Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

Call Me Kara

By BetterInTexas

Chapter 46:

Captain Singh and his department had faced all sorts of situations in Central City. Every sort of metahuman nightmare, and the occasional black hole had occurred in the little city in the middle of America. Despite the stories the police could tell about the Flash and Superwoman’s heroics, normal, everyday violence still occurred. Admittedly bank robberies had gone to practically zero. There had not been a successful bank robbery in the City since Barry Allen had donned the red suit. Superwoman’s appearance had dropped violent crime by 80% in the city. While gang violence was still a problem and always would be, and the drug trade was still alive, the city was much better than it had been two years ago.

Unfortunately there were always the crazy people who didn’t get the message or were just plain psychotic like Prometheus, or on a smaller scale like the man inside the bank who had a gun to his ex fiancee’s head because he would rather kill her and himself than let her be with anyone else.

“Where is the negotiator, or psychiatrist?” Singh asked.

“Where is the Flash? He could have this guy in a cell before he took another breath.” another officer asked.

“Honeymoon. Give it a rest Anderson, we have a job to do.” Singh reminded him.

“But couldn’t we call him? He’s in Florida, right? He could be here in like ten minutes while Ka… Superwoman goes to the bathroom. She would never know he came back.”

Captain Singh thought about it for a second and looked at Joe, who shook his head. He was right, the two deserved a vacation. The last thing he needed was the kids getting burned out, called away from their honeymoon. Kara couldn’t help anyway. Actually, her X ray vision could be a big help right now.

“Nope, they are off for two weeks. Where the hell is the shrink?” Singh was getting more worried by the second. The man had been there for a few minutes and though he hadn’t shot her yet, he had a gun pressed against her head. When he acted, despite warning everyone in the bank to stay,a herd of patrons and tellers ran for the exit. Now he stood alone with her, asking for a chance to talk to her and threatening to shoot if the police didn’t leave and that just wasn’t an option.

“Can I be of assistance, officer?”

Captain Singh turned and saw… what the hell was this?

“Who the hell are you and why are you stretching out Kara’s suit? It don’t fit in case you haven’t noticed.” The Captain observed.

“Kara? I don’t know a Kara.” Clark stuttered.

“Then you better get the hell out of her suit.” A female officer told him.

“That’s not her suit. Her S is smaller and has a lot more tech. His just looks ironed on. Are those fish scales? They look like fish scales.” Oscar asked.

“I’m Superwoman’s cousin.” Kal El explained, a bit out of sorts. The group had neglected to mention that apparently the entire police force knew who Kara was.

“So you can get a hold of Kara?” one officer asked.

“No one is getting a hold of her and start calling her Superwoman. There is press that could sneak up.” Joe chided the cop.

“My bad.” he told the group apologetically.

“I can handle this. I have the same powers she does. I will go in…” Superman tried.

“Are you stupid? You go in there and he is going to fire the minute he sees you. I saw you at the wedding eating a whole chicken. I didn’t realize you were in the business. I’m sure you’re a big deal wherever the hell you are from but no offense, here we trust our Superwoman and Mr. Superwoman.” Singh explained. “Joe, where is Alex?”

“Donut break.” he answered.

“See? Valkyrie is already inside, probably hiding in a vent or behind one of those teller windows. Once she gets a bead he gets put down or put to sleep depending on her mood, we rush in and boom, bad guy down, hostage saved. Ka… Superwoman usually looks inside and the second that gun moves away from the hostage’s head Ba… the Flash rushes in, gun is outside, Superwoman and Valkyrie take him down, she throws him or Valkyrie puts him down with one of Cisco’s sleeping bullets and we head to the burger place across the street from the Department and celebrate. It’s a smooth running machine but we are short those two, so we are improvising. The last thing we need is an amateur upstart like you getting in the way. I do appreciate the offer though. Where is Palmer? He was just buzzing around.”

“Whoa, I have no idea where Ray Palmer is.” The Atom told him, regaining his regular size and wondering how they knew he was there.

“Give it up Palmer. Only you could come up with something like that suit, you have the same voice you use on TV and the Atom started showing up the same time as you escaped from HIVE which we all know is a BS story. At least Queen uses a voice thing. I mean he tries to put an effort in the whole secret identity thing.” Another officer explained to the big guy in the metal suit. “I still vote for calling the Flash and Superwoman.”

“Where the hell is the shrink?” Singh asked again

“He has a flat tire.”

“Send a damn unit to get him!” Singh stressed. He felt like, at times, he had to think for everyone.

“I can…” Kal tried to offer once more.

“Second string, we got this. Atom right? Not Cisco’s best but whatever. Can you shrink, sneak up to the guy and push the gun away from her head so Zorel can get a clean shot?”

“I can do that, even if I am definitely not Ray Palmer.”

“Whatever, get in there, knock the gun away, Zorel has her shot, SWAT rushes, Big Belly for everyone. Don’t screw this up.” The SWAT team commander told him.

“I can tell you if the gun moves.” Kal El stressed again. “I can also move as fast as the Flash.”

This claim was met with a round of laughter from all the police.

“Does Superwoman even know you are here? I heard she had someone house sitting, not trying to fit in a fish scale suit. Either you shrunk that thing in the washer or you are proud of those muscles. I would be proud too but I wouldn’t be running around in a spandex jumpsuit. No offense but we work with a select group of people. Sit back, Superwoman’s cousin, we still got some heroes in town.” The head of the Swat team told him. Kal El stepped back, feeling a bit confused. He had never been turned down before by police. They trust Kara but not him? Of course he was an unknown but this was the second time he had been called second string and he wasn’t crazy about it.

“Hey did you guys know Kara actually knows the Miranda rights and Alex still has to use that cheat sheet she keeps in her back pocket?” Glen asked.

“You keep looking at her back pocket and her samurai girlfriend is going to turn you into Sushi.” Sandy told the man, who still had issues with propriety at times.

Palmer shrunk and moved under the door. A few seconds later gunfire shattered the silence, SWAT moved in and jumped the man on the ground, while a full grown Ray Palmer protected the woman with his armored back. They realized that the perp had a dart buried in the back of his neck, Valkyrie training her gun on the man in case he needed an extra one. Once handcuffed, EMS was called in to check the perp before he was hauled unconscious to the police station.

“Big Belly Burger time!” One of the officer’s yelled. “Somebody get a picture of this and text it to Mr. and Mrs. Superwoman.”

“You have their phone numbers?!” Clark practically yelled. He was ignored. “This is getting ridiculous. I’m out.”

“Thanks for your… showing up and offering. If you want to change, you are more than welcome to join us at Big Belly Burger.” The Captain offered. He appreciated the man’s offer, even if he was a little fool hardy and not near as fast as Barry or as calm as Kara. Walking in and trying to reason with a crazy man? What the hell was he thinking?

