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An Odd Tranquility [Open]
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Post by Toki Akiyama on Nov 4, 2017 1:53:48 GMT
From the moment he stepped foot into this peaceful little village, Toki knew he was somewhere that couldn't exist in the real world. He saw strange creatures going about their business and tending to impossibly large eggs and the whole place had this calming effect to it. It was tranquil, but strange.
He of course got a couple of looks from the inhabitants but they were more curious than they were malicious. Toki took care not to bump into anyone or bother them. He wanted to talk to someone here, but how exactly could he explain his situation? He just stumbled upon some mysterious new world from being pushed off a bridge. That wasn't normal. With a heavy sigh, he found a place overlooking the hills he came from and sat down to gaze out at the vibrant green fields ahead. Where was he? How could he get home, and what were these creatures populating the village?
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Post by Tadao & Logan on Nov 4, 2017 3:26:46 GMT
Tadao had to admit that visiting the digital world more often was... relaxing. For the 18 year old college student, travelling to a whole world filled with intelligent creatures was like having a lucid dream, and the young man often felt happier for it.
Of course, Tadao would avoid the more risky areas of the digital world, sticking to the known areas such as Terminus, Whitewater and areas to the South and East. Even if his plucky little partner Logan the Offmon insisted that he was strong enough to help him out if they got into trouble, well, Tadao liked to set a steady pace.
For now, he was seated in the carriage of a Trailmon, his partner Logan sleeping gently at his side. Tadao had an arm around him, gently stroking the Offmon's belly. The setting was so pleasant, with the sun twinkling through the leaves of the canopy above the forested track and into the windows of the train.
Then, eventually, Tadao felt the Trailmon begin to slow down. Logan yawned and awoke as the rusty old voice of the Trailmon announced through the PA system that they're about to arrive at the Village of Beginnings.
"Yay!" Logan cheered, instantly excited. "I always wanted to come back here!"
"You used to live here?" Tadao asked, curiously.
"Yeah, I hatched here, then I realized I was your partner and so I found you" Logan said. Huh. That was something.
Tadao took his bag and his belongings, slinging it over his shoulder as he stood at the door, preparing to disembark. The Trailmon stopped, the door opened, and Tadao stepped onto the platform. Today he was dressed in a blue shirt with tan cargo pants, given the temperature didn't seem too punishing. His partner jumped up and rode on his shoulder. A little heavy, but, Tadao was used to carting around heavy textbooks so it wasn't too much trouble.
Here it was, the Village of Beginnings. At once, Tadao could see all the cute baby digimon, playing around with all their toys, chasing each other, even play-fighting.
"See anyone you know, Logan?" Tadao asked his partner.
"Not yet..." Logan said, then noticed another figure here that didn't seem like they belonged. "Hey... there's a human. He seems a little lost" Logan remarked. Tadao looked, adjusting his glasses. And yes, indeed there was another person here. He looked around his age.
Tadao hesitated about going to meet them, but, he supposed he should. After all, he'd appreciate the same being done to him.
"Hi there" Tadao said, waving as he approached. "Everything alright?" he prompted.
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Post by Toki Akiyama on Nov 4, 2017 3:53:46 GMT
Toki turned his head to see the pair approach him. Surprised to see another human, he stood up and shyly waved back "Oh...hello. I, well..." he rubbed the back of his head, unsure of how to explain his situation. "I...I was pushed into the river by someone and came up somewhere over there." he pointed over one of the ponds in the hills. He looked over the human and the strange creature with him "Who...who are you two? And what is that?" he pointed at Offmon. His voice was quiet, but loud enough to still be heard. He didn't seem to have a digivice on him either, so his confusion about Digimon could likely be excused.
He was honestly very happy that someone else was here and was willing to talk to him. Social interactions were strange to him, but he wanted to do his best if it meant whoever this was could help explain things to him and how he might be able to get back home. "This place doesn't feel...real. It's...dreamlike." he said. He began muttering under his breath, counting syllables on his fingers while he does so. First he counted to five, then seven, then five again.
