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mischiefandspirits · 3 years ago

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Bernard Figures It Out

Was reading through all the comments on @frostbittenbucky's post and all I could think of was that it was Bernard talking to Tim. Then I got to thinking...

"I've connected the two dots."

"You didn't connect shit."

"I've connected them."

Bernard figures out Tim's a superhero... sort of.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tim fidgetted nervously as he waited on the front porch of his boyfriend’s house. Bernard had sounded so serious when he’d called during Tim’s lunch to ask him to come over after work so they could talk about something.

Which Tim had done, after spending an entire board meeting just going over the past week trying to figure out what he’d done.

The only thing he could think of was that he’d ducked out halfway through their lunch date on Wednesday to give Duke some backup, but Bernard had seemed understanding when Tim explained there was an emergency at GRC Labs. It couldn’t have been a tipping point, either, since Tim had managed to only flake on three other dates over the past few months they’d been dating. Kate had been happy to cover for him as often as she could “out of queer solidarity” when she found out Tim was dating a boy for the first time and Tim had managed to trick Bruce into covering a few actual Wayne Enterprises emergencies for him when they came up.

There had to be a reason Bernard was breaking up with him, though. Had he missed something? He definitely wasn’t forgetting an important day. He was good with days and Tam was even better, so she would have reminded him on the off chance that he had forgotten.

What was he missing?

Bernard was smiling when he opened the door, but there was a nervous energy to it that had Tim’s stomach sinking. “Hey, Tim.”

“Hey.” Tim gave his own nervous smile then slipped inside.

They went into the living room and sat down on the couch.

Tim frowned when Bernard grabbed a manila folder off the coffee table. Crud, had he screwed up enough that Bernard had had to make a list? He knew he was new to dating a guy, but he hadn’t thought he’d done that bad. He’d really been trying, especially with how his and Stephanie’s relationship had fallen apart at the end. “What -”

“Just let me speak, Tim,” Bernard said, waiting for Tim’s nod. “Okay, so you know Clark Kent, right?”

Tim blinked as Bernard opened the folder to show a picture of Clark. It looked like one of the employee pictures from the Planet’s website, with his dorky “I’m just a humble country boy” smile and the golden globe from their roof photoshopped in as the background. “Uh, yeah? I think so. He works for the Daily Planet, right? I think he’s worked at a few of Bruce’s events. Not a lot of outside reporters are willing to come to Gotham.”

“Exactly!” Bernard said, snapping his fingers and pointing at Tim.

“What?”

He pulled out the picture to show the next page was an article titled, “DAILY PLANET REPORTER… BATMAN!?”

A wave of relief washed over Tim and he placed his face in his hands. “Were you up all night on the hero conspiracy boards again?”

“No. I mean, I found this on a board and was up all night thinking about it, but I found it reasonably early.”

“One in the morning isn’t reasonable, Bernard.”

“Says the guy who’s always wide awake when I call to infodump.”

“Touché.” Tim leaned against Bernard and gave him a smile. “So tell me, why is some reporter from Metropolis from all places Batman.”

“First of all, living in Metropolis is the perfect cover. Everyone assumes Batman would live in Gotham, no one would consider he could be from anywhere else. Metropolis is outside the GMA, but close enough that the commute is still possible.”

“But it’s Metropolis.”

“And who would think Gotham’s Dark Knight lives in the sunshine capital? Plus, I hear he disappears a lot on the job. There’s gotta be a reason for it!”

Tim made a note to let Clark know he needs to cut back on the disappearing act some since people are catching on.

“And have you seen the guy? He is swol AF, babe.”

“Please don’t call me babe while you’re talking about how hot another guy is.” Especially Tim’s honorary uncle.

“You know I prefer twinks.”

“BERNARD!”

“I’m just saying,” he continued, ignoring Tim’s shout. “The guy is definitely hiding something! Besides, Kent is an investigative reporter. He’s gotta know a lot about cases and the underground and detective work.”

Not as much as he likes people to think, but more than he likes people to know Superman does, Tim mused. “But what about the other vigilantes?”

“Well, Kent has a cousin…” Bernard flipped through a folder and pulled out a picture of Kara. It looked like a screenshot of her interviewing Lena for CatCo. “She’s obviously the latest Batgirl. Look at her hair. And the first Batgirl and the current Batwoman were obviously Lois Lane, the red hair is just a wig. Did you see how she kicked butt at that last event she went to? She’s not as subtle as Kent. That means their son is the latest Robin. He’s exactly the right size.”

Oh, Damian better not hear about this, Tim cackled internally. His youngest brother hated being reminded that Jon was the same height as him despite their two years age difference. Damian definitely took after Talia when it came to body type, no matter what he said.

“And Kent also has a brother.” This time he pulled out a picture of Kon. The clone must have been caught by a reporter out shopping with Ma since he was carrying some paper bags and glaring at whoever was behind the camera. “At least, he’s supposedly Kent’s brother, but he was a teenager when he first showed up with the Kents. A lot of people think he’s actually Kent’s son, that Kent got a girl pregnant when they were teenagers and something happened to the mom so Kent had to take him in. Now the Kents are trying to hide it by saying the two are brothers.”

That was… scarily accurate actually. Especially given Luthor and Clark were close friends at the time that Kon would have theoretically been born.

“And that beef would explain why the younger Kent brother went all crime lord on Gotham for a while before reconnecting with the family.”

“Wait, what?”

“Yeah, Kent Jr.’s got the perfect build for Red Hood.”

Tim bit back a comment on how Kon was shorter than Jason by a good foot. Timothy Drake-Wayne should not know that. Add Jason to the list of people who can’t hear this theory.

“And then there’s this girl,” Bernard picked up a picture of Lois, Jon, and Natasha Irons walking down the street together. “No one’s sure exactly who she is, but she’s been spotted with the Kents a few times. I think the cover story is that she’s Jon’s babysitter.”

“And the actual story?”

“She’s Black Bat, obviously. That’s why she wears a mask that fully covers her face. She doesn’t want to stand out as the only African American Bat.”

“Isn’t Signal also Black?”

“Yeah, but he works in the daytime so he’s already a standout.”

“And who is Signal in this? And what about Nightwing and Red Robin?”

“Well, Nightwing’s just a Blüd who came to Gotham. He doesn’t count.”

Ouch. Sorry, Dick.

“And Red Robin is obviously an older Robin, the one who was Robin when we were kids. Kent wanted to keep him on, and I don’t blame him. As for Signal, he’s got the same backstory as all the other Robins Kent picked up, he just went the Signal route because he didn’t fit the usual Robin mold.”

“Because the female Robin fit the mold,” Tim snorted. Robin Mold, as if he and his brothers were even the same ethnicity. Or even had the same hair color. Jason dyes his hair, Dick’s is brown-black, Tim’s is pure black, and Damian’s is more a dark brown and it’s only getting lighter as he gets older.

“She didn’t, that’s the point. Kent tried to give breaking the Robin mold a chance by letting his cousin have a go at it, but he realized it just didn’t work so she went back to being Spoiler and he got a new Robin.”

Not touching that with a ten-foot pole. “Right, and where does he get the usual Robins? Please tell me you’re not back on the secret government orphanages theory.”

“No, no, no. Kent travels sometimes for his job, right? And a lot of the time he’s going to places that have been hit by disasters or major crimes. So he’ll take in some of the displaced children to train as his robins.”

Tim pressed his face back into his hands.

“You see it, right?”

Honestly, Tim was just wondering how his boyfriend could be so close, and yet so far off. “How would Kent even afford taking care of a bunch of secret -- possibly illegally acquired -- children without anyone noticing?”

“Simple. Bruce Wayne is funding him.”

“Bernard, I love you, but what the heck?” Tim blushed and looked up as he realized what he’d said, but Bernard didn’t seem to notice as he steamrolled ahead.

“It’d also explain how he can afford all the gear and how he’d be able to travel to Gotham or anywhere else Batman goes without anyone noticing. He probably has a secret Batplane or something.”

“Why would Bruce do that?”

“Because Wayne cares about Gotham, everyone knows that, and this way he can make sure someone’s taking care of the city without anyone putting two and two together.”

“And two plus two is?”

Bernard gave him a hard look. “I’m not stupid, Tim. Bruce Wayne is obviously Superman. His face is right there.”

Oh, the others are going to love this! Too bad I can’t tell Damian or Jason. Jason especially would have loved this. “Right. Bruce is Superman.”

“He is. Superman is known for being nice and Bruce Wayne’s basically all that’s keeping the city running at this point. That’s nice as hell.”

Oh my god.

“And Wayne does charity for the victims of cataclysms, doesn't he? I bet he first saves people from them as Superman and then builds them new homes for free.”

Oh my god! Why am I not recording this!?

“And the Wayne’s were rich enough to hide the fact they adopted an alien baby.”

Tim raised an eyebrow. “If you’re about to tell me this is why Bruce’s parents got killed, you might want to stop while you’re ahead.”

“It’d make sense. There’re all sorts of unanswered questions about their deaths,” Bernard muttered under his breath, flipping through the folder. He pulled out another picture of Kara. This time she was in full Supergirl attire with a bus held overhead. “So if Wayne is Superman, then that’d mean your ex-girlfriend could be Supergirl. They look a lot alike and it’d explain how she got involved with you all.”

“Bernard, she has a human dad. You know, Cluemaster. The supervillain.”

“Yeah, her dad. But we don’t know anything about her mom!”

“Let me guess…”

Bernard pulled out a picture of Karen. She and Helena were suited up and talking to a group of cops, two goons held over each of Karen’s shoulders. “Her mom could be Power Girl! Some makeup and a wig and she could look just like Crystal Brown! And Damian Wayne is obviously the new Superboy! That’s why his background is such a mystery, right? He had to stay a secret until he could control his alien superpowers. That’s why he’s always so mean. It’s a cover since everyone knows Superboy is super sweet!”

Sure, when he’s not helping Damian pull pranks or using his adorable powers to put the blame on Kon and I. “No, Bernard. Damian and Steph are just very human hellspawn. And Bruce and Crystal are human too. I can’t believe you called me over here just to tell me you think Superman is both Batman’s sugar daddy and my adoptive dad.”

“Well, that’s not exactly why I called you over,” Bernard admitted, the nervous energy coming back. He grabbed Tim’s hands. “Tim -”

Tim’s stomach sank. “You are breaking up with me!”

“What? No! I don’t want to break up!”

“Why are you acting all nervous and serious then!?” Tim asked, pulling his hands away to throw them up in the air.

Bernard shook the folder. “Because I’m trying to tell you I figured out you’re Superboy!”

Tim’s brain blue-screened and his hands slowly dropped. “I’m sorry, what?”

“I know you’re Superboy. The older one, obviously. By the way, you and Damian really need to figure out separate names.”

Forget Jason and Damian, Kon can never find out about this. He’d never let me live it down. “Bernard, you called me a twink five minutes ago. Su-” Shoot, I can not risk getting Kon’s attention! “The older one might not be as big as Superman, but he’s not a twink.”

“Well, yeah, that’s the shapeshifting at work.”

“The what?”

“Obviously you Kryptonians can shapeshift. Why else would you look so much like humans?”

… Why do Kryptonians look so much like humans? Was there some - Wait, no! Break into the Fortress of Solitude for research later! Reassure your boyfriend that you’re not an alien now! “Bernard -”

“And that explains why your step-mom was so hot.”

“Gross.”

“She and your dad were actors hired by Luthor so you could have a normal life! But now Bruce has custody so he adopted you.”

“No.”

“That’s why you and your dad were so weird with each other when I met him.”

“We were weird because he’d just gotten out of a coma not long before to find that his wife was dead so he decided to actually be a dad for once in his life, but overcompensated and became a helicopter parent to a kid who was mostly on his own for his entire life!” Tim blurted out. “I am not an alien, Bernard!”

“Well, not technically since you were cloned from Superman on Earth.”

“Oh my god! You were just talking about Steph being Supergirl! Why would I date my dad’s cousin?”

Bernard blinked. “Supergirl and Superman are cousins?”

Right, Timothy Drake-Wayne wasn’t supposed to know that. “I thought they’d said something like that before, yeah. Are people seriously saying I’m Superboy on the internet?”

“NO! No, I swear I would have led with that if I thought your identity was compromised. A few people have mentioned Wayne and Damian, but not you or Steph or Jason.”

“Wh-Jason!? You think Jason was an alien too!”

“No, not exactly, but a few times when I’ve visited I swear I’ve seen a guy in the manor who looks like Jason. It’s just been out of the corner of my eye and he’s gone whenever I look so I’ve always thought it was just Dick or Bruce or some picture of Jason that my mind was playing tricks with, but it makes sense now that I know Wayne is Superman. He must have been able to heal Jason with alien tech, but couldn’t say anything because that would give away that he’s Superman.”

Damn it Jason! And damn it Bernard! I’m dating the smartest moron in the world! “Bruce did not bring Jason back with alien technology and none of us are aliens!”

“It’s okay, Tim. I won’t tell anyone.”

Tim grabbed Bernard by the jacket and pulled him into a kiss. When he started to feel lightheaded, he pulled back, “Could someone whose skin is as solid as stone kiss like that?”

Bernard blinked dazedly at him for a moment. “How do you know what Superboy’s skin feels like?”

Tim screamed internally. “He’s saved me from a kidnapping before.”

“Really?”

“Yes. I can get you the police report if you want.”

“Huh… And the others?”

“Not Supers. I can stab Damian the next time we’re at the manor if that’ll prove none of us are aliens.” He’d rather stab Jason, but that would probably only confirm to Bernard that Bruce used alien technology to bring him back.

“You probably shouldn’t stab your brother if he isn’t an alien.”

Tim rolled his eyes. “I won’t stab him anywhere deadly.”

“That’s not the point,” Bernard said slowly.

“He’ll be fine.”

“If you say so.”

“So do you believe I’m not an alien now?” Tim huffed, letting go of Bernard’s jacket.

The blond’s eyes dipped down to Tim’s lips. “If I say no, will you kiss me like that again?”

“You’re ridiculous,” Tim said, but he kissed him anyway.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Okay, but I still say Clark Kent is definitely Batman.”

“Sure, Bernard.”

#Tim Drake #robin #red robin #bernard dowd #timber #fanfiction

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captain-josslett · 4 years ago

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Broken Melody - Part One

Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four, Part Five, Part Six, Part Seven, Part Eight, Part Nine, Part Ten, Part Eleven,

Summary: Grammy Award winning Emma Danvers is the first to say she has a pretty good life. But what happens when it implodes around her and it looks like things will never be the same again?

Words: 10k+

Warnings: None... yet...

Pairings: Emma Danvers x Lena Luthor (Eventual)

Right! I wrote the beginning of this fic months ago. It’s going to get angsty so be ready. But the purpose of the first part is to introduce this version of B!D, a well known singer in a grammy award winning band. I honestly had a great time writing this first part!

Thank you for reading and let me know if you wanna be tagged or any general feedback will be greatly appreciated.

For @thewitchandtheassassin, @natasha-danvers, @life-is-hella-unfair, @finleyfray, @supergirl-writingz,

The screeching of Emma Danver’s alarm makes her hazel green eyes shoot open. Normally on a Saturday she wouldn’t have her alarm set and would laze in bed. Especially when she is home from her latest world tour. However, today was going to be a day filled with the Superfriends, and she can’t wait!

Emma had mentioned at the latest game night that she wanted to check out a beach over an hour away from the city and how they could make a day of it. Kara, her Supergirl sister, instantly accepted the idea while bouncing up and down with excitement. Mostly everyone else agreed, happy to know the summer sun would be in full force that day.

Well they still had to persuade a few people, mainly Lena and Alex. But when Emma and Kara both knelt in front of the women with their identical Danvers pouts they were forcibly won over.

Emma smiles as she stretches and runs her hands through her wavy blonde hair. She quickly gets out of bed and opens her curtains. Sighing happily and just enjoying the sunshine blazing into her penthouse bedroom. Emma can totally see how Kara gets her Supergirl powers from the sun, how it recharges her and makes her the Woman of Steel.

After a few more minutes Emma turns and grabs her phone. While making her way to her ensuite she messages the group chat.

Emma: Gooooooodd Mmmoooorrrrnnnniiiinnnngggg!!! How’s everyone? Seriously can’t wait for today!

After having a quick shower Emma wanders back into her room and decides what to wear. She puts on her turquoise surf bikini with her tight black surfing shorts. She wears her blue jean shorts over the top, and a white tank top. She finishes her outfit off with her many bracelets, her apple watch and a layered necklace that has a star, sun and swan pendant. Symbolising each of the Danvers sisters. Alex is the star, Kara is the sun and Emma is the swan.

