7. | Video | Day

[strayblade]

[The video shows only green leaves at first, before the PORTAL is readjusted and settles on Naoto. It's obvious that she's outside, not only because of the tree behind her, but also because of her simple white mask.

After a few seconds of silent broadcast, she blinks and looks away.]

I'm still alive. Just in case...

[She trails off, a hint of

Comments

Voice; Private

[strayblade]

[Naoto wasn't sure if his would be a voice that she'd hear or not. She should've contacted him after what happened, clearing up any questions or concerns. But instead?

She proved that she could be just as difficult to find as she could be to escape.]

I'm fine. I just needed...some fresh air.

[An afterthought, one that she picked up from glancing around her.]

...Have you recovered?

Voice; Private

[strayblade]

[She hears the hesitation, wonders about it.]

I'm not far from it.

[The closest she's been in days, actually.]

If you want to talk.

Voice; Private

[strayblade]

...I'm already here.

[And she is, standing out front of it with her katana over one shoulder, clutching Barker's leash in both hands. The half-grown puppy on the other end of it.]

Action

[strayblade]

[Naoto looked different, but in more subtle, natural ways. She was less pale, a sure sigh that she'd actually been spending more time outside. And why not? It had to be preferable to a life underground.

And all the best thinking spots were outside.

Her posture was a bit rigid as she nodded her head and followed him inside, letting her dog be her guide. She settled in one of the many pews, placing her katana to one side.]

Action

[strayblade]

I saw it.

[She confirms it without hesitation. They both know it anyway. Heine must've had some awareness in the moment to do what he did. And of the candidates that could've brought him back to the church, Naoto would've been near the top of the list.]

And it saw me.

Action

[strayblade]

You're right.

[It's such a change of pace to be agreeing with him. Arguing, locking those figurative horns was more the norm for them.]

Is that what you want to hear? Is that enough?

[She finally turns her head and looks directly at him for his reaction, his response.]

Action

[strayblade]

No. I don't believe it.

[Firmly.]

I'm still alive. That's what I said. And if you couldn't protect or save anyone, I wouldn't be.

Action

[strayblade]

Because your words and your actions never match up. You say that you can't do anything, but when the time comes, you just do it. I've seen it too many times now.

[Her eyes narrowed. Maybe it was better this way anyway. Maybe peace between them wasn't a good idea. Because if he was fighting her, at least he would still be fighting. The day he gave up was the day he would prove her wrong once and for all.]

Did you ever stop to think that all those thoughts in your head are coming from it and not you?