Darius had been talking about his place for weeks, hyping it up like it was the ultimate destination for an unforgettable night. But nothing could have prepared Krishna, Renford, and Remus for the sight that awaited them when they finally arrived at the mansion.
As they crossed the threshold, they were immediately engulfed by the opulence around them. The floors gleamed, reflecting the crystal chandeliers overhead. The walls were covered with artwork that looked more like priceless relics than anything you’d find in a typical home—paintings that seemed to have stories of their own.
The air was filled with a quiet, polished luxury that almost felt surreal. But all that paled in comparison to what they were about to witness.
Darius led them down a long hallway and into the living room, where a massive leather chair sat in the center. Sitting in it was a woman so large and muscular that she seemed to take up most of the room. She rose to her feet with a grace that belied her imposing stature, towering over them at 6'10" with a build so solid it looked like she could crush a car with her bare hands. Her biceps were the size of most people’s thighs, and her posture screamed strength—both physical and mental.
Krishna’s eyes were wide, his mouth agape. "Is she... for real?"
Darius grinned, clearly used to the shock by now. "Yeah, that's my mom. She’s been lifting since before I was born. Didn’t expect you guys to be this shook, huh?"
Renford’s voice was barely audible as he whispered, "I thought I was looking at a literal giant. Is she... part superhero?"
Remus adjusted his glasses nervously, trying to regain his usual calm composure. "I… I did not expect that. Are you sure this is your mom, Darius? Or did you bring in a bodyguard by mistake? Because, like, she could break me in half."
His mom let out a deep, booming laugh that filled the room, making the chandelier above shake. Her laughter was warm and inviting, though there was something intimidating about it too. "No mistake, kid. I’m just your typical mom, except I don’t bake cookies. I bench press them."
The room erupted with nervous laughter as the group struggled to process the sight of her. Darius’s mom had a presence that felt almost mythical, like she belonged in a fantasy world where gods and titans walked among mortals.
Krishna, still trying to wrap his mind around it, stammered, "I... uh... do you actually bench press cookies? Or is that just a joke?"
She winked, flexing one of her massive arms. "Maybe not cookies, but I do have a mean deadlift routine. You boys are in for a treat tonight. But, uh, I won’t be making dinner. I’ll leave that to the kitchen staff."
Remus, now half-laughing, half-horrified, tried to regain some control. "A kitchen staff? We’re not exactly used to that kind of luxury, Darius."
Darius, not phased in the least, shrugged. "Hey, it's nothing to brag about. Mom’s been managing the house staff for years. It’s a full operation here. You’ll get used to it."
Krishna, still blinking in disbelief, leaned over to Renford. "Is it too late to ask if we can sleep at someone else’s house? I think I might be a little out of my depth here."
Renford snickered. "We can leave if you want, but I think we might get crushed by the door frame trying to escape."
The tension in the room eased as Darius’s mom offered them all a comfortable seat and promised them a fun night ahead. Despite their initial shock, the group quickly realized they were in for a night of wild stories, muscle-bound humor, and maybe even a little bit of intimidation. But it was clear that Darius’s mom wasn’t just a force to be reckoned with—she was part of the reason Darius had grown into the confident and fearless person he was today.
They didn’t know it yet, but this sleepover was about to take a turn into unexpected territory.
firearms training
After a few hours of settling in and getting used to the grandeur of Darius’s home, the group found themselves hanging out in the living room, chatting and laughing awkwardly as they tried to digest the fact that Darius’s mom was not just a giant of muscle, but clearly someone who had lived a life far different from their own.
That’s when she walked in with a serious expression, her footsteps heavy against the polished floors.
“You guys look like you’re having a good time,” she said, her voice still carrying that thunderous warmth. “But tonight’s not just about lounging around. It’s about learning something useful.”
The group exchanged confused glances. “Uh, what do you mean?” Krishna asked, raising an eyebrow.
Darius’s mom smiled, but it wasn’t the usual welcoming grin. It was almost predatory. “We’re going to do some firearm training.”
The room went dead silent.
Renford blinked rapidly. “Firearm training?” His voice was laced with disbelief. “Like... with guns?”
She nodded, a glint in her eye. “Exactly. You never know when you might need to defend yourself. And I’ve got the perfect range right outside.”
Krishna shot a look at Darius, who seemed completely unfazed, as though this kind of thing happened every weekend. “You... you’re serious?” Krishna asked.
