Insanity

"Do you trust him?"

"Not at all.But he's men are outside and unarmed so..."

Starlio and Roy discuss the arrival of Ken Alanore,the father of the guy who was trying to kill them for the past few days."So what do you hope is gonna happen here?"Roy asks.

"He claims he just wants to talk to Titus.I hope he gives him a spanking or something,you know disciplining his child so he doesn't just fly around in armored suits trying to capture teenagers back to their corrupted fathers."

Ken Alanore,billionaire owner of the Alanore Bank walked into Roy's living room where the rest of the teenagers gathered around him,armed with knives and sticks as a precaution to his every move."I don't know what exactly happened to you all or what my son did,but as his father,allow me to apologize for his actions."

"You're lucky none of us died yet or this apology won't be valid."Kane answers.

"I know..."Ken says apologetically.

The billionaire started walking towards the basement where Titus was held when Frank stopped him:"Hold on a second,we still don't trust you yet.I don't wanna bust the skull of an old man so cooperate with us will ya?!"

"Alright,alright."Ken Alanore held his hands up,taking a few steps back for Starlio to walk towards him:"Take a seat,let's have an interview."

Ken Alanore obeyed,sitting in front of Starlio,who signaled Kane to check the windows to see if his men were making moves and within moments,Kane returned,giving Starlio a nod of reassurance that they were safe at the moment.Ken Alanore sat there calmly as Starlio began:"So....we've heard Titus' side of the story.He says you're basically an uncaring father,biased towards his siblings who are more academically successful?"

"He's...right.I was wrong."Ken admits sadly.

"Why?"Starlio raised his eyebrow.

"I...I was brought up with a silver spoon myself too.The ideas of success were very different back then from the current times.In a rich family like mine,if you weren't academically successful you instantly don't belong.His siblings are successful lawyers and doctors respectively.Titus never really did well in school,he's not wrong in saying that I was uncaring because of his failures academically and when he became a soldier-"

"You're shit you know that?"Frank mutters.

"Let the man talk Frank."Shannon tells the former bully.

"I was wrong...it took me way too long to realize the worth in other talents outside of the norm.By the time I realized my wrongs,Titus was already too far gone,determined in his path to become a soldier,to impress an older version of myself that was already gone."Ken slowly reveals.

"So you looked down on people like us?!"Starlio growled,shocking the others in the room with his sudden hostility.

"Star...chill..."Shannon went up to him softly.

"People like us...do you know how much we have to go through just to obtain a fraction of your luxuries?Most of us don't even succeed and we have to sacrifice different aspect of our lives just to feed ourselves.The fact that people like you could have done so much more for everyone else instead of comparing achievements with fellow rich privileged jerks like yourselves is something I find hard to forgive,even if you claim that your mindset has changed now."Starlio reprimanded the old man.

"I know how messed up my mindset was.I know I cannot get forgiveness,even from Titus.But I will try...I must.I am doing my best to write my wrongs,however longer my lifespan allows me to.So please,young man.I don't blame you for getting mad,but I want to try and bring my son back to me."Ken begs as he dropped to his knees out of the blue.

"Whoa!Mr Alanore you don't have to-"Shannon tried to help him up.

"I want to try reaching him.Please....give me a chance..."Ken begs to Starlio who knelt down,getting the old man to get up:"You're right.I don't forgive you for your older mindset,but I will respect you for attempting to change.You earned your chance Mr Alanore,Titus is in the basement waiting."Starlio held his hand up for the old man to get a firm shake on.

"Thank you."Ken says,walking to the basement door.

Frank and Joseline looked at each other,following the old man down to the basement as Starlio and Shannon locked eyes at each other for a moment.The teens gathered around the entrance of the basement,observing from a distance as Titus watched the uninvited guest greet him for the first time in years.

"You..."Titus hissed.

"Son...please...stop fighting.You don't have to anymore."Ken tells the hunter who glared at him in return:"You don't have the right to say that.You've discredited what I'm done for years and you don't get to suddenly change and expect me to change with you."Titus raised his voice a little.

"I know.But it's time to move on.Let me do my duty as an actual father.Stop fighting please."Ken begs again only for Titus to shake his head in disagreement:"Now that I finally found something I'm good at you want to deny me the chance to prove myself worthy of the Alanore family?!You just refuse any type of success I get do you?!How much more do I have to do to prove that I'm worthy?!"Titus screamed at his dad.

"It's enough son!You don't have to prove yourself!You are worthy of our family.You always have been."Ken started crying.

