Author Notes:
Salutations!
And I'm back with Chapter Six of Digimon Ghost Strife!
This one took some time to write, mainly because I have been busy with things, so had to postpone it quite a bit.
Anywyas, I won't bore you all with the story of my life!
I'm here to bore you with my pathetic attemtp at a fanfic!
Enjoy! XD
Answers to comments:
To Baraka108:
Bokomon and Bakumon are pretty important for the story, even if one of them got retired early in the Anime!
It also bothered me that Bokomon appeared to be very mature and knowledgeable, but was only a Child in the Anime, so I gave him a boost and evolved him into Siesamon!
And yeah, Ruli is a joy to write XD.
To Guest: (Please pick yourself a name so I can easily recognize you in case one day I end with lost of Guests! XD)
Thanks for taking the time to write that analysis and pointing at problems!
Yeah, I'm pretty sure my writing in first person isn't the best, I'm more of an Illustrator than a Writer, this would be my first time seriously writing a long story, and I haven't had too many short stories before it either.
So I'm sure my intentions of what I wanted to do with what I did may have stopped at intentions and not properly translated into writing. Which is, as it would be said nowadays: "Skill Issue, get good noob!"
So, even if it's probably a bad excuse, I'll try to say why I do things like I do:
I write in First Person because I feel that expresses the most what characters feel, think, and why they do what they do. Showing precisely how they see the world and the actions of others, even if it's from a flawed perspective. And that's even more important than a story itself for me.
If the characters feel one-note... That's entirely a subject of my Skill. I would like to make them more unique and with more character, and that a reader could see it through the way I write. And if I fail at it, then it's entirely my lack of skill as a writer, and something I should improve on.
As for the rambling feeling like padding the story...
Sorry for that, I can be quite a rambly person, so I may end writing more than needed when trying to give the perspective and thoughts of the characters. I really don't try to pad the story doing it, there is nothing I remove to fit this, and if it ends taking longer than planned because of it I simply delay releasing the chapter until it's done.
If it slows the narrative too much... Yeah, sorry, Skill Issue from my part.
As for the characters being Passive... I have actually tried to deal with that in the story. For example, Hiro is actually tracking down Clockmon, and going around asking Digimon for that. In Chapter 3 we can see that while he waited for Ruli to come, he was asking some flying Digimon, and later on it's also shown that the Digimon he talked to are to tell him in case of spotting Clockmon, and he's going to compensate them for that.
The reason why I let Clockmon escape without returning the Time of the people he attacked, was so Kotaro remained in the hospital, and give Hiro a reason to move his ass and go out to find him. He'll still react to what happens and get involved in shenanigans, but when he can, he's out there trying to find Clockmon and grab him by the throat until he vomits the Time he stole.
As for the others...
Yeah, they don't have much to not be passive right now. I'll plan to give Kiyo his own Enemy like Clockmon is to Hiro, and other things he'll be doing. And Ruli will... Well, she'll be probably both Passive and a Force of Nature dragging everything and everyone at her will, with some big stuff happening to her. I won't say much, but I'll say to remember that Dracumon didn't exactly return the Evil Eyes on people to normal by the end.
And yeah, I want the mystery going on to be important, with each pair interacting with it on a different way. But the mystery itself is going to be different. This will NOT be the same story as the original Anime. This may be considered an Alternative Universe after I write enough of it.
The beginning is almost the same, and will take until Chapter 10 to properly start to separate. And even then, I'll still be taking a lot of the Digimon and conflicts used in the Anime, just adapting them as needed for my story, since even if it felt like Ghost Game was mediocre, it truly did a lot of things I liked, and I want to show that they ARE good, just needed to be used better.
Ah, and yeah, I want each character to have an equal amount of protagonism, not letting Hiro take the lion share of it. I took some time to plan the entire story, all the chapters and what character would be "Protagonist" of each one. And all characters should be having an exactly equal amount of protagonism.
Finally, don't worry, I'm very aware I'm pretty new to the writing stories things, so my writing needs a LOT of work to improve. So, I'm glad to receive any advice and critics that points at things I did badly, so maybe I can improve my writing even if just a bit.
...Yeah, I have just proven that I ramble too much XD.
Digimon Ghost Strife
Chapter 6: Clean Cuts
It was a pretty cold night. Very cold, but nice.
As we walked through the park, our arms intertwined as we held each other's hands, keeping them warm. Unlike me, Sayu was smart, so she brought gloved in her purse for the night, and my cold hand couldn't be more grateful.
A quick stealthy look to the side, and I could see she was smiling. Smiling, looking at me for a moment, and snickering a bit, trying to cover her face with her curly black hair.
She must be thinking something rude, I'm sure of it, but it doesn't offend me.
It bring a dumb smile to my face.
We walked smiling like idiots, still drunk on the feeling of just starting dating weeks ago.
Life was great!
"...Don't do it...!"
Uh, what?
I look around, trying to find the source of that voice, but there's nobody around. Only us.
"Did you say something?"
"Uh? No, I thought you did."
Did I imagine it...?
No, wait, she heard it too, and she looks genuinely confused.
Maybe someone shouted it from far away...?
'Fzzz' 'Fzzz' 'Fzzz'
As we look around, the light poles around the path release a sharp electrical sound, and start turning off one by one.
"Wha- What is-?!"
All the lights get turned off, leaving us in darkness, barely illuminated by the moon and the buildings surrounding the park.
"...Sayu, lets hurry."
"Yeah, good idea..."
We start moving again, accelerating our pace. It's not like there is a real reason, this is probably just an electrical malfunction, but...
...My gut tells me to get away. And I would rather follow it.
'Whoosh!'
"Guaa-!"
"Careful!"
I fall forward as a sudden and strong gust of wind passes by, almost throwing me to the ground if not for Sayu catching me.
"Wah, that was a strong wind, eh Sayu?"
"Yeah, and it came out of now- ...Uh?"
Sayu suddenly stopped, her gaze fixated in a nearby tree. She looked confused, and a bit... Scared?
"Sayu, what happens?"
"...Ono, did that tree... Was it like that before the lights went out?"
"The tree?"
I look back at the tree she was looking at. It looked normal, except... For a big cut on it's side. Looking as if it was hacked with an axe halfway through it.
I don't think it was not like that a moment ago, but I may have simply not noticed, or I may be remembering wrong...
My gut starts to turn, telling me to get moving.
My mind starts bringing up some of the rumors that have been going around, about mysterious phenomena happening across Japan, that have been sending people to the hospital.
"...Let's move, Sayu."
"...Yeah, let's- Wha-?!"
As she looked at me, Sayu jumped backwards, covering her mouth with her hands. She was trembling, eyes fixated on me.
"S-Sayu...? What...?"
"O-Ono... Your... Your arm...!"
"Uh?"
My arm...?
I look down at my right arm, the one she was holding just a moment ago. There was nothing strange with it.
I looked to the side, towards my other arm. And there was a big cut on it.
"...What?"
A big cut, going from an extreme to the other, the jacket around it hanging open. It looked like something had cut half of my arm, stopping when reaching the bone.
But it wasn't bleeding.
And I couldn't feel any pain.
"W-What is this?!"
'Whoosh!'
"Wah!"
"Ono, crouch down!"
Sayu throws me to the ground, crouching besides me, a terrified look on he face. In front of us, there was a giant cut on the ground, that looked like it came from behind us.
"...!"
'Whoosh!'
'Whoosh!'
'Whoosh!'
'Whoosh!'
Gust of wind after gust of wind after gust of wind.
The dust and leaves quickly flying around left behind cuts everywhere. On trees, on the ground, on the light poles, on the road... And as they passed by us, I don't know what they cut.
I don't feel like it did anything to me. And that gives me no peace of mind.
I look back, trying to follow the wind with my eyes, but they stop halfway when they pass over Sayu.
There is a giant cut across her abdomen, continuing into the ground.
She didn't look like she noticed.
"Say-!"
'Thump'
My words die in my throat as I hear something falling to the ground nearby, in the direction of the wind.
Twisting my head to the source of the wound, I see it.
Coming out of the wind itself, the back of a beast as big as a lion, covered in a blue light, and with a giant blue blade as it tail. And the blade looked at me, it's single eye blinking, before jumping away.
An hour has passed since I went to bed, but I still couldn't fall asleep. I'm exhausted and barely awake, but still failing to sleep.
My idle hand below the pillow kept repeating the same movements, moving its fingers according to the piece I had been practicing today.
It bothers me.
A piece above my level, that I couldn't stop making mistakes in.
I knew that it was above my level, I know it, even my teacher said that it was too soon to take on songs of that level...
...But it still bothers me, enough to not let me sleep.
I need to practice more.
I need to study more.
I don't care if there is still a lot of time ahead to improve, if I'm not better today than I was yesterday, even if just for a small almost imperceptible amount, then WHEN I'm going to be better?
I have to improve.
Improve, to play all the music I want to play.
To one day make my own, that expresses my thoughts and feelings even better than words.
Playing instruments, singing, dancing, painting, writing, performing, sculpturing, directing...
So many things I want to do, so many wonderful things I won't have the time to do properly if I don't improve fast.
If I can only master one or three at a time, then I have to master them fast, there is not enough time to stop progressing for even a single day.
Even a day of rest to go out of friends has to have little bit of progress.
And so, my idle hand keeps repeating the motions it did in the violin, and my brain refuses to shut off and rest, so I can be well rested to keep improving tomorrow.
Curse you, hyperactive brain!
Curse you!
'Thumb'
A sound of a step.
'Thumb' Thumb' Thumb'
Multiple steps, slowly getting more distant.
I open slightly my heavy eyelids, to see an image I'm slowly getting familiar with.
Angoramon getting up in the middle of the night, and going to the balcony to fly away to who knows where, probably thinking I'm asleep.
Having Angoramon sleep in my room was... Weird, at the beginning.
I offered him to use my parent's room and bed, not like they would be coming home soon, and they would make a call before coming back.
But he said it wasn't necessary, and after thanking for the offer, simply threw himself in the floor and fell asleep in an instant.