“Absolutely,” she replied. “You can’t be a grown-up in this world without knowing how to handle yourself, especially when things get intense. So, get ready.”
Darius stood up from his seat and stretched, clearly comfortable with the situation. “Come on, boys. Let’s go. Trust me, you’re gonna love it.”
Remus was still trying to process everything, but there was a slight sparkle in his eyes as he stood up. “Well, this is unexpected... but if Darius thinks it’s fine, I guess we should give it a shot.”
Krishna felt his stomach do a little flip, but he wasn’t about to back out. Renford, on the other hand, looked ready to bolt. “I don’t even know how to hold a gun!” he exclaimed, looking panicked.
“That’s why I’m here,” Darius’s mom said with a smirk. “You’ll be fine. I’ll teach you everything you need to know.”
The group followed her out the back door, stepping into the expansive backyard that looked more like a small military base than a typical suburban lawn. A large, custom-built shooting range stretched out before them, with targets set up at various distances. It was clear that Darius’s mom had put a lot of effort into making this a professional training ground.
She walked them over to a table covered in firearms, each one polished and neatly arranged. “Alright, here’s the deal. I’m going to start you off with basic handling, and then we’ll move into actual shooting. You each need to learn how to safely handle and respect these tools. Only then can we have some fun.”
Krishna was unsure about the whole thing. His hands were a little sweaty as he glanced at the guns laid out in front of him. But seeing the confidence in Darius’s mom’s eyes, he figured there was no turning back now.
“You’ll be using a handgun at first,” she continued, picking up a sleek black pistol and showing them the basic safety precautions. “Always check the chamber, make sure it’s not loaded unless you’re ready to fire. Always aim downrange, and never point it at something you don’t intend to destroy.”
She demonstrated each step with precision, her movements fluid and controlled. The group watched, captivated by how effortless it all seemed for her.
Darius’s mom handed each of them a gun, starting with Remus. “Hold it firmly with both hands, keep your stance wide, and line up your shot.”
Remus nervously gripped the gun, his hands trembling slightly as he aimed at the nearest target. He took a deep breath and pulled the trigger. The sound of the shot echoed across the range, but the target remained untouched.
“Don’t worry,” she reassured him. “You’ll get the hang of it.”
One by one, the boys took turns, each trying to get used to the weight of the weapon in their hands. Krishna felt a rush of adrenaline as he lined up his shot. His first try was a miss, but the second hit the target just slightly off-center. A small sense of pride filled him.
Renford, who had been the most nervous, surprised everyone by getting the closest to a perfect shot. He grinned sheepishly. “I guess I wasn’t as bad as I thought.”
Darius’s mom gave him a nod of approval. “Not bad, kid. But that’s just the beginning. Now, let’s see how you handle a bit of a challenge.”
She led them to a new section of the range, where she had set up a series of moving targets. “Now, this is where it gets interesting. You’ll need to think quickly, move fast, and stay focused.”
The group was silent as they realized the intensity of what they were about to face. This wasn’t just training; it was a full-on test of their focus, composure, and skill. And with Darius’s mom coaching them, they were about to see just how far they could push themselves.
Downtime
After what felt like an eternity, the hour of firearms training finally came to an end. Krishna, Renford, and Remus were exhausted, but there was a strange exhilaration in the air. Darius’s mom had pushed them to their limits—forcing them to fire at moving targets, challenging their reaction times, and even teaching them how to quickly reload. They were all sweaty, their nerves rattled, but there was also a sense of pride.
Darius’s mom walked up to them with a slight grin. "Well, well, looks like you all survived. I told you it wouldn’t be too bad."
Krishna was still catching his breath, his hands shaking a little. "I’ve never done anything like that before. You’re… really good at this."
Her smile widened. "It’s all about practice and respect. Remember, these things can save your life one day."
Renford, his confidence bolstered by his success at hitting a moving target, wiped sweat from his forehead. "I didn’t think I’d be able to do any of that, but it actually felt... good."
Remus, the most reserved of the group, seemed to be processing everything. "It was a lot to take in. But I think I get the point. A lot more to think about now than just books and theories."
Darius’s mom gave them a final nod of approval. "You’ve all done well. Now, you've got 24 hours of free time. No training, no pressure—just some time to unwind and do whatever you like. But remember, you’re on my property, so no getting into trouble."
The boys breathed a collective sigh of relief. After the intensity of the past hour, the idea of some downtime sounded like a dream.
