"You should not have awakened the Earth-Angel within me." Linda Danvers said, fire dancing from her eyes. Her image waxed and waned for a brief instance before the brunette five foot eight frame of Linda Danvers was replaced by the six foot one blonde frame of Supergirl. There was no point in maintaining the illusion. Every one in this room knew that she was Supergirl from the future, except maybe the Nazi's and the Dark Angel. And they would not be with them much longer.

"You are still weak girl." Dark Angel hissed, "You cannot control the Hell you can unleash."

"Let's see. Shall we?" Supergirl asked, her wings of fire flared out as the room erupted in flame.

The Nazi soldiers screamed out in pain as the fire danced around the, licking them, burning the flesh and blood from their bones, leaving them smoking husks on the stone floor of the castle. Dark Angel remained standing as an unholy purple light danced around her form. One sole Nazi soldier stood, looking afraid and confused but unblemished by the flame.

Supergirl turned her attention to the soldier, "You are obviously pure of soul young man. And not consumed by the evil of the Third Reich. I would recommend you change your allegiance."

The soldier looked at the burning husks of his fellow soldiers, looked at the malevolent figure of Dark Angel, then at Supergirl. He let out a strangled cry, dropped his rifle and took off running.

"Soldiers are disposable and easily replaced commodities." Dark Angel cooed, "Your fire cannot touch me as long as I'm in this protective barrier."

"But my sword can!" Hippolyta shouted, springing forward and swinging her enchanted blade at the demon.

Dark Angel gave a cry, ducking out of the way just in time to avoid being split in half.

"I grow tired of this game." Dark Angel spat, "We shall meet again Wonder Woman. And as for you Supergirl, time will catch up with you. And not even the powers of an Earth-Angel will save you from your destined death."

Dark Angel disappeared in a puff of smoke, leaving Supergirl, Wonder Woman, Miss America, and Silverhawk looking after the spot she'd disappeared from.

"Are you OK?" Miss America asked, turning to Supergirl.

"I think so." Supergirl smiled weakly, "Dark Angel did a number on me. But I made it through OK. More or less."

"Your Earth-Angel powers are back with a vengeance." Wonder Woman said, looking at the smoke drifting up from the charred dead Nazi's.

"It would appear so." Supergirl said quietly, looking at the mess she'd made. "I didn't mean to kill them… the fire had a mind of it's own for a minute there."

"The one Nazi was fine." Silverhawk said thoughtfully.

"His soul was pure. He was only here because the Baroness had blackmailed him into being a soldier." Supergirl said, and then her eyes widened. "Oh my! I nearly forgot!"

In a blur of motion her form returned to that of Linda Lee Danvers wearing a charred Glory outfit and she flew away, without saying a word to anyone.

"I hope she's going to be OK." Miss America frowned, crossing her arms.

"I'm sure she'll be fine." Silverhawk said, not adding that when he met her in the future she seemed happy and lighter, as though a burden had been removed from her soul.

"I am troubled by Dark Angel's words to her. About her destined death." Hippolyta sheathed her sword, feeling troubled. "If death awaits her… perhaps that is why she has been unable to return to her proper time."

"She has to return. At some point." Silverhawk said, however he could not elaborate on the fact that he had in fact met her in the future after her sojourn in the past, since no one here knew that he had come here from the future.

"I hope you are right. She is troubled about her future and her past, but she will not share any of her problems for fear it will endanger the timeline. It is a burden that I can relate to. It makes it hard to grow close to anyone, since you must always keep a part of yourself hidden and secret." Hippolyta said thoughtfully.

"She is strong." Silverhawk said, "We shouldn't worry about her."

"I'll go contact Hawkman and let him know that this stronghold has been liberated. We'll have Allied soldiers here before the night falls. It will be a great break in helping break the Nazi's strangle hold on Bialya." Miss America said, removing her JSA communicator from her belt and walking away.

"I'm going to go talk to Linda." Wonder Woman said to Silverhawk, "Stay here with Miss America. It might be a good idea if you wait here until the Allied forces begin to arrive. In case Dark Angel comes back."

"No problem Wonder Woman."

Wonder Woman went to a nearby window, where the Invisible Plane said hovering outside, waiting for her.

Linda landed on the ground near where she had left the Nazi soldier earlier. She made his way to him, finding the man sleeping. The bleeding had stopped, her tourniquet having worked.

"Philip?" She shook him lightly.

His breath caught in the back of his throat and he woke up.

"Glory? You have returned." He said, his lips caked with dried blood.

"I said I would." Linda smiled at him; she lifted him gently, "I'm going to get you some medical help. And then we are going to find your family and free them."

"What are you doing?'

Linda turned to find Wonder Woman standing beside her.

"I'm going to take him to Justice Society headquarters for medical attention. Then I am going to find his family and liberate them from wherever the Baroness Von Gunter imprisoned them."

"I don't think that is wise." Hippolyta replied.

"How many Nazis have you taken to Transformation Island Hippolyta?" Linda asked holding Philip. The young man had gone unconscious again, his pale blue eyes sliding shut.

"That is different." Hippolyta said, "Those women and girls can be rehabilitated."

"Why because they are women? Philip never wanted to be a Nazi. His parents are being held hostage by the Baroness, and that is why he is one of them."

"I wouldn't trust a word he says." Hippolyta replied.

"You have the golden lasso of truth. Why not rope him with it when he's had the bullets taken out of him to find out?" Linda said, not liking the way Hippolyta was looking at her.

The silence between the two women was heavy for several moments, until Hippolyta finally spoke.

"We can take him back in my Invisible Plane."

"I can fly him there in the same amount of time it will take you to get us there. I am faster than a speeding bullet after all."

"Yes, but you and have need to talk. I saw Power Girl and Blackstarr while I was fighting those Nazi planes."

The flight across the Atlantic took ten minutes at the rate the Invisible Plane was going, bringing them safely to a stop on the landing pad on the roof of the Justice Society Brownstone.

"He'll be fine in a few days." Dr. Mid-Nite said to Linda, looking at her with those dark goggles of his. "Although I am dubious about having him here."

"I told you that I vouch for him." Linda replied, "He is not evil. He has been forced into being a Nazi and once he is better, I am going to help him liberate his family from whichever camp they are being held at. He became conscious on the plane ride here and Hippolyta questioned him with the golden lasso. No one can lie when ensnared in it."

"But the Nazis use brainwashing techniques Glory." Dr. Mid-Nite shook his head, "It's possible that they have buried his real personality beneath a fake one. And it's the fake one that you met and Hippolyta lassoed. They are crafty and evil, and not to be taken lightly or underestimated."

"Why is it so hard to believe that he might be telling the truth? Why is every one so quick to just all of the Germans? They aren't all evil. And not all of them believe in Hitler's cause. Some of them are just doing what they have to so they and their families can survive!" Linda wanted to tell Dr. Mid-Nite about the concentration camps and the horrors that were yet to be known, and all of the awful horrible things that would come to light once this war was over. But she couldn't.

"You haven't seen the horrors we have Glory. You have only been here a short time and have only just joined this war. You don't understand how deeply their evil and depravity go." Dr. Mid-Nite said.

"I understand better than you think." Linda shot back, "You know that I'm from the future. I know things that you don't. Things you won't find out about until after the war is over and done with. It's far worse than you imagine Dr. Mid-Nite. And I also know people. And he has a good heart and is not to be blamed for his actions when he is only doing them to save his family."

With that, Linda stormed out of the treatment room, bumping into Miss America and Wildcat who were standing outside, watching everything through the window into the treatment room.

"I'm sorry. I didn't realize you two were out here."

"We want to keep our eye on that Ratzi slug you've got in there." Wildcat said.

"He's not a danger to anyone. Why is everyone here so quick to pass judgment and condemn him? It makes no sense to me." Linda shook her head angrily.

