Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

The Life Equation

By BetterInTexas

Chapter 40:

Smallville, Kent Farm

Kara had risen early the next morning, only to find she was alone in the house with the exception of four of her guard who didn’t really count.

It was 7 AM and she was due to be at an apartment in Smallville in two hours to prepare herself for Kal and Lois’s wedding.

Lois had not asked Kara to be her Maid of Honor as Kal thought she might. Instead, Lois told Kara she would be the Maid of Honor, what time to be at the designated preparation area and basically just do everything she said.

From that one conversation, Kara decided the reason Lois and her Mother had a hard time getting along was because they were too much alike.

Hearing noises outside, the blonde made her way through the wheat field to the pasture in the back. She found her mate, Kal and the remaining members of her guard playing a game. Kara recognized it as one of the sports Kell watched on television: American football. She sat on a nearby bale of hay to watch the fun commence.

The players were decked out in Kryptonian armor, even Kal El. Judging by the reduced speed and strength they were all displaying, they must have been wearing red sun cuffs as well.

She observed the expressions of frustration on Kell and Kal’s faces, suspecting Red Shard was having a difficult time with the rules of the game.

She laughed quietly when Kell threw a high pass to a soldier, the man jumping in the air to catch it, only to be taken out with a kick to the head by a defender.

Apparently, this was against the rules.

Following that play, Kal had thrown a pass and been slammed to the ground by two defenders ten seconds after a touchdown had been scored. When he explained to the defensive team that they could not hit the quarterback after he had thrown the ball, one of the guards argued that taking out a primary weapon was a first move after an enemy had delivered a successful strike.

She couldn’t hold back her laughter a few plays later when Kell ran with the ball and rather than being tackled, one guard dove at his knees and another punched him in the face, knocking his helmet askew.

Another fight broke out on the opposite side, that had nothing to do with a play, just an argument about the rules that turned into a hand-to-hand sparring session.

While Kal and Kell were patiently trying to explain the rules yet again, both noticeably limping at this point, Kara was approached by someone she ever expected… the Commander of her Red Shard unit.

“Good morning, Lady Kara.” the soldier said pleasantly.

Kara was silent, staring wide-eyed in shock, wondering why the man was speaking to her.

Obviously unsure of what to do with her total silence, the man asked, his tone one of concern, “Lady Kara, are you alright?”

“I haven’t argued with my need for security or your presence.” She pointed out quietly, remembering him telling her they were only allowed to speak to her if she did. “Why are you speaking to me?”

The man chuckled and took off his helmet. “I suppose, since you have been made aware of the reasons we were assigned to you, there is no longer any reason to try and hide our presence, or not speak to you. When I talked with General Non about this, he agreed and has rescinded the order… unless you would prefer I not talk to you. If so, please say the word, Lady Kara and I…”

“No!” Kara raised her hand, standing up, still in a state of disbelief, but not wanting the man to leave. “It would be nice. I just didn’t expect it. I’ve known your face for years, but I have only heard your voice twice.”

Zol smiled slightly and shrugged his shoulders. “I really wish that hadn’t been the case, but I had my orders. You know us soldiers… we follow orders.”

Kara’s answering smile seemed to cause the man to relax. For the first time, she really looked at him, scanning back through her memories trying to remember a specific moment where she heard his voice. When she finally recalled the memory, she was surprised. “I remember you now… you were my bodyguard on my first trip to Oa, when I was very young. Your name is Henn Zol, right?”

The man nodded, pleased she didn’t seem upset.

Kara looked thoughtful. “I know Ninna’s name because she and Alex talk often but I do not know the others.”

Zol grinned, a bit nervous at talking to Kara socially for the first time in his life. “Perhaps now is the time we can all start getting to know each other. Your armor was cleaned after your trip to Apokolips. Would you like to join the game?”

Kara was so stunned, she had trouble speaking. “It… it seems like a game in which contact is necessary. I doubt that would be fair since none of you will touch me.”

Zol thought of this for a moment. “You can logically agree that it would be no benefit to any of us if you received a head injury before facing off against Brainiac, should he come.”

Kara nodded, admitting that would be a problem considering what her hangover felt like.

“Then perhaps a simple touch. We can all do the same. We all need to be in peak condition if a battle were to take place. I understand there is a version of this game where one who carries the strangely shaped sphere, can be touched on the shoulder and considered… down.” Zol frowned slightly. “Apparently, even with contact, there are techniques we cannot employ to make sure an enemy stays down so playing a game of tag wouldn’t be any less boring. So… would you like to play?”

“You mean, they would touch me?” Kara squeaked in disbelief.

Zol smiled widely, reached out his hand and poked her shoulder, pushing her back slightly. “Unless you are frightened. I am fairly certain you have never had the sense to feel fear, so I suppose if you are okay with it, we are, Lady Kara.”

“I would love to!” Kara smiled so brightly she thought she would hurt herself. “Could you just call me Kara?”

Zol shook his head. “You will always be Lady Kara to me. You can speak to the others about it, but I am afraid I cannot do so. You should never be called less, in my opinion.

“Now, your armor is in the ship. Get dressed while I tell your annoying cousin and whining mate that no more combat techniques will be used.”

Kara ran off to the Scout Ship, using superspeed to dress and then putting a cuff under her armored glove on her wrist.

