Remnant's Protectors

Deliberation

3rd POV

All the heroes look at John. They then surround him.

Super: "Tell us."

John: "Many years back I trained on a distant planet. While there I managed to unlock a new form."

Iron: "Good. You can use it to help us beat Deus."

John: "But there's a catch. Like my ascended king form it puts a massive strain on my body. But much worse. When I activate it I'll only be able to hold it for so long. When that time comes my body will be too broken for my healing to fix itself."

Speed: "So in other words. Once you use it, you'll die. For good."

John: "Correct."

They all adopt a somber look.

John: "But don't worry. I ain't afraid of death. Matter of fact, I welcome it."

They all tilt their head.

John: "I never told you all this but, Deus had a close tie to the one who killed my family."

Everyone's eyes widen.

Faunus: "What happened?"

John: "Back when I was seeking the mentioned form, I was being targeted be a being named Rey de la Muerte. This being was death incarnate. He had heard of my strength and sought me out. And he killed my family to do it. With nothing left to lose I unleashed that form and ended Rey. But before he died he admitted he was only following orders. Orders given to him by Deus. So if I have to give my life to kill him, then so be it. Least then I'll have evened the score between us."

Rider: "Looks like there's a choice to be made here. Are you guys willing to let John do this?"

Faunus: "Course not. We're a team. We fight as one, or we don't fight at all."

Iron: "Tried that, and look at what happened."

Amica: "His power isn't like anything any of us has ever faced. We're gonna need a hail mary if we're to win."

Speed: "But that shouldn't come at the cost of our own friend."

Rider: "It's a crappy situation no matter which way you look at it. We're screwed no matter which option we choose. So all it really comes down to is which is the lesser of two evils? Sacrificing every known life to fight a fixed fight? Or sacrificing one to save all others?"

Super: "Way to view it so black and white."

Rider: "Sorry."

Faunus: "But he does have a point. All we can decide on is which option can we live with ourselves more on."

John: "This choice is mine and mine alone to make. And I choose to give up my life to help save the multiverse. So don't think that this weighs solely on all of you."

Speed: "But we can't just sit back and watch while you destroy your body."

John: "You all saw what happened. Deus made mince meat out of all of us. If I don't do this then we'll die and we lose everything. So please, let me do this."

There's several seconds of silence. It's then finally broken.

Iron: "Say we let you do it. Are you absolutely certain you can beat Deus?"

John: "To be honest, no. But it's our only option."

Once again there's several seconds of silence. Speed shakily stands up. Soon all the other heroes rise to their feet.

Amica: "Let's do it."