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Post by Cion on Aug 28, 2019 17:16:38 GMT
For long...the amber sun had ceased to grant its warmth and luminance to another day of uncountable in the realm known as the digital world. An all-encompassing darkness enshrouded everything treading its soil, yet within obscurity there were lights that prevailed and pierced it. One of them was the pulsating, fulvous sheen of a small fire, the center of a barely larger campsite. Admits nothing except shadow, on top of a vast scarp, its flames waved and entwined, only to disaggregate again. And once they dwindled away, more fuel was added so it could persist for a little longer. It had a purpose, so others expected from it to fulfill it, and if it was capable of thought it perhaps obliged it willingly. Yet ultimately, it was merely a force that traversed the sea of time, bound to extinguish someday. Would it arise from the ashes as smoke and form into something new, like a cloud? An uncertainty - the future was a mystery to all. No matter the ambitions, or lack of them, nothing was likely to occur as intended. And so it lingered on, burning up what it required to achieve its function... Aureate eyes shifted from the faint blazes, beholding the distant beacon that was a city bristling with brigo in contrast to the silent nothingness around it. It was fitting... given how those enchanted by it fled the burdens of their reality, as if this would resolve them permanently. But it was a mere illusion at best, a self-deception at worst. Such escapism was unbecoming to those who genuinely pursued their aspirations. Regrettably, the irony of this notion was not lost on the soul contemplating it. The gaze tilted anew, bearing witness of the seemingly infinite emptiness in front of it. Stretching from the horizon to the very peak of the canopy, twinkling stars shed the minuscule light they were able to provide. Solely the moon, which shone like a pale imitation of day's radiance, provided slight guidance in this night. Their indistinct reflection intermingled with the ocean's surface - washed-out fragments of impossible dreams. And as the cacophony of weakly crackling embers, shattering waves and the rustling flora caught by mild, autumnal winds continued, the lonesome observer complied and watched. Its tiny frame sitting and hunched over, sentiments, notions and ideas as plenty as the twinkles above emerged and faded as quickly as they came. This entity too possessed means to sustain itself, but they remained nearby and untouched. Deliberate or not, it seemed of no relevance... as many things always tended to do. The vulpine's silhouette, despite carrying the paleness of the celestial rock in the sky, was tinted by the soft orange spikes that granted warmness in this cold hour. Yet unlike the dancing flames, there was no motion in the maverick, in particular her face. Although countless emotions mingled and clashed behind it, not a single drop was permitted to spill. The poise never had to waver, nor the desires that begot it. Eyes which rarely blinked beheld the calm and serene view, silently feasting on it so that maybe peace of mind returned. It appeared to be pointless, but possibly, by not losing sight, eventually it would. That was what people usually said, was it not? That everything had a reason and meaning - anything so failures and woes had a justification. What an... unfathomable travesty... "Hunting... searching for futures I've dreamed..." Escaped the lips of the fox, a melody in hushed whispers as the grip on her own body grew firm. "Ever chasing... believing visions unseen..." The scion proceeded as her quiet words were carried by the gentle breeze that caused leaves and blossoms to rustle softly. Faintly cradling herself, the weary spirit slowly tilted her head into her arms. Eyelashes closed in on each other, their marginal dew glistening alongside the water's threshold. Still... the neutral expression dominated incessantly. "Hearing... that hope is futile, only inspires me - not to give up." The dulcet, young voice finished, the last note as cracked as the genuineness inside it. After an almost inaudible sigh, near absolute silence recurred as fast as it had vanished, and so had all stayed the same within the veil of inanition. So it was, so it will be.
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Post by Toki Akiyama on Aug 29, 2019 22:58:40 GMT
Nearby, the tall silhouette of a human stared up at the moonlit night sky and admired the tranquil beauty of the moon along with its shimmering reflections on the water's surface. Was the dark truly such a suffocating thing? Or did the night serve as a reminder that light will always find a way to break through even the thickest shroud? He chuckled to himself at his musings and said to himself "Even though you're gone, it still feels like you're watching me. No...not just me...you're up there, watching over the entire Digital World, aren't you, Tsusagimon?" Ever since his spirit sacrificed itself, the night sky always seemed a little brighter to Toki, as if to remind him that his long time friend and mentor still existed in some way and that his legacy will live on.
Soon he would hear a noise and spot the flickering of a campfire a slight ways off from Whitewater. As he walked along the shore to investigate, he heard someone speaking. More like singing something to themselves. He politely waited for her to stop before approaching further. "You've been through a lot, haven't you Cion?" Toki said as he joined her at the campfire. He sat across from her and crossed his legs, smiling softly at his old friend. "I can't imagine the sorts of things you could be thinking about, but something tells me what happened in Shibuya is probably on your mind. It's on mine too. It was...a messy clash of ideologies on all sides of that." He said with a sigh.
Despite the hardships, Toki still had this air of optimism and hope about him as he fondly looked at his digivice in the light of the campfire. "I haven't really seen you around all that often. I know you've been busy out there, doing what you can...but I don't hear much about what's been going on in general. If you'd like, we can talk about it for a while. It'd be nice to catch up properly after all this time."
He knew the pain of crippling isolation. To either refuse talking to someone about your worries or just not having anyone to vent those worries to. It was awful. Whether or not that was something Cion was going through right now he couldn't really be certain, but it wasn't going to stop him from hearing her out.
"Can you tell me about that song you were singing?" He asked, curious about the origins of it. "It seems like it's got quite the story behind it if you don't mind sharing." He offered her a patient smile, knowing how difficult certain things could be to talk about.
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Post by Cion on Aug 30, 2019 16:22:14 GMT
It was without a single noise escaping the vulpine sentinel's lips that she gave a jerk backwards. Talons no longer digging softly into her fur and skin, it was with peaked ears and an expression of intense surprise that she tilted her head to face the intruder who had emerged suddenly. Blinking upon beholding the familiar frame, her maw was slightly open as she listened to the young gentleman's rhetoric question. Unsure on how to react properly to his inquisitiveness, she decided to neither move nor speak on purpose. Ultimately, the answer was self-explanatory, was it not?
Regardless, Cion brought herself to carry a faint simper instead of the frown. Though ludicrously coincidental and highly unexpected, the presence of Toki was enchanting nonetheless. The boy had a heart that shone brighter than most, and the potential she could sense within him, his untapped power, was undeniable. Hence, although she had not invited him to do so, she was glad that he sat down near the crackling campfire. Delighted to have the smile returned, the restrained Arniomon found elation and solace in the fact that her acquaintance knew and trusted her so much as to simply join her figurative haven of tranquility.
"Among many others,.. but yes, it was a complete farce." She commented as a quiet chuckle echoed throughout the empty scarp. If there was anything that chirked the tiny fennec up, then it was consent. And to be honest, what had occurred in Shibuya a couple of days ago had indeed been absolutely off-wall. Frenzied terrorists, duplicitous counterparts, perfidiousness... and unfortunately a lost opportunity to establish a foundation of co-existence between both realms. However, this seesaw had not demoralized her. On the contrary - it had been an immensely valuable learning experience... one that had burned itself into her consciousness.
