The journey to find Joe Memento led the crew deeper into the heart of Neo-Tokyo’s neon-lit chaos. Spike, Faye, and Jet began their investigation at a back-alley ramen shop, shadows cloaking their faces as they scanned the dimly-lit space. The smell of fish and soy flooded the air, reminding them of fleeting comforts. Jet asked skeptically, “You think Memento hangs out here?” Spike replied casually, his gaze fixated at a corner. A half-smirk flickered across his face, forgetting about his earlier angst for a moment. Faye swirled her chopsticks, biting the side of her lip. “Look, we need to be quick… memories can drive people insane, you know that better than anyone, Spike.” An uncomfortable silence followed. Memories flickered between them like holograms. Spike reached for his noodles, forcing down emotions. Outside, the streets cut through discussions, vendors, and thrifty customers searching for valuables. Gesturing toward a shady figure, Faye whispered, “That… looks like our man.” They moved into stealth mode, slipping behind crates to observe an exchange between hooded figures. Jet squinted. “Is that a memory processor?” Spike nodded, pulse quickening. Just then, a gravelly voice startled them. “You looking for Joe?” A towering man stepped forward. Faye narrowed her eyes. “And who are you? The muscle?” “More like his associate. You folks are in over your heads. Nightmares aren’t a game.” Spike stepped forward, backed by Jet’s quiet solidarity. “We’ll take our chances. We need to talk to him.” He challenged the associate directly. Feeling the intensity spike, Faye interjected, “Look, we just need information. Something’s brewing. If you don’t move, it’ll drown you too.” The associate hesitated, stepping aside. The trio exchanged looks before descending into a narrow staircase. Inside, walls pulsed with light. They entered dimly, where Joe Memento stood flipping through memory records. At their sight, he adjusted his glasses and smirked, “Lovely. To what do I owe this honor?” Faye leaned in. “We want to talk about your memory trade—” Joe’s voice was silky, ominously, “The price of memories is steep… Can cost more than just cash.” Spike snapped back, “What do you want?” Joe spread his hands, grinning, “Rediscovering fondest memories, but you might wish for shadows to remain. Are the risks worth it?” Ensuing tensions prompted Jet’s inquiry about Julia. Joe’s eyes flickered with recognition. “Your hearts are open wounds… It could be yours again—For a price!” Spike felt resolve grounding him. “I’d rather embrace pain than fall into another memory trap!” Faye affirmed, “His past doesn’t define him! Let him go, or our deal ends here!” Joe felt their weight. “You think you’re the first to wrestle with ghosts? The future demands bold sacrifices. Think wisely.” Realizing they might lose more than just a bounty, Spike stepped forward. “We came for the bounty, sure, but it’s not just for redemption—it’s for a purpose.” Joe regarded them, a glimpse of respect surfacing. “Show me what you’ve learned. I’ll grant you a lead—but every answer adds layers to your tapestries.” They stepped into Neo-Tokyo’s neon ocean, united in their fight against haunting memories, ready to seek redemption and purpose as dawn broke, undeterred by shadows of their complex souls.