The Stars We Will Navigate

"If time is my vessel, then learning to love might be my way back to sea,

The flying, the metal, the turning above, these are just ways to be seen."

When Kara entered the Catco building that morning with the intention of telling her best friend Lena Luthor she had feelings for her that were much more than friendly, she hadn't thought it would begin with her stomach dropping in sheer panic.

Kara was lost in thought, her mind racing a mile a minute. Much had happened the past three months since she had taken a beating from Reign, who she had recently discovered was none other than Samantha Arias, her other best friend.

There were so many questions to still be answered, like how long she knew of her powers, her origins, and how long she had been planning such chaos. Regardless, all of it had to wait when the DEO unintentionally discovered Reign's identity out of sheer luck about two weeks ago, leading her to flee.

This was the first time Kara had seen Sam since she gave Lena an emergency notice and left town with Ruby, and Kara had no idea what to expect as she sensed the Kryptonian nearby, hearing her through all of the walls in the building as she spoke to Lena up in the head office.

Kara knew Sam, Reign, whatever the hell she went by lately, could sense her presence as well, which only filled Kara with further dread. With her x-ray vision, she could see Sam perched and sitting on Lena's desk, Lena seemingly happy for the moment. Kara hoped the moment would last. While the DEO had luckily discovered Sam's true identity, Kara knew her behavior and motives were unpredictable.

She didn't know what Sam's intentions were with Lena, and as for Ms. Luthor, she had been deeply worried about her friend when she left town with Ruby so unexpectedly. Kara could hear Lena's heart beating steadily as she exited the elevator and began speed walking as fast as she (humanly) could to the pair in Cat Grant's former office, her super hearing leading her to eavesdrop on the current conversation.

"Well I'm just so glad you're okay, and Ruby too. You've known me long enough Sam, you can come to me with anything."

"I know, but... since I saw you with James after Christmas, I just didn't know how to approach you..."

"James? What's he got to do with it? And it was just a moment, Sam. We're better friends than lovers," Kara heard Lena reply in confusion, watching through walls as Sam leaned down towards Lena.

"I've learned quite a bit about myself lately, Lena. And with everything going on, I didn't want to add this to the pile," Sam whispered softly, seductively, and Kara's fists clenched at the sweet lies her former friend, now enemy, let drip from her lips.

"Add what to the pi-" Sam's kiss interrupting whatever Lena had planned to say.

Kara had turned the corner and was in Lena's office to witness the aftermath, Sam's hand cupping Lena's cheek and holding her face in place. Lena pulled back quickly, confused by her friend, and startled by the footsteps she heard entering office. The color drained from Lena's face when she saw Kara. She had broken things off with James because, as he had pointed out to her, there was no denying her feelings for her best friend, and now here she was with Samantha practically on top of her.

"K-Kara," Lena stuttered out as she stood, Samantha smirking as she pushed off the desk to follow behind Lena.

Kara was less concerned about the kiss and more concerned about Sam's proximity to Lena as she placed her hand on the back of Lena's neck, and Kara realized as Reign kept smirking at her that she wasn't the only one privy to a Kryptonian secret identity. Kara gulped, the blood draining from her face; Sam knew who she was too.

Sam kept her hand at the base of Lena's neck, and Kara's fists clenched as they made eye contact, Reign letting her know how close Lena was to being snapped like a twig.

"Kara, nice to see you! Lena and I were actually in the middle of something," Sam began, what was once a kind voice now teeming with an edge of malice so covertly, only Kara knew what was truly transpiring.

Sam pushed closer to Lena, practically joined at the hip as Lena's brow furrowed from all of the unexpected visits and confessions today.

"Sorry to interrupt, but I have a pressing work matter," Kara replied slowly, eyes flitting to Lena, who only grew more confused.

Sam pressed her side up to Lena's, standing almost like a couple, Kara taking a step closer, their silent stand off radiating with a tension Lena was only just beginning to pick up on. She tried to take a step, but Sam's grip on her was rather strong, and she turned to look at Sam who was dead set on Kara.

"Lena and I have a pressing personal matter. I think personal matters are more important than work, don't you agree?"

"I insist," Kara said through gritted teeth, and Lena finally reached a point where she did not understand at all what was happening.

"What is going on with you two?" she asked softly, the tension, Sam's kiss, Kara's expressions, all leading her to feel an increasing sense of unease.

"Nothing," Kara replied quickly, slapping her Danvers smile on and adjusting her glasses.

"Nothing at all, there's just an article that needs your attention, but… Sam is right. Personal matters should come first."

