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Post by ricochet7-LJ on May 19, 2022 2:31:27 GMT
Hex's question caught LJ's attention as he looked at both tamer and partner. He didn't know Shouta's youngest siblings had a large age gap. So apparently there was a third guy and this guy was not a good person for Shouta's mother. "Sounds like the only thing he was good for other than unknowingly helping your mom was your youngest siblings." LJ said his thoughts thinking back to an incident where a younger sibling of his from the future came to across him. So far he had only one sister so it was clear the one he met would be born sometime later.
The change of subjects by Shouta was definitely a welcome one as LJ managed to smile as he put his cape over his head to shield himself from the sun again. "I agree. I don't know how two of my grandparents can handle extreme climates like they do. I myself don't fancy the idea of loosing my weight in sweat in a boiling desert." LJ said as he began leading the way to Rustport again. Maybe this was a way he was like his parents as they didn't care for extreme heat or cold either. So how were other Leomon able to handle these conditions when it came to training anyway?
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Post by eyesinthedark on May 19, 2022 11:06:58 GMT
Shouta nodded in response to LJ's comment. "Indeed. It is likely fortunate that they aren't old enough to recall him. The twins weren't even born yet when he left," he said. As much as he detested the man, he still loved all of his younger siblings and had made it clear to the older children that they were all family, regardless of their different fathers. He gladly resumed following LJ through the desert towards Rustport.
"Your grandparents live in places like this?" Hex asked curiously. He alone among the trio was unbothered by the heat, his body too insubstantial to trap much heat, but that didn't mean he was happy with their location. The environment, while new to him, was quickly losing its appeal as it seemed to be just one unending stretch of the same empty sand. He craved different experiences and while trekking through the desert was a new one for him, he suspected it would quickly grow dull for him. Hopefully Rustport would be a touch more exciting but until then, he had only LJ and Shouta to amuse himself with.
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Post by ricochet7-LJ on May 19, 2022 12:26:44 GMT
"Judging by what you said about their father it sounds as if your youngest siblings are better off without him." LJ said shaking his head in disgust at the thought of that man. What kind of shitty father harms their wife's mental well being but abandons their children. This went far beyond the saying no parent is perfect.
When Hex asked about LJ's grandparents, LJ answered "No. Not full time. These are the parents of my Leomon father, Lothar. Grandpa Fang and Grandma Crystal are traveling merchants and are a GrapLeomon and an IceLeomon respectively. They own a bunch of small cabins throughout the Digital World due to their success as merchants so they have a place to stay depending on what part of the Digital World they are in throughout various parts of the year." Probably the only close family member he met was his grandfather on Mandrake's side. Mandrake's father, an ancient Jijimon named Theron, stayed in his home village mostly full time and seemed very happy there.
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Post by eyesinthedark on May 19, 2022 17:06:45 GMT
LJ's description of his grandparents' business was interesting as it made the Digital World a little more relatable to Shouta. Yes, there were magical creatures and portals between worlds but there was also commerce and real estate and all the other little details that were involved in any society.
"Merchants, hmm?" Hex mused aloud as he thought things over. Any path to attaining material wealth was one he was interested in, as wealth made it so much easier to obtain all of the many things he desired but the problem with merchants was that they relied on trade. He did not like the idea of giving up what he already had to get something new, not if he could help it. Still, it was often worth looking into items available for purchase or trade when there were no other options. "What kind of things do they sell?" he asked curiously, a question that Shouta seemed to approve of if the lessening of his lingering stress from discussions of his mother's third husband was anything to go off.
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Post by ricochet7-LJ on May 19, 2022 17:35:18 GMT
"I think the better question is what legal product don't they sell?" LJ said with a hint of amusement in his voice. Sure he wasn't feeling fully comfortable emotionally but the new topic seemed to be helping reach that point. Shrugging he then continued "Depending on the time of year the products do have some seasonal differences but from what I was told is that they prefer to sell a little bit of everything. Something about being flexible in business. I don't know anything about that since I'm not knowledgeable about running a business of any kind. I'm more along the lines of a magical warrior."