Can't say I wasn't taken aback by that, but thinking about it for a moment, Digimon probably are used the sleeping near each other more freely without giving it a second thought, and with all that floof, the bed may as well be as comfortable as any bed.
So I simply let it be, and got used to him sleeping on the floor of my room.
What I'm still having problems getting used to, is him getting up in the middle of the night and flying away once or twice per week, only to be back and sleeping in the same position as I wake up the next day, without commenting anything about that.
It has only been about 2 weeks since our partnership started, so I may get used to it in a few weeks more, but... I'm curious, and worried.
And so, I see him pass through the glass door to the balcony, and fly away into the night, leaving me to my thoughts until I can finally fall asleep.
...
'Click'
As I press the button, the scene in front of me is captured in my new camera. Mika and Aoi posing as if Mika is pushing Aoi into the canal behind the railings. The light of the setting sun giving it a great atmosphere, and the book I read about composition helping at taking a great angle.
Aoi's white jacket falling from her shoulders during the struggle, revealing a light blue tank top over a pair of tight blue jeans and white boots. Mika with a wide sleeved red and white coat over a black long skirt and red heeled boots
Same as my light green sleek but puffy jacket, both of them came prepared for the cold that has been growing the last few days. And I feel like this look does a great job to create the atmosphere for the photos!
It's probably nowhere near as good as a professional work, and neither Mika nor Aoi are actors nor models, but I'm satisfied with it. Though maybe if I learned all the functions of this camera I could take better photos... But honestly, I'm not even sure if this is a particularly good or bad camera.
I simply bought one that looked good and I could buy with the allowance of this month, and didn't need me to touch my savings.
Walking back towards the shadow by the buildings, ignoring Aoi and Mika as they start to fight and jokingly try to throw each other into the canal, I check the photos properly.
They look more clear without the sunlight reflecting on the screen.
"What do you think, Angoramon?"
"..."
I asked, and as expected, he didn't respond, distracted by something. His gaze as far away as his attention. As he has been for the last few days.
"Angoramon?"
"Ah, yes?"
"What do you think of this photos?"
His mind back with us, he peered over the camera, as I showed him the last photo we took.
"Oh, they are looking pretty nice. She put a pretty convincing face of fright and... Disdain?"
Angoramon seems to also like how the photos ended. His tone and words acting as if nothing was wrong.
So I do the same, and ignore it.
"Yes, Mika is pretty good at it! Though I think the disdain in her face is real. She wanted to be the one throwing Aoi into the canal, but lost the Rock-Paper-Scissors."
"I feel like I should worry about that statement..."
"Oh, that's just Mika preferring the role of the villain rather than the protagonist. Nothing to worry about."
I pass through many more photos taken around the area, deciding which ones are good to post, and which ones I regret taking.
'Whoosh!'
A strong breeze pleasantly passes by us, carrying my hair in the wind.
Oh, this one is gre-!
"RULI, MOVE!"
'CRASH!'
My thoughts are interrupted as Angoramon tackles me to the ground. Though it has a soft landing, as I fall on top of him. And a loud crashing sound comes from where we were standing just a moment ago. A small but still dangerously big signboard came crashing down, falling right where I stood.
"...W-What?"
"A-Are you okey, miss?!"
"Ruli?! What was that?!"
"Are you hurt?!"
I slowly get up, eyes fixated on the signboard, Angoramon having released me pretty fast to not raises suspicious. My eyes focused on it, almost erasing the rest of the world around it.
The signboard wasn't broken.
A large cut went through it diagonally.
This was no accident.
It was an attempt at murder, and Angoramon just saved my life.
...
After the incident with the signboard, we moved on and started taking photos in different places. Aoi and Mika were doing a good job of ignoring it happened, probably deeming it as a weird accident that will become just a fun anecdote to post online.
But I can't avoid keeping my eye open for anything strange, any strange movement or a Digimon being close. Meanwhile, Angoramon grew even more distracted, this time his gaze wandering everywhere. He hasn't said much since the 'accident', his guard high and almost jumping at shadows.
He appears to have taken the attack even harder than me.
Eventually, it started to get dark, so I bid Aoi and Mika goodbye, and Angoramon carried me into the skies.
It's not really as fast as the train, but he feels it's safer, and being able to travel in a straight line, in the end it's not slower either. I must also admit that the view is fantastic!
But as we fly, the distant look returned to him, evident even past the floof covering his face. Probably due the sense of safety of being high in the sky.
"Angoramon, are you okay?"
"Huh? ...Ah, yes, don't worry, I'm just worried about that 'accident' of today."
"...No, you have been like this for a few days now. Is there something else worrying you?"
"No... Not really. Is not something important, don't worry about it."
"...Angoramon, if there is something you need help with or that is weighing on you, you can ask me."
He has saved me twice now. If I can't help him back if he needs it...
"It's really nothing. But I appreciate the sentiment. On the other hand, when are you going to upload the photos? There were some that came out a bit blurry... Some you took the time to set the scene, but a lot were a bit careless and ended blurry."
"...Hun! I like taking spontaneous photos! It's a design decision!"
He changed the subject.
Is that something he doesn't want to talk about...
...Or something he doesn't want to talk about with me?
The buildings go past me as I jump from roof to roof, shooting my twin grappling hooks as needed to move past streets or getting to buildings that are too tall or too short to parkour to.
The sound of the helicopter getting closer puts some pressure on my back, but I-
"Darling! Let's go buy a camera!"
A sudden weight fall on my head, making me almost fall forward. Fortunately, my reflexes and adaptability are good enough that I can still perform the next jump flawlessly.
"I want a camera like the one Ruli bought! Let's go!"
"You can use the camera of my phone. It's the best phone on the market, the camera won't leave anything to wish for~"
The helicopter gets closer and closer. I can't directly see it in front of me, but I can hear it getting closer.
This... May be a problem. When was the last time I saved the game...?
...Oh no.
Mayne I should use that Item I got to get out of this... But I have been saving it for the Boss, I can't use it now!
"Grrr!"
Well, I was supposedly saving it for the previous Boss, but it was a waste to use it against a Boss that wasn't too hard, so I-
Suddenly, Jellymon grabs my arms and throws them upwards, almost making me drop the controllers. I barely manage to pause the game in the surprise.
"I want my own camera! I don't want to have to ask you every time!"
"But I'm already getting you clothes because of our bet!"
"That is that and this is this! You lost, so be a good loser and don't let that influence on if you'll buy me something else! I was the clear winner after all!"
"You say clear, but you barely managed to break it with only 13 seconds leftover, after almost 24 hours of non-stop work!"
"Don't speak to the winner like that!"
'Zrzrzrzrzrzr!'
"Ahhhhhhhhhhh!"
I forgot...! It's in the nature of a Jellyfish to sting when provoked!
Checking my jeans and jacket one last time, I walk toward the door. Looking to the living room, I see Angoramon lost in thought, gazing through the window.
Once again, he's completely out of it. And I have no idea what to think of it.
Is it normal for Digimon?
Or is he having troubles that he doesn't feel I can help with?
...Maybe he's ill?
I hope not...
"...I'm going out!"
"...Ah! Yes! Have a nice trip! Where are you going today?"
Again, he returned to his normal tone, like nothing ever happened.
"To the bamboo park I mentioned this morning with Mika and Aoi, thought first I'll be reuniting with Hiro. We'll be out until the normal hour. Do you need me to get you something?"
"No, but thanks. Then I'll go get you at that hour. Though if you are worried about the gust of winds..."
"It has been a week already and nothing else happened, it'll be fine. What will you be doing until then?"
"Oh, I'll just be around. Nothing special."
He's avoiding the question. Same as always.
"I see. Have a nice day."
"You too."
I reach for the doorknob and, after a moment of hesitation, open the door. But before going out, I turn around.
"If something's worrying you, you can tell me."
And so, I took off, not looking at Angoramon's reaction.
...
"And that's the situation. What do you think?"
I look at Hiro getting thoughtful. While he thinks, I get comfortable in my chair, thanking the gods that this cafe didn't save costs on their chairs. It's a pretty big place for a cafe, and we can get ourselves a nice place near the corner, a bit hidden from view of the other tables.
He was wearing a red hoodie over a black shirt and gray pants. It has been pretty cold lately, so I approve, but why did he combine that with sneakers?
Sitting besides Hiro, Bokomon is feeding Gammamon a parfait. He squeeled of happiness at the taste, and Bokomon looked pretty content at his reaction. It's like a dad feeding his baby.
Taking a sip of his drink, it looks like Hiro came to some sort of conclusion,
"If he avoid the question, why don't follow him and see where he goes?"
If there wasn't a table between us I would smack him.
"That's not what I'm talking about, I don't care where he goes out at night. He can go wherever he wants. Also, it's a bit worrying that the first thing you thought to do was stalking..."
"Well, what do you want to do then?"
What do I want to do...
Turning my gaze aside, I see Bokomon feeding Gammamon more of the chocolate-vanilla parfait, to the clear happiness of the small dinosaur.
"How does it taste?"
"Ohhhhh! It's a Great Champion!"
They are in their own little world. It really didn't take long for them to get attached to each other.
"...Ahhh, I don't know. I have no idea how to deal with this situation."
"Then, how about thinking of something else first? Like that gust of wind that attacked you. It's pretty worrisome, even the school has started giving warnings about sudden bursts of winds that can somehow cause cuts."
"..."
The gusts of wind, eh?
That would be the second time that Angoramon saved my life
"...It has been a week, and it hasn't attacked me again. We did research on it, but it looks like all attacks are random, covering quite a big area, and a victim hasn't met it twice. There have been serious injuries, but nobody has died nor gotten any permanent damage. I even interviewed half the victims I could find, but couldn't find any prevalent similarities between their circumstances."
I take a sip of my melon milkshake, alleviating a bit my frustration at both situations.
"Did you find anything on your end?"
"Ahhhh, no, not at all. None of the Digimon I asked knew anything aside from the fact that it has also been attacking other Digimon, not only Humans. Senpai even ran some simulations with the places and times of each attacks, but couldn't find any rhyme nor reason, and even less a pattern, on the attacks."
