themainframe | 001 ● [video]

[The D-Terminal switches on to the face of a Gabumon, looking very proud of himself to add. The image bounces a lot as he moves across the room.]

There! It's working Master!

Please stop calling me Master- [A woman's voice came from the other side of the camera. The tone was cold, planned, as if she's had to repeat this before. Finally the camera settles and the woman is placed within the shot. She looks directly at the camera, even though she was wearing a blindfold.]

It's starting!

I fail to see the use in broadcasting this.

Don't you want to introduce yourself to the other Chosen?

No. [Bluntly said. Actually she was after the complete opposite, as anonymity was worth more as an asset in this situation.]

Well...how else are you going to find out about any of those words? It's not like you can listen in on people until they pop up in conversation, right?

[SILENCE]

[For some reason, the air feels really heavy suddenly. Surely, that couldn't have been what she was planning...right?]

U-um...Master?

Do not call me Master. [The command was becoming a pattern. And since the silence was broken anyway.] Prana. Nobel Phantasm. Fuyuki City. [She chooses her words carefully. They need to be specific enough so the understanding does not stray, yet used so that civilians cannot easily discern their meaning.] I require information from those who recognize those exact terms. Privately.

Is that really all you have to say?

Yes. There is nothing else for me to learn. [Follow the one trail, it was bound to take her where she needs to go. Besides. Anything else would reveal more information publicly that she would rather keep quiet. The Fifth War was still going on. Her location had changed, but that didn't mean she wasn't the only one this happened to.]

Aren't you worried about your friends?

[SILENCE. AGAIN.]

[And there's that really heavy atmosphere again too. Gabumon looks confused; okay sure the first time was a given, but what could he have possibly said to upset her this time?]

[And finally-] Matou. Emiya. Tousaka. Einzbern. Kotomine. [Okay she isn't even listing friends anymore.] I require information available that pertains to those names. Knowledge of the terms I gave before is not necessary. [Her head turns to Gabumon.] Now I am done.

[Said all that she needed, Rider leaves the frame completely, leaving Gabumon to settle the issue of turning it off.]

W-wait! Master! You forgot to introduce yourself! [Nope. She's not coming back.] I-I guess she didn't see it was still going. [Hurriedly, Gabumon bows to the camera.] I'm Gabumon, and the lady from before is my master, Rider. I know it's a strange name, but please treat her kindly. [There was the sound of a door opening and closing in the background.] W-wait for me! Where are you going?! [Feed terminated.]

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You were a Master? [That took Rider slightly aback. He wasn't a Master in the fifth war, that she knew. She merely assumed he was a Magus with extensive knowledge.]

Nonetheless, the fourth war has long since concluded; I am the Rider of the fifth war. There are no other names I would prefer to be called. [That request would have to go through Sakura. Who isn't here.]

I was, yeah. [He sighed, having at least partially expected that answer.] If there's nothing else, that's okay. I'm not going to ask for your identity if you don't want to give it--that's really not any of my business.

[Waver held up the back of his hand, indicating the faded remnants that were once his Command Spells.] As far as my status as a Master, don't worry about it. The last thing I want is any more fighting, so I'd rather cooperate with you.

[Sorry Waver. You tried, but Rider won't budge on that one.]

Without use of my abilities, my identity is merely a name in this world. And so, you are not wrong to question me. However, I would rather not have it used freely. [It is an infamous name after all. Hence why Gabumon is forbidden from learning it.]

[Rider is quiet for a moment, contemplating. This boy has been of great help in giving her information. And it wouldn't be the first time she's had to cooperate with former Masters.]

It is as I said, I have no reason to fight you. [That's an agreement in her own way.] However you should remember this: I am a Servant to another. Should my Master ever give me the word, I will not hesitate to kill you Waver Velvet. [Whether or not Sakura would ever do that isn't the point.]

...With all due respect to you and your Master, I don't think that would accomplish very much. But since I'm guessing that's the best I'm going to get, then I'll accept it.

[Not like you have a choice, Waver.]

[Rider nods. Not exactly the most polished to a shine alliances there is, but so long as it stood to benefit both of them, it was enough.]

Is there anything else you would have me be aware of?

Uh...I'm not sure I can really think of much else. Did you have any more questions about anything?

Any questions I have regarding matters outside of magic has been provided. It seems pointless to waste your time asking them. [She'll just stalk the information out of people anyway. With a look to Gabumon, Rider readied her exit.]

You know how to contact me. We will meet again Waver Velvet. [A slight bow of her head, Rider pivoted on her heel and walked to the door. Any last minute interruptions, here's your chance.]

E-er...listen, if you need anything, you know where to find me now.

[Waver silently cursed how incredibly awkward this whole 'alliance' thing was. This Rider was definitely a difficult type to deal with, but his conclusion was that she wasn't any blatant threat. Scary as hell, but not an immediate danger.]

What I mean is, if you're interested in working together then you can come over or get in touch with me anytime if something comes up.

[She stops and turns to Waver.]

You want us to work together, despite the fact we had only just met? [With a tone of full awareness that yes she is scary and hard to work with. Her mind went to another boy, just about Waver's age, with the same idea. And for that, Rider's voice softened just a little.] You two are very similar.

[It was hard to tell if she was being mocking or nostalgic, but the moment soon faded, her voice going right back to what it was.] I will determine the worth of this alliance before I decide anything. [And she walks out the door, leaving Gabumon behind to notice and follow.]

I'm sure she'll come back. And then we can all be friends! [He's so disgustingly optimistic.]

001 ● [video]

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