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- 0.5 - Hazard Seed ~ Treacherous Blessing [3]
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Post by Johan Walker on Dec 3, 2019 2:09:54 GMT
Thankfully the rest of the group saw no problems with letting Johan and Dokamon join along. They all seemed... well, none of them seemed outright mean, but other than that no strong opinions could really be formed on any of them. Johan DID really like the Stingmon from a pure visual standpoint though; he just kinda looked cool.
Before the group headed to the water harvester, the Stingmon asked Dokamon what exactly he was. A bit surprising to hear, but Dokamon answered nonetheless. "I am a Dokamon. I suppose we are new to the Digital World, according to you? I have existed for a fairly long time so far..."
Johan wasn't expecting the group to want to talk to the Ponchomon's son. He just wanted to give his sympathies to Ponchomon and his son, but the others wanted to meet him and ask him questions. Johan thought this was a breach of their security... if he was recovering from a near fatal attack, Johan certainly wouldn't want a bunch of random strangers asking him questions. He and Dokamon waited outside for the others to be finished.
Dokamon had tried his best to explain the situation to the thirsty mechanics without any spark of a fight at all. Thankfully his wish had been granted, as no fights had started, although they did seem understandably disappointed that no one offered their own water. Probably for the best, at least for the moment. Heck, even that blonde girl added on, saying that they would need a guide as well.
The mechanics didn't really budge, some even looked annoyed. One Alraumon did step up though, asking for salt and honey in exchange for a vehicle and a guide.
Wait, salt and honey? What kind of request was that?
Not having any of those things. both Johan and Dokamon sweatdropped and made comedic faces of despair, both turning towards the group. "Does anyone have salt or honey with them right now...?"
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Post by Sasha on Dec 3, 2019 4:51:13 GMT
Finally, some progress! It seemed not only the Ponchomon's son was willing to respond to their questions even in his rather sorry state, the group's attempts at reason had gone through the thirsty digimon mechanics, the ones that weren't willing to help or fight quickly backing down as one Alraumon came up to the group, seemingly eager to reach an agreement with them. Of course, they weren't gonna work for free, but that was expected.
"Sure thing, not like we're really in a position to haggle. Name your price." Sasha asked before the plant like digimon was finished with her sentence, one hand already reaching for her water canteen, ready to trade it if it were necessary.
However to say she was not expecting them to ask for salt and honey of all kinds of payments would be an understatement. The request initially blindsided her, taking Sasha completely aback for a moment and leaving her unsure if she had actually heard the mechanic properly. When it was clear that this wasn't some sort of odd joke or something she misheard however? She'd give them an almost irritated glance, as if the answer to that question should have been blindingly obvious to anyone. Hell, other than the digivice strapped on the pocket of her pants and the small canteen on the other it was plainly easy to see she was travelling light
By the surprised look she gave to the Alraumon the answer should have been pretty obvious, but just to drive the point home she would open and check her visibly empty pockets as slowly and meticulously as she was able to, wordless sarcasm dripping from her every move before she turned back to the digimon and gave them and Johan a shrug, trying and failing to seem as surprised as she could.
"Nope, not a single grain or drop. Sorry, guess I left my bucket of salt back home next to the computer." She sighed, as she waited to see if anyone else on the group had any of those things on them, but she suspected that wouldn't be the case. Truth be told, her irritation mostly stemmed from her suspicion that the mechanics were gonna sidetrack them with some sort of request. As iff they had the time to spare...
"Not to jump to conclusions, but I somehow I feel like you were already expecting that answer."
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Post by Ravenna on Dec 6, 2019 6:28:15 GMT
The water handler's son is in even worse condition than Ravenna thought. While he is in no condition to speak, he could answer yes or no questions similar to that of a horse stomping. If Raye only asks one or a couple questions, what would be the best to go with? "Was the attacker an unusual kind of Digimon?" It did not sound like a normal Digimon.
