(They attempt to take their forms, but instead the second wind they received wears off. Raine and Trey fall to the ground and Alma falls to her knees with a massive headache.)
Zellos: Already? Your bodies must be worse for wear if second wind only lasted moments.
Hoffman: Pathetic. Wind boy, stay there will you?
(Hoffman begins to walk over to Raine.)
Zellos: Like I'd ever…
(Zellos attempts to move, but his legs remain still.)
Zellos: What is this?
Hoffman: The power of persuasion. You lack some motivation. Therefore I have some influence over you. I could influence you all, but that would not crush your spirit...would it?
(He walks up to Raine and grabs her by the neck.)
Hoffman: You...you betrayed me, girl.
Raine: What's it to you!?
Hoffman: I took you in. I took any of my children in.
Raine: You made us kill each other!
Hoffman: Yes, I had you kill the children who betrayed me, but those who followed under me were to be pardoned.
Raine: You killed every amalgram under you.
Hoffman: I did no such thing. Those nitwit humans did. And they were punished.
Raine: That doesn't matter!
Hoffman: Why did you turn your back on me?
Raine: Because of Trey. He saved me.
Hoffman: What could you possibly mean??
Raine: When we were kids, I always thought he was cute. But why I liked him was because he seemed so free. Free to be himself. I had a mother who always tore me down. I entered a deep depression of who I was. I felt I could never approach someone like him. Not as the creature I was led to believe I was. That's why I accepted your offer. My mind was not in the right place when I did, and I regret ever accepting!
Hoffman: Tch!
Raine: Though, I don't regret it entirely. You made the mistake of assigning me to kill him. That fight changed my mind. I always had the urge to fight back, but I couldn't spark the decision myself. Seeing Trey being himself, although sometimes cruel or seemingly heartless, opened my eyes. I can't let others control who I am. I have to live freely for myself! I love him because he was a light in my dark world! It sounds cheesy, but I don't care!
(Raine kicks Hoffman in the face, then kicks with her broken leg to get free of Hoffman's grip. Alma and Trey stare in surprise.)
Trey: Heh, that is cheesy, but I appreciate the sentiment.
Alma: You know, I appreciate you too, Trey. Despite how much of a jerk you can be. You were there for me when Raine disappeared. And you helped take care of me with Micheal. I always know you mean well behind your harsh words.
Trey: Thanks? Little too much emphasis on my personality.
Zellos: Actually, I don't regret meeting you either.
Trey: Why is this suddenly about me?
Zellos: I've had a lot of fun hunting you ever since you ate my pudding cup. I've enjoyed all of our fights. And I look forward to the future. I hate your guts, but in a good way.
Trey: Yeah, ok.
Zellos: Which is why…
Alma: Yeah, why we will risk our lives so we can continue to have you in them.
YOU ARE READING
Collaborator Arc 2: Conquering Nature
FantastikWar has started. Will Trey and his friends prevail against Hoffman? Or will his secret make it so they lose everything? Find out now.
