video

[sos_pilot]

[ The video is late at night - not too late to wake a bunch of people up, but it's definitely different than Della's usual videos where it's an earlier time. Not to mention she kinda... looks like hell. Bags under her eyes, all the usual signs of exhaustion - but it's more than that. She actually looks emotionally beat up. ]

... Hey, guys. I figured I owed a bunch of you an explanation about my behavior last mission. Look, I know a lot of the time I'm all "woo, adventure, let's beat up monsters, yeah!" everywhere we go, but last time I was more... out of control. Not listening to anyone, still trying to fight even when I was literally falling apart... and I am sorry. I shouldn't have to make you guys worry more than you already have to, especially in the middle of a dangerous fight.

... Here's the deal. All of you are amazing, you have to know that on some level. You've got super powers, you've got metal bodies, you've got magic, and even of those of you who are about to say "Oh, I'm just some ordinary human" - you're not. So many of you have amazing abilities with your weapons, brilliant minds that have led kingdoms and companies, you're all wonderful, and should be so proud of yourself. I'm proud of each and every single one of you.

... And all I can do is land a solid punch every now and then. Back home, I... I was on a team. My family. They all had their own special talents too, and when I finally came home, maybe some part of me wondered... if they really needed me after all, since they'd done so well without me for ten years. And now, here I am, and I can't even do the one thing I at least KNOW I'm good at, being a pilot. Here, I'm just... me.

[ She sighs, taking off her pilot's cap to run a hand through her hair. ]

Dang, I didn't mean to ramble. Just... I'm sorry. I'll try to make sure it won't happen again.

... 'Night, guys.

[ For anyone wanting to check in on her, she can be found in the lower-carriage of the library, wordlessly thumbing through her copy of the Junior Woodchuck Guide, though not really reading it. ]

Comments

[myblueskies]

Oh. His shinki. That means I work for him and when he calls my name. [He holds up his hand that has a red kanji emblazoned on it] I turn into a weapon so he can fight bad monsters with me.

[sos_pilot]

... Is that right.

[ On the plus side, this is distracting from her sadness!

... By replacing it with pure, murderous rage.

Her eyelid twitches, doing her best to mask it.]

Does that... hurt you?

[myblueskies]

It doesn't hurt lots. It feels funny because I'm the weapon but I'm also floating above and can see everything but I can feel what happens to me. Mister Zetta hasn't fought with me yet though because I haven't been his shinki very long and I couldn't help him on his mission... I turn into a motorcycle for him and I used to turn into a weasel for Elfnein so I think it might be different.

[sos_pilot]

[ Rip out every page, burn the pages, stomp on the ashes, beat the spine with a baseball bat... ]

Ha ha ha ha ha haaaaaaaaaa. Sounds like fuuuuun.

[myblueskies]

It's sometimes fun and we're a good team... [He trails off, peers through the screen.]

Miss Della? Are you alright?

[sos_pilot]

YUP. Perfectly fine. In fact, you really cheered me up!

[myblueskies]

Oh that's good miss! I'm glad your spirits are more up now!

[sos_pilot]

They are... something all right.

Thanks, Romeo.

[myblueskies]

You're welcome miss!

[He yawns again.] Maybe I should go back to sleep... You should go to sleep too miss Della!

[sos_pilot]

I will, soon, I promise.

Goodnight, Romeo.

[myblueskies]

Goodnight, miss Della!