"Still... you fought valiantly and capably." The female fox added as she bore witness of the lad's reserved exasperation. Giving him a kittenish thumps up, she attempted to show him, in spite of her fatigue, the genuineness of her credit. The spirit-wielder certainly earned praise for his contribution... and thankfully, he had received it. Not everyone were able to claim that they did.
Gazes shifted to the digivice in his hand and Cion's attention escalated as the subject matter appeared to focus on her. Nearly dumbfounded by this prying interest in her, her stance relaxed all the same. In the company of a cherished friend, sitting comfortably in the tender grass was easy. "Catching up? Certainly! But do you mean to tell me that you don't know about the last few years... the black taint, the dark spires, the D-Reaper... and now the monsters of this week - the demon lords?" She calmly questioned Mr. Akiyama in slight disbelief of his assertion of ignorance. Her derisiveness towards the end, which was not directed at him, was equally as distinct.
Sighing in a barely audible way, the ancient soul leaned back to rest on her paws. Looking at the infinite ocean of diminutive lights that adorned the canopy, she once again granted her fellow the ear he sought. Sadly, the final question asked did not beget a reaction fitting to this moment of serenity. Instead, the lonesome ascendant giggled... and then laughed in a low voice. Oddly enough, it was a very sincere titter, if a bit self-deprecating. "That maudlin melody? Oh yes, it got quite a lengthy backstory..."
Clearing her throat, Cion briefly scratched her nose before proceeding to give Toki the explanation he desired. "It's from one of your world's electronic games - a theme song of a protagonist. He is this young adult who was the last of his kind. Somehow, he managed to journey backwards in time and tried to prevent the apocalypse with the help of a clairvoyant he met in the past. Though he manages to improve individual lives by traversing the ages and learns of the wonders and joys of life, nothing he accomplishes changes mankind's downfall. At the end of his path he actually thinks that he succeeds by preventing the cataclysmic event... only for a worse doom to befall all those people he sought to protect."
For a minute, absolute silence returned to this beachside glade. During this instance, she wondered about a good way to continue. It was a heartfelt tale that inspired participants to contemplate their actions, but by most it was regarded as a simple tragedy. Shifting the aureate gleams that were her irises to the charming rascal, she nodded firmly. "It's a beautiful piece of music... and it seemed... fittingly melancholic." She finished as uncertainty strained her spirit. A thousand lessons could be learned from these kind of stories - but they shared history's perpetual travesty.
"Speaking of things that fit, or not..." Her voice suddenly arose as she too held curiosity for a few things. "What brought you here in this darkest hour, if I may ask?"
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Post by Toki Akiyama on Sept 2, 2019 5:16:46 GMT
He sighed heavily at her reaction to what happened at Golden Week "There are things that could have gone better that day, but there's not much we can do to change what happened. It happened when I was at my lowest point, too. I was so excited to see something being done to further the understanding between humans and digimon. To finally just...break this veil of ignorance that has led to more trouble than good. Then the attack happened. I was furious. Angrier than I had ever been in my life. We could have been so close...but at that moment it felt like my dream of coexistence shattered, especially when I saw the legitimate fear in peoples' eyes of even the Digimon who wanted to help..."
It was enough to make him falter in his beliefs and make him worry if he'll ever truly have a place in either world after his involvement. Now though, his resolve was stronger than ever, and that was evident by the confident, determined look on his face "Still, we may have taken a hit, but that just means we need to get back up and keep at it. One day we'll understand each other and live as equals. Our worlds have much to offer one another."
He watched the flames of the campfire flicker and dance along the firewood. "It's hard though, and I understand that. The reason I was so...defeated then is because I had just lost not one, but two dear friends. My spirit, who was able to communicate with me and others, gave the last of his will to save my life when I was captured by an old enemy of his. In the end, I attained my highest level spirit, but lost him forever. As a parting gift, he even created a unique spirit for me to use depending on the situation...he cared about me through it all." His smile was sad, but it was one of respectful mourning. His strength seemed to come from his desire to make those who came before him happy that he's still pushing forward. "My friend K also died recently. Some injuries she sustained in battle were just too much for her."
Though he decided to move on from the topic and try to focus on actually catching up with Cion. "I've heard of the spires. I helped destroy a few of them a while back, when they were the predominant threat. It was during my early days here in the Digital World but even then I couldn't ignore those who needed help. The D-Reaper...while I haven't necessarily encountered it personally, I've heard many people speak of it. I'd rather avoid involvement with it as much as possible given how dangerous it is to pretty much anyone who crosses it. Though I know that trying to drive the D-Reaper into a frenzy or attract it to certain areas of the Digital World was the goal of some group not too long ago. I helped fend off a Megidramon with the help of some other brave fighters. I even managed to talk to one of the Sovereigns, if only for a brief moment. I say talk, but it was more of a plea for help...and they answered." He said with a bit of a laugh.
He raised an eyebrow slightly at the mention of the demon lords. "The Demon Lords? Yes I've heard of them. I was actually at negotiating tables recently, but those quickly went out of hand when their envoy turned out to be Lilitmon's minions in disguise. We defeated them and the real person we were supposed to meet, GranDracmon, arrived to discuss things. He was none too thrilled at Lilithmon's deception, so he's on our side...for now. I hope. GranDracmon...scares me." He said, shaking a bit even thinking about the sheer amount of power that Digimon had. It was a crushing feeling that he could feel just by thinking about it. "Though...part of me hopes for peaceful solutions. Some of those Demon Lords seem almost...agreeable. I'm keeping my guard up though. Still...the world's more complex than concepts of good and evil. The Digimon who became the Demon Lords must have felt such intense fear and desperation, especially during all of the tragic things going on in the Digital World as of late...they're sympathetic, but doesn't excuse some of the things that they're doing."
Cion's mention of the song being from a video game surprised Toki a little bit "I didn't take you for one to find interest in human entertainment, Cion. I'll admit I haven't heard of this game you're talking about, but I'll have to look for it now. Games are a beautiful thing...they can tell such amazing stories in ways other media cannot."
She then asked what brought him here. He looked out over the ocean "My spirit's homeland is across the water here. The Blossom Isles. I'm going back to the monastery he ran and fixing it up with my friend Aylin. We're going to make something of that place again and do our best to lead a group from there. I want to help people see that hope isn't dead. Even if it seems like there's nothing that can be done, we have to hold on. We have to stand back up no matter how much it hurts."
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Post by Cion on Sept 2, 2019 19:03:41 GMT
In many ways, young Mr. Akiyama was of course absolutely right. Most often, things could have turned out better, yet there was no way of changing the past. At least, and that was a value Cion held as close as possible to her heart, there were lessons to be learned - and she certainly had, quite intensely so. However, upon hearing of her companion's uncertainty, her own confidence staggered slightly. Obviously surprised by this sentiment, which came from a very cheerful boy, her ears peaked to cautiously yet attentively listen to what he had on his mind.
