MEET UP [RUKIA]

Mizuki Haruka

Tap. Tap. Tap.

It was a faint noise, the sounds of her thumb clacking against the screen of her phone, compared to all the hustle and bustle of the conversations around her.

Message after message were exchanged, sending her phone vibrations as the replies had came, each of them holding the kind of responses that made her wonder.

Just what were the people behind their phones like?

A lot of those she traded with on Digi Modify, she had only knew of their aliases online, as any meetups involved either another party exchanging things, or her picking and dropping stuff off.

She understood the matter of privacy well, being a Web Trooper, but real life and the digital world were two different things. Anonymity was a guarantee.

Though she supposed it just couldn't be helped. Some people were just more open on the surface net, than they were in the real world, if these messages were indication.

The presence of just the type of people they might have been, she was able to read rather well from their responses, although it didn't extend to everyone.

The person who went under the alias of Mimi, seemed rather nervous, for someone trading on Digimon Modify. It implied possibly either a young age, or just the misfortune of having been scammed in past offers.

Although the former was more likely than the latter, seeing as how they had claimed to be new. Even her attempts to hint at conversation about the digital world, and beyond their trade, wasn't something answered.

A shame, really. She liked creating some kind of connections with people, more than anything. Wanted to be someone they relied on when it came to things.

Would this person even show up? Or would they just be like the rest? It was a question that stayed on her mind, as she had took the train to Shibuya, already meaning to have gone there for other business she had.

The ward had been the spot she had picked in the first place, knowing just how often Digimon seemed to biomerge around here, and entered the real world.

Trying to get one to trust her, wasn't as easy as it should have been. More often than not, she had the rabbit-like Digimon, who was currently nestling inside of her sling bag, delete any that came from the digital world.

This world wasn't right for many of them, and her own needed to get as strong as it could, to go and deal with possibly even bigger threats they hadn't seen.

She had learned enough about the digital world these last four years, to know Rookies were usually the ones who tended to show up outside the digital world.

She hadn't replied back to the last message Mimi had sent her, partially hoping they would have some kind of interest in more than a one off trade.

But nothing had further came from the other end, and the heads up about looking for a pink rabbit bag, she found herself looking back at more than once.

For her, it was always better to doubt an alias by what they went by, knowing she was often mistaken to be a guy, for having an alias like severance.

The name was nothing more than picking out something that sounded sharp and final, which the business of a severance was likely to do to someone.

The world blurred by as she left the train, and found herself walking around the ward, while her Digimon whispered in her ear, asking if it was safe.

A rather obvious chatty creature, who she had to often coddle and remind that time around here passed differently than what it was likely used to.

Similar to timezones really, if the world the creature was from, had actually kept track of their system.

What she had told Mimi about what to look for, in the place considered to be the capital of fashion, it was also true what she said wasn't particularly helpful.

Though she had figured anyway something like the v-sign, even among everyone else that shared her sense of fashion when it came to hair bands, would be enough an indication to stick out in this person's mind.

There was also her own search for the girl. A lot of those around here were typically teens, knowing how parents so often had no real time to watch their kid all day.

With the help of her Digimon slightly peeking out from the slingbag, she had headed towards the location that they had agreed on, finding a girl standing around, and fitting the bill of what they were supposed to search for.

"Mimi, right? Or maybe just a friend?"

The tone that she spoke with, as she greeted the girl with a slight bow, was rather curious and friendly.

Not as young as she had thought, although that wasn't really a bad thing either. The girl was likely the age she had been, when she had met her Terriermon, and that assumption was something that filled her with nostalgia.

Taking out her collection of cards, which she kept in a rectangular container on the outside pocket of her slingbag, there were a total of fifteen cards that she had fanned out, one of which was the Gabumon S card they had agreed to trade for the armor one.

It was a quick display before she had folded it back up into one stack, with the summon card ontop. Fifteen wasn't really much, but she had gotten rid of duplicates, and traded throughout the years for something better.

It wasn't really perfect, but there were several armor ones that she prided being able to obtain, either through buying packs, or making a trade with one of her surface net friends. The next card tourney should be interesting.

