.""Kara, you do understand how your first and recent vow sounds, right?" J'onn questioned. "This person, even if you feel such a connection to them, is out to defeat you. You shouldn't let this strange bond sway your judgment.""I know," Kara sighed."With that said, the threat that Skarlet holds is vast. To be able to defeat you both one after the other without breaking a sweat is worrysome…. Despite how this came about, perhaps a temporary truce to deal with the threat together would be sound. It would give me a chance to properly see you both in action," J'onn told her.Kara held back her excitement at his words. "Really?" Kara questioned.J'onn ruffled her hair and answered, "There are some answers that I need to receive, but as long as she and her team hold up their end of the truce, I have no issues with this temporary team up."Unable to stop herself, Kara blurted out, "Thank you, J'onn!" As she embraced her father figure tightly, which caused him to laugh and return her embrace."The things I do for love," J'onn chuckled.Kara laughed as she pulled away and said, "I'll let her know that the team-up is a-go!"Without waiting for a response, Kara flew out of the training room and down the hall.Despite her exhaustion, Lena couldn't help but pound away at the punching bag in her command center. She had been so worked up since her spar with Supergirl the day before that she needed some sort of release.Lena did toy with the thought of having a little fun with a cute woman to bring her some relief, but a flash of Supergirl's blue eyes had stopped that thought dead in its tracks. It was utterly annoying. So, she spent the next few hours pounding away at the bag.Lena had swapped out her designer suit for a black sports bra, black/green yoga pants, black MMA gloves, and black sneakers. As Lena found her groove with her one-woman training, she heard Hope's mechanical voice chime, "Alert, Supergirl has been spotted near the entrance."Lena raised an eyebrow at this.What would her Super be doing here in the middle of the day?"Let her in," Lena commanded.The roof's entrance opened as Lena grabbed a towel and wiped her face, arms, and neck. She hung the towel around her shoulders and out of the corner of her eye, she noticed the intense look on Supergirl's face."Wow…." Lena heard the woman whisper and felt a thrill run up her spine. Supergirl was checking her out."Do you want to take a picture, Supergirl?" Lena questioned as she turned her head to fully face the heroine, who flushed at being caught staring. "It has been proven to last longer.""Well," Supergirl started. "if I had my phone, I wouldn't be opposed to taking a few pictures of that body of yours."It was Lena's turn to blush as she turned away from the Maiden of Might. "May I ask what you're doing here? I don't remember asking for a quick fight," Lena inquired."Well, after talking to my boss, he agreed to the team-up," Supergirl answered.Lena chuckled. "You work fast, Supergirl. Consider this woman impressed," Lena softly teased."Well, it'll be nice to work with you for once instead of fighting you," Supergirl remarked. "Though I hope we can defeat Skarlet quick, considering our fights are something I look forward to having."Lena smiled at the comment. "I'm glad we agree on something," Lena murmured."Yeah," Supergirl bashfully agreed. "So I-I should get going.""Yes, I think that might be best. For now at least," Lena replied. As Supergirl turned away, Lena shouted, "Wait for a second!"Supergirl paused and turned around.Lena walked to the console where her phone sat and tossed it to Supergirl, who caught it and gave her a confused expression. "Your number," Lena requested. "So you don't have to stop by every time there is news."Supergirl's eyes lit up. Without hesitation, Supergirl pressed several keys on Lena's phone and then tossed it back to Lena, who caught it. "All yours," Supergirl stated. "And um, feel free to send a few pictures of yourself, Ms. Luthor.""As long as I get some in return," Lena countered, feeling her face getting redder.Thankfully, Supergirl's face was just as red."Alright," Supergirl slyly agreed and then flew out of the command center.Lena shook her head and laughed.This partnership was already proving very fruitful for this strange and complex relationship."This is where I found her," Maeve Nal announced after Nia followed her to a secluded area in the Parthas national park.Hidden amongst the broken tree branches and leaves was a silver exosuit that was missing its helmet, revealing a dark-skinned woman with long black hair styled in box braids.There were various wounds on her face and the exosuit was damaged in several places, revealing the intricate wiring and technology beneath it."Looks like your dream was right," Maeve bitterly stated as Nia stared at the beautiful unconscious woman. "Even down to the location, time of day, and the day itself. How lucky.""I don't know what this means…." Nia whispered. "But we need to help her to the hospital. Maybe dad can help her.""Yeah, you should get on that then," Maeve hissed as she walked away from Nia and the unconscious woman."Maeve!" Nia gasped, stunned at how callous her sister was. This person was wounded and she was so angry about her dream coming true that she was actively going to leave this person here. How petty and cruel could she be?"Come on, Maeve!" Nia called after her older sister. "I really need help!"But Maeve continued to walk away.Nia sighed and turned to the unconscious woman and whispered, "Alright. Time to get you to the hospital."Hopefully, her weak, nerdy arms wouldn't fail her here.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

"It's been far too quiet in the city," Lena noted with a hint of annoyance as she gazed out at Downtown National City from her penthouse balcony. "I don't like it."Lena wore a stylish charcoal black Italian three-piece suit that was lined with the same material that her Flamebird suit was created from, just In case, she had to battle in it.Behind her in the living room, Jess tossed a rubber ball up and down as she lay on the couch. "It could be worse, Lena," Jess announced. "Skarlet could have struck while you were still recovering."Lena grimaced. It had been a week and four days since Skarlet had touched what belonged to her and since then, everything had quieted down. There were no alien attacks, no burglaries, no kidnappings, no attempted murders. It was just quiet and Lena was getting antsy.She had learned time and again that when it's quiet for too long, things start to accelerate. Thankfully, Lena had since recovered from losing and rebuilding her eye, leaving it better than the original. "What time are we supposed to meet Supergirl and her team?" Lena asked.That was also a new thing.A few days ago, Supergirl had conversed with her leader about a team-up to take down Skarlet and whatever plot that the Threhk Maji user was planning. Her leader had agreed but it was only now that the two sides were going to meet for the first time in a business capacity."Ten minutes from now. We should get going to the meeting spot," Jess suggested. "Should we let Sam know?"Lena nodded and then pulled out her phone to text Sam. Sam had taken a few days to herself due to an incident with Alex a few days ago. The two weren't fighting from what Sam said, in fact, Sam implied that they finally connected on a carnal level, but it was so intense, that they needed some time apart to let it all set in.Despite the ever-blurring lines between her team and Team Supergirl, Lena hoped things would work out between the two. Not because she liked the agent, but because she knew the agent made Sam happy and that Ruby adored Alex."Sam is taking a few days, besides, we can handle a little meeting on our own," Lena chuckled. "Now let's head out.""Today is the big day," Kara muttered as Alex snipped off the last little bit of her thick, wavy hair that hung down to the bottom of her neck.Kara decided a few days ago that since her first Supergirl uniform was beyond ruined and with the creation of her newest one, she would change up her hairstyle to bring in the next stage of her evolution."Nervous?" Alex questioned as she held out a mirror in front of Kara. Kara's platinum-blonde hair had been neatly cut so her tousled locks fell to the top of her neck instead of down to her shoulder blades."Why should I be?" Kara asked."Because J'onn and Astra are meeting your not-girlfriend today," Alex replied.Kara flushed. "Flamebird is my enemy. Not my girlfriend," Kara rebuffed. "We're fated to fight until one of us is the victor.""Sure, bud," Alex remarked. "And I'm not dating Sam."Kara puffed out her cheeks in annoyance, which caused Alex to smack the back of her left shoulder. "Don't get all huffy because it's true," Alex admonished."She's not my girlfriend," Kara stubbornly repeated. "Speaking of Sam, I haven't seen your lady-friend around for the past few days."Alex sighed. "I'm surprised it took you this long to notice. Sam and I are still dating, and we both really like each other, but we decided to take a tiny break," Alex revealed."What? Why?" Kara asked, aghast."It's nothing bad," Alex reassured. "It's just, we've been a little more combative lately.""Combative? Like arguing a lot? Sparring?" Kara prodded.Alex shook her head and blushed. "Not exactly….."Kara paused, blinked, and then frowned. "Gross…." Kara softly groaned."You asked," Alex remarked and then sighed. "It got very intense. We did a lot of things….Said a lot of things…. We decided we need a slight breather.""When you say intense…." Kara drifted off.Alex's face turned a dark red as she rubbed her neck."You know what?" Kara started. "I better stop asking before you turn into a tomato like Amity does on Owl House when she blushes really bad."Alex smacked the back of Kara's neck lightly at the jest and then put the finishing touches on the touseled asymmetrical bob haircut her sister had requested. "And done.""Finally," Kara breathed. "If we had to re-heat those scissors with my heat vision one more time, I was going to lose it." Kara stood and then stretched with a mewling yawn. "Well, time to try on my new suit," Kara announced as she walked over to Alex's bed, where her Supergirl uniform sat."Ah-ah-ah!" Alex quickly rebuffed. "Shower first."Kara rolled her eyes and muttered, "Fine, Jeju," as she walked into Alex's bathroom."I heard that!" Alex shouted.As Kara turned on the hot water for her shower, she started to think about Alex's words. Ever since Alex and Sam spoke to Astra, Alex had been making these small remarks that Flamebird was her girlfriend.Yes, the two had a special connection through battle, and yes, Kara wanted to see and be with her all the time, even if they didn't fight that day, but that did not mean that Flamebird was her girlfriend.And despite the strange fluttering of her heart and the ease she felt whenever Flamebird was in her line of sight, Kara had to keep Flamebird in the enemy category.Even if it rapidly felt like she wasn't."You think it was a good idea to not wear your full Flamebird suit?" Jess questioned as Lena fixed her domino mask over her eyes.The two were riding in the back seat of Lena's Limousine as it slowly pulled up to their destination. Since neither party wanted the other to know where their headquarters were located, they decided on meeting at one of Lex's last properties before he passed.And to Lena's annoyance, that property was a newly built mansion in the middle of a forest half an hour outside of Nation city.When Lena first saw the location a year ago, she was reminded of Luthor Manor back in Smallville. The only key difference was that it was also styled after a gothic medieval castle.Why was her brother so damn extra?"It's only a meeting, Jess," Lena started as the mechanical lenses on her domino mask squinted and opened. "Besides," Lena continued as she placed an index finger on her throat and slide it down, leaving a trail of green sparkles to follow the digit. "I'm taking as much precaution as I can with the DEO director."Lena's voice changed to her higher pitch and there was a hint of a British accent."If you're sure," Jess murmured.Lena grinned and once the door opened, she stepped out of the backseat and stretched her limbs out as she gazed at the imposing castle/mansion. "Well, let's go," Lena said."You know, won't the DEO find it suspicious that we're meeting on Lex Luthor's property? How would Flamebird even know about this place?" Jess inquired."Lex wasn't the only Luthor to have multiple identities," Lena answered as the pair walked up the long stairs toward the front door. "Officially, this place is owned by Tess Mercer. She won it anonymously at an auction where she never showed her face nor her voice. If the DEO were to investigate it, they would find a green-eyed, red-haired, British woman. Oh! Speaking of which."With a flourish of magic, Lena's raven hair color changed into a strawberry red. "Ta-da," Lena finished."Should I disguise myself too?" Jess asked.Lena formed a full face mask for Jess that had the motif of an owl and handed it to her. Jess put the mask on her face and gave a thumbs-up.Lena nodded and unlocked the front door and walked into the vast and heavily decorated foyer. The first thing Lena noticed was the gaudy and extravagant ceiling painting of Lex, laying in bed in a proactive pose with Superman's cape draped around the lower half of his body."Why was your brother so extra?" Jess asked as they looked at theLena sighed."Let's just keep going."The duo walked through the vast mansion, trying not to look at the various vanity paintings Lex had in damn near every room on the first floor of the five-floor mansion until they made it to Lex's outdoor boardroom, which was next to the tennis court."Finally," Lena groaned. "I was going to lose it if I had to see one more painting of him so scantily dressed.""Well, while we wait," Jess started, her voice deeper and muffled due to the mask. "How do you think this meeting will go?""I think it will be productive," Lena answered. "We both know how big of a threat Skarlet is and if Supergirl was able to convince her higher-ups that teaming will be beneficial to all parties, we should be able to push aside our differences.""And what about after that?" Jess asked. "I mean, considering Sam and Alex and myself and Winn…. And you and Kara. We're basically sleeping with our enemies.""We?" Lena questioned with a laugh. "I am not sleeping with Supergirl. We are enemies. Destined to fight until one of us falls. We are not sleeping with one another."Even through the mask, Lena could see Jess' dry expression. "Lena, Sam, and I heard your promise to her in the elevator. We saw how angered you got when Supergirl was hurt. We saw the soft looks and the caresses you both exchanged. If that's how you treat an enemy, I'd love to see how you treat someone you actually care about."Lena faltered and then looked away, her mechanical lenses narrowing."We won't look at you any different if you want to be with her," Jess offered. "You know that right?"Lena dared not answer nor look at her right-hand woman. If she did, she would be surrendering to the knowledge that her reason for hating Supergirl was growing smaller, while those confusing but exciting feelings were growing stronger."She's my enemy," Lena whispered. "She has to be…."Jess hummed dismissively at this and said, "Then promise me that Sam and I will be your bridesmaids when the wedding happens."

