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

action;

[alilyinthemoonslight]

[At the conclusion of the video, after Winter has switched things off, she'll rather promptly find a pair of hands on her shoulders.]

Sometimes, it can be good to vent.

[Almost unconsciously, she figures Winter looks like a person who could probably use anything possible to relax right then, as such it doesn't take long for her to begin a soft movement of her hands, beginning a very gentle massage. She stays quiet for a moment, letting that comment hang in the air before she broaches the more significant issue.]

They're not going to let that go unanswered. [It's said as if she's stating the obvious, because it is. Both of them probably realize that, and it's not a criticism. Not even remotely.]

Network Video

[icy_heavens]

[He doesn't like seeing her so upset, but as far as Toushirou is concerned, she has every right to be.]

The way they're going about this really is suspicious as hell. [Yeah, he doesn't really trust it, either.]

[video]

[jasminebloominginshadow]

[Jasmine's tone is razor-sharp, and her expression focused and serious.]

This is just the beginning, Winter. They damn well planned this. We ran off and now they want us back where they can keep using us.

[dictator_ko]

I know, right! I wasn't there for all that, but those guys still pissed me off!

[scarlet_devil]

Hmph. Locke's people have already made it very clear that we're not welcome there. I was shunned by everyone, even after the invasion, for instance.

[It goes without saying that Emilia is less than happy and 100% done with this.]

And Thunder Corp... I don't trust them one bit.

[Video]

[lovesickkiller]

I don't get why they bothered trying to play nice with us if they were going to throw us under the bus like that! Maybe it's just for PR, but- grrr! They should have given us some warning!

Audio;

[knights_king]

I don't think you gotta help them to help other people.

[Arthur could tell it was likely some sort of trap. Thunder Corp had been dangerous back then and he wouldn't trust it even years after, either.]

Maybe they're trying to look good by bashing us?

[guitar_case_vagabond]

Man, fuck those stupid sacks of shit and their fuckin' crap! The only reason I'm going back to that city is to jam every fucking piece of it up their goddamned asses!

[Well, somebody has strong opinions.]

voice

[dragon_blossom]

They know just what they're doing, of course, making it so that we look bad if we don't join in on helping them, like we don't really care. Put it out there, sway public opinion because they've got the money and resources... and get us under their thumb.

It's obvious. I think they know that it's obvious to some of us, after all this time, but we also want to help Locke, and keep our image positive enough that the whole world doesn't want us dead.

Those manipulative bastards.

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

[switch_over]

[Oh wonderful, another Precure.]

It might not have been the best way to ask for it, but you have to give them some credit. It certainly got you motivated.

audio;

[brotimaeus]

I knew it. Soon as that goo shit showed up I knew somethin' was going to happen and some evil faceless corporation was gonna appear to blame it all on us.

Like we don't get enough bad press just by fuckin' existing.