Chapter 238: Victoria aut mors (1/2)
”I suppose that is only fair. You treat me so-called more so than our usual enemies. I guess I deserved it…”
”My mother taught me something when I was a child. Out of everything told, one thing was made sure. Betraying others is the worst thing of all time. It's worse than murder. It doesn't just break friendships but memories. That is something I can never forgive or do myself. I'll end this once and for all.”
Scarlett turned, seeing Kurt watching in the distance. She bit her lip, finding her courage again. ”I was still holding out on hope we could be allies once again. I still believe we can, but…” She glanced up as her eyes glowed crimson red, and she began floating. ”I cannot lose here! If I do, my whole life would have been for nothing. I will not lose again!”
Alton lowers his hand like an ice sword ripples into existence. His determined look grew only more robust. ”Let's end this once and for all.”
***
The alarms had died down entirely as the resistance was starting to escape. The final obstacles were taken care of as Alice stopped to catch her breath. Alton stood by her side, keeping his guard up. ”I just need a moment. Sharing powers with Eve has really… worn me out.”
Alton nodded. ”Take all the time you need. You did good today Alice.”
”You really think so… You've changed Alton, for good, I mean! The good… Before, I really thought I lost you to your hatred and anger. But now you're back, we can take down V.I.R.A.L and save Victoria!”
”Save Victoria. Give me a break.” Scarlett whispered, walking in dragging her leg. She stared down the group blocking their escape. ”Alton Brantley.”
Alton stared on, looking concerned, holding his arm out, stopping the others from engaging. ”Scarlett. I'm glad to see you're ok.”
”Don't give me that bullshit, you liar!” She snapped, holding her head panting. ”Your friends came to save you after two long years. They are finally here to set the guilty free. No one came to me. No one even tried you made sure of that butchering my family like it was nothing!”
Alton tried to defuse the situation holding his hand up moving closer. ”I won't deny what I did was wrong. We were all played like fools by V.I.R.A.L, both of us. I was too naïve to see that, and I'm sorry. If I had known what they were like, I could ensure you I would have helped. A million sorry won't bring your father or mother back, but we can still make things right.” Reaching out for Scarlett, he gave his bravest look. ”Please, Scarlett, help me make amends and put an end to this evil. I'll answer for everything I've done after. We need you.”
Scarlett stared idly at Alton's hand time went by as she then proceeded to look up at him. ”You know, Alton. I hate you; come to think of it, I've always hated you from the moment we first met. Everything about you pisses me off. You have the power that to rival anyone, yet you aren't feared like I am. You're a monster who's killed hundreds, yet people flock to your aid like lost children. You have people who love you like Alice, Zinnia, Riley… The moment you showed up, my family turned their attention to you. After years of pressure and torment, you just turn up and steal the spotlight. They all wanted you, and then you turn that down and kill them all! My purpose in life was to destroy V.I.R.A.L and create Syndicate's new golden age, and you took that from me! I have nothing, nothing left! You made sure of that. So, I hate you. I hate you more than anything. I've only stayed alive clinging onto a thread of hope to find you again…”
Everyone stared on in silence as Alton licked his lip, shaking his head. ”Scarlett, we know that isn't true. You really wanted me to join you. I know you did, don't like the hatred consume you like it did me.”
Scarlett pivoted her head, staring at Alice. ”So, what, you just expect me to fall in line like the others. Follow the one who murdered my family in cold blood with a smile on my face?”
Alton turned to Alice, calling her over. Alice slowly walked up, holding Scarlett's hand. ”Please, Scarlett… We need you; we are all we've got left. They got Emil and my sister…”
Scarlett's hair fell through, covering her face as she held Alice's hand. The warmth of the simple touch was unlike anything before. She hadn't felt someone else's touch in years, and it was overwhelming. But soon enough, Alice winced, feeling Scarlett grip onto her tighter and tighter. ”For once in my life, I finally can see it clearly. No one to control or manipulate me, I'm the last of my family, and now I can choose my own decisions, one void of anyone else. The path has opened up for me, and now there's no going back.” Staring up, her eyes began to glow and burn through her hair as she started crying blood as her whole body began to glow and burn. ”I hate all of you with a burning passion. So, I scream to the heavens with all I've got; this isn't about saving the world. Damn this cruel, disgusting place. I want no part in it. I'm finally free, so I scream out to my enemies.”
Alton's eyes widened as a sense of dread swept over him. Pulling Alice away, he turned to his allies, yelling out. ”Everyone, get back!”
”Victoria aut mors!”