"One thing I do know is that they told me they always had a knack for sales since they were young. As for how they met and started their business, I'm surprised grandma hasn't told the whole story since apparently she's also a bit of a romantic at heart." LJ said grinning in amusement as he heard about her thoughts on Mandrake when his dads had met. Something about his two grandfather's losing a bet regarding the two of them getting together as more than just friends. Sounds like she was full of surprises.
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Post by eyesinthedark on May 19, 2022 20:36:58 GMT
LJ's explanation that his grandparents sold a little bit of just about anything only further intrigued Hex, who was always eager for variety in every aspect of his life. His desires were many and varied and it was very likely that he would find something of interest if he had a chance to examine their goods. Obtaining it might be a trickier proposition as Shouta had made it very clear he didn't want Hex to steal things, even when he was certain he could get away with it.
"Do you know where they are now? Are they near Rustport?" he asked hopefully, already all but salivating over the thought of what treasures and trinkets he may be able to obtain from them. It was at that point that Shouta interjected.
"It seems like it would stretch the limits of credulity for us to bump into a third part of LJ's family so soon after meeting him and his parents," Shouta pointed out. "But I imagine we could likely find some shops to peruse either in Rustport or in Terminus for sure, from what you've told me. I should see about getting you a holosuit while we are there, at the very least," he said thoughtfully. While Hex generally seemed happy to hide in his shadow while other people were around, Shouta couldn't help but worry that the impulsive digimon would expose himself the next time he saw something that attracted his attention. Being able to move around openly in disguise would make things more simple in that regard, although Shouta suspected it would also create a host of other problems.
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Post by ricochet7-LJ on May 19, 2022 23:37:02 GMT
LJ noticed the tone of Hex's voice and how fascinated the shadowy digimon seemed to be at the prospect of shopping so he wasn't all too surprised by the Eyesmon's next question. It seemed he was just as driven by his desires as any digimon or human just some were more apparent with their desires. "As for where they are, I'm not exactly sure where they are in the spring. I think they likely come out here in the winter and I wouldn't blame them if that is the case. They should be headed for the village where my other grandpa lives. They spend the summer in that village every year from what my dads have told me."
As for shops in Rustport, yes there are multiple from places to buy food to gadgets useful even in the Human World." LJ explained before he continued "Holosuits do make interactions in the Human World a bit easier and are customizable to fit the likes of the user."
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Post by eyesinthedark on May 20, 2022 17:09:03 GMT
"There, you see?" Shouta asked Hex upon hearing LJ confirm that there would be shops in Rustport. "I'm sure we can find something of interest to you on our way back home," he said dismissively. Hex hummed impatiently and launched himself into the air, flapping about overhead in an attempt to see further and hopefully spot Rustport ahead. Shouta considered pointing out that it would likely be some time before it came into view but ultimately decided that it would be better to let Hex distract himself, so long as he didn't wander off.
"Have you given any thought to what you would like your own holosuit to look like?" he called out to Hex as the digimon circled above. Hex paused in midair, his tail flicking about beneath him as gave some thought to the question.
"I would want my human form to be small. Young," he called back eventually. He had observed how much more at ease Shouta seemed when interacting with his younger siblings, and reasoned that a younger form might help with that as well. "And male," he added as well, wanting to ensure that detail didn't get forgotten.
