Chapter 335: The Third Garden War Part 3 (2/2)
”This plan of yours, what does it entitle?”
Alton nodded, pointing to the outskirts of the city. ”Beyond the horizon lies a Titan. One left here for hundreds of years; it was dormant until now. I believe it's the gateway to the Garden. The place where Zinnia was taken. If my theory is correct, one of the Stages will be guarding the gate. My money is on Depression. Unlike Bargaining and Denial, I have no idea what he is capable of. If it was him alone, I could take him. But fighting him alongside Adam Berry and the Gardeners and any other secret weapons up their sleeve, I wouldn't stand a chance.”
”There's a high chance the failed Sub Stages we made will be there too. Returned to the Garden for their own use. Pain, Anxiety and Hope.”
”And who should we blame that for?” Alton barked. ”I can deal with Adam and his sister. If I'm lucky, I might just get the drop on the Gardeners. Alice will be backing me up alongside another ally. However, this is where you come in Gale, I need a group of strong allies to take the fight on the surface against Depression and hold him back until I can get Zinnia out. I'm not asking you to defeat him; just stall him enough for me to escape.”
”That's easier said than done, Alton. The Garden works differently with time compared to this world. Two hours in the Garden is nearly a day here. Do you seriously expect us to hold off against Depression for a whole day?”
”We aren't asking that of you,” Alice explained, lowering her guard. ”We would wait for your signal to attack. That's when we would strike and take Zinnia back. We would be in there for thirty minutes max. We have a plan.”
”That's still serval hours…. Well, it's better. Who have you got?”
”The remaining members of the Syndicate Family, my old team from your days of terror Zephyr squad Alesha and Lily. Harmony and Tempo and Destiny from Hero's Might and hopefully Jinx Montague.”
”Well, well, well. Isn't that reinsuring? Even with myself, that won't be enough.”
”Well then, any suggestions?” Alton grumbled.
”Stag is a good choice; she was the one who you fought in your disgusting pocket world. But, unfortunately, Diego and Vanguard are both gone, so that doesn't leave us with much choice there. It's times like this where I regret killing Psychosis…. But, wait, there is someone…. He might be able to help.”
”Alright, so will you help us, Gale?”
Gale stared forward for a while, head lowered, rubbing his eyes. ”Yes…. Team Rhapsody is my home. Zinnia would do the same for me, so I can't turn my back on her now.”
A smile came from the two as Alton held his hand out, helping Gale up. ”Good to have you back, Gale.”
Taking his hand, Gale stood nodding. ”I'm sorry it took so long, but I'm back. Saving Zinnia from the Garden? Sure, feels like old times.”
”Oh yeah, you saved her from Acceptance before, didn't you?” Alice recalled. ”I wasn't a part of the team then.”
”If we're all done with our trip down memory lane.” Alton interrupted. ”We're almost ready, so tell me, Gale. Who is this person who can help us?”
”You aren't going to like it. In fact, Zinnia and Percy fought him before.”
”Wait, you don't mean?”
”I do.” Gale nodded, taking a deep breath. ”Alton…. I just wanted to apologise.”
”What are you apologising for?” He questioned.
”You trusted me in protecting Zinnia when you went…. But I couldn't stop her from killing Marco. She doesn't like to admit it, but it really affects her.”
Alton smirked, pulling in Gale for a hug. ”There's the stupid naïve Gale we all knew and loved. But, even if it isn't in the most ideal circumstances, Team Rhapsody is back. Now let's go and save Zinnia.”
****
Looking through his binoculars, Gale nodded, having sight on the Titan and Depression alongside a handful of Garden guards. ”Well, Alton was right about one thing. It just seems to be one Stage. It could be Depression; I can't really be sure. Alton and the others haven't been in the Garden for long, so we'll give them more time. But is everyone ready?”
Riley crossed her arms, tutting. ”This isn't going to be a walk in the park, is it?”
”We have the numbers; he's just one person. I'm sure we can easily take him.” Alesha boldly claimed, catching her toy car over and over. ”Alton left it to us to succeed. We can't let him down.”
”Well said, Alesha; Alton saved our lives serval times. So the least we can do is this for him.” Lily replied, brushing her hair.
”Are you forgetting what we're fighting? This is a Stage of Grief we're talking about. Even prepared the last time we fought one, we almost died.” Jinx complained. ”We have no idea what Depression will bring.”
”But we've got the upper hand. They won't be expecting us.” Destiny claimed nervously. ”I mean, not all of us.”
”We've got to count our blessing where we can.” Harmony whispered, holding the ring tightly. ”We always have that trump card if it comes to it.”
Gale turned, nodding. ”I know we can do this. Alton and Alice trusted us with this. We have to hold Depression here while they save Zinnia. We can't fail….” Looking in front, Gale whispered to the person next to him. ”Don't make Mortem regret resurrecting you…. You're our secret weapon here. I hope you're ready, Clark.”
”You don't have to worry about me, Gale. The Phantom Streamer is here to strike again. I can't lose. After all, I'm going to be the number one streamer no matter what.”