Chapter Text
She knew something was wrong when she could lift the couch with one hand. She knew pregnancy didn't usually come with superpowers as a side effect, or at least normal pregnancies didn't. It wasn't until her doctor disappeared that she started to really worry.
The fertility clinic she had gone to was one of the best in the midwest, with rave reviews about the wonderful bedside manner the clinic doctors had. She'd trusted that she had made the right decision when her doctor treated her with kindness and worked with her needs. It had only taken one try for the treatment to work, and she found herself pregnant with her miracle child.
Or, at least she thought so. She had called to schedule her sixteen week checkup. When she asked the receptionist to see Dr. Hannigan, she had said that he didn't work there. That, in fact, there had never been any record of a Dr. Hannigan working there.
Fear had flooded through her then. In her panic, she had accidentally crushed the phone in her hands.
She shut herself in after that, researching all she could about Dr. Hannigan and the clinic. Having FBI contacts definitely helped; part of her work as a lawyer. Her last big case had been against Lex Luthor. He'd been charged with human trafficking, kidnapping, evading law enforcement and a smattering of other charges. She defied all odds and won the case of "The United States versus Alexander Luthor".
She'd had to do so much research, so much evidence gathering. Her team had to be right without a doubt, just to keep him in the stand. It didn't hurt that Superman had come as a witness.
Despite all of her hard work, for months she had lived in fear that it wasn't enough. That his money and deep connections would get him out, just like all the other times. But no - she did it. The trial lasted almost a year and she stood in front of that judge and jury, knowing that all they saw would be some fresh graduate, larger than all her other colleagues and one mistake would cost her her career.
And against all odds, she and the people did it. Luthor was sentenced to fifty years imprisonment. He'd be out when he would be ninety-seven years old. It wasn't quite the punishment she felt he'd earned, but she settled for that. It was the best outcome, better than she feared or could have dreamed.
She knew, realistically, that he'd probably break out. After all, he'd done it many times before - he'd do it again. But it was a victory nonetheless.
And when her doctor went missing and her strange symptoms started to develop? She went to those contacts once again.
Rob Milton had become a dear friend after that case. He was old enough to be her father, somewhere in his late fifties, and retired from the FBI a year after the Luthor case. He'd been one of the first detectives on the scene of the crime that had started it all.
She'd never asked him about it. She'd seen the pictures.
He'd retired to Gotham City after that, moving to be close to his daughter. They kept in contact with postcards and email, always sharing their daily lives.
She set Milton on the trail for Dr. Hannigan while doing some of her own legwork. She tried every avenue she could think of, and after two weeks of searching, she couldn't find anything. Milton had only gotten a little further.
Dr. Hanniagn wasn't his real name, that's all he knew. Without being part of the bureau he didn't have the same kind of access to his previous sources. And none of his past associates would give him any information.
Just when she had begun to give up hope on her search for answers, Milton had been contacted by a mysterious, anonymous informant. All he knew was that they were a hacker and had access to more information than either of them could dream of. They called themselves "Q".
Eve felt hesitant but she knew in the end, she had no other options. She relayed what she could to "Q", hoping for the best.
Two weeks later, she was watching the news. Rapt in attention as she listened to the breaking story unfold. Five people had come forward, telling the world about their tragedies. Five people and their partners trying to have children sought out medical help. From all over the country, they had gone to fertility clinics - trusting their doctors as Eve had done.
These five people had had their autonomy taken from them when they had discovered that they had been implanted with altered Kryptonian DNA. Each recipient's pregnancy ended with early miscarriages, when there never should have been any problems. Each patient's doctor had disappeared shortly after their procedures.
None of their pregnancies lasted more than twelve weeks. She felt so strange and so guilty. Here she was, eighteen weeks pregnant with what was most likely the same Kryptonian DNA. Her belly had become more rounded, her symptoms growing more intense day by day. She felt too guilty to enjoy her pregnancy.
Too afraid to embrace her child-to-be.
The patients discovered their shared catastrophe through a series of anonymous tips. One person had contacted them all, revealing that their doctors had been in league together, to create hybrid beings. They had used these unwitting people as test subjects.
This had broken the night before, somewhere around two in the morning. These five victims all miscarried at the same time just five states apart. And all of this happened only a week ago.
If her math was correct, Eve had been implanted with this… mystery DNA a full seven weeks - two months before they had. The fact that she was "patient zero" left her more numb than anything. She could only feel the vaguest sense of kindred grief underneath the cloud of… nothing plaguing her mind.