He took another sip of his drink. This time it sounded like he finally drank the last of it.
"According to him, and I say textually: 'The only pattern is that there is no pattern. It's as if the culprit is fighting against his own sense of direction at all times, and only manages to half-ass it'. He also added that it may be a pattern, but without a detailed list of every site and time of every attack, including the ones that we don't even know that happened, finding it may be impossible."
"What does that even mean... And how are we supposed to get that information?"
Sometimes Higacchi speaks very weirdly...
"Yeah, but he's very rel- Ah, Gammamon, what a mess!"
Hiro turned towards Gammamon, whose face was covered in chocolate ice cream. It may sound bad, but seeing him panicking like this helps me calm down from the first mystery of Team Lirurun already going nowhere. Their relationship is adorable.
"Try to be less messy when you eat. Why are you so sticky?"
He cleaned Gammamon's face with a few napkins, until he was sparkling clean.
"I wasn't being messy."
He said as innocently and happily as every other word that comes from his mouth. This baby is quite the liar.
"How can you lie so easily... Did I lie like that too when I was little?"
As Hiro continue making sure Gammamon was clean and telling him how to eat, Bokomon jumped on top of the table, his somewhat transparent body invisible to onlookers.
"Young lady, aren't you feeling uneasy all by yourself? You may be worrying over nothing. He did say that it was nothing important, didn't he?"
"He did, but..."
I end looking away from him.
I know I may be worrying over nothing, I know.
Even if we can communicate with each other, talk in the same language and share interests, maybe even understand each others' actions... I still don't think I properly understand the Digimon.
It is too early to assume that I do.
This may be perfectly normal behavior for them, and I'm just starting to notice it.
"But since I don't understand them right now... I want to."
"Mmm?"
"Instead of accepting that I don't understand and give up, I want to learn! About what Angoramon and the other Digimon feel and think! And if Angoramon is really having some sort of trouble, I want him to be able to depend on me. He saved my life two times now, I don't want to depend on him without being able to help him back."
It... Really felt like I took something out of my chest. I guess I have been letting that one pile up inside for a while.
Bokomon looked taken aback, taking on a thoughtful expression. But it was quickly replaced with a smile as he put his hand on my shoulder.
"I see, I think I understand. That's a pretty great attitude you got there! But you shouldn't worry too much about it. If Angoramon hasn't talked with you about it, then he must have a good reason not to, or maybe it's something he needs to figure on his own. It's also important to be able to wait for others until they are able to open up by themselves, don't you think so? Just reminding them that they can confide on you for when they feel like it."
"That's... True."
He gave a satisfied expression, and took a few steps back on the table.
"And Angoramon is still young, clearly at a point in life in-between a Child and an Adult for what I have seen. He must have a lot to think about that he must figure on his own. Meanwhile, having someone willing to wait for him and to give him a hand when he's ready to ask for help will surely help at guiding him to the right path."
"Willing to wait for him... And support him when he's ready... Is that really enough?"
"You would be surprised how having someone like that can help. I know it from experience. If it wasn't for that girl, who knows where I would be today. Heh, I'm sure I would have walked quite a different and more dangerous path."
"Uh? A girl?"
You can't simply throw that out of nowhere. Now I'm curious!
"Who-"
"Heeeeey, Ruli!"
"Sorry for being late."
The words die in my throat as I hear the familiar voices of Mika and Aoi getting closer. Taking a moment to sigh at the fact that this question won't be answered today, I get up to face them.
Aoi was wearing a long cream-colored coat over a light blue sweater and with a pale red-pink scarf tied at the front, with yellow-brown pants and thick white boots. A small light blue backpack in her back. Mika on the other side had a very fluffy light pink jacket and a yellow scarf with brown tips, a long brown skirt going down to her ankles and white boots with small heels. She had an elegant brown bag over her shoulder.
Fortunately, none of them overlaps with my white long sweater, black jeans and white boots. The long and wide neck of my sweater and its white and pink puffballs giving a very distinct feeling to theirs.
"Don't worry, you two arrived on time. It took a bit longer than expected, but I got the answers I needed. Oh, I should introduce you two."
I look towards Hiro, gently pointing towards him with my hand. It looks like he stopped taking with Gammamon when he heard them come.
Though, I wonder if Gammamon is currently visible or not.
"He's Amanokawa Hiro, we have been working together in some research, alongside some of his friends. Hiro, this are Mika and Aoi. We run the Lirurun account together."
"Oh...! I'm Amanokawa Hiro. Me and Ruli have been helping each other for a few weeks. Nice to meet you."
Hiro made a half bow, the nerves clear on his face. Now that I think about it, he was nervous when he met me too... Is that the norm for him when meeting new people?
"Yo, boy! Nice ta' meetcha'! Call me Aoi!"
"You shall call me Mika an venerate me as your new god."
"...Eh? Ahh... Okey!"
They are already trying to pull his leg, and he's easily being thrown around. I want to join... But it wouldn't feel right after I made him come here to help with my problem, so I'll let it slide. For today.
"So, should we get going? I already took too much of his time."
"Sure. See'ya small boy, don'tcha do 'nything ill'gal!"
"Behave when out out my presence."
"Good... Goodbye?"
I tremble slightly as we walk away, barely being able to contain my laughter. I feel like if I didn't take this two away, they were going to give him a day he would never forget, and never understand what happened on it.
"Pff... Did his face make you two want to mess with him or something?"
"Eheheh, he kinda looked like he would be easy to mess up with, so I couldn't let it pass the chance to make a memorable 'introduction'."
"Same here. And I must admit that if you didn't take us away after that initial reaction, I wouldn't have been able to stop myself. He kinda made me want to eat him alive."
"Poor Hiro... But I know what you mean. He does give a bit of that aura of easy prey, and once you know him even more, since he's unable to refuse when people ask him for favors."
"Wait, really?!"
"...I want to make him kneel."
"Well, fortunately or unfortunately, he also is pretty level-headed, so it somehow comes around and messing with him stops being fun. At least in my little experience with him."
"Ohhh... Shame, though on the other side, good for him."
"He's safe for now then. On the other side..."
Mika gives a furtive glance towards Aoi, completely disregarding that I can see them, and Aoi quickly smirks back. Oh boy, I should have let them mess with Hiro instead.
In a moment, I have Aoi all over me, her arm locked around my neck. She smirked at my face, pocking at my sides as she talked.
"And what would be your relationship with that boy, mmm? That thing of 'research' partners sounds suspicious!"
"You really shouldn't hide things from a goddess, I can see right though you!"
"I should have seen this coming."
I was too naive! I left myself clean open for this, and even gave them ammunition!
I need to reverse the situation!
"Come on my dear Ruli, you can tell your father all about your new boyfriend. I just need to make the rules clear for him."
"That's right our dear daughter. As your mother, I can't accept of any boy you find. You deserve the very best!"
Father and mother? Too easy!
"But father... Mother... I must make a confession...! Hiro is not a boy! She's my girlfriend!"
"Wha-?!"
"Oh my! But, if that's what our daughter wants...!"
Aoi's surprise destabilized her, but Mika kept her composure and attacked back.
No problem, this is just the first move!
I sit down in an old metal barrel by the wall, a bit too tall but not too much, and take a moment to enjoy my surroundings.
Mushmon was animatedly discussing with Zubamon about the utility of skateboards for Digimon without legs, Woodmon was complaining about so many birds trying to nest on his head when he materializes and Kotemon could barely contain his laughter, Guilmon was fawning over the human gun that Revolmon got and was showing off... Wait, where did he get that?
Resting against the wall, my hands as a pillow, I take a moment to simply listen at how everyone is doing before properly joining.
'Hey, are you okey? That cut looks bad... Who did it?'
'Oh, it was that dumb gust of wind going around. I instinctively jumped away the moment I felt the wind, so it only got half my tail. It'll grow back in a few days, but if I got my hands in that damned Breeze Rider, I swear I'll-!'
My attention is grabbed by Starmon and Gazimon's talk.
The Digimon attacking from the wind went after him too... Again, a target that appears to have no rhyme nor reason, unrelated to every other. First time I hear the 'Breeze Rider' name, but Gazimon gives weird titles to everything and everyone.
Ruli really wanted to find the culprit after she was a target, but with no clear pattern nor hints of where it could be nesting... We haven't been able to make any progress.
Even the way it attacked Ruli was strange, which means the accidents it must be causing may be even more than the direct attacks we have been able to confirm.
"Sigh..."
I let out a sigh of exhaustion by the mere thought of what this Digimon is doing.
Why is it doing this?
I can't think of any reason for its attacks. Even if I try to think that it may be doing something similar to Dracumon... Since it gets away as fast as it arrives, it doesn't have the time to get energy from them, and after Ruli interviewed the victims, we found that none of them have experienced strange after effects nor have seen it again.
It's as if it stops halfway on each of its attacks. Never killing anyone, never remaining to get energy of the negative emotions caused in Humans... Stopping itself before it does something it doesn't want...?
...Uh, I feel like this is familiar, like I know what Digimon it would be, but I have the answer stuck in the back of my mind...
"Looks like you are worrying about something way too much again."
"...Ah, Floramon."
I get thrown off my train of thought by Floramon's voice. Looking down at her, she had an expression that appeared to clearly say 'Again?', and was holding a tea set.
"Want some tea~? It may help you calm down. I think you really need it, you have been looking worried and distracted for the last 2 weeks."
"Ah... Thanks. It sounds like a good idea."
I gratefully take the cup she offered, and took a moment to smell it. It had a very pleasant fragrance, like usual. Floramon normally adds her own petals to the tea, but looks like this time she managed to convince Alraumon to donate some. A foul smell, but strangely pleasant when accompanied by Floramon's. And with very relaxing properties.
"Ahhh... I would really like some lemon with this."
"Oh, I brought some!"
I turn my head to find Labramon surrounded by a few others. He had a basket full of a variety of fruits with him.