“I’m… good. Have a nice day officers.” Shooting straight up in the sky quickly, he heard someone on the ground call him a show off and point out that Superwoman never feels the need to blast off like a rocket. It was obvious that these heroes had a ridiculously good relationship with the police. At least he didn’t have to worry about someone shooting her.

He would still worry. It was good to know at least in this city, she was safe. He wished he had a way to check for Kryptonite on this Earth. Dr. Stein informed him that he was improving a radiation blocker to be woven into her suit to prevent any type of radiation from effecting her. He offered one to Kal El who had turned it down, but wondered if it wouldn’t be a bad idea. If he hadn’t given his word to Wayne, he and Lois would stay here. This world seemed a lot simpler if still as dangerous as his. Central City while large, seemed like a small town in places. There were no traffic problems like in Metropolis, the air was clean, the people nice. Even the group picture of the JL here was better. The one that hung in their meeting room at WatchTower had the members seated at a round table, stoically looking at the camera. All he had seen at S.T.A.R. was a picture of the team making goofy faces at the camera except for Oliver and Nyssa, Instead Kara and Barry stood behind them, making gruesome faces behind the two where they couldn’t see. Yes, definitely a much looser group than his own. He would find this Order before he moved though. If the elder of his house would allow him to anyway.

In Florida, the first couple of Central City sat on the grass watching the fireworks light up the sky behind Cinderella’s Castle. Tonight was the last night of five days of Disney in which they had managed to hit every thrill ride the two wanted to take on, Barry’s favorite being Soarin, during which he fell in love with the feeling of flying and for the first time considered allowing Kara to take him up. He wasn’t scared of flying per se, he just preferred to use a plane or at least have a parachute on. Kara insisted on riding Aerosmith’ Rock n Roller Coaster again and again until her corn dogs made a reappearance after the fifth ride. Kara did admit that if you couldn’t actually fly, Soarin was the closest one could come to the feeling. Space Mountain was also a thrill, except for the sudden drops which challenged her motion sickness. She braved it though and was a coaster veteran by the time the day was over. Now they were relaxing, turning in early after the show, and in the morning, checking out of Disney and then checking in at Universal Studios. After five days there, a couple stops, one day at the Disney water park Typhoon Lagoon and one day at Blizzard Beach, followed by a day of goofing off, buying souvenirs and visiting Alligator farms and Kennedy Space Center, then the two would ship off bags and gifts on Ray’s jet and take off by foot back to Central City. Barry’s feet anyway. He would go slower carrying Kara but felt he could still make it in thirty minutes easily.

For now though, Barry sat on the grass, Kara between his knees, leaned back into him watching the sky brighten.

“Hey Barry?”

“Yeah…”

“I checked before we left, I got to know the money guy Nyssa set you up with. Just so you know we actually have more money now than before the trips and wedding, even after paying for the house and car.”

“How is that possible?”

“Apparently he has some of the money in tax shelters earning 15% interest and the rest in mutual funds, minus a $5 mil surplus account in the Cayman’s that can’t be touched by anyone but us. Did you know since we don’t live the lifestyles of the rich and famous we could actually live off the interest on the money alone for the rest of our lives?”

“I guess I hadn’t thought about it. Any reason why you are? Worried?”

“Of course not… I just wanted to talk to you about something. You know how I told you when we met that I worked at Catco instead of the DEO because it kept me grounded, not so lost?”

“Yeah…”

“See, here is the thing. I never wanted to be a CEO. To be honest I wasn’t sure what I wanted. I thought working for Cat would give me an idea and it gave me a few. It helps with my job now but… I don’t need to feel grounded now. I need to be there for our daughter. I don’t want her to be taken care of by other people with me not there, knowing she could be… more special than the usual child.”

“Okay. So you don’t want to work? Thats not a problem Kara. I just never mentioned it because I know you love your job…”

“I don’t.” she told him, shocking the man. He had never heard her complain before. “Don’t get me wrong, working with Ray has been great and I love the office and all, but I never wanted to be a Vice President of anything. I think I want to spend the rest of my pregnancy, getting Kendra ready to take my place or at least into marketing. Public Relations really isn’t that interesting to me in a business sense but she seems more interested than I am.”

“Thats fine…”

“But there is something I have always wanted to do, and it would give me flexibility with schedules, our daughter could be with me all day and it would kind of be a dream of mine. I want to open a gallery.”

“A gallery?” Barry asked, not quite understanding.

“Yeah, like I would like to try and sell my paintings or do family portraits for people who come in, or preferably both. If I could get a shop to rent, maybe downtown, like the old Pizzeria that recently closed, with the large windows, I think I could make something of it. I would at least like to try. What do you think? And don’t just say whatever I want because I really want to know if you think I could make it work. I could have a store front and reorganize the back, move the ovens out, knock down a wall and have a painting area, I could keep a basinet there and toys, she would… I could make it nice. If someone came in, I could take her with me or leave her only on the other side of a wall if she is asleep.”

Barry took his time, knowing she would want an honest opinion. He was taken off guard but suspected after their daughter was born she would be more interested in the baby, than doing PR work for Ray. He also knew art was one of her major passions but she never thought she was good enough to show paintings to friends, much less strangers. She kept most of those in her room covered and only allowed close friends and family to see them then brushed off any praise. She really was talented but no one could convince her. Maybe she had started believing it finally.

“What would you call it?” he asked. Kara shrugged her shoulders, getting a bit excited. She really didn’t want to hear the whatever you want line from Barry.

“I haven’t decided. I wanted to ask if you even thought it was feasible.”

“How would you feel about people seeing all your work? I know how private you are with our art.”

“I know, but maybe, no, I know its time to get over it. I’m good. I am getting really good at portraits and maybe some of my paintings are out there, like out of this galaxy but no one would know it. I think my sketches of birds are pretty good and would love to paint them and other landscapes here. Honestly I like my Krypton memories the best and even if no one knows what the landscapes are, it would be kind of neat for the planet to live on through others who have my art, whether they know it or not.”

“How would you price them?”

“I have given that some thought. I visited a lot of galleries on weekends in National City. I realize the economy was quite a bit different there and prices for everything were higher but depending on the size, how much effort, how much I like a piece, anywhere from $500 to a $1000 starting off. A family portrait could range from $500 to $750 depending on the size.”

