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

[judgmental]

No, they don't seem to be organized, unless there is some greater order of which we're not aware. No one seems able to tell why these particular individuals were selected, for instance.

That's promising. It's difficult to blame them for being resentful. I feel some resentment myself, though I would nonetheless help anyone who needed it.

I wonder, ultimately, what we are meant to accomplish with these powers we've been given. It seems to have little to do with their stated goal of us "flourishing" and "bringing color".

[ex_abide446]

I'm not quite sure of most of these issues still but I'd like to hope that we'll eventually be given some degree of answers. [A pause as he considers what to say about the whole "return color" business.]

...this world is missing something. That much is very obvious even upon first arrival. There's no color anywhere, and the locals don't seem to have much life to them. Everything is incredibly stagnant. It just, exists. But that's merely all. Hardly enough for this to be considered a normal world. I believe that is what we're meant to fix, whether with our own existence or through some sort of task we'll eventually have to do with our given abilities.

It makes sense, somewhat. [Whenever you're looking for something to gain, you usually have to fight for it. Barnaby knows that all too well.]

[judgmental]

Perhaps, when the gods next deign to speak to us. [He still has little respect for them, and little faith that this will come to pass.]

That's not precisely what I mean.

I have witnessed some of the color beginning to return myself, if only slightly, in areas frequented by large groups of people. As the note we were given upon arrival informed us, strong emotions of any kind will assist in process. [He knows he's assisting it. In spite of himself, he feels very strongly all the time. He can't help that.]

As you say, that does make sense. Somewhat. Why, then, were we given powers of strength, of speed, of manipulation, of fire and ice? The color is returned by our mere existence. It seems there must be another purpose for these gifts.

[ex_abide446]

I've seen the evidence of progress, yes, but I hardly believe we'll be able to manage accomplishing our set goal this simply. [A sigh on Barnaby's end as he rubs at his temples.]

As many ideas as I may come up with for the reasoning behind all this I can't say that a real answer is apparent in my head. Until we're actually given one or at least receive more information upon why things have been arranged this way we'll continue to be in the dark... literally or figuratively, in a manner of speaking.

[judgmental]

I don't see why you want to do more for them. That isn't my set goal, though I can't avoid being made to serve against my will.

I don't expect you to have an answer. When one is in the darkness, one searches for a light. When one does not know an answer, discussing possibilities and exchanging ideas may be helpful. [He's not really trying to think Barnaby isn't useless, but he is managing to keep his tone quite polite, in spite of how stressed he feels.]

Simply waiting in the shadows is of limited benefit.

[ex_abide446]

['Because it's what Kotetsu would do.'...is Barnaby's first thought, but he's very obviously not Kotetsu. And so, what exactly is he meant to do then? What is his role in all of this? In anything similar to this?

Barnaby takes off his glasses and rubs at his temples for a moment. It's pretty obvious that he hasn't exactly thought out every single problem he'd come up with before choosing to come out of retirement prior to his arrival in Asgard. There's a whole lot he has yet to decide on concerning his own role as a hero.]

I... understand. I'll continue to do what I'm capable of for now and see how things go from here. It should lead to something, somehow.