Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

Call Me Kara

By BetterInTexas

Chapter 44:

Kara Zor El sat on her couch in S.T.A.R. labs, locked away in her special room, surrounded by her art, her only company her faithful puppy, asleep in her lap. In front of her was her mother, at least the hologram of her mother. Kara had finally figured out how to freeze it, no sound, just the vision of her, smiling in her robe. The woman used this often to paint the portraits of her mother she often destroyed afterward. Today she had no plans to paint or destroy anything. Today she just wanted to talk without her mother saying she was not programmed to answer that like the old AI. This was not that AI, just the woman as she recorded her last message to her daughter.

“Hi, sorry I turned the sound off and you can’t move, not that you did much. I just wanted to talk to you, wherever you are, and I guess this makes me feel like I’m not talking to myself.”

Despite wanting to talk, Kara spent a few moments in silence, rubbing her puppy’s soft fur while he lightly snored on her lap. It sound more like a wheeze but she supposed that was as close as puppies came to snoring.

“I’ll let you know a secret. I never really got to tell you any growing up. I don’t know if you are in Rao’s light. I don’t know where you are. I know there is more after this life but I have no idea what, no matter what was drilled into my head as a child during my lessons. Sometimes I still look at Rao. I found it. I didn’t even ask Jeremiah, I found it on my own. Sometimes I see this God, the God that shined on my face as a child, whose warmth let me know everything was okay, that my world was full of love and happiness. Sometimes I still long for that but when I look now I just see a star, a small speck of light, barely noticeable to the sky watchers here.”

Kara leaned back a bit, not enough to disturb Charlie, and took her eyes off her mother for a moment to focus on the ceiling. Gathering her thoughts she refocused on her mother.

“I haven’t looked for Krypton. It would take a very high powered scope, maybe even the Hubble or the Spitzer.I bet being who I am, getting time wouldn’t be difficult. I’m kind of a big deal here. Yeah, I know it sounds conceited but its true when it comes to things like that. I don’t want to though. I know I would see it. It would be there. Krypton was so far away that the light from its destruction would take thousands if not ten of thousands years to reach Earth. I could be looking at a still living planet or at a dead one but either way I would see the past.”

Charlie kicked his legs out and began moving them while lying on his side on her lap. She smiled, recognizing the little guy having dreams. His tail wagged so she supposed it must be a good dream.

“Did you know, that most astrophysicists on this planet are certain that it is impossible for a planet to blow up? Sure a planet can die, lose atmosphere, be bombarded and scoured by meteors or radiation killing all surface life, but impossible for a planet to actually explode from the core. Guess we were wrong, huh? Leave it to Krypton to figure it out. Who knows, maybe Myriad worked on Krypton and you are all mindless drones, and Aunt Astra did manage to save the planet. Maybe the Kryptonians in this universe didn’t use up the planets resources like an all you can eat buffet, tap power directly from the core like idiots. I’m really glad all the scientists around me don’t ask details about it. I would hate to explain it to them. I’m sure they all wonder, how could something like that happen? It would be embarrassing to tell them how my advanced civilization ushered in its own destruction through reckless greed.”

Kara briefly wondered if there was a phantom zone in this universe. Were the wormholes her pod navigated still present? Of course Fort Roz had to follow her to Earth. Its mass may have allowed it to beat her here once it reached the galaxy but it was in no way programmed to navigate the special routes her pod had to go to manage a trip like that in such a short time. That was why Indigo needed her.

“But here is the thing. I don’t look because I don’t care anymore. I am tired of it being the focal point of my life. Everybody treats me like a glass figurine because I lost my world and I let them because a part of me enjoys it and a part of me will always be hurt by it. I will always have nightmares, I will always miss my cousins, my friends I was allowed to socialize with occasionally. I understand why you did what you did, I suppose. I don’t agree with it and to be honest if I had to choose between sending my daughter off alone into deep space without me or allowing her to die with me, I am not sure what I would do. On the one hand it would be over quickly, on the other I could send her off, hoping she isn’t stuck in deep space, surrounded by nothing but darkness, waking every few years, not knowing where she was, not eating, not drinking, eventually her body would give out and she would die alone or worse, live in stasis for eternity. Take the chance everything would work out or seal her fate by keeping her? I think I would cut off my own arms if it meant fitting in that ship and not leaving her alone. I would find a way to fit.”

Kara gently laid a still snoring Charlie on the couch and stood.

“So it really doesn’t matter anymore. Growing up here I would sit on the roof for hours, staring at the stars, touching your necklace and wishing you were with me. I would have a fantasy of another pod shooting from the sky and landing near. I would run to you, fly even and there you would be, arms open, ready to take me back home. But then Astra sort of ruined my image of you. I had to make myself grow up a little. Maybe because my childhood got interrupted I tried to hold onto what I had left longer. I had to realize that nothing is black and white. You weren’t the angel I made you out to be. You weren’t the devil. You were just a person, like everyone else. I don’t know why you decided to let me go but I don’t care anymore. Because I forgive you. I’m not going to let this have a hold on me anymore. I’m moving on.”

Kara wiped a tear from her eye and smiled, meeting Alura’s eyes once again.

“I’m pregnant. I’m also getting married. Sort of the reverse order of things but oops. I hope you don’t mind that he didn’t go through the application process to be a member of our great House. Since I’m the leader of the House now, I have kind of done away with the whole thing. I let in those with great hearts. Its that simple. I’m sure Dad and Jor El would be furious but they aren’t here. I am. You said my destiny was not bound to Kal El’s. You are right, its bound to no one. It is mine to make as I see fit and I am letting the past go. I will always love you, always love where I am from but I won’t let it define me any longer.

You would like Barry. You would love him. He is probably not what you would have expected. He has… his face should be on magazine covers. He isn’t built like Kal El. He is lean and tall but like… I don’t know how to describe it. Sometimes he has such a fierceness to him and other times I want to protect him because he looks fragile. When he lets the hurt show in his eyes, he looks fragile but he doesn’t let it happen often. He is always trying to stay strong for me. I want to protect him as much as he wants to protect me and the funny thing is, both of us have chosen a life where neither of us can be safe. I think application process withstanding, father would like him. Barry isn’t the most physically imposing man on our team. Oliver, Carter, Jax, Ray, they have a lot of muscle. A lot. But when it comes down to it, when everyone is confused or unsure or needs a miracle, its Barry that we look too. The mask doesn’t cover his eyes and those eyes, they have this determination, you can see the sparks literally filling them and at that point you aren’t sure what is going to happen but you know it is going to be amazing and heroic and everything is going to be okay because he always finds a way. Thats just the way he is. In a room full of swimsuit models every eye goes to him when he talks. He has this smile that lights up a room. When he holds me,its like feeling Rao’s light on my body once again. His confidence amazes me but its the confidence he gives everyone else that is truly amazing. You know when Barry is there, you can’t lose.”

Kara moved closer to the hologram reaching out, tempted to touch her mother’s face, but pulled back at the last second, knowing her hand would pass through.

“I don’t know how I am going to tell my daughter about Krypton. What age do you tell a child something like that? She is going to grow up knowing she is different, but when will she be able to fully understand why? When can she grasp it, understand it and keep it a secret? Eight? Nine? Twelve? I have no clue. I have no clue about a lot of things when it comes to having a baby. Not delivery, I have read up enough about that to know what horrors await me. I’m talking about raising one. I can’t just set her up with tutors when she is two and send her to lesson after lesson as soon as she can walk, the way I was, the way we all were, only seeing my parents at dinner and then two hours of socializing before bed. Having all that knowledge shoved into her head at such a young age, sure I bet she could handle it. She will be a genius but I think I would rather her worry more about watching butterflies in the backyard, or blowing bubbles and watch how beautiful they are until they pop. I would rather her go to bed dreaming about running through the forest with Charlie, or going down a slide at the park. She won’t be doing advanced mathematics at the age of four even if it is the language of the universe.

