[The camera fades in on Old Nick Morningstar sitting next to a fireplace, holding in one massive hand an ancient looking leather bound book.]
“You know, I once knew a man who thought that he was _just_, that he was _righteous_. Thought that he could drive people from eternal damnation, if only they’d follow his word. He wanted to be a _savior_ so fucking badly..”
[He spits to show disgust.]
“Captain Arcadia, OSW’s own hero. A man so lost, so desperate.. a grown man wearing a costume, his bravery guiding him by the nose, hubris fueling his inconsequential fight. Imagine thinking you could be the one to save a nation, imagine thinking a nation wanting to be saved by the likes of _him_..”
[He turns a page.]
“Why is it you do what you do, Arcadia? What happened to you so long ago that you now desire to save those who you deem need saving? Have you ever stopped to consider the damage a man like you could honestly do? Do you know the power that lies in a word? Have you truly put _yourself_ on the scales of justice to see where they fall?”
[He pauses a beat.]
“It’s a question I don’t think you’ve ever stopped to consider. You think you are the light that shines the darkness away from Arcadia? You think that you’re a shield to be wielded against evil?”
[Another turn of a page, his eyes falling over the words for a moment.]
“No, these are not truths. Let me tell you truths, Arcadia; you are nothing more than a pawn in a much larger game you’ve yet to even discover, being moved by invisible forces across an invisible board. You are nothing more than a stone for me to step on as I ascend the ladder to the upper echelon.”
[He turns another page.]
“Your idea of _righteousness_ is an ancient concept to me. Better men than yourself have been put on the cross because of what they believe in, for believing they could save the masses. You see how your mission is a flawed one, yes?”
[He closes the book and brings it to his chest.]
“Everything you are, everything you think, everything you dream of.. I’ve watched fall before. And for what? You’re so wrapped up in being as good as you can be, you can’t see what it’s done to you. Abandon your mission, Captain Arcadia, for the path you walk does not lead to redemption nor salvation.”
[And like that, he tosses the book into the fireplace.]
“I know your heart, Arcadia. Like him before you, you are _no savior_. Like him, you will be crucified for your ideals… and like him, you will be buried deep while those who love and adore you wait for a return that shall never come.”
[A beat.]
“But you know what they say.. speak of the Devil?”
[A smirk.]
“And he will _always_ appear.”
[The camera slowly turns to catch the book being turned to ash, before fading to black.]