Rage Fueled Warriors
"Starlio...?"Shannon asks.
Starlio had a different vibe to him.One of pure rage.
The two corrupted policemen looked at each other in fear when several more armed policemen crowded behind them before they stopped in their tracks,watching the menacing Model 4 staring down their ranks."What...do we do now?"An officer asks.
Before they could do anything,Starlio burst forward.
His hand armor panel opened up,revealing a glowing orange circle as bullets rained against his armor harmlessly as he lunged his arm forward,the orange circle glowing bright red,unleashing a wave of flames that instantly set the rogue police officer on fire.
The other officers fired their guns at the teenager,who quickly took into the air,looking down at them with hatred burning through him,releasing his thrusters and falling onto the ground,slamming his palm into the road and fired off his palm's heat cannons at maximum strength.
The bitumen of the ground cracked open as beams of flames began erupted all around Starlio,scorching multiple officers repeatedly and exploding their police vehicles.Lamp posts' glass shattered,trees began catching on fire as Starlio stood up,marching towards two of the remaining officers who surrounded them with his fists clenched.
"Stop!Stop!We- we surrender!"The two officers dropped their pistols in fear.
"Who sent you?!Was it my Dad?!"Starlio roared.
"Who...?Your dad?"One of the rogue officer asks,clearly confused as Starlio took in a deep breath,analyzing the officer's body language."So it isn't him.Well in that case,tell me who ordered you to hunt me before I decide your time is up."Starlio raised his palm at them,the heat cannon slowly glowing once more,freaking the rogue officers out.
"No!It's....it's...."The officer was clearly in a state of panic.
"It's either you tell me the truth,or you turn into ash."Starlio's heart burned further with rage as the officer gave in:"It's...the Chairman!He...he has us,policemen,hundreds of us under his pocket. He sent us...that's it....that...is the end for me."
"You..."The other officer stares at his colleague,who looked up at Starlio with tears flowing down his eyes."He knows...he knows I told you already.Just kill me now..."The officer who confessed started shaking,which surprised Starlio by how afraid he was."Kill me....kill me...."The officer's voice was shaking extremely badly now when the other officer scolded him:"Dude if you wanna die that's your own problem!I didn't snitch on no one!"
Starlio lowered his flame cannon.
"You guys live with your own choices.Hunting teenagers for money?Live with that stain in your memories."Starlio stomped on their pistols on the ground,crushing them like play dough,walking away from them.
"It's over."The officer got up,sprinting towards the road.
"What the-"Starlio watched in horror as the rogue officer jumped himself into the front of a truck,instantly smashing him under the overwhelming weight of the humongous vehicle into a platter of blood.
"Wha-"Starlio stumbled back with his mouth hung wide open.
"Star...."
Starlio was broken out of his state of shock,turning around to see Shannon,weakly stumbling towards him,covering the bullet wound in her arm with her bare hand as blood began dripping down her arm.Starlio instinctively sprinted over to her,catching Shannon right before she fell as he grabbed his arms around her:"Hold on alright?I'll get you out of here."
Starlio hugged her as hard as he could,taking off into the air.
"Put up a map to the nearest hospital!"Starlio roared to his A.I as his HUD displayed a map on screen."Star...no...hospital...corrupted.Go to N...Navarro."Shannon tells him weakly.Starlio listened to her,flying straight towards the Navarro Warehouse.
-
Roy's Grandpa's House.
Roy and Angie looked at each other nervously before looking around at their surroundings.Their friends,most of the still unconscious and tied up with makeshift cuffs.Frank,Joseline and Kane,still out cold and only the two of them,awake and facing an increasingly agitated Titus,who held a kitchen knife in his hand,sitting on top of the dining table playing with the knife.
"Where's your grandpa?"Angie whispers.
"Hospital.With my dad.I told him not to return."Roy whispered back softly.
Titus was clearly not in the right state of mind.Scratching his hair madly,his eyes wide open,glaring into the ground beneath himself and whispering softly:"I am worthy...I am worthy...I will be recognized...I will be recognized..."
"I hope Starlio and Shannon are safe."Angie whispers softly which in return,Roy answered:"They most likely are.If the two of them were killed or defeated in anyway this crazy bastard here won't be muttering all these to himself right now."Roy referred to Titus.
