The house was finally quiet after the long night of emotional conversations. Emily and Sarah were resting peacefully, while John and Linda sat in the living room, their expressions a mixture of confusion, curiosity, and hope. Dave stood before them, a look of determination on his face. This time, he wasn't just a son—they needed to see him as the protector he had become.
"Mom, Dad, we need to talk," Dave began, his voice calm but firm. "Now that you know a bit about my abilities and the dangers out there, I want to offer you something… something that will make you stronger and safer."
John frowned slightly, his hand gripping the armrest of the couch. "What do you mean, son? You've already done so much… bringing the girls back, protecting us… what else is there?"
Dave took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully. "I'm not just offering you safety, Dad. I want to offer you power—like mine. Superhuman power."
Linda blinked, her gaze shifting between Dave and John. "Power? Like… you want us to become like you?"
"Yes," Dave nodded. "You've seen what's out there. The people who took Emily and Sarah aren't ordinary. There's a world hidden beneath this one—a world of superhumans, people with abilities beyond imagination. And now that you're part of this, you need to be strong enough to face it."
John's brows furrowed. "But we're not like you, Dave. We don't have abilities. How could we possibly fight against people like that?"
"That's where this comes in," Dave said, holding up a small box that had appeared earlier. "Inside are two potions, each one capable of awakening a power within you. This is something I've learned how to create through the process of becoming what I am today. These will allow you to gain abilities that suit you the most."
Linda's eyes widened in shock. "A potion that can give us powers? Dave… this is too much. We're just normal people."
"Mom," Dave said softly, kneeling in front of her and taking her hands in his. "I don't want to force you into anything. You and Dad deserve a peaceful life, but I can't guarantee that safety anymore, not after what happened. I need you to have the strength to protect yourselves—if not for you, then for Emily and Sarah. You saw what they went through. I can't always be there… but if you have this power, you won't need to rely on anyone."
John remained silent, his gaze locked on his son's. "And if we choose not to take it? If we choose to stay as we are?"
Dave nodded, respecting his father's thoughts. "Then you can stay here, in this house. I've secured it so that nothing can harm you. No one will get in unless I let them. You won't be prisoners, but you'll be safe. However, if you decide to step out into the world, you'll be vulnerable again."
Linda glanced at John, then back at Dave. "And if we take it? What kind of powers are we talking about?"
"It's up to you," Dave explained. "The potion will tap into your deepest desires and manifest a power that suits you. Dad, if you want strength to protect the family, that's what you'll get. And Mom, if you want the power to shield those you love, you'll receive something similar."
John rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "What do you think, Linda?"
She took a deep breath, her gaze never leaving Dave's face. "I just want our family to be safe. I want to protect our children. If this is the only way… then I'll do it."
John nodded, his shoulders squared. "Then I'll do it too. For the family."
Dave felt a surge of relief and pride swell within him. "Thank you, both of you. I promise, you won't regret this."
He gently opened the box, revealing two elegant glass vials, each filled with a shimmering liquid that pulsed faintly. One was a deep, fiery red, and the other a soft, calming blue.
Linda stared at the vials, her breath catching. "These… they look so… unreal."
"They're safe," Dave assured her. "Once you drink them, it'll take a few moments to take effect. I'll be here the entire time."
John picked up the red vial, turning it slowly in his hand. "And this will really make me strong? Strong enough to protect everyone?"
"Yes," Dave said confidently. "It will make you more than strong. You'll be able to take down anyone who tries to harm our family."
Linda hesitated before reaching for the blue vial. "And this… will let me defend the people I love?"
"It will," Dave promised. "It's your choice. If you don't want to do this, I'll understand."
John and Linda exchanged a long look, communicating silently in a way only a husband and wife could. Then, as if reaching a decision, they nodded together and uncorked the vials.
"To the family," John said, raising his vial slightly.
"To the family," Linda echoed softly.
They both tipped the vials back and drank the contents in one swift motion. The effect was immediate. Their bodies glowed softly, the colors of the potions merging into them. John's muscles seemed to tighten and expand, while a soft, protective aura enveloped Linda.
After a few moments, the glow faded, and they both exhaled deeply.
"How do you feel?" Dave asked anxiously.
"Strange," John admitted, flexing his hands. "But… powerful. Stronger than I've ever felt."
Linda placed a hand on her chest, feeling the energy within her. "It's like… there's a shield around me. I can feel it. I can protect us."
Dave smiled. "That's good. Now, one last thing."
He took a deep breath. "There's a training method I've developed—one that's incredibly intense but effective. It's called the Training POD. You'll spend time inside it, honing your new powers, getting used to what you can do."
Linda frowned slightly. "It sounds dangerous."
"It's not," Dave assured her. "You'll be safe. The POD will push you, but it won't harm you. This is the best way to master your new abilities."
John stood up, his new strength radiating from him like a silent promise. "We're with you, son. Whatever comes next, we're in it together."
Linda nodded firmly. "We're not letting you fight this battle alone, David. We're family, and we'll get through this as a family."
Dave felt a wave of emotion wash over him as he pulled them both into a tight embrace. "Thank you. I… I couldn't do this without you."
As they broke apart, Dave gestured toward the hallway where the training PODs awaited. "Then let's get started. We've got a lot of training to do."