Chapter 193: Chapter 193: Man To Man (No Diddy)

Around 8:40 PM, Don and Donald finally arrived back at the Chanel Hills community.Donald brought the car to a stop in front of Don's house, turned off the engine, and heaved a sigh, leaning against the steering wheel.

The events of the day were still fresh in his mind. For most of the drive, Donald had remained quiet, choosing to focus on driving instead, though many thoughts and worries lingered in his mind.

The biggest of those worries was why he had come to a stop now.

Don, on the other hand, spent most of the drive on his phone, messaging and looking at the news about what had occurred. Finally, he turned away and asked casually, "still worried about the whole thing?"

Donald raised his head from the steering wheel, leaning back into his seat with a deep sigh before turning to Don. "How can you not think about it? People were literally walking into fire! If you were in that room, or if you had fallen into that hole, you'd understand why I'm so worried. The whole place was made of body parts, man. Eyes, hands—and they moved.

I'm serious. What if… what if they're in our homes? What if my mom and your mom are like them? What if, when we go to sleep…?"

Don could understand Donald's worries. He had underestimated how deeply the whole situation would impact him. Given that they lived in a superhuman world, Don had thought Donald would get over it after some time. But clearly, that wasn't the case.

Don sighed and placed a hand on Donald's shoulder, speaking calmly.

"Look, man, a lot of crazy things are happening in this city right now. And personally, I just got here, but from the looks of things, it's not going to change anytime soon. If anything, it's only going to escalate. We can either worry ourselves sick over things we can't control, or we can steel our minds and prepare for what's coming."

Donald wasn't moved by Don's attempt at motivation. In fact, he found it a bit insulting and scoffed. "That's easy for you to say. You're in the Elite Hero Program. Only the best in the city get into that. I know you've gotta be amazing.

Not to mention, you've got a high-tech android watching your back. I don't have any powers—I mean, not real superpowers. If something were to happen at my house, or if I was alone, I honestly don't know what I'd do. This isn't easy for me."

Don thought for a moment. 'I guess I should kill some time talking. Seems he could use it.' He sighed, removed his hand from Donald's shoulder, and took a more understanding approach.

"I know better than anyone how it feels to be in that kind of position, especially when your family's involved. Remember the Central Mall incident? I may be in the Elite Hero Program now, but that was my first real fight. I didn't know any special moves. I didn't have any special training. Suddenly, my life and my mom's life were in danger.

But did I run? No. I fought as hard as I could. Somehow, against all odds, I got through it."

Donald looked at Don with genuine curiosity. "How? How did you get through it?"

Don sighed, as if revealing a closely guarded secret. "When I was fighting the Green Thorns, I was losing badly. I landed a few hits, but they were bigger than me, and they had weapons. They broke my arm; I felt like my ribs were cracked. Pain was everywhere, and my vision started to blur. I thought I was going to die—but I didn't want to."

Don paused, turning to look Donald straight in the eyes. Sёarᴄh the Novёlƒire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

"In that moment, when I clung desperately to life, something awakened in me. Powers I never knew I had. Thanks to that, I was able to get through it. I passed out shortly after, and when I woke up, my mom was safe, I was alive, and I had powers I never knew existed."

Donald wasn't expecting this answer, but it held his full attention. "So… what you're trying to say is…"

Before Donald could finish, Don cut him off. "Without that near-death situation, I'd still be a Class D superhuman with only dreams of maybe becoming a sidekick. But now, my dreams are much bigger than that. I know yours are too."

Donald was deeply moved by these words. He looked down at his own hands, opening and closing his fists as if expecting something to happen. His expression turned disappointed as he admitted, "But I was in a near-death situation today, and I didn't get any new powers."

Don chuckled and shook his head. "The lesson isn't about gaining new powers—it's about making the ones you already have stronger, so strong that they scare and even surprise you. It's not easy, so I won't push you. But from my experience, despite all the pain I went through, it's worth it."

After saying this, Don felt he had spent enough time being motivational. He checked the time on his phone and said, "I better get going before Mom starts worrying. I'll talk to you tomorrow. Good night, man."

Don extended his fist for a bump, preparing to leave the car. Donald, with his head still lowered, quickly raised it and met Don's fist, saying awkwardly, "Thanks… for not leaving me back there. And for the talk."

"Anytime. See you tomorrow for school," Don replied with a grin, stepping out of the car with Winter following him.

Donald, startled by Winter's presence, quickly turned his head to see her getting out. He had been so engrossed in the conversation that he had completely forgotten she was there.

Despite knowing she was an android, Donald still felt embarrassed acting like that in front of a beautiful woman. He sighed a few more times before starting the car and driving off.

After Donald left, Winter finally spoke up. "I had no idea you had such deep experiences, Don. If you ever wish to talk, I am qualified to give therapy."

Don, who was smiling and feeling like the day had wrapped up well despite Sister Rose getting away, rolled his eyes at Winter's offer and shook his head. "That won't be necessary. Now, let's go inside."

'I still have to have a chat with Samantha.'