Dulled gold

  It's a new morning.

  The news reports that the port bombing has been determined to be a Revoltor terrorist attack, and the Phoenix Order will continue to crack down on these hostile guerilla factions.

  Young Midas is fast asleep, his mind unwinding from the overwhelming whirlwind of emotions, and it didn't take long for him to feel exhausted. Obsidian is on a call in the cockpit.

  "Obsidiannn, you said this was going to be an easy and boring missionnnn." A mature sounding woman laments from the other side of the call.

  Obsidian: "You're not incorrect. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, I've failed." Obsidian responds to the lady

  Zi: "That's just fantastic, the Monarchy isn't going to appreciate the loss of a lord, especially not someone as widely beloved as the Dorado's. This won't be good for your record. What are you going to do now." The lady asks

  Obsidian: "I've got a new job. I've been tasked with eliminating the Wildgame Revoltors."

  Zi: "Oh dear, of course you just, happened to pick up another sortie. Where did you even find one so quickly." She sounds disappointed

  Obsidian: "Midas Dorado, son of Para Dorado."

  Zi: "Aww, no the poor baby. Is he taking it hard." She says in a motherly tone

  Obsidian: "Something like that."

  Zi: "It's a shame a boy so young is exposed to such tragedy. Alright, I’ll let you have this one. Don't go overboard. I'll get it confirmed by the Books, for now don't cause anymore more problems."

  Obsidian: "No promises. I'll report when I’m done, bye for now Zi." Obsidian hangs up the call.

  "Who was that." Young Midas awoke from his sleep, his eyes sunken and dry.

  "My supervisor, you could say, for now it'd be best I find you a place to lay low. I'll retrieve you after I've finished the sortie."

  Midas glares at Obsidian

  “What?” Obsidian asks in an annoyed tone

  "Do you not remember what I said. I want to see them burn with my own eyes." Midas sternly states.

  Obsidian spins his captains chair around

  "Of course you do however, you are a weak, fragile, and inexperienced, little brat. Unless you want to die, I'd suggest staying in the dark." Obsidian rationalizes

  "I’m not weak! and I don't care if I could die. I want to see this through. I demand it." Midas argues

  "Listen, you are just---."

  "No, you listen!" Midas raises his voice

  Obsidian reels back is surprise.

  "I don't care how weak or fragile or inexperienced you think I am. My family was taken from me, and I'll be dishonored not to see their vengeance unfold; I am the son of Dorado, and I must see blood." Midas' eyes burn with unwavering determination, gritting his teeth in righteous fury.

  Obsidian sits back in his seat. His cold stare, unnerving, staring a hole straight through Midas' soul. Midas sweat with discomfort, unsure what the mister is thinking. Midas opens his mouth, ready to defend his case further.

  "Alright."

  "Alright? No further concerns?" Midas says a little jarred

  "Sure, live or die, you're not my responsibility. I'll do this job, then I get rid of you, understood." Obsidian warns severely.

  "Those are acceptable conditions." Midas presses on.

  Obsidian turns back to his console and turns off the ship engines. They're going to be there for just a little bit longer.

  Treasure Hunt:

  Obsidian: "Since you're going to be following me, I need to know what you're capable of. How good is your spirit control?"

  Midas: "Spirit control? Oh yes, I excel at spirit control. In fact, I am top of my class." Midas says proudly

  Obsidian: "Oh, how great, a prodigy boy." He rolls his head speaking in a demeaning tone. "Guess that means daddy taught you a thing or too then? You got a blessing."

  Midas: "I don't believe so."

  Obsidian: "A gift?"

  Midas: "Of course not. Gifts are impossibly rare."

  Obsidian: "I wouldn't say impossibly, I know at least 8 people with them. Although all of them are dead."

  Midas: "You know 8 people with gifts, How?"

  Obsidian stares at Midas for a bit.

  Obsidian: "Since your Empyrean, you should be pretty physically adept. You won't be in the way too much."

  Midas sighs, he finds Obsidian to be so strange. "Yes, I am fairly fit. Physical education was another thing I excelled at."

  Midas crosses his arms as he looks at Obsidian, such an imposing figure, more than twice his own size, before he had such an intimidating presence, but now. He seems so aloof, like there's no sense of urgency.

  Midas: "Hmm, if you're so worried about me getting in the way, why not teach me some valuable techniques."

  Obsidian: "No."

  Midas: "For why? it shouldn't be any trouble."

