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Chapter 7: the American dream

  **Announcer 1:** "Oh boy, folks! We've got a political heavyweight entering the ring! This isn't just any contestant—this is former Senator Bordy Jornitson! He's not just here for the money, he's here for the American Dream!"

  **Announcer 2:** "Jornitson's presence adds a new dimension to this contest. His political career, his calm demeanor, and his ambitions for the country will make this encounter one to watch."

  ---

  William, Angelo, and Kindliker pushed through the thick underbrush, their minds still reeling from their encounter with Benito. The tension in the air was palpable, and despite their fatigue, they remained alert. They were close to the center of the arena now, where every step could be their last.

  As they emerged from the dense forest into a clearing, they saw him: Bordy Jornitson. He stood tall and composed, dressed in a dark suit that seemed out of place in the chaos of the Power Royale. His posture was relaxed, but his eyes were sharp, observing the trio with a calculating gaze.

  William was the first to break the silence. "So, what's your angle, Senator? You're too old for this game, aren't you?"

  Bordy smiled, his expression calm and collected. "Age is just a number, William. I'm here to prove that even in the most desperate circumstances, leadership and principles can prevail."

  Angelo stepped forward, his skepticism evident. "You think winning this bloodbath will make you some kind of hero? A billion dollars won't save America from its problems."

  Bordy's smile widened slightly. "True, Angelo. But it's not just about the money. It's about what that money represents. Power. Influence. A chance to be more than just a politician—to be a symbol of hope in a nation teetering on the brink of collapse."

  William scoffed, crossing his arms. "And you think you're that symbol? Come on, Senator, this isn't some campaign rally. This is real life, and out here, ideals don't mean squat."

  Bordy's eyes never wavered. "Ideals are all we have, William. They're the foundation of everything we build. Without them, we're just animals fighting for scraps. That's why I'm here. To remind people that even in the darkest times, there's a better way forward."

  Kindliker, usually the quietest of the group, couldn't help but pipe up. "So, what? You win this thing, throw a few nukes around, and suddenly America's problems are solved?"

  Bordy's expression remained serene, but there was a steely edge to his voice. "It's never that simple, Kindliker. But sometimes, a powerful act is needed to break through the noise and make people listen. I don't enjoy the violence, but I'm prepared to do what's necessary for the greater good."

  The group fell silent, absorbing his words. There was something unsettling about the calm certainty with which Bordy spoke, as if he had already accepted the grim reality of what was to come.

  Angelo broke the silence. "So, what's your plan then? You talk a good game, but words won't get you far in this arena."

  Bordy's eyes glinted with a hint of amusement. "My plan? Survive. And in doing so, prove that America isn't dead yet. That even in the worst of times, we can rise above the chaos and rebuild. That's what the American Dream is all about, isn't it?"

  William's eyes narrowed, sensing the gravity of the situation. "You talk a lot about rebuilding, but this place isn't exactly the Capitol. You ready to put your money where your mouth is?"

  Bordy's smile didn't falter. "I've been ready my whole life."

  The tension in the air thickened as the two sides stared each other down, neither willing to make the first move. Bordy's hand twitched, his fingers subtly forming the peace sign, ready to unleash his deadly power at a moment's notice. The group's muscles tensed, their instincts screaming at them to attack, but something held them back.

  Finally, William spoke, his voice low and determined. "We're not backing down, Senator. You might want to be a symbol, but we're here to win. And that means we won't hesitate."

  Bordy nodded, his expression respectful. "I wouldn't expect anything less."

  The chapter ends with the two sides locked in a tense standoff, the promise of violence hanging in the air as the final showdown looms. The fight is inevitable, but for now, both sides are content to wait, knowing that the next move could change everything.

  ---

  **Announcer 1:** "And there you have it, folks! The calm before the storm! Will Bordy's political savvy and devastating power be enough to carry him through? Or will William and his crew take him down?"

  **Announcer 2:** "This is more than just a fight—it's a clash of ideals, of visions for the future. And when the dust settles, only one will be left standing."

  **Announcer 1:** "It's time, folks! The tension has built to a fever pitch, and now we're about to witness the clash of ideals—and powers! It's William, Angelo, and Kindliker versus the former senator himself, Bordy Jornitson! Will this political powerhouse be too much for our heroes? Let's find out!"

  **Announcer 2:** "This battle will be one of strategy and determination. Bordy's ability to throw mini-nukes with the flick of his wrist makes him a formidable opponent. But William's metal manipulation and Angelo's animal transformations could turn the tide—if they can figure out how to breach Bordy's defenses."