The two stopped any form of whisper when the front door knocked.Angie nervously shifted towards Roy,who swallowed his own saliva to brace himself for whatever is coming.Titus leapt off the table,opening the door to see Mason Stex and Argus,along with a dozen armed policemen outside the house,accompanying them.
"Your son's friends are in there."Titus tells Mason.
"Prepare yourself.We have a guest."Mason tells him as he and Argus entered the house.Roy glared down Mason,who noticed the teenager in an instant,walking up to him:"Roy Brandon.It's been sometime since I last saw you when you came over to my house."
"Cut the shit.What do you want with Starlio?"Roy demands.
"You adopted his bravery.However I suggest you answer the questions I have for you Roy.The person who enters this room next is not someone you mess with.There is only but one way I can even try and get you and your friends alive out of here but you have to tell me what we want to know."Mason squat in front of Roy,bargaining with him.
"What guarantee do I have?"Roy asks when another knock was heard on the door.
Titus was about to open the door when Argus stopped him:"Straighten your posture.He isn't someone to fuck around with."
Titus snarled as Argus when to open the door.
The Chairman loomed over the entrance,his sheer height and presence intimidated Titus,who had rarely felt any form of fear towards anyone before.The Chairman lowered himself,entering the door,towering at a terrifying 2.2 meters in height,dressed in a silver suit,decorated with a black and red tie and a massive classy hat,smoking a massive cigar in his mouth.
"Sir,the teenagers are here.We are currently expecting-"
"Starlio has been alerted already by my men.He won't be coming here."The Chairman raised his voice,staring down at Argus who stumbled back in fear.The Chairman turned to Titus,who was trying to keep a straight face:"You're the mercenary Mason hired?"
"The Chairman.Your name is a feared urban legend within the ranks of the military."Titus says.
"I intend to keep it that way.So let me make my presence here quick and worth it."The Chairman walks into the living room,looking at the five kidnapped teenagers."You have...produced a different kind of result I wanted.It may not be ideal but the decisions you made....Titus,I admit.Interests me...."
"I worked with what I had.Starlio may be a teenager,but his combat abilities and senses and terrifying,even for someone on my level.In addition he seems to possess armors we might not even know about.I would have delivered Starlio if he was what your intel was but...he's far from that.But with his friends under our custody now...he will come for us.That is what we will use."Titus explains.
"Smart.I admire that."The Chairman says,looking at Roy.
"I'll handle the kids."Mason volunteers.
"You...?Handling the kids Mason?"The Chairman turned his hulking figure towards the general,who forced himself to stand in the face of fear:"Yes.I will guard them.Make sure that Starlio comes for them.Knowing him there is no chance he'll leave his friends to die.I'll set up an ambush.We already have one of his armor under our control,we can send it to your science guys for upgrades towards Titus."
The Chairman made a low growl,putting his hands behind his back.
"I expect results Mason.The next time you fail to deliver...I will pull your eyes out of your skill as slowly as I can.I will make sure I enjoy it."The Chairman warns as Mason lowered his head in fear."What do you need me to do....sir?"Mason trembled.
"Your ex wife and son,Mitchell.Find them.Use them as bait to draw out Starlio.When you have Starlio's location,contact Titus.He will finish the job then."The Chairman then turned his attention towards Titus.
"I noticed you have a personal conflict...between you and your father."The Chairman observed.
Titus nods.
"You will no longer report to Mason Stex.You...come in direct contact with me."The Chairman tells the hunter as two policemen brought in a massive metal case,setting in down in the middle of the living room,presenting it to Titus.
"We have made an upgrade of your previous armor.Stronger and faster than before,twin super heated swords at your disposal when you need it and...the function I'm sure you'll be the most interested in.A supply of Ironblood,ready to be pumped into you while within the suit at your own command."The Chairman presents to an absolutely shocked Titus.
"Why...?"Titus couldn't believe it.
"I want your loyalty.I know a talent when I see one.In return with your services,you will receive the benefits of those loyal to me.More than just money,women,drugs,you can achieve a new purpose in your life.Help me revolutionize this world.To achieve that,I need you to handle whatever issue you have with your personal life.Do we have a deal?"The Chairman held his hand out.
