One-Shots [Boboiboy]

Tired of Pretending

They thought he was heartless enough to kill, and somehow he believed that too. But in reality, when it boiled down to the final swing, he couldn't do it.

Thunderstorm grew up to face a harsh childhood, where his life was constantly on the line. With Quake and Cyclone by his side, they protected a little island from the invasion of an alien. As they grew more powerful and welcomed more allies, so did the alien's game and tech. Then one day it became clear that the extra-terrestrial had stepped up their game, with new adversaries and threats hanging on their head.

He doesn't know how the others do it. To remain so positive and happy even after seeing endless battles, just as he did. They prided on him that he had the strongest will, but in truth, it was him that was the weakest. He had to protect himself, otherwise someone evil might use his weak will to their advantage.

If he pretended long enough, then it might become a part of him. It's been years, and he still was afraid, yet he can't admit it.

Compared to the others, he was the weakest, no?

Anger, in comparison to Happiness, Responsibility, and even Innocence—was no doubt the most fragile. Anger can be broken apart by all of those, but anger can be mindless, it can be pointless. He didn't need a reason to be angry, just like happiness knows no bounds.

He wears himself out too much, even. His powers are stemmed from his very emotions. The angrier he gets, the stronger he is; but at the same time, the more mindless he gets. Remember an infamous Marvel quote: "Well, Banner, it's a good time to get angry. That's my secret, Steve. I'm always angry"? That doesn't apply to Thunderstorm.

He doesn't want to be angry. He just wants to relax, and laugh along his team.

But he can't.

Thunderstorm's harsh demeanor had gotten him into a lot of trouble. Either it be from the villains or from his peers, it's always the closest ones that hurt most. His false anger was mistaken as pride, which the prideful intelligence elemental didn't take well.

Two years ago, before they'd fully tapped into their second tiers, Light had interrupted his training schedule. "Hey, Sparky, I want you to fight me."

He should have said no. He knew Light was the strongest elemental. He was afraid, because he'd seen Light in action. There was no way he was getting out of this unscathed.

He should have said no, but instead he replied yeah, you'll lose anyway.

Lightning lost.

For those two years, Light never let him live that loss down. Whether during battles or a friendly sparring, he always taunted him with every chance he got. Lightning always replied with more anger, but what good did it do? He lost no matter what.

Light was smarter, faster, stronger...

And he was last year's news.

After they all evolved, they never mentioned that one defeat again. Solar was much more mature than his first tier, and Thunderstorm was more silent than his first tier.

It hurt. A lot. To know that you're all bark and no bite, someone that couldn't even back up his statements with actions. He used to be the best, and now he's just a second choice.

And now?

His powers won't even work. He was powerless.

Utterly powerless.

It was almost too late for anyone to notice, when they were stopping a gun fight between two rival gangs. Thunderstorm, Blaze and Ice were on this mission, and Ice was in charge. Thunderstorm was supposed to disarm everyone, as he's the only one in the mission with enhanced speed.