( v i d e o )

[ripstides]

[ now that he can speak without feeling like he's in a boy band, it's time to address the network again. not because he has a lot to say that hasn't already been said. he hopes it has come up before; he hopes that with how many people are in Wonderland, tons of them have broached this topic. but he knows that one person or even a few people can't save everyone, it's impossible to have that many eyes. so, that's where this comes in. that's why there's a shot of a grassy field with some straw dummies in it, stuck into the ground and standing. some of them are covered in fabric to keep them together better, others aren't.

some of you might recognize Percy from the back of his head, but most of you won't. that's not important right away. he's decked out in leather armor from the closet, the same place the dummies came from. it's not as good as the kind he had back in Manhattan, but it does the trick.

he's not angry at Wonderland, he doesn't have a reason to be. not yet. he hasn't been here long enough to suffer what he keeps hearing about from people he wants to protect. terrifying events. events that can kill people, can strip them of their powers, of anything that gives them an edge. so that's why he's going to charge a dummy with a glowing, bronze sword and efficiently hack it to pieces. it's the kind of necessary violence that reminds him of his once upon a time sword fighting mentor. but the point is, he doesn't stop until only ribbons of fabric and straw are left. it's not to show off, it's a demonstration of what he can offer. ]

So I don't know about the rest of you, but I hate feeling like there's nothing I can do. Like I'm just a piece in someone's stupid game to prove gods know what to gods know who. [ he's facing the camera now and shrugging, Riptide still in hand. ] Maybe I can't change that.

[ maybe i can. ]

But I can change what Wonderland does to people during events. I hope I'm not the first guy to offer, considering I've only been here for about five weeks. You don't have to be powerless. I can teach you to fight. Swords aren't for everyone, but I've got friends who know how to use knives and spears, and sometimes, whatever happens to be around in a crisis. Knowing how to defend yourself isn't always going to save you [ i've seen the best fighters go down ] but it can make a difference, if you're willing to try. I come from a summer camp that specializes in teaching kids of all ages, so if you think it isn't in you, I'm telling you it is.

I know I haven't seen the scary stuff this place can throw at us yet. But I can't keep hearing about it and hoping for the best, because speaking from experience? [ he's just going to stab his sword into the ground now. ] That never works out.

I guess what I'm saying is: you can run in fear and go into hiding alone or you can stand up and we can face it together.

Or [ and the serious face drops, so he can crack a sheepish grin ] uh, we can practice as a hobby. I'm good with that, too.