"I..."Titus was at a loss for words.
"Five million dollars for your base employment.Every successful mission,depending on it's importance to me will gain you an additional half a million.I know money is far from your priority.A given,considering your family's reputation but...my payment will allow yourself to buy properties,cars,get yourself the same type of luxuries to get yourself on par with your family."The Chairman's spine chilling voice boomed.
"Sir...five million...?"Argus himself was shocked.
"A small price to pay for such a talent."The Chairman confirmed.
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No one.Not even his family had even acknowledged him like that.
The Chairman quickly studied Titus' body language,piecing the knowledge from reading the hunter's files and realized the scenario Titus was in.The Chairman lowered his hand,smiling and began.
"Your skill in combat is unparalleled.I had spent my time reading your file in detail,analyzing every move you made in battle,the accomplishments you got.The United States Military may have awarded you with Medals of Honor,but did nothing more to utilize such an excellent soldier.Not only that,they deemed you too...wild,too politically incorrect to continue your service.Right?"The Chairman asks with a surprisingly compassionate voice.
"They...I did what they wanted.They called me untamed,uncivilized for killing the way I did.Those war crimes they claimed I committed only happened because of the scenarios I was caught in.If I did not do what I did,I wouldn't be alive and their enemies won't be dead.They just never saw what I did."Titus explained himself.
The Chairman walked over to the hunter,placing his hand on his shoulder:"Fear not.My judgement in men have always been...terrifyingly accurate.A powerful,fierce and efficient fighter like you is as rare as a mechanical prodigy like Starlio.That is why you are the one who will take him down."
"I will not fail."Titus promised.
"You won't...as long as you keep your head space clear,which is why I am now giving you the opportunity to settle your family's business before you conduct the next mission.A professional courtesy for your direct employment under me.Will you accept this deal?"The Chairman
Titus nods,shaking the gang lord's hand nervously:"I don't know how to settle this..."
The Chairman read through the hunter easily,knowing that under all of Titus' combat strength was just a young man,craving to be acknowledged.Someone who was insecure about himself in every aspect of life,an element the Chairman was more than familiar with.
"You show off your current skills.But...Titus if I may...I don't think you need your family's recognition."The Chairman signaled for Mason and Argus to leave them alone.Mason and Argus obeyed,bowing to the hulking gang lord and signaled for the rogue police officers to pick up the five teenagers out of the house,which they did quickly.
"I don't understand."Titus admits.
"You see...someone of your talent,stuck within a family who I presumed never recognized you for your talents just because it did not fit the family's nature.Am I right?"
"How-"
"For a long time I wasn't recognized either.I did try to,like you are now but over the years I realized something.Sometimes...you don't have to be recognized.The only person you need is yourself,if your purpose doesn't fit the needs of others,they will abandon you.So I learnt to rely on myself and solely myself only.In the face of success,I celebrate without guilt.In the face of failure,I only have myself to explain to,learn and eventually grow stronger from it."The Chairman looked uncharacteristically empathetic to the hunter.
"But..."
"It is your choice Titus.This is merely a suggestion from me.Your life is in your hands,no one else's.You know that don't you?"The Chairman smiled.
"Yea..."Titus nods.
"So make your choice.I will see you when you have done so."
-
Navarro Warehouse.
"This might hurt.Grab onto something."Dakota warns.
Shannon immediately grabbed Starlio's arm as Dakota began extracting the bullet out of her arm.Shannon closed her eyes,gritting her teeth as she let out a painful growl,squeezing Starlio's arm and making the prodigy himself clench his fists in pain too,the two teenagers,suffering an immense amount of pain.
CLANK.
The bullet was removed as Shannon let go,the two teens breathing for air.
"Grabbing onto someone works just as well I see."Dakota observed.
"I wish I could stay,but my friends are in danger as we speak.I have to go get them out,or at least find a way to without Titus or the Chairman using them as hostages."Starlio says,summoning the Model 4 back to him,quickly suiting up and ready to leave.
"Wait!I...let me go with you."Shannon volunteers.
Starlio and Dakota looked at each other,confirming what she just said.
"No."Starlio said firmly.