Swan became one of Emma’s nicknames in school due to there being a lot of Emma’s in the class. Her friends joked she was a swan princess due to doing ballet when she had asked them to come to a recital. Which they did and were in awe, but you know. Emma happily accepted the nickname, taking it as a compliment. Emma smiles as she looks at her ballet shoes strung over her mirror. ‘Another thing I need to get back into.’ Emma thinks wistfully. She still loves dancing, especially the latin styles like samba and tango. But she doesn’t have the time.

As she draws her attention to her reflection she definitely looks like a surfer chick, lean, toned and sun kissed. Which she was happily going for. She’s been dying to surf for ages but just hasn’t had the time. Her band had recently returned from a sell out world tour. And sadly most of the places they played at didn’t have beaches or the right surf. She felt sorry for her neglected surfboard in the back of the tour bus.

Her phone pings drawing her attention away from her musings. Emma laughs when she sees a few messages have already been sent.

Kara: Good morning sunshine! I’m sssoooooo excited too! Did you need me to bring anything else? I got all the food ready!

Kelly: Of course you’d have the food Kara!

Kelly: And good morning Emma! Shall I bring my swimsuit? Anyone going for a swim?

Kara: Ooo I am! And I think Emma is going to surf?

James: Why are you guys texting this early? I could have had at least another hour or more of sleep.

Alex: I agree with James… Emma, I hate you.

Emma chuckles at Alex’s message while she gets a bag ready with a change of clothes.

Emma: Love you too Alex!

Kara: Ahem… What about me?!

Emma: Love you too Kara!

Alex: You love me more though right?

Emma: No I love you both the same!

Kara: *Wink Wink*

Alex: Hey!

Nia: What am I just decoration?

Emma: No of course not Nia! I love you too!

James: What about me?

Kelly: And me!

Emma: Yes James and Kelly I love you both too.

Lena: Do you love me?

Emma pauses before she responds to Lena’s text. Honestly, she’s had a crush on her since the moment they met. But Lena is way out of Emma’s league. A CEO dating a musician and artist like Emma wouldn’t work. She’s not clever or brave like Kara or Alex.

Once when Lena had met her for lunch, Lena had explained what being a CEO entailed. Emma’s mind melted; it was so complex. Lena just laughed at her exasperated expression trying to figure it all out. “And that, my darling, is why you are an artist and I am a CEO.” Emma practically melted at Lena’s smile from across the table.

But that’s one of the things she loves about Lena, her passion for her work and drive for making the world a better place. And her smile. To Emma, Lena’s smile lights up the whole room.

Sighing Emma looks back down at her phone.

Emma: I love you the most… *Delete*

Emma: Yea I love you too. :)

‘Somewhat truthful…’ Emma thinks as she puts her phone in her pocket, grabbings her backpack, guitar case and placing it by the door. Kneeling on her sofa she pulls her surfboard up from behind, giving it a quick hug. Excitement surges through her veins at the thought of surfing the waves.

‘Rao I hope the waves are good today!’ Emma wishes as she swings the board around and accidentally knocks her recent Grammy on the floor. “Shoot!” Emma yelps and quickly drops her surfboard to pick up the award. Emma sighs in relief when she turns it over in her hands, seeing it wasn’t broken. Out of all her awards, this year's Grammy meant the most to her. The album had been a real breakthrough moment for her and the band, Axis, and they swept away the competition. Emma remembers the feeling of pride and honour when their name was called. How she and the rest of the band rushed to the stage in unison and linked arms as each said a thank you.

Emma carefully places the Grammy down and picks up her surfboard. Grabbing the rest of her stuff she locks the door behind her and takes the elevator down to her beloved yellow VW beetle. Which she affectionately calls the ‘bug’. Emma puts her stuff in the car and carefully straps the board onto the roof rack before getting into the driver's seat.

Taking her phone out she sends Lena and Kara a quick message to say she’s on her way to pick them up. Alex and Kelly are picking up Sam. Who did try and persuade Ruby to come but now as a teenager, Ruby has better things to do then hang out with her Mom and her Mom’s friends. James is giving J'onn, Nia and Brainy a ride.

Emma quickly plugs in her phone and chooses to blare out her playlist of her favourite songs. As she pulls out of the underground parking garage she starts singing and making dramatic hand movements as she dances along. Not caring if people see her.

Soon she’s outside Lena’s apartment building and as she turns the music down Lena Luthor herself was exiting the building. Emma’s mouth drops open with how beautiful Lena looks. And how different she looks too! Gone were the suits and smart wear of a CEO. Instead Lena was wearing a thigh length red patterned skirt that matched her red lips with a black crop top. To finish the look off she wore a black bowler hat.

When Lena opens the passenger door Emma quickly closes her mouth.

“Hi Em!” Lena smiles brightly at the blonde and leans over to place a kiss on Emma’s cheek. Making the blonde blush and causing her brain short circuits.

“Hi Lee!” Emma says more high pitched than normal.

Lena grins at her in amusement. ‘Rao I could get lost in those green eyes.’

“Er, Em… We gonna go?” Lena teases causing Emma to jump and pull away from the pavement. “So, how has your week been?”

“Fine. Got a commission to complete before Thursday but I’m almost done. I actually have to thank you, it's the lovely couple we met at the recent gala we went to.”

Whenever Emma is back in the city Lena always invites her to the gala’s. Surprisingly Emma finds she enjoys them, especially when it's one of Lena’s charity events. Lena and Emma are both thrilled to find Emma has a talent in being able to persuade the rich attendees to donate their money. Even from those who have never donated before. “It’s the Danvers charms!” Emma would laugh and wink at Lena when the raven haired women would be dumbfounded at the cheque in her hand from a rival.

“Mr and Mrs Green?” Lena asks, remembering how the couple were enthralled with Emma’s work as an artist and musician. Their donation had been one of the biggest of that night. ‘No surprise there.’ Lena smirks.

“Yea them.” Emma nods while concentrating on driving. She does love the city life but driving through it can be such a pain.

“What did they ask for?” Lena inquires while picking at a loose thread in her skirt.

“Mainly a seascape of a view they had back in the UK. Thatchers rock… I think.” To be honest Emma had been surprised by the Green’s enthusiasm when she showed them her portfolio. How they were willing to wait for Emma’s tour to finish before getting their commission. It had been made easier that there was a reference to work on. Even though she has never been to that part of the UK. Mainly the cities dotting around the island. And even though Emma doesn’t need the money she enjoys doing something different. Her art gives her another escape.

“What style are you doing it in?” Lena asks as she bobs her head along with Emma to the music. Something she’s never done before until getting rides with Emma. Something about the blonde’s carefree attitude rubbing off on her.

“I’m using oil this time. I think it works better with the layering and it can really make the sea look like it’s moving you know? Well… If I get it right.” Emma realises she started to ramble and quickly cuts herself off. Certain Lena wouldn’t want to hear the techniques Emma has been using. “If all goes to plan the painting should look different with the different lighting of the day.”

“I am sure you will darling.” Lena smiles widely at her.

Emma smiles back. Feeling butterflies zoom round her stomach at the term of endearment.

“Thanks Lee.” Emma taps her thumbs to the beat while they wait for a light to turn green.

“How-”

“How’d-”

They both stop when they realise they both started talking.

“You go.” Emma motions Lena to continue.

“How’s everything going with the band?”

“It’s going really, really well! We are already writing songs for the next album. But we’ve also really benefited having this time off too.” Emma grins thinking of the other band members.

In some ways they’ve become another little family to her. The four other guys were already formed and were looking for a female influence. Emma saw the flyer and thought ‘why not!’ before calling them and doing an audition. The guys were blown away by her voice and talent. Unanimously they agreed she can become a member of the band and ultimately making her the lead singer. That was over eight years ago when Emma was eighteen and Axis were well known in certain areas of America but when Emma joined their popularity skyrocketed.

However fame didn’t matter to Emma, but she loves performing and writing music. Especially when she gets fan messages about how her songs have helped someone get through a difficult time and gave them hope. She always makes sure to save those messages.

“Sounds exciting.” Lena agrees, nodding her head.

“Speaking of deals.” Emma pauses to concentrate on the traffic. “How’d the deal with the Japanese go?”

Even though Emma wasn’t looking at Lena she could feel the big eye roll the raven haired beauty did.

“That good huh?” Emma jokes but feels for the CEO.

“Honestly it was a nightmare. They kept going around in circles and I’m just getting over the migraine!” Lena dramatically rubs her forehead. Which Emma misses from looking at the road.

“Ah no.” Emma frowns as she quickly looks at Lena. “Are you sure you’re okay to come to the beach?”

“Yes I’m fine.” Lena smirks at Emma’s concern.

“Okay, I am glad you’re coming.” Emma smiles brightly back.

Lena raises an eyebrow. “Did I have a choice?” Lena teases.

“Yes! But it would have made me very sad if you hadn’t.” Emma pouts dramatically and pulls off her best puppy dog eyes.

“And that’s why I said yes.” Lena chuckles at how adorable Emma looks.

Soon they pull up to Kara’s building and she’s already waiting outside. Piles of bags by her feet. Both Lena and Emma laugh at the sight. “Joys of being Supergirl I guess!” Emma jokes about Kara’s metabolism.

As she parks Emma can’t help but remember the day Kara became a part of the Danvers family.

Emma had taken to the alien quicker then Alex, especially as there was only a year age difference between the two blondes. She also found she became the bridge between Alex and Kara. Over time the three learned how to live with the new dynamic and would soon enjoy each other's company. Kara and Alex would laugh when little Emma would cheerfully yell that they were the three musketeers as they played with wooden swords or practically any activity that involved the three of them. Even making hot chocolate together.

When Kara became Supergirl Emma almost had a fit. She’d been in New York for a sold out week of gigs when she had seen the news in the early hours of the morning. Frantically she called Kara to see if she was okay and getting even more frantic when she realised Alex had been on the plane too. The two sisters were eventually able to calm her down after a lot of sobbing and panic from her end. When Emma returned to National City she held onto her sisters a lot tighter that day. Eventually the three ended up falling asleep together on the sofa. Emma in the middle of the two as they wrapped their arms around each other.

Emma’s musings were interrupted when Kara slammed the car boot down hard. Causing the car to bounce.

“Careful Kara!” Emma yells, knowing full well her sister would hear her.

“Sorry little one! I’m just so excited!” Kara squeals as she opens the backseat door before leaping in.

“Hey I’m only a year younger than you!” Emma frowns into the rear view mirror to glare at her sister. Who just sticks her tongue back at her while clicking in her seat belt.

They continue the hour long drive to the beach, chatting and singing along to Emma’s playlist. Lena watches on in amazement as Kara sings the melody and Emma does some beautiful harmonies around her. They all laugh and cheer when Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ comes on.

“Come on Lena! Join in!” Emma yells while she puts the volume right up. So Lena does. When the rock part of the song comes on all three of them dance and headbang along. Lena laughs as she feels so carefree. She pauses when Emma starts singing passionately to the next verse.

So you think you can stop me and spit in my eye So you think you can love me and leave me to die Oh, baby, can’t do this to me, baby Just gotta get out, just gotta get right outta here

Honestly she could listen to Emma’s voice for hours. Which is probably why she secretly went to as many of Emma’s gigs as possible. But every time she would go to reveal herself to Emma she would back peddle and leave. Knowing that someone as talented as Emma was way out of her league. Her pride for her friend as she watched with the Superfriends at Kara’s apartment as Axis won Grammy after Grammy, award after award. How they screamed with joy and hugged each other after each announcement. Plus Lena thought someone as pure and happy as Emma wouldn’t do well with someone broken like Lena. So she keeps her feelings to herself and tries to be content with being Emma’s friend.

Lena’s heart warms as she remembers meeting Emma for the first time over 3 years ago. She had been at one of her first game nights with the Superfriends when a knock sounded on Kara’s door. Everyone had looked at each other in surprise as no one was missing. Lena watched Kara bounce towards the door and as she opened it a continuous scream of surprise and happiness escaped Kara’s mouth. This caused Alex to rush over in response and suddenly scream as well. The two sisters practically tackled the blonde beauty out into the hallway where they fell into a laughing heap. Kara kissed the blonde’s head over and over while Alex held onto her like a koala bear and kissed her cheek over and over.

Finally they untangled and Kara dragged the other blonde into her apartment. Excitedly introducing everyone to her little sister, Emma. The Superfriends each individually greeted the newcomer and when it came to Lena’s turn Emma had stepped forward and gave her an affectionate hug. Laughing that Kara has told Emma so much about her that she feels she already knows Lena well. When Emma stepped away from the hug they both ignored the warm feelings racing around their bodies. Lena had to agree as both the Danvers sister’s spoke of Emma fondly and how proud they were of Emma’s success. Lena hadn’t told anyone this but she bought all of Emma's music to listen to it after Kara gushed about her sister. She instantly fell in love with the voice coming through the speakers.

Kara soon asked why Emma was in National City and Emma excitedly revealed that Axis was moving to National City. Lena again ignored the feeling of excitement that shot through her. And again Emma was tackled to the floor as both Alex and Kara leapt towards her in celebration.

“Lena?” Kara’s voice breaks through her thinking and Lena turns to look back at her best friend. Listening intently as Kara excitedly explains a new prototype Brainy is designing to help Kara not be so affected by Kryptonite.

“Maybe I can help with it?” Lena offers kindly.

Kara’s smile brightens up even more. “That would be swell!”

Lena gives Kara a small smile before turning back to the front. To be honest it still stings that Kara didn’t tell her Supergirl secret to the CEO. It had been two years after Emma had moved back to National City when Lena and Kara were having lunch but Kara was being called away. Again. Lena couldn’t stop herself and blurted out she knew Kara’s secret. She will never forget how Kara’s face fell and the promise of talking about it after she’s finished. Lena’s face grew cold as her walls shot up. She told Kara not to bother and stormed out of the restaurant to her penthouse apartment. She refused to see anyone or answer her phone. Allowing her past hurts and hatred to simmer and boil.

That was until a knock sounded on her door. She chose to ignore it but the knocking persisted.

“Come on Lena, please open the door. Let’s talk about this.” Emma’s muffled voice sounded through the door.

“Why should I?” Lena spits out as she draws closer, crossing her arms tightly over her chest.

“Because you shouldn’t be alone right now.”

Lena scoffs. “And why not?”

“Because you’ll allow your demons to lie to you and it will eat you up.” Emma had experience with this herself.

Tears fill Lena’s eyes and against the screaming in her head she reaches out and opens the door.

“Hey you.” Emma gives Lena a small smile before stepping into the apartment. Placing the takeout bags on the floor and pulling Lena into a tight hug. Allowing Lena to break down as she sobs into Emma’s shoulder. All her past hurts rushing forward and spewing out.

After she was spent Emma gently led her to the sofa and reheated the food. Making sure Lena ate. They talked long into the night and when Lena started rubbing her eyes from exhaustion Emma helped her get ready for bed. As Lena slid between the sheets Emma leaned down to give her a goodnight hug. But stopped when Lena wouldn't let her go. “Stay.” Lena whispered. So Emma grabbed a pair of her spare clothes she left for times like this and got in next to her. Lena shifted over to her and rested her head on Emma’s shoulder. Emma wrapped her arms around Lena and held her close. They don’t say anything more but drift into a peaceful sleep.

“We’re here!” Emma sings out, causing Lena to jump slightly. They pull into a car park right next to the beach.

“Oh wow!! Look at the sea! It’s so beautiful!” Kara gasps as she presses herself against the window and like an excited child she unbuckles and races towards the beach. Having already spotted Alex, Kelly and Sam setting up.

Emma snorts at her sister’s behaviour while she unbuckles her seatbelt.

“Er… She will help us with the food? Right?” Lena looks back at the overflow of food bags in the back of the bug.

“Yea as soon as she realises she will shoot back up here.” Emma chuckles while getting out of the car. And Kara did just that as Emma went to pay for a parking ticket she watched Kara race back up to them, in human speed. “Glad to see you helping.” Emma raises an eyebrow at her sister as Kara reaches the bug.

“Sorry! I just got really excited! It’s so beautiful here!” Kara bounces like a puppy.

“Now you understand why I dragged you here instead of going to the beach at NC?” Emma says while carefully unstrapping her board before lowering it and leaning it up against the bug.

“Yes, yes.” Kara keeps her eyes on the beach.

“Hey.” Emma smirks at her distracted sister.

“Yea?” Kara tears her eyes away to look at Emma. Smiling when Emma opens are arms and they hug. “Haven’t been able to give you one yet.” Emma says in her ear. Kara buries her face into Emma’s neck, enjoying the warmth and feeling of home whenever she hugs her sisters.

