I don't own digimon.
Story 80
Ripple Effect Pt 1: Stone, in free fall
Mervamon did her best to look into the mirror. While her height had many advantages, finding outfits was not one of them. Yes, she had her office attire. But that was office attire whose sole function was to look generic enough to get past the fact that she was in fact a seven foot tall humanoid woman who was well outside of her comfort zone attempting to blend in. The obvious problem being she still stuck out like a sore thumb and that in turn made any attempt to blend in impossible. Which left just one option - a peplos. A gift from an Arukenimon, she had accepted it without giving it a second thought. Now holding the garment up in the mirror, it was clear that this wasn't quite the kind garment one wore to a fancy gathering. Unless you were a statue. Then it was perfectly okay. But the sky blue sundress-like garment was all she had. Perhaps with a pair of her nicer gladiator sandals. Yeah. That could work.
"What did you think?" the warrioress digimon announced, craning her neck down to meet the two important people in her life - Lorence and Juvia.
"Uh… I get this is supposed to be a top secret meeting and all. But why go through the trouble of letting you all bring your human partners?" Lorence inquired and Mervamon let out a sigh. On one hand, her partner was right. This was a massive security vulnerability. On the other hand, he did realize a good chunk of the entourage going to this meeting were digimon with partners. As a sign of good faith that the information would not leave the restaurant and flood onto the internet for people to speculate about. Especially after the rumors of Eosmon being out and about.
"Because disappearing on you would be dumb." Mervamon answered, watching her husband raise up a blue shirt in one hand. In the other, was a gray shirt. Either one would work here. Reddish brown hair went with everything. Or at least, that's what she thought. Whether or not it was the actual case remained to be seen. "Definitely the blue shirt."
Lorence nodded and set the shirt on the bed. As for the other shirt, that was brought back over to his side of the closet. Hanging it back in its spot, Mervamon took that as her cue to get into the peplos. Once she had, the warrioress digimon's focus shifted back to Lorence. Now in the shirt, he decided to pair with some tan pants and loafers. The finishing touch was the wedding band and the digizoid band on his hand.
"What do you think?" Lorence announced, getting a thumbs-up from his spouse. Cracking a smile, he reached behind his back. Out came a jewelry box. Opening it up, Mervamon was met with a pair of wedding bands. Pulling them out of their velvet lining, she took care to slip them on. Holding them up to the mirror, they shined brightly in the bedroom's light.
"Thank you, my beloved." Mervamon announced, carefully pulling Lorence in for a hug. The last thing she needed was to accidentally break his spine because she got overzealous.
"Lilithmon has arrived!" a voice called out, bringing with it the head of a slightly pale woman. Dressed in a sparkly black dress, she had chosen to match it with a set of open-toe pumps. Done up to match her dress, the finishing touch on the outfit was a pair of short black gloves that highlighted her wedding band and the digizoid band respectively. Moving to her head, two cyan eyes met that of light makeup and locks of plain brunette hair. Done up in a bun, she looked ready to slay. Figuratively, of course. Even if Mervamon had seen her pick up the warrioress digimon's greatsword and swing it around like it was nothing.
"We'll be there in a second." Mervamon announced and got a nod from Juvia. Afterward, her gaze shifted to Lorence. Getting his belt just right, he gave a nod to his partner. While this was clearly neither of their fortes, that could be looked past.
"Do you know what Lilithmon might be wearing?" Lorence inquired and was met with a shrug from Mervamon.
"I have no clue. Her predecessor supposedly wore digimon as clothes. But that was likely a rumor for the sake of discrediting her. Maybe." Mervamon announced as she grabbed the strap of her purse. While comically oversized for the things she needed to carry, it still worked well for the few things that she needed for work and/or other occasions. Strapping it across her left shoulder, that was all Lorence needed to see here. Exiting the bedroom, the couple made their way down the hall. Taking a left right after, they were dumped out into the dining room. Relatively sparse on account of Mervamon's height, they made it work. It was here they found Lilithmon. Dressed in a pinstripe suit, she had chosen to pair with a set of black spike heel pumps. While the additional height was nice, it did little to accentuate her loose locks of jet black hair and lack of makeup. "How are you, Miss Lilithmon?"
