Chapter 52: The Outcast (2/2)
”Yeah, it was her decision. She didn't sleep at all too focused on a potential mystery or some shit.” Emil slurred walking over with a can of coke. ”Real prestigious place this is.”
”Is this anything like the Montague estate?”
”Eh, more or less. A few more bells and whistles mind you. The hotshots tell you why we're here.”
”No.”
Emil scoffed sipping his drink. ”I smell recruitment. These scummy paid networks don't just let you in out of the kindness of their hearts. Sooner or later, they want something.”
”You're too stingy. We're friends with Iris; I'm sure that's more than a good reason.”
The doors to the main building opened as a bald man in long black robes walked out. He took sight of team Rhapsody looking rather excited. ”If it isn't the shining stars of tomorrow. Team Rhapsody. It's an honour. I've heard so much about you from my daughter.”
”Wait, you're Iris and Alice's father?” Gale questioned looking at the man with a pop belly with confusion.”
”That I am. My name is Hans; I'm glad you are all alright, after what happened last night, I am happy to see you all unharmed.”
”Well we can thank your daughter for that sir, thank you for having us,” Scarlett said bowing.
”Ahh yes, Alice my pride and joy!” Hans laughed, pulling Alice over who was hiding behind a set of rocks. She stood still looking really awkward. ”I don't know what I would do without her; it's all rather exciting knowing my daughter is soon going to be the number one streamer. I couldn't be any prouder of her!”
”You know your other daughter also saved my life last night, as well as all of us during our fight against Vanguard.”
”Well, I'll have to tell her that later. But never mind that! I'm thrilled to have you all here. Please after last night feel free to stay here as long as you like. Frizzle teeth are home to Team Rhapsody.”
”Oh, we won't be here for long, our leader is out searching for clues. Hopefully, with all said and done, we could be done by the end of the week.”
”Don't worry about all that; you're much safer here. There's always a space for you with Frizzle teeth.”
”Told you…” Emil grumbled.
”While I appreciate the offer Hans sir, I just came off a rather toxic deal with Vanguard and am not diving at another deal just yet.”
”I understand, what Vanguard did to you all is unacceptable. I'm glad he's behind bars. The door is always open to you guys. Remember that. Now I have to see about security; this cult could be an issue.”
Emil began coughing, making him snarl in annoyance. ”This damn fog won't leave will it?!”
”You guys still see the fog?” Scarlett asked curiously.
Alton held his hand out as the fog from last night remained. It was much more transparent than before, but it remained. ”I think it may have something to do with the cult and P4R4D0X. The fog blinds whoever isn't worthy.”
”All the more reason to fucking kick this stupid cult's ass!”
Gale looked down as his phone began to ring. He looked at it refusing to answer. ”You can't keep hiding from them forever. You know Gale.”
”Damn it; Iris told you yeah? Well, this is inconvenient.”
”Just answer the call; it's your family. What's the worst that can happen?”
Gale sighed, standing up and walking away. ”Family is important. Pushing them away is a bad idea.” Alton went silent as Scarlett gave him a strange look. ”Did I say something wrong?”
”Oh, no. No.”
Gale came back sighing as he began rubbing his face. ”I need to go home. My village is in trouble. They are being attacked and have no one to help. I know the cult is important, but they need my help.”
”Alright, I understand. When do we leave?”
”What?”
”When do you leave? You don't expect us to let you go alone? We are a team; if somebody is in trouble, we help. Besides, Zinnia will not allow you to leave alone.”
”Isn't the cult a huge problem, though? That should be the priority.”
”It might.” Scarlett agreed. ”But if something happened to your family and we could have prevented it, I would feel that was my fault.”
”You heard the girl; I may not be the leader, but I think I can speak for Zinnia on this one. Plus, it gets us out of here.” Alton ordered. ”We should probably get ready. Once the others get back, we should get moving.”
Emil and Gale began moving as Scarlett tapped Alton. ”It seems you have a secret admirer.”
Alton turned, seeing Alice standing behind a tree watching. He chuckled to himself, shaking his head. ”So, Alice! About that photo.”