Chapter 221: Rise of a Hero Part 1 (1/2)

”This would be my powers gifted to me by the Garden. A Pocket dimension. I can snatch people's minds casting them into a world of my creation where they are trapped forever, or until I decide to release them. Unfortunately, my powers aren't nearly as they use to be. I will only be able to hold you for a short while.”

Staring in the school's bathroom mirror, Alton ran his face with heavy amounts of water, still seeing someone else entirely. Letting out a sigh, he switched the tap off, frowning. ”This isn't a dream, no more like a wild fantasy. There's no doubt about it. This is all the doing of Acceptance. I've been here before, just not to this extreme… Being able to make me live through somebody else's life is something, though. If I know that disciple man, he won't let me out until I discover whatever truth he has set out for me… But why through Kurt?”

The door knocked as the same boy poked his head in, staring at Alton harshly. ”Who the hell are you talking to?! Stop fucking about you're making us late.”

”Late for what?” Alton responded just as confused.

”Is this some kind of game? Hello Kurt, anyone in there?! We're meeting with the father, or did you forget? Or were you hoping to run off any play hero without his permission?”

”I'm no hero.” Alton snaps back.

The boy scoffs, scratching his head lost. ”First time I've openly heard you say that. Look here, mister Phantom, you're a hero when the father says you're a hero. You got that; why am I repeating myself once again…”

”The Phantom…” Alton whispered, flinching. ”Wait! Don't tell me, Kurt Hatching was the legendary hero of old The Phantom?!”

”Legendary hero of old, huh?” The boy whined, his eye twitching. ”Building yourself a bit up here, aren't you, Kurt? Tch, whatever can we go now?”

The boy stormed off as Alton gave it a little thought-feeling even more lost. ”I guess I don't have much choice. Whoever this father guy is, he might be the one Acceptance wants me to meet. If I'm to make sense of any of this, I suppose I have to just go along with being Kurt Hatching myself…”

Running out alongside the boy Alton wasn't prepared for what was to come next, stepping outside his school doors. Reaching the outside world, Alton froze in shock at the sight. The streets were filled with cars that Alton far from recognised. To match, the entire exterior was retro-looking similar to what the karaoke bar was to him. People were dressed in bright clothes, and to make matters more shocking, he couldn't see a single wall in sight. ”Now, what's wrong? You make it seem like you've never seen New York before.”

”Oh, no… It's just… Never mind.” Alton whispered, looking around, seeing a newspaper thrown in the bin. Pulling it out, Alton stared blankly, understanding it all. The date was the 25th August 1984, 400 years in the past specifically. ”I'm a long way from Rhinefield…”

****

The walk to the destination was left in silence as Alton returned to reality with his new surroundings. He had quickly put together somewhat of a story to his new home. He was 400 years in the future before the fall of the world and the Garden's first attack, meaning he was currently in what Rhinefield was called before the fall. New York, this was the golden age of heroes, and he was the pinnacle of heroes the Phantom, at least that's what he had put together so far. If he was to fit in and take on Kurt Hatching's role, he needed all the information possible.

”Shane fury, what the hell took you so bloody long?!”

Shane scratched his bald cut, grumbling. ”Kurt here was having a breakdown in the bathroom…”

”I wouldn't be surprised. It's not often anyone is called up by the father. I bet he's shitting and pissing his pants right now!”

Alton sighed, walking over, flinching, seeing the girl to the voice. Her bleach white hair and crimson red eyes stood out straight away as Alton spoke out without thinking. ”Scarlett?!”

”Scarlett…” The girl whispered, pouting, staring on, looking hurt. ”Who the hell is Scarlett?”

Gagging, Alton looked away, scratching his neck embarrassed. ”Sorry, I'm not feeling the greatest right now…”

The girl smugly laughed, smacking Alton's face lightly, forcing him to look. ”I'm sure I can think of something to make you feel much better.” Alton didn't respond, looking away going bright red. This only got the girl laughing more, stepping back. ”You really must be shitting the bed Hatching. Usually, you'd shut me down without a second thought. Heroes and villains are natural enemies. I'd never join you blah blah blah. In case you've forgotten your loyal servant's name, it's Kira. Kira Syndicate.”