Lilithmon looked away, doing her best to hide the blushing of her cheeks.
"You're… bisexual?" the demon lord digimon of lust announced and Mervamon nodded. Was it really that odd? Well, no odder than having a conversation with someone who can smash damn near everything with just about every part of their body.
"Married bisexuals to be exact." Lorence remarked, Lilithmon gazing upon the trio's wedding rings. Then it's back over to Mervamon.
"By any chance do you have someone in your life ?" Mervamon inquired and Lilithmon looked away. Thoughts of her former partner flooded her mind. And then… her. A demon in human flesh, she made the stories told of the denizens of hell look nice and kind.
"She… took the person I cared about a long time ago." Lilithmon whispered as her tears threatened to cascade down her cheeks. Juvia reached behind her and pulled out a handkerchief. Taking the utmost care, she wiped them away.
"Is there anything that we can do for you before we head off, Miss Lilithmon?" Juvia added and Lilithmon shook her head. The demon lord of lust digimon appreciated the offer, but her thoughts were on other things. More specifically, how exactly were they going to actually get to the restaurant.
"Would it be wrong of me to assume that we're having Mervamon carry us to our destination or are we going to take your car?" Lilithmon inquired, Lorence and Juvia's attention shifting over to her partner. While that initially sounded like a good idea, it was bound to be unsuitable here.
"We'll take my car." Lorence announced and Lilithmon nodded. Breathing a sigh of relief, her focus shifted to Mervamon.
"It's not a far walk. I'll be fine." Mervamon explained as she exited the dining room. Heading to the entrance, her companions followed right behind. Catching up rather quickly, time is taken to lock up.
Outside, the night sky shined a deep shade of black expected of the sky. A far cry from the red hue that captivated and scared many people. Chunks of asphalt, rebar and concrete were scattered, leaving the quality of the road much to be desired. But that wasn't what Lilithmon was looking at. No, that would be the plain red coupe. On the cheap end of the scale, it was perfect for Lorence and Juvia.
"Do you want to sit up front, Lilithmon?" Lorence inquired and watched the demon lord of lust digimon shrug. While sitting up front would be nice, she could live without that privilege. Her cab ride was more than enough to sate that feeling.
"I'm perfectly fine sitting in the back both ways." Lilithmon answered as the trio headed for the car. Waiting a moment for Lorence to unlock the vehicle, Lilithmon shifted her attention over to Mervamon. Patiently waiting for the car to head off, she gave her employer a wave. In turn, Lilithmon waved back and looked back to the car door. Now unlocked, she wasted little time in getting in. Taking care to not accidentally wreck her outfit, the demon lord of lust digimon made herself comfortable in the relatively comfortable space that was the back of the coupe. Buckling up, Lilithmon's attention shifted to the front of the vehicle. Lorence and Juvia had buckled up as well, with the former now starting up the coupe. Leaving the driveway for the cluttered road, care is taken to avoid anything that could easily puncture the vehicle's tires and/or disable the vehicle completely.
"If you don't mind me asking, Miss Lilithmon, how exactly did you spend the other day?" Juvia inquired and Lilithmon looked into the window. While she got why Juvia asked that question, it didn't change the fact that there wasn't a real good way to answer. At least, not without coming across as condescending or rude. Perhaps even both at the same time.
"Mostly dealing with the various riff-raff that had invaded my space." Lilithmon answered and watched Juvia crane her neck to meet her gaze. The result left quite a bit to be desired, but the demon lord of lust digimon didn't mind. "How about you and your husband?"
Lorence let out a chuckle.
"Mervamon took care of any digimon that were dumb enough to think that they could get our hands on us. Though, I don't know what exactly we did to piss them off." Lorence answered and Lilithmon stared down at her lap. A part of her wished that she had an answer to that question. But that was why they were having this meeting - to compare notes and make plans for the foreseeable future.
