Chapter 199: Split Apart (1/2)
”How are you holding up, son?” Jack questioned glancing out the window talking to Alton. ”I can't help but feel guilty; we couldn't help you at any time. You did so much for my daughter and us when it came to the Syndicate family, but we failed to help you fight your father.”
Alton sat at the end of the desk, looking gloomy. ”I didn't actually plan on fighting him… I was more interested in running. But I was also scared of getting people I care for hurt by my own selfish demands. But that didn't stop them fighting, and now because of my actions Gale is dead…”
”You shouldn't blame yourself, Alton. What happened to Gale was horrible, but you couldn't do anything.”
”You're right… But it still doesn't hurt. To lose both Gale and my dad…”
Jack walked over, patting Alton's back kneeling to his level. ”Losing people always hurt. My parents died a while ago, and it really hit me. I can tell your strong Alton we're quite similar in that, we carry on for the people who can't.”
”I'm not sure I can keep doing this sir. No matter how much we fight and stop the next threat, it doesn't feel like we win if people we love die.”
”It may feel like the world is falling apart, but it will get better, I promise. Scarlett admires you so much, and you've shown us all that you're capable of.” Jack congratulates. ”Listen, Alton, I see your future, and I know you will do well. Today is a loss for you but tomorrow doesn't have to be. I've been talking to my wife about this for a while, which is entirely your choice. I want you to join my family, you won't have to worry about that fate anymore. You won't have to be alone.”
”You want to adopt me?” Alton questioned startled.
”If that's what you want. The Dawn family had prided itself on saving remarkable people from the world. Elion's clan and Scarlett are just a few who we've taken in. You can be saved too Scarlett would love this.”
Alton's mood changed into a small smile. ”I don't know what to say.”
”You don't have to answer anytime soon, Alton. Take all the time you need. You are more than welcome to stay here while you recover. A miss Trost is waiting for you outside.”
****
Alton stepped outside as Zinnia stood from the sofa holding her hands. ”Alton… Hey.”
”Hey Zin… You been waiting long?”
She shook her head. ”No. How are you?”
”I think I'll manage.” Zinnia hugged Alton forcing up a gasp. Alton calmed himself, hugging her back. ”Thanks… I needed that.”
”Before you saved us the other day… I was so sure we were all going to die. We had been winning every fight and so full of rage I thought I could kill him. Because of that Gale…”
”Please don't blame yourself for that.”
”But it is my fault. I ordered him to his death. We can't even give him a proper funeral as his body is lost to the wasteland.” She whispered. ”It's not fair, why did Gale have to die? First Percy and now Gale! I can't keep doing this anymore. I failed again. And then there's you.”
”Me…”
”You lied to us. I mourned for you, Alton. Wept at your funeral thinking I couldn't save you. I rushed in thinking of seeking justice for you. You forced me to kill Marco, I killed someone for you. One I cannot escape. I threw away my chances of being a hero to seek revenge to find you never died. You wanted to run away and leave us. V.I.R.A.L lied to me; you've lied to me. Streaming isn't right anymore.”
”What are you saying?”