Barry took a deep breath and asked the question he didn’t want to but had to. “Kara, I think your art is beautiful. Everyone who has seen it thinks it is beautiful. I have no doubt you can make this work and I think it’s a great idea, but I have to know, what if you don’t sell right away? What if business is slow to start? Things like this take a lot of word of mouth before they catch on, meaning people aren’t going to be breaking in on grand opening day. From what i understand you sell one or two, they tell their friends, who buy one and on and on it goes until everybody will have to have something you’ve done. But it doesn’t happen overnight. Are you going to be depressed, because I know you get hurt by things like that. I don’t think that will happen, I think people are going to recognize talent and want to be a part of it quickly, but I want to be prepared and I want you to be prepared. Can you handle it if you don’t sell many pieces right away?”

“Yes. I’ve thought about this. I’m tougher now. A year ago, two years ago, I would have never dreamed of this but now, I don’t know, I guess I feel like I can do anything. I can take it. I won’t give up, I won’t get depressed. If nothing else I will at least know if my art is good enough for the world at large or just my friends and family. I’m good either way. Most of my life I never believed I would be loved by a man, much less one like you and then to be married, having a child, I just feel like I am ready for anything instead of thinking of reasons why it can’t happen. I don’t want to be scared of anything anymore. Cat was never scared. She had a huge mountain to climb, not only surviving but taking over an arena that was previously reserved for men. I want to take that chance. I don’t want a media conglomerate but I do want to be an artist. A real artist who isn’t afraid to be out there.”

“The work we are going to have to do is going to require us buying the building. I have no problem with that as long as you don’t. You wanted my honest opinion and honestly I think you would be great at it. I think you would be a major hit. I would love for you to do it. If you want, while you are teaching Kendra the ins and outs, you can look at more buildings to see if one fits better or we can check out others together. I have no problem with the old Pizzeria, but it is kind of small. A larger space with even broader windows could fit better. Like the Furniture store going out of business in the downtown area.”

“I didn’t think of that.” Kara admitted, seeing the possibilities. “I could display paintings on canvases and not just on the wall. A room in the back where… there would be a lot more space. We could cut the building, block off half the front and still have a lot of room. Heating and cooling would be a big thing. I can’t just have the art in an uncontrolled environment. I could host art classes for kids in the back too, have a special work area and occasionally… that is a great idea!”

“Yeah, but we could also build a place to your specifications, find a lot in a great space, tear down anything that is there and rebuild. Take the rest of the pregnancy, work with Kendra and we can start looking. Once we make a decision we can buy and start building or remodeling. Then when you have the baby, wait a few weeks and open for business. I think you could be a hit Kara Allen.”

“Thank you. Even if I’m not I just feel like I have to take the chance and there will be no other time that is more perfect.”

“Just keep a lot of fire extinguishers around, in case the little baby gets hungry and decides to heat blast a few of the works to let you know.”

“Barry! She would never… yeah I should probably keep a couple around.” Kara agreed. “Did you ever find out what happened from Nyssa?”

“Nope, she just told me she handled it, whatever it was. I asked her to tell me what happened and she asked me if I was deaf, that she handled it and I was not to ask again. I wasn’t going to be talked to like that so I stopped asking and she was a lot nicer then.”

‘Thats good. I think her and Alex are having problems. I hope its not too bad.”

“I’m sure they will work it out.” Barry assured her.

“When I face timed Charlie this morning, Nyssa asked me to buy Alex some mouse ears and a pink Minnie Mouse stuffed doll because if Alex insisted on acting like a child she should be given children’s gifts.”

“Did you tell her you had already bought that anyway?”

“Rao no. I don’t think I’m going to give them to Alex now. Nyssa made it sound like an insult. I bet Mom would like them. Thea… yeah, Thea would get a kick out of them.”

“I’m sure Oliver will love the Robin Hood fox doll you bought him.” Barry hoped. Kara had been so excited about that one.

“I still think we should have bought him the Robin Hood hat. It would look a lot better than the hood. But whatever, if he wants to be Mr. Scowly let him. Ready to head back to the room? We have a lot of work to do tonight under the sheets and then we have to change hotels in the morning. Oh and I have a little black leather number I think you will like.”

The next morning, after the two had checked in at the resort hotel at Universal, they both entered the park that Barry had been most excited about. Standing in front of the large structure, both took a deep breath.

“It’s really here.” Kara said quietly in awe.

“Hogwarts Castle.” Barry agreed, a bit awestruck, himself.

“I am so Gryffindor.” Kara told her husband. “And you are so Ravenclaw.”

“Excuse me? Ravenclaw?”

“You do boast about your intelligence often.”

“And you like to tell me who the smartest of us actually is. Seems like you should be Ravenclaw.”

“As if. I am awesome at Quidditch, at least when it comes to nuclear missiles. You however, without your powers are super slow. Cisco said you are slower than a normal person without your powers. Maybe Hufflepuff would work for you?”

“Keep talking trash, Kara. You are going to have to back that up one day.”

“Not today though. Lets go! We can tour the castle and then go to Hogsmeade! This is going to be so awesome. We have to go on the Forbidden Journey!”

“I thought you hated to fly unless you were controlling the flying.”

“This is Harry Potter! I can make an exception. Race you! Oh never mind. You can’t use your super speed and without it, there really wouldn’t be a question as to who is fastest, so I will walk slowly for you.”

“Being here is making you cocky. You sure you aren’t a Slytherin?”

“Take it back Barry Allen! I will hurt you… later. Come on, we have priority seating. First the castle then the 3 D ride!”

While the two newlyweds were indulging their inner wizards, Alex and Nyssa were solving their own problems in a non traditional way. While Alex walked with an exaggerated limp that she blamed Nyssa for and Nyssa reminded her that she had been wearing arctic boots and it was impossible for the wires to harm her through the fur lining, the two stepped onto the training mat at S.T.A.R.

“We shouldn’t train today. You are too emotional, Alex.”

“You have no idea.” she agreed with part of that statement.

“All because I kept you from doing something stup… unwise from a tactical standpoint when you may have been a bit in the moment?”

“Let’s go back before that. Your Alex? What am I, a piece of meat?”

“Of course not! I just wanted to clarify… that… you…”

“Were taken? You think she didn’t know? I have a feeling people notice us Nyssa. There is no need to claim me like I am some sort of prize.”

“I can’t claim to be with you?”

“That is not what I meant and you know it.” Alex countered.

“If you are so angry with me, why are we still having sex?”

“I told you I’m not experienced in relationships so I am making it up as I go along. The no sex when fighting rule seems stupid. No point in punishing myself. Charlie crapped in your closet today, by the way.”

Nyssa reddened. “You want to train? By all means, lets train.” The two warriors selected Kali sticks and began. Nyssa as always changing tempos, twisting and twirling, trying to get Alex to react to split second changes and strikes. It was going well until Nyssa saw something Alex had not done before. Instead of defending, she blocked with the left, twisted and struck the woman across the jaw with the stick in her right hand. Nyssa dropped hers and stepped back, rubbing the sore spot on her jaw. Alex had never struck her before.