  Obsidian: "I’m not wasting my time, on you."

  Midas: "Of course, because your time is so valuable." Midas rolls his eyes. “It couldn't possibly be difficult for you. You must have plenty of experience to share."

  Obsidian: "You're right."

  Midas: "Well then, for what reason do you not train me."

  Obsidian doesn't elaborate, only giving him a nasty frown.

  After some fruitless back and forth, they table the conversation and head out to handle more important things. Obsidian teleports the two into a neighboring city away from Dorado's mansion. He takes Midas to a clothing store to pick out something less flashy as the extravagant attire Midas wears stands out a bit too much.

  Obsidian lets Midas roam around a bit while he picks out suitable replacement attire. Midas comes back with a black trench coat and boots and tries to show them off. Obsidian tells him to put the trench coat back immediately, although he lets him keep the boots. Obsidian picks out a hoodie and tactical pants. Midas begrudgingly accepts them, but before they leave, Midas picks out some gold aviators.

  The two would return to the ship, where Obsidian would take time, to put together some protective gear for Midas. He also hand picks a high caliber pistol for Midas to wield, giving him a holster belt; however it’s a little big. Once Obsidian feels like Midas is well enough prepared, the two set out to gather information.

  Obsidian pulls up the location of the nearest peacekeeper post on his console, then teleports him and Midas to the determined location. They find themselves in front of a grey building, with gold lined doors. Obsidian tells Midas to keep his hood up and his glasses on. They enter the building; they are met with a fairly busy lobby. People reporting to officers in booths, people waiting on rows of chairs for their names to be called, and a meager security.

  He walks to the front desk and asks for recent information on Revoltor activity. Unfortunately, that is all classified information, but Obsidian isn’t unprepared as he pulls out a pendant, the Dorado's seal. The receptionist is surprised.

  "Where did you get this." Asks the receptionist.

  "I was given it directly from Para Dorado." Obsidian answers

  "I see. You must be that page hunter then. Unfortunately, that doesn't matter. Due to the death of the Dorado's the Eternal Monarchy has full authority of Umbra. Meaning any authority you may have had is now forfeit. My apologies sir, if there's anything else you may need, I can attempt to assist you."

  Obsidian smacks his teeth and leaves the post.

  "More unfortunate circumstances. How shall we get the information you---" Midas before he can finish they teleport inside of the post. "Oh, of course."

  Obsidian walks into a run filled with department officers and computers. With a snap of a finger, everyone is teleported to a random location. He walks in and sits down at a desk and starts on one of the computers.

  "That was quite the showing. But how are we going to get into the compu-", just like before, Midas fails to keep up as Obsidian cracks the console with ease and begins his research.

  "Honestly, your efficiency is preposterous. And you refuse to teach me a thing or two." Midas scoffs

  Obsidian doesn't respond, focused on his work.

  After a few minutes of hearing Obsidian’s rapid typing on the keyboard, Midas gets a little curious. However, the console is too high up, as it was made for full-grown Empyreans. Midas then starts trying to climb the chair Obsidian's sitting in. Feeling his chair jostled, he breaks his focus, looking down at Midas, confused and annoyed.

  "What are you doing?" Obsidian says annoyed

  Midas points to the screen, like it's obvious that's what he's trying to see. Midas keeps trying to get a good foothold when Obsidian groans and picks him up and sits him on the air itself. Midas almost finds it more interesting than the computer, but the sound of the keyboard reroutes his focus. From what Midas can tell, Obsidian is researching recent incidents involving WildGame Revoltors. In the last month, the Revoltors have had many failed assassination attempts on the lords life. Weirdly enough, anything later has nothing to do with the Lord, whether it be supply raids or minor operations.

  Midas only gets a short glimpse as Obsidian takes out a data-key, grabs Midas, and turns off the computer, teleporting the two outside. Obsidian walks through the city carrying Midas like a duffel bag.

  "Are we outside again, goodness, why do you make it look so easy." Midas says in awe

  "Infiltration is my specialty." Obsidian informs

  "Fascinating. What other talents are you withholding." Midas asks

  "Weapons smiting, interrogation, and a myriad of ways to kill." Obsidian answers.

  "Hmm, should've expected as much." Midas say unsurprised

  The two walk in silence for a bit.

  "Um, mister, a quick query."

  "What."

  "Can you put me down."

  A brief pause

  "No."

  "For why!"

  "You’re slow."

