MPC 60A/60B: The Beginning of an Era
Mar 2, 2019 5:10:47 GMT
Post by Toki Akiyama on Mar 2, 2019 5:10:47 GMT
MPC Name: And So It Begins/From Your Point of View
MPC Number: 60A/6B
Reward Requested: Posts
Shibuya, Tokyo. What was I even doing here? Dad said it was to go to a good university, but what did it matter which one I went to? All I wanted to do was inherit the dojo in the future, so why Tokyo? Maybe it was for a new start, away from peers who want nothing to do with me. If that’s the case I’m surprised dad cared enough to think about that. The noise and crowd of the city was absolutely suffocating. I don’t know how anyone could possibly live comfortably with so many people wandering around. As I walk the streets, I grimace at the stares I get. I’m tall, my complexion’s different from most around me, and my steps were heavy and kind of plodding. What of it? Please, just let me get home in peace.
As a sort of comfort mechanism, I lift my scarf over my mouth to hide the unfortunate scar along my lip. This was getting ridiculous. The noises, the crowds…there had to be a better way to get home. After a quick look around, I spot an alleyway that cut right through the buildings towards the river. Perfect. I pick up my pace, adjusting my backpack as I hook my thumbs into its straps to hold onto it. The day was nice at least. A few stray clouds drifting in the blue sky above. It was the early afternoon, so the city was especially busy, which made the respite in this alleyway all the sweeter. It’s not that I didn’t like people. I just convinced myself they didn’t really like me.
Soon I reach the other side of the alleyway and come across the bridge. Nobody around right now by some miracle…with a more relaxed stride I begin my trek along the bridge. About halfway across I brace myself at a sudden gust of wind that came out of nowhere “Ugh…what the? Nobody said anything about wind like this today…!” The wind kept up and my scarf was taken away by it, floating towards the dirty river bed “Aw come on!” I looked over the railing. Mom bought that scarf for me before I left. No way I can just let it go. With a weary sigh, I look around for way down. No easy way to get down, I grit my teeth and swing my legs over the railing and brace against the slope. Thankfully my scarf got caught on some grates near the underpass of the river. Slowly but surely, I inched my way across, still wondering what that wind was all about. Once I was within reach, I lean over and grab my scarf and tuck it under my arm “And into the washer you go when I get home…huh?” My eyes locked onto a strange flicker in the underpass. Were one of the lights going haywire down here? Wait…did this place even have proper lighting? I really should leave well enough alone in case this was some kind of bizarre cult meeting. Maybe the occultist club I keep hearing about meets over here. Strange, though. I didn’t hear anyone else.
Against my better judgement I approach the source of the light. The surreal phenomena triggered all sorts of warning signs. It looked like something was cracked in the air itself, like a whole in reality. Should I take a picture of it? I pull out my phone and try to point my camera at it, but the camera doesn’t pick it up properly. I gulp as I store my phone away and reach towards the sparking light. Once my hand brushed against it, my whole world went white as I felt completely weightless. I felt like I was drifting across a vast space, strange walls surrounding me as I fly through what seemed to be an infinite space. After a time, I forgot how long I had been falling. Maybe I never began keeping count due to me screaming the whole way through. At last with a heavy thud, I felt my body come to an oddly gentle stop considering how long I had been falling. I stare up at the sky above. Something felt different. Completely, fundamentally different. The sky’s color was still blue, but a lighter, almost pastel blue. The clouds drifted along as usual, and I felt a sense of calm laying down I the grass.
After contemplating my situation for a few moments, I finally sit up and rub my head as I take in my new surroundings. The tall grass swayed beautifully in the gentle breeze. The sound of the leaves and the small creek reminded me of some of hiking paths my parents sometimes brought me to. Hills of green, dotted with assorted colors of flowers, stretched beyond the unfamiliar horizon. My jaw dropped as I stood atop the hill and surveyed this alien landscape. I lean down and brush my hands along the grass “Is this…real?” I say to myself. It certainly felt like it. Where was I? How could I be in a field when just moments ago I was in the old river canal at Shibuya “I…I have no idea what’s going on. Phew…okay Toki, calm down. There has to be a reasonable explanation for all of this.” I bit into my knuckle as the worst case scenarios entered my head. Did I hit my head on something? Am I dead? In a coma? All I knew for sure…this vast emptiness…the quiet…”It’s…so lonely.” I muttered to myself. Everything hit me at once. My hatred of crowds, my dismissal of other people. It was because I was scared to associate with anyone. After nearly killing someone in high school, I hated the kind of person I had become. Selfish, arrogant, dismissive…part of that lingered on to this day, and I hated it. I had no friends back home or in Shibuya. I felt so lost and alone, and it took being thrown to this strange place to have me realize it.