"I... carry the same exasperation. Such a fine prospect ending prematruely in an... ignominy." She quietly voiced her apparently mutual understanding. Whatever reasons the participants of the conflict had carried to realize it, the failure in it all was undeniable. First impressions mattered greatly to cast aside stigmas, and theirs had been depredated by malice and plain folly. Would an opportunity like this ever emerge again? Unlikely, and especially not in Shibuya. "It's..." She spoke up, only to pause and rethink her statement for a moment. "a shame. Plenty digimons welcome humans with open arms, including our cities. Why can't this appreciation be reciprocated?"
Unfortunately, it was clear that both of them did not have the answer to this kind of fundamental question. There were probably uncountable aspects anyway which clumped together into cancerous paranoia. Folding her paws and sighing, the silver fennec gazed calmly at the lad regardless. As it was her purpose every day, she remained stalwart and inspiring to those she cherished. Nobody, particularly that benevolent spirit-wielder who accompanied her, had to lose themselves to doubts and hesitation. If she had to serve as a beacon to light someone else's path, then she accepted to push away her sorrow.
"Truer words were seldom spoken." She emphasized her support of the notion of resolve. Delighted and calmed by Toki's outstanding determination... it was actually her who was inspired by him. To know that others fought the seemingly endless battle eased her soul exceptionally. Sadly, as she bore witness of the loss her friend explicated, her previous joy vanished immediately. "K! How - When?!" The vulpine sentinel nearly shouted. Quickly she shoved her hands in front of her maw. Almost digging her talons into her skin, her aureate eyes shifted towards seemingly nothing. The shock and lack of comprehension was a painfully abrupt toll on her spirit.
Visibly, innumerable emotions and thoughts once more raged behind the deteriorating mask that was her face. Suddenly pushing herself onto her feet, the tiny fox hastily strode several steps, her frame engulfed by the amber sheen of the campfire. Her head seemed as if moving in twitches, and so did her gaze. Untypical distress, the antithesis of her pervasive poise, was apparent in every sinew. Turning away from the adult male, her eyelids partially closed, ostensibly to expel the outside world. This terrible news... why now - and so unforeseeable?
A long, silent exhale escaped her lips as her paw clenched and cramped to an uncanny extent, well-nigh as if she intended to rip apart her own flesh. Though, as fast as this ire emerged it faded. Comparable to experiencing the five stages of grief within the span of a few seconds, a sigh echoed throughout the edge of the tropical glade. It was... gut-wrenching. So much potential in an incredibly noble paladin lost... ... She had known the lupiform vanguard little, but they had prevailed clashes, watching each other's back. Oh goodness - what about Mikemon - and their child? "Perish the thought..."
The sole hope left was that K would re-emerge with her memories and feelings intact. If not - Cion understood the unfathomable anguish it'd bring, for she had suffered the same cruel fate... alone. Simmering down and slowly adjusting her stance to behold Toki, she wished she could say anything to provide consolidation. The loss was so unthinkable, but she herself was unable to muster the inner fortitude to do so. No mere words sufficed to mend grave wounds. Thankfully, it appeared as if he had already dealt with his tragedy somewhat. Still, this was... appalling.
It was with a tired, glassy... and tearless look that she payed the little attention she was capable of mustering. It was difficult, but through her pain she did not wish to ignore the boy. For a while, absolute silence shrouded her in a veil of perturbation that steadily yielded. Yet, when Mr. Akiyama laughed, she scoffed with a faint frown. Unbeknownst to everyone but herself, she felt immense animosity for the sovereigns and what they represented. Deities like them, eternal watchers that left the digital realm to fester, were ill-needed - and a waste of power.
"I battled Daemon alongside... K. We were... utterly overwhelmed." She admitted, this dire evening haunting her ever since. Not only had she experienced tremendous failure, but she had also embraced wrath for an instance. "Sin has an inconceivable sway. I... almost lost myself to it." She continued, sincerely hoping that her partner for tonight did not think less of her due to this vague revelation. The truth was far worse, and she still remembered the violent beating of her core overtaken by fury. But was it a hostile taint, or hers?
The way the lad managed to sympathize with the demon lords was incomprehensible. Did he truly believe that it was not vices that guided them? Sure, the avatar of wrath had ambitions that were similar to that of the vulpine ascendant, but... ... were her and its path that similar? Fear and despair - pains she knew too well, guiding plenty of her steps. Sympathetic, but inexcusable - what a confounding maelstrom. "I suppose it does not." She commented in hushed whispers. Forgiveness was among the sharpest of double-edged swords.
Taking in a deep breath, Cion decided to satisfy the rift in her spirit with a pleasant treat. Moving towards her backpack, she removed items wrapped in foil. The first was for herself, the other for her likely jaded friend. "Catch." She said as she weakly tossed the item over to him. It turned out to be a simple sandwich, but it was made with care and a refined taste. Regardless of him accepting the offer or not, she took a bite and silently ate - anything to gratify her in any noticeable way.
Any other day, the hurting fennec would have agreed firmly with Toki, but there was hardly joy in her; understandably so. All of this was simply overpowering, especially for a single night. "Yes..." Was the sole word she responded with, weakly showing her agreement. Strangely enough, after aforementioned story about vain efforts, his revelation, in comparison to everything else, barely affected her. It was merely another straw that burdened the dead camel - figuratively speaking.
"Yes..." She remarked, far weaker and with less confidence than before. In a sense, his last statement rang rather hollow in her ears. It was something she had heard and said uncountable times. The results of this adamantine decisiveness was... disappointing to say the least.
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Post by Toki Akiyama on Sept 3, 2019 1:48:52 GMT
Toki thought about why it was so difficult for human to openly welcome Digimon the same way some Digimon welcomed humans. It was a confusing situation to say the least "It's hard to say. Humanity can be rather fearful of what they don't fully understand, especially if they see it as something dangerous. That's why we need to take it slow and start bridging this gap. It will be long, probably exhausting work with a ton of roadblocks, but in the end that's what makes the work more worth it! We'll get there one day, I know we will." He said, that optimism back in full force "Keep in mind that humans are relatively fragile compared to Digimon. Once we die...that's it. There's no coming back in the sense that Digimon can come back. So being faced with beings that are as powerful as Digimon can come across as just...world-shattering."
Even though it was going to be backbreaking work, Toki somehow kept a cheerful outlook "But there's a reason our worlds are intertwined, I just know it. This isn't an accident and keeping it a secret isn't doing us any favors. Ignorance is the enemy here. Though...I'd be lying if I didn't understand where DATS was coming from. They just want to keep people and Digimon safe. Though their past came back to haunt them. I just hope they have what it takes to rise up beyond what their old organization may have done."
