The morning sun brought warmth to the early hours of the day and in the Black family villa, Ashborn stood holding a bundle of black fabric under one arm and a pair of sunglasses and a flat black cap in his other hand. Galatea emerged from the hallway, brushing back her loose platinum hair with a yawn.
Ashborn tossed the bundle toward her. "This is your job outfit. It'll keep you out of the public eye."
Galatea caught it and held the uniform up with one brow arched in skepticism. "A hat and sunglasses? Really?"
Ashborn smirked. "It's more than enough. You'd be surprised how often the simplest disguises work. Isn't that right?"
Both Ace and Amazo, standing nearby with their backpacks ready for the day, nodded in unison.
"Absolutely," Ace said.
"It is statistically proven," Amazo added.
Galatea let out a long sigh but took the uniform anyway. In a blur of motion, she vanished from sight and reappeared two seconds later in front of them, now fully dressed in the uniform. Black suit jacket, slacks, white shirt underneath, sunglasses perched neatly on her nose, and the cap tilted just enough to add flair. She struck a small pose, one hand on her hip.
"What do you think?"
Ashborn nodded in approval. "Looks good."
Ace gave a thumbs up. "Cool."
Amazo tilted his head slightly, analyzing her. "By human standards, you should be considered stunning."
Galatea grinned and pointed at him. "I like him already."
Ashborn gave her a dry look. "He's underage. Do anything out of line, and I'll be the one sending you to jail."
Galatea rolled her eyes, hands in the air. "You're the one with the dirty mind."
Neither Ashborn nor the children responded, already turning to head out the door. Galatea, huffing in frustration at being ignored, trailed behind them.
Outside, Ashborn gave her a quick rundown. "I'm heading to Shadow Corp. You'll be dropping off Ace and Amazo at school."
Galatea paused, blinking. "Uh… about that. I don't know how to drive."
Ashborn stopped mid-step and turned to stare at her. "You didn't think to mention that earlier?"
Galatea gave a sheepish smile, scratching the back of her head. "I… forgot?"
Ashborn let out a long sigh. "Fine. I'll drive them for now. But you're going to learn."
Galatea winced. "Don't I need an ID for that? I don't have one."
Ashborn waved a hand dismissively. "Not a problem. I'll make you a fake one. You'll be a foreign girl who just got U.S. citizenship."
Galatea gave a slow, accepting nod. "Huh. That actually sounds kinda cool."
"In the meantime," Ashborn said, unlocking the car, "you're staying home."
She groaned but didn't protest. She'd already learned it was easier to just follow along for now.
And just like that, her first day as part of this strange new family… had begun.
___________
The medbay in the Watchtower was quiet, eerily so, until the sound of soft groaning broke through the silence. Superman stirred, his eyes fluttering open to the bright lights above. He blinked, confused at first, then memories of the battle crashed into him like a wave. The shadow creature. The pain. The darkness.
A chorus of gasps filled the room as League members gathered around his bedside. Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, and several others expressed their joy and relief. But the moment of celebration was short-lived.
Superman attempted to move his arm and failed. His gaze shifted in confusion, then horror, as he realized he couldn't feel or control the limb on his right side.
Batman's expression remained unreadable, but Martian Manhunter stepped forward, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"We suspect this condition may be temporary," J'onn said calmly. "The shadow being's attack left a gaping hole that might have disrupted your nervous system. With time, the connection may heal naturally."
"May," Batman echoed. "Not definite."
The room fell into tense silence. Despite the reassurances, everyone could feel the weight of uncertainty hanging over them.
___________
Sometime later, Kara was flying alone. Her thoughts raced, her heart heavy. Her cousin, her only remaining blood, the symbol of hope, may not be able to heal naturally.
She couldn't just sit and wait anymore. She needed help.
And there was one person who might have it. Ashborn had a collection of magical items and even healing potions. She hopes despite everything that happened, he will be willing to help her cousin.
She landed just outside the corporate tower bearing the Shadow Corp emblem. Inside, she made her way swiftly to Ashborn's office. It was empty.
"Where's Ashborn?" she asked the nearest figure, Rex, sitting lazily.
Rex barely glanced up. "Haven't seen him all day. Might still be home."
Kara gave a quick nod and took off without another word.
___________
She descended silently onto the front lawn of Ashborn's home, slowing near the entrance. Before she rang the bell, she glanced through the wall for a quick look to know if someone is inside
Then froze.
There, lounging on the couch, was her. The clone.
Galatea.
Eyes narrowed, fury bubbling inside her, Kara didn't hesitate. Instead of knocking, she smashed the front door off its hinges and bolted into the house like a comet.
Galatea jumped to her feet at the sound of the door crashing open, muscles tensing. "What the hell?!"
And then they stood face to face.
Galatea's eyes narrowed. "What are you doing here?"
"This should be my question," Kara snapped. "You broke into someone's house."