The car door closing makes them break apart. “Okay I think that’s everything.” Lena says while looking at the small mountain of bags.

“Thanks Lena!” Kara sings as she grabs half of the bags before Emma can tell her to only take a few. Hopefully no one will question how a slim woman can carry that much weight. Lena catches Emma’s eye and they both roll their eyes at each other.

“Jink!” Emma yells causing Lena to do another eye roll. Before Emma can reach down for her stuff Lena steps forward.

“Can I have a hug too?”

“Sure you can Lee.” Emma opens her arms wide and Lena almost tackles her with her enthusiasm. They both sigh happily as they hold onto each other a bit longer than necessary. Emma breaks the hug and steps back, grabbing her backpack, placing a few food bags on her shoulders picking up her guitar, and securing her surfboard under her arm. “Oh Lee don’t take that many, Kara will come up and get the last few.”

“Okay.” Lena nods while swinging a food bag on each of her shoulders and they start walking towards the beach. “Kara is right though, it’s really beautiful here.”

Emma smiles at her, happy Lena approves. The sand was a beautiful white which made the sea clear and looked like a gorgeous turquoise and teal. The richness of the colours makes Emma want to weep with happiness. They could pretend like they were in the Caribbean or on the Hawaiian islands.

“Hey Peanut!” Alex yells as Emma approaches her.

Peanut has always been Alex’s nickname for Emma since their parents told three year old Alex she was going to be a big sister. Alex had been fascinated about it all and when her Mom had told her the baby was the size of a peanut the name stuck. Even when Emma grew and was the size of tennis ball Alex would still refer to the baby as Peanut.

“Hey sis!” Emma yells back, dumping her stuff on one of the picnic blankets. Alex comes over and pulls Emma into a tight hug, quickly followed by Kelly and Sam. “Been a long time Sam, how are you?”

“I know I’m sorry!” Sam says as she takes a step back. “Life’s been hectic!”

“Oh don’t I know it.” Emma laughs. “Maybe you can ask your boss to allow you to have a life?” Emma teases while giving Lena a pointed look.

“Not my problem she wants to work longer hours then she is contracted!” Lena places her hands on her hips.

“Maybe she’s following her boss's example? And maybe the boss needs to cut down too? Maybe relax a bit?” Emma stalks towards her crush.

“Maybe-” Lena stops what she was going to say and tilts her head as she watches Emma approach. A smirk on her face. “What are you doing?”

Suddenly Emma reaches out and starts tickling Lena who laughs loudly and tries to swat the blonde away.

“Lena! She’s ticklish too!” Alex snickers as she goes through the food bags.

“Traitor!” Emma yells as Lena starts her own assault. The two women fall to the sand in fits of giggles as they wrestle. Before Emma can gain the upper hand Lena straddles her and continues tickling her. “No! Lena!” Emma kicks out trying to shift the woman on top of her. But Lena was not budging. “Argh! I surrender! Please!” Emma wheezes.

“I win?" Lena stops and gazes down at Emma triumphantly.

“You win.” Emma coughs and when Lena moves off her she instantly misses the feeling of Lena’s weight on top of her.

“Are you ladies done or are you going to help?” Alex raises her eyebrow at them as they catch their breath.

“Yes ma'am.” Emma salutes before getting up, rubbing the sand off herself and reaching out to help Lena up. They smirk at each other and set to work getting the rest of the blankets and chairs out for the Superfriends.

Soon the other group arrives and they all sit chatting and relaxing. The men start setting the BBQ up, insisting they can do it, much to the amusement of the women as they try to do it without looking at the instructions.

Alex, Kara and Emma smile at each other as they share a look before giggling. The Danvers sisters have barbecuing in the great outdoors down to an art. But if it keeps the men happy they stay quiet. Sighing Emma turns away from the entertainment and looks out to sea, watching the waves and the surfers riding them.

Alex shuffles up to her, resting her head on Emma’s shoulder. “You can go if you want.”

Emma rests the side of her head on her sister’s. “I know, but the waves aren’t quite right yet.”

“Okay.” Alex wraps her arms around Emma, who returns the gesture and holds onto Alex. Emma moves her head and kisses Alex’s head before resting her own on Alex’s again.

Alex smiles and kisses Emma’s hand that's holding her close. At first Alex wasn’t too keen on the idea of coming to the beach, too much work to do at the DEO and an hour travelling seems like an eternity. But Alex is glad she came. They sit content.

“How can you tell if the waves are not right?” Brainy asks, having left J'onn and James to sort out the BBQ.

Emma looks up at him. “I don’t know, you just can. It’s a feeling.” Emma runs a hand through her hair trying to think of a better way to explain it. “Like when you are out there you know a big wave is coming, the wave. You just got to be patient and take the moment when it comes.”

Brainy tilts his head at her. “I think I understand.”

“Well I’m glad you did.” Alex snorts and yelps when Emma playfully slaps her bare arm.

“Oh come on I didn’t slap you that hard!” Emma laughs but rubs her sister’s arm.

“Anyone wanna play rounders?” Lena asks the group as she picks up one of her bags. She pulls out a rounders bat, which is shorter than a baseball bat, and ball.

“Rounders?” Kara asks, confused. “Don’t you mean baseball?”

“No, I mean rounders, it’s what we played at my boarding school. It’s the game that baseball came from. The first known account of it was in 1744 with the Tudors.” Half of the group look at Lena blankly, while the other half look interested and know who the Tudors are. “Basically you still have four bases, home runs etc. The bowler must do underarm, though we can do overarm…” Lena pauses. “It’s just different okay?”

“Sounds good to me!” Sam leaps to her feet and starts setting the four bases up. Everyone else follows suit and splits into teams, Lena and Sam being the captains of each team. On Lena’s team is Kara, James, Alex and Emma versus Sam’s team which has Kelly, J'onn, Brainy and Nia.

After a coin toss Lena’s team bats first with Sam being the bowler, or pitcher, as Alex yells out.

“And can we make a rule of no powers? We don’t want the ball getting batted into space!” Sam jokes as she jogs to bowler base.

“Sounds fair.” Kara says looking at J'onn who nods in agreement. She gets into position to bat. She hits the ball no problem and starts to run, but she hits the ball too high and Brainy is already waiting to catch it.

“Out!” Sam yells as Brainy holds the ball in his hand, causing Kara to skid to a halt. She turns and walks back to the team, kicking the sand as she goes.

“Hard luck sis.” Alex rubs Kara’s back when she comes back to the line up. Pouting all the way. Emma gives her a hug and kisses her cheek.

“You’ll do it next time.” Emma reassures her.

They watch James get into position and hit quite a good ball. He manages to get to third base before having to stop when Nia catches the ball while on 4th base.

Lena is the next to go and Emma can’t help but watch as she sways her hips getting ready to strike. Her ball goes low and far. She sprints off and her team screams and cheers when she manages to do a home run.

“Nicely done Lee!” Emma holds her hand out to high five the out of breath CEO.

“Thanks.” Lena smiles brightly at the blonde while holding onto her hand longer than necessary.

Alex is up next, feeling the pressure of going after Lena’s home run.

“You got this babe!” Kelly smiles from the 2nd base. Alex smiles back at her before readying herself. She misses the first ball.

“Strike 1!”

Huffing Alex gets back into position again. And misses.

“Strike two!”

“You got this Al!” Emma claps and encourages her sister.

Taking a deep breath Alex readies herself and watches the ball. She manages to hit it and sprints to 2nd base.

“Nice to see you Alex!” Kelly teases the red head causing Alex to gently shove her girlfriend.

“Right you’re up Emma!” Sam calls as she catches the ball.

Emma picks the bat up, wiping the sand off it and stands in position. Noticing the opponents are standing mainly to the left, Emma decides to trick them. When Sam throws the ball she quickly turns her body and whacks the ball to the right side of the field far away from the group. She runs half the way and seeing Brainy is still running to the ball she walks the rest of the way, dancing and blowing kisses. She starts sprinting the last few feet as the ball is being thrown towards Nia. The team celebrates her home run and they play a few more rounds, having a few collisions and lots of laughter. They have two more goes each and swap over. Lena takes over as the bowler. “Pitcher!” Alex yells as she runs to man 2nd base.

The new batting team does just as well and Sam’s team are one point behind. J’onn is up as the last batter, it’s all on him. If he gets a home run Sam’s team has won the game. Emma watches the ball carefully as Lena throws it and in a split second it's coming right at her. She reaches out her hand and catches it. Everyone stares dumbfoundead before yelling in surprise and either excitement from winning or groans for losing.

Emma’s team crowd her and she laughs at the attention.

“Emma?” A voice says behind her.

Emma’s head shoots round and she smiles when she sees her bandmates standing there.

“Guys?” She rushes towards them. Emma had told them of her plans and had invited them to join. They had said they were busy so it's a huge surprise to Emma that they stood in front of her. “What are you doing here?”

“We are… Wanted to talk to you.” Jack, the guitarist and other singer, says before he looks at the Superfriends behind Emma, watching them intently. “Alone.”

“Sure.” Emma shrugs, she turns back to Lena and throws her the ball. Emma walks with her bandmates along the beach until they are far enough away. Though Emma is sure Kara can still hear them. “So, whats up? Everything okay?”

“Er… So about that-” Danny, the drummer, starts but rubs his neck. Feeling very awkward. Frankie, the keyboardist, doesn’t make eye contact with Emma and shuffles his feet in the sand.

Mick interrupts. “We want to leave the band.”

Emma’s mind screeches to a halt. “Leave? All of you?”

“Yea Em. Just with Jack getting engaged, Frankie’s Dad being ill and Danny’s baby is due. We just don’t have the same drive like you do.” Mick looks sadly at her. “We are a great team, but it’s just not the same. After moving to National City we realised we want to settle, have families, the whole white picket fence thing.”

Emma places her hands on her hips, biting her lips to stop the tears threatening to fall. “What about the new album? We’ve already written most of the songs.”

“You don’t need us Em. You are the front runner and can do this with anyone.” Jack tries to reassure her.

“But they won’t be you.” Emma’s heart starts to break when she looks at the finality in each of their eyes. “And… And nothing I can say will change your minds?”

Her four bandmates shake their heads.

“Okay.” Emma looks up at the sky, taking a deep breath before looking back at the men in front of her. “Well, can we do a farewell tour?”

“Sounds like a good plan.” Danny smiles sadly at her and the other three nod.

“Can we give you a hug?” Jack asks quietly, hating seeing Emma so defeated.

Emma nods and they go in for a long group hug. But as the tears start to spill Emma breaks the hug and rushes back to the Superfriends. Ignoring any questions, she throws off her clothes and jewellery and grabs her board. Sprinting to the surf and diving into the sea.

She paddles quickly, still hearing voices, most likely Kara and Alex, calling after her. But she drowns it out by duck diving under a wave as it rolls over her and she resurfaces. Emma continues further out past the swell where she can stop and just lie there. Letting the board bob as she gazes at the horizon. Emma allows her tears to fall. Her face distorts with her disappointment and hurt.

‘What am I going to do?’ Emma thinks. She gets why the guys want to leave. Knowing this would happen one day. Or at least a break, but it still hurts. ‘Since when did it change for them?’ Emma stays like this for a while, lost in her own thoughts.

Some time later splashing behind her makes her turn her head and she sits up. A wet laugh breaks through her lips when she sees Kara and Alex balancing on a paddle board trying to reach her. Alex particularly looks like how a cat would look in this situation. On her knees and very tense having come to a very deep part of the beach. Alex doesn’t like not being able to touch the bottom, or see it. Kara is using the paddle, obviously using a bit of her super strength with how quickly they are going.

“What you laughing at?” Alex snaps.

“Nothing.” Emma smiles sadly at her while wiping the tears from her face. She swings her legs around and places them either side of the board. When the paddle board comes alongside Emma’s, Kara moves to sit down. Causing Alex to shriek as the board rocks dangerously. Emma reaches out and steadies it while trying not to laugh.

“Sorry Alex!” Kara apologises before turning her attention to Emma. “You okay?”

Immediately Emma’s smile drops and her eyes fill with tears again. She furiously rubs her eyes to stop them. “Yea fine.”

“No you’re not.” Alex sighs, hating seeing her sister look so unhappy.

“Guessing you heard?” Emma looks at Kara who nods sadly. Crinkle on her forehead evident of her concern. Emma looks down at her hands, not able to look at her sisters anymore. “I just… I get why…” Emma exhales deeply. “It just hurts you know. We are so in sync with each other and I honestly can’t imagine having to restart all that again.”

“But you will.” Alex reaches out and touches Emma’s linked hands. “Because your voice, your music needs to be heard Em.”

“Yea it's one of my favourite sounds, like ever.” Kara agrees. “But you know you will always have us, right?”

Emma nods, allowing a few more tears to fall.

Alex reaches out and wipes the tears from Emma’s cheeks. “And yes it sucks right in this moment but you will get through this. We will both help you through this.”

“Totally.” Kara agrees.

“Thanks.” Somehow Alex manages to hug Emma without falling in and Kara joins them.

Right on queue Kara’s stomach rumbles. “Oh and lunch is ready.”

“Uh oh the monsters coming.” Emma smirks as she looks at her alien sister.

“Race ya?!” Kara jumps to her feet making the board rock dangerously and had Emma not been holding Alex the red head would have fallen in. After making sure her sisters were okay Emma waves them off.

“Nah, you go on ahead, I’ll be right behind you.”

Emma watches her sisters go, hoping Kara has enough control not to cause Alex to fall in too far from the beach. She keeps her eyes fixed on them, slowly following in case Alex needed her. But when they reach the shore Emma lets out the breath she didn’t realise she was holding. Emma chuckles when Kara returns the paddle board they borrowed to get to her.

Shaking her head Emma starts slowly paddling into the swell and waits, her board moving with the ocean. Suddenly she feels a shift. Emma lies on her stomach and starts paddling hard. She smiles as her board gets picked up by the huge wave. Whooping as her board flies through the tube, she reaches out and skims her hand along the break. She comes out the other end and using the momentum turns her board, shooting her closer to the beach. Until finally her board slows down and she jumps off, wading the short distance to the shore.

“Hey!” A surfer approaches her, smiling flirtatiously. His brunette hair slicked back from the sea.

“Hi.” Emma responds while picking up her board.

“That was a sweet wave you just did!” His enthusiasm makes Emma smile.

“Thanks, kind of wish it went on forever.” She admits, cause really there was nothing like going through the tube of a wave. The colours and sounds were breathtaking.

“Ah man I know right?!” He laughs. “So, I was wondering if I could have your number?”

“EMMA!” She turns to look at Kara who is waving her arms about wildly. Most likely due to Alex saying she can’t eat until Emma joins them.

“Thank you but I’m kind of not available. Sorry.”

“No worries at all.” He looks slightly disappointed but still smiles.

“EMMAAAAAA!!!”

Emma laughs at how Kara’s yells got even louder. “Well I better go, don’t want my sister getting any more hangry.” Emma starts to walk back to the group.

“It was a pleasure meeting you, Emma.” He calls after her.

Emma swings round but continues walking backwards. “You too.” She turns back around, smiling and shaking her head.

As soon as Emma gets near, Kara is loading her plate up at top, human, speed. Emma chuckles at the sight and digs the end of her board into the sand before taking the leash off and flopping onto the picnic blanket.

“Who was that?” Kelly asked across from her. Lena pretends she isn’t listening in as she gets some food.

“Oh just some guy congratulating me on my sweet wave.” Emma imitates the guy's accent which makes them laugh.

“And he wanted her number!” Kara teases while she sits next to Emma.

Whistles and ooo’s sound around the group. Alex watches bemused as Lena purses her lips before going back to a neutral expression.

“So where’s the number?” Sam asks excitedly, not missing Lena’s rigid posture.

“Meh, not my type.” Emma tries to play it off cooly while she grabs her top and shorts to change into again. Not minding that they will get a bit damp as the sun is out in full blaze. She also applies her suncream handing it around and reminding everyone to keep it topped up.

“Since when has hunky surfer boy not been your type?” Kara asks confused as she focuses on the surfer. “Honestly I could grate cheese on his abs!”

“Kara!” Emma laughs loudly while she dishes up a plate of food.

“You also said you weren’t available,” Kara presses on, missing the looks Alex was giving her. “Who's the lucky guy or gal?” Emma had come out as bisexual when she was a young teenager. Her Mom and sister’s supported her and Emma was glad she could do the same for Alex when she came out to her. Alex had even flown out specially to where Emma was gigging to tell her. At first Emma was really worried when Alex avoided eye contact and was nervously fidgeting in her seat. When Alex finally blurted it out Emma held her sister close. Saying how proud she was of her and her love for her sister hadn’t changed.