"Finally, some time to just chill," Krishna said, smiling for the first time since the training started.
"Yeah," Renford added, "I don’t even know what to do with myself after all that."
Darius, already thinking ahead, clapped his hands together. "Well, we’ve got the whole place to explore. You guys up for some games or maybe a movie marathon?"
"I vote for video games," Remus said with a mischievous grin. "Something that doesn’t involve any life-or-death situations."
"Video games are fine, but I’m checking out the pool," Krishna said, stretching. "I need to cool down after all that action."
Darius’s mom, overhearing their plans, gave them a thumbs-up. "Go ahead and have fun. But don’t forget—no wandering into the restricted parts of the house."
The boys exchanged curious glances. "Restricted parts?" Krishna asked, raising an eyebrow.
Darius shrugged. "There are a few areas in the house my mom doesn’t like people poking around in. You’ll get a tour of the rest of the place, though."
“Understood,” Renford said, his tone light. "But if there’s a secret lair, I need to know about it."
With that, the boys scattered, heading off in different directions to enjoy their well-earned break.
Krishna made his way to the pool area, which was nothing short of extravagant. The pool was Olympic-sized, with its sparkling blue waters glistening under the sunlight. It was surrounded by lush gardens and shaded lounge chairs, making it the perfect spot to relax.
Krishna tossed his shirt off and dived into the water, the coolness of the pool instantly soothing his muscles. He spent the next half-hour swimming laps, letting the tension melt away, the adrenaline from the firearm training finally ebbing.
Meanwhile, Renford was already deep into a game of chess with Darius in the living room, while Remus disappeared into the guest room, reading through a pile of books he found on the nightstand. Despite the wild day, he was still focused on learning.
Later in the afternoon, the boys gathered in the living room again, this time for a movie marathon. Darius picked a few action flicks, but Renford insisted on a few classics, and Krishna was the tie-breaker, suggesting a horror film to shake things up.
They sprawled out on the massive couches, snacks in hand, and for a moment, everything felt normal. The tension from the day slowly melted away as they laughed, joked, and even got a little jumpy during the scary scenes. It was a surreal contrast to the morning, where they were learning how to handle firearms and push their limits.
As the night drew closer, Darius leaned back, his feet up on the coffee table. "This is the life, huh? You guys weren’t kidding when you said you’d never been to a place like this."
Krishna, now with a towel wrapped around his waist after his swim, nodded. "It’s pretty wild. Definitely not what I expected."
Renford took a long sip of soda, eyes glued to the screen. "I think I could get used to this."
Remus, barely looking up from his book, added, "I have no complaints."
Darius grinned. "Just wait until tomorrow. We’ve still got a lot to see, and a lot more to do. But tonight... tonight is all about chilling."
The boys settled deeper into the couch, comfortable in the silence. For a moment, they could forget the weirdness of the day, the unexpected firearm training, and just enjoy the calm of the evening.
After an eventful afternoon of downtime, the group found themselves back in their room, trying to settle down for the evening. The house was quiet, the kind of peaceful silence that came only after an intense, action-packed day. But then, the calm was interrupted by a voice booming through the house—Darius’s dad, calling them down for dinner.
"Hey! Time to eat, boys!" The voice was oddly cheerful but carried an authoritative tone that commanded attention.
The boys exchanged looks. Krishna felt a slight sense of unease, even after everything that had happened. He was still trying to wrap his mind around the sheer size of Darius’s mom, and now, they were about to meet Darius’s dad? It felt like the last piece of the puzzle was about to click into place.
They made their way downstairs, and as they entered the dining room, they saw Darius’s dad sitting at the head of a long, gleaming titanium dinner table. The man was around 5'10", with a slender build that seemed both wiry and out of place in a house filled with so much physical power. He was skinnyfat, much like Krishna, which made the two of them share a brief, silent look of mutual understanding.
Krishna raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "Is... is this the guy?" he muttered to Renford, his voice low enough so Darius wouldn’t hear.
Renford was equally confused. "I mean, he looks like a regular guy. How in the world did this relationship happen?"
Remus, always the more observant one, scratched his head. "I’m... not sure I understand the dynamics here."
Darius entered behind them, casually taking a seat next to his dad, who gave him a small smile and patted the empty seat beside him. "Hey, guys, sit down. Let’s eat."
The table was impressively set, but what stood out most was the sheer weight of the titanium table—solid, unyielding, and as gleaming as the chandeliers above. It made Krishna think about just how much wealth was contained in this house—and how strange it was that Darius’s dad didn’t look like the typical imposing figure he expected in a family this rich.