I don’t want her to ever have nightmares. I’m going to love her the way Eliza loved me. I’m not saying you didn’t love me, I know you did. I know you loved me, I will never doubt that. But Eliza loved me as I was, not as some future judge, a future wife to establish some alliance, a girl with expectations and a pre set path to follow or a protector for the last living male of our house. She would sit on the roof with me and watch birds for hours, when I know she had her own work to do. She would play pranks on me, play hide and seek, provided I didn’t cheat with my senses or vision. Sometimes at night, when I didn’t want to bother Alex, I would sneak into her room and get into her bed after a nightmare. I’m not even sure if she woke, but every time, the moment I was under her covers, her arms automatically wrapped around me. I want to be like that for my own daughter. I hope she is an artist or a dancer or a surgeon, whatever she wants to be.

Something else I hope, something that has frightened me but I still hope for, is I want her to be a hero. It will be her decision but knowing her father it won’t be a decision at all, just part of who she is. When someone’s in trouble or some villain thinks he can harm others, I want to see her stand up, lighting flash in her eyes, have that same look of determination Barry gets and destroy whoever or whatever is threatening others. I’m going to be so proud of her regardless but yeah, she is going to have the symbol of our house with a lightning bolt through it on her chest and she will be the greatest force for everything that is good that this universe has ever seen. I’ll be trying to keep up with her like her father and Aunt Caitlin will be yelling through a com about her vital signs and power levels and Uncle Cisco is going to be yelling with joy when she breaks some other record and she is going to be amazing.

When I first found out I was pregnant one of the first thoughts I had was, what would you and father say? I don’t know why but it bothered me. I guess I was conditioned that it should bother me. It was just the way our planet was. For all our discipline, we were so stupid we destroyed everything. But now I don’t care. Eliza was happy, she is happy. She is so excited and Jeremiah is too. I’m happy and I am going to stop feeling guilty about being happy. This little one may never be normal but she will be happy, I swear. I will always love you, but I have to move on. I can’t let the memory of what never would have been hold me back anymore. I will still wear your necklace but I am not going to hold onto it like it is a life preserver keeping me from drowning. I have family and a husband for that. I still have parents that love me and I will have a husband who loves me, and a sister whole loves me beyond reason and friends who are family. So I won’t be having nightmares any longer where you tell me I don’t deserve to live because you would never do that and I know that. I do deserve to live and my daughter is going to love me. I won’t give her a choice, I am going to love her so much she has to love me. Barry? Everybody loves him, how can she resist? We are going to be great parents. I may actually stop the dumb blonde act, at least as often. It still works to make people more at ease but… my true colors shined the other night. In the heat of battle, when I was powerless to help my friends I ordered my team, my family, to shoot to kill. I told Oliver to put an arrow in a man’s chest and Nyssa and Alex to shoot a girl in the head. Want to know the scary part? They did it without hesitation. That frightens me and I have to be better than that. Still when it comes down to others or my family, I will always choose my family. I won’t lose my world again, and my world is not a planet, it is the people I love.

I have to go now. Charlie needs to go to Ray’s lab and do his business, and we have guests coming this afternoon. In two days I am getting married and Kal and some other friends are coming through today. I worry, because despite having done it a few times, inter dimensional travel frightens me, but if it is worth the risk to them so who I am to say no? I love you, Mom. I forgive you. I wish you were here. I’m painting a portrait of you and father that will hang in our home, next to the ones of Jeremiah and Eliza, Alex and Nyssa, Oliver and Felicity, Nora and Henry, Joe and Barry together. Our daughter is going to know her family, all of them, even those who have passed on. I don’t know what is waiting on the other side, but I hope I see you again one day and I hope if possible, you can be with me when I join my life with his forever. Bye Mom. I love you.”

Kara took a deep breath, wiped her eyes and turned the machine off. She had said what she needed to say, if not to her mother, to herself. The past was behind her, Kara Danvers, Supergirl, gone. She was who she was meant to be now. She had been through many crucibles and evolved. She was stronger, the strongest she had ever been and was ready. Her life would be joined with two other people who would be her whole world, one that she would not lose.

Across town Barry Allen knelt down at his mother’s graves and set a bouquet of white roses in the vase by her headstone.

“I would normally give you these at the wedding. In a perfect world you would be there, next to Dad, smiling. I loved your smile. Seeing you in the Speedforce makes me so happy and hurts so much at the same time. I wish you were with us. You and Kara, you two would be attached at the hip. She would make you laugh so much. She is funny and sweet, but she is very deep too, a lot like you.

So I guess you know I’m going to be a dad. Crazy huh? I’m like an adult. Married, house, big backyard, mutt my wife adores who isn’t house trained, I even have a Volvo, unless Kara keeps driving it. I may not have a Volvo for long but it is safe so she shouldn’t be hurt. I hope not.

I’m really, really scared. I’m not scared of marrying her. I fell for her the first time I saw her. She is so beautiful and bright, warm, loving, heroic. I love her so much, more than I ever thought I would love anyone. I’m scared of the future. It seems like every time something good comes along, something bad comes to try and take it away. I always wonder if I am going to be good enough. Will I be strong enough? Strength has never really been my thing but I’m working around it. At least physically. Mentally I am probably stronger and weaker than I have ever been if that makes sense.

I can’t help but wonder though, what if the worst happens? What would I do to prevent it? I had a chance to save you and I didn’t. I know why now. You gave up your life so I could have my wife and daughter. But Kara and our girl? There is nothing I wouldn’t do to keep them safe, even if I have to alter time and reality. I don’t want to have to do that, so I put a lot of pressure on myself to make sure nothing happens. I worry all the time. I have gathered friends, heroes, together so we can all be stronger and I am worrying more now than I ever did. Why is that?”

Barry stood up and looked at the sky.

“Why does it always have to be so hard?” he shook his head. “But its worth it, if I get her. She is so head strong. She wore Ray’s armor to take out a mad man. I yelled, I… shouldn’t have, but I did. I wasn’t angry looking back, just so scared. I’m learning I am going to have to live with that fear because she doesn’t back down. I love every part of her, the good and the part that scares the hell out me.”

Looking back at his mother’s tombstone, he smiled, not at the grave but at the memory of her smile, cleaning his face after he hadn’t been fast enough to get away from bullies.

“I love you, Mom. Thank you. Thank you for everything.”

“She is so proud of you.” his father’s voice told him. Barry turned, not having heard the man walk up. Henry also had white roses in his hand.

“Looks like we had the same idea.” he told his son, smiling at the roses already there. His father eyes were red and Barry wondered how long he had been standing there.

“Did you know I would be here?”

“No, I saw you when I pulled up and thought I would give you some time alone with her. I come out here every other day if I can, sometimes more, sometimes less. Sometimes I need to be here and sometimes I can’t because it hurts so much. I think everyday about her, after all this time it feels like I had her in my arms yesterday. I blame myself for not protecting her.”

“Dad, you couldn’t have stopped Thawne.”

“I know. You made the right choice when you didn’t save her when you had the chance. Some things are meant to be no matter how much they hurt. You were meant to be the Flash and as much as I know you love it, I also know it hurts. I shouldn’t have left. I should have stayed and supported you. I thought I was giving you space so you wouldn’t have to worry about me but that wasn’t it. I have always felt I failed you. Thawne or not, I should have protected her.”

“What happened wasn’t your fault.”

“Then why do I feel like such a failure? My God, you are amazing, son. Believing in me all those years, never giving up, the work you did, the lives you have saved. The evil you have defeated. You are your mother’s son.”