When she came out, the players were waiting for her. She rushed to Kell’s side and the man began explaining what her role in his offense would be.

While Kara was getting pointers from her mate on how to be a successful wide receiver, Non was relaxing in the Scout Ship, drinking coffee. Walking into the crew quarters, he found Alex still asleep, Winn on a bunk next to hers. Despite his uncertainty about Winn, he found the constant smile on the man’s face to be endearing. He was even smiling while asleep.

Alex began to stir, the smell of the coffee in Non’s hand most likely waking her.

“Good morning.” She grumbled as she slid off the bed.

“There’s coffee on the bridge.” Non told her, knowing her well enough by now to know she required it when she first woke up. “Jan doubles as our ship engineer when we are on missions with no technical crew. He found a way to power a ‘Keurig’ device with a battery he retrieved from a tractor. The man is quite handy. Grab a cup and we can watch Kara play football.”

Alex’s eyes widened as she stumbled slightly in her surprise. “She is playing football? By herself?”

Non shook his head. “With her Guard, Kell and Kal.”

The brunette looked doubtful. “You do know football is a contact sport, right?”

“I understand your meaning.” The General chuckled, shaking his head. The smile left his face as he sighed, a look of guilt replacing it. “Kara has learned much about herself on this voyage. She has grown in ways she never would, or even have the chance to, in Argo City… and her eyes have been opened to many truths that have been kept from her.

“In our fears for her, we have been greatly unfair to her . Seeing her away from the protected confines of our home, seeing her getting to exhibit the bravery she has always had in a more… physical manner, such as our Apokolips trip, has shown me that I have made mistakes too.

“Alura, Astra and I… we can no longer treat her like a breakable object… we can’t keep her in a gilded cage, no matter how much it scares us to let her fly.

“Zor was right, as he usually was, about his daughter. Zor made Kara feel alive, to Alura and Astra’s great frustration. I have not kept my promise to him though… I have to let her live, take risks, even if those risk involve possible injury.”

Non sighed, not looking at her as they made their way through the ship. “I have always tried to be a good father figure to her. I tried to fill a place Zor left in her heart, make her a little bit less lonely. But I never did what he could do, let her actually experience life… and that must change. I have to change, and I have to do my best to make Alura and Astra change as well… for Kara.

“I am not too old to admit my failings.”

Alex contemplated the General’s words, following him onto the bridge and shortly had a cup of coffee in her hand. The General even had the foresight to bring cream and sugar.

“My Dad died when I was fifteen.” Alex told him quietly. “I didn’t meet J’onn until I was twenty-one. Whatever failings you think you have, I can only say, after my Dad died, I would have loved to have someone like you in my life. She is lucky to have you. I saw the way she looked at you when you arrived, the way she rushed over and hugged you. Her Father was her hero, there is no question of that, but so are you. There are many ways to be a hero and you are there for her when she needs you.”

Non smiled sadly, thinking of his friend Zor and wondered what he would think of the job he had done. While he felt as though he’d failed her in so many ways, he hoped she at least knew he loved her with everything he had in him.

“Thank you, Alex. If it matters, I wish I could have been there for you too.” He reached out to the woman, gripping her shoulder fondly. “I know you will not see as much of J’onn when we leave. I will never be what he is to you or your father was. Just know that I am always here for you, even if it just to listen. The House of El is far from perfect, but our love for one another is perfect. You are a member of our family now… never doubt that.

“Now, let’s see if Kara can fare better at this football than your opinion of her surfing skills.”

On the field, Kara was having more fun than she had since arriving on Earth. It wasn’t the freedom of flying, the thrill of saving someone, or the challenge of facing off against a highly intelligent creature without her full arsenal of technology.

This was a different sort of fun, something she had never been given the chance to experience.

She was a part of something. People, Kryptonians, were not treating her as an untouchable icon but as a person. She had fallen, her armor was covered in mud and she had dropped more passes than she had caught.

In short, Kara was having the time of her life and it had nothing to do with superpowers.

Kell threw the ball to her once again, this time surrounded by players on both side. She searched for a path to run, calculations racing in her head for possible angles or openings she could dart through, when she was abruptly lifted high off the ground by her own teammate.

The man was the largest of the Guard, one Kara had seen many times in her life. He had her on his tall shoulders and was running through defenders, even pushing Kal to the ground as they raced towards the designated scoring area.

Despite the grumblings of those left in his wake calling foul play, the man had a huge smile when he set her on the ground.

“Speed can’t handle size.” He told Kara.

Kara tossed the ball to Kal El and took her carrier in. “What is your name?”

“Ogol, Lady Kara.” The man’s deep voice told her.

As with all her guards, Kara had seen him often in her life, but one memory of the man would always stand out. “After the explosion, when we entered the Phantom Zone, mother and I were in the protective pod in our bunker, sealed in. It was pitch dark, no light whatsoever. All I felt were Mother’s arms, her voice whispering in my ear that it would be okay. I felt her tears on my cheek. I thought we would be stuck in the darkness forever.

“Then the pod opened, and you were there. I remember you reached out with both your hands and pulled me free, held me, told me it would be okay, that we were safe. You held me as the woman who was with you pulled mother from the pod. Then you both stayed close to us, keeping us between you as mother held me until those outside uncovered the door to our bunker and released us.”

