second gear - video

[miraculess]

[the video isn't clear— wherever the video's being taken from is dark. it looks like it's from the floor, though, somewhere that isn't very well kept.

there are odd noises in the background; little halting grinding noises and screeches, like a stuck engine. someone is panting harshly, almost whimpering]

I— is, is anyone there? Please, I— I can't move, I can't—

[the whimpers turn to outright sobbing]

Sensei...

Comments

[was_no_mother]

[she might have made a bigger deal of it, but she is in Motherly Comfort mode]

Of course. At your own pace.

[miraculess]

[well you are doing a very good job with that

a little awkwardly]

Ah— how have you been handling coming here? You sounded fairly cheerful about things last time...

[was_no_mother]

I've been doing well, thank you. It's a fascinating task set before us!

[miraculess]

For those of you capable of assisting, I'm sure it is.

[was_no_mother]

I'm sure there must be a reason for those of you who aren't to be here. If not Veloxia's reason, then a larger one. I'm sure of it.

[miraculess]

[...a more than slightly bitter chuckle, followed by a little grunt of discomfort and the sounds of shifting fabric]

You're that sort of person, then.

[was_no_mother]

I'm what sort of person? The sort that believes in miracles?

[miraculess]

Something like that.

[was_no_mother]

[gently]

I have my own reasons for being sure of that... But we don't need to talk about that now.

[miraculess]

...Mmm. I apologize; didn't mean to sound disrespectful, but that sort of thing... it isn't meant for me. That's all.

[was_no_mother]

I wouldn't be so quick to write it off... but I'll respect your decision, as well.

Ah, you asked how I was handling coming here - how about yourself? Present circumstances aside.

[miraculess]

...Not badly. I'm actually a good deal more comfortable here than I was at "home;" I don't do well physically being around other people, so the combination of how empty the city is with the ability to speak with others through the Steamgear has been— it's been kind of wonderful, actually.

[was_no_mother]

Yes, the chance for social interaction without pressure can be a blessing. People really aren't meant to be alone. I'm glad it's been working out so well for you.

[miraculess]

[muttered, in a tone of sardonic amusement] People aren't, true.

...I don't know if I'd exactly call it working out well... It's more of a tradeoff.

[was_no_mother]

A tradeoff? What has been traded for what?

[miraculess]

[exhaling slowly]

There's... a task that I'm supposed to be completing, where I came from. So it's a trade-off of my ability to do that for temporary happiness.