  "I am not slow, I'm only shorter than you."

  "Exactly, therefore you're slow."

  "Well, I'm not very comfortable being treated like luggage."

  "Don't care."

  Midas pouts and drops his head. As he dangles from Obsidian's hand, the stares of people on the street make him very embarrassed. Luck be on his side, he then spots a restaurant, and a wave of relief washes over him as he convinces Obsidian to finally put him down for a bite. They enter the restaurant and sit down. A waiter takes their drink and will be back for their orders shortly. The two sit in silence for uncomfortable while. Midas can't tell if Obsidian's deep in thought or just spacing out. He decides to strike up a conversation.

  The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  "How much longer will this *escapade* last."

  "Not much longer, I’m close to pinpointing the command center. It's most likely on Umbra. There's no need to worry about that." Obsidian answers confidently

  "I see."

  Another awkward pause.

  Midas: "Humor me mister, you said you'd get rid of me after our mission is complete. I assume you have a plan for so?"

  Obsidian: "No."

  Midas: "Oh really, that's unexpected. So, what, do you believe you can just drop me off on the next planet over."

  Obsidian: "yea." He snickers

  Midas: "I must be mistaken, you cannot be the same person. My name is Midas, and you?"

  Obsidian: "All right, smartass. You want a plan, let's see. I'll call up Zi. She seems like she'd be good with kids. I'll let her relocate you. If she can't, am dropping you off with the Monarchy. That is good enough for you." He smirks

  Midas sighs: "I suppose."

  Midas stares at his reflection in his drink. The glimmer in his eyes from a time ago has faded.

  They arrive back to the ship. It's late at night. Midas tells Obsidian goodnight and heads to the lounge. Obsidian heads to his console, plugs in his data-key and begins shifting through the data he acquired from the Peacekeepers network. On his console, he finds some information on a supposed weapons dealing ring. After a bit, he finally gets up from his chair. He turns off his console and teleports away.

  He appears in a less extravagant city. You can tell that this is the other side of the planet, the city is far more low key than the capital, the gold that lined every street and building is a bit more sparse, only a few area are bedazzled and the buildings are much smaller. The rest of the city is either silver or gray. The people are just as shady as the city. Everyone on the street keep to themselves, wearing hoods or hats that hide their faces. Obsidian walks into a building. What he walks into is a well designed casino. Not as extraordinary as the capitals, but more calm and colloquial. He walks up to the bar area, where all the patrons watch dancers on stage. Obsidian sits down and orders a drink. Once the bartender slides it over, Obsidian asks a question.

  "Do you know where I can find Dominous Ash."

  Obsidian can feel a few eyes on his back.

  "Who may that be? why ask?" Says the sly bartender

  Obsidian swigs back his drink. He sets it down, making a loud clink.

  "That's between me and him. If you know something, I'll compensate." Obsidian says

  "In what way." The bartender says, cleaning a glass.

  "Name it." Obsidian says definitively

  The bartender puts the glass away.

  "I might know a thing or two. But words are quite expensive, especially around these parts. Go see Table 6. Maybe they'll be worthwhile." The bartender walks off.

  Obsidian gets up and heads over to table six. A couple of scrooges are playing card games with a mound of metallic currency in the middle. Obsidian pulls up a chair, seemingly interrupting a very heated conversation as the men glare and make irk faces.

  "Don't worry about me, finish the game." Obsidian says as he pulls out his phone to waste time.

  The men very slowly pick up the game until one of them seems especially bothered by Obsidians' presence.

  "Ay bub, don't know who ya is, but you needa scram." Says a blusterous scrooge

  "Fools don't give order, I’m exercising my courtesy by letting you finish your game. Now ignore me for now and finish the game." Obsidian commands

  "Ur not gunna just waltz on in and tell US to finish OUR game." The scrounge gets hostile

  "Oi Donno, chill out, would ya. Obviously, the bloke gotta screw loose, so let em be, I’m trying to get paid." Another scrooge says, rubbing his hands together.

  "Whateva."

  The scrooges continue their game, but the mood is soiled. Once someone puts down their last card, a series of groans and a single cheer as the money winner is decided. The winner tries to hoard the pot and walk off as soon as possible.

  "Ha hay, I’ll see you folks later, I gotta check in my mone--- Ahh!" The guy bumps into an invisible wall.

  "What the hell!" The curses as he tries to feel around, he's simply unable to push past the invisible wall.

  Obsidian gets up from his chair.

