Lr stories part 1: Power royale

Chapter 31: Ice Age Part 5

The blizzard continued to howl as William Dangerfield and Tommy Tomorrow faced off, the icy wind biting at their skin. Snowflakes swirled around them, creating a white void that seemed to swallow everything but the two combatants. William's heart pounded in his chest, his breath visible in the frigid air. He could feel the weight of the moment bearing down on him—one of them was not walking away from this.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" boomed Announcer 1's voice over the arena's loudspeakers. "We're witnessing an all-out war in the Ice Age showdown! William Dangerfield, the master of metal, against Tommy Tomorrow, the bone-slinging warrior! Who will come out on top?"

Announcer 2's more measured voice cut in, "It's not just a battle of powers, folks. It's a battle of wills. William has the upper hand with his metal manipulation, but don't count Tommy out. His ability to regrow bones and use them as weapons makes him a formidable opponent."

William clenched his fists, feeling the metal in the ground and air respond to his command. He had already injured Tommy severely, but Tommy was still standing, still fighting. The resolve in Tommy's eyes made William pause. This wasn't just about the billion-dollar prize anymore. It was about survival, about keeping a promise.

Tommy staggered, his breath ragged. His body was battered, bleeding from several wounds where William's metal spikes had struck him. But despite the pain, Tommy's eyes were clear, focused.

"I didn't want this, William," Tommy said, his voice weak but determined. "I only wanted to save my mom."

William's heart twisted. He had heard similar stories before—competitors fighting for noble causes, for their families, for justice. But he had brushed them aside, focusing only on his own selfish desires. Now, staring at Tommy, he couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt.

"Your mom," William started, his voice catching in his throat. "I'll...I'll pay for her treatment. I swear. Just...just stop."

Tommy gave a sad smile, shaking his head. "It's too late for that. We're too far gone."

With a roar, Tommy sent a barrage of bone projectiles flying toward William. They shot through the air like bullets, aimed directly at William's vital points. But William was ready. With a flick of his wrist, he raised a wall of metal, deflecting the bones with a loud clang.

"Come on, William!" Announcer 1 shouted, hyping up the crowd. "You've got this! One more strike, and it's over!"

But William hesitated. He could end it now, but something inside him held him back. The memory of Tommy's plea, the desperation in his voice, gnawed at William's conscience.

"Don't hold back, William," Announcer 2 warned, his tone serious. "If you hesitate now, it could cost you everything."

Tommy, sensing William's hesitation, took his chance. With a surge of energy, he shot a bone knuckle from his fist, sending it rocketing towards William's stomach. The impact was like a sledgehammer, knocking the wind out of William and sending him staggering back.

William gasped, clutching his abdomen. The pain was intense, but he forced himself to stay on his feet. He couldn't lose, not now. Not when so much was at stake.

"I'm sorry," William muttered, more to himself than to Tommy. With a final, determined effort, he summoned a shard of metal from the ground, sharp and deadly, and sent it flying toward Tommy's chest.

The shard struck true, piercing Tommy's heart. Tommy's eyes widened in shock, his body going rigid before collapsing to the ground. The snow around him quickly turned red as his life ebbed away.

William rushed to Tommy's side, kneeling in the snow. He grabbed Tommy's hand, holding it tightly as the life drained from his body.

"I promise, Tommy," William said, his voice trembling. "I'll pay for your mom's treatment. I'll make sure she's taken care of."

Tommy's lips curled into a faint smile. "Thank you, William," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "But...you can't win. Not...against Benito..."

William's heart skipped a beat. "What do you mean? What about Benito?"

Tommy struggled to speak, his breath growing weaker. "His ability...it's...impossible to..." But before Tommy could finish, his body went limp, his hand slipping from William's grasp.

William sat there in the snow, staring at Tommy's lifeless body, his mind racing. What had Tommy been trying to tell him? What was Benito's ability that made him so unbeatable?

"Tommy Tomorrow is down, folks!" Announcer 1's voice boomed, cutting through the silence. "William Dangerfield emerges victorious once again!"

Announcer 2's voice followed, more subdued. "But at what cost? William may have won this battle, but the war is far from over. And with Benito Garcia still in the game, the true challenge has yet to come."

William stood up slowly, his body aching from the fight. He looked around at the desolate, snow-covered battlefield, and for the first time, he felt truly alone. Tommy was gone, and now, he had to face whatever was coming next.

But even as doubt crept into his mind, he steeled himself. He had made a promise to Tommy, and he would see it through. And whatever Benito's ability was, William would find a way to overcome it. He had to. There was no turning back now.

To be continued...