"I sadly don't have an answer to that question currently." Lilithmon answered as the coupe turned. Shifting her focus to the window, Lilithmon gazed upon piles of rubble. At one time, this had likely been a house. Maybe someone's business. Now, it was something to be bulldozed and rebuilt. She could only hope that they were able to rebuild and pick up where their life had been torn away. Yeah. That was for the best.
"Fair enough. Just curious if they were from some kind of competitor." Lorence continued and let his focus return to the road ahead. It wasn't that much further to the restaurant. From here, one could make out a couple other vehicles. At least, the accountant hoped those were vehicles.
"Not that I know of." Lilithmon announced and followed it up with a chuckle. Catching a glance from Juvia, there was no doubt going to be questions. "Most digimon-run businesses are quite fine with competitors. While some competition on my level would be nice, the only thing to really worry about are the three celestials - Ophanimon, Seraphimon and Cherubimon."
Silence fell over the car. Coming right as the parking lot came into view. While there were definitely vehicles here, it was a far smaller number than one would expect to see
"Because they're the inverse of you and the demon lords?" Lorence inquired and Lilithmon shook her head. Staring down at the seat, a sigh escaped her lips. She could only wish that was the case. But no, it was far worse than that.
"No, the current Ophanimon parties like she's some kind of teenager, Seraphimon is useless and Cerubimon thinks they are a dog. Then there's Rasielmon, who always seems like she is plotting something. Probably at this very moment."
Lorence nodded, taking the time to maneuver the coupe into the parking lot. What followed was a rather pleasant parking experience. If one can call parking pleasant. I certainly don't. Bringing the car to a stop, the occupants filed out. Just in time for Mervamon to walk up.
"Uh… do you think I'll fit through the doorway?" Mervamon whispered and watched her partners look to the entrance. Relatively large as entrances go, Mervamon would no doubt have to dui-
"Mervamon?" a voice called out, bringing a swift end to Lorence and Juvia's examination of the entrance. Swiveling over to the source of the voice, they were met by Aegiochusmon of all digimon. Dressed in his normal outfit, he looked quite confused.
"Oh. Hi Boss." Mervamon greeted and split her gaze between Lilithmon and Aegiochusmon. Lilithmon waved, trying her hardest to appear friendly. "Lilithmon here asked me to protect her, if you're wondering."
Aegiochusmon nodded and looked behind himself. Looking back to Mervamon, a rather buff man walked up beside the leader of the Olympos XII. Dressed in a relatively plain suit, it did little to hide his muscular build.
"And this is my… boyfriend, Bruce." Aegiochusmon croaked out, carefully cradling Bruce's hand. Bruce accepted the gesture. Then it's over to Mervamon and company. Giving a wave with his free hand,
"It's nice to meet you, Bruce." Mervamon greeted and took a moment to look him over. While the slot of Junomon was now open, could he work in such a role? Possibly. But she would keep that thought to herself. For now, she shifted her thoughts to that of her partners.
"Hi. We're Lorence and Juvia, Mervamon's partners/spouses." Lorence greeted as he and Juvia waved.
"Wait. You can marry digimon?" Bruce announced and got a nod from the couple. Looking over to Lillithmon, all he got out of her was a chuckle and then a nod. That was all he needed to see. Even as Aegiochusmon's cheeks went red. There were many things that he loved about his partner, but sometimes Bruce made it difficult. This was one such moment. But, they could work through it.
"Yes, but stuff like proper weddings are still a bit out. Thankfully, most churches are quite willing to 'officiate' in your certificate." Lorence explained and Mervamon nodded in agreement. Taking care to reach out to both of her partner's hands, that was Lorence and Juvia's cue to grab hold. Squeezing tightly, the squeeze they got back was far softer than what they initially. Said fact was looked past here in favor of heading for the doorway. Bruce and Aegiochusmon followed right behind, taking the time to open the door for our couple. Once they had, everyone stepped inside.