  "Now that my courtesy has been expended, I’ve got a few questions." Obsidian says.

  "Oi, dis your doing." Says the winning scrooge

  "You answer my questions, and their won't be any issues." Obsidian proposes

  "Why should we -"

  "Question 1: Do you know who Dominous Ash is." Obsidian abruptly begins his questioning.

  "Why ya asking, how bout I give ya a knocking to ya nose and send to the back of ya he--."

  Obsidian pulls out his massive hand cannon from behind his coat and blows the mans head clean off, followed by a long mechanical bang. The casino patrons begin to vacate the area, screaming.

  "That guys voice was so obnoxious, he was basically begging me. So, does anyone else want to give a good reason?" Obsidian coldly intimidates the fools who continue to test his patience.

  "Ay, we don't want no trouble. Ash, you said, normally he's not here. But the word on the street says he was making a visit." One of the men blabbers

  "Oi, why are you flapping ya gums? You know what the boss does about snitches." Says the scrooge with an accent

  "Boss, noted, keep going. Where will he be as of this moment." Obsidian aggressively pointing his cannon.

  "Right, of course --- Mr. Ash should be in a mansion he owns somewhere in Silva town, he gonna finish some transactions or so I’ve heard." Says the fearful man

  "You idiot! now you're done for." Says the accented scrooge.

  "I'll take my chances with the boss rather than the crazy bastard with a cannon. Oh shit --- I mean." The man let that one slip out.

  "Thank you for the information. Sometimes, a little cooperation goes a long way." Obsidian makes the cannon disappear behind his coat, and he turns away and vanishes.

  "Who the bloody hell was that bloke."

  His friend punches him in the face.

  Obsidian appears in Silver Town. As expected, there's a lack of gold here as well. Still, it's a relatively nice city, definitely not as dirty as some cities Obsidian has been in. He teleports high in the sky and surveys the land from above. He spots a humble gray mansion, and considering it's the only mansion; take a guess. Obsidian teleports to its front door past the gates. Unlike the lords mansion, there are no guard or attendees. Obsidian realizes he's trespassing, not that he's particularly keen on following the law, but it's better if he attempts a good first impression. He teleports to the front gate and rings the doorbell. After a bit, a speaker comes on.

  "Who." Says a disgruntled voice.

  "A visitor." Says Obsidian

  "Specify."

  Obsidian tilts his head. This is a character, that's for sure.

  "I’m looking for Dominous Ash, I have something to ask him."

  A brief pause

  "No." The speaker hangs up.

  Obsidian sighs. At least he was courteous

  He teleports inside the mansion, taking note of the monochrome black and white of the interior. Obsidian can feel the presence of people below the mansion floors. He senses one presence that seems to be settled in one place. He teleports down and finds himself in a dark office. The walls are black, and the furniture is burgundy. There's a nice couch with an ash tray that seems freshly used. There are also shelves with trophies and family pictures on them.

  "Ahem." A deep pitched voice clears his throat.

  Obsidian turns his attention to the man sitting at the desk doing some paperwork.

  "Are you Dominous Ash." Obsidian asks

  "Get a load of this one. Asking questions right off the bat, like this isn't my property." He lets out an exasperated groan.

  "One, who the **** are you, two how the **** did you get in here, and three why the **** are you here." Says the very obviously exhausted man.

  Obsidian takes intrigue in the man. He bares jet black, short spikey hair, and a large scar across his face that closes his right eye. He also has some of the worst dead eyes Obsidian has seen.

  "Obsidian Praw, Page Hunter, teleported." He answers accordingly

  "Page hunter?" The scarred man scratches his chin. "What? come for my bounty then." He says haphazardly

  "No, but depending on how cooperative you are, I might." Obsidian warns

  "Psssffft --- euughh. Whatever. Hurry up, I want you out of my office. You get three questions." Says the man.

  "Hmm, well then, question one: Are you Dominous Ash." Obsidian asks his first question.

  "Yes, next question."

  "Are you dealing weapons to Wildgame." Second question

  "Yes, last one." He says weirdly, honest

  "Are you going to meet with the commander of Wildgame." Last question

  "I will only answer that one if you can pay for it." Dominous says.

  "Hmm, how much." Obsidian humors

  "Let's go 1mil." He says off the top of his head

  "Expensive information." Obsidian says coyly

  "Well, it's been expensive business. Can't pay. Get the hell out." Ash goes back to his paperwork.

