themainframe | video → all;

[Perhaps a week and a half after Joshua's absence, finally a call. Only the face on the screen isn't exactly Joshua's. Instead, it's that of a Renamon. Joshua stands a short distance away, his eyes elsewhere. And it's apparent, by the sky, that they're not exactly on the ground - rather on the top of a skyscraper. Snow falls behind them, and both Digimon and Chosen appear to be adequately protected against the cold with ~~pilfered~~ recycled attire. Joshua's in A pretty nice shirt paired with a thick blazer and this Renamon appears to be wearing a long, white scarf - kept securely about her by a certain feather used as a brooch. The clothes are things taken from abandoned apartments and abandoned stores alike so many other things. But being used for something is better than going to waste rotting in someone's closet, right?

The Renamon glances toward the terminal for a small moment, and then she glances to Joshua. He doesn't look at her. He appears quite busy watching for something else in the distance.]

Hello. I and my Chosen got to talking, and we both agree on all manner of talents, abilities, and skills which could further a lot of our collective aims and objectives being waysided and overlooked in the digital world. One of which is human combat skill. While your weapons are ineffectual upon Digimon, your training, and your lessons, should not be classed as useless alongside them.

...It is for this reason I require a master swordsman. I wish to hire a human - someone which will teach me, for a fee, the art of swordplay - as it is something I wish to add to my talents...

...Especially considering-

[Her partner finally speaks.]

Hm? Careful, now.

[And the Renamon nods.]

...I apologize.

We will return to Terminal City for the duration of my training if anyone suitable will offer their service. We thank you for your time and your consideration.

[The Renamon ends the feed with a very graceful bow.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

You don't miss a beat, Neku.

If there is, manipulating it is probably a quicker way out than hoping risking our behinds for this place will get us out. Probably.

[Neku crosses his arms and looks disappointed, but not surprised or upset]

Getting home isn't the only issue here.

Pray tell.

I'm not leaving them here to die.

Neku...

You're overdoing it with this change of heart, Neku.

[Neku's eyes darken.]

You know what, screw you. You can't put me through what you did, drag me kicking and screaming out into the world and MAKE me see it... Then get pissy when it's not convenient for you!

[His show nothing but the same, usual coldness.]

I also made you see, Neku, what happens when you care too much.

[And a small, melodic laugh. His eyes remain just as cold, just as piercing, despite the amusement in his tone.]

Awww, Neku. You're disappointing!
I didn't think you'd need more than the fourth game to see that some things aren't worth it.

[His eyes widen, but it's not in surprise exactly. More a forced strain, like he's forcing them open by pure will. He jaw clenches as well. Both seeming to be resisting something. As if the moment he blinks or speaks something will pour out. Tears or yelling or something he won't be able to stop.

He takes a few huffing breaths through his nose, trying to calm himself. It's hard though, when he knows Joshua knows him well enough to know JUST where to jab him.]

It WAS worth it. And you're not going to convince me otherwise.

[Oh, Neku. Like it or not, too much has been put into you to let you waste it all away here. If a way to Shibuya can be found, he'll not stop till you're there. But he's not arguing that. There's more entertaining things, actually.]

You're entitled to think what you want. It's not like I'm in any position to change that this time.

[TWO HIT COMBO.]

Well, when do we leave? Because it's not like this newfound and quite archaic attitude you've chosen to develop will let you forget your promise to Renamon, and turn your back on the villages full of strangers out there just because little old me's going with.

[There's a low growl, and with Neku's gritted teeth one could easily think it's him. But no, it's Terriermon just below screen]

I dunno all you two are talking about but that's low, using his promise against him!

Please. It's not like he's the type of person that'd ever reconsider anything like that, so it's merely an observation.

Anyway. Neku? I'm waiting on your answer.

[They both sputter in impotent rage before Neku answers]

Sooner the better.

Very good. Give me a call when you're set, and don't even dream of running off alone. Unfortunately, my partner cares about all this just as much as you.

Ta-ta.

[Click.]

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