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

"Do we have to drive there?" Supergirl grunted in annoyance with her arms crossed against her chest. "I could have flown us all there in ten minutes flat. With multiple trips."With her first and cherished Supergirl uniform being torn beyond repair, Supergirl decided that today, in this meeting, would be the first time she would reveal her new uniform.When the heroine first saw the outfit, she was unsure about it due to how it might reveal a little too much about her body, but thankfully, it was tight enough just to show a tasteful amount of her abs, and that was enough for her.With her eyes on the road, Alex smacked her short-haired sister behind the head and drawled, "I know you want to meet your girlfriend, but have some patience, will you?"Supergirl snorted. "I don't get why Astra, Winn, and Lucy have to show up to this. I don't think this needs such a vast audience," Supergirl murmured.Supergirl then blinked and corrected, "And she's my rival. Not my girlfriend.""Took you long enough," Alex grinned. "While Astra being there is a weird thing that J'onn hasn't let me in on. Lucy is the Co-Director of the DEO for at least another month. And come on, would you feel weird if Winn wasn't there?"Supergirl grumbled, "Fair," and then looked outside her window. In the distance, she saw the meeting location and smiled."Three unmarked black vehicles are pulling up," Clear-Eyes announced. "Looks like they're here."The lenses on Flamebird's Domino mask opened and the woman stood from her meditative stance. "About time," Flamebird said. "I was getting quite annoyed with waiting."Clear-Eyes turned to look at Flamebird, and even though Flamebird couldn't see her face, she didn't need to use her x-ray vision to know that Clear-Eyes was staring at her with an incredulous look. "We've been waiting for five minutes, Flamebird," Clear-Eyes stated. "I get wanting to see your beloved, but you're usually more patient than this.""I just want to get this show on the road," Flamebird answered with a hint of edge in her voice. "A-And she's not my girlfriend. I don't know why I often have to repeat that.""To Sam and I, or yourself?" Clear-Eyes inquired.Flamebird had no answer."Attention: There are bootlickers here to beg for my favor!" Lex's electronic voice rang out in the mansion.Flamebird let out a long-suffering sigh."W-Was that his doorbell?" Clear-Eyes stammered with sheer disbelief in her voice."I assume that it is," Flamebird answered.
"Attention: People that wish to gain my favor are at the door. Answer it at once!"
"I guess I will go answer it," Clear-Eyes said as she strolled out of the meeting room, leaving Flamebird to sit down and anxiously tap at her thighs.Why was she so nervous all of a sudden? It was only Agent Danvers and Supergirl.She shouldn't be so anxious about this.'Just calm down, Flamebird. All will be well,' Flamebird thought. 'It's only Supergirl and Agent Danvers, along with their boss. Just keep calm and— Oh my!'Flamebird's lenses widened in shock as Supergirl, who was behind Clear-Eyes, walked into the room.Flamebird wouldn't hesitate to admit that she found Supergirl attractive. She had eyes, even if it annoyed her, but apparently, she had gone out of her way to change things up.The heroine wore a spandex suit that had red leggings, a blue torso, and black shoulders and neck, with the S-Shield on her chest. She had two black leather belts with a golden belt buckle around her waist in a cross, a yellow strap around her right thigh, red fingerless gloves, and red boots with two yellow straps on each boot.She also wore a black leather jacket, round black sunglasses, and a gold studded earring on her left earlobe.'She is so handsome,' Flamebird thought to herself as her eyes slowly soaked in the sight of this new, short-haired Supergirl. But she realized she shouldn't have because it was then that Flamebird realized that the heroine's suit was tastefully tight in all the right places, showing how toned the woman's body was.'Oh my god you could grind meat on her abs,' Flamebird thought as her face reddened. To disguise this, she moved her hand over her mouth but she feared the damage was done as not only did the man look at her curious, Supergirl had spotted her too.But Flamebird could hear Supergirl's heartbeat increase and saw the faint red that streaked across her face.Oh, did her Super like what she sees as well?Supergirl walked up to her and Flamebird was painfully away at the height difference between them. "Judging by your heart rate spiking, you like my new look," Supergirl whispered with a teasing tone."And I can say the same to you. Your heart is going a mile a minute," Flamebird shot back.Supergirl reached forward and took a strand of Flamebird's red hair in between her fingers. "While red is your color and the accent is cute, I adore your regular look and sound more. Something about it does it for me," Supergirl easily admitted."Charmer," Flamebird remarked with a breathy tone.Supergirl flushed but she smirked. "I will say, while Kryptonians dislike magic, I will not hesitate to admit that your magic is amazing. With or without it, you are quite beautiful. Especially in that suit of yours. I'm a huge fan of it."Flamebird angled her face and smirked at the heroine as she touched Supergirl's stomach with her right fingertips. "You are very fetching as well. Very handsome with that short hair…. Your outfit is amazing as well." Flamebird admitted.The two stared at one another and Flamebird felt this hunger building up in the pit of her stomach. A hunger that only the heroine in front of her could sate.This was getting dangerous but Flamebird didn't care, and judging by Supergirl licking her lips, she didn't care either."Ahem! Ladies!" A deep, strangely fatherly voice, called out, snapping the two women from their gaze. "If you two are quite finished, we have a meeting to attend to."Supergirl's face turned sheepish as she turned away from Flamebird, which gave the current redhead the ability to see who else was in the room. There was the infinitely amused Agent Danvers, Agent Schott, and Major Lucy Lang, alongside Clear-Eyes and Hank Henshaw, which surprised Flamebird since she knew Henshaw as someone who despised Aliens alongside Lillian.But there was another face there that Flamebird did not expect to see.Astra.The Kryptonian had tried to take over the world only a year ago with her army and yet, she was here in their meeting location. She wasn't even chained up.Flamebird felt as surprised as the Kryptonian woman looked."I better introduce you," Supergirl murmured. Flamebird flushed when Supergirl took her hand and led her to the group. Once they stood In front of them, Supergirl said, "Director Henshaw, Director Lang, Astra, this is Flamebird. My rival.""Charmed, I'm sure," Flamebird confidently greeted, despite feeling rather bashful in front of three important eyes.Major Lang stared at the both of them with wonder on her face, only for an impish smirk to form. "Nice to meet you, Flamebird. We should be arresting your ass but I like meeting under calmer situations.""As do I," Flamebird replied."Director Henshaw of the DEO," Hank introduced as he held out a hand. Flamebird took the hand and shook it as the man said, "As someone who is confused about this situation of how you two came to be so…. Familiar with one another, I look forward to working with you in this brief alliance.""Likewise. It will be nice to fight alongside Supergirl and the DEO, even if my rival and I prefer to fight each other more," Flamebird answered.Henshaw narrowed his eyes.Astra laughed. "I see what this is, Lady Zor-El," Astra said in her native tongue, unaware that Flamebird could understand Kryptonian."Auntie," Supergirl murmured a warning. "I don't know what you think this is, but she is my rival."Flamebird's lenses widened.Astra was Supergirl's aunt?!"A cherished one it seems, considering your conversation with her moments ago," Astra stated. "I look forward to seeing how things with you and your beloved Rival progress, Lady Zor-El."Astra then turned to Flamebird and said, "A pleasure to meet you, Flamebird.""Likewise. Though, I am surprised that someone so high-profile as you, is here with the DEO," Flamebird replied."She is here because has intimate knowledge of our mutual enemy," Henshaw stated. "And if we are to defeat her, we will need her help."Flamebird watched as Astra smirked. "Now, shall we begin this meeting? We have much to discuss," Astra told the group. Everyone then took their seats, with Supergirl and Flamebird sitting beside one another.Supergirl took off her leather jacket and hung it on the back seat, revealing her bare, toned arms, which had two golden bands around her biceps. Flamebird glanced at her arms, only to swallow and quickly look away, her cheeks flushed.Her old suit really hid how toned her rival truly was.She could hear Supergirl's faint, pleased chuckle, which made Flamebird frown.Until an idea hit her.Flamebird slowly removed her suit jacket and hung it on the back of her chair. She then loosened her tie slightly and unbuttoned three of her top buttons, revealing more of her neck and part of her chest. "Forgive me, but it is a little hot," Flamebird apologized as Supergirl glanced at her.Flamebird's actions were awarded a breathy sigh and reddened cheeks from her rival.Agent Danvers, who sat across from them in between Agent Schott and Clear-Eyes, smirked in amusement. "So, before we start on this first team-up meeting, does anyone need some water?"Clear-Eyes nodded and added, "Yeah, because a few of us might be a little thirst right now."Flamebird frowned alongside Supergirl, but neither said a word.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

"Here is what we know," Lucy Lane started. "One week and four days ago, A woman came to National City with the powers similar to a solar-powered Kryptonian along with the ability to use blood as a weapon."Flamebird noticed both Astra and Supergirl looking uncomfortable at the mention of Skarlet's blood magic. Were Kryptonians that unsettled by magic?"This woman called herself "Skarlet" and she proceeded to wreak havoc until our very own Maidan of Might intercepted her. The two engaged in battle, and Supergirl fell," Lucy concluded.Flamebird felt her rage at Skarlet flare to life at the mention of her rival's defeat.She will get her revenge for touching what was hers."I will pick up from here," Clear-Eyes announced. "During a walk, Supergirl's battered body landed before Flamebird and myself. We took her body to our own Yellow Sun Lamp to help her recover while we investigated the situation.""Now, let's pause there because I have a question. Why did you both do those things?" Henshaw questioned."That's a really good point," Lucy remarked. "Why did you guys help Supergirl? Aren't you two sworn enemies? You never heard of Lex helping Superman in the latter's time of need. Nor the opposite."Flamebird expected this question and if there was one thing she was going to do during this brief alliance, she was going to be open and honest. "Supergirl is mine to defeat," Flamebird started. "And only mine. I was not going to allow my rival to be hurt by anyone else."Astra chuckled."But why? As my colleague mentioned, Lex Luthor and Superman never went out of their way to save each other's life," Henshaw prodded."And despite the "classy" art, they weren't as close as you two seem to be," Lucy added as she motioned between the two of them."Look," Supergirl interjected. "Flamebird is my rival. As I am hers. There is mutual respect between us in that regard."Alex, Winn, and Clear-Eyes snorted at this."If the situation was reversed, and it was, I would help her one hundred percent of the time," Supergirl finished with a cross over her arms, which allowed Flamebird to stare at her rival's toned arms."Very well," Henshaw said."As I was saying," An amused Clear-Eyes stated. "After spending a day researching, Flamebird used her magic to impersonate Supergirl, and in no time flat, Skarlet arrived.""Actually, before we continue," Supergirl interrupted with a sheepish smile. "Flamebird, I've been meaning to thank you.""For what?" Flamebird inquired."For saving those people," Supergirl answered."You do not need to thank me for that," Flamebird bashfully objected."I insisted," Supergirl doubled down. "You had the chance to ruin everything that I built up when you disguised yourself as me. Instead, you helped so many people, even if you made my personality a little boisterous and dorky."Alex laughed."I already knew that you have a good, honorable heart, but that only made me believe it more. So, thank you," Supergirl softly thanked.Flamebird saw the softness in her rival's eyes and felt herself flush. "You're welcome…." Flamebird murmured as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear."See," Supergirl stated as she looked at her bosses. "She has a good heart, enemy or not. That's the difference between her and Lex. Her heart."Flamebird watched as Winn leaned over to Clear-Eyes and whispered, "These two are the weirdest, sweetest, not-couple I've ever met."Flamebird glared at Clear-Eyes as she giggled. "Anyways," Clear-Eyes said, picking up where she left off. "Skarlet then arrived and engaged Flamebird in combat, which despite its closeness, Flamebird fell in battle as well, but Supergirl managed to save her."Flamebird resisted the urge to take Supergirl's hand as she watched the taller woman ball her hands into fists at the mention of her defeat."Since then, Skarlet has not been seen," Clear-Eyes concluded."A good round-up," Astra said.Henshaw nodded in agreement and said, "Now, we need to ask ourselves why our opponent is seeking out Supergirl.""I believe I may know why," Astra stated."Astra," Supergirl interjected."Supergirl," Astra coolly replied. "We both know the sooner it's revealed, the sooner we can stop her."Supergirl opened her mouth, closed it, and then sighed. "Very well," Supergirl mumbled."Thank you, Lady Zor-El," Astra thanked with a nod in Supergirl's direction. "Now, there are three reasons why Skarlet would be so hellbent on attacking Supergirl. The first should be a no-brainer. She's working for someone that wants Supergirl dead."Murmurs of agreement filled the room."And two, to claim what she thinks is her birthright," Astra continued."Are you able to expand on your second theory?" Henshaw asked."Of course, Director," Astra answered. "Lady Zor-El, do I have your permission to reveal?""Why are you asking her permission?" Alex asked."How much do any of you know about Supergirl and her past?" Astra asked.Alex gave the woman a blank expression. "Gee, I know a lot," Alex dryly answered. "Care to guess why?"Flamebird chuckled."Oh, I'm sure you do," Astra chuckled. "But did you know that the heroine is also royalty on Krypton?"A shocked silence filled the room as all eyes turned to Supergirl, who sighed."What?" Winn asked."I am a part of the House of El," Supergirl explained. "A long and prestigious house on Krypton that was created by the very first children of Rao.""So, she is royalty," Alex whispered. "Sam had been right…."Flamebird's ears perked up at Alex's whisper.Did Sam know about Supergirl's lineage?"Not just a royal, the royal," Astra clarified. "On your Earth, House of El would be equated to the royal family. To be even blunter, Supergirl would your equivalent of a princess. Or, in this case, Queen, of Krypton."Flamebird look at Supergirl with wide lenses.Her rival was a princess? No, a Queen?"I wouldn't be the head of House El," Supergirl stated. "I was fourth in line, remember?""I do," Astra answered. "But that's why I think Skarlet is here to stake her claim.""Hold on," Lucy interjected. "So, Supergirl is royalty on Krypton and this Skarlet is here to claim her spot, are you implying that Skarlet is a part of the House of El?""There is no implication," Supergirl whispered as she leaned back in her chair. "When it comes to the head of the House, it works like this. My father was the head of the House of El. Once he passes, it goes to his eldest child, and if they don't accept it, it goes down the line of children until either it's taken or not. I was the fourth in line for the throne….""Forth?" Flamebird questioned. "Then that means—""I had siblings," Supergirl revealed. Flamebird knew everyone was shocked, but Alex looked hurt.Supergirl must have failed to tell her sister about this."I had three sisters. The oldest of us was Kalya Zor-El. She was part of the Artisans Guild, the second oldest was Kori Zor-El, and she was part of the Technicians Guild. And then both myself and Kari Zor-El…." Supergirl recounted. "Kari was my twin sister. She was ready three minutes before I was, so she's technically my older sister. And she was a part of the Religious Guild. And then there was me, the baby and the youngest member of the Science Guild.""Kari and I were close. Sometimes it felt like we were one person with how Intune we were with one another, but she was rebellious compared to Kalya, Kori, and me. A year before Krypton's destruction, Kalya and Kori had caught a dangerous illness known as Malenia's Kiss. It can destroy alien species on a cellular level, meaning that it is 100% fatal," Supergirl said."Both Kari and I were distraught by their death but Kari…. She took it even harder than I did. Her faith in Rao had been shattered and we all feared that she would fall into the eternal night. We tried to protect her as best but it was a half-hearted attempt on my parents' part. Their negligence allowed the Children of Juru, a powerful coven of magic users, to take advantage of her," Supergirl stopped to take a breath."It is alright, Lady Zor-El," Astra whispered to Supergirl, who nodded. "They had a plan to kill my parents and me for Kari to rule as the Head of House El and use her as their puppet for whatever terrible plot. They groomed the shattered being that was my sister and morphed her into a cold-blooded assassin."Flamebird was starting to get a bad feeling in her stomach."The assassination attempt nearly succeeded, if not for Astra being there to save my mother's life," Supergirl said. "Familicide, as well as all types of murder, is illegal on Krypton. Just as illegal as magic. So My mother, who was the leader of the Lawmakers Guild, struck her name from our family and cast her into the dark abyss. I thought I would never see her again….""Kari Zor-El is Skarlet, isn't she?" Flamebird softly asked.Supergirl somberly nodded."The only thing I can think of is that somehow, the Children of Juru survived Krypton's destruction and are looking to rule over the earth with Kari as their herald," Supergirl theorized. "Skarlet arrived, realized who I was, and then struck.""So what do we do?" Henshaw asked."Blood magic is one of the strongest magic there is, but it has a big weakness," Supergirl revealed. "If the user doesn't absorb blood or if the blood is tainted, it can weaken or even kill the user. If we can get either get tainted blood and get her to ingest it or lock her up and starve her, we can defeat her."

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

It had been two days since the first team-up meeting and Lena hadn't been able to shake off what she had learned about her beloved rival's past.Her rival had an evil sibling.A sibling that had beaten the heroine into unconsciousness.A sibling that nearly killed her.And yet, despite this knowledge, her rival was still willing to take her down to protect the Earth from whatever plan was coming. It was strange to her that she would not choose family over the world.Then again, her sister did attempt to perform Familicide.'So did Lex at several points….' A small voice in Lena's head whispered, which prompted Lena to pause the action of drinking her wine.Lex had attempted to kill her.Several times before he and Superman finally killed one another. But Lena, despite hating him, still loved him. She loved him enough to battle Supergirl, the woman she pathetically attracted to.'It's getting easier to admit it,' Lena glumly thought to herself.That was also another development during the past two days. Her attraction to Supergirl. She knew that she was attracted to the blonde but because of their status as enemies, Lena didn't want to dwell on how attractive the woman truly was until the meeting.The heroine was so handsome that Lena still couldn't understand it.But it was the added gentleness that the heroine only showed her that made her breathtaking to Lena. Supergirl didn't have to thank her for saving her that day, but she did, and in front of her bosses no less.And even before that, Supergirl had been tender with her. In the elevator after their fight, after Supergirl saved her from her sister, and even the small touches and soft words from their very first fight."She has a good heart, enemy or not. That's the difference between her and Lex. Her heart," Supergirl's fond voice filled her head, making her smile in remembrance.'I wonder how long I can keep thinking of Supergirl as my enemy….' Lena thought.The woman then groaned and shook her head. She needed to clear her head of the blonde menace. Maybe she should do another girl's night with Sam and Jess.Lena then picked up her phone and called Sam first.Hopefully, Sam wasn't too busy.The sounds of moans, squeaks, and mewls filled the room as Alex straddled Sam's face, her hands entangled in Sam's hand as her moans came out in short pants. Alex's shirt had been unbuttoned, leaving her breasts bare to reveal several small love bites that adorned it.She was supposed to meet Kara for sister night tonight and Sam decided to change their plans by attacking her while she was getting dressed.She should have never taken Sam's advances for a quick ride.Alex moved her left hand away from Sam's head to fondle her own left breast as Sam's confident, steady, eager licks pushed her ever so closer to the edge. "S-Sam," Alex shakily moaned only for her breath to hitch when she felt the tempo of Sam's tongue increase, which caused her to hunch over and place her forehead against the wall.She was achingly close."P-Please," Alex begged, her voice trembling in pleasure as she moved her hips to ride Sam's face fervently. She needed this release more than anything in her enti—
"Come on, Barbie, let's go party (ah ah ah yeah)
Come on, Barbie, let's go party (ooh oh, ooh oh)"
Alex opened her mouth to comment on the strange choice of Sam's ringtone but Sam redoubled her efforts, which finally pushed Alex over the edge with a shaky gasp of Sam's name, making the DEO agent climax hard to the point where her legs shook against Sam's cheeks.
"Come on, Barbie, let's go party (ah ah ah yeah)
Come on, Barbie, let's go party (ooh oh, ooh oh)"
"Your p-phone, Sam," Alex whimpered as Sam's tongue slowly moved back and forth into her, easing her down from the rather intense orgasm that Alex was still unfamiliar with despite how often they occurred.She felt Sam's lips kiss and suck against the lips of her pussy before Alex attempted to pick herself up from Sam's face, but the woman held her in place. "You need to—" Alex's moan interrupted her. "—get your phone," Alex managed to get out.
"I'm a Barbie girl, in the Barbie world
Life in plastic, it's fantastic."
She felt Sam refuse with a shake of her head and continue her actions, much to Alex's pleasure and panic. As much as she wanted to go for another round, her human constitution couldn't handle another hard orgasm.And yet, she couldn't stop her hips from moving against Sam's face once again.Lena stared at her phone in confusion.Sam usually answered pretty fast. Was she that busy?Lena then called Jess.Hopefully, she wasn't as busy as Sam was.
Luz: Amity!