“No one, I just wanted to get him off my back.” Emma says nonchalantly but inside she was freaking out. She’d said it because yes she wasn’t available because her heart belonged to Lena.

Kelly gives Alex a look and watches as Emma settles in-between Lena and Kara under the umbrella they were sitting under. Alex doesn’t miss how much closer Emma sits to Lena than her sister.

The Superfriends continue talking and when everyone has finished eating they split off to do their own thing. Alex and Kelly go for a walk, mainly to come up with a plan to get Emma and Lena together. While Kara, J'onn, Sam, Nia, Brainy and James play volleyball. Girls and against boys. “Original.” Emma mutters causing Lena to snort.

Lena and Emma opt to stay with everyones stuff. Lena is happy to sit back against the pile and read a book she’s been wanting to read for months but never had the chance.

Emma sighs as she looks at her guitar case. Twiddling her thumbs for a moment she draws her knees to her chest and watches the waves. But not feeling quite ready to get back in.

After half an hour Lena puts her book down and focuses on Emma. “Something on your mind?” Lena asks, nudging her shoulder into Emma, causing the blonde to sway.

“Guessing Kara told you?” Emma keeps her eyes fixed in front of her.

“Yes, she was relaying what was being said.” Lena says apologetically.

“It’s okay. Makes it easier in a way.” Sighing heavily Emma turns to look at Lena. Who is watching her with concern. “I just don’t know what to do. I need to look for new bandmates, but that just seems so daunting. Can I really go through that all again?” Emma runs her hands through her hair. Huffing she looks back into emerald eyes. “Okay if we don’t talk about it? Just enjoy what we have right now?”

“And what do we have?”

“Great company, good food and a wonderful view.” Emma motions to the beach around them.

“Yea, I can do that.” Lena keeps her eyes on Emma.

“Go back to your book Lee. I’ll be fine.” Emma tries to smile reassuringly.

Lena doesn’t buy it but starts reading again. She watches Emma from the corner of her eye as she shuffles over to her guitar case, opening it and pulling the guitar out, making sure it is in tune.

Emma gets her songbook out of her case, opening the page to a song she had started writing. Making sure she doesn’t hit Lena with her guitar Emma settles back down. Grabbing her phone she hits record and starts plucking. Softly singing to herself.

Tell me somethin', girl Are you happy in this modern world? Or do you need more? Is there somethin' else you're searchin' for?

Emma pauses as she remembers a chorus of a song she’s been working on. She quickly flips to that page and moves her fingers to find the chords. She continues to play. Not realising her soft singing has steadily got louder.

I'm falling

Emma sees Lena in her mind as she sings. Her pain at falling for her friend and not having the courage to take it deeper.

In all the good times I find myself Longin' for change And in the bad times I fear myself

Sighing Emma looks at the sea before turning her head slightly to look at the raven haired beauty. Whose focus is on the book in front of her. Returning her attention to her notebook Emma keeps playing and singing.

I'm off the deep end, watch as I dive in I'll never meet the ground Crash through the surface, where they can't hurt us We're far from the shallow now

Lifting her head she focuses on the sea again.

In the shallow, shallow

In the shallow, shallow In the shallow, shallow We're far from the shallow now.

Emma pauses and stops the recording. Running a hand through her hair which starts getting more wavy from getting wet.

“Wow Em.” Lena breathes out.

Emma turns to Lena who put the book next to her. “You like that?”

“Yes, seriously… I don’t have the words.”

“Thanks, it’s not really finished. It needs another verse…” Emma goes through her notebook but comes up empty. Replaying the first verse Emma closes her eyes to figure out the words for the second verse.

Tell me something, boy

“What rhymes with boy?” Emma mutters to herself. “Toy? No… Void?”

Aren't you tired tryin' to fill that void?

Emma sighs as she remembers friends she has lost due to depression and addiction. Knowing how hard it is to feel whole and get out of the pit.

Or do you need more? Ain't it hard keeping it so hardcore?

She sings through the bridge and the chorus again, making sure it all fits. But to her horror she realises she stopped the recording.

“Crap!” Looking down her phone wasn’t where she left it. Instead it's in Lena’s hand.

“I could see you didn’t press record so I did it for you.” Lena answers Emma’s questioning gaze as she presses the button to stop the recording.

“Thanks Lee.” Emma takes her phone and grabs her pen, listening to the recording and writing the song out in full with the chords.

Lena watches Emma. “Do you usually write songs that quickly?” Lena asks, fascinated.

Emma laughs in response. “No, not usually. I guess I was more inspired.” She shrugs, placing her guitar back in the case with her notebook. She shuffles back over to Lena. “Can I?”

Lena looks up and nods, letting Emma lean down, resting her head in Lena’s lap. They do this quite often and it always makes Lena’s heart skip a beat. Slowly she puts her book down beside her and runs a hand through Emma’s hair. Looking at the view and doing what Emma said, enjoying the moment.

Time passes on and Emma watches the group playing volleyball. Kelly and Alex have joined them, Kelly staying with the girls while Alex went over to the boys side. Emma smirks when Kara would not so sneakily use her powers to gain an advantage.

But Emma’s attention diverted back to the sea, the tide was coming in and the swell had gotten bigger. Turning her head to look up at Lena Emma pauses. Her eyes linger on Lena’s chest before taking in her profile. ‘Rao she’s so beautiful.’

“Okay if I catch a few more waves?” Emma asks, finding her voice.

Looking down Lena smiles. “Sure.”

“Thanks Lee.” Emma sits up and presses a kiss to Lena’s cheek. As Emma takes her clothes off she grabs her board and runs to the surf. Lena touches her flushed cheek and smiles softly.

Soon the volleyball group end their game, the boys team winning by a few points. They head back to their set up, laughing at how both J'onn and Kara leapt for the ball, only to miss it completely.

“Hi Lena!” Kara says while sitting next to her best friend. “How's the book?”

“It’s…” Lena looks down at the book and realises she’s only got through part of the first chapter. Her attention had mainly been watching Emma surf. “Slow.”

“Ah I hate it when that happens!” Kara hands Lena a drink while they sit and watch Emma. Who had just gone through another tube, much to the excitement of the surfers watching in the shallows. “I don’t know how she makes it look so easy!”

“It’s one of her many talents.” Lena agrees, though there is always a feeling of anxiety whenever anyone she cares for is in any body of water.

“Totally.” Kara says before sighing sadly.

“Kara?” Lena asks concerned for the Super.

“I just… She’s worked so hard. I know she will come back from this, but when Alex and I got to her she… She just looked so broken.” Kara sighs again. Worry filling her eyes as she watches her sister.

“She didn’t want to talk about it. But said how daunting it is to find new bandmates. Which I can understand.” Lena knows how hard it is to make friends in general.

“Yea it’s not the easiest of processes. She needs to click with them, for them to become in sync with each other and then get on with them. How they managed to drive around in that tour bus all over America and later the world is beyond me!” Kara says with wide eyes, she had joined Emma for a few gigs and thankfully the venues weren’t too far from each other. But Kara found the journey long and boring.

“Kara, anything slower then you flying is beyond you!” Lena's teasing causes Kara to laugh loudly.

“True!”

They continue watching Emma who attempts a few aerial tricks. The spray of the sea flying high above her. “She wrote a really beautiful song just now.”

“Really?” Kara perks up and Lena nods. “Think she’ll play it for us?”

“Maybe.” Lena hopes Emma does. She really wants to hear it again.

While Emma still surfs the Superfriends play UNO. Laughing at how competitive Alex is getting and only getting calmed down when Kelly gives her a gentle kiss.

As the sun starts to slowly descend Emma finally gets out of the sea. Waving goodbye to a group of surfers she had been talking to.

She notices a fire has been built in the centre of the Superfriends circle and a few of them are roasting marshmallows.

Emma’s body is completely shattered but she smiles at the feeling. Making a note to come back here as much as she can. Even if the weather isn’t perfect like today.

The Superfriends greet her while she grabs her stuff to change. Alex stands and uses one of the blankets to block anyone’s view of Emma. Kara joins in and goes to the other side. Emma scoffs knowing full well she can change without showing anything and there has been no paparazzi bothering her.

Finally dry and feeling much warmer Emma sits next to Lena and places her head on her shoulder. She can’t help but yawn and let her eyes drift.

“Tired Em?” Alex teases from across the circle and smiles at Lena whose cheeks are tinged with red.

“Uhmm.” Emma confirms. “Do we have any more food?” She asks, keeping her eyes closed. “Or has Kara eaten it all?”

“Hey!” Kara swats Emma playfully but causes Emma to jump and glare at her. “Sorry! Did I hurt you?” Kara asks, panicked.

“No, I was just surprised.” Emma sighs before resting her head back on Lena’s shoulder.

“Well I did see a pizza place as we drove in. Maybe we can order?” Nia asks.

“Sounds like a good plan to me!” Emma gives a thumbs up. Pizza is one of her favourite foods.

With the joys of technology the friends order and half an hour later a pizza boy with a mountainful of pizza boxes comes towards them. They thank him and dig in. Emma grabs Lena and her pizza, two cans of soda and some salad left over from lunch.

“M’lady.” Emma holds out the cans which Lena takes. “I got some salad too.” Emma places the container in front of Lena.

“Thank you Em.” Lena says touched that Emma thought about her. She opens the lid and wonders how she can eat it. Looking up she sees Emma holding out a knife and fork for her and she smiles.

“You may need this.”

Lena grins back thanking her and takes the cutlery from the blonde.

Emma happily munches away at the pizza, rolling her eyes when the debate about Hawaiian pizza is brought up.

“Personally I don’t see anything wrong with it.” Sam defends laughing at Brainy’s stunned face.

“But to have a fruit on a savoury dish… it just does not compute.”

“Brainy.” Emma gets the alien’s attention. “Have you actually tried it?”

“No I have not.” He looks appalled that Emma would ask that.

“Then how’d you know if it doesn’t work?” Emma tilts her head.

After a moment of thinking Brainy nods. “Fair point.”

“Next game night I will order one and you can try it!” Sam says happily while winking at Emma, who smiles back.

“Just keep it away from me.” Alex says, shivering at the thought.

“Sorry to change the subject, buuutttt, Emma.” Kara says making Emma freeze while her last pizza slice was near her lips. She lowers it slightly while looking at her sister, who is beaming from ear to ear.

“Yea?”

“I saw you working on a song, wanna share it?”

All the Superfriends turn to look at Emma expectantly. Always appreciative of hearing anything Emma is working on. Taking a deep breath she lowers the slice back to the box and wipes her hands on a napkin.

“Peanut, you don’t have too.” Alex says glaring at Kara. Emma would do anything to make her sisters happy, Alex knew this. So did Kara. And yes, they would both exploit it sometimes.

“No, it’s okay. Would be great to get everyone's opinion.” Emma grabs her guitar and notebook. Reminding herself of the chords. “So… This… Well…” Sighing heavily, Emma closes her eyes to control her nerves. “I kind of imagine this as a duet, but with, well, the band breaking up. I may have to rethink it a bit.” Emma focuses on the fire in front of her, feeling too embarrassed to look at anyone.

She starts playing the chords and sings. Allowing the music to wash over and for her voice to carry with the wind. Emma adds the new verse but as she nears the end she feels her emotions take over, her frustration at her situation and the need to release it. She improvises. Closing her eyes and allowing herself to go with it.

Whoa-oh-ah-oh-ahh

Emma belts out, slamming her fingers into the guitar strings as she increases in passion and volume.

I'm off the deep end, watch as I dive in I'll never meet the ground Crash through the surface, where they can't hurt us We're far from the shallow now

A smile graces Emma’s face as she lifts her head.

In the shallow, shallow In the shallow, shallow

Emma softens her voice, allowing the natural end of the song to take place.

In the shallow, shallow We're far from the shallow now.

Emma allows the last chord to hold longer than necessary. She keeps her eyes closed and waits.

A huge roar around her causes her to jump and open her eyes. A crowd has gathered round the group and are applauding her. The Superfriends all clap wildly too, Alex wipes tears from her face and Kara beams as brightly as the sun. Emma turns to look at Lena and her smile is as bright, if not brighter then Kara’s. Her green eyes simmering with tears. Emma watches as one falls and she gently reaches out and wipes it away with her thumb.

She then acknowledges the crowd with a small wave and thanks them with a bow of her head. They soon disperse, returning to their own groups and Emma sighs in relief.

“So, was the song okay?” Emma asks while picking at a chipped bit of wood on the base of her guitar.

“Okay?” Alex's voice booms causing Emma to quickly look at her sister. Alex’s eyes are wide. “Okay? Em that song… Wow I don’t have the words!”

“That’s what Lena said.” Emma smiles at the two women.

“Well it’s true.” Lena grins back, nudging her shoulder into the blonde’s.

The other Superfriends nod and agree.

“It really moved me.” Sam says smiling at Emma who blushes in response.

“Yes.” Brainy adds. “Very- touching.” Nia smiles at him. Emma grins too, happy Brainy was able to express himself.

Emma plays a few more well known songs and the Superfriends join in. But as the sun dips slowly into the horizon Emma stops and hands the guitar to James who continues playing. Not as well as Emma but enough.

Emma heads back towards the surf, wading in up to below her knees. Taking deep breaths she watches the colours change, memorising the rich reds, oranges and yellows. Lena comes and stands next to her. They watch in comfortable silence and Lena links her fingers with Emma’s. They smile softly to each other before watching the sun dip under the horizon.

(Part Two)

#supergirl #supergirl imagine #supergirl tv #supergirl fanfic #supergirl fanfiction #supergirl baby danvers #lena luthor x baby danvers #alex danvers x baby danvers #kara danvers x baby danvers #lena luthor imagine #alex danvers imagine #kara danvers imagine #b!d #baby danvers

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bunnyhanasong · 5 years ago

Text

Foolish Girl

Main ship: widowtracer

Side ships: pharmercy

Genre: angst

Notes: bit of a canon deviation, clearly. Lena is a dumb lesbian and Widowmaker thinks so too

─── ･｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

“Tracer, don’t you dare run off to find that sniper again. We nearly lost you the last time.”

Lena huffed at Pharah’s words as she slid on her bracers, “Oh please, you wouldn’t get rid of me that easy, love. Besides, she means no harm; to me anyway. If she wanted me dead she wouldn’t miss me every time.”

“Lena,” a stern voice spoke from behind Fareeha’s shoulder, “I want you to stay where I can see you. It doesn’t matter if she hadn’t fatally shot you yet, that shouldn’t be a risk you’re willing to take.”

“But-”

Angela raised an eyebrow at her protest, silently daring the younger woman to argue with her again. Lena sighed and crossed her arms, pouting a little at the combat medic.

“Fine. Whatever you say, mum.”

“It’s my job to keep you safe, child,” Angela ignored the mocking tone in her words, “I can’t very well do that if you’re out of range chasing after a woman you know might as well be dead.”

“Angela...” Hana spoke up from where she was fiddling with the controls on her new black and gold Meka, “Don’t go there.”

Hana knew how sensitive a topic Amélie’s kidnapping and brainwashing was for Lena, even though it’d been years by then. Even though Tracer herself had seen what she had become; even though she was well aware that Amélie was gone and Widowmaker had taken her place. Hana had seen the way Lena mourned the loss of her friend, the woman she had silent feelings for. Hana hadn’t been there when it happened, didn’t even know Amélie before Gérard’s murder, but she had held Lena while she sobbed after the first time she met Widowmaker. For her, that was enough to break her heart.

Lena had gone silent at Angela’s words, her face held an annoyed look that didn’t quite reach her sad eyes. She just dipped her head in digression, brushing past Fareeha to go stand with Hana instead. Her friend gave her a sympathetic smile and patted her hand, launching into some excited ramble about her Mech’s new features in an attempt to distract Lena.

“Must you be so harsh with her?” Brigitte questioned softly while leaning closer to Angela, “She’s reckless, yes, but she’s a strong girl. Mentioning past trauma so bluntly like that will only make her more likely to defy you.”

“When’d you get so soft, kid?” Solider:76 grumbled, “Let Angela do her job, pestering people is how she shows affection.”

Angela shrugged off her teammates’ input, already regretting the way she handled things with Lena. Though Lena called her mom as a joke, Mercy did feel like a mother figure to the younger woman. Really, she felt like that was just part of her job; the team mom. Back in the day, Lena would come to her about everything and never hide anything from Angela. However, as of late it felt like there was a rift between them and they would butt heads more often than not.

