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Trails of (Not) Cold Steel [Eito]
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Post by ryouta on May 25, 2018 22:56:39 GMT
A Trailmon C-89 parked nearby on an unused train platform. Inside him, a teen is sleeping on a makeshift bed, which is actually just a futon. Beside him is a Vmon who looked like he have seen better days. True enough, he's bandaged on several places. However, the Vmon's expression was really content, as he was having a really pleasant dream. Well, the reason is understandable. The duo has somehow reunited, and this marked their first time sleeping together after a while.
Even so, those who want to eat have to work. The alarm clock blared and Ryouta slowly shuffled from his position and woke up while looking so sleepy. Never he felt he have slept that well before, and this just proved how strong was their bond previously to feel at ease with each other. The Vmon also slowly got up.
"Good morning Ilbert," Ryouta greeted the Trailmon, who also slowly waking up.
"Good morning Young Master. It's a pity that I cannot provide you better experience and forces you to sleep in mediocre compartment. Alas, I have yet returned back to my full function."
Honestly, he had good sleep in this private compartment alone. It's ridiculous to say that the service is subpar, but then again he didn't remember a single thing about what sort of compartment does Ilbert have several months ago. All in all, though, it's probably wise for them to gather more money to get back their "home", as in, Ilbert's compartments.
"It's alright. By the way, what's the plan again?"
"To sell Aniki's foods," suddenly Valt quipped. "And for that, it's best to open a breakfast train here."
"...I dunno if that's a good idea or not, honestly."
It was totally from the left field, so much that Ryouta have no idea whether it's genius or dumb. Even so, he moved to the second compartment, where the kitchen would be.
"...Who would visit us after this plains already fixed?"
"I dunno, hungry traveler?" Valt suggested.
Guess they need more solid plan after all.
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Post by Eito Watanabe on May 25, 2018 23:59:42 GMT
Ilbert was not the only Trailmon out in the Network Plains. A cycloptic, horned variation chugs along slowly. He did not seem to be merely 'taking his time' and chilling, nor did he appear exhausted - though he did look dejected, as if tired in spirit rather than body. Inside, a boy in his mid-teens stares at a strange device in his hands - the Xros Loader that marks him as a Xros General. "What does it mean," he mumbles to himself. "I just don't understand." The boy's words were neither answered by the Trailmon or by any sudden inspiration. The two of them lost in thought, the Trailmon slowly passes Ilbert before stopping and backing up.
"Oh, hey," Trailmon Buffalo sighs, looking at the other Trailmon and company. "Almost didn't notice you guys. Guess my mind's on another track, eh?" He gives a hollow, almost fake-sounding laugh. "The name's Tetsu." The human peeks out and simply and tiredly says "Eito."
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Post by ryouta on May 26, 2018 5:51:53 GMT
Weary looking people. Ryouta have no idea if that's just them, or there is something else that happened. The youth opened the compartment to show the full view of the kitchen making it looks like a food truck. It felt neat somehow, but at the same time he felt a kitchen this huge is a bit excessive for just someone.
"Name's Ryouta, here's Valt," the youth pointed at the Vmon who sleepily waves his hand, yawning on the way. "And the Trailmon's Ilbert. You guys looks weary. Wanna join us for breakfast?"
To suddenly open a makeshift moving restaurant, it might be a bit too much. So perhaps he'll do a bit of a sample just in case. Ryouta pulled out several morning breakfast set. Today might be great to have a croissant and fruit. Though he know it'll be butchering the style, he added a bit of english style on the side such as egg and sausage. If he don't eat a lot, he'll feel sluggish.
"What about it? Of course no need to pay or anything. Just think it as a whim or something," Ryouta added.
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Post by Eito Watanabe on May 26, 2018 6:06:55 GMT
Ryouta, Valt, and Ilbert seem friendly enough for Eito and Tetsu to talk to. While normally Eito would be avoiding people, a combination of curiosity and weary frustration with himself give him enough reason to engage in conversation. After all, he isn't finding his answers by himself, maybe talking with others would help. And Tetsu doesn't mind company.
"Nice to meet you guys," Tetsu says with low enthusiasm. It really did not seem like he felt it was nice to meet them at all. "And haven't seen another Trailmon in a while. You and Ryouta partners, whether Tamer-wise or business-wise?" The mention of food does nothing for the Trailmon. "I... don't really have an appetite. Thanks anyways."