As long as Sam had a grip on Lena, there was no way Kara would be fast enough to reach her in time. She wasn't sure what her motive was, why she kissed Lena, what she needed, but it was clear she wasn't planning on letting Kara interfere at the moment. Kara couldn't risk pointing out Reign's true identity, not without endangering Lena and risking her own secret be exposed as well. Kara swallowed.

"Well then... Lena, get back to me when you can. And Sam?" Kara said, staring her down.

"It was nice to see you again. I hope you're feeling better."

"I'm feeling better than ever actually, thank you," she replied, and with that, Kara pivoted and left the room, Lena turning to Sam as she watched the woman she loved walk away.

"Sam, what-"

Again, Lena was cut off by Sam's lips against hers, pulling her into her. It was quick and when Sam pulled away, she brushed hair from Lena's confused face.

"Sam, you aren't gay..."

"You're bisexual, Lena. You know what it's like to be confused as you sort through having feelings for both sexes, and to be attracted to both at the same time."

"Y-Yes, but-"

"Dinner? Tonight. I need to speak with you," Sam said, stepping back, plastering on a face of love and concern.

"Meet me in your old office? I'll have dinner waiting," she said before stepping away, giving Lena a smile that turned to a smirk as she walked out, pleased she left the Luthor stunned.

"I know you're listening, Zor-el," Sam said to herself as she made her way to the elevator, Kara back at her office pacing with James standing by.

"What are doing? Why would you do that to Lena?"

"All good plans unfold in time, not to worry," she said smugly.

"I swear, if you hurt Lena-"

"Now now, no harm will come to our darling Lena, as long as you keep your distance that is," she replied as she entered the elevator, pressing the button and spinning on her heel.

"I'll be keeping an ear out and eye out, Zor-El. Try not to do anything reckless. I should think you learned your lesson from the last time."

Kara clenched her fists, and gritted her teeth, her one and only face off with Reign a defeat she still felt an inkling of fear over.

"Why? Why Lena? She's your friend. She cares about you. She's been worried sick since you've been gone!"

"Exactly. One of the most powerful and ingenious women on this planet could be at my side? I couldn't think of a better partner in crime, and in bed."

"Lena will never help you," Kara said as she paced, James looking on with concern.

"Oh, but she will. That Luthor streak in her? It's just a matter of time. All she needs is the right support, to see this world clearly, for what it truly is. Lena's too smart to stand idly by and let humanity destroy itself."

"And how do you plan to convince her of that?"

"Simple. Do the one thing you've never done Kara. The one thing that only proves how little you truly trust a Luthor," Sam replied, Kara's face scrunching in confusion.

"Tell her the truth," Sam said simply, and Kara couldn't help the pang of remorse she felt in her stomach.

Reign wasn't wrong. Ever since Lillian Luthor laughed at Kara and informed her Lena would grow to hate her should she discover the truth of her identity, after not trusting her with her secret and after everything she had done to prove her loyalty, the pain ate at Kara, a guilt unquenched.

"I won't let you hurt her," Kara said plainly.

"Kara, darling, she'll come willingly. They all will. After witnessing Supergirl's bloody and merciless defeat, they know the truth. There's someone stronger, faster and better to lead them, protect them, and guide them, and they will all bow and worship me for it."

Sam exited the elevator and made her way out the doors of Catco, stepping onto the street while putting on her sunglasses.

"Now if you'll excuse me, I have a date to plan," Sam said, ceasing their long and tense conversation, Kara grinding her teeth, shaking her head as she heard Sam's footsteps carry her away.

Kara swallowed with James still looking concerned.

"Sam's back?" he asked.

"Reign is back. Alex and the DEO are still trying to dig up information on Krypton's past and how she came to be. Sam... it's like she's not even there, like a switch has been flipped," Kara explained, running her hands through her hair as she paced.

"What does she want with Lena?"

Kara scoffed.

"She's trying to court her! But it's just to use Lena and further whatever global agenda she has. Lena is one of the smartest and most powerful people on the planet, even if she doesn't believe it herself. Reign wants to exploit their relationship to use her resources, which are pretty extensive."

"Lena will see through that Kara," James assured her, but something still felt off to Kara.

If Reign was as logical and Kryptonian in nature as she claimed, then she must have had something up her sleeve to convince Lena. It didn't sit right with Kara.

Kara shook her head and was about to speak up when she heard a knock on her door. She lowered her glasses and saw through to see Lena on the other side.

"Come in!" she said, mouthing to James who it was.

