[Written/Action to the Million Merrily and Katabami crews]

[letteropener]

When my sister and I paired our power together, we could take on any foe. Sometimes we needed help, such as from the Elements of Harmony, but if not for Luna and the bonds we shared, we could not have used them either.

I was separated from my sister for a thousand years, and after only a brief time together again, I have found myself here and apart from her once again. I miss her dearly.

But that doesn't mean I am powerless and infinitely tolerant without her by my side. Some people seem to think otherwise.

Luffy. Can I hope that we will be more cautious in our choice of sailing partners, in the future?

[Celestia is writing all this from a spot on the deck, and her script remains impeccable despite her contained, controlled anger. (Writing with telekinesis helps with that.) She has not been in a good mood since the fire on Eternal Bliss.]

Comments

[letteropener]

Hmm.

[A pause.]

You are right. Although I do not know what has been done by your captain and your crew in response to this, I phrased my anger unnecessarily broadly, when that anger is not with them or you.

I apologize.

[harbouredheart]

Your anger is understandable, and you have a right to be upset. I certainly was. The consequences for the residents of the island... the hardships that they shall face... Kodachi's actions were terribly cruel and should not be defended. I give you my word that I will do my utmost to prevent a repeat.

You have not done so, and I do not mean to imply any intent or connection on your part, but there are already threats of retribution being written. I... am worried that rising tensions may provoke worse rather than put an end to this, I suppose.

She has put our crew into an uncomfortable position; it would be a further blow for us to lose the friends that we do have.

[letteropener]

I do not want to see any violence or harm arise, but I know it is inevitable. Too many people view it as a solution, both pirates and Navy alike, to avoid it. But I would worry more if everypony simply let such an action pass without comment.

I am a Princess, and a ruler of my realm. In that capacity, I see very clearly how much harm such actions will cause, and for this to have happened again troubles me deeply. Deeply enough that I begin to think I must start acting directly, or else shirk the responsibility that comes with my power and my position.

[harbouredheart]

Retaliation and prevention are two very different things, princess. Be careful that you do not confuse them in your endeavours.

[letteropener]

Prevention can only truly occur by bringing all people into harmony and contentment.

Sadly, that is not something I can do here.

[harbouredheart]

[Xun Yu sighs. It's not that she's opposed to Celestia's position, just that she regards it as ultimately doomed to be ineffectual and likely to perpetuate a cycle.]

Good luck.

[She hopes rather than expects to be wrong.]

[letteropener]

[Celestia worries the same. But the alternative is to simply let such horrible things happen, and that she cannot abide.]

We will all need the best of it we can get.