My inner thoughts were interrupted when I saw something rustling in the grass nearby “Hello? Is anyone else out here?” I called out, much to the apparent shock of whatever was in the grass as it skittered away from my voice “H-hey wait! Aw…” I rub the back of my head and follow it slowly, wherever it might be going. Soon it leapt out of the tall grass and scurried across the plains towards what looked to be a kind of settlement. Makeshift homes in hollowed out trees and a series of tents. Whatever the creature was, it clearly wasn’t human. A small, bouncing pink creature that rushed hurriedly across the plains “S-s-something weird’s coming! Get Jijimon!” it called out. Jijimon? I was just surprised it was able to talk. I approached the settlement, unsure what to expect in a world like this. Other small creatures similar in stature to the one that ran away from me started at me from within the tents or from behind something. There was a single fire pit in the center of this place and it looked like something was cooking. Before I could take in how comfortable it was here, I heard a voice call out “You there! May I get a good look at you?” The voice sounded like it belonged to an older man. Deep, but jovial and friendly. I look around, then down to see this little bearded man with a staff walk towards me “Huh? Me…? Well, alright.” Even this person didn’t seem human. I kneel down to be on eye level with him and he looked at me with much curiosity “Well well. It seems like the time has finally come. The old legends did say that one day a bridge would open between our worlds and strange beings would make themselves known to us. Tell me, young one, what are you called?”
The man was warm and friendly to me despite us having never met before. This kindness to strangers felt…nice. “Oh, um…My name is Toki Akiyama. What is this place? Who…what…are you?”
The old man laughed “Toki…Akiyama…an odd name, but a strong one. I am called Jijimon. I’m what’s known as a Digimon, and we are the inhabitants of the Digital World. You…don’t seem like a Digimon yourself. I see a faint data within you, but you’re not…all data. Very interesting. I understand if you’re confused about all of this, but I promise you we mean you no harm. Others on the outside though…might. Our humble village is the closest thing to a safe haven outside of Terminus.” He explained.
I listen intently to Jijimon’s explanations, but a lot of it was hard to accept. Digital World? Digimon? This wasn’t anywhere on Earth? How was that even possible? “It’s a bit hard to believe all of this, but I think it would be easier if I did. So, you mentioned something about legends? What…exactly do they say?” I ask. I sit down properly as a little dark puff ball hopped over to me and eyed me curiously. I tilt my head and pat my leg, to which it responds by hopping into my lap and relaxing. I smile widely at its behavior as I gently rub the top of its head.
Jijimon noticed this and chuckled “Well, they say once a bridge is established, those who come from the other side will either subjugate us…or bring us to a new age. Judging from how the little ones are reacting to you…I’d say you’re here to help us.”
I blush a little “I’m no one special. Just a human who’s good at fighting. There’s really nothing to write home about.” I said. “Ah, yeah…that’s what I am. Human. We’re the dominant species where we’re from. We call it Earth. But…is it possible to return home?”
Jijimon pondered this “Human World…hm. Either way, I’m not sure. Your best bet would likely be to go to Terminus and introduce yourself to those there. They may be able to help you find a way back to where you came. However…I would not rush this. This is a momentous occasion and I’m sure you’re not going to be the last of your people to come here. Learn what you can about us and provide those who come here guidance as the first. I would ask that you keep this a secret to those who do not know. It would cause undo panic and fear…a situation I would rather not happen with the young ones. Let destiny take its course.”
This was all a lot to handle, but I nodded. I placed the little…Digimon, aside and stood up “Well, I’ll do my best, I guess. I hope I won’t disappoint any of you. Either way, if you say Terminus is the best place to start, then I won’t say no to your advice. Where is it?”
