Frank's Dilemma

Great Temptation

Frank waited in the lobby of the medical bay. Both Gold and Carl were here getting treated. Gold wasn't as bad but Carl...was a different story.

Those burns...not many at our school have fire type attacks that can do that. In fact...Bulk is the only one that can apply them directly.

"Which means that he is the one who did it," said an unknown voice.

Frank lifted up his head. The tone was low with a slight echo to it.

Figured you were going to show up.

"I've always been here Frank. I will never go away."

Lucky me.

"Come on...you know it was him. Those Pack bastards always had it out for you and your friends. Why not...let go?"

Frank's eye brow twitched.

"Unhinge yourself completely...go all out."

The door opened. Frank stood up and saw Gold walking out with Mal.

"How are you feeling?" Frank asked.

Gold gave him a thumbs up.

"This fool still wants to fight," Mal sighed.

Frank laughed.

"That doesn't surprise me at all."

"What? You are alright with that?" asked Mal.

"No but can't stop him," Frank replied with a smile.

Another sigh escaped Mal's mouth.

"Gold...I still advise against it."

"...thanks," Gold stated.

"How is Carl?" Frank asked.

"I have NURS taking care of him so he will be fine," replied Mal.

"I forget...what do the letters stand for?" asked Frank.

Mal face palmed.

"Seriously? How many times is that now?"

"Well truth be told I think its almost in the triple digits," Frank stated.

"And I'm getting tired of telling you."

Silence filled the room.

"Will he...be able to fight?" asked Gold somberly.

Mal shook his head.

"I'm afraid not. It's a shame..I wanted to see how far he would be able to go."

"Doctor," called out a synthetic voice.

Gold, Mal, and Frank turned toward the source to see a pink robot hovering into the room.

"Yes NURS?"

"Young-Carl-is-gravely-injured-but-will-be-fine-now."

"How bad were his injuries?" asked Frank.

"You-were-the-one-who-found-him-so-you-already-know-how-bad-it-was."

"But he is going to be fine right?"

"Yes-he-will."

NURS left the room. Frank clenched his fist.

Damn that Bulk.

"Which is why I'm saying to go at him unhinged," the unknown voice called out.

"From what NURS told me," Mal started, "he had several burn marks all over his body. With bruises at the center of each one. Meaning someone directly applied fire with a physical attack."

"...not many can do that," Gold stated.

"Come on guys, it was Bulk," said Frank.

Mal rubbed his chin.

"Yes he is the most likely culprit but we will need evidence. Right now, I need to inform Principle Kurler that Carl has to drop out."

"Meaning...someone will take his place in the tournament," Frank stated.

Mal nodded his head and left. Frank punched a wall.

"Dammit!"

This isn't fair...just when he was getting his moment to shine. DAMMIT!

"You have every right to be angry...go at Bulk unhinged. Use the power you have kept hidden."

I'm seriously considering it.

"Don't consider it...do it."

I would love to.

Gold walked over to him.

"I know what you are thinking."

Frank turned around and faced him.

"Oh really? Then tell me Gold, what am I thinking?"

"You want to crush Bulk...with everything you have."

Silence fell.

"...damn you are good."

"I know you know how to use that power Frank...however I still think you shouldn't use it. I don't think Bulk is worth it."

"What?! After what he did to Carl?!"

A dark glow appeared in his eyes.

"Frank...I want Bulk to pay too...but you know that once you show that power there is no turning back. It will create more problems than it solves. It would also make your dream harder to reach."

Frank turned away.

"I know all that Gold...I know all that. I just can't take it any more. I have reached my limit and I'm going to show everyone that we are not to be messed around with."

Gold nodded.

"I know. I feel the same way. But this...isn't the best way to deal with it."

Frank turned back to him with the dark glow still in his eyes.

"Then tell me...how the best way to get people off our back is?"

"Simple...win the tournament without using that power."

"That doesn't sound like the best way Frank...go unhinged...completely."

The voice grew louder with each passing word.

"What is that going to prove?" Frank asked.

His voice brimming with anger.

"...do I really need to answer that?" asked Gold.

"Yes you do!"

Suddenly, Mal burst into the room.

"We have a problem."

Frank closed his eyes. He began to take deep, slow breaths to calm down. Gold approached Mal.

"..."

"I know who is replacing Carl in the tournament."

*A few minutes ago*

Mal approached Donald at his seat with Red and Cannon at his side.

"Sir, Carl can no longer fight in this tournament."

"...I figured as much," Donald replied.

A sad sigh escaped his lips.

"I was looking forward to seeing how far he could go."

"Very few students were though," Mal replied.

He handed Donald the paper work from Carl's treatment. Donald looked it over carefully.

"...so Bulk did this?"

"That is my guess but that is just that...a guess," replied Mal.

"Very well...thank you."

Donald set the paper work down. Red approached him.

"So how will you decide who takes his place?"

