Battle Of Gods

Chapter 16 : True Faces

The next morning, a pale light filtered through the hospital room windows, casting a soft glow on the faces of Allen and Leonard. The quiet hum of medical machines provided a calm backdrop to their slow awakening. Allen turned to Leonard, a curious glint in his eyes.

"Hey, Leonard," Allen began, his voice hoarse from the previous day's battle, "when did you get your powers? You've been hiding them for so long."

Leonard sighed deeply, looking up at the ceiling as if searching for the right words. "Remember the masked man who defeated Polar about a year ago?"

Allen's eyes widened in shock. "That was you?"

Leonard nodded, his expression serious. "Yeah, it was me. I had to keep it a secret to protect everyone around me. Polar was ruthless, and I couldn't risk anyone finding out."

Allen's initial shock turned into anger. "Why did you do something so reckless, Leonard? You could've gotten yourself killed!"

Leonard met Allen's gaze, his eyes filled with sincerity. "I understand, Allen. But it was necessary. Polar had plans that would have caused unimaginable harm. He was planning to create a network of fear and control, using his powers to manipulate and terrorize people. I couldn't stand by and let that happen. Then he continued to tell him what all happened that day a year ago."

Allen's anger gradually melted into understanding. "You did what you had to do. I get it now. And I forgive you buddy."

Leonard smiled, relieved. "Thanks, Allen. It means a lot. But please, you have to keep this a secret from everyone, even your father. If the wrong people find out, it could put me and my dad in danger."

Allen nodded firmly. "You have my word."

Leonard then turned the tables. "So, why did you hide your powers from me, Allen?"

Allen took a deep breath and told him his reason for hiding his powers from his best-friend.

Leonard's eyes filled with tears, realizing the depth of his friend's love and concern. Without thinking, he reached out and hugged Allen tightly. Both boys groaned in pain as their bandages pressed against their wounds, but the discomfort couldn't overshadow the warmth of their friendship.

They both groaned in pain but then shared a laugh, the tension and worry of the previous night slowly dissipating. In the afternoon, Commissioner Barry entered their room, his face a mix of relief and concern.

"How are you boys holding up?" Barry asked, pulling up a chair beside their beds.

Leonard and Allen exchanged a glance before recounting the events of the night. They detailed the fierce battle, the unexpected alliance with the Professor, and the chilling revelations about Vernon and the Humboldt massacre.

Barry listened intently, his expression growing more serious with each passing moment. When they finished, he nodded solemnly. "You've both been through a lot. Thank you for your bravery and honesty. Vernon will be taken into custody, but for now, he'll stay here until he recovers."

As Barry rose to leave, he turned back to the boys. "We'll get to the bottom of this. Your actions have given us a chance to bring some real justice."

Hours later, the police questioned Vernon in his hospital room. The Commissioner lay there, his face pale and drawn, as he weighed his options. He knew the Professor and the Ashes gang were closing in, leaving him with only one choice.

"I'll talk," Vernon said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I know I'm as good as dead if I don't. I'll tell you everything."

With a weary sigh, he began recounting the harrowing details of the Humboldt massacre. He described how the Ashes gang orchestrated an attack, ultimately killing the students and teachers for reasons that still haunted him. He admitted to his complicity, explaining how he had been coerced and corrupted over time, and how the Professor's vendetta had put him in an untenable position.