02 » voice

[ex_abide446]

The population seems to have suddenly increased recently, and I do not mean of the locals. [There's a hint of curiosity as well as slight concern in his voice when that's said. It looks to him that these Gods are getting more outside help and he almost has to wonder if it's really justifiable to bring in more people for their assumed cause. He understands the whole "strength in numbers" approach but when more than half of them don't understand what it is they need to do, it's just a little frustrating.]

Though it's rather pointless, I apologize for those of you that are new and expecting explanations on how to return home from those of us that have been here longer. The only real key to that seems to be our task of returning color and life to this world. The first wave of newcomers may only offer so many answers, though at least this might make it a little easier for a larger group approach at understanding our situation better.

But, I have a question, for anyone that is willing to answer it. It's hardly mandatory. We've all basically been assigned as "heroes" of this land, to assist the Gods and locals in a troubled and difficult time. If you were actually given the choice to say yes or no to their plea, what would be your response? [Just before he's about to end his question there, he decides to tack on a little something extra.] --not just in this case. Would you ever choose to be some kind of hero?

Comments

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[dad]

[ sitting next to, in their House lobby. ] Understand..ing--explanations.. Seems kind of a mouthful to say, don't you think?

No one's gonna be able follow all that!

[ex_abide446]

Really? I actually thought of including more details, but... I thought it was simple enough to understand.

[loves_a_good_fight]

I'm only doin' it to keep busy, and because it'll be a challenge. Don't much care one way or the other on goin' home. As far as bein' a "hero" goes, those don't exist.

[ex_abide446]

It does offer an opportunity to use up free time. I imagine those who arrived here from busy lives might find it an odd change but it's still something to do.

[--ah, right. Heroes aren't a common thing for everyone.] May I ask why you believe so? That heroes do not exist.

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[waypastcool]

What if I'm already a hero?

[He's lookin' kinda smug here. Yep.]

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[ex_abide446]

[Amused smile. It's a little surprising but he won't judge a hero hedgehog.]

Then I'm afraid you've caught me unprepared question-wise, though if you'd still like one that's certainly fine.

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[nyanperona]

Returning color and life, hm... ah!

To answer that, I'd have gladly helped if they'd asked. Their timing was just a bit inconvenient right now!

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[ex_abide446]

It's a very vague demand, yes. [Oh, well that's the first "yes" answer he's gotten, even with the timing problem.]

I'm afraid in most cases such as these, it's rather difficult to fit things into a schedule. Prioritizing only works with some things.

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[philalexandros]

Why would anyone refuse? It's a honor to be regarded as a hero.

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[ex_abide446]

[The old-fashioned view point. He's experienced this with Kotetsu but it should be interesting to hear it from someone else.]

I'm afraid the view of a hero is different between worlds and people. Some find it to be an accepted chance to do right or as you mentioned, a grand title, while others see it as more of a nuisance or a burden.

[ voice ]

[dualwields]

"Choosing" to be a hero is stupid.

Also, I'd piss in their faces if they asked me to come make their goddamn city less boring.

[ voice ]

[ex_abide446]

[Do not know if ready for this conversation.]

I see... do you believe it isn't a choice or do you just not like the idea of heroes?

[judgmental]

Considering the stated aims of these "gods", I wouldn't be surprised if they continued to bring people here regularly, as a larger population would help them to achieve their goals.

I suppose there's no point in me answering your question, as my viewpoint is already clear. [No hidden double meaning there at all.] As the gods haven't given us a choice, and their claims are suspect, the real "heroes" in this case would be those who help the people who are negatively affected by their actions. [And oppose the gods, but he's not going to say that.]

[ex_abide446]

[He was wondering when you'd show up. Be sure to take notes on our fellow kidnapped population Yuri.]

When you think about it then it did seem rather expected, I just wonder how many more they intend to bring in as time goes by. [Whoever might end up keeping track of all these different people and worlds will have a lot on their hands.]

Ah, no, your own answer is well enough known to me Mr. Petrov. And I doubt your opinion has changed at all since we've arrived. Though I am finding somewhat of an opposite view of what might have been expected of all this, which doesn't surprise me but it's a little concerning... [What do you do about people who are brought in to save the day but want nothing to do with any saving whatsoever? Work on your recruiting methods, "Gods".]

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[lightinheritor]

[The word "hero," okay that's kind of uncomfortable! But the rest of the question...]

The circumstances were complicated, but I couldn't possibly say no to a plea for help.

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[ex_abide446]

[He understands saving lives doesn't necessarily means "hero" but seeing as he's kind of been brought up with the mentality that they're on in the same he can't do much about discomfort. Mentally marking down another yes.]

I'm sure whatever efforts you can manage will be appreciated, though it seems to be proving difficult to find many others with your similar acceptance of all this.

[biifurcatiion]

fuck no.
why would ii ever want two do 2omethiing liike that, iit2 ju2t a2kiing two diie a horriible prolonged death.

