V.I.R.A.L

"Welcome back to your coverage of this hot topic! I'm your host Deadlyjonstar and like always my co-host J4J4. So, Emily, already Five hours in half the competition went, and already we've had some crazy matchups which will be talked about for years. What's your personal highlight so far?"

"Without a doubt Diorama vs Alice. What a turnabout to think the old-timer was once considered Vanguard's greatest threat. To lose so quickly to Alice was amazing, she sure has what it takes to be the next number one streamer. There have been talks of that correct?"

"Right you are, we don't like talking rumours on the show, but we couldn't help but go there. With all the hype we wouldn't be surprised if any day now this legendary streamer is made the new number one streamer. But Emily I don't think I can go on without talking about the surprise betrayal made by our own Team Rhapsody. What is up with Zinnia?"

"I know Jon these turns of events are something else. While we're expecting such turn of events eventually. We weren't expecting them so soon. We don't know what's going on with the hero of Rhapsody as they call her but whatever is we will be sure to cover it right here. And I guess we can't go on without talking about the main show kicker."

"The uninvited visitor. So, Emily is frank with me here, are we actually looking at a member of the Syndicate family? Weren't they like all wiped up 400 years ago?"

"We thought so, yet here we are with one right on our doorstep. How very bold. V.I.R.A.L hasn't stepped in at all unknown to us why. However, what can be certain is now that Alton has made contact with this vicious villain things are about to crank up to eleven. Who is this villain, and what could they possibly want with our streamers? Tune in to find out why!"

****

Chunks of earth riddling with sand flew at Alton as he flipped back dodging the last flurry of attacks. Spinning around, he wiped his sweaty forehead smirking at the villain. "While this is all very exciting, I must admit it's in your best interest to give it up. Hotshot villain, you maybe look around you we're on a beach. Rule one when fighting Alton. Never fight him near a beach."

The Demon Mask took a deep breath leaning back stretching. "And lose out on a fair fight against you? Are you kidding me? I wouldn't miss this for the world."

Alton shook his head yawning. "Your loss." A massive blast of water smashed the Demon Mask back as Alton stood idly watching his enemy be flown around unable to counterattack. Opening his hand, the explosion of water exploded outwards as the Demon Mask fell out collapsing to her knee panting. "So how about it? Care to explain your backstory and evil plan in precise detail?"

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"Alton, please… You need to listen. She's not who she makes out to be… You can't trust anything she says… That villain is actually S-."

Harmony collapsed as the Demon Mask held her hand out. "Ah, ah, ah. We don't want to spoil the surprise."

"What did you do?"

"Just a simple mind wipe. Don't worry its short term. She knew a little too much." She hissed, moving her shoulder around. "I must concur those powers of yours are just as powerful as they looked. I've only ever seen them up close but never took a hit, this might just be a little fun after all."

"You've been watching us?"

The Demon Mask teleported behind Alton, wrapping her arms around him. "Oh, my dear sweet Alton, I am so much closer than that." Holding her hand forward, Alton was shot forward, crashing into the ocean as she began drowning him with a grip having Alton down. A short time past before the sea exploded with a massive burst of water piling out.

Alton had managed to break free now walking on water looking exhausted. He flicked some seaweed off his shoulder, giving off a tired smile. "Telekinesis… Not bad, but it's going to take a lot more than that to kill me."

"I'm counting on it." She teased us all the water rippled back out to sea. Alton held his hand high up as the waves came crashing back, forming a tsunami-like no other. Roaring past Alton it crashed down on the Demon Mask only to stop just above her as she had somehow managed to it up stopping the attack consuming her. "I've been my whole life for this."

"For what?"

"To kill you."

Alton stared blankly sighing. "These days who doesn't…" Losing concentration for a short duration the tsunami was reversed back on Alton. Breaking the waves apart the Demon Mask floated forward, gripping Alton tightly as he began choking. Placing both hands on her, he mustered up a few ice powers that weren't sealed freezing her hand.

The Demon Mask pushed him back, breaking the ice looking slightly thrown off. "Now that was unexpected, I was under the impression your ice powers were sealed not too long ago."

Alton's eyebrow was raised as he stepped back onto the beach, shaking the small ice flakes off his fingers. "Now that's funny. Because no one else should know my ice powers are out of commission, so now you've got me curious. Just who the hell are you?!" A whirlpool formed sucking the Demon Mask swirling her around before spitting her back out, blasting her to the ground. Alton stepped on her stomach an invested water attack already planned as he leaned forward. "Who are you? How do you know so much about me? Who are you working for?"

The Demon Mask stared up at Alton, smiling behind her mask. "You already know that answer. You just don't know it yet." Out of patience, Alton went to reach for her mask to reveal the truth for himself. As he grabbed the mask, the villain opened her hand as a large cluster of explosions ripped out, blowing Alton and the area apart. When the sand and dust settled the tables were now turned with the Demon Mask towering over a defeated Alton. "I could kill you right here. Squash you like a bug right now. The family would be quite pleased with that. But… I feel differently as of right now, there is still too much I need to know, so you are lucky and get to live. I'll even give you a parting bit of information. Ever since you were revealed to be the child of the Garden, we aren't the only party looking to take you out. There's more to this than you know Alton and I hope when the time is right, you choose the right side."

"What does that mean? Hey! I'm talking to you, answer me!"

The Demon Mask began walking away as she laughed. "I'll see you around Avalanche."

"Hey. I'm not done yet… I'm!" Alton tried getting up but fell back down, exhausted holding his arm out before giving up. "Alright, I'm done… I'm done… Let me just catch my breath."

****

The Demon Mask took off her mask, throwing it aside, crushing it. Holding her arm up, she received a call from a distorted figure their facial features shadowed. "Report daughter of mine."

"I… I was unable to complete the task, it appears the target still harnessed part of his Garden powers, I chose to retreat immediately."

"I see how very interesting. There is still so much we don't know about the Garden it seems. We choose wisely to have you watch him."

"Shall I continue that mission?"

"Yes. No one suspects you. I see no problem at all. Keep your distance. Any more interactions could give the whole plan away."

The Demon Mask frowned, lowering her head. "There was one more thing, father. One of the streamers saw my face. The pop idol Harmony. I took measures to erase her memories of the event, but they're still chance she will remember."

The man went silent for a short while before booming down the mic, making her jump. "You better hope so, for your sake daughter of mine. Remember what is at stake. We do not tolerant failure in this family. You know what happens if we fail our mission, or do I need to remind you?"

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"That will not be necessary father I know what is at risk. I won't fail you again."

"So, you say, perhaps our time training you were all for nothing. For how much time we've put into you Chaos all you have to show for is the defeated Phantom Thief and a bunch of nobody pop idols. Any more failures and I will have to personally step in, do you want that?"

"No father…"

"Good. Attachment is a cursed daughter. You would know well to cut it before you have second thoughts. That is all. Victoria aut mors."

"Victoria aut mors." The call hung up as the Demon Mask began trembling in anger before dropping to the ground, frustrated in herself and her failure. She hit the ground, cursing under her breath. "Damn it…" She teleported away, leaving the mask of her loss behind as a reminder. This would soon be picked up by Alton who was left concerned about the turn of events and knowledge he would quickly learn of which he came to one conclusion. The Garden isn't the only threat he will have to look over his shoulder for…