  Obsidian gets out his phone and sits down on the couch.

  "How do you want it."

  Dominous looks up.

  "Seriously."

  "I’m open to any option: Physical, digital. Stocks; whatever those are." Obsidian answers

  "Hmm, you serious, I just met you. I've personally never heard of this Obsidian Praw fellow. Why do you want this information anyway." Dominous asks

  Obsidian: "You know the Dorado's."

  Dominous: "we were friends before, but that was a long time ago."

  Obsidian: "their son wants to avenge their murder."

  Dominous: "What, did he commission you to take care of Wildgame? That's hilarious. Let me cut to the chase, then. The Revoltors are pretty big business partners of mine. unless you can prove to be more valuable than those guys, then maybe we can continue this conversation."

  Obsidian: "If I told you I could kill a black knight, would that do anything for you."

  Dominous' eyes widen ever so slightly.

  Dominous: "Maybe. But I bet you're talking out of your ass."

  Obsidian: "Trust me, those guys are nothing but cheap imitations. I could prove it, but I don't have that kind of time."

  Dominous: "Hmm, big words. What rank page hunter are you."

  Obsidian: "Five."

  Dominous: "ehhuuugh. That's not bad. How long have you been a hunter."

  Obsidian: "Around two months."

  Dominous: "Can I see your card."

  Obsidian pulls out his card and flicks it, landing in front of Dominous. He picks it up and sees what Obsidian has said is correct. The card then disappears from his hand, and he sees Obsidian put it away.

  Dominous: "neat tricks. Alright, I'll bite. Form a contact with me, and I'll let you have your way."

  Obsidian gives Dominous a copy of his official agency contact information. Just then, someone knocks on the door if the office

  "Boss, you meeting with someone!" Says a muffled voice.

  Dominous: "Give me a moment!"

  He gets up and sits on the couch away from Obsidian.

  Dominous: "I’ll keep it short. In Brass Avenue, underground, a day from now, I'm meeting with a guy called Heibarn. He's a bit of a legend. He has my money, 100mil, you get my money, and you can do whatever you want. That a deal." Dominous lights a cigar, taking one from the table, in between the two them.

  Obsidian gets up.

  Obsidian: "Thank you for your cooperation. I'll have your money."

  Dominous: "One more thing, Wildgame is planning on seizing the Dorado's mansion. Now, I don't particularly care, but I'd rather Dorado's property treated with a little more respect. Do with that what you will."

  The two shake hands. But before Obsidian leaves, he snatches the cigar out of his mouth and puts it out in the ash tray, then Obsidian disappears like he never existed. Dominous can barely process what just happened, but a knocking on the door draws his attention.

  Dom: "All right, come in."

  A man with slicked back hair and round framed specs walks in.

  "Who were you talking to."

  Dominous walks back to his desk.

  "A new business associate." He answers.

  Obsidian teleports back to the ship, and the crack of dawn illuminates the ships hull. Obsidian walks back and forth his ship, preparing for an excursion. He walks past a sleeping Midas, very comfortably resting on the couch.

  "Where are you going."

  Midas wakes up hearing Obsidians' boots.

  Obsidian: "I'm heading out. Stay here."

  Midas: "Oh, wait, I shall to come with."

  Obsidian: "No."

  Midas: "You're not going to attack the Revoltors without me, are you?

  Obsidian: "Don't worry, when time comes, you'll be there for that."

  Midas: "You're underestimating me, aren't you, I can handle anything thrown at me, I swear it."

  Obsidian: "Where that come from. Just stay here. That's all I’m saying."

  Midas: "Where are you going then? That's why I can't possibly come with you."

  Obsidian doesn't respond.

  Midas grabs his coat.

  "Let me come with you, I'll show you that I won't slow you down."

  Obsidian stares at Midas. He tries to express his determination

  "No." Obsidian vanishes

  "God... dang it." Midas kicks his feet.

  But then he looks like he gets an idea.

  Cutting to Obsidian's point of view, he stands a top building over looking at Dorado's mansion. He teleports inside the mansion. He finds himself inside the old guest room. However, the door is open. He quickly moves out of sight and looks outside. When he heard that Revoltors took the mansion, he expected some numbers, but it seems the Revoltors are keeping this a secret takeover. With the coast clear, Obsidian decides to just walk around till he finds someone.

  Hopeful Rev: "Ay, you think the kid will show up."

