Bab 28: XXVII - The Fool 2
Yves spoke with a somber undertone, "That is sad, one day perhaps, as you said before, I will have nothing left to get inspired from."
I reassured him, "Don't worry, Yves.
I won't let that happen.
I'll transform this world into something unique and inspiring.
Join me, and you'll never suffer from creative block again.
Every day will bring new wonders to behold. And once we've established our dominion over Earth, we'll explore realms beyond, realms you've only dared to imagine."
"I'd be inclined to tag along, but I've always been more of a middle-of-the-road kind of guy. My power, The Gargoyles of Notre Dame, reflects that.
It's like quantum immortality, see.
I've got these gargoyles at my beck and call, guarding me against harm and repaying anyone who tries to do me in. Picture this: You get it in your head to off me one day. Before you can blink, one of my stone sentinels materializes right beside you, ready to even the score.
If you dare to lay a finger on me, attempting to scorch my left hand, it won't sear your flesh but shall mete out equal damage upon your own.
These gargoyles, see, they've got this built-in meter, a measure of harm, right there in their stone-cold minds.
Think about harming me, and they'll tally up the damage quick as a flash.
You'll feel it, every bit of it, maybe not in the same way, but just as potent.
Those gargoyles, they're like a force of nature, indestructible, untouchable. They strike down anyone who dares to threaten me before even acting on it.
I ain't here to pick sides, ain't here to lend a hand to friend or foe.
I'm just a wanderer, a free spirit, roaming where I please.
Sorry, Eros, but I fly solo."
"All good, Yves," I assured, my tone as smooth as a serpent's whisper. "I ain't twisting your arm to join our little adventure.
You're free as a bird to do as you damn well please, long as you don't mess with my vision.
But mark my words, partner, there's a storm brewing, and one day you'll find yourself picking a side.
It's our fate, us contract holders, bound together by somethin' deeper than blood."
"When that day comes, I'll take a stand.
But for now, I'll take my freedom and run from my obligations.
You might think my power's just a simple defense, easily bypassed by avoiding harm.
But secrets run deep, my friend.
Abilities evolve, take on new shapes if you've got the imagination.
Enter the GARGOYLE STONEPLATE. I order one of those stone guardians to merge with me, becoming an armor of sorts.
With the Stoneplate, my main power's on hold, but it's a trade-off.
See, I'm not just protected—I'm transformed. Stronger, quicker, with fists that can pack a wallop.
So, when push comes to shove and I need to lay down the law, I'll be ready."
I let out a low whistle, my eyes wide with amazement. "Well now, ain't that something," I said, shaking my head in disbelief. "You've got quite the knack for creativity, my friend.
And mark my words, that day you speak of? It's coming, and it's coming fast. So you best be ready for it."
Leaning in closer, I lowered my voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "But here's the kicker. My promise still holds, you hear?
I'm gonna show you things that'll blow your mind. But it stays between us, got it?
You strike me as the neutral type, so I reckon you can keep a secret."
Taking a deep breath, I divulged my own secret. "I call it the 'Freak Show,' my ability. It's all about manifestation and materialization, destruction and rebirth.
Like the Ouroboros, like the damn universe itself. I can conjure up anything I darn well please, long as I've got the know-how down to the last detail.
It's a wild ride, let me tell ya.
It drains me, you know?
All this mental gymnastics. So I stick to the easy stuff - holograms, illusions. Less taxing on my psychic energy.
That's why they call me Diablo.
My job? Well, it's right there in the name. I'm the villain that's gonna set humanity free.
Got three other C-holders on board already, and I believe more will come around eventually. We're aiming to build Heaven right here on Earth.
Now, don't get me wrong, there are some real sickos among the contract holders. But with your Gargoyles of Notre Dame, you'll be untouchable.
Me? I've had my run-ins with the rogues before. Managed to tear up one of their contracts good and proper.
See the stains? That's the blood ink of a contract, and it's creeping up my fingers. But hey, I figure if it takes drenching these hands in ink blood to reach my goals, then so be it."
"Quite the sight, ain't you? Charisma dripping off you like sweat in a sauna. That's what I reckon from a fella like you.
Hope you keep walking that line, staying true to yourself, ain't letting nobody box you in.
Your power, this Freak Show, it's like a wild horse, no reins to hold it back, just your own mind and imagination setting the pace.
Maybe one day we'll butt heads, you and me, like two bulls in a china shop. Yves The Immortal, they call me.
Got a feelin' it's gonna be one hell of a showdown.
And who knows, maybe we'll even give old Earl a run for his money.
Oh, come to think of it, I crossed paths with another of the unique C-holders, a man who came at me with a bolt of electricity crackling in his fists like fucking Zeus.
His ability? Elektrokinesis, or so it seemed. Those mismatched eyes of mine caught his attention, and he wasted no time in sizing me up, asking if I, too, held the mark. "Prince Skywalker," he called himself, bearing The Tower tarot card and wielding what he claimed was the power of the gods themselves, an ability called "The King of Gods" perhaps hinting that his ability is similar to Zeus, the Greek god.
With a shout and a command, he summoned a storm, reaching out to grasp the lightning itself. But before he could throw it my way, my own guardian intervened, a Gargoyle of my making.
Even as he stood there, bloodied and battered, he threatened me with some secret ability, but his resolve faltered in the face of my confusing power.
In a heartbeat, he was gone, swallowed up by a thunder that hit him, leaving behind only echoes of his existence, a perfect escape."
"Well, ain't that something," I mused, "I reckon that hidden talent could spell trouble for my schemes down the road.
If push comes to shove, I'll have to handle him, no doubt about it. I—"
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone