《V.I.R.A.L 》Chapter 90: The Unknowing Paradox
Advertisement
"Gemini. Is that you?"
"Sister?"
"What are you doing, Gem?"
"Making our dream come true. We're going to become number one."
"Not like this Gem, never like this. I look up to you for how caring and honest you are. It breaks my heart to see you like this."
"This is some trick. An illusion."
"I can only show you what's in your heart. This is what was hidden down."
"What have I done? This is all my fault. Aoi, I'm sorry!"
"It's alright, Gem; I'm here."
Gemini snapped to finding herself in a hospital bed. She tried moving only to find herself chained to the bed. There was no scanners or TVs in the room. All there is was a bed and a table. Blurry images rushed through her mind, holding her head in pain; she squinted only for it all to stop. It all faded away. "Gemini!" Goro gasped, rushing in. "You're finally awake. I never thought you would."
"Where am I?" She spoke blankly.
Goro sat on the edge of her bed, adjusting himself. "We're in a self-isolated facility. After Alton defeated you, you were taken in here. Do you remember that?"
"I can't say that I do. To be quite honest, everything is drawing a blank."
"Everything? What do you remember?"
"My name is Aoi? No? Gemini, I think. My sister, she's dead, correct?"
Goro nodded cautiously. "She died seven years ago. You found her in the forest, remember?"
Again, Gemini shook her head, now looking even more conflicted as she began twirling her fingers. "I'm sorry, I'm only drawing blanks. If that's true, I feel horrible that I forgot that. If you don't mind me asking do I know you?"
Goro flinched, looking dazed as he began licking his lips, trying to think of something to say. "Gemini, please tell me you know who I am?"
Gemini began to giggle nervously. "Who are you?"
Stepping back, he was interrupted as the door opened. Goro turned, startled to see one of the CEOs of V.I.R.A.L Kurt. "As expected, the lovesick bird would be here. I'm glad, though, won't have to repeat myself."
"What are you doing here?"
"To tie up loose ends. Gemini Fujisaki, I see you're well."
"She, she lost her memories."
"Well, of course, she did. The Garden influence has been purged from her mind. Any memories before then were also destroyed. She'll most likely never get them back."
"How do you know that?"
Advertisement
"Because we were the ones behind the purge."
Goro flinched, snapping. "You bastard, how could you do this to her?"
"I think you are missing the point here, Revert." Kurt chuckled. "If we didn't make sure measures, then I'm afraid all we could do is kill miss Fujisaki here. Anyone who is allied to the Garden cannot be allowed to live."
"So, you're not even afraid to admit this Garden is more than a legend anymore?"
"Of course not, we for the record, have always been well informed about our old enemy. We cannot allow ourselves to repeat history, after all. We just tend to keep this public knowledge."
Now, even more, fearful Goro glanced at Gemini before building up the courage to speak up. "Just how much do all of you know?"
Kurt scoffed, shaking his head. "Quite a lot, actually. We are well aware that Vanguard was using the seed of the Garden to create mental overloads. We knew of the isolated incident off the coast of Rhinefield. After all, we sent the streamers to investigate the village where Acceptance had been running experiments. We gained all the information we needed when Team Rhapsody dealt with the stage of grief. We also knew from the very beginning Vanguard's partner Rodger was under the influence of the Garden's Bargaining. We've known every step the Garden took and are quite prepared for its next big plan.
Moreover, we have already tracked down the other puppets that Bargaining has already taken control of. Serval is key members of V.I.R.A.L. But of course, this is not new knowledge to you anymore."
"You knew everything from the start? All of it, you knew you were sending us to our deaths, and you told us nothing. You could have easily put an end to Vanguard's reign, yet you stood by? Why?!"
"To test you all of course, when the time comes, and the Garden is on our doorstep, we'll need Antihumans to fight for us no? Last time we fell because we were clueless and not prepared. And it showed very quickly just how weak many of you truly are. If you couldn't even handle a mere pawn of the Garden, how would a foot soldier do? Or one of the five stages? Or perhaps the Gardeners themselves? Clearly, very few of you are prepared. That is why we saved your friend here."