“What was that!?”

“What was what? You hit me all the time. I finally hit you, I am getting better, enough to hold my own and you are mad? You trained me. Shouldn’t you be happy?”

“No! I hit you while we are training. You hit me while you were mad.”

“What difference does it make?”

“Its spousal abuse!”

“Spousal abuse? How in the hell is that spousal abuse? You hit me all the time when we train. You have hit me with staffs, with a bow, with these damn sticks, tonfa, the butt of my own gun and your palm a lot.”

“And I never hurt you when I am mad. That hurt, but only because you were mad. I admit the move was quite impressive but it is still abuse.”

“It is not abuse! Abuse is claiming me like a piece of meat and then tripping me in Antarctica.”

“That was not abuse! The first was pride that you are in love with me and the second was to save you.”

“Whatever. You ready to go again, or are you going to rub your jaw some more?”

“I’m not training with you if you are angry. I won’t take anymore abuse.”

“Oh I can’t believe this. You finally get struck and you use this excuse. Fine, whatever. I guess I win today.”

“You don’t win! I was emotionally distressed because of how you have treated me and your sister’s dog defecating all over our home and you took advantage of that!”

Alex didn’t hold back her smile any longer. “This really bothers you, doesn’t it? I got a shot in on the great Nyssa, the legend, feared by assassins around the world, untouchable, ice cold, except when you aren’t cold. Oh no, when emotions are involved you get sloppy, don’t you dear?”

“Do not go there with me, Alexandra.”

‘Its true though. Why can’t you just admit I am finally, after all this work, with you no less, am getting as good as you are?”

“Really?”

“Yeah, really.”

“Fine. One match, winner is who is left on the mat. I win and you are going to stop this childish pouting and begin to think more in the field instead of letting your emotions rule you.”

“When I win we are going to a cocktail party, maybe New York with your fancy art friends and I am going to introduce you as my Nyssa the entire night. You are also going to agree to wear whatever I want you to wear, no matter how little of it there may be.” Alex challenged.

“You are on. After this, I may have to keep you by my side in the field. I know, you can be my sidekick. We can change your name to Speedy Jr.”

“I wasn’t my sister’s sidekick and she can fly. Good luck with that.”

The two women squared off, sticks tossed to the side, hands up. Circling each other, Nyssa lashed out, surprised that Alex dropped her guard, her fist landing on her chin. Alex stumbled back a bit and Nyssa moved for a takedown followed by a toss, making short work of her.

Instead Alex dove to the side, landing awkwardly and rolled, with a scream, grabbing her ankle in obvious pain.

“Alex? Alex what happened? Are you hurt?”

Nyssa rushed to her side and bent over, giving Alex the perfect opportunity to grab her nearest arm and roll, tossing the woman and sending her rolling off the mat. Nyssa looked up from the floor at her girlfriend who was in no way injured, standing above her.

“Never be distracted, even by someone as beautiful as I am. See? I am learning from you.” Alex reached out her hand, which a red faced Nyssa took and lifted her up.

“If it makes you feel better I won’t make rash decisions again. Looking back on it, my plan of action was not the most well thought out and you did save me. You ready to go home? I have a trip to New York to plan, some mini dresses to peruse that I think may look good on you, even if they aren’t exactly appropriate for a formal affair and you need to clean up Charlie’s messes. Let’s go, my Nyssa.”

Nyssa smirked. Irritated but admitting to herself that she was feeling quite a bit of pride. “Lead the way, Agent Danvers.”

Cisco and Winn sat in their apartment that Cisco still strangely rented despite being very rich and Winn still hung out at occasionally, despite sleeping with Caitlin nearly every night. The two were deep into World of Warcraft when both their phones alerted them to texts. Each saw a picture of Kara and Barry in front of an incredible likeness of Hogwarts, smiling. Next followed a… was that Diagon Alley?

“Look, they are on the Hogwarts Express! Man, I hate those guys sometimes.” Winn shouted. “Okay not really. Kara is impossible to hate and Barry is too cool not to love but damn sometimes I really hate them.”

“I know… what the hell, another one? No! No they cannot have matching wands! Every wand is unique! Barry knows this! Whoa, they hit Skull Island! Look at Kong! Thats amazing. I am yeah, I am so hitting that place up. I have to go. Screw the Justice League, screw S.T.A.R., screw Barry’s toys, we are heading to Universal.”

“Great! I’ll call Cait.”

“Whoa! Its a bros trip, bro. No chicks allowed.”

“But… I want us to get matching wands.” Winn argued.

“Each wand is unique! Forget it. I’ll get Jax to go. At least I know he won’t try to get matching wands.”

The honeymoon was winding down and the last couple days were spent at the water parks of Disney which were separate admissions from the main park. Barry had a great time, watching Kara in her blue a while at least. Kara remarked how friendly everyone here was. It seemed like every guy here and a few women wanted to buy her a drink or assist her with skin protection. At one point, a man who must have been a fitness model approached her. Barry concentrated, not worried since everyone was watching Kara, and began vibrating, drawing his cells together expanding himself and increasing his muscle mass. He and Harry had talked about this and even done it to some degree of success. It couldn’t last more than a few minutes but he didn’t need it to. All he needed was a few minutes to step in front of the man. Before he could, Kara, apparently tired of the attention, turned to the man she had only heard walking up.

“Not interested, don’t need a drink and my husband will do something very bad and painful to you if you offer to put lotion on me. On the bright side it will happen so fast you probably won’t feel it. Bye now.”

The man, rejected and shocked speechless, walked away quickly. Kara looked at her husband.

“Cut that out. You look like one of these Zoolander wannabes. Go back to normal. I like you looking like you.”

Barry did as instructed, losing quite a bitt of the bulk he had picked up and feeling slightly embarrassed.

“Sorry.”

“No problem. I was getting really tired of the attention. Let them see me in a couple months and they won’t be offering to rub lotion on me.”

“Maybe if you had your ring on, they wouldn’t bother you.” he suggested, not really thinking it would make a difference.

“Barry Allen, look around you! There is a tidal wave pool over there. The waves are twenty foot high easily. Hundreds are in the lazy river, there are miles of water slides and you seriously think I am wearing a twenty thousand dollar ring here? If it slipped off I would never find it, even with my vision. Maybe if you would come rub lotion on me, they might get the idea that I am taken.

“You don’t burn.”

“Not really the point, is it? The lotion does feel good. You are my husband, I want to feel good, are you getting the logical progression of steps here?”

