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"Much like a few other things on my person... It's a metaphor. Before I died, I thought I could change things with peace and words. I thought my vision, was the best vision. But after death..." *takes off gas mask to reveal a black and grey haired olive-skinned youth* "After death I realized that there are other visions. Some better, some not. The mask is what protects me from corruption, from the heresy known as "god proclamation", and filters in what I see to create a better future... But lately? Lately it's all been hazy. Like a smoke hiding a fire that's burning away all we've worked for..."
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"And how exactly did you come back from death?"
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"That implies two things. Either I came back from the dead... Or I'm still dead. I feel pain either way... Do you feel pain-" *puts gas mask on quickly* "Sorry, sorry. One can only take so much suffering without going a little bit insane... This gas mask also represents one more thing."
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"Which is?"
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"To hide my pain from others... To prevent them from feeling it. But if this fire keeps burning before our eyes? There will be nothing left worth suffering for."
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"Yes, I've seen this before...." "I can assist in your dead predicament if you wish..."
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"My apologies... But life given to a sinner who carries pain is like taking purpose from a dead martyr. I am neither alive or dead, Vex. I am kept in a burning purgatory of a body, unsure of what to do or why. But I do know this... This pain of mine? I will bear it, for it is a reminder of many things."
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"I see. I must go, I have a... Situation to attend to."