Chapter 36 (edited)

The tornado left the road paralyzed, destroying numerous cars and nearby houses. It would take at least two to three days to clear the debris and restore traffic.

Clark, Kara, and their parents had no choice but to turn back. Along the way, the puppy they rescued couldn't be reunited with its owner, so they brought it home.

Kara was the first to return, using her super speed to break the sound barrier and disappear without a trace before reappearing at the Kent farmhouse. When the others arrived, she had already changed into a set of clothes she'd packed earlier.

Dressed in her sleek Kryptonian uniform, Kara exuded confidence, but Clark, who didn't yet have a suit of his own, couldn't help but look on with envy.

"When did you change into that?" Jonathan asked, his expression darkening as he noticed the battle suit. "You shouldn't have taken such a risk."

Kara folded her arms. "And let you die? I couldn't just stand by."

Jonathan let out a frustrated sigh. "I'm worried, Kara. Not just for you but for Clark, too. If the world discovers your abilities, do you have any idea what could happen? People would fear you. They'd see you as a threat. Even if you mean no harm, they wouldn't believe it. The world isn't ready to accept you or Clark."

Kara frowned but said nothing, instead pulling on a sweater to cover her suit. She found the cape cumbersome and sighed as Martha came over to help her adjust her outfit, tucking the cape beneath her clothes.

Jonathan raised an eyebrow at Martha's practiced ease. "How many times have you done this?" he muttered under his breath.

Martha simply smiled, brushing it off.

Jonathan returned his gaze to Kara, his tone firm. "This is the first time you've been seen. No one caught you on camera this time, but don't take chances again. Promise me."

Kara's eyes narrowed. "I'm not the only one who needs to change their ways. You're being reckless, Dad."

"Reckless?"

The tension between father and daughter grew as they locked eyes.

"Kara, don't talk to your father like that," Martha interjected gently, but Kara didn't back down.

"You're the head of this family," Kara said, her voice steady. "What happens to us if something happens to you? What about Mom? What about Clark? Shouldn't you be setting an example for him? Teaching him how to become a hero that inspires hope in humanity? And me? What do you expect me to do if I have to watch my father get swept away by a tornado without lifting a finger?"

Jonathan's expression softened, but Kara pressed on.

"I understand your concerns about protecting Clark and me, about avoiding government attention or worse, but we're family. I won't let my family suffer or die in front of me. Ever."

Her words struck a chord. Jonathan looked away, unable to respond immediately. Kara's resolve was unwavering. She loved this family more than anything and would do whatever it took to protect them.

Finally, without another word, Kara turned and stepped outside. The rescued puppy followed her, tail wagging as it trotted at her heels.

Kara knelt, pulling a baseball from a nearby crate. She held it up for the puppy to sniff before tossing it into the field. The dog bolted after it, retrieving the ball and bringing it back with enthusiasm.

Jonathan stepped outside, watching her silently for a moment before speaking. "If no one claims him, he'll be part of the family," he said, his tone lighthearted.

Kara froze. Did he just compare her to a dog? Her lips twitched with irritation as she grabbed the baseball and threw it with all her strength. It shot into the horizon with a faint whoosh.

The puppy stared after the ball, confused, before bounding into the field. However, the ball had disappeared far beyond its reach—perhaps even out of the state.

Jonathan sighed and walked over to her. "Kara," he began, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder, "I understand why you did what you did. I'm touched, truly, but the risks—"

"I know, Dad," Kara interrupted, her voice calmer now. She turned to him with a serious expression. "But you're overthinking this. Clark and I aren't the only ones on Earth who pose a potential threat."

Jonathan's brow furrowed. "What are you talking about?"

"Atlantis," Kara said simply. "It exists. A civilization of hundreds of thousands of people, deep in the ocean. Their technology is centuries ahead of ours. If anyone on the surface tried to provoke them, it would spark a war. A war we might not win."

Jonathan stared at her, stunned. "Atlantis is real?"

Kara nodded. "It's real, and they're powerful. If the worst happens and the world turns against us, Clark and I aren't the ones they'd be worried about. Atlantis could destroy the surface world if it wanted to."

Jonathan's face paled. "Kara, promise me you won't do anything reckless. The world can't handle that kind of destruction."

Kara shrugged, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Relax, Dad. It's not like I'm planning to start a war. I'm just saying we're not the biggest fish in the pond."

Jonathan shook his head, still processing her words. As Kara sat down on the tailgate of the pickup truck, the puppy climbed onto her lap, curling up contentedly.

Jonathan leaned against the truck beside her, glancing down at the dog. "Well, looks like he's already chosen you."

Kara rolled her eyes but smiled faintly. For all their disagreements, she couldn't deny how much she cared for her family—and how far she'd go to protect them.