041 ♦ YouTube, mirrored to network; backdated to immediately after Thunder Corp's announcement

[peacefulwinter]

[The Winter that pops onto the screen, and onto the internet at large, is one that's quite a bit angrier than she's been in a while. She clearly didn't like something she heard.]

Thunder Corporation wants to blame the Numbered for this. They're pushing it on us again. They don't know anything. Where were they, when the violence broke out two years ago with the mafia? During the Invasion? There's something fishy about asking for help now, when we've never been given the time of day before. This press release... I'm not sure what to do with this. But I've got a response of my own.

If Locke City will have me, I would be honored and excited to protect my home once more. Like many people, I don't want to be put in danger because of who and what I am; it's why I left Locke in the first place. I've had my eye on things; I know Summer's been around Locke, keeping an eye on the city when I can't. I want to help, as I always have. It's my duty as a Precure; it's my duty as a person. That's never changed. But as my wife keeps reminding me, I can't help anyone if I'm dead.

I've always been an open person. Lily and I have nothing to hide. I've made some mistakes. I've done things I would just as soon take back. But I don't cover those things up. Maybe it's foolish of me, but you don't earn trust by only showing the things you're proud of. If they want to ask questions - if anyone wants to ask questions, within reason - so be it. If they want help keeping Locke safe... they didn't have to do something like this to ask. I still have an e-mail address, a YouTube channel, a Twitter account. I have a mailbox. I refuse to believe that anyone thought public shaming was the best way to ask for our help.

If Thunder Corp. is honest about their intentions, I have no issues lending a hand. We've shaped this world, since everything started, three years ago. I don't deny that, either. It would be irresponsible of me to leave everyone out in the cold now. Assuming I don't get attacked in the process, the light of wisdom will shine over Locke City once more. Count on it.

Comments

video;

[purestambition]

[Well, here's a face that's been busy for quite awhile. Holding the kind of smirk one would honestly expect after a display like this.]

Well, good to see you haven't lost your edge, Winter.

video;

[peacefulwinter]

[Somehow, she's missed this.]

I'd wondered if I was passive-aggressive enough. I guess it came across okay.

Good to see you, Saretha.

video;

[purestambition]

[Saretha raises an eyebrow, and then gives the slightest chuckle.]

I don't think there was anything passive in your aggression, there.

[peacefulwinter]

I suppose not, no. It would be very, very hard to not understand my frustration. For anyone. After all, we've had years for it to blossom into the situation we've got now.

[Winter frowns briefly.] Even if, in a way, they're right - we did leave Locke behind, after the invasion. We couldn't afford to stay. I think... it might be time to return.

[purestambition]

It was neither wise nor profitable to stay in Locke City for some time. There is making a stand, and then there is a losing battle. Tactical retreats are not necessarily losing.

However... that just means you have to come back swinging, at some point.

[peacefulwinter]

Come back swinging... that's about the best way I can put it. We ran away, a year ago. I'm tired of running away. Locke City is my home. I want to go back. I... need to go back.

[purestambition]

Heh. [The chuckle is sharp, but approving. She nods to Winter, though there is a strange, almost foreign softness to her expression. It's not to the degree of most people, but... It's a lot more than how she used to be.] Good. With that in mind, if there is anything you need that is within my power...

[Which is actually a bit limited, even in her position. She has an image to worry about, for her company and its ambitions and her employees more than herself, and she can't yet afford to get into a public pissing contest with Thunder.]

...just ask. I will do what I can. You are right, and beyond your personal wishes, it would be... comforting to have someone in that city I can trust.

[It makes sense, of course. No one can expect people to bounce back from the kind of devastation they faced instantly, and Winter had gotten to see that through to the literal very end.]

[peacefulwinter]

[She's definitely missed this. Winter didn't start with the confidence to do things like this. It's something she's grown into. And getting the reinforcement from someone like Saretha helps to bolster her.]

I'll do my best to keep Locke safe. And... I'll keep that in mind, if anything comes up. I appreciate your support.

[purestambition]

[Saretha doesn't trust easy, as Winter probably knows. So if she can give any amount of confidence there, then she's at least done something.]

I have little doubt that you will. Should you notice anything amiss beyond what we know, please feel free to contact me as well - there are some things I can't do that you can, and vice-versa.