Chapter 339: Hope (2/2)

”Lucas, the Garden knows everything. We were already well aware that Adam was a member of Fairy-Tale and was cooing Alton into their ranks. We also knew about his plan to steal the Stages. Unfortunately, he likes to believe he's one step ahead when in reality we simply let him be.”

”If you knew all this time, why didn't you stop him?”

”I suppose you can say. We were curious if he could continue the Logic of the One, but we were mistaken. He only cares for his sister and peace. The idea of peace doesn't sit well with the Garden. We always need those who oppose us for the Logic of the One to continue. I will personally deal with him myself and take back those Stages he doesn't deserve.”

”What about Alton?”

The woman looked down on Lucas with a blank look. ”What about him?”

”He killed your brother. Stole Pain, and killed hundreds of innocent people. Why should he be allowed to live?”

Spinning her umbrella around, she smiled, holding her hand out as purple petals flew through her hand. ”Alton is our Salvation. His undying will to carry out his goal is perfect for our Logic. Even those who lost the memory they shared will live on through him. He is our perfect wager which never fails.”

”What do you mean by that?”

Still smiling, she closed her eyes, smirking. ”You need not worry yourself about the small details. You wish to get revenge for your friends? For Eren and everyone else who died, am I right?”

Lucas was left silent, giving it some thought. He wasn't sure if that was the case, but it was all he had left. ”I do.”

”Good. Then I shall leave Alton Brantley and his allies to you, Lucas. I'm curious to see the result.” She whispered, holding out a purple bud. ”You know what this is, don't you?”

”That's. That's a Stage of Grief.”

”Not just any Stage. This is the Stage of Hope, a project created by my dog Mortem to battle us. She saw this as the final Stage after acceptance. I believe such a Stage is perfect for you, no?”

Staring at the Stage, Lucas licked his lips, about to take it before stopping. ”Why? Why me? You said you didn't want to kill Alton. So why send me to possibly kill him.”

”Now, I never said I didn't want to kill him. There should always be someone to stand in his way. The Logic of the One dictates that. Either he kills you and carries on that legacy, or you kill him and take the mantel. I'm curious to see who would win. The hero of the Garden or the Butcher of Fairy-Tale. So, tell me, will you take it?”

”I…. I don't know.”

”There is nothing to know. The Stage of Hope hasn't had a host before. It calls to you and you alone, Lucas. It was made for you; I hear you wish to free your people and escape this world. You're wishful of that. Where there is chaos and death, there is hope. Hope for the future one where you can live free. No one can give that to you. Only you can take it. So take the Stage of Hope and act out your revenge against the monster Alton Brantley. For Richard and Eren. For everyone.”

Reaching out for the bud, Lucas stared at it in awe as a bright light consumed him. ”I'd do anything to be free from these chains. I'll see the sky and take our home back for everyone who failed before me.”

”Good. Welcome to the family, my Hope.”

****

Lucas emerged from the portal of the destroyed Titan, covering his eyes from the glaring sun. His hand dropped as the yellow in his eyes glowed. He wore a long scarf around his neck which covered his mouth. Pulling back on his gloves, he took one long look at the sky. The tremendous endless blue sky, the one he had been dreaming of for his whole life. The look, however, made him empty as tears trickled down his neck. The colour not bringing on hope or joy but dread and trauma, reminding him of the sharp blue Alton used to kill everyone. Refusing to look at the treasured goal, he wiped his eyes, muttering. ”I promise you all, Alton will pay for what he did. I'm hopeful he will.”