"You've been using us this whole time. You're a God damn psychopath you hear me!"
Kurt raised his hands ushering Goro to quiet down. "There is no need to pick a fight Revert, we are not your enemy. Choose the right path, and we can be good allies. We only want what's best for Victoria. Raising soldiers is our best course of action. Disguising such feats through an internet trend which brings people together with all sort of powers was what we believed would be our best course of action. Bringing together the outcasts, the past villains and wannabe superheroes together to compete for the top spot. Doesn't that sound exciting?"
Advertisement
"It sounds barbaric," Gemini whispered. "A plan cooped up by a madman."
The comment got a chuckle from Kurt as he adjusted his tie. "I guess you aren't too far off their Paradox."
"Why tell us this? We could easily tell the world. Expose V.I.R.A.L for what they truly are."
"You could. But you won't." Kurt dominated sending a chill through the room with each breath. "Without us, the world would still be sick. We are the ones who gave the light back to the world. Without us, there would be chaos and unrest. We are the ones who keep the peace. Without us, your friend here would be dead. We are the ones who can save others from death. You could take us out the picture pretty easily, yes. You might think you're doing the right thing at the moment as well. It may seem that way, but tell me. When the Garden grows into our reality, and you have no way in stopping it you will soon realise ridding of us was the worst mistake you could ever make. You'll understand soon enough Goro. V.I.R.A.L is Victoria's salvation."
Kurt began to leave as Goro gritted his teeth. "And what the hell do you want us to do?"
"We saved Gemini for a reason. When you are ready to carry on that dream of hers. Become the best streamers you can be. The best, like your life, depends on it. Because it just does."
"You act so proud and mighty now yet Alton was a shock to you all yes?" Gemini interrupts getting Kurt's attention. "He's an ally to the Garden, and you didn't know."
Kurt frowned, scratching his head annoyed. "Why you aren't wrong there, I suppose. No matter how secure we think we are, the Garden is always bound to slip through the cracks. The child of the Garden was unexpected. We had our suspicions after Sunset peak, but not even we were prepared for such turn of events."
"What about Alton then?" Goro questioned uncertainly.
"Don't you worry your little socks about Alton? We shall deal with him. Ourselves." Kurt threatened, leaving the two alone. Entering the hallway guarded heavily with security he began to walk ahead only to stop finding the entire area disappear in its place was a prison cell Kurt found himself in. On the other end was a man wearing a mask which morphed and warped with the room. He was tall and had long blonde hair in a ponytail, he also wore a court jester outfit matching green and orange. The bells on his boot began to ring as he held a harp in his hand playing distorted sounds to himself. Kurt looked around amused. "Are you trying to impress me, Henry?"
The mask twisted and turned into a skull, smiling. "Not at all. I just feel most comfortable speaking to you like this mister CEO. How does it feel to be behind bars like I once was?"
Looking around, he shrugged. "Couldn't tell you. I assume you have your answer if you're here to see me."
The jester took one step back bowing. "Why, of course, I've already weaved my way into Team Rhapsody's mind. They have not a single idea what's at play. It's all rather exciting if you ask me. Planting the seeds for my great performance."
"Then I have your answer."
"Team Rhapsody, they truly interest me. Especially that one member. Ooh, her aura and aroma intrigue me. I am very fond of such power."
"She? You don't mean Alton?"
"Oh no, he's simple. Rather dull and lifeless. No, my next piece shall be around the albino girl."
"Scarlett Dawn?"
"Scarlett Dawn. Such a fitting name. I can sense such power coming off her. It's almost radioactive. I do look forward to picking her mind apart piece by piece: so many powerful streamers, such little time. For you fine sir, I can do this for free. You can even put me back in that cell your standing in now. Just allow me the privilege of having my fun with Team Rhapsody."
"I see. That faith I had in you wasn't for nothing then. I assume your plan will be set in motion for the competition in a few weeks?"
"Oh, mister CEO, my plan was already set in motion the moment you approached me. I am going to have so much fun." He boasted as his mask began to glow. "Keep watching."