"That shouldn't be too problematic," Shouta said thoughtfully. If Hex's chosen form appeared more like a child, then it could perhaps help to excuse some of his less socially acceptable habits to a degree. He would still try to curb those excesses of course but childish rambunctiousness could be used to explain some of his unusual behavior.[/b][/b]
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Post by ricochet7-LJ on May 20, 2022 21:55:56 GMT
"I've heard there are also some good places to eat at from my little brother Kshin. He said he wasn't really bothered by the desert heat though. I guess it makes sense seeing as he doesn't have fur but a layer of peach fuzz like hairs covering his body." LJ said watching as Hex float overhead just as eager to get to Rustport as Shouta and LJ but didn't seem bothered by the heat. "Hey, Hex, I was wondering. Why doesn't the heat seem to bother you?" LJ asked while keeping focus on the direction they were going so they didn't get lost. Humans didn't tend to see well in the dark so traveling at night would be more dangerous.
When Hex mentioned that he wanted to take on the appearance of a small human child LJ was surprised at first but then, after thinking about it, it made sense given how socially awkward the shadowy digimon seemed to be. "Might also be beneficial if that form is adorable by human standards too." LJ said offhandedly not knowing just how mischievous Hex was but, judging by the Eyesmon so far, Hex was probably a handful. Then again who was he to judge seeing as one of his grandfathers was Mandrake's mischief dialed up at least one hundred times. Maybe it was a good thing that Mandrake wasn't as impish as his Jijimon father. A trait from his mother perhaps?
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Post by eyesinthedark on May 21, 2022 12:22:48 GMT
"Good places to eat?" Hex asked eagerly, latching on to that comment. Shouta rolled his eyes at that predictable response. For all of his many hungers and desires, literal hunger certainly seemed to be one of Hex's most recurring cravings. He seemed to be a bottomless pit and though his standards were virtually non-existent, being willing to eat literal trash if need be, he did seem to enjoy higher qualities of food.
"I'm sure we can find time to get something to eat," Shouta reassured his partner. Hex once again resumed flitting excitedly back and forth through the air overhead but came to a stop at LJ's next question.
"Hmm, I never really thought about it. My body isn't very solid, so I can't really overheat easily," he explained. "There are probably limits. My body is substantial enough that I can get burned by fire or hot objects but for simple hot weather, I'm not really all that aware of it," he mused. Shouta raised an eyebrow thoughtfully, considering that. Hex's semi-gaseous body was somewhat bizarre in its functions, clearly able to physically interact with the world but also capable of squirming through tiny cracks and even merging with shadows.
At LJ's comment on his prospective holosuit, Hex seemed thoughtful while Shouta seemed conflicted. "While I suspect that might make things easier for us in the future, I am hesitant to give him a tool that he would no doubt use to take advantage of others," he admitted hesitantly. Hex's lack of protest implied that that was exactly what he would do though in truth, he was conflicted. A small, cute form could convince people to give him what he wanted more easily but it would also make him dependent on their good will. A larger form would be more capable of getting things for himself, at the cost of drawing more attention.
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Post by ricochet7-LJ on May 21, 2022 12:43:14 GMT
LJ watched as Hex seemed eager with his question regarding food. He understood the need to eat a lot all too well so he was also eager to enjoy some food. However he was more in control of his excitement. He was like his Leomon father Lothar in that regard.
Then after Hex explained his theory as to why the heat didn't bother him, LJ scratched his chin as he said "I suppose that makes sense given your form is somewhat gaseous. It also explains why fire or hot objects can still burn you. So I guess you aren't completely made of shadows." He then reached up so both his hand were holding up his cape again before he said "The closest I've gotten to manipulating shadows is in my armor champion form but you are likely much better at it given, you know?"
"Yeah Hex sounds like hard work but you should be able to come up with something. Maybe say he is your kid cousin and he can be mischievous sometimes." LJ said offering his prospective on things. He assumed digimon in the Human World all had some kind of cover story. He sure did though it was nothing hugely dramatic.
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Post by eyesinthedark on May 22, 2022 0:19:38 GMT
"Oh, your armor champion form can do something similar? What are your armor forms like?" Hex asked. The question was phrased innocently enough but if one could see into Hex's mind right then, they would know it was anything but. He had gathered from LJ's earlier breakdown that the incident wherein he seriously hurt somebody came when he unlocked his armor ultimate form. Raising the topic, even if only tangentially, might be enough to provoke more of those intense feelings of shame and guilt that had so titillated his empathic senses earlier. Perhaps not in as great an intensity but even that would be interesting to see.