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Post by tetsushi on Nov 4, 2017 8:56:44 GMT
A boy heavily dragged his feet as he once again finding a complete dead end to his search. Nobody know where is partner is, and he's not returning here, his former home. Gryz never told him much about the life in the Village of Beginning, but... he thought it was supposed to be a nice place for babies... When the Elecmon heard from him what happened to one of his cared baby, his eyes widened and he asked the details. The moment the Digimon's blue eyes landed on the huge, claw scars mark on the boy's chest, he froze and looked absolutely devastated.
"...Of all thing, I'm glad that you didn't came here to ask for 'another partner'," the Elecmon told him. "Too many people apparently finding their Digimon doesn't suit their taste and suddenly they thought they can change their Digimon here... Gryz... was lucky to have you, kid... but at the same time, he's not here. Sorry I can't help you."
Elecmon was completely surprised that Tetsu came here alone, but he stopped the boy from going any further. Alone, he's just a normal human in dangerous world. That's why he suggested him to wait at the Trailmon shuttle, probably to return back to civilization like Terminus or Whitewater. In his rather sluggish state, he had no idea where to go. His heart clouded and for once, he felt so lost, so empty.
...it was probably that bad when he suddenly bumped into a lone guy too.
"...Uh, s'rry..." his very thick Hokkaido accent came out without him noticing, but who cares? He was about to trudge back, but for some reason, he felt too exhausted to continue. Tetsu tripped and fell on his back to the soft ground of the village. He wanted to get up, but he was too exhausted... he emptily stared at the sky. Dreamlike? Yeah, it sounded just like that... dreamlike... He hoped that when he woke up, Gryz's goofy smile would somehow filled his field of vision...
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Post by Tadao & Logan on Nov 4, 2017 22:36:18 GMT
"You... were pushed into the river?" Tadao asked, astonished. "That's horrible! Oh, well, at least you're safe for now". He supposed he'd best explain. "You see, this is the digital world, and somehow, people who fall into the Shibuya river end up here".
"Yeah! Most people take the Trailmon here though, it's much more convenient" Logan added. Tadao was about to tell the other guy that the digital world was inhabited by these funny talking animals when another boy bumped into them and then fell to the ground, closing his eyes.
Tadao was a little overwhelmed. "Oh, gosh are you alright?!" he asked, turning his attention to the boy who seemed like he might be suffering from something.
He supposed he'd best quickly explain to the other guy. "I'm Tadao Asahina by the way, and this is my partner Logan. He's a digimon, they're the native beings on this world". He turned back to Tetsu, kneeling beside him, hoping that everything was okay.
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Post by Toki Akiyama on Nov 4, 2017 22:53:46 GMT
"I'm Toki Akiyama. All of this just...it still doesn't seem real...part of me still thinks this is just a strange dream, but thank you for your concern. I'm...I'm okay." Someone being concerned was a refreshing change of pace, but his attention was soon shifted to the younger boy that bumped into him. He sat down next to him and offered a small smile "Is...everything okay? If there's anything I can do to help, I'll do what I can. Though...I'm not sure how useful I could be in a world I know nothing about..." he said, worried that he's just being a bother by even offering to help. How he felt wasn't important though. Someone looked like they were in trouble so he'd do what he could to help.
Toki thought about what Tadao said. Digimon? Digital World? He glanced back at Tadao and Logan, a faint hint of envy in his expression over their partnership. Could he perhaps gain the same sort of friendship with one of these Digimon too? Deep down he really hoped so. "How come I've never heard of this place? If all someone has to do is fall in the Shibuya River then there must be...a lot of people who know." he said, curious to know about this place. He seemed a bit self conscious every time he spoke "Sorry if I'm asking things I shouldn't...I just...this all just...ugh..." he brushed his hair "This is all just strange to me." he would still focus on the other boy that showed up, more concerned with his plight than he was about his own curiosity.
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Post by tetsushi on Nov 4, 2017 23:30:36 GMT
"...Gryz..."
The boy muttered a name that is not Japanese... most likely, the name of someone he cares a lot. His expression contorted into a pained one and tears starting to streaming down the corner of his eyes. The boy sniffled; he pounded the soft ground in frustration. His body burning from fever, most likely from the still half healing scar on his chest. The claw mark is huge, not something that you would see from a cat, nor would (for Tadao's notice) that the scar mark belong to a child stage. It might be a surface level wound... yet, the boy's heart screamed more than his body.
"I'm...sorry..."