He searched a bit in the basket until he found a lemon, and grabbed a lemon with his maw before swiftly running towards us and jumping on the barrel besides mine.
"And what has been worrying you lately, Angoramon? It could be a variety of things."
With a smile, I move my teacup closer to him, and he bites down into the lemon, releasing a small stream of its juice into my cup. It would normally be something nasty that'll take away my appetite, but Labramon's mouth had purifying properties. It not only lacks and taste, but it may even be slightly good for my health.
"Thanks, Labramon."
"It's nothing!"
"Ah!"
By speaking, he ended crushing the lemon too hard, juice pouring down into my cup and overflowing it. There was a moment of silence as I took the cup away, it's contents slightly spilling with the slight movements of my hand.
"...I'm sorry."
"...No, don't worry, it was an accident."
I force a small on my face as I try to reassure him. It was indeed an accident, and I'm not angry at him, but that doesn't mean I'm not frustrated at my tea having been ruined.
"And what ahs been worrying me, eh..."
I ponder for a moment Floramon's question. I guess it's true this has been worrying me, but I'm not sure if it's worth mentioning... Though, I'm in debt to Floramon, and she's pretty wise, so may as well humor her.
"If something worries me, I guess it's my current partnership with that Human, Ruli. I mentioned her before, right?"
"Yes. Is something going wrong with it? Did it end not working in the end?"
"Oh, no, that's not it. It's going well. She's nice, and I'm enjoying our time together. Her passion and knowledge about arts really makes the world feel more vibrant. But... She is too enthusiastic about putting herself in danger."
"Yeah, I think I heard you mention that before. But is it that bad? No life is free of danger."
"That's true, but... Living with one, I came to learn a lot about Humans, and they are weaker than I thought... And to make it worse, they have barely any regenerative capabilities. If she gets even moderately hurt... It makes me want to stop her, but I have no right to decide what she can or cannot do, so I constantly worry for her...
"I see... But, if you are so worried about her to space out, then you must really be enjoying her company~."
"See ya Ruli, Mika!"
"Take care you two."
"See you two at school!"
As the sun disappears on the horizon and the sky starts turning dark, I bid goodbye to Mika and Aoi and walk back towards the nearby bamboo forest where we were taking our photos. It's a nice place place with a great atmosphere, it makes me want to sit down and sing, or maybe even silently dance between the bamboo poles.
I lie on a bench by the side of the brick road, and take out my phone to read something while I wait for Angoramon. He tends to be very punctual, so it should only take a few minutes, but that's a few minutes of progress.
'Fzzz'
My hand freezes inside my purse, my heart almost coming to a stop, as I see one of the light poles on the edge of my vision get turned off. Something that I would have ignored a month ago, but now, I knew what something like this can mean.
'Fzzz' 'Fzzz' 'Fzzz'
'Whoosh!'
One after another, all the light poles start turning, starting from the entrance of the park and beyond where the twists and turns of the brick road get lost past the trees. And coming from the direction of the street, a strong gust of wind passed through.
'Whoosh!' 'Run!'
"...Ugh?!"
I jump. Pulled equally by instinct, panic, and knowledge, I jump out of the bench and roll in the ground. It hurts. No time to care about the fall itself, I hit hard against the ground, my body screaming at the fall.
But my mind can't regret it, as when I look back at the bench, a big cut was now on the middle, right at the top.
"...That would have been my shoulder!"
Why is this happening?!
All accounts I could find testify that they were never attacked again after the first time!
Wait... Maybe it came again because I have been looking into it?!
No... I'm discarding the possibility of someone simply being at the site of its attack twice!
'Whoosh!' 'Quiet!'
My thoughts are interrupted as I feel another gust of wind passing through my air.
"...Ugh!"
Dammit, don't panic, focus!
Instead of wasting time crying about being attacked again, I should have tried to find it before it attacked again!
Once again I jump out of the way, this time looking back at where I just stood a moment ago. Right in front of my eyes, I see the brick road be teared open by an invisible force...
...No, it wasn't invisible. A figure was inside the passing dust-filled gust. It was hard to distinguish, but the space around it looked strange, like seeing the world through a glass of water, or those military cloaking suits!
It's riding the wind, and using it to cloak itself!
Knowing what to look for, I could follow it with my gaze, even if barely, until it stopped. And as it came out of the wind, I could finally see its shape.
From a find a somewhat canine shape emerged, landing on the ground with it's front paws after twisting in the air. It had a light brown fur covering its entire body and turning darker on its paws. A white and red shimenawa was tied around its neck, leading to a white and red beast mask with a wild waterfall of gray hair flowing from it, alongside two torn up cloths floating at its sides. On it's hind legs there was a big yin yang symbol, leading to a giant tail. A tail made of steel with a clearly sharp edge, and a big red eyes in the middle.
The tail was looking at me with hate.
What is...?!
I stop my own thoughts.
There is no time for them, this... Kamaitachi? Will attack again at any moment.
I have to decide what to do, NOW.
Fight? No chance, Angoramon isn't here, I'll die.
Run away? Angoramon will come in a few minutes. I can call the others for additional backup. Running away it is then.
The Digimon is starting to crouch down, and move its tail, it's going to attack again.
Where do I run away? The street? Bad idea, innocent people will get involved. The bamboo forest? Hard to run in, but plenty of space to hide, and no bystanders to put in danger.
Having made my choice, I ran as fast as my heart beat into the bamboo forest, followed by a gust of wind.
'Whoosh!' 'Stop!' 'Run!'
Unfortunately, as I ducked and rolled to try and avoid it, the Digimon cut through the bamboo easily, not being stopped at all by it. Fortunately, it was quite a few meters away from where I was.
I don't know if it has problems seeing me in the middle of all this bamboo, or if cutting through it throws it off aim, but it is a truly lifesaver.
I have to take this chance!
I run through the bamboo, aiming to pass by bundles of bamboo that will either make it harder to spot me or throw it off its aim, and take out my phone. Moving quickly through my contacts, I start a call.
Agonizing seconds pass as the phone rings, alerting the Digimon of my position, running at top speed through a hard terrain and keeping an eye on the position of an almost invisible and faster than me hunter cutting through the bamboo.
If he doesn't answer in the next second I swear I'll-!
"Hello? Ruli?"
"Hiro, the Bamboo Forest, under attack, no Angoramon, how fast can you get here?!"
"Eh?! Ah, I'm at the dormitory! I'm not sure how fast I can get there, I'm not sure where it exactly is aside of a vague memory, but... Maybe half an hour?"
"Get here as fast as you can!"
'Whoosh!' 'Die!'
I end the call, not sure if I did so voluntarily or by accident as I rolled through he ground, barely avoiding it this time.
I sprint forwards, passing by some normal trees that hopefully will delay it more, and take a moment to change my phone into vibration before calling Higacchi.
And thankfully this time it did the call silently. So I ran. And ran. And ran. And he didn't answer.
Pick up your damn phone!
"Ooohhh, Darling, look at this! The cape is perfect!"
As we reached the store she guided us to, she took no time to point at a dress on display, wore by fancy holographic mannequins. Pretty interesting, even with the surge of holographic technology, clothing stores don't use them too much to show their products, or at least not many that I have seen. I remember reading that it was because holograms can't capture the small details and texture that true clothes do, so they aren't great advertising.
Maybe Jellymon-sama found this store when wandering around like always, and got interested because of them?
As for the dress itself, it appears to be of a lolita style, as are the others on display. A relatively short white dress with very wide sleeves, and a cape that went just past the chest. It had a pretty complicated design, but not too overdone.
"So this is the style you want? I like it. But... How are you going to wear it? It is a bit... Big."
The dress itself wasn't especially big. Maybe too big for Tsukiyono-san, but still pretty normal size. But Jellymon-sama is... Well, the fact that she rode on top of my head half the way here says everything.
'Zip'
Ah, the holograms in display changed. I see, they have enough variety in shapes and designs that having a bunch of holograms at the front changing every few minutes must be worth it!
"Hihihihi, don't worry about it. I can make it fit!"
"...What?"
She can... Change their sizes? Alteration of matter? But, the ramifications of being able to alter the size of objects would mean...!
'Zrzrzrzrzrzr!'
"Ah!"
This little...!
"Why was that?!"
"Your face looked like you were going to fall on a tangent I wouldn't be able to take you out of, so I took drastic measures. Anyways, I only zapped you very lightly, you won't say that was really painful, would you?"
Her smug grin was pretty much challenging me to say that it was painful, to laugh at my weakness. But, in the end, it was just as she said. It wasn't really painful, it just took me by surprise.
"...Wait, are you trying to get me used to getting zapped so you can do it harder without worrying later on?!"
"Hihihihi, you got me."
I knew it!
"...Ugh! Let's... Leave that for later."
Just ignore it for now. No need to bring down the mood for that. This is supposed to be a fun day, even if at my expense. So, don't give too much thought to her little pranks and have fun, Higashimitarai Kiyoshiro!
"Let's go inside. The displays are nice, but it'll be better to check the actual stuff, won't it?"
"That's the spirit! Let's go!"
She flew right into the store, and I followed her without losing a beat. She was in a very good mood, it was very clear in her voice. Seeing her this happy when she isn't actively messing with my things or trying to give me a heart attack is pretty nice.
The store inside was pretty big, fancifully decorated in the same style of their clothes, with lots of ruffles and accesories. There were rows upon rows of clothes, separated in multiple sections based on brands. And unlike the holographic displays of the outside, there where actual mannequins showing off the clothes on the inside.
Though, even with its size, it was pretty empty inside, with no other client in sight. But that must be because of the time. It's already dark, so they must be near closing time. It makes me feel a bit guilty, giving them some last minute work.
"Hey Darling, look at this!"
"Coming."
I follow Jellymon-sama's voice to a nearby row of clothes, and found her fawning over a mannequin with a light red and white dress, this one also had a little cape.
"Lets get this one!"
That was fast... Too fast.
Getting something you like shouldn't be this fast!
You are supposed to have in mind what to get from the beginning, and then pass some time choosing something extra to take home!
"Lets take our time choosing. It's not like I'll buy only one, but where's the fun at deciding so fast?"
