Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

Reborn

By BetterInTexas

Chapter 21:

“Mother?” Kara asked, her eyes wide, but hopeful. “How are you here? How is this possible?”

Still in shock, Alex grumbled, her tone a mix of disbelief and cheekiness. “I knew it. After all the crap we’ve been through, everything we’ve survived, barely holding onto our sanity… we’ve finally lost it. Now we’re seeing ghosts. I suppose this is my fault for tricking you into watching horror movies.”

Alura’s laughter was musical. “That’s one of the things I love about you, Alex, your ability to bring levity to any moment where most would be overwhelmed.”

“Thank you?” Alex said, her voice rising in pitch, uncertain how the ghost of Alura would know this or anything at all about her. She absently noted they were speaking Kryptonese and began to wonder how much of her and Kara’s conversation through their merge had been in Kara’s native tongue. It was so easy for her to speak and think in Kryptonese, so she never really thought about it.

Alura smiled. “I’m able to be here because you’ve breached the plane between time and space. This place exists outside the physical universe. It’s the present, future, past… and even touches the beyond. It’s happened before, when Alex called out to you, but you couldn’t answer, so we helped you find her… do you remember, Kara?”

Unbidden images of a light so intense she couldn’t keep her eyes open flew into Kara’s mind, of forces so immense she couldn’t escape, barely aware of who she was, but knowing she wasn’t where she was supposed to be.

She could feel Alex’s horror at those memories, her sister’s own pain at what Kara had endured in the sun’s core.

As those hazy memories became clearer, her eyes widened in realization. “You came to me? When I was trapped… you showed me how to escape… you and Aunt Astra. I thought that was a dream…”

“It was… but it was your dream, and it allowed us to cross the barrier. You needed someone to point your way home, you were subconsciously reaching across your bond for Alex, but there was too much pain in the way for you to connect. So, your mind constructed a vision of someone to help you. Astra and I were able to guide you, but you were the one who brought us to you. And now, you’ve called us to you again… to help you find your way home.” Alura smiled then. “As I said, for the opportunity to see you again and to meet Alex, I am so grateful.”

“Ok, I’m still a bit confused…” Kara said, sensing her sister’s confusion as well.

Alex spoke up, shaking off her anguish at experiencing first-hand Kara’s hellish existence during the last year. “You’re saying I called Kara home… through our bond?”

“It was more that you were reaching out to each other. The bond between the two of you has always been strong; so strong it transcends time itself. It’s been deepened even more due to the lives you’ve had to lead, the trials you’ve been put through.” Alura said, gripping both their hands a little tighter, her expression sorrowful. “I played a part in creating your past demons, and for that I am so very sorry.”

“We know, Mother, we know the truth of the crimes of the House of El. Those weren’t your fault.” Kara said earnestly. “I know what you sacrificed for me, to make sure I would live… and I understand now what you did to save and protect Aunt Astra.”

Alura shook her head, her eyes sad now, squeezing both their hands lightly before dropping them and wrapping her arms around herself. “No, it wasn’t enough. I should have stopped Zor El. I knew his creations were evil… and I should have explained to Astra, but I was afraid of what she would do… ultimately, she saw my actions as a betrayal, and I don’t blame her. But I couldn’t let her die if I could do something to prevent it, and I couldn’t risk you. What happened to her, was my fault. I couldn’t be there for her and then losing you… losing us both, drove her insane.”

Kara shook her head in denial. “Aunt Astra made her own choices, she could have done things differently, come to me as my aunt and not a monster… not that my choices were any better.” Kara lamented, dropping her eyes from her mother’s gaze. “I know a thing or two about becoming a monster.”

Alura reached out to caress her face, encouraging her daughter to look up. “Kara, you never became a monster. Did you make questionable decisions? Yes. I don’t have to point them out because the two of you just lived through them all over again. But you always had one thing that kept you grounded… your bond with Alex.”