“You were a doctor and will be again. You have saved quite a few lives yourself.” Barry told him, grinning, trying to brush aside the praise.

“Maybe, but I always knew you were special. It wasn’t just the normal, you are my son and special thing either. Something about you, something set you apart and others recognized it. It was why you got picked on so much. The others didn’t like it. They weren’t you. Its why so many of these metas wanted to take you down, why Zoom wanted to change you, make you darker. They hate you because they can’t be you. Thats why that Prometheus fellow came after you and Kara. All the people he could have gone after in this world, the President, heads of the FBI, Interpol, he came after the two of you because you are the best of the best. His mistake was thinking he had a chance.”

“We had a lot of help.”

“I know. Jeremiah and I talk, have coffee a lot of mornings, and he filled me in on that nightmare of a day. Alex doesn’t surprise me, she would do anything, die for her sister, but the rest who stayed? Have you really thought about it?”

“They are our friends.”

“Nyssa. Yeah, she loves Alex but she wasn’t Alex’s bodyguard that day. She was fighting for Kara and your child. Wells and Cisco stood in front of a door protecting you and Kara’s family. Cisco doesn’t surprise me but Harrison Wells? The man owes you a lot but to stand in front of a door with one gun, knowing multiple gunmen were coming at him? He could have been safe in that room as well.

Oliver Queen. Joe tells me he will never understand the bond you two have but I do. He sees the same thing everyone who knows you sees. He sees a hero and a brother he will stand by no matter what. Sara Lance? She barely knew you but there she was, with the rest, fighting for your family. She owed none of you anything, but I bet the thought of not getting involved never entered her mind. You inspire people son. You both do. I can’t wait to meet my grandchild. You should go, shouldn’t you? Don’t you have some guests coming from out of town?”

Barry chuckled a bit. “Yeah, thats one way to put it. You want a ride? You haven’t been in my sweet Volvo yet. Better take the chance before Kara drives it a few more times and it is gone forever. We can come back for the truck later.”

“I’m going to stay a little while, talk to your mother. Tell her how proud I am of you. Tell her about Kara. I always wondered if there was anyone on Earth who would be good enough for you. Apparently there wasn’t. It took another planet in another universe for your perfect match to find you. Go, I’ll be by the lab later to meet your new friends.”

Barry and his father hugged, and with a last small wave at his mother’s headstone he walked off, needing to get to S.T.A.R. The portal was opening in an hour and he had no idea who was coming through. Kara’s family he hoped but if there was one thing he knew in this life, it was to take nothing for granted. So of course the entire Justice League would be there, plain clothes but always, always ready.

Kara came out of her room as Barry arrived, a small bit of blue paint on her nose that he wiped off before kissing her. She still had a hard time believing this was real. She would be taking her clothes from Caitlin’s to her new house. The furniture had been delivered, the appliances would be tomorrow and soon, very soon, Kara would be married, living in a home with a man she loved, eternally bound and begin focusing on her child that would be in this world in seven months and her marriage. Before that though, she was going to Disney World… in a plane. Like everything else, you take the good with the bad.

Barry walked into the room that formerly held the Speed Cannon that had been taken and Barry didn’t need it anymore but it was in storage should it ever be needed again. The entire League was here, all in plain clothes as if they were in a meeting. All seemed relaxed but he knew better. Nyssa was going to be behind the portal, not a position Alex was crazy about, but one she had insisted on. Should a hostile force come through for some reason, Cisco could close the portal and Nyssa could attack from behind, giving an advantage to those in front. Carter and Kendra stood apart on either side of the portal. Sara stayed in the back ready to blast whoever came through if needed, with a cry. Alex had a rather nice tan leather coat on, her hands in the coat pockets, both gripping small caliber thirty eights with hollow point bullets. While not ideal for long shots, at close range they would be deadly. If Max Lord stepped through for some reason he was a dead man. Ray had shrunk and was hovering near the ceiling. If anything happened he would be down in less than a second, fully sized, powered and ready to fight. Jax and Martin stood closest each other.

Zatanna was shopping for an outfit to wear to the wedding and was to be called if a fight broke out.

Joe was out in the hallway with Thea, unseen, ready to enter if anything should happen. He glanced at her arrow and noted it did not appear to have any tricks up its sleeve other than a very sharp point. She saw him looking and shrugged her shoulders with a smile. He grinned back.

“Screw it, if we have to kill anyone we can just toss their bodies back in the hole.” he told her, causing her to nearly laugh and blow their cover.

“It’s time.” Cisco told them, donning his visor and reaching out, power flowing from his small hands and opening up a hole in the universe, setting all their nerve endings on edge.

The worry the crew had was unfounded though none relaxed. It was a relief to see a large man in a blue suit, red boots and a familiar red cape flowing behind him with the symbol of the House of El on his chest walk through first. Kal El looked around and grinned approvingly, noting how those in the room were positioned. Barry and Kara were in the middle, but he had no doubt that Oliver Queen standing next to Kara, was prepared to throw her behind him while Barry attacked head on if anyone besides him and his friends had walked through. Or maybe Oliver Queen wasn’t protecting Kara. He looked with his X ray vision, laughed and shook his head.

“J’onn have I ever told you just how uncomfortable you look in Kara’s form? I would have loved to have been there the day you delivered whole milk in the latte for Cat.”

Kara smiled and morphed into the figure of J’onn.

“I assume you have had no trouble on your end? All is clear on this end.” he told his friend. Everyone semi relaxed but their eyes never wandered from the portal.

“Everything is good. C’mon in everybody, the water is great.” he shouted back into the portal. Kara pushed her way into the room.

“Can I come in now?! You guys are worse than secret service. I can’t protect you all if you keep me in the hallway. Kal!”

Kara ran to her cousin whose smile was much brighter than the last time she had seen him. He looked like himself again, instead of the dark person she had encountered on her last trip to Earth 3. He wrapped his cousin in his arms and lifted her off the ground.

“Not too tight! We don’t know when she might have an outage.” Oliver warned the man, whose eyes opened in realization and immediately lessened his very tight grip on her. She had always been the one person he could hug with all his strength but certainly wouldn’t take the chance now. Breaking her ribs would not be a good start to the wedding weekend.

Behind him, a fierce but beautiful woman walked out, wearing the strangest outfit. Her dark red top was armor, strapless, her shoulders bare. Below was a dark blue armored skirt of a sort, not even reaching mid thigh. Kara didn’t want to think about what was under the skirt but she hoped something. Her wrists were covered in gauntlets and a lasso hung from her hip. In one hand she held a shield and in the other a large broad sword. Her flowing dark hair, her lean form, muscular but feminine, was striking. She stood nearly six foot tall and her back was straight while her body appeared fluid at the same time. Despite her beauty and outfit, she did not come off as a sex object to Kara, who admittedly could never wear something so revealing. Instead she came off as a warrior, one you would not want to meet on the battle field. Her eyes took in the entire room, making contact with everyone, even Cisco who was gaping through his visor and Kara hoped he would be able to control himself until the rest were through.

“Eyes on the portal.” she told Cisco, only glancing in his direction once. “So no battle, Kal?”

“I think we are good Diana.” her cousin told the woman with a smile and Kara thought Lois must love this one. Next the black shrouded figure of Bruce Wayne stepped out, not clad in an Armani suit but instead the armor of Batman. Kara still had a hard time placing the handsome and smiling face of Bruce Wayne as that of the scowling mouth and eyes behind the dark mask.