[Amity enters through the door, picking feathers out of her hair.]
Amity: If that bird-tube ever talks to me again, I'm going to destroy it. You ready to train? Luz: [Picks up outfits.] Which should I wear to Grom? [Holds up a black dress.] This one says, "witch with a dark side." [Holds up otter suit, puts on "W" shaped smile.] But this one says, "I'm an otter... with a dark side."Amity: Luz, you need to take this seriously. If you can't defeat Grom, everyone on the island will have to live out their worst nightmare.[Hooty enters, right up against Amity with his cheek touching her cheek.]Hooty: You wanna hear my worst nightmare?
[Amity stares ahead with a blank expression but with rage in her eyes.]

[Camera moves outside of Luz's room. Hooty's body writhes as crashes are heard.]
Hooty: Hooty-hoot! Hoot, hoot! Luz: Stop, stop! Amity, Amity, wai—Amity, stop! Jess watched in glee as Winn exploded into laughter as the sounds of Amity Blight beating up Hooty filled the room. "I really love this show," Winn wheezed. "Thanks for showing it to me."Jess smiled with a small blush."You're welcome. I'm glad you like it. It's not often I get to watch cartoons with someone. Not since I moved from Metropolis," Jess told her."Hey, as long as I'm around, we can watch post-sex cartoons all the time," Winn told her with red cheeks as Jess cuddled into his side, their naked bodies beneath the covers, not aware of her phone vibrating on the stand next to her bed.Lena frowned and stared at her phone.Jess didn't answer either."Wow, both of them are busy," Lena mumbled. "Damn. Guess it's just me tonight…."Lena was about to toss her phone on the table but it then chimed. Lena looked at her phone and noticed it was from a person she was not expecting.(Supergirl): My Flame, are you busy?Lena's eyes widened in disbelief.Supergirl was texting her?It was like nine at night. Why was she texting her so late?I am not busy at all, Supergirl: (Lena)
(Supergirl): Awesome. How has everything been going?
Truthfully? My head is a mess. I could use a distraction: (Lena)Lena stared at her phone, waiting for a response. What in the world was she doing texting her back her rival like this?The phone chimed again and instead of a text, it was of an image. Lena opened her text to see a picture of Supergirl wearing a blue tank top, white shorts, sneakers, and a strange bracelet on her right wrist. She looked like she was at a gym and had just finished working out, judging by the sweat on her face.She was also giving her a boyish grin.Lena's heart felt like it was beating a mile a second at the sight of the heroine like this.It was the first time she saw her outside of her Supergirl suit and her skirts and cardigans. She looked truly relaxed.Another chime.
(Supergirl): Sorry to hear that your head is a mess. Hopefully, this picture cheers you up!
I didn't think you needed to work out. : (Lena)
(Supergirl): Hey, the sun might give me my powers but even I need to do the work to keep it looking nice.
Lena could understand that.I can understand that. You look very nice and relaxed: (Lena)(Supergirl): That's why I come to the gym. It's one of the best places for me to relax.Supergirl was a gym head, who knew?Lena stared at the picture and felt her stomach flutter at the sight of Supergirl, only to stare down at the bracelet again.What's that bracelet that you're wearing?: (Lena)(Supergirl): It's a red sun bracelet. It's something that nullifies my powers. Winn built it for me recently.Lena noticed that Supergirl gave that information willingly, showing that she trusts her once again.(Supergirl): I use it when I just need a day without constantly needing to control every aspect of my life. And to work out and actually work up a sweat.Several very inappropriate comments sprang into Lena's mind thanks to that final sentence. But Lena didn't text these comments. Because despite Sam's teasing that she was a mess, she had more self-control than that.What do you plan to do after this?: (Lena)(Supergirl): I don't know, Maybe order some Chinese and watch a movie. I was supposed to have sister's night with Alex, but she's not answering any of my calls.Lena knew what that was like.(Supergirl): That's why I reached out. I was wondering if you were doing anything and if not, did you want to have a rival's night with me?Lena blinked.W-Was Supergirl asking to hang out with her?(Supergirl): I know it's not our normal deal, but I figured since we're having a truce, maybe we can just hang out together.Lena's fingers had acted before she could think about her answer.I would love to hang out with you: (Lena)

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

"Bowling? You want to bowl with me, Ms. Danvers?" Lena incredulously asked.Kara snorted in amusement as she held the door open to the National City Bowling Alley. "Hey, even someone like me enjoys a simple game of bowling," Kara answered as she followed Lena inside and trailed behind her."Well, I'm glad I followed your advice in terms of my attire," Lena teased.While Kara was still dressed in her gym clothes, Lena wore a pair of black yoga pants, a dark green long-sleeve yoga crop top, which gave Kara an ample view of Lena's toned and pale stomach, a pair of green stud earrings, black sunglasses, and green/black sneakers."My eyes appreciate it, too," Kara quipped, only to cover her mouth in surprise.Kara wasn't stupid enough to hope that Lena didn't hear her, but her brief burst of embarrassment faded when she saw Lena's ears turn red, alongside the back of her neck.Did she….like that?"So…." Kara drawled. "Have you ever been bowling before?""Never. My father enjoyed bowling as a de-stressor," Lena smoothly answered. "While my mother was…. Less than pleased with this type of game, she didn't debase him for liking it, but she made sure that his like of the game didn't pass down to me.""That's good. Bowling was one of the first games I played when I was adopted by the Danvers," Kara said as she slipped her hands into her short pockets. "I sucked at it, but I had so much fun, that it made me forget about things.""Well, I am glad that you love bowling because you won't be loving it after I beat you in it," Lena challenged.Kara grinned and remarked, "I was hoping you would say that, Ms. Luthor."Lena turned her head and Kara was gifted with a smirk that made Kara's blood rush, but her rival said nothing more.Once they got to the main area of the bowling alley, got their shoes, and paid for their lane, the two walked to shelves of bowling balls. "Hey, look," Kara instructed as she held up a bowling ball with the House of El crest on it.Lena, who had picked up a green and black swirly bowling ball, glanced over at her and rolled her eyes with a small grin. "You're going with that one?" Lena questioned."Have to represent my brand," Kara replied with a cheeky grin."Well, if losing is your brand…." Lena coyly drifted off as she walked to her lane, leaving Kara to admire her rival from behind.Kara never thought she would love to watch someone walking away from her, but her enemy sure did make it a fun watch.'Who knew another woman could make sexy look so….effortless?' Kara thought with a small smirk.It had gotten easier to admit that she found her enemy attractive. And it got even easier admitting that Kara was attracted to her. Kara hated arrogance, but like the various clothing and accessories her enemy wore, Lena made it look elegant and bewitching.Just then, Kara felt her phone buzz in her left pocket. She pulled it out and saw that Alex was calling.She answered it and greeted, "Well, well, well. If it isn't my missing sister. What's up?""Yeah, I'm sorry. Sam and I had some things to work out," Alex apologized. "Anyway, Ruby's sleepover fell through and she's on her way back here, and I was wondering if you wanted to do an impromptu game night.""Well, I'm kind of with someone at the bowling alley, but why don't you, Sam and Ruby have a little family night here?" Kara suggested."You're with someone at the bowling alley? Who are you with? Winn is currently with his girlfriend at their pla—" Alex paused. "No….. you didn't.""What?" Kara defensively asked."Nothing, just….Tell your girlfriend we'll be there in ten minutes. Have fun until then," Alex told her before disconnecting the call.Kara slipped her phone back into her pocket and grumbled as she walked to her bowling lane, where Lena sat with a phone in her hand. "So, we have about ten minutes before Sam, Alex, and Ruby get here. Let's play a quick game.""I see Sam wasted no time in reaching out to you," Kara noted as she plopped down in a chair, not having to worry about it shattering upon impact due to her bracelet."Of course not, I must say, she did sound fairly frustrated, I wonder why," Lena noted as she looked up at the screen. "So, who goes first?""Let's flip for it," Kara said as she pulled out a quarter from her pocket. "Heads or tails?" Kara asked."Tails," Lena choose.Kara flipped the coin and to her annoyance, it landed tails."Well, I suppose fate has chosen her victor for this little game of ours," Lena taunted."Lady Fate always chooses poorly," Kara shot back with a grin. "I wouldn't take anything she does as a sign of victory."Lena scoffed but smiled in a way that caused Kara's stomach to flutter. 'Hey! You stop that, stomach. She's our enemy,' Kara was mentally admonished."Well, let this strike prove you wrong, Ms. Danvers," Lena teased as she strolled to the front of their lane, and lifted the bowling ball with both hands. As Lena bent down to get her bowling form right, Kara tilted her head when she got a nice look at Lena's backside and smirked to herself.'Her form looks really good from here,' Kara noted. 'I wonder what she does to get an ass that nice and firm. Oh, Rao, maybe I should order something to drink, I'm sounding thirsty right now. But damn, she's fit….I wonder how flexi—Stop it Kara Zor-El! Get your head on straight!'Kara got so into her thoughts that she didn't realize that Lena returned to their table with a smug look on her face. "Your turn, Ms. Danvers," Lena taunted.Kara shook her head and taunted, "You strike out that quick?""Maybe you should put those glasses on because I hit a strike," Lena retorted.Kara looked at the screen and saw that Lena had gotten her strike. "Beginner's luck," Kara teased as she stood up, held the bowling ball under her arm, and added, "Now watch how a pro does it.""I'll let you know when they come by," Lena replied with a playful wink.
'Do not let her sexiness affect you, Kara Zor-El.'
Lena didn't like jocks.She never could. They were meatheads with egos as big as their cars.But she never expected Kara Danvers, the CatCo Reporter who always wore pastel sweaters and cute dresses to be able to play the jock so well.With her baggy basketball shorts, her tank top that was a tad too big, which allowed her to see her sports bra through the armholes, her very toned arms, her now short hair, and her cocky smirk, Lena realized that she may be staring at the true woman.And it was driving her crazy.There was so much confidence in Kara's movement that made everything seem so easy. But Lena could also see how carefree the woman was too like she couldn't be affected by any outside force.She felt untouchable.This was ironic since Lena and Skarlet were able to take her down, but in a way, Kara still felt untouchable. Like while her loss to Skarlet affected her enemy, it didn't hurt Kara to the point that it took away her personality.That air of untouchableness still remained around the Maiden of Might, and it showed.And it made Lena crave the woman even more.'Why is it so simple to admit that?' Lena asked herself as she watched Kara lift the ball, take two steps forward, and roll the ball down the aisle, where she hit a strike."Whoo! Strike for strike!" her rival exclaimed with her fist pump. Kara then twirled around and strolled back to their table like the big man on campus, and sat on the chair. "Well, let's see if lady fate can keep your luck going, Ms. Luthor," Kara teased with a smug smirk.Lena hummed and swiftly walked away from the table, her stomach feeling warm from the woman's smirk.Smug looked way too good on Kara Danvers' face.Kara watched on as Lena stood in front of their lane, working on her form, and Kara felt herself once again admiring Lena.It was almost a sin for a woman to look that good.No, it was a sin.Because this particular woman was her enemy, someone she vowed to defeat, and yet, she was checking her out like a dog in heat. And yet, she couldn't turn away. She couldn't stop her eyes from soaking up every inch of Lena Luthor's perfect body.It was pathetic how weak her will was when it came to this woman."Need some water, sis?" Kara heard Alex's teasing voice question. "Because you're looking mighty thirsty."Kara jumped and sharply turned around to reveal Alex, Sam, and Ruby behind her. "Hey, Kara!" Ruby chirped."Hey, Ruby!" Kara greeted as she ruffled the girl's hair. While her bracelet took away most of her superhuman abilities, Kara's strong eyesight, her hearing, and her sense of smell remained, while slightly dulled.And she could smell Sam's scent all over Alex, and vice versa. It quickly became obvious what Sam and Alex had been doing for the majority of the day due to thick their scents were on the other female."When did you three get here?" Kara asked. 'And when did you two decide to stop rutting like animals in heat?' Kara inwardly followed up."Just now," Alex answered. She then turned to Sam and suggested, "Why don't you go get our bowling shoes and bowling lane ready?"Sam nodded and motioned for Ruby to follow her, but not after kissing Alex on her cheek, which Kara angled her head up to allow.Kara could see several bite marks on Alex's neck when she angled it and raised an eyebrow in surprise. Kara didn't know why, but she always pegged Alex as rather….vanilla….when it came to sex, and yet, she had bite marks all over her neck? What kind of things were these two into?"So, enjoying your date with your mortal enemy?" Alex asked as she walked to Kara's table and sat beside her."Truthfully, yeah," Kara replied. She then paused, and added, "It's not a date though, it's a rival outing.""Right," Alex dryly replied."But yeah, I'm having a great time with her so far," Kara continued. "But, I'm going to win this little game between us.""Okay, what happens after this?" Alex asked."Hm? Well, I was going to take her to a little pizza joint nearby," Kara answered. "Figured a lowkey thing would be nice.""Seems you put a little thought into this rival date," Alex joked."Well, yeah, I want something fun but with a new experience for Lena," Kara replied. "I'm sure she's used to the finer things in life, but I also want her to enjoy the little things in life."Alex stared at Kara for a long time and said, "You know, for someone that's supposed to be your mortal enemy, you're making this sound like she's an uptown girl looking for a downtown girl instead of the confusing mess this is.""Bah! You're silly," Kara chirped."Right. I'm the silly one."