She had experienced the typical pregnancy symptoms at first. The fatigue, dizziness, tenderness- all of that she'd planned for. Looked forward to. The inhuman strength? Being able to hear her neighbors half a mile away, arguing at dinner? Even her eyesight had improved. She no longer needed the glasses that she had worn her entire life. These things she could never have anticipated, never would have guessed.
The five other patients never spoke of newfound abilities. Not a mention of increased strength. It was this realization that made her feel even more alone. It made her small home feel cold and empty, her future bleak. It made the little life in her belly seem monstrous and her own body feel betrayed.
That night, after a day spent glued to the television and that endlessly cycling story, she received a message from "Q".
Eve thought she'd never hear from them again after their brief first correspondence. She stared at the blinking email alert on her computer, numbly clicked open the message. It was short and to the point.
"You are in grave danger. Do not panic. I am sending help.
Q"
She stared at the screen, barely comprehending what she was reading. Help? What help? She looked away from the screen, shivering slightly. Eve couldn't help feeling watched. The message was so brief and so monumentally… unhelpful.
She shook her head, maximizing the window again, only to find that the message was gone.
Confusion flew through her. She looked through her messages, in every file, but couldn't find any evidence that "Q" had ever messaged her. Absolutely nothing.
Dread quickly replaced the confusion. The paranoia that had been mounting within her over the past few weeks came to a head. She had to do something, she had to help herself in her own way. Obviously nothing had come of reaching out, except for vague answers and even more dead ends.
"Q"'s help or not, she decided now was the time for her to buck up and find her own way out of this mess… somehow.
Her go-bag had been relatively easy to put together. She'd gotten her sturdiest dufflebag and filled it with essential clothing, a week's worth of dry rations, her passport, and any cash she felt she could spare.
As she pried up the loose stone in the bottom of the fireplace, she couldn't help but feel a little silly. Maybe she was blowing things out of proportion? She couldn't possibly be pregnant with… Superman's baby, there's no way that could be an actual thing. That kind of wacky stuff only happened in soap operas. And yet, as she hid the bag underneath the cold hearth, the news story played over and over in her mind. The tearful faces of those parents that had their dreams dashed, all because some mad doctor had decided to play God.
Whether or not Eve was being rational, she was glad she decided to plan for something.
That something came a week later. It had snowed heavily in the night and the walkway outside her little cabin had been buried under two feet of snow. She had no plans on leaving, and she knew she shouldn't be doing anything too strenuous in her condition, but Eve couldn't stand being cooped up with nothing to do but wait anymore. Waiting for what, she didn't really know. For the "help" Q supposedly sent? Waiting for whatever cabal of mad scientists that had done this to her to find her? To wait for the child growing inside of her to tear it's way out like some gruesome creature from a horror film?
She'd had enough of that kind of thinking. What she needed was some fresh air and exercise, no matter how cold it was.
She bundled herself in her favorite yellow coat, (carefully) marching outside to take a deep breath of the midwestern January air - and was absolutely stunned to see three tall figures appear out of thin air.
They shimmered and shuddered as their images grew more opaque. The effect was startling and very reminiscent of that scifi series she adored.
And then! She saw them as solid beings for the first time. They were too out of place to be believable, too outrageously dressed to be regular people, too fantastical in name and legend to be anything other than what they were.
Superheroes. Three of them, right here, in the clearing in front of her humble little cabin.
Wonder Woman, The Flash and… Batman.
She was baffled to say the least. The wave of surprise washed over her and just as quickly faded, replaced with indignation.
"Its about time y'all showed up!"
Eve watched her feet as she carefully stomped down the porch stairs, pressing a hand to the slight swell of her belly. The snow at the bottom of the stairs was deep, reaching her knees. That didn't deter her determined stride. Trying not to think about how silly she must've looked to these heroes as she waddled through the snow, she struggled to lift her feet high enough to clear it. She had to fight against the weight of her pregnant belly.
If she was huffing and puffing by the time she reached them, she ignored it.
"You're here because Q sent you, right?"
Good lord but they were giants! It was one thing seeing the world's greatest heroes on television, in blurry photos and fight footage, but meeting them in the flesh? It was nearly astounding just how much presence the three of them commanded.
Wonder Woman stepped forward, smiling slightly in greeting. She held her hand out for Eve to shake. Eve was surprised to see her own hand nearly swallowed in the other woman's gentle grasp.