Lena entered quietly, giving James a small smile, happy at least that situation wasn't awkward between the pair of them.

"You said you had an important work matter?" Lena asked, walking in, though her gaze suggested she was concerned about more than just work.

"Work, oh, right... right, I, um..."

"The contact, you found, Kara? Lena, we may have found an insider to give us an edge… on Edge..." James said, Lena's skeptical face coming to the front as Kara smiled awkwardly.

"Right! Yea, a contact of Cat's, from my secretary days, haha. I guess it's not a big deal if I have nothing yet! So… I should go," Kara said awkwardly as she gathered her things, Lena crossing her arms and watching her all the while, James shrugging sheepishly.

"Yea, I'll go help her with that," James said, the trio stepping back out into the hall.

Kara brought Lena in for a quick hug, pausing a moment too long and letting out a deep breath, just grateful her friend was unharmed for now.

"Kara... are you sure everything's okay?" Lena whispered, as they pulled apart, Kara fiddling with her glasses.

"Yes, I promise. I'll see you soon?"

Lena studied her, looked at her eyes and smile up and down. Her gaze went to James briefly and they could tell Lena wasn't buying whatever they were trying to sell. Regardless, her shoulders dropped as she relented.

"Okay. I expect an update on this contact ASAP," Lena said with a small smile, the pair nodding to her and waving as they made their way off.

Lena frowned as she stared at their retreating backs. She only had so much time before she went to meet Sam, and she quickly pivoted to head back upstairs.

"So we have nothing?" Kara asked, exasperated as she looked around the table at headquarters.

J'onn was pacing slowly, as Alex, Winn, James and Kara stayed put, each lost in their thoughts. They were no closer to understanding more about the "worldkillers" than they had been hours, days, and even weeks ago. All they knew was Sam was now Reign, a "worldkiller" born on Krypton and raised on Earth like Kara.

Alex glanced to her sister, whom she knew was struggling with her feelings for a certain dark haired friend at the moment, which was only made worse by the fact said friend/ potential lover was now unknowingly put in danger from a very strong and very merciless Kryptonian.

"I can't tell Lena. Telling Lena about myself or Sam... she becomes an even bigger target. People already try to kill her regularly, and now Reign has some plot involving her. not to mention we don't even know what Reign WANTS."

"We do know she wants to destroy you, and exact justice, in whatever form of logic she's convinced herself is fair and equal," Alex said, crossing her arms and looking around the group.

"I can't believe my parents, they... that they were involved in this. All we know is she's a genetically enhanced Kryptonian of some sort. I mean will Kryptonite even work on her?" Kara asked, Winn and Alex exchanging looks.

"We aren't sure. She is still Kryptonian, so there's a good chance yes, but as for the extent of the impact... we can't say for certain yet," her sister replied.

"It could be anything from incapacitating her to just giving her a headache," Winn added, causing Kara to shake her head again.

"I know she's meeting with Lena, but I can't intervene. It's too risky," Kara said, walking around the table now.

"Or… perhaps not," J'onn said, looking at the table, placing his hands down.

"You have an idea?" Alex asked questioningly.

"Perhaps, but it's risky. Kara you said Sam plans to tell Lena the truth, but is she planning to do it immediately."

Kara frowned, her and James exchanging a look, everyone confused.

"I'm not sure… why?"

"She believes she needs Lena, and she wants to use L Corp, Catco, and whatever Luthor power she possesses. But what we know from Ms. Luthor, she is not one to resort to violence… Reign would need to persuade her, really garner her trust, before she breaks the news of her identity."

"So what are you saying?" James asked, J'onn nodding his head.

"You need to corner her like she did you. Tonight. She wouldn't just dump this on Lena immediately, no. She knows she needs to ensure Lena's trust and faith, and we all know a Luthor is too distrusting to do that overnight."

"She could still hurt Lena though," Alex said, Kara shaking her head, mad at herself.

"No… she was doing that just to test me, to try and buy some time. J'onn's right. She knew I couldn't use my powers in the office during the day like that," Kara began, circling the table and making her way around.

"Kara?"

But Supergirl was already taking off from the DEO with one destination in mind.

"Thanks for coming tonight. I know I just sort of sprung this on you," Sam said, looking at Lena fondly.

Lena had entered her former office with her coat in hand, a simple short sleeved black dress on with her hair back in a bun. Sam eyed Lena as she put her stuff on the hanger, Sam's white button up undone a little and sleeves rolled up as she brought Lena some red wine.

Lena accepted the glass with a smile, clinking it before taking a sip.

