[voice]

[abundantlove]

This has been... really overdue, but it's time I finally spoke up.

Regarding the statements I made while under the control of the witch... I am incredibly sorry and regret all of them. I'm sure many of you know that, were I in my right mind, I would never have made such claims. However, as the Captain of the Shepherd, I'm still completely responsible for them.

So, to everyone I threatened, to the other crews I made an enemy of when... not myself, I humbly ask your forgiveness. What was said in the past is in the past... the mission I believe in for my crew is one where we can all sail the seas as friends in safety and harmony.

As for the crew of the Shepherd...

... I owe you the biggest apology of all. I failed you. I attacked you. And even if it wasn't me, I, again, bear the responsibility of what I did. I want to do everything I can to make you all trust me again...

[from here on, Mana's voice begins to crack]

... but at the same time, I don't think I can serve you all to the best of my abilities. I... I and the people closest to me have a lot to work through, a lot to work out, and I... I just need to step away from my duties for a little while and concentrate on them...

I am deeply, deeply sorry. In this time, I'd like to put Jade Curtiss in temporary command once again, until the time I am able to return to my duties...

[she lets out a final, weary sigh. This was something she'd wrote out, and rewrote several times, and this time, she'd done it without asking Rikka for help. The fact a fourteen year old put this together and spoke this way may be somewhat shocking to people...]

That's all. Th-thank you all for your time...

Comments

written, private:

[abundantlove]

I'm taking a break so I don't hurt anyone in the state I'm in...

written, private:

[hostclubshadowking]

And I completely understand that. I'm simply from a world where appearance is everything, so I've learned what people say when actions are taken. I merely know that not every act is interpreted in the correct light and, sadly, interpretation is far more weighty than truth.

written, private:

[abundantlove]

... I know. I should really know that better than most, considering the position I had back home...

But. Thank you for reminding me Kyouya-san...

written, private:

[hostclubshadowking]

What position was that?

[It's a different avenue of conversation, and Kyouya doesn't want to end this on that sour of a note.]

My father runs one of the largest hospital and health care management conglomerates in Japan. [In the world, really, but he's being a bit modest.] I grew up watching my brothers be trained in precisely how to handle every situation they would encounter as president and vice-president of the Otori Group.

written, private:

[abundantlove]

Student council president... it's so much smaller than what you described, but... there were people who counted on me...

written, private:

[hostclubshadowking]

I was a class representative at my school, too. It's a lot of responsibility, a lot like being a captain.

written, private:

[abundantlove]

Ha, you're right. Somtimes I push myself so hard I get really tired...

written, private:

[hostclubshadowking]

Be careful about that. Sometimes, without even meaning to, you might run yourself far more ragged than you meant to. For no good reason.

written, private:

[abundantlove]

I know, believe me.

[she doesn't add that she feels sometimes, you don't have a choice]

written, private:

[hostclubshadowking]

[He knows it. All too well.]

I hope you'll take care of yourself.