"...Hihihi, true! You got it right, Darling! ...Wait, what is the budget?"
"The budget?"
...Uh. I didn't think about that before...
"...Don't worry about the budget, just worry about how much I can comfortably carry home."
"Ah~! I love you, Darling!"
"Yes, yes, I know."
Ahhh... Even if she can be such a pain sometimes, that smile is truly contagious. With a time like this, losing a bet or two is very much worth it.
Though I'll win next time.
And so, we spend a few minutes looking around. I don't know much about this types of clothes, but I can understand the appeal. Jellymon-sama likes the fluffy ones the most, meanwhile I had my hopes broken when she disliked the militaristic looking ones.
How can she not see the appeal?! If she wore them while holding a sword or a rifle, her coolness factor would go through the roof!
"Excuse me mister, do you need any help?"
I'm taken out of my grief as the clerk walks towards us. She's dressed in a pretty big and puffy pink and black long-sleeved dress, as expected of someone working at this store. It had some pretty elegant pattern.
And seeing someone actually wearing one of those, made it dawn on me why checking and choosing those dresses was more fun than expected.
She looks like a character out of a light novel!
...Anyways, I bury that thought in the back of my mind and properly look at her.
She had long black hair with a hime-cut, and looked around 16 years old, so probably a part-timer. She had a small on her face, and although I'm not really good at noticing when they are genuine or just business, she looked to be in a good mood. I think.
"Are you looking for something in specific? If you need to try one of them on, the changing rooms are over there. If the size isn't right, I can bring a smaller one from the back-rooms."
Oh, she's very helpful! I don't think I ever had an employee approach me like that to help...
"Hihihihi!"
...Ah, I see, so that was part of your plan, Jellymon-sama...
You are too naive!
You only understand Japanese society, which is socially behind a good part of the rest of the world!
I have been abroad for years, I know how the world works beyond the sea!
And as a nerd, I know how cultured about this subjects people are beyond the eyes of the public!
There are many things I should feel embarrassed about, but this situation isn't one of them!
Look at how I manage the situation!
I return a gentle smile to the kind employee, and greet them with a small bow and my left hand elegantly raised to me chest.
"Good Evening. Thanks for the offer, but it's not for me."
I press the button of my Digivice to materialize Jellymon-sama and raise my right hand to signal to Jellymon-sama. I can't see her from here, but I get the feeling that she's being caught off-guard. The clerk looks surprised too.
"She's one of those 'Hologram Ghosts' you have probably heard about. She can interact with physical objects, and one of her strange powers lets her adapt clothes to her size. Would it be okey if she tries some of them on?"
"...Eh?"
Deal with the spotlight yourself!
"...Wha- Darling, are you really just going to reveal it like that?!"
"Why not? It's not really some sort of secret to keep at all costs, and it's not the last time we come here, is it? You had a lot of things you want to buy, so simply letting the clerks in on the 'secret' will make things simpler, and you'll be able to try the clothes on the store."
The clerk looks like her brain bugged out, and Jellymon-sama is left without words. But I get the feeling that she is equally surprised as joyous, and can't find the words to what she's feeling. Therefore, it is my victory!
'Brrr'
I sense my phone vibrate in my pocket, receiving an incoming call. Probably from work, not like I receive calls from anywhere else. Well, aside from Emma, but we haven't decided when to have our next video call yet, it can't be her. So I quickly turn it off, while still looking at their expressions.
I won't let work get in the way of my fun time, whatever it is they can wait!
'Zrzrzrzrzrzr!'
The wind at the top of the roof felt nice. And from up here, I could see the bamboo park in the distance. Fortunately it wasn't too far, I can take my time to arrive and still be there on time.
And up here, we could have out talk about the current problem without worrying the younger or more peaceful ones.
"I think that goes over everything we know by now. We don't know much, but I must remind everyone here to not do something dumb to learn more. Let's tell everyone to go out in pairs and keep an eye out."
"Floramon is right. No attack has resulted in a death we could confirm, so let's keep that for as long as we can. Eventually we'll find out who it is. And as for stopping it... Well, let's leave that to those of Adult level or higher. Once we find who it is, we can ask Airdramon or Mummymon for help."
Floramon and Hawkmon pretty much decided on how we should deal with the situation. It sounds like the sensible thing to do. It's not our job to stop it, and rushing it could only worsen the situation. Though I think I may have an idea of who it may be... And if that's the case...
"And it's also pretty much confirmed now that the 'Breeze Rider', as Gazimon calls it, is not the Serial Killer going around."
I'm taken out of my thoughts by Muchomon's words, and the same appears to happen with the others. Even Woodmon and Apemon went tense.
Yes, the main reason why nobody is worrying too much about the 'Breeze Rider' business.
We have a bigger problem in our hands.
"The attacks don't match, and unfortunately, it gave us a very big pool of cases to compare... More than a hundred in two weeks... This is not a Serial Killer anymore, this is a massacre, a Mass Murderer..."
Everyone went silent at that.
How could anyone speak?
We don't have even the slightest idea of who it is, why is it doing it, nor how has it killed so many and leave no clues behind. And worst of all, we don't know how strong it is, or who'll be next...
"...I'll deal with the Breeze Rider."
I raised my hand to focus everyone's attention. There were some surprised reactions among them, but most of them were of worry.
"I think I have an idea of who it may be, though it's only an hypothesis. I think it may be Reppamon. Traditionally, they always have someone that helps them dialogue with themselves, keep their fragmented mind under control. If one fell to this world and is alone, it would explain the random attacks and never finishing off anyone. It can't get anything done properly."
"I see... That would make sense..."
"I don't know what Reppamon are, but you know more about this than any of us."
"But will you be okay? Won't it be too dangerous? I can give you a hand if you want, my bone should be resistant to cuts."
I can't help but smile at Apemon's worry.
"Thanks for offering, but it should be fine. I'm working with some pretty strong friends to track down this Reppamon, and if I'm right, we may be able to solve things without it coming down to a fight."
"I see... Then, we leave that in your hands."
I nod and smile back. It's not an easy situation, but... I should imitate Ruli and put my all into this, even if it's a lot of work and responsibility. And, thinking about it, it's already time to go get her.
"Well, it's time to take my leave for tonight. See everyone next... Oh, right, before I forget. One of the Human kids, Hiro, is offering rewards for whoever can get info on the whereabouts of a Digimon named Clockmon. If you want some Human stuff, could you keep your eyes open?"
"Really? Did that Clockmon stole something from him or what?"
"Oh, I know him! He approached me a few days ago! If I find Clockmon he'll get me one of those Human videogame consoles!"
"Ehhhh~? That sounds nice, I would like a new tea set!"
"Thanks, this is pretty important for him. Now, I really should get going."
"Have a safe trip. Next time I'll bring darjeeling~."
"And I limes!"
Floramon and Muchomon don't lose the chance to make me look forward to for the next reunion. So I should return the favor.
"I'll brink cookies then."
I say goodbye to everyone, and then I take off.
It was a good day. Even with the current situation, everyone is doing their best to remain jovial. So, for now, I'll have to deal with that 'Breeze Rider' with Ruli. Hopefully, focusing on this will keep her away from the Mass Murderer... It only targets Digimon, so she shouldn't be learning about it any time soon.
This one would truly be too dangerous, she must not learn about it...
As I flew, the wind pleasantly passing through my fur, my mind slowly calmed down. A Reppamon is far from the worst thing we could find. With the help of BettelGammamon and Jellymon it'll be no problem.
As I got closer and closer my spirit was lifted up. Things looked good overall, no war to fall into, no uncaring Rulers to make things worse. As soon as we deal with this big problem, everything will be...
A sudden sense of dread filled my body.
I couldn't quite explain it nor why I knew what it meant, but I could feel it vibrating through every bit of Data in my body. It was screaming at me to do something.
"...Ruli's in danger!"
I set my ears into overdrive, hurrying as much as I can towards the park.
"Please, be safe...! I'll be there in a few minutes!"
'Whoosh!' 'Don't escape!' 'Get away!'
As another gust of wind comes my way, I once away duck for cover behind a tree. My breath is ragged, feeling as if I ran hours in just a span of minutes. Running at maximum speed, ducking and rolling on the ground, quickly changing direction every few seconds... I can't keep this for much longer.
But strangely... I stopped having that feeling of danger. As if my life was not in danger anymore.
The attacks of this Digimon are... Strange.
In the first place, it doesn't make any sense I have been able to avoid this thing for so long. And the explanation for that came after watching it a bit too closely.
It steers itself off-course when it gets too close. Sometimes slightly, sometimes drastically, but it always misses by a bit. It always avoids actually reaching me as much as possible.
And then, there is the voice being carried by the wind...
I didn't notice it at first in the adrenaline of the moment... No, I even ignored it once I did. But there is a voice... Two distinct voices, carried by each gust of wind.
Sometimes yelling at me to keep quiet and die, sometimes yelling at me to run away and escape.
There is something wrong with this Digimon.
"...Why are you attacking me?!"
It's not like it doesn't already know my position, so I may as well get some answers!
"Because you'll become a source for my strength!" "I won't let you hurt her!"
'Whoosh!'
I run away, listening to the tree being almost cut in half behind me, my mind changing gears from 'Surviving' to 'Mystery Solving'.
Are this 2 different Digimon...? No, the voices come always from the same direction, and I have seen it.
So maybe this is a case of split personality...?
Wait, no, the 'Tail' looked strange. Not only it looked out-of-place with the rest of the body, but it had it's own eye. It looked at me. And that look transmitted everything I need to know, now that I look back at it.
In that case, is the 'Tail' some sort of Digimon parasite...? Is the 'Real' Digimon fighting against it to keep it away from hurting me...?
If this is the case, how can I use this...?
'Whoosh!'
I once again jump away, holding my chest as I try to recover my breathing. It's clear I won't last much longer.
Looking around, trying to think of something, I notice we have even pretty much running in circles. There are falling tries and piles upon piles of cut bamboo all around, spread haphazardly and intertwining with each other.