"Mmm, is this from the company cellars?"

"No, actually. It's that bottle you gave me two years ago, when Ruby broke her arm? I cried to you for over an hour on the phone and as soon as I got Ruby back to the house, I had a man waiting for me with this bottle," Sam said, chuckling, Lena nodding as she too laughed.

"I believe there was also an 8-foot bear in there somewhere" Lena replied with a grin, making Sam shake her head.

"You made a terrible day end in smiles and laughter. I've never forgotten it. Neither has Ruby," Sam replied.

As she gazed into Lena's eyes, Reign twitched, clenching her free hand harshly, trying to repress the human emotions she had been so accustomed to feeling these past few decades on Earth.

Lena studied her friend's eyes, searching for something. This was Sam, but yet it wasn't. Something was certainly different about her.

Lena gestured to the couch and Sam nodded, the pair sitting down, Lena observing the spread before her.

"Sam, about what happened earlier," Lena began, setting her wine down and turning to look at her friend, whose gaze had turned downright predatory.

"Yes?"

Lena's face saddened, reaching to take Sam's free hand, releasing a breath she didn't know she was holding.

"I'm not sure what's happened, but I want you to know I'm here for you. Just like the night with the teddy bear. I'm your friend, and that will never change, and I'll always be there for Ruby too."

"I know that," Sam replied, putting her glass down as well, scooting in closer, she and Lena closer than was casual.

Lena shook her head slowly.

"Sam, you've never… we've never… what triggered this? I want to understand," Lena said, confused as to why her normally very straight and respectful friend was suddenly taking an interest in her.

"You don't find me attractive?" Sam asked, smirking all the while, causing Lena to release an awkward chuckle.

"That's not the point."

"So you do then," Sam teased, leaning closer, Lena studying her.

If it had been years ago when Lena was a different person, before Lex went mad, or maybe if it had been before she met Kara, Lena would be open and willing to something like this with one of the few friends she had and even fewer people she trusted in this world. But given how she felt for Kara, there was no way Lena could pursue something with Sam, and even more so when she seemed so… off.

"Sam… don't," Lena said, gently pushing the woman back, moving to stand, missing the flash in the Kryptonian's eyes.

"Lena, what is there to think about? I'm one of the only people you've ever trusted, one of the only people you've maintained a friendship with, even after Lex lost it. We've been through thick and thin and I realized recently I want to spend my life building something with somebody. And I want to build it with you."

Lena turned back around, and she felt her heart breaking. She didn't want to lose a dear friend, not like this. Maybe if timing and life were different, they would be a good fit, but Lena knew where her heart belonged at the moment, even if said person never accepted it.

"I can't, Sam," she replied, the taller girl straightening up, observing Lena, her plan not commencing as expected.

"Why not?" she asked, observing Lena, the small girl now walking around her former office.

"I just… there's someone else."

Sam scoffed, the reaction surprising Lena, all of the recent behaviors only reinforcing what she was beginning to suspect.

"James? Please, Lena, you have more chemistry with a mop than that moron," Sam said, walking towards Lena who leaned against her desk, crossing her arms.

"It doesn't matter who. I just know I can't give you what you want, not like that, not now, and maybe not ever," Lena replied, growing more stern, Sam walking right up into her personal space.

Sam pressed against Lena, who immediately went to push her away, the taller woman too fast, taking Lena's wrists and pinning them behind her own back, pulling Lena impossibly close, the Luthor now glaring.

"Sam. Don't do this," Lena warned, making her smirk in reply.

She studied Lena's big green eyes. How interesting it was for her to observe this human who held so much power, so much intelligence, so much beauty, and yet still no desire to take the world like her brother had, and unlike him, actually succeed.

"People will never accept you here, don't you see that? People like Edge will always win, the less intelligent will always follow false idols. Don't you want to change the world, Lena? Don't you want to make it better?"

Lena's brow furrowed, and she felt her wrists begin to ache.

"Sam, you're hurting me," she said slowly, the woman leaning towards her lips yet again.

"You really shouldn't say no to me."

"Sam-"

"MS. LUTHOR!"

Sam jerked back and released Lena, giving the brunette the freedom she needed to take several steps away, both startled with the loud entrance of Supergirl through her deck door.

"Supergirl?" Lena asked, walking towards Kara who was glaring at Reign, Sam's fury clearly showing.

The tables were turned. Sam couldn't expose herself, not yet, not with Lena on the fence.

Kara turned to Lena, walking towards her.

"I don't have time to explain, but there's been another threat on your life. I need to get you to safety," Supergirl reported, Lena shaking her head at her.