They all sat down, but the awkwardness in the air was thick. Darius’s dad, who seemed as nonchalant as ever, leaned over and looked at the boys with a grin. "So, you kids still hanging in there? Hope you’re not too freaked out by everything."
The group nodded, each one of them unsure how to respond. But Darius, ever the conversationalist, broke the silence.
"Yeah, sorry about my mom," he said, grinning. "She tends to make an impression."
Krishna couldn’t help but laugh at that. “I think 'impression' is an understatement.”
Darius’s dad chuckled and then turned to the boys with a knowing smile. "So, how about I tell you guys a bit about how Darius’s mom and I got together? It’s... quite the story."
The group exchanged incredulous glances. They hadn’t expected this. What kind of story could this guy possibly have? Darius’s mom was practically a living legend. And he was—well—this.
Darius rolled his eyes but seemed willing to indulge. "You want the real story, or the watered-down version?"
His dad grinned. "Oh, you know I’m all about the real story." He cleared his throat and began, clearly amused by the look on their faces. "Well, buckle up, because it starts with a mission."
The group leaned in, sensing that this was going to get weird.
"I wasn’t always in this life," Darius’s dad continued, "But I used to do... well, let’s just say I was involved in some very ‘complicated’ things. One of those things involved a mission where I was supposed to kidnap a target—her, actually."
The room went still as the boys exchanged wide-eyed glances. Krishna blinked a few times, unsure if he’d heard that correctly. "Wait. You kidnapped her?" he asked, incredulous.
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Darius’s dad didn’t flinch. "Yup. I wasn’t supposed to hurt her, mind you. It was just... a job. I didn’t plan on keeping her, but something happened. She got comfortable. We ended up spending hours together—snuggling, cuddling, talking. And I’ll admit, we both just... clicked."
The group was frozen in place, processing what he was saying. They were expecting some grand, dramatic tale, but instead, they were being told that the romance between Darius’s parents started with kidnapping and cuddling?
Darius chimed in with a laugh. "I know, it sounds insane. But that’s how it happened. My dad wasn’t a monster. He wasn’t into hurting people. It was just a weird situation. But she started liking the company, and before we knew it, we were escaping together."
Krishna’s mind was racing. "So... she went from being kidnapped to just... falling in love with you?"
"Yup," Darius’s dad replied nonchalantly. "We both got out of there, escaped, and she ended up here. And here we are today. Three kids later."
Renford, who had been quiet up until now, leaned back in his chair, his face a mix of disbelief and awe. "So, you’re telling me that the guy who kidnapped her, and then just... snuggled her, ended up with her for years?"
Darius’s dad shrugged. "Life’s funny that way. You never know how things are going to turn out."
Remus, who had been silently processing the story, just muttered, "What... the hell?"
The group sat in stunned silence, trying to digest the bizarre but oddly romantic tale. It was a mix of absurdity and real emotion that didn’t quite fit their expectations for the evening. And yet, it felt strangely fitting for a family like Darius’s.
After a moment of silence, Darius’s mom entered the room, her towering figure filling the doorway. She smiled, glancing at her husband. "I see you’ve shared the story. It’s funny how life works out sometimes."
The boys couldn’t help but stare at the two of them. The contrast between Darius’s dad and mom was as dramatic as it was endearing. They might have been an unlikely couple, but somehow, it worked.
And as they dug into the dinner that had been laid out before them, the group couldn’t help but think: Well, that was one hell of a love story.
teacher's arrival
The night was winding down, and the atmosphere in the dining room had finally relaxed. The bizarre but strangely charming story of Darius’s parents had broken any remaining tension in the room. As they finished up their meal, Krishna and his friends were leaning back in their chairs, their minds still buzzing with the absurdity of everything they had learned about Darius’s family.
Just as Darius’s dad was about to say something else, there was a sudden knock at the door—sharp and insistent. Darius’s mom stood up from the table and walked toward the door with her usual confident stride, her powerful figure cutting through the room like a force of nature. She swung the door open without hesitation, and the moment she did, the boys stared in shock.
Standing in the doorway was a man who looked like he’d just stepped out of a comic book. He was clad in a form-fitting suit, with chains wrapped around his body in a way that was both intimidating and surreal. His presence was imposing, yet there was something strangely familiar about him.