The Danvers sisters felt a soothing clarity at her words as Alura continued. “It’s the reason why Kara was able to withstand and survive in the core of your sun. It’s why, even in your darkest days, Alex… you never really doubted she was alive… and why you were able to call her home. Kara, you were lost, confused, but we were able to remind you of your life, and the pull to Alex was there. We just had to point the way. You did the rest.”

Kara was still missing an elusive element to that whole encounter she could barely remember as it fell outside her reach. Struggling to put this information into some semblance of perspective, she said, “But Aunt Astra was with you… how was she there too? After what I did to her… I mean, I’m the one who killed her, so why would she help me?”

“Kara, Astra never stopped loving you, no matter how twisted that love became. Again, a lot of what happened was my fault.” Alura stated, her expression emphasizing her belief in the truth of her words.

Turning to Alex, she smiled softly, her eyes sparkling in her sincerity as she spoke. “As to how she was able to be there with me, that’s all because of you, Alex. In your compassion… because of your love for Kara, you gave me and Astra a great gift.”

Alex was stunned by Alura’s words; she had no concept of what she could have done to earn them. “Umm, what are you talking about? No offense, but I hate your sister for what she’s done to me and my family… what she forced Kara to do. I wanted her dead for all the pain she put Kara through, for trying to murder my family and I won’t apologize for that.”

“I’m not expecting you too, nor is Astra.” Alex was even more confused now as Alura continued to explain. “I have a bond with Astra very similar to what you and Kara share. When she lost me, through my betrayal and eventual death, our bond was broken. She had nothing to keep her demons from totally consuming her. I failed her and ultimately, I failed you too. I am not trying to excuse what she did or what I have done, we only want to help you by sharing more of our story with you, so you can see the parallels between your lives and ours.”

“Parallels? I don’t…” Alex froze as the answer suddenly occurred to her. “The vision we had… of you and Astra, that was you, wasn’t it? Your memory. It doesn’t make sense why we would see it any other way. The closeness you shared, her swearing to always protect you…”

“The same as you and Kara have always sworn to protect each other.” Alura replied, impressed with how quickly Alex put together the information. “And while it is a memory of mine, I wasn’t the one who showed it to you.”

“Aunt Astra…” Kara spoke softly, very sure now. “She’s here too, isn’t she?”

Alex went rigid as she looked around, her eyes narrowed, her anger slowly rising. Kara looked over at her, alarmed. Pulling away from her mother, she wrapped an arm around her sister. “Alex, calm down, please. She won’t hurt us.”

“How do you know that?” Alex’s eyes were bright even as her sister’s words soothed her, shorting out the spike of negative emotion. Muttering mostly to herself, she said, “I’ve finally lost it. I’m arguing with you while standing with your ghost mom in our own version of purgatory, waiting to be attacked by your deranged aunt.”

Kara groaned and leaned her head on Alex’s shoulder, realizing her sister was trying to fight her instant reaction to Astra’s apparent proximity.

Alura didn’t seem concerned. She looked amused at Alex’s antics. “I appreciate your honesty, Alex, but Astra simply wants to talk. She was waiting to make sure you were willing. It is up to you, but I believe speaking to her will give you and Kara the closure all three of you need.”

Alex didn’t move, merely contemplated Alura’s plea. She wasn’t sure how she would react to really seeing Astra. She could feel her sister’s hesitance, but also her desire to see the aunt of her childhood.

“Ok.” Alex said, still tense, but keeping her composure.

“Thank you.” Astra’s voice came from behind them. Alex twisted around, pulling Kara with her as she stepped back from the former general, setting her feet in a defensive stance. Kara simply froze in her grip as they were now face to face with one of the demons of their past.

For her part, Astra’s countenance was calm, almost serene given the last time Alex and Kara had seen her alive. She walked to Alura’s side and smiled, gripping her twin’s elbow in a manner that Kara and Alex often used with each other. The familiarity of the motion caused the younger women to relax slightly from their stiff postures.