  ---

  The standoff broke in a flash.

  William, not one to hesitate, thrust his hand forward, sending a barrage of metal shards hurtling through the air. Bits of broken machinery, shattered weapons, and scrap he'd collected along the way spun through the air like deadly projectiles. They whistled through the air, aimed directly at Bordy's chest.

  But Bordy didn't flinch. His fingers made the peace sign, and with a casual flick of his wrist, a mini-nuke flew from his hand. The explosion was small but intense, a concentrated blast of energy that met William's metal assault head-on. The shockwave sent William stumbling backward, the metal shards disintegrating before they could reach their target.

  "That all you got?" Bordy's voice was calm, almost bored, as he surveyed the battlefield. His eyes locked onto William, daring him to try again.

  William cursed under his breath. "Damn it... this guy's no joke." He glanced at Angelo, who had already shifted into the form of a sleek black panther, muscles rippling under his fur as he prepared to strike.

  Angelo leaped forward, his powerful legs propelling him through the air. He aimed for Bordy's side, hoping to catch him off guard. But as soon as he closed the distance, Bordy made another peace sign. A second mini-nuke exploded near Angelo, forcing him to veer off course. The panther yelped as the explosion grazed his side, sending him tumbling to the ground.

  "Angelo!" William shouted, but Angelo quickly recovered, shifting back to human form. His breath was ragged, and there was a scorch mark on his side, but he was still in the fight.

  "He's too quick," Angelo panted. "Every time we get close, he's ready with those nukes."

  Kindliker, standing off to the side, was fidgeting nervously. He knew his power—canceling others' abilities—would be useless from this distance. He had to get close for it to work, but with Bordy's nukes flying around, getting close seemed impossible. Still, he had to do something. "Guys, if I can just get near him, I can—"

  "No way," William interrupted. "You'll get blown to bits before you can even try."

  Kindliker grimaced, but he knew William was right. He was practically useless from this range. He clenched his fists in frustration, feeling the weight of his inadequacy.

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  Bordy watched their exchange with detached interest. "You're persistent, I'll give you that," he said, his tone almost condescending. "But persistence won't win this battle. You're outmatched."

  William snarled, his eyes narrowing. "We'll see about that." He summoned more metal, larger chunks this time—twisted beams from a demolished building, jagged pieces of wreckage. With a grunt of effort, he sent them flying toward Bordy in a massive wave of steel.

  Bordy responded with another nuke, the explosion ripping through the metal, sending fragments scattering in all directions. The force of the blast knocked William off his feet, slamming him into the ground. He groaned, struggling to push himself back up.

  Angelo, still recovering from the earlier hit, shifted into the form of a hawk and took to the sky, hoping to attack from above. But even in the air, Bordy's nukes were a threat. A well-placed explosion sent shockwaves through the sky, and Angelo was forced to dive to avoid the blast, returning to human form as he hit the ground in a roll.

  Bordy stood in the center of the chaos, untouched and unfazed. He adjusted his tie with a calm, practiced motion, his eyes scanning the battlefield. "Is this really the best you've got?" he asked, his voice cutting through the tension like a knife. "If so, this is going to be over very quickly."

  William wiped blood from the corner of his mouth and glared at Bordy. "We're not done yet."

  But in his heart, he knew they were in trouble. Bordy was too powerful, too controlled. Every move they made, he countered effortlessly. The ground they were fighting on felt like quicksand, every step forward pulling them further into defeat.

  Kindliker, watching the fight unfold, felt the weight of his own helplessness. He wanted to help, to be useful, but every plan he came up with seemed doomed to fail. All he could do was watch as William and Angelo struggled against a foe who seemed unbeatable.

  The chapter ends with Bordy standing tall amidst the wreckage, unscathed and in control, while William and Angelo regroup, bruised and battered but refusing to back down. The tension is thick as they prepare for their next move, knowing that the stakes have never been higher.

  ---

  **Announcer 1:** "What a showdown! William and Angelo are giving it their all, but Bordy's just too strong! Can our heroes find a way to turn the tide? Or is this the end of the line?"

  **Announcer 2:** "Bordy's strategy and power make him a nearly insurmountable obstacle.”

  **Announcer 1:** "What a fight it's been so far, folks! But hold onto your seats because it looks like Bordy's about to take center stage in a way we've never seen before. Who knew a political speech could be this intense?"

  **Announcer 2:** "Bordy Jornitson has always been a man of words as much as a man of action. In the midst of battle, this former senator seems to be digging deep into his past, channeling that patriotic spirit. But will it be enough to save him from William's relentless pursuit?"

