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Post by Mathew Amtrum on Jan 14, 2014 9:48:02 GMT -8
"Probably. But just to talk. And get you some fresh air for a bit. I wanted to talk to you about what you want."
He motioned for Barker to follow him and he would start out the door. He didn't have a destination in mind. He just planned to wander around Dragon and God territory, enjoy the evening air, and figure out what exactly Barker wanted. If it was just him waiting for his time to strike, which is what he was assuming. Or if he actually wanted to do some good. Even if it came at a high cost.
He understood Barker's motives, and his goals. But he didn't really know how far he was willing to go. Or how he felt about his lot in life, and his second chance. He had died, Mathew had died, and Hades had died and now they are all back. They didn't have to be the same men they were before.
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Post by Zack Asiv on Jan 14, 2014 10:03:39 GMT -8
Barker would walk with Mathew contemplating his words.
"What I want... I am not completely sure, Strike's end is definitely on the scheduled agenda, but other than that I have not finished planning. Your deaths don't seem necessary anymore."
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Post by Mathew Amtrum on Jan 14, 2014 10:16:34 GMT -8
"It's hard to think that one that was once your enemy may now be your ally yes?"
He asked looking over at Barker as they walked. He understood the feeling, it was hard to suddenly move past all of the shit that had gone on between them. Even if not much had gone on between them physically. Most of it was just seeing him as an enemy because of what he was doing. But he had always known if the right reasons come up he'd side with Barker too. His side was always his own.
"I think my allies are having a hard time of it."
Olesya came to mind.
"I guess what I'm trying to figure out is what happens afterwards. Are you just looking to serve your time and try to bail. Or are you actually wanting to stick it out for the long haul. To win the loyalty and even friendship of those who were once enemy. To try and make amends for the last two years. To seek redemption, or if you even believe you need it."
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Post by Zack Asiv on Jan 15, 2014 15:42:16 GMT -8
Barker would nod along with Mathew until the mention of after Strike.
"Actually I haven't planned past killing Strike. I always figured my plan would of went through and after Strike I'd be sitting on top of the world. Now, I am kind of going step by step and right now the only step I'm worried about is the big one."
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Post by Mathew Amtrum on Jan 15, 2014 15:51:57 GMT -8
"And I had always figured I'd be delegating the pile to people so I could retire, be with my family, and try to have a life. But it seems that might not be how my story ends."
He turned to look at Barker over his shoulder, slumping them slightly.
"It does not have to be how yours ends. You do have a choice on your ending. I have a plan to defeat Strike."
He paused. He didn't know how Barker would take what he had to say. He couldn't fault the man if he took it poorly.
"How would you like to do something incredibly noble and selfless?"
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Post by Zack Asiv on Jan 15, 2014 15:56:17 GMT -8
"Hmm, depends. Sounds like you are talking about the holy definite. Self Sacrifice."
Barker would comment. Using the term holy definite simply because that's the only sure fire way to get into heaven supposedly, or so the trope goes.
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Post by Mathew Amtrum on Jan 15, 2014 16:02:27 GMT -8
"For both of us."
He let that hang in the air for a few moments before slowly turning his whole body to face his former nemesis. He could imagine what was going through his mind. Mathew was talking about self sacrifice. Ending his life for a greater good, it was a lot to ask of anyone. And both Mathew and Sean were inherently selfish people. But he was counting on how much Sean and him were alike. That what they did, that their ambitions were for a greater good and not just for a thirst for power. That power was a means to an end for them, but not the end itself.
"It is the only way for men like us to meet an honorable and good end. To do otherwise is to sit and waste away as we wait for the dagger in the back or the poison in the cup. Or to throw ourselves at endless war after war. We can stop this threat, you think he is inhuman? I think he represents a threat beyond our own petty squabbles. So fine, lets stop it. Save the world from Strike, and from ourselves."
He ran his flesh hand through his hair before bringing it back in front of his face. Old, wrinkled. He felt his own time running out. His age simply personified what he had been told. Time was short.
"I will do it without you if need be. But together we can do it without making the world even shittier place than it is now."
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Post by Zack Asiv on Jan 15, 2014 16:18:45 GMT -8
Barker would think on it. Mathew obviously had some sort of plan for the upcoming battle that would require such sacrifice. Either in some sort of last stand final battle or maybe.
"I don't know, but I would be in a better position to answer with an explanation."