Eito, on the other hand, does. "I am a bit weary," he admits. "Been through a... few things. You wouldn't be interested or think it was a big thing, but I would gladly accept your offer of food. Thank you for your hospitality."
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Post by ryouta on May 26, 2018 6:32:49 GMT
"It would do you better to drop the tamer term, young one," Ilbert suddenly quipped. "Some Digimon takes offense to that even though that what it was called mostly around here... but my young master and his partner verily prefer to be referred as "Partnered."
Yeah, Ryouta have to agree. Calling it Tamer sounds odd. Valt also dislike being called 'Tamed Digimon". It sounds like some pejorative term. Probably because Digimons here are totally not wild at all, but another reason seem to because it sounded like he's robbed of his free will. That's what make the Vmon rejects the term vehemently.
"That's fine with me," Ryouta said when Tetsu mentioned that he have no appetite. "I'm not sure I brought enough for two Trailmons."
"Try me," Valt said suddenly when Eito said it's not something that is interesting. "Everyone have their tale, and who knows. You might think it's not interesting, but I might think it's interesting. whatever the case was, it's up to you to tell or not. You might felt refreshed after saying what's up, you might not. But in the end it's up to you. C'mon in to the train. The third compartment there should be the dining room."
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Post by Eito Watanabe on May 26, 2018 6:49:40 GMT
Tetsu's gloom is dissipated for a moment as he lets out a hearty laugh. "Ha ha ha, you're quite right! Well, not about the 'young one' thing, though I do appreciate that, thank you. I still have yet to find out just who came up with the term Tamer. Some used Digidestined, but just plain ol' partner should work fine. Sorry about the rough term."
Eito wishes his gloominess could vanish as easily. "hm...fine." He shrugs, ready to tell his story - what little there was of it. "I have found myself in a new world - this Digital World - only to find it as chaotic as the Analog World despite being made out of nice neat data. Then.. I'll tell the rest when I come in."
Eito enters the dining compartment and continues. "Well.. I met Tetsu. My Trailmon... partner. Or assistant, or worker, or whatever he wants to be instead of my partner. At first I was more than okay having him simply work for me. I'm not good with partnership and friendship and the like. However... it has been difficult. I actually WANT to be partners with him. Someone I can see as an equal, and share what is otherwise trapped within the walls of my mind, while learning his own perspectives and knowledge. But he still calls me 'boss' and yet seems to be withholding information."
Eito takes a few deep breaths to calm himself and continues. "Recently, that all came to a head. I met a Digimon-Human partnership willing to train us. It went... poorly." He looks away, hiding his flushed face. "I-I learned a lot of..uh... lessons, but at the same time, I'm even further from understanding my role as a Xros General, and even further still from understanding Tetsu."
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Post by ryouta on May 26, 2018 7:05:45 GMT
"I have no idea either, but it's seem to be a pejorative term that for a long while now circulated among Digimons. Has it been a hundred? Two? Even this old man have no idea," Ilbert answered.
Ryouta finished his cooking. Because it was quite easy to cook just sausage and egg, it ended up being far quicker than japanese style meal to cook. He put down a basket of assorted bread on the table and a huge bowl of sausage and another bowl with scrambled egg on it. He also fetched a pitcher of orange juice just in case.
"I'm not in better situation I guess," he told the other youth "I found out that it's not my first time here, but I forgot everything about my partner Valt; about how many adventure we've gone through, how many life threatening situation have we faced... I have no idea what caused it."
"I meanwhile remembered. Well, that's not important. Because i'm the more experienced in this, would you like me to talk with him?" Valt offered. "I've been partnered for two years now... I know pretty much what being partnered means. Granted, you're.... probably the first General I ever seen, so... I don't really remember the detail. At least it should help somewhat right?"
"...Hmmm... I guess we'll deal with it case by case... Valt, you go talk with Tetsu. Eito, can you tell me more about this? Like... what exactly did you feel about Tetsu? Like... you want him to be your equal, and then what?"
Despite his hulking frame and obviously also really tall body, this time Ryouta took the role of the "supportive big brother", trying to make the other guy as comfortable as possible.
"...I'll get to the big guy meanwhile," Valt said.
He jumped off the compartment and walked closer to Tetsu. "Yo big guy! Open up!"
By open up, he must meant his mouth, because Valt is carrying some plate with food.
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Post by Eito Watanabe on May 26, 2018 16:27:38 GMT
"Funny how those things stick around," Tetsu muses. "You think that term would have died down and be replaced, or never been picked up by Digimon in the first place! I've heard other Digimon call human partners 'tamers' and never even thought about it."
