[VIDEO] | [ACTION]

[intothelens]

 [VIDEO]

[As the screen turns on, Hikari appears to be sitting on the couch of her apartment.  A smile on her face that's more for her audience than genuine, as evident by the sadness in her eyes.  Still, a single deep breath, and she manages to speak with a soft, but even tone:]

For those of you who knew her here...it's become apparent that...Mimi Tachikawa isn't in Genessia anymore.  But it's alright.  She'll have some of her most precious friends waiting for her in the world we came from.

[It was the most comforting thought Hikari could offer.  Because she also knew, if her memories and Mimi's were in synch, what challenges still awaited them back in the Digital World.]

And I know there might be some who were worried about the Prom event she was hosting, so I wanted to assure everyone that I have her notes and arrangement details and will do my best to make sure that it all still happens just the way she planned it.

After all... [Here, she very nearly chuckled.  Even relaxing some of the tension in her shoulders at the proceeding thought:] ...Mimi would want us all to have fun and be happy regardless.  That's just the sort of person she is.

 

[ACTION]

[Hikari shut off the communicator, placing it on the couch cushion beside her.  She was sitting cross-legged, and at some point, Abra had chosen to curl himself in her lap.  Something which HIkari was grateful for, as she gave her Pokemon friend a tight hug, smiling sadly down at him.]

I'm alright, Abra.  I promise.

Comments

action;

[trollkeru]

[Takeru had been aware of the fact it had been quiet at the apartment. The presence that Mimi had was certainly something one would notice when it was gone. Yet, he knew what she was going back to, but he didn't know what it was going to be like beyond that.

He wanted it to be okay, but yet he wasn't all that sure. He shook his head slightly, knowing that right now thinking in such a way was not something he should be being. No, he knew of someone else who would need his attention first and foremost. he had already promised he would look out for her after all.

He had asked to finish his shift early and that he would make up for it by working extra the next day, which was agreed upon before he headed home. Fingers around the door handle he turned and walked in. Saying nothing as he did, placing the keys on the tray behind the door before walking further in.

He had seen the feed and knew that she was home currently, so he knew where she might be currently as he stepped into the living room his thoughts came out correct.

There she was sitting there, holding one of her Pokemon, which while he wasn't Abra's biggest fan, was at least glad they could be there when he couldn't right off the bat. But right now he slowly walked up behind her, moving to kneels down behind before lightly wrapping his arms around her into a hug.]

Hey, are you okay?

action;

[intothelens]

[She could practically sense his presence even before his arms lightly wrapped around her, and thus, was not surprised by the gesture. In fact, a weak smile tugged at her lips at she placed one of her hands atop his forearms. Leaning a little further back into his hold.]

I miss her. [Starting off with honesty. Because she knew him well enough to know that 'I'm fine' wouldn't be enough.] But...I also know she'll be okay. And we'll see her again.

action;

[trollkeru]

[He figured she would miss her, he did too really, considering what was going on back home and all. Plus it meant the place got a little quieter because of it. Which was going to be a strange thing after having lived with her for a good few months. When he thought about it now, he really only spent one month by himself.]

I'm sure whatever is going on back home, things will turn out okay. I have to believe in that much. [He kept a light hold of her for the time being.]

But apart from that, you doing okay?

action;

[intothelens]

[Mimi was gone, yes, but neither of them were alone. They had each other. They still had their brothers. And Hikari had Abra, who...was being strangely accepting of Takeru’s close proximity. Circumstances, perhaps. A deep understanding that the boy was as big a part in Hikari’s comfort as he was.]

[Enough that she even nodded at his question, and it wasn’t a lie. She was okay. For the most part. There was no deep sense of mourning. No impending fugue state. She missed her friend already, but she would manage anyway.]

[...well...except for:]

I might be...a little overwhelmed. Mimi was so good at taking charge of things like this.

I want to help for her sake, but I’m worried I might be in a little over my head.

Video;

[alihacka]

Mimi is gone...?

[That's.... really sad. She's not sure how to respond. Sure people leave, but she was hoping it wouldn't happen to her friends. Or maybe... it's better this way?]

I'm sorry to hear that. [There was a small pause again.] I'll still come to prom. After all... Mimi would be really sad if I didn't go after how much she twisted my arm....

Video;

[intothelens]

[A nod. Hikari was never a fan of being the bearer of such news, but she also knew that sometimes, bad news was best given by the people directly involved. So she was doing what had to be done.]

I wasn't sure at first. She hadn't come back to the apartment, but that could have been because she chose to stay...somewhere else for the night.

[She wasn't going to come out and say 'with her boyfriend', but the thought had been there. As evident by the sudden pink to her cheeks.]

Except we haven't been able to get ahold of her at all since. And after some searching....we're sure.

[A pause, as she took in the other girl's latter statement.]

You shouldn't force yourself if it's something you don't want to do. Mimi can...get a little excited over things. She just wants people to be happy.

Video;

[alihacka]

[No one can really ever enjoy being the bearer of bad news, after all. Sometimes it's necessary though.]

Oh. [She sighed a little and shook her head.] It's fine. I'd like to go for her sake at least. If nothing else, I'm pretty sure my boyfriend will drag me there anyways.

