Chapter 222: Rise of a Hero Part 2 (2/2)
”Of course. That is why I am here. We have been here for years, helping the lost and forgotten to find their closure in life. The Phantom will become a legend, and we will rise to high glory. And you will take us there.”
Alton raised his eyebrow finding his courage to speak out once more. ”A legend? You hold me at such high regards Father, it's been clear my whole life I'm not but a monster. I couldn't possibly live up to that.”
”That's what you want to hear. You hold onto negative thoughts like a blanket to keep you warm. Let go of those old-time words and believe in yourself, Alton. See what I can see in you, and you shall excel to great lengths.”
It hit Alton; he knew what this was. To any average person, they would fall for this without a second thought. It was clear the Blight Father was a master at manipulation. There was no doubt about it. He couldn't fall for the false words of praise, but for now, Alton knew he had to play along. Bowing, he whispered. ”I understand; thank you, father.”
”Have I done well, Father?” Kira asked, looking to her parent for recognition.
”Why, of course, yes. You have served me very well, daughter of mine. I highly appreciate your company.”
Grinning from ear-to-ear, Kira bowed once more. ”Thank you, Father. Your acknowledgement brings me to hope in my life.”
”Now, we understand the playing field of the task.”
”The task?”
”The Blight Father will choose when you can go out and play the hero. Only through his tasks will you be allowed to be the Phantom; being a hero whenever you want is strictly forbidden.” Shane ran by keeping Alton up to date.
”I see.”
The Blight Father sighed, shaking his head in disappointment. ”It saddens me to inform us that one of our own children has betrayed us. The villain, the oncoming storm, has turned her back on the family and begun her own rampage stealing and killing whoever she pleases. I find this disturbing and hurtful after all the time I spent sharing my love.”
Kira kneeled, shouting. ”We won't show her any mercy!”
”Good, that is where you come in, Alton. For your first task as Syndicate's Phantom, you will punish this lowly villain and remind the world not to mess with us. You will find her and kill her. That is all.”
”You want me to kill her? That's not very hero-like.”
”It is now, is there a problem with the task?”
”No.” Alton shut down, quickly crossing his arms. ”If you want this traitor dead to consider it already done. She won't escape my sight. Her head will be yours.”
A small chuckle came from the Blight Father as he clapped slowly. ”I knew it was right to have faith in you, Alton… I hope you find the answers to why you were summoned here; good luck. Acceptance's games are nothing to laugh about.”
Alton bowed with the others as they were back in the elevator, the atmosphere slightly different than before. As Alton continued to get a good look at his home away from home, he felt the unwary nature of the situation. The Blight Father wasn't to be trusted, but it's like he said he wasn't here to stop him. Only to find the truth behind Acceptance game. Kira looked down at her home, speaking confused. ”I've never seen the Blight Father so interested in someone in my life. Summoning, Acceptance. He even called you a completely different name. Alton Brantley.”
”Yeah, what's the deal with that? You been keeping secrets from us, Kurt?” Shane said, ganging up on Alton.
Alton shook his head, keeping eye contact with both of them. ”Not at all. As long as I'm with you, I'm Kurt Hatching.”
”I see, but might I add I was rather thrown off by the fact you'd openly agree to the killing of this villain so quickly. Is there a reason for that?”
”None at all,” Alton whispered, staring up with a dead look in his eyes. ”I just hate traitors.”