"By who?"

"It doesn't matter, I'll update you at the DEO," Kara replied, going to reach for Lena who took a step back.

"I don't know what's gotten into everyone's heads today, but I damn well do what I want," she said staring Supergirl down, before turning her head to glare at Sam, "and when I want to do it, other people's demands be damned. I'm not a rag doll for people to poke and prod at the their leisure."

Suprergirl swallowed, Reign smirking and crossing her arms, looking to Kara.

"I think we're fine here Supergirl. L Corp has been nothing but quiet this evening, safe and sound."

Kara looked at Reign, then back to Lena who seemed pissed, and Kara decided… well, it was better to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission.

In the blink of an eye, Supergirl swept up and stole Lena away from the office, Reign glaring the whole time, ready to smash the place to bits. She walked out on to the balcony to watch Supergirl zigzag and disappear into the night sky.

"Put me down. PUT ME DOWN NOW!"

Lena Luthor's voice echoed throughout the DEO as Supergirl gently lowered her to the ground. Lena knew better than to hit the woman mid flight and end up being dropped several thousand feet, so she waited to push the girl of steel away from her till she reached ground, running towards the nearest trash can to relieve the contents of her stomach.

When Lena had finished, she turned in fury to a sheepish looking Supergirl, and she marched right up to her after wiping her mouth away.

"Where in the HELL do you get off just kidnapping me from my own damn building!" she yelled, Kara gulping.

"Le… Ms. Luthor, you were, I mean, ARE, you are, in serious danger. I couldn't risk endangering you or your friend… or employees!" Kara said, making it up on the spot.

The smaller woman got right in her face, Alex and Winn turning the corner to see her finger in Kara's chest glaring fiercely.

"I don't care what you think! You don't get to just pick people up and take them because YOU decide it's a good idea, no matter your intentions!"

"Lena-" Alex began to intervene but she pushed closer to Kara.

"Not to mention if you were so worried, you left my friend there to rot and die in my own building! What are you trying to pull here?" Lena asked, but before Kara could reply, J'onn was running over as an alert began sounding.

"Supergirl! We gotta move!" he called out, and Lena looked around to everyone, following after the group as they seemed to forget about her presence in lieu of the images flying across the screens.

Reports began filing in as Reign reappeared, causing mayhem downtown near one of the notorious mafia trading spots.

"Supergirl," J'onn began, but Kara shook her head.

"There's no time. I have to go," Kara began, Alex reaching for her and stopping her.

"K… Supergirl, you can't do this alone," she said, Kara looking at her, then making eye contact with each of her friends until she finally landed on a confused and disheveled Lena, clearing her throat when she did.

"I did this, I made a choice. Now I have to go deal with it," Kara replied, Alex shaking her head, but Kara just pushed forward.

Reign had plans and Kara interfered yet again. It was time for Kara to face her.

As Kara took off, J'onn and Alex began running around, gathering DEO agents up. Winn was about to run off until Lena stopped in him in his tracks.

"You want to help Supergirl?" she asked, Winn nodding slowly.

"Um… yes?"

"Then take me back to L Corp. I have something that may be of assistance."

When Alex and J'onn arrived on scene, it was a horrific sight. There were mobsters lying dead and bloody everywhere, whole buildings destroyed, cars smashed, and streets torn up. They looked up and saw Reign blasting Kara through another building with her eyes.

Alex turned to J'onn in fear, but he was already in full Martian mode, flying up to join the fight.

When he entered the scene, in the midst of another destroyed office building, Kara and Sam were going hand to hand, Kara already bloody like last time. J'onn jumped into the fray, but wasn't prepared for just how fast the woman in black was, roundhouse kicking him as he approached, sending him flying as she continued fighting with Kara.

"You're not going to win this!" Kara gritted out, Reign laughing as she continued to choke her.

"Oh, this is just the beginning Kara Zor-el!" she replied, Kara letting go of the wrists crushing her throat and clapping Sam on the ears with all her might, stunning the woman enough to release her hold so Kara could smash her back through several more buildings.

Kara got the advantage on her, throwing punch after punch and kick after kick. She brought Reign through an entire building to the bottom, hoping she would be unconscious, her form now bloody as well.

J'onn flew down to her, the pair hovering just above the cloudy debris.

"She packs quite a punch," he said, Kara bleeding and holding her shoulder.

"She's stronger than me, J'onn. Stronger than Clark, too. Whatever they did to her genetic code, she…" but Kara frowned, shoving J'onn back into a wall and taking the eye beam hit on her own, Reign back on her.