Cion's complete shock at the news of K's death was heartbreaking to witness. He'd never seen that side of her before. "If it's any consolation...she accepted that her time had come. She spent her last moments encouraging those who knew her to keep protecting the world and stand united in the face of our upcoming threats. She also wanted us to treat whoever she becomes should she be reborn as their own person and give them the same chance we gave her. In fact...I met her. Her name is Silence. We met not too long ago in Whitewater, in fact. At first I thought I was looking at a ghost, but after a while, I realized I was talking to someone completely new. A new life that's happy and working hard to make something of herself and just...enjoying the world. She has dreams of who she was and I helped her understand who K was...but I want her to live as her own person unshackled from the expectations placed on K. She will tell her own story."
He smiled kindly at Cion as she confessed she was almost overtaken by Sin "We all have vulnerabilities, and there is no shame in that. We can't always be at our best and sometimes we find ourselves cracking under the pressure. It's at those moments of vulnerability that we need the support of our friends more than ever. Those to lift us back up and remind us that it's okay to get help."
He caught the sandwich she threw his way. "Ah, thank you!" He said as he took a bite. Satisfied, he looked up at the sky once more, enjoying the moment with his friend. "Which is why I want to let you know that if you need to talk about something, I'm here to listen. I'm not going to let myself ignore the needs of others. I'm going to keep helping others...and allowing others to help me when I need it. That's the beauty of life. We'll have our struggles, but those struggles make bonds more precious. I'll never let go of that ideal. If it's naive of me, then so be it. I'm going to live my life through the happy times...the sad times...the difficult times...no matter what. It would be an insult to myself, my friends, and those who came before if I didn't. There's kindness and hope in our worlds, and I live for that." Toki was not jaded in the slightest. His constant eagerness to do good and to see other people smile prevented him from losing focus of what is truly important in the world.
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Post by Cion on Sept 3, 2019 16:39:49 GMT
Toki's unyielding optimism was certainly a peculiarity to the tiny fox. Somehow, it managed to pierce his fatigue and reinvigorate him, even in the darkest of times. She had been witness of this during the farce in Shibuya, and now here in this tranquil night. Were naivety and innocence guiding his thoughts and actions? Likely - but she liked the sentiment of overcoming differences one day, regardless of the odds and the time this change demanded. She once held similar confidence, and it was soothing to know that others believed the same. Hopefully, this belief would not hurt him as well.
"... and understandable." Cion commented, finally beginning to grasp the nature of humanity and the sentiments that strove a few warriors towards literal protectionism. She did not outright accept the idea about the realms' link having a specific purpose, but some humans had indeed proved themselves to be valiant heroes of the digital world.
Secretly admiring the lad's patience and wisdom, she briefly paused and wondered if he had a reason to be chosen as a spirit-wielder. If yes, then it was probably something of great valor. And if it was merely coincidence, then nothing really changed, except that he chose to pursue gallantry. To her, the later was actually more admirable, for it was goodness from free will, not imposed fate. "We'll see..."
Though notions of hope and bliss occasionally illuminated the all-encompassing darkness, exasperation and heartache quickly returned, shrouding the silver fennec in a veil of grief. Young Mr. Akiyama's appreciation was noted with a single, weak nod, but did not permeate her sorrow. Hence she took another bite of her basic dish, allowing flavor and satisfaction to momentarily fill the gaping hole within her spirit. Distraction and work usually accomplished this, but obviously neither was feasible tonight.
Thanks to her friend, who she knew did not mean to inflict pain on her, confrontation was the only option... aside from abscondence. Listening quietly to his explanations, it was clear that his experiences with what was left of K meant to ease her soul. After all, the reincarnation who carried the name Silence found content; an accomplishment not many could claim to have achieved. But at what cost?
"I see..." She whispered to voice her understanding. Discolored by the amber sheen of the crackling flames, the Arniomon's mourning gave way to... resentment. It was very subtle in her facial expression, stance and strained paw, like the sounds of a cat's stride. Eyes that had lost most of their aureate vibrancy narrowed and shifted to behold the soil beneath. The boy's explications had achieved the opposite effect as intended. Agitated, Cion visibly needed several moments to comprehend and deal with the truth that seemingly affected her severely on a personal level.
Eventually, the vulpine sentinel forced her mind to simmer down. Rancor and despair would not accomplish anything, and her companion did not deserve to suffer her worst side. Tilting her head to face him, there was still severe gravity to the question she would ask, irrespective of how calm and kind her tone was. "And her family? Mikemon... and their offspring?" She asked, truly longing to learn if the gentleman had any information. It was of immense importance to her, although why she did not reveal on her own. However, the reasons were possibly discernible.
Refraining from frowning for Toki had show nothing but compassion, the small aspirant mustered her remaining volition to keep at least a neutral expression. "Then why is there often... such helplessness?" She questioned his reasoning. In her opinion, vulnerabilities had to be overcome relentlessly. What was it worth pursuing a goal if setbacks and insufficiencies were inevitable? What if others were neither there nor left for those lost to find their way again? And what about cracks that never seemed to mend? Those were but a handful of considerations that guided her decisions.
"No..." Cion replied as she turned away, crossing her arms. Slowly yet hastily, she tread a couple of steps around the campfire, almost as if she sought room to breath - a bizarre desire given the vast emptiness they were in. "Failure... weakness... they must not be accepted. If people are not strong enough to prevail by themselves, then how could they possibly support someone else?" She firmly questioned her cherished acquaintance a second time. And once more, the way she acted so defensively likely spoke clearer than a thousand words. Inside the maelstrom of conflicting emotions, the taints of denial and disquiet had mixed, begetting trepidation.
Sighing, the troubled soul found difficulty in paying heed to his offer. It was her, who strove every passing day to serve as a beacon of hope, who was meant to heal wounds. She had accepted that those she cared for would leave her someday, so why did this radiant heart by her side not do the same? Why did he insist that she needed him, despite her needing nothing but... a way to attain greater power. With it, she could stand strong and tall, as she herself had aspired towards in her unending life that had claimed everything, leaving solely the might and impetus she wielded.
She had accepted all of this... "You're right. it is naive." Cion commented, albeit in shaken, hushed whispers. She did not mean to affront him, much less depredate his inspiring vigor and kindness. No - her statement originated from a burden within her, not his poise. Not knowing where she would begin if she actually complied with his benevolent proposal, something was apparent though. In her inanition... did she even had faith in anything or anyone, including herself? "Hope..." She repeated his ideals, lacking his vim and confidence - as if she had concluded her previous statement.
As a strong, autumnal breeze whizzed audibly past them, the tiny fennec started to shiver. With the fire steadily diminishing, she acted in a manner that was crystal clear like the starlight reflecting in the ocean. She clung to and tightly embraced the only individual who she was certain returned her care... herself.
Regrettably, the freezing cold prevailed.
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Post by Toki Akiyama on Sept 4, 2019 0:09:52 GMT
The silence was deafening. Cion's few, quiet words showed Toki that there was indeed something deeply troubling her in ways that he wasn't sure he would be able to help with. It seemed like whatever was burdening Cion's mind was something she would have to come to terms with herself. It was saddening, and Toki's expression carried that sadness. It wasn't pity, but rather a sympathetic understanding. He had felt such hopelessness and despair in the past, especially before his adventures in the Digital World.
