Fourth Strike | Video

[skullbashing]

[To those who Shinji might have been traveling with, he... actually up and ditched them almost a week ago. Without a word, because he's kind of a jackass like that. ... Not that anyone besides Mitsuru even knew he was traveling with them to begin with, so that takes care of that in itself, really. Never fear, though, here he is, ready to make

Comments

[video]

[bufudyned]

[she is... used to him wandering off without informing her at this point, and though it makes her worry just a bit, she is aware he's fully capable of taking care of himself]

What is it we need to discuss?

[video]

[skullbashing]

It's about Shadows.

[video]

[bufudyned]

[easily pinged]

I assume this is a conversation we want to have in person?

[video]

[skullbashing]

You got it. That okay with you?

[video]

[bufudyned]

It is. I'll await for you, Akihiko, and-- [here she pauses] -- Arisato to return.

[video]

[skullbashing]

-- You know?

[video]

[bufudyned]

I spoke to her already. [and felt a small smidgen of guilt for not recognizing her buuut she won't say that out loud]

[video]

[skullbashing]

... How'd it go?

[video]

[bufudyned]

As expected.

[a beat]

She seemed upset that I didn't recognize her.

[video]

[skullbashing]

... I guess that's understandable. How about you?

[video]

[bufudyned]

She seems like a kind girl. I can see why she lead SEES on your-- [and here is where she pauses, because for the first time, she's acknowledging he's not the Shinjiro she knew] -- your world.

[video]

[skullbashing]

... Hey. [he's picking up on that, somewhat.] Except for her, as far as I can see it, everything else was the same.

I'm still me.

[video | 1/2]

[bufudyned]

[she looks surprised for a moment that he was able to read her response so easily]

[video | 2/2]

[bufudyned]

[before her expression turns into a relieved smile because she knows he's perfectly right]

You're right. You are still you.