Despite his frightening appearance he grinned a bit and winked at Kara who couldn’t help smiling back. Next two very large men stepped through the portal, one a white man with a dark beard and dark hair that hung in a pony tail. He was bigger than any man Kara had seen in a while, and while dressed in blue jeans and a tight shirt, the long bag that hung from his shoulders interested her. Kara took a look and saw of all things a trident inside, one with very sharp ends. The black man next to him was very muscular, almost as large as the man beside him but did not appear different from any other strong athlete. Kara took a look at him as well and was shocked to see half his body was robotic. She prayed to Rao that Cisco didn’t faint if the man every took off the human resembling prosthetics covering the metal on him. The man was a walking dream of Cisco’s, the improvements he would try to make, causing her to grimace. Both of the large men held two large plastic crates. Kara saw no computer equipment but clothes mostly, bags, and what she thought was Dick Grayson’s outfit. Some sort of large cannon weapon also lay in the bottom of one.

Behind them, walked a man, both Kara and Barry were fond of, Dick Grayson, not in his usual black garb, but dressed casually, his frame muscular and lean, seeming small next to the two men in front of her. Her heart warmed to see him assisting Barbara Gordon out of the portal. She was moving slowly, but moving, leaning on a walker. Kara wondered if the chip had not worked as well as hoped but then remembered Barbara had been in a chair much longer than Felicity and her muscles had likely atrophied. Regaining full strength would take time. Behind those two, Lois, Carter and Cat walked in, Cat walking quickly while Lois stayed by Carter’s side. Despite the presence of a security force beside her, she passes them by, took in her surroundings and looked directly at Oliver Queen.

“Oliver, be a dear and walk through the portal. Apparently the boy scout felt he should be first in case villains had taken over your… this place is impressive… and the Amazon with no modesty issues and the billionaire crime fighter dressed for Halloween felt they should be ready for war. Our muscle is carrying the rest of the bags in large boxes that my luggage will not be crammed into. Dick is helping Barbara and there is absolutely no way I am carrying my own bags. There should be three, for me anyway. Carter has one and Lois has two. Thank you, now chop chop, before Cyclops can’t hold the portal any longer due to drooling over Diana.”

Oliver couldn’t help but smile, glancing at Jax and Carter who walked into the portal and emerged a minute later, heaving five large luggage bags between them.

“Now Kara, I am so sorry dear. When we had the discussion about cupcakes I should have mentioned that cupcakes have wrappings for a reason. How are you feeling?”

“I’m fine Cat. It is good to see you.” she told her old mentor, pulling her in for a hug.

“Anybody else or can I close this now?” Cisco asked.

“One moment Cisco.” Kal told him, walking back into the portal and entering the lab once again holding a huge crystal structure with a flat top, at least five foot wide. Kara gasped.

“Is that…”

“The Jewel of Truth and Honor. It’s at least one of them that emerged from a crystal in my Fortress. No Kryptonian is married without it.” He sat the large structure on the ground and nodded to Cisco who let out a breath and closed the portal. He wasn’t a doorman. Portals took effort but he wouldn’t complain. Seeing the look of joy on Kara’s face made him glad he could do it.

While Kal introduced his teammates to the ones in the lab he knew and the others introduced themselves to each other, Nyssa walked near Alex and whispered in her ear.

“The female warrior, what do you think of her?”

“I may not have any experience in relationships before you but even I know there is absolutely no way I can answer that without getting into trouble. Why? What do you see? Am I going to have to worry about you flirting?”

“Don’t be ridiculous, she doesn’t compare to your beauty. Take her in though. Compare her to the others. What do you see?”

Alex did take her in, looking past the form fitting armor and weapons, her long legs and lean muscle tone. Instead she took in her eyes, the eyes that even though everyone had relaxed a bit, still studied every inch of the room. Her grip on her shield never relaxed and as soon as she shook a hand, her hand fell back nearest her sword without grabbing it. The most striking feature was the charming smile she wore while she sized up every single person in the room, including Alex and Nyssa.

“She is the most dangerous.” Alex whispered.

“Exactly. Why?”

“Her eyes. All of them have fought but she has been in wars. Her countenance, the manner she examines everyone but disguises it behind a friendly smile, she has power and it is greater than that sword on her hip. Carrying the lasso makes no sense so it must be a weapon. The long bracelets make no sense either. Standard gauntlets should cover her knuckles, at least the top of her hands These do neither but they have a purpose. Everything on her has purpose. She wears the tight armor that barely covers her for two reasons probably, one to distract an opponent with her beauty and another because while protective over vital areas it in no way impedes her movement.”

“Very good. She is the most dangerous here. I would guess her strength rivals your sister’s.”

“So we should keep an eye on her?” Alex guessed not questioning Nyssa’s assertion of the woman’s strength.

“We should be thankful she is on our side. We should put on our charming faces and mingle, just as she is doing right now. The black man intrigues me but the one with the beard and ponytail, he is a warrior also. Bruce Wayne did well choosing his team.”

While the two teams sat the bags down and mingled, Eliza, Jeremiah and Caitlin walked in. Eliza and Cat hugged warmly, the two having become close during their joint venture.

“Lucy wishes she could be here, but with so many of the team gone, she felt it was best she stayed behind in Watchtower. She said she hoped to see you soon though and sent her best.” Lois told Kara, who understood. She also wondered how many of the team stayed behind. How large was the team? Kara was grateful that Dinah Laurel Lance stayed behind. She had nothing against the woman, suspected she could be friends if she had met her in that universe but with Sara here, and Quentin coming to the wedding, the blonde wasn’t sure what their reactions would be. Seeing someone who was so like Laurel in appearance and heroism but not their Laurel would be difficult, if not extremely painful. Perhaps the Black Canary of that Universe thought so as well.

“So I understand there is a mad man after you Kara?” Cat asked.

“No we took care of him.”

“Is that why there are multiple spots on walls that have obviously been patched over and still a number of bullet holes?”

“Yes.”

“At least he is gone. We cannot have this weekend ruined.” Cat pointed out, ready to bully and nag Bruce and Kal El until they underwent a mission to find and rid this man from the universe. Carter tugged on Kara’s sleeve and she leaned down to hug him.

“Can you please show me around? This place is amazing.” he asked her quietly.

“Of course. Let me…”

“I’ll show him around. Want to see some amazing things kid? I can show you amazing.” Wells told him with a smile, entering the crowded room. Kara nodded at Cat who silently agreed.

“Carter, this is Dr. Harrison Wells. He is one of the most brilliant men I have ever met and has the coolest toys. I know Winn will be here soon and he loves to see what Dr. Wells is working on. Do you want a tour with him while I greet everyone?”

Carter looked doubtful for a moment but the smile on Well’s face convinced him. “Call me Harry kid. Lets go see what kind of tricks we can find.”

While a happy Carter walked off, Kal greeted Barry, offering his hand. Barry had prepared for this, concentrating on vibrating only his hand, increasing the density of his bones and sending sparks in the tendons of his wrist. Kal gripped hard, then the surprise showed on his face when Barry gripped just as hard. Barry grinned at the surprise on Superman’s face.

“So I hear you have gotten my baby cousin pregnant.” he started after the handshake was over.

“If you mean the Elder of your House and I are having a child you would be correct. It is good to see you Kal El. You look much happier than the last time we met.”

“I suppose you could say that. I’ll admit while I felt a bit bad about the incorrect information I had given Kara I am happy the line of our house is continuing and she couldn’t have picked a better man.”

“Yeah, I’m pretty glad you gave her the wrong information as well. It was a surprise, one we were not prepared for and it has its challenges but we are both very happy.”

“Excuse me Barry, is Ray Palmer and Felicity Smoak here? Bruce Wayne asked him.

“Felicity is at the office finishing up some last minute work so she can enjoy the weekend. She will be with the women tonight. Ray is right behind you.”

Bruce turned quickly seeing nothing until Ray grew to full-size, causing him to jump back then smile. He pulled his mask back and greeted the smiling man.

