The Outcast

"In other news today, serval large streamers were attacked last night by their drones. The attack occurred throughout the capital with streamers such as Violet, Jinx and Team Rhapsody being hit, while there were no injuries the attack has left many people scared. A group has come forward claiming responsibility being the cult of Vanguard, an extremist fan club of the former number one streamer Vanguard. They sent out a message early this morning. To the unworthy streamers, we will show you no mercy. We will rise from the ashes and return our true leader to number one. Anyone who stands in our way is warned. V.I.R.A.L has yet to state the drones that attempted the assassination, more on the news as it comes in."

Alton rolled over, turning off his alarm clock. He sat up yawning as the sun creaked in from the curtains. Due to sleeping in his clothes, he didn't do much with himself as he checked his hair before getting ready to head out. Backpack in hand he opened the door meeting Alice who was standing on the other side seemly waiting. She looked up at him with a blank face. "Your alarm went off twenty-seven minutes ago, yet it took you fifteen of those minutes to react and turn the alarm off, moreover the other eleven minutes was taken up getting out of bed and sorting your hair."

"You've been waiting here this whole time."

Alice began toying with her hair as she turned away. "I guess my father told me to come and collect you. Alice is not one to barge in on people. Overall conclusion for today. Alton, you are lazy and find it hard to get out of bed."

"Jeez, thanks. We didn't get to introduce ourselves last night properly, I'm…"

"You are Alton Brantley. Formerly known as Avalanche a key member of Hero's Might now a full member of Team Rhapsody where you joint create the stream with Zinnia who is currently the leader of your group. Alice knows Alice is a big fan of yours, I guess." She stated in a robotic tone, although the blank expression was dropped for a brief moment as she gave an imperfect smile holding out her hand. "Alice is told that she should shake the hands of people she meets. My name is Alice Hawthorne. It appears you have already been quite acquainted with my sister. Thank you for being her friend, Alice hopes we can be on the same level as well."

Alton shook her hand, not expecting Iris' sister to be the complete opposite of her. Iris was a wise mouth rebel who would happily pick a fight with someone who insulted her while Alice was far more reserved and softer spoken having social problems. "Your father wanted to speak to me?"

"Correct, the rest of your team have already joined him in the courtyard alongside other streamers in our network. It sounded important, I guess."

Alice began walking away as Alton followed. After the ordeals the night before the group were welcomed into Iris and Alice's home. The place was also the HQ for the most infamous streaming network Frizzle tooth; they hire streamers to join their network, which protects them from copyright strikes and helps promote the streamer. Although the idea of streaming networks has died down over the years, Frizzle tooth remains strong thanks to the headline streamers on board.

Sliding the door open to the courtyard, the estate had a very eastern feel with the buildings being made entirely from wood. The outside had a large courtyard with bamboo trees and a gravel pathway leading out to a small pond. Being the time of the season, many of the trees were producing blossom making for a specular sight. "I must say again, thank you for taking us in so quickly. With what happened last night, I was worried that my team weren't safe."

"I guess, although it was more my sister's idea. It took my father quite a bit of convincing, but once Iris has her eyes set on something, there is no going back. You'll be pleased to know the attack had nothing to do with V.I.R.A.L, that's nice to hear, I guess." She shrugged off yawning. It appears the Alice didn't get the required amount of sleep last night. What a bother, why do you all stream so late?"

The sun rose as the others were waiting in the courtyard. Scarlett and Gale were already waiting while Iris was talking to a couple of other people. She caught wind of Alton and Alice running over. "Took you long enough. How'd you sleep."

"I would like to say like a baby, but I was up most of the night."

"Can't blame you for that. From our point of view, we were being hunted by V.I.R.A.L thank God that isn't the case. But now we've got another problem to deal with."

"You mean this cult; Alice hardly sees how it could be an issue for someone like us. She could have the villains on the run by tomorrow. But I guess Alice can't take all the glory."

"Where's Zinnia and Percy?"

"They went to visit Vanguard, I think, wanted more information about our new friends," Iris stated before turning to her sister. She frowned, pulling her over whispering. "Just ask him, he won't say no."

Alice looked down at the floor muttering, making it near impossible for Alton to hear her. "Huh?"

"Jesus Christ, you were getting all excited over this last night. Alice here wants a photo with you."

"Oh, that's fine."

"See nothing to worry about!"

Alice punched her sister going all red. "Alice did not need you to speak for her. Alice requires no photo. Alice is quite fine without making the situation awkward."

"I must ask, why do you do that?"

"Do what?"

"Speak about yourself in the third person?"

Iris laughed, wrapping her arm around her sister. "Alice here suffers from extreme social anxiety. She doesn't know how to talk to people properly or how to keep a conversation going. So, we made her talk about herself in the third person. It helps keep her mind straight."