"You aren't wrong about that Supergirl! At least you know your own inferiority here now!"

They busted through the lower levels back out onto a street. J'onn followed suit quickly, but Reign threw a device at him, stunning the Martian and incapacitating him.

"You really think I haven't studied you and your allies for months now? I don't come to a fight unprepared," Reign said, Kara standing again, feeling weak, worrying now if she would make it out of this one alive.

"Why, Sam? Why are you doing this? To me? To Lena? The planet? Why!" Kara yelled, people running as far away as they could, Reign walking closer.

"My purpose is one. To create order, to deliver justice, and breed harmony in this world and any other I conquer after. If Kryptonians had only paid attention to their hubris and folly, entities like me would have never needed to come into being. But even your own father knew Zor-el, your kind were weak, are weak, just like these humans, thinking they will get more out of what they destroy and ruin, gluttonous to no end."

"It's our job to guide humanity, not to rule it! Not enslave it," Kara said, finally standing fully, the two watching one another, Reign chuckling to herself.

"What's so funny?" Kara asked, Sam shaking her head at her.

"Ahh, just how meaningless this moment is. It's not as if you'll be alive to witness any of what comes next."

Reign was about to fly when a noise was heard coming from J'onn, Kara hearing the same sound.

"J'onn? J'onn come in! I'm with Lena, we-"

A scramble was heard, maybe a punch or duck, and Kara and Reign both heard the earpiece get picked up.

"Mr. Martian, this is Lena Luthor. I know who Reign is. I need you at L Corp immediately."

Kara looked to Sam, who eyed the Martian. She cracked her neck.

"Come in, do you read me?"

Sam turned to look at Kara smirking devilishly. She blasted Kara all of sudden, sending her back into the rubble and debris as she launched off towards L Corp.

Kara grunted, pushing pavement off of herself, breathing and spitting out blood, a cold chill running down her spine.

"Lena, no," she said, moving and pushing off with all she could, racing towards L Corp.

Lena sat at her desk, Winn lying on the ground, as she drank her scotch. She swirled the brown substance around in her glass, not even flinching when Reign plowed through the roof of the building to land in her office.

"Was that really necessary," Lena said wryly more than asked, going to stand, shaking her head.

"For someone in mortal danger, you don't seem too disturbed," Reign replied cockily.

"Because I'm not in mortal danger. I wanted you to hear me," Lena replied casually, finishing her scotch and walking back to her bar, stepping over Winn as she did so.

"I'm in the middle of something, Lena, we can talk about you finding out my identity later," Sam replied, about to move when Supergirl crashed through the L Corp windows into Lena's office, panting and sweating.

"Ms. Luthor-"

"Shut up, Supergirl."

Kara's brow furrowed, and even Sam looked surprised, watching as the brunette turned letting her hair down and shaking it out as she drank her freshened glass.

"I don't know why either of you think you're entitled to boss me around. Sure, you're both unbreakable, formidable, alien, unstoppable, but… what's in it for me?" Lena asked stepping back over Winn's body, Kara gazing down at her friend in worry.

"What did you do to Winn, Lena?"

She quirked a brow, smirking at the blonde.

"Come now Supergirl, surely you must know what's going on here?"

Reign and Supergirl exchanged looks again, Lena looking between the both of them, chuckling as she expressed disbelief.

"You know, you grabbing me earlier, flinging me out of the building, not giving me a chance to even think? It's amazing how things can become so clear, so quickly," Lena began, walking towards her desk, the only thing between Kara and the others.

"All your family has ever done to mine is take, and take, and take. My brother? My mother? And now, regardless of how much I do, how much I help, I am still not trustworthy, isn't that right Supergirl?" Lena asked, pacing in front of her desk slowly, a smug smile plastered on her face.

"Lena, right now-"

"No. Right now, we will talk about it because Sam was right earlier," Lena said, Reign watching Lena in fascination and Kara growing increasingly concerned.

"Lena, the Sam you know, the Sam you think is your friend, it's no longer her. I'm telling you, please, you need to listen to me."

Lena chuckled, finishing off the scotch and leaving it on her desk, smirking at the girl of steel.

"Supergirl, I'm a business woman. I make investments, in my future, my family's, and of course my company's, and as this little display is showing, you don't really look like the better investment at the moment," Lena said, turning to walk towards Sam.

"Well, I could have told you that one," Sam said, smirking as Lena approached her, smiling as her plan began falling into place.