"You only recently decided that."Titus scoffed.

"I'm wrong...please...every time you go on mission and tours,I'm worried that it's your last.So just come back to me and-"

"And what?!Become a lawyer or doctor?!No.I found my purpose here,I'm the best and killing,better than anything the military ever recorded.I will bring home medals one day...just you watch.I will be worthy of the Alanore family."Titus smiled to himself.

"I think that's enough."Frank turns to Starlio.

"Get out."Titus tells Ken,who was approached by Starlio and Joseline to follow them out.The old man wanted to resist,opening his mouth to try and persuade the teenagers only for the logical side of him to analyze the scenario,reluctantly agreeing as the group returned to the living room.

"What are you guys going to do with him?"Ken asks Starlio.

"We have people trying to get us to somewhere safer.We'll see then."Starlio answers the old man who grabbed the prodigy's hands,begging once again:"Please...I cannot lose him.I have to atone for my mistakes,if you decide to send him to prison or anywhere...just...let me talk to him one more time then.I wish to correct my sins."

Starlio knew that was unlikely,but the sight of the old man breaking down was softening him.

"Okay...I'll contact you."Starlio agreed.

"If you guys need anything,anything at all.A place to hideout right?I can-"

"It's fine Mr Alanore.I would rather rely on ourselves,people I can trust.No offense."

"Ah....yea...I understand."Ken grabbed a name card out of his pocket,handing it to the prodigy before heading for the door.Kane promptly held the door for the old man."Alright,now that that's over with,breakfast anyone?"Roy held up his bags of groceries as the group of teenagers cheered.

Starlio checked his phone,receiving several messages from Javier Navarro:Are you guys okay?

Yea.We're doing fine.

Javier Navarro:Alright,I've tried contacting some friends within the police department that I trust.They are trying to help you get a safe police transport to a secured police protected location but at the moment,we don't know whose bought by your dad and who isn't so things on our side is taking up quite some time.It might take at least another day or two.Let me know if you guys need anything.Xavier is busy securing the warehouse for you guys also just in case.

That's more than enough.Thank you.Starlio replied.

"Did you get coffee?"Frank asks Roy who stopped for a second:"Gosh darn it.I didn't...sorry."

"Come on man I need that shit in order to stay awake for our VIP in the basement."Frank argues when Starlio jumps in front of him:"It's okay dude,I want the coffee too.I can go do another supply run with the Model 5,probably be back in 5 minutes."Starlio offers.

"At least have breakfast first."Shannon says when she felt a pat on her arm,Angie,handing her two sandwiches and giving her a clear message with her nod:One for you and pass the other to Starlio.

"You sure...?"Shannon was surprised.

"Yea."Angie answered quickly.

Shannon did as she was told,going over to the prodigy and tossing him the egg sandwich Angie had just cooked up."Any updates from the Navarro Brothers?"

"We should be able to leave by tonight or tomorrow morning.They are gathering friends and contacts that could potentially bring us to a police protected facility and a containment one for our friend in the basement so after lunch we should probably pack up."Starlio tells Shannon who listened attentively:"Also one more thing,are you sure it's a good idea to fly out using the armor?"

Starlio analyzed the potential scenarios in his head quickly:"It might draw attention,which might give our position away faster than expected."

"Yup."Shannon munched on her egg sandwich.

"You're so smart!"Starlio held up his hand as Shannon engaged in his high five gleefully.

Starlio grabbed his phone as he and Shannon both shared a nod with each other,finishing both their respective sandwiches."Yo Frank!"Starlio called out to the guy he used to hate the most in school.The former bully turned to him:"What?!"

Starlio walked to the Model 5,which was positioned at the corner of the living room,opening a panel on his chest to reveal a fingerprint scanner:"Model 5,allow user access:Frank Basto.Frank,come place your fingerprint on this thing,this will give you access to the armor."

"You sure about this...?"Frank sounded unsure himself.

"You're arguably the best fighter here excluding me.I'm going to go get that coffee with Shannon so I'm trusting this place to you."Starlio explains.

"Nah I'm still a better fighter."Frank smirks.

"Of course.You can call out the armor to you by simply addressing it as the Model 5,followed by any voice command you can think off.As long as your voice is within it's vicinity it will respond to you almost in an instant."Starlio instructs Frank who gave the prodigy a firm nod:"Understood Mr Colossal Mind.Go get that coffee bro."

"Don't summon it unless absolutely necessary alright?It doesn't have a ton of power in it left."Starlio warns as Kane wraps his arm around his shoulder:"Don't worry dude,I won't let him."