Admitting she had a point, Barry slid behind her for a few minutes before Kara decided they needed to share a tube on Castaway Creek once more. He knew she would sleep the entire run home but it was worth it. This whole trip was like a dream. Just the two of them, relaxing, not a care in the world, no super villians, no murder scenes, no bodyguards needed for Kara. One day he vowed they would retire from this life. But util that day, he would make sure, at least once a year their family, all three of them and the mutt if he had to bring him, would spend two weeks somewhere. Kara seemed lighter than she had been in a long time.

The lightness of the trip continued even after reaching their new home. Until Lois answered the door. Somehow the two had forgotten they had unwelcome house sitters.

“Well, the law enforcement community will be excited about the two of you being back. I don’t think Clark can take much more rejection.” she greeted the couple, smiling. Kara internally groaned.

“What happened?” she asked.

“Nothing major. He has just had to learn the hard way who the top Kryptonian is in this universe. We have a hotel reserved for tonight and are going back in the morning. I hope we can have breakfast before we leave. I thought the two of you may want to be alone on the second night in your house.”

“Thanks Lois. You can stay if you want of course.”

“Something tells me Clark’s super hearing may not want to pick up what will be going on. He is out flying, and Diana has already moved our bags so we will see you in the morning.”

“You don’t have to rush off Lois.” Kara told her. Despite wanting to relax at home she realized that every time someone left her universe it could be the last time she saw them. Not a pleasant thought but a realistic one.

“I’m not sweetie. You two relax. I think Diana is going to stay for a moment. She wanted to talk to you. She in one of the guest rooms now. She promised she wouldn’t be long. We can meet for breakfast in the morning and Cisco can send us home.”

Both Allens watched her leave, Kara with a bit of sadness and a bit grateful because she was tired. Barry with a bit of apprehension, wondering what the Amazon would want or why she would stay in the first place. He had a pretty good idea. As if summoned magically, Diana Prince walked into the living room. Even in blue jeans and a simple white blouse she somehow seemed majestic.

“Welcome back. I would ask if the two of you had fun but I can see by your faces you did. Thank you for letting me stay in your home, even if Clark sort of invited us all himself.”

“It was no problem. Have you enjoyed your time here?” Barry asked, hoping she would get to the point.

“I have! It has been wonderful. I took a flight and found the Island I am from, at least one in this universe. Hard to believe there is an island full of my sisters, hidden from the world as always.”

“Oh! Wow, a hidden island… here?”

“Yes. Unfortunately I was not known but accepted regardless. My mother apparently never made me in this world. She adopted a daughter a couple decades ago though, a delightful girl. She is from this world, abandoned after a fire that killed her parents. She was just a baby. My mother had been visiting this world, blending in and observing as it were and had seen enough of the horrors that mankind inflicted on itself to know that this was no place for an orphan girl. She brought the child back to the island and raised her. She is 22 now and has been blessed by the gods with any gifts.”

“Thats… did you say you were made?” Kara asked to be sure. Diana smiled at the bewildered look on the blonde’s face.

“Long story. Regardless I would like to talk with you for a moment, you and your husband if you have time? I will be on my way afterward.”

“Of course.” Barry told her, still on edge. She was a strange one, he had no doubt. Like Kara her beauty could hide a force of nature underneath. The three sat, Diana in a lounge chair and the two newlyweds on the sofa.

“You are having a girl.” the woman stated.

“Yeah, we have gotten some pretty strong hints.” Barry admitted, thinking of his mother in the Speed Force.

“She is going to have great power, but you do not need me to tell you that. You both have great power as well. Kara, I have fought in many wars over the last 5000 years…”

“Excuse me? Did you say…”

“Yes.” Diana confirmed and brushed aside the Blonde’s question. “I have fought monsters as strong as the telepathic apes and White Martians of your old planet. I have been to Mount Olympus and fought Ares himself. The gods of Olympus, strong metahumans also gifted in magic, worshipped by primitive cultures. Ares was the god of war.”

“Was?”

“I killed him. The Shield I carry was his. He won’t be needing it any longer. I suppose I am the Goddess of War now. It doesn’t matter, my point is I have fought and defeated nearly every type of enemy on this Earth and beyond, whether alien, magician, metahuman or combinations of both. I have never lost a battle. I don’t intend to ever lose a battle. This may sound conceited and arrogant but it is simply a fact. What about you Kara? Have you ever lost a battle?”

“Why? Do you want to fight?” Superwoman asked jokingly but beginning to feel as on edge as Barry. Diana laughed lightly and shook her head.

“Absolutely not. We are sisters, whether you know it or not, at least in spirit. You have not had five thousands years of battle. This is good. It becomes a weary existence, one not full of happiness except of a solitary nature. You are lucky to have friends as I was lucky to have my sisters. You are very lucky to find love. Many of us never have that chance. I loved a man once. He died. Such is the curse of immortality. My point Kara, is I have observed some of your battles here and on the other Earth. You fought Savage with raw power, overcame him through force of will. You did the same to Non. I have seen the videos. J’onn told me about the battle the two of you had against the White Martian. I believe life can be much easier for you. I want to work with you, and with your daughter. You are very good but I can make you better. I understand Nyssa is your mentor in battle and she is very good but she can’t teach you to fight in the sky. She cannot teach you how to fight a monster made of dark energy or an eight foot tall behemoth, even one that has Kryptonite running through its veins and under its skin.”

Barry stiffened. “You know about Doomsday? Is there another? Because she won’t go near that monster. It was designed to kill her. It exploits every one of her weaknesses.”

“Yes it does but every creature has a weakness of its own. How would you have defeated it Kara?”

“I… don’t know.”

“What about the numerous battle with Non? Why did you not defeat him sooner?”

“He… had more experience. I was stronger but, he had numbers, he knew how to use distractions, he knew what I would do if others were threatened. He knew me. I was on TV a lot. I have no doubt he studied me. Its what I would do now, if I was preparing to fight an enemy as strong as I am.”

“Exactly. You have learned from that and grown. I can take you farther. Battles are not always won by those with the biggest heart. Sometimes it takes cunning, sometimes it takes better weapons and sometimes it takes intelligence. Your daughter, she is going to have a challenge controlling her powers. You had a challenge as a 13 year old. She will be dealing with it in some degree from birth. How will you handle that?”

“We know what we are doing.” the Flash told her immediately. “I mean not exactly but Eliza and Alex, Caitlin… we have the ability to help her control her gifts as they come.”

“And when it is time for her to battle? Because such power given to one individual, she will attract attention the same as you do. She will attract enemies. She will fight wars. She will need to know how to fight before she loses her first one.”