It gives me an idea idea, but it'll depend on if my theory is correct!
"...You, Digimon! Can you make the 'Tail' get buried for a moment to lose sight of me?!"
'Whoosh!' 'Shut up and die!' 'Got it!'
I jump away, this time with a clear objective in mind. As a small explosion of dirt happens behind me, I hide inside the piles of fallen bamboo.
Haphazardly spread around, a bunch on the ground, others failing to fall by intertwining with those still standing tall, and some normal trees caught in all the mess. This is pretty much becoming a labyrinth or a trench of bamboo.
I slowly drag myself through the ground, passing through hidden spot after hidden spot, as I see through the opening between bamboo at the Digimon.
Once the dust cloud cleared up, the image of the canine Digimon appeared once again. But this time, its 'Tail' was buried on the ground, and apparently, trying to free itself while the rest of its body tried to keep it down with its hind limbs.
This pretty much confirms it!
The Digimon is either being partially controlled by some sort of parasite, or has multiple personalities on its body!
After a little while, the 'Tail' managed to free itself, making a small cut on the hind legs of the 'Body' in the process, and started looking around. I quickly hid inside one of the smallest hiding spots, under a pile of Bamboo quite a bit away from where it last saw me. I avoid the most effective and therefore obvious ones.
I can't see the Digimon anymore, nor were it is looking. I can only hope it doesn't find me quickly.
"Where?!"
A deep voice violently resounded through the park, putting my heart at ease. That single question making clear this is working.
"Where is the Human?!"
"Stop already! This is not right! Just leave her alone!"
A softer but furious voice answered back. I gather my courage and risk exposing myself by looking through the gaps between the bamboo, getting almost clear view of the... Two? Digimon arguing with each other.
"It's the only way!"
"It's not the right way!"
"What does it matter if it's right or not?! Gaining strength is all that matters!"
"No! If we do that, not only we won't be better than them, we'll be worse!"
"So what?! We'll be safe! The cost is insignificant in comparison!"
"It's not insignificant! We shouldn't get stronger in such a way!"
What are they arguing about?
Getting stronger...?
According to what we know, he shouldn't be... No, he didn't get much because he was getting away just injuring people. The Tail attacks and the Body gets away.
But who are 'Them'?
"Why should we care?! Tell me where she is already! Sniff her out!"
"...No."
Its voice chilled out, while a deep snarl formed on its face... It gave me a very bad feeling of what was going to happen.
"I have been pushed around by you for too long, and let horrible things happen to a lot of people... It is time for me to take proper responsibility for this..."
"Responsibility...? What idiocy are you talking about?"
The voice of the Tail chilled down too, and it's single eye transmitted more hate than I could believe possible.
"...I'm cutting you off!"
"...So we are doing it, eh?! Fine by me, you have been a thorn on my side for a long time!"
With an angry shout, the Tail met the Body's claws, a look of hate clear on both their 'faces'.
"Jūga Rangeki!" "Kurukuru Rekkūzan!"
'Clash!' 'Whoosh!'
Separating themselves, they shouted the names of their techniques as they jumped and twisted in the air, swinging at each other and clashing again, releasing a gust of wind more potent than any before, forcing me to hold my hiding place together as it's almost blown away.
And then, they were gone.
This... This is bad!
I lost them!
And... Are they serious?!
Are they trying to kill each other?!
'Clash!'
I quickly move my gaze, having to peek out of my hiding spot, to see the Digimon past a now collapsed tree, cut cleanly in half. Their claws and edge interlocked again.
"How much pain are you going to bring before you are satisfied with your strength?!"
"As much as needed! So much that we'll never cower again in front of them!"
'Clash!' 'Whoosh!'
The disappeared in another gust of wind, but leaving a trail of cut bamboo I could follow with my eyes.
'Clash!'
"Is that what all this is about?! That won't change no matter what you do!"
"Shut up! That weak attitude is what cost us everything! It's your fault that he's gone!"
"DON'T YOU DARE USE HIM AS AN EXCUSE!"
'Clash!' 'Whoosh!'
Another clash, and another gust of wind. I tried to follow to trail of destruction, and-
'Clash!' 'Whoosh!'
Before I could see them again, they were gone again.
'Clash!' 'Whoosh!'
'Clash!' 'Whoosh!'
'Clash!' 'Whoosh!'
'Clash!' 'Whoosh!'
'Clash!' 'Clash!' 'Clash!' 'Clash!' 'Clash!'
'Clash!' 'Whoosh!'
They... They are going too fast! I can't follow it anymore!
The bamboo forest was being quickly devastated in front of my eyes, as the sounds of clashing steel echoed through the park. The only thing I could be certain of, is that they weren't far.
They are still way too close, while cutting everything randomly. And if they continue, I may become mere collateral damage.
The mere idea of that weighing on my heart, almost stopping my breathing.
''Clash!'
But the thought escaped my mind when the Digimon fell almost in front of me.
The Body was on its back, desperately holding the edge of the Tail with its front paws, which was slowly creeping closer and closer to its neck. Both of them were completely covered in cuts and cracks, from mild to horrifying in severity, releasing what I could only describe as tangible Data into the air from their wounds.
It- It is going to...!
No... No, this isn't right!
I don't understand completely why they are fighting, but every fiber on my body is screaming that I should stop them!
"...Stop!"
They both visibly stop at my voice, as I get out of my hiding spot.
My heart is racing, my stomach is turning, my left eye painfully pulsates, and I can barely breath, as I get out of my hiding spot and possibly in range of the tail.
Every fiber of my body screaming to hide again, but they also refusing to follow-up with it.
"...Stop already! I don't understand why you two are doing what you do, but if something is clear to me, as that it isn't the right answer!"
I take another few stops forward, doing my best to throw away my doubt and fear, and look straight at both of them. They remain immobile, eyes set on mine, but very clearly on the brink of jumping at each other again.
I have got their attention, but just for a moment.
"Neither of you will achieve anything by killing the other! Lets talk it out, try to really understand what each of you want, and do something about it! If you want strength, then there are other ways to acquire it!"
"...What... What would a Human know?!"
And in a flash, the Tail leave the Body and slashes toward me.
"No! Stooooop!"
The voice of the Body is drawn out as I start seeing everything almost in slow motion. My left eye painfully pulsates as I see the Tail coming, aiming at my chest.
I- I have to get away!
I try to move away, but my body feels sluggish, as if trying to move throw a swamp or quick sand. Completely incapable of catching up to my brain.
I force my body to move, to get away just for a few centimeters, just enough to get away from the slash. But it's to no avail, as I see it getting closer and closer.
Is... This the end...?
No...!
Angoramon...!
"RULI!"
'Wham!'
The Tail is thrown off-course as Angoramon suddenly appears and body-slamming it away. He lands in front of me as both the Tail and the Body are thrown a few meters away, and looked back at me, keeping an eye on the other Digimon.
"I'm sorry for being late. I heard everything, I understand the situation."
He said as he moved his long ears, making clear that he knows everything.
It feels like my heart started beating again after hours of being stopped, and air properly returns to my lungs. The pain in my eye calmed down.
Before I knew it, I had already rushed forward and hugged him.
"Angoramon...!"
He was slightly taken aback, but quickly returned it back, and moved me away with a smile, muttering something to me.
"Thanks for stopping them. A Reppamon are one always in conflict with itself, they shouldn't be leaved alone for this long. Now, leave the rest to me."
He grabbed two long pieces of bamboo from the ground, and held them to his sides, up and down, as if they were swords.
The other Digimon getting into its own battling posture in response, as if by pure instinct.
Wait, is he...?
"...Angoramon! Lets try to talk it out! I don't understand everything, but one of them doesn't want to hurt us!"
"...Ruli, we have to stop it by force. Even if one of them wants to stop, as long as they don't listen to each other, they won't stop being a danger to everyone around. The only choice is to force them to stop and THEN talk things out."
I freeze for a moment, not knowing how to answer.
Is this really the right thing to do? Violence to stop someone that needs help?
I give a quick glance back to the kamaitachi... To Reppamon. Its body covered in wounds. Wounds that they made to themselves. Wounds that would have made a human collapse long ago.
"...I understand. I want to talk to them, stop them from hurting themselves. Even if it has to be by force."
I steel my resolve, determined that this is the only right thing to do in this situation, and hold my Digivice, sending my feelings to Angoramon. He nods to me with a smile. I can feel his answer through our link.
We'll save Reppamon.
I strengthen the grip in my 'Swords' as I feel Ruli's feelings rushing through me, my body materializing in response, without Ruli pressing the button to do it.
She steps back to give us space, and I start circling around Reppamon.
I'm completely unmatched here. But after Ruli could deal with it for so many minutes, and even stepped up to try and save them... I couldn't call myself a man if I didn't do the same!
"...You all little shits! Stop interfering with our business!"
"Oh you won't! I won't let you!"
"Jūga Rangeki!" "Kurukuru Rekkūzan!"
'Clash!' 'Whoosh!'
As the Tail swings itself around towards me, the Body stops it with it's own attack, the resulting gust of wind almost sending my fur flying. And in my moment, they disappeared, my back fur almost straightening up in response.
It's coming!
My body screams at me to get away as I ignore it, as I swing my two 'Swords' together, toward the open air in front of me.
The weight I feel when hitting the empty air feels like it could break my arms, so I push more and more strength into them, every bit of strength my body and Ruli's feelings can muster.
And in a moment that felt like minutes, the figure of Reppamon is sent flying out of the gust of wind, leaving my arms trembling. It gracefully landed on the open field, seemingly not shaken by the hit nor with a new injury besides all the cuts.
I grit my teeth and strengthen my grip, trying to force my arms to quiet down.
This... This difference in strength is way too much!
But...!
This is not a situation I can back from!
"...I'm thankful for you two trying to stop me, but I have already made my choice. I will end things here, no matter the cost."
"Dammit, they are attacking us! Now we have a reason to fight! Stop being stupid, kill him, and absorb his Data!"
"You shut u-!"