Donald rubs his chin. Soon he smiled and pressed a button.

"Students."

His voice rang over the inter comm of the area.

"Carl was terribly injured and cannot continue in the tournament. So the Enforcers, teachers, and myself have done a drawing of all the students who have been defeated and those who weren't allowed to participate. This drawing was to determine who would take Carl's place. Bulk McHeavy...you are in the tournament."

Mal and Red gasped. The students cheered wildly. Cannon made no move or sound. Donald turned off the inter comm.

"But I don't understand why sir," said Mal.

His voice rang with shock and uncertainty. Donald turned his head a little.

"It will be revealed in time."

The next battles were being selected with Bulk now in the roster. The first picture to appear was Frank's. And right next to him...Bulk's picture appeared.

*Present*

"I ran back here to tell you this," Mal finished.

Frank was silent. Then he began chuckling.

"Oh...I'm going to enjoy this."

His tone was low and dark. Mal took a step back.

I know that he is angry but...that was creepy.

"Mal...can you tend to Carl please?" asked Gold.

Mal only nodded in reply before leaving the room. A dark glow appeared around Frank's body.

"That bastard is going to pay," he spoke in a creepy tone. "Oh yes...which bone do I break first? Maybe a rib? Perhaps a limb? Soooooo many choices."

"Oh yes you have many choices," the voice called out to him. "But why do only one of those? Why not do them all?"

A dark smile slithered across Frank's face.

"Oh yesssssssss."

Gold walked up to him and slapped him. Frank took a step back and the dark glow vanished. Frank looked back at Gold who stared at him with angry eyes.

"Get a hold of yourself. Loosing your head like that isn't helping."

Gold's voice rang with rage.

"I'm pissed too yet I don't want to go down to their level to get back at them."

Frank rubbed his cheek.

"Let me ask you Frank...what is going to hurt them more? Beating them senseless or winning the tournament?"

Silence filled the room. Soon Red walked in.

"Frank, your match is about to start."

Frank looked over at him then back at Gold.

"...kay."

Frank walked out of the room. He somberly began to walk.

"You know that you want to," the voice spoke.

Frank scoffed.

Shut it DF.

"Why the sudden change of heart? A few moments ago you were ready to go unhinged. Come on now Frank...just use it."

Frank's fist clenched.

You know what...I don't care. Keep talking and I'll just ignore you.

"Come now...you know that isn't going to work with me."

Frank marched in silence.

"So that is it? You are just going to let him get away with what he did to your best friend? You aren't going to make him pay?"

Frank soon reached the field. Bulk was already waiting for him.

"Took you long enough."

Frank made no reply.

"The test tournament shall now continue," Donald announced. "The next match will be between Frank and Bulk McHeavy. The stage will be Luigi's Mansion."

"Ooooo a nice dark stage," DF spoke. "Perfect to show everyone your dark power."

Frank took a fighting stance as the stage changed. Bulk made no move. Soon the stage had completely formed.

"Battle begin!" shouted Donald.

Frank rushed Bulk and landed a strong, first punch. Bulk replied with a spin kick to Frank's head. Frank stumbled down a floor in the mansion but got back up. He jumped up to smack Bulk, but he rolled out of the way.

"Friction Slide!" shouted Bulk.

He slide on the ground and his foot was aflame, hitting Frank and burning him a little. The force of the hit sent Frank up into the air. Bulk quickly jumped up and grabbed him.

"Friction Bomb!"

A small explosion ignited in front of Frank and he fell to the ground hard. Bulk landed on his feet and taunted him. Frank got to his feet and seemed dazed.

"Come on already!" shouted DF. "He is kicking your ass and you aren't doing anything about it. Use it!"

You aren't helping!

"So much for ignoring me."

Frank shook off his daze and rushed at Bulk again with anger flaring in his eyes. Bulk dodged easily and started laughing.

"How did I ever have trouble with you?"

Frank growled as he stood up and rushed again. Angrier than before. He kept attacking yet each time Bulk dodged with ease. The students laughed at the pathetic display.

WwwwwwW

Carl slowly woke up. Groggy from before he took a look around. Mal stood beside his bed.

"Welcome back to the land of the living."

Carl groaned.

"What...happened? The last thing I remember is going to use the bathroom...and then getting jumped back Bulk."

Mal nodded.

"He beat you badly. Cheap tactic too the fool. Also, you should know that I can't permit you to fight in the tournament with your injuries."

Carl's expression immediately soured.

"...dammit."

Mal was silent. He looked at the TV in the room.

"...you might want to see this. Frank isn't doing too good on his end."

Carl looked up and saw what Mal meant. Frank was getting his butt handed to him. Carl gritted his teeth.

I know you can fight better than this Frank. So start fighting him already.

WwwwwwW

Frank didn't seem to get tired. He kept rushing yet to no avail. Finally having enough of this display, Bulk pulled back his fist.