Eito meanwhile barely notices breakfast being completed. He can see and smell it, but his mind was more occupied with Ryouta's strange case of amnesia. "It is hard to believe you would forget the Digital World under normal circumstances. I would ask you if there is a story to tell there, but since you have lost your memories, it would seem more of a jab at your condition than curiosity."
Valt seems to have the information Eito is looking for, but does not wish to share it. "Are you sure it is unimportant," he asks relatively nicely. "I'd be interested. But I will not push you." He gives Valt a sad smile at his offer to talk to Tetsu. "If you think it will help. Maybe he'll open up to you more than he has to me."
Eito sighs, then thinks about Ryouta's questions. "I'm not entirely sure what you mean. I've never really had anyone I could call an equal. Everyone was either above me or... problematic. Tetsu, on the other hand, is loyal to me which is something I thought I wanted, but now it feels one-sided. I mean, I am not saying I would betray him or anything... just that he won't let me be 'loyal' back. I guess it feels like he is..."
Eito was at a loss for words. He mentally stumbles, opening his mouth a little as if he were about to start talking, but when any sound came out it was filler sounds like "er" and "uh." Finally, he speaks. "Like he is... a brother I never had? I've never had one so I wouldn't know. But blood ties do not a family make, after all."
Outside, Tetsu huffs as he watches Valt approach with food. "I said I'm not hungry," he complains. "But... can't let that food go to waste I suppose." He opens wide to accept the food.
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Post by ryouta on May 26, 2018 19:09:08 GMT
"I frankly have no idea," Ilbert answered. It's not a question, but definitely still sounds like one. "Either they doesn't care or simply because they think that's the relationship. However, I think the most important phase in relationship is to know that you're equal in some way. You need one another, there's a role, but that role isn't a subservient servant to a much weaker person. You don't accept someone because fate thrust you with them, no. It's because you grew to care for them."
Inside, Valt simply smiled (albeit, seem a rather self mocking one) when they were asked about Ryouta's amnesia. "Let's just say it's something that triggered by a defense mechanism. More than that I have no idea about the detail. It all felt really blurry to me and I don't even remembered who attacked us... All I remembered was how I was alone with Ilbert and my bond with Aniki was severed. But yeah, it's unimportant compared to your problems, fellas. Leave the big guy to me. I'm sure we can talk more later."
Ryouta meanwhile stayed to hear what Eito have to say.
"Yeah, that's exactly what I mean... Do you want him to be your friend?" he wondered if he caught Eito's tone correctly. That sounded like the general never really had a friend before... "Hmm, so something closer than that, huh... I can understand."
Honestly, Eito felt like a lonely guy, and felt like someone who could help by some pat on the back or something... But he agreed that he probably need this more with his partner.
"...What sort of action he took against you? Like... what sort of stance? Does he treats you like he's under you... and want to keep it professional?"
meanwhile, outside, Valt tossed the food a piece at a time to Tetsu's gaping mouth. He did this reeeally slowly. It's like bribing someone to talk with food. True enough, the Vmon cut the chase immediately.
"So, we gotta talk," he suddenly said. "I mean, we seriously gotta talk, and I won't take a no for an answer. Because this is important, and this is about you and your partner... you got it, big guy? So, tell me what you think about him. Just... pour it out. Ilbert's compartment is soundproofed. He won't hear a peep unless you start using bombs or something."
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Post by Eito Watanabe on May 26, 2018 19:29:46 GMT
"Yeah, I'd hate to be a servant," Tetsu admits. "Nobody owns me, nobody tames me! Though I am a believer in fate. The world puts you on certain tracks, you can choose which junction to take but you can't see where it leads. You follow the rails, but it is up to you how you feel about it."
Eito quickly realizes he is not going to get any more information about the amnesia. While he may still be curious, he has hit a dead end. Perhaps later, but for now it is about him and Tetsu. "He seems to see me as his boss. He speaks as bluntly and directly as he wants, but in the end, he'd do anything I'd say - except tell me more about himself. All he'll tell me about why he's with me and follows my every command is that it 'feels right', and yet he also seems to want to be independent. I just...don't understand him."
Meanwhile, Tetsu is having the other side of the conversation coin with Valt. "Fine, fine, you're giving me food so I'll give you this in return. Eito is... stubborn, untalkative most of the time, awfully gloomy or even seemingly emotionless, has trouble getting along with others... and is actually a pretty good guy despite all this. He seems to have a lot on his mind and maybe gone through some stuff. When I first met him, I pitied him. He seemed all alone, confused, and scared, yet tried so hard to hide it. So I gave him a lift... and we kinda clicked. I've been retired for a while, and I loved it - but it felt like he should be my new employer."
