V.I.R.A.L

Chapter 143: Last Christmas

"Test 78, the subject has effectively accepted the Psychic link. Total dominate over the subject's mind has yet to be seen. You may begin your examination Doctor."

"Thank you, sir. Good morning Scarlett, how are we today?" Scarlett remained silent; the child was slouched over in chains collapsed on the floor; her bleach white hair wrangled over her face. "Subject appears unwilling to talk. We shall move to more hands-on methods." The doctor placed his clipboard down, rolling his sleeves back. He held his hand out as a small strain was placed on Scarlett's mind. This strain, like a parasite, grew before it was unbearable. Scarlett scrunched her face together, taking the horror head-on before losing falling against the wall. "Let us start again. State your name."

"Scar- Scarlett. Seven years old…"

"Good. Now Scarlett, please state your mission for the record."

"Plea- No more…"

"State your mission for the record."

"I am to destroy V.I.R.A.L and save Victoria…"

"Good. You may begin." Serval items were placed in front of Scarlett, ranging from small cubes to large weights. "The test is simple. Move the items one at a time. Do so in the time limit. Begin."

With ease, Scarlett picked up the first item, her hand shaking slightly. She threw it aside, moving towards the more giant box. As she made it to the final weight, she began to really struggle. This all fell apart as she failed to lift the weight lowering to the pressure. "As expected, the subject has yet to be of any use to her. Further failures will result in… Termination of the host."

The doctor held Scarlett up again with the psychic link as she began to break under the unyielding power. She struggled to breathe, let alone cry out for mercy. However, something began to form inside Scarlett, an emotion she hadn't felt before. Pure rage. Her eyes began to glow a crimson red as the doctor's grip on her faded. With a concerned look, he stepped back as Scarlett was still floating in the air with each item hovering around her. "Incredible. This power, it's unlike anything I've ever seen bef-."

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The doctor was cut off as his breathing cube was crushed, and any hopes of air gone. His body was lifted up as the metal walls began peeling away and the room shaking violently. Scarlett let out a scream of pain as everything exploded, leaving nothing left as everything went pitch black.

The door to the outside world creaked open as a tall man walked in staring down at Scarlett. Her gaze met his as he kneeled down, patting her head. "You're ready daughter of mine. You are what I've been searching for. You are Syndicate only hope in survival. From today you will be forever known as Scarlett Syndicate. We have much work to do."

"Yes, father. I won't fail you."

****

The chairs and sofa of Alton's apartment had been moved aside to the corner of the room. The main living room was now empty and spacious enough for Scarlett. Classical music began droning the outside world as Scarlett had one leg high up in the air keeping her balance. Matched with pointer shoes, she closed her eyes, taking a deep breath as she lightly moved around the room in union with the music. Her point near perfect as she came to a halt leaning forward, balancing herself. Nodding retracing the dance she hopped into the air spinning around flaying her arms back and forth keeping in the zone. Galloping on the spot on her tiptoes she crouched down, stopping as her sudden gaze met with Alton idly watching her. She snapped out of her majestic form, standing straight, clearing her throat. "I thought you were going to the shops…"

"I forgot my wallet. Can I just say?"

"Don't even. You didn't see anything; you will not say a word of this to anyone."

Alton scratched his head. "Ok. But… I knew you learned ballet, but I didn't know you were that good. You're like a professional."

"Oh. Why thank you." She whispered, going bright red. "I was taught ballet since I was about seven or eight. It was used to keep my emotions in check and to keep my mind clear. I've just kept with it because I must admit I do quite enjoy it."

"Well, it's good to have a hobby," Alton admitted. "As a kid, I tried karate. I was kicked out for constantly freezing my opponents… The nutcracker, very Christmas."

"Yes, well, my ballet teacher loves classical music. One of the only things that still survives from the old world."

Alton stared at Scarlett glancing down at her pointer shoes, smiling mischievously. "You're not going to like this."

"Oh, dear, what lewd thoughts run through your mind. Don't tell me you have a ballerina fetish."

"What?! No! Listen, it's about the ball. We want the Syndicate family to attack, yes? Well, wouldn't it be perfect bait if you performed live on stage?"

"No, absolutely not. I refuse to go with this absurd plan. Forget it."

"Why not? It's perfect. Not only will we have the perfect bait to our plan, but you get to perform on the biggest ball of the year. You're telling me you don't want to do so?"

"I get stage fright."

"You, stage fright? So, fighting the Garden, coming face to face with an evil family who tortured you for years among many other threats and you're afraid of being on stage?"

"I most certainly am. Is there a problem with such terms?"

"Well no, it was just surprising that's all. I didn't think the Scarlett Dawn was afraid of anything."

"I'm scared of a lot of things actually. Stage fright, spiders, the dark, clowns as well as drowning." Alton chuckled which angered Scarlett. "What is so funny?"

"Nothing, it's just the more I hang out with you, the more I realise you're just a normal girl."

"Well, now that is very rude."

"No, no. I mean that in a good way. When I first met you and learned of your family, I had a picture of you being a stuck-up rich girl who looked down on others. I'm glad I'm wrong."

Scarlett nodded, taking the compliment to heart. "Well, I am glad to hear such words. However, this doesn't change the fact I will not perform ballet during the ball."

"Look Scarlett, I wouldn't bring up a plan if I didn't think it would work. Think about it not only will you take down the Syndicate family but you can prove to not only them but the world Scarlett Dawn is free from her past."

"Free from my past?"

"Yeah, if you enjoy something, it's rather selfish to keep it to yourself. Come on, what have you got to lose?"

Scarlett sighed as she chuckled in defeat. "Very well. I will go along with this absurd and downright crazy plan. Only because you came up with its leader. I'm not sure what I'm more worried about the Syndicate family or the idea of messing up in front of hundreds of people…"

"Don't be so melodramatic. You'll be just fine I have faith in you so break a leg." Scarlett gave Alton a scorn look which made him flinch. "It's a figure of speech please don't kill me…"

"Shopping now."

"Yes, mam."

Alton grabbed his wallet, rushing off as Scarlett waited. With the coast clear, she started getting over-excited jumping for joy. She would live out a dream she had for years, and she couldn't wait. Playing the music again, she started from the beginning practising for the big day.

****

"What would you do my sweet Alton if you found out the truth? Would you cast it aside, refusing to believe such terms? Fall apart? Would you take my hand?"

Riley stared down at a photo in hand. The picture was one taken of Team Rhapsody during Gale's rescue mission. It was the one taken the day they left. Riley ran her hand over Scarlett and Alton's face frowning. "If things were different, would our roles be swapped? Would they have saved me? No, they did it was me. But she stole that from me out of jealously and greed. You split the family into two dear sister, but that will not stop me from taking back what's mine."

Two members of the council teleported in bowing. "Mistress, your humble servants have returned."

"What do you have to report?"

"Rhapsody has taken the bait. The ball is a go."

"I knew Scarlett couldn't resist the temptation. It's why I chose it. Has anyone else defected to her side?"

"Not that we know of. Gameiro has already put the plan into motion for our victory."