He sighed as he thought about Mikemon and Holly "I haven't seen them since what happened to K. I can imagine the pain and sorrow they're going through. It's probably...no...I'm certain it's at least ten times the sadness I experienced. I...hope dearly that they can recover...but I know they can. They still have each other...they have others that care about them as well to support them through this tragedy. It as these moments of pain and misery that we need the love and support of others more than ever. I should visit them...and be there for them the best I can."
He looked at her and answered frankly "Because no being is ever perfect. You can be the strongest, most powerful thing in existence but still have things that get through and cause pain, be it physical or emotional. That's part of what makes us alive. Our imperfections drive us to seek the help of others to make up for what we are unable to do. Perfection...it's a frustrating thing to aspire to because it doesn't exist. Helplessness exists to either show us we still have to improve, or need another's guidance. Though sometimes helplessness is forced upon us by unfair circumstances. I guess what I'm trying to say is that no one can handle everything on their own."
When Cion stood up and walked around a little, her next words sparked something in Toki. He stood up and took a deep breath, looking clearly agitated, but managed to keep his tone stern and fair "Well in that sense you're absolutely wrong." He said bluntly. "Everyone, no matter who, has faults. Everyone has something they are not good at, and everyone fails from time to time. Though if you ask me, no one has truly failed until they refuse to stand up and try again. We all have our weaknesses and while we might be able to overcome them one day, sometimes we just...can't. Again, because no one is perfect."
He looked rather disappointed in this mindset "The mindset that you have...that failure and weakness must not exist...it leads to arrogance and self-loathing, not self-improvement. To become stronger, you must acknowledge that you have struggles. That you have things you can potentially fail at. That you have a weakness. However, no matter how much we try we will always have things we struggle with."
"No one can do everything by themselves. That doesn't mean we can't work together with others. Helping someone doesn't have to mean solving their problem for them. It means working together with them to do something that individually they couldn't. We can learn a lot from other people, even if they may not seem as physically powerful as others." He laughed slightly at his own mention of power "Power is yet another strange, almost pointless concept if used incorrectly. Power is useless if it's only used for self-serving ends. I've always lived by the philosophy that it's the duty of the strong to assist those who have yet to find their own strength. I don't believe in an objective definition of weakness, despite me talking about how everyone has things they struggle with. Everyone is powerful and strong in their own way. Sometimes they just need a little help to realize that...and in that realization, maybe teach something to the teacher."
He sat back down and continued eating after his impromptu lecture. His kind expression returned "Yep. Maybe I'm naive and overly idealistic. But it's better than believing that hope has stopped existing. Without people to believe that things can truly get better...that a world of peace and harmony can exist...how will it ever come to pass? That's why I fight. That's why I improve. I will do my best to teach others, and I will accept when they want to teach me instead. It's a beautiful cycle that I want people to see."
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Post by Cion on Sept 7, 2019 14:27:38 GMT
"It is... unfathomable." Cion stated, hushed whispers once again revealing a glimpse of the taint that had engulfed her often radiant soul. The pain of loss and confusion that K's family must experience at this moment - she knew it would haunt them for a long time to come. Their actions, thoughts and very essence would be shackled by their anguish, leaving them lost, possibly beyond recall. Those cherished by them would loosen the shackles' grip momentarily, but the creeping trepidation would never fully release its sway. This was the burden of the survivors and the knowing... imposed by irrecoverable remnants.
Still, she hoped that they had the volition to transcend their gruesome ordeal. Hence she nodded, silently approving of the boy's intended support. Not all could claim to have either the mental fortitude, or a helping hand that guided them out of their darkness. The silver fennec, to this day, did not truly comprehend what it was that had enabled her to rise from her ashes. Though sometimes, especially in bleak nights such as these, she wondered if she had even climbed out of the yawning abyss to begin with. Ultimately, wherever she went, it did not seem to matter.
Although grasping the intention of Toki to ease her spirits with his statements, it was inconceivably difficult for the vulpine sentinel to simply accept shortcomings, particularly about herself. Perfection was indeed frustrating to aspire to, but was it not worth dedicating yourself to this aspiration? Even if not accomplished, would it not push someone to the absolute extent of their potential? Nevertheless, her friend's words held aspects not yet disproved by history. "So it seems." She commented quietly, visibly disheartened by the sentiments of limitations and dependence. Her longing to guide this realm and its people... was it impossible to do alone?
It was young Mr. Akiyama following her steps, not to mention his faint yet visible agitation, that managed to stupefy the tiny fox - if only ever so slightly behind her innumerable layers of forced poise and confidence. Gazing at him with wide eyes, the aureate sheen within them duller than the blazes' amber tone, she listened with attentiveness seldom granted to another. In most cases, she regarded those she interacted with as ingenuous, blindly idealistic or phlegmatic. Not him... the patience and resolve he showed were as genuine as his beaming heart.
Not used to be confronted so directly without facing unsubstantial accusations, neither her body nor her gaze shifted an inch as she beheld the spirit-wielders and contemplated his assertions. A thousand questions came to her mind - ways to argue against his trust and rationale - but she discarded them, recognizing their lack of merit. Their experiences were dissimilar, and so were their paths in a few cruxes. ... And given how many times she had failed lately, there was undeniable wisdom in his conclusion.
"And you can just... live... with this uncertainty? That failure might be inevitable? That you need to accomplish something, but can't?" She honestly questioned the lad, though in a manner of actual inquisitiveness and not reproach. Cion sincerely attempted to understand and relate to the promising braver, but in ambiguity she solely found fear and pointlessness. What was it worth pursuing anything that did not hold certainty to be achieved one day?
There was hesitation as her frame swayed in the cold breeze - almost doubt even. This mindset of acceptance clearly went against the fundamental ideals that had manifested themselves inside her core. Her defeat could mean the suffering of uncountable individuals who did not stand up to fight, nor fathomed her way of thinking. This responsibility she perceived as necessary, the purpose for being she had mantled, was not to be taken to lightly. "I share your view of power. In fact, I try to embody it, and have done so for... uncountable years and trials."
Trying to gain solace through this statement of willpower and ambitions, the restrained Arniomon sighed inaudibly. She wholeheartedly tried to untie this thick knot that figuratively pinned her down, but she had no idea where and how to start. This helplessness... it encumbered her to a degree that was seemingly inconceivable. Eventually however, a crack of revelation became apparent in her strain.
"Your faith assumes there will be always someone... a teacher, a companion, a shoulder to lean on..." She spoke under her breath as she witnessed Toki take a seat. Turning towards him, her pupils fixated on his for an uncannily long instance. Remaining silent throughout, her breath became shallow and quick. There was indisputable disquiet in every fibre - and event rarely permitted to be seen by outsiders. "... but what if there is not?" She asked, unintentionally challenging the goodwill of her acquaintance. Yet it was evident that she saw herself as forlorn.
