｟♍ ＶＩＤＥＯ ０１｠

[paratenic]

[ After taking a few seconds to make his way through the various menus and applications of the new device he's been given, Shion's busy flipping through towards the video function. The feed comes on, giving an initial view of vivid red eyes and pale skin. But as Shion pulls back, more of him is seen, including the red line of scarred skin that

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(video) 1/2

[paratenic]

[ For a second, there's only a bit of blinking as Shion stares down at the device. Since awaking in the strange new world, he hadn't really anticipated being reunited with Rat right away (though part of him intensely hoped he would). So hearing the sound of Rat's voice makes him pause. But the second passes and his eyes widen, a light returning to them. The smile on his lips shifts to something a bit more genuine. He's here. Of course he's here. And he's just the same as always.

A light laugh, less nervous than the one he'd given just moments before. ]

It's true.

(video)

[paratenic]

[ And then, a bit more seriously. ]

Rat, where are you? How did we... No, I guess that was explained in the letter, but- What should we do?

(video)

[paratenic]

[ Rash? No, he won't do anything rash. And he tries to get that to reflect in his expression. He needs to be strong; he can do this. ]

I won't. [ A beat. ] Rat... What about Safu? And Rikiga and Dogloan?

(video)

[paratenic]

[ Then his suspicions are confirmed. This isn't their world at all, if the change in climate hadn't been enough of an indication. Which means getting home will be even more difficult. And they have no way of contacting Dogloan or Rikiga about stalling the plan.

After all the sacrifices they've made so far, after how far they've come... It seems so unfair. ]

Rat, I'm coming to find you.

(video)

[paratenic]

[ The corners of his lips twitch. For as much as Rat might claim to want it, he never really does a good job at keeping the distance between them. ]

There's a path leading up to a main street. I'm following it right now.

(video)

[paratenic]

Mm. [ He gives the barest hint of a smile. ] I'll be there. We'll figure this out. I know we can.

(video → action)

[paratenic]

I won't be.

[ More of a smile now, he nods, and turns the phone off before storing it in his pocket. His coat is still gone, since he wrapped it around that poor infant, but with his sweater on, it's warm enough that he doesn't need it. What's more, it'll make him easier to spot for Rat, amongst others that may pass by.

It only takes him a few minutes to find the turn in the road Rat mentioned, and once there, he waits, looking around for a familiar head of dark hair. ]

(action)

[paratenic]

[ The sound of Rat's voice makes him jerk his head up and he turns in the direction he hears it coming from. Seeing the other boy now, in the flesh, rather than over the device, sends relief through him. Not enough to calm the tremor of worry that still remains, knowing they've left Safu and the others behind. But just enough to get by. Because he knows that with Rat here, they can definitely figure out a way. ]

Rat... [ He'll just ignore that nickname for now, in favor of the many, many questions he has. ] How long have you been here? What did your note say? Have you found a place to stay yet? What if...