Darius’s mom, unfazed by his appearance, greeted him with a smirk. "Well, well, if it isn’t the hero of the hour."
The man grinned back, though there was a certain weariness in his eyes. "You know, it’s not easy being the chained hero."
Krishna, Renford, and Remus exchanged looks of confusion, all of them wondering how this man could possibly be involved with the madness they’d found themselves in. Darius, however, stood up from the table with a nod of acknowledgment.
"Yo, you’re here!" Darius said, clearly familiar with the man. "What’s up, man?"
The man stepped into the room, and with a slight clank of his chains, he stood in front of the group. "I’m here to check on these fine young men," he said, pointing at Krishna, Renford, and Remus. "You know, the ones who have been causing trouble around the world and still managed to make it through their training with flying colors."
Krishna’s eyes widened. "Wait, you’re our teacher?"
The man chuckled. "That’s right. I’m Chained Hero, and I teach at the United States Catalyst Training (USCT) I’m here to report on your progress and make sure you’re all on the right track."
The group’s mouths dropped open. Chained Hero—their teacher—was standing in front of them, and his introduction was casually delivered like it was no big deal.
Darius’s mom crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. "Well, it’s nice to know they’re doing well. But the question is, why are you here? Shouldn’t this be a formal report?"
Chained Hero gave her a wry smile. "It’s all part of the job. I’ve got to keep an eye on the most promising recruits. These three are more dangerous than they realize, and I’ve been tracking their progress for a while."
Renford, still trying to comprehend what was happening, spoke up, his voice filled with disbelief. "Wait, you teach us? You’ve been tracking us? This is... insane!"
Chained Hero shrugged, his chains rattling slightly. "It’s what I do. And let me tell you, the three of you have come a long way since your first day at USCT. Your progress has been impressive. Especially you, Krishna. You're a natural when it comes to strategy and quick thinking."
Krishna wasn’t sure whether to feel proud or slightly terrified by the implication. "So, we’re not just... regular students? You’re telling me we’re dangerous?"
"That’s exactly it," Chained Hero replied, his tone serious. "But not in a bad way. You’re being trained to use your skills for something bigger. This whole setup—your training at USCT, the lessons you’ve been learning—is about preparing you for the larger world. There are people out there who think you can’t handle it, but I believe in each of you."
Darius’s mom nodded approvingly. "Sounds like they’ve been working hard."
Krishna looked at his friends, who were still processing the situation. "So, what’s next then? Do we just keep training? Is that all this is?"
Chained Hero gave him a pointed look. "No. There’s more to it. As part of your training, you’re being prepared for real-world situations. You’ve seen a taste of what that’s like already, right?" His gaze shifted to the guns and targets they’d used earlier that day.
Renford, who had been quiet up until now, spoke up hesitantly. "Are we really ready for all of this? I mean, we’re just... kids."
Chained Hero chuckled darkly. "You’re far from just kids. You’re more than capable of handling yourselves. But the most important thing you need to learn is control. You’ve got power, you’ve got skills. The trick is knowing when to use them—and when not to."
Remus, still trying to process everything, asked, "So, what’s next? What do we do now?"
Chained Hero looked over at Darius’s mom. "I’d say they’re ready for their next test. But that’s not up to me."
Darius’s mom stepped forward, her towering frame casting a shadow over everyone in the room. "You heard him. You boys are ready for more. But you’ll be facing something more challenging soon. Consider this sleepover as a brief respite before things get really serious."
The room fell silent again. Krishna, Renford, and Remus exchanged uneasy glances. They had been expecting a normal sleepover, maybe some games and movies. Instead, they had just learned they were far from ordinary students, and their lives were about to get even more intense.
"Go ahead and enjoy your night," Chained Hero added with a sly grin. "But don’t get too comfortable. Tomorrow's a new day, and I’ll be keeping an eye on you."
The group, now feeling both confused and oddly invigorated, nodded quietly. As Chained Hero left the room, his chains clinking with every step, they were left to digest everything they’d just learned. They were no longer just kids; they were soldiers in training, and the journey ahead was only beginning.
As Chained Hero stood in the doorway, his chains clicking softly, he gave the group a moment to let the weight of his presence settle. Then, with a deep breath, he began speaking again, his voice grave but not without a hint of awe.
"You kids might not fully understand what you’ve gotten yourselves into," he said, glancing over at Darius’s mom, who was still in the room with them. "But let me fill in some of the blanks. You see, Darius's mom isn't just some regular powerhouse. She's the #1 female hero. She's what we call a Catalyst—and trust me, that’s no ordinary thing."
