sirenspull | X. [Video] (As I break hiatus a bit)

[The NV chirrs, signaling its awake state of mind (?) as it records. Its view focuses on Xemnas, who looks...completely healthy in comparison to most who have been affected by the recent plague. In fact, he turns to face the camera, a ghost of a smirk appearing and vanishing all within the second prior to speaking.]

So it continues.

[You all know what he speaks of. It's merely a fact that needs to be stated.]

Most of the city's population has been affected, and the numbers steadily climb. [Arms sweep out to either side of him with an air of aloofness.] But as you can see, I am among those who remain untouched. Perhaps it can even be considered...a "blessing." As various as the effects of this sickness are, I would have expected some of you to have a better chance of immunity.

[He pauses, in profile, letting his gestures become more fluid and grandiose.]

The heart...is a fickle and foolish thing.

How simple, how easy it is for one to be controlled by such feelings – dwelling upon these...emotions...only drive you further into your disease.

...But I suppose some people like to take the masochistic route.

[As soon as he says that, a hand goes up to yield any angered remarks that will come his way. He knows the gesture will do nothing to stop people from saying anything, but he expects it. And he welcomes it.]

Before there are any real words of protest, I'm certain there are a good number of you who are doing well enough. Guiltless...free of this plague. I could not have imagined the complaints and opinions given publicly upon the Network.

[The faintest hint of smugness is seen crossing his features.]

Come now. I cannot be the only one.

[[OOC: I'm going to be missing all weekend due to convention times, so...yeah. I'm good with backtagging if you are.;;]]

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Countering the day's misery with cheer. Very good.

I should feel cheerful. I'm not stuck sick in bed! Why feel guilty when I can be helpful and run errands?

[Of course, his only motivation to do such a thing is to be around the suffering people and get a better snack.]

Indeed. The more productive one is, the more can be done for and with the rest of us within this closed society.

[Like he can care for the rest of them, anyway, but service is service.]

Guilt is kind of a waste of time, really. If I've done something I regret to someone, I'll apologize and not do whatever I did again.

[Not that he's one for regret at all, but public image. He's trying to maintain it.]

I don't see any reason to sit around feeling bad about the past.

Neither do I. And yet some people make it a habit to reflect on what went wrong...

[The absence of the feeling and maintaining appearances: that's the way to go.]

But much like ourselves, we cannot do anything more to snap them out of their constant cycle of despair. Not like it would matter, anyway.

Might as well not worry about it too much. It's not my fault I'm not sick.

Indeed.

Continue going about your business, then. May you stay in good health.