“I know seeing me brings many hard feelings, but I wanted to clear the air with both of you, expressing my tremendous sorrow over my actions toward you and your family. I’m not asking for forgiveness, I don’t deserve it, but as Alura said, you gave us a gift and we wanted you to know.” Astra’s voice trembled as she spoke.

Alex and Kara didn’t know what to say, so they just remained silent.

Alura picked up where her sister left off. “Kara, when you took Astra’s life, it cost you dearly, but you did what you knew you had to do, to protect those you love. What you need to know, is that by doing so, you freed Astra from the torment, anger and despair she had been living under since I sentenced her to the Phantom Zone.”

Astra nodded in agreement as she picked up her story. “I found myself adrift, not feeling pain, but wondering where I was, how I was going to find my way out of the darkness, knowing I deserved hell for my choices. Then, I heard a voice, calling out to me, lighting my way in the dark, leading me to this place.”

The white lock at Astra’s brow seemingly glowed, her eyes wet, but her expression was one of such gratitude. “The voice was yours, Alex, praying over me, guiding me into Rao’s light, guiding me home. Your love for Kara overcame your hate for me. Your actions granted me the peace that I thought was lost to me… because your prayers brought me to Alura.”

Alura spoke then. “That is the gift you gave us, the chance to heal and renew our broken bond. We are whole again, because of you. It has taken time and wasn’t easy, but we are now at the end of our journey. We only remain here to help you continue yours.”

The overwhelming pride and love Alex felt from her sister in that moment left her unable to react. Shaking her head, she said, “Help us how?”

“I’m not asking for, nor do I deserve your forgiveness, Alex,” Astra told her, “But for the love we both have for Kara, and the love I know she has for you, please… do not let your anger and rage continue to fester and grow. You will become something unrecognizable… you will become me.”

The impact of Astra’s words struck a chord in the younger woman as Alex continued to honestly listen.

“I don’t want that for you.” Astra continued, “Let my actions be your example of what not to do. Kara will help you; she sees things much clearer now. You both have so much to live for and our hope is that you find the peace you’ve both sought and deserve.”

Tears now falling, Kara threw herself at her aunt. Gripping Astra tightly, she said softly, “I love you, Aunt Astra.”

The smile on Astra’s face was wide as she closed her eyes and held her beloved niece close. “And I love you, Little One… always.”

“It is time for us to move on.” Alura said, giving Alex a grateful hug before wrapping her daughter in a tight embrace. She kissed Kara’s forehead and stepped back, reaching out to Astra. “This part of your journey is at an end. Go in peace with our blessing… and know at your journey’s end, we will be waiting for you both. When you enter into Rao’s light, you will do so in the same way you will do everything else in your lives… together.”

Kara stood next to Alex, both feeling much lighter, some of their burden lifted.

Alura and Astra stood hand-in-hand as a bright light swept through the meadow. As the light faded, Kara and Alex felt themselves separating, moving away from each other, their thoughts becoming their own again, but the feeling of the other’s continuing presence giving them comfort.

Sounds began to penetrate their hearing, the last vestiges of their merge dissolved as their minds retreated from each other, leaving them adrift.

Alex was starting to panic not sensing her sister after being joined for so long, when she realized she was back in her body. She ached from laying unmoving on the hard bench for the amount of time she and Kara had been merged. Her panic receded when she felt her sister grip her hand tightly and she heard her groan.

She opened her eyes, blinking in the light as she observed five faces peering down at her: three worried, one smirking and another expressionless.

She turned her head to see her sister’s blue eyes watching her. Kara asked softly, “Did my mother and aunt just send us back? Or was that all a dream? It seems… fuzzy.”

When Alex didn’t say anything, her expression became worried. “Are you okay? I can’t tell what you’re thinking now…”

Alex pondered her question, even as her awareness of her surroundings and the pain shooting through her body when she tried to move slightly began to take some focus.

If she was totally honest, she wasn’t sure if it was a shared vision or hallucination. She refocused on Kara’s concerned face. “ I don’t know, but I feel… better. I don’t know any other way to describe it. So, whether it was real or not, we are where we are supposed to be, we can thank Rao for his intervention and start to live again.”

