After a day of excitement and fun in the metropolis, as evening approached, the three girls became quite well-behaved and sensible, making sure to catch the last train back home.
The parents of the three families sent the male heads to pick them up, and the fathers—who had grown acquainted through their children—chatted casually while waiting for the train to arrive.
Once the girls emerged from the station, the families briefly said their goodbyes before driving home.
Among the vehicles, the pickup truck belonging to Kara's family was noticeably old compared to the others, but Kara didn't care at all. She enthusiastically shared stories with Jonathan, recounting all the interesting things she had experienced in the metropolis.
"I even met an old wizard, and he gave me a magic book," Kara shared openly. She saw no need to hide it—her foster parents already knew about her biggest secret, let alone something relatively minor like this.
However, Jonathan was immediately on edge. "A wizard? A magic book? What kind of trouble have you gotten into now?"
Kara pouted in mock innocence. Why did everyone always assume she was a troublemaker?
Really, they didn't understand her other side, and it was probably for the best if she didn't talk about it casually.
"No trouble at all. The wizard might want something from me in the future, so he gave me a gift in advance," Kara explained nonchalantly. She had previously experienced a vision, a passive glimpse of the future, where she saw the Seven Deadly Sins breaking free.
If the current Shazam couldn't handle the seven entities, Kara knew she would have to step in.
In hindsight, she realized the vision might not have been her natural ability—it could very well have been something the wizard Shazam had shown her intentionally.
Kara had initially wondered why the wizard was so accommodating, giving her a magic book without any resistance.
But then she understood. It was an investment. A favor owed.
Shazam was preparing her for the inevitable. Kara and Clark's strength relied on their Kryptonian physiology—pure physical might. But the Seven Deadly Sins were magical beings, a whole different realm.
The magic book—or rather, books—served to equip Kara with tools and methods to face these foes when the time came.
"What kind of magic book is it?" Jonathan asked, his tone laced with concern. "It's not one of those that summon demons, is it?"
Kara rolled her eyes. "Seriously? I'm not stupid. I wouldn't keep something malevolent. It's a legitimate, standard magic book, covering topics like developing spiritual power and controlling the four elements. See?"
She raised her hand and snapped her fingers, a small ball of flame appearing at her fingertips.
Jonathan glanced at her momentarily before focusing back on the road. After a pause, he remarked, "Well, I guess I won't need a lighter anymore."
It wasn't exactly a compliment. The flame wasn't much larger than one from a cigarette lighter.
Kara froze for a second, unable to counter his casual jab.
Fine.
She extinguished the flame, leaning against the car door and staring out at the passing scenery. Her mind wandered.
Jonathan seemed to pick up on her thoughts. "What? Thinking about moving to the city after graduation?"
How did he know?
Kara turned to him, a little surprised. "I've considered it. I mean, I can't spend my whole life on a farm, right?"
Jonathan didn't take offense to her words. He knew she was just being honest.
But he also sensed her hesitation. Smiling warmly, he added, "Are you worried about your mom, Clark, and me?"
Kara scratched her head awkwardly. She was a young girl with dreams, after all. She didn't want to be confined to farm life forever. The idea of wearing office attire and working in a bustling city appealed to her.
Still, the thought of leaving her family—Clark especially—left her uneasy.
"I still have time. I'll figure it out when I graduate, whether it's going to college or finding a job. No point stressing over it now," Kara said, resting her head on her hand as she gazed out the window.
She was only fifteen, still trying to decide what she wanted for her future.
Maybe she could work at The Daily Planet.
With her abilities, investigative reporting would be a breeze.
Though uncovering secrets about celebrities or spying on them didn't feel right.
No, she couldn't abuse her powers. The world didn't need that kind of chaos.
Jonathan glanced at his adopted daughter again, choosing not to interrupt her thoughts, focusing instead on the road ahead.
The school break lasted three days, and Kara spent the last day helping on the farm.
With her help, Jonathan was able to relax significantly. Kara's strength and speed were unmatched, far exceeding any machine's capabilities.
With no neighbors nearby, she could freely use her powers without worry.
After the three-day break, Kara returned to school.
However, as soon as she boarded the bus, she noticed something strange. Many boys avoided her gaze, their faces showing fear and unease.
One boy even stood up nervously when Kara sat next to him, offering her the seat before fleeing.
Kara noticed the remaining boy next to her looked as though he might cry.
She smiled at him and leaned in slightly. "What's going on? Someone spreading rumors again?"
The boy stammered, his voice trembling. "They're saying you... you killed someone. That you gouged out his eyes and burned his brain to ashes with fire."
The bus fell silent. A few girls covered their mouths, visibly disturbed.
Kara sighed dramatically. "Really? That's what you all think of me? I'm too beautiful for such gruesome stories. Can't you come up with something better?"
The boy hesitated before whispering, "But didn't you break a bunch of bones when you fought those gangsters on the first day of school?"
Kara froze. Well... they had started it.
Still, maybe she did have a reputation as a tyrant.