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

"So, how is your non-date date going?" Sam asked Lena as the two sat at their table while Alex, Ruby, and Kara talked in front of the lane while Kara was readying herself to bowl."It's not a non-date date," Lena replied. "But, I am having a lot of fun with Ms. Danvers. Who knew she was such a jock?""I mean, we play basketball together all the time," Sam revealed.Lena blinked."You do?" Lena asked."Yeah. Since the day we met," Sam answered. "She's been teaching Ruby how to play basketball too for her team tryouts. We also work out, and I know she and Alex trains daily. Kara is all about her fitness.""Must be a Kryptonian thing. You train quite often too," Lena commented."Well, you see how much we put away?" Sam jokingly asked. "We can eat a table filled with food and still want seconds. Besides, the wild, dragon parts of our minds crave combat a lot, from what Astra told us.""Dragon?" Lena asked."Oh yeah, you don't know the juicy details about where Kryptons come from," Sam noted. "Hm, well, don't worry about it.""W-What?!" Lena exclaimed. "You can't just dangle that carrot over my head just to yank it away!""Well, I just did," Sam smugly replied. "I guess you gotta cope with it."Lena Luthor did not pout, but damn if she did not want to pout right now.A wicked smirk then formed on Lena's lips. "Fine. We don't have to talk about that. What we can talk about is Alex's scent that's drenched all over you."A deep blush blossomed on Sam's face."So, was it that dragon part of your mind that made you finally seal the deal?" Lena taunted. "Do you call her baby girl or does she call you baby girl?""If you think embarrassing me is going to get me to reveal anything, you're so wrong," Sam noted. "I am a mother, Lena. Ruby has done worse."Alex, Ruby, and Kara walked back toward the table, but while Alex had a smug grin, Kara was grumbling. "Mom, Aunt Lena, Kara whiffed on a strike so hard," Ruby said as she plopped beside Lena. "She got two gutterballs in a row.""All because Alex couldn't shut her big mouth," Kara grumbled."Not my fault Ruby asked that question," Alex countered."You put the idea in her head," Kara argued."I guess it's my turn," Sam noted as she stood up and walked to the bowling lane. "Have fun, losers.""Hey," Alex said with mock offense.Sam grinned and pecked Alex's cheek, which made Ruby gag. "We're in public," Ruby complained, albeit, with a smile."Oh yeah, we are," Sam commented and then kissed Alex on the cheek several times, which made Alex laugh and push away. "So gross," Ruby mumbled in amusement."Agreed," Kara and Lena said in unison, only to glance at each other with a grin."Yeah, at least you two aren't like that," Ruby commented, which caused the rivals to still."Well…. We aren't a couple," Lena slowly started."Yeah we're….friends," Kara added.Lena was surprised at the use of that word, but she then shrugged. It would be too complicated for Ruby if she were to explain their deeply intense rivalry. "Exactly we're friends.""Soon, they'll be roommates," Alex dryly announced, which made Lena and Kara glare at her. "What? It's true." Alex smugly defended.Lena opened her mouth to talk, only for Alex's phone to ring. Alex's smug expression morphed into a firm one as she answered her phone. "Agent Danvers, reporting."Lena narrowed her eyes and focused her hearing to hear the voice on the phone."Two Hellgrammites are trying to break into the National City Bank," Lucy Lane said. "The National City Police Department requires assistance. I'm on my way there now, so you don't have to come in, but we will need Supergirl.""A Code 56. I see," Alex murmured, her eyes flashing to Kara, who stilled for a moment. Lena looked at her in concern, but her rival merely nodded and stood up. "She'll be there. Over and out."Once Alex hung up the phone, Lena grinned. "Well, I suppose I should be off as well," Lena announced as she stood as well."You sure?" Kara asked."Of course, Ms. Danvers," Lena said. "In fact, this might be the perfect chance to reveal the new partnership to certain factors."Kara grinned."Alright, then let's go," Kara told her."Please try not to destroy the area," Alex implored as the two women ran off. "Or each other!"Supergirl and Flamebird floated across the bank where the glitter of the police's red and blue lights filled the area, alongside the multitude of sirens that blared into the air."Do you truly think she'll be watching this?" Supergirl questioned as she turned to her beloved enemy."I'm positive," Flamebird answered. "Skarlet probably believes that she's victorious due to our absence after both of us were defeated. We show up and defeat the two Hellgrammites, and it will not only show that we are back at one hundred percent, but we are now working together.""Then, my Flame, I suppose we should get down there and stop the show," Supergirl murmured. "But let's make a scene. Let the cameras get out good sides.""Yes, my Super, let's," Flamebird agreed, and together, the two rivals floated down to the ground behind the group of people. "Excuse us," Flamebird announced.The group of people and cameramen from various news outlets turned around to see the pair. The flash of the cameras and the noise of people's cellphones was almost instantaneous as Supergirl chuckled and motioned for Flamebird to follow.The two walked through the crowd until they reached the police barrier. The two jumped over the barrier, and Supergirl walked up to Detective Sawyer and said, "Hey, Detective."Maggie turned around and shot Supergirl a grin. "Well, aren't you a sight for sore eyes, Supergirl? Where have you been?""Recovering, but I'm back to stop these Hellgrammites with my partner," Supergirl answered."Partner?" Maggie asked, only to see Flamebird and become alarmed. "Whoa, that's some partner you got there, Supergirl. Are you sure about this?""Very. She has my back," Supergirl answered. "For now, at least.""Yes, for now," Flamebird confirmed. "Until that time, It's a pleasure to meet the famed Detective, Maggie Sawyer.""The feeling is….mutual?" Maggie questioned and then turned to Supergirl.Supergirl knew what Maggie was saying with her eyes and replied with a grin and a nod. Maggie nodded and said, "The Hellgrammites are inside. They've been posted up since our arrival. It's curious though. They knew they can tear through as well, but they're waiting.""Curious," Flamebird murmured. "Well, I suppose we shouldn't keep them waiting for long."Supergirl grinned and the two walked up the stairs toward the bank. "That went well," Flamebird commented. "Think we stalled enough for the papers and the news?""I think so," Supergirl replied. "Worse case, we go through them again and sign autographs."Flamebird laughed in amusement, which made Supergirl's heart flutter at the sweet sound. "I suppose we should. So, how fast do you want to subdue/kill them?""Let's try three minutes for subdue," Supergirl replied. "I try not to kill unless I absolutely have to.""Well, let's hope we don't have to," Flamebird stated as they walked into the bank. The inside of the bank was a mess, with the deceased, partially melted bodies of the janitorial staff littering the area."They wasted no time in killing people," Supergirl whispered with a mixture of sadness and anger. "Why must it be Hellgrammites?""You don't like them?" Flamebird questioned."Their planet, Hellgram, was a slaver planet. They raged a lot of wars with Krypton to make slaves out of us. I was born In the middle of their war with us. When I was five, one managed to kidnap me. If not for Astra, they would have succeeded," Supergirl revealed.Flamebird remained silent at this."I won't judge an entire planet and her people because of the acts of a few, but I can never shake off the fear of facing one down as an enemy," Supergirl finished. "Doesn't mean I can't. It just makes me fight harder, you know?""I think I can understand that," Flamebird answered. "And I'm sorry. For what it's worth, despite our bitter rivalry, I don't think I can live in a world that doesn't have you in it, Supergirl."Supergirl was touched by this comment and whispered, "Rao…. Thank you.""W-Well," Flamebird stammered. "Let's find the two Hellgrammites and get back to our not-date date."Supergirl smiled and agreed with a nod.The two continued to walk through the cave when they heard footsteps coming from behind the teller counter. The two got on guard and floated over the counter and made their way down the wide hallway behind the counter.Supergirl noted that the hallway had acid residue but there were fairly large craters in the wall as well, and the deeper they got into the hallway, the less acid they saw on the walls, the more she saw being dragged on the floor."This is strange," Flamebird murmured."I agree," Supergirl replied.Finally, the two came across the safe room, where the dead steel remains of two Hellgrammites, their bodies encased in liquid metal, lay in the middle of the room. "Looks like we were beaten to the punch," Supergirl commented."By who or what, I wonder," Flamebird inquired.Supergirl looked at the two Hellgrammite bodies. She noticed that their chests were practically nonexistent due to the amount of blunt-force trauma that was caused to them. She also noted that one of Hellgrammite's heads was bludgeoned beyond recognition."Whoever did this had a lot of rage in them," Supergirl murmured.Flamebird tapped a few buttons on her wrist and dozens of nanomachines flew from the gauntlet and swam around the area. "I'll have Clear-Eyes look over this and any camera footage tomorrow," Flamebird said."Thanks," Supergirl murmured, only to notice a folded piece of paper on top of the Hellgrammite head that remained intact. She picked up the note, unflipped it, and read, "Find me if you can, Kryptonian. – Man of Steel."

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"So, that Not-Date went pretty well, I take it," Jess questioned as Lena sat with her and Sam in their command center."It went well," Lena replied. "So, we can confirm that Superman's body is still in space?"After Superman was laid to rest, His body was blasted off into space in a grand ceremony. Thankfully, his body was near one of the Luthor satellites, which allowed Jess to hack into the machine to check on the grave."He's still there, so he must not be the one who wrote the note," Jess concluded.Lena narrowed her eyes in thought.She had been so sure since Superman's moniker was used in the note, that he had come back from the dead. But no, that meant that someone else was using it. But who? "Yeah, it went so well, I'm pretty sure I heard Lena set another Not-Date up for this weekend," Sam teased."Oh really?" A smug Jess asked as Lena felt her friend's gaze on her."We had a great time and we figured we would continue that while we are in this alliance. I don't understand the significance of this," Lena responded."Come on, Lee," Sam groaned. "You can't be this oblivious to your own feelings. Seriously, are both going to have a Not-Marriage too by the end of the year?""From a Date to a Marriage? Isn't that jumping the gun?" Jess asked."With these two? No, I have a feeling they will get married at the end of this year," Sam divulged."There will be no marriage," Lena interjected as she stood from her chair. "I don't understand why this is so difficult for you two to wrap your heads around. We—""—Are enemies!" Kara exclaimed.Kara, Winn, and Alex sat on the edge of Kara's apartment roof with five pizzas stacked beside Winn. "There is no way we are getting married by next year because we don't like each other like that. This partnership is temporary. We will be going back to fighting each other.""But why though?" Winn questioned. "Like, I get the logistics. Revenge for the fallen family members. You for Clark and Lena for Lex. But look how you two act.""Yeah," Alex agreed. "I had a rivalry with Lucy, and that did not involve caressing her face after a fight in an elevator.""Yeah! Alex and Lucy's rivalry had more middle fingers and swearing, not holding hands and whispering sweet nothings," Winn tacked on. "Like, you have to see how weird your relationship with Lena is."Kara faltered and sighed."Okay, let me ask this," Alex calmly started. "If you didn't have Clark hanging over your consciousness, would you pursue her?""Like, Lex wasn't the best brother, we both know this, but if he wasn't in the picture, could you see yourself going out with Kara?" Sam asked.Lena remained silent for a moment.Lena took in all of her experiences with Supergirl, from their heated interactions during their normal lives as Lena Luthor, the CEO of L-Corp, and Kara Danvers, the reporter from CatCo, their first duel under the moonlight, and the subsequent duels after, their defeat at the hands of Skarlet, their vows in the elevator, her thoughts later that night, and everything after that, and Lena knew her answer."I would," Lena admitted. "If I did not have Lex's death hovering above me, I would have courted Supergirl the moment we met. How could I not? She's amazing….""She admits it," Jess sighed, as if a heavy weight was taken off of her shoulders."When I am with her, I feel a completeness that I've never felt before," Lena continued. "I want to make her mine in every way that I can, and I despise the knowledge that others can touch her, can worship her in ways that I can't.""Of course, I would," Kara answered without thinking about it. "Have you seen Lena? She's brilliant, beautiful, quick-witted, and a whole lot more than that. Hell, I can throw flattering words at her all day and still be at a loss in trying to sum up exactly how I feel for her.""Hallelujah!" Winn exclaimed."The truth finally comes out!" Alex added.Kara rolled her eyes at their dramatics and said, "Like, you two can at least be with Sam and Jess. I have to imagine being able to put my hands on her in the ways you two can with your partners. And it burns me up that someone that is not me that can touch her in the ways I want to."Kara sighed. "She's my other half, and I can admit this. The world is duller when I'm not around her, even while we're battling. I can't see my life without her…." Kara revealed. "But, despite this, we are enemies. We've made this—""—As clear as we can," Lena sighed. "Because as much as long to be with her, we are enemies and until I avenge Lex, that's all we can be. Besides—""—I doubt Flamebird feels the same way as I do," Kara finished.Alex and Winn slowly turned to each other, only for Alex to facepalm."Are you fucking kidding me?" Sam asked. "You doubt Kara feels the same way? Jess? Am I losing my mind?""If you are, I am too," Jess admitted. "Lena, you are one of the smartest women in the world, and yet I've never, in my entire life, wanted to call you stupid. Like, do you not see who you are dealing with on a near daily basis?""Kara, I don't even like the Luthor, and I know that she has the hots for you too," Alex told her. "I've seen the tape of you two after your elevator fight. She was just as touchy-feely and sickeningly romantic as you were.""So true," Winn cut in. "Like, she calls you—""—My Flame," Jess told her. "My Flame! While she is caressing your cheek! After a fight! Like, that is levels of gay that I've never seen before! And I've seen plenty! Remember, I had to work in Boston! I had to work with a detective and a coroner that were deeply in love without realizing it until after the coroner moved to Paris, and this is still gayer than that!""Wait, that reminds me, isn't their wedding coming up in a week?" Sam asked."Yes! I got asked to be at their wedding!" Jess exclaimed. "I'm Maura's Maiden of Honor. Speaking of that, Lena, I'll be gone for two weeks.""Put in the time and I'll accept it," Lena quietly said."Look, Lee, you know Jess and I love you. You're respectively like the older and little sister to we've never had," Sam started as she placed a hand on Lena's shoulder. "It's obvious that Kara makes you happy—""—And what you want, we want too," Alex told Kara. "And while I prefer you to have something less weirdly toxic than two enemies falling in love, you can't help who you care about, right?"Kara softly nodded."Plus, if I can reiterate, she calls you, "My Super." She's so crushing on you, Kara," Winn commented. "You don't have to go jump her bones yet, there is still a lot that you two need to do, but maybe give our words some thought, alright?"Kara nodded."I'll give both of your words some thought," Lena promised. "I can't promise that I'll act on it right away, but I will converse with Supergirl about these feelings that I have….""Good," Sam sighed."Wait! She's been spotted!" Jess exclaimed.Lena turned her head to the large screen which showed Skarlet in the middle of downtown, destroying various cars and buildings, no doubt being so visible to try and lure both Lena and her Super how into the open."Contact Supergirl," Lena instructed as she stepped on her platform and pressed a few keys on her gauntlet. The nanomachines swarmed around her body and formed the Flamebird suit as the woman said, "Tell her that I'll meet her on the way."Jess nodded and texted Winn."Uh oh," Winn commented as he looked at his phone. "Skarlet's downtown. Flamebird will meet you there, Kara."Kara narrowed her eyes and removed her glasses, causing her suit to materialize on her body. "Got it. Catch up when you two can. Time to wrangle me a vrazhium!" Supergirl exclaimed as she jumped into the air and sped off, leaving Alex and Winn behind."Think she'll listen to our advice?" Winn asked as he noted another figure fly beside Supergirl in the distance."Who knows with Kara? That girl is all over the place," Alex sighed while she texted on her phone. "Well, hopefully, our duel talks with these morons will work.""God willing," Winn solemnly agreed.

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Maggie Sawyer was bored as she sat in the car with her partner, who kept babbling on about his wife and how wonderful she was. It wasn't like she was jealous or anything like that, but she wished she had someone to talk about with as much enthusiasm as her partner did.She once thought that Alex Danvers would be that person, but then Samantha Arias showed up and well, she practically watched the two fall in love at first sight.Which was good for her, since she wasn't ready for a relationship at the time, especially with a baby gay like Alex Danvers.But still, that what-if would plague her mind for a little while.Especially now considering even Baby Danvers seemed to have found someone, according to Alex.That someone was her mortal enemy, but that was a toxic minefield that she did not want to get any more knowledge of at the moment.Lest she does something toxic.Thankfully, she was saved by the dispatcher calling in.
"Sawyer, Martinez, that mysterious alien has struck downtown. All units are to confront it."
"Aww man," Her partner whined. "And here I hoped for a quiet day.""Cram it, Hughes. We got a job to do," Maggie swiftly said as she turned on the car and drove out of the alleyway they were sitting in.Hopefully, this would distract her from her thoughts.The conversation Flamebird had with her two best friends weighed heavy in Flamebird's mind as she flew across the sky to the impending battle with Skarlet.She had admitted her attraction to her enemy.She admitted that had Lex not been in the picture, she wouldn't hesitate to be with her.But a part of her hated that she admitted this out loud. Because while it took a weight off her shoulders, it also added to the reality that she would never be able to be with her Super.Even if Jess and Sam think differently.So then why couldn't she push these troublesome thoughts away from her mind?As Flamebird flew, she saw the familiar blur in the air and sped up to fly beside the blur. But as she flew closer, she noticed the contemplative look on Supergirl's face.It was a cute expression that Flamebird never thought she'd see on the other woman's face. Flamebird flew beside her and asked, "Penny for your thoughts, Supergirl?"She watched as Supergirl's expression changed from thoughtful to thrilled. "I had a feeling that I would be flying next to you," Supergirl said. "Ready for the showdown?"Flamebird noted the excited gleam in Supergirl's eyes and felt her heart flutter at the sight. "As ready as you seem to be," Flamebird calmly replied, fighting the urge to place a hand on her chest to steady her heart."I am. Let's hope we can end whatever her plan is soon," Flamebird said. "This way, we can continue our war."Supergirl's face grew pensive, which instantly put Flamebird on guard. As if they were on the same mind length, the two slowed to a stop and faced one another. "My Super, did I say something wrong?" Flamebird asked, keeping her voice as steady as possible, despite the nervous energy that flowed within her."No," Supergirl admitted. "You didn't say anything wrong. I guess…. I've been thinking about this. Us, our rivalry….""You don't want to stop it, do you?" Flamebird asked, her worry growing.Supergirl must have heard her tone because the blonde took her hand into hers and said, "No. No! Rao, no," Supergirl said. She then grew hesitant and asked, "Unless you wa—""No!" Flamebird exclaimed. She then cleared her throat and corrected herself. "No, of course not. This…means a lot to me.""It does to me too," Supergirl softly confirmed."Then why so pensive?" Flamebird questioned. "What is on your mind?""If Superman and Lex Luthor were not in the equation….If their deaths hadn't happened….What would we be?" Supergirl asked.Flamebird stilled."Would we be who we are? Would we be rivals? Friends? Something more?" Supergirl asked. "Would we even be us? I'd like to think so, but I guess I'm unsure…."Flamebird frowned at this and slowly moved her hands to intertwine their fingers together.A perfect fit."I don't know what we could have been," Flamebird admitted. "We could have been acquaintances, friends, lovers, hell, even worse enemies than we are now. What I do know is what we are.""And what is that?" Supergirl asked as she stared at their connected hands. "Because I'm starting to realize that I have no idea what exactly we are right now."Flamebird paused and murmured, "Right now, we are allies going up against a strong enemy together. After this, I look forward to finding out who we are to one another. Together."Supergirl chuckled."Together….I think I like that," Supergirl admitted with a small smile. "Thank you, My Flame. I look forward to that.""As do I, My Super…." Flamebird answered.The two locked eyes for a moment and then looked away, with Flamebird's face heating up beneath her mask. "Come on," Flamebird whispered. "We have a villain to stop.""Right," Supergirl replied. "Let's go."The two then flew off, with their hands still connected.Downtown National City was chaotic as Skarlet's blood scythe cleaved through a large bus, splitting it in half with an amused look on her face. She had been wreaking havoc for the past ten minutes and so far, her targets had not shown up.'Must be too busy fawning over one another,' Skarlet thought. She then felt several little stings against her back.She turned around to see a wounded police officer with their gun aimed at her.Despite the carnage that surrounded them, all Skarlet could do is stare at those beautiful eyes, that gorgeous face, and the blood that was splattered against her right cheek.She was radiant….Skarlet tilted her head at the sight of the woman's fiery brown eyes gazing at her and then laughed. "You still attack….Despite my skill, and the chaos around us?" Skarlet asked as she floated to the wounded officer.The officer continued to fire her weapon but the bullets did nothing to Skarlet. They were harmless to her. Harmless against her steel-like skin.But what wasn't harmless was those big brown eyes that shined with determination and challenge. She felt emboldened and yet weakened by them."Not in the habit of running away," The police officer replied with a smirk filled with discomfort, her right arm wrapped against her midsection.'Two broken ribs, various scratches on her body, both new and old, and a gash against her forehead. The potential concussion from the car I cleaved in half,' Skarlet thought.Truthfully, the woman should have been dead.Skarlet had cleaved the car in half while it was driving and while she was sure that she killed the male driver, the woman had survived.She was strong….Skarlet admired strength.Skarlet stopped in front of the officer and gingerly reached out to touch the woman's face with her fingertips.A tiny bit of the blood that had splattered against the woman's cheek was absorbed by her fingertips, which gave Skarlet the ability to taste as taste so divine, it nearly left her breathless. The officer looked confused and afraid, but Skarlet noticed that the woman had lowered her arm and dropped her gun.Had no one thought better, they would have thought the two were something akin to lovers with how close they stood to one another, Skarlet's right hand caressing the officer's face, and her left hand on the officer's hip."Your name," Skarlet whispered. "I desire it.""M-Maggie," The officer stammered."A cute name," Skarlet purred. Skarlet leaned down and softly licked the blood off of Maggie's face and shivered in delight at both the taste, and the confused moan that escaped from the officer's lips. "Your blood….it sings to me….Margarita Sawyer….It sings of a sad past but a fiery passion…."Maggie stilled against her, her body trembling as Skarlet's tongue glided against the blood, lapping it, savoring it. She could feel Maggie's body pressing against hers as her blood became hot with confusion and desire.The woman was enticed by this stimulation.How….peculiar….But not unwanted.As Skarlet felt her blood rushing at this thought as well. "S-Stop…." Maggie whispered as she grabbed at Skarlet's forearm, her voice barely holding back another moan. "Why does this feel good?" Maggie whimpered as Skarlet's chest vibrated in comfort.Maggie's heart rate quickened as she bucked herself closer to Skarlet, whose grip on the woman's hip tightened, desire coursing through her veins. But what was the desire for? Was it for the woman's blood or for the woman in her entirety?Skarlet wouldn't get that answer however because she could hear two figures flying closer to her location.A pity….Without hesitation, Skarlet whispered against the woman's neck, "Your reward….for this delightful taste is a healed body…."Blood tendrils shot into Maggie's side, causing her to gasp in pain but then Skarlet noticed a blush start to form on the officer's face. "W-What?" Maggie stammered."My blood can be intoxicating to those that I heal with it. But you will be alright…." Skarlet warned as she removed the blood tendrils."Your wounds will clear and the concussion you have will fade. You will be as if you were never harmed…." She slowly moved away and caressed Maggie's face with the back of her hand. "You must go. There will be mass chaos when my targets arrive…." Skarlet warned."I-I can't just let you go….Y-You're a threat," Maggie stammered out, her body still trembling. "You've killed many….I-I can't just let you leave….""But you will, Margarita," she cooed as she started to float away. Maggie stumbled forward in an attempt to grab her, but she crumpled and fell to the ground. "You have survived while many have not…." Skarlet said with a gentle tone. "Leave, so you may continue to do so. And perhaps….I will find you again."Maggie looked up and said, "I won't let you get away….With what you just did….So easily!"Skarlet smiled and floated into the air. "Then survive, Margarita, and hunt me down," Skarlet challenged. "And perhaps, I will welcome my punishment." Skarlet then turned away and flew in the direction of her two targets.A part of her hoped that she would see the officer again.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

