Chapter 333: The Third Garden War Part 1 (1/2)
”I hope there aren't any problems?” The man muttered, placing his hand on Bargaining shoulder. ”We put a lot of faith in you, Adam.”
Bargaining turned around, bowing slightly. ”Of course not; all the preparations are ready for your speech, sir. But, might I ask? You're not both going up?”
The Gardener shook his head. ”Me thought it was pointless to show up. I'll be the one telling the lies here.” Zinnia cranked her head, seeing the Gardener for the first time; his purple suit had vines wrapped all around it with clear holes around his shoulders. He had a purple flower wedged into his front pocket and serval insects crawling around him. His blonde hair was tied back into a ponytail with more vines wrapped around, covering most of his head. His eyes were the same piercing yellow Zinnia had come to expect, but these ones were worn down and gloomy, showing little care or worry. Feeling herself gag, she held back the urge panting. ”My, my. Any human would collapse at the sight of myself or Me. You managed to hold it in more than Alton.”
”Alton? Was it you…? Was it?”
Zinnia found herself unable to speak, her lips wren shut by tiny vines keeping her from talking. ”Speak, only when spoken to, my dear. Although quite frankly, there won't be much of that. I'm ready, Adam. You may leave and watch the show with that poor sister of yours.” Bargaining let out a simple grunt leaving as the Gardener turned to Zinnia again. ”It is time. Your assistance, please.”
Eren stepped in, looking troubled, bowing his head. ”What is it?”
”Carry the girl to the gallows. The worm will be ready.” As the Man went to greet the crowd, he stopped turning to Bargaining. ”Adam…. One last thing, I believe we shall have guests soon. Make sure to treat me with your divine judgement.”
”What do you mean?”
”Depression has gone quiet. We tried getting through to him a little while ago to no prevail. The enemy is on the move. Once everything falls into the plan, he will appear.”
”Shouldn't we get you to safety then? Alton could be here this very moment.”
”Not to worry. The logic of the one dictates my fate. If I am to die here, then it was predestined. You will all carry out my will. The Garden Grows forever Adam remember that. Goodbye.”
****
Bargaining merged into the crowd catching a glimpse of Lucas and the others trying to get the best view. ”Adam! Are you here to watch the works as well?”
”That I am. It will be quite the occasion. I don't want to miss it.”
Standing beside them, Lucas looked up, clearing his throat. ”Correct me if I'm wrong but, it seems you and Zinnia have some history.”
”You could say that, I suppose. I made a contract with her years ago, and since then, I've been inside her head. So I know all that there is to the girl. She also happens to be the daughter of the legendary heroes who stopped us 400 years ago.”
”No way,” Richard muttered. ”Who would have imagined they would cause us issues again?”
”We can finally have the revenge we deserve for them stopping us,” Chloe admitted staring on at the gallows. ”Hopefully, this is the first of many.”
Placing his hands into his pockets, Bargaining clicked his tongue. ”She's not a bad person. Zinnia, that is, she's selfless, always thinking about others no matter what. She gave herself up if I spared her friends. Whatever the Gardeners make her out to be tonight, it's all just to boast the crowd up. Zinnia just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
”You almost sound sympathetic to her.” Chloe points out, eyeing Bargaining down.
”Now, now. I wouldn't go that far. Just see it as respect for the enemy, that's all.” Bargaining started turning away as the Gardener came on. Looking down at Lucas, both made eye contact as Bargaining leaned forward, whispering in his ear. ”Are you sure you can trust the people around you?”
Lucas' eyes widened as he looked up at Bargaining, confused. ”What?”
”…. Two weeks ago, our plans to destroy their forces was foiled by a group they call Team Rhapsody. A group of vicious misfits who claim to be heroes, warriors who save others who cannot save themselves. To make this insult worse, they stole our Stages and plan on destroying us. What I have for you today, ladies and gentlemen, is their leader, Zinnia Trost!”