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Power of the Elements: Recharge
Chapter 22 - Road to Rage (2)

Chapter 22 - Road to Rage (2)

-Guyver house-

"So, every Tuesday, we react to 'Badger Knight'." Ryu hummed. "They say the TV adaptation will open in a Badgerverse TV universe." His eyes twinkled. "Awesome."

"Or bad?" said Jake. "It's cool they are starting with this and building upon it, but then they add another hero, and people will ask... 'why didn't they call this guy?'"

"Brother," Sam stared at him with a blank look. "Sometimes you need to turn off your brain and don't ask questions."

"Even if I do, there is going to be a small part that will ask questions."

The redhead took out his phone and looked through it. "Eh, people did that with MCU and DCTV... huh?"

"What's wrong?" asked the spiky-haired raven. "Fan backlash?"

"No, it's from Lance and my brother. The camp will let them watch the game from there. They want me to join them on the live stream to watch."

The faded box-cut teen looked surprised. "Why would a camp allow modern technology?"

The redhead shrugged. "Just because they want to be in the great outdoors does not mean they block access."

The spiky raven felt his phone ding, then took out to read a text. After reading, he shrugged. "Amy texted me. She ran into Robert. She tells me he will be at the baseball game. Also, he hit on Tanya and was immediately rejected."

"And Tanya earns a point." chucked the redhead. "Rob Jocko cannot get any girl he wants. Since he will be at the game, there is a chance you will run into him."

"Thousands of people are going to be there." The box-faded cut walked to his computer and sat down. "Running into that jock is a chance, but you two won't even know you are there."

"Heh, watch as he is right there behind me."

"Hitting on your mom." smirked Ryu.

Jake groaned. "Don't."

"Brother, that is when you stare that idiot in the face," Sam spoke. "Tell that loser not to gaze at your mom like that."

"Nah, mom will set him straight." Another ding on his phone prompted him to look at it. He sighed. "And now my ex-gf and former friend broke up."

"The same jerks that posted the video?" The young boxer looked at him with disappointment. "If that crazy girl texts you to try and get back together with you, then you say no."

"Oh no." He chuckled. "Another friend told me she broke up with him to get together with another guy. So... it's nothing."

"Good!" Ryu smiled at him. "Now you can find a girl here." He frowned. "Same amount of drama, same amount of attitude."

"High school life, right?"

"Right." chuckled Sam

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-July 30th, Saturday, Baseball Stadium-

Jake sat in the stadium sometime before the game began. He smiled as he gazed down at the baseball field. It had been a while since he had been to a stadium to enjoy a game. The chants, the slight camaraderie, everything.

"I hear you are into soccer."

Then there is the man who invited him and his mom. The guy was... trying too hard. The man smiled forcefully like he did not want the fire warrior there, yet the man focused on his mom mostly and only looked at Jake as if trying to earn points with his mother. At least that was what the teen thought, and maybe he was overthinking.

"Yes."

"Great." He then looked at his mother with a look that read, 'Did this for you'. He could not tell his mom's expression when she faced the man, but it seemed to brighten the guy up further. The man turned to the field with a big smile. Yep, this guy was being obvious in the pursuit.

"Hey, kid."

The teen wondered if his name was forgotten, a way to win over his mother. He turned to the man with a slight smile. "Yeah?"

The man seemed to take offense to something. "It should be yes, sir." He handed Jake 50 dollars. "You mind getting us food and drinks? A hot dog for me."

"Uh... sure." Why ask when the man could go and get it? Why did he have to correct him? "Mom, do you want anything?"

"Just two chili dogs." She smiled at him. He mentally chuckled at the man's surprised look. "And when you get the ultimate nachos, we'll share them." The guy's eyes seemingly bugged out. Why does this woman want to eat that much?

He nodded. "Alright." He proceeded up the steps, replaying the shocked look in the man's eyes. What did he think she was, some mild, simple woman? He shook his head. Whoever his mom decides to be with... he will try to tolerate."

"Don't like him."

He rolled his eyes. His sister was at the Hub watching the game and observing him. "Yeah, is it just you?"

"Javo is here too, and the others are at home watching with family. I didn't want to be at home, and I wanted to get a look at the guy. He looks sleazy."

"Be nice,"

"Fine, I'm going to watch while you get food."

He chucked while reaching the entrance, then suddenly felt a brief presence for a split second. He turned around, expecting a monster or an enchanted object. Nothing. Nothing was there for him to see or feel. Eyes narrowed as he thought the next threat might be here.

"Ishida?"

He whirled around to face Robert, standing there looking surprised for a second before the jock chuckled.

"You are here?" He looked around. "Where are the rest of your rat pack?"

"I'm here with mom."

"Oh," he snorted and shrugged. "Just your mom?" He smirked. "Amy did not want to come?"

"I know what you did." Jake crossed his arms. "I know it all."

The jock's smirk turned to a frown. "Huh, and?" He leaned in. "Are you going to be a big hero for her? You want to slug me?"

