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Trails of (Not) Cold Steel [Eito]
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Post by Eito Watanabe on May 26, 2018 23:10:28 GMT
"Let me get this straight," Eito slowly says. "I should not be afraid to make my mistakes when it is safe to make my mistakes and there are those that can help me fix them, so that I don't make similar but bigger mistakes when it matters? Such obvious wisdom, such common sense, yet it is so obvious that it is overlooked and ironically is no longer obvious. Heh, thank you. By telling me that, you've already helped me fix a mistake I was making."
The feeling of being attached is normal? That was both reassuring and a bit awkward. What does that mean for Eito? "I guess I'm not that normal then. Haven't really had similar attachments before. But at least now I know not to worry."
"Hm..." Was Valt's lecture finally getting through to Tetsu? "I never thought of that," he admits. Maybe, just maybe...
"And I'm still not thinking of that!"
Maybe not. However, one thing did get through. "I suppose Ilbert would make a good teacher for me."
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Post by ryouta on May 27, 2018 6:10:34 GMT
"Yes, that's the case," Ilbert confirmed. "Just because previously you haven't got any attachment that doesn't mean you're not normal either young master Eito. Relationship is something that happened because you started forming a certain favor toward someone, negative or positive. You can utterly despise them, but that's a relationship. You can totally love them, that's a relationship also. There are many form of relationship. You don't have to think that you're 'not normal' just simply you experienced something late."
Outside...
"Yeah, yeah, sure... Homeostasis, I know how the hell you're Trailmon BULL model now. You're stubborn like one, dangit," Valt commented. "You heard that mate? Can you teach him your skill?"
"Yes I can, Master Valt. However, I think it's wiser to now give the two time to talk and sort out their feelings."
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Post by Eito Watanabe on May 27, 2018 6:37:52 GMT
Being lectured by a train on what is 'normal' feels odd to Eito, but the old Trailmon made sense to him. "Emotions are pretty complicated, aren't they?" He shakes his head with a slight frown. "I have yet to completely understand my own, even less so others. I guess... I guess I'm not very good at connecting with others, or even completely trusting others." In fact, he has a hand on his Xros Loader and looks just the slightest bit twitchy; perhaps he doesn't even completely trust his current company. "I'm... trying, though. That counts for something, I'm sure."
Rather than be insulted by being called the wrong model name and also stubborn, Tetsu almost looked proud. "Stubborn is my middle name," he jokes, "or is it 'Franklin', I forget. But yeah, I'm stubborn, and that's no bull! And this seems to be our stop, doesn't it?"
The Trailmon Buffalo huffs out a cloud of steam to the side. Time to talk and sort out their feelings? "I don't know what you think has changed," he quips, "but talking about the same subject again and expecting different results is a bit like a Garurumon chasing its own tail."
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Post by ryouta on May 27, 2018 7:04:30 GMT
"It is complicated, young man. But the less you compare yourself to anyone around you regarding your own emotions, the more it'll fill more normal to you. So do not worry and just proceed like normal," Ilbert answered. "There are things that you shouldn't compare to one another, emotions is one of it."
Meanwhile, outside, Valt simply snorted. "I wasn't praising you, you buffalo and franken hybrid. Haa... I guess this is why Trailmons tends to be so unflexible in their demands back then... It sucks but oh well."
"I beg to differ about nothing will change," Ilbert said. "Exactly because you have that sort of sentiment that you're locking yourself inside a box. You can never become a Grand Locomon like that. Self improvement, self respect, reviewing the thing you felt lacking over and over again, that is the thing that will lead you to evolve eventually."
...At this point, inside the compartment, Ilbert sneakily plays out the heated debate between the two Digimons previously. Of course he has cut out the last part of Tetsu's argument that nothing will change, but it overall intact, just for Eito to understand how his partner actually have a faith in him.
"...Young one, have you ever heard," Ilbert asked Tetsu "'if there is no rail, build it'?"
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Post by Eito Watanabe on May 27, 2018 16:05:11 GMT
Eito smiles at Ilbert's words of wisdom. "I'll keep that in mind." For a long time, he thought everyone except for him was weird, then realized the naivete of that and thought he was. Hearing that he shouldn't compare himself to others was reassuring and refreshing. "...thanks."
