video;

[purestambition]

[Video flickers online of a young woman with long dark hair and a stern expression. Beyond that, it's fairly unreadable.]

I suppose I should say this is not what I anticipated. The "heroes" who saved Locke City from certain doom had been scurrying and hiding in the shadows for nearly a year prior. [Pause, a slight lift of her considerable eyebrows.] Not without reason, perhaps, yet... not what one anticipates.

My question is, are you satisfied with what path now lies before you, and what it took to get there? [Her tone grows quicker, and far sharper.] What do you think that path is?

After that snake, this city was beset by creatures once more, yet beings from another world cleaned up the mess. Altruistic thought their intentions may be, and I will give credit for cleaning up their own disaster, or what was left of it... I for one am not satisfied to simply let myself just be protected. To simply be reactive to the problems we are sure to face.

[Her eyes narrow.] I imagine the same must apply to more of you out there. To push forward, become stronger, and seize the power that's been put within our grasp. Because there will be other threats. Out in the open, Numbered will not remain so good natured forever. People will use us. Monsters and aliens are real, and even if these visitors mean us no harm, who knows what else may be out there now?

So, I am curious.

[Her head tilts back, voice raising a little.] Who has the pride in their ability and self worth to truly steel themselves, to really be prepared for what else may come down this road we've been forced upon?

[She lowers her head, expression never wavering throughout.] I would simply like to know those whom I am dealing with.

Comments

[ladyofluminosity]

No, but sometimes people need something to believe in, in times of great need. I can't say that it will ever come to that, but the possibility exists.

[purestambition]

It is also a dangerous term. People should believe in themselves, not a wish for some idealized hero to come save them.

[ladyofluminosity]

But there are some that don't, or aren't sure how. What about them?

[purestambition]

They should learn, because one who does not is only asking to be swallowed up by the world around them.

As it is, this world is becoming something which can do that all the more readily.

[ladyofluminosity]

Asking something like that of any and everyone is a tall order. Not everyone is able or willing to be able to take such a harsh burden, especially not alone.

[purestambition]

Believing in your own strength is not a burden. Unable to call on it when you need it is only going to lead to further burdens.