The entire cell vanished as Kurt found himself back in the corridor with serval guards looking at him oddly. Looking down, he saw a small drop of blood on the floor, pressing his hand against his cheek a fresh smudge was engraved into his palm. He gave off a slight chuckle. "Watching we shall Henry Truman. Or better known as. Eyes over reality."
Advertisement
- In Serial148 Chapters
Inescapable Escapism (A Psychological Isekai Fantasy)
Grace desires an escape. Anywhere to avoid the hardships that threaten to smother her. Equipped with her imagination, Grace creates other worlds to slip into whenever needed. Places where her home life is soon replaced with hunting for treasure, becoming a spy and endless adventures. But, when her dreams start to evolve and encroach on reality, Grace must fight to discover what's real and what is not.
8 197 - In Serial42 Chapters
Domain of Man
Isolation is terrible. To feel isolated with your fellow man around you is worse. What if you were dumped in some backwards cave somewhere, completely nude, maybe with your family, or even completely alone? The age of pioneers, heroes, generals, and geniuses is long gone. Humankind has become numb to the world around it because of how paltry everything else is compared to the glory of its history, the sheer volume of their accomplishments, and the sum of its innovations. You can interact with people across the world, travel miles in mere hours, and never prepare your own food or shelter, and it's all accessible to even the normalest of individuals. Artificial intelligence is within arms reach in devices and computers and even houses, and neural interfaces aren't exclusive to the rich and powerful at this point. Someone far in the distance took notice of Earth, saw the multitude of hairless apes swarming its surface. That one went down the checklist to see if humanity had, in fact, beaten the 'game' of Life. Sure enough, they had gone above and beyond the requirements, but nobody had been watching. 'Why might that be?', that one wondered. Protocol was protocol, though, no matter how strange the situation was. They pulled the lever, they flipped the switch. It's time for New Game +. ??? Don't be afraid to leave critique or share your support! I really appreciate any feedback you can give. In any case, I sincerely hope you enjoy the story! It's going to be a wild ride. HQ/Kindle-Grade cover art. Book Cover 2.0: "Heiroglyphs"
8 107 - In Serial136 Chapters
Dao: Journey to the Top of the Universe
The path to be immortal is never easy, but death is. So many times so near to death in front of all the unforeseen dangers, mysterious evils, and vicious yet powerful opponents. All the way forward with blood and kills, what I can control is to be true to myself. When the day comes to my Immortal Ascension, I will dispel the cloudy mist and rule the world with the Tao of my own.Shiao Chen, a young boy without spiritual root, only gets the chance to attend The Test of Entering Divine Gate after his father begged and pleaded with the Shiao Family. But how is he gonna pass the test and enter the divine gate with such a poor aptitude? What will he do to make a difference in Luoyun Valley? Read all of the updated chapters on Flying-Lines
8 244 - In Serial24 Chapters
ALL HAIL THE VAMPIRE KING
The king of beasts stands on a high mountain, claws out ready to pounce on his unsuspecting enemies. His long cloak flaps wildly in the wind. In a cave, dragons sleep soundly after a wild mating session. Their very breath brings woes to mortals. In a forgotten highland, titans and giants wage a never ending war, their very step shaking the earth. And in a dark place, a creature is born, no goals in mind but doomed for greatness. ............ *Warning* Start might be slow. ........ A/N It is my second month since I got into writing, I'd like to say I'm better than when I started and will only get better. English is my second language so please help me whenever you see fit. I found the cover randomly, if the owner wants it removed or credit please pm me
8 239 - In Serial13 Chapters
Meditation System
Transmigrated as Grant Ward in prison, S2 of AoS, with Meditation System, Survive an AU MCU that's basically it This is my first fanfic there will be a few mistakes. Please be patient and understanding.
8 73 - In Serial40 Chapters
22 Letters✓
🏆Featured ×3Going through editing.**22 letters. 24 days. 1 boy. What could possibly go wrong?*************When Leon James takes a bet to reveal his true feelings to his crush, he didn't expect a timeline to it. He also didn't expect that timeline to be in 24 days.Now with his shyness and mental health getting the best of him, he has to find a clever way to let his crush- or crushes- know how he truly feels.And what better way than writing letters to them?
8 275