Kara felt her heart shattering. Winn was possibly dead on the ground, Lena had finally been pushed over to the dark side, she lost a friend in Sam, was likely about to die, and the love of her life would never know how she really felt. Tears began streaming down her face, hands gripping the desk as she tried to stay upright.

"Lena, you're not like her. I know it. Kara Danvers knows it. Don't do this," Kara pleaded, Reign holding out a hand indicating Kara should stop moving towards them.

Lena chuckled, shaking her head.

"Don't you know the motto? Always go with the winning team."

Lena turned to Sam, cupping her face with both hands, stunning the woman as she leaned in towards her. Kara felt like she was losing too much blood, falling to her knees, watching the scene, shutting her eyes as she felt dizzy… and then she heard someone move.

It all happened too fast.

The sound caused her to focus again, shocked to see Winn jumping towards the couple with what looked like steel handcuffs. Reign was distracted by Lena kissing her, holding the brunette to her, unaware of the huge amount of kryptonite being exposed in the braces as the cuffs extended and wrapped around her wrists. Lena immediately ducked and pushed, the bracelets tightening on impact, the kryptonite exposed and burning into Reign's wrists, Kara watching in confusion as Winn and Lena watched her go down, writhing in pain and screaming out.

Lena marched over, going to her friend and kicking her in the head, knocking her out instantly. The silence was deafening.

"So… it worked?" Winn asked, the trio all looking around, Reign cuffed and down, Kara shaking her head.

"Wait, you… what!" she yelled, Lena stepping back, running her hands through her hair.

"Lena stopped me before I could blow the opportunity, but… we had what we needed, we just needed to distract Sam long enough to slap those on and detain her," Winn explained, brushing himself off, Lena crossing her arms as she looked down at Sam with worry etched into the lines of her face.

"But… but, you… what you said?" Kara asked, adjusting and leaning her back against the desk as she sat on the floor, feeling all the pain running throughout her body.

Lena took a deep breath, finally tearing her gaze away to look down at Supergirl.

"Winn, would you mind giving us a moment? I'm sure Agent Danvers would like an update. Remember, please pass on my request to her," Lena said, Winn nodding, stepping out of the office as Lena reached over Kara to the glass on her desk, walking back over to refill it.

"Request? Of the DEO," Kara breathed out heavily, the massive amount of kryptonite in the room even weakening her from afar.

"Yes. I will be keeping Sam… Reign, whatever, at L Corp to get a handle on this situation."

Kara immediately frowned, going to stand.

"No, absolutely not. You can't keep her here," Kara began, Lena laughing as she turned to face her.

"And you think I'm going to trust my dear friend to the DEO, and you?" Lena asked, scoffing and shaking her head.

"We have the resources-"

"You have nothing compared to what I have. I'm Lex Luthor's sister, and I own all of his assets. I already have more information and history regarding the worldkillers than you do."

"Then you should work with us," Kara said, straightening up.

"I don't trust you," Lena replied frankly, sipping her scotch, Kara pursing her lips.

"Ms. Luthor, this isn't up for debate, and it's not up to you," Kara began, walking over to Sam.

"Kara Danvers, if you so much as lay a finger on my friend, I will be forced to take you out too."

Kara turned around to laugh at Lena when she froze, fully processing her words. She finally turned all the way, looking at Lena with wide eyes.

"I-I-"

"Don't bother denying it. I figured out who you are the same moment I figured out who she was."

"But… how?" Kara asked, taking a step closer, Lena finishing her third scotch, no amount seeming to dilute her adrenaline.

"You both left my office acting incredibly weird earlier today. Sam had just come back. You were lying and tense. Sam kissed me, you were dodgy, and when you both left I went to check the cameras to see if I missed anything happening earlier in the day," Lena began, leaning back and crossing her arms.

"Only nothing had happened… until I followed Sam out of the building and found it odd that she was talking to herself. Imagine my surprise when I looked at you and found you doing the same."

Kara's stomach dropped, not even thinking about her subtle conversation being overheard.

"But, why? Why did you meet her here then?"

"Because I was trying to get through to my friend, Kara, and had you not interfered, things would have gone differently tonight," Lena replied angrily, making Kara laugh at her.

"You're right! You would have been beaten, assaulted, or maybe even dead. Nicely done Lena," Kara replied, Lena snarling as she threw her glass, it shattering against the wall, walking right up to the blonde.

"You have no idea! You came in, decided it was your way or nothing at all-"

"She could have KILLED YOU."

"Well she didn't! She was physical, sure, and aggressive, but I knew what I was doing!"