  ---

  Bordy stood tall, his suit somehow still immaculate despite the chaos surrounding him. He raised his hand, not in preparation for another mini-nuke, but as a signal for the fighting to stop. "Hold on a minute," he said, his voice echoing across the battlefield with the same calm authority that once commanded the Senate floor. "Before we continue this senseless struggle, there's something you all need to hear."

  William and Angelo hesitated, exchanging confused glances. Even Kindliker, standing awkwardly at the edge of the fight, found himself leaning in, curious despite himself.

  Bordy straightened his tie and took a deep breath. "I've spent my life fighting for this country. I've seen it at its best, and I've seen it at its worst. And right now, America is at a crossroads. We're divided, lost in our own self-interest, forgetting what made us great in the first place."

  His gaze swept across his opponents, as if daring them to challenge his words. "America is not just a country—it's an idea. It's the belief that we can do better, that we can reach higher. We conquered the moon, and we were destined by God to search the stars. But now, we're stuck in the mud, fighting over scraps. That's why I'm here—not for the money, not for the fame, but to remind everyone what America can be."

  There was a beat of silence as his words hung in the air, thick with the weight of history and ambition.

  "Spare me the lecture," William spat, breaking the silence. "You think a speech is gonna change anything? We're all here for the same reason: a billion dollars. You can wrap it up in the flag all you want, but at the end of the day, you're just another player in this game."

  Bordy's expression didn't falter. If anything, he looked almost... disappointed. "That's where you're wrong, William. I'm here because I believe in something bigger. But I suppose you wouldn't understand. You've never fought for something beyond yourself."

  William clenched his fists, anger boiling beneath the surface. "You don't know anything about me, old man."

  "Don't I?" Bordy's tone was sharp now, cutting through William's bravado. "I know you've never had to put your life on the line for something greater than yourself. I did. I was in Iraq, fighting for the very freedoms you take for granted. And I paid the price."

  He turned slightly, revealing the faint outline of a scar on his back, just visible under his shirt. "A piece of shrapnel from an IED. Doctors said I was lucky to survive. Now I carry a metal plate in my back to remind me every day of the sacrifices we make for the things we believe in."

  William's eyes narrowed, focusing on the metal plate with renewed interest. His mind raced as he realized the implications. Bordy's power might be formidable, but if there was metal in his body...

  Bordy saw the shift in William's expression and smirked. "You think you can use that against me, don't you? Go ahead. Try. But remember, William, power isn't just about what you can do—it's about what you stand for."

  William didn't need any more encouragement. With a sharp gesture, he focused all his energy on the metal plate in Bordy's back. He felt the familiar tug of metal under his control, the subtle shift as it began to respond to his will.

  Bordy's confident stance faltered for the first time. He grunted, his hands instinctively reaching for his back as he felt the metal plate begin to move. "You... you won't win like this," he gasped, trying to maintain his composure. "This... this isn't what America stands for..."

  But William was relentless. With a final surge of effort, he ripped the metal plate from Bordy's back. The senator cried out in pain as the jagged piece of metal tore free, clattering to the ground in front of him.

  Bordy staggered, clutching his side as blood seeped through his shirt. He looked at William with a mixture of anger and sorrow. "You... you don't understand..."

  William didn't reply. He was already advancing, his eyes locked on Bordy with cold determination. This fight wasn't over.

  Bordy, weakened and bleeding, knew he couldn't win this battle—not like this. With a grimace, he turned and fled, his footsteps uneven as he disappeared into the ruins of the cityscape.

  "Get back here!" William shouted, sprinting after him. He wasn't about to let Bordy escape now, not after everything they'd been through.

  Angelo and Kindliker watched in stunned silence as the chase began. "Should we... follow him?" Angelo asked, still catching his breath from the earlier fight.

  Kindliker shrugged helplessly. "I guess? I mean... we can't just stand here, right?"

  The two of them exchanged another glance before taking off after William and Bordy, their footsteps echoing through the empty streets as the chase continued into the night.

  ---

  **Announcer 1:** "What a twist! Bordy may have delivered an inspiring speech, but it wasn't enough to stop William from literally ripping the fight out of him! Talk about metal!"

  **Announcer 2:** "This battle isn't over yet. William's pursuit of Bordy could lead to even more unexpected turns. The question now is: will Bordy's patriotism and cunning be enough to survive what's coming next?"