Ogol nodded solemnly, remembering those frightful times. Only one thing had kept him from losing his mind as the city crumbled and the planet exploded beneath their feet. His mission, to keep Lady Kara safe, was the one thing he could focus on, the singular thought that allowed him to block out all others.

“Yes, that was me.” He replied solemnly.

Kara reached up and touched the man’s cheek. “I never told you… thank you.”

“It was an honor.” The man told her.

As they walked back toward the others, Kara wondered about something she’d never had reason to consider. “Ogol, who was the woman with you that pulled us free? I never saw her face, just felt her steady presence along with yours… protecting us.”

Ogol stopped, looking thoughtful, then smiled warmly. “The unit’s second, Lt. Commander Ninna Hux Ra.”

Kara was stunned, thinking of the woman whom she had only ever interacted with on behalf of Alex. Ogol winked at her, chuckling, then continued back to the others. Kara shook her head, smiling to herself, following him. She barely heard Kal El as he was pointing out some rule about offensive linemen not being allowed to carry a receiver, making a mental note to talk to Ninna later and thank her.

Another ten plays and the woman Kara had been told to guard had scored over her constantly. Kara did not know her name either but laughed when the woman scored, tossed the ball to Kara and told her better luck next time.

Too soon the game was over. Kara and Kal had to prepare for the wedding. The blonde also had certain things that needed to be done on her part to surprise Lois.

Kara was not surprised she had guards following her to the chapel while she checked her work from the night before. She was surprised that, rather than staying a distance away as usual, one woman stayed right beside her.

Pleased with her work outside the chapel, they sped off to the building Lois apparently once resided in for a short time and was now using to prepare for the wedding.

Before she entered, Kara turned to really look at the woman walking beside her.

The tall, thin brunette, straight hair flowing to the middle of her back, looked back at her curiously and smiled.

The shift in her guards’ manner, with them now openly interacting with her, had Kara unexpectantly feeling at ease even while still shocked they were approaching her. “I’ve seen you around, but don’t know your name.”

“I am Sy Reg.” she answered, the bright smile never leaving her face.

Kara took her in, realizing she couldn’t have been older than eighteen when she became a member of the unit sworn to protect her. “I’m curious… why did you do it? You voluntarily swore an oath to protect me. We didn’t know what would happen to Krypton, or what I would do one day. You gave up a chance to advance your career, to possibly have a team of your own someday. Why give it up to protect me? Did you feel an obligation because I was the only child of the House of El?”

Sy placed a hand on the girl’s shoulder, surprising Kara yet again. Sy noticed her shock. “Do not be surprised. We have been given permission to fully interact with you, it is something all of us have wanted to do for years. In fact, there have been times many of us have wanted to strangle you and your father for the trouble you two put yourself in.”

Kara laughed with the woman, knowing she wasn’t exaggerating given the fun she and her father used to have. Turning serious, Sy replied, “To answer your question, no, I did not take the oath because you were the only child of the House of El. I gave my oath because bad people wanted to kill an innocent little girl. I would not allow that to happen, no matter who you were. You are no longer a little girl, but my oath is the same… no one will harm you while I draw breath.”

Kara took that in, touched by her reasoning. “Thank you.”

Sy nodded, her smile turning into a prominent smirk. “You should thank me. Remember when you and your Father stumbled onto that Eelanth in the Faustra jungle and it began chasing you?”

Kara grinned at the memory. “Yes, we outran him by taking the high ground and doubling back.”

Sy shook her head, a huge smile on her face. “You outran him because I blew his head off. You’re welcome. You two drove me insane.”

Kara laughed and the two walked into the building, following the sound of her mother and Lois’s voice to an upstairs apartment.

She was not surprised to find them arguing once again, Lois seated in front of a mirror while Alura stood behind her with brush in hand.

“I don’t want my hair styled that way. Give me the damn brush if you won’t do it the way I want it done!” Lois yelled.

Alura calmly replied, “I’m just saying, instead of parting to the right while the left remains in buns, perhaps waves, cascading in front of your shoulders while the veil…”

“This is the way I had it last time we tried this!” Lois exclaimed.

“And last time Darkseid interfered! Perhaps that was a sign!” Alura retorted childishly.

Lois’s eyes widened. “Did you just suggest that Darkseid ruined my wedding because he didn’t like my hairstyle?”

Alura shook her head. “Of course not. Darkseid had no way of knowing what hairstyle you would be wearing. But perhaps Rao, in his infinite…”

“Oh good lord. So you are saying the Kryptonian god had a problem with my hair and encouraged Darkseid to attack Earth during my wedding!?” Lois asked, closing her eyes in obvious regret at allowing Alura help her prepare.

Alura shook her head, frustrated. “I am not saying that. Your hair looks lovely. I just think that my dear friend Lara…”

“From what I have learned about Lara, she would be drinking a glass of wine and laughing at you… hysterically! Remember how you said she would laugh at me for saying Clark belonged to Earth? Well, now you’re implying that Lara told you how she wanted her son’s wife’s hair to look on her wedding day! Krypton exploded a week after he was born. In that week, did she, at any time, say ‘this is how I want my son’s bride’s hair to be styled’?”

Alura shrugged her shoulders. “Not in so many words but I like to think I knew her better than anyone. You are right, your hair looks lovely if you are happy with it. We can do it your way. Then we should get you dressed and figure out how much needs to be let out.”

