Chapter 45: Rise of the Viral Sensation (1/2)
Percy sat at the roof of the hospital overlooking the city, unsure what to make of all the situation. He smiled faintly as the morning breeze ran through his hair. Holding his phone be witnessed the madness that V.I.R.A.L had faced. The hate and mindless rants were maybe starting to get to him. ”Though I'd find you up here.” Emil boasted with bandages around his head. ”So, how goes the brooding session?”
Percy chuckled looking out. ”Always room for another.”
Emil perked down, sitting next to Percy as he wrapped his arms around the barriers blocking the roof off. ”Quite the view, huh? Always forget just how big this city is.”
”Yeah.”
”So, why you hiding from everyone? You still caught up about Vanguard?”
”Marcus was arrested for the murders. He admitted to all of them, even the mental overload deaths. His fans are still refusing to accept the truth.”
”Noobs, the lot of them… they'll come around. Give it a few weeks, and they'll get bored and move on.”
”I know that all too well… to think I was as blind as them at one point. I was more than happy to overlook illegal actions like those because I couldn't accept the truth. The signs were all there, and I refused to acknowledge them. I really am pathetic. It only really hit me last night, Alton and Zinnia probably didn't even want me in their team. Marcus dumped me on them to get me out of his hair. I seriously can't believe I couldn't see that.”
”When we are so fixated on what we want, we blind ourselves to our mistakes. Do anything to get that goal. I kind of understand where Vanguard was going with his goals. I'm pretty sure many streamers might go to those lengths to get to the top. Monty would, I might have back then… it is a dog eat dog world.”
Percy leaned his head forward against the barriers mumbling. ”I've caused a lot of problems, haven't I? Stuck being babysat by Alton and Zinnia. Got her almost killed by the Phantom Streamer. I hit her out of desperation,… What a failure I am. With Marcus gone, my goals have been shattered. I don't know what's left.”
”Thinking of moving on?”
Percy shook his head, displeased. ”I want to stay. Stay a part of Team Rhapsody. Do you think the others will be alright with that?”
”You kidding noob? The shit we've all been through. You have more than earned your keep here. Besides, you aren't done, are you?”
”No, Rodger is still out there. Although Alton seems happy with the results, I can't help but be concerned. He still can inflict more mental overloads. As long as he is still around, our work isn't over.”
Emil stood up, smacking his back laughing. ”That's the spirit noob. I see it only fit that Vanguard's number one fan finishes the job and makes sure Vanguard's legacy cannot continue.”
Percy stood up, admiring the sunrise as he smiled to himself. ”No. I'm not Marcus' fan anymore. I'm the number one fan of someone else.”
****
”How do you keep doing that…” Zinnia huffed losing the third game of chess in a row. ”It's like you know every move I do before I make it…”
”Don't be daft. You just suck.” Alton chuckled which caused him to cough. ”Ugh, I hate this.”
”The nurse said it would only be for a few more days.”
”A few more days, that's what they always say. How come you're out so early?”
”Well turns out my injuries weren't that bad.”
”Tch, typical. Fuck I'm freezing!”
”You already have four blankets on.”
”I demand hot chocolate.” He snaps sulking. ”How goes Team Rhapsody?”
”Oh, you know, good.”
”Just good?”
”You kidding me?! We're doing fucking amazing! We've gained so many new followers since then. The number of people subscribing is insane. At this rate, we are easily going to pass the top fifty in no time!”
Alton smiled nodding. ”I'm glad to hear that. I'm happy for you all. You deserve it.”
Zinnia gave a dodgy look sitting on Alton's bed leaning forward. ”Hold up. From the way you make it sound, you aren't returning to Team Rhapsody?”
”Huh? Oh, I just thought after all I said and done you wouldn't want me back. I understand. I do. It's better off this way, you wouldn't want a coward in the ranks.”
Zinnia shook her head pouting as she pulled Alton in for a hug. ”You aren't going anywhere. I won't let go until you agree to come back.”
Alton gave a slightly shocked look laughing. ”Alright, alright, you win leader. You can ugh. Let go.”
”Not yet, just a bit more.”
”You know if you keep hugging me like this, I'm going to get the wrong idea.”
”Please, no jokes. No quirky comments. Just live the moment. I was to treasure this with my best friend.”
”Best friend…” He muttered before his hands slowly moved up as he reluctantly hugged Zinnia back. ”Listen Zin, there's something we need to discuss.”
Zinnia sat back cross-legged on his bed, willing to listen. ”I'm all ears.”