"Regardless of why he did what he did, he's still one of them. And they can't be trusted." Wildcat said.

"Why are you so ready to defend him Glory?" Miss America asked.

"Because I am not so ready to write him off just because of his country of origin and what he was forced to do. And I'm surprised to see members of the Justice Society of America being so bigoted toward him. It doesn't seem like an attribute someone standing for justice would possess. Or one dressed as the embodiment of America." Linda crossed her arms tightly across her chest, feeling her temper beginning to flair.

"Linda," Miss America sighed, "I think the stress of being here is beginning to get to you. Not to mention whatever Dark Angel did to you in Bialya. Add to that Power Girl and Blackstarr's disappearance… and well, it's a lot of stress."

"Plus your friend Craig is still in a coma." Wildcat added.

"What does that have to do with anything?" Linda asked crossly.

"Maybe your judgment is clouded. I see how you are looking at that soldier." Miss America said awkwardly.

"What is that supposed to mean?" Linda gasped.

"Linda, honey," Miss America took the girl tenderly by the shoulders. "You look like you're falling for him."

"I don't even know him well enough to have feelings for him like that!" Linda exploded.

"Sometimes all it takes is a look." Wildcat spoke up.

"So you think that me wanting to get him medical help and help him free his family is because I have a thing for him?!" Linda barked, "That's ridiculous! Have Dr. Mid-Nite contact me once he's awake."

With that, Linda stormed off, leaving Wildcat and Miss America to watch after her.

"I'm beginning to worry about her." Miss America sighed, "She's been getting a bit more violent during fights. And now this need of hers to protect this soldier and believe him… not to mention the number Dark Angel pulled on her."

"She'll be fine Joan." Wildcat said, "That girl is tough as steel. She'll be all right. She just has some adjusting to do. Once she is used to how it is here, she'll be much better."

The energy glittered in the air, wavering there.

"I've seen this pattern before." Linda said to Dr. Fate. "I'm just not sure where."

The star shape marked the spot where Wonder Woman had witnessed Blackstarr and Kara of Argo City fighting.

"I have seen it as well during my studies. It is the mark of Arion, Lord Mage of Atlantis." Dr. Fate said.

"Interesting." Linda said, not saying that the Power Girl of her time was the granddaughter of Arion. Surely it could not be just coincidence. There was some mystery surrounding Power Girl's origins as far as Linda knew.

Dr. Fate cast spells upon the star-shaped energy form. After several moments he turned to Linda.

"There is no trace of either of them beyond that energy signature. No clue to where they went or where they were before." Dr. Fate said, "I'm sorry."

"Not your fault." Linda replied, then looked at him, "Do you want to try and send me back to the future again when we get back to the Brownstone?"

"I wish I could Linda. But, my prior inability to send you back was for a reason. And while I probably could figure out a way around that, I'm not going to tamper with the natural flow of things."

"Great." Linda groaned, "Can't you try?"

"I'm not going to interfere with your destiny here. There is a reason for you to be here, but I cannot explain to you."

Dr. Fate did not elaborate any further; he merely disappeared. Linda remained hovering about the Mediterranean staring at the star-shaped energy pattern that in the future Power Girl wore on her belt-buckle. Kara of Argo City called herself Power Girl here in the past; in the future Karen Starr, called herself Kara, and went by the name Power Girl. Was there some connection?

Linda turned and flew back toward the United States. Rather than heading back to New York City and Justice Society Headquarters, Linda found herself flying above Leesburg.

It looked pretty much the same as it had when it had been destroyed. Except there was no division of STAR Labs, no video store, no mall. There weren't any fast food restaurants. Other than that, Main Street looked the same, except the historic court house was clean and brand-new looking and wasn't considered all that historic yet. She hovered there, watching people scurrying about, moving away from the downtown area to the empty areas that would eventually be the neighborhood she would grow up in.

