[ VIDEO ]

[ Upset? Sheryl wasn't upset. In truth, 'upset' would not begin to describe what she is feeling. She was furious, as she doesn't take to kindly to people who kidnap her. That is probably why it took a while before she was in the right mood to finally test the communicators.

When the video turns on, you will see a shot of Sheryl's annoyed face with a harried-looking hologram behind her. Sheryl raised one hand to show the camera a ball of crumpled up brochures.

Did these people just expect Sheryl Nome to roll over and accept it like they were entitled to herself and her freedom? That was unacceptable. Sheryl Nome followed no ones terms but her own. ]

To the people who thought they could contain me, you are all cowards. I don't need your false hospitality or your games.

I am Sheryl Nome and I live by no other rules but mine. For now, I hope we have an understanding.

[ ACTION ]

[ Despite her brave declaration, Sheryl was actually more afraid than she was letting on. Grace had always helped her through whenever she bravely charged one --- but now, she was truly alone. However, her pride would never allow her to become weak at this kind of pressure.

While she was not to keen about accepting help from her captors, she was still in need of information to better understand the situation in the perspective of fellow victims.

She approaches someone and will smile, looking much kinder than the persona on the video ... ]

Hello, do you have a moment?

[Video]

[While she's out shopping, Erza sees the after-effects of the recent nightmare attack on the community, and she has a sudden burst of inspiration for how she can help. Wasting no time, she turns on her video feed, feeling more confident with facing people directly rather than writing her ideas down or typing them out.]

Given everything that's happened lately, I feel like a change of plan is in order. Lately, I've been sticking with battling simulations in Holoplaza, but it's not quite the same as sparring against actual people. I figure that, in case something like this happens again, [And odds are, it will.] we could all use practice defending ourselves against all sorts of weapons, powers, and abilities. No defense is impenetrable; even the strongest magical barrier is completely useless if someone can negate or ignore magic. What I'm trying to say is, if anyone wants to spar, I'm more than willing to.

Also, if anyone wants lessons in using any kind of melee weapon, I'm available. [She summons each type of weapon to float behind her as she mentions them, resulting in some odd looks from passers-by.] Swords, knives, axes, clubs, spears, staffs... You name it, and I have it or can at least provide some advice.

I'm mostly self-taught, so you'll need to go to someone who specializes in using a weapon for any detailed information, but I can at least give you a place to start. If something like this happens again, I don't want anyone to feel defenseless.

[Once she's finished her message to the general public, she sends a private message to her girlfriend. Seeing as she's still in public, she chooses her words carefully in case she's overheard.]

[Video - private to Mirajane]

Don't think I've forgotten about you, darling. I'm ready to spar wherever and whenever you want. ...though we should probably take this somewhere private, given what we talked about. It could get pretty... destructive. [With her armours being the main things that will probably be destroyed in this case.]

See you soon, honey bunny! You're going down!

[It was a rather mixed message, but given how much their former rivalry played a role in their love life, it suited the two of them quite well.]

[Action - Fayren]

[With that out of the way, she decides to go back to her original purpose for being out and about - shopping for flowers to spruce up the guild, now that spring has arrived. She doesn't want to leave it all up to Mirajane and Mavis. Unfortunately, she doesn't have much of a green thumb, but she refuses to let that stop her!

...even though she has no idea what she's looking for. She'll be back and forth between Fairy Haven and any flower or gardening stores in Fayren. Some times, she'll be analyzing the contents of the shelves closely, uncertain about what to get. Other times, she'll be gathering up supplies seemingly at random, figuring that they must have a need for most of it. Either way, she could probably use some advice.]

[When Dante shows up on the feed, he looks almost... refreshed.]

Hey everyone, sorry about going AWOL on such short notice. Had some family matters to attend to.

[For the Guardians, that should be a pretty good indication of what had come up at least.]

But, things are good now, and I'll be getting back to my duties immediately. A big thanks to Integra for stepping up and handling things in my absence.

[Private to Satou.]

Sorry for the mess we made on your turf. Shouldn't be happening again.

[Private to Integra]

How'd the interviews go?

Hello, everyone. Guardian Satou of Genessia speaking.

In light of the recent incidents in both Fayren and Everglade, I'd like to announce and perhaps remind you all of Genessia's Training Center. It's a business that I opened where our teachers will help you discover and hone your unique strengths. Our goal is to help everyone learn rescue procedures and formations, so that everyone can work as a cohesive unit in the event of an emergency.

[She exhales.

All of that professional wording, while something she can do, falls to the side as she continues.]

I'm bringing this up because everyone did a fantastic job in Fayren and Everglade. I'm glad to report that nothing went amiss in Genessia, but we should all stay diligent. If you'd like to meet our teachers and hear more about our classes, please let me know! As your Guardian, I want to give everyone in Genessia the tools that they'll need to stay safe and help others... So... Yes!

Thanks so much, everyone!