The boy must have thought that he failed his partner, that he was completely oblivious to his partner's suffering. Their quest for next level of strength has backfired to them very hard. What does he gain from venture to helping other? His partner gone and might be corrupted forever?
This is my punishment for being selfish he thought. If I wasn't such selfish kid and asked Gryz to help me to purify the temple, he might be...
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Post by Tadao & Logan on Nov 7, 2017 0:19:26 GMT
The other guy seemed to be pretty disorientated still. "Ah well, you'll get used to it" Logan said, smiling. "Maybe sit down for a bit if you're too overwhelmed?""You've never heard of this place because, well, so far we've managed to keep digimon a secret on Earth" Tadao explained. "And even if one or two of them showed up? Who would honestly believe there's a world of them out there?" Sometimes the most ridiculous notions were the easiest to hide. The boy said a word - "Gryz". Tadao and Logan exchanged worried looks. The two of them were connecting the logical dots. A boy that seemed to be grieving so much he was inconsolable. They were here in the Village of Beginnings. Furthermore, there seemed to be a scar on his chest. Tadao sighed and realized the dilemma. On one hand there was a boy in tears, and on the other hand, another human that just arrived and seemed very confused. How could he do two things at once when they clearly needed direct attention?
(OOC: I've been kinda stuck on this post for a bit, so if it's okay, I'd like to bring in another of my characters) Enter NPC: Owen
They were then distracted by a loud jet-like noise coming from the sky. Tadao and Logan looked up to see a large blue dog equipped with jetpacks flying seemingly out of control. He was making loud noises as he attempted to come in to land, but, in the end, failed, and became lodged in a nearby tree, trapping himself between two branches. "...Who's that?" Tadao wondered out loud. The digimon then glowed white and shrunk in de-digivolution, then, realizing his mistake only too late, began to fall, landing on the branches, breaking twigs and leaves until he finally fell down next to them, landing on his back. "Daddy!" Logan exclaimed, running up to the Gaomon and hugging him. "Oh! Logan! There you are!" the Gaomon said, sitting up and immediately recognizing him. "Er... sorry about that, I still need to work on my landings" he apologized. He then noticed others in the vicinity. "Er... what's going on?" he struggled to his feet, but failed and fell over, instead he looked at the crying boy. "What's the matter?" he asked with sympathy. "I don't know, daddy..." Logan said, looking sad at the boy's situation. "Do you think we can help?"Tadao then looked at Toki, who undoubtedly would be confused about this. "Ah, Toki, this is Owen, he's my partner's dad" he explained. "I got no idea how that works, but... that's a thing I guess".
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Post by Toki Akiyama on Nov 8, 2017 9:01:29 GMT
Toki watched over the boy with sad eyes at his predicament. How exactly could he do anything to help? "Is...Gryz a friend of yours? I'll come with you to help you find him if you would want me to." he dug through his backpack and placed a bottle of water next to the boy. He examined the scar and winced slightly "Does anyone have any medical supplies here? He should get that injury looked at."
When the dog came crashing from the sky, Toki jumped to his feet and instinctively stood in a defensive martial stance. He relaxed once it seemed this was someone near and dear to Logan. He bowed respectfully in greeting to this new Digimon "Hello. My name is Toki Akiyama. It's a pleasure to meet you." he said with practiced courtesy. Afterwards though he sat back down and looked out towards the hills. Casual conversation beyond pleasantries was not exactly his forte. What was there for him to say? Though he was interested in how the large Digimon from before just changed shape into something smaller like that. Should he ask? Or would that be annoying at this point?
After being silent for a little while longer, he would look at Tadao "Thank you. For taking the time to talk and help me understand. And...thanks to Logan too." he said, smiling softly. He turned around and looked at the boy once more "Hey...if you're comfortable talking about it, where did you and your friend get separated?" he asked, determined to help him reunite with his friend.
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Post by tetsushi on Nov 8, 2017 17:52:03 GMT
At first, Tetsu was in slightly unconscious state, but he was soon waken up by something laying beside him.
"Gryz!?"
His eyes bolted open, and for a moment, he even so happily hugging the Digimon and ruffled his stomach... but the moment he saw it's a Gaomon, his smile dropped, so slowly, so painfully... He finally just smiled sadly at Owen and stopped his action, slowly flopping on butt.