  Announcer 1: "Ladies and gentlemen, hold on to your seats! The chase is heating up! William Dangerfield is right on Bordy's tail, and this could be the end of the former senator. But the question is: how will it go down?"

  Announcer 2: "Bordy Jornitson may be wounded, but he's not out. William's metal manipulation powers are strong, but not without limits. This showdown is going to test both their abilities—and their resolve."

  William sprinted through the crumbling streets, his eyes fixed on Bordy as the senator's figure grew smaller in the distance. The wound Bordy sustained from having the metal plate ripped out of his back slowed him down, but not enough to stop him. William gritted his teeth, frustration gnawing at him as he struggled to close the gap.

  He had metal manipulation, sure, but he knew his limits. As much as he tried, he couldn't manipulate the iron in a person's blood or the smaller pieces of metal embedded within flesh. The metal plate had been a fluke—an easy target due to its size.

  "Damn it," William muttered under his breath as he pushed himself harder, legs burning with every step. "If only I had more control... more training."

  Behind him, Angelo and Kindliker lagged, struggling to keep up. Angelo's animal forms would give him an edge, but he was conserving energy, unsure of what lay ahead. Kindliker was just trying to stay relevant in the fight, panting as he stumbled along, his lack of any combat abilities showing.

  In the distance, Bordy spotted a bridge—a massive steel structure that spanned a wide, rushing river below. It was the perfect place for a last stand, and maybe—just maybe—an escape. The former senator gritted his teeth, the pain in his back intensifying with every movement, but he didn't stop. He couldn't. Not now.

  As Bordy reached the bridge, his steps faltered. The weight of his injuries was becoming too much, but he pressed on, crossing the threshold onto the metallic expanse. The sound of William's footsteps, growing louder behind him, fueled his determination.

  William saw the bridge and smirked. He could feel the metal under his feet, sense the steel beams that held the structure together. Bordy had just handed him the perfect weapon.

  "This is it," William muttered to himself as he reached the bridge. He slowed his pace, catching his breath while eyeing Bordy, who was halfway across. "You think you can run forever, old man?"

  Bordy turned to face William, his breathing ragged. "You don't understand, William... You can't kill an idea... You can never truly kill a patriot."

  William's eyes narrowed. "Maybe not, but I can sure as hell kill you."

  With a swift motion, William extended his hands toward the metal bridge. The steel groaned as it responded to his will, twisting and bending with a force that only he could command. Sharp spikes formed from the beams, rising up like deadly spears.

  Bordy's eyes widened as he realized what was happening. He tried to run, but his legs gave out, sending him crashing to the ground. The spikes were relentless, moving toward him with lethal precision.

  "William, stop!" Angelo's voice rang out from behind, but it was too late.

  With a final gesture, William sent the spikes hurtling toward Bordy. The senator barely had time to react before the metal pierced through his body, impaling him in multiple places. Blood poured from his wounds, staining the metal red as he collapsed onto the cold steel.

  Bordy gasped, his vision dimming as he stared up at the sky. His thoughts were jumbled, memories of his time in the Senate, the war, and the ideals he once fought for flashing before his eyes.

  "You... you can never... truly kill a patriot..." Bordy whispered with his final breath, his voice fading into the wind.

  William stood over Bordy's lifeless body, breathing heavily as the adrenaline coursed through his veins. He didn't feel the triumph he expected—only a hollow emptiness. He had won, but at what cost?

  Angelo and Kindliker finally caught up, skidding to a stop as they took in the scene. Angelo looked at William with a mix of shock and disappointment. "Was this necessary, William? He was already wounded..."

  William turned to Angelo, his expression unreadable. "He wasn't going to stop. He would have kept coming for us. For the prize. It's how this game works."

  Kindliker, catching his breath, just stared at Bordy's body, unsure of what to say. "I... I don't know if I'd call this a win."

  William glanced at the bloodied metal spikes he had created, then at Bordy's lifeless form. "It doesn't matter. We're still in this. We need to keep moving."

  Angelo sighed, his shoulders slumping in resignation. He knew William was right—there was no time to dwell on what had happened. But the weight of it hung over them all as they turned away from the bridge, continuing their journey deeper into the shrinking battlefield.

  Announcer 1: "And just like that, folks, another contender is down! William Dangerfield showing no mercy as he takes out Bordy Jornitson in a brutal display of power!"

  Announcer 2: "A fitting end for a man who believed in something greater than himself. But in the end, ideals don't win battles—power does. William's control over metal continues to be a force to be reckoned with, but how much longer can he keep this up?"

  To be continued...

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