I keep my 'Swords' to the side as I rush forward. I don't have the freedom to wait until they are ready to continue. If the Body will keep the Tail distracted, then I'll thankfully take the chance!
"Die!"
Contrary to my expectations, the Tail instantly slashes towards me, cutting it's discussion short and not taken by surprise.
I guess I was hoping for too much!
Where do I evade?! Right?! Left?! Back or Upwards?!
As I grip my 'Swords' tighter, I get an idea, and my body instincts follow up with it.
I continue pushing forward, and as I see the Tail getting closer, right before it cuts me in half, I stab the ground with my 'Swords'', and use them to push myself upwards, jumping over Reppamon even faster than normal.
Below me, my 'Swords' are turned into 'Daggers' by the Tail, but that's perfect for me.
While passing over Reppamon, I throw my 'Daggers' at Reppamon's back, hoping to catch it by surprise.
Probably by pure battle instinct, it jumped away, but one of them manage to stab it on top of one of it's back legs.
Good! That will slow it down!
"Ahhh!"
"You damn rabbit! Kurukuru Rekkūzan!"
The Tail answers even quicker than I imagined, and swings forwards, disappearing in a gust of wind even before I land.
This... This is bad!
"Pyon Dump!"
Ruli's voice reaches me alongside her feelings, and my body acts almost on pure instinct, using an attack without a target just to make me instantly drop to the ground, multiple times faster than gravity would ever allow.
And as I fall, I feel Reppamon's feet graze my ears.
I barely avoided it, but that's enough!
I quickly grab a cut bamboo from the ground and turn back, throwing it towards a Reppamon that has just become visible over the tree tops.
"Ugh! Dammit!"
"Could you guys aim only at my Tail?!"
The Tail slapped the 'Spear' away as the Body landed on top of the bamboo trees, almost wrapping itself around them. But I continue putting pressure, throwing 'Spears' non-stop before they can put themselves in a better position.
"I appreciate the help, really, but get away! You are only making it angrier!"
The Body ran down the trees, its Tail swatting away all incoming 'Spears' with ease.
In that case, how about this?!
I throw the next time lower, piercing the bottom of the tree Reppamon was running down, making it starting to collapse. And Reppamon reacted as fast and exactly as I expected, using the last moment of stability to jump down, towards me.
"Get away!" "Die!"
It's all or nothing!
Grabbing as much bamboo as I can, upgrading them from a 'Spear' to a 'Club', I duck sideways the incoming slash, and swing to the side of the Tail, striking it with the equivalent of an small tree and sending them flying.
The Body lands with difficulties, thanks to the combination of its injuries and the bamboo 'Dagger' still stuck on its leg, while the Tail looked stunned by the hit.
Meanwhile, my hands where trembling, and my breathing was becoming ragged, transmuting and releasing Data way too fast. The amount of strength and weight I have to place into each movement just to keep up wearing me down way too fast.
"Ahhh... Ahhh... Ahhh... Not... Not enough!"
I grit my teeth, and force myself to stand upright, grabbing more 'Swords' from the ground. I use every single Bit of Ruli's feelings to steady my body, and prepare to rush forwards. But I stop a moment as the Body talks to me.
"I... I accept your determination to help. For someone so young, you are truly worthy of respect. Far better than I was... But if I leave it to him, then you'll die. So... I'll leave you unconscious, and then get rid of him in peace!"
The Body took a low posture ready to pounce at me, it's Tail not appearing to be able to recover from the previous hit yet.
Ugh, I guess that's as far as I could go on having to deal with only one of them!
I'll have to end this before the Tail recovers!
"I know what'll happen if you remove your own Tail, and I won't let Ruli see that!"
I rush forward, and in response it pounces at me, claws extended and shinning brightly. I ignore them, and prepare to swing.
"Jūga Rangeki!"
My fur is far longer and denser than it appears at first sight! They won't reach my body!
"Angoramon, duck!"
What?! Now?!
Not really knowing, I jump downwards, passing below Reppamon, trusting Ruli's judgment.
And as I do, Reppamon's body twists, as the Body shows an expression of panic and the Tail suddenly appears from behind, slashing at where I was just an instant ago.
Ugh, it was pretending to still be stunned!
But, this leaves me in the perfect position!
I slash upwards, hitting it in the neck and the base of the tail, stopping their momuntum and throwing them slightly upwards, exposed for a follow-up-
"Agh, stop!"
The Body twists, this time it throwing the Tail to the back, and continuing its previous swing towards me.
Ugh, I can't avoid it nor counterattack on this position! Lets hope it lost enough impulse!
I raise my hands upwards, as a shield to protect my body, and hold the bamboo in front as an additional layer of protection.
'Thumb!'
A sharp pain extends through my body as I'm sent flying, clashing against a pile of bamboo.
"Agh!"
"Angoramon!"
And so, I feel my consciousness slip, even if just for a moment.
"Angoramon!"
I shout, almost desperately, to Angoramon, seeing him clash against a bunch of bamboo and tearing it apart, sending it flying.
After a short cry of pain, he stopped moving.
This... This is bad!
I have to help him!
"Now, kill him! Kurukuru Rekkūzan!"
'Whoosh!'
The Tail slashed forwards, releasing another gust of wind into which they disappeared into.
"STOP!"
If they attack Angoramon now...!
"I won't let you! Jūga Rangeki!"
A flash of light surges from mid-air, as Reppamon appears, Tail being shoved back by shinning claws, cracks starting to appear on its surface.
Th-Thank god!
But... I have to do something!
I run towards them, not sure of what I'm going to do, but sure that I have to do something. I pour everything I have into my Digivice, practically begging Angoramon to get up, while I wrack my brain trying to think of something.
"That's enough... That's enough! I'll cut you, taht child, and the damn buildings behind together! Shinkū Kamaitachi!"
"NO! STOP!"
The Tail throws itself far back, it's length extending more than it looked possible. And at that sight and those words, every fiber of my body screams one thing.
STOP IT.
I grab an uncomfortably large piece of bamboo from the ground, seeing what Angoramon had been doing this entire fight, and lungs burning, eye pulsating painfully, hands steady as steel, I jump forwards.
Forwards, and swinging downwards my piece of bamboo to the only place I could think of being a weak point.
The eye.
...Ughhh!
...Even not materialized and this hurt, it's still this strong...!
How many Data did it accumulate in the Digital World?!
Isn't it already on the border of Evolution?!
I slowly open my eyes, trying to force myself awake, helped by a rush of feelings coming towards me and boosting my recovery.
And the first thing I see, is the Tail extending unnaturally far behind, a sight that made my DigiCore tremble, and making me realize one thing for certain.
I'm going to die.
A crushing feeling, that is surprisingly quickly replaced by a different one, far different than it. One that I couldn't have imagined I would feel at this moment.
Awe.
Ruli jumped towards that monstrous attack, 'Sword' in both hands, left eye shining in a warm green light, and slashed at the Tail's eye.
"AHHHHHHHHH!"
As the eye was damaged, the Tail recoiled, and the feeling of incoming death disappears. The attack was interrupted.
Landing on the ground after the attack, she looked at me, steel and resolve in her eyes.
"Petit Tornado!"
Her words vibrated my body, pushing it upwards, and her feelings transmitted her thoughts.
"...Got it!"
Understanding what she had in mind, I jumped backwards and aimed the top of my head towards Reppamon. Spinning my ears with all my remaining strength, I engulf it in the biggest tornado I can make as Ruli jumps away.
Catching all the cut bamboo on its path, the tornado grows bigger and deadlier, with Reppamon trapped inside.
"ARGGGGGGGG!"
"AHHHHHHH! DAMMIT!"
It doesn't take long for Reppamon to jump out of it, body high in the air and covered in 'Spears' sticking out from various places. Which is instantly followed by Ruli's next words.
"Double Lariat!"
I stop my ears and rush forwards, entering the quickly disappearing tornado for just a bit more of impulse, and jump high into the sky, reaching Reppamon with one of my arms back and ready to swing.
"D-Damn Child!"
"...Heh, I guess it's our loss."
With the mightiest swing I can muster, I smash Reppamon on the side, making them spin on the air, but before they can be sent away I spin my body and my other arms shoots them towards the ground.
'Boooom!'
A cloud of dust explodes as they hit the ground, and I put myself in position, knowing the next words before they are said.
"Pyon Dump!"
I quickly accelerate downwards, dispersing the cloud of dust like a meteor, and smashing the Tail.
"AHHHHHHH!"
And with that last cry of pain, it stopped moving.
"Ahhh... Ahhh... Ahhh..."
Moments pass, the only sound breaking the silence being sighs of exhaustion.
Walking towards Reppamon, I look at his beaten up body, full of cuts and with multiple bamboo spears penetrating its body.
"Is... Is it okay? We may have taken it too far..."
"Ahhh... Don't worry, it's pretty bad damage, but not lethal. This guy's tough, so he'll be like new in a few weeks at most."
"Mmm... Digimon sure are strong."
I squat down to look at the Body in the face. I can't exactly look at the Tail's, since it's buried under Angoramon.
"Feeling like talking now?"
"...Heh, I don't have much of a choice now, do I? I lost. I'll answer everything."
"...Don't... Give up... Yet...!"
The Tail's voice came from under Angoramon, but there was no movement, and Angoramon didn't look worried, so I guess there isn't much to back that up.
"Let's start with this then: Why were you two trying to kill each other? Also, what exactly ARE you two? I don't know much about Digimon, so I'm still a bit confused on if you are one or two."
"He didn't give me any other choice... He wanted to kill everyone on his path to grow stronger. Meanwhile, I don't want others to be hurt, so I have been for a long time fighting to stop him. I guess it was just a matter of time until we clashed for a last time..."
'Sigh'
He looked very tired. It was evident, even with a mask covering half his face. But also, he seemed somehow relieved.
I guess, in its own way, this defeat gave him a moment of peace, free of worries about hurting someone.
"As for what we are... How do I explain it..."
"Oh, I think I can explain that in an easy to understand way."