[Saying that out loud still makes her cheeks flush.]

Video;

[intothelens]

[A reaction Hikari took note of, and smiled quietly to herself. She did love gossip as much as most teenage girls--and a certain few teenage boys she could mention--but she also didn't know Futaba well enough to feel comfortable teasing her about such things.]

Having someone to go with can make it that much more fun.

I'm glad you have someone like that too.

video

[phanther]

Oh...I'm sorry. I didn't know her that well but she seemed nice.

[And now Ann's kind of worrying a lotlittle about a certain friend of hers but that's for another time.]

I don't know if there's anything I can do to help but if there is, let me know?

video

[intothelens]

[The last thing Hikari ever wanted to do was cause worry for others. But...she also knew it would have been worse to keep such a thing from those who had known Mimi, even casually.]

That's very kind of you to offer, thank you.

I suppose...last minute set-up the day of Prom would be the biggest concern right now.

video

[phanther]

Hmm...if you want, I could ask around and work and see if anyone would be willing to do hair and make-up for the people who are setting up. At least that way people wouldn't have to worry about messing anything up while they work? Otherwise...a lot's gonna depend on my friends.

[If they need her then they kinda take priority. Plus Ann isn't really sure how much use she'd be with all that anyway, though she'll try if she has time on hand.]

video

[intothelens]

[A moment’s pause, in which Hikari’s lips parted in genuine surprise at the suggestion.]

I...didn’t even think about that.

[She very nearly felt guilty, because it was also precisely the kind of thing Mimi would have thought of.]

I don’t really wear much makeup. And I wasn’t planning on doing too much myself, but...you’re right. That would almost certainly be helpful to any others who were.

[Video]

[scarlet_devil]

That's... unfortunate. I hadn't gotten to know her that well before she was pulled home.

[ She'll still go to the prom, if she can get Satori out of her shell long enough to go with her. ]

[Video]

[intothelens]

But you did know her?

[She asked gently, more out of curiosity than anything. It was entirely possible people would respond as strongly to the thought of someone disappearing as they would the idea of a specific person. But Mimi was Mimi, and she made friends pretty much wherever she went. Or at least friendly acquaintances.]

[Video]

[scarlet_devil]

Enough to know that there's a little less joy without her around.

[ Remilia would place herself as somewhere in-between. ]

[Video]

[intothelens]

[How...very accurate.]

She did have a habit of getting you to smile even when you didn’t think you felt like it.

video;

[effinskull]

[eff. that.

ryuji saw this post and his heart just sunk at the very realization that his girlfriend was gone. what... the hell? this place just brings them happiness and then takes it away time and time again? that was messed up, seriously messed up.

he was frowning, obviously wanting to scream or punch something but instead he just shook his head.]

They take her away... right before the prom that she was so excited about? Eff that! Seriously!

video;

[intothelens]

[The response Hikari was both anticipating and dreading the most.]

[Her eyes turned downward, unable to look him directly in the eye. It would have been a stretch to say she was close to tears, but there was a notable glossiness in her gaze. Her voice remained soft and low.]

I’m so sorry, Ryuji. I know Mimi was very fond of you.

video;

[effinskull]

[and he was fond of her too... which is why this hurt him so much. the boy just shook his head, obviously very angry.]

So that's it... she's just gone now?! And when will she be back-?! [he knows the answer to that, he's just yelling.]

Whoever is running this show- do they think shit like this is some kinda game?!

video

[howamanlives]

Aw man, they sent her back?! I didn't even get a chance to get to know her again!

video

[intothelens]

[She nodded sadly, resisting the urge to apologize yet again. Habit, mostly.]

I assume that's what happened. Though...I'm not sure why she went back first when...Takeru was the first one of us to arrive here.

[Her eyes turned downward at that, immediately feeling guilty for the small pang of relief that he was still here. Mimi was still her friend, and she shouldn't be thinking such thoughts.]

video

[howamanlives]

This world doesn't seem to have any reason for why it does anything. Sending people back when they got plans, not bringing out partners with us... none of it makes any da- err, none of it makes any sense.

[Yeah, he's still feeling weird about cursing in front of Hikari.]

[Action]

[nevercuthishair]

(Taichi had wondered why it was quiet...almost too quiet. He never did get to talk or run into the younger Sora before she'd been sent back, but at least...at least he'd been able to reassure Mimi that things were alright.

And now...was this the sort of thing he'd have to be concerned about? Vanishing without a trace?

He looked over at Hikari, noting that she was holding Abra close. Her response made him think -and know- otherwise. She'll feel him seconds before he speaks.)

...You sure you know how to set up a prom?

(First, get her to smile. Taichi didn't enjoy seeing a sad look on his sister's face, especially when more often than not, he was the cause of said look.)

[Action]

[intothelens]

No.

[She wasn't really feeling a smile quite yet...but she forced a small one for Taichi anyway. Unsurprised by his presence, and all the more grateful for it.]

I didn't even know what a prom was until she told me about it. But Takeru and a few others offered to help out, so...all I can do is try my best

[Action]

[nevercuthishair]

Right. That's all we can do for now.

(Hikari will feel contact on her shoulder as Taichi presses his hand against it, squeezing it gently.)

You know if you need me for anything...I'll be there for you too.