“Don’t be so hard on yourself, Hubibi,” Fareeha’s low voice was gentle in her ear as she spoke the pet name warmly, “You didn’t mean to upset her like that. You two can work things out later, yes?”

Angela nodded, “I’ll speak with her after the mission. I really didn’t mean to bring it up like that... I sometimes forget how much it still hurts her.”

“You meant nothing malicious, Angela,” Pharah hummed in agreement, “It will be alright.”

“Thank you, Liebling,” Angela’s accent returned full force as she spoke in her mother tongue, “I do hope you’re right.”

“Landing in Paris in sixty seconds,” the robotic voice of Athena blared through the aircrafts speakers, “Prepare to attack.”

At the announcement of an ETA, Jack Morrison jumped back into his commander role. He started instructing people where to go and who to target, explaining once again the intent of this mission. Talon had taken some French diplomats hostage in a high rise building, ensuring maximum security would deter Overwatch from entering. That didn’t stop them, of course, and they had every intention of sending Talon scurrying home with their tails between their legs.

“Pharah, D.va, keep your eyes on the skies. Mercy, stay back and only jump it when necessary, I don’t have to remind you that healing is more important than fighting,” Angela nodded at his words, “Tracer, you’re on perimeter. Eliminate any enemies that threaten your teammates directly and keep them away from Mercy.”

“You got it, love,” Lena’s reply was missing her usual jovial giggle and happy tone, sounding more like it was said in Athena’s monotone accent.

Jack continued to ramble off orders, turning back to where Winston was operating the aircraft. He had offered the pilot’s chair to Lena before they left the watchpoint, but she had just offered him a nervous smile and a shake of her head. Planes weren’t bad anymore but flying them herself still sent her into intense panic attacks that even Angela had a hard time reversing. Even though it was years in the past, the Slipstream incident affected Lena more than she’d like to let on.

As Winston landed the plane, everyone got into position. Hana had gotten into her Mech, adjusting controls and testing her defence matrix. Brigitte was at her side, somehow still cracking jokes with the younger girl despite the dire mission.

Fareeha and Angela were speaking lowly to each other, making Lena smile despite herself when Angela adjusted Pharah’s hair under her helmet so it stayed out of her eyes. The two had clearly grown closer since Fareeha joined Overwatch and it was no secret that they were together at that point. There was always a certain softness between them, despite Fareeha’s gruffness and Angela’s no-nonsense attitude.

“Your accelerator is working fine?” Winston’s question broke Tracer from her thoughts, “No issues?”

“Right as rain, love,” Tracer promised, “Been ticking away as it should.”

“Good,” Winston nodded as he pocketed his glasses and nudged Lena forward, “Stay safe out there, Lena.”

“You too,” Tracer nodded just as the doors to the aircraft opened with Athena’s countdown.

“Tracer, keep your damn comm in your ear this time!” Soldier’s yell was barely heard over the sound of Hana’s meka as it’s rear boosters engaged and took her out into the sky. Lena flashed forward, quickly gaining distance between her and her team as she went to monitor the perimeter.

Winston and Reinhardt took up the front, immediately storming the Talon base with everyone else close behind. Pharah and D.va had taken to the sky, though Hana quickly landed to assist the others. Tracer glanced behind her to keep an eye on Angela, who was hovering behind everyone with her Caduceus staff in hand.

“Mercy, I’m going round back, let me know if you need me to recall back to you.”

“Affirmative,” Angela’s soft voice spoke in her ear, “I’ll be fine, Tracer.”

With that, Lena was off, making it to the back of the building in record time. She searched back entrances for any minor Talon agents, ensuring that she was alone. She secured the doors with the motion alarms Winston had given her, which would directly notify them if someone tripped the sensor. She was just about to go back to check on Angela when Hana’s slightly out of breath warning came through the comm.

“Sniper! Don’t get caught!”

Lena perked up a bit at that, so she did show up. She placed the last motion sensor absentmindedly and then glanced around her to ensure no one was around. Clearly someone knew of her motives because her comm crackled with an incoming message again.

“Lena Oxton, don’t you da-”

Angela’s warning was cut off when Tracer yanked the earpiece out and let it drop into the strap of her accelerator. She checked the charge and saw the blinking 94%, immediately jumping forward in time to get to the roof quickly. She sent a silent apology to her teammates, especially Mercy, but told herself she was doing this to protect them.

“Cheers, love,” Lena giggled as she flashed forward to stand behind the willowy woman near the edge of the roof, “the cavalry’s here.”

She made no move to shoot and neither did the sniper, who instead turned to face her with a stoic expression, “Chérie.”

“Fancy seeing you here,” Tracer recalled backwards when Widowmaker took a step too close for her liking, “Almost thought Talon woulda given up on you. Fifty shots, one kill, eh?”

“Watch yourself, petite fille,” the way her voice litted when she spoke in her native tongue seemed so Amélie that Lena felt her heart clench painfully.

“Ah, just kidding around, love.” Lena giggles nervously as she rubbed at the back of her neck, “So what, I come all the way up here to see you, defying orders I might add; Mercy’s gonna have my arse, and you just wanna talk? No warning shot, no fist fight even? Have you lost your edge, dear Widowmaker?”

“Do you have a deathwish, mademoiselle Oxton?” The formal remark said in Amélie’s voice hurt more than she’d let on, “Is that what this is for you? Une rendez-vous avec la mort?”

“Aw, love, if I had known this was a date I would have dressed nicer,” Lena mused playfully, “Woulda brought you flowers or somethin’.”

Widowmaker sighed deeply, taking a step towards the small woman who was watching her with wide dark eyes behind her goggles. Her dancers legs gave her a lot of height on Tracer, making it so two large steps were all she needed to cross the distance between them.

Lena was a bit shocked when the distance between them shrunk so quickly that Widowmaker was almost immediately towering over her. She backed up a bit more only to be met with the wall of the storage container behind her, yelping a little at the contact.

“Oh? What’s this?” Widowmaker’s voice was mocking and a smirk played on her lips, “The mighty Tracer startled so easily? Not so confident when you can’t put distance between you and your enemies, huh, Chérie?”

“Oh, come off it,” Lena didn’t want to admit how unease those unreadable golden eyes made her, “You don’t scare me, love. No offense.”

Widowmaker hummed in thought before lifting her gun to tilt Lena’s chin up, forcing eye contact, “Is that so?”

“You haven’t killed me yet,” Lena murmured, “If you wanted me dead I would have been so ages ago. Either you’ve lost your touch, or I’ve grown on you.”

“Ah,” Widowmaker chuckled lowly, “Haven’t you ever seen a spider tease her prey before, chérie? Killing you immediately would take all the fun out of it, and it does get dreadfully boring up on this roof all alone.”

Tracer felt the muzzle of the gun nudge the dip in her shoulder in a teasing manner, trying to hide her flinch as she stayed silent. She wasn’t usually this jumpy and certainly would never back down from a fight. She just wouldn’t admit how entranced and distracted she became in Widowmaker’s presence.

“Besides,” the tall woman purred as she leaned closer to Lena, “You’re hardly a threat, darling. Just a hyperactive puppy who thinks she can save the world. It’s almost cute... mais pathétique.”

“You’re bluffing, love,” Lena finally spoke, trying to regain confidence, “Since when did you back down from a fight?”

Widowmaker just shrugged, one hand coming up to rest on the wall beside Lena’s head. Lena’s breathing hitched as she felt her warm breath on her skin, hands coming up ready to shove the other woman away.

“Like I said, Lena; it’s cute.”

Lena felt her heart clench painfully at those words, the way she said her name sounded so much like Amélie that it made her feel queasy. The ache in her chest was amplified by the weight of her accelerator on her body, making her want to cry because she was so close, yet deep down Lena knew; Amélie was gone. She still couldn’t stop herself from whispering in a pained voice.

“Amé...”

Widowmaker raised an eyebrow, golden eyes observing her with an almost pitying look, “Oh, tu pauvre fille. Amélie is gone, you know that.”

“I- please... don’t.”

The way Lena’s voice wavered made Widowmaker shake her head. She didn’t remember much of her life as Amélie Lacroix, but she did have some memory of a particular hyper overwatch agent. Memories that seemed bittersweet, though Widowmaker herself wasn’t too sure what emotion connected to them anymore. She could remember the fondness Lena used to look at Amélie with, and it was pretty obvious that she had once felt more than friendship for her mentor’s wife.

“It’s time to let go, Lena,” Widowmaker said firmly, but surprisingly not unkind, “You can’t keep doing this. I am not her, chérie, I will never be her again.”

Lena tried to hard to put on a brave face as she replied, “We could help you! Widowmaker, please, Mercy could bring Amé back...”

“It’s too late, foolish girl,” Widowmaker trailed a surprisingly gentle hand down Tracer’s cheek, “You have to let her go.”

Before Lena could respond, a raspy warning came from behind them, “Widowmaker... The mission does not include fraternizing with the enemy.”

Letting go of Tracer, the sniper turned to face Reaper, who somehow looked disappointed though his face was an unmoving white mask. Widowmaker chuckled lowly, her body language just as relaxed as before.

“Oh I’m just playing around, Reaper, mon ami,” despite her words, her tone was not friendly at all.

“And yet, you’ve not killed her? Have you lost your touch, Widowmaker? Are you becoming soft?” Reaper’s hands tightened around his guns, “Moira will not hesitate to increase your treatments, if necessary.”

“She is not my target,” Widowmaker recited slowly, “She did not make a move to shoot me or even stop me. If anything, she is but a distraction.”

“Widowmaker,” Reaper’s warning wasn’t growled out, “Don’t test me.”

“She is not my target,” She glanced back at Tracer as she repeated herself firmly. The girl was standing absolutely still, having raised her blasters with shaking hands. She was almost hiding behind Widowmaker, as though she trusted her enough to protect her from the shell of Gabriel Reyes.

Reaper huffed and raised one of his guns in the blink of an eye, too fast for either woman to react. Widowmaker flinched and jumped to the side, expecting Lena to recall out of the way like she so often did while they were fighting. However, a yelp of pain told her otherwise and she immediately spun on her heels to see Tracer crumpling to the ground.

“We’re leaving in 20 minutes, don’t miss the ship and stop making dumb mistakes. You are but a machine, Widowmaker, don’t make me shut you down.”

With that, Reaper disappeared from the roof, shifting to wraith form. Widowmaker watched him leave with baited breath and then turned to Lena, who was white as a sheet and breathing shallowly.

“Oh, you foolish girl,” Widowmaker crooned as she crouched beside the younger woman, “Why didn’t you recall out of the way?”

Tracer was clutching at her thigh, blood seeping through the obnoxious orange spandex she always wore. She huffed and rolled her eyes the best she could, “W-Was a little... distracted, love.”

Widowmaker sighed and brushed Lena’s spiky, unruly hair from her eyes, “God, you’re quite the magnet for trouble, aren’t you.”

Noticing the signs of shock setting in and realizing Lena was having trouble keeping her eyes open, Widowmaker knew she needed to make a decision. She could kill her, that was what her programming was tell her to do, but she didn’t think she could do it. Even if it was to put the girl out of her misery and rid herself of an annoying pest, there was a tiny voice screaming in her mind to save her.

Ignoring Lena’s protests, Widowmaker grabbed the communications device that was hanging from her accelerator. She brought it up to her ear and pressed a button, hearing a beep and then multiple overwatch agents’ voices calling for Lena.

“Angela Ziegler,” Widowmaker spoke coldly, “Your puppy got off her leash.”

The comm crackled and a confused voice spoke in accented English, “Amélie?”

“Widowmaker,” she corrected through gritted teeth, “She’s been shot, Ziegler. Shock setting in and losing consciousness, you’d best come work your magic before I have to put her down.”

“I-,” Mercy was stumbling over her words as she came to terms with what had been said, “You didn’t kill her?”

“I was not the one who shot her,” Widowmaker replied, “She is not my target.”

“Amélie, I-.”

“That is not my name, madam Ziegler,” the French woman warned lowly, “Come save your little pest before it is too late.”

With that she dropped the comm and turned to Lena again, who was shaking like a leaf as her body temperature dropped. Widowmaker frowned and brushed a gloved hand over her sweaty forehead, “Pauvure chiot.”

“W-why do you always... why do you c-call me that?”

Widowmaker’s golden eyes glinted with a surprisingly amount of fondness, “You are like a puppy, no? Annoying and loud, but I do suppose you’re cute to some.”

“W-well aren’t you... quite the charmer,” Lena gasped as she shifted and a spark of pain shot through her leg. She heard someone calling her name in the distance and watched with glassy eyes as Widowmaker glanced over her shoulder.

“Your friends will be here for you soon,” she spoke in a strangely gentle way, “Stay out of trouble, little pup.”

“Amé... please stay.”

Widowmaker smiled at her sadly, not bothering to correct the woman who was clearly in shock, “Adieu, Chérie.”

With that, she left Tracer slumped against the storage unit, knowing her family would find her in the next couple minutes. She threw her grapple to the rooftop across the way, spotting the talon ship hovering nearby.

With a glance over her shoulder she saw a familiar blonde figure crouching over Lena’s body. Widowmaker sighed and shifted her gun sling over her back.

“Stay alive, foolish girl.”

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twilighteve-writes · 4 years ago

Text

Feather One Divided -- Chapter 12: The Confrontation

Feather one divided, fate’s ties frayed,

Fractured and wedged, scattered and gone.

After sharing an unsettling dream of Felldrake, the Three Caballeros decided to join back together with Xandra to form a stronghold in case the sorcerer returned. But Felldrake’s plans proved to be bigger than they expected, and when he struck so close to home, it was all Donald could do to keep his family – and himself – together.

(Also available in AO3)

(Chapter 1)

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Wind and water swirling into a hurricane.

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She wasn’t sure how long they’d spent walking on the road. With everything looking exactly the same, unchanging and stagnant, it was hard to tell.

But there was movement, at least, and little by little the fog lifted. The drab cobblestone road didn’t change much, but she could see… something in the distance. After more walking, the fog cleared enough for her to see, and she squinted her eyes.

“Is that a… gate?” she asked.

“And overly ornate fence,” Uncle Scrooge agreed. “This is shaping up to be a pain.”

“It’s really not that bad, it’s just a gate and a fence,” Xandra said. They got to the gate, and she stared at what was beyond it. “Okay, those plants look about dead, but that’s not a guarantee this will be that bad.”

“You’re not helping our case,” Donald said with a sigh. He went to the gate and reached out to open it. The moment his fingers brushed against the metal, it swung open with a loud creak, and lurched.

Della stepped forward to him, but José and Panchito both caught him before he fell. He looked at them and blinked a few times. “I – I don’t know why that happened.”

The sound of something shaking drew their attention, and they looked into the gate. The seemingly dead plants were gone, replaced by lush, lively foliage. The whole place looked like a well-tended garden, richly green and drunk with flowers and leaves. Della frowned and stepped forward, tentatively entering the garden and letting her fingers brush against a bush. It felt real enough.

The rest of the group followed. Donald trailed at the back, and when he stepped inside, the gate swung shut with a loud, final slam. They stared at it as Donald rattled the gate, but it wouldn’t budge.

“Only one way to go,” Goldie said.

“And not a long way to go,” Magica said. “That’s a well if I’ve ever seen one.”

Della turned to look at what Magica pointed at and was hard-pressed to agree. The wall that made the well was large and circular, thick, made from old stones that had long since overgrown with moss. The roof over it was conical, made from slabs of mossy wood, the pulley system was rusty, and the rope looked so worn that Della was sure that if she touched it, the rope would crumble to dust.

Dewey inched forward, clearly curious, but Donald pulled him back. For once, Della agreed; the garden and the well had made her feel nervous, with how closely linked it seemed to Donald and his moves.

Magica had no such qualms. She strode with an easy confidence and peered down into the well, and then tensed.

“What?” Uncle Scrooge demanded.

Magica straightened and stepped back from the well. “Nothing. I was surprised; the water is golden.” She scooted back from it. “Now the issue is what to wish for and how to wish it. Wishing wells require a price.”

“Do we have to wish for something before we leave?” José asked, looking around uncomfortably.

“Well, how else do we leave?” Magica challenged.

“I suppose we can make a wish,” Goldie mused, “but then it comes to the question of the price – “

She heard it before it came. It sounded like a whoosh, of something cutting through the air, and then a sickly purple whip came and looped around their waists and pulled them back.

They were thrown back without care. Della managed to find her footing and landed on her feet instead of her face, as did Uncle Scrooge, Goldie, and Xandra, but Magica fell flat out on her butt, while Donald, José, and Panchito fell awkwardly trying to catch Lena, Huey, and Dewey.

