Chapter 346: Together Till the End Part 2 (1/2)
The others had arrived in Rhinefield after a short amount of rest. Standing in the road, Zinnia turned, seeing Riley and Gale running over. ”Zinnia, are you alright?”
”Everyone…. I'm so glad.”
Before Gale could jump to conclusions, Riley held her arm out, snarling. ”Wait. The last time we saw you, Zinnia, you were siding with Alton and tried to kill us. Any changes?”
”I'm sorry. I was foolish to believe Alton was right; I had forgotten that. I want to stop him just like you.”
Riley raised her eyebrow, grunting. ”Sorry isn't quite good enough.”
”I'm sorry….”
Sighing, she walked past. ”But it will have to do. Harmony, Tempo. Are those rings ready?”
”I think so, we've only done it once, and even then, that wasn't enough to stop Alton. I don't like how we're running in without a plan.” Harmony warns.
”I don't care. We don't have any time to waste!”
Gale grabs Riley's arm pulling her back to her disgust. ”I know you're desperate to get revenge against Alton, but things have changed. It took Sam everything to beat him in his pocket world. Now he has the Stage of Pain and Anger. For all, we know he could have Adam's Stages by the time we arrive.”
Riley nodded, calming down. ”What do you suggest then, Lampard?”
”Riley should stay here. Her hatred for Alton will only get in our way. If we are to kill him, we can't have any built-up anger against him; otherwise, he will keep coming back. Even then, our chances are near slim.”
”I think I can take him.” Zinnia whispered, holding her hand out, showing the group a purple bud. ”I took this from Lucas.”
”Is that a Stage?” Tempo questioned.
”It is. The Stage of Hope. It's nowhere near the power compared to Alton, but if I catch him off guard, I might be able to take him out.” Zinnia whispered. ”If it comes down to that.”
”You seriously aren't still caught up on saving him, are you?”
Zinnia paused for a moment before shaking her head. ”Not in the slightest. While it's ideal for saving as many people as possible, sometimes you have to sacrifice one for the many. If we don't do this, Alton will wipe everyone out.”
”Maybe we should just let him. I mean, look at this place….” Gale whispered, getting a dodgy look from the group. ”I mean, never mind. Sorry.”
Zinnia stood up, putting the Stage away. ”Alright, Gale, Harmony and Tempo, you're all with me. We'll find Alice regroup with her and take the fight to Alton.”
”What about me?” Jehovah whispered, standing idly. ”I want to do something.”
Zinnia kneeled down, smiling. ”You're going to stay here and look after Riley for me. You're in charge until we get back. I promise.”
”No, this is my fault. I want to help, please.”
”You are helping. Surviving means you are proof the Garden isn't all bad. It's too dangerous even for you.” Zinnia exclaimed, looking to Riley. ”Look after her, please.”
”I've tolerated with the girl up until now. A few more hours won't hurt. You be careful too, Zin, don't let Alton's words get to you.”
Zinnia shook her head. ”My mind is clear. I can do this. Let's go, guys.”
****
Alton leapt back, avoiding the carnage Chloe was sending as the giant snake slivered through, destroying the area. Catching his balance landing on a truck, Alton grunted, finding his attacks have no effect. ”The skin is tough…. Too tough.” Chloe turned her attention to Adam, smacking him back into a wall pinning him down. Leaning forward, going in for the killing blow, Alton sighed, holding his hand up, freezing time. Jumping down, he managed to snag Adam to safety before flicking an echo of explosions at the Stage before time resumed. ”I hate that I have to save your sorry ass.”
Adam coughed, standing up. ”This is looking to be more troublesome than I first thought. The Gardener must be behind this; there is no way a Sub Stage can be this strong.”
”That makes too much sense. How should we do this then?”
”I can't attack her directly. Her Stage makes it that anyone who attacks Chloe directly will fall victim to fear of losing the will to fight. A dangerous pact I could find myself in.”
”I hardly see a problem in that…. That would also mean Alice and Eve can't fight either. Very well, I shall face this foe head-on. Distract her for as long as you like.” Alton muttered, jumping down from the building, meeting Chloe head-on. Alton began skating around, turning the whole ground into ice, keeping his distance to avoid Chloe's brutal attack. Then, spinning around, he managed to get behind her leaping over the tail as he blasted her with a large echo of fire. The skin melted away as Alton was thrown off, backing away. ”Did she just get weaker?”