Sorry about the slight delay from the initial called date. Had some issue with getting the upload sorted.

Well, as far as the unexpected break, well… I got tired with how much work that went into this story and the other one, while there were merely very few reviews per chapter.

Honestly the reason I wanted to continue was to honor those who have supported me for a long time.

So, henceforth, no further schedule. The updates would be random. I am not sure how frequent it would be, but… The world of Power Couple will go on.

So, without further due,

Chapter Twenty-Six: Enter the Regime!

Veronica said with a smirk. "And after a 10-year long tease, this Christmas, your son finally proposed."

"First off…congratulations. And second off, he is not my son." Kara said bluntly. Hurt flashed across Ronnie's face, and outrage across Veronica's, but Kara didn't take it back. "In a way, I might be his mother, but…I need to find Barry. I don't feel good without him."

She was being rude, she knew it, but she didn't like knowing where Barry was. It wasn't an issue of dependency, but of concern. She wanted to talk to the man about Laurel, but there was still a chance that this all was some sort of lie, an illusion.

"You can't move, especially not in your current state." Ronnie pleaded, visibly shoving down his hurt.

"My current state?" Kara asked. She felt fine. Slightly nauseous, but fine.

Before Ronnie could reply, the door opened and a nurse with green skin walked in, passing a file to Ronnie and walking out after giving Kara a polite smile. Ronnie flipped open the file and laughed. "Check this out." He passed the report to Veronica, who also laughed.

"You look pretty damn cute, Ronnie."

Wait a moment… Kara snatched the report out of Veronica's hand and stared at the scan…it was her pregnancy report.

"This… This can't be happening…" Kara said as she looked at the paper in her hand in shock.

"Okay, I am officially sad now." Ronnie made a pout face as Veronica looked at him with a surprised expression.

Kara looked up at Ronnie's face while her expression was a bit weirded out. She tried to ask, "I didn't mean it that way… It's just… It's not possible at all! I… I mean, we used protection… I think…"

Ronnie thought about it and said, "Oh! That part… Well, I am not a Human birth?"

Veronica realised what he meant,"Ah… Yeah, I remember when Bruce mentioned that."

Kara looked more confused as she further asked, "Wait, I am not getting what you guys are talking about…"

Ronnie broke into laughter as Veronica slapped his shoulder as she whispered to him, "Stop it…" She turned to Kara and began, "Ronnie is not born biologically like Laurel was… If you remember, back on Krypton, there was a thing called, 'Chronotic Bonding?'"

Kara thought about it and tried to remember, "I… I can't remember exactly…"

Ronnie slowed down on his laughter as he replied, "Well, let me help. Chronotic Bonding is a genetic mutation based method for reproduction. Basically, when you and Dad fell in love and began living together, in aspects, you both began developing the bonding. More specifically, a mental bond."

Kara tried to remember as she said, "But… if it is a bond, isn't it supposed to give us communication?"

Ronnie smirked as he said, "This is not a movie or a story… With the bond, the only thing that happens is genetic cross-matching. Basically, it's just like how after being in a long term relationship, two partners get the other person's personality onto them. Well, for Kryptonian like us, it happens in a more physical aspect."

Veronica nodded and explained, "So, the more you and Mr. Allen get closer in an emotional level, more your genetic features sync up with each other. For examples, after all the time he had spent with you, he would now have a bit of resistance to alien environment. That's why we weren't much scared when you told us he was here."

Kara looked baffled as she slowly was able to recollect some memories about all this stuff being taught to her during her time on Krypton. But, the more she tried to remember, she was getting more confused.

Ronnie continued onto the explanation, "While in the initial stages of Bonding, it stops to just genetic resemblance. But, in more developed cases like yours, there are possibilities to have your reproductive cell began sharing genetic resemblance. And as per Kryptonian Biology, this results into a Pregnancy. With Mother DNA acting as the template for the kid's genetic structure, while the Partner DNA acting as the second part of the kid's characteristics."

Kara looked up and asked, "So… You are basically…"

Ronnie nodded and finished her theory, "I am fully Kryptonian. The only thing I have from dad is the good looks at the fun vibes."

Veronica laughed and pinched his cheek, "You forgot that sharp wit of yours."

Ronnie turned towards Veronica as if to argue as he said, "No… the wits are from Mom. Dad, for the most part, was dumb where it matters."

Veronica eyed at him as she said, "You… You did not just call my All-time favourite Leaguer, dumb! Ronald Allen, I am going to make you eat your words when we meet him!"

Kara, while her confusion was eating onto her peace of mind, she couldn't help but sport a smile as she saw the two fight… just the way she would fight with her Barry.

Her hand moved over to her abdomen as she looked down, realising that she might be on her way to be a parent. But, things hit her as she realised that there were things that needed to be fixed.

Kara asked just as the two of them were continuing their argument, "Umm… How come you two happen to know this much about Kryptonian Physiology?"

Ronnie and Veronica stopped as their faces were red like anything. Veronica bit her lip as she looked at Ronnie for help.