Kara groaned and Sy snickered.

“Let out?” Lois asked. “I’m the same size I was six years ago. The dress will fit fine.”

“Of course it will, dear.” Alura told her in a slightly condescending tone.

“If anything it will need to be pulled in! I’m probably slightly smaller since I picked up my cardio routine since then!”

Alura snorted, eyebrows raised. “Of course you are. I’ve seen how Americans eat. You’ve had six more years of that poison in your body. When you live in Argo City, you will understand how a healthy diet can make you feel so much better. I’m the same size I was when I bonded, but I have had no poisons in my body. It’s the reason I only look slightly older than my daughter. The food you have had to consume is limited in its nutritional value. That will change.”

“Mother,” Kara cut in, “I think her hair is beautiful… she looks beautiful.”

“Thank you, Kara! Finally, someone with taste.” Lois exclaimed. Waving towards the other side of the room, the bride stated, “The ring is in the nightstand, just keep it on you. Don’t give it to Kelex or anyone else. He is going to be there, isn’t he?”

Kara was taken aback by that question. “He and I talked about it but thought his presence would threaten Clark’s secret identity.”

Lois shook her head. “No, I want him there… I like him. Everyone who will be there already knows Clark’s identity.”

Kara was confused by this. “I was under the impression your father didn’t know.”

“He’s not coming.” Lois said shortly. “We don’t talk, haven’t in years. We have serious differences in opinion about alien and metahuman superheroes.”

“Your sister?” Kara tried. “Her name is… Lucy, right?”

“Can’t stand her.” Lois said succinctly.

Kara stared at the woman for a moment then decided to let it go. Lois’s family drama wasn’t her concern though she did feel saddened by that. At least with them, Lois would have a new family.

Apparently happy with her hair, Lois stood and moved to the closet. Taking out her dress, she stared at it for a moment, her eyes misting.

“I honestly never thought I would wear this again.” Her eyes never leaving the dress, Lois asked, “Kara, if Brainiac did invade today how long before he could actually reach Earth?”

“Twelve hours at the least.” Kara calculated, thinking of how far her satellites reach would extend. By her estimation, the creature could not reach the planet in less time even at lightspeed.

“It doesn’t matter.” Alura told the woman. “I don’t give a damn if Brainiac’s ship is over the chapel or even if he walks in. This ceremony is happening if I must hold a rifle to hold him off until the vows are said. Let’s try on the dress, Lois. Kara don’t put yours on until I hear back from Lucius Fox. He has my number.”

Kara closed her eyes, wondering what her mother had done now but almost afraid to ask.

“What the hell did you do, Alura?” Lois exclaimed, obviously not afraid to ask.

Alura brushed it off. “Nothing that didn’t need to be done or will affect this wedding. If you must know, since you bought Kara’s dress from a bridal company, I asked Bruce Wayne to ensure that any dresses of the same design and color on the planet are destroyed. Kara does not wear dresses that others wear. Mr. Wayne readily agreed with me and said he would have Lucius Fox ensure that is done.”

Lois stared disbelieving, obviously fighting the urge to pull her hair out of its intricate style. “What is wrong with you? Have you seen the clothes your princess has worn on Earth?! She doesn’t give a damn whether others have worn it or not! Billions of women have worn tight jeans and cut off shorts, tight t-shirts, bathing suits, bikinis! She doesn’t care so why is this a big deal to you? Seriously is that Kryptonian diet giving you mental problems?”

Alura did not seem affected by her outburst. “When you have your children, you will understand.”

“No, I won’t! No sane person would! Wait… what do you mean, children? I’m having a child. I guess that was lost in translation, right?”

Alura raised an eyebrow at her daughter. “You haven’t told her or Kal?”

“Told me what?!” Lois asked, turning towards Kara.

Kara raised her hands. “Nothing! Nothing we need to worry about now. Not saying there is something you may need to know about later, or there isn’t something you need to know about later, or… you know what I mean. Let’s just get you married, okay?”

Lois looked sharply at Kara, trying to read her face. The girl knew something. She had heard something that Clark hadn’t heard or done some laser scan or used x-ray vision or… something. The intuitive mind of the investigative reporter presented the obvious answer to her own question. “I’m having twins, aren’t I? Are you kidding me?! Damn it, why did I have to fall in love with an El?!”

Kara shrugged her shoulders, an impish grin on her face. “Just lucky I guess?”

Lois shook her head. “I better get into this dress while it still fits me.”

Three hours later, Kara was at the chapel with the assorted guests. She knew most of them from the Justice League. Taking a closer look, she realized all of them were from the Justice League. There were no everyday friends of Clark or Lois here.

Kara realized that maybe her and Clark’s lives weren’t that much different. Clark probably knew many people in his human disguise, but at heart, he was Kal El. He was Superman. His friends were people who fought by his side. Lois’s friends were people who fought by their side.

None of them were ordinary. This made Kara rethink what her definition of ordinary was. She had asked Kelex before what it would be like to be ordinary… but perhaps there was no ordinary.

Anyone who looked at Fin would see a pretty girl who seemed ordinary… a normal, Kryptonian young lady who did her part to make Argo City a better place.

Yet Kara was certain the child was ranked high on the Guardian’s intelligence scale if not a twelfth level intellect. There was nothing ordinary about Fin. So who else surrounded her, those that may seem ordinary, but were not?

