video - A plea from a knight

[panzersoldat]

[The video opens to a familiar older man. It's the one from before that was talking about his armor. He looks worried and also utterly serious]

Hello. I know things are really bad right now, but I need to ask for a favor. There were people listed. Solder 76. Ana Amari. Jesse McCree. They have been labeled terrorists. But I swear to you on my honor as a knight that they are innocent. I've known them for years. I know the measure of their character. This thing...they would not have done this. It must be a misunderstanding. So please don't try and harm them. I know they are good people and this is all a mistake.

I tried to get into contact with them but they aren't answering me. I am aware that others will be looking for them. So I just want you to give them this message from me if you see them.

Tell them Reinhardt believes in them. If you see them, tell them that running will only make them seem guilty and that I know they aren't. I know that in my heart. If they turn themselves in, I am sure that their side will be heard and that justice will weigh heavy on their sides. On the side of truth.

And tell them that no matter what, I am on their side. I believe in them and that they'll do the right thing.

Thank you.

[ The feed cuts off again]

Comments

[deathproofs]

were you there? did you witness, with your own eyes, that they did nothing?

[panzersoldat]

No. No I wasn't. I wasn't there. I didn't see what happened. But I know them. I believe in them. That they wouldn't do this. This isn't how we did things.

[deathproofs]

things change. i think you of all people would know that.

[panzersoldat]

Me of all people? Some stranger on the network with no screen name has no place telling me of things changing.

[ Because, let's face it, Reinhardt hasn't really changed one bit. Not in all these years. ]

[deathproofs]

( now, reaper is at a crossroads. he can keep being anonymous, or let himself be known.
it's hard to know which one will be more fun. well, better to out himself than someone who's seen him already.

he flips on the video, and leans close. it's totally menacing, ok?)

Guess who.

[panzersoldat]

[ Too bad for Reaper. Reinhardt is from a year earlier than most everyone else in this world. So when the man turns on the video, there is no recognition at all. Certinally, the voice sort of sounds like someone he used to know (sort of like 76), but he has no context for it. Instead, there is a very dark scowl and a deadpanned ]

A barn owl? I'm afraid, Herr Schleiereule that I don't know you. You have no room to tell me what I do and don't know about my friends. And I demand you apologize! Even if it's been years, I know in my heart that they are still the people I lost.

[deathproofs]

( oh, you've got to be fucking kidding. though it's behind the mask, reaper still scowls. it's flicked off, and he goes back to text. )

there's nothing to apologize for. they deserve everything they get.

[panzersoldat]

[ Nope. That's the problem with being a year behind everyone else. ]

You're wrong. They don't. And I'll do whatever it takes to help them. I won't ever abandon a friend.

[deathproofs]

right. seems to be something i've heard before. everyone gets left behind at some point. even you.

[panzersoldat]

[ There's a sore spot right there. It hurts a lot but he wouldn't be a good shield if he couldn't take a little pain now and then. ]

I forgave them for that. Besides, leaving me behind only means they have something and someone to come back to.

[deathproofs]

no, it means you're an idiot who can't see what's right in front of him.

[panzersoldat]

What is in front of me are friends who need me. That is all I need to see. I lost them once. I will not lose them again.

[deathproofs]

did you ever think that they don't want you?

[panzersoldat]

If they didn't, they would have never relieved themselves to me. The fact that they let me know there were here and alive means that they still at least want something to do with me.

[ And it's too bad that he doesn't know who Reaper is because timelines, because that would somehow be extended to Gabriel too. Somehow. After he got over the "you evil traitor asshole why". ]

[deathproofs]

guilt makes people do strange things. this place isn't that big. they couldn't hide forever. it's foolish to assume their intentions are anything more than self driven.

[panzersoldat]

Unlike you, stranger, I don't doubt them. And you can say nothing to me that would make me turn from them.

[deathproofs]

this is why so much goes beyond your notice. you are so blind to the things in front of you.

[panzersoldat]

No I see things perfectly well. And right now, what I see is a man who is trying to keep me from helping my friends. And while I don't know why you would be so hellbent of making me give them up, I won't. As I said before, I won't ever abandon a friend, even if they abandon me.

[deathproofs]

i don't know why i'm surprised. you still don't listen and completely miss the point.

[panzersoldat]

I still.... You. Don't. Know. Anything. About. Me. And I have listened and I just refuse to think as you do. I will defend their innocence in this and when I am vindicated, I will find a way to say I told you so to you.

[deathproofs]

you know what? if you think i know nothing, suit yourself. i don't care if they're innocent or not. spare yourself the time.

[panzersoldat]

I know you know nothing of me. And I think I will spare myself the time. I have better things to do than keep arguing with a barn owl. And I will have my told you so ready.

[deathproofs]

keep telling yourself that.