  Doubtful Rev: "Huh, ehh, probably not, I mean, his parents just got X'd, so why would he come back here.

  Hopeful Rev: "You right, but still, I want something to happen."

  Obsidian appears behind two armed men conversing on a couch. Obsidian puts his hands on their shoulders.

  Hopeful Rev: "Ah, damn he got us."

  Doubtful Rev: "Ha, you're so right. Ey good one."

  Obsidian gives a crooked smile. Then, they slam their heads together. After he restrains the two, he decides to hunt down the rest of the guards.

  We get a scene of guards wandering the mansion as Obsidian roams in the background stealthily taking out each Revoltors in brutal fashion. In one encounter, a guard turns around startled. Obsidian appears behind him. As the guard feels a tap on his shoulder, he turns to see no one behind him until he's slammed into a wall.

  At this moment, the perspective shifts to Midas' point of view.

  Midas paces back and forth in the ship. He wants to do something. He feels that Obsidian thinks very little of him. Midas decides he's going to take a walk. He walks past the lounge to the back and walks through the door and climbs down a ladder, leading to the ships' bottom hull, and exits ramp. However, on the outside of the ship, two men walk into the barely lit hanger.

  We catch the ramp descend as Midas walks out. Midas walks off into the hanger, adjusting his oversized belt. As the ramp of the ship closes behind him, Midas looks deep in thought. But it seems that the train of thought is broken once he sees the two men.

  ??? 1: "Is that who I think it is."

  ??? 2: "Holy hell, the Fox was right, that Hired Gun has the kid.

  The two men approach Midas casually. Getting a better look, the men are armored and armed with rifles. They sport capes and armored masks.

  ??? 1: "Hey kid, it is mean Ole page hunter keeping hostage, gone sell you for ransom, don't worry, we're gonna save you. "

  The man crouches to reach a hand out. But Midas steps back, reaching behind him.

  ??? 1: "Hey kid, no need to be afraid, I’m not gonna hurtcha."

  ??? 1: "Now I take a closer look. What's with the vest looks sturdy." The man tries to grab Midas.

  Midas then pulls out the gun Obsidian gave him and points it at the man.

  ??? 1: "Whoa, Lil buddy, where the hell do you get that."

  The second man raises his rifle.

  ??? 2: "Put it down now, or else."

  Midas starts panicking but bites his lip to focus.

  ???1: "Alright, easy now." The first man slowly takes the rifle sling off his shoulders.

  Midas looks at him, with a cold, serious glare.

  ??? 1: "No need to be so tense, I promise we won't hurt you." He drops the rifle

  Midas: "Are you one of the Revoltors."

  The man is taken aback.

  ??? 1: "No, me and that scary fellow behind are not Revs. In fact, we were sent by the order. In fact, we were sent by the Black Knight of Gamma Bright Eh. How cool that. You're the Lords son, right? I’m sure your father was great friends with the knights." The man says enthusiastically

  Midas' eyes narrow, and the intensity in his eyes startle the 1st man.

  Midas: "My father hated the knights. He told me they were uncontrolled plagues on the universe that did whatever they pleased."

  The second man's eyes narrow behind his mask.

  ??? 2: "So that's how it is, dumbass brat."

  The first man tries to grab Midas' gun from his hands but gets shot in the shoulder. Midas makes a run for it, but the second man trains on him like a hawk. Midas points his gun at the second man and tries to cover himself. However, before he can shoot. He gets shot directly in the head, sending flying and hitting the ground hard. The second man lowers his rifle and holsters it to check on his partner.

  ??? 1: "Did you ****ing shoot the kid."

  ??? 2 "he got hostile. It's basic self-defense."

  ??? 1: "Dude, that's heartless. Did you at least keep it non-lethal?

  ??? 2: "There's no such thing as non-lethal when your life is on the line."

  ??? 1: "Damn, whatever, man. It's just that it sucks to youth die so early. Wasted potential and all that."

  ??? 2: "I don't believe in wasted potential if someone's future looks bright and is cut short. Then someone can easily fill their place and succeed."

  ??? 1: "That's a pretty, cut-off way to look at it. Ay help me up would you."

  The first man holds out a hand. The second crouches down to grab it, but when he does.

  !!! 1: "Hey! BEHIND YOU!!!"

  The second man turns around and is then shot in the head. The first man quickly draws his rifle, getting one shot off, but getting himself shot and killed in the process. The assailant falls to the ground, holding his chest. And it's Midas!