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Post by ryouta on May 26, 2018 19:50:13 GMT
At that time, after Eito said his piece, the telephone nearby suddenly rings. Ryouta just smiled and pointed at it.
"Pick it up. Ilbert want to talk to you apparently. Just so you know, he know everything inside the entire compartment. So to speak privately, or to turn on the speaker up to you. But either way, I'm sure they're more closely related than anyone else because they're in the same business field after all. Ilbert is someone I employ, but Tetsu is your partner, right?
Regardless or not Eito picked it up, soon the voice of the Trailmon could be heard in the compartment, but not outside.
"Young mister Eito... it might be a bit presumptuous for me to say this, but let's just assume that it's a bit of a... ah, career disease. A side effect you see... of those who happened to be in service for too long. It's hard for you to drop your professionalism in face of your... partner, so to say. I have no idea what with the youth--"
"hang on, just how old are you?"
"Dare I say, I've been around more than 100 years in my previous life, Sir."
"...alright, continue."
"I have no idea what the youth is thinking, but I'll ask. Have you... asked him to open up to you more? Or you have tried and he waved it off?"
Meanwhile, on the outside, Valt grinned in a small victorious moment. "So in the end you're like Ilbert. Old man has been around for so long. He was a Grand Locomon I tell you. Really luxurious at it too. Like some legit fancy hotel train. Bought all those compartment with his saving... cough, anyway... So... Other than employee... do you feel anything to him? Like, do you feel you need to keep up professionalism or something? Or maybe just because you think it's temporary partnership and you... well, can just step back after he got more partners under his banner?"
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Post by Eito Watanabe on May 26, 2018 20:22:21 GMT
Trailmon can talk privately to passengers via a phone? Eito didn't know that. Maybe Buffalo versions cannot, or maybe it is just another thing Tetsu has not told him. Either way, he picks up the phone and listens to Ilbert's words. "A career disease.... that does make sense. He isn't saying I'm his master or owner or anything, but his boss. Perhaps he is just having trouble escaping that worker mentality."
Eito then reels from learning that Ilbert is over 100. He has heard of the regeneration and reincarnation of Digimon but this puts it in a crazy new perspective! It isn't just a reset button, and now this?
He then composes himself. "But.... yes, I have tried to get him to open up. He finds ways of deflecting or just staying silent if I push any further afterwards. Or he says it is unprofessional, and then when I ask - or even tell - him to be a little less professional, he says that he can't because that is unprofessional."
Meanwhile, outside of Ilbert, Tetsu smiles slightly at learning about Ilbert. "GranLocomon eh? Impressive, though what do you expect from a Trailmon older than me? I myself should have reached Locomon by now but I guess I'm too lazy outside of work, ha ha."
The conversation gets back on track, as Tetsu would joke if he were the one putting it back on track. However, this does not seem to be a conversation Tetsu is jovial about. "I do feel something for my bos- er... Eito. He's a good kid. I like him a lot. But I'm not really his partner. I'm not partnership material. He's a General and I'm a simple worker. He'll have better partners soon enough."
Tetsu quickly attempts to dispel the notion that he has low self-esteem. "I'm not saying I'm worthless, I'm saying I'm worth more in that position than as a partner. Though I worry about the little guy sometimes, not sure he's ready to be a Xros General and I don't know how to find someone to prepare him for the role. He still is scared. He's still a kid. But..." His voice changes from worry to pride in an instant. "He isn't JUST a kid. He's sure to be a great Xros General, even if I don't know all the details on it."
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Post by ryouta on May 26, 2018 22:00:27 GMT
"Yes, that's the first thing I think, but... you need to also understand him. There are some reservation in bonding with someone new. When your mentality was locked in 'providing the best service', suddenly dealing with someone who want more than that sort of bond can be a bit intimidating. At the same time, I'm sure after spending more time together you'll understand each other. Just take it slow, look things in his perspective... and get closer to him. Even the strongest piece of armor can have holes in them," Ilbert suggested. "You have a thing that I don't, young man. The chance to partner with someone. Professionalism soon will fade as long you gone thick and thin with someone. Keep your head up, and don't rush things. It's fine to get attached to your partner. I think it's good, but give him some time to take it slowly, yes?"