"I know it doesn't seem like much, but I've had to trade quite a few, and even give some away, just to get some of these armor ones. I'd also be willing to trade for more beyond Gabumon, if you're interested."

Due to her own genetics, the rather short stature she had growing up, filled out rather nicely, as she went through growth spurts. While not real tall, it was more than she ever had been, and she was shaping to be more of an adult, than the teen she still was, being nineteen.

Just barely under twenty.

MADE BY ★MEULK

Mizuki Haruka

Different.

If there was a word that could describe the girl in front of her, that would have been it. From a distance, she had been dressed up like anyone else around their age.

But being up close, it was rather easy to see what she hadn't been able to, before. The girl was small, pale, and thinner than most people her age would be.

It was only the rather shy expressions being displayed, that had kept her from assuming the girl just wasn't feeling well. Or had some kind of eating disorder.

Exhaustion and heavy eyelids, were usually the sign of such a thing, which she didn't need to have any professional medical background to really see.

This was likely as happy the girl might have actually be able to get with her, knowing that they were strangers and all, and the rather shy behavior about things.

"Offline and out here, I'm Rukia. You know, it's really nice to finally meet someone from Digi Modify, outside of card tournaments. Most of these trade meetups, I usually just meet their friend or relative."

Though the girl might have been feeling awkward, she was doing her best to smile through it, making idle conversation as she would with anyone else.

Even if Mizuki had never been to the digital world, a topic which she would try and work in, they still had in common the trading cards, which had to have comfort for the girl somewhere. But just having a listening ear, wasn't something which was really too bad either.

The cards that she had shuffled back into a proper deck, it was rather difficult to tell if the girl had seen any other ones she might have possibly wanted to trade as well.

Perhaps it was just nerves clouding her mind, that an answer couldn't really be formed for her further offer.

Nothing she truly minded, as it was just something which continued to be a suggestion, as well as conversation.

If anything, the lack of a response only made her think back to how the girl was looking for mental fragment cards, along with summons that weren't duplicates.

She was assuming for the latter, anyway, knowing most wouldn't really turn down something they didn't have.

Watching as the girl had made a move to get her own offered card, her eyes had widened in surprise as the bag had slipped, and a rather loud ouch sounded.

That wasn't something normal, and even if she had been four years younger, she still wouldn't believe any excuses that the sound had belonged to some company toy.

It was likely an indication that the girl did have a Digimon, who she kept in her bag like her own.

"What's going on? Did someone get hurt?"

As the girl had scrambled to pick up her bag, and she had slightly lowered herself as well, to give the girl a hand to grab, a soft voice had spoken from her own bag.

She felt movement around, and knew the Terriermon was likely peeking out a bit from instead, trying to get a look. It was nothing which she would ever find embarrassing, unlike what the younger girl seemed to be feeling, at having two incidents to happen.

But that was only because they had different personalities and backgrounds. She was the type to talk her way out of something like this, if needed.

Though she certainly wasn't happy about the Terriermon forgetting what she had always told it, when they were in public, and not somewhere private like a house.

Her lips were slightly pursed as she made no acknowledgment to a second voice, with her mind pushing the slip up back in her mind, upon seeing the other girl had accidentally spilled her bag's contents.

As she fully bent down on her knees to help, among all of the things that had spilled out, her eye had caught wind of a rather large book, which was just the kind of cover material that wasn't often seen.

If there had been any doubt on her mind that the girl did have a Digimon, it was cleared upon seeing an eye blink open, and quickly shut, upon noticing that their eyes had actually met. Her heart filled with warming seeing the decision. Only a Digimon would believe that would work.

Slightly smiling at the effort, and helping Mizuki pick up her things, while the girl had went to pick up the large 'book', she wondered if this was going to possibly have the girl be more open about what was on her mind.

With the way she was acting, it was rather clear she was hesitant in letting anyone find out she had a sentient book. Which was really just a natural response for this sort of thing. She'd likely would do something similar.

The Terriermon in her own bag had remained silent, having apparently seen what it had wanted, as she felt it slide back down to where it was supposed to have stayed hidden from the public eye, or risk unneeded attention.

"Would you mind if we had a chat somewhere more private? I'd like to share some advice which might help lessen any burdens you've been carrying."