“Diana, I don’t mean to be rude but could you get to the point? You want to work with Kara obviously, but I am not comfortable with how you are talking about our daughter.”

Diana nodded her head and looked down.

“I apologize. Sometimes I come on forcefully and have to remember to stamp it down. The bad part of being a princess and a goddess. Once the baby is born and you have recovered Kara, I think it would be beneficial for me to return. I could take you to Themyscira here, now that I am certain this universe has one. I can introduce you and you could learn. Your daughter could learn as she grows.”

“You want to take my wife to some hidden island where people like you apparently fight metahuman magicians that have been worshipped as mythological gods and learn to fight more effectively? I’m sorry, I’m wondering why the hell she would do this? I realize you don’t get our news where you are from but she is kind of a big deal. No one in this world can defeat her.”

“Then why are you so afraid?”

“Because I love her.” Barry answered immediately. “Part of loving a woman who doesn’t back down from a fight, means living with the fear.”

“Kara? Give it some thought. I would love to visit with Kal when the baby is born. We can talk more then.”

“Of course. I mean I don’t… I’m going to have my hands full, I just can’t take off for a weekend retreat to fight other… Amazons. Wow, I said that.”

“Of course not right away, but perhaps you might reflect on the wisdom of an occasional visit. I have a favor to ask of you both on behalf of my mother, at least my mother in this Universe. Her daughter will be going through the trials this year, learning to harness the gifts granted to her by the gods. Gifts very similar to my own. She has not been in battle and has had little contact with the world of man.”

“I live here too. It’s not just his.” Kara reminded her.

“She will succeed but she will need her own battles to fight. My mother wishes her to be allowed to fight in your army. I have told her of your deeds and she is impressed.”

“Our army… you mean the Justice League?” Barry clarified.

“Unless you have another army I am not aware of.”

“We aren’t an army. We are just friends, family who are trying to do what is right with what we have been given, the same as your Justice League.”

“As you wish. Whatever you call yourself is yours to choose, army, League, it doesn’t matter. She will need to be surrounded by good people, powerful heroes while she learns about the world and its enemies. Would you be opposed to her joining your League? She won’t be done for twelve months at the earliest but she will need assistance in her time here.”

“Of course. We will always welcome… people who want to help and have the ability to do so, whether they are metahuman or not.” Kara told her.

“Excellent. I will fly to Themyscira tonight and inform Hippolyta of your decision. I also ask that you seriously consider my offer Kara. There are many things you can learn that will only make it easier for you to protect your daughter. Thank you both and congratulations on your marriage. I look forward to seeing the little goddess when she enters this world.”

Diana rose and walked towards the door, only to be stopped by Kara.

“This girl? You want her to fight with us by our side… she has no experience with this world?”

“None. She has spent her life around the Amazons. She will need guidance, not different from when yo landed. She does speak English among a dozen other languages though, so she will have that going for her.”

“What is… is she named Diana?”

“No. Her name is Donna Troy. That was the name she was given in the orphanage before my mother took her. She will be very excited. I told her tales of your power and bravery. The opportunity to meet you will aid her success in the trials as motivation. Good bye to the both of you. Until next time.”

The door closed, leaving Barry and Kara alone, trying to take in the surreal experience that a conversation with Diana Prince could leave someone with.

“Okay then. That doesn’t happen everyday.” Barry admitted.

“Forget about it. Lets go to bed. I’m tired.”

“It’s three in the afternoon.”

“So I’m not tired and just want to go to bed. You have a problem with that?”

“Absolutely not. We better take advantage. Who knows what villain is going to be out to get us next?”

Barry, as it turned out had nothing to worry about. No villain had shown up. After learning of the happenings in Antarctica and berating Oliver for an hour, Barry expected a run in with Caitlin Fairchild’s team but had seen or heard nothing for months, nor had Lyla. Cat and Carter were brought back to Earth 1 for Christmas, while Cat scouted locations for Kara’s new venture. Gifts were exchanged. Kara hopped around like a five year old on a sugar rush for most of Christmas morning and then her and Zatanna proceeded to try and cook for a lot of people until Zatanna caused a dead chicken to levitate accidentally and float into the ceiling fan. Kendra, Caitlin and Eliza arrived shortly after that, drawn by Kara’s pregnancy hormones and wails at killing a dead chicken again. Besides the chicken incident, Kara’s pregnancy went smooth for the most part.

For the most part being a gentle phrase considering the challenges she faced in regards to illness, insatiable hunger, hours and hours under a sun lamp to fight off illnesses, mood swings, craving sex one minute and yelling at Barry the next then apologizing profusely then either yelling or wanting sex again. She also had a craving for peanut butter smeared on Pepperoni pizza. As the pregnancy progressed she lost use of her powers for 90% of the day. There were highlights though, that did not involve spending the day under high powered solar lamps and being fed every immunity boosting herb and drug available.

In the fourth month, surrounded by friends and family, Caitlin confirmed the sex of the baby was indeed a girl. Alex was the most excited as she had been since the pregnancy was announced. Valkyrie had been scouring baby name books for months, wanting to pick the name and manipulate Kara into choosing the one she liked best. Alex was determined to name the baby.

“So I have been thinking of some possible names.” she told her sister, before anyone else had a chance to talk to her, especially Eliza, who Alex knew had her own ideas.

“Oh… I’m sorry Alex. I already, I mean we, already picked a name.”

“You picked a name? You haven’t said anything.” her sister pointed out, wondering how much of a battle she would have to change Kara’s mind.

“Yeah, we wanted to officially confirm the sex first. We are going to call her Lexie.” Barry told her absently, still staring at the sonogram, the most complete picture of their daughter they had seen yet.

“Lexie? What… why Lexie? Where did that come from?”

Kara turned away from the picture and met her sister’s eyes. “We can’t call her Alex. That would be confusing, so we are going to go with Lexie. When I am mad at her I will be able to pull the Alexandra card, just like Mom.”

Alex froze, looking around, seeing the smile on Caitlin and Eliza’s face. They had known.

“You are naming her after…”

“You, yeah. Alexandra Nora Allen. Look at her, Alex. Isn’t she gorgeous?”

Kara didn’t see the tears in her sister’s eyes because she had turned back to the monitor, Barry and her, along with most of the League and family members, watching the little girl curled up inside Kara, not having a care in the world. Alex wrapped her arms around Kara from behind and lay her head on her sister’s shoulder.

“I think… thank you.”

“No, thank you, Alex. I never would have gotten this far without you.”

The fifth month had its highlights as well. It started when Kara was pulled over by a Central City police unit. She gently pulled over, her tire almost going up onto a sidewalk. She was surprised to see Quentin Lance.

“Quentin? Was I speeding?” she asked innocently.

