Chapter 87: When It Rains It Pours (1/2)

”For a guy who can manipulate the atoms of water and stuff, why do you get an umbrella while we don't.”

”I can't stop the rain Zin, that would be overkill. Besides what do you want me to do control all of the rain droplets around and concentrate them into a single large focused ball of water to stop you getting wet?”

”No… that's the point of an umbrella. But that would make an awesome attack!”

Alton woke, finding himself sleeping at his old school desk. The room was devoid of colour, and the outside was pure white. All the other desks were the same apart from his. ”What you doing Alt?”

Alton turned around, seeing Sam sitting in her desk behind chewing on some gum. ”Sam? What's going on?”

”You don't remember?”

”Oh, I remember. I lost to Paradox, didn't I?”

”I think lost is an understatement. You got your ass handed to you like a Turkey on the fourth of July. You got the mother of all ass whopping. You really kicked the bucket over this one.”

Alton snarled, resting his head on the desk. ”Alright, you don't have to rub it in like that, jeez you never change do you Sam?”

”Neither do you. Always the same party pooper. I'm sure you've blown off your new group more times than I can count, I did fail maths so really it isn't far.”

”What is this place? Am I dead?”

”I sure in hell hope not.” She whined, kicking her feet against Alton's chair. ”Spending the afterlife with you at school sounds really shit.”

Alton began to chuckle before those laughs turned into cries of desperation. ”I can't beat her Sam. No matter how hard I try, no matter who I team up with Paradox is too strong. How do I win? I feel so alone, so scared without you. I've been trying, I really have. Playing the leader role to keep my team's morale up, but I just can't do it anymore. I need you, Sam, I can't do this without you.”

Sam tutted, moving from her desk, strolling over to Alton's. She sat on his desk, chuckling to herself. ”You still believe in that shit after all this time. Jesus Alt gets a grip will ya. You've done so much without me; you protected Zinnia from prison. You formed Team Rhapsody with her, and now you are more popular than we could ever imagine. You took down Pokiero and the Phantom Streamer, you helped defeat Vanguard and stop the Garden twice. You have friends who are willing to follow you till the ends of the earth. That girl Zinnia, she admires you so much. That wasn't because of me, that's because of you and you alone.”

”I was just trying to be like you.”

Sam cackled smacking her leg. ”Like me? Please, for the love of God, don't try and be like me. Be like Alton. Do it your way; you're doing just fine trust me.”

”But what if I mess up again? What if I lose them? I've already lost one, Percy. He's dead; it's happening again. They are all going to die again!” Alton sobbed.

Sam held his chin, wiping his tears shaking her head. ”It hasn't happened yet, right? You can still save them, Alton. I know you can, you saved me after all. Be a hero, Alton.”

”How?”

”Isn't it obvious? It's why I gave you that silly nickname Alt. Just start again. Control ALT Delete.” She said, tapping his face. ”I'll be by your side one day, not as your leader, but as an ally in arms. I'll be there when you need me the most.” The world began to disappear as small raindrops fell on Alton's face. Sam stook by the window, sticking her gum on the wall. ”That Zinnia girl, I think she might have a crush on you.”

Alton laughed, shaking his head. ”Doubt it. She doesn't swing that way, right?”

Sam shook her head, covering her face. ”You are so dense it's unreal. But that's what we all loved about you dumbo. Now get out of here, before you cramp my style.”

Alton stood up, walking over to the door. He rested his hand on the handle turning back to Sam. ”You were always the cool one you know that, I looked up to you so bloody much. I never got the chance to thank you.”

”Bah, the only cool dude I see is the one in the mirror, oh wait, maybe that is me! Joking, joking. Show that Paradox whose boss. Show her she doesn't mess with Alton Brantley. Anyone who's got a bone to pick with you has a bone to pick with me. So, give her a good beatdown for me.”