Jijimon pointed west with his staff “Begin your journey west to a place known as the Digital Core. Here, let us provide you with what you will need for the trip.” He said. The Digimon gathered up food and drink for me, kept in crude yet effective containers.
I smile at them all “Wow…thank you! I…I’m still not sure what’s going on but I promise I’ll make it up to you all, okay?” I put the provisions away in my backpack and look out towards the horizon. The day was still young as the sun hung high in the sky. The trees in the distance called to me as I take a step forward, but I pause for a moment, feeling something in my jacket. I pull something out of my jacket pocket. A strange little device that fit in the palm of my hand.
Jijimon rushed over “That…! Anyone, do you feel a sort of…urge or wanting to follow Toki? At all?” he asked them. The other Digimon looked to each other and shook their heads. Jijimon looked puzzled “The legends also mentioned this. A strange device that brings the visitors and Digimon together. Strange…maybe you will meet someone on your journey. Be safe, Toki.”
I look to the strange device in my hand as I walk away from the village. None of the buttons seemed to do anything as far as I knew. I kept it close as I started what I assumed was going to be a long journey into the forest. The shade of the trees blocked out the sun, though rays of light still shined through the leaves, creating beautiful patterns along the forest floor.
As I walked, I had a lot of time to just think. How would I change myself if I made it out of this? What would I do? Would I try to make some friends here and back home? Would they want to be my friend?
My thoughts were interrupted by a horrible cackling “What’s this I see? A stranger in an even stranger land I see.” A lumbering Digimon with a gaping mouth landed with a heavy thud across from me. It grinned and cackled maniacally.
“Look, I just want to get to Terminus and figure things out. I…I really don’t want any trouble.” I say. My body instinctively gets into a fighting position. I knew a threat when I saw one.
“Ooh, look at the tough guy who doesn’t want any trouble. Listen whatever you are, I don’t trust you as far as I can throw you. I may be a the selfish sort, but no way am I going to just let your kind flood the world and take over.”
“H-hold on, that’s not what I want! The others have shown me nothing but kindness, so…I want to help you guys! I just want to figure out how to get home!” Something told me this guy wasn’t going to listen to reason.
“So you can get your buddies and take over?! I don’t think so! Nightmare Shocker!” It screeched.
A strange wave of energy washed over me as I felt…trapped. Visions of what I feared my future would be…in jail for assault or manslaughter, being alone for the rest of my days…not being able to prove myself to anyone. It assaulted my mind again and again “Stop it…! Stop it please…!”
Then, a voice rang out against the nightmare “What worries you so, young one? You have so much inner strength that you refuse to see, and now you feel trapped in an endless nightmare. Your inner turmoil hides the kindness within. Reach out to me, and we will push through this together.”
Without really thinking, I reach out into the darkness and a light shined around my hand. It connected with the scanner on the end of the device I was holding and a surge of energy welled up within me “Spirit..! Evolution!” I shouted.
The next few moments were impossible to describe. A warm light covered my body. I felt weightless and different. The light shined brighter and brighter until I found myself in front of the Digimon, Vilemon, again. “Antylamon.”
My mind was not entirely my own right now. I rush for the enemy as I clenched my fist “Mantra Chant!” I shout, fist hardening as I punch the Vilemon, the force sending it against a nearby tree.
It scrambled to its feet “A-A-Antylamon?! No way, I’m sorry! I promise I won’t mess with you guys again, I swear! You guys are alright, haha…!” it laughed again as it ran away from me.
I look at my body, shocked. I flesh my fingers and controlled the long limbs of this creature I’ve become “Who…are you?” I ask myself.
The voice answered “Call me Antylamon. I’m no longer a true Digimon, but a spirit of one that died long ago. You…I sense a lot of goodness in you, so I wanted you to inherit my power. You will not be alone in this. It’s a pleasure to meet you. What is your name?”
My body shined once more as I returned to my regular human self “Toki. Toki Akiyama…it’s nice to meet you too, Antylamon.”
“You have much to learn about your new powers. And about the world around you. Let us continue on our way, and I will do all that I can to help you reach your true potential.”
With that, I look towards the forest path again. “A-alright. Thank you. I…I think I’ll be okay with you around.” I say. With renewed courage and confidence, I begin my journey anew. The Digital World…the first of countless adventures for me and many others in the future.