When Flamebird and Supergirl arrived at their destination, they found Skarlet waiting for them, but Supergirl noticed something was amiss with her. She seemed calmer somehow. "Hello, my opponents," Skarlet drawled with a twinkle in her reddish-brown eyes."Vrazhium," Supergirl greeted with a focused gaze."You wound me, ie," Skarlet told her with her familiar shaky voice, amusement heavy within it. "I take it that you, and your beloved Flamebird, are here to apprehend me?""If you can make it easy on yourself and surrender right now, the apprehending will be a smooth one," Flamebird noted beside her."Yeah, we have a nice cell waiting for you at our base," Supergirl said.Skarlet tilted her head and said, "Thank you for thinking of me. However, I'd rather fight and take both of your blood for myself. How—""Gave it a shot," Supergirl interrupted as she floated ahead of Flamebird. "I'll take the first swing at her, Flamebird.""Oh?" Flamebird questioned. "Unfortunately, Supergirl, I will be the one to fight her first."Supergirl turned around and quirked her left eyebrow. "And how do you figure that?" Supergirl asked. "She's the one that caused me to break my promise to you.""Yes, but she also broke my promise to you," Flamebird remarked. "And since my defeat is more recent, I deserve to fight her first."Supergirl frowned and said, "But I was first defeated that caused all of this mess. Besides, she's my responsibility."Supergirl could see Skarlet staring at the two of them in disbelief but Supergirl didn't pay any attention to her. Instead, she kept her eye on Flamebird, who stared right back at her, and said, "Come on, Flamebird, let me get this one first. Please?"Flamebird gave a soft chuckle and said, "No way."Fine, then how about we rock-paper-scissors for it?" Supergirl suggested.Flamebird narrowed her eyes and said, "You're on."The two balled up their fist and chanted, "Rock, Paper, Scissors, Shoot!"Supergirl had paper.Flamebird had rock."Damn it," Flamebird grumbled as Supergirl whooped. "You win. But the moment you are in a bad way, I will step in," Flamebird warned."Now how did I know you were going to say that, Flamebird?" Supergirl grinned. "Besides, I doubt you'll get a turn at her by the time I'm done."Flamebird chuckled as she crossed her arms. "You better start," Flamebird urged. "Before I change my mind.""Right!" Supergirl exclaimed as she turned back to Skarlet, who stared blankly at her. "Now, Vrazhium, shall we get this showdown on the road?""Yes sister," Skarlet started with a slow smile as a blood scythe formed in her right hand. "We shall."Supergirl narrowed her eyes and said, "Then ring the bell."Skarlet chuckled and in a blink of an eye, the sisters clashed in the middle of the air. Supergirl ducked the swing of Skarlet's scythe and immediately landed a jab to Skarlet's face, but Skarlet's body exploded into blood upon impact, which then swirled around Kara and then reformed to Skarlet, who appeared with her weapon in mid-swing, aiming at Supergirl's neck.Supergirl turned around while ducking, avoiding the second swing while also landing a hard jab to the gut, causing Skarlet to gasp in pain. Supergirl ground her fist against Skarlet's stomach and then dragged it up Skarlet's body and landed a brutal uppercut, causing Skarlet's body to dart high into the air."Vicious," Flamebird noted with an approving tone in her voice. "I could feel the impact of that blow from here. I'm impressed."Supergirl looked over her shoulder and with a toothy grin, she said, "You better be watching closely, My Flame. You'll be in her place once this is all said and done.""Don't worry, dear Super," Flamebird reassured, her voice low and smooth like rich chocolate. "You have my undivided attention."Supergirl eyes darkened at the tone in Flamebird's voice. There was no mistaking the challenge and lust in that tone. "Now….Don't you have an enemy to beat up for me?" Flamebird questioned. Supergirl smirked and dashed into the air without a further word, feeling emboldened by her rival.Supergirl narrowed her eyes as she chased Skarlet's body into the mesosphere, having to increase her to finally catch up to Skarlet, who suddenly stopped her uncontrolled flight and fired a beam of blood-red energy from her eyes at Supergirl.Supergirl darted to the left to avoid the beams and then shot toward her opponent, who ceased the beams to avoid the left hook from Supergirl. The two then began to trade a flurry of punches, with some being blocked/avoided while others managed to connect.The two broke away and the Skarlet held out her right hand and rapidly shot out small blood-red orbs of fire. Supergirl flew around the burning orbs away as her irises glowed an intense blue until they became nearly unbearable to hold back, where she then fired her heat vision with an enraged yell.Skarlet smirked, clapped her hands together, and then spread them apart to create a spell circle, which had ancient Kryptonian characters rotating within the circle. The beams slammed against the circle as Skarlet said, "You must thank your beloved. Her blood supplied with more power."Anger rushed through Supergirl's veins as she ceased the attack, shot toward Skarlet, and punched through the shield, causing glittering blood-red energy to scatter into the air, leaving Supergirl's fist to fly free toward Skarlet.Skarlet ducked the right hook and quickly grabbed Supergirl's outstretched arm, twisted her body, and launched Supergirl down through the mesosphere into the stratosphere.Supergirl tumbled through the air as fast as a rocket but just as she recovered, she was tackled by Skarlet, who punched her twice before she kicked her opponent back into the air. Skarlet tumbled back for a moment, recovered, and then dashed forward and tackled her hard, sending them crashing through to the troposphere.The two continued to trade blows as they fell before Supergirl's right hook sent Skarlet flying farther into the air, only for Skarlet to shout, "Get over here!" Skarlet then lunged her hand forward, causing two chains made of blood to fly forward and pierce through Supergirl's chest and her gut, causing her to scream in agony.Skarlet yanked on the chain hard, causing Supergirl's body to whip forward through the air, only for Supergirl to grab both blood chains and scream, "Come here!" Supergirl yanked on the chain hard, causing Skarlet to whip through the air.When they met in the middle, Supergirl's fist collided with Skarlet's right cheek while Skarlet's fist slammed into her cheek, causing a resounding shockwave that caused the thin clouds around them to warp from the wave.Supergirl felt her vision darken as the two were forcibly separated from their respective blows, sending the unconscious Supergirl sailing down toward National City, with the last thing she saw was Skarlet's jaw barely hanging on to her head."Supergirl!" Flamebird screamed as she launched herself at Supergirl's falling body with such a speed, it caused a sonic boom. She managed to catch her rival's body, which sent both tumbling through the air. But as they fell, Flamebird noticed a flash of ruby-red light in the distance, followed by a huge blood-red beam of energy.Flamebird immediately reached her right hand forward and traced a spell circle with emerald flames. Ancient Celtic runes formed and a wide shield was made of these runes to shield them from the powerful beam of magical energy.Flamebird was disgusted by the sheer amount of power and magic behind Skarlet's attack.Was this the result of her family's magic, Skarlet's Threhk Maji, the solar power of a Kryptonian?Flamebird gritted her teeth as the force of the energy was strong enough to send Flamebird rocketing down toward National City.At the rate this was going, this beam of magical energy would destroy a good portion of National City. She had to stop it somehow.Flamebird narrowed her eyes as she pressed her palm against her straining barrier as she continued to fall through the sky, heat licking at her back.She pushed back against the energy until her barrier exploded, sending shards of emerald energy through the air. However, the explosion of the barrier caused the beam to scatter as well, causing glowing orbs of blood-red energy to float around her.Flamebird only had a few seconds of relief before a blood-red spell circle formed in front of her and Skarlet came flying out, a blood-made blade in mid-lunge, aiming right at Supergirl's head.Without hesitation, Flamebird moved Supergirl away with her left arm, causing the blade to pierce her left forearm and shoulder while Flamebird held Supergirl with her right arm around the unconscious heroine's waist."How touching," Skarlet taunted with malice in her garbled voice, barely understandable due to her broken jaw. "You took the blade for her. Let's see if you'll take a killing blow for her as well!""I'd like to see you try and put me in that position!" Flamebird shot back as she pushed her left arm forward until her forearm met the hilt of Skarlet's blade. "Time to send you to that cell," Flamebird threatened as she formed a spell circle with her right index finger while also pushing her left arm until the blade was freed from her shoulder.A spell circle appeared behind Skarlet as the other woman adjusted the blade and pushed down against it. Flamebird could feel the tip of the blade dance against her suit before being slowly inserted into her chest.Flamebird struggled as hard as she could as she felt the blade get closer and closer to her heart Skarlet hissed out, "I'm not going anywhere until you both die.""Sorry, but that is not for you to decide!" Flamebird exclaimed as she swung her legs up and kicked Skarlet's chest, forcing her to release the blade and sending Skarlet through the portal, where it blipped out of existence.Flamebird extended her left arm and shook the blade free from her arm then shielded Supergirl's body as she crashed through the empty Edge Global building and towards the streets of downtown National City, where her back skidded against the street until a crater was beneath her and Supergirl's body.Flamebird panted as she looked down at Supergirl's unconscious body with concern in her green eyes. Using her left eye, she could see that Supergirl's heart had been punctured and while it was still beating, there were only minutes before she would bleed out and die."Owl Eyes, Report…." Flamebird commanded as she struggled to lift her left arm."Flamebird, your suit has taken some massive damage," Owl Eyes warned. "Any more hits like that and it will destabilize, leaving you unprotected from her blows."Flamebird winced and leaned off the ground while Owl Eyes continued, "Your vitals are also all over the place. Your left arm has taken some severe damage while your chest has a deep puncture wound. I've already triggered the healing nanobots to work on healing both of your severe wounds but you both have to get out of there."Flamebird shook her head and placed her right hand on Supergirl's chest. "No, divert the healing bots to Supergirl," Flamebird ordered."Lena, are you serious right now?!" Owl Eyes shouted. "You barely have enough to treat your wounds. You want to give the little bit you have to her?!""Her heart was punctured, Jess," Flamebird panted out. "I'll be fine, but she needs to live. I can always use my magic to recover….Please?"Owl Eyes was silent for a moment before Flamebird felt the healing bots cease working on her shoulder and chest. She watched as they separated from her suit to fly into Supergirl's wounded chest. She could see the healing magic work on Supergirl's heart as her vision began to darken at the borders.Flamebird could feel the blood rushing from her chest and shoulder as she weakly lifted her right arm to try and form a healing spell but she felt so weak. "I need you to tell Director Henshaw that he has a gift heading to his cell at the DEO," Flamebird weakly murmured. "At the cell Astra mentioned during our meeting...Hurry. And please send Sam...to my...coordinates..."And with that, Flamebird fell onto her back, unconscious.A green spell circle opened within a cell and Skarlet flew out and hit the ceiling, where she fell on the floor with a groan.Where was she?And why did she feel so weak?Skarlet stood up and found herself in a glass chamber that was laced with Kryptonian crystals that glowed with a green light.Skarlet took a step, and her vision started to swim. She fell to her knees as a voice said from somewhere outside the chamber she sat in, "Kari Zor-El. My name is Director Henshaw. You are in our Kryptonian-made cell, made from the crystals of the Fortress of Solitude, that is laced with enough Kryptonite to keep you barely able to stand, without killing you. Welcome to your new home."Skarlet's eyes widened in disbelief and then despite the pain in her jaw, a messy grin formed on her face.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

"Well?" Kara asked as Lena looked down on the heroine with pain in her heart. "You here to finish the job?" Kara asked.

"Look at you," Lena hissed out. "Pathetic….You can't even walk, let alone fly in that condition."

"What do you care?" Kara asked her. "You should be happy, Lena. A Super wishing for death is something Lex could aspire to have."

Her words managed to pierce Lena's armor for a moment, causing a look of hurt to appear briefly before the rage returned. "If I wanted to kill you, I would have done it back at the Fortress. You know that," Lena coldly spat.

"Sure," Kara conceded. "But you would want an audience to see me fall. Well, here it is. The entire world is here watching," Kara announced as Lena watched her lean further back, her eyes becoming clouded. "This is your moment to do what no one else could do. So please do it. Strike where it hurts. Reveal my identity before the Kryptonite finishes the job. I won't stop you…."

Kara then gave Lena a lifeless smirk as she whispered, "It won't be any different than anything else I've endured."

Droplets of rain began to fall as Kara knelt there before Lena, wondering when it would happen.

Instead, Lena whispered, "We've reached that level, haven't we, Kara? The level that we can never come back from."

Kara knowingly closed her eyes and whispered, "Yeah…."

"Do you stop loving someone just because they betray you?" Lena asked.

There.

That was the first time Lena ever acknowledged her feelings for Kara and why she was in so much pain from what had happened between them.

"I don't think so," Kara weakly answered. "That's what makes the betrayal hurt so much…."

The downpour grew as Lena stood there in front of Kara, the once-proud, confident, and fearless Kryptonian woman, weak, bloodied, and wounded before her.

Lena had envisioned this moment in her dreams and the simulations. But instead of tasting the sweet nectar of victory, she tasted nothing but ash.

The woman she loved, the woman she killed Lex for, looked broken. She was begging her to hurt her, to kill her. And in the end, she couldn't.

Lena couldn't will herself to do it.

