ataraxion | oo4 video;

[The video clicks on to reveal James. This time he isn’t looking pissed or annoyed or like any other teenaged brat going through an identity crisis. This time there’s a hardness to his eyes, a set to his jaw, his shoulders squared in determination. He’s wearing his uniform from back home, the black fabric broken with the half of a star stitched in red across his chest, his dad’s shield not slung on his back like it normally is, but instead clutched tight in his left hand, held proudly out in front of him.

Francis pops up behind him a moment later, still wearing the Tranquility-issued uniform, though he has his bow drawn, arrow notched loosely. his expression isn’t quite so severe as James’, but it’s not the carefree, smarmy sort of look he tends to wear, either. he gives James a nod, and it’s clear he’s letting the red-headed boy take lead]

Back home, the people who used to save the world are dead. Heroes, the group that people used to look up to, are gone. And because of it, humanity lives in fear. [He glances to the side, quickly, as if looking for back-up, even if there’s more of... an apology in his expression. Francis’ jaw sets a moment, a dark expression crossing his face, but it’s gone almost as quickly as it came, and he shrugs, motioning for James to continue] I spent twelve years not able to help anyone, even though I knew they needed it. And I’m not going to do that again.

[Francis rolls his eyes, stepping closer and elbowing James in the side]

I wouldn’t let you even if you wanted to. We’ve got more important things to do than hide.

[there’s a fondness there, though. a deference, and a moment later Francis steps back again, giving James the lead he’s meant to take

James grins, just slightly, almost seems to relax a bit as soon as he realizes that yeah, Francis has his back, and addresses the camera again]

People need heroes. They need a group of people who they can look up to, they need a group to depend on, people that can handle situations that are beyond the scope of normal and I know that most everything is here. But that’s not the point. The point is there are people, here, that I look up to. People I always wanted to see in action, but until they can act... [He trails off for just a moment, shifting almost awkwardly. He hates giving speeches. He’s no good at it. He never even talks this much, normally.] Back home my team, my family, and I saved the world from the thing that killed our parents, took away the heroes. We lived in a world that had no one to save it, and even though we’re young, even though we didn’t really know what we were doing, we had to try. Because if no one ever tries... nothing will change.

People get hurt, here. I’ve seen people die. We all have. And I might be young, and I might not have been here as long as a lot of you, but I’m willing to try.

Back home, my teammates and I took up a name. I don’t know how much this name will mean to a lot of you, but it’s something we’re proud of. Something we were born into and something we carry. [Deep breath, James. Face the camera, be your father’s son.

His jaw clenches, and he raises his shield up above his head, a pose that might be familiar to some of the people here.]

We’re the Avengers. And if anyone ever needs help, if anyone ever wants to help. We’re here.

[ooc: red is James and purple is Francis!]