Continuation...
"When we're done with you, we will devastate your partner."
My breath comes in ragged gasps as I force a grin, defiance flaring in my chest. "My partner?... You know, I'm not yet defeated."
Menace smirks. "Yes, you are."
"No, I'm not. You have no idea whom you're dealing with."
In the dimly lit arena, the air is electric with tension as I face off against Menace and Black Cardinal. The faint light flickers off their steely eyes, and the anticipation is palpable.
Menace lunges first, his kicks a blur of precision. I sidestep his roundhouse kick, feeling the rush of air as it barely misses my head. He follows with a rapid sequence of punches aimed at my stomach. I dodge each strike, narrowly avoiding his deadly assault. I'm quick, but Menace's speed is relentless. Black Cardinal joins the fray, her movements graceful yet deadly. Her punches and kicks come in swift, coordinated attacks. I manage to block her first few blows, but she's fast. A kick lands square on my side, and I stagger, barely catching my balance before another strike lands. My reflexes are pushed to their limits. I weave and parry, searching for openings in their defenses. Menace's energy seems endless, his attacks coming in a ceaseless torrent. Each dodge and counter I perform chips away at their stamina, but it's clear they're adapting quickly.
The fight reaches a fever pitch. Adrenaline surges through me, sharpening my focus. I find a moment of vulnerability in Menace's stance and strike with all my might. My fist slams into his chest, sending a shockwave through the arena. He staggers back, his eyes wide with shock. I press the advantage, delivering a series of precise strikes that leave him reeling. A final, devastating blow leaves him on the ground, defeated. I let out a sigh of relief, my breath heavy with exhaustion. But Menace isn't finished yet. Despite the pain, he rises and draws his bow. Three arrows are loosed in quick succession. I dodge the first two, but the third embeds itself in my right shoulder. The pain is searing, and I nearly lose my footing.
Menace doesn't give me a moment's respite. He begins firing arrows again, each one coming dangerously close. I sprint for cover, ducking behind a pillar.
"Grunt! Aren't you exhausted?" I call out, trying to catch my breath.
"No," Menace replies coldly. "We're the Riot League. We fight until death."
I pull the arrow from my shoulder, pressing my hand against the wound to staunch the bleeding. As I peek around the pillar, Black Cardinal appears, her arm swinging forward as she throws a kunai knife. I try to dodge, but the blade catches my left arm. The pain is sharp and immediate, and I cry out as I yank the knife free. I hurl a smart disc at Menace, but before I can react further, something heavy slams into my back. The impact sends me crashing to the ground. The pain is intense, like a knife coated in salt slicing through my muscles. I roll onto my back, my vision blurred with agony.
I look up to see Lycon Wolf, his form hulking and monstrous. His clothes are torn as he grows in size, his features grotesque and fearsome. His teeth gleam as he snarls.
"ROAR!!!" Lycon Wolf bellows, his voice shaking the arena.
Menace, Black Cardinal, and Lycon Wolf close in on me, their intentions clear. Menace notches an arrow, Black Cardinal readies her gun, and Lycon Wolf unsheathes his claws.
I struggle to my feet, my voice strained but defiant. "Malacoda is manipulating you all. He's locked your memories away. Stand your ground and break free from his control."
Menace's laughter is chilling. "Weak and pathetic," he sneers. "You can't even handle the Riot League. You think we've forgotten who we are? I'm Menace, the Violent Hero, Intransigent Warrior, and the Bloody Archer. These are my assistants, Lycon Wolf and Black Cardinal. We have conquered the earth for our king, Malacoda."
Black Cardinal adds coldly, "We will spare you and your partner if you kneel and worship us and Malacoda, the king of the universe."
Leo's voice crackles through the comms. "Yes! Finally! Johnson, I've connected them!"
"Do it, Leo!" I urge, my voice trembling.
"Alright."
Leo's words echo in the arena: "For it is written, 'I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me.'"
Menace's eyes narrow. "You've chosen to die."
As Black Cardinal aims her gun at my forehead, my body trembles uncontrollably. My muscles quake with fear as she begins to pull the trigger.
LEONARD
The shockwave from the inner circle's power slams everyone to the ground, shattering debris and sending vibrations through the tower. I scramble to my feet, my hands trembling as I work to remove my armor. The pain is sharp, and I wince as I touch my chest, blood seeping from the wound. I clutch the injury tightly, struggling to keep the air out, and move toward a nearby chair.
MORINJO
A rush of divine energy courses through me, healing my wounds. I pull off my armor and survey the scene. My left arm is miraculously healed. I glance over at Menace, who is struggling to rise, and I rush to his side.
"Joseph!" I call, helping him to his feet.
"Joseph? It's me, Morinjo Johnson. Do you remember me?" I ask, my voice laced with hope.
Menace blinks, confusion clearing. "Of course I remember. Morinjo Johnson, the son of Mark Elhadj Johnson. The genius and the best car racer."
I chuckle, relieved. "Thank God. It's good to have you back, man."
"Yeah, you too," Menace replies, though guilt shadows his face.
The weight of his actions hits him. "Oh no, this is all my fault. I did this."
"No," I reassure him. "Malacoda manipulated you. He locked away the good part of you in the inner circle."
"Inner circle? You mean what Leo reconstructed?" Menace asks.
"Yes," I confirm. "Malacoda forced Leo to power it up, which is why all your powers were seized and memories locked."
Menace's face pales. "I killed 30 people in a church. A pregnant woman and her husband... I ordered the monsters to execute Leo and you. Oh God, I even tried to kill you."
"Yes, you did," I admit. "But that wasn't truly you. You've done so much good. Remember the people you've saved, the battles you've fought. You're not that man. You were manipulated."