An Hour Later.

Shannon and Starlio found themselves down the quiet streets of Roy's Town.The two stayed quiet,just glad to have some form of normality again with no one having their eyes on them,just two teenagers trying to buy something from the supermarket.

"This shouldn't be rare.But it is."Starlio tells her.

"How long has it been since you walked down the street like a normal teen?"Shannon turns to him,analyzing his expression as Starlio sighed:"I don't know...almost a year?I honestly think the last time I felt like that was the meal before your trip to Aor."

Shannon's eyes widened:"Are you serious?"

"Unfortunately."Starlio tells her.Shannon could sense the overwhelming sense of confusion within him.Deep down,he didn't even know if his life has improved since the day everything went south.Of course,having more money and being financially independent was amazing but in exchange,Starlio essentially lost his childhood to the unwanted fame he was handed with each heroic deed he performed.

"How nice would it be to have....something like a private land to myself and the people around me.You know,somewhere where I could have the luxury of being a normal person or something....I....I don't know what I'm talking about..."Starlio softened.

"I know what you mean.Just get your own house,you're a millionaire already,get a big one.You can have all the space you want."Shannon tells him when Starlio answers truthfully:"What's the point?I need someone to enjoy the space with me right?"

Shannon blushed,her face reddening up.

-

I'm worthy.I'm worthy.

No one can tell me otherwise....I'm good enough....I'm good....I'm the best.

5 Years Ago.

Titus finally accomplished his first tour in the military,picking up a glorious 42 kills under his belt in just one tour,a record within the military.He was awarded the medal of honor by the President himself,a powerful and proud soldier...serving his country.Titus went home,excited to be finally recognized as he brought success to a success based family.

"I'm home Dad."Titus opened the door to the Alanore Mansion.

"Hello Master Titus.Welcome back.Would you like me to carry your bag?"A butler approached Titus who asks the butler:"Where's my father?"

"On a yacht party with your brothers.Your second brother graduated from his masters degree yesterday.Would you like me to contact them?"The butler asks.

"Did...did you guys not receive the letter I sent?!I told...I...I did say in that letter that I was coming home today did I not?!"Titus raised his voice,intimidating the butler who took a step back in fear:"Sir...they did receive the letter.I passed it to them myself but...they...I shouldn't be saying it."The butler shook his head.

"What did he say?I won't blame you."Titus asks.

"I overheard his conversation with your brothers.He said that his masters degree brought more glory and honor to the family than your medal of honor,which was earned through bloodshed."

Now.

More honor?I'll show you something my brothers could never.

Titus could feel the veins on his forehead crackling up,the Ironblood drug within him pumping more and more power across every inch of his body as the hunter smiled to himself.He had all the information he needed.His enhanced senses...a transport was getting to get them all?Now's the perfect time to strike then.

I will show you father....a type of success greater that the expectations of our society.

"Yo Titus!Heads up!"Frank opened the door to the basement,tossing Titus a piece of toast.Titus smiled,flexing his arms and shattering the chain like nothing,catching the toast in his hand with inhumane speeds and munching on it:"Thanks."

"MODEL 5!TO ME!"Frank roared at the top of his lungs.

The armor responded,flying across the living room,startling the rest of the teenagers who scrambled to the nearest household object they could use as a weapon.Titus bolted up the stairs at blinding speeds,launching a punch that sent Frank flying right out of the basement and crashing into the living room table,smashing it into pieces as the Model 5 desperately tried to attach itself to it's caller.

"No you don't."Titus grabbed the Model 5 before it could reach Frank,tossing it into a wall and kicking it into the basement,shutting the door shut and trapping the armor.

Joseline charged first with the pole in her arm,swinging it full force at Titus only for the hunter to grab it with ease,ripping it out of Joseline's hand before tossing it right at a charging Roy,knocking him in the head out cold.

"Who's next?!"Titus gleefully smiled.

Angie yelled,tossing a knife right at Titus who easily dodged the projectile,speeding towards her and knocking her out with one good punch across her skull.Angie collapsed as Joseline and Frank both re engaged him,throwing attacks left and right only for Titus to toy with them,easily dodging their punches and kicks before attacking himself,sweeping Joseline off her feet with a kick and hurling her into the ceiling,blasting her out cold,leaving just him and Frank.

Kane jumped out of nowhere,hurling a metal pipe that struck Titus in the back,buying Frank a fraction of a second to charge into the hunter,slamming him against the wall before unloading punches onto him."You think these are hurting me?!"