"Self-improvement and self-respect?" Tetsu looks almost insulted. "I've been working hard to get stronger and better, and like I said, I'm a real great Trailmon for my age. I don't have the experience that you have, and I'm not a youngling with boundless energy, but I do well. Yet I'm still a Trailmon." Though reflecting on what he lacks? He pauses for a moment, eye going dull as he looks inwards. "Hm. Guess I can see your point though. Been working to improve what I have, not what I don't have. Always figured that if I've gone this long without having it, I didn't need it but maybe I just didn't know I needed it." He gives the impression of shrugging, then says "yeah, I've heard that expression."
Meanwhile, Tetsu's earlier words reach Eito inside Ilbert. His calm mask is shattered, instead full of complete shock. "He... pitied me? He thinks I'm scared and lonely? He... he's also... he... thinks I'm a good person. Why? What makes me so much better than him? He... I..." He quickly turns away from Ryouta, practically hiding in his coat.
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Post by ryouta on May 27, 2018 16:56:23 GMT
"Then I meant it literally," Ilbert said. "We Trailmons are affixed in rails. Even when I was Locomon, I found myself several times raided because I was an easy target. Nowadays, we're used on transport because we're cheap. Bandits are getting smarter and smarter. As long as they know how to derail you, they'll get what they want. That's why, first you're to install some way for you to be able to get back up when you're knocked. Like this."
Ilbert revealed on his compartments, there are assortments of mechanism, such as springs to get himself back up. "Meanwhile, as you know, if we somehow got derailed and we fight, it'l be hard for us to turn. So it's probably worthwhile for you to see if you can make rails... It might take a while, but let me show you an example."
Ilbert concentrated, and slowly, rails starting to form underneath him. It's made out of energy, and seem to connect to several rails available. "As you can see, you can do this, but it probably only stay for a lil bit. That's why, it's probably wise for you to gain allies that can cover your weakness. For example, those that can defend you and shoot your opponents while they're trying to get onboard. Having weapons on each of your compartment also good, that way you can encircle your enemy and attack from afar. Think of a ship."
Inside meanwhile...
Ryouta was honestly conflicted. Is that really necessary? Granted, Ilbert seem to be the type who taught with harsh lesson. Shaking his head, the youth approached the younger one. He put a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Eito, I'm sorry, that was rash of Ilbert to do so, but... Have a seat and look at here for a moment. Tell me, how do you feel at the moment...?"
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Post by Eito Watanabe on May 27, 2018 17:26:18 GMT
Tetsu listens quietly to Ilbert's advice, not saying a word until he is finished with his demonstrations. "Hm. Weapons and ways to upright myself. Those do sound like good ideas. I probably should invest in them. Just hope the market doesn't crash, ahaha... ahem...sorry. About rails, however..."
He grimaces at the awkwardness of the situation, then generates rails in front of him. "I'm not old enough to be a GranLocomon, but I'm not as young as I look. I've picked up a trick or two. My main problem is energy use... and hills. Well... and other stuff, but I mean specifically with rail-making. I'm no expert on them, that's for sure."
Other partners not as replacements, but to cover Tetsu's weaknesses... why didn't he think of that? "Hrm. I'm pretty big and clunky, so I'd need a lot of help, but you really think I can work together with others to truly be helpful to Eito?"
What did Eito feel? What did he want? His blank empty stare through Ryouta shows that even he himself doesn't know. "I didn't know this. What does this mean he sees me as? His boss? A helpless child that he's calling 'boss' to humor me? Or someone he actually looks up to? I... don't understand."
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Post by ryouta on May 27, 2018 17:51:19 GMT
"Looks like you have no problem with rails, then," the Trailmon C-89 commented. Yes, it felt a bit awkward, but at the very least he seem to know one of his weakness. "For hills, try to invest on something like a grappling hook. I found it much more cheaper expenditure wise than forcing yourself to go up a slope. Not to mention, chance of slipping. Also probably worthwhile to invest on type of tire that could help you in slippery terrain. I hope you have that at the very least?"
At his question, Ilbert looked perplexed. "...Did you seriously just asked that? I mean... seriously? Of course it is. Even if it's just smaller Digimons that patrol within your compartment, you can get their help to protect young Eito inside of you. I, as Grand Locomon, does have security system installed inside of me, but that still won't help in case they decided to raid you. Yes, we Trailmons and train type in general have a lot of weakness, but that's exactly what an ally means. You need someone to help you, and don't think that as a weakness, but something that's necessary, something that you should be happy about, because a weakness can lead you to have relationship with someone, be it partnership, or something more or less! Work together! For your General! That's what it be to be in an Army under Xros General!"
Hmmm... poor guy honestly. Inside the compartment, Ryouta felt like he's dealing with a little brother that was so lost. He guess perhaps this is his feeling back then when he was lost.
"Eito, listen carefully... Do you... feel betrayed that he's taking a pity of you? Do you think you hate that? Sure at first he's taking a pity to you, but... listen at that voice at the end. He's proud of you. REALLY PROUD. He's sure that you'll be a great person. Yes, I can't even tell what it means to be an Xros General. I don't even remember, but... rather than thinking what it means to be one... think of what you want to take your partnership to instead.
Do you want to prove him right? Do you want to be someone he could be proud of to be called a partner? No need to feel pressured. You're honestly thinking a bit too much at the moment. Valt told me, the first time I came to this world, neither of us know what to do. We just have adventure here and there... don't you think it's important to first get acquainted with the world before defining what you are? Take it easy, and just... enjoy what the world have to offer. Yes, it's a dangerous world, but give Digital World a chance. I'm sure sooner or later you'll get your answer."
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Post by Eito Watanabe on May 27, 2018 18:22:36 GMT
"Grappling hook... heh heh..." Tetsu grins widely for a train. "I like the sound of that! Definitely would come in handy, especially in the Northern Prominence. That ice is tricky. I got all purpose tires but that would definitely be a priority to buy."
As for allies, Tetsu's grin turns upside down. "I didn't mean I didn't think they could help me. I meant could they help me enough that it would be better than them on their own? But for Eito's protection, I'm definitely looking forward to gaining more allies. And possibly friends, whether they are friends at first or not, heh heh. Friendship is forged in fire many times. But don't want to get too friendly, might be a distraction."
"Betrayed?" Eito gives a sad confused look of disagreement towards the floor. "No. I don't feel betrayed. I... don't know what I feel though. He's both proud of me, yet sees me as scared and lost and needing protection. And... all of those are true. I'm not sure why he sees a good Xros General in me. He reminds me of a parent... or a pet owner. Yet he's the one obeying me somehow, despite me trying to be his equal. Above all, I'm... confused."
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Post by ryouta on May 27, 2018 18:35:13 GMT
"Tetsu, young man, stop thinking yourself as a burden for the team," Ilbert chided. "There might be things that you only may provide. High speed travel is one. Xros General bound Digimon cannot evolve by their own. Perhaps there are Digimons that slow at their feet, but having very great aim for their species. Or maybe ones that are speed type but not good in wide area fight, and it's your duty to let them have a good aim. That is what it means to be fighting together as a team. I used to have some employees inside of me. While they can't really fight, at the very least they can help me in case I was under attack."
Hearing what Eito have to say inside, Ryouta just smiled. "...No, pet owner is a bit too harsh. Parents is closer, but... is it really a bad thing? Think him as a mentor instead. The goal of a mentor is to 'have you independent' in the end. That means after you proved yourself, who said you can't be equal? Eito, Don't worry. You might be confused at the moment, but soon it'll clear up pal. People's relationship can change."
"That's right," Ilbert's voice resounded from the speaker. "Before, I only thought of Young Master as my employer, but I slowly grow more and more appreciative of him. It's not too farfetched to say that I'm dedicating all my service for him now. You might think it as employer-employee basis, but I feel it's much stronger than that."
"Heh... well, there you have it."
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Post by Eito Watanabe on May 27, 2018 18:53:18 GMT
"High speed transportation," Tetsu admits, "is something I can do that is helpful. And I'm pretty sturdy, so I could be defensive. Get some helpful allies and maybe....hm. You might have a point. Perhaps I could be a part of a team. Gotta get me a crew first though. Not sure how to convince others to join an old but not wise Trailmon and his Xros General."
Eito mulls over the 'parent' or 'mentor' scenarios. "That... wouldn't be too bad I suppose. If he ends up willing to teach me that is." Back to the root of the problem in Eito's eyes. "He's good at talking a lot but not saying anything. Idioms, metaphors, snarky comments... but holding back knowledge. But..." An idea arose in Eito's head. "If he wants me to be his boss for now, so be it. I'll do my best to help him open up slowly, but if he wants orders, I have one for him. I'll... 'hire'... him as a guide. Maybe then he'll slowly see his worth beyond following orders."
A trailmon that once saw his partner as his employer, but is now closer. Ilbert inspires confidence in Eito.
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Post by ryouta on May 27, 2018 19:08:01 GMT
Ilbert's eyes softened after he heard what the Trailmon have to say. "...There you have it, young man. You finally noticed your place in the team. There's no need to think that you're holding people back. Rather than thinking all the time about you burdening the team, think about what you can offer, what you can fix, what you can improve. Then you'll be the best there is."
Inside, Ryouta smiled and pat the boy's shoulder. "See? There you have it. You think you'll be alright now? Don't haste, and if you feel that you're not alright, then you can come and talk to us any time. I mean, Ilbert here might be a Trailmon at the moment, but his knowledge is top notch. Being similar species can help one another yeah?"
"Looks like everything sorted here?" Valt asked, opening the door to the compartment.
"It ended being with Ilbert solving everything, I guess our help wasn't needed, eh bud?" Ryouta commented
"Not true," Ilbert's voice came from the speaker. "You two did great. I only can pull a conjecture because Master Valt managed to make the young man heated up enough, and Young Mister Eito opened up more because Young Master, correct? Hence it's not all me."
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Post by Eito Watanabe on May 27, 2018 19:44:30 GMT
"Thank you so much Ilbert... I really needed another Trailmon to talk to, I guess." The stubborn Tetsu was finally giving way to a better Tetsu. "It can be hard to talk to others when we are so different than most Digimon, you know what I mean? Now I just gotta figure out how to be useful in the now, and how we're gonna find recruits for Eito. He helps with that D-Arc Xros Loader thing, using modify cards to get me some more options, but I still have gotten thrashed recently in battle. I can't rely on the aid of other Digimon in battle when I don't have them with me yet. At least I got my toughness and straight-line speed in my favor!"
"Thanks Ryouta. Thanks Ilbert. Thanks Valt." Eito smiles, though his eyes are a bit watery. Was Ilbert that dusty, or did the food train have onions in it? "You were all very helpful. I've gotten a lot to think about. I'm still a kid... still so young... I have plenty of time to get to know Tetsu and learn from my mistakes. And maybe I'll not be too old when I finally find the world I'm looking for."
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Post by ryouta on May 27, 2018 22:32:33 GMT
"Looks like it was worth the talk didn't it?" Ilbert asked, his eyes looked that it smiled slightly. "Hmmm, the Xros Loader can be equipped with cards too? That's interesting. Maybe I should suggest to my young master to see if he want to get one. It seem to be a great investment."
Inside the train, Valt just chuckled. "There's nothing too old, bud. Me and Aniki, we've been in this business for like two years. People came and go, and we still learning new thing everyday. Even ignoring the amnesiac stuff, Aniki would have learned new things in new area. Back when we're still active, there are no Shining Sea, The Bayou, Spear of Megiddo and all those other places you know? Digital World always bring in changes. Don't be too fixated at 'finding your world'. Instead, think it as 'learning new things everyday'!"
"With that being said, I guess it's time for us to open our dining train really. But I guess no one is nearby so we'll have to move to different place. Eito, what do you want to do? I can't help much but moral support, but all the experience is with Valt. Valt and Ilbert know what to do. If you want some form of training, you can tell them."
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Post by Eito Watanabe on May 27, 2018 22:54:42 GMT
"Heh heh, guess I almost stopped at the wrong station," Tetsu says half-lightheartedly, though partially serious. "Talking did help after all. Thanks for pushing me!" He then eyes Ilbert quizzically. "Is Ryouta a Xros General too? Or do you mean getting a Xros Loader? Eito had to get his modified. Though I've always wondered... why do some lucky people magically get a Digivice or similar as if it is destiny or fate or divine power.... but then you can go to the mall and buy a better one?"
Eito has his own questions. "New places just... appearing? How was there room for them. Did land shift and stretch, or was there void before? This place makes almost less sense than the Analog World. A bit disappointing. But still interesting."
It was time for the dining train to open. "Does that mean it is time for me to leave," Eito asks."And... I would not mind some training, and I'm sure Tetsu wouldn't either but... not sure about sparring. Still a bit knocked for a loop from the last time." Of course, the embarrassing part that happened then probably wouldn't happen now, but the difference in levels and total defeat were just as likely here.
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