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Word Count: 2767
MPC Number: 60A/6B
Reward Requested: Posts
Shibuya, Tokyo. What was I even doing here? Dad said it was to go to a good university, but what did it matter which one I went to? All I wanted to do was inherit the dojo in the future, so why Tokyo? Maybe it was for a new start, away from peers who want nothing to do with me. If that’s the case I’m surprised dad cared enough to think about that. The noise and crowd of the city was absolutely suffocating. I don’t know how anyone could possibly live comfortably with so many people wandering around. As I walk the streets, I grimace at the stares I get. I’m tall, my complexion’s different from most around me, and my steps were heavy and kind of plodding. What of it? Please, just let me get home in peace.
As a sort of comfort mechanism, I lift my scarf over my mouth to hide the unfortunate scar along my lip. This was getting ridiculous. The noises, the crowds…there had to be a better way to get home. After a quick look around, I spot an alleyway that cut right through the buildings towards the river. Perfect. I pick up my pace, adjusting my backpack as I hook my thumbs into its straps to hold onto it. The day was nice at least. A few stray clouds drifting in the blue sky above. It was the early afternoon, so the city was especially busy, which made the respite in this alleyway all the sweeter. It’s not that I didn’t like people. I just convinced myself they didn’t really like me.
Soon I reach the other side of the alleyway and come across the bridge. Nobody around right now by some miracle…with a more relaxed stride I begin my trek along the bridge. About halfway across I brace myself at a sudden gust of wind that came out of nowhere “Ugh…what the? Nobody said anything about wind like this today…!” The wind kept up and my scarf was taken away by it, floating towards the dirty river bed “Aw come on!” I looked over the railing. Mom bought that scarf for me before I left. No way I can just let it go. With a weary sigh, I look around for way down. No easy way to get down, I grit my teeth and swing my legs over the railing and brace against the slope. Thankfully my scarf got caught on some grates near the underpass of the river. Slowly but surely, I inched my way across, still wondering what that wind was all about. Once I was within reach, I lean over and grab my scarf and tuck it under my arm “And into the washer you go when I get home…huh?” My eyes locked onto a strange flicker in the underpass. Were one of the lights going haywire down here? Wait…did this place even have proper lighting? I really should leave well enough alone in case this was some kind of bizarre cult meeting. Maybe the occultist club I keep hearing about meets over here. Strange, though. I didn’t hear anyone else.
Against my better judgement I approach the source of the light. The surreal phenomena triggered all sorts of warning signs. It looked like something was cracked in the air itself, like a whole in reality. Should I take a picture of it? I pull out my phone and try to point my camera at it, but the camera doesn’t pick it up properly. I gulp as I store my phone away and reach towards the sparking light. Once my hand brushed against it, my whole world went white as I felt completely weightless. I felt like I was drifting across a vast space, strange walls surrounding me as I fly through what seemed to be an infinite space. After a time, I forgot how long I had been falling. Maybe I never began keeping count due to me screaming the whole way through. At last with a heavy thud, I felt my body come to an oddly gentle stop considering how long I had been falling. I stare up at the sky above. Something felt different. Completely, fundamentally different. The sky’s color was still blue, but a lighter, almost pastel blue. The clouds drifted along as usual, and I felt a sense of calm laying down I the grass.
After contemplating my situation for a few moments, I finally sit up and rub my head as I take in my new surroundings. The tall grass swayed beautifully in the gentle breeze. The sound of the leaves and the small creek reminded me of some of hiking paths my parents sometimes brought me to. Hills of green, dotted with assorted colors of flowers, stretched beyond the unfamiliar horizon. My jaw dropped as I stood atop the hill and surveyed this alien landscape. I lean down and brush my hands along the grass “Is this…real?” I say to myself. It certainly felt like it. Where was I? How could I be in a field when just moments ago I was in the old river canal at Shibuya “I…I have no idea what’s going on. Phew…okay Toki, calm down. There has to be a reasonable explanation for all of this.” I bit into my knuckle as the worst case scenarios entered my head. Did I hit my head on something? Am I dead? In a coma? All I knew for sure…this vast emptiness…the quiet…”It’s…so lonely.” I muttered to myself. Everything hit me at once. My hatred of crowds, my dismissal of other people. It was because I was scared to associate with anyone. After nearly killing someone in high school, I hated the kind of person I had become. Selfish, arrogant, dismissive…part of that lingered on to this day, and I hated it. I had no friends back home or in Shibuya. I felt so lost and alone, and it took being thrown to this strange place to have me realize it.