Shouta would ordinarily be better at noticing connections like that but given that he had first heard the term "digimental" earlier today, mere minutes before being hurled into another world, it was perhaps understandable that he didn't make the connection between that and the armor forms Hex had brought up. He was still more focused on the discussion of Hex's possible form.
"I suspect I will be using that excuse more than I am comfortable with but I would rather find a way to discourage him from needing that excuse. Hex is my responsibility, any problems he causes are a reflection on me," he explained seriously. He was fully aware that trying to curb a child's bad behavior entirely was a futile venture, having had plenty of experience with this with his own siblings, and he assumed it would be the same for Hex. But he had always tried to encourage his siblings to behave as best they could and he intended to do the same for Hex.
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Post by ricochet7-LJ on May 22, 2022 2:55:34 GMT
It made sense for Hex to be curious of LJ's armor forms given he brought up having them so he said "Yeah my armor champion is Loweemon and one of my abilities allows me to become magical energy that is much like shadows allowing me to avoid an attack. My armor ultimate is Karatenmon and can fly so I guess both forms are pretty cool."
LJ chuckled as he thought of his Jijimon grandfather before he said "If Hex is as much as a handful as Gramps then you might have your work cut out for you. I myself am not nearly as mischievous as Gramps and Dad but I'm sure I gave both my dads a run for their money since I am their eldest child." Then the image of Hex disguised as a child causing mischief and Shouta trying to keep him in check caused the Leomon X to smirk in amusement.
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Post by eyesinthedark on May 22, 2022 12:04:26 GMT
Hex was a little disappointed at the relative lack of reaction his question got but the information was at least somewhat interesting. And it did give another avenue for possible probing. "A Loweemon and Karatenmon, huh? Did that cause issues when you first reached those forms? Your parents were a little uncomfortable when I showed my shadow powers because they said it reminded them of a Ravemon. If your Loweemon form can do something similar and your other armor form is a dark bird man as well, they must have picked up on similarities there," he said, his tone ringing of innocent albeit insensitive curiosity. Whether LJ's reaction to the mention of the malevolent digimon was as visceral as Mandrake's remained to be seen but given their history, it would likely provoke some discomfort at the very least.
This time, however, Shouta picked up on how uncomfortable that line of conversation could become and tried to shift the subject away. "Yes, well, superficial resemblances are minor things when compared to the differences in people's character. Hence my concerns for how Hex may abuse a more innocent looking form. While I would not say he is deliberately mischievous exactly, he is impulsive enough to cause trouble without meaning to and yet cunning enough that I could imagine him shifting the burden of that trouble on to others instead of taking responsibility himself," he hastily explained. In truth he had his doubts about the formed part of his assessment of Hex's character. While most of his issues seemed to stem from a simple refusal to consider the consequences of his actions until he needed to, at times like this he certainly seemed to be specifically trying to provoke a reaction.
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Post by ricochet7-LJ on May 22, 2022 21:42:38 GMT
Not seeming to pick up on the reason for Hex's questioning LJ said "Well not so much Karatenmon since that form seems to utilize mostly offensive magic with no shadow nature whatsoever. Loweemon raised some concern when I mentioned over Tamernet to them that I could melt into the shadows in an effort to avoid an attack. To be fair, I agree with my parents about that Ravemon being creepy. I met that dude once but I never want to see that digimon again." LJ's words ended in a shudder as he remembered being captured by Ravemon when he was Elecmon and being imprisoned in a grimy dungeon in an effort to get to Mandrake.
Shouta's words caught LJ's attention and he turned to face the tamer and said "I'm no expert but it sounds like if you are patient and firm with Hex then things should work out just fine. He already seems to like you so that's half the battle in helping him with his social issues, I guess."
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