Handing the game cards over, while the other stuff was back in its bag, she found herself wondering just why the book Digimon, was kept inside it in the first place.

There were some peculiar things about it, though having it face a certain direction, might be better than treating it like the object that its form closely resembled.

Though there was also the kind of scrambling that could have been handled better, or more naturally.

But if there was one thing she learned in school, it was that people were usually not willing to do something, despite being capable to perform it.

Maybe the girl was the same way.

MADE BY ★MEULK

Mizuki Haruka

Silence.

Outside of her work and studying, it wasn't something she had been accustomed to for years. Not since meeting her partner Digimon back then.

The Terriermon liked to talk, and would do so on its own, like what had happened when the other girl had dropped her Digimon. Its concern for others was admirable, knowing what more rampaging Digimon were like.

And had they only been together for a short time, and not about four years now, it likely would have continued to talk after checking up on things.

Nothing which she truly would have mind, knowing since accomplishing a lot of what she wanted in life, she hardly ever really showed worry.

But she wasn't going to encourage what they had already established either, which was letting the Digimon speak minimally while in public.

"So you mentioned that you have no troubles with getting transportation. Do you come from a wealthy family then?"

Though the same wasn't going to be said for her. Putting aside the whole slipup with the book Digimon, she had naturally fallen back to holding idle chatter.

She wasn't really expecting much of an answer, knowing the kind of opportunities she gave, amounted to mostly just confirmation of what she said or asked.

But it wasn't something she found to be a bother. Holding some kind of semblance of conversation wasn't difficult for her, and was more to pass the time than anything, knowing the destination in mind was a big out the way.

"This cafe we're going to, I think it might be good to spare some expenses. You seemed a bit parched back there."

Alluding a little back to what happened, the girl's response had been a little hoarse, for something that had only entailed a bag being dropped on the ground.

A little bit shaken up was how she would have described it, which only made her wonder what must have happened in the girl's life, to react in such a way.

Digimon tended to bio-merge into the real world a lot in this ward, though it was kept under guard enough for it to not really make news around here.

For a meetup which was supposed to have been a simple exchange, what they had agreed upon, was shaping up to be as different as the girl was.

In appearance, personality, and now with her Digimon. The other tamers she had met, usually had a creature which was bipedal like her Terriermon.

She was actually hoping she would get the chance to scan the Digimon later, and add it to her notes on knowing how to properly deal with its kind.

This one seemed to be rather docile, but others who were from the Digital World, might not have really been the same. These creatures fought for survival, after all. Part of why there were factions around.

This girl, she wondered if she was even apart of one. It was much easier exploring the world having connections to rely on, than going things alone.

Maybe she would get the chance to make another offer, regarding that. She was already planning on keeping the girl on her mind, if she came across any more of the kind of cards the girl was looking to find for herself.

The mental fragments, made a lot more sense, knowing about the book Digimon. Most people, including herself, went for elemental cards and armor.

Reaching the cafe, she had extended a hand out as she held the open. Even if she hadn't been several years older, with how different their personalities were, she couldn't help but see herself as the host.

"After you."

MADE BY ★MEULK

Mizuki Haruka

She seemed relived.

Though anyone would really be, knowing their Digimon partner hadn't been hurt in any way or form.

A drop from the bag wouldn't necessarily do much, knowing how resilient the creatures could be.

But even knowing that, these Digimon were capable of thought, just like any human. They had feelings to consider and should be respected, like any other.

This was the equivalent of a person falling, and being able to sympathize that they hadn't gotten hurt.

A smile was offered at the girl, which was really all that was needed. There wasn't a need to make a big deal out of something that seemed to not be serious.

At her question of whether the girl's family was wealthy, only a nod had been given to her in response.

It wasn't an everyday situation, to meet someone of this kind of status. Especially not for a casual meetup.

There were businessmen all around Shinjuku-Ku, sure, though but things were different, when the person one was meeting was so young. Understandably, nothing more had really been said about the matter.

A better income, didn't necessarily make anyone different. Although beyond not wanting to use too much inheritance, it was curious she had trouble finding cards, knowing these families had better connections.

The only matter she could really come up with as to why, would have had to be because of upbringing.