“ There are a few things I know though,” Alex said. Kara’s eyebrow rose questioningly waiting for Alex to continue. A huge smile lit her face, her eyes full of mirth, she said, “I’m starving, in pain from laying on this damn bench… and I’ve got to pee.”

Their bubble was broken when Clark exclaimed loudly, “Would you stop with the Kryptonese already? You know Mom and Dad hate when they can’t understand what you’re saying.”

Looking around at all the eyes on him, Clark shrugged his shoulders, not the least bit apologetic. “What?”

Kara sat up slowly, taking in the faces around her and Alex. Clark was closest, her dad next to him. She turned her head and saw Eliza pulling an IV out of Alex’s hand and Leslie who was staring intently at Alex and then at her as if trying to read their minds and gauge their moods. Kelex stood back, obviously still monitoring them for any abnormalities now that they were awake.

“Mom and Dad hate it, huh? Then perhaps it is time you took your Kryptonese lessons more seriously so you can try to interpret for them, because you can’t honestly think Alex and I will ever give up that advantage willingly.” Kara told him, grinning and taking his hand and squeezing.

Kara looked towards the only man who had ever been a true father to her. Jeremiah had been crying, his eyes were red and exhausted but there was a bright smile on his face.

“How long have we been out?” Kara asked him.

“A little over three days.” he answered, his voice cracking slightly in clear relief.

Alex’s eyebrows rose as she sat up, groaning loudly from the obvious ache in her lower back. “All that time and no one thought to put me on a more comfortable mattress?” the brunette asked.

Kara saw her mother take her sister’s hand. Like Jeremiah, her mom’s eyes were exhausted and showed signs of many tears.

“I’m sorry.” Eliza told her oldest child quickly, reaching out tentatively to rub Alex’s back. “I should have…”

“Mom,” Alex stopped her, a small smile on her face. “It’s okay, I was joking… mostly. It’s… good to see you.”

Kara moved from the crystal bench to the floor, grabbing Clark and her father in a hug. She turned and was grateful to see Alex and her Mom hugging each other tightly.

What they had gone through had changed them all. The blonde supposed after remembering the changes she had undergone since her entrance into the Danvers family, that life and relationships always changed, always metamorphized into something stronger, or weaker. The family’s shared mission, saving the world, protecting each other from the world had bonded them closely.

Her year away had shattered that bond, greatly weakening their family, an obvious divide between Alex and her parents, Clark being torn between them and his own growing bitterness.

But the tightness her mother and sister held each other gave her hope that they could repair their relationship, that they could heal those wounds… that her father and sister could come to an understanding, become as close as they once were… that she could have a strong family again. Kara was determined she would make it so.

The memory of the feel of alcohol and drugs remained in her, but she would not succumb. She remembered the feelings of darkness, the utter helplessness she felt, the desire to die, and swore to herself she would never fall to that darkness again. She would use her past, her mistakes, to make sure Clark never made the same ones she did.

“I’m hungry.” She mumbled and looked towards Alex who had finally released her mother, tears in sister’s eyes and a smile on her face. “And I know Alex is. Three days?”

“Almost four.” Clark said quickly. Apparently unable to help himself and probably not thinking whether he should or not, he began questioning her. “Kelex said you and Alex… that your minds merged. Could you see in each other’s head?”

Leslie spoke up as she stepped forward and offered a shoulder to Alex, Eliza on the younger woman’s other side, helping her stand after being immobile for so long. “Not now.” she told him, then glanced at the parents to include them in her next directive. “Give them a day to recover and let’s get some food in them. But absolutely no questions to either of them about what they experienced. Understood?”

While her parents and brother nodded that they did, Kara was definitely in agreement with the food part of Leslie’s instructions, distressed that her human sister had not eaten in so long. She suspected Alex’s back had not hurt her this badly since Alex held her through her withdrawals without rest for days. “Dad, I think it’s time you fired up the grill again. The both of us need… food. A lot of food.”

