Chapter 228 - A Hero?

A debate broke out everywhere as soon as the battle was over and had been telecasted worldwide. Many were praising Arnold for his courage and strength. But there were also a few, who berated him. Many were glad the threat was over, but a few were sad because of the loss of 21 high ranking warriors and more than 50 civilians, including the warriors who were killed during the initial assault at the Black Estate. The kill count would've been much higher if it wasn't for him and his summons, but it didn't seem like the haters cared about it. They just wanted their two minutes of fame, no matter the methods they use to achieve it. 

Also, most of these people died before Arnold and others reached the observatory. But that didn't stop people from judging Arnold. Their only argument was, "If he had that kind of strength, why didn't he use it from the beginning? Was he waiting for the rest to die?"

Back when Arnold activated [Devil's Rage], he wasn't aware that numerous reporters were covering the entire thing. When the reporters had first arrived, he was already inside the void. Also, Tiamut attacked him as soon as he got out. Thus there was no way for him to focus on the reporters and now thanks to them, the world had been questioning his intentions. 

A few days later, a memorial statue resembling had been erected at the entrance of Griffith observatory as a tribute to the fallen heroes. Right now, Arnold, Johnny, Nicole, Nina and a few others were there giving their condolences to the dead and their family. Even Talos was accompanying he too wanted to express his regrets for being powerless to save them. 

While Arnold was talking to one of the families, a woman came rushing towards him and slapped him across the face before anyone could react. Talos threateningly took a step in her direction, but Arnold stopped him. Soon the policemen took the lady away, but not before Arnold saw what was in her hands... A photograph of the man who had died in Arnold's arms after consuming Tiamut's poison. 

While the lady was being taken away, she kept shouting obscenities at him.

"My husband died because of you!"

"You could've saved him, but you didn't!"

"You don't deserve to live!"

These were a few among the various things he heard. Most of the people were supportive of him and reassured him, "It isn't your fault."

Arnold knew it wasn't, but deep in his heart, he felt conflicted. A couple of days had passed since the incident, and all that time Arnold kept wondering whether he should've used [Devil's Rage] earlier than he did, thinking he would be been able to save a few more lives. 

The ceremony ended and they went back to the estate. Arnold didn't acknowledge anyone, neither Nina nor Nicole and went straight to his room. Their intentions were pure but Arnold couldn't care less. He wanted- no, he needed to be alone right now. 

But destiny had some other plans. When he entered his room, he saw Nathaniel sitting on the armchair. He had been waiting for him. 

"How have you been, young man?" Nathaniel asked with a smile as big as the sun. 

Nathaniel had aged a lot. His skin was loose and was covered with wrinkles. As for his hair, he was as bald as ever, his unkempt beard was long and beaded. Arnold couldn't help but notice Nathaniel's muscle gain. Even though he had aged, his body was in good condition. 

Arnold smiled wanly in reply, "Looks like retirement has been treating you well, sir."

They shook their hands and exchanged pleasantries, before making themselves comfortable. 

"How are you feeling?" Nathaniel asked Arnold, "I know it hasn't been easy on you. But I wanna know how you feel, in your own words."

"I-I don't know. The more I think about it, the more it hurts. If I don't think about it, it hurts more because I feel as if those who sacrificed themselves weren't worth my attention."

For the first time since the incident, Arnold was finally letting his emotions out. At that moment, he saw Nathaniel as a father figure. Someone who wouldn't judge him. And Nathaniel was true to the feeling. He was there to help Arnold ease his pain. Not to burden him more. 

"Others would have emotional scars, not you. You're still bleeding because your heart is so strong. Because you did what was needed to be done. While others were failing, you pushed yourself through the limits. Be proud of the men, women, and children who are smiling right now because of you. It'll pain, it'll hurt. But rather than dragging yourself down with hurt, embrace it. Only love can cure hurt and you, young lad, are the single most capable man I've met in my life."

Nathaniel continued, "That's what the crazy magic known as love can do: fix souls, fix brains, cure us all. I wish I could have mastered that way, but it's hard when you've been starving for so long. Unlike modern abilities, there are no scrolls nor magic tomes which can teach you to love yourself. Only ones experience in life can teach them that. Still, remember, you can sit and call for help. When it comes to your soul, you don't need to act like there is a cage or wear a mask of coping and normality. All of us are in this together. That's what it means to be a family."

Arnold silently nodded, showing he understands what Nathaniel was saying.

"Yet what makes love simple, is its ability to heal the deepest wounds. The ones even time can't heal." Nathaniel got up from his chair patting Arnold's shoulder, "However, there is another escape route, yet it is one leading to great pain. It is possible to be so emotionally starved that you slip through the cage of resentment. Unaffected by hate, sorrow or even love bestowed upon you. You will no longer be bound to pain but at the expense of your crumbling soul. I understand why some go cold inside to escape the pain of isolation, why they let their empathy wither and die: they have gone through too much. Yet I refuse. Regardless of the pain, I believe that living with an incomplete soul is a form of death, and I'd rather be a human in pain than become a shell of a man, a ghost, a zombie. Surely, the latter is the quickest way to let the pain subside, but in the long run, it'll only hurt you more."

"I thought you were here to tell me what to do." Arnold smiled as he remembered how good Nathaniel was with words. 

"That's not my job. I can only guide you. Tell you about the positives and the negatives of a situation or a choice. But ultimately, you're the one who has to make the decision. It's your life. No one has the right to intervene in it. Now that I've told you what I wanted to, I'll take my leave. And don't forget to rest. You need it more than anyone else." Nathaniel ruffled Arnold's hair and left the room. Allowing him time to think about the future because another war was about to begin.