Reflection and Growth

While Grant's strength hadn't stagnated completely due to his training with his spirit Maximus, he still wasn't nearly as far ahead of everyone as he had once been at the offset of The Path's emergence.

He wasn't delusional enough to believe that he would always be the strongest human on Earth, but based on what he had learned about the upcoming battles, his strength wasn't nearly enough.

If he wanted to protect not just himself and those he had grown close too, but the people of Earth as a whole, he would need to dedicate himself to getting far stronger than he was right now.

While he was trying to come up with a plan for the next few days and weeks, Sherlock's 'voice' suddenly broke through his thoughts.

{Grant, if I may, what is holding you back is not your attitude towards training or your dedication to growing stronger.

It's your attitude and mindset in general.}

After spending the past few weeks with Sherlock, Grant was beginning to accept the fact that Sherlock may be blunt and direct but it was never intended as a slight and nearly everything the guide said was meant for his own good. So rather than get upset at the subtle jab, he asked Sherlock to explain what he had meant by his statement.

{When we first joined together, you claimed that you weren't going to rescue or protect people and you were only worried about your own safety.

But that hasn't been the case at all, has it?}

Sherlock paused to allow Grant to process those words before he continued.

{You have saved thousands of people already. Sure, at the beginning you didn't really go out of your way to rescue anyone because you were so concerned about surviving. But I've been through your memories and seen how you reacted to the death of Tres even on the first day of The Path's emergence.

Would someone who is not concerned for other people really lose themselves in grief the way you did?}

[I guess I can understand what you're trying to say.. but why do you think that is holding me back?]

{Simply put; you're indecisive and you don't think things through. I know you are young and impulsive, but you need to start taking responsibility for your actions and words. You say whatever is on your mind and take action without thought.

What would have happened to the people of the CRMC camp if Andrew and his people had not taken the initiative to come and seek you out?

What if they had taken hostages and holed themselves up in the hospital building.

Dozens of people could have lost their lives because of your impulses.}

Although Grant wanted to argue, he knew Sherlock was right. In every situation he found himself in, he had allowed emotions and personal gain to dictate his actions.

It was hard for him to stomach the idea that dozens of people could have died due to his impulsive actions.

Grant didn't necessarily regret anything that he had done up until this point, but that didn't mean that he didn't second guess his actions.

Many times in the past few weeks he had made mistakes but overcome them with sheer strength and power.

{While you claimed you had no ambitions to lead people; would those words not be proven wrong if you simply walked out that opening behind you?

Thousands of people now rely on you for safety and sustaining their quality of life.

You may not have realized it yet, but you are now responsible for more than just yourself and those closest to you.

Of course, you could always walk away from these people and disappear into the world to fight your own battles; but are you really that kind of person?

I have spent enough time with you to understand you may be a genuine sarcastic and unlikeable asshole most of the time but you are also kind, caring, and selfless human being.

To bring a short story made long to a quick and painful end; who are you really? What is it that you want to achieve? And I do not mean some disillusioned idea that you came up with on a whim, I mean that seriously.

The strongest warriors have not only mastered their physical strength but also their mental strength.

Right now; you are physically strong for a human but mentally.. you are no better than a child who refuses to grow up.

Don't you think its about time you accept the responsibilities that have been laid at your feet?

As the human's say: its time to nut up or shut up.}

Once Sherlock stopped 'talking' Grant sat in silence on the floor. He simply stared at his hands as they dangled in front of him while his arms rested on his slightly raised and bent knees.

[What is it that I want to accomplish? Sherlocks right... I've been a bottle of contradictions ever since The Path emerged...

I've saved people, murdered others, and ignored even more...

I never wanted to lead people and yet, here I am, with my own town that I actively sought inhabitants for... why did I do that?

I said I was only going to worry about myself when The Path emerged but now I have a home with a wonderful woman to return too.

Hell I practically have kids at this point...

Would I be able to live on if something happened to them? Would I even want too?

No. I wouldn't want too.

At some point they became the center of my world.

When did that happen? Does it even matter when? All that matters is that it did happen.

Why did I not notice when it happened? Because I've been selfish.

Like Sherlock said, I've never thought about the consequences or what my actions could mean for the future.

Why? Because I'm immature.

How can I be better? I'm not sure. But what I do know, is that I need to grow the fuck up. And fast.

Now.. what is it that I truly want to accomplish?]

Unbeknownst to Grant, while he was lost in thought, their was a subtle shift in the aura that surrounded him.

[I want to be a good boyfriend and future husband.

I want to protect my family.

I want to see my people smile, live, and love.

I want to be strength for those that are weak.

I want to be the light for those who are living in darkness.

I want to be the hope for those who have lost all hope.]

The subtle shift in Grant's aura rapidly became more distinct as the aura surrounding him became more and more refined.

What was once a torrential storm raging around his body with no control, had now coalesced into what looked like a raging fire. The chaos still existed, but their was a subtle structure too it that kept it under control.

Grant felt a sense of calm and relief wash over him as he processed the thoughts racing through his mind.

[I want to be the best I can be.

Not just as a fighter or warrior but as a person and a human being.]