Frank was shot back by a sudden uppercut,knocking Frank out and before Kane could react,Titus jumped at him,kicking him in the gut and tossing Kane like a rag doll across the living room,landing right beside an unconscious Roy.

All the teenagers were knocked out.

Now all Titus had to do was wait.Starlio,Shannon,the Navarro Brothers will all come back here and this would be the perfect ambush.Titus grabbed the nearest phone,phoning Mason Stex:"Hello?Come to my location,quietly.I got what you want."

Supermarket.

Starlio's watch buzzed as he looked down at it:[Model 5 Active]

"Shit....we have to go."Starlio turned to Shannon,who was browsing through the selection of coffee."What's going on?"

"The Model 5 has been activated."Starlio tells her.

Shannon immediately placed down her coffee packet,running to him and looking at his watch."Okay...we got to think this through.It's safe to assume that Titus probably broke out or someone broke in that caused Frank to activate the armor."Shannon analyzed quickly."Safe to say that the house is probably compromised as well.I have to redirect the Navarro Brothers away."

"How about them?"Shannon refers to their friends.

"I can't go in like this without an armor.We head back to Navarro Warehouse first,as dangerous as it might be to show up there due to the immense possibility that it's probably monitors by my father's men,it's the only place where I have access to an armor."Starlio weighed out his possibilities.

"You have another one?"

"The Model 4-[Flame.]"

"No choice then.Let's go now!"Shannon tells the prodigy who quickly took out his phone,calling the Navarro Brothers to warn them only for him to see black armored trucks,driving right past the supermarket,similar to the ones outside his school.

"Blend in.We have to find a way out of here!"Starlio grabs Shannon's hand by instinct,dragging her across the supermarket shelves,using it as cover to shield themselves from the agents who exit their vehicles,scouting the area.

"Back door."Shannon whispers to him.

Starlio and her quickly moved to the back of the supermarket as Starlio quickly messaged Xavier Navarro:Unlock the Model 4!House is compromised!

"Over there!"A man yells.

Shannon and Starlio looked at each other,instantly knowing what to do as the two teenagers bolted towards the back door without hesitation."Don't stop alright?!You have to follow me!"Starlio tells Shannon,who nodded quickly as they burst out of the back door,slamming it shut before heading toward the other shops in the area.

"Did Xavier receive your message?"Shannon asks.

"We have to hope so."Starlio says,tapping on his watch to summon the Model 4 to his location.

Gunshots thundered through the air as the civilians around the area panicked,Starlio quickly pushing Shannon behind a wall as bullets whizzed past them.Starlio quickly tried to duck himself only for a stray bullet to scratch the side of his face,blood oozing into his eye as the teen fell back against the wall,barely falling down as Shannon caught him.

"Shit!"Shannon quickly dragged him into another corner,away from the sight of the men chasing them.

"Which part of you got hit?!"Shannon desperately asks.

"Just a scratch....but...blood in my eye."Starlio mutters,forcing himself up:"I can still move fine,let's go!"Shannon grabbed him this time,leading him right into a clothing store,hoping to use it's back door to escape when more gunshots were fired at them.

Shannon quickly made a beeline for the back door,pushing the door handle only to realize that it was locked."Starlio!The door's locked,we have to-"Shannon stopped as she spotted two men with pistols,finding them at the entrance,pinning them within the store.

"Hands up!Come out or we will shoot!"

It was policemen.They were bribed after all.

Starlio faced them,placing his hand on Shannon,getting her behind him."Alright,alright,we're getting out."Starlio walked forward slowly when Shannon noticed the glare in one of the officer's eyes.A straight up kill shot as she quickly pushed Starlio aside when the officer fired.

Starlio was pushed onto the ground as he saw Shannon collapse right next to him,blood splattering from her arm as she cried out in pain.Starlio spotted the bullet wound in her arm."Shan!"Starlio quickly helped her aside,placing behind a rack of clothes,using it as temporary cover as she closed her eyes in pain:"Don't...fight....go!"

"Like you told me back then.We'll leave together."Starlio tells her as he stood up,spotting the Model 4 swooping towards him from a distance and facing the two rogue officers in front of him.

"Behind us!"The officer warned as the two turned their attention to the armor,opening fire onto it only for the armor to swoop violently past them,Starlio jumping into the Model 4,a dark orange and black armor,more streamlined than any of the other armors,wrapping it's parts around the teenager and quickly,suiting him up.

"You'll regret hurting her."Starlio growls.