Chapter 70: Confession of a Broken Girl (1/2)
Percy was on his knees, exhausted and the fight beaten out of him. Barley unable to move he stumbled forward onto his hands. Blood dripped from his mouth as he had a menacing force tower over him. ”This was how it was always going to end, you of all people know that—the traitor who defied Vanguard. You deserve nothing less. He will stand again in the wake of your death. This is how your truth ends Percy Misharp. Die, die like the so-called hero you claim to be.”
Two hours earlier…
Drones blipped around the extensive worn down mine system. These were the coordinates for the Cult's hideout. Today was the day that would all end. The final moments were preparing as the stream was setting up, and Team Rhapsody was having their final meeting before it all began.
”So, this is it? The cult, Rodger and P4R4D0X all go down today.” Zinnia whispered peering down at the base from the cliffside. ”This good isn't it?”
”Well, it will get rid of this fog and the chance of any more mental overloads. So yes, this is good.” Alton said.
Zinnia frowned scratching her head. ”Then why do I feel so conflicted.”
”It is only natural anyone starts getting cold feet when faced with death,” Scarlett stated. ”Are you having second thoughts?”
”No!” She claimed acting defensive. ”I'm ready for this.”
Alton could see the tense look in everyone but Scarlett's eyes. He took a deep breath holding his arms out. ”Everyone in for one last group meeting.”
Percy licked his lips as he kneeled. ”We're saving these people, right? Saving them from the brainwashing Marcus pulled on them.”
”As best as we can, Percy. I cannot guarantee anything. They will try and kill us. We cannot hold back.”
He gulped nodding. ”I understand. It's I didn't sign up for V.I.R.A.L to kill anyone.”
Alton kneeled with him, placing a hand on his shoulder. ”Nobody is expecting you to. I'm hoping we can get through this without any casualties on both sides. They see us more than anyone as the bad guys. We are only here to help them. The idea of killing is horrible; I get it. No one should kill anyone, but with these circumstances, you might be given no choice. It will happen so fast you don't even realise you did it.”
”I can't do this.” He whimpered.
Zinnia kneeled next to him. ”Those people out there Percy, they need you. You were the one to break free from the bubble Vanguard had you trapped in. It should be you who frees them too. Nobody has to die.”
”I know. I'm not backing down. They need me now more than ever. I'm going to save them all.”
”Whoa, settle down sport and leave some for the rest of us.” Gale chuckled.
Zinnia stood up, wiping her eyes. ”Everyone groups hug!”
”Eh, I don't know about that.” Emil stuttered.
He wasn't given much choice as everyone was pulled in for a hug. Alton looked down sighing. ”Stay safe, everyone. Watch each other's backs. Let's bring down the cult and save the day!”
Everyone cheered as they began to set off. Zinnia stopped Percy giving him one last hug. ”You can do this; we took down Vanguard. We can do it again. Don't push yourself too hard. Ok?”
Percy smiled nodding. ”You too.”
Scarlett looked over the horizon flipping through their cards. ”Giving them false hope like that isn't good Alton.”
”What?”
”You, Emil and Gale might be ready, but those two are still just kids. They aren't ready for the sort of battle we are about to get into.”
Alton sighed. ”I'm well aware of that. We might not even get through this. I have no idea what is down there. But we have to do this. To save Rhinefield.”
”Rhinefield? Or is it just to save your own skin?” She asked, getting a muted response. ”Forget it. Stupid question. You. You stay safe out there.”
”You too. Scarlett, please keep Zinnia safe.”
Scarlett smirked glancing at her. ”You really care for her, don't you? I cannot help but feel jealous.”
”It isn't like that.” Alton shoved off. ”There aren't enough good decent people out there. I don't want to admit it to her, but she has saved my life. A real hero cape and everything.”
”Do you love her?” Scarlett questioned, staring at Alton.
Alton placed his hands in his pockets, laughing it off slightly. ”What sort of question is that? I still can't quite work you out Scarlett, but I think you already know the answer to that.”
”That I can confirm I do.”
”Then why even ask such a question?”
Scarlett rolled her eyes, shaking her head. ”You can be so naïve.” She got her on tippytoes kissing Alton, this time only a quick peck and nothing more. She held her hands behind her back swaying left and right. ”You better tell her after all this is over with. If you don't, I'll keep teasing you like that.”