She had spoken with her Guard openly for the first time in her life. They may have been soldiers, but they were not ordinary. It wasn’t because they were special forces, the best of the best, but because they gave their lives to a singular cause of protecting a little girl who needed protecting. She didn’t think her definition of ordinary would have included that level of dedication.

Alex may have grown up in a traditional town, with a traditional family most of her life, but she was not ordinary. She was a brilliant scientist, excellent combatant but more than that, she was willing to leave her home and all she had ever known to help a people she owed nothing to and a friend she had just met.

Kell could have been considered ordinary. She knew many in Argo saw him that way when their mating was announced. But Kara’s understanding of ordinary did not include going on suicide trips through asteroid fields, fighting dryads, risking death in a nuclear explosion, or offering to fake his own death to protect her honor. He was by far the least ordinary person she knew. He didn’t love her because of who she was. He loved her, flaws and all. It seemed at times he loved her flaws more than her perfections. Kara never felt the need to be perfect for him… she only had to be herself.

Maybe there was no ordinary. Maybe there never had been. Maybe there were just connections, those that she desperately wanted to grab and hold onto.

“In deep thought? Your eyes seem to shine brighter.” Kell had come up behind her, catching Kara by surprise as she had been lost in her thoughts.

“Hey there. You look amazing.” She told him, taking in his Earth-made black suit and tie.

“So do you.” He told her, appreciating the elegant blue dress Lois had chosen and kept in storage for six years. “I don’t suppose we can get married here after they do? You know… avoid the whole Argo City celebration, every Kryptonian staring at us, saying vows in front of the masses?”

Kara grinned and shook her head. “Afraid not. There may be a revolt. I don’t know if you heard this, but I’m kind of a big deal in Argo City.”

Kell took her hand. “I know. I don’t care if I have to stand in front of the Universe. It’s worth it.”

Kara looked at him closely. “I wish I could give you a small bonding ceremony but there is no way we are getting out of this. I’m sorry.”

The man pulled her close and kissed her forehead. “I’m not. Besides, I’m a big deal in Argo City too. I’m kind of a symbol.”

Kara smiled at him, relieved he was taking it well. “What kind of symbol are you?”

“That even an ordinary guy can get lucky every once in a while.” Kell said softly, smiling fondly.

Kara kissed him deeply. “You, Kell Ur, are anything but ordinary.”

Oliver Queen walked up and put an arm between the two.

“Break it up. We have work to do. Kara, you think you can do your duty without changing anyone’s skin color?” Oliver asked.

“As long as my man doesn’t get shot because of you, we should be good.” Kara replied, a large smile lighting up her face.

“If he gets shot, it won’t be my fault, not again.” Oliver snorted, then laughed. “I like what you did outside, Supergirl. Nice to see you using your brain for good instead of evil.”

Kara rolled her eyes. “I’m never evil… unless I have to be. So, you hand your ring, I hand my ring, then we stand there and listen, right?”

“If you can.” Oliver told her. “I’ll warn you now, if it’s anything like last time, their vows will be so sappy you’ll have to tune them out before you vomit. For two of the most hardheaded people I have ever known, they kind of turn into goo around each other. A bit sickening really.

“Looks like Clark has arrived. I better check on him, assure him Darkseid is living in Brainiac’s ship and won’t be a problem.”

Outside, a mile from the church, Lois sat in a carriage being driven by Non. Alura sat beside her with tears in her eyes.

“Why are you crying?” Lois asked the woman.

“Because my best friend’s son has found his soul mate. I wish Lara could talk to you right now. She is watching from Rao’s light and loves you so much. You are so much like her. You have her spirit, her strength, her beauty. You challenge me like she did… I’ve missed that. You are very special, Lois Lane. I am so glad I am here for this. Your and Kal El’s love is a true gift of Rao.”

Lois took a deep breath, fighting back tears. “Just so you know, what you have gone through, what you have survived and the way you have stayed strong for your daughter and your people, I think you are one damn amazing woman, Alura El. As infuriating as you can be, I’m honored to call you family.”

“Thank you.” Alura told her, not holding back tears.

Lois looked hesitant, then said, “You realize Bruce didn’t really order every dress in the world like Kara’s to be destroyed, right?”

“It makes me feel better to pretend he did.” Alura replied, nodding. She reached over and grasped Lois’s hand, squeezing gently. “Now go, make yourself one with your soulmate. Enjoy every single moment of this day and every day after.”

Non smiled and gently took the reins, something he had a short lesson on that morning.

As they drew near the chapel, Lois nearly lost her breath, tears forming in her eyes.

The trees surrounding the path and as far as she could see had changed. The blue leaves matched Kara’s dress and the flowers on the pews of the church. The leaves were sparkling in the sunlight, shining with a beauty not found on Earth. As she got closer, she saw rose bushes in full bloom on the path, roses she knew had not been there days before. The roses weren’t even in season.

She knew Kara had done this, had orchestrated this gift for their wedding day as only she could.

Once the carriage stopped, she watched as Kryptonian soldiers marched out of the church and stood in two rows of ten, forming a guard of honor for her to walk through. As she passed, each one bowed.

Non smiled at her, patted her hand and began to walk away but Lois held onto his hand. “You’re my family now… all of you are. You think you could escort me to Clark?”

