#01.003

[fruitsbasketcaps]

[lasttdaughter]

A few days had passed. Kara had mostly lost track but she knew by the pattern of Lena, taking her in her arms most evenings when it was quiet. Lilian’s tests varied from tedious hours of recording numbers to brutally inhumane and without a yellow sun to offer any kind of reprieve in the dark, CADMUS research lab, there was no chance of Kara healing or fighting back or getting her power. Some days she felt stronger, the longer it went on, like she could endure anything now. Others she felt weaker, useless and helpless as Lena’s mother got the better of both of them. And it was written on Lena’s face too. Lilian knew what she was doing. Kara respected Lena for her strength though. Lena never screamed or cried out or passed out or gave up. She didn’t give in even once. Kara was telling her that, quietly, between her chattering teeth on the floor of the lab. A shaky finger reached toward Lena’s jaw, reminding her how good she was, strong and noble and capable and smart. “We’re so close,” she whispered. “She said it was almost time...for the second round.” Lilian had plans to eventually give Kara’s power back and compare her human results to the alien ones. It was what Kara had been holding out for. If she was stronger, she could help them. They’d never get out if Lena had to carry her. Kara hadn’t heard footsteps but then they were there, Lilian Luthor, poised like a snake waiting to attack, arms folded over her chest.