She had gotten what she wanted, and yet she couldn't do it.

She wanted to scream, but all she could do was sob at the sight of Kara like this. Suddenly, Kara's eyes dulled, and she collapsed to the ground, her body finally giving out from the wounds she had, along with the Kryptonite.

"No!" Lena exclaimed as she ran to Kara. She skidded to her and held her close.

"Kara?! Kara, please wake up! I'm so sorry!" Lena screamed as tears fell from her eyes. "I'm so sorry. I should have never done this. Not to you!" She could hear cars pulling up and the frantic scream of "Supergirl!" coming from Alex, but Lena didn't care.

She just gripped Kara tighter.

What has she done?
Lena gasped as she leaned up off the ground, her breathing shaky and shallow.That dream….What the hell was that dream?Lena then looked around and found herself sitting in the ruins of National City, in front of a podium with broken chains….Where the hell was she?Lena could hear footsteps approaching from behind her until they stopped by her side. Lena looked up and found herself staring at a familiar face.Standing beside her was a Caucasian woman with black eyes and long wavy black hair. The woman was dressed in a black tank top, a pair of black sneakers, slim jeans, and a chain with a silver sunflower necklace dangling at the end.Lena knew who this was. She knew very well who this woman was. She knew this woman since she was a small child.This was Elizabeth Walsh, her mother and the current champion of the Goddess of Death, the Raven Queen."Mum," Lena softly spoke.Elizabeth grinned and embraced her daughter. "Hello, Little Wing," She greeted with a hint of an Irish accent. "It has been some time since we've talked."Elizabeth looked around at the dark sky, with shards of crystal floating around them."Yeah, it has," Lena said as she stood, only to feel slightly light-headed. "Why are you here? The last time we talked, you said that we wouldn't meet until my deathbed. And I know that I haven't died yet.""No, you haven't," Elizabeth answered. "However….Do you remember the deal you struck with the matron? She allows me to help you unlock your magical abilities that lay dormant due to Lillian Luthor, and you would assist her when the time came?"Lena nodded."Yes, I remember, Mum," Lena answered. "I guess that it's due?"Elizabeth gave a grave expression as she nodded.Alex Danvers stared down at the bodies of Supergirl and Flamebird with an exhausted expression on her face. Behind her, J'onn and Astra watched, both of them staring at the two women with a critical eye. Sitting in a chair near the yellow sun beds were Sam, Jess (In her masked disguise), and Winn, both of them looking drained.Alex had barely gotten the pair back to the DEO before both of them would have died from their respective injuries. "That was far too close," Alex sighed as she stared down at the machines monitoring the health of the two women.They were responding well to the yellow sun rays and if everything went well, they would wake up in a few days. "We're down both Supergirl and Flamebird….I wonder how this city can survive without them," Jess murmured."We can call Livewire," Winn suggested. "Or maybe even Barry or Siobhan?"The former villain had gone straight after some intense therapy by a woman named Kelly Olsen and both Alex and Winn knew that she was making a name for herself in Metropolis as its newest hero. Unfortunately, she was unavailable due to fighting some freak named the Sandman.Siobhan, or Silver Banshee, was the second person Kara ever met when she landed on Earth and was easily her lifelong friend.Recently, Siobhan had recently decided to stay on Earth-1 to be with Caitlin Snow, who she had fallen in love with after Kara and Siobhan went to Earth-1 to help with a powerful foe. As for Barry, he was dealing with some threat from a speedster from the future, per Iris."Livewire is dealing with some mess in Metropolis and both Siobhan and Barry are dealing with some invader on Earth-1, so we're on our own," Alex explained."Damn it," Winn grumbled."Don't worry," Jess consoled as she touched Winn's shoulder. "They'll be back and at one hundred percent. Until then, we need to pick up the slack, somehow.""The slack can be picked up by M'Gann, and myself," J'onn told the group. He then turned to Astra and said, "As well as yourself, if you are willing to lend your assistance."Astra snorted and remarked, "Would that mean ridding me of this power-dampening collar?" Astra tugged her turtleneck down to reveal a metallic collar that sat snugly around her neck. "I wouldn't know how to assist otherwise.""I would be willing to do this, yes," J'onn said. "You can consider yourself on probation for your assistance."Astra smirked and said, "Then I will do it, Martian.""Let's just hope I don't regret it," J'onn muttered as he walked over to Astra, slightly towering over her. As Alex watched them engage in a staredown, she noticed that the two stood achingly close to one another.Astra was smirking, but it didn't look like a challenging smirk to Alex. It looked….Similar to a smirk Sam would give her before she found herself writhing in pleasure beneath her.In contrast, J'onn seemed in complete control, but Alex knew her surrogate father and she noted that his breathing ticked up and his body seemed to vibrate, something that he once told her happens to Martians when they were nervous. But what did he have to be nervous about? Slowly, J'onn placed his thumb on a finger reader on the side of the collar, and with a hiss, the collar unlocked.Almost immediately, a glow appeared in Astra's eyes as she took a deep breath. "Thank you," Astra thanked with a slight growl, her eyes locked on J'onn's as his hand stayed on the collar that had yet been removed from Astra's neck.Sam leaned over to Alex and whispered, "Are you seeing what I'm seeing?"Alex nodded in abject shock."What are waiting for, J'onn J'onzz?" Astra whispered. "You should take it off….""And why won't you take it off yourself?" J'onn asked."I wasn't the one that put it on me, J'onn J'onzz," Astra answered. She then reached up and grasped at his wrist, her smirk growing. "It's only right that you remove what you placed on me….Unless you find pleasure in keeping this around my neck.""Um, is it getting hot in here, or is it me?" Winn whispered to Jess, who watched the interaction with confusion.J'onn narrowed his eyes and slowly, he removed the collar from her neck, leaving it bare but Alex could see something in his gaze that she had never seen before.What did this mean?"We should go," J'onn told Astra, who gave a smug smirk in return."Yes, we shall," Astra replied.The two walked out of the medical bay, with the door closing behind them."Wow," Winn breathed.The doors then opened again but this time, to Alex's shock, it was her ex-fiancee, Maggie Sawyer, with a displeased Lucy behind her. "Where is she?" Maggie demanded."Whoa, whoa, calm down, Maggie," Sam urged. "You look like you're ready to shoot someone.""I am," Maggie replied."And this is why we don't allow outsiders in the DEO, not that anyone listens to me," Lucy grumbled."Where is Skarlet?" Maggie asked. "She did something to me today and I will not leave until I put my size 7 boot in her ass.""Kinky," Sam and Lucy chorused in unison."Whoa, whoa, back that up a spell, Mags," Alex said. "One, how do you even know we have her, and Two, what did she do to you?""Yeah, it's not often you're this pissed," Winn followed up."She…." Maggie started, only to immediately get frustrated at being unable to finish her sentence. "She did something to me….She healed my wounds, and seductively licked my cheek clean of my blood! I couldn't even get up until ten minutes ago because my body was so weak! She did something to me and I ain't leaving until she has a bullet in her!"The room quickly grew silent, with only Jess asking, "What?""Little Wing," Elizabeth softly started. "There is so much you don't know. So much that I need to tell you and right now, I don't have a lot of time."Lena shot her a questioning look. "But you're the follower of the Matron of Ravens," Lena bluntly stated. "You must have time.""I truly wish that I did, Darling...But alas, I am needed everywhere and despite the dangerous situation, I can't be tied here while souls are needed to go their final resting place..." Elizabeth answered as she looked at the podium. "Lena, Listen to me very carefully. Something evil and vastly powerful has broken free of this realm. Something that shouldn't have been released.""Mum, I don't understand," Lena said. "What has been released?"Elizabeth closed her eyes and took a breath. "There was a prisoner here that could not let go of her grudge against someone," Elizabeth began. "Even after she stopped an event that could have killed her enemy, she planned her downfall…. So she hired powerful individuals to kill her enemy. Unfortunately, The prisoner underestimated her enemy, who killed every single one of her hitmen until the accumulative damage of all eight battles caused her enemy's death."Lena stared at the podium with a frown on her face, waiting for her surrogate mother to continue."When her enemy died because of her twisted game, the prisoner went mad with grief and denial. It was there she discovered her mother's gift of magic," Elizabeth continued. "So she sought out the strongest witches and sorcerers in the world until she was stronger than them….""In three years, she absorbed the powers of gods, sorcerers, warlocks, witches, goddesses, and those as strong as myself to rectify her mistake and break the gates of heaven to free the woman she loved and despised….I defeated her when she came to my patron's realm to steal her powers," Elizabeth murmured. "I chained her here, to have her suffer in this eternal prison for her grievous crimes.""And now she's gone," Lena said. "But how?"Elizabeth kneeled at the empty podium and let her fingers touch it. "She wasn't strong enough to break out of my prison, as I robbed her of her godly powers, leaving her as strong as yourself. But something ripping through the multiverse caused the chains to weaken enough to free her….And now I fear that your Earth is in grave danger.""M-My Earth? Why would we be in danger?" Lena asked.Elizabeth bowed her head."The Prisoner will do anything and everything to right a wrong she shouldn't," Elizabeth warned. "And that means that you and your Kara Zor-El are in a dangerous situation."Lena was confused but then angered. "Is it Kara's sister? Skarlet? Is she the one who escaped from here?""No, Darling," Elizabeth whispered as she looked up at Lena. Lena paused for a moment."Was it the one that gave me that vision?" Lena questioned.Elizabeth's eyes widened."Oh no...." Elizabeth whispered. "If you received that vision then that means she's on your Earth already....""Who is on my Earth?" Lena asked. "Who is after me and my Super?"Deep within the Nevada Desert, standing in the remains of Fort Knox, with the blood of Tal-Rho dripping from her hands, and standing in the blood that seeped from the withered and deceased body of Leslie Larr, stood a figure.The figure wore a long, hooded, tattered edge cloak with a black tank top, tattered black pants, and black wrappings that hung loosely around her arms. The hooded woman panted as she stood in the fort, the glow of her golden irises gleaming in the shadow of her hood.The gold faded, leaving an emerald glow as she limped to the throne that sat soaked with Tal-Rho's blood. The Kryptonians were strong, but even in her weakened state, she was far more powerful than them.And while it will take a while for their power to settle within her, she would be weak for a few weeks, but once she healed, she would be strong enough to take the power of the Lena Luthor and Kara Zor-El of this world and the combat the champion of Death once more.She would bring back her beloved….Even if she had to tear this, and every other world, asunder.Slowly, the figure closed her eyes and saw the image of her love, her Kara Zor-El, smiling in front of the sun, her honey-blonde hair flowing in the breeze along with the yellow sundress she wore.
'My Radiant Sun…..Please wait just a little while longer….'

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

"I thought I told you to kick bricks, Luthor."

Lena flinched at the cold, empty tone in Alex's voice as she stood outside of Alex's office door at the DEO. "I know," Lena whispered. "You did."

"You must have a death wish or something," Alex whispered with narrowed eyes. "To show up after everything you've done…."

"You have every right to hate and distrust me," Lena whispered. "I was too late to save Kara and sh—"

"What the fuck are you doing here?" Alex interrupted.

Lena felt off-balance.

Alex would not give her a chance to explain why she was here. She was just her attacking without hesitation, breaking down the courage Lena had been building up for the past few days. "You know what? I don't even want to know. Unless you want me to shoot the killer jawline off your damn face, princess, you need to go the fuck away," Alex warned with a wicked gleam in her eyes. "Or don't….and I can finally give you what you deserve."

Lena took a deep breath and said, "You were right. About everything you said the night you found me with Kara's body. You were right. I'm just a scared and distrustful little girl hiding behind a mask of power and wealth…."

Alex narrowed her eyes.

"I hurt Kara so much, and I-I can never forgive myself for doing it. I buried the brilliant light she shined everywhere she went. I-I was too slow in stopping the cannons and because of that, neither of us have the person we love anymore," Lena stammered out.

"Get to the point," Alex whispered.

"I-I want to tell Kara goodbye," Lena answered. "I know you hearing me say is the most insulting thing in the world and honestly, I deserved all the vitriol and hate that you can give me."

Lena fell to her knees and bowed her head. "I'll even….I'll even let you kill me…I-I just want to tell her goodbye…." Lena looked up to see Alex's cold gaze staring down at her. "I'm begging you. Please let me see her one last time. And my life is yours…."

For a moment, Lena thought that Alex would attack her for even asking that question. But instead, Alex reached down into her desk and pulled out a keycard before tossing it at her.

Lena caught it as Alex said, "Her casket in the medical room. Superman will be here soon to perform the sending, along with half of Krypton…."

Lena looked at Alex and asked, "You're going to let me see her?"

"Of course. I love Kara, and I know that when we meet again in the afterlife, she would kill me for now letting you say goodbye," Alex answered. "Plus, you can consider this payback for creating that Anti-Kryptonite suit that saved her a year back."

Lena opened her mouth to thank Alex, but the DEO Director swiftly said, "Don't take this as an act of kindness, Lena. You robbed my sister of her life. I'm not going to kill you, even though my body is screaming at me to put a bullet through your head. All I want from you is this. The minute you say your goodbyes, I want you to get the hell out of my city. I never want to see your face in this place ever again, no matter what happens." Alex looked back down at her desk and continued to write something as she said, "The Medical Wing is to your left. You can see yourself out."

Lena closed her mouth, nodded, and walked out of the office.

Lena's feet felt like lead as she walked down the long hallway toward the medical wing where Kara was staying.

Was she ready to do this?

Was she ready to shatter her entire heart to do what was right?

Lena had destroyed Kara over and over again, both with her words and her actions. She understood that she put herself through this by starting this war. In betraying Kara, she created this frozen road to the ninth circle of Hell, and she would accept it.

She would accept her body being submerged beneath the ice, leaving her head to endure the freezing air.

She would accept her tears freezing to her purple face as she cried over what she had done.

She would accept all the suffering she was to endure after this day.

For what she did to the woman she had loved, she would gladly suffer for eternity, without anyone to remember her name.

Lena stopped in front of the glass door and felt another piece of her heart shatter.

Laying on a medical bed beside an open window was the casket of the woman Lena loved, the soft colors of the sunset casting a gentle glow on the pristine platinum-white color of her love's final resting place.

Seeing the casket only made the hatred Lena felt for herself grow.

Lena took a deep breath and held the keycard to the reader, causing the red light to turn green. Lena opened the door and carefully walked inside to observe the casket. It was beautifully made, with the House of El crest etched into the front of the casket.

Lena ran her hand against the smooth metal and felt her breathing hitch in agony.

"Hello, Darling," Lena whispered tenderly as tears pricked her eyes.

Lena closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

She needed to do this.

"I have been surrounded by death for a long time. My mother's death, my father's, Lex's, my favorite nanny, and Jack's….But none of them, none of them hurt as much as does to me…." Lena paused, trying to keep her composure. "I am a woman of science and….And I don't believe in an afterlife….But for the first time, I hope there is one. One that is suitable for a woman as brave, as loyal, as just as you are….And I hope that you hear this."

Lena's eyes fluttered, causing a tear to fall from her right eye. "Us Luthors, we are an arrogant bunch that tends to think about ourselves more than others. For years, I tried to stray away from becoming like Lex and Lillian. I tried to drag the Luthor name from the darkness and allow it to dance beneath the sunlight. When we met, this was my sole objective in life…." Lena drifted off as she gazed at the cold casket in misery.

"But then I met you. When I first laid my eyes on you, I felt my entire world tilt off its axis. You didn't treat me like so many, including Clark, had done. You didn't see me as a Luthor. You saw me for me," Lena spoke, her tone becoming as warm and gentle as the light from the sunset. "It was then that I wanted, no, needed to see you again. And from there, our friendship began."

"I was used to living with the thought that I would be alone for the rest of my life, unfeeling and untrusting of others," Lena admitted. "But you showed me that I could open my heart and allow myself to feel happiness. And for years, that was all that I felt with you. Despite all of the kidnappings, the assassination attempts, the courts, the framing, you stuck by my side as Kara and Supergirl. You never believed that I was the Luthor everyone thought I was. You saw the good in me, and I wanted to be the person you saw me as. That became my new mission…."

Lena turned away from Kara's casket, tears streaming down her face. "You gave me all of you—your friendship as Kara and your protection as Supergirl, without expecting nothing in return. You gave me your heart willingly. But how did I reward your friendship and devotion to me? I turned my back on you the second Lex told me who you were, not aware that you were finally going to tell me who you were just a few weeks later…."

"Lex always said that 'While the Luthor family lingers in the dark, Lena, you will always fall into the light.' But he was wrong," Lena murmured. "The moment Lex spilled your truth, I willingly fell into the darkness with a new purpose. I wanted to take the light that you always shined and bury it beneath the cold depths of the Earth because I was terrified that our friendship was a lie. I was terrified that all the moments, the glances, the touches, the love was a lie….And so I struck first…."