Non smiled, knowing what an honor this was on Earth. “It would be my honor, Lady Lois.”

The two walked in slowly, Lois not bothering to hold back the bright smile at seeing Clark waiting for her in front, Oliver by his side and Kara opposite her cousin. It was this moment she realized how much had changed in the last few weeks.

Four weeks ago, she never would have believed this day would come. She had thought their dream wedding had passed them by, that it was a day interrupted that would never come again.

Now a Kryptonian General who would be her family was walking her up the aisle to the man of her dreams. She would have a family, an exciting new life, with incredible people surrounding her.

Clark for his part could barely breathe. He had never forgotten how breathtaking she had looked at their first ceremony. Like Lois, he had assumed they would never be here again.

Clark had imagined a short ceremony at a courthouse after work to make the union legal and suspected for a while that even that may never come to pass. He hadn’t thought it would bother him that, so long as she was with him, everything would be fine. Now, at this moment, he realized how unfulfilling that would have been.

His friends were here, his best friends. He saw the people who had stood by him, fought beside him, laughed beside him, cried with him. He saw J’onn in the back, in his John Jones form, grinning at him, as he always did when reassuring him that everything would be okay.

As much as it seemed to be a miracle that this day was actually happening, the greater miracle was his cousin standing across from him, a beautiful smile on her face.

Before Kara had landed, Clark and Lois had friends, partners who stood by their side. But when Kara arrived, he suddenly had a family.

After the loss of his parents, the man wondered if he would ever have a family again, then she came along with her bright smile and bubbly personality, became such an important part of their lives in such a short time that Lois wouldn’t consider anyone else standing by her side at their wedding. He was so thankful for her and happy she was here with him now.

This family he suddenly had, the family he was making was not perfect and Clark wouldn’t have it any other way. Like he and Lois, they were perfect in their imperfections.

Lois finally reached him, Non winking at Clark and walking to his seat in the front row next to Alura.

The bride and groom took each other in, neither saying a word; they didn’t have to. Clark and Lois could always have a conversation with their eyes alone.

The preacher, a man born and raised in Smallville, Kansas, was looking at the two, eyes-wide, his mouth slightly opened in awe. He had believed he was performing a ceremony between Clark Kent and Lois Lane.

As the crowd gathered and Wonder Woman, recognizable despite wearing a formal dress and not armor, took a seat, he began to have suspicions that this was not normal wedding. When a floating robot arrived in the back of the church, he knew beyond a doubt something special was unfolding.

But it was when Clark Kent walk out without glasses, that he stiffened in shock… he was looking at the face of Superman. A not-so-quick glance at the girl in the blue dress with the long blonde hair, verified the surreal occasion as he realized she was the Kryptonian known to the world as Supergirl.

He was about to perform a marriage ceremony for Superman, and he realized the room was full of Earth’s mightiest heroes.

Shaking away his wonder and amazement of the moment, he cleared his throat and spoke. “Friends and family, welcome to this joyous occasion. I am honored to stand before you today as we celebrate the joining of souls, of two becoming one. Lois and Clark, two people destined to be together since before time began and fate has finally brought them together.

“Clark and Lois have written their own vows to each other. Lois, if you would.”

Lois took a deep breath and smiled at her beloved. “I thought of saying the same vows I gave to you six years ago. I told you that perfection was hard to find, that life was messy. But those words no longer seemed right… because in the last six years we have changed. I didn’t think it was possible, but somehow, we have grown closer. We have shared pain and loss, victory and joy. We have shared burdens, and sorrows, happiness and joy. We have fought together against those that wanted to split us apart. Since I met you, you have always made me want to be a better me. I am my best self with you.”

Lois took a breath and said the words she had worked with Alura on in Kryptonese, praying that she could remember them.

“ Before Martha and Jonathan, before my mother, before Lara and Jor El, before those who have gone before us and those who remain, I pledge my soul to yours. I take you as my bond mate, my husband, unto eternity. Let all who witness know, we are two halves of a whole, never to be torn asunder. Your heart is my heart. I will love you until the end of time. With Rao as our witness, we are one.”

Hearing the words spoken in Kryptonese, the declaration of love, Clark was speechless. The words she had said struck him almost painfully, but it was a pain that came from sudden, intense joy. He saw his cousin’s makeup ruined, tears falling from her eyes as if they were a waterfall. Lois’s eyes were so bright they shimmered like stars.

Clark cleared his head, trying to compose himself and wiped his eyes. “I… thought of repeating the vows I made to you as well, but I thought I would just speak from my heart. It is easy to do with you. I never thought growing up, that I would have anyone like you. I didn’t believe anyone like you could exist. A woman, so smart and tough, so graceful and kind, so determined and stubborn… someone who could make me feel whole.

“My entire life I felt like I was missing something until I found you. You completed me. You made me want to be the best version of myself. When I was lost, you brought me home. Lois, there would be no me without you . I have never saved the world… we have. You are more than just my love, you are my partner, my equal, the one who challenges me, who makes me better. I can’t imagine a universe where Clark and Lois aren’t together.”