Compared to the area that they had just left, the waiting area of the restaurant was relatively plain. The walls had stained a dark shade of brown, whereas the floors looked to be made of concrete. Off to the side, someone had set up a computer for those capable of accessing digi-gates to have a way to get in. Whether or not they would use it, remained to be seen. On the opposite side, a hostess was manning her post. Dressed in a plain black blouse and appropriate-length skirt, she was talking to a pair of women. The woman on the left was adorned in that of a crimson dress. Decorated with frills near the hem and poofed out with a single petticoat, a set of red pumps cover her feet. Locks of black hair had been allowed to hang in a loose bun, while one can make out a set of ruby red eyes. The finishing touch was the engagement ring on her finger.
The woman on the right, had gone for a dark blue suit. It's clearly a far cry from her usual attire, a likely result of wanting to do something big and needing that extra bit of courage in order to achieve it. Why she went for a garment that clung to her curves and accentuated her height is beyond me. Especially with those matching slacks and peep-toe mary janes that cover her feet. Moving up to her head, locks of dark pale pink hair hang down to the middle of her neck, far more acceptable than the last time she graced the pages. Bright amber eyes flick about the room, making her engagement ring all the more noticeable. Always will be a cute couple, no matter what.
"Sonst noch etwas, Frau Alice und Elena Zwingli? (Anything else, Mrs Alice and Elena Zwingli?)" the hostess inquired and Alice shook her head. Turning to her fiancee, what looked to be a pair of pistols came out of Elena's pockets. Handing them over, that was the spirit gambler's cue to hoister them at her side. Once that was done, her beloved took the time to slip a pair of kris to her side. All while Mervamon and company watched on.
"Uh… is this some kind of exception to regular gun laws or is this something else?" Juvia whispered and watched Lilithmon look in the direction of our representatives for Delta. Then it's back over too Juvia here.
"Likely have permits through DA03, if I had to take a guess." Lilithmon muttered as our engaged couple approached.
"Hello. It's nice to meet you." the couple greeted, giving a wave on the off chance that the people that they were talking too somehow didn't speak for one reason or another.
"It's uh… nice to meet you Mrs and Mrs Zwingli." Lorence greeted as Mervamon gingerly reached out to Elena's hand. Grabbing hold, the hand shake that followed was relatively equal. Aegiochusmon was next, met with a similar result. Which just left Lilithmon here. The demon lord of lust digimon let out a sigh and carefully reached out. Taking care to not accidentally melt the gale corsair's hand, the shake that followed is relatively light. Letting go right after, Lilithmon let out a sigh.
"Glad we got that ov- Shit." Lilithmon muttered, her gaze swiveling over to the digi-port. Rasielmon stood proudly in front of it. Adorn in a dress more at home at someone's grandmother than that of a very important meeting, a set of blocky heels cover her feet.
"Hello Lilithmon. How have you been?" Rasielmon greeted and Lilithmon rolled her eyes. It took everything in her power to not respond with something stupid and/or incite a fight.
"Wonderful." Lilithmon muttered and waited a moment for the archangel of secrets digimon to close the distance between them. Using that time to compose her thoughts, she figured out what needed to be said. "Though, a little imp told me that you kicked out your subordinates. Such a change needs to be officially announced. Not just for the sake of the Demon Lords, but for the Digital World as well. Right?"
Rasielmon rolled her eyes.
"What? No thank you for getting rid of that drunken party animal? You disappoint me, Lilithmon." Rasielmon announced and Lilithmon muttered something under her breath. Stepping away, her hand reached out to Mervamon's. Feeling the warrioress digimon grab hold, the squeeze that followed was… good enough for this situation.
"I was not told of this." Aegiochusmon announced and stepped up to Rasielmon. Tempted as he was to punch her here, the leader of Olympos XII let that feeling fade away. "Were you planning to drop that bombshell or is there some other ulterior motive here?"
Rasielmon didn't answer, choosing instead to head in the direction of where she assumed the table to be. Whether or not it actually was, remained to be seen.
"What a bitch." Lilithmon muttered and was treated to a look from everyone else here. She had very much walked into that one here. Looking away for just a second, that was just long enough for the demon lord of lust digimon to compose herself. Turning back to Mervamon, she was met with a chuckle. "Hey. It's my job to know what a bitch is and isn't."
Right after saying that, the sound of paws echoed across the floor. Our heroes turned their attention to the door, only to be taken aback.