“I have much to thank you for.” he told the Atom, offering his hand that Ray took.

“You really don’t, but you are welcome. Have you figured out how to replicate the power source yet?”

“Unfortunately no. We placed the chip you sent us in her as soon as possible.”

“Then I will show you before you leave. Wayne Enterprises deserves the chance to change lives in your world as…”

Ray’s speech was cut off when Barbara shuffle over in her walker, placed it aside and fell into Ray’s armored arms wrapping him in a hug.

Charlie walked in and seeing the new people, let out a howl that one wouldn’t expect from a creature so small. He continued barking, walking slowly towards Kara but never taking his eyes off the potential dangers these strange interlopers could bring. Holding him in her arms, he quieted down. Cat moved too close and he attempted to jump out of Kara’s arms to lick the woman’s face but was pulled back by Superwoman before her old boss could kill Charlie with a glare.

Kal El, opened one of his luggages that held him and Lois’s clothes. He picked up a small object in a black velvet pouch and presented it to a surprised Caitlin Snow. She reached in and pulled out a beautiful crystal, carved in the symbol of the House of El on a chain of white gold.

“One of the crystals in my fortress. I used my heat vision to carve it. Our line continues because of you, You are an honorary member of our family now.”

“I… I don’t know what to say. It’s beautiful.”

“You don’t have to say anything. Just know that you are one of us, as if you weren’t before, this is a symbol of the deep appreciation of my side of the house.”

“Thank you.” Caitlin told him in a shaky voice, never having seen something as beautiful. The manner the light lit up the crystal was mesmerizing.

“Am I to understand there is no one to fight? What of this mad man?” the large man who had not yet introduced himself asked.

“He is gone. He made the mistake of attacking us here in our home, thinking our entire team was away, and was defeated.” Kara said, without going into further detail. “I am very grateful you have come to aid in the wedding and would love for you to stay, but if you want to go back I will understand.”

The man stared at the short blonde, recognizing her for a warrior, even in her casual clothes, holding a puppy.

“I like you. I will stay. My thanks for your hospitality. My name is Arthur Curry.”

“Kara Zor El, for a couple more days at least.” she told him, taking his offered hand.

“You are letting go of the family name?” Kal asked, surprised.

“Yeah, I guess I am. It’s being carried on in Jeremiah, Eliza and Alex. Since Nyssa is need of one, a real one anyway, she may carry it one day as well. But I am taking Barry’s name. I want to.”

“Its great name.” Kal El told her, truthfully. “I think Ray is going to have the caravan of SUVs I see outside take my friends to a hotel. I would really like to see the house you two have bought. You have bought a house, right?”

‘Yeah, we bought a home. Its beautiful.” Kara told her, eyes starting to mist, glad to see the sunshine back on her cousin’s face.

“Excellent. I wish to see it as well. Bruce and…” Cat began.

“I’m Diana Prince. We haven’t had the pleasure yet. I have heard many tales of your heroics Kara Zor El, as well as your sister’s. It is a pleasure to meet the both of you.”

“Thanks Diana…”

“Wonder Woman.” Cat corrected immediately.

“What?”

“Wonder Woman, Kara. I named her. I named all of them. Its part of PR that Miss Prince does not seem to grasp yet.”

“My name is Diana Prince. Just Diana if you want to be truthful.” the woman told Cat Grant with a forced smile.

“She gets to be called woman and I had to come to another universe to get that title? Really Cat?”

“Kara dear, remember how you dressed? Diana dresses like a much less conservative Xena and carries a sword. No one is going to accept Wonder Girl.”

Kara looked the brunette up and down then shrugged her shoulders. She supposed Cat had a point.

“Fair enough. Diana would you like to come with me and Barry, while I show my cousin my new home?”

“I would love to spend as much time with you as possible. I wish I had met you when you started out. The skills I could have shown you. A month on my island and you would have ripped Non’s head off in your first battle with him. But you have done well, learning on your own and with your sister. I understand your sister Alex is quite the warrior. She would be the one with the woman who has not stopped watching me since we arrived, correct?”

“Nyssa isn’t watching you. Not like… her and my sister are in love and…”

“Forgive me, I didn’t mean to imply anything of that sort. I simply mean that she has been watching me because she knows I am dangerous. Protective, that one is. I like her and I haven’t even spoken to her yet. You can learn much from her Kara. I believe we all need to change into something more conservative and then we will be ready to accompany you.”

“Oh, sorry for assuming… there are locker rooms here. Cat! Let me drive you there. My car seats seven, so you, Kal, Bruce, and Diana, will have plenty of room and Carter of course. Charlie’s safety seat takes up on spot but there are plenty others. My car is awesome Cat!”

“Very well. Lead the way Kara. We can grab Carter on the way out.”

Cat stopped after a few steps and turned. “Aren’t the three of you coming?”

“We are going to ride with Eliza.” Kal told her. “We will be right behind you.”

Ten minutes later Cat Grant was reliving old times, yelling at her former assistant.

“Pull over this instant!”

Kara huffed but as always did as the woman ordered. Cat got out and walked to the driver’s side, making sure her glare conveyed to Kara that she would be driving. Kara dropped her head and got out, moving to the passenger seat and began giving Cat directions.

Barry and Carter tried not to laugh in the back seat but Carter was unsuccessful.

“Where did you learn to drive, or not as the case may be?” Cat asked, still trying to come to grips with how someone who could fly so fast could not handle operating a vehicle in a straight line going thirty miles an hour.

“And you Mr. Allen! You knew this and let my son ride with her?”

“It’s not like we were going to be in a high speed wreck.” Barry pointed out.

On arrival at the new residence, Kara ran, having forgotten to roll the window down along with a bout of morning sickness she prayed did not appear during the ceremony and made it to the bathroom in time, barely. Walking back into the living room, she saw the group taking it in, as Barry led them on a tour, remembering to bring Charlie inside. She was pleased by this. Barry’s training was going well according to Alex and she had to agree.

“Kara honey, can I talk to you for a moment?” Eliza asked. Kara followed her into one of the guests rooms.

“Sweetie I know you are quite a bit more known by authorities here, but the general public does not need to know your identity. You understand this, right?”

“Of course.”

“Then can you explain this?” Eliza handed her phone to the blonde, noticing it was on Youtube. The video was titled small blonde girl owns man on Black Friday.

“Whoa, this should be good.” Kara told her mother. Pressing play she was surprised to see herself at Wal Mart. She remembered this well. Her timing was perfect. The man, 6’4 and perhaps 250 pounds of something other than muscle with a shaved head and goatee, reached for a smoothie maker, grabbing at the exact moment Kara did. She brought it down into her arms, his hands still gripping the box. It had been the last one and she had been watching it carefully.

“Let go lady. I got to it first.” the garbled voice said. Kara stood in her place, staring at the man. He pulled, pulled again and surprised the box had not moved, wrapped his arms tighter around the blender. Pulling once more, Kara let it go, throwing her hands up watching the man fall on his back side. The crowd around him laughed, one man picked up the box and handed it back to Kara who smiled, and walked off, a definite exaggerated swing in her hips.

“Oh… yeah that was a fun day. Pretty cool huh? Did you see his face when he couldn’t move it out of my hands? What a jerk.”

“Kara… the man weighed three hundred pounds at least. You don’t think anyone might question how a woman who weighs no more than 125 could stand her ground and not budge?”

“I don’t know. It looked pretty funny to me.”

“Do you think Barry would find it funny, possibly exposing yourself to the world? Look how many hits this has gotten.”

“Oh my.”

“Exactly.”

“Barry! Barry come here!” Barry zoomed in next to her, worried at first then looking at the phone in her hand.