"...Sorry... I...."
He looked away. Embarrassment usually was the thing he felt, but at the moment it's just the pain to remember that he's apparently was partnerless. It was bad enough that he made people worried about him. He just shook his head. He can't tell strangers who exactly is Gryz and the problem that happened, right? He... instead slapped his cheeks and tried to be perky.
"A-ahem, y-yo! S'rry about dat!" yeah, his accent came out again, but that's fine. "A new guy aren't ya? Name's Tetsu. Been here since two months ago or so!"
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Post by Tadao & Logan on Nov 9, 2017 10:43:31 GMT
Logan at once thought of a way to help Tetsu. "My daddy can heal wounds easily!" he declared, then looked at once to see that the boy seemed to have mistaken Owen for someone else and was rubbing his belly. Logan made an awkward expression as his dad seemed to lose all dignity and just laid there, his leg shaking, his tongue drooping from his mouth seemingly put into a trance.
"You do the same when your belly's rubbed, Logan" Tadao pointed out.
"Yeah, but, seeing it from the other end, heh, it's kinda funny" Logan admitted. But quickly the boy realized that Owen wasn't who he thought he was and seemed disappointed. Thankfully Owen wasn't mad about it.
"Ah, that's okay, that was... pretty enjoyable" he admitted with a grin. Then Owen looked to the unfamiliar humans. One introduced himself as Toki, and the other introduced himself as Tetsu.
For the moment, Owen and Logan were paying attention to Tetsu, while Tadao was paying attention to Toki. Hopefully this way they could deal with both of their problems. But, at least, Toki seemed curious about Tetsu's story too, so for the moment they could stay together and talk.
Tadao spoke to Toki first. "That's alright, this is probably the safest part of the digital world so there's no troubles stopping to talk about this new situation you've ended up in" he explained. As he said this, a little baby Dodomon had bounced up to Logan and was sniffing him curiously. It wasn't long before Logan responded kindly. And the Offmon sat between his partner and father, the Dodomon nestled on his lap.
From what Owen could discern from Tetsu, however, he seemed to want to avoid the subject of 'Gryz' for now. Well, if it was too difficult to recall, perhaps they could make things better by distracting with some talk for the moment?
"So yeah... probably from what you can gather, Toki, a lot of us humans have been pulled into the digital world lately" Tadao said. "For what reason, I don't know. But those of us that do tend to get bonded with digimon that seem to be, er, 'destined' to be our partners, from what I know".
"Yep, that's what we heard~" Logan added. Owen, meanwhile, was more curious about Tetsu's predicament.
"So, just some real talk, Tetsu, are you holding up okay?" he whispered to the boy, prepared to break off for a private chat if he didn't want to sit through this.
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Post by Toki Akiyama on Nov 9, 2017 12:13:33 GMT
Toki was just happy that someone was watching over Tetsu. He thought about what Tadao had said "I'm still trying to come to grips that a place like this even exists. But...I'd be lying if I said it wasn't exciting. Something to explore...entirely new places that not that many humans have ever seen. And the Digimon are, to be honest, really something else aren't they?" he said, seeming to be in a good mood now. "Oh...is it rude to say 'something'? Th-they're a lot like us, so they're people too..." he blushed, hoping he didn't offend any of the current company. "I guess while I'm here I should try talking to whoever I find...maybe I can make some actual friends for once."
The village was just abundant with life both new and old. It was peaceful, but as Toki looked at everyone support each other or just keep each other company, he once again felt that bitter envy within him. Why couldn't he have had people like this when he was growing up? He sighed again and looked up at the sky. "Who am I kidding? All I know how to do is fight..."
He thought about how his father made sure he got a form just right before he would let him rest. No time to himself, just train, study, eat, and sleep. Barely even any time with his own family. He insisted it was for his own good, to protect himself in a harsh world. All it taught him was to be scared and mistrustful of people. He remembered one day in middle school when he invited someone over after school. It was with his father's permission and everything but because he brought over a volume of a manga, he was refused any further visits and Toki ended up drifting away from what his father called a distraction.
Toki sighed and tried to forget about it. He shouldn't be angry in front of people he wanted to help and befriend. Try to, anyway.