Someone agrees to help with their transportation needs, but it comes with a price. Salt and honey? No, Ravenna does not have any on her, nor did she expect the need to bring some along. Oh well, better pack more things next time. Maybe it was a ruse? "No, I don't have any salt or honey either. Why would you need that?"
Ravenna is getting very frustrated. Here they are, trying to help these poor thirsty Digimon, and they are not making it easy. Ponchomon is of little help, many thirsty Digimon appear almost hostile, and no one is giving them a damn ride so that they can save the day and be heroes. Ravenna places her hand on her hip and facepalms in frustration. Best to wait this out. The former track athlete did not have to worry much about traveling the Digital World. She could always fly for a while after taking the Trailmon normally, but even if she did reach the oasis, she could not bring enough water back all on her own.
"If we need salt and honey, where do we acquire some?"
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Post by FelixSparks on Dec 8, 2019 19:09:32 GMT
Adam looks to the Togemon, nodding. "In that case, I'll be quick and ask only three questions. Firstly, was anyone else there? If they were, were they also attacked? And third... Was what attacked you an insectoid type digimon?" His current theory was that some insect had claimed the water as its territory, and went after anything that came close. If that were true, they would have to fight for sure. If not, he'd have to figure something else out. No matter what, it seemed that the only way to resolve this situation was to go to the lake personally and deal with whatever was attacking people. He just hoped he and Ascalon weren't gonna drag the rest of the group down.
Ascalon sighed, looking to the Dokamon. "So much has changed since I've been gone. It's like I'm an In-training all over again, learning about the world for the first time... And... No, I do not have any salt water or honey. I'm not THAT kind of insect, and it would likely take too long to go fly to get some. If we had an ocean-going Digimon they might be able to help with the salt-water... Or a plant digimon for the honey. Beyond that, I don't know."
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Post by yuuki on Dec 10, 2019 14:43:35 GMT
The Alraumon obviously shook her head. "No, I certainly does not expect you to have anything like that ready, but that's what I need anyway that's not water. Thankfully, it's already in my calculation when I asked it. You can go to the market to see if they're willing to barter some of their honey for what you have. Though, please, do not try to give them water, if you value your life, or their life. People here are crazy, and truthfully, that's how it is. Living in arid south would give you that sort of pressure."
...Anyway, the address of the marketplace that the Alraumon gave the team to? It's located another part of the city, which means they have to leave the Ponchomon house if they go there. So if they have any question, they better ask it now. The answer for the question that was asked to him?
"Remember, one tap is yes, two tap is no."
...First question, one tap second question, one tap third question, two taps.
"....I was there too," the Ponchomon said. "My son was attacked while protecting me. I was... I was knocked out from the back, and all I can remember was the splashing sound of water, and something like a terrible roar. Afterward, other team found us and took us back. My son was in bad shape afterward. I don't think there is any buzzing sounds either."
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Post by Johan Walker on Dec 10, 2019 17:29:37 GMT
Salt and honey, what an odd thing to request in exchange for a vehicle and a guide. Johan and Dokamon were plum useless when it came to providing those two things, but they both hoped that the others would at least have... well, something, right?
Well turns out that was wishful thinking, as everyone else was just as dumbfounded with the request as Johan and Dokamon were. Even the blonde girl made a zinger that was kinda funny, but it didn't help their problem at all. Although Sasha did bring up a good point; the mechanic must've been expecting that none of them had what they needed.
The Alraumon did confirm this, but stuck with her initial requirement of salt and honey. She suggested they go over to the market to try and barter for salt and honey, but also warned them to not offer any water for pretty good and obvious reasons, if they were anything like these mechanics here. "I have plenty of Bits, but due to this situation I don't know if they'd even accept money right now..."
Ascalon looked over at Dokamon and explained how it was like he was an in-training Digimon again and learning about the world all over again. Dokamon did indeed know where the Stingmon was coming from. "I understand. I primarily live in the human world now, and truth be told I am still not used to the human race's peculiar ways. I can tell you all I can about the Digital World, if you will let me, of course."
