Video | Both Courts

[starspangled]

Looks like we're getting the new arrivals again. My name's Steve Rogers, sorry I missed the feast. I should probably start by telling you that it doesn't matter which court drafted you into this war, and that it's not some shard inside of you that makes you important. But I think a lot of us already know that.

Another thing that I've learned is that you can get so focused on this world, you start to lose touch with the little things that you love about your own.

[The subject that he's about to bring up is also full of jubilation and heartbreak, love and victory and loss. And in some cases, betrayal.

He's looking at you, Dodgers.]

For me it's baseball. Does anyone else play? Because I couldn't help but notice that there's plenty of field around here. Maybe in the spring we could find a couple of bats, or even just toss a ball around for a little R and R.

See, the thing I love about baseball is that both sides get a fair shot. Everyone on the team wears the same uniform, from the manager to the rookie, and it's not over until the last out. It's for everyone, doesn't matter if you're a little bit smaller than the other players. If you can swing a bat or throw a ball, you might just make the hall of fame. It's about hope.

Plus it's a heck of a lot more fun than fighting.

[He gives a slightly sheepish smile when he's done, because Captain America waxing poetic about America's pastime, where's his handful of apple pie.]

So I guess all I really wanted to say is don't forget where you came from. You can even share what you miss about it, if you want. I'm not really much of a hunter, so I've got the time.

Comments

[vaccinations]

Uhh. You're looking at her. Possible cure for humanity; immune to the fungus.

[It's not really bragging, it's honestly said pretty awkwardly. At first she wanted to lie, but he did seem pretty distressed by the whole concept.]

I'm trying to find the people who might be able to make a cure from... whatever the fuck happened to me.

[starspangled]

[Steve blinks. He didn't see that coming. He notes the way that she says it, like she's not entirely comfortable with it herself. And why would she be. It's pressure that she probably didn't ask for, that a kid can't possibly deserve in Steve's mind.]

That's a pretty big responsibility. You got friends? People to help you look for these other people?

[And protect her.]

[vaccinations]

Yeah.

Well. Back home. Guess that shit doesn't matter as much here.

[She says with the tone of someone who wishes they could scuff their shoe against the ground. Clearly, she's frustrated by being here. But who isn't when you're missing people.]

[starspangled]

It always matters.

You know my name already. Mind if I ask yours?

[vaccinations]

Not as much when you're not almost getting killed by infected and/or bandits every hour. Things here are easier.

[She shrugs. She misses Joel so much her entire body hurts. But she's not about to give that away. It's easier just not to even think about it; not that she ever really manages.]

Ellie.

[starspangled]

[He frowns a little at that. There's always the threat of war always hanging over the courts here, but it sounds like she already came from her own war zone. It really must seem better.]

Ellie. I'd like to be one of your friends here, if that'd be okay with you.

[vaccinations]

Hmmm.

I dunno. What do you got to offer. Aside from baseball?

[starspangled]

Well-

[And then he gets stuck for a minute. He doesn't feel all that special, but he'll try.]

Do you like art? I'm good at that. And I've got a cool shield. Oh, and my friend has a pet bandersnatch, which is really more of a selling point for her.

[vaccinations]

A cool shield?

Okay, you're definitely gonna have to sell that one even if I was totally fucking with you before.

[Those sorts of things show up in comics a lot. So she's intrigued about this. Especially since no one really talks about shields were she's from.]

[starspangled]

So that's the one that grabbed you, huh.

[Steve's a little surprised at that, but maybe pleased too..]

Well, it's got a star on it, and I can do some pretty neat throws with it. Oh, and it's made from a metal that's pretty much unbreakable.

[vaccinations]

...Is it a magic shield?

[DON'T CRUSH HER DREAMS MAN.]

[starspangled]

[WHY WOULD YOU ASK THAT. Steve doesn't want to crush her hopes and dreams but he can't lie either.]

It had ice magic used on it once. So it was sort of magic for a little while.

[vaccinations]

Magic wears off?

That sounds like a raw deal to me.

[starspangled]

Not always, it just did this time. But that's good. It would be pretty cold to hold if it was iced over all the time.