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Post by tetsushi on Nov 10, 2017 3:41:41 GMT
Tetsu just chuckled when the Gaomon said that he actually likes it. Well, he doesn't mind, so why not? He rubbed the blue dog Digimon's stomach again, but this time less forceful than before. The boy listened to what the other had to say, mainly about how this one place is the safest part of the Digital World. He agreed. Then the part about how this world called more and more human lately... yes, that's quite true too.
"When facing Digimon, it's best to treat them like another human, with respect and with awareness that they want to keep feeling safe. Of course some Digimons just love challenge...but best don't take them up for it."
Though, when Owen asked whether he's alright or not, the boy just... smiled. It was a rather... professional smile, completely different from the smile he showed several moments ago when he thought that the Gaomon is his partner Bearmon.
"Me? Oh...yeah, I think? Just feverish, heh..."
He clearly know that the lie is very thin layered facade, but he's clearly not in situation where he want to talk. However, just when he dusted himself, what he have left of his partner fell from his hoodie, a Bearmon's cap.
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Post by Tadao & Logan on Nov 11, 2017 7:44:47 GMT
Tadao found that he agreed very much with Toki. "Yeah, that's right. Digimon can be scary and dangerous, but... they can also be really sweet and simply curious. Like those right here" he chuckled and smiled at Logan bonding with the baby Dodomon. He found he agreed with Tetsu's musings.
"Yeah, I think of digimon as people too" Tadao admitted. "They're sentient, they can talk to us, they have their own culture and customs, that makes them at the very least equal to us humans".
But the main failing from the stories that Tadao knew was that digimon could easily get out of hand with the amount of power they had in comparison to humans. Super Mega digimon with malice could turn cities to rubble through their own capability. But a human, well, they needed weapons to do such a thing. But that level of philosophy could wait for another day perhaps.
"Talking to whoever you can is a great idea" Tadao said, agreeing. "Not only other humans but digimon too" he looked at Logan and Owen again. "Somehow... seeing humanity from the eyes of a different friendly sentient species... it opens up a whole new perspective".
Tadao probably wasn't making very much sense as he was talking on the philosophical level. But he valued the opinions of digimon just as well as fellow humans.
He looked curious at Toki as he mentioned that all he knew what to do is fight. "Sorry to intrude, but, I think you know a bit more than that" he ventured. "I mean, I haven't seen you fight anyone yet, and I'm holding a civil conversation with you, so, that's something else you can do, right?" he hoped he was being helpful. Tadao wasn't sure if he could hold himself in conversations about other people like this, but, he hoped he could.
Owen meanwhile enjoyed the next belly rub. Yes it was a bit uncustomary for a first meeting, but this human was young and distressed, he said he enjoyed it, and he could understand as the white fur on his belly was soft and warm so he accepted it.
Then Tetsu answered that he was mostly okay, but, then Owen noticed a Bearmon's cap fall from his hoodie. Things clicked in the Gaomon's mind. Gryz. A Bearmon. A sad human alone without a partner in the digital world.
"Tetsu... did... something happen?" he asked. He would have added the words 'to your partner' to that, but didn't want to make things so terrible for him in that moment, especially in the company of others.
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Post by Toki Akiyama on Nov 11, 2017 9:47:24 GMT
He was happy for the supportive words, but his mind was still clouded with doubt "I mean...I did well in school and all, but I've never really made friends. My father wouldn't really let me get to know a lot of people and wanted me to focus on the dojo and my education. Socially...I'm kind of a mess. I don't really know much about pop culture or anything, though not for a lack of trying. Don't have many hobbies...well I like to write, but...none of it's that good." he sighed "Maybe this place will be good for me. To really think about things. Who knows what I can discover about myself." he tried his best to smile.
He looked over at Tetsu and Owen "But I know for certain I can't just sit by and let this situation with Tetsu go without doing anything about it. He lost his friend. I want to help them reunite." he said. Despite his resolve to do what he felt was the right thing, he sighed "I'll admit...I'm a bit jealous of you guys. You have these...Digimon friends who will always be at your side. I don't have someone like that. But...it would be selfish of me to let that keep me from helping." he seemed absolutely genuine in his conviction to help. "The world can be bitter enough as it is...I'd rather help make it a more comfortable place to live in."
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