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Post by Sasha on Dec 15, 2019 20:37:55 GMT
As expected none of the human or digimon present happened to have honey or salt on them, but at the very least the Alraumon was prepared for that and was quick to point them in the direction of the marketplace for them to find those two oddly specific ingredients.
Bartering without using water during a large scale drought seemed rather counterintuitive to her, even though deep down she knew the alternative wasn't all that morally sound or safe. Truth be told, had she been on her own she would have probably either coerced the mechanic into helping her out, or would have gone on her own to find that oasis. Two admitedly brash and probably dumb decisions to make in the spur of the moment, sure, but they were a hell of a lot faster.
Of course she was not on her own, so those two possibilities were out of the picture entirely. She sighed, not particularly thrilled that they had pretty much been roped into doing errands, but there wasn't much she could say or do about it at this point other than begrudgingly go along with it.
"Alright, can I at least ask what do you need salt and honey for?" If she was going to be asking Sasha to be an errand girl the least she could do was answer that much, right? Having said that she'd glance at the rest of the group, "I have some bits on me and I guess jewelry back at my place...though somehow I doubt that will get us far here. Do any of you have anything valuable to trade?"
At any rate she decided stand by the entrance of the tear marked house to wait and for the rest of the group to finish questioning the Ponchomon and his son before they got moving, in case they found out something important.
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Post by Ravenna on Dec 16, 2019 1:50:35 GMT
It would appear that the injured Digimon was not the only one attacked at the watering hole. Ponchomon was attacked as well, knocked out from the back. He did remember hearing some kind of roar. Ravenna had gotten all the information she needed from Ponchomon and his unfortunate son. The crow girl curtseys and smiles. "Thank you for your time. We will avenge you and deliver the water."
Now it was time to acquire some honey and salt. Maybe the mechanics were going on a picnic later. Ravenna waits until the others are ready before setting out towards the market. Sasha asks what they need the salt and honey for. Hopefully they had a good reason, and were not just sending them on a fool's errand while lives are at stake. "I also brought plenty of bits with me. How much could some salt and honey cost? Hopefully they didn't go jacking up the price."
The Ponchomon's son did not answer Ravenna's question, but he did answer Adam's. They had enough information to investigate the area once they found some reliable transportation. The sand is starting to irritate the former track athlete. She is ready to start cracking some skulls. Hopefully they would find some salt and honey at the market. Otherwise, more Digimon would suffer.
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Post by FelixSparks on Dec 17, 2019 16:07:29 GMT
So it was a digimon, but not an insect? Could it something about the water that was making it hostile? Either way, Adam bristled. They had been attacked for seemingly no reason, and his sense of decency couldn't allow that to continue on any further. He had to do something. Thankfully, he had Ascalon with him, however powerful this enemy may be, they'd beat it as a team. He was sure of that. "Thank you for your time. A roar and a splash may be the keys we need to solve this. I'll be back with good news once it's taken care of." With that, he gave a small bow and went to join the others. "I think whatever attacked them is living inside the water. We'll have to be careful. How're things going out here?"
Ascalon nodded to the smaller Digimon appreciatively. "Learning more would please my Liege, I'm sure. For now though, we should focus on the task at hand. Salt Water and honey... An odd combination, but we'll have to get it." Rejoining with Adam, Ascalon leads to the market, keeping an eye out for stalls that may have those items. "Perhaps we'll be able to barter for what we need... Or do another task. I simply hope it does not take so long that more are wounded."
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Post by yuuki on Dec 20, 2019 7:46:45 GMT
Alraumon shook her head. "They're not going to accept money. Items or something similar. Basically, anything nonconsumable will be treated cheaper than dirt. Fruits are good, but something less sweets but as juicy would be a good trade item. However some might would like to compromise. Barter works like that. As for what I'll be using them for... Well I think you'll know when you get the two pretty much. Let's just say I'll use it to save some life, alright? I can't really say more than that though, lest people going to try something funny...