This hope the young adult spoke of... she used to believe in it as well. But she had seen the worst of her kind so often, and no attempts to actually right the wrongs of the digital world. She recognized this in her enemies, those who stood idly by... those she considered valiant yet naive, those she cherished. Worse than that - the dream of a better tomorrow was rejected frequently, through actions and words alike.
With her paw above her core, Cion gently tugged at her chest as merely crimson fire entered her view. Clinging to herself in a tight embrace as to cast away the cold, her stance ultimately buckled slightly. She had to admit something, and it was incredibly difficult for her to do so. But, as a token of gratitude and appreciation, she swallowed her pride. "We're kindred spirits, you know? I used to believe as you do now - until not too long ago actually."
Wondering if his previous offer still lingered, she tilted her head upwards and, with telling tiredness, looked at the relative youngling. His hidden concerns were vanquished by vim, valor and passion. He meant everything he said - forthrightness rarely seen throughout the ages. She always knew there was a special facet to the boy. Maybe she lacked it, or woes had shrouded hers in shadow. Perhaps finally... there was somebody who cared.
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Post by Toki Akiyama on Sept 7, 2019 19:12:21 GMT
What Toki had said to Cion really seemed to get to her. She spent so much time contemplating the meaning of his words, which to Toki was a good thing. It meant she valued what he had to say, even if it was rather hefty criticism. As she thought, he smiled softly "Now...don't get me wrong. Wanting to strive to better yourself is never a bad goal, but ask yourself...why do you want to become stronger? For what purpose do you want that strength? There is absolutely nothing wrong with self-improvement, but accept that there will always be new things to learn from even the most unlikely of sources. There's something I've always told myself." He said with a slight pause and looked up at the moon "The second I use my power to feel...superior in any way to anyone else, then I'm weaker than when I first started. I'm not a god. I'm not some extraordinary being. I'm just...me. Even as I teach people, I accept that others have things to teach me as well. Everyone's voice has value."
At her question of the uncertainty of it all, his smile remained "If we're constantly fearful of the uncertainty, how will we ever get anything done? We'll never know if we can succeed if we never even tried, you know. In fact, that uncertainty is exactly why we should go for it. If no one tries despite the challenge, then what hope is there that change will ever occur on a wide scale? It may be intimidating...but that shouldn't stop us."
He looked sympathetic when she said she held this heavy responsibility for so long. Probably longer than he could reasonably fathom. "You've done so much by yourself haven't you? You don't have to. There are many wonderful humans and Digimon out there who will help protect and guide our worlds to peace. They'll make those seemingly impossible odds a little more...possible."
His smile looked a little sadder, but he kept smiling anyway when she asked what if there wasn't anyone there for them "Impossible." He said with utmost certainty "I've lost two very important people to me in such a short time. For just a while I felt as if I've lost everything. But...Aylin was there for me. She reminded me that no matter what...there's always going to be someone out there for you. Even if you feel horribly alone, there's someone out there who will support you, even if you've never met them. You just need to find them and heal. It could take a long time. Some wounds may never heal, but we can't let that stop us."
Cion looked to be so tired and weary. He wasn't exactly sure what to tell her. Then, he had an idea "I think you should go out and see the world again in a new light. Meeting new people, helping them with small kindnesses and taking value in their appreciation. Even if it's just a simple thank you, cherish that. There is more goodness in this world and in the human world than you realize, Cion. Maybe even wander around as a Champion or even Rookie level. You'd be surprised what that could do for your perspective of things. I think that if you used to share the same ideals as me...that you can reach out for them again."
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Post by Cion on Sept 9, 2019 17:46:42 GMT
For once, it was not difficult for Cion to simply nod in agreement, and rather firmly so. Working towards improving oneself was, in her point of view, among the greatest virtues and aspirations someone could pursue. It showed a dedication to learn from the past to improve the future. Was it merely passion to oneself, or for those the individual cared for - ultimately, she was not sure if it mattered to begin with. No matter the pursuit, she would hold it in higher regards than perpetual stagnation. Still, this did not mean that it was not better off with a specific purpose.
The silver fennec fully understood the path she had chosen, but there was anew astounding wisdom in the lad. A large amount of people probably did not amass power for anything than to have it, which was an unfathomable waste of potential. And, although to her dismay, he was likely also correct about the sentiment that the attainment of the apex was impossible, for new might and insight lingered around every corner. "Well... hard to repudiate." She commented, almost in a joking manner, as she briefly took a sympathetic look at her company for tonight. An... unlikely source.
However, as Toki continued explaining his perspective regarding sentiments of augustness and humility, previous merriment faded as quickly as it came. To the tiny fox, it was surreal to regard the boy as nothing less than outstanding. He was so young, yet so apt in the arts of wielding his spirit - not to mention his beaming heart. One of these aspects alone sufficed to make a person stand out of the crowd, but given how he embodied all of this and more was undeniably distinguished. Perhaps someday he would recognize his sublimity in these facets.
Or maybe... this was something solely she sought. Not to be perceived as an ascendant, nor being exalted for it, but to actually achieve this form of transcendence. There were many things she could not accomplish by herself as a digimon of the rarest, highest known level. Potentially, there resided a plain of existence that surpassed current notions of limitations. The Daemon Lords, as vile as they inherently were, made this idea somewhat rational. They wielded an unparalleled strength siphoned from darkness itself. Why was there not a chance for her to perform a similar feat one day? The possibilities were... a glimmer of hope.
"Again, I possess no counter-argument." Cion agreed calmly, internally grasping that she had been too early to act as if she fathomed everything already. There remained plenty to comprehend, but fate would damn her more than it had done thus far if she would not strive for ken. There was uncertainty in it, but Mr. Akiyama was possibly right with the perception that it should not hinder her ambitions. Fearing the future yielded not enough fruits to thwart the losses of hesitation. "Yes... Plans and preparations are undoubtedly good... but consuming concerns are not."
It was likely that outsiders regarded her change of opinion as bizarre and sporadic. What they did not understand though was that she had always functioned with this mindset. Regardless of the amounts of strategies and alternatives prepared, certainty was unfeasible. In her trepidation, the Arniomon had just forgotten this truth. Thanks to Toki, she remembered the maelstrom of feelings, the abyss of anguish, that had led her to choose her destiny. "My setbacks... they will not impede me any longer." She stated, the fires of confidence smoldering within her - overtopping the blazes of the campfire.
Turning to face the promising warrior as it was becoming for a fine lady, she gladly lent him his ears. This was the least she owed him. "I did... but In truth, you are mistaken." She unfortunately had to answer in the negative, despite doing so kindly. "Most of my lives, I was in the company of like-minded sentinels. Although I indeed emerged victoriously through innumerable trials, it's only been a few years that I do so independently."
Folding her arms, the exhaustion and almost weariness in her eyes was crystal clear. The stress and drain of operating as a maverick was evidently a massive toll on her body and soul. If it was not, then the two of them certainly had not talked this night. Nevertheless, the vulpine aspirant did not appear to sway from this methodology. Of course she knew and cherished several acquaintances she considered delightful to be together with. Regrettably, her faith in others, when it came to the grand scheme of things, was shattered. Trusting them to do what was right and necessary, much less succeed... no, this trust had to be earned and justified again.
