[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

[Voice]

[abundantlove]

I know, Asbel-kun. And that's what I need to do. Figure things out.

[Voice]

[curries]

Well, as long as you know you don't have to figure them all out by yourself.

I may not be as smart as Hubert is, but if there's anything I can do, just say the word.

[Voice]

[abundantlove]

... Hubert needs you more than I do, Asbel-kun. Don't worry.

[Voice]

[curries]

[...]

Yeah. He's still pretty bummed out about what happened. I want to help everyone else out, too, though. I... I need to start being more reliable.

[Voice]

[abundantlove]

If you need any help...

[Mana, wasn't this about helping you?]

[Voice]

[curries]

Um. [It was. And it still is! And didn't she just say she had stuff she needed time to figure out? He's pretty sure...]

That's kind of the point. I want to help you out. I think the only way you can help me with that is if you actually let me do something.

[Voice]

[abundantlove]

... when you put it that way... it sounds very familiar.

We're a lot alike, aren't we Asbel-kun?

[Voice]

[curries]

Sure, maybe. [He's never really thought about it before.]

I guess neither of us likes when our friends are sad. It just makes you want to do whatever you can to cheer them up and fix everything, you know?