I know a son of the air - Valiant is his name.
His mother's gift - duty to his flock and music to the soul.
His father's gift - a path to the wind and life of fun and game.
I protest in jest, but still we play a role-
Attackers of clans and spirits of rescues and adventures full.
But one day I lie in repair and wait for his return,
I see his friend - Henry - crinkling in pain.
Charles' story and comfort, he will learn.
Chaos escaped but gave Charles hope-
A friendship beyond heroes, orders and green.
Growth in courage beyond scope.
Isolation was he to stave off and wean-
And protect this precious gift he would make it seen-
I promise to accompany the lone wolf known.
My armor purrs, but I make not a scene
This brought him warm glow - he was not alone.
I know a son of the air - Valiant is his name.
His mother's gift - duty to his flock and music to the soul.
His father's gift - a path to the wind and life of fun and game.
I protest in jest, but still we play a role-
Attackers of clans and spirits of rescues and adventures full.
His act rewarded him a home among the skies -
Casey and John greet him, or so it is told.
He soars over all, and I feel a race on the rise.
A/N: What the scooter is to Henry, the helicopter is to Charles. It's a wonder how many hits it has taken yet remained by his side after all the zany - and sometimes nonsensical - things the man puts it through. I think being in the military will provide you with that tough mindset the helicopter possesses. And where the helicopter is absent, the government spaceship prototype steps in acting as a surrogate ally and spiritual descendent. But like its pilot, the helicopter has the soul of a bard and voice of a free spirit. And it sings the legend of Charles in this poetry form, the ballad.
Hailing from medieval European roots, a ballad stitches crucial moments in a string of events set to music and can be written within thirteen lines with an 'ABABBCBC' format in quatrain stanzas. Themes used to create ballads range from the religious to the romantic, from domestic crimes to dark propaganda, from triumphs to tragedies, and heroes. Beyond Europe, the ballad has slid its way into other cultures, such as America and Australia.
Valiant Hero provided a large source of inspiration for this Charles-centered poem, along with his actions in other routes and endings. Some headcanons and liberties have been taken from YouTuber Two Left Thumbs and his video on Charles' potential backstory - the personal connection to his green steed, his love of music and singing, and the steps he took to become a hero like the heroes of other ballads did even at high costs. I also wanted to post this today because it's the eighth anniversary of when Infiltrating the Airship with Charles making his debut into the world of Henry Stickmin. Happy birthday, Charles. :)
References:
-John Henry and Casey Jones are two legendary heroes in their own right. Both American folk lore figures, the former wielded a mighty hammer against a machine in a race for freedom and opportunity. The latter ran a train faster than the speed of light to deliver people and the mail on time. Both gave their lives and are honored for it.
Enjoy!