Quoted By:
"A new workshop... So it's business as usual once you get it?"
"I hope. I want to continue my research, and continue letting my partners here get stronger. We have a few new Digivolutions in the works. Isn't that right?"
One of the Kokuwamon makes engine noises with its mouth, and runs around in excitement. Solarmon watches with a pleased expression.
"What are your plans for the future, then? Things are going to get more and more chaotic here. Are you really content to live here until the end? Someone of your talents... Isn't it stifling?"
Phascomon shifts about in his seat, eager to hear Doc's answer.
"Where would I go, exactly?"
"If the real world is too much, what about the rest of the Digital World? If you come climb it with me-"
"I appreciate the invite, Marnie. More than you know. But look at me. I'm an old man. I've made my choice long, long ago. I chose to tie myself down, to have people relying on me for their little toys and their coding needs. I have my partners. I'm happy here. As happy as someone can be in this stifling city, anyway."
<span class="mu-s">"There could be so much to see out there."</span>
"I don't doubt it. But the two of you are too young to be lecturing me on the future."
He reaches across the couch, setting a hand on each of your heads. He has his usual smug grin, but the motion is tender.
"Go live out your dreams, eh? I'll be here seeing you off from behind. Do enough soaring for the both of us."
==
You leave Doc's apartment two hours before the meeting. You're going to spend an hour of that travelling, and the other hour scouting for hazards. You risk a short walk with Phascomon, up until the main street comes up. He continues to talk once he's inside the Digivice.
<span class="mu-s">"Nice of you to invite him. You don't think the real world is his speed?"</span>
"He's a Code Cracker, this is his element."
<span class="mu-s">"Maybe you were just worried I'd be lonely in the Digital World, huh?"</span> He teases.
You want to say something. You feel the words tugging at your lips. Would you, Phascomon? You know the answer is yes. But you don't want to start that conversation. The upcoming splintering of your partnership tugs at you, and now that you have a route in mind, the day is drawing closer and closer. The both of you have long since abandoned that standoffish notion of a business relationship. He's your best friend. And that's why thinking about it just hurts.
He notices your silence, and gives you an out. His tone is bitter, though.
<span class="mu-s">"Bots ahead. Better not make any noise. Hey, remember to go home first and grab the body double."</span>
