This is an interlude! A peek inside Cole's head as all of these events transpire. Reviews are loved. And you know, neither of us own InFamous so there's the standard disclaimer and what not. Enjoy!
"People do not lack strength; they lack will." - Victor Hugo
Cole's POV
When we came across that small town, I hadn't expected much. I thought it would be just like any other town we had come across; all infected, not a single one with the Conduit gene. Those were the towns I hated. It was easier to deal with those I had killed as long as something of value came out of it, and most times nothing did.
I thought this was going to be another day of useless death.
When I saw Kovi though, I thought perhaps not. His black hair hung in shaggy locks around a lightly tanned face, his liquid brown eyes trained on me over the barrel of his pistol. Within me, the Beast stirred, stretching its power within my chest, aching to be released. It was difficult to keep him down and quiet, difficult to keep the wall between us up when I wasn't using his power. Somehow, the Best could sense the thrumming power contained in Kovi, and when I looked closer I could see the Conduit gene lying dormant inside him. I'm sure no one would suspect such power at first glance. He was all awkward gangly limbs with no muscle, and I could see his resolve crumbling as I stared him down. That weakness made me sick. It made me want to crush him, and yet some part of me was disgusted with that desire. When I finally released the Beast's power and engulfed the small town, I hoped my instincts were right, hoped that he would be powerful.
I was not disappointed.
Kovi did not learn any faster than the others, and that was a disappointment. Sure, he displayed quite a bit of power when under pressure, or under the threat of death, but then, so did everyone.
He has potential though. I saw the hunger in his eyes. The hunger for power I feel even now, after the Beast has given me his strength. It still gnaws at me, begs for more, and since there is nothing more to gain, I must continue this mission. When the mission is complete, maybe I will be sated.
Something will have to give eventually. In Mayfield, I had to do it again. Had to stare down at a child, look at the innocence, that precious life, and destroy it. It was rare, for a child so young to survive, with or without the Conduit gene, but I knew deep down that there was no way she could survive in this world, and she would only drag the rest of us down. Even allowing the teenagers to survive was pushing it, they were always so emotional, and not as committed to the cause as the others. More times than not, I find myself having to put down rebellions that start up.
I cannot allow for dissent to grow.
Kovi saw what I did. He and Sedona. Sedona...I already know she's not devoted to our mission, but her powers are too useful to just destroy her. But seeing that look in his eye, that look of confusion blended with horror, made me feel...guilt for what I had done. So I ordered him away. I didn't want to see that look. Part of me didn't want to justify what I had done.
Am I not devoted to this cause? Is feeling a little doubt wrong? Kuo assures me that we're doing the right thing, and I tell myself that I am. The Beast pushes me forward, and I just go with the motion. I don't want to examine my actions.
If I look too hard, I might be afraid of what I see.