A pug of all animals was standing in front of the door. Dressed in a tiny purple vest, their white fur was on full display here. A set of cerulean eyes similar to that of Lilithmon's stare back, trying their hardest to meet the occupants of the room.
"Oh right. The Evergreen Demonologist Society exists." Lilithmon announced as the door opened up once more. This time, a pair of women walked in. The one on the left appeared to be dressed in that of a nun's habit and robes, doing little to obscure that of the wolf head that hung within the habit. Giving a wave, our heroes waved back. Even as the wolf nun digimon's companion held in a laugh. A GamblerNekomon, Alice's gaze had already found her way over. Bringing the chuckling to an end, that was her cue to scoop the pug up.
"We were planning to send someone else, but we're currently in the middle of research. So Hailey has come as Evergreen's representative." the wolf nun digimon announced as she pulled out a leash. Clipping it to the vest, Hailey reluctantly accepted the gesture and was set back down. Here's to hoping that the topic of sasquatch doesn't come up during this meeting. If it does, I'm not looking forward to it. Harlequin will just cross that bridge once she gets there.
"Hi Hailey." Juvia greeted, gingerly reaching down to Hailey's head. Giving the pug a pet, she took care to not freak her out. Once she had, Hailey made her way over to Lilithmon.
"Arf!" the pug announced and Lilithmon carefully bent down to be on their level. A variety of thoughts echoed forth. Some good, some… less than pleasant.
"I accept you as my vassal, but I don't have any work for you or the rest of Evergreen. Okay?" the demon lord of lust digimon explained as Hailey's partners walked up. Shooting her a look, Lilithmon let it slide. Especially as she stood back up.
"Wait. Does that mean I need to do payroll for the pug as well?" Lorence announced and Lilithmon shook her head. Breathing a sigh of relief, the accountant bent down and petted Hailey as well. Afterwards, his attention shifted to Mervamon.
"I'm good." Mervamon announced as she got out of the way. Glad as the warrioress digimon was for these tall ceilings, it didn't change the fact that she did make everyone else look quite small in comparison. Perhaps one of the other people or digimon would come in and she would have someone else her height to talk too. While wishful thinking, it certainly wasn't out of the realm of poss-
Before Mervamon could finish that thought, the door opened up once more. This time, a pair of women stepped through. The woman on the left was the taller of the two, adorned in a black lolita suit with gold accents. A set of heeled half boots cover her feet, making the swirling purple void that served as their skin all the stranger. Orange eyes flick across the occupants of the room, it only served to make her jet black locks of hair all the more noticeable. Even in the face of the digizoid rings with a clear stone set within.
In contrast, the woman's companion was far shorter. Coming up to her companion's bust, a gorgeous pink lolita coord with gold accents adorned her body. A single petticoat served to floof the dress out, leading right into a set of frilly pink knee socks. Decorated with gold crosses, they lead right into a pair of chunky pink platform pump heels. A set of matching wrist bands decorated with frills hung against deathly gray skin. Faded milky eyes stare out, offset by locks of pink hair obscured by a pink poke bonnet decorated with gold cross symbols. The finishing touch is the other digizoid band. Inset with a clear stone as well, they were both
"Hi there!" the shorter woman announced as she waved for good measure. Even as our heroes looked them over. "We're Laura Night Mon and Alva Mon of the Royal Knights!"
Silence fell over the room. While the couple would've needed to identify themselves eventually, there were no doubt better ways to do so. But it worked. Which was all that mattered ahead of what was bound to be one of the most important meetings held this year.
"Wait. You can make yourselves human?" Elena announced, only to feel both royal knight's gazes shift over to her.
"So what if we can? We can still use our moves as well. Want to see?" Alva Mon announced and brought out her ouryuken. Pointing it in the direction of the gale corsair, it was met by that of Elena's kris. Taking a single swing, neither fighter budged. Thankfully, nothing was destroyed as a result. "Next time, I will kick your ass. Slapping Homeostasis is a big crime, after all."
Elena held in a chuckle.
