savetheearth | video;

[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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[It's most assuredly a compliment. Rare, from this one. He laughs.]

It's vital to keep up appearances, certainly! Once you've gotten your foot in the door, it's no promise you won't be thrown out if you fail to match up.

[Oh, he's enjoying this.]

I have every intent to do far more than "keep up appearances." Of that much, I can assure you. One does not merely become complacent, or grow too comfortable of their place in things. That leads to mistakes, and...

[She leans back towards the screen.] Somehow, I'm guessing I don't need to tell you these sorts of things. Do I?

[Join the club, Cain.]

I should have expected as much from our conversation so far.

[His smile widens a little.]

You've guessed right. All that you're saying are things I've already resolved for myself. You've simply said it well.

[ Ah, you're doing nothing to help that smugness, Cain. Not that she's complaining.

Of course she did. ]

Well, it is good to see someone who can appreciate that.

I suspect we will be keeping an eye on each other, hm, Mr. Hashimoto?

Edited 2014-06-08 03:19 (UTC)

A fair enough assumption, yes.

I'll make sure to hold you to that. At the very least, I should not be bored, I think.

If this has been any indication of things to come, then the expectation is wholly mutual, mademoiselle. I trust that you'll continue to impress.

If I didn't... why bother trying in the first place?

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