Chapter 187: Dark Truths (2/2)

”You want us killing him now?” Gale questioned. ”That isn't a very V.I.R.A.L thing to do.”

”The simplest way of stopping the storm is to kill him.” She concludes. ”If that is everything gets to it.”

”Wait just a moment.” Zinnia snaps. ”Before we do your dirty work again, I want to know something. We all saw the clip. The stream where Alton died. It was thrown all around the internet with no one taking it down. We had to be the ones throwing copyright strikes to get most taken down ourselves. Alton Brantley was murdered by a streaming group you approved of yet you did nothing. No ban, no investigation. If we didn't arrest Ragnar, he would still be free. Only now when the situation actually affects you do you now send us to kill him. If you had just done your job and put this man away, none of this would have happened! If you knew who he was, Alton might not have died!”

Kurt stared at Zinnia smirking. ”Careful missy no need for such fiery words. You sound just like your mother. Perhaps we should shut you up as well.”

Vitae raised her hand, staring blankly at Zinnia. ”That's quite alright, Kurt. She wants to know the truth? We'll tell her the truth. The reason we didn't put those streamers away was that they did us a massive favour. Truth be told we've been looking to end Alton's life as well for quite a while. Ever since he was revealed to be a Child of the Garden V.I.R.A.L has been working around the clock to find a way of taking him out.”

”What?!” Emil snapped.

”We tried every under the radar stunt. Hired Eyes over Reality to do the deed, but he failed us. We leaked his details online in hopes the Syndicate family would finish him. But time after time, that thing just refused to give up. His father finally gave us the breathing room we needed.”

Zinnia's heart dropped as she stared at Vitae hurt. ”All this time, we fought for this idea. Took down corrupt streamers because we believed it was the right thing to do. V.I.R.A.L was the good guys, we trusted you. Alton trusted you, and this is how you treat us.”

”Believe me Zinnia, Alton was far from trusting us. In fact, I'm pretty sure he was well onto our plans almost from the beginning.” Kurt exclaimed boldly.

”What you need to understand Zinnia is what we do is for the people. For the safety of Rhinefield and to make sure it has a future. After what happened with Sunset Peak, we were backed into a corner. We are the last stand of Victoria, and unless we stay vigilant and strong, we will be crushed under the boot of the next big threat. For all, we know we are the last semblance of humanity. The world fell to the Garden 400 years ago, and we will not let that happen again. Alton Brantley is a natural enemy of humanity and should be executed without remorse.”

”Alton isn't like that. He isn't allied with the Garden proven by the fact he has foiled their plans time and time again. He's your best bet to defeat them if they ever arrive again!”

Vitae remained silent, shrugging her shoulders. ”I understand your frustration, and although we too had started to warm up to the idea of using Alton to fight for us, it is far too late for that. Now if you've had quite enough fulfilling arguments for today leave.”

Everyone stepped outside, feeling slightly uneasy. ”I knew V.I.R.A.L wasn't the most trustworthy group, to begin with, to think they'd be plotting to kill Alton right under our noses,” Alice whispered.

”It's not surprising like Kurt said Alton was probably onto them.”

”Why didn't he say anything then? If he knew why didn't he tell us? We would have been there to make a stand.” Zinnia exclaimed furiously.

”Probably for the same reason Villain's wrath got to him. He doesn't want to be a bother. He cares more for others than himself. It's clear now more than ever he wanted to make amends. I suppose Alton was just happy to be with us everything else didn't matter.” Scarlett put together, trying to not let it bother her.

”Doesn't that piss you off?! He was our friend.”

Scarlett looked away pausing for a moment. ”There's no point crying over it now. What happened happened. All we can do is push on and make sure this doesn't happen again. But mark my words V.I.R.A.L will get what's coming to them.”

”Do you think Alton did it? Destroy Sunset Peak that is.” Gale questioned.

Zinnia stared out the window seeing the blizzard picking up. ”Is this more anymore of an answer? I don't care what it takes. We're bringing this man to justice… For Alton.”