My inner thoughts were interrupted when I saw something rustling in the grass nearby “Hello? Is anyone else out here?” I called out, much to the apparent shock of whatever was in the grass as it skittered away from my voice “H-hey wait! Aw…” I rub the back of my head and follow it slowly, wherever it might be going. Soon it leapt out of the tall grass and scurried across the plains towards what looked to be a kind of settlement. Makeshift homes in hollowed out trees and a series of tents. Whatever the creature was, it clearly wasn’t human. A small, bouncing pink creature that rushed hurriedly across the plains “S-s-something weird’s coming! Get Jijimon!” it called out. Jijimon? I was just surprised it was able to talk. I approached the settlement, unsure what to expect in a world like this. Other small creatures similar in stature to the one that ran away from me started at me from within the tents or from behind something. There was a single fire pit in the center of this place and it looked like something was cooking. Before I could take in how comfortable it was here, I heard a voice call out “You there! May I get a good look at you?” The voice sounded like it belonged to an older man. Deep, but jovial and friendly. I look around, then down to see this little bearded man with a staff walk towards me “Huh? Me…? Well, alright.” Even this person didn’t seem human. I kneel down to be on eye level with him and he looked at me with much curiosity “Well well. It seems like the time has finally come. The old legends did say that one day a bridge would open between our worlds and strange beings would make themselves known to us. Tell me, young one, what are you called?”
The man was warm and friendly to me despite us having never met before. This kindness to strangers felt…nice. “Oh, um…My name is Toki Akiyama. What is this place? Who…what…are you?”
The old man laughed “Toki…Akiyama…an odd name, but a strong one. I am called Jijimon. I’m what’s known as a Digimon, and we are the inhabitants of the Digital World. You…don’t seem like a Digimon yourself. I see a faint data within you, but you’re not…all data. Very interesting. I understand if you’re confused about all of this, but I promise you we mean you no harm. Others on the outside though…might. Our humble village is the closest thing to a safe haven outside of Terminus.” He explained.
I listen intently to Jijimon’s explanations, but a lot of it was hard to accept. Digital World? Digimon? This wasn’t anywhere on Earth? How was that even possible? “It’s a bit hard to believe all of this, but I think it would be easier if I did. So, you mentioned something about legends? What…exactly do they say?” I ask. I sit down properly as a little dark puff ball hopped over to me and eyed me curiously. I tilt my head and pat my leg, to which it responds by hopping into my lap and relaxing. I smile widely at its behavior as I gently rub the top of its head.
Jijimon noticed this and chuckled “Well, they say once a bridge is established, those who come from the other side will either subjugate us…or bring us to a new age. Judging from how the little ones are reacting to you…I’d say you’re here to help us.”
I blush a little “I’m no one special. Just a human who’s good at fighting. There’s really nothing to write home about.” I said. “Ah, yeah…that’s what I am. Human. We’re the dominant species where we’re from. We call it Earth. But…is it possible to return home?”
Jijimon pondered this “Human World…hm. Either way, I’m not sure. Your best bet would likely be to go to Terminus and introduce yourself to those there. They may be able to help you find a way back to where you came. However…I would not rush this. This is a momentous occasion and I’m sure you’re not going to be the last of your people to come here. Learn what you can about us and provide those who come here guidance as the first. I would ask that you keep this a secret to those who do not know. It would cause undo panic and fear…a situation I would rather not happen with the young ones. Let destiny take its course.”
This was all a lot to handle, but I nodded. I placed the little…Digimon, aside and stood up “Well, I’ll do my best, I guess. I hope I won’t disappoint any of you. Either way, if you say Terminus is the best place to start, then I won’t say no to your advice. Where is it?”
Jijimon pointed west with his staff “Begin your journey west to a place known as the Digital Core. Here, let us provide you with what you will need for the trip.” He said. The Digimon gathered up food and drink for me, kept in crude yet effective containers.