"I would like to see you try." Alice countered, the sound of the door opening cutting off any further attempts at fighting. Pulling their gaze away from the royal knights, it comes upon a man and woman. The man had gone for a full suit and loafers, highlighting his short brown hair and faded chocolate brown eyes. Okay. That's probably my fault. Killing their friend was absolutely a dick move on my part. Hindsight is 20/20 or something. Oh right. Then there's his partner. The gray dinosaur digimon that was Bitemon. Yeah, real clever name for a not Guilmon digimon. Oh well. I don't think we'll get sued this time if their last appearance was anything to go by. I digress.
As for the woman, she had gone for a simple blouse and skirt combo. What looked to be boots covered her feet, making the inch of height difference all the more noticeable. Locks of reddish brown hair hang down, complemented by a sharp pair of reddish orange eyes.
A Coronamon stood beside her, followed up by Varia and Flower here. The former looking not quite as happy as the latter to be around people. Which is about the same reaction I have to both of them.
"Oh. It's you people. Can't we just go get some curly fries or something?" Varia muttered as Laura and Alva looked her way. Muttering something under her breath, out come the gladius. "Well. That certainly changes things."
Alva rolled her eyes.
"Oh. So the pot is calling the kettle black then." Alva announced, only for her wife to step forward. Muttering something in her direction, that was enough to stop her from kicking the bitch's ass. Truly a shame if you ask me. Could really do with getting knocked down a peg or two. Oh well. Harlequin will live. Especially as Hailey approached Bitemon. Are we certain that it's okay to have the literal embodiment of lust in dog form approaching a nuclear digimon? Eh. Hailey has probably had worse.
"Uh… nice doggie?" Bitemon announced as he attempted to pet Hailey. Succeeding in that task, They get off to the side. The rest of their companions follow right behind. Even as Flower took care to deal with Nagamon's position.
"Oh right. You people exist." Aegiochusmon announced and got a look from his boyfriend. What the heck could he be talking about here? Of course these people existed. Unless Aegiochusmon was talking in relation to what they accomplished. That was probably it.
"I'm guessing you're not a big fan of them?" Bruce inquired and Aegiochusmon nodded. Try as he might to remember their exploits, he found himself coming up empty. Lara, Luke and their digimon had to have done something… right? So then why couldn't he recall even a footnote? Absolutely annoying, but an issue one could look past given enough time. Something that they seemed to have boatloads at the moment. Even as the digi-port activated.
Turning their attention to the device, Victoria and Kuro Neko appeared. For this occasion, the black cat had gone for her usual attire. Kuro on the other hand, had managed to get her claws on a dress that fitted her feline body. Done up in a deep shade of purple, it looked to be paired with sandals.
"Oh my. I thought the legendary black cat herself was a myth." Mervamon announced and Victoria rolled her eyes. Well, it's nice knowing this universe's momma kitty has a reputation to uphold… for better or worse. Kind of comforting… even in the face of existential dread. But I digress.
Bringing up the rear is Madame Lilithmon. Much like her partner, she had chosen to go with her regular attire. The only adjustment made was to touch up her makeup. Which was probably all she needed here. Giving a wave, that brought Hailey over. Even with her partner's attempts to rein her in.
"Aw… what a cute vessel of lust." Madame Lilithmon cooed, already feeling Lilithmon's gaze fall onto her. Giving Hailey a pet, she headed over to the demon lord of lust. Gazes meeting, what looked to be animosity hung over the pair. At any moment, sparks would fly forth from their glares and cause a miniature storm. A shame that isn't how it works.
"I believe I clearly told you to get some files." Lilithmon muttered and Madame Lilithmon rolled her eyes. Of course that was the first thing brought up here. So what if she got whisked off before she could grab that file. That was Victoria's fault, not hers.
"I got lost." Madame Lilithmon countered, only to be met with laughter from her former boss. By no means the reaction she was expecting here, it did make everyone look their way. Which I guess is something.
"Of course you did." Lilithmon muttered as she gingerly approached Victoria. Calming her nerves, she held her hand out. Victoria reluctantly accepted the gesture, even if she didn't quite understand what was going on here.