Krishna’s brow furrowed. He had heard of "Catalysts" before but hadn’t grasped the full extent of what they could do. Darius’s mom had already shown off a frightening level of strength and confidence, but he was starting to realize it went far beyond that.
Chained Hero continued, his tone shifting slightly as he spoke of Darius’s mother with a clear respect. "Her first Catalyst is called Superhuman, and it gives her physical enhancements that are beyond anything most of us can even comprehend. Strength, speed, durability... Hell, she could probably take on a whole army single-handedly if she wanted to. And on top of that, she has flight, which isn’t a common Catalyst. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg."
The boys listened intently, unable to believe what they were hearing. Darius’s mom wasn’t just a powerhouse—she was something more.
"And then," Chained Hero continued, "She has a second Catalyst called Object Manipulation. It’s a lot like the Control Catalyst, but more refined. She can manipulate objects at a molecular level, control them, reshape them. She’s got almost complete control over anything in her environment. Think of it as moving things with the mind, but more precise—more dangerous."
Renford, still grappling with the fact that they were sitting in the same room as such an extraordinary woman, asked, "Wait, so she can just... control anything around her? That’s insane!"
Darius, who had been listening quietly, grinned. "You’ve got it. She’s pretty much a walking weapon. And I never thought I'd say this, but I’m kinda scared of her sometimes."
Chained Hero raised an eyebrow, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. "You should be. But what's even more impressive is that her third Catalyst, Warp, lets her teleport instantly. That means she can move anywhere in the blink of an eye. It’s like having an unlimited escape plan at all times."
The boys were left speechless. Superhuman strength, speed, durability, flight, object manipulation, and teleportation? It was hard to imagine how anyone could stand a chance against her. But just as the room began to settle into the weight of her abilities, there was another knock at the door.
Darius’s mom turned with a raised eyebrow. "You expecting someone else?"
Chained Hero gave a slight nod. "Yeah, there’s one more person you should meet. The school doctor."
The door opened to reveal a man stepping inside—a tall, muscular figure wearing a sharp suit. His presence was commanding, but there was a calm aura around him that made him seem approachable. The man looked almost effortless, as if he were in perfect control of every situation. He was Dr. Coby Vigor, the #2 hero.
The moment he entered the room, the boys couldn’t help but notice the strange aura around him. There was something unsettling about his presence—a subtle but powerful energy that radiated off of him. And it wasn’t just his appearance that commanded attention; it was the air of authority he carried with him.
Chained Hero, who had been standing in the doorway, eyed Dr. Vigor carefully. "I’m still surprised neither of you ended up in the hospital after going through all that," he muttered. "I thought for sure someone would be getting patched up after a visit to her."
Dr. Vigor chuckled, a low, calm sound that seemed to fill the entire room. "It’s not as bad as it looks," he said, brushing off the concern as if it were nothing. "But I’ve got to admit, it was a close call." He glanced at Darius’s mom. "You really do take it to the next level, don’t you?"
Darius’s mom shrugged, unfazed. "What can I say? It's part of the job. I wasn’t about to let him off easy."
The boys were still processing what they were hearing, but it was clear from the way Dr. Vigor and Chained Hero were speaking that this was just another day for them. Dr. Vigor’s voice turned serious as he spoke again, this time addressing the group.
"As for you guys," he said, his gaze lingering on Krishna, Renford, and Remus, "You need to understand the power that comes with your Catalyst abilities. You’re not just normal students anymore. You have the potential to be heroes, but you also need to know when to use that power and when to hold back."
Krishna, his curiosity piqued, raised an eyebrow. "And how exactly do we learn that? I mean, this all seems way beyond us."
Chained Hero stepped in, his usual humor gone, replaced by the seriousness of his words. "That's what we’re here for. You’ll be tested. And we’ll be watching. But don’t forget—your bodies, your abilities, they’re not toys. You can heal, you can fight, but you can also kill. And it’s up to you to make the right choices."
The weight of his words hung in the air like a thick fog. The boys knew that what they were being taught wasn’t just some regular school lesson. They were preparing for a future that was darker, more complicated, and far more dangerous than they could have imagined.
As Dr. Vigor made his way over to a nearby chair, he paused for a moment and added, "You’ll be fine. But you need to start thinking like heroes, not just students. The world’s counting on you."