“The video you took! Its gone viral! Over a hundred thousand hits! Look how many likes!”

“That is so awesome! Did you see it Eliza? You should have seen the look on that man’s… we probably shouldn’t have done that, huh?” Barry asked, seeing the look of disapproval on her face.

“You two might want to be more subtle next time.” Eliza told them, rolling her eyes and giving up. Kara may as well start signing endorsement deals.

A scream was heard in the house, one of pain and fear. Kara and Barry moved quickly, Eliza behind, to the living room, prepared for anything. What they saw shocked them. Kara had forgotten Harvey Dent was to bring her wedding gown over today. The wedding gown in its cover lay draped over the couch. Harvey lay face down on the ground, Bruce Wayne’s knee in his back and his arm pulled up and twisted. A simple turn and Bruce could break his arm.

“What are you doing?!” Superwoman asked, panicking.

“This… do you know who this is?” Bruce asked, trying to remain calm, despite the man he thought he had left behind… in another universe… doppleganger, Bruce realized too late.

“Yes, thats Harvey, the man I bought my dress from.” Kara explained. Bruce gently stood up while Harvey rolled over and took the man in.

“I apologize Harvey. You look like someone I know, someone who is very dangerous. I had no right and no excuse. May I help you up?”

Harvey turned from fear and pain to anger then he met Bruce Wayne’s eyes and took his hand, being pulled up.

“Think nothing of it, uh… I didn’t catch your name?”

“Bruce Wayne.”

Harvey took a card from inside his coat pocket and handed it to the Batman. “If you ever want to do it again give me a call. You can certainly make it up to me Bruce Wayne. Kara the dress has all the alterations needed, not that many were. Would you like to try it on quickly and make sure it is perfect before I go? Perhaps you would be interested in seeing my business afterward Mr. Wayne?”

“That sounds like a lovely idea. Bruce does love the wedding industry. We can entertain ourselves if you would like to visit with your new friend.” Diana told him, walking in, Kal behind her, both wearing huge smiles. Wayne scowled and politely declined. Ten minutes later, Eliza called Kal into the bedroom. He took in his younger cousin and immediately wanted to cry. She was a vision in white.

“I don’t have the words.” he admitted.

Eliza took her in proudly. “That was Jeremiah’s reaction as well.”

“So this will do?” she asked, despite everything the two had gone through in their complicated relationship, he would always be family and she found herself desperately wanting his approval. The tear that rolled down Kal El’s cheek told his feelings better than words. The two hugged, Kal El gently, wanting to squeeze her harder but not daring.

Later that night, Barry and Kara prepared to split up. Neither wanted to but Cisco and Alex insisted. Rather than having parties the night before the wedding both insisted if something had to be done, it would be done two nights before so both could be refreshed the wedding day.

“I don’t want to leave you. Don’t sleep at our house tonight, or tomorrow night. I want the first night to be the both of us, okay?”

“I’m staying with Joe tonight.” he assured her.

“So any idea what you are going to be doing or where they are taking you?”

“Nope, but I threatened Cisco, that if any strippers were around I was leaving immediately. There is only one woman I want to see naked. So if I call you and ask if you want to spend the night at our house with me, then you will know it didn’t go well.”

“Oliver wouldn’t let Cisco do that… would he?”

“He better not. I love you.”

“I love you. We will see each other tomorrow right?”

“Yep. We can meet for lunch, then you are going to Eliza’s right?”

“Yeah, I’m going to get ready at S.T.A.R. in my room but I will stay tomorrow night at Mom and Dad’s. You are going to stay at the apartment?”

“As much as it sucks sleeping there without you, Joe’s is kind of crowded at the moment with Dad and Wally there and I don’t feel like sleeping on the couch two nights in a row. Jessie arrived and will be watching Carter and Charlie at the hotel, so all is set. I don’t want to let you go. Maybe we should make everyone do the same thing tonight? We can be together.”

“No, they have worked hard to plan these. We can make it one night. One more day then our wedding, then Disney Land!”

Barry wasn’t sure which one she seemed more excited for, so rather than ask, he kissed her deeply until Jeremiah cleared his throat.

“We have a party to get to Barry? If you two think you can peel off each other for the night, that is.” he told the Flash sternly, then smiled, unable to keep up the humor off his face. The two reminded him of Eliza and him when they were first together. Although the passion never stopped, they had learned to be more discrete in public, especially after Alex was born.

Once in the car with her sister, getting to ride in the Porsche finally, Kara was instructed to put on her old lead lined glasses and a blind fold.

“I’ll puke if I can’t see,Alex.”

“You will puke regardless. Keep the window down, stick your head out if you have to barf and relax.”

Doing as instructed, Kara made it to the location, helped out of the car by her sister. She heard the women around her, even Felicity talking animatedly about some sort of software with Barbara and slowly walking beside her friend from another universe who she had so much in common with. Thea, Sara, Nyssa, Cat and even Diana came. Eliza and Caitlin of course were already there, making sure everything was perfect inside wherever they were and Kara was certain Iris was somewhere around. Kara could smell Kendra’s perfume and hear the unmistakable sound of Zatanna’s stilettos clicking on the pavement of the parking lot. Entering a building, the cool air made her instantly feel better but from the sound of loud music she internally groaned. Kara had hoped to avoid clubs tonight. Her mind was not on dancing. Once inside the music quieted though as if the volume was turned down.

The blind fold and glasses were pulled from her eyes and Kara took it all in. The entire place was empty, save for her friends and family. A large buffet was spread out, having been set up by Eliza and Caitlin. And the lanes… so many lanes.

“You rented the bowling alley?” she asked quietly.

“Yeah. I figure since Barry sucks and probably won’t want to spend a lot of time getting beat by you, this may be your last chance to spend hours playing. What do you think?” her sister asked. In answer, Kara wrapped her arms around Alex, causing the brunette to gasp a little from the tightness but smiled anyway.

“Line up everyone! Pick a lane!” Kara shouted, even avoiding the buffet to grab the heaviest ball she could get her hands on that had holes designed for small hands. When Kara was fifteen her and Alex visited a bowling alley for kicks. Kara bowled a perfect game, the entire alley watching her last three frames. She had been addicted since then but once she moved to National City, never had the time. It had been too long.

“I think I will have a seat and watch. There is absolutely no way I am doing this and ruining my manicure… oh is that alcohol I see? Finally. I’ve been wanting a drink since I rode in Kara’s car.” Cat grumbled.

“Zatanna, no cheating.” Superwoman told her fellow superhero who looked as innocent as possible for a gorgeous vixen in a mini skirt.

“Nyssa, you Cait and Alex can be in my lane for the first set.”

“I do not… bowl.” Nyssa told the blonde.

“Oh… okay, if you can’t do it I understand. I don’t want you to be embarrassed. Have a seat while the rest of us compete.” Kara told her, knowing how to push Nyssa’s buttons as well and Nyssa could push hers. The feared former assassin glared but walked to a rack of bowling balls and selected an appropriate sized weapon. Kara rolled fist, her timing and aim perfect as always, hitting the pins for a strike.

Nyssa followed, rolling the ball, equally well, having copied Kara’s movements from one look. Her ball struck nine pins, leaving one standing.

“Good try Nyssa. A spare is…”

Kara’s praise ended when a very sharp throwing star struck the remaining pin, burying itself in the wood and sending it back as if a shotgun had been fired at it. The entire room quieted.

“Oh look, a perfect strike. You are right Kara, this is an enjoyable game.”

While Nyssa was showing Kara a new method for bowling, Barry was driven to a warehouse. It was quiet, no cars in sight.

“Please tell me some evil meta is in there and we can all fight him. That would be a blast.”