It's best if you know as little as possible. In this place, value skyrockets. When you have no idea a value of an object and just wanted it, it won't skyrockets. If you haggle without telling what it's used for then it's for the best. When something crucial for your life becomes a commodity, you'll stack something so high against the other party when you know they want something that you have, and it's a must."
...Being too speechless, the Ponchomon just wondering if three questions was enough, and if the people doesn't hear him about "don't go off touting about revenge"... But before he could say anything, the door simply closed in front of him.
Their walk to he market was uneventful, but it's rather deserted all thing considered. There is seem to be a fountain here, but it's dried up, leaving it as a some sort of decoration at the meantime. ...By the way, it's much hotter here. The reason is probably because this area is full of the riches. Their AC is on at full blast, and they're hiding inside their shops. The signs outside are the same...
WE DON'T ACCEPT BITS AT THE MOMENT, BARTER ONLY.
Well at least they'll be spared from agonizing heat if they enter, but the question is where... also, hidden between buildings, there seem to be Digimons. Homeless or not, who knows... but their dead looking eyes stared at the team as they walked, their sight following them close...
At the moment, there are five shops puting "OPEN" sign on top of the sign.
Sundries Bar General Store Perfume Trader Pawn Shop
Where to go now?
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Post by Johan Walker on Dec 22, 2019 5:43:29 GMT
Johan nodded in understanding. His assumption was right, bits and anything that was non-consumable would not be accepted by any of the Digimon in the area. Alraumon said that fruits would be good for trading with others, although the other Digimon will probably try to compromise a bit more than that. Alraumon would then give the group some pretty cryptic advice, which basically boiled down to "other Digimon can basically charge whatever they want, so try to share as little information as possible."
Johan opened up his bag to sift through what he had that could potentially be bartered. He had a couple cans of DigiNoir, his hoverboard, spare tech parts, D-Terminal, notebooks, pencils, pens... hm, not much, as it would seem. He pulled his glove halfway off, almost as if he was considering bartering his own arm, if a Digimon wished for it, that is.
"Are you sure that will be a good idea?" Dokamon whispered to Johan, almost as if he could read the human's mind.
"It may not have to come to that, but if it does... well, we can always get another arm from the mall, right?"
After an uneventful walk, the group had come to the marketplace area. It was definitely much hotter here than before, and while Johan looked as if he was doing alright, Dokamon was visibly sweating, even though he tried to act like he wasn't bothered at all. After looking over the various shops, Johan spoke up.
"So what we're looking for is salt and honey, right? We might be able to find it in the General Store."
"I say it would most likely be at Sundries as well. It could also be at all of these places."
"Maybe we should split up? It would be quicker..."
"I say we take a vote."
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Post by Ravenna on Dec 27, 2019 4:46:46 GMT
It was as Ravenna had feared; the law of supply and demand was dropping a big pant load in their punch bowl. The woman in black hangs her head low and sighs, wiping her brow. Her bits were of no help here. What good was money in this crisis? "Alright, well, I guess we will figure something out."
Ravenna sees five places that are open. The general store would most likely have what they are looking for. Johan mentions going to the general store, but his partner Dokamon brings up Sundries. Johan suggests splitting up. "I'm going to the general store as well. That's probably the best bet. You are an agent, right? Have you ever seen anything like this before?" Ravenna approaches Johan and leans in closely. "Listen, I don't want word getting out, but I have something we can barter. Two jugs of delicious orange juice. Surely they would be willing to trade for a jug."
The crow girl has had a strange attachment to the beverage, ever since a small bottling company sponsored her track team. While hidden safely away in her infini-store, if word got out that she had liquid on her, it could lead to a full on riot. "If we are trying to barter with them, I'll act like I'm looking for something else, then disappointed and downplay how much we really want the salt and honey." Ravenna heads to the general store.