Taking a moment, Clark spoke in his home world’s language. “Before our loved ones here, before Mom and Dad, before your mother, before Lara and Jor El and all of Krypton and Earth, I pledge my soul to yours . I take you as my bond mate, my wife, unto eternity. Let all who witness know, we are two halves of a whole, never to be torn asunder. Your heart is my heart. I will love you until the end of time. With Rao as our witness, we are one.”

“The rings if you please.” The preacher said, looking at Oliver and Kara.

Kara handed the ring to Lois who hugged her, whispering, “I love you, cousin.”

Oliver handed the ring to Clark, a look share between the two, one of respect and love, a brotherhood started in chaos and a thirst for justice that would never be broken.

As the two slid the rings on their bond mate’s ring finger, the preacher declared, “I now pronounce you man and wife. Clark, you may kiss your bride.”

It was the first time in their lives they had heard those words. Their eyes opened wide, realizing they had finished the first part of their journey, one that had started the first time they laid eyes on each other now continuing on to the next chapter in their lives, starting with a simple kiss.

The two walked out of the church, arm in arm to the cheers of the gathered. A car was waiting for them, a limo that would take them to their Smallville farm where a reception would be held, fully catered by a discrete company Bruce Wayne had hired, along with an incredible amount of alcohol courtesy of Oliver Queen.

When the two arrived, dozens of Green Lanterns stood along the road, green beams from their power rings shooting into the sky as the rest of the party followed. Normally, Clark would not have wanted this much attention in Smallville for fear of his identity being discovered. Tonight, he did not care. Soon he and Lois would be in a new home where he no longer had to be Clark Kent, or Kal El or Superman. The man could just be who he was with his partner at his side.

Kara watched the gathering, the party, as the sun set. She had dreamed of seeing Kal El, finding him, ever since Krypton had been destroyed. What she was seeing now was a gift from Rao. She knew all in Rao’s light were watching. She just wished she could hug them all.

“That was beautiful.” Kell said, having been extremely touched by the ceremony.

“Are you ready for ours?” She asked.

“Yes. Are you?”

Kara thought for a moment. “I’ve never told you this but the idea of being bonded in front of the whole of Argo City freaked me out too. I would have preferred a smaller ceremony, but I knew that was never going to happen. But now… yes, I am ready. I want all of Krypton to know how much you mean to me. I want them all to know that you are my partner… the man who flies through asteroid fields, who watches my back while I am fighting mutated humans. I want them to know you are the only one whose spirit is the same as mine.”

Kell warmed at her words. He felt the same way. “When you are with me, you are my world. I really don’t notice anyone else around me. No matter how many people watch, it will still be just me and you. That’s all that matters to me.”

Kara snuggled into the man closer, smiling contentedly.

While they were off in their own world, Kelex floated up to Clark and Lois. “Congratulations. All of Argo City is happy for you.”

Clark laughed. “I appreciate that Kelex. I didn’t realize you spoke for all of Argo City though.”

“I don’t.” the robot told them. “I was sending a live broadcast to the city over a Kryptonian signal so all the people could watch. I linked back into the streams and observed many people crying tears of joy. I’ve recorded the reactions for you to view later if you wish.”

Lois and Clark looked at the robot, taking in what he said.

“You live broadcasted our wedding to all of Argo City?” Lois finally asked.

“Most of it, yes. I had to make sure Alura wasn’t in the frame, Argo cannot know she is here. Anyway, you are welcome.” Kelex tilted his head slightly, before he added, “You should know by now, I am not a Kelex unit, I am The Kelex . All other Kelexes are my sidekicks. I do not do laundry, cook, or run tedious errands. Welcome to the family, Lois Lane El.”

While Kelex broke the news of Lois and Clark’s newfound celebrity among the Kryptonian people, Alex and Winn approached Kell and Kara.

“Alex!” Kara greeted her friend excitedly. Looking at Winn, she felt annoyed, though she didn’t understand why. The man’s infectious grin was endearing, so she pushed down her unease and returned his smile. “Hello, Winn, it’s good to see you again. Where is your other friend, Jimmy or James? He is Clark’s friend as well, so I thought I would’ve seen him by now.”

Alex looked a bit resigned as she explained. “We don’t know if or when Brainiac will attack. He could attack tomorrow or in a year from now, long after we are gone. We can’t risk letting the Earth and the Universe know that a large settlement of Kryptonians still exist. He would have noticed, and we can’t trust him to keep it a secret… plus Lois hasn’t exactly been friends with James since he left the Daily Planet for CatCo .”

Kara was a bit surprised by this. “Is going to a competing media company such a big deal?”

“What would you have done if one of your scientist defected to Daxam?” Alex asked, eyebrow raised knowingly.

“I would have killed him.” Both Kara and Kell said.

Alex nodded, grinning at their dual response. “Exactly. The two media empires don’t exactly like each other and that’s putting it lightly.”

“Wow.” Kara said. “I didn’t know it was that bad. Determining who is a sidekick and who isn’t is serious business I guess.”

Winn cleared his throat. “Hey, Kara, I was wondering if you would want to dance? I mean if that’s okay? I’m not sure how the whole Kryptonian mating thing works.”

Kell brushed his concern aside with a large smile. “It works the same as it did before. She does what she wants and if a female Green Lantern flirts with me, Kara threatens her and kicks her off the planet.”

Judging from the look he was receiving, Kara did not find his joke funny. Kell raised his hands in surrender. “Sorry, just joking, lightening the mood, not that the mood is bad, but you know what I mean.”