“Sorry Bar. Had to rent this place out. A standard club wouldn’t work and we didn’t want to disturb anyone.” Cisco explained.

“I’m marrying a woman with a perfect body, my dream girl, every man’s dream girl. We sleep together every night. If there are any strippers in there I am leaving, understand?” the Flash warned his friend.

“I’m not sure if I should be disturbed or proud.” Kal El whispered to Jeremiah and Joe.

“I’m going with proud and forgetting what he said about Kara’a body.” her father decided. Kal seemed to agree.

“Barry, for most men a bachelor party is a chance to do some things before marriage that you won’t be able to do after marriage. But you are correct. You had no life before Kara and since you have been with her you do have this perfect, super powered blonde goddess who you get to sleep with every night, doing things you never got to do before you met her. You hit the jackpot buddy. She is amazing, I mean her legs and core…”

“Cisco!”

“Yeah Oliver?”

“Could you get to the point before the large Kryptonian here launches you into space and you start hanging out with Vandal Savage?”

“Oh right. My bad. Just pointing out how lucky my bud is. But you are correct, Barry, strippers can offer you nothing better than the babe you have. There is one thing you will not be able to do any longer, especially having a baby. Come inside my friend. Your dreams await.”

Barry cautiously followed Cisco inside and froze. Inside the mostly empty warehouse were a couple of coolers of beer for those who could enjoy them and ten black booths. He knew what they were immediately.

“Those are…”

“The latest in immersive,virtual reality gaming systems. The most realistic game play you will experience on this Earth. My newest designs, not even on the market yet.” Ray explained. “I thought tonight may be a good time to beta test them.”

“Whoa… so…” Barry started, taking in the possibilities. He had not played games in a very long time. He and Cisco use to spend all night long playing until he met Kara and the two found better pursuits.

“Who is up for a Halo tournament?” Ray asked. “I am. Those who cant hack it with games, like you Oliver, can enjoy the beer or that gasoline you call Vodka.”

“Oh I am playing. I may not know much about video games Ray, but if this is as realistic as you say, I think I can pick it up fairly quickly. See you on the battlefield.”

“Yeah, I’m in.” Jeremiah told the group, surprising all. Joe, Harry and Henry grabbed a beer, sat down and prepared to watch the action on the large screen that had just lit up on the far wall.

“Cisco I don’t know what to say.” the Flash admitted.

“Say nothing. This is your last chance to play video games all night. Or at least till two or three. Enjoy it man.”

Barry and his friend hugged then he moved quicker than anyone could see to the booth in the middle, selecting his weapons and getting used to the darkness and the feel of being surrounded by a virtual battlefield. Winn and Cisco were quickly behind him.

“You in on this?” Victor Stone asked Curry.

“I’m waiting for those gentlemen to have a couple beers and I am polishing off the remaining two cases. You?”

“I am pretty sure I can plug into one of the ports and activate God mode. Yeah, I’m gonna jump in. If this Palmer guy can build a chip to allow Oracle to walk again I can’t wait to see what he can do with video games. He is like Bruce but actually fun. You see that damn suit that can shrink? Scared the hell out of me. Think we can trade him for Bruce?”

“Excuse me guys, we haven’t met. John Diggle.”

The large man offered his hand to the larger Arthur Curry who returned the gesture. “Arthur Curry. Cat Grant calls me Aquaman because she has no sense of self preservation.”

“Victor Stone. Cat Grant calls me Cyborg cause she thinks that shit is funny. She is lucky I am a gentleman. If Perry White had pulled that stunt I would have tossed him off that giant globe on top of his building.”

“Cyborg? Why Cyborg?”

Victor looked at Diggle and smiled, wondering what the man would think if he shed his human disguise. Instead he allowed his one artificial eye to light up, surprising the hell out of Dig.

“Like I said, she has a weird sense of humor. I’m going to game.”

Both parties ended at two AM. Nyssa having watched the others to the point that she did not need throwing stars, weapons or arrows to roll strikes. Kara was certain that Zatanna did cheat once or twice, especially when she had a split, the ball striking one pin, stopping on a dime and moving to the immediate right to knock over the other. Sara, after rolling her fifth gutter ball in a row, placed her sonic device on, screaming, the pins falling but the glass over the pins shattering as well. Nyssa promised she would cover the damaged since she already had to pay for one lane breaking when an arrow jammed the conveyer belt bringing the balls back. Despite these advantages, Kara won, even rolling one perfect game.

The next day, the two lovers met up for lunch with everyone at Ray’s town house, getting to know one another and sharing stories about villains and recent battles. Finally Kara asked the question that had been weighing on her mind.

“So how did the trial go? Did it… is it still going on or… what?”

The entire table quieted so Cat Grant decided once again it was up to her to break the silence.

“The trial never happened. The prosecutor changed your charge to attempted homicide. The woman agreed to a sentence of thirty years, on all charges, hoping she could make parole in twenty and perhaps not die in prison. The world had questions about the change in charges so I broadcast your message. Two days later she was found dead in her home. She had been given the opportunity to get her affairs in order before reporting to federal prison and was guarded by US Marshals. Apparently she killed herself according to authorities. The house had been searched before she entered and it is unknown where she hid a gun. The world is not exactly mourning her. Her funeral was a quiet affair, hardly attended except by the press.”

“But… why would she agree to a deal and then kill herself?” Kara asked, shaken, wondering if her message had sent the woman over the edge.

“It wasn’t your fault, Kara. I can read your face already. Not everything is your responsibility. We suspect she didn’t commit suicide regardless. Bruce has been scouring the evidence that Barbara has retrieved from FBI database and he believes as do we all, that she was murdered, by a very skilled killer. As part of her plea deal she was required to give up information on the remains of Project Cadmus and the Order who ran it, including its members. We believe she was murdered before she could talk, despite the protection she had around her.”

“Wow.”

“We will find out who was behind this Kara. They are not forgotten.” Kal told her.

Kara nodded her head. “Just be careful. If they came for her, they could come for…” Kara didn’t finish but her eyes took in those at the table without superpowers, Carter, Cat, Lois.

“We will take care of it. I promise you. None of us will be harmed.” Bruce told her, the confidence in his voice making her feel a bit better.

“When you do find them, if you need us, we will be there. Just have J’onn give Cisco a headache again.” Barry told him. Cisco didn’t find the idea appealing. “We owe them payback too.” The Flash reminded the JL of Earth 3.

That night the two star crossed lovers kissed good night at ten and reluctantly went their separate ways. The sun that morning seems to take forever to rise, both up early, both unable to sleep any longer, instead thinking of the paths their lives had taken to intertwine with each other. Kara could not help but think of the first time she saw him, the first time he pulled back his mask, the way her heart sped up, flying off, not thinking or lingering on it and seeing the red streak underneath her.

Barry lay in bed, looking at he ceiling, thinking of the first time he saw her as well but he also thought about his second trip to her universe. The fear he felt, seeing her lying there on her floor, the dread he felt when her heart stopped, the way his heartbeat never slowed down, even as she was recovering. It had been hard enough to leave her the first time. Seeing her nearly die showed him that he would never leave her again, no matter what universe he had to live in. He thought of the way her hand held his even in her sleep. This seemed like the culmination of a plan put in motion by fate that was a difficult road but destined all the same. They were meant to be together.

As sun rose, Kara met her mother, sister and Caitlin in her room at S.T.A.R.. The Jewel of Truth and Honor had been placed on the exact spot in the cleared out med bay where Barry had brought Kara on her arrival to this Earth. The spot where Caitlin saved her life while Barry and Cisco shared their blood with her.

The bridesmaids dressed in the women’s locker room, the blue dresses Kara had finally settled on, and Alex in her red, the dresses hung off the shoulders, long and simple, elegant, and not overdone. Barry and his groomsmen prepared in the room that held the Speed Cannon, All in black tuxes and blue bow ties, the shade of Kara’s suit.