"I am Wonder Woman, this is the Flash, and Batman. I am honored to meet you." Her voice was a melodic alto.
Eve was stunned. Her brow creased, mouth opening in surprise.
"Eve Lancaster. Y-you're honored…?" She made a sound of confusion, letting go of the other woman's hand.
"Yeah! Anyone who can put Luthor in his place is a hero in my book!" That was the Flash, zipping in place next to Wonder Woman. He had the snow shovel in his hands. He'd shoveled the walkway free of snow in the time it had taken her to blink.
Okay. The Flash just shoveled her yard. In the blink of an eye. A man who, just last year, raced Superman around the planet in eighteen seconds. She must've looked frightened because all three reached out to steady her.
She took a deep breath, blinking away the sudden lightheadedness.
"I'm alright. It's not every day The Justice League visits you. Or the Flash-" She swallowed thickly. "shovels your yard. Thank you, by the way."
He smiled sheepishly. Batman surprised them all by speaking next.
"Let's all go inside. It's safer to talk about your next steps there." His voice was deep and slightly gravelly.
"Sure."
Eve turned to lead them back inside the house, too overwhelmed to be worried about any mess. She wasn't exactly expecting company that day. The bright yellow of her foyer seemed almost jarring as she opened the door. She automatically removed her boots, hanging her coat and scarf on the rack on the wall. Her visitors followed Eve's lead. Wonder Woman wore crew cut pink kangaroo print socks under her greaves, and the Flash desperately needed new ones.
Batman did not remove his boots.
Huh. Okay.
She led them into the living room, pushed her laptop out of the way, shoved her investigation papers back into their binder on the coffee table. Speaking of.
"Would anyone want something to drink?"
Wonder Woman and the Flash glanced at each other, then to Batman. She couldn't read the situation, but she felt awful at being a bad host.
"I would love some hot cocoa." Wonder Woman said.
"Okie dokie, hot chocolate it is! I'll be right back!"
Eve desperately needed a moment to collect herself. She needed a few minutes to absorb the whiplash of the last ten, and making a snack for everyone seemed like the best distraction.
The Flash settled on the couch, Wonder Woman sitting next to him.
"So, what are we gonna tell her?" He looked anxious, sitting on the overstuffed couch. His focus kept switching between Wonder Woman and Batman, trying to read any expression he could get from them.
Batman stood with his back to the wall behind the sofa, watching the hallway through the wide archway. Flash knew he was preparing any escape routes they might need. He looked so out of place in this woman's brightly colored home. Wonder Woman sighed, chin resting on her steepled fingers.
"We will tell her the truth and we will have to let her decide what she wants to do."
"What!?" The Flash whisper-shouted. "What do you mean, 'let her decide'? She's gotta come with us!"
"I understand your anxieties Flash, but we cannot force her into anything." Her voice was placating.
"Besides, we don't even know if she's telling the truth." Batman said from behind the sofa.
Flash and Wonder Woman both shot him a disparaging look. His cowl gave the impression of raising a brow.
"And if she isn't?" Wonder Woman said.
"Then we get her a different kind of help."
Flash scoffed disgustedly, throwing his hands up at Batman's remark. They were all surprised by an answering shout from deeper in the house.
"You know, all you have to do is ask! I know I'm telling the truth!" Eve yelled from the direction of the kitchen.
"How… did she hear us?" Flash whispered.
"I can hear you just fine, thanks. I told you, I was tampered with."
The three sat in stunned silence - well Flash and Wonder Woman did. Batman looked… like Batman. There was a sound of a cabinet slamming closed, then the refrigerator. A moment later Eve appeared in the archway, a cross look gracing her pretty features.
"I apologize Eve, we didn't-" Eve cut Wonder Woman off.
"I understand your hesitation. Doesn't mean I have to like it." She sighed, the tense look slipping from her face.
"Now, who's for some hot chocolate!"
The tray she carried was laden with all kinds of goodies. Flash grabbed one of the sandwiches, humming in delight as he munched freely. Wonder Woman handed Batman a mug of hot chocolate and she sipped hers resignedly. Batman turned to set his on the end table, much to Eve's chagrin.
"You could've planted cameras." His voice was toneless.
"In my own living room? I didn't even know who specifically was coming!" She flushed at the accusation.
"Here, I have a solution." Wonder Woman stood. "The lasso of Hestia compels all who touch it to tell the truth. If you would like, we can use it to prove your innocence."