“No. As a matter of fact I just clocked you doing fifteen miles an hour in a forty. I’m pretty sure the lady in the wheelchair over there made more ground than you.”

“Oh… uh… it’s not against the law to go too slow, is it?”

“Kara, you… you hit two cars in a parking lot last week.”

“They were not parked correctly. I fixed the dents. Why are you bringing this up?” she asked, wanting to forget those two separate incidents. “It isn’t my fault those people didn’t know how to park.”

“Kara they were police cars, parked in the same spot reserved for each car. They weren’t parked incorrectly. You almost swerved into a pier by the docks the other day. If the cops hadn’t known who you were they would have pulled you over for drunk driving.”

“The wind was strong. My vehicle isn’t the heaviest. Speeding is a problem in this city. I would think the police force would appreciate a safe driver like myself. I don’t speed.” Superwoman reminded him.

“Kara I’ve got a bad back and knees held together by shoe strings and I can walk faster than you drive. Someone is going to hit you or you are going to drive into water… or a mailbox, or hell I don’t know, anything! Word around the station is the bigger you get the more your powers are going away. You are going to have to live like the rest of us for a while, kid. You could be hurt.”

“Are you saying I should stop driving? How am I going to get better if…”

“You aren’t getting better. Look, because I’m still the new guy, I drew the short straw. Have someone drop you off at the parking lot behind that driving school on Elmer street. I’ll be waiting. Just don’t drive yourself. Joe or Alex, or Nyssa or damn near anybody you know will be glad to drop you off. Barry can pull himself away from his microscope long enough to take you. Just be there. I have been informed by the Chief that I am to meet you everyday at two PM until I can teach you how to drive without killing yourself or driving into anyone or thing.”

“Traffic School? Really?”

“You think I like this? Riding with you scares the hell out of me too but you have to learn. Two PM, be there, and for God’s sake don’t drive there, or anywhere else until I give the okay. We got each other?”

“Yes Lieutenant Lance.” the woman responded irritated.

“Don’t be like that, Kara. No reason to bring out the rank and last name. I promise, give me a few weeks and you will be ready for Nascar. But until then, let me follow you to the station and Barry can give you a ride home. Promise?”

“Yes…” she grumbled. So began Kara’s driving lessons. After three weeks working everyday, Lance had managed to get her to the point that she was driving at least 55 on the highway and not swerving any longer. She could drive a straight line and operate at the posted speed limit. While not ready for Nascar, it was the unanimous opinion of all that Quentin Lance had pulled off the impossible.

In the sixth month Kara sat next to Cisco and Caitlin, watching a stunt they were probably sure was not possible months before. The presence of the majority of the Justice League in Cnetral City and surrounding areas meant that Barry had more time to devote to Kara but also to training. Thanks to Nyssa’s meditation techniques, he had had been able to beat ten different computers at chess within five minutes, never taking longer than a second to decide on the next move. He had also gotten faster. Touching base with himself at a basic level, relaxing, feeling at one with the universe, had more benefits than just relaxation and focus. Barry was finally able to call on the Speed Force and merge with it, at will.

Today was the day he had been building towards. Over the past two months he had clocked amazing speeds running from South America to Canada and back. He could heal himself instantly and he could vibrate at an unheard of frequency, shattering even Wells expectations. Striking with tremendous force while standing still and even greater force when running, he had grown much, much stronger in owning his power. Cisco had set up a training ground of a sort, involving concrete pillars in a small area. Standing in the middle and vibrating to the point where anyone touching him would die, Barry was able to destroy four of the columns in five seconds. Force equals acceleration times mass and Barry was able to produce acceleration and solidify and build his mass at a rate no human should be able to survive. The most impressive thing in the whole exercise was his fists were not injured nor any other part of his body.

Today Barry planned to circle the globe. None were feeling optimistic and Firestorm, Ray and the Hawks were spread out over the Equator, having left the day before to reach their assigned spots, should Barry fall into the ocean. Although Cisco had still not devised a com that could handle the frequency the Flash was moving at, the chest plate and GPS held. The camera only showed a light show of course, moving to fast to catch actual clear images, but his vitals were monitored by Caitlin and to her surprise, he didn’t appear to be more put out than usual. Barry had reached another level. If he thought of slowing down, he simply pulled more of the Speed Force into his body, become one with it and think of Kara and his little girl who would be born soon. Although Barry claimed to be focusing on the vibrations of the universe, his thoughts often focused on one thing, one creature that would always be on his mind. Doomsday. He had seen and gone through a creature whose sole purpose was to kill the woman he loved and if he ever ran into it again, the results would be in his favor. With every punch he threw or speed record he broke, protecting his family was primarily on his mind.

Kara sat at the control room rubbing her growing belly, Charlie at her side as always.

“I’m glad you can’t see this Lexie, because Daddy is being an idiot right now. Yes he is acting like an idiot. Its a man thing. You see he is either going to run so fast he is going to burn up, or slow down and drown. He may hit a whale. The chances are good that I am going to be a single mom after today but I don’t want you to worry. We have all his money so we are going to be set for life. Maybe mommy will find a man who isn’t a brave idiot.”

“Kara honey? I can hear you. You aren’t exactly giving me confidence right now.” Barry complained in the com.

“I thought your Speed Force friend said you had to do it without encouragement. Have I mentioned how bad of an idea this is? How many things could go wrong? The League has had one fight, and it was a joke. I can’t believe everyone raced to take on Weather Wizard. He gave up when he saw us all. Or you guys anyway. I stayed here. Know why? Because our daughter has to have one parent when you go boom! Just get on a plane and come home.”

“I have to do this. I have to circle the globe in under five minutes and the Equator is the straightest path I can take.”

“You are going to cause a lot of problems for people. It is going to cause some major damage if you pull this off.” she argued, grasping for anything to make him change his mind.

“The Congo might be a challenge and I may have to blow some jungle down, but the area in Indonesia I plan to travel through is fairly uninhabited. Felicity, how does the weather and shipping lanes look in the Pacific?”

‘Small storm three hundred miles South of line. Shipping lanes look clear at this moment.”

“Cisco?”

“Atlantic looks fine, as far as I can tell shipping lanes are clear but that doesn’t account for small fishing boats.”

“Barry…” Kara tried again.

“Baby listen, light can travel around the globe 7.5 times in a second. I am trying to do it in five minutes. So you see? Perfectly safe. Okay, go time.”

At the Equatorial line in Brazil, Barry Allen’s eyes flashed. He pulled the Speed Force into his body and manipulated it, wrapping it around his body. He could do this. He could go faster. Today was just a trial run, just to see how fast he could do it and how much faster would he need to be. Was light speed really possible? To move that fast, at such an unimaginable speed?