It was covered with trees and Linda watched a family of deer frolicking about in the exact spot her house would be built in during the 1960's. So often during her time here, Linda had found herself contemplating the destruction of Leesburg and the death of her family and friends. Surely there was something she could do to prevent that. To save them and countless others. The destruction of Leesburg had been senseless and there was no reason why she shouldn't try to figure out a way to prevent it.

Linda felt a presence appear beside her and turned to find the Spectre floating beside her.

"Do you always sneak up on people like that?" Linda said, a shiver going through her. She always felt ill at ease around the Spectre. She knew that Jim Corrigan was in there and that by all accounts he was a good guy; but she had heard too many things back in her proper time-and observed a thing or two, that led her to feel uneasy around him.

"What you are considering is ill-advised Supergirl."

"How would you know what I'm considering?" Linda asked, morphing into her Supergirl guise.

"I have my ways. It is my duty to watch you in this time and to make sure that you do not do anything that will create a divergence and destroy the future you come from."

"Have you considered that my future has already been destroyed and that is why I have been unable to go back? Wonder Woman tried taking me back in her plane. Dr. Fate tried using his magic to send me back. Nothing worked. Maybe just being here has destroyed my future." Supergirl said, finally voicing her deepest worry.

"There are other forces at work keeping you here Supergirl." The Spectre said, "If you create a divergence by rescuing Leesburg from destruction not only can you destroy your future, but you will also unleash a great evil. One that has dire consequences for you."

"What great evil?"

"You will find out in time. Doing anything to save Leesburg could destroy the fragile balance and unleash the evil before it is time."

"I take it you're referring to the same unnamable evil that Wally couldn't tell me about either. The one I'm destined to face at some point in the future." Supergirl crossed her arms, frowning deeply. "The one that I'm maybe going to win against now that I have Earth-Angel powers."

"You have an important destiny Supergirl." The Spectre told her, "You must abandon any thoughts of changing Leesburg's fate. There is a reason it was destroyed; and part of it is your enemy trying to goad you into undoing the fate and unlocking the gate so that he might pass through."

Supergirl glared at the Spectre.

"You know you've got some nerve. You and Wally both. Why must everyone talk in riddles? Why can't you god-types just come out and say it."

"It doesn't work that way Supergirl. If you knew it would change things."

"I'm so tired of getting jerked around. I just want a straightforward answer. And the truth."

"I've told you all that I can. And I had to advise you against what you're thinking. You deserve a warning. If you try to prevent the destruction here, you'll be stopped."

"Why didn't someone stop the destruction of Leesburg? Why didn't someone step in and stop that?! If you can see the future enough from here in the 40's to know that I'm thinking about saving my friends and loved ones, why couldn't you have seen far enough to stop it from happening? Where were you when I was trying to save Leesburg?! Where the Hell were you?!" Fire exploded from Supergirl's eyes and her wings spread out wide behind her.

The Spectre looked at her for a long time, "Because it was destined to be destroyed. Your friends and family were destined to die then and there. None of us can prevent what is meant to be."

"But why is it meant to be? I understand that everyone dies… but their deaths were senseless." Supergirl felt tears welling up in her eyes, "How can that be their destined time to die?"

"You cannot understand the forces at work Supergirl. If you've spoken with Wally, you understand that you are part of something big. Your friends and family… Leesburg… there is a greater reason. And, one day you will understand. Once the pain is not quite so strong in your heart. If it was not meant to be, part of the cosmic balance, then I would not stop you from following your thoughts and saving them. But, you cannot. You must accept that their deaths and your being trapped here in the past is all for a reason. Your destiny is beginning to play out, and you are soon to find that you are it's unwitting pawn. Face it as best as you can Supergirl."

"Shut-up." Supergirl spit, flying off angrily.

She morphed back into Glory and headed straight for the Justice Society Brownstone.

"You will die American harlot!"

"That's not very nice. Doesn't your Fuhrer teach you better manners than that?" Linda swooped down in her Glory costume, avoiding the shots of energy shooting from the staff the German woman held. "Or how to shoot straight? You couldn't hit the broad side of barn with your marksmanship."