Eve hummed discontentedly. Her gaze darted between Batman and Wonder Woman, watching the strange hulking man crammed into her little living room. She couldn't get anything off of him, he was as unreadable as a wall. Wonder Woman was sympathetic, standing still as she waited for Eve to answer. She shook her head and uncrossed her arms, reaching out for the rope.
"I suppose. If it'll make Batman feel better." Her voice was slightly teasing, a contrast to the wan look on her face.
Flash bit off a surprised chuckle as he watched the right corner of Batman's mouth quirk slightly. It was so quick only he would've noticed.
Wonder Woman looped the lasso around Eve's wrist, being careful with the smaller woman. She gave her a reassuring smile. Eve could feel the magic of the rope pulse through her. It felt incredible - it filled her with a giddy sort of joy, strumming through her bones.
"I will now ask you a few questions. Are you feeling well?" Wonder Woman's eyes were patient and kind.
Eve felt a tug in her belly, like a string being plucked. She was compelled to answer. If she didn't she was sure she was going to burst apart with the intensity of this emotion!
"I'm okay. Stressed. Sore. Worried." She stopped, pressing her lips together.
The magic of the lasso wasn't a terrible feeling. It wasn't painful like she had imagined it would be. The best way Eve could describe it was… Love. Like being filled with that excited, happy kind of love. And she wanted to give this feeling, the presence of the lasso, whatever it needed.
"Did you know of the use of Kryptonian DNA in your pregnancy and others?" Wonder Woman's voice was stern.
Eve broke into tears, overwhelmed with the intensity of her despair.
"No. I just wanted to achieve my dream. I had no intention of hurting Superman. All I want is to be a mother." She choked out a sob, pressing her hands to her face.
She barely registered Wonder Woman unlooping the lasso from around her wrist. Her emotions lessened in intensity, but she still couldn't stop the tears from falling.
"That's all we wanted to know." Batman stood before her, holding out a handkerchief. She didn't even hear him move. Eve supposed the offer was more than just to wipe her tears. He was waving a flag of peace.
"Thank you…" Her voice was small as she patted at her wet cheeks. Her sadness was quickly replaced with awkward sincerity. She was being so bare to these strangers. She took a deep breath and handed the handkerchief back to Batman.
"What's all this talk about going with you?" Eve asked. "Where would I be going?"
The trio shared a brief look.
"You will be put under The Justice League's protection. We have reason to believe that Lex Luthor has involved you in some nefarious plot." Batman said.
Eve was hit with yet another wave of lightheaded surprise. What a day of revelations this had turned out to be. She pressed her right palm to her brow, using the pressure to ground herself.
"That… honestly doesn't surprise me." She turned toward the empty fireplace, lifting the largest stone to reveal her go-bag.
"Woah…" Flash made a slight sound of surprise.
"I've had this ready for a few days. I had a feeling I was going to need it." Eve lifted the bag, set it on the floor and nudged the flagstone back in place with a slippered foot.
"You have been preparing for this eventuality?" Wonder Woman said, resting her hands on her hips.
"Well, I figured whoever did this to me was going to come back for me."
Eve sorted through her bag, making sure everything she needed was there.
"Admirable." Despite his expression of approval, Batman's voice remained impassive. He stooped down to look through it, politely nudging items aside. It wasn't an action of nosiness.
"Well, that's it then! You're all ready to go!" Flash smiled broadly, clapping his hands together.
"She needs a few more things. You'll need any medications, vitamins. Have you had your mail forwarded to a trusted address?" Batman seemed to be ticking off a mental list.
"Uhh… yes, I have most of that covered. Anything else you can think of?" Eve's tone was only slightly joking.
"You will definitely need more clothing." Wonder Woman added.
"You'll need to be quick. We have to meet at the rendezvous point within the next fifteen minutes." Batman said.
Eve puttered about, trying to get the last details in order. She watched as the Flash set her little house to rights, Wonder Woman collected any warm clothing she could find. Her calls to the post office and any other businesses took longer than she wanted, but by the time she was finished, she found the three heroes waiting in her living room. It seemed Batman found her prenatal care items.
"We can provide whatever you find you're missing. We have to go." Batman escorted her out of the door by her elbow. Eve couldn't help but feel rushed, like she was missing something, but she supposed he was right.
Had it really only been an hour since they arrived? They stood in her front yard, each carried a bag as Batman spoke into some form of bluetooth earpiece. He confirmed their readiness, and the next thing Eve knew was a shower of light and a feeling like electrical buzzing all through her bones.
What had she just gotten herself into?