Rachel Berry ★

[Rachel is holding a notepad close to her chest, looking somewhat somber. She's outside, in the ashy snow, with her dog at her side, by a tree that is half burnt and broken, twisted by the event. When she speakss, her voice is quiet.]

I have heard a lot of discontent over what has happened -- and people have every right to be angry with Mister Mandrake and Miss Hino -- but I think our real focus should not be on punishing two people who made a mistake and instead should be focused on the reality that we are going to run out of food before the next snowstorm of the season. Which is why I've organized three food drop-off points within the city in some of the stable buildings that are still standing. I would like to transform two of these buildings into a shelter and while I have heard Miss Hino has already opened the Temple of Heaven to those that need it, I would also like to point out that St. Basil's Cathedral is large and able to house a lot of people.

[She pauses before looking down at her pad.]

I've set up massive crates at the Temple of Heaven, St. Basil's Cathedral, and at the fountain in the Safezone. These crates are for any canned, jarred, or non-perishable food that can be spared for the people that have lost anything. I will collect whatever food is there three times a day, to be delivered at the closest area of need, but most of the collection will be going to either Miss Unohana's clinic or the two abovementioned buildings. I am going to rely on the honor system that no one will steal from these crates, but should people do so, please keep in mind that there are over one hundred people in this city that require food just as much as you do.

Any donations of blankets, clothes, and other materials needed that were lost in the fire are also appreciated. Please leave those in the crates, too -- I will ensure they are taken to the shelters and safehouses scattered around the city. And --

[Rachel chews on her lower lip.]

I know this is a very difficult time and a lot of people don't... necessarily believe in this, but I am going to St. Basil's Cathedral tonight at seven o'clock, should anyone else want to pray with me. Everyone is invited and -- for future reference --

[And Rachel sends the coordinates to The Temple of Heaven, the fountain, St Basil's Cathedral, and Unohana's clinic in a text attachment to everyone on the network.]

-- there's where you have to go.

Thank you.

[And Rachel shuts off the feed.]

I feel like Ariel -- !

[That proclamation is accompanied by Rachel Berry, who flashes her brilliantly colored tail -- which has a rainbow assortment of scales, sparkling in the light of the water -- in front of the camera with a laugh. She looks happier than she has in days -- Blaine and his Disney ambush seems to have done the trick to break her out of her reluctant funk of finding out her future.]

This certainly could be worse, couldn't it? But -- business is business! And even though I am part-fish, I am still a professional, so I would like to offer all of you the opportunity to learn from me.

[Rachel flicks the PCD upward through the water with her tail before catching it, spinning around in the water, her hair flying, before she settles in a bed of coral with a grin.]

I want to teach people how to sing, how to dance, how to play piano -- and while I've had moderate success with a few select individuals, I would like to extend the offer to everyone who would like to learn. I expect nothing in return, just your presence, and a determination to succeed.

[Rachel pauses before she becomes slightly more serious.]

After all, without a bright spot in the day, we have nothing to truly work for, right?

[She flashes a bright smile before the PCD shuts off -- well, for most people.]

( [Filtered to Jesse // Private // Unhackable] )

[Rachel has her hands pressed against the window, her eyes wide as she watches the torrential downpour. There is a stifled whine from near where the PCD is perched -- and a small tuft of white fur as a lump burrows further into Rachel's bedsheets. The girl doesn't look over, though -- she's far too captivated by the raging storm outside.]

I feel as if we should be building an Ark, Evita...

[There's a clap of thunder -- Evita whines pitifully -- and Rachel finally looks over with a frown at the quivering lump of fur.]

Are you afraid?

[It's a soft coo as she moves to sit on her bed, gently pulling aside the blankets to reveal Evita, who looks less than pleased by the thunder and lightning outside. She gently pulls the puppy into her lap, stroking her ears, before she begins to sing softly:]

I'm singing in the rain, just singing in the rain -- ! What a glorious feelin', I'm happy again! I'm laughing at clouds, so dark up above -- the sun's in my heart, and I'm ready for love --

[Evita relaxes ever so slightly at the stroking and singing and Rachel, emboldened, continues to sing.]

Let the stormy clouds chase everyone from the place! Come on with the rain -- I've a smile on my face! I walk down the lane with a happy refrain -- just singin', singin' in the rain!

[The feed times out with something of a bark from Evita as the puppy dives upwards to lick Rachel's face, causing her to laugh.]

[Rachel sounds distracted -- but her tone is sincere and quiet, at least.]

I'm -- really sorry for how I acted this week. It seems, for a brief moment, that I entirely forgot where I came from and --

[There's the tiniest hitch of breath before Rachel clears her throat, steeling her nerves.]

While apologies will not take back what was said and done, I wouldn't feel right not offering one, anyway. So, I am sorry, and to whoever I spoke with during the event, I can assure you that I am not that much of a --

[...]

-- soulless witch.

( [Filtered to Blaine // Private // Unhackable] )

( [Filtered to Jesse // Private // Unhackable] )