"I have to agree there, Eito. From all the explanation did by Valt, I think it's natural to think that you're strangers at first, strangers that bonded by something, and no one have same pace. For example you want to be closer to him now... but he's not ready. People have paces, you just need to match your paces with one another, or at least understanding the boundaries. Trust me, sooner or later you'll get it.... although I guess this is not really convincing coming from a guy with partial amnesia.
Valt meanwhile listened, but his face soon scrunched up in annoyance soon enough. "...Alright, you're saying that you're too mediocre, is that what you're getting at? Oh I'm sure he'll be a good general. Experience is all that he need... but then, who would lead him there if not you? What are you doing right now? If it's not sounding like you got low self esteem, it's like you're running away from greater responsibility.
Which is it? Whatever the case was, we, Digimons who are partnered with humans, are not merely mercenaries. Hell, even mercenaries can get closer with their employer... but as someone who is partnered, you're saying as if you're going to leave him in the end, or that you'll be set aside for a stronger partner. Guess what? Bollocks. Bollocks and bullshit I say!
Many Xros General partners said that we, the one with only one or two Digimon with them felt more special because we're destined... but I don't think so. You're special too. The dude needs you. You're his first partner, don't you get it? You're his guide. You're not just someone he pick on the roadside. You're here, in a journey with him, since the start, to the end. Treasure yourself more, big guy. Because how I heard it from what you said just now, it felt like you're too scared to go extra mile for him, or getting too attached to him. Yes, I'm accusing you as heck, but this is how I deal with problems. My old self probably would console you or something, but too bad. I was no longer the innocent Ryu the Dracomon. I'm now Valt the Vmon."
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Post by Eito Watanabe on May 26, 2018 22:35:29 GMT
Perhaps Eito was pushing too hard too fast. Perhaps he needed to give Tetsu time. However, he needs answers. He couldn't just wait until Tetsu feels like giving them. And yet, what he said before is true. He was not looking to desire a partner. He didn't want to want a partner. Somehow, however, that's what he ended up looking for in Tetsu. Eito himself is the very chaos he fights against. Everything he thinks he wants turns on its head.
"You guys are probably right. I mainly need patience." Eito chuckles then sighs with a sad smile. "I really am still a kid, aren't I? Despite everything. As mature as I try to be, I'm still immature in the end."
While Eito was somewhat accepting, Tetsu was ready to shut Valt out. "Think I think I'm too mediocre? I'm a proud Trailmon, one of the best for my age. I may not have the energy that comes with being a tyke, nor the experience that comes from aged wisdom, but I am an incredible worker and mover. Just not a partner.
You also think I'm running from responsibility? Well... running is the main thing I can actually do. I ain't got the skills for combat, nor the brains for strategy, but if you need someone to go from point A to point B, you want me! But responsibility is the one terminal I will not depart from. I'm sticking with my boss til the very end, regardless if he uses me as a partner. Sure I'm gonna disappoint the heck out of him. Sure I'm gonna let him down once he needs a partner, or a strong Digimon. But I'm still gonna be there!"
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Post by ryouta on May 26, 2018 22:59:07 GMT
"Immaturity is not bad at times," came the Trailmon's voice from the speaker again "when you're young, it's important for you to trip where it's good to trip, so that when you're older, you can thank that you make the mistake early and never repeat it again. You might think that you're immature at the moment, but in the future you'll laugh and thank yourself that you made this mistake now. It's fine to trip and fall, we adults are the one who will help you fix your mistake. So don't be downhearted."
"I can understand the feeling of getting attached, it's OK, it's normal," Ryouta told the younger boy. "In fact, I think you get the right mindset, so there's there!"
Meanwhile, it's getting heated outside. "And?" Valt asked back "Didn't he want to be closer to you? What is it that you're scared of? What is it that stopping you to want to improve? Is it the rail? The rail stopping you from truly achieve your potential? Know what? Be flexible. Each Digimons have their own difference. Like, have you seen any Vmon shooting laser like XVmon?" to prove his point, Valt shoot energy laser from his palms. "See? We're flexible. Even Ilbert. Ilbert can be your teacher in how to maximize your potential. Stop thinking that you'll disappoint him. If anything... you should think how to not disappoint him! What's so proud about just accepting your limitation!? That's stubbornness dammit!"
It's probably a clash between a veteran and a newbie in human-digimon relatioship, but Valt refuses to acknowledge Tetsu's excuse. Little that they know, the Trailmon C89 is recording their heated talk.
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