Barry was actually sweating a bit, Oliver noticed, walking up to his friend to straighten his bow tie.

“You doing all right?” he asked.

“Just nervous. I need to read the notes Alex gave me one more time. You think Ray has it down? He must right? The guy is a genius. No way he screws it up. What if he calls her a cow or something by accident?”

“I don’t think there were cows on Krypton. I’m pretty sure she would have mentioned it before.”

“Good point.”

“Does she know you are doing this?”

“I thought it would be a surprise and it will be, especially if I screw this up.”

“You won’t. I believe in you. Always have, always will. Just make sure Cisco hasn’t lost the ring and all will be fine.” the Arrow told him, patting him on the shoulder.

For what seemed like forever but was actually not that long, Barry walked to the Jewel of Truth and Honor, in front of Ray who stood on an elevated platform. Eliza was already crying. Nyssa was seated next to her. Kara had asked her to be a bridesmaid but Nyssa politely declined, telling her if she ever stood near a ceremony involving marriage again it would be with Alex as her bride. She had not had luck in her prior marriage. Oliver found this funny. Nyssa didn’t.

He watched as Alex and Cisco walk in together and stood across from each other, Cisco by his his side. Caitlin and Winn followed. Oliver and Felicity came next, followed by Thea and Jax, Carter and Kendra, Iris and Wally, and Sara along with Harry. Both had been surprised when Kara and Barry asked them and both accepted the honor immediately.

Then the moment everyone had been waiting for, especially Barry. He had not even seen her dress, much less her in it. She had forgone a veil, her hair hanging free and wavy, just as it did while she fought crime or went to work, beautiful, glowing. Her gown was breath taking, not overly done but elegant, just like her. She had a smile on her face and her eyes glistened. Had Caitlin been monitoring her vitals she would have seen Kara’s pulse and her respiratory rate climbing. Still she felt good, no nausea, even the baby seeming to sense the magnitude of the ceremony, not causing any problems. The march was short but seemed to take forever to both Kara and Barry.

Barry stepped off the Jewel of Truth and Honor to take her from Jeremiah and help her reach the top. Jeremiah let go of her arm, allowing Barry to wrap his arm around hers.

“I will never give her away, but I will share her with the greatest man I have ever had the privilege to know, Barry Allen.” Jeremiah told him, wiped his eyes, kissed Kara on the cheek and sat by Eliza, holding her closely.

Kara smiled shyly at Barry, feeling like she was seeing him for the first time. She had never seen him in a tux and promised herself she would make sure she did again. Black tie affairs were in their future.

Both stepped up onto the beautiful Jewel, Kal holding Lois’s hand and thinking it was definitely worth the flight carrying the large crystal from Antarctica to Gotham.

“You have always been beautiful but you are radiant today.” Barry whispered to her.

“You aren’t so bad yourself. You clean up real good. I’m glad we didn’t wear our costumes.” she whispered back, hoping a bit of humor would calm her nerves. She had no doubts about marriage, but this was a dream come true, one she never thought she would have and wanted to be perfect, no nausea, no breaking down in tears, she wanted to be calm and collected and was beginning to doubt if she could. Ray welcomed the gathering which included outside of the two Justice Leagues and their families, Captain Singh. Chief Corrigan, and his wife were present as well as Quentin and Donna, and Martin’s wife beside him. Quentin had told the Chief he would definitely take his offer, before the ceremony. Off duty, and on duty officers surrounded S.T.A.R. labs, determined that nothing would ruin this day for the couple. Victor Stone stood on top of S.T.A.R. using his advanced vision to watch the sky, the cannon that could be attached where his artificial hand now resided could be attached in seconds.

In the med bay, Ray began.

“Before we start, I would like to mention that Kara was named after the constellation that represented the Goddess of Beauty. I believe she is outshining the Goddess today. Some of you may not know this, but Kara and some of her family, who cannot be here with us today, believed that marriage was forever, even beyond this life and divorce was never permitted. This is not the bonding of two lives but two souls we are all about to witness for eternity. Barry, are you ready?”

Barry nodded, turned completely to Kara, took both her hands and began, his mind having prefect recall after weeks of working in secret with Alex. In perfect Kryptonese he spoke his vows.

“ From this day forward, I bind my soul to yours. I will honor, love, sacrifice and live for you. I promise myself to you forever beyond space and time .”

Kara’s surprise at hearing such fluid Kryptonese was evident on her face. She blinked her eyes, fighting tears and promised herself as well.

“ From this day forward, I bind my soul to yours. I will honor, love, sacrifice and live for you. I promise myself to you forever beyond space and time .”

Barry handed her a bracelet, the colors of red and blue mixed in flowing lines wrapping around each other forming one unique pattern, only they would have. Kara’s hand was shaking as he put the soft bracelet over her wrist and tied the string on the bottom, completing a Kryptonian tradition. Pulling up his sleeve, Kara was not sure what to do until Alex reached around and handed her a similar bracelet, so Kara could complete the ceremony. She wrapped the bracelet around his wrist with shaking hands, fumbling a bit with the strings on bottom.

Ray began speaking once again only this time, also in perfect Kryptonese.

“ In the name of truth and honor I declare the marriage vows binding upon you, From this day forward, throughout all time and space, even unto eternity, You are made husband and wife this day, and for all days hence. May the countenance of Rao ever shine on you.”

In English for the guests he began again.

“Bartholomew Henry Allen do you take this woman, Kara Zor El to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward for eternity, beyond space and time?”

“I do.”

“Kara Zor El, do you take this man, Bartholomew Henry Allen to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward for eternity, beyond space and time?”

“I do.” she answered, her voice strong, despite the emotion.

“The rings please.”

Cisco handed Barry Kara’s engagement ring, a wedding band joined with it, took her offered, shaking hand and placed it on her ring finger. Kara turned to a crying Alex who handed her the gold band, a simple traditional design just like both their fathers and placed it on his ring finger. She was glad to see she was not the only one whose hand was shaking.

Pulling her forward, the two kissed, softly, then more firmly and after a few seconds pulled back then faced the guests.

Ray smiled and raised his hands towards them.

“I present to you, Barry and Kara Allen.”

The entire room that had been sitting rose from their seats, clapping. Tears were shed openly, even by the great Superman and his wife. Cat Grant was beside herself, fighting not to show her emotions but unable tonight them off, remembering the dark days she had thought Kara dead, the hole that loss left in her life and seeing her happy now, made it all seem so far away but close at the same time. Jeremiah thought of the sacrifice he made and would make again for both of his daughters, Eliza reliving the secret talks Kara’s senior year when she had been alone and wondered if she would ever find someone who could love her and know everything about her at the same time.

Alex remembered the pain the two had gone through together, the thought of her sister dead, finding her alive, the guilt both had towards each other, but the love so strong. Kara’s happiness had brought her a happiness she never thought she would have, as she glanced at the only woman she had ever loved. What a strange life this is.

“That was the most beautiful ceremony I have ever seen even if I couldn’t understand half of it.” Thea whispered to Felicity, who was overcome with happiness for the woman who after only knowing her for a day, nearly died to save her life.

“This is real.” Kara whispered to herself but Barry heard her.

“Yes, it’s real.”

“It’s not a dream?”

“No, it’s not a dream. You and I are real. Our child is real, our life is real, our home is real.”

“Thank you so much. I love you so much. I guess I needed you to save me after all.”

“I love you too and for the record we saved each other.”

The two exchanged declarations of love and another kiss, then stepped down from the Jewel to be with their family, all of them in the room, all family, fates tied together, stronger together.