The conversation shifted to their next steps, but the boys couldn’t shake the feeling that their lives had just taken a sharp turn into a reality they weren’t ready for. And yet, they knew deep down that there was no turning back now.
Psychological Analysis of Darius's Mom:
Motives:
- Power: Darius’s mom is driven by an insatiable need for power—not only as a means to protect her family but also as a personal ambition. Having lived with immense physical power, she sees her strength as a tool to control the world around her. Her desire for more control extends to those she protects, ensuring that no one is left vulnerable.
- Rank: As the #1 female hero in America, her desire for rank and recognition isn’t about vanity—it’s about ensuring that her position allows her to safeguard the things she loves. She believes that higher rank means more power to protect or crush evil, and she’s fiercely protective of her place at the top.
- Status: Her desire for status isn’t just for personal glory. It's tied to her belief that strength should be respected. She craves the acknowledgment that comes with being at the top, to cement her dominance in a world that too often underestimates people like her. She sees the respect she earns as a means of asserting control over those who doubt her capabilities.
- Money: Money doesn’t seem like a direct motivator for her, as her immense strength and abilities likely make her self-sufficient. However, the power and influence money can bring might subtly factor into her world, especially when it helps fund operations that align with her values. It can be used as leverage to control resources or even manipulate events for the greater good.
- Heroism: At her core, she believes she is a protector. She stands as a hero who does what others won’t, even if that means walking a morally grey path. Her ideal of heroism is founded on pragmatic strength, not idealism. She sees herself as a necessary force, someone who breaks boundaries when conventional methods fail. She's not a saint—she's a warrior willing to do whatever it takes to protect her own version of justice.
- Idealism: While she does maintain some level of idealism about the greater good, her version is brutally pragmatic. She is willing to sacrifice the few for the many, and her actions are often guided by an idealistic belief that the greater world will be better for her sacrifices, even if it means stepping on some innocents along the way.
Complexity:
- Morally Grey Hero: Darius's mom is not a typical hero. She's a pragmatic force of nature, driven by both a sense of justice and a ruthless practicality. She doesn't hesitate to take drastic action when she feels it is justified, even if it costs innocent lives. While she may save people in one breath, she will sacrifice others in the next if it serves the greater goal. The complexity lies in her balance of morality—she never directly targets the innocent, but they become collateral damage in her world of decisiveness and speed.
- Willing to Sacrifice Innocents: While she doesn’t kill innocents intentionally, the sheer scale of her power means that innocent lives are often caught in the crossfire. She sees these deaths as unfortunate but necessary for achieving a greater purpose. This willingness to sacrifice highlights a dangerous side of her character—a side that, if unchecked, could spiral into something more tyrannical than heroic.
- Saves People, Kills Criminals: While she does engage in merciless acts of violence to rid the world of criminals, she has an unquestionable commitment to those she deems worth saving. She fights to protect those unable to protect themselves, but her idea of "protection" often involves eliminating threats by any means necessary, which can occasionally blur the lines of heroism. When she's saving people, she’s a beacon of hope; when she's eliminating threats, she’s the hammer.
Symbolism:
- Anti-Heroism: Darius’s mom embodies anti-heroism in its truest form—she doesn’t follow the typical “do-gooder” mold. She doesn’t care about ideals; she cares about results. She represents the grey area between right and wrong, where sacrifices are made in the name of a broader, often darker, vision of justice. She is the force of nature that no one can stop, standing as a symbol that the road to heroism is far more complicated than merely choosing to "do good."
- Moral Grey Hero: She stands as a morally grey hero, representing strength through pragmatism. She sees herself as an executioner of justice—not afraid to get her hands dirty if it means achieving her goals. She doesn't adhere to any absolute moral code, instead trusting her own judgment, which may be a source of her internal conflict.
- Strength and Power: Her strength is her ultimate symbol. The way she uses her physical strength and three Catalysts showcases her belief in force over finesse. She represents the unmatched dominance of someone who can bend reality to their will through sheer might, making her the embodiment of power. Her symbols are not of a heroic, compassionate figure but rather a dominating, unstoppable force who reshapes the world to fit her ideals.
Personality Type:
- ENTJ (The Commander): Her personality is that of an ENTJ, a natural-born leader who is strategic, logical, and highly capable of achieving her goals with precision and power. She is confident in her decisions, often to the point of being ruthless, and sees every action as a calculated move towards a larger goal. Her focus is on efficiency and control, and she does not hesitate to make the tough decisions that others would shy away from.