Either the girl's parents weren't supportive, which as an heir, was usually unlikely, or it was just something Mizuki didn't wish to really bother her family about.

That seemed more of a possibility, with what she had already been exposed to of the girl. Not much of a talker, at least when it came to being around people.

It could have easily been otherwise, when alone with her Digimon. They could possibly wind up being more social creatures than humans really were, with their minds.

"That's fortunate. I've been commuting between here and Shinjuku-Ku, while studying in the latter, and commuting hasn't been an easy thing. It's a bit of a wait, but my own family have been as supportive as they can, keeping me occupied, now and again."

That was likely the thing about taking the train, that could be a bother, People got up and off the train, with different stops on the way, that weren't her own.

Might be easy to miss, if not playing too close attention, but also harder to even find entertainment for.

Usually crowded as well, no matter how much she'd try and get there early. Not really something pleasant to experience, after a long day of classes and the like.

"Ah, I meant more like we should grab a drink and food, while we're there. Although if you'd like, it's only fair that I help out."

An apologetic bow was given to the girl, with a bit of a compromise proposed as well. Looking at it from another perspective, she could understand seeing things that way. Though beyond relieving of any mild exhaustion from back there, it was also supposed to hint at given their Digimon something to occupy as well.

They didn't really seem like they really needed to eat, but that didn't mean they sure didn't enjoy it.

She didn't bring up her intentions, only exchanging a slight smile for her mistake, as they had arrived.

An internet cafe, was likely the most inexpensive place that those looking for a temporary place to rest, might be able to do so, knowing what many had to offer.

She had used it a couple of times, when her parents had been out of reach, though not enough to be considered one of their regulars, or anything like that.

Following after the girl, who hadn't hesitated to be the one to cover the part of at least booking a room, there were still some other expenses, which she wanted to help personally cover. Namely, for the Digimon.

The exchange was as short as what had occurred with the other girl, and she had only lagged behind a bit, as she sprinted a bit after, in order to go and catch up.

What room was acquired, had been rather standard in her eyes, knowing this was more meant to have been a quick exchange, rather than a night's stay.

The glance given to her, was rather straightforward in meaning, and before even speaking, she had gone and sat down at the sofa first. A comfortable plop down.

"Ah, did we stop?"

Not a moment after her hand had touched the straps of her bag, a soft, but child-like voice had spoken from inside, as if to serve as a reminder why they were here.

"We did. But you'll have to hide and be quiet later, when I ask you to, okay, little one?"

Taking off her slingbag, the Terriermon's head had poked out, as she had unclasped the locks holding the top together. Its view was blocked, as she had stroked its head, which only had it nuzzle against her hand.

"Uh huh. Woah..."

The Digimon had looked around its surroundings, eyes widening upon seeing the other girl, although it couldn't do more but express surprise, as it was carried out of the slingbag. Her arms were wrapped around its body, as she sat it in her lap, which it squirmed against, to readjust.

"Sorry about that. She's been in there for awhile, and it's better to have her stretch, before having to go back in. Tara, this is Mizuki."

"Hello! I'm a Terriermon. It's nice to meet you!"

Nodding along to her words, the Digimon had kicked its feet a little in excitement, hearing itself be referred to.

She had been with the Digimon for at least two years now, and it took quite awhile to train it to add 'a' in front of its species name. She wanted it to learn that it was an individual, rather than a number of many.

"I guess the best place to start first, would be going back to our chat earlier, back on Digi-Modify. I was sort of hinting it, but I was wondering if you were new to the Digital World. Know that the franchise was more than just a game for us."

One of the things that she had taken out, beyond the Digimon itself, was the digivice she had obtained, not long after coming across the Digimon. It used to simply be a card reader, bought from just about any store.

Her own device had a green surface around the screen, similar in color to the Digimon she was holding, itself. The Digimon followed with its eyes, as she had presented the device, her hand striking its ears to calm it.

"Are we going to fight?"

"No, nothing like that."

How it had gotten that idea, was likely more natural instinct, than anything, upon seeing something it knew. Guess it must have forgot where they were again, and that she wasn't trying to hide her appearance.

"I've also went ahead and requested some food, so we might have to mind the door."