Of course it wasn’t possible. It was impossible and that was what the Flash specialized in. Once he did it, he could go faster, and faster. There was no limit. There couldn’t be. He refused to allow one.

He took off. not even noticing his feet moving. He saw everything and nothing, every particle in the air, even at an atomic level and saw for miles in front of him. Despite the speed he had all the confidence in the world that if he saw a boat, he would simply phase through it. If he saw a ship, he could stop on a dime and even in the water move around it, never losing momentum except for an amount of time that milliseconds couldn’t measure.

At the lab, the atmosphere was tense. Eliza, Alex and Nyssa stood in the back, Caitlin and Cisco, sitting next to Kara, relegated to watching and waiting, while Jeremiah stood behind his daughter, rubbing her shoulders. Wells paced behind the console and Zatanna prepared to teleport Barry Allen back to the lab if he should fall and wondered how to pronounce Barry Allen backwards, wondered if she would have to use his entire name which would be impossible to pronounce quickly or if she could get away with just saying Flash backwards. Hsalf gave her a bit more leeway with pronunciation. At times she was allowed to consider the H as silent.

“He just went by. I think he did. Something red did but it is gone.” Carter reported from over the Atlantic.

“Did he burn up?!” Kara asked immediately.

“No, he is fine. He is just moving too fast for Carter’s eyes to process him as more than a flash of light. He isn’t even leaving a trail of lightning. I never would have dreamed this was possible. I have dreamed a lot, but this? I never really thought it would happen.” Cisco admitted. Even Wells was having trouble believing it. He knew it was possible but to know and then see it was completely different.

“He just went through the Congo. A trail of trees are smashed to the side, but I see… yeah he is gone. Still moving.” Kendra reported.

“Just passed Indonesia. I am pretty sure he phased through a neighborhood considering it is still standing.” Ray reported.

“I’m out over the Pacific, whoa! Man Grey can’t even believe this. How fast is he going?”

“Fast.” was Cisco’s simple answer. The group heard nothing, no sonic boom, no ground shaking warning, nothing. Barry was wrapped in and part of the Speed Force and still controlling it. He slowed as he entered Central City and was in the lab before anyone realized the door had even opened in the front.

Breathing a bit deeply, lightning still flashing in his eyes and body vibrating slightly, he asked the most important question on his mind, one he had been asking since he woke up from the coma.

“How fast?”

“If Zoom was here, you would destroy him with your finger.” Wells told him.

“Two and a half minutes man. You just circled the globe in two and a half minutes.” Cisco reported while Caitlin tried to let out a breath she didn’t realize she had been holding and tried not to vomit from worry.

Barry’s vibrations slowed, taking that in. He had no idea how fast he was moving, he just knew he was. He saw everything, perfect recall of every sight in the world he passed. He missed a sailing yacht that must have originated in Hawaii. He saw a lion in the Congo. He saw a child playing soccer in the street in Indonesia who never noticed him as he passed by.

“Kara?”

“Yeah?” she answered, letting out a breath.

“You ready to go home or do you want to yell at me here?” he asked, grinning.

“I’m not going to yell at you. I’m proud of you, even if you do scare the hell out of me. I guess you won’t be satisfied until you circle the globe in a second?”

“I can do it.”

“I know. Thats what scares me so much. Just don’t make a habit out of it okay?”

“Deal.”

“Who is up for a burger? I am. I’ll even buy you one, Cisco.” Wells told them, shocking the hell out of the room. Barry realized he was hungry, very, very hungry. He may have to stop by the bank to pay for his and Kara’s meal.

The seventh month of Kara’s pregnancy was not as horrible as it could be. The cold and flu season was over but the heat of summer was upon her. By this point, having powers even for a minute was a treat for the woman. Kara had to deal with life as a human pregnant woman. Despite not gaining any extra weight outside of her rounded stomach that was growing by the day, she felt huge. She couldn’t drive comfortably and even considering her improved skills, her family and friends still weren’t crazy about her behind the wheel of a moving vehicle. As a result her constant and faithful bodyguard Carter Hall drove her everywhere, Charlie in his safety seat. The two were even more inseparable than before and Kara was working less and less, letting Kendra take the reins so to speak a little at a time. Because of the extra time at home, Kara had actually managed to house train Charlie. Like her powers at the start of the pregnancy, the training worked about 90% of the time but accidents still happened.

Married life suited her. She still looked around the house often convincing herself this wasn’t a dream. Today was another milestone for her, another dream she would realize soon.

Today they broke ground on her gallery. The couple had decided no building suited there needs so a former large clothing boutique in the Park area, had been torn down after a battle of permits and inspections, contracts, city council votes and bids from contractors. The Council was agreeable, especially with Ray Palmer in Kara’s corner, hinting at the displeasure his company would have with the city if an art gallery were not allowed. Ray told the mayor himself he would hate to close the Central City office because of red tape keeping a young couple from launching an exciting business that would only improve the city. After Ray’s intervention the process moved much smoother.

Barry was waiting, helping her move out of the car. Kara felt like she would fall over if she tried to tie her shoes.

The two stood side by side as Kara stuck the blade of the shovel into the ground. Oliver and Thea Queen, the entire Justice League, support team and quite a few of those wandering by cheered loudly. Though emotional she did not cry. Today she was happy but more than that she was proud. Her and Barry had made this happen. She looked at her friends and realized how much had changed since she arrived here. This large family had begun with Barry, Cisco and Caitlin and had grown to an extent she had never imagined. Soon,probably in the next three to four months, she had no doubt a woman named Donna Troy would make an appearance in their lives and the League would grow stronger, the world would be safer and she would have her little girl.

By the beginning of the eighth month, Kara was prepared to ground her child the moment she was born. The little one had made a habit of hanging out on Kara’s bladder and her kicks were getting stronger. Too strong. She was fairly certain one of her ribs was broken, but didn’t want Caitlin to let an X ray anywhere near her. Her powers were non existent now, she actually had a sun burn after watching construction all day, and her back and feet were killing her. The baby’s nursery had been prepared, walls colored in a bright white, with a large symbol of the House of El painted over where her crib sat. Through the crest was a lightning bolt of course, the new coat of arms for her family.

Thea had begged her to go baby clothes shopping once again so Kara sat waiting for the shopping addict with arrows when she felt it.

Barry and Oliver sat in his lab at the station, discussing a possible group of organized metahumans robbing banks in Chicago. Barry’s phone buzzed. He was surprised to see a call from Kara instead of the usual text.

“Hey, everything okay?”

“Are you ready to meet your daughter face to face?” a very nervous Kara asked him.

“You mean?”

“My water just broke.”