Chapter 275: The Fall of Victoria Part 2 (2/2)

Charmeine walked up to Alton, lightly punching his chest. ”Don't forget our mission, Ten. The survival of humans is not of our concern. Our goal is to defeat and destroy the Garden no matter the cost.”

”You're giving up on us that quickly? I thought you were meant to be helping us.” Scarlett scoffed at staring Charmeine down.

”I've seen this before. I was there 400 years ago when your nation fell. When the world was on its knees. Heroes far greater than you perished by their hands. You don't stand much better of a chance. I saw those devils rip your world apart piece by piece. While my people will let that stand by, I cannot let that happen again.”

”You're just contradicting yourself. You don't care what happens to us, yet you want to save the world.”

Charmeine smirked to herself, acknowledging the matter. ”Yes, it may seem quite trivial now you mention it. However, it may come as a surprise, but the Garden and Fairy-Tale aren't that different. We're more like two sides of the same coin. Mortem knew that itself and chose to defy its ruler and seek a way to escape its destiny. I, too, have the urge to do the same. The Ten's Judgement was brought together to do nothing else but destroy the Garden. Our lives hold no meaning to the Gods we serve, nor will they after we complete our mission. We will simply be disposed of off, most likely once the Garden falls. But if we fail, another will take our place. Two realised this and tried defying her makers. They did quick work of that, I simply want to path out my own destiny, and it was right here by Vitae's side until you killed her.”

”Are you looking for pity or something? Are you going to help us or not?” Alton snapped, staring Charmeine down. ”Or do you look to get in my way?”

This got Charmeine's attention as she grinned. ”There it is. The look I've heard so much about—the fury of the Ten. You hold so much possibility, Alton, yet you allow your life here to control you. If you were to just let go and allow destiny to drive you forward, no one could stand in your way.”

”We're done here.” Alton barked, turning around. ”We don't have time for this. We need to get help from the others now.”

”You made a bargain with Adam Berry, right?” She questioned, nodding. ”That's good; that might just help us. What was it he ordered of you?”

”Alton?” Alice questioned.

”Guess there's no point hiding it now. He wanted me to become a Stage of Grief. In exchange for Zinnia's life, I would take the mantel of any of them.”

”You idiot… Why the hell would you take something like that on?” Scarlett snarled at.

This, on the other hand, made Charmeine's eyes light up. She seemed much more hopeful, laughing to herself. ”I see; this is all starting to make sense. Listen, Alton, you cannot trust Adam Berry, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't play along. Do as he says, take one of the Stages for your own. Harness its power and take back this world.”

”Use the Garden?! You're nuts; the Garden is evil. Why would we use its powers for?!” Jinx howled at flipping her gun around. ”She's trying to get into our head. We can't trust her.”

”The Garden is nothing but a tool. A tool we can use at our very own disposal to make a difference. Your father saw that truth, Alice.”

”Hans… He wanted to use the Garden to take over V.I.R.A.L.”

”Tell me, was he ever corrupted by the Garden? Did he attend to their bidding and look to set them free?” Charmeine reminded them to answer the question. ”No, he didn't. One strong of mind can take the Garden's powers and use it to where they see fit. That one is you, Alton. If you wish to save the world and defeat the Garden, you must fight fire with fire.”

”Why no you do it?” Said Alton cautiously.

”I'm nowhere near as powerful as you Ten, I couldn't possibly harness the Garden's power like you could. I'm sure he already has a plan in destroying the Garden. It's a shame Alton has to be the one in charge.” Charmeine spoke with a sly tone walking away from past Scarlett. ”Sooner or later, you'll come to your senses. No one can escape their destiny, Alton; you will destroy the Garden and take your rightful place as Salvation. Once your fate is spelt out, I know there is no going back, but even then. Even if I cannot defy my own fate, I'd rather die trying.”

Charmeine left, making everyone uneasy. ”What a buzzkill. What's the plan, boss?” Jinx questioned.

”I won't have anything to do with that. We'll defeat the Garden with our own power and might. Scarlett, round up the last of your family and hold the line. Emil, you and Jinx, are in charge of setting up an evac point. Get as many people away from the city as possible. Alice and Sam, you're with me.”

”What are we going to do?” Sam questioned.

”We're taking the fight directly to them. We're going for Bargaining.” Alton threatened to move. ”Florence keeps on the comms and tell us what happens. See if you can get in touch with anyone else, anyone. Your brother, any streamers, I don't care. We'll take any help we can get. We don't have the luxury of time. Every second is a potential life lost, so move!”

Everyone ran off, ready to fight as Alton walked forward, looking at his hand with the Fairy-Tale symbol. He clutched his fist tightly, whispering. ”I won't let you take me. I'm in control; I'm in control. I am Alton Brantley, and I intend on winning this war without you, Ten.”