 "Alice is not socially awkward; other people just don't understand how Alice feels."

"I'm pretty sure not even you know how you feel half the time sis."

"How are the others?"

"They are fine, although don't tell him this but Gale has been acting a bit strange lately. He got a few calls from his family but refused to pick them up."

"Hmm, I knew about his gran but apart from that Gale's family life is very hush-hush."

"Yeah well, the thought has gotten to him. Perhaps you can get him to talk about it?"

"I'll see what I can do," Alton stated, heading over to his team. Alice lingered behind making sure to keep her distance. "Hey, guys."

"Yo, top of the morning to you." Gale saluted leaning on the bench. "Last night was rough, wasn't it?"

"You can say that again," Scarlett grumbled looking worse for wear. "I happen not to get a good night sleep. Because of this, my sleep routine will most likely be ruined for weeks."

Alton looked around. "Iris told me Zinnia and Percy went to meet Vanguard."

"Yeah, it was her decision. She didn't sleep at all too focused on a potential mystery or some shit." Emil slurred walking over with a can of coke. "Real prestigious place this is."

"Is this anything like the Montague estate?"

"Eh, more or less. A few more bells and whistles mind you. The hotshots tell you why we're here."

"No."

Emil scoffed sipping his drink. "I smell recruitment. These scummy paid networks don't just let you in out of the kindness of their hearts. Sooner or later, they want something."

"You're too stingy. We're friends with Iris; I'm sure that's more than a good reason."

The doors to the main building opened as a bald man in long black robes walked out. He took sight of team Rhapsody looking rather excited. "If it isn't the shining stars of tomorrow. Team Rhapsody. It's an honour. I've heard so much about you from my daughter."

"Wait, you're Iris and Alice's father?" Gale questioned looking at the man with a pop belly with confusion."

"That I am. My name is Hans; I'm glad you are all alright, after what happened last night, I am happy to see you all unharmed."

"Well we can thank your daughter for that sir, thank you for having us," Scarlett said bowing.

"Ahh yes, Alice my pride and joy!" Hans laughed, pulling Alice over who was hiding behind a set of rocks. She stood still looking really awkward. "I don't know what I would do without her; it's all rather exciting knowing my daughter is soon going to be the number one streamer. I couldn't be any prouder of her!"

"You know your other daughter also saved my life last night, as well as all of us during our fight against Vanguard."

"Well, I'll have to tell her that later. But never mind that! I'm thrilled to have you all here. Please after last night feel free to stay here as long as you like. Frizzle teeth are home to Team Rhapsody."

"Oh, we won't be here for long, our leader is out searching for clues. Hopefully, with all said and done, we could be done by the end of the week."

"Don't worry about all that; you're much safer here. There's always a space for you with Frizzle teeth."

"Told you…" Emil grumbled.

"While I appreciate the offer Hans sir, I just came off a rather toxic deal with Vanguard and am not diving at another deal just yet."

"I understand, what Vanguard did to you all is unacceptable. I'm glad he's behind bars. The door is always open to you guys. Remember that. Now I have to see about security; this cult could be an issue."

Emil began coughing, making him snarl in annoyance. "This damn fog won't leave will it?!"

"You guys still see the fog?" Scarlett asked curiously.

Alton held his hand out as the fog from last night remained. It was much more transparent than before, but it remained. "I think it may have something to do with the cult and P4R4D0X. The fog blinds whoever isn't worthy."

"All the more reason to fucking kick this stupid cult's ass!"

Gale looked down as his phone began to ring. He looked at it refusing to answer. "You can't keep hiding from them forever. You know Gale."

"Damn it; Iris told you yeah? Well, this is inconvenient."

"Just answer the call; it's your family. What's the worst that can happen?"

Gale sighed, standing up and walking away. "Family is important. Pushing them away is a bad idea." Alton went silent as Scarlett gave him a strange look. "Did I say something wrong?"

"Oh, no. No."

Gale came back sighing as he began rubbing his face. "I need to go home. My village is in trouble. They are being attacked and have no one to help. I know the cult is important, but they need my help."

"Alright, I understand. When do we leave?"

"What?"

"When do you leave? You don't expect us to let you go alone? We are a team; if somebody is in trouble, we help. Besides, Zinnia will not allow you to leave alone."

"Isn't the cult a huge problem, though? That should be the priority."

"It might." Scarlett agreed. "But if something happened to your family and we could have prevented it, I would feel that was my fault."

"You heard the girl; I may not be the leader, but I think I can speak for Zinnia on this one. Plus, it gets us out of here." Alton ordered. "We should probably get ready. Once the others get back, we should get moving."

Emil and Gale began moving as Scarlett tapped Alton. "It seems you have a secret admirer."

Alton turned, seeing Alice standing behind a tree watching. He chuckled to himself, shaking his head. "So, Alice! About that photo."