Menace's expression softens. "I left that part of me behind years ago. If only you could remember the six years I spent in the forest."
"I remember," I assure him. "But don't blame yourself. You weren't in control."
Black Cardinal's voice cuts in, "Morinjo? You're alive?"
"Of course, I'm alive," I reply.
She touches my hand, her eyes searching for reassurance. "I thought you were dead."
"No," I say with a smile. "Good to see you again, Jessica."
"I'm glad we meet again, Morinjo," she says, a hint of relief in her voice.
Lycon Wolf, now in his human form as John Brown, stands with a broad smile. "Long time, Morinjo! It's great to see you again!"
"You too, John!" I reply.
John rushes forward and envelops me in a hug. "You've grown so tall, kid."
"I'm not a kid anymore," John replies with a grin.
"I see that," I laugh.
"Hey Jessica, Joseph, I've missed you all," John says.
"Same here, John. And Joseph, it's good to have you back," I add.
"I missed you too, Jessica," Menace says, embracing Black Cardinal.
"Finally, we can change history. We can defeat Malacoda and his army," I say, smiling.
John looks at Leonard and waves. "Hey Leonard! It's good to see you again!"
"You too, John. I need medical attention immediately. I've lost a lot of blood," Leonard groans.
"John, he needs your help," Menace says.
"Sure," John replies, moving toward Leonard.
Menace looks at me, puzzled. "Morinjo, who did this to Leo?"
"You did," I say quietly.
"What?" Menace's confusion deepens.
"I mean the evil version of you," I clarify. "Malacoda's been manipulating all of you for years. None of this was your fault."
"He's right," Black Cardinal says. "Malacoda released our evil sides and locked away the good ones. Without Morinjo and Leonard's help, the consequences could have been worse."
Suddenly, heavy footsteps echo through the corridor. We all freeze, eyes darting to the front door, knowing danger approaches. Path Finder's voice comes through the comms.
"There are five hundred of them," Path Finder informs me.
"Guys, do you hear that?" John asks, tension in his voice.
"Yes," Menace answers. "We need to prepare for battle."
He readies his crossbow, aiming at the door, a determined look in his eyes.
"Ready? Do you even know how many there are?" John asks, confused.
"I don't know and I don't care. I'm a warrior," Menace replies. "And what does a warrior do?"
"It seems there are more than a hundred," Black Cardinal adds.
"Morinjo, tell your team to fall back or prepare for a fight they can't win," Path Finder says.
"Why?" I whisper.
"They will fail if they try. I've seen their future. None of them are prepared except you and me."
"Alright," I say. "There are five hundred of them."
"Is that what Path Finder told you?" Menace asks, incredulous.
"Yes. He also said we should retreat or face certain death," I reply.
"What? We're heroes," Menace protests.
"Can you all stop talking? I need medical treatment," Leonard interjects.
"We have to retreat before they arrive," I insist.
"Go. I'm staying. I can handle five hundred," Menace argues.
"Joseph!" I exclaim. "We're all going to die if we fight now. You have insufficient arrows. Please, we need to fall back."
"You won't lose me," Menace insists. "I'm stronger and smarter than my evil self."
Black Cardinal steps in, taking his arm. "Joseph, listen to me. We just got you back. If you refuse to follow orders, you're going to get yourself killed. A hero's duty is to protect and make the world better. Vengeance isn't everything."
Menace contemplates her words. I find a way out with Path Finder's help and plan to rescue Lin Ongro and her cousins after escaping.
"A hero rescues and protects, makes the world better, and does what others won't," Menace finally acknowledges.
"Good," Black Cardinal says, relieved. "Now, let's get out of here."
I explain the escape plan. "We'll head for the titanium back door. It's locked, but I have the power to open it. After we escape, we prepare to rescue Lin Ongro and her cousins."
"But it's locked," Menace protests.
"I know. I can open it," I reassure them. "We'll get ready for the rescue afterward."
John chimes in, "The hospitals are destroyed. Leonard's in severe pain."
"We should leave now," John says urgently.
We rush to the titanium door, and I instruct them to stand behind me. John watches in amazement as the door opens.
"Alright, Path Finder. It's time," I say.
"Touch and feel the metal lock," Path Finder instructs.
I place my hand on the door. "I feel it."
"Then twist your hand to unlock it."
I twist the lock slowly, and the door creaks open.
"How did you do that?" John asks, astonished.
"Did you forget I have a god inside me?" I chuckle.
"Oh, right."
"Let's get out of here," I say, leading them through the door.
As we exit the tower, I inform them of the dire situation. "Don't worry, Leonard. We're on our way to help. Just stay alive."
"And if I can't make it to a hospital?" Leonard asks weakly.
"You will. You're strong enough to survive," I reassure him.
"Wait, there are no hospitals left," I add.
"What! What do you mean?" John's voice rises in alarm.
"Jessica destroyed them all while she was under Malacoda's influence," I explain. "We need to find an alternative."
"I can help," Black Cardinal says. "I know of a place that can help. Let me show you."
"Thank you," Leonard says, relieved.
"Hold on, Jessica!" I call out before they move forward.
"What is it?" she asks.
"I have a question. What else do you remember?"
"I remember the G.A.L.A.X.Y agents attempted to execute Malacoda and his warriors, but failed, including me. Why do you ask?"
"Just curious. Go with them. I'll be back soon."
"Where are you going, Morinjo?" Jessica asks, concerned.
"I know. I won't be long. Promise."
"Are you sure?"
"Absolutely. You focus on saving Leonard. I'll be fine."
"Take care of yourself," she says, and joins the others.
"Will do," I reply, then turn to leave.