Kara Became a Monster

When did a man truly grow up?

For Li Ang, perhaps it was when he became a "Godfather."

Before, he hadn't had any ambitions. Life was short, he figured, so he just wanted to enjoy himself while he could.

But after Kara came into his life, he felt he'd grown up.

At the very least, he had to give Kara the best possible environment.

He wanted her to grow up healthy, develop good values, and become "Supergirl."

So now, what he looked forward to most each day was seeing Kara after work. Making her happy was what mattered most.

Before Kara came along, Li Ang felt he could already see how his whole life would go.

Like countless party animals across America, he'd drink himself senseless, sleep around, and chase brief, intense pleasures.

But things were different now.

So Li Ang was tempted too, but he didn't agree to Sophia's offer. He said he needed to think it over.

Sophia wasn't surprised. She hadn't expected Li Ang to accept just like that.

If he'd agreed so readily, she wouldn't have dared to trust him.

If he could betray Penguin so easily, he'd be just as quick to betray her someday.

So Sophia took her leave, cool as ever.

She wore an ivory women's suit, and no one would have guessed she was the "Executioner."

"What did she say to you?"

As soon as Sophia was gone, Li Ang immediately asked Kara.

Kara walked over. "She asked about you. I don't like her, Godfather."

"Me neither."

"Then why didn't you let me do something?"

Kara asked.

Li Ang could only explain patiently.

He couldn't just keep telling Kara not to do things; he had to help her understand why she shouldn't.

"She's the head of the Falcone family. If you reveal what you can do, we won't be able to stay in Gotham. Do you want to go on the run like before?"

Kara pressed her lips together, understanding the reason.

Then she said, "What if I put on a mask like Spider-Man? Could I be a superhero then?"

Kryptonians could use "psychic suggestion," and even glasses could be enough to fool people.

That was why Superman and his family never needed masks.

Li Ang thought for a moment. "You're not like Spider-Man."

"Then who am I like?"

"You're you. One of a kind."

Li Ang pinched her cheek.

Kara was adorable, with a little baby fat in her cheeks.

She was only a teenager, but she still liked hearing that.

"Godfather, let's not say yes to her. I like living here, and what school I go to doesn't matter to me."

With her Super Brain, Kara could memorize a book just by skimming it, so an elite school wouldn't be much use to her.

But Li Ang knew that the most important thing about school was the environment.

"Let's eat first."

Li Ang made no comment.

On Saturday, Kara went out early in the morning.

She was going on a two-day outdoor school trip. For Li Ang, it was a rare chance to relax.

He was used to having Kara around, but he still treasured an opportunity like this.

He'd already made up his mind to stay out all night.

So Li Ang got himself ready, shaving clean and picking out a proper suit.

They said clothes made the man. Li Ang looked at himself in the mirror and decided he was still quite handsome.

At noon, he ate a little and got himself in the mood.

But before he could head out, the phone rang.

"Hello, are you Kara's family?"

"Yes."

Li Ang thought the voice sounded familiar. It seemed to be one of Kara's teachers.

He froze. Had something happened to Kara?

"Please come to the scene right away..."

"What happened?"

Li Ang asked urgently.

The teacher didn't answer directly. "You'll understand when you get here. I'm so sorry."

"Sorry for what?"

The call had already ended. Li Ang no longer felt like going out.

He hurried downstairs, hailed a cab, and gave the driver the address.

The driver was an older white man. Seeing how anxious Li Ang looked, he asked, "Is it something important?"

"Of course. Something seems to have happened to my daughter. Sorry for the trouble, but could you hurry?"

"No problem. Hold on tight."

The older white driver answered, then shifted gears and slammed on the gas.

The place wasn't far, so they arrived in just twenty minutes.

Coventry lay north of Robinson Park, right in central Gotham. It was one of the few areas without any gangs.

Gotham Middle School's trip had been planned to go to Metropolis via the Subway Bridge, but no one had expected trouble to strike before they even left Gotham.

"We're here."

The older white driver said, "Thirty-four dollars."

Li Ang simply handed him two twenties, effectively leaving a tip. The driver had driven like a maniac the whole way.

"Thanks. Have a great day."

The driver smiled.

But it was clear this day wasn't going to be great.

Li Ang got out and looked across the river at the famous Arkham Asylum.

Arkham Asylum stood on the outskirts of the city, like a small island, and had been built to resemble a prison.

The Gotham River cut Arkham Asylum off on all sides. The only way across was Sanmen Bridge.

Li Ang didn't spend long looking at the prestigious institution, which was full of all sorts of "talent." Instead, he looked toward the riverbank.

Several police cars were parked there, and a school bus sat by the river. Many students were huddled together, crying, while their teachers tried to comfort them.

"She's a monster."

"I don't want to be classmates with a monster. This is terrifying."

"I'm transferring schools. Oh my God..."

The words reached Li Ang's ears, and he immediately walked over.

"Teacher Emma."

Li Ang hurried over to Kara's teacher.

"Mr. Li Ang? Kara's over there."

Teacher Emma immediately pointed to the side. Kara sat alone on a chair, and the other students were too afraid to go near her.

Seeing this, Li Ang felt a sudden ache in his heart. He strode over.

Kara was soaked from head to toe. Her constitution meant she wouldn't catch a cold, but she was still hugging herself tightly.

Seeing how hurt and helpless she looked, Li Ang quickly pulled her into his arms.

His suit was soaked through in an instant, but he didn't care.

"What happened, Kara?"

"Godfather!"

Kara burst into tears in his arms. "I'm sorry!"

In all this time, Li Ang had never seen her cry so bitterly. Even when she thought of everything she'd lost on Krypton, she'd only looked melancholy.

"It's all right now. I'm here."

Li Ang stroked her golden hair, helping her calm down.

Only then did he learn what had happened.

They'd been by the river when the school bus suddenly went out of control. The driver had swerved in panic to avoid an oncoming car, and the bus had plunged straight into the river.

In that moment, Kara forgot what Li Ang had told her. She revealed her powers and went to help them.

She'd pushed the sinking school bus back up by herself, and all the students and teachers had seen it.

And that was how things had ended up like this.

Kara had become a monster.