Battle Of Gods

Chapter 28 : Betrayal & Resolve

During all this chaos, George felt like he was losing his mind. The realization that Leonard had gone missing gnawed at him like a persistent ache. As hours passed with no word, he frantically approached Commissioner Barry, who responded to his worry by dispatching a task force to search for Leonard. George's thoughts raced in every direction, clouded by a blend of fear and anger. He couldn't stand the waiting. As he paced the room, hands clenched tightly, Sarah placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, trying to calm him.

"George, please," Sarah murmured, her voice calm yet laced with concern. "He'll be alright. Leonard's strong. You know that better than anyone."

George gave her a nod but couldn't meet her gaze. Jennifer, standing nearby, shared a worried glance with Sarah. She had always admired Leonard's fierce determination, but tonight, her admiration was tinged with dread.

Then, as dawn broke, George's phone rang. He snatched it up before the second ring, heart pounding in his chest.

"George," Barry's familiar voice came through. "Get to the city hospital. Now. It's about Leonard. He's safe, don't worry. But you need to come here"

George barely managed a goodbye before hanging up. Without a word, he rushed to the hospital, Sarah and Jennifer following closely behind. As they entered, they spotted Barry waiting outside Leonard's room. His face was solemn, but there was a glimmer of pride in his eyes. He told George how Leonard defeated Carson and protected the nation.

"Your son," Barry began, voice firm and proud, "is a true hero, George. That kid did something the whole GHA couldn't have done. He's a good kid, George. Go easy on him. I know you're his father, and that comes with worry and frustration. He'll tell you what all happened. But George, I think it's time for our kids to start choosing what they want to do with their lives."

George blinked, taking in Barry's words, the weight of his pride mingling with the relief he felt. He nodded, thanking Barry, then turned toward Leonard's room. He pushed the door open slowly, taking in the sight of his son.

Leonard was sitting upright in bed, his torso wrapped in bandages, cuts and bruises scattered across his skin, reminders of the battle that had taken place just hours before. George paused in the doorway, the weight of a hundred unsaid words settling in his chest. Then, without a second thought, he stepped forward and wrapped his son in a tight embrace, his grip firm yet careful.

Leonard returned the hug, a slight smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Dad..." he murmured, feeling the relief radiate from his father's embrace.

"Son," George's voice was thick with emotion. "I thought... I thought I'd lost you."

They stayed like that for a moment before George pulled back, settling into the chair beside Leonard's bed as Sarah and Jennifer lingered by the door. He took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts.

"Tell me everything," George said, his voice steady but gentle.

Leonard nodded, recounting the events from the moment he went after the professor, detailing his encounters, Carson's unexpected betrayal, and the harrowing battle in Blackrock Prison. He spoke of Kenji, Falcon, the professor, and the sacrifices made. George listened intently, his face a mixture of shock and understanding.

"And then," Leonard continued, his voice softening, "we finally took down Carson. I couldn't have done it alone. But I knew... I knew I had to try."

George took it all in, nodding slowly. He looked at Leonard with a sense of awe he hadn't felt before. "I met Barry outside," he said, his tone softer now. "He said you did a great job yesterday."

Leonard looked up, eyes wide with surprise. His father's voice held no anger, only admiration and, more than that, pride.

"You're... not mad at me?" Leonard asked, still expecting a lecture about his recklessness.