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Post by FelixSparks on Dec 30, 2019 1:09:03 GMT
Adam was glad for his suit as they walked towards the marketplace. It was getting hotter by the step it seemed, and the lack of water was going to get some of these Digimon killed if they didn't hurry. He grimaced, checking something on his Digivice. "Ascalon and I are fairly new, so we don't have anything to trade beyond my school supplies. With that in mind, I think it'd be best for us to go over to the pawnshop. We might be able to get something decent for what I brought with me. Let's go Ascalon." He begins to move, heading towards the Pawn Shop, Ascalon at his side.
The large insect nods, following his Liege and crossing his arms as they walk. "You don't seem worried about what we're going to encounter. Do you have a plan already? Assuming we can get what we need and get a guide, I imagine it won't be as easy as getting there..." The would-be knight shakes his head, knowing that another fight might be beyond him right now. He couldn't get back to his old strength yet, and something about that seemed wrong to him.
"Yeah, I think so. I'm not sure if I'm right, but I think whatever's been doing the attacking is lurking in the lake itself. I don't know why, but we're going to have to fight it to get control of the water back."
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Post by Sasha on Jan 3, 2020 17:26:02 GMT
The marketplace looked about what Sasha expected: hot and barren, with the few shop owners cooped up inside their own buildings with AC to try and survive the scorching heat. They had plenty of stores to choose from to find the required items the Alraumon asked for, which meant plenty of ground to cover.
Seeing how Ravenna and Johan planned on heading for the General Store while Adam and his partner went to the Pawn Shop, she weighted her options for a moment. She considered momentarily visiting the bar, but quickly decided against it: considering the drought, any and all drinks would most likely be overpriced as hell anyways. Her other options were either the Sundries and the perfume store, the latter of the two didn't seem like the best place to find salt (unless bath salts were also acceptable), so after a small moment of thought she made up her mind.
"Well, guess I can take the Sundries then. Worst case scenario I'll meet you three on the General Store in a moment." She said with a shrug while glancing back at Ravenna and Johan before heading for her destination, taking another quick look at her bag in search of something moderately valuable.
Other than her digivice and water bottle (which were obviously out of the question) there didn't seem to be much that could be all that valuable: a cigarette case though no lighter to speak of (did digimon even smoke?), a small switchblade and an equally small swiss army knife.
Hopefully her bartering skills would make it work.
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Post by yuuki on Jan 9, 2020 9:44:26 GMT
General Store Cool AC greeted the team as they came in. It's shaped like a supermarket actually, with various wares being displayed... but for some reason, gated by glass to prevent anyone to touch the wares. Not only that, the drinks fridge are empty... perhaps deliberately made so. There are no signs of prices anywhere, with the price tags on the shelves instead now written with "BARTER, ASK THE OWNER" printed across it.
"'elcome. If you're trying to windowshop, best leave in fifteen minutes. if you're here to buy something, then show me your items. Sorry, but I'm not running any charities here. I have already got people from the town trying to rob me blind, so I hope tourists like you guys aren't planning to do the same," the owner called out. It looked that this one is a Gazimon... a really battle worn one that is.
Pawn Shop
While normally pawn shop gives money in return for your item to be pawned off, this one seem to... changed its approach entirely. They're selling water, and various items.based on "value" of item that you pawned. On the entrance there are two powerful looking Dinohumons... they're also obviously very well nourished, probably because they're working as the guards.
"How may we help you?" they asked. At least they're polite. Either way, the shop, like the rest, is equipped with AC.
The Sundries Compared to the rest, this one is more relaxed. But usually the shop only sells dried foods... which doesn't help in this sort of condition. There are also medicines and such, but the best is probably... salt that's immediately seen on the counter. It's pretty much a pile of it even. Why is it there? No one really knows, but the Sunflomon on the counter...
"Hello, and welcome! We don't really have that much items that might be useful for your journey at the moment, but you can take your time here."
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