An hour later, the girls sat in the living room of Eliza and Jeremiah’s home while Jeremiah grilled hamburgers and hot dogs outside. Kelex was still constantly scanning Kara and Alex before an annoyed Alex told him to stop. Alex had gone through half a bag of chips before Kara told her to stop, worried that eating so much in such a short time could cause her to vomit.

Kara then finished the bag and ate another bag while Alex glared at her.

Soon the family of six, along with Leslie, were on the deck, Alex chewing through a burger quickly while Kara continued her eating binge. Despite the red sunrays she had been exposed to over the last 78 hours and the bracelet she wore, the blonde still felt more powerful than ever. Kelex had told her the yellow sunray absorption in her cells had dropped significantly but she had quite a way to go before she would be ready to have a red crystal implanted in her body, discouraging Kara a bit. After remembering the rush her powers gave her, she had a great desire to fly… and fight.

This scared her and she desperately wanted to get rid of these powers before they tempted her again. She could not, would not, become addicted to anything. She would not be a slave to drugs, alcohol nor her powers and rage.

The blonde looked at Alex who was happily working her way through her burger, mustard on her fingers. Seeing the rare, carefree expression on her sister’s face, she swore she would not follow that path, nor allow Alex to.

In making this decision, Kara knew what she had to do. Once the crystal was ready, once she felt human again, she would need to be medicated and probably attend meetings again. Now that she remembered how alcohol and drugs made her feel, she could feel the temptation and would fight it her entire life. Kara was fine with that. She loved a good fight; fighting against things that could harm her and her family sounded like a worthy battle.

Alex groaned then, rubbing her stomach as she must have recognized Kara had been telling the truth… eating so much after three and a half days without food, apparently made her stomach feel a bit uneasy. Alex sat her half-finished burger down, stood and moved towards Kara. Eliza was standing behind the blonde, a hand on her shoulder.

The mother gave Alex a shy smile. “Are you okay?” Eliza asked Alex.

“I’m fine. Glad it’s over. And that’s a question, Mom…” Kara answered instead, then winked at Alex. Alex thumped her on the forehead.

“We are okay.” Alex answered her mother, despite the nonquestion directive from their now scowling therapist. “It was… unsettling… even frightening at times, but we survived.”

“We always do.” Kara mumbled around the burger halfway in her mouth, causing both women to laugh.

Jeremiah walked up to Eliza and put an arm around her waist. “Yes, you two are definitely survivors.”

Kara shook her head, swallowing the last of her burger. “We all are. Despite everything, we are still here. Isn’t that right, Stinky.”

Clark cringed. “I was hoping you two would have forgotten that nickname.”

“Never.” Alex assured him, the smirk on her face lending weight to her promise.

Leslie cleared her throat, but no one turned towards her, not even Kelex who Kara noticed was busy scanning Alex’s digestive system without her knowledge.

“Hey!” Leslie finally shouted, causing them all to flinch. “Thank you. We have a lot of work to do. I want meetings with each of you, Clark included. That will take five days of the week. On the sixth day, I will be meeting with Kara and Alex. On the seventh day, we are going to have family meetings. Kara, I want you to start attending AA meetings every day for a few weeks then we can evaluate from there. Alex…”

Alex was already nodding her head, seemingly undisturbed by Leslie’s unspoken question. “I’ll be going as well.”

Kara knew she had condemned her sister to being susceptible to all her addictions when they merged. Although feeling guilty, she accepted that Alex wouldn’t change a thing. Her sister’s confidence in what they could do together bolstering Kara’s own belief and relieving her of some of that guilt.

Leslie nodded her head, obviously relieved. Kara guessed she expected Alex to have some resistance to the idea but detected none.

The doctor continued, “As far as meds, Alex and Eliza, you two will start taking anxiety meds again. Kara and Jeremiah, we will have to evaluate as we go along. Neither of you can lie to me. Looking at you, Kara.”