The beat of wings and the feeling of being swallowed by poisoned nebula clued Della in on who had attacked them. She looked up, and sure enough, Felldrake was there atop Leopold’s back. Della felt herself stiffen when she saw her missing son, his hoodie looking worn, his whole body shimmering softly golden. It reminded her of the glow that surrounded Donald after he took the seeds, but it felt even more wrong.

“Louie!” she yelled, hoping to get some sort of reaction. Her stomach lurched when she realized he wasn’t reacting at all.

“Give him back!” Huey screamed, bordering on a snarl.

Felldrake didn’t even bother responding. He peered at the roof of the well, and he glowed faintly purple, the toxic galaxy spreading around him. The liquid in the well responded, glowing golden.

Magica’s eyes widened and she turned to Lena. “Lena! Lend me the amulet!”

Lena’s eyes widened. “No!”

“I’m not going to do anything dangerous to you, but I know how to use the well and I need magic to do it,” Magica said, almost pleading. “Neither of us want Felldrake to get his original body back.”

Lena stared at her for a moment, stricken, and made her decision in the split second that followed. She ripped the amulet out of her neck and tossed it to Magica, who caught it with a look of surprise in her eyes. “Don’t make me regret it,” Lena said, but it sounded more like a plea than a threat.

Magica nodded and ran to the well. Della gritted her teeth, decided to trust her, and turned her attention to Felldrake and Louie. She called the winds to her aid and let it surround her until her hair whipped about as she floated, briefly surprised that it was so easy to gather her magic to support her, and she knew that it would take barely any effort at all to summon a tornado if she chose to.

She was yanked back, and the pull would have sent her crashing if she wasn’t caught in strong arms. She groaned and looked up, not surprised to see Xandra had pulled her back to the ground.

“Let me get up there so I can beat Felldrake up for taking my kid,” she growled.

“I can’t let you use your magic like that,” Xandra said. “Magica will be fine because she channels her magic through an amulet. The Caballeros have their own amulets to protect them. If you use that much magic here it’s going to be hell once we get out of here.”

“Then I can limit my use; simple.”

“It’s not that simple! You’ll still be drained, and that’s the best case scenario!”

“That’s a problem for future Della.” She wiggled out of Xandra’s hold and shot up to the sky before the goddess could yank her back.

She glanced down. Felldrake had released a ton of tiny straw dolls to occupy the others and keep them away from the well, and she managed to get to the air before the wave came out. Uncle Scrooge and Goldie fought back-to-back, whacking away the dolls, while Donald, José, Panchito, and Xandra formed a circle around Huey, Dewey, and Lena, while Magica had formed a magical barrier around her, shadows flitting about her.

Which left her as the only one who was available to fight Felldrake, ill-equipped as she was. She had heard Xandra and the Caballeros yammering on about being the only ones able to beat Felldrake; it was well-instilled at this point.

It didn’t matter. She would get Louie back or she would die trying.

Ignoring Xandra’s warning, she called her magic forth and flitted behind Leopold, who hadn’t noticed her closing in. Putting herself in his blind spot would help her. It helped that it was also Felldrake’s blind spot.

From her place, she could see that Felldrake was holding Louie’s hand, who was unresponsive in his place. Louie’s faint golden light was devoid of its usual emerald green glitters, and the same light shone softly in Felldrake’s eyes. He had his hand outstretched to the well, tendrils of gold and sickly purple emanating from it. She glanced down at Magica and saw that she was peering at the well, similar tendrils of dark purple emanating from her with hints of Donald’s aquamarine-gold that surrounded him just before they entered the pocket dimension.

Mind made up, she took in a deep breath, let her magic wreathe her from head to toe, and rushed forward like the sudden gust of hot wind to Felldrake. The tendrils dissipated in an instant as he threw his hand out and sent jagged crystals her way, but she maneuvered around them to avoid being hit. It was easy to let her magic run wild, so she did; she sent a gust of wind to knock Felldrake off Leopold, but he held on safely.

“Della!” she heard Donald yell, and his magic touched hers, sending alarm and concern and a general feeling of what the actual fuck are you doing.

She ignored it because she had to focus on avoiding another wave of jagged crystals to her. Once the onslaught was done, she sent a quick wave of shaky reassurance and refocused her attention to Felldrake. “Give me my kid back,” she demanded.

Felldrake scoffed. “He’ll find his way back once I’m done with him. Get lost.”

“And let you get what you want at his expense? Not a chance.” Della zoomed in close, let her magic dissipate from her limbs, and dropped to send a kick at Felldrake, aiming with her metal leg for an extra helping of pain.

Leopold threw a wrench in her plans, dodging and swiping at her. The blow caught her in the arm and she careened aside, catching herself midair, momentum broken. Felldrake glared at her as if daring her to disturb him again.

Who was she to deny it?

White plumes bloomed around her as she gathered as much magic as she could to her limbs and shot ahead, shooting gusts of wind to disturb Leopold’s flight and drop Felldrake to the ground. If Louie fell, she knew she was fast enough to catch him safely, especially since she could harness as much magic as she needed.

Apparently, it pissed Felldrake off enough. The dying stars burst out and formed a dome around him and his ride, and he clenched his teeth. “Stop getting in my way.””

“What about you stop getting in our way?” Della sniped. “How did you get here in the first place, anyway? There was only one road and we didn’t see you.”

“There’s more than one road and there’s more than one gate,” Felldrake scoffed, “since there is more than one key.” He dug his fingers into Louie’s scruff, and Della saw red. She gritted her teeth and let her magic build to call on a storm, and Felldrake lifted a hand in response, his magic gathering in his fingers, but he stopped, suddenly.

Della stopped in her tracks, too. Something was happening down below.

The water in the well bubbled, the gold liquid shining over Magica and dissipated the barrier she had made. The magic in it pulsed, once, twice, then blasted out, gold light shining brightly.

Felldrake snarled out an angry no. Below, Donald gasped, losing his footing and dropping like a sack of potatoes, José and Panchito scrambling to catch him only to stumble last minute. Overhead, Della gasped, feeling something in her drain as Donald’s magic touched hers in a desperate grab and dragged, trying to siphon away her magic as his own was drained away faster than he could supply it. Below, Lena let out a short but sharp shriek and dropped to her knees, shining bright aqua light that disappeared as soon as it appeared.

Around Magica, amongst the spilling golden light, shadows woke and swirled. Soon, it expanded and overtook the well’s light, and swallowed them all in darkness, and for the longest second everything hung frozen, and then Della felt the sensation of something shattering around her as her magic abruptly left her and she plummeted below, staring up uncomprehendingly up at the thinning shadows and the shine of the full moon and the morning star above her. Overhead, Magica flew atop a sphere of solid shadows, her wand in her hand, green in her feathers, and the unmistakable feel of strong, pure shadow magic oozing off of her. She glanced at them for a moment, and the shadows swallowed her, and she disappeared in a wave of reawakened magic and aloof, almost indifferent, smile.

“Thank you, Donald Duck,” she said just before she blinked away in the dark.

She crashed into the sea with a big splash, somehow managing to hold her breath so she didn’t inhale a lungful of seawater. To her panic, she found herself unable to move her limbs, her magic so drained she felt a physical backlash over it. She closed her eyes and opened her beak to scream – in its place, a big bubble of precious air escaped.

Someone caught her by the armpits and brought her to the surface. She coughed and sputtered, wheezing as she tried to breathe air into her lungs. When the hacking subsided, she turned around to see who had her. She blinked. “Uncle Scrooge?”

He stared at her with grim eyes. “Let’s swim closer to the others,” he said, partly dragging her through the water. She blinked and looked around and felt something in her freeze.

José and Panchito both looked tired, but they kept themselves alert somehow, with an unresponsive Donald afloat between them. Xandra swam around them like a protective shark, looking ready to drag them out of the water as soon as she was able. To Della’s surprise, all three Caballero gripped their weapons, still, seemingly undisturbed by the difficulty that came with trying to swim with their blades. By them, Goldie kept Lena afloat as she girl stared at her hands in what looked like a mix between fear and wonder, dying sparks of white-blue light clinging to her fingers.. And then there were Huey and Dewey, looking around with a searching look in their eyes.

“Donald,” Della whispered, hurrying to him. Her limbs locked in her exhaustion and she lurched, inhaling seawater up her nose, and Uncle Scrooge had to drag her up coughing and hacking again.

The sound of a boat fast approaching took her attention, and she turned. She saw a familiar trawler coming closer, and she blinked, staring at it. Webby waved frantically at them, Violet by her side. Fenton was behind them, holding them by the waists since they looked ready to jump into the water themselves. He saw the group, said something to the girls, and ran inside, only to come out with a life preserver and ropes. He tossed it out, and Xandra caught it, immediately gathering the Caballeros into her arms and climbing up into the boat. Uncle Scrooge had Della climb up, still coughing, and then Huey and Dewey behind her, then Lena. Goldie and himself followed after.

“What happened? Where’s Magica? Where’s Louie?” Webby asked. “We saw what happened when you guys were away, there’s this weird floating orb we could look into, we saw you guys in there. Louie’s not here with you guys?”

“No,” Goldie said. She pointed up. “He’s up there.”

Della looked up, following Goldie’s finger. Sure enough Leopold was there hovering, Felldrake on his back, Louie with him.

Donald’s magic stirred. “Louie,” he croaked.

Felldrake glared at them, hateful eyes seemingly shining in the dim moonlight. He glanced at Louie disdainfully. “Useless little trash. I couldn’t even use you for the well.”

“That’s not even Louie’s fault,” Della said, incredulous. From what she gathered, she had concluded that the well had used at least a part of magic from the person who brought them into the pocket dimension for the wish – so Magica thanking Donald was probably because his magic had paid the price for hers to revive, if she had guessed correctly. Did she want Louie to experience backlash the way Donald was experiencing? Definitely not. Did she find Felldrake’s vitriol over Louie not being able to grant his wish ridiculous anyway? Absolutely; the guy lost his chance because Magica was faster in getting what she wanted, Louie had nothing to do with that.

Felldrake clearly didn’t feel the same way. With a scoff, he pushed Louie off Leopold.

Della screamed and lurched forward, but her limbs were too weak for her to move. Uncle Scrooge beat her to the punch, rushing forward and jumping to the sea, and to her surprise, Goldie followed right after.

Donald shone, sea blue and white seafoam, and the ocean jumped to intercept Louie. Instead of plunging like a rock, the sea embraced him and guided him down, letting Uncle Scrooge and Goldie both to get Louie and pull him to safety. As soon as the light dissipated, his magic depleted, he slumped back down and Della felt herself being drained even further.

“Uncle Scrooge, quick, the orb!” Huey yelled, and Uncle Scrooge paddled faster, Goldie following. They got up soon, with Fenton helping them while Launchpad and a guy Della didn’t recognize getting out to help.

As soon as Uncle Scrooge was on board, he carried Louie closer to Donald, grabbing Della’s hand on the way and dragging her along. He had them sitting together, Della hugging Louie desperately and ignoring how his faint golden glow seeped though her eyelids and how cold he felt in her arms. He was breathing, still, but he was so quiet, and Della hated it.

Uncle Scrooge pulled her hand, and Louie’s, and Donald’s, and had them hold the Orb of Remedies together. Almost immediately, her limbs relaxed, and her magic started to fill her up again. It was weak, and it came in a small trickle, but it came all the same. She let out a shuddering breath as relief came flooding in, feeling Louie grow warmer and Donald’s magic healthier, but Louie’s magic was still active and she couldn’t wake him up.

“Donald’s still unresponsive,” Xandra noted grimly. “His magic is too drained.”

“He might be better if he took from us,” José said. “But he didn’t.”

Xandra groaned. “He knows he’d be drained. And we still need to fight Felldrake. What’s he doing?”

Della glanced up just as Panchito answered, “He’s just up there chattering with Leopold.” He glanced at Della. “He does that. We’ll have a minute or two before they stop.”

“We need to jumpstart Donald’s magic,” Xandra said with a hiss. “We need all three Caballeros.”

Dewey took in a sharp breath. “The pin.”

“Pin?” Uncle Scrooge repeated.

“We took the Three Feathers Pin and the Void Ring from your Other Bin,” Webby admitted. “We thought they might help.”

“We’re sorry,” Huey added.

Uncle Scrooge sighed. “Tell me next time. There are a lot of dangerous things in the Other Bin.”

“But Three Feathers Pin…” Xandra’s eyes darted around in thought. “That might work. It will be really volatile, but if we can just jumpstart Donald’s magic and let it build a little bit…”

“I have it with me,” Violet said, taking out the pouch containing the pin. She handed it to Xandra.

“Right,” Xandra said, taking out the pin. The pin did nothing to her; her magic didn’t go wild, but maybe it was different for deities than mortals. She took a deep breath, took Donald’s free hand, and placed the pin in his palm.

Donald’s back arched immediately, his beak opened in a silent scream. His magic soared, and the ocean around them exploded upwards, raining seawater as he opened his eyes; pools of the deep and seafoam as sea blue enveloped him from head to toe. His grip on the orb tightened, and there was a zing through his magic as the orb’s influence seemed to spike, and Della found herself breathing easier as Donald’s magic returned to its usual power, erratic as it was. She blinked at the same time as he did.

“That’s it.”

The feathers at the back of Della’s neck stood on end. She looked up, suddenly realizing Felldrake hadn’t spoken in a while, and saw that he was staring at them hungrily. A smile stretched in his face.

“What – “

Felldrake patted Leopold’s neck twice, and the creature nodded, then dove in to the ship. Donald sprang up, but he was too late, and Leopold knocked him over and he skidded and fell back as Felldrake landed lightly on the ship. The pin laid conveniently near to his feet, and he took it, his magic going wild immediately.

“To think you had this with you,” Felldrake said, letting out a low chuckle. “I should have robbed your mansion outright.” His eyes darted to Della, who still held the orb. “I really should have just robbed you blind.”

Della gripped the orb tighter just as both poisoned outer space and smoggy night sky bloomed around Felldrake. She scooted back, holding Louie closer to her chest and making sure he was still holding the orb together with her, while Uncle Scrooge stepped in front of her and glared at Felldrake as if daring him to come closer.

To her surprise, Donald gasped and stood, yelling, “Sheldgoose!”

Panchito patted José’s arm repeatedly, and José snapped up in surprise. He took a deep breath, and green glinted in his eyes, snaking out of his beak like vines. “Sheldgoose, speak to us. Surely you don’t want to stay locked inside your body like that?”

Della stared at him in confusion. She turned her attention to Felldrake, who froze in his spot, the dying stars abruptly swirling back inside himself while the smoggy sky rose up, lit up in the light of eternally, listlessly awake city, the honks of cars and skidding tires and sudden brakes a phantom symphony that painted an orchestra in his magic.

Felldrake gasped, eyelids fluttering, and Della was suddenly struck with the certainty that this was not Felldrake.

“What do you even get from letting him take over?” Panchito added. “It’s your body. He’s just there. You can kick him out if you want to.”

Felldrake – Sheldgoose? – stood his ground and let his hand curl tighter around the pin. The smoggy sky grew stormy, the poisoned fog growing thicker and thicker. “I can’t.”

“We can help you,” Donald said. “He’s not worth shielding.”

Sheldgoose let out a laugh that was equal part derision and disbelief. “You’re the ones who locked him inside me in the first place.”

“We wanted to seal him inside the staff and you know it,” Panchito said. “You’re the one who broke it.”

“And it doesn’t matter,” José said. “We can get him out. Let us help, and – “

“No,” Sheldgoose snarled. “I will not get your help.” He bent into a stance, and the smoggy sky expanded then focused, condensing into tendrils with uncomfortably pointy ends. They soared forward, to Della.

On instinct, Della called to her magic and shot up to the sky, ignoring the tendrils and hugging Louie close to keep him safe, the orb safe in her hand. Below, Uncle Scrooge swung his cane and jabbed a tendril to keep it down, but the tendril easily knocked him away. Panchito let out an uncomfortably piercing whistle that made Della frown and Sheldgoose flinch, but he powered through it.

Another tendril went for her, and Della dodged. Soon, it became apparent that even with her flight magic it was hard to avoid the tendrils that kept chasing her. She could feel Donald pouring his magic into her, but eventually the tendrils caught her and slammed her back to the poop deck. She curled in pain, keening, still hugging Louie close. Smog rushed at her, almost solid in its presence. She gathered her magic frantically and tried to blow the smog away with wind but it was too strong for her to fight.

Something snatched away the orb in her hand. The storm of smog left her be, at last.