"Uh… thanks." Victoria muttered and got off to the side. Kuro and her partners followed right behind. Not that it stopped them from waving in Varia's direction. Getting a wave back, it was now a waiting game for who would show up next. Can't be that many groups left… right? Just the legendary warriors (if they remembered to send someone), the Odiaba destined and then DA03. Though, there was always the chance of someone else stopping by to crash the party. Because of cour-
"Do we really have to go inside all ready? I was actually having quite a bit of fun flying." a voice announced, bringing with it a Kazemon of all digimon. Dressed in a pastel pink tunic and pants, they looked to have been customized to let her fly without getting in the way.
Beside her was a man. Dressed casually in a polo and pants, it's a far cry from his normal attire. A trans pride bracelet hangs to his left wrist, making the cyan hair an odd choice. Though, the framing of his cerulean eyes made it kind of work.
"Wait. This is who the Legendary Warriors sent?" Rasielmon announced as Kazemon closed the door behind her. Facing the archangel of secrets digimon, a sigh escaped her lips. Of course she was here. Why the hell wouldn't Rasielmon be here? It made perfect sense, after all.
"Yes, just I and Hayden. The only other proper Legendary Warrior here is a pair of Ranamon. While I've heard claims of an Agunimon being down here, I cannot not confirm those claims." Kazemon answered, her tone taking on a good attempt at a professional tone. Even as Rasielmon responded with that of an eye roll. "Even then, there's still the matter of Homeostasis possessing that of the body of Maki Himekawa. Who's whereabouts are also unknown."
Silence fell over the room. While there were definitely rumors of Maki running around the east coast of the United States, the confirmation was quite nice to have here. Just one more thing to keep track of. Oh well.
"Good to know." Lilithmon answered as the digi-port activated. Kazemon and Hayden stepped off to the side, revealing Hikari and Taichi Yagami. For this occasion, the former had chosen to go with her regular clothes. Whereas the latter had managed to find himself an appropriate suit for this occasion.
Tailmon stood off to the side, making Chouko's attempt to hide all the more noticeable. Dressed in what looked to be a pretty purple shirt emblazoned with a black cat, that's certainly a way to fulfill a quota. Not that I mind in the slightest. More black cats please. The feline kind.
"Hikari?" Victoria cooed, the chosen of light not even attempting to look in the black cat's direction. Made it all the easier for Kuro to walk up and meet her parallel self. Of course, that just made it worse.
"Hi mommy!" Chouko greeted and waved in the direction of Kuro. Getting a wave back, she made a beeline for Victoria and Madame Lilithmon.
"Uh… something came up. So I had to go with my brother. Okay?" Hikari announced and Kuro rolled her eyes. While Daisuke being turned into that thing had left the selection thin, that didn't change the fact that the chosen of light should've told them. But no, that was asking a touch too much. Typical of these chosen. Honestly, expecting things to somehow be different with the severity of the situation is honestly a pipe dream.
"That still isn't a good reason not to tell us. We live right across from you." Kuro announced as she split her gaze between Taichi and Hikari. This never did get any easier.
"Wait. You're not one of those mascot suit furries?" Taichi announced, all eyes shifting to him. Even as Pins made his entrance by the front door. To be fair to the chosen of courage, furries aren't something that come to mind to him. If this was Yamato, then it would be silly.
"No, but I can see why that's the first thing that comes to mind." Kuro remarked as Pins made his approach. Shooting Taichi a look, this no doubt has something to do with the atrocity that Koushiro commited. An atrocity that none of them quite grasp the severity of. Heck, I don't think I quite grasp it either. It's one thing to string a man along over and over with the promise of freedom, only to kill right before he can get there. It's another to doom universe after universe to the same fate with only slight variations for the sake of making its denizens suffer for your own amusement. Yes, there is a big difference - a comedy vs a tragedy. Beyond the point.
"I trust that everyone who has been invited is here?" Pins called out and was met with nods. While this meeting had been quite a pain to get set up, hopefully the resulting discussion they had would more than make up for it.
Harlequin's Note:
This feel so unreal. I wonder what the boss would think of this. Oh well. Probably off doing something else.