Kara shook her head. “I’ll never lie to you. Not again. I swear.”

Given the small smile on the doctor’s face, she was satisfied with the sincerity in Kara’s tone, so she moved on. “Kara, we start with you tomorrow night after Clark’s last baseball game. Alex will be next, followed by Eliza, Jeremiah and Clark on consecutive nights. Family time after…”

Kelex raised his hand and spoke up. “What about me?”

Leslie looked at the robot, the incredulity apparent in her expression. “Seriously?”

“I do have feelings. This year has been quite traumatic for me as well.” The AI pointed out.

Alex grinned at Leslie. “He does have a point.”

“You expect me to provide therapy for a robot?” the woman asked, her voice rising in obvious disbelief.

“Not if you are going to speak of me that way.” Kelex answered. “I am sentient. If you are not willing, then perhaps I can find an anonymous therapist online…”

“Fine!” Leslie nearly shouted. “You can have a little time. If nothing else, you will probably give me some insight on what has been going on with this family for the last year.”

“Gladly.” Kelex answered, not able to smile but the tone of voice indicating happiness.

Kara was very amused, loving her friend’s dry humor and desire to be more human every day. “I’ll make you look like Ironman. Would that make you feel better?”

Though unable to use the AI’s face to read any expressions that would give away his feelings, they could all tell how excited he apparently was because he started vibrating, his hands flailing in enthusiasm. “I could have a mouth? I would love the ability to pout and smile.”

“Deal.” Kara agreed, pleased she could bring him such joy.

Leslie shook her head, apparently entertaining the idea that she may have been wrong about the obviously happy robot. “For now, I need to meet with the two of you in your old room.” Leslie told the sisters. “Now.”

Directing her gaze to the four remaining family members, she reiterated her earlier demand. “I will be speaking to them, asking the questions. You three… sorry… four, will not ask them anything. Family meetings are for asking your questions. Am I clear?”

Upon their agreement, the three pulled away from their family and followed the woman upstairs, Kara with a cheeseburger in hand that she ate before they entered their old room.

“Have a seat on Alex’s old bed.” the therapist ordered. “I’ll sit on Kara’s.”

The three made themselves comfortable, or as comfortable as Alex could be considering her back still ached.

“I am going to have such a long bath tonight.” the older sister informed Kara. “As long as you still have heat vision to heat the water. I also expect a foot rub.”

Kara raised an eyebrow then without prompting, positioned herself so she could gently massage her sister’s aching back while they talked with Leslie. “You haven’t been on your feet in days.”

Alex looked at her sharply. “After what I just experienced, I think you owe me a foot rub.”

“I wouldn’t mind one either.” Leslie told her. “I had a heart attack. You owe me.”

Kara rolled her eyes. “I’ll tell Bruce to get you a masseuse. I’m not giving you a foot rub, Leslie.”

Leslie shrugged her shoulders, not really have expected one but figuring she had nothing to lose. “Sounds good to me.”

She settled back and asked. “So the two of you were in each other’s head?”

Both girls nodded.

“You felt each other’s emotions, you saw each other’s lives, experienced everything the other ever has?” Leslie continued.

“Oh yeah.” Kara whispered.

“Ok, I need to know where to start,” Leslie said. “What will keep you from sleeping tonight?”

“Beside the fact that we have slept the last 78 hours?” Alex asked.

Leslie clenched her teeth. She had forgotten how sarcastic the girls could be in sessions. “Yeah, besides that. You both saw everything, felt everything. So I want to know everything if we are going to get through this. Complete honesty from both of you. Now tell me, what was the most traumatic experiences you remember?”

The two sisters looked at each other, not sure where to start.

Suddenly, Alex leaned forward, breaking the silence. “I remember what it felt like to have sex with Dick Grayson and Barry Allen.”

Kara nodded quickly, totally in agreement with Alex’s assertions. “Yeah, I remember having sex with Cameron Chase. Is there anything you can do that would help us with that? Because it was not cool. At all.”