I smile at them all “Wow…thank you! I…I’m still not sure what’s going on but I promise I’ll make it up to you all, okay?” I put the provisions away in my backpack and look out towards the horizon. The day was still young as the sun hung high in the sky. The trees in the distance called to me as I take a step forward, but I pause for a moment, feeling something in my jacket. I pull something out of my jacket pocket. A strange little device that fit in the palm of my hand.
Jijimon rushed over “That…! Anyone, do you feel a sort of…urge or wanting to follow Toki? At all?” he asked them. The other Digimon looked to each other and shook their heads. Jijimon looked puzzled “The legends also mentioned this. A strange device that brings the visitors and Digimon together. Strange…maybe you will meet someone on your journey. Be safe, Toki.”
I look to the strange device in my hand as I walk away from the village. None of the buttons seemed to do anything as far as I knew. I kept it close as I started what I assumed was going to be a long journey into the forest. The shade of the trees blocked out the sun, though rays of light still shined through the leaves, creating beautiful patterns along the forest floor.
As I walked, I had a lot of time to just think. How would I change myself if I made it out of this? What would I do? Would I try to make some friends here and back home? Would they want to be my friend?
My thoughts were interrupted by a horrible cackling “What’s this I see? A stranger in an even stranger land I see.” A lumbering Digimon with a gaping mouth landed with a heavy thud across from me. It grinned and cackled maniacally.
“Look, I just want to get to Terminus and figure things out. I…I really don’t want any trouble.” I say. My body instinctively gets into a fighting position. I knew a threat when I saw one.
“Ooh, look at the tough guy who doesn’t want any trouble. Listen whatever you are, I don’t trust you as far as I can throw you. I may be a the selfish sort, but no way am I going to just let your kind flood the world and take over.”
“H-hold on, that’s not what I want! The others have shown me nothing but kindness, so…I want to help you guys! I just want to figure out how to get home!” Something told me this guy wasn’t going to listen to reason.
“So you can get your buddies and take over?! I don’t think so! Nightmare Shocker!” It screeched.
A strange wave of energy washed over me as I felt…trapped. Visions of what I feared my future would be…in jail for assault or manslaughter, being alone for the rest of my days…not being able to prove myself to anyone. It assaulted my mind again and again “Stop it…! Stop it please…!”
Then, a voice rang out against the nightmare “What worries you so, young one? You have so much inner strength that you refuse to see, and now you feel trapped in an endless nightmare. Your inner turmoil hides the kindness within. Reach out to me, and we will push through this together.”
Without really thinking, I reach out into the darkness and a light shined around my hand. It connected with the scanner on the end of the device I was holding and a surge of energy welled up within me “Spirit..! Evolution!” I shouted.
The next few moments were impossible to describe. A warm light covered my body. I felt weightless and different. The light shined brighter and brighter until I found myself in front of the Digimon, Vilemon, again. “Antylamon.”
My mind was not entirely my own right now. I rush for the enemy as I clenched my fist “Mantra Chant!” I shout, fist hardening as I punch the Vilemon, the force sending it against a nearby tree.
It scrambled to its feet “A-A-Antylamon?! No way, I’m sorry! I promise I won’t mess with you guys again, I swear! You guys are alright, haha…!” it laughed again as it ran away from me.
I look at my body, shocked. I flesh my fingers and controlled the long limbs of this creature I’ve become “Who…are you?” I ask myself.
The voice answered “Call me Antylamon. I’m no longer a true Digimon, but a spirit of one that died long ago. You…I sense a lot of goodness in you, so I wanted you to inherit my power. You will not be alone in this. It’s a pleasure to meet you. What is your name?”
My body shined once more as I returned to my regular human self “Toki. Toki Akiyama…it’s nice to meet you too, Antylamon.”
“You have much to learn about your new powers. And about the world around you. Let us continue on our way, and I will do all that I can to help you reach your true potential.”
With that, I look towards the forest path again. “A-alright. Thank you. I…I think I’ll be okay with you around.” I say. With renewed courage and confidence, I begin my journey anew. The Digital World…the first of countless adventures for me and many others in the future.
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Word Count: 2767