Angoramon spoke up, raise a finger with a smile. His arm looked... Hurt. It was leaking Data in the same way that Reppamon's body was. Though, I think this amount of damage doesn't worry Digimon too much...
I'll have to get used to that.
I nod to Angoramon, asking him to continue.
"When a Digimon evolves into a Reppamon, their mind is split into two, pulling from the same set of memories but each half harboring a different set of thoughts and desires. Things that are normally contradictory on your average person, are separated into those two minds."
"It shames me that such a monster is a part of me... I should have simply cut it off time ago!"
"And I should have... Cut you off... My weakness!"
Angoramon put a wry face at hearing them fight.
"...Because of their personalities and thoughts clashing while having the same body and memories, it's an accepted fact that a Reppamon must not be left alone, and should have friends to help mediate their two personalities... Though, knowing about their species and seeing it happen in person is completely different, it is worse than I thought..."
'Sigh'
As he sighed, he got up, and walked to stand besides me. The Tail wasn't moving, even if freed. I guess it simply can't.
"...What would happen if one of them cut each other off?"
"...That part would be erased. What do you think would happen if half of your thoughts and desires suddenly disappeared permanently? They then would de-evolve into a malformed version of their previous stage, having lost half of their power."
...I can't imagine it. I'm not sure how bad that would be, but given his tone, it must be a terrible thing to see.
I set my eyes on the Tail, it's single eye already focused on me. He looked angry, but also tired and defeated.
"Why are you obsessed with growing stronger, that you would attack random people like that?"
"...Tch, why should I answer to a-!"
"Why?"
I repeat, eyes set on the Tail. I'm not going to take a no for an answer, not here, not now.
The Tail fell silent for a moment, and then slowly closed his eye.
"...If I grow stronger, I'll never lose anyone again. And the quickest way to do it, is to absorb the Data of others."
"Lose anyone again...? What happened?"
I don't like how that sounds. There is a story behind that... One that I don't think they want to talk about.
I steal a glance towards Angoramon, and he looks... Sad, sour, like he's thinking about what that could mean, and has some clear ideas that he doesn't like.
"...Hey, Body. Do something useful for once and tell them. The story of your... Of our weakness."
"...It's... Not too long of a story, but... Will you listen to it?"
I nod. I don't even need to think about it. His voice doesn't sound like he's asking us. It's like he's pleading to us to listen. ANd I see Angoramon nod besides me.
"...When we were one, just a Labramon back in the Digital World, we lived under a terrible Ruler. Things where hard for everyone, but we managed. That is... Until he started a war."
"Ruler? Is that something like a king? And.. A war?"
Do Digimon... Have wars, back in their world?
I stop thinking about it when Angoramon places his hand on my shoulder, and shakes his head
"I'll talk to you about that later. For now, please continue, Reppamon."
"...It... Wasn't a good war. Our Ruler broke the rules, both the spoke and the unspoken, rejecting a one on one combat with the enemy Ruler, and trying to use our overwhelming numerical advantage to swallow their territory whole, sending even the children to fight... So, the enemy Ruler, she... She..."
"She hired the D-Brigade."
Angoramon finished for him.
D-Brigade?
I want to ask, but Angoramon's hand on my shoulder stops me. It must be something to talk about later.
"...I was sent to the frontlines alongside Sunflowmon. He was like a father to me. And we saw it all together. It's very different to hear stories of them, and to actually see them wage war... No, even war can't begin to describe it. It was... Was..."
"...A nightmare. A scene straight out of hell. A genocide."
The Tail finished for the Body, and the words started shaking me to my very soul.
War.
Something that we only know about from history books, and from new of other distant countries. But even if only half of the things taught about it at school are true, then it is the most horrifying creation of humanity.
How bad is a war between Digimon...?
"...We managed to get away from the front-lines, avoiding the vigilance of our superiors. But the front-lines... They pursued us. We lost territory faster than we could get away. And then, that monster found us...! The D-Brigade dispatched one of their Brigadramons to that battlefield!"
Angoramon's hand shook, and kept trembling. With just a glance, I could see that the color was draining from his face, and he stopped breathing for a moment.
How can a name create such a reaching a reaction?
Who is Brigadramon?
"...We tried to run. Fortunately for us, there were still hundreds of Digimon still trying to fight back instead of running, so they could buy us some time... Seconds later, the sounds of fighting ended, and the Brigadramon landed behind us, his weapon aimed at us. It didn't say anything, nor did it shoot. Maybe... With the fight already over, it gave us a last few seconds to say goodbye..."
Tears started rolling his face. Neither me nor Angoramon said anything, just waiting for him to continue. I can't think of anything that could or should be said now.
After a few moments of silent crying, he continued.
"...Sunflowmon looked at me in the eyes, and closed his for a moment. When he opened them, they shone bright red, and he evolved. It was a terrifying evolution. What once was a bright green body became a sickly looking bark, with equally sickly looking blood-red leaves. It looked hollow... As if it was already dead inside... And it shone in a bright, terrifying red. With just a glance, I could understand it..."
His claws dug into the ground, face almost hiding on it, as if he didn't want to be seen.
"...He was burning every Bit of his Data, every single last piece of his lifeforce, just for a moment of power. And at the rate it was burned... He would only last seconds. And the first thing he did was... He... Told me to run... So... I..."
"...Ran. Like a coward."
The Tail finished, tears running down its single eye. It was trembling.
"Like a frigging coward, I left him behind to die! I was not strong enough, so he decided to die to save me! So I swore, that I would become strong, strong enough so that would never happen again!"
He shouted, as if letting his soul out. And then, silence.
A few moments of silence, as his body stopped trembling, and he opened his eye. There was utter defeat on it.
"...And now, I lost to a frigging Child... What a joke I am..."
...I don't know what to say, nor how to communicate how I feel right now. If I had my piano or my violin, I think I could be able to somehow express what I'm feeling... But right now, I only have my words.
I walk toward the Tail and kneel besides him, placing a hand over his could, cracked surface.
"...He... Wouldn't have wanted you to do any of this, wouldn't he?"
"Someone that gave their lives to save someone else, couldn't have wanted them to do any of this."
I agree with Angoramon's words. I can't imagine this SUnflowmon would have ever wanted any of this.
"...No... No he wouldn't..."
He said in tears, his voice barely understandable. The Body said nothing, he was crying while looking away.
I can't help them.
I don't know what to say to them, I have never experienced anything even remotely close to what they went through.
I can't understand their pain, nor can I give them back what they lost.
So, I'll do what I can do, and say what I can say.
I slowly get up, put my hands on my waist, and proclaim in a loud voice.
"Now, this is what we are going to do! When my friend arrives, he'll help us carry you to a doctor! And then, you'll never hurt anyone to gain power again! If you want it, then find a different way to do it! I'll help if I can! Got it?!"
"...Thanks."
"...Sure, whatever."
I can't help them with their past, but I can help them with their future. They need to keep moving forward and improving themselves. Not tear themselves apart over the past.
I look at Angoramon, asking for help with my gaze. I don't even know how Digimon grow stronger normally. What even is the 'Right' way for them to Evolve?
He quickly nod.
"Leave that to me for now. I have friends that can help him. Some of them can probably relate to some level with his story, so they can lend an ear and help them get along until the day the Evolve and become one again."
"Thanks Angoramon."
That gets a weight out of my chest. But after that he quickly chanegd to a worried expression.
"With this finished... Are you good? How bad are those wounds?"
"Uh, what wounds?"
He raised a finger to point at my left arm, and... There was a long cut on the back of it, hard to notice through my jacket. It looked deep, but it didn't hurt, and it wasn't bleeding.
When did...?!
"Sorry for arriving late, I wasn't here to protect you..."
"...Oh, I guess we'll have to ask Mummymon to patch me up alongside Reppamon!"
Well, doesn't matter. It doesn't hurt and it isn't bleeding, so it should be fine!
"...Maybe I'm the weak one..."
"What?"
"Oh, it's nothing. I may have been worrying unnecessarily."
"You sure? If you have some problem, you can depend on me. I'm willing to help with anything I can!"
After a moment of silence, he simply nodded back.
"I'll be sure to ask for help if I need it. But for now, I think this puts a pin on the mystery of the 'Breeze Rider'."
"The what?"
A small gathering of Digimon, one of many around. This one had quite a few weirdos, but it was a nice place to learn about current events, without having to go out of my way to research things myself.
All types of subjects where being thrown left and right, but uninteresting daily life bullshit to such fantastical events that they must have happened, since nobody would lie with something that sounds like an obvious lie.
'The Gates have been appearing more frequently lately, haven't they?'
'I swear I saw it! The Gesomon of the next town fought the Leomon of the toy factory! And that Leomon WON!'
'It looks like being near Humans accelerates the process of Materialization. I started feeling the difference after I spent a week haunting a Human for the funsies!'
'Apparenty, Digimon are suddenly finding themselves on a different and strange world, just to find themselves back where they were just minutes later!'
'It's the craziest thing! That Clockmon is scared of a Human! And that Human is HUNTING HIM DOWN! It already has an entire legion of mercenaries searching every nook and cranny for him! What the hell did that Clockmon do?!'
'Apparently, this Human kid can make a Digimon Evolve at will. Can all Humans do that?"
...Oh, there are some interesting news today...
"Hey, little bro."
"Yes, let's do it big sis."
"I haven''t said anything yet."
"Do I need to wait until you finish to give my answer?"
I can only smile at this insolent little brother of mine, reading my mind like an open book.
Humans, eh?
Looks like they are good for something beyond crafting great entertainment.
Author Notes:
And that was the Sixth chapter!
I very much disliked the poor excuse of conflict between Ruli and Angoramon in the original, so I changed it from Ruli being a control freak, to she worrying about not understanding Angoramon and being unreliable to him, and Angoramon worrying about Ruli putting herself in constant danger.
I like it more like this XD.
Oh, and a bit of backstory from the Digital World.
Nothing important you should worry about.
When has the D-Brigade ever been relevant after all? XD
- Proceeds to hide a million skeletons inside her overflowing closet -
Nothing to look at here, walk along citizen.
See you all at Chapter Seven! XD
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