Alex and Winn laughed as Kara punched the man lightly on the shoulder and winked at him.

Despite her misgivings about Winn, she saw no reason to deny his request. “There are no rules or traditions about dancing, Winn. I would be glad to dance with you.”

The two walked into the designated dance area in front of the barn.

Winn wasn’t much of a dancer and neither was Kara in this style. She was used to the dance training she had learned as a child and the swaying she and Kell were accustomed to. Neither style would be appropriate or practical between her and Winn.

Eventually they settled on a rhythm with his hand on her shoulder and their other hands grasped together out wide, more of a traditional waltz type of dance.

As they moved to the slower tempo and pace of the music, Winn broke the silence that had settled between them. “Hey, I’ve been wanting to talk to you. We haven’t really gotten the chance to talk outside of a potential nuclear disaster and a bar. I wanted to thank you for letting me come along to Argo City. It’s a dream come true for me.”

Kara smiled stiffly and nodded her head, thinking she didn’t ask him, but she wasn’t going to admit that.

“I’m sure you will be of great benefit to our people.” Kara offered.

“Alex talks about you a lot. She really likes you. I guess I’ve come to know you a bit from her.” Winn admitted.

Kara stopped dancing for a moment. “Did she mention anything about educational videos?”

The look of confusion on Winn’s face and shake of his head relaxed her and they began dancing again.

Winn continued, “Anyway, I really appreciate you letting me come. I was actually jealous of you… Alex is the only real family I have and if I lost her, it would have hurt. I just… I love her too much to have ever held her back from an opportunity like this, so I’m really grateful to you for letting me come. I know if you didn’t agree, your Uncle would have told her ‘no’.”

His words and sincerity hit her so hard she could barely breathe as she realized with absolute clarity why she had been feeling so sad and uneasy at the very thought of Winn whenever his name was brought up.

Alex was her first real friend, one she had made entirely on her own with no interference from those trying to control her life… and Kara was jealous of Winn’s friendship with her.

“I get it, you know?” Winn said, not noticing her body stiffening.

“Get what?” She whispered, only loud enough to make sure he could hear her over the music.

“Not having many friends. I know you are like the biggest deal ever on Argo, but I can tell. I know what it’s like to be lonely. You don’t have many real friends, do you?”

Kara was shocked yet again, his words echoing her thoughts, though wondering why he would say that. While it was true, she doubted Alex would have told him that.

Winn saw the look in her eyes and clarified himself. “My father was a psycho. He killed people when I was a kid, got put way for life. My mother abandoned me, and I grew up in the foster care system. I know what it’s like to be alone. Alex is the first real friend I’ve ever had in my life.”

Kara nodded her head, not surprised, still trying to recover from her epiphany but willing to meet him halfway with part of the truth she had just figured out. “She has a way of doing that. She is the first friend I have ever made on my own, someone who wasn’t made for me or assigned to me.”

Winn nodded, understanding. “I thought there was something I recognized in you, something I’ve realized about myself. You probably aren’t crazy about me coming along, are you?”

Kara looked at the man and forced a smile on her face. “Don’t be ridiculous. I’m glad you are coming with us.”

Winn chuckled knowingly and replied, “You really aren’t a good liar. I get it though, we aren’t that different, Kara Zor El. I just want you to know… I would really like to be your friend too. I hope you’ll give me the chance.”

This caught Kara by surprise. “You don’t know me. Why would you want to be my friend?”

“Alex didn’t know you… but she saw something in you, something I see too. You are a hero and you have a lot of love to give. I know enough about you that I know you are one of the coolest people I will ever meet in my life. I just hope we can be friends as well.”

She had been content with Alex and Kelex, and Kell, of course. She was fairly certain she would never see Thora as a friend again, if she ever really had.

Kara looked the man in the eye and could tell he was being sincere, he really wanted to be her friend, not just Alex’s. The jealous feeling, she had unknowingly felt, receded to be replaced with joy at discovering a new person who wanted to know her for herself.

“I would like that, Winn.” Kara’s smiled, squeezing his hand gently. She was rewarded with a bright smile, one she was quickly beginning to love.

Kara was asking him more questions about himself as they rejoined Alex and Kell when Hal Jordan interrupted them, signaling Clark, Lois and Non over.

“Brainiac has arrived, just out of the solar system.” The Green Lantern reported. “He is moving slowly, under light speed, but if he maintains present course we could be looking at sixteen hours maximum, around twelve if he speeds up. How close does he need to get to broadcast Q Waves over the whole planet?”

“Just above Earth’s atmosphere. He has to be close.” Kara responded, her heart racing.

“So… we have anywhere from twelve to sixteen hours” Clark said.

“It’s fine.” Non told them. “We know what to do. We have a plan, we each know our roles and we will win. For now, it is important we do one thing.”

“What’s that?” Clark asked, Lois looking partly concerned, but mostly just pissed.

“We are going to continue celebrating your wedding. Tomorrow, Kara and J’onn will defeat his Anti-Life Equation, the Nightwing and the Lanterns are going to knock that ship to the Earth, and the Justice League, Green Lanterns and the Kryptonians are going to do what we do best… kick his ass.

“But tonight, we dance.” Non told the group and walked away.

Winn nudged Alex in the arm and asked, “Who is J’onn?”