"Well I didn't know! Why didn't you tell me!"

"WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME!"

They both were startled, breathing heavily, looking at each other. Kara realized what Lena meant, looking away.

"Lena, it wasn't-"

"Don't. Just. don't," she replied, looking at Kara with tears in her eyes.

Kara gazed back up at her, tears in her eyes now too.

"I'm sorry," she replied, Lena breathing out in ironic disbelief.

"Did you ever see me?" Lena asked, watching Kara quietly, who looked back in confusion.

"As more than a Luthor?"

Kara began to protest, but Lena shook her head, holding her hand up.

"You know what, I don't even want to know," she replied, walking to her desk.

Kara went to say more, but Winn came back in the room with J'onn at his side. The girls spun around as they entered, J'onn getting a read on Reign in her weakened state, satisfied she was still incapacitated.

"Ms. Luthor, I've heard your request, and while we cannot express our gratitude enough-"

"I'll stop you right there," she said, walking right up to J'onn.

"Despite you, your agency, and your people not trusting me, time and time again I have done nothing but help you, to prove I am trustworthy, and that I am doing nothing but good in this world," she began, J'onn straightening up as he listened.

"Now that woman? She is one of my-" Lena said, gaze flitting to Kara briefly, "is my, only friend, and I have every intention of helping her get her life back. I have the resources, I have the information, and I'm not the one who has kept secrets and spread lies," Lena said, her tone getting increasingly firmer.

"While I've continually assisted you, you have given me nothing but skepticism and distrust in return, and I am telling you that, you? You are the ones who need to prove yourselves to ME. I'll be damned if I let some government agency experiment on my friend and make her a lab rat. Do I make myself clear?"

Kara and Winn stood there in shock as Lena not so subtly threatened J'onn. Kara was unsure if Lena knew he could read her mind, but it was evident to Kara that was exactly what J'onn was doing. He was looking for any sign of deception, but when his posture relaxed, Kara knew he didn't find any there; she knew he never would.

"The DEO can consider outsourcing a potential project to you, Ms. Luthor. But I'm expecting your full cooperation in the process," J'onn replied, leaving Kara and Winn floored.

"J'onn, you can't be serious. She's incredibly dangerous!" Kara said, stepping up to them, Lena quirking a brow.

"Good to know what you think of me."

"Dammit, Lena! Not you!" Kara replied, J'onn watching them, surprised by the emotional whirlwind going on in Lena's mind.

"Kara, we owe Lena Luthor our lives tonight… I think with transparency, maybe we can resolve this problem more quickly with her help, and without the need to take someone's life."

Lena turned to look at J'onn, stunned by his response.

"Make no mistake, we'll be watching you Ms. Luthor," he said, Lena only snorting.

"You mean you'll continue watching me," she replied, making the Martian give a subtle smirk, nodding his head as he turned to exit the room.

Winn was about to speak but saw the glares being exchanged between his two friends, so he gave a nod, bowing out to follow his boss, leaving the three in his wake.

Kara couldn't believe what she was hearing. Leaving Reign with Lena could end in disastrous and deadly consequences.

"Lena, this has nothing to do with your last name," Kara began, Lena folding her arms and quirking her eyebrow.

"If Sam wakes up and somehow overpowers you? You will be defenseless. L Corp is not a military operation like the DEO, you sre researchers. You aren't prepared to handle a potential threat like this."

Lena continued smirking, nodding as men in all black gear came through the doors, causing Kara to frown.

"My brother has had former black ops, CIA, Special Forces, you name it, at his disposal for years, Kara. I may not be my brother, but I am the head of L Corp. You should be more aware of what I have at my disposal," Lena said, finally moving around the office to grab a few things, the men picking Sam up and dragging her unconscious form out of the office.

Lena went to pass by Kara, but the blonde stood in her way.

"Lena-"

"Stop. Trying. To control me," she enunciated slowly, their eyes a clash of green and blue.

"You're not entitled to always get your way, I hope you do realize," Lena said, Kara shaking her head.

"This isn't about getting my way, it's about your safety, and everyone else's. We don't know what's going to happen, what you're going to find. What if the Sam we knew never comes back Lena? Are you prepared to deal with that?"

"Unlike you, I don't believe in people one minute to then not trust them in the next. If you'll excuse me," Lena replied coldly, bumping past Kara, the blonde whirling from all of the events that took place today.

Lena didn't see the tears streaming down her face as Kara left.

"We all get paid. Yea some get faith before they die.

"Then through the stars we will navigate, through the holes in your eyes."

[Part II coming soon]