"The night when I was going to award you the Pulitzer, I was going to expose your identity to the world," Lena breathed out. "But you told me your identity then, and instead of continuing with that plan, I decided that it wasn't enough. I was going to break you thoroughly…."

"While you fought and saved the Multiverse from the Anti-Monitor, I began my plans for Myriad. And when you returned, I lied to you, manipulated you, I pretended to be your friend, just for my own goals. And at your lowest moment during the whole Leviathan saga, I seized the opportunity and plunged the dagger in your back. I took Myriad, I turned the Fortress of Solitude against you, and even used K-Kryptonite on you." Lena held back a sob that wanted to claw itself out from her throat.

She wouldn't break now.

"And then, despite realizing that you were in danger, I failed to save you….And in the end, to my absolute horror, I had succeeded. I had buried your light and bathed you in the same darkness I submitted to long ago…." Lena paused and shut her eyes, trying to keep her emotions in check.

"All of my life I wanted to do good, but in the end, I had become worst than Lillian and Lex," Lena gasped out. "I thoroughly violated you in every single way imaginable before I ended your life, and no apology in this world, or the next, could ever make up for what I did."

Lena looked back at the casket, and with a tearful smile, she said, "B-But I know what will…."

"I'm leaving Kara," Lena softly announced as she looked outside the window. "O-Once I leave here; I will be going to a place where the sun will never reach. Where only the cold will reign due to my heinous betrayal. I know that this will hurt you but believe me, it's better this way…."

Lena found herself admiring the sunset, unable to stop the soft sob from leaving her lips. She never took the time to view the sunset before, but today was different. This was the first sunset she would ever see in National City, and sadly, it would be her last one as well.

"It's funny," Lena tearfully murmured. "After being friends for so long, this is the first sunset we've ever watched together. And now," Lena stopped to wipe the tears from her eyes. "All I want to do now is watch another sunset with you."

Lena sniffled as she leaned down and allowed her forehead to touch the casket and whispered, "Kara….The time that I was able to spend with you was like memories of pure light…."

Slowly, her lips pressed against the House of El crest.

Hesitantly, Lena pulled away and whispered, "Thank you….For everything…."

After several hours in flight, Lena stood in front of her biological mother's home in Newfoundland. It was a house on top of a large hill that overlooked the city.

After searching through her father's notes regarding her mother nearly a year ago, she purchased her old home.

Thankfully, there were no other houses around it, and that made Lena smile.

She didn't need anyone around coming to look for her.

Not anymore.

Lena walked up to the door, unlocked it, and then walked inside and was met with an empty living room with a wooden ceiling fan. Lena pulled out her cell phone and dialed a number. After a few rings, Sam's voice asked, "How was the flight? You land okay?"

"Yeah, I did…." Lena answered. "Sam, can you do me a huge favor?"

"Aren't I doing that already by taking over L-Corp until you come back?" Sam asked.

"You are, but I need a bigger one," Lena said. "Can you please tell Ruby that I love her for me? Please?"

Sam was quiet for a moment before slowly replying, "Of course, I can. You sound off. What's wrong?"

"Thank you, Sam. For everything," Lena softly said before she hung up. She grabbed the battery from her phone and took it out before tossing it and its battery to the side.

Lena discarded her coat, revealing her black long-sleeved button-down shirt that was hidden beneath a black suit vest, her black slacks, black leather dress shoes, and a black tie.

Lena walked through the living room and into the kitchen, where a paint-splattered step ladder sat leaning against the wall. Lena grabbed the step ladder, carried it to the living room, and positioned it beneath the ceiling fan.

Lena was oddly calm as she walked outside her birth mother's home and approached her rental car. She opened its door and pulled out a medium-length rope. She held it in her hand for a moment and looked back at the house.

With a sad smile, she walked back into the house and walked up the step-ladder. She tied the end of the rope to the ceiling fan blade before slowly creating a noose.

After her mother's drowning, Lena never understood why her father had drunk himself to death. But as she placed the noose around her neck, she understood why now.

He had lost the love of his life and couldn't go on, just like Lena has now.

"Like father, like daughter, I suppose…." Lena whispered as she stared at the noose, tears falling down her pale cheeks.

"I'm sorry, Kara…." Lena whispered as she slipped the noose over her head.

And with tears in her eyes, she kicked the ladder away….

Lena was awoken by someone humming outside of her room. Lena turned in her bed and realized that Kara was not beside her. Lena and Kara had gone on a ladies' night out with Alex, Nia, and Kelly, and while Lena remained sober, the other ladies wound up drinking, leaving them all pretty drunk.

Lena thought that Kara would have been in a deep sleep due to the sleepless nights she'd been having, which caused the ladies' night to happen, but she thought wrong. Lena paused as she heard the words. The humming had turned into soft singing.

"BirdsIn the sky…."CarryThese words for me…."

Worry overcame her exhausted state as Lena climbed out of bed and shuffled herself to the living room of her penthouse to the balcony doors, where she saw Kara leaning on the balcony's railing, singing to herself.

"LifeTasted sweetIt let me liveLet me breathe…."

Lena opened her balcony doors, walked into the cool fall air, and stood behind Kara. "What are you doing out here at this time of night?"

Kara jumped with a startled gasp and turned around, a deep blush on her face. "L-Lena! I wasn't expecting you to wake up."

Lena gave the woman a slight grin and said, "Well, surprise, you did."

"I am so sorry for waking you up," Kara apologized. "I-I just came out here to think and sing to myself."

"That tune is beautiful," Lena told her. "It sounded somber but sweet as well."

Kara gave her a small smile and glanced at the moon above. "That seems to be my life. sweet but forever somber…." Kara told her with a soft tone, but Lena could hear the subtle sadness in her voice as well.

"Kara, are you okay?" Lena asked as she placed a hand on her friend's forearm.

Kara looked at Lena's hand, then to her face, and replied, "When I close my eyes, I dream of a place of snow, a starry night, and birds flying above me…." Kara looked back at the sky and said, "Then, I see their faces. All of the people I've left behind, My father, my friends, my home….They're all standing there at Elysium's gates. They're waiting for me. They say, 'Welcome home.'"

A concerned Lena watched as Kara lowered her head, then looked at her again and whispered, "I don't know what the future holds, Lena…But whatever happens, know that the time I was able to spend with you...It was like memories of pure light."

Lena was taken aback by Kara's words, and before Lena could speak, Kara's lips were against hers.

Twenty-Four hours later, Kara would not remember their conversation, Lex would attack, and Lena would find out that everything was a lie.

Lena's eyes snapped open and she found herself staring at a dark sky, her body laying in a large amount of snow as pure snow was fell from the sky, causing the snow to have a glittering effect thanks to the moon's light reflecting off of it.

That memory....Why did that memory haunt her so? Why did she even dream it? Shouldn't she be in Hell for taking the light away from her world?  
Where was she anyways? The last thing she remembered was being in her mother's old home, the thick and sand-colored rope around her neck. But now, she was laying in the snow, with snowflakes floating around her body.
As Lena looked around, she quickly realized that she recognized this place.

It was the base of Mount Norquay....

Was this Hell after all?

Lena then heard a voice that she had longed to hear singing against the breeze that swept around her.

"LoveHurts so badBut stillSaved my soul…."

"K-Kara?" Lena breathed out as she stood from the snowy ground. She looked around  for a moment, unable to find where the voice was coming from until she spotted her.

"FlowersOf a brighter pastThey bloomed so freeBeneath the sun…."

With her back turned to Lena was a woman wearing a long white gown that swayed in the gentle breeze, along with her blonde hair.

"MemoriesI want to give them to youSo you can seeWhat we left there…."
The singing continued as Lena stepped out into the snowy area and slowly approached the woman. Without warning, a crystal-like barrier appeared, stopping her progress before vanishing into thin air."What the hell?" Lena questioned as she reached forward, only for the border to become visible beneath her touch. "What is this?" Lena asked before she started banging at the barrier. "Kara? Kara!" Lena screamed as the singing continued.
"When all hope bleeds outWhat remains is doubtI should have left it all for youFor tomorrow…."

Lena pounded against the barrier using more of her strength, but not a crack formed. All the while, the somber singing echoed around her.

"As your time draws nearWill you live in fear?"

"What is going on? Why can't I free you?!" Lena cried as she wailed against the barrier with all of her might.

"Could have left it all for youBut we let go.…."

Lena went to bang on the wall again, but she felt her body jerk back from the wall. Lena opened her mouth to say the woman's name again when she was suddenly yanked through the snow. She looked back to see a blinding white light rapidly approaching.

She turned back and saw Kara's body fading and screamed, "Kara!"
Lena gasped as she rose out of her, her irises trembling as she panted in the medical wing of the DEO. Those nightmares…No.Those visions from that other Lena Luthor. The one that her mother had warned her about. There was so much misery and sorrow from those memories. To think she was driven to such a state. But Lena couldn't help but not feel too bad about what she went through.That other Lena had chosen to betray her Kara and cause her death. She deserved the lonely existence and end that happened because of her choices.She would not allow her and her super to suffer because of another Lena's decision. Lena slinked out of the sunbed and carefully approached the sunbed she knew that her super occupied. Gently, she placed a hand on Supergirl's forehead, and for a moment, she felt her heart squeeze.How could anyone want to kill someone as beautiful as her? "Flamebird?" Supergirl's exhausted voice whispered from beneath her. Lena stared down at her rival and saw that her eyes were half open. "W-Where are–""Don't speak, My Super," Lena whispered as she knelt beside the bed. Slowly, she lifted Supergirl's hand and kissed the back of her hand. "We're at the DEO. Skarlet was defeated and apprehended. But all of that can wait." Lena lifted her hand and gently caressed Supergirl's cheek, causing the woman to close her eyes and lean into her touch, causing Lena's heartbeat to increase in speed. "Rest…." Lena urged. "I'll be here when wake up…."Supergirl gave a small smile and whispered, "Is that a promise, My Flame?""I promise…" Lena confirmed. "And we both know that I would never break a promise. Especially not any given to you, My Super...."Supergirl gave her a heartwarming smile and fell back asleep, leaving Lena the only one awake in the medical wing, with her enemy's hand in hers. Lena hesitated for a moment and then leaned down to press a kiss to Supergirl's forehead. "I refuse to allow her to take you from me," Lena swore to herself in a hushed tone, the visions of the Other Lena sitting heavily on her mind. "Even if that means breaking this world and everything in it, you will remain by my side, Kara Zor-El. Always."

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

"What do you mean she destroyed Myriad?!"Jess frowned to herself as she remained kneeling at her master's throne. "Exactly as I said, Lady Zor-El. She destroyed it. She cast it away into the Phantom Zone using one of Lex's machines after she became a Green Lantern," Jess explained. "She said she never wanted to see it again. Never wanted to be tempted by it…."Jess could feel her master's anger coming off of her in waves. Around her, she heard the murmured whispers of concern from the other Red Lanterns. Thanks to Lady Zor-El's ring, all of the Red Lanterns regained their senses, leaving them able to control their rage and use it to further empower them instead of being driven by them.Jess then looked up at Supergirl and said, "If I had known that I would have joined you, I would have tried harder to conv—""You didn't know," Lady Zor-El gently told her, stopping her with a lift of her hand. "Luthor-Bethgr did what she was right and once again, is a thorn in my side." Jess noticed the tenderness in her master's voice, despite the setback. "No matter," Lady Zor-El continued as she stood from her throne.The moment she did, every Red Lantern kneeled, including Lucy and Maggie, who stood at the sides of Lady Zor-El's throne while Jess remained kneeling. Lady Zor-El stepped down from her throne, placed a hand on Jess' shoulder, and said, "Thank you for relaying this information to me. It was more than valuable.""My Lady," Jess whispered as she bowed her head."Continue to spy on the DEO," Lady Zor-El instructed. "We must know if they find the Phantom Ring. Lucy?""Lady Zor-El?" Lucy questioned."Return to Earth and resume breaking Lillian Luthor," Lady Zor-El instructed. "I will need her resources of Cadmus for my plans.""And what of you?" Lucy questioned.Jess looked up to see Lady Zor-El's eyes glowing with that familiar Ruby Light. "I have my ways of getting what I want. And Myriad is something my plan needs," Lady Zor-El answered as a smirk formed on her face. "And I have the perfect way of retrieving it. Come, Jess…."Alex stared at the lantern ring that was affixed to her right ring finger. All of her life, she wanted to have the powers that Kara had. To be able to be the hero she was. And even though it comes with a heavy burden, she had succeeded.Now, she wished had never thought of her wish."Are you alright?" Lena asked."I wish I could say "Yeah" but I'm not," Alex softly answered. "My dream finally came true….But it's at the cost of this mission….""It's a heavy toll, I know," Lena sympathized. "I'm sorry.""Why are you sorry?" Alex asked her."All of this," Lena started. "Every last bit of it is my fault. If I had just been an adult and talked to her about my feelings. If I had….If I hadn't been such a vindictive and spiteful person, Kara would still be Kara.""Lena, listen," Alex began as she placed a hand on Lena's shoulder as the other woman bowed her head. "When you said something similar to this after you fought Kara the first time, I agreed. But I've been thinking about it a lot more. And in a way, you're right. A part of this is your fault. But it's also equally Kara's fault."Lena lifted her head to dispute this but Alex stopped her before she could speak. "She could have also been an adult and told you the truth instead of gaslighting you. And that's what she did. She could have told you at any point in time that she was Supergirl, despite whatever objections J'onn and I could have made. But Kara let her fear of losing you get in the way. Especially after the whole Kryptonite thing."Alex then took a breath and said, "Kara has this problem, Lena. She's afraid of losing the thing she cares about. It's her….crutch due to Krypton exploding. The minute she meets someone and cares for them, she clings so hard to keep it. And at any moment she finds herself losing it, she does everything she can to keep them. When you and Supergirl had that argument, she told me that she knew it was only a matter of time before you two fell apart. So she made Supergirl as cold and firm with you to allow you to hate her instead of being honest.""But was she wrong for her fears?" Lena whispered. "She told you about those visions, right? The ones that the imp showed her?""She did," Alex replied."I took it poorly every single time, Alex. And the one time I didn't, everyone was killed," Lena recounted. "And hell, we still wound up as enemies when she never came into my life. Me being who I am always led to despair for us….Now, we're just another cautionary tale for another Lena and Kara to d-discover…."Lena took a shuddered breath and stared down at her Sapphire Ring and whispered, "There was never any hope for us to just be happy, was there?"Alex had never seen Lena so raw and vulnerable before and on many levels, it made her heart hurt at the sight. Without thinking about it, Alex wrapped an arm around Lena's shoulders and pulled her close, allowing Lena to rest her head on her shoulder.Alex could feel Lena's body trembling against hers as the Green Lantern struggled to hold back tears.Alex turned her head and kissed Lena on the top of her head and whispered, "It'll be alright, Lena. We'll find a way to bring a happy ending to all of this. I promise…."The elevator doors opened to Lena's workshop on Mount Norquay and bowed as Lady Zor-El walked inside with a strange device in her hand. "So, this is where the magic happens." Lady Zor-El said as Jess followed her into the large room, the elevator closing behind her."Yes. This is where she often tests her new machinery," Jess answered.Kara looked around and asked, "Didn't Lena have an AI here?""She did. The AI's name was Hope. She currently inhabits the body of Eve Teschmacher," Jess explained."Of course. Luthor-Bethgr thinks like a true Kryptonian. Myriad on a small scale," Lady Zor-El fondly chuckled. "Well, I can't say she didn't deserve it, especially considering my own plans." Lady Zor-El tossed the device into the air and then caught it. "Jess, do you know what this is?""I do not," Jess truthfully answered."Interdimensional extrapolator," Lady Zor-El answered. "This instrument allows the user to open breaches; either to move between different universes or to allow instant transportation between different locations within the same universe."Jess's eyes widened in surprise at this. "That's amazing. Lena was only able to create something similar but that could only go to various places on Earth," Jess told her."Once again, I am impressed by her," Lady Zor-El murmured. "Well, the reason we are here is because I need to work on this. The only universe I can go to is Earth-1, which is something I don't need to do. I need to unlock the full power to go any universe I please to retrieve Myriad."Jess nodded and watched as her master walked to one of Lena's workshop tables. Lady Zor-El set the device on the table and asked, "Did you know that when I was younger on my homeworld that I was a part of the Science Guild?""I did not, Lady Zor-El," Jess told her."I was the youngest member," Lady Zor-El explained as she began to work on the device. "When I was younger, I wanted to be the one to enlighten Earth with the technological wonders of my planet and continue to be what I wanted to be. But Kal-El and the Danvers talked me down from it. They wanted me to just play human. I had fun being Kara Danvers but I always wanted to do more, be more…And now, I have that chance."Jess remained silent as she absorbed Lady Zor-El's words and she couldn't help but understand. All of her life, Jess was stuck with powers she didn't understand nor want and was forced to hold herself back until she finally snapped and told Lena about her past."I'm sorry," Jess sincerely whispered. "I know how hard that can be…""I know you do," Lady Zor-El replied. "The minute I saw your past, I realized we are kindred spirits, Jessica Drew. That's why I wanted you to be the bearer of my ring." Lady Zor-El stopped for a moment, looked back at the woman, and smiled. "We've outgrown the need to be human."Jess nodded and felt herself smiling back with pride. "We have," She replied.After a few minutes, Lady Zor-El let out a satisfied sigh. "Finished. Now, the multiverse is at the tip of my fingers…." She whispered as she held the device in her left hand. "Come, let us take you back to National City.""Must I return there, Lady Zor-El?" Jess asked as her master approached her. "Is there any chance I can remain with you?"Lady Zor-El gave her a sincere smile and caressed her cheek, which Jess leaned into. "I wish that I could be you have an important mission. And that is to spy on the DEO….And bring Nia Nal to my side….I can't have that stopped. Even if I wanted someone to join me on my quest.""I understand, My Lady," Jess softly said. "Then…I will complete this mission so your plans come to fruition."Lady Zor-El leaned down and placed a kiss on Jess' forehead and whispered, "I know you'll make me proud, Jessica…." Jess closed her eyes, savoring the affection from her master as she heard a portal open from behind her. "Good luck," Lady Zor-El whispered.Jess took a step back into the portal and gave a smile to her master before it closed, leaving her in her National City apartment.
'Good luck, Lady Zor-El…."
Lena gasped as she rose out of her, her irises trembling as she panted in the medical wing of the DEO. Those nightmares…No.Those visions from that other Lena Luthor. The one that her mother had warned her about. There was so much misery and sorrow from those memories. To think she was driven to such a state. But Lena couldn't help but not feel too bad about what she went through.That other Lena had chosen to betray her Kara and cause her death. She deserved the lonely existence and end that happened because of her choices.She would not allow her and her super to suffer because of another Lena's decision. Lena slinked out of the sunbed and carefully approached the sunbed she knew that her super occupied. Gently, she placed a hand on Supergirl's forehead, and for a moment, she felt her heart squeeze.How could anyone want to kill someone as beautiful as her? "Flamebird?" Supergirl's exhausted voice whispered from beneath her. Lena stared down at her rival and saw that her eyes were half open."Don't speak, My Super," Lena whispered as she knelt beside the bed. Slowly, she lifted Supergirl's hand and kissed the back of her hand. "Rest….I'll be here when wake up…."Supergirl gave a small smile and whispered, "Promise?""I promise…" Lena confirmed. "And we both know that I would never break a promise. Not to my sworn enemy."Supergirl gave her a heartwarming smile and fell back asleep, leaving Lena the only one awake in the medical wing, with her enemy's hand in hers."I refuse to allow her to take you from me," Lena swore to herself as anger from the visions she received in her sleep sat heavily on her mind. "Even if that means breaking this world and everything in it, you will remain by my side, Kara Zor-El. Always."Lena stood as thunder rumbled above National City."That's weird," Lena said. "It wasn't supposed to rain today…."The doors to the Med-Bay opened and Winn said, "Oh, thank god. One of you is awake.""Winn, what is the matter?" Lena asked."You are not going to believe this but….I can't explain it but this thunderstorm just started and there is red lightning coming out from the sky," Winn told her. "I know technically you're the enemy here, but I don't trust whatever is going on…."Lena nodded and said, "Then let's see what's going on."Winn nodded and Lena began to walk away. She paused and then looked back at her Super. "Rest well, Supergirl. I'll be back before long…." Lena promised and then walked out the door.Lena quickly walked down the hall with Winn by her side and stepped into the DEO, where J'onn, Astra, Sam, Alex, Maggie, and Jess stood watching a large screen.And on that screen floated….Supergirl?Her attire was much different but it was her, Lena could see it. "What the hell are we looking at?" Lena asked as she joined the group."Attention Earth-39! I have graced this world with my beauty and magnificence. Now venerate the noblest, the most splendid, the supremely powerful, and the future Empress of eternal order, The Empress of the Ruby Throne, Kara Zor-El!"

