Api Biru Pt. 5

I distanced myself from all of them. I was across the elevator and they all began to run in varying directions. Without communicating, they were all able to understand the optimal way to kill me. Their best odds would be to split up and shoot from all directions.

Knowing this, I had to focus on the most pivotal target, my father. Bullets began to fly. My body began to take damage instantly, and my father was still quite far away from me. At this rate, it seemed like I would die before being able to do anything.

My footsteps began to stumble, but I remembered who I was and my powers. If I could remain on fire without the help of the Sun, then there were no doubt other things my body was capable of. I have to stop treating myself like a normal human being. I’m more than that!

With my bare hands, I dug into the floor of the elevator and ripped out a large chunk that had to at least weigh three hundred pounds. It wasn’t the best, but for now, this would serve as an adequate shield.

Learning what else my body was capable of was important but it’d have to wait. This entire battle would likely be fought with only my strength.

Fence wasn’t very accurate, and Clarine was the furthest away, so I chose to shield myself from my father’s bullets as I charged toward him. It blinded me from seeing my father but as long as his bullets were hitting my shield, I’d know he was still there. Getting close was all I needed before-

Argh! My father threw a contact explosive at my shield and it not only broke it instantly, but it left me in a daze as well. Shit, even with the upper hand in strength, I stand no chance against my father’s tactics and the sheer number of people I’m up against.

You’re telling me that even with God on my side, I still lose?! I refused to accept this fate. The bullets began to hit my body aggressively. A few more seconds of this and I’d be out. No, it can’t end like this…!

I felt something click on my body. A field of energy consumed me. What the hell was this? Their bullets were hitting me but they were no longer hurting me. They all stopped.

When looking up, I saw Lars walking towards me. “Wow, to be honest, I wasn’t entirely sure if that was going to work.”

My father shouted at Lars while now pointing his gun towards him. “What the hell did you do, Lars?!”

Lars put his hands up. “So scary, man. Calm down, this is something I’ve been working on for a while. I meant to use it as a last resort if things got messy for me on the surface, but it turns out you guys sucked so bad, I didn’t even need it. It’s a temporary shield meant to repel the bullets from the UV-70…”

“You think this is a joke, Lars? Why’d you give it to him?!” My father pleaded.

Lars sighed, “Isn’t it obvious? Things are way more fun this way… Wasn’t it you who taught me that we should all live life constantly pursuing purpose and renewing it when necessary? I guess that's what I’m doing. I’m cashing my check. This kid is way more interesting than anything that’s been going on in my life for the past couple of years. I want to see what he does…”

Clarine took a shot at Lars. It did nothing.

“Ouch, that felt unnecessary…” Lars groaned.

Clarine yelled at him, “Why won’t you die, you bastard?!”

Lars started to laugh, “Hahahaha, did you guys really think I’d come to the surface with only one of these things? Making them surface-resistant isn’t easy. Each one only lasts about five minutes. So of course I had to bring a few backups… Five minutes though… That should be more than enough for us two to deal with you.”

“Us two…?” My father asked quietly.

Lars looked over at me. “What do you say, kid? Friends?!”

I couldn’t help but laugh as well. What a messed-up situation. “Hahaha, friends with a sick fuck like you?! Not on my life… But for now, in combat, I will recognize you as my equal. Let’s make this quick…”

Lars smiled, “You always say some funny things, kid!”

I charged towards my father once more with him in my field of view this time. If he tried pulling anything tricky, I’d be able to foresee it. I let Lars take care of the rest.

My father dropped his gun and shouted, “Wait! Let’s all stop, right now!”

Surprisingly everyone did, including me.

“Okay, we get it. We can’t win against you guys. We’ll let things go your way…”

Lars was in shock, “Really, Eddie?! You mean that?”

Clarine didn’t know what to say and neither did Fence. They both knew they didn’t stand a chance either.

My father sighed, “Yes, you guys can live and do what you want-”

“We can live?!” I interrupted. “You’re letting us live? That ego of yours is through the moon, Dad. I’m sick and tired of you acting like you run things when you’re nothing more than a fraud.”

I began to march towards him. He was cornered against a bunk.

“B-Bane, wait. Wait. I swear I won’t get in your way. You can tell the world all about the truth. Just wait!”

“No, fuck that and fuck you. I’d maybe forgive you in another life but you can’t even apologize properly you pathetic man.”

My whole life was spent admiring my father. I’d tell people that there was nobody kinder, more graceful, and compassionate than he is. A father is someone you should be able to look at and take inspiration from. To love your child wholeheartedly is all I ever asked. But it’s clear now that I meant nothing to him. It’s why he began to leave me on my own as soon as he could, once I hit my teenage years. It’s why he told me lie after lie about the old world and how we would retake it one day. It’s why he lied to me about my mother and allowed me to fall into a depression with endless hatred in my heart. Throughout every moment in my entire life, there wasn’t a single one where he truly cared about me.

With my arms wide open, I began to embrace my father and let the flames consume him. His screams were nothing short of sheer agony. He begged to be let go. This cowering state was natural for someone like him. This was the first hug I gave my father since we reunited back in Ylvona. Just like before, his embrace felt warm and welcoming. A part of me could tell that this sadness he felt for me was real. But that isn’t enough for you, is it? That’s okay, I’m learning to love myself now, and it’s plenty.

His body shattered into dust as his ashes hit the floor. Clarine and Fence were terrified. Lars had an ecstatic smile on his face. Rocco was still sleeping off his injury.

I walked over to the elevator’s control panel and routed us towards Flinholf. My friend Damian should be there. He can help us out.

Us? Who was on my side at this point? Lars seemed to pledge his allegiance to me with those words he said to my father. Clarine and Fence were likely opposed to me. Rocco… It’s probably best he wakes up after this is all over.

I looked at Clarine. “I’m sorry, but you guys won't win this time…”

She angrily shouted at me, “What the hell are you going to do now? You just killed the most famous Scavenger Lord in the world. When we tell people about this, there will be a nationwide manhunt. Flinholf, Milona, it doesn’t matter where you take us, they’ll want you dead!”

“Will they? Will they want me dead when I tell them that the Scavenger Lords have worked tirelessly to keep humanity underground despite decades of effort from everyone believing that one day we could make it back to the surface?! Don’t be a fool, Clarine. I’m not feeling particularly bloodthirsty so I’m letting you all live. Do what you want once we arrive, There’s no stopping me.”

I’m sorry, Mom, it looks like I have to wait a bit longer until I see you again.

There are still many mysteries to this world that I have no answer to, but with this new resolve, anything is possible. I’ll never take life for granted ever again. I will change this world with my own hands.

When the people of Flinholf witness me in flames, they will be forced to make their decision to follow me or fight against me, and soon, the entire world will follow…

To be continued in the next arc... The Elevator Wars