Ronnie gulped a lump down his throat as he said, "Umm… Well, after Brainiac took over, there was a global drive to provide existing humans with a genome splicer. Genome Splicer using Kryptonian DNA." Ronnie pauses and replies, "After that part, normal humans have Kryptonian traces on them. So… There were more reported cases of Chronotic Bonding…"

Kara gasped as she realised what he was trying to imply. She blushed as she realised how embarrassed the two would be.

"Yeah… We were taught in Chronotic Bonding Protection… as teenagers…" Veronica said with hesitation.

Kara tried to switch the topic as she asked, "Umm… I… Can we leave? I just… I just don't feel good here with Barry… How… How can I find him?"

Ronnie placed an arm over Kara's shoulder. For that moment, Kara felt weird. It was as if she felt Barry's affection. Her heart paced as she realised how it was to be related to someone in ways unimaginable.

Ronnie replied to her, "Don't worry. I will go out to see if there were any singularities out there… Veronica would be taking you back to our apartment…"

Veronica nodded and said, "You just calm down… Technology here has been advanced vastly. It should be a matter of minutes to find his location."

Kara, while generally an optimistic person, was not completely sure about the idea. She took a glance at Ronnie and in an odd way, she felt an unknown comfort and trust.

She reached out for his arm which was on her shoulder and with that, she held onto his eyes as she asked, "Promise me you will get him back to me."

Ronnie looked back into her eyes with determination. Tears almost flowed through them as he replied, "I promise."

Kara smiled and said to Veronica, "I guess we have to leave now?"

Meanwhile, Queen Laboratories,

Barry looked out of the window. He looked at the people walking along the crispy clean streets as he noticed the gleaming streets. But, even with all the perfection, the human element felt missing. In his own way, he could see how this world is drastically different…

Laurel had gone to her room to freshen up as Barry kept his eyes to the window. As he stood there, Cisco said, "There's been a lot happening, Barry."

Barry turned to Cisco and asked, "Cisco, did you see if I had any chance of coming back?"

Cisco sighed and said, "I tried. Even if there is a possibility that Barry from this time is alive in the speed force, with him gone, this universe's connect to speedforce is completely gone."

Barry thought about it and nodded. "But… Why humans are?"

Cisco completed his question, "Suppressed? Disappeared?" He paused and replied, "After Brainiac took over, there wasn't much change. But, once the terraforming began, the Regime gave out Genome Splicers with Kryptonian DNA. For a price. Anyone who can't afford one… Worse part is… There are some off market sellers who are producing Splicers with some unique alien samples. Cases of ethical usage of these have been rampant throughout the city."

Barry realised what he was meaning and replied, "If that's the case then… This is horrible?!"

Cisco sighed and moved over to him. He placed a hand over Barry's shoulder as he replied, "Look, I am glad you are here to help us… But, even as someone who is here… Living in this world, I would really say that you should go back to your world as soon as you can."

Barry turned to him and looked into his eyes. He could see the genuine concern in his tone and he sighed. He pulled his friend and gave him a hug.

As Cisco hugged him back, Laurel walked back into the room, wearing a formal suit as she said, "We should get going..."

Barry got away as he asked, "Umm… where exactly?"

Laurel adjusted her tie and said, "I managed to locate a Lead on one of Genome Rackets. Thought maybe it's time I stopped by the company."

Barry looked confused as he asked, "What about Kara?"

"Well, if we are able to stop by the Mayor's office, we should be able to get that part sorted for now… You have to realise. You don't have powers. And so doesn't she. The more risk we take, the more we are putting her in risk.", Laurel responded.

Barry sighed and nodded, "Alright…". While Barry tried to stay optimistic, he felt a rather odd sense. He was not sure if coming here was the best course of action. But setting that aside, all that ran in his mind was too fix this world.

Laurel nodded and with that, the two walked out of the lab.

Sometime Later, Starling City Mayor's office,

Laurel and Barry walked into the office as the busy Mayor's office looked packed, with work going on tediously. As the two walked into the busy hallway, Barry looked baffled at the grandeur and the various innovative tech he could see.

Laurel moved to the Reception Desk as she leaned onto the table and called out, "Erica? Are you here?"

A oddly geeky looking girl popped out of the desk as she looked at the Laurel and her face was blushing furiously. She adjusted her glasses as she removed the pen time from her teeth and replied, "Hi ."

"Erica… You can just call me Laura." Laurel replied, citing her commonly used name. She looked around and gave Barry a glance who seemed transfixed with other thoughts and said, "I need to talk to William…"

Erica thought about it for a moment and looked at the schedule on the computer, "Well… He is supposed to be having a meeting in ten minutes… I can make it a bit delayed if that would help…"

Laurel grinned and said, "You are so cute! Thanks a ton." She turned to Barry and said, "Come on… this way." Laurel signalled towards the direction for the office. Barry, snapping back to reality, nods and starts off. He manages to take a quick glance at the receptionist who was looking at Laurel with dreamy looks.

