Chapter 274: The Fall of Victoria Part 1 (1/2)
”There's too many of them; we can't hold them back!”
”We're being overwhelmed! Where is our backup?!”
”Sunset Prison is lost! They're slaughtering us!”
”I can't fight any longer! Have mercy on us!”
”Where are the streamers?!”
The elevator to V.I.R.A.L HQ slowly rose, reaching the top floor. Alton stood alone, having his nerves get the better of him. The day he had been dreading at long last had finally arrived. The Garden was here, and he was to face this threat alone. Staring at his hand, he gripped it tightly, halting the constant shaking. The elevator doors slid open as Alton walked onto the roof overlooking a destroyed city. Masses of Titanic trees consumed the area with gunfire, and fighting heard all around. Standing at the roof's edge, looking down, a gigantic mossed covered creature flew up facing down Alton. It somewhat resembled a butterfly with a rotting body and vines from legs. Its eyes were a deep yellow matching that of the others. Alton looked up at it, letting his ice blade slowly draw from his hand as he held it by his side, letting out a scream of desperation as he went into battle.
****
400 years ago, the world fell to ruin. An ancient race who once shared the same world as everyone else was banished to a realm of death and misery. Known simply as the Garden, the higher beings of Fairy-Tale sought them to be too dangerous disposing of them before they could become any more of a threat. Looking for revenge, they unleashed pure chaos upon the world and wiped out 80% of the population. It was only thanks to the collective effort of four brave heroes and the traitor from their ranks. Mortem was their siege halted, and the forces of the Garden have sealed away. However, with the legendary heroes defuncted and Mortem defeated, the Garden has returned once more to finish what it started 400 years ago. The last band of heroes and streamers hope to halt the attack putting the Garden down for good but with V.I.R.A.L in ruin. The world's heroes divided, the destruction of Victoria seems all but inevitable…
****
From the main towering Titan, the Stages of Grief sat watching the first wave of their forces lay waste to the land. Denial; a small, dark-skinned girl with messy black hair attempted to brush herself. She wore a dirty blanket covering her whole body, contrasting her gleaming yellow eyes. She sat on the edge of the Titan in awe. ”So, this is Victoria… To think it's really been 400 years since we were last here… They sure rebuild fast! It's a shame we have to destroy it again.”
”Why did they even bother building it if we were only going to destroy it after? It seems like a big waste…” Depression muttered, lying on his back wearing a torn grey hoodie and dirty trousers. Purple flowers grew all around him, consuming half his body, and it would only grow slowly and surely. Staring up at the night sky, he sighed, curling up. ”Why do they fight even though they stand no chance against you guys?”
”Don't be so harsh on them. I'm sure they can put up a good fight if they try. They halted big brother Bargaining, and Acceptance plans serval times.”
Bargaining placed his hand on Denial's shoulder. Nodding, he stared on with one yellow eye, the other a navy blue wearing his old superhero spandex and cape. He looked out to the city. ”We should be wise not to underestimate our enemies Depression. After all, we have three special guests waiting for us.”
”The Ten's Judgement…” Denial whispered.
”Charmeine the fourth, Alice Hawthorne the eight and lastly Alton Brantley the tenth. Not to mention some other surprise fighters. Keep an eye out for both Sam Belling of Hero's Might and Scarlett Syndicate. Those two could prove dangerous if not take seriously.”
Denial began hopping up and down, holding her blanket tighter. ”Can I go now? Please Bargaining, please, please, please! Let me kill some people!”
”Very well. Show them what the Stages of Grief are capable of denying these heroes the justice they seek.” Bargaining ordered as Denial jumped down from the Titan into the fray below. ”Do you not wish to join the fight?” Bargaining questioned Depression over.
”I do not see the purpose of battling in these pointless wars… Killing these poor creatures won't get me anywhere.”
”I see. One Stage of Grief should be more than enough. Acceptance is holding the seal in place and learning a lot from our sub-Judgement. Anger is off seeking revenge against the one who wronged her before. The last legendary hero alive, the Phantom.”
”What about you?” Depression whispered.
”I'm here to take back what's rightfully mine. All is going to my plan. All I need is the vessel keeping my dear sister alive. Alice Hawthorne.”
”Good luck, I suppose… Not like you need it.”
Bargaining took a step forward as angelic wings corrupted by purple flowers ripped from his back. He took a slight glance at Depression, smirking. ”After 400 years, we will finally make things right. Alice isn't the only thing I desire here, either. I think it's time we meet face to face from one judgement to another, Alton Brantley.”
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Rebecca was rounding up the children with their belongings from the orphanage, hoping to avoid the conflict overall. ”Hurry up! No, Kessie, I said only travel light! We don't have a long hurry!”
The wall burst as Alton crashed through, smashing against the wall with two Moss at him. Holding them both back, he froze them in place, shattering them into nothing. Struggling to his feet, Alton turned, seeing Rebecca letting out a sigh of relief. ”Thank God, I made it in time. Are you lot all alright?”