"Friction PUNCH!"

The attack hit Frank square in the chest and he flew back and out of the house. He fell to the ground and was barely still in the ring. Frank growled.

DAMMIT!

"How about you stop playing around and beat his sorry ass already!" screamed DF. "Why are you hesitating to use that power now?"

How about you shut up DF and let me fight?

"You call this fighting? You are getting your ass handed to you for a ten course meal. And the crowd loves it."

The cheers of the crowd were loud and cheery...for Bulk. He waved back to the crowd as Frank struggled to get up.

Meanwhile up in the teacher box, Canon shook his head.

"This is what they get for being lazy."

Donald remained silent and watched.

Back on the field, Frank barely managed to get to his feet. He continued to stare at Bulk with enmity.

"Use it," DF called out.

...well...why the hell not? I'm tired of this bullshit any way.

"Yessssssss."

DF sounded so gleeful it was creepy. Frank grinned a dark smile as he took one step toward Bulk.

"What is going to hurt them more? Beating them senseless or winning the tournament?"

Gold's words echoed in his mind.

"Don't listen to him," DF protested. "Beat him senseless!"

The desperation clung to DF's tone. Frank sighed and his dark smile faded.

...no...Gold is right.

Frank laughed. Bulk turned toward him and cocked his head.

"What's so funny?"

Frank continued to laugh.

"Me...this is pathetic."

"If you change...they win and we don't want that."

More of Gold's words echoed. Frank wiped a tear away as he stopped laughing.

"I can't believe I got so out of focused that I'm getting my butt kicked by you of all people."

"You aren't letting me," argued Bulk. "I'm beating you senseless."

"No no no...you got me good Bulk and I'll give you that but now...get ready for the real fight."

Frank cracked his neck.

"Oh...are you going to provide me with a real fight?"

Frank smirked. He casually walked forward toward Bulk.

"No...NO! GO AT HIM FULL BLAST! USE YOUR DARK POWER!" screamed DF.

Frank smiled.

Nah...too much hassle and plus Gold was right...he isn't worth the trouble.

Bulk pulled back his fist again.

"Friction Punch!"

He thrust a fire fist forward but this time Frank dodged it. He then grabbed bulk and rapidly kneed him in the chest. He tossed him up and slammed a powerful upper cut into him. The air escaped Bulk's mouth as he descended back down. Once there, Frank lifted up his leg and slammed it down. Bulk barely escaped the strike. He stood up only for Frank to be right in front of him.

"It's not too late Frank...unhinge yourself!" shouted DF.

Frank smirked and launched a barrage of punches and kicks. Bulk tried to dodge yet couldn't due to Frank's speed. Frank threw him forward out of the mansion. The force caused the mansion to collapse, and Bulk was on the edge of the ring. Frank was casually strolling toward him. Bulk glared at him. He rushed him but Frank just simply grabbed him.

"You know the funny thing here Bulk?"

Bulk tried to break free yet Frank didn't let go.

"The funny thing here is simple...I'm STILL not going all out here."

Bulk's eyes widen with shock as Frank tossed him out of the ring, claiming the victory.

"The winner of the match is...Frank!" announced Donald.

The area turned back to normal yet no cheers could be heard. No boos either. Total silence filled the area. Frank smiled and took a bow.

"Thank you thank you. I'll be here all semester."

He began waving as he exited the arena. Soon he was out with a big smile on his face. The light behind him cast his shadow forward. A white shape in the shadows head formed a smile.

"How disappointing...so close to use it for real and you wasted it."

Frank sighed.

Gold put it best so you are just going to have to deal with it.

White eyes appeared above the smile.

"Gold made his point...and I made mine. But something you may not have considered is this: how will you know to use it effectively in real combat...when you don't use it in real combat?"

Frank stops and looks at his shadow.

I've thought about that as well...and you know what? It doesn't matter. Yes you are right but if I used my dark power...then training Carl will be even harder. Heck they might throw all three of us out of the school and we can't have that. I will use that power if I need to, but it'll be up to me how I use it and how well I use it.

Silence. However, it soon was replaced but a dark chuckle.

"Well spoken...I guess I will have to accept it."

The shadow went back to normal.

"However...you can't deny that you wanted to. How badly did you want to go unhinged at him, how you wanted to see him beg for forgiveness, and you wanted to see how slowly you could break his bones."

Frank began walking again.

I don't deny any of that.

DF chuckled darkly. The chuckling faded with each step he took until it faded into silence. Frank arrived back at the medical wing and saw Carl was now awake with Gold next to him.

"Hey there," Frank greeted.

"You had me worried there for a second," Carl stated.

Frank rubbed the back of his head.

"Sorry about that. Next time I will do better."

Carl smiled. Frank walked over to Gold. Gold smiled and Frank returned it. Gold held out his fist toward him. Frank bumped it with his own. Nothing else needed to be said.