The woman cursed something at her in German.

Silverhawk flew up beside her.

"I suppose telling you that's the Baroness Von Gunter's daughter Gerda isn't very helpful?" He asked, as they both landed on the roof of the Nazi stronghold they were storming in Eastern Bialya. Once this fortress fell, they would have ended the Nazi threat in this country and cleared the way for the king to join the Allies.

"Not really." Linda replied, landing next to him.

Energy bolts flew over their heads.

"What is that staff she is using?"

"It's called the Staff of Ra. Hitler has been stockpiling and searching for ancient weapons and talismans. That one-"

"Supposedly can reveal the location of the Lost Ark of the Covenant." Linda replied.

"How did you know that?" Silverhawk asked her.

"You're from the future too. Haven't you ever seen Raiders of the Lost Ark?"

"Uh, no." Silverhawk said, his face growing a bit red. "It's a little before my time I think."

"How old am I when I meet you?" Linda frowned.

"Uh… it's a really long story Supergirl. You'll figure it all out when we finally meet." He grinned at her, "In the mean time we have to stop that crazy German girl and get inside to find out who's in charge here."

"I wonder how Green Lantern and Fury are doing with the secret entrance." Linda asked.

"I'm sure they're fine. He's got that ring and she's an avatar for the Furies of Myth." Silverhawk shrugged.

"We need to get the Staff of Ra away from her. I wish I knew more about it than what I saw in a movie when I was twelve." Linda frowned, "In the movie it didn't shoot rays of light energy. It just helped you find in a map room where the Ark was. I was too busy drooling over Harrison Ford to remember whether or not there was anything more to it."

"Ra is the Egyptian god of the Sun."

"Actually one of them. The Egyptians have had a couple different sun gods." Linda plunged from the roof, streaking down to where the German girl fired madly at her, the rays arcing past her furiously.

That last one was close, Linda thought as she barely swerved out of the path of a shot. The light energy from it singed her cape. Her aim is improving.

The girl couldn't have been much older than sixteen, and already her mind had been corrupted by the Nazis. Of course, having a madwoman like the Baroness as a mother couldn't have helped matters too much.

Gerda fired another shot, this one striking Linda directly in the chest and knocking her from the sky.

Linda screamed as the light burned through her body. With a loud explosion, the burning angel wings appeared on her back and she morphed into Supergirl.

"Oooh… that hurt." Supergirl said, then attempted to morph back into Linda. However, it did not work.

"Uh-oh… I'm stuck as Supergirl."

She looked up just in time to see a second bolt of energy streaking toward her.

The bolt struck Supergirl, knocking back off her feet and flat onto her back on the hard ground of the courtyard near the entrance of the Nazi stronghold she and Silverhawk were trying to gain entrance to.

That one packed a wallop, Supergirl thought as stars swam before her eyes.

Gerda moved in for the kill, pointing the medallion at the end of the staff directly in Supergirl's face.

"So the Staff of Ra has revealed your true form." The ravishing German teenager said in heavily accented English. "Why do you hide your superior form behind that of a plain girl? You're visage represents everything our Fuhrer is striving for."

"Your Fuhrer is a madman." Supergirl replied, rolling out of the way just as a bolt shot from the staff. It smashed a fist-sized hole in the ground where Supergirl's face had been only moments ago. "And while you may represent your Fuhrer's master race with your pretty face, your soul and insides are hideously ugly."

Supergirl hauled off and punched Gerda, knocking the girl out. The Staff of Ra fell from the young woman's hand.

Silverhawk flew down, picking up the staff and coming over to Supergirl, looking down at Gerda.

"You better switch back to Glory mode. You don't want to endanger the timeline." Silverhawk said.

"I can't." Supergirl grimaced, "when the Staff of Ra struck me the first time it transformed me back into Supergirl. I tried to transform right away, but I'm stuck like this."

TO BE CONTINUED