The Waning (GojoHime) - Part 2

The Strongest Duo, Part VI

7 February 2006

The fluffy clouds drifting slowly across the azure sky on this February day were a welcome change from the dismal weather of the past weeks. Gojo sprawled casually on the stairs, his face tilted upward to soak in some of the sun's rays that graced the schoolyard on its way to the zenith. Nearby, Geto leaned against a stone pillar, discreetly holding a lit cigarette behind his back. The mood was relaxed and carefree. They were on a break that frankly couldn't last long enough. Trainings were gruesome. Missions endless.

"You can't deny the epicness," Gojo enthusiastically gestured with his soda-filled cup. "MetalGreymon is pure gold, my friend. That upgrade from Agumon? It's a masterpiece. Metal Claw and Giga Blaster? That's power and precision in perfect harmony."

Geto released a stream of smoke before responding, his tone contemplative. "Nah, Satoru. SkullGreymon is far more intriguing. The whole concept of dark evolution, the unpredictability – just so complex, man."

Gojo raised an incredulous eyebrow. "SkullGreymon? The Dark Digivolution with the Black Gear? It's a risky move, a hit or miss. MetalGreymon never fails – it's all about sheer power and precision. Bang, bang, bang, every time."

Geto nodded, casually snipping ash off his cigarette, "Sure, SkullGreymon isn't the most stable choice, but that's precisely why it's intriguing. The struggle between light and darkness, the internal conflicts – it mirrors the human experience."

Gojo made a theatrical gagging sound, "Please, spare me."

Leaning forward, Geto continued: "SkullGreymon's evolution is triggered by the intense stress and despair felt by its human partner. It's a testament to the profound bond between DigiDestined and Digimon."

Gojo haughtily waved off the idea. "Yeah, yeah. SkullGreymon's dark evolution drama – too angsty for my taste. Give me the straightforward power of MetalGreymon any day."

Geto smirked at him. "You're missing the point, Satoru. SkullGreymon's unpredictability adds a layer of depth to the narrative. It's not just about raw power; it's about embracing the shadows within. SkullGreymon embodies complexity, the internal battles we all endure."

Snickering, Gojo swirled the remnants of his soda in its cup. "Deep, man. Internal battles? That's such a load of crap."

Geto leaned back against the pillar, exhaling another plume of smoke, suddenly looking much too serious. "Sometimes, Satoru, the monsters we face are reflections of our own struggles. And sometimes, the shadows hold the answers we seek. But of course, you wouldn't understand."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Gojo bristled.

Geto narrowed his eyes. "It means, Satoru, that sometimes, the shadows we ignore become the very things that shape us. But you wouldn't understand because there are no shadows in your blessed life."

"Huh?" Something about his friend's did not agree with Gojo. "My life is... my life isn't... It's not an easy life!"

Despite his outrage, he couldn't quite deliver this statement with the intended vehemence. Surely, his life was the opposite of easy; throughout its entirety, people had nagged him to do things he didn't want to do. Eventually though, he became so accustomed to fulfilling others' wishes that it became as routine as breathing. And breathing definitely wasn't hard, one didn't even think about it. Ergo, could a life you just lived without major suffering really be called hard? What if... what if Geto was right?

Not paying Gojo's sudden pensiveness any attention, Geto doubled down. "Your MetalGreymon, your obsession with being the strongest – It's just a shield, your way of avoiding anything that could challenge your shallow personality."