Collaborator Arc 2: Conquering Nature

Episode 13: 2nd Attempt; Once More With Feeling

Trey: Guys, Hoffman is being controlled by a parasite.

Raine: Excuse me?

Alma: So Hoffman is-?

Trey: No. The human side hates us just as much.

Nuvia: Oh good. I didn't want to hesitate.

Hoffman: Well, let's get this started!

Trey: Gladly!

(Trey runs up and slides under Hoffman to kick him upward. Hoffman doesn't make any moves. Trey throws his kick as hard as he can, but Hoffman doesn't budge. Alma appears at mach 2 behind Hoffman and throws a lightning bolt. It bends away and strikes the ground next to him.)

Hoffman: Tsk, tsk. Try harder.

(Hoffman grabs Trey's leg and lifts him. Raine tries to intervene, but Hoffman pivots out the way and slams Trey into her. Nuvia tries to lighten his gravity, but it has no effect.)

Nuvia: Fine! If not you, then the ground under you!

(As with Hoffman, the ground is unaffected. Trey stares Hoffman in the eyes. Trey's eyes are now brown.)

Hoffman: He's asleep. How does it feel to be a regular human? One of those you've come to despise yourself.

Trey: It's unfair to hate every normal human. I despise those who despise us.

Hoffman: Ah, an eye for an eye. This is where we meet.

(Trey slaps Hoffman's face.)

Trey: Don't lump me with you old man.

Hoffman: You brat.

(Hoffman slams Trey as hard as he can onto the ground, but it is softened to sand.)

Hoffman: Hm?

Nuvia: Used gravity to grind up the underground as close as I could to the surface. I said if not you, then the ground under you.

Hoffman: Clever. That's what I would expect from a combined child.

Nuvia: Combined?

Trey: I'll go into depth later. But long story short. All elemental collaborators are his kids.

Micheal: Interesting.

Raine: Celsius?

Celsius: (It is true.)

Alma: Wait...We are making them fight their own father? Raine, I don't know if I-.

Trey: Alma, don't start. Remember what he did to our kind.

Alma: But he's their dad!

Raine: Alma, I get it. You know I do. But really think about it. He's trying to kill them, kill us.

Alma: Just like mom. And that's why I don't want to Put them through that. 

Kyoi: (I appreciate it, dear. But unfortunately, father's not one who can be reasoned with.)

Alma: But!

Trey: I figured that attitude wouldn't last. You're free to sit out.

Alma: ...No. I won't. Darn you, Trey. 

Trey: I will be who I have to be.

Hoffman: Done? You're still clutched in my arms.

Trey: You could've interrupted anytime. But I thank you for your patience.

(Hoffman's voice seems to deepen from here on.)

Hoffman: Ready for the fun, boy!?

Trey: Yeah, took you long enough-.