Sheldgoose gripped at the stolen artifacts, one in each hand. Leopold landed by his side, nuzzling his face and calling him mommy of all things, and he scratched Leopold absently under his chin. His magic was still going haywire, but it wasn’t as bad as the triplets’ outbursts, or hers, or Donald’s. She wasn’t sure if it meant his magic was weaker than theirs or if Felldrake’s presence lent some sort of control for him.

“Why do you do this? You get nothing from this!” Donald demanded. “He’s inside you. He just needs to get out. What do you think he’ll do to you once he’s out? He has no use for you!”

Sheldgoose glared at him. “Lord Felldrake will not cast me aside,” he said, and he closed his eyes. The smoggy sky seemed to freeze for a moment, and then poisoned outer space bled out and burst, and when he opened his eyes again he was back at being Felldrake instead of Sheldgoose.

“Let’s see if strengthening my magic with this can let me break free,” Felldrake said, and gripped the pin closer to his chest. The toxic nebulas exploded, dying stars winking, and the full moon was swallowed in his magic. Something akin of cracks appeared in the feathers around his eyes as sickly purple bled out and tried to burst from his skin.

Donald, José, and Panchito shot forward as one, amulet shining and weapons drawn. Felldrake took one glance at them, nonchalantly flicked his wrist, and the three were flung back.

Webby took something from Violet’s sling bag – a familiar leather pouch that Della couldn’t place. She took out the content, shook with barely contained rage, and threw it to Felldrake. “Stop hurting them! I hope you get corrupted!”

Xandra stared wide-eyed. Something shot to Felldrake’s head with deadly accuracy, but Felldrake somehow managed to catch it between two hands, sandwiching it between two other stolen artifacts. He stared, then smiled entirely too gleefully. “Oh, a present,” he purred, “you really didn’t have to.”

“You didn’t tell me you have the Void Ring,” Xandra hissed to Uncle Scrooge.

“It’s dangerous! It almost killed Donald and Della,” Uncle Scrooge said, defensive.

“Okay,” Xandra took a deep breath. “Okay. Void Ring is a bit of a wildcard. Let’s just hope it will corrupt Felldrake’s magic so bad he can’t – “

The poison in Felldrake’s magic grew thicker. His magic swelled, soaring, growing, as the cracks in his skin grew wider.

“Or it will just make him stronger because his magic is already so rancid. Okay,” Xandra muttered.

Webby staggered. “Oh no,” she breathed. “Oh no, did I make it worse? I didn’t know – “

“Webby, none of us knew,” Uncle Scrooge assured. “If it wasn’t you, someone else would throw the ring. I know I would, if I knew you brought it here with you.”

“But – “

Webby didn’t get to finish her words. Sinister-looking sickly purple storm clouds gathered around Felldrake, who slowly floated up to the sky, Leopold flying about around him. The storm clouds grew in size, enveloping the sky, and soon Della couldn’t see the dying stars above anymore. Wind picked up, the sea grew rough, and fat droplets of rain began to fall. In no time at all, it all grew into a storm so bad Della could barely see her own hand in front of her.

Despite the storm, she could still hear Donald, screaming in alarm and rage and then getting to her. She jumped anyway when his hand closed around her wrist. “Felldrake is making a storm and a big whirlpool. If we don’t do anything the boat’s gonna sink!”

“What are we supposed to do? We can’t do anything about this,” Della protested.

“No, we can,” Donald said. “But I need your magic. Come on, Dell.”

Della looked down at Louie in her arms, still as unresponsive as before. Donald’s gaze fell to him, and he gulped, suddenly looking both angry and torn at the same time.

Huey and Dewey came to them, waving to catch their attention. “We’ll take care of him!” Huey assured.

“We’ll try to wake him up,” Dewey added, practically vowing then and there. She let them take Louie from her arms and stood, eyes still glued to her children.

Donald’s squeeze at her wrist called her attention back to him, and before any other word was exchanged he let his magic twine around hers. She let him rouse her battered magic with his own, just as battered one. She didn’t need to see to know white cloudlike plumes had bloomed around her and Donald was covered from head to toe by the blue of the sea. Wind rose around her and whipped her wet hair around, and she could feel the sea responding to Donald’s call. Their magic twined so deeply that it was impossible not to understand when they sent impressions to each other.

We have to stop the storm and the whirlpool, Donald practically said.

I can try taking the wind, Della sent back. Might need help. It’s not just wind, it has water too.

Together, then, Donald said.

She let her magic plunge into his and mix together. Through sheer force of will, they managed to coax the storm to subside into drizzles, and Donald had somehow managed to stop the whirlpool using his magic.

An unmistakable feeling of oh no cut through Della’s connection, and she stared at Donald. Sure enough, he was looking at something in the sky, so Della followed his line of sight and couldn’t help but mutter the words.

Felldrake was still floating in midair with Leopold flying around him, but the flight had grown panicked and Felldrake looked… different.

At first glance, he still looked like the goose that Sheldgoose was. Della could almost ignore all the purple streaks in his feathers. But something was wrong; he looked deformed for reasons Della couldn’t fathom or point out, like something inside was trying to burst free.

Felldrake slipped on the Void Ring, and his magic flared brighter, and then Sheldgoose broke.

It was as if Sheldgoose was a balloon, and someone had blown air into him. The purple streaks grew bigger, cracks spreading until he was purple all over, and then he swelled, growing larger, larger, larger, as the white plumage turned into sickly purple. Horns appeared atop of his rapidly swelling head, and Della almost couldn’t see his face since the big, rotund belly obstructed her line of vision.

Felldrake let out a booming laughter and let his hand swipe down at their trawler. It landed instead on the water, just inches away from the boat’s hull, and it sent the boat flying. Instead of landing roughly on the sea like Della had expected, it floated in midair, as if gravity had forgotten to lay its claim on them.

“Oh no,” Xandra spoke, soft and faint. “The seal broke. Felldrake is back.”

#dt17 #dt17 magic au #feather one divided #donald duck #della duck #panchito pistoles #josé carioca #xandra #scrooge mcduck #goldie o'gilt #Huey Duck #Dewey Duck #Louie Duck #lena de spell #magica de spell #Webby Vanderquack #violet sabrewing #Fenton Crackshell-Cabrera

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deadasswlw · 5 years ago

Note

"I thought I had lost you" Kara / Lena

Absolutely happy to! ( I literally could not decide which one to do since this gave me so many ideas, sorry for the wait)

* * *

"KARA!"

The Kryptonian blinked away dust and tears caused by the smoke.

Noise rumbled in the background, she couldn't define anything in particular as she weakly rolled onto her front, coughing in the process.

Her vision doubled as she tried to take in the situation.

What happened?

"KARA!"

An alien, it got the best of her and jumped through the roof of the building, away from Alex, Lena, and Nia.

Then it threw her down.

Then black.

"KARA!" Kara pushed herself up weakly, her senses still coming back to her as she began to process what she was seeing and hearing.

Kara looked around, it was smokey, water spewed from pipes while flames danced around the damaged room, rubble and broken glass scattered the floor and Kara realized that she had created a large crater in the basement of the building.

"KARA!"

The blonde finally registered what mattered most about the scene, Nia's astral projection standing right in front of her.

"Finally! Thought we lost you for a second there," Nia exclaimed, from what Kara could gather, the younger hero was extremely concerned.

"Look your crazy brought the building down, the civilians are okay but Alex and the DEO can't get in, and Lena and I can't get out," Nia begged as Kara crawled out of the crater.

"Lena?" Kara drawled.

"She's hurt, she pushed me out of the way of some falling rafters, I can't get her out."

"Where are you?" Kara slurred as she got to her feet.

Nia jogged off, and Kara followed as best she could.

"Dont touch that or the rest of the ceiling will fall," Nia warned as she walked through a beam that blocked part of the only pathway.

Kara ducked through and followed the other girl as she rounded a corner created by debris.

"Okay you need to punch through or throw this out of the way or something," Nia explained further, Lena and I are down the hall. Kara used what strength she had and pushed the cement blockade up long enough for her to get through.

"Where?"

"See where there's still some walls and the broken door?" Nia waited for Kara to nod. "In there, hurry, Nia pleaded, before disappearing through the wreckage.

Kara trudged on, pushing debris out of the way until she hit the room Lena and Nia were in.

She pushed the door down, breaking it and forcing it until it was of no interference on the floor.

Kara used her x twy vision to make sure the two brunettes were far enough away from the damage for Kara to safely clear the way.

"I'm coming!" Kara promised before grabbing on and punching part of collapsed ceiling, tearing it through the door way and moving forward. Kara moved a large beam and immediately stopped as she heard a cry through the barricade.

"Stop! Whatever you're lifting, it's pushing the debris on Lena more!"

Kara realized she have to change her gameplay and used her x ray vision again, the room next to theirs had less stuff in it, she'd just have to walk through the rubble.

Kara moved as fast as she could, which was sluggish at best, and made it to the wall that connected the two rooms.

"Be careful!" Kara yelled out before she cautiously punched her way through the wall.

It finally gave way and reveled Lena's head resting on Nia's lap.

"Lena-" Kara rushed and knelt next the the CEO desperately. Drowsy green eyes and dried blood stood out against paper white skin, it made Kara sick.

"Okay," Kara tried her intercom but only got static.

"You can reach Alex?" Nia nodded. "Do they have medical help outside?" Another nod.

"Okay, okay," Kara used her x ray vision to examine Lena's injuries. She had a badly broken leg, and a piece of rafting was jabbed through her abdomen, she was losing blood, a lot of it.

"You're going to be okay Lena, I promise,"

"Just... be quick with it would you? I could use a drink sooner... rather than later..." Lena's eyes fell shut, and Kara's widened.

"I'll get her loose and you'll need to pull her out. I'll break through the roof and get us to the ground." Nia nodded frantically, horrified.

Kara took to using her x ray vision to cutting through the rubble without risking opening Lena's wound any further. It was like creating a jigsaw puzzle or playing jenga.

And Kara couldn't afford to lose, Lena's heart had already slowed too much for comfort.

"Okay, be careful, pull straight and fast," make sure she's okay," Kara stood and backed away, taking to burning a path to the surface, getting out of the hellish basement. Kara had to block the occasional piece of debris that fell toward the brunettes.

"Kara," Nia mumbled, the Kryptonian continued to create their escape route. "Kara," Nia tried again.

"Kara!"

The tunnel broke apart, falling into the room.

"KARA!"

The Kryptonian's head snapped around, and her senses focused again, her hearing focused on Lena's heartbeat once again.

Lack thereof.

"No," Kara scooped Lena into her arms and flew her out of there and onto a nearby gurney.

Next she grabbed Nia, placing her on the ground before rushing to Lena's side.

"Your her next of kin," Alex told Kara, a needle in her hand. It contained some of Lena's miracle cure, the one that saved James so long ago.

"Anything it takes just save her, please, please Alex," Alex waited for the EMT's with the defibrillator to bring her back.

Kara's breath hitched in her throat with each failed attempt.

But on the fourth try, Lena's chest continued to rise, her heart slowly began to pump.

"Now, do it now, " Kara ordered her sister, who obeyed, ripping the rafting out and injecting the syringe into the vein in Lena's neck.

"She should be okay, but get her to the DEO as quickly as possible. I'll be right behind you." Alex commanded while running to her truck, Kara entering the back of the ambulance with Lena.

Kara sat next to Lena and two other EMT's, stroking the brunette's hair gently.

"I thought I lost you," Kara mused sadly, relieved that the woman next to her was breathing. With a kiss on Lena's forehead, Kara silently promised she would keep it that way.

#not very good #not really angst #supercorp fanfic #supercorp #lena luthor #kara danvers

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internetexplorersclub · 6 years ago

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sing to me muse, of the history of muses

I idly clicked on a link to this WIRED piece about Lena, the woman behind the first JPEG image, and got completely sucked in. I had no idea that the original image used to create the JPEG compression was a Playboy centerfold (!) and the article not only goes and finds the original Lena but dives into the history of women and muses in art, which is extremely my jam.

It draws a through line from L’inconnu de la Seine (whose face would be later used on CPR dummies) to Audrey Munson (muse of early 20th century urban sculpture), to Kodak’s Shirleys (women photographed to calibrate film), to Lena herself. A fascinating read.

I ended up diving even deeper into the story of Audrey Munson, and it’s a helluva ride. This piece gives an incredible overview of her life (28 min read)—from model of almost 100 documented statues, include at the Panama-Pacific Exhibition (see above, she’s the statue that adorns the roof) to the first woman to be nude in a motion picture—which contains sweeping ups and downs, and constant attempts at reinvention. It’s ultimately a heartbreaking one, but I’m glad more light is being shed on her life:

When she smiled, her eyes were heavy-lidded and she had a toothy overbite. But when she posed, she had a face that could launch a thousand ships: a chin that curved like the wood on a violin, cheekbones that caught the light and revealed the perfect symmetry of a human face.

I am in particular, struck by the fact that I had never thought about these statues, particularly the allegorical ones, as being based on models. (Did I think they were somehow just that good at sculpture? Unclear). It now seems so intimate—almost uncomfortably so—to look at these statues, knowing much more about the woman they’re based on.

This goes hand-in-hand with a lot of conversations that have been going on about Greek statuary recently. It’s now at least somewhat well-known that Greek statues were originally brightly colored, and this piece in the New Yorker is a great overview of that, though there’s now been some pushback at the bright colors themselves—there are no variants in hues in these restorations, no subtleties, when other Greco-Roman art (mosaics, frescoes—see above), or adjacent (Fayum portraits) have both of those. They also choose this awful color pink for skin which is just… not based in what we know the Greeks looked like!

Two final things to close out our talk of muses: they have discovered the identity of L’Origine du monde (NSFW!)—it’s ballet dancer Constance Queniaux; and two: I just found out about these Sleeping Beauty automata that are designed to breathe slowly. It is eerily realistic:

vimeo

etcetera: An ode to glass bricks. Someone has catalogued all the fossils that exist in monuments in Washington. D.C. Oh, well when you put it that way:

#internet explorers club #muses #women in history #forgotten stories #autonomata #killer birds

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mechanicalinertia · 3 years ago

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STMPD's Month-end Musings

Jeepers. Jumping Jaloopers. Jinkies, gang. Jeebus Kringle. It's the end of the month.

What has changed? I'm back in school, but that's manageable, somehow. I'm writing less, but that's fine. I'm not doing as much passive media consumption as I ought to - my watchlist / readlist towers up into infinity same as ever - and I haven't exactly lived up to my New Year's Resolution to correct that. But, hey, isn't that just how things are? It's easier for me, when I have the time, to write silly things, these days.

...that being said, what have I written recently? Let's put aside all other thoughts about the month's end and muse solely on this.

1. Divine Patronage: It broke three thousand views on AO3, which is fucking awesome. It's slowed down, but so have I. I finished the first arc of the story, and that did well, and now I'm onto arc 2, as determined by a poll I put up on Sufficient Velocity. I hacked out a prologue and then... silence. Sorry, gang.

For one, I'm in the middle of the term. For another, I can't quite figure out how to write where I want this thing to go - but then again I haven't really sat down and stewed on Divine Patronage the way I have a few other projects after I wrote that prologue. I lost a bit of my mojo there, and then I lost the mojo for this other project, namely...

2. BGC 2068 Screenplay: Thanks to the advice of an internet pal, I rewrote most of the 'first act' of this project. The Sabers are assembling, they're to fight Mason, but now the rewrite puts Mason more front and center in the plot, since he has his Boomer bodyguards (the ladies from OVA 2) kill Priss's friends. It's not shorter, but it is more informationally dense.

The trouble now is that I still am struggling with dialogue-heavy scenes that take up a lot of runtime. Like, I've got this one with Priss and Linna in a beef-bowl place - more Priss's idea than Linna's. And Priss harasses a Boomer waitress in such a way as to highlight said waitress's artificiality, to highlight that these more-human-than-humans are in fact anything but, and that a great many people play with them in ways they shouldn't, a silent symbol of resistance against the crushing omnipresence of GENOM's most valuable product.

It's very clever, but then the second half of the scene needs to be something involving Celia (Sylia, whatever) and Linna (Lena? Rina?), and their past together, since (have I brought this up before?) I'm stealing from the BGC fan audio drama (that I haven't listened to! Oopsie) where the two grew up together, with Celia and Mackie living under the Yamazaki roof until Celia turned eighteen (the way I'm writing it, around the time of the Quake). Needs to be a flashback, then - but what does it show? Celia's a little autistic around this time, but how to display that through Linna's eyes?