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

"Another Kara? And she seems to be under the effects of red kryptonite," Alex said.J'onn shook his head and said, "This is not Red Kryptonite. No, this is worse. Winn, zoom in on her hands. I pray this is not what it could be."Winn nodded and followed J'onn's instructions, only for J'onn to double over in despair when the sight of a red ring appeared. "That is unfortunate," Astra whispered. "How could this have happened?""Hey, we have questions!" Alex exclaimed. "What are we looking at?""Kara, that Kara, has a Red Ring, from the Red Lantern Corp," J'onn answered. "You could say that it's worst than her being on Red Kryptonite.""Judging by both of your reactions? I agree," Lena said. "Stay here, I will see what she wants.""That's not a good idea," J'onn responded with an arm raised to her. "Your body is still recovering from what happened with Skarlet. I will see what she needs.""We both will," Astra corrected. "Something about her…The way she uses the Zor-El name, it has made me….curious.""Let them go. You are nowhere near ready to fight again. It's only been a day since your fight," Alex told Lena."Yeah, she's right, you're still wounded," Jess told her. "Remain here, please."Lena frowned but nodded. She would remain here. But if anything should happen, she would step in and battle this invader.It was ironic in a way.She already had another Lena Luthor in this world, and now another Kara Zor-El? What was their world? A multiverse hub?"Well, we should go," Astra told J'onn, who nodded and for the first time, Lena watched as the man revealed his true form, as a Martian and it made her double back in surprise."Good luck out there, Papa J'onn," Alex said. "And you too, Astra."J'onn ruffled Alex's hair and together, the two flew off."They are going to destroy the city, aren't they?" Maggie sighed.Lena blinked at the sight of Maggie and turned to Alex and Sam with a questioning look. "Skarlet," Sam answered. "She's visiting Skarlet again."Lena blinked.It has been the weirdest day."You guys are back!" Nia exclaimed as Lena, Alex, and Hal stepped into the DEO."And not a moment too soon," Jessica Cruz said. "Because we have a guest here and something is going on."Lena and Alex exchanged a look before they followed Jessica and Nia to the main area of the DEO, where a familiar face greeted Alex. Cisco Ramon of Earth-One stood conversing with Sojourner, both of them wearing pensive expressions."Who is that?" Lena asked."Cisco Ramon of Earth-One," Alex answered as the two approached them. "A friend of the family and a member of their hero group, Team Flash.""Earth-One?" Lena asked. "Okay, Multiverse is confirmed. Today has been a weird day.""You're telling me," Alex agreed.Cisco turned his head and said, "Alex! Been awhile!""Cisco," Alex greeted as the two briefly embraced. "What are you doing here?""Okay, I was keeping an eye on things with the transporter we gifted you and Kara when I noticed that one of the two changed," Cisco explained. "All of a sudden, something….Abnormal passed through it.""Abnormal?" Alex asked."It felt like Kara's DNA signature but supped up, pardon the pun," Cisco grinned. "It went to an Earth-39. I figured I'd come over to see if anyone knew why.""Earth-39?" Alex murmured. "Why would she go to a different Earth?""For nothing good, I can say that much," Lena replied. "Is there any way we can get there? This is urgent.""I mean, yeah," Cisco replied. "If Alex has her transporter, we can definitely alter hers.""Why do you even have one of those, Alex?" Nia asked.Alex flushed and muttered something under her breath."She had a brief fling with White Canary," Cisco explained, only for Alex to slug him in the arm. "What? It's true?!""We'll need that as quickly as possible," Lena said. "There is no telling what chaos Kara is causing over there.""What exactly is going on?" Cisco questioned."It's not anything we need others to handle," Alex told him. "For now at least. I'll go grab my transporter."Astra and J'onn flew side by side as they approached the Red Lantern, both of them wearing looks of apprehension on their faces.Each of them had experiences with Red Lantern that left both of them scarred. Astra during her battle against the Kree, and J'onn dealing with his brother after the slaughter of their race.And neither had been good.But for Kara to have it, this was something even more dangerous.They had to be careful…"Well, this wasn't a sight I was expecting," Kara voiced once the two floated before her. "J'onn…Aiahv (Aunt)…."Astra and J'onn could hear Kara choke up at the sight of Astra."Lady Zor-El," Astra greeted. "For me, it was only moments since I last saw you. But I'm guessing it's different for you?""You died in my universe at the hands of my sister to save J'onn," The Red Lantern explained. "It's been five years since I last saw you alive….It seems where she died, you thrived here.""It must be painful for you, Niavi (Niece)," Astra told her."It is, but it is quickly passing," Kara answered. "Aiahv, your plan with Myriad, I have found a way to perfect it. But in my world, it has been destroyed by Luthor-Bethgr. And I require it for my world.""What?" J'onn whispered in disbelief.Astra seemed thunderstruck by this as well."Lady Zor-El," Astra spoke before J'onn could. "Listen…My Niavi of this world convinced me of its flaws. She told me how it would only rob the world of its will. If you're anything like her, you would have tried to convince me of this as well.""The Kara of this world sounds as naïve as I was a few years ago," Kara explained. "Your plan was perfect but it was flawed in the sense that you didn't have enough power to beat her into submission and convert her to your side.""Kara," J'onn spoke. "What has that ring done to you?""This ring has liberated me," Kara answered as she looked at J'onn. "It has shown me what the Astra in my world was trying to accomplish. J'onn, In my world, you are a father to me and Alex, as am sure that you are here to this Earth's Kara and Alex. Because of that, I want to resolve this as amicably as possible."Kara then turned to Astra and implored, "Give me myriad so I can complete what you fought and died for, Aiahv. Sokao (Please)? I do not want to rob this Earth of either of you….""Do you think you are that strong?" Astra asked. "To defeat us both at the same time?""I know that I am," Kara stated.Astra and J'onn exchanged a look.The way the Red Lantern spoke, she didn't answer with bravado or confidence. She stated it as a simple fact. And that unnerved both of them. "And if we do, what will you do?" J'onn asked.Kara turned her attention to J'onn and answered, "I will use Myriad to wipe humanity of their emotions. No longer will they use them as a crutch for war, genocide, and betrayal. No longer will anyone be able to manipulate the emotions of others to get their way. No longer will the world be blind to the chaos it brings…."Kara looked at Astra and continued, "Once emotions are out of the picture, I will lead my Earth to a golden era. Where science and logic rule above all. Where order reigns supreme, and with the Myriad, my ring, and the Phantom Ring which I will gain, no one will stand against me and my army of Red Lanterns. And when Earth is conquered, the universe will bend to my will as well. When I am done, the universe will wear my family's crest. And they will wear it with pride, as I do.""I don't want to kill anyone," Kara said as she looked back at J'onn. "I want peace and love for my Earth. Is that so wrong?""When you're robbing the will of others….It is," J'onn answered. "And as I told Astra, I cannot allow that to pass. Not in this world, and not in yours…I'm sorry, Kara."Kara sighed and turned to Astra. "And you, Aiahv?"Astra looked at J'onn and said, "I am in agreeance with J'onn. I've lived in a world of logic over emotion, and that led to the destruction of Krypton. The world and those that live in it, Humans, Martians, Kryptonians, and more, thrive off of emotions….One without the other would only make things worse."Kara sighed and shook her head. "Alright….I tried." Without hesitation, Kara landed a brutal left hook to J'onn, which sent him shooting down to the city below.Instantly enraged, Astra immediately threw a punch but Kara whipped her left arm back to catch the fist. "Oh…I see…You have been taken by the tuv zrhueiao fazhur (The Alluring conflict)," Kara commented with delight, her blue eyes turning ruby red. "And isn't that's interesting. You've claimed J'onn as yours? A pity you won't get to resolve those feelings!" Kara responded with a hard blow to Astra's stomach with her ring hand, causing Astra to hunch forward from the blow."Fahrosh vav tiv Eilicry Zil ((Fall into the Eternal Night): Astra In-Ze," Kara whispered. Astra then felt heat form against her stomach before a burst of energy from the ring fired through her body. Astra lost her breath. "Or should I say, Fall back into the Eternal Night?" Kara taunted.She released Astra's hand, moved back, and then performed an ax kick that send Astra falling toward a building, but J'onn flew from her left, grabbed Astra, and dashed through the air.Lady Zor-El watched as J'onn and Astra fly off and sighed as her domino mask appeared on her face with a flourish of ruby light. "Well, that's a sight. My J'onn would never save her in that way. Seems I'm going on a hunt."Lady Zor-El formed a toothy smirk, revealing her sharp canines. "Run if you can, J'onn Jonzz, Astra In-Ze! I will get Myriad!" Lady Zor-El roared as ruby energy flowed around her body. "Even if I have to destroy this world to get it!"Lady Zor-El flew back and flew after them.Jess walked into the DEO with her mind in conflict.Her Lady was on another Earth to retrieve Myriad and she didn't know if she was safe. But, she had a mission and she was going to complete it. Sway Nia Nal to her side and spy on the DEO to find the location of the Phantom Ring.When she entered the main command center and noticed an unfamiliar man strolling up to Lena and Alex with a device Jess had seen Lady Zor-El held, an Interdimensional extrapolator. Jess stopped and moved to keep herself hidden. "And it's done. You'll be able to get to Earth-39 with this," The man said."Thanks, Cisco," Alex replied. "You better get back to your world. I'm sure Barry needs you.""He does. Savatar has been such a pain, Barry went back in time to get Snart's help to save Iris. Good luck with whatever is going on," The man, Cisco, replied before a portal opened behind him and he walked out."Alright…" Lena said. "To Earth-39's DEO?""Let's do it. Let's just hope nothing bad happens once we get there," Alex confirmed.Alex clicked a button and another portal opened behind them. Alex then turned to Jessica Cruz and Nia and told them, "Keep the fort down while we're gone.""You can count on us!" Nia saluted. "Bring her home…."Lena and Alex nodded and stepped through the portal, which closed behind them."Damn it," Jess muttered.Lady Zor-El was going to need help.But how?Before Jess could do anything more, the roof exploded above them and Superman flew down. "Is Kara here?" Superman asked.Jess narrowed her eyes as Nia answered, "Um…She's currently indisposed. What can we help you with, Superman?""Well…" Jess watched as Superman's eyes landed on Jessica and said, "A Green Lantern! This is actually perfect!""it is?" Jessica asked."Considering a Guardian of Oa showed up at my home carrying this object I know nothing about? Yes, this is perfect. He needs help and since Kara's not here, you're the best bet."Jessica and Nia gasped while Jess' eyes widened."Nia! Inform Sojourner that Superman and I are going to Metropolis. Rami and the Phantom Ring has been found!" Jessica announced as she opened a portal with her lantern ring. "Let's Superman. There's no time to waste!"Superman nodded and the two stepped into the portal while Nia ran off.Jess had to get to Lucy.She knew where the Phantom Ring was!"Okay, I've seen enough," Lena said as she pressed a button on her watch, causing the various nanobots to swarm her body to complete her Flamebird suit."Lena, you need to stay here," Jess urged. "Your suit and your body are not ready!""That Kara is going to kill them," Lena remarked. "And Look at Alex's face. She looks terrified for them and I cannot express enough that I will not allow My Super to wake up to them dead and this world devastated by her alternate's hands! She has to be stopped."Lena's mask formed on her face and she immediately blasted off, causing a hole through the roof."Shit…" Jess whispered with worry."This is going to get so much worst before it gets better, isn't it?" Maggie whispered.A portal opened behind the group, prompting them to turn around, only to gasp as Lena and Alex stepped through it."Yep, this is not going to end well," Winn muttered.

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Hello-Hello!This is your cutie grim reaper here with an announcement. You know, There has been a long line of AO3 cursed updates and I always laughed at them, thinking I would never be the one to add to that illustrious list.I was wrong.Thanks to my lovely girlfriend's assistance, I can announce that I am out of the hospital and safely situated with my brother! The good news is that I will recover from my body meeting one of those wheelchair buses the hard way. Bad news, is it will take a long time for me to recover. With that said, I hate to put this on hiatus for a while but while I love my twin, this fic is my baby and unless everyone feels different, I do NOT want him touching my baby. So, until I get use of my arms, I love you all and see you all later!

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Good Afternoon (or morning/Night depending on where you are),This is such an awkward thing to do but I'm Vel (Fake name ofc) and I'm Violet's SO. TL:DR, Girlfriend (Who has been healing and going through physical therapy) since being the latest victim of the Ao3 curse, was threatened with being doxxed due to false accusations of being a pro-shipper swore off writing not only fanfics, but her own books, for good due to the accumulative trauma of injury and threats.After waffling for a while and getting her blessing, I've decided to take on her works. Her sibling warned me to at least make a chapter and stick this at the bottom of it but I felt it dishonest to post like I'm her when I am not. Updates will be slow as I work fulltime but I promise to continue some of her works until completion. Thank you all so much!Vel.