Chapter 27: Late Arrival
Menma's eyes were filled with fury, his hands shaking as he pointed his sword at Garrick.
"You really think we're just going to let him go?" he barked at Annie, his voice cracking from the sheer frustration and betrayal that still burned within him.
"After everything he's done to us? The lies, the illusions, the pain? And now what—we just act like it never happened?"
Annie, calm but firm, took a deep breath. "We're not letting him go," she said. "But if there's one thing we know, it's that his powers might be the edge we need against the Purgatorists."
Menma scoffed. "And you think Garrick is just going to behave? Follow orders like a well-trained dog?"
He laughed bitterly, gripping his sword tighter. "The first chance he gets, he's going to try and kill us all. Just like he already tried—multiple times!"
A moment of silence passed before he looked down, voice softer now. "I'm sorry... Mother."
He lunged.
But Annie was faster. Her chain of light shot forward, wrapping around Menma's sword mid-strike, halting it inches before it reached Garrick's chest.
Another part of the glowing chain whipped around and struck Menma on the head, knocking him out cold. His body slumped as Annie gently held him with her other hand.
"I'm sorry, Menma," she whispered, voice trembling. "But I had to."