As Barry and Laurel walked along the hallway, Barry asked, "She seemed rather…"

Laurel laughed and said, "Yeah… Always very helpful. She is a really genius with computers."

Barry scratched his chin and replied and said, "That feels rather familiar…"

With that, Laurel stopped before a huge office door. She took a breath as she pushed the door open. As Laurel and Barry walked into the room, the man behind the desk seemed rather baffled and perplexed, seeing Laurel walk in.

William got up, setting all his files aside as he asked, "Umm.. Laurel, what are you… Doing here?"

Laurel simply raised her hand, not looking at him as she looked around the office, trying to find something, "I just need to use Dad's lair for something…"

"You are still not over your obsession, aren't you?" William looked over at Barry and wasn't able to recognise him, given he never got to meet the Flash. "You managed to convince someone else too for your foolish trips?! Grow Up, Laurel!"

Barry, feeling a bit defensive, asked Laurel, "Laurel, What are we doing here?"

"The old lair has the algorithm prepared by Curtis and Felicity. With that, it should be easy for us to find them." Laurel responded to Barry.

Barry looked a bit relieved at her answer, a bit glad that they are getting closer to finding Kara.

William comes closer to the two as he reached for the bookshelf, taking out a book from it. With that, the secret door opened, revealing the older lair. "Laura, I… I want to have my sister back… At… At least one all your search is done…"

Laurel didn't even bother waiting as she reached into the entrance, with Barry looking back at William, before going into the lair with laurel. William sighed as he watched as the door closed on him.

Laurel asked as they crept into the lair, "You seemed very quiet…"

Barry sighed and responded, "I gave up. Anything I say, you are going to keep secrets. So, i figured it's no use arguing or fighting…"

Laurel sighed as she turned the light on and responded, "I am sorry about this… But, at this point… I need someone who can trust me. I… I don't know if anyone else would believe me…"

Barry nodded and said, "No pressure… Just remember, whenever you feel you can trust me, please make sure to share what you want to."

Laurel smiled at his response as she sat down on the computer. While Barry watched, Laurel worked through the algorithm. In matter of minutes, Laurel did a fistbump.

Barry reached close, looking at the map on the screen as Laurel said, "She's in this… This house in Metropolis… We should be able to teleport using a Zeta Tube in here to get there."

Barry looked confused as he asked, "But… How did you find out?"

Laurel smirked and said, "That would be giving away an Team Arrow Secret."

Meanwhile, Garden near Veronica and Ronnie's Apartment,

Veronica and Kara were walking along the pathway as Kara seemed distracted, while Veronica seemed excited as she was explaining stories about Ronnie and her.

"And that was the time when Ronnie finally got the courage to ask me out." Veronica finished off the story she was telling.

Kara, not exactly feeling so good, looked at Veronica and said, "Umm..Veronica, I am feeling a bit famished..."

"Oh… You just take a seat around here. I will get something for you ASAP." Veronica said and took off without a pause.

Kara, a bit distracted, and simply wavered around the park. As she walked along, she noticed a bench and a kids playground nearby. Kara walked over to the bench, taking a seat. She looked at the carefree kids, playing around the park without any other thought. The sight made her heart lighten up.

As she sat the bench, her mind wavering with thoughts, footsteps of someone running next to bench was heard. kara didn't move as she simply watched the kids on the park, playing to their hearts content. The innocence in their lives very visible.

As Barry sat down on the bench, Kara simply looked at him and smiled, turning back towards the playground and said, "You ever wondered… How all these complicated people give birth to such innocent souls..."

Barry, looking towards the playground, didn't reply as he let her words sink in.

Kara sighed in, "You know… this world for all that matters, is not a bad place. From the smiles on those children's faces, I… I think maybe this isn't the bad place that we thought it would be… I… I don't want to believe that Laurel is lying. I don't think she is… Maybe with all that pain inside her, she has never seen the good side of this place."

Barry, thinking about all the stuff he has seen throughout the day, gave a solemn nod. He turned around to see Laurel, who was behind a tree, simply watching the two.

Kara, with her face sporting a gleaming smile, one that made Barry go bonkers every time, continued, "Looking at all this… I… I kinda wish you were actually here. I… I would have really liked to lean onto your shoulder at this moment."

Bary, with a simple smirk, realised that she thought he wasn't actually here. In a sweet gesture, Barry moved closer to her in the seat as he put his hand around her shoulder.

Kara, sensing his touch, turned to see him once again. realisation hit her as she had a wide smile,. Without much reaction, she simply rested her head over his shoulder. the two moved their view towards the park as they both gave a collective sigh of relief. After all, there are again… complete.

Kara, as she rested in the comfort of Barry's shoulder, whispered, "Barry… We have a son..."

For the conclusion…

World Without You – Barry, Kara, Ronnie and Laurel have a long due family reunion. Barry and Kara learn the history they have left behind for this world to take ahead. In a gripping turn, the Power Couple Family embark on a trip down memory lane. Check in next time, on the first time anniversary update of Power Couple: Injustice!

Until Next Time!