Galatea crossed her arms. "You're the one who broke in. I live here now."
"In your dreams, I will help Ashborn get rid of a thief," Kara growled, raising her fists.
Galatea scoffed. "And what makes you think he didn't invite me to stay?"
Kara's glare sharpened. "He wouldn't allow a dangerous clone in."
"Too bad for you," Galatea said with a smug grin. "He did. I'm living here now. Go ask him if you don't believe me."
Kara faltered, just for a moment. "Why would he...?" she paused, then blurted, "Did he adopt you too?"
Galatea blinked, momentarily stunned. "Why does everyone think that?" she muttered, then smirked slyly. "While I don't mind calling him 'daddy,' no…. he didn't adopt me. I think… children need a mother. And I got the pleasure of being one."
Kara's face twisted in disgust. "No. He couldn't possibly choose you."
Galatea's expression turned conceited and sharp. "Why not? Look at me, what not to like? I am the better version of you. You heard him, from the dream, didn't you? I'm the hotter one. Too bad for you…I beat you to him."
Kara snapped. Her fists clenched, her body lunged forward but Galatea was faster.
A powerful uppercut connected with Kara's jaw, lifting her off her feet and sending her crashing through the ceiling in a spray of debris and broken tile.
Galatea glared at the hole Kara left behind.
"Both the ceiling and door on her" she muttered before flying after Supergirl through the hole in the ceiling.
Soon a thunderous crash shook the sky above the villa as the two girls clashed midair, fists flying, shockwaves rippling with every strike.
But it didn't take long for history to repeat itself.
As it had two days before, Galatea quickly gained the upper hand. Her blows were more precise, her reflexes sharper, and was more skilled. Supergirl tried to fight back, but each swing of her fist was answered with two more from Galatea, until a final, brutal punch sent her plummeting toward the earth.
Supergirl hit the ground hard, carving a crater into the lawn near the villa. She coughed, wheezing, limbs trembling as she tried to rise.
Galatea landed beside her, arms crossed.
"If you've got a problem, go find Ashborn," she said coldly. "Don't bother me with your stupid temper. No wonder he doesn't want anything to do with you."
With that, she turned her back on the battered Kryptonian and flew back toward the house.
Supergirl didn't move at first. She just sat there, shoulders slumped, dirt and bruises covering her body and soul alike. After what felt like an eternity, she finally lifted off, flying away slowly, quietly, as if the weight of defeat was chaining her to the wind.
From the villa, Galatea stood behind a windowpane, arms resting against the frame. She watched Supergirl's limp figure vanish into the sky, and a satisfied smile curled her lips.
Tormenting her original was turning out to be delightfully therapeutic.
___________
The clouds above Shadow Corp parted slightly as Supergirl hovered above them, eyes locked on the building below. Her gaze was fixed on a single office window, waiting, watching.
And then, he appeared.
Ashborn stepped into view, eyes focused on his tablet. Supergirl lowered herself to the window and knocked gently.
Ashborn turned, raising a brow. With a casual flick, he tapped his desk, and the glass pane slid open silently.
Supergirl floated in and landed without a word. Ashborn's eyes took her in, bruised, bloodied, dirt-covered. Her lip was split, and her breathing shallow. He leaned forward, mildly curious.
"What were you doing to get so roughed up?"
Supergirl's answer was as bitter as it was short. "Your home."
Ashborn's brow lifted slightly in realization. "Tea beat you up, huh? So, why were you looking for me?"
She didn't answer him immediately, her mind paused on the way he called her clone [There are close enough for him to call her Tea]
she asked, "Is what she said true? She's living in your home now? And you want her to be with Ace and Amazo?"
Without hesitation, Ashborn nodded. "Yes, while she is not that competent, she can learn with time. Do me a favor and don't share that around, it'd be annoying if everyone knew."
Her hands clenched into fists. That was all she needed to hear. Galatea hadn't lied.
Supergirl stared at him, grief flickering across her face before it melted into anger. Ashborn watched her silently.
[She really hates her clone, more than I thought.] he noted to himself.
Then, unexpectedly, she took a deep breath and steadied herself. Her voice was quieter now, almost cold.
"I won't tell anyone about this, if you give me a potion. Like the one you gave Mr. Freeze."
Ashborn's eyes narrowed slightly, his head tilting. The words didn't sit right with him. Her tone was off. There was something calculated behind those eyes that wasn't usually there.
It felt like a threat, even if she hadn't said it that way.
For a moment, he considered calling it out. But then, he looked at her again battered, bruised, angry and he waved the thought away.
She was probably just exhausted and angry.
Without a word, he opened a drawer, retrieved a vial of red liquid, and held it out to her.
Supergirl took it without a thank you, without a glance, and flew off as quietly as she came.
Ashborn stood there, watching the empty space where she had been. Something was wrong. He knew it.
But he turned back to his desk, closed the window, and went back to work.