This lack of trustfulness was another reason why she did not share her comrade's optimism. His world-view appeared to base on the notion that everyone had a good core. Otherwise, his doubtlessness was purely starry-eyed, and she did not wish to accuse him of simple-heartedness. "I suppose as I found you to soothe me?" Cion asked, her eyebrow raised ever so slightly. There was no rejection in the tone she chose, just skepticism begotten by incessant sorrow. "I... like to believe this - in earnest." She admitted honestly, but she was incapable of doing so immediately. There was sheer infinite suffering and pain in this realm - seeing the obscured light was truly a challenge.
Sighing, the small fennec quietly returned to whence she came. Sitting down next to her appreciated companion, she took in a deep breath and stretched her tired limbs. All of this had been quite a lot to process, and it was bound to follow her for many dawns and dusks to come. So was the strange suggestion that was put forth. "I'm... not sure." She conceded her hesitation to spend time to wander the digital world to focus on the small things. It seemed so... small-minded, in a literal sense.
As the aureate gleams inside her eyes narrowed, looking at the dancing flames that pierced the circumjacent dark, the puzzled fox contemplated in silence. Casting aside everything temporarily to open up new vistas? Not unheard of, but was it worthwhile? Was she not who she wanted to be? Was her striving not righteous? She had already mantled the sacrifice that was the existence as a servant to the people, so what reason was there in restarting?
After a while, something unexpected yet incredible occurred - the significance of this gesture surely understood by Mr. Akiyama. Though it was with utmost gentleness, her soft, round head leaned against his side. He had offered his support and helping hand, had he not? Then, in spite of tremendous reluctance and qualms, she had eventually decided to accept it. It was a seemingly banal act, but to Cion it meant more than most could grasp. She did not wish to be left... not again.
"I..." She paused with a crack in her voice, her gaze shifting somewhat to behold the blue oceans of stars that were his irises. She waited - a timorous pup wondering if the affection and ear received were not ephemeral.
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Post by Toki Akiyama on Sept 10, 2019 4:13:28 GMT
Toki watched and listened patiently to Cion's contemplation. He accepted that this was likely quite a lot to think about and that she may have her own thoughts on these matters. Whether she agreed or disagreed with a certain point, she was being rather short, like she didn't know what else to say. Still, Toki was proud that she was giving this any amount of consideration at all.
He wondered what to say to her as she talked about her past lives "You've lived so long as some vigilant, stalwart defender. That's something to be respected, truly, but it's not something I would expect someone to be able to do forever. In short, I suppose you need a break." He noted her hesitation on going through with a journey to learn more about herself and others in the Digital World "Any act of kindness, no matter how small, is worth pursuing. Those small acts add up constantly and echo throughout the world faster than you'd expect. They can build into long term, lasting change. Fighting against cruelty and evil is well and good, but we need to think about the reasons why such things occur in the first place. For what reason are people doing things we perceive as bad? We have to approach them with a sympathetic and open mind, while still understanding what must be done should worst come to worst."
Toki understood her reservations on trusting others and being cautious. It was a mindset he once had, after all. "As I said, it could take a long time to really feel like you've made any progress. That's okay. Even semi-immortal beings need to take it slow, sometimes. I'm glad that I've been able to help you, if only a little bit."
Though what happened next was quite surprising for Toki. She seemed like she wanted to say something, but Toki gently placed a hand on top of her head "You're a good friend, Cion. I want to continue being a supportive figure as that friend. I know it's hard for you to trust others and push past what you've been so used to believing, but I believe in you."
He didn't necessarily feel the same way as Cion might have felt at this moment, but wanted to give her the courage and motivation to see the world and its people in a new light all the same. "I'm sorry if that's not what you wanted to hear." He said with a worried sigh. Would she be disappointed? Was he just reading this situation all wrong? Either way he hoped that Cion wouldn't be upset with him at all.
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Post by Cion on Sept 12, 2019 19:55:32 GMT
As much as Toki took pride in the amount of consideration he gave Cion, she in turn was equally as appreciative of the fact that his support had been bluntly direct yet not patronizing. For too long she was solely told what to do; sometimes why. Independence was new to her, and evidently exhaustive. Although there were a few firm suggestions put her way, most of the statements and notions shared for her to contemplate merely originated from his world-view, opinion and experiences.
It was a perspective explained in detail that he offered to mend her anguish, and despite it not succeeding greatly it certainly eased her soul. His assertions were akin to a balm that soothed her - a temporary relief that perhaps allowed her to alter her zealous course and deprecative way of thinking. Only time and further endeavors would tell the truth of the path she was destined to walk, but just maybe, regardless of the perpetual and recent sorrows harrowing her, she would not stray too far from the values she once embodied for uncountable ages. Ultimately, what was bane and what boon was unclear like the darkness shrouding this realm.
For tonight, the silver fennec could not help herself but chuckle in a sincere second of amusement. Was her jaded mind and droopy frame so manifest of her fatigue? Though indeed a defender for longer than cherished Mr. Akiyama was capable of comprehending, her current existence was definitely younger than his. Naturally, she valued his esteem, but to be honest it fueled a sense of doubt within her. Was she actually able to endure the trials ahead of her for long if weariness and woes already gnawed at her?
"Thank you... really. As for a break... I agree." The tiny fox voiced her approval kindly. A fleeting yet audible yawned escaped her maw as she stretched herself, noting that the moon had arisen to its peak several hours ago. Possibly improving her sleeping habits was a good first step to cast aside her tiredness. Nonetheless, at least for this night, she mustered her remaining endurance to carefully pay attention to what her delightful friend had to say.
Unfortunately unable to fully assent to his optimism anymore, Cion leaned back and tried to voice her frustration in a tactful, composed manner. "I have yet to see change on a grand scale, especially one that lasts." She admitted with strange decisiveness. It was crystal clear that history had retrospectively disappointed her to no ends, which clarified why her outlook on the future was tainted by skepticism and distrust in the ability of others. "Every day, I yearn for it." She added, emphasizing her exasperation.
If an entity older than this world's present incarnation had witnessed the constant status quo, what promise did the contribution of a short human life bring? Hopefully a lot more than she dreaded. Although it seemed as if the lad thought otherwise, she was neither starry-eyed nor overly downbeat. What he said was no astonishing revelation, but instead affirmation. She undoubtedly liked to believe the future safe, but this faith was at the moment impossible.
However, anew Toki's unparalleled wisdom for his age managed to genuinely impress her. Blinking, her aureate eyes lingered on the young adult who touched on a sentiment they agreed upon. "Correct. This root I've been trying to find, too. Regrettably, my attempts yielded no concrete solutions. I assume it is something fundamental to a digimon's core, but that is speculation." She explicated, confident that all evil was but the product of a few aspects. Pain and avarice were the most obvious ones.
