It almost could have been funny if it weren't for the context of what circus life had led to for Robin.
Had he been bolder, more verbally reckless, he might have countered with the obvious, "Stopping criminals is. I know you agree with that much." But it implied too much that the method was satisfying by extension, and that point Omi had to concede. Killing was not fun. It was vindicating to know a target would never take another innocent life again, but that satisfaction was from the ends, not the means.
And, though Robin had never directly communicated his advice, Omi found an implied piece well enough in what Robin said and-- more importantly-- what he didn't say. Normal life wasn't an option. Killing was unsustainable... and yet, Robin had not suggested jail. He hadn't suggested turning himself in. What he had suggested was that it was wasteful not to offer someone the chance for rehabilitation.
What was the logical conclusion of all of that? Omi hesitated to believe it, but he had no question about what it was, nor how to respond to it. He lifted his head a few inches. Not enough to look Robin in the eyes, but enough for the conviction to be seen in his face.
"Stopping criminals is what gives my life purpose. Without that, I don't see any meaning in continuing to exist." He delivered the statement without self-pity-- it was simple fact. No family, no future; if he wasn't serving some broader cause, like fighting to protect the city, he was just taking up space.
"You qualified a minute ago that your advice depends on my final goal. Ultimately, that's it. I want to do everything I can to end the harm of criminals the law hasn't been able to put away on its own. I don't care if I die trying. I want to protect all of the people who have--"
no subject
Had he been bolder, more verbally reckless, he might have countered with the obvious, "Stopping criminals is. I know you agree with that much." But it implied too much that the method was satisfying by extension, and that point Omi had to concede. Killing was not fun. It was vindicating to know a target would never take another innocent life again, but that satisfaction was from the ends, not the means.
And, though Robin had never directly communicated his advice, Omi found an implied piece well enough in what Robin said and-- more importantly-- what he didn't say. Normal life wasn't an option. Killing was unsustainable... and yet, Robin had not suggested jail. He hadn't suggested turning himself in. What he had suggested was that it was wasteful not to offer someone the chance for rehabilitation.
What was the logical conclusion of all of that? Omi hesitated to believe it, but he had no question about what it was, nor how to respond to it. He lifted his head a few inches. Not enough to look Robin in the eyes, but enough for the conviction to be seen in his face.
"Stopping criminals is what gives my life purpose. Without that, I don't see any meaning in continuing to exist." He delivered the statement without self-pity-- it was simple fact. No family, no future; if he wasn't serving some broader cause, like fighting to protect the city, he was just taking up space.
"You qualified a minute ago that your advice depends on my final goal. Ultimately, that's it. I want to do everything I can to end the harm of criminals the law hasn't been able to put away on its own. I don't care if I die trying. I want to protect all of the people who have--"
Who have all of the things I don't.
"What do I need to do to achieve that."