"Huh." The spiky-haired raven leaned in as his eyes narrowed. "You are full of hot air."

"Punk."

"Move it, kids."

The duo moved back to let a few adults walk by. One of them stopped and looked at the two boys.

"If you kids fight, then do it outside."

As he left, the two boys glared at each other, then Robert shook his head before stepping away. "Later, ass."

"Bye, meathead."

The spiky raven walked down to the concession stand, wondering why the guy continued to feel slighted by a rejection. Amy is pretty and easy to get along with, but how long does it take to move on from getting rejected? He wanted to move on from being cheated on. There was nothing to dwell on right now. He came here to enjoy himself and get food. Upon seeing the long line to the stand, he groaned yet stood in line. As he waited, there were announcements, followed by a woman singing the national anthem. He focused on the line as she sang, yet the bad feeling came back. Then, his senses started to pick up. Where?

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"Gave proof." The woman sang, yet her tone started changing, becoming haunting while singing slowly. "Through... the night... that your... Mistress is here."

"Damn!" he shouted as his senses burst. As he looked around, everyone was brainwashed. They displayed red eyes and creepy-crazed smiles that whispered her name. A fearful thought emerged. "Mom."

He made a mad dash to the stands, wincing at seeing the particles of rage energy floating around him.

"Jake!"

"Javo? Where is Tina?"

"I sent her out of the room just as I realized what was happening. Damn, Pilot and the others are on their way to the Control Room."

He raced up the stairs just as the chatter of the others emerged.

"Everyone!" Amy's cry was heard. "My family is under her spell!"

"Same here! She also got the others at the camp." growled Ryu. "Marge pulled one under us."

"Evil witch!" Christina yelled. "We should've realized this!"

"That malignant harlot!" yelled Tanya. "When I get my hands on her!"

"They keep chanting her name!" Sam sounded worried and angry. "She used this game to get everyone under her in one fell swoop."

As Jake ran into the stands, his eyes widened in horror. He gazed up not only at the crowd but at the sky. "Pilot? The sky is..."

"Damn!" growled the canokian leader. "We are underprepared for this."

The skies above were red, almost like it was out of some twisted end-of-the-world event. His body moved automatically down steps, eyes still in horror. He watched everyone raise their hands and chant the mistress's name, including Robert. He made his way down the steps, where his mother stood chanting with a crazed smile on her face.

"She did not change the color of the sky. You are trapped in a red dome." shouted Reinstar.

"And it's expanding!" muttered Luka.

"Seems it is drawing in rage from people as it expands." growled Javo.

"This could cover the country if it persists." growled Pilot

He stared down at the field as the energy from Parkerville's citizens flowed to the woman wearing a white dress, which slowly became pink.

"Home... of your... mistress." She finished, then stared at everyone. "Applause?"

They clapped while angrily and gleefully chanting her name. The action made him mad.

"She's there, teleport us." shouted the water warrior.

"My closet can't teleport me to the Hub!" gasped the wind warrior.

"The dome blocked access!" growled Pilot. "We can't enter, and you can't come. There is nothing we can do here."

"Wait, is the Hub not in Parkerville." asked the ice girl.

"It's in the Pacific Ocean, but that is beside the point."

"But," the light girl sounded worried. "If we can't get there, there has to be another way."

"On foot," Jake growled. "Get here on foot."

"Jake?" spoke Tanya. "On foot, it's far, but... yes."

"Raging Fire!" The teen's hand glowed red.

"Jake, wait for the others!" shouted Pilot. "Damn it!"

"IGNITE!"

A second after transforming, he made a mad dash down the steps. Mistress M caught sight of the transformation and the approaching Radiant.

"Oh, you are here?" She smiled. She watched as the warrior leaped into the air with his fist ignited in flames. "Mad?"

"Shut up!" He dove down with his fire fist.

The mistress laughed as she quickly moved away from the attack. Blaze ceased his adroit as he landed, then raced toward her with rapid punches while the woman began dodging.

"Oh! I can feel your anger, Radiant!"

"How are you doing this!" He yelled as he delivered a kick.

She moved away from the kick. "High above us, my umbrella is using the rage energy I collected to generate this barrier around the city." She avoided a punch by quickly flying in the air. "All it needed was for me to just... come out and use your modern technology to let everyone hear my voice." She giggled while moving away from the warrior. "For those who don't hear my voice, the dome siphons their rage." She clasped her hands happily while floating in the air. "Come, meet me at Maple Forest." With that said, she flew off.

The fire warrior frustratingly stomped his foot. "Gang, she's heading to Maple Forest."

"There?" shouted Bolt. "We were just there!"

"I am ashamed." Reinstar sounded upset. "I failed to patrol the forest."

"That's not important. We don't have time." Pilot said.

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-The Hub-

Tina poked her head around the corner. "Is it safe?"

"Yes." groaned Javo. "Sorry, I chucked you out."

She scowled. "Warn me next time."

