Chapter 237: Rise of the Gatekeeper (2/2)
”Was there really Percy Misharp? The former member of Team Rhapsody?”
”It was. I intend on putting him out of his misery. This is what V.I.R.A.L and the CEOs do to the likes of you. It doesn't have to be this way. Run while you can, get out and be free from those chains.”
Alesha gave it a little thought letting her guard down, turning around. ”Come on, Lily, we're leaving.”
”What, Alesha, are you sure?!”
”You heard the girl; we have no reason to fight. Let's go home.”
”I'm not sure how long Alton can hold off Percy alone. We should hurry.”
”Right. Time to complete the mission.”
****
Alton squared off against Percy, blocking off any weak points he could be caught off guard alongside freezing any crows in Alton's line of sight. Percy leapt between the cell blocks avoiding each flurry of ice attacks showing no signs of stopping. Alton turned to Goro, yelling out. ”How is she?”
Goro kept shaking Blossom, gritting his teeth. ”She's not doing good!”
Alton bit his lip, frustrated. ”Damn it… Jinx!”
Jinx dodged a set of swords hiding behind a wall. ”I'm alright. I can't give you much help without my guns.”
”Just stay there. I'll deal with this imposter myself.”
The other copy of Percy appeared in front of Alton, smirking. ”Imposter? That's powerful words coming from you traitor to the Garden.” Alton didn't hesitate to turn his hand ripping serval sharp shards of ice through Percy, cutting him down. The clone collapsed on the ground bleeding out. Percy stared on howling with laughter, holding his hand up. ”Game over, Alton.”
Activating his stage, he found nothing to happen and no time to react as Alton flew in the air smashing Percy into the next cell block landing back down. ”I'm not messing around with a stage of grief. You'll get no mercy from me.”
Percy's copy vanished as another appeared behind Alton. ”Why didn't my stage affect you? Anyone who strikes me down with guilt in their heart will perish…”
Alton spun around, trying to cut Percy down again but missed inches from the target. Percy jumped up, balancing on the railing a crow resting on his shoulder. ”I feel no guilt towards imposter like you. Percy Misharp is dead; I saw it with my own eyes. There's no point dwelling on the guilt now. I'm beyond that.”
Percy raised his hand with a blank stare. ”What a waste. You're a pain in the ass, Alton Brantley. Now be devoured by my pain.” A swarm of crows burst through the roof, consuming the area as hundreds of bloody swords appeared floating above Alton, ready to strike. ”Die, die like the rest of them!” Alton held his hand out, ready to respond with his own counter, only for the wall to crumble and break apart as Percy's head jolted to the left as he flipped out of the line of sight of Alice. This wouldn't help as chains wrapped around his legs, tearing him through serval cells before slamming him back down on the floor. Swinging both her arms down, Percy was bombarded with gigantic chains destroying the area. Percy's body faded as its voice slurred out. ”Until this time, Team Rhapsody. Come find me.”
Alton stopped his attack as the dust began to settle. From the rubble, Alice stood holding her arm as the two friends stared at each other. Alice limped over to her hero, staring at him with teary eyes. Alton took a deep breath placing a hand on her head. ”Alice… You idiot coming after me like this.”
Alice latched herself, hugging Alton after serval years apart. Alton smiled, hugging his dear friend back. ”I thought you were dead.”
”I was for a while; I cast aside myself out of shame and disgust. But I'm back… And I'm never leaving this time.”
”I'm glad.”
”Say haven't you gotten bigger. I almost didn't recognise you!” Alton said in an exaggerated tone, sighing. ”Look at you, all grown up.”
Alice wiped her eyes, looking up at Alton, nodding. ”I've been fighting every day since you protected me to stop V.I.R.A.L. I've been keeping Team Rhapsody alive in your honour!”
”Thank you, Alice… Let's, let's go home. This time together.”