- Tactical: With an ENTJ personality, Darius's mom thrives on command and order, making her highly effective in both the battlefield and in everyday decision-making. She would prefer a world where things are systematic and controlled, where she’s at the top, orchestrating the outcomes that she wants.
Dark Triad Type:
- Narcissism: While not overtly vain, Darius’s mom exhibits narcissistic traits in the form of a deep need to feel superior and to be recognized for her immense strength. She believes that her power and ability to protect are essential to the world, and she’s not afraid to let others know this. Her self-confidence borders on arrogance, and she may expect others to recognize her authority without question.
- Machiavellianism: Her strategic thinking and willingness to manipulate situations to achieve her goals speaks to her Machiavellian tendencies. She is a master of utilizing power dynamics to control and manipulate the environment, always seeking ways to expand her influence without ever appearing out of control.
- Psychopathy: Her emotional detachment and willingness to sacrifice others (including innocents) in the name of the greater good point toward psychopathic tendencies. She doesn’t experience the same level of remorse that others might feel when making hard choices. She is willing to destroy in the pursuit of survival, which gives her a chilling lack of empathy.
Mental Health Disorders:
- Potential PTSD: Having seen and caused so much destruction, Darius’s mom could be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The sheer weight of the decisions she’s made, the lives she’s lost, and the constant violence could have impacted her mental state, leading to flashbacks or intense emotional numbness, which she suppresses with extreme focus on her goals.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Her need for order and control could manifest in obsessive tendencies, where she seeks perfection in her strategies and environments. She may engage in ritualistic behaviors or obsess over details, driven by a fear that the world is constantly teetering on the brink of chaos.
- Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD): Given her tendency to ignore societal norms and ethical guidelines, her disregard for the value of individual lives may be a manifestation of antisocial behavior, characterized by a lack of empathy for others and a focus on her own needs.
Conclusion: Darius’s mom is a character defined by immense strength, pragmatism, and a deep internal conflict. While she may seem like a purely heroic figure on the outside, her actions reveal her flawed morality, her uncompromising will, and her dark pragmatism. She is a protector of the world in her own eyes, but she will sacrifice anything—innocents, lives, or morals—to maintain the power she believes is necessary to protect everything she holds dear. She embodies the dark side of heroism, where might and willpower dominate everything, even at the cost of losing part of her humanity.
The battle that took place 15 years ago wasn’t just another conflict—it was the moment Darius’s mom solidified her belief in absolute strength and ruthless efficiency.
At 25 years old, Darius’s mom was already a rising force in the hero world, fighting alongside her close friends and classmates—Kyuma and Shinbou.
That day, a terrorist villain wielding a fire Catalyst tore through the city, leaving destruction and death in his wake. He was about to execute 50 innocent civilians, their screams lost in the chaos.
Kyuma—the most capable of them all—rushed forward to save them. But then it happened.
Shinbou got in his way.
She wasn’t trying to stop the villain.
She wasn’t trying to save lives.
She was chasing after Kyuma—not because of strategy, not because of logic, but because she loved him.
Her hesitation, her selfishness, nearly cost 50 lives.
Kyuma, despite the delay, managed to save the civilians. But in that moment, something inside Darius’s mom snapped.
She didn’t lash out. She didn’t yell. She didn’t say a word.
She simply watched. And remembered.
The incident faded. The city moved on. But then, a week later, a gruesome discovery was made.
Shinbou’s body was found in a back alley. Mangled. Torn apart. Beaten beyond recognition. Whoever had done this hadn’t just killed her. They had made an example out of her.
The autopsy revealed crushed bones, shattered limbs, and injuries consistent with being slammed against walls, the ground—perhaps even held and squeezed with overwhelming force. But despite the brutality, there was no evidence. No fingerprints. No DNA. No witnesses.
The case went cold.
But there was one person who knew the truth.
Darius’s mom had done it.
She had waited. She had planned. And when the time was right, she erased Shinbou from existence for her weakness.
Not in anger.
Not in revenge.
But because, in her mind, this was justice.
Kyuma never spoke about it. Maybe he suspected. Maybe he knew.
But the truth was simple: Shinbou had failed as a hero, and in Darius’s mom’s eyes, she had no right to continue existing.
From that moment on, she carried this philosophy with her:
"Hesitation kills. Weakness is death. Emotions have no place in war."
It wasn’t just a belief.
It was a law.
And she would enforce it. No matter the cost.