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Post by Mathew Amtrum on Jan 15, 2014 16:26:01 GMT -8
"It all comes down to Qi I suppose. I've been learning new abilities myself, and seeing that the road goes further than I otherwise imagined. I believe that... with work and skill I can change myself, surpass my limits and transcend what I am now."
That was kind of the easy part though. The hard part was the speed in which he would need to do this. And to master it. He could probably figure something out, after all he got the Dragon after only two tries. He could find a way to transform himself. But to master it in the time he had left would be a challenge. And he suspected where the thread of his life would get snapped.
"I expect that I won't have a chance to master whatever it is I am learning. My secret weapon. But from what I have learned it will likely be volatile. And if I achieve my goal it will be big. You're abilities put you in a unique position. If we can get you some kind of energy projection or force field you could stay at a rally point. We get an evacuation of civilians and everyone, and you protect them from the end result of my clash with Strike."
It might not even be a self sacrifice for Barker. It would all depend on how it all played out.
"You fucked up the world and a lot of lives. This would be a chance to save them instead. Either way once my job is done then your service to me is over and as far as I'm concerned you're free to do what you will."
Because Mathew would likely be dead.
"I just need to know if I can count on you at the end. Or if I need to find another way. Because it won't be me you are fucking over, but the people you claimed to want to help by doing everything you have done. Everyone you've wanted to protect from Strike. It's your choice though Sean. We all must walk our own paths."
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Post by Zack Asiv on Jan 15, 2014 16:34:54 GMT -8
"Hmmm."
Sean would have to think on this one, he did feel an obligation to protecting the life remaining on the planet, but he didn't know if he felt it in such a literal sense. He always kind of pictured himself in the thick of the shit.
"I'll think on it, and see if I can't find a Qi like that."
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Post by Mathew Amtrum on Jan 15, 2014 16:37:56 GMT -8
"The sooner you let me know the better, so I know if I need to find other arrangements. Though you are the best option I feel. Your ability to take multiple Qi's gives you a unique combination of energy unlike that of most people. If things get as big as I imagine it to, a normal person may buckle under the sheer power they will be asked to block."
After all, he intended to take the power from hundreds if not thousands of souls to power himself up. To move beyond what he was to try to end this once and for all.
"But as a show of good faith..."
Mathew extended his hand for Barker to shake and copy his own abilities.
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Post by Zack Asiv on Jan 15, 2014 16:47:19 GMT -8
Sean would raise a brow at the hand extending to him. Only a second or two of hesitation and he would shake Mathews hand, one of his tattoos glowing for a brief moment. Sean would inspect the new power for a few seconds and Mathew would notice a small green ball about the size of a tennis ball roll up to his foot.
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Post by Mathew Amtrum on Jan 15, 2014 16:49:50 GMT -8
"What the?"
He bent down to pick up the ball. He hadn't recalled passing anyone playing with a ball when they had been walking. So it was a bit random.
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Post by Zack Asiv on Jan 15, 2014 16:54:54 GMT -8
"..ll... l... all.. all. all. ball... ball, ball, ball, Ball, Ball, BALL, BALL, BALL, BALLBALLBALLBALLBALL!"
Barker was distracted for a simple instant as he looked at Mathew picking up a ball. Hearing the noise in the distance Sean would move to quickly push Mathew out of the way of the oncoming hyper sonic Mitsoumi screaming in, as he would smash directly into the spot the ball was, crashing and ripping through the earth like an angry child through wet tissue.
Dirt, rock, and dust flying around as skidding to a stop would be the man himself. Mitsoumi holding the ball.
"I GOT IT~!"
Sean however would have an eye brow twitch as he thought:
~I threw that weeks ago.~
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Post by Mathew Amtrum on Jan 15, 2014 16:58:20 GMT -8
Mathew was shoved out of the way of obvious and impending doom of a man looking for his ball! Stumbling backwards and barely keeping from falling on his ass as Mitsoumi rushed by until he finally got the ball Mathew looked on in confusion, awe, and surprise as he slipped into a fighting position. Giving Barker a wary look. His strongest General now here, but at the same time Barker had pushed Mathew out of harms way.
"This... is a surprise."
He said slowly, not really sure how to process what was going on, or where to go with this. A fight perhaps. Probably. Though maybe not? Barker's actions clouded the situation. But he would not be caught unprepared for violence if that was the intent.
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