[ex_abide446]

[Another expected response. It's hard to worry about others when you've got yourself to manage too, and no one said being a hero was safe.]

Then if the risk of death was minimal or even non-existent, would your answer change?

[Video]

[dragonspeak]

There's a lot of newcomers, if the bracelet isn't broken. Maybe the gods realised they needed more people to bring life to this place.

[It's almost like they're trying to repopulate the place, but...that's something Merlin would rather not consider right now.]

[Video]

[ex_abide446]

I hope there's enough extra room for them. All of this extra noise... And I'd certainly like to hope this isn't any sort of critique on our efforts. Or lack-of. I mostly just assumed this was their way of making sure something would surely be done about their problem.

[video]

[punching]

Heh. I'm already a hero!

[And he flashes one of his classic stupid lopsided smiles.]

But, uh... when it comes to defendin' this place? Nooot really sure what I'd answer. I mean, if they're in trouble, it's my duty to try and help out! But I was also kinda in the middle of something back home. They needed my help too. And the big guys here didn't give me a chance to accept, they just forced me into it, and threatened the balance of my world. Yeah, I'm not too happy about that.

[video]

[ex_abide446]

[A+ enthusiasm, though he could do with a wardrobe change and a haircut.]

I'm sure that experience will be helpful here, though I understand the frustration of having had other priorities. It's difficult to know just what to do in a case where you're meant to help others when you were already assisting someone else. It isn't exactly different but it was not your intended choice. All you can really do is just go along as you normally would and hope that it's enough to return you to what you were originally meant to do.

[yoshitaka]

I am not a hero, and I do not consider myself a hero. In fact, I am quite the opposite. [ He's a strategist, and all strategists are Bad, to put simply... ] I only exist to do what is necessary for the land. If I must overcome this obstacle here in order to return home, then I shall do just that.

[ex_abide446]

[There's various way he could interpret what it means to be the opposite of a hero but that might mean asking things that are none of his business, so he'll simply accept the answer.]

Then you merely see this all as a necessary task, almost an errand.

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[gluttivi]

Sure, why not. If it gets me away from Garterbelt...

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[ex_abide446]

[He's used to weird "handles" but that's a bit much.]

...a guardian? Or an employer?

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[ex_imagining529]

I can't.

[After a moment, she realizes she should probably explain why, so she adds softly,] I'm fighting for something else right now.

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[ex_abide446]

[Understandable answer, even if it didn't need to be explained. Honestly if he'd just gotten the first part he wouldn't even really need an explanation. Usually such things come from the most dire situations.]

Then can I ask what you intend to do while here? Since you already have something that requires your attention, something important at that, but obviously this cannot be taken care of in Asgard.

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[bloodyperky]

[ hm. ] It doesn't seem like a question that someone can simply say 'yes' or 'no' to.

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[ex_abide446]

It isn't exactly something you could say 'maybe' to either, but there are always explanations to help in your decision.

Of course ultimately, a yes or no is needed.

[blessedthy]

If it is a duty that needs to be fulfilled, then the answer would be yes.

[ex_abide446]

And may I ask why you would answer in that way? Or perhaps that isn't the right question in response. A sense of duty or responsibility is well enough to keep one from declining but if you were to somehow find yourself reconsidering, what would be your own reaction to saying 'no'?

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[mechaplanned]

Depends on what I'm bein' asked to be the hero of. [still bitter about the original operation meteor? naaaaah]

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[ex_abide446]

So you'd be selective about where your efforts are going toward. [Not really an ideal opinion for some but reasonable enough.] Anything in particular you'd be more likely to say yes to?

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[fourstars]

Of course I would.

[ Not even the slightest bit of hesitation. Although, once he realizes that, he backtracks just a bit. ]

I-I mean, if I could be a superhero, is what I meant.. e-eheh...

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[ex_abide446]

[Well that didn't take much of an explanation. He hasn't had a single answer like that yet.]

You'd have no exceptions or even questions about it, you'd merely just say yes?

[video]

[briochetime]

[He looks torn -- somewhere between confusion and a darker, indecipherable expression. It smooths out, though, when he begins to answer.]

I don't understand the question. It does not matter what we do here, if their words are to be believed: we are 'heroes' either way. And to choose to be a hero... [A long pause.] In my experience, heroes are made, not-- [searching for words] --not become.

[You don't know him, but there's an odd amount of conviction in the words, for him. Nevertheless, his expression doesn't change, settled into one of calm detachment.]

[video]

[ex_abide446]

[Barnaby simply watches the changes in this person's tone and expression, eventually coming to an understanding that this is obviously not merely just a simple question like some of the others have been approaching. This is a view that's been formed over time, and questioning it would probably not make much of a difference.]

So you believe that someone with the title or aspects of a hero isn't created through choice, they just exist as such from the very beginning?