Pilot angrily gritted his teeth, then shook his head. He raised his head at the monitor with glaring eyes. He turned to Sword Unit with pride, then at Tina, then at the monitor. "Luka, bring the gauntlets to the teleporter."

"Right." The bird woman left the room with a stern look.

The young girl looked worried. "What's wrong? What do they do?"

"They will help amplify our power, but only temporarily. Holding the dome in place will take a lot out of us." informed the muscular man.

The redheaded canokian gazed at her. "Tina, monitor everything." He faced the monitor. "Children... Radiant. Take this as a priority. Do not give in to your rage. No matter how much she pisses you off, she will use whatever artifact she summons to try and take control over you."

"You say that." The gray warrior spoke. "But all this rage energy over Parkerville is getting to me. Reminds me of Salem, but more intense."

"It feels like I'm surrounded by anger." The orange warrior said with fear

"It's getting stronger the closer we get." The yellow warrior spoke with irritation.

"Which is why you need to be strong. If you give in, your crystals won't protect you. You need to remember who you are, what you are fighting against, and why you are doing this." He sighed. "I wish you had more time training, more time to prepare." He growled. "So that the worst-case scenario does not happen."

"Hey, you did." Blaze chuckled. "Even if we are about to enter the lion's den, you helped us be more ready. You are a very, very determined trainer."

"You are our mentors." spoke Frost. "You gave us advice and taught us how to use our power."

"We will give it our best shot." said Aqua.

"Once victory is achieved, Donut Party!" roared Bolt.

"We'll go all out." declared Aero.

"Let's shine bright, everyone!" cheered Lumina.

Pilot nodded, then clenched his fist. "Fine. Radiant, your mission, defeat Mistress M and come out alive. Guardian, we will stop the spread of the dome!"

"Right!"

He turned around, walking out of the room, but not before patting Tina on the shoulder as he walked by. Javo and Reinstar followed him out the door, flanking him on his left and right. They walked through the Hub and into the teleportation room where Luka stood, wearing a pair of metal gauntlets. On the console were three pairs of metal gauntlets. They put the gauntlets on, looked at each other, and stepped on the teleporter.

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-Parkerville outskirts-

The four canokian stood out on the four corners of the dome. Pilot glanced at the approaching doom with conviction, an aura manifested around as he raised his hands. The gauntlet gave an illuminating glow as if reacting to his power. "Guardian, stop this dome from spreading until the Radiant stops her."

"Affirmative!"

He nodded. "Go on."

He slammed his hands on the barrier, gritting his teeth as he felt the barrier trying to push back. The other three were also putting all their strength into trying to keep the barrier from spreading.

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-Maple Forest-

The Radiant of Fire ran and jumped across the city while hearing every person chanting her name. Some were pushing each other aside as if they were angry that other people were drowning out their cries. Gritting his teeth while ignoring the sounds, he kept moving. It took a while to reach the Maple Forest, where he found his friends had arrived before he did. He landed in front of them.

"You made it. We just got here." spoke the light girl, although she sounded scared.

"Yep," chuckled the electric teen, yet there was something off with him.

The fire warrior knowingly looked at them. "Scared?"

"I was pumped earlier." The wind warrior rubbed his head. "But now I feel... a bit overwhelmed."

"It's like that feeling you did not study enough." The water warrior stared into the forest. "I feel that. All that bravado went away."

"I want to fight her." The ice warrior grabbed her shoulder. "But you know. It feels like we are in over our heads."

"Yeah." The fire warrior gazed into the forest. "It does feel like that."

"Like we are in this storm that feels like we have no way of getting out." said the light warrior.

Storm. The word rang in Blaze's head. A memory of a conversation with his father a year before his death. It was when he lost the first half in the soccer match finals. He felt it was his fault his team was not doing well. In his state, his father approached him with words of encouragement.

"You may feel like you are in a storm right now, but you will have to ride this storm until the end. No matter what happens."

They lost, but he felt pumped in the second half.

"Radiant." He stared at them with a smile. "This may seem like too much, but... we have to keep going. We're in a storm, a storm that is dangerous and will cause chaos, but... we will have to ride through this storm until the end. We have to keep fighting until our bodies give out. We have to protect our families, the people of this city, and the world." He held out his fist. "Let's ride this storm!"

The teens wearily looked at him before breaking into smiles

Bolt grinned. "As corny as that was, I feel a little better." He held out his fist. "A fist bump to ride this storm."

Lumina giggled. "Alright!" She held up her fist. "Ride this storm."

"Ride this storm." Aqua held out her fist. "I'm ready.'

"Ride this storm." Frost held her fist. "Time to end this."

"Let's go." Aero held up his fist. "Ride this storm."

They bumped their fists together in unison.

"We are warriors of the element." The red-clothed teen dropped his arm while staring down the dirt path. "But let's earn that title." He frowned as he clenched his fist. "Let's go."

They nodded firmly and calmly. The Radiant of Fire took a deep breath, then ran down the path with the others trailing behind him. Scared? Yes, but they were the only ones who could stop her, so giving up was not an option.