Mathew

Joining everyone else, Mathew watched them working to take the Night Stalker apart. Stunted plumage ripped and cut from the giant crow's hide began to stack like a pile of oversized palm fronds.

A shirtless Ben brought over Caustic Resolution. Blood coated his arms to the elbows showing he ripped it out by hand. Visually the blade and his arms seemed to be made of the same material.

"Here ya go," Ben smirked. "Try not to lose it, again."

"Yeah, yeah," Mathew took the blade. "Thanks."

There was a vibration within the weapon. Mathew wondered if it was something Ben had done but watching his retreating back, he was certain Ben didn't even notice.

Scan.

[Caustic Resolution

Blood forged cutlass by Clare Jackson. This work embodies a pivotal decision she made in the journey of life.

Passive: -20% acid damage taken when equipped

Active: +3 Monster friendship skill when brandished

Permanent:

30% affinity +.3 resistance

85% affinity +3 resistance

Current affinity 43%]

I refuse. Mathew heard her voice again. This time though, he was drawn into the moment. It didn't tell him everything, just enough to understand what he saw and felt. Life for Clare was heart-wrenching. Alone and left to die, she made one sacrifice after another. Each one hurt her, so she became numb, uncaring and heartless.

Again he didn't know in detail what the sacrifices were. They reminded him of his own regardless. Sacrifice of identity, sacrifice of feelings, sacrifice of those she cared for and giving up on a worthwhile life to stay alive. As her mind was caged by the overwhelming monster within her, she made the decision to feel. Clare made the resolution to feel every break and pain in her body and soul.

In those feeling where the monster didn't want to exist, Clare found a way out of her mental cage. Embracing the corrosive elements of life, Clare found a way to live. I refuse to

Mathew's awareness resolved back to himself.