Shannon pointed to his lab at the second floor where his armors were usually stored:Including the Model 1 and 2,both of which had been fixed to a functioning state after their last battle."You have equipment that other people that can use...people you can trust,to help you.We aren't that different in height right?Teach me how to use the armor,we can defeat Titus together."Shannon suggests.
"Puberty would ensure I'll be taller significantly-"
"Starlio.You know what I'm talking about."Shannon cut him off.
Starlio could see the burning sincerity in her eyes...part of him knew she was right.
"Shan,I can't let you.This was never your fight to begin with.I feel bad enough that you had to go through all this shit with me.I don't wanna risk losing you as well,not when-"
"My arm may hurt now.But if I don't do something now....and if Titus gets you.I won't be able to live with myself knowing that I could have done something.You know how that feels Starlio and for the record,you only got into all this because I got kidnapped.Let me."Shannon begs him.
"Shannon,you are injured.You need to rest first."Dakota tells her.
"My armors are designed for my use only.I implemented that after Demonshot hijacked-"
"That was only after the Model 3 Starlio.The Models 1 and 2 aren't."Shannon exposed his lie as Dakota raised her hand:"Starlio,I can fight too."Starlio looked at his co worker,shaking his head:"I appreciate it,I really do but I cannot.This is too big of a risk,not only just combat,but operating the armor takes practice and extensive knowledge of it's functions both internally and externally.It's risky to even try flying without practice,much less full on combat."
Both girls paused in silence.
"It's okay Star,I'm gonna be okay,go get them."Shannon tells Starlio,knowing that arguing would only shorten the limited time they had to help their friends.Starlio looked at her as she leaned in,allowing Starlio to give her a hug.
"Stay safe,alright?I don't wanna see any blood on you the next time we meet."Shannon warns.
"I won't.I promise.Don't stay here for too long.Get out of here as quickly as you two can,we'll keep in touch.Starlio turned to the entrance,about to leave the warehouse when he was greeted by Xavier Navarro,blocking his way out of the building."Hold on young man,you don't have to go for them.Not at the moment."
"What?"Starlio was confused.
"Intel from Javier.Policemen was seen taking your friends into police custody.Yes it may be bad news still because some of those policemen are obviously bought but...not all of them are.Your friends are safer in custody rather than anywhere else and also...your father was spotted there too along with who we believe...is the man known as the Chairman."
"Okay...urm...I have to go for my mom and Mitchell.They are undoubtedly next up on the hit list."Starlio concludes.
"I'll get Ms Ray and everyone out of this warehouse.You go get your family."Xavier tells him.
-
Titus knew his father was awaiting his return.
Like a child who was given a new toy,Titus hoped that with his father's changed attitude,he could finally see the worth he could bring to the Alanore family.For the first time in forever,he was acknowledged by someone.No one had ever said such kinds words to him but now,The Chairman himself,a feared and dreaded name across the country...actually saw his worth and in doing so,provided him with a new armor and resources to live up to his full potential.
Titus saw his mansion below,a massive private land that spanned over 25 acres,two massive custom gardens decorated with rare structures of art giant plants,maintained by the best plant trimmers in the world.Outside the main 5 floored mansion,two limos parked right outside beside a humongous fountain.
Those aren't normally there.
Titus flew across his old house from the skies,soaring down towards the main door of the mansion to be greeted by his butlers,who at the moment didn't recognize him."Who-"
Titus took off his helmet,revealing his face.
"Master Titus...welcome home."The butler greets him.
"Dad's home right?"Titus asks the butler who nods:"Yes Sir,he is but...your brothers are too.I wouldn't recommend-"
"Perfect."Titus smiled gleefully,ignoring the butler's advice and walking into his mansion,heading directly to the main living room.If everyone's here,they can all see what I've achieved.They will finally recognize me.
It didn't take long for him to find his family,throwing a party in the living room for his brother's first clinic opening,with dozens of guests all of them spread across the massive room,platters of luxurious food and drinks spread across everywhere.
"Titus?What?Why are you here?"Turner,his successful doctor brother noticed him.
Many eyes turned their attention onto Titus,who scanned the crowd for his father and quickly spotted him,hiding his face at a dining table,surrounded by other guests."Father!Look at me!I'm now more powerful than ever!With this new armor I can-"
"Is that your youngest son?"One of the guests asks Ken Alanore.
"He is."Ken whispered softly.
Titus walked through the crowd,who backed away from him in his armor,intimidating most of them with his sheer size and the fear inducing design of his new armor."Look at me Dad...I'm gotten a contract,easily worth millions.I'm the best soldier in history now...the most powerful of all."Titus was smiling brightly.
"That's...that's great son.It's your brother's birthday so...why not...congratulate him?He had just opened another two clinics last month."Ken nervously answers his son.
"Your son's a soldier?"Another guest asks Ken.
"I am.The best.I have even been awarded multiple medal of honors."
The guests around them stared judgmentally as Titus' other brother,Thomas grabbed Titus by the shoulder:"It's time to leave mate,stop embarrassing the Alanore name."
"The fuck did you say?!"Titus' tone dropped to a raging growl.
"You heard me you sack of shit.Fuck off and stop disgracing us."
"Son,we'll talk about this later.Go...go train or something alright?"Ken asks.
Titus felt it.A burning sensation flowing through every inch of his body.His head felt heated,every chunk of hope for finally being recognized fading away as his heart became emptier with each moment passing.Titus looked at his father,hoping for one last hope for any form of recognition when he noticed another guest asking:"One's a lawyer,one's a doctor...why is your youngest son a soldier?"
"He...never mind him.We're here to celebrate right?"Ken says.
"Get the f-"
Thomas never got the chance to finish his sentence as Titus grabbed his brother by the head and roared in a release of rage,launching his fist right through the head of Thomas,splattering his brain and chunks of his skull all over the floor.
AHHHHH.
Screams filled the air as the guests scattered as Titus activated his arm mounted missiles,firing them off into the directions of the people who were once his family and friends.Bursts of explosions completely disentergrated into nothing more than charcoal-ed bones and ash.Parts of the living room began to crumble as his other brother,Turner grabbed a handgun,firing at Titus,trying to hit his unprotected head.
"You bloody disgrace!"Turner yelled as Titus jumped at him,drawing his heated blade and shoving it straight into his mouth,the blade melting through the back of his brother's head and with one swift slice,Titus slashed his blade outwards,slicing his brother's head in two.
"Monster!"Titus heard a guest yell as he glared into the direction of the voice.
"You rich assholes pretending to be above everyone else.I'm fucking sick of you lot."Titus activated his mini gun that was attached to the top of his forearm armor,spraying a volley of bullets that began ripping through the guests,blasting holes through dozens of them and literally painting the walls and floor with red.
Titus snarled,grinning with joy.
He felt lighter,like a weight was off his chest.
"You little pretenders of society."Titus began laughing meniacally as he began shooting bullets and missile in random directions,blowing up entire sections of the mansion and along with them,ending the lives of people he once wanted to be admired by.
I don't think you need your family's recognition.The Chairman's voice echoed in his head.
"Son...stop....please..."Ken Alanore had a cut across his eye,blood stained all across his broken old face as Titus looked at his father,one of his leg twisted weirdly with blood flowing out slowly.Titus looked down,walking towards Ken calmly and without hesitation,stomped on his father's hand,using the weight of his armor to shatter every bone into powder.
"SON!AGH!"Ken begged.
More chunks of rubble collapsed around them as the fire,caused by the missile blasts began burning down larger bits of the ceiling all around Titus,Ken watching in horror as his two beloved son's deformed bodies,torched by flames everywhere.
"You...I'm tried so hard,working my entire life to do you proud.You begged me to come home,now I did and for what?You claimed you don't care about achievements anymore!YOU SAID I COULD COME HOME!WHAT IS THIS?!"Titus roared,his voice creaking.
"I...I..."
"You told me you accepted me and yet you are too ashamed to introduce me to your esteemed guests as your son.Well I'm sorry I'm not the scholar you wanted me to be then.But you know what...I'm not a pussy either,something I'm sure you can be proud of at least you double faced shit."Titus dragged Ken by his collar,forcing him to stand up on one leg as his other leg dangled like a wet cloth,dripping blood.
"Titus...please..."Ken begged.
"Shut up.I don't need your recognition anymore."Titus says,launching the heated blade right through the heart of the old man,dragging him close right into his face as Titus watched the very life fade away from Ken Alanore's eyes.
Next Chapter- The Emotions of Two