Dismissing this subject, the Arniomon simply nodded. Progress was among the greatest pangs as it had a tendency to be creepingly slow. People and objects alike detested change, particularly if it required effort. Conformity and phlegm was too easy for many who lived for themselves. As for those who were willing to face the challenged in front of them... the charming boy unquestionably was admits their ranks. It was a trait of his she held in extremely high regards.
Feeling the gentle touch of his hand on top of her head, Cion closed her eyes and increased the intensity with which she cuddled up to his side. The sight was similar to a pet who craved the affection of its owner, only that she was a lost sentinel who desired somebody to care for her. She was unsure if this serene bliss was transient, but she decided to not worry. Relinquishing her loneliness was her goal, and she showed this unhesitatingly. Behind her improbable aspirations and power she was a lonesome child in a vast, terrifying world.
"No... I have wanted to hear someone say this for... so long..." She responded in a tone that was almost dreamy. The warmth of a sincere bond reinvigorated her spirits in ways Akiyama likely did not completely fathom. She had intended to reveal everything about her to him, but suddenly it did not appear to matter. The loss she felt was already cared for by a wonderful friend. "I..." She paused again, but proceeded before regret could interrupt her. "... trust you, Toki."
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Post by Toki Akiyama on Sept 17, 2019 5:34:25 GMT
All Toki could do was shrug at Cion when she mentioned not being able to see any grand scale changes. "Even if there are no sweeping, grand changes going on right now, that's no excuse to stop believing that it can happen. Besides, small changes build up, especially if those small changes help people on the individual level. Individuals come first. Society as a whole follows. People aren't their society. Society is its people."
Again he was waxing philosophy. "There's not much we can do except live our lives to the fullest and inspire others to do the same. Be kind to others and perhaps more will be kind in turn. Not saying it'll be easy, but I think it's what we have to do."
He laughed at her admitting to need a break "You deserve it too after everything you went through. I should probably practice what I preach and take one myself, but Aylin needs help with rebuilding my spirit's monastery. Though I guess comparatively that is a break to what I've been doing."
Toki rested his chin on his free hand as Cion talked about Digimon behavior and how it's fundamentally rooted in their core "Hm. I'm not really sure I agree with that. I like to think living being are more complex for that sort of explanation. Chances are there's no concrete answer. Everyone has their reasons, beliefs, and motivations. It's a pretty complicated world out there. Sometimes good people do bad things...and sometimes bad people do good things. Doing something someone else won't for some greater cause...or doing something solely to benefit oneself...even then it can be argued if that's really bad in the first place."
He felt a little bad going on and on about it, but he gently stroked the top of Cion's head "But worrying about it incessantly will just stress us out. Then we'll never get anything done." He smiled warmly at her "I trust you too. You'll figure things out someday. I don't even have my own life sorted out, so we both have a ways to go."
The moon was overhead, illuminating the otherwise dark night alongside the fire. It was quite a sight to behold and made Toki wonder...what was the point in generalizing the notions of good and evil? Yes there were ultimately altruistic acts and ultimately cruel acts...but what else defines people? The night wasn't just darkness. The moon gave off light in the deep shroud. And the day wasn't just light. The rays from the sun cast shadow. It was a beautiful metaphor, Toki thought.
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Post by Cion on Sept 26, 2019 20:59:58 GMT
Just recently, Cion had thought the same way as Toki - that tiny improvements eventually stacked up to become something greater than the sum of their parts. Ever since opening herself up to attain a clearer insight into the reality at hand, this certainty had suffered scars; not unlike a damaged phial. A longing was deep within her core, clashing with her realization. Nothing else would placate her sorrowful soul more than the knowledge that smaller contributions ultimately accomplished her ambitions. But this ken she did not have. Wherever she looked, there was at best stagnation, at worst incurable hardships.
But perhaps, as her cherished friend put it, it was the individual who had to be uplifted, not the society it resided in. Both affected the other and regrettably fostered the status quo. However, the latter was a construct created by people to benefit themselves. If the ways the creators felt and acted shifted, then there was reason to believe that its creation was bound to imitate them. Again, she was certain that she had not witnessed such change before... but it was an interesting sentiment.
Though it seemed too simple to the vulpine sentinel for her to simply accept the proposed ideas. The aspiration for personal fulfillment and the hope that it inspired others to follow suit - the possibility that kindness is returned... there had to be more to it, right? Because if this was all it took, then why had the sweeping, grand changes she craved not manifested yet? There were a vast amount of beaming hearts who strove for commonweal. Was this not enough? Or had aforementioned transformation already occurred? Given the state of the digital world, its tainted civilizations and constant calamities... a dreadful notion.
"Maybe..." Was the sole word she could respond to the suggested philosophy. She did to, as almost always, calmly and kindly. Nonetheless she displayed reflectiveness in the way she carried herself by neither agreeing nor disagreeing. In the end, it was a highly complicated subject that required proper contemplation and investigation. The positivity and optimism behind the boy's message was appreciated, but likely only time itself would tell its veracity.
As for her exhaustion, there was evidently no doubt in that. Still, it amused the silver fennec somewhat that her companion for tonight was so sympathetic and caring. "Do you even know what I went through, dear?" She asked, partially rhetorical, but also a bit sincere. Of course she had implied the endeavors she had endured a few minutes ago, but those were merely the tip of an iceberg that clung to the bottom of the ocean. Nevertheless, she chuckled genuinely as a spark of glee revitalized her jaded spirits. "Don't overstrain yourself as I have."
Briefly reflecting upon the behavior and actions of their kin, the restrained Arniomon wondered if young Mr. Akiyama was correct with his assertion. It presupposed the idea that every entity had an inherently good crux that was enshrouded by outside corruption. This taint becomes manifest in uncountable shapes; reasons and aspirations included. Selflessness and selfhood yielded results both beneficial and detrimental. And everyone knew what they said about the road to hell... hopefully, she was not treading it inadvertently.
Realizing that there was indeed no point in discussing this difficult topic further, Cion quietly murred in response to the gentle deed of affection the lad granted her. It showed that beyond her poise and yearnings, she was not only a child, but a 'beast' who sought fondness. It was a primal aspect to her being... and who she was. Solitude, while at first liberating, someday collected its toll. For her, it was evident that she had to suffer debt for far too long. "Mhmhm..." She let out, acknowledging his statements but also savoring the benevolent treatment she received.
Softly, the bipedal fox leaned into her treasured partner for this most novel night. It was well-night a miracle that the pain shared in these crucial, dark hours had not sufficed to ruin the bliss of intimate togetherness. And with every second that the unassuming ascendant relished it, she realized how deeply she had missed it. Unwillingly left bereft of it, what choice did she have but attempt to adapt? The outcome was another failure...
"Toki...?" Her dulcet voice pierced the tranquility, but what she wished to propose was too important to remain unheard. It was something solely for the lad's ears, and it took several moments of mustering her courage to do so, but there was the hope that it was worthwhile. If nothing else, her friend comprehended the full meaning of the question she desired to ask. "May I accompany you on your journeys for a while?"
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