I wonder if I should just listen to the inevitably cringey American voice acting just to figure out what the guys behind the audio drama were thinking (and now that I think about it, there should be a new arc coming out this summer! Woo!). Or maybe I should just let this scene rest and get to another part of the script, move forward and fill what I know is there later. Or maybe I should shelve this and get back to Divine Patronage, something people will actually read.

Heh. Speaking of things people won't read...

3. RPG: Shelved. It was, in retrospect, too goddamn long, too much lore for a franchise that doesn't need deep lore. Ah well. If I come back to it, I'll do so in one big rush of useless content, and it will be all my own, no one else's.

4. Terrible BGC Crossover Ideas: I've had a few of these, recently. They're not terrible in terms of concept, more terrible in that no one would read them and they would end up being timesucks with no purpose. Which is a pity, because I'd love to read these stories, but no one is going to write them. I'll list them in a follow-up post.

Soooo... what now? Well, I need to get back to Divine Patronage, that's for sure, because people read that. I think the screenplay is a more interesting concept, it's more interesting to work on because It has to be compact, chunks written and rewritten. But it's not going to see the light of day any time soon.

I really should start building a portfolio of original work. Well - then again, I do have a creative writing class I'm doing right now, and I'm writing something for that, and dare I say it, it's pretty gooooood. We'll see where it goes in the coming month, same as the screenplay and Divine Patronage.

#month end musings #fanfiction

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cardcaptorsakura96 · 1 year ago

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Taxes, Taxes, Taxes-Chapter 15

Fandom: Supergirl

Characters: Kara Danvers, Clark Kent, Samantha Arias, Lena Luthor, Lillian Luthor, Ruby Arias, Oliver Queen, John Stewart, Diana Prince, Bruce Wayne, Barry Allen, J'onn J'onnz, Alfred Pennyworth, Lois Lane, Cat Grant, Lucy Lane, Damian Wayne, Felicity Smoak

Summary: What if superheroes had to pay a property damage tax every time they had a fight in the city?

Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Chapter 9, Chapter 10, Chapter 11, Chapter 12, Chapter 13, Chapter 14

Kara was a little paranoid about where they were going which is why they decided against normal travel options. They didn’t know what they were getting into or if they would have to eventually forgo their vehicles to get to where they needed to go. Kara flew Lena and the device to the location while Barry carried Felicity while using his super speed. All four got to the location at the same time and were startled by what they saw. It was a dilapidated 10-story apartment building. The majority of the windows were either busted out or boarded up, weeds and ivy growing everywhere, paint was chipping everywhere and was discolored, and the stairs leading up alongside the building was hanging off the hinges.

Kara frowned while shaking her head, “This can’t be right.”

Felicity shrugged her shoulders and said, “Maybe it looks this way to steer people away.”

“Maybe,” mused Kara. She used her X-ray vision to see what was inside. What she saw left her even more complex. “That’s strange,” muttered Kara.

Lena frowned and asked, “What is it?”

Kara shook her head and said, “I used my X-ray vision to see what was inside, and there is nothing. The entire apartment has been gutted out. There are only the four walls, a roof, and the front and back door. That’s it.”

Barry looked quizzically at Kara and said, “Wait. You mean there isn’t any rooms or floor levels at all?”

Kara shook her head and said, “No. It is just an empty shell.”

Barry said, “I can do a quick run inside to make sure there is really nothing in there.”

Kara nodded. Barry looked forward and speed through the building. He was gone several seconds before returning. He shook his head and was perplex.

He turned to the others and said, “Kara’s right. There is nothing inside.”

Felicity turned to Kara and asked, “Is there anything about this building that that seemed significant to you? Maybe something that you parents thought that only you would notice?”

Kara shook her head and said, “There is nothing ringing a bell about this place.”

“I think I may have something,” mused Lena.

The others turned around to see her rapidly scrolling on her phone.

“Did you find something?” asked Kara hopefully.

Lena looked up hesitantly and said, “I think so. I did a quick search on who the owners of the building are: Roz Le and Laura Zine.”

Kara chuckled softly.

Lena looked up at her quizzically and asked, “What?”

Kara shook her head while chuckling softly.

“If you rearrange the letters of those names, it would be Zor El and Alura In Ze. My parents’ names. My dad was very fond of anagrams.”

Felicity raised an eyebrow and asked, “So your parents have been to Earth before?”

Kara looked back at the apartment confused and said, “They must have. I am not sure why they wouldn’t have told me this before.”

Barry said, “Maybe they didn’t want to. I get the feeling that this was sort of a last resort option for them.”

Kara nodded while looking back down at the device. The green crystal was still glowing with the coordinates on it. She looked back up at the building with a look of determination.

“I am going to go inside with the device to see if it does anything while in there.”

Kara took a couple of steps forward until the entire device started glowing soft yellow. The device then forced itself out of her hands and zoomed towards the front door of the apartment. She thought that the device would break through the door, but was surprised that it phased through.

Felicity chuckled nervously and said, “Well, I didn’t see that coming.”

“Neither did I,” murmured Lena.

Barry rubbed the back of his neck and said, “Well, at least we definitely know that we are in the right place.”

Kara looked at the others hesitantly and said, “I know that things just got a little weird just now. I would understand if you wanted to wait here while I check it out.”

Lena rushed towards her, grabbed her hand and shouted, “No!”

Kara looked at her startled which caused Lena to look down blushing.

“I didn’t mean to scream like that. I just wanted to say that this was a team effort and we wouldn’t abandon you in your hour of need.”

Barry nodded and said, “Lena’s right. We are with you until the end.”

Felicity fist pump her hand in the air and said, “Here, Here.”

Kara smiled and said, “Thanks, guys!”

She looked back at the apartment with more confidence and said, “Here’s to the unknown.”

They walked up to the apartment and walked through the door. All around them was darkness.

Lena frowned and asked, “Barry, how were you able to run around and see anything in here earlier?”

“This is strange,” said Barry.

“Please don’t say that,” muttered Felicity.

“Well, it is. When I was in here, it wasn’t pitch black. Kara, can you see anything?” asked Barry.

“No, not even with my X-ray vision,” said Kara nervously.

Suddenly a bright white light appeared which blinded them. As it gradually went down, the four began blinking rapidly to adjust their eyesight. Once they were able to see again, they were all shocked by what they saw. It looked like they were in a lobby for a fancy apartment building. On one side was a fancy staircase that led upstairs. On the other side was two elevators. In the center of the room seemed to be a service desk with what looks like a woman behind it. Kara felt tears streaming down her face.

“Mom!” she screamed as she ran forward.

She wrapped her arms around the woman and squeezed really tight.

“You don’t know how much I missed you,” sobbed Kara.

The woman patted her on the head and said, “I am sorry to disappoint you Kara, but I am not your mother.”

Kara gradually took a step back and looked at the woman hesitantly. She looked exactly like her mother down to the clothing she would wear.

Kara looked at her hesitantly and said, “I don’t understand.”

Read the rest on AO3

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mssirey · 7 years ago

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do reign with alex, if reign captured her instead of killing her

Okay anon, you want to see the kind of monster I can be?? Spoiler alert: i am a total softy, but there is violence in this piece. (I needed to do some editing to canon for this; just a few tweaks) You can read the fic on AO3, if you prefer. Buckle up, everyone.

Kara was a symbol of hope, but with her knees against the cement and her spine protesting holding her shoulders aloft, she could feel hope slipping away from her.

Reign’s arrival was just the pinnacle of ill-timing. Just as she felt like they had made progress–they had reached Julia–it was falling away from them. From her. She did not have the strength to hold on.

“She is but a newborn, and yet you kneel before her,” she mocked. Reign knew she was hurt. Weak. Julia faltered beside Kara.

Alex, the only one standing, moved between Kara and the Worldkiller. Kara reached out feebly. “Alex, no,” she pleaded.

Alex was steadfast, fearless as she faced off with Reign, firing her gun with no affect. Reign approached at a human pace, making the seconds drag. Kara willed her legs to move, but the pain in her back kept her knees rooted.

Reign seemed to ignore Alex, not even sparing her a glance, but as she was about to pass Alex on her way to Kara, her arm swung out faster than Alex would even be able to see. Her hand connected with the side of Alex’s temple and Alex’s head rocked sharply to the side. Alex’s knees did not give; she just tipped, like a felled tree, and crashed to the ground. Reign stood above Alex, regarding her, and lifted her foot.

Kara saw red. The hot pain became a the fire that drove her. She did not think.

Kara stood, her fingers lacing into Julia’s hair, dragging her forward. “Touch her and Purity dies.” Julia’s hands wrapped around her wrist, struggling against her grip, her heart beating wildly.

Reign turned her head, red eyes training on Kara. She chuckled softly, but returned her foot to the ground.

“Don’t start a game you are unwilling to play,” she warned. “You have given away your hand anyway.” Kara watched Reign kneel and turn Alex’s face upward. “You will bring Purity to me, tomorrow, on the roof of CatCo, where you called me out last time. You will give her up to me,” she stroked a finger over the bruise that was already beginning to redden Alex’s skin. “Or you will never see Alex again.”

Kara released Julia and tried to step forward, but crumpled as she watched Reign lift Alex’s unconscious body. “No,” she breathed, tears already carving streaks down her cheeks.

“Noon, Supergirl,” Reign named the time.

Alex woke mid air, her stomach upturning and emptying, as her concussion set in. Her eye was already swelling shut and she could not see as the wind cut across her eyes. Reign did not carry her like Kara did, not like she was a person.

It was unceremonious, the way Reign dropped her, when they landed. She fell in a heap, hand gripping her head as her stomach heaved. Alex turned onto her back, letting her body sag as her head pounded. “What do you want with me,” she spat the question. “You get your kicks taking me? Is that your thing?”

Reign stepped toward her and Alex knew there was no escape, so she did not bother to move. She just needed to provoke conversation.

“I am here to dispense ultimate justice, I am not interested in stepping on bugs. But,” she placed her foot on Alex’s leg, pressing her knee into the stone. Alex fumbled to sit up, her hands gripping Reign’s ankle, pushing with every ounce of her strength. She knew it was futile, but every instinct drove her to try. “If you make yourself a nuisance,” Reign trailed off. Alex cried out as Reign’s weight came down, hot pain shooting through her leg.

With her jaw tight, Alex fought back tears as she glared up at Reign. There was something about her, the cold indifference. Alex had stood face to face with Kara under the influence of red kryptonite, she knew the effects of dark thoughts on someone as powerful as Kara.

Reign was different. She was not lashing out. She was not looking to inflict pain beyond accenting a threat, but would debilitate or even kill Alex without a second thought, if it served her objectives. And somehow that was scarier. Alex was not the subject of Reign’s goals. Alex was a means to an end. A tool. An object. Only worth what use she could serve.

“You seem to have had a recent break, Alex Danvers.” Reign’s eyes were fixed on her leg, her expression neutral.

“That was your doing,” Alex said through gritted teeth, but her mind was occupied with the way Reign said her name.

Reign tilted her head. “Was it?” There was a note of mild curiosity in her voice. “I have no recollection of you.”

Alex gasped as the weight was removed from her leg. Reign’s point was made and she turned away. “Who are you?” Alex pried.

“I am Reign.” Reign’s words were short, like she barely considered the question worth answering.

“No, I mean the other you,” Alex groaned, as she fell back into a supine position.

“There is no human part of me,” Reign insisted, in a clipped tone.

“Cut the bullshit. Who is it? I know there’s a person in there, like Julia,” Alex pressed. “She would black out, not even know-” Alex’s eyes went wide.

“Don’t make me rip your tongue from your mouth before I return you to Supergirl,” Reign hissed, but Alex did not hear her.

“Sam,” she breathed, barely a whisper, but she saw Reign pause. “Sam,” she said again, more loudly. “It’s you.”

There was a long beat of silence, as Alex poured over details of the past months of getting to know Sam and dealing with Reign. It fit, all of it.

Reign stalked back toward her. “You are the clever human, Alex,” she mused, “even with my efforts to make her appear human during your testing.” Alex swallowed. There was a murderous glint in Reign’s eyes and she sported a wicked smile.

“Sam, listen to me,” Alex talked fast, knowing that at any moment her time would be up, “I know you can hear me and I know you can fight her. You are so strong and dedicated and-”

Reign’s knee was on her chest, fingers playing around her throat as her chest struggled to expand. “She is going to watch you die,” Reign jeered, “and the best part is that she really likes you. You make her feel safe, like she can be open and can ask for help. You make her feel like being scared is not the end of the world. And she is going to watch as her own hand squeezes tight around your throat.”

Alex could not gather sufficient air into her lungs. “Sam,” she choked out, as her chest compressed further and Reign’s hand tightened.

Alex’s vision become fuzzy and then blackened, as her lungs burned hot and her body writhed weakly, until it felt like she was sinking into darkness.

Sam was only vaguely aware that there was an absence of everything. Without any of her senses to remind her that there could be something else, she just floated, her thoughts disjointed and without purpose.

The reintroduction of sight was jarring. She was so unused to the light and tried to blink, but couldn’t, instead forced to adjust to the scene before her. A woman was in front of her, against a wall- no, beneath her on the ground.

The woman was battered. A few blood vessels were burst by her eye and it was swollen almost shut. Her short red hair was wind tossed, with some of it plastered to her face with sweat. Her good eye was pouring tears and slightly unfocused. There was a hand around her throat.

“She is going to watch you die.” It took her a moment to realize the words came from her own mouth. That hand was hers. She tried to jerk back, but her body refused. “And the best part is that she really likes you.” Sam was beginning to realize that the ‘she’ was her. “You make her feel safe, like she can be open and can ask for help. You make her feel like being scared is not the end of the world.” This person was important. Was someone close to her. “And she is going to watch as her own hand squeezes tight around your throat.”

Sam wanted to scream and cry. Everything was so sharp. She could feel every twitch of the woman’s throat, could hear the frantic beat of her heart. She could see the blood as it rushed to her head, even before it colored her face and bulged the veins beneath her skin. She could hear the way air barely trickled to greedy lungs.

And the one word said at the expense of the rest of the woman’s oxygen. “Sam.”

That was her. Memories bombarded her, a flood that seemed impossible to sort through, but gave her some purchase in her own body. Her shoulders twitched and her neck stiffened as she tried again to rear back.

Sam thrashed. She threw herself against the walls of her mind. Names came to her - Ruby, Lena, Kara. They were all people in her world. People who were extremely important to her.

Reign. She knew who tied her hands. She knew who urged her fingers tighter against her wishes.

The woman gurgled and sputtered, her feet kicking weakly behind Sam. And then she went still.

“Alex,” she breathed. Alex. That was Alex. “No!”

Her hand shot away. She looked around, finally able to direct her body. She could hear the faint beat of Alex’s heart. She shifted such that she knelt beside Alex. “Shit, shit, shit, fuck.” Her hands hovered uselessly above Alex’s body as her heartbeat continued to slow until it stopped. She needed to do something.

Sam took a deep breath. She had learned CPR after Ruby was born and went for regular refresher courses. She started with chest compressions, talking herself through the steps. She blocked Alex’s nose and placed their mouths together, releasing a short breath into Alex’s lungs. She nodded as Alex’s chest expanded. That was a good sign, she reminded herself. After another breath, she returned to chest compressions.

It was becoming increasingly difficult to keep time, even as she counted aloud. Panic was bleeding through her guarded mind. Her focus drifted. “Alex, Alex, Alex…” Why did it have to be Alex? She had not had someone to confide in for longer than she could remember. She loved Ruby, but she always sheltered her. That was her motherly instinct. But with Alex, she didn’t have to censor her troubles.

“Who am I supposed to talk to if you leave me?” She barely resisted the urge to push on Alex’s chest more forcefully, as much as she wished she could command her heart to beat. “You’re the only one I want.”

After three cycles, as Sam was beginning to believe Alex was gone and the world felt like it was falling down around her, Alex gasped and tried to sit up. Sam put her hand out and was surprised by how little resistance Alex provided as she forced her to lay back. “It’s okay, I’m here,” she rushed.

Alex’s open eye fixated on her face, darting about as she regarded her. Sam realized she was wearing the mask she had seen in pictures of Reign and her fingers jumped to her face. “Sam,” Alex exhaled softly, reaching up to touch her hand. “It’s okay.”

“I don’t think you can say that when I almost killed you,” Sam argued, almost hysterical.

“Have you met me?” Sam shook her head, choking on a laugh. “We will figure this out, Sam, I promise.” And somehow, despite everything, she believed Alex.

Because it was Alex.

#agentreign #alex danvers #sam arias #agentreign fic #agent reign #supergirl fanfic #kara danvers #reign pain train #my writing #prompted #long post #anon

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