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Unintended Side-Effects (Mikey)
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Post by Haru Toriya and Tawna on Jan 5, 2019 23:07:33 GMT
When was the last time she had been in the Digital World...? It honestly had been a while ago; pretty much after they made sure that she was stable and got her hooked up with a holosuit, Haru had almost exclusively stayed back home pretending to have a normal human life.
This was only the second of monthly checkups with the doctor... The girl was hesitant about staying around longer than she had to since she had originally wanted to avoid letting the secret get out, but with her cover being blown with Alice... that tension was somewhat lessened.
Accompanied by Tawna as always, the holosuit'd Digimon knocked at the door to Mikemon's own personal office with a somewhat mildly uncomfortable look on her face... something that Tawna took notice. "Is there something wrong Haru?"
The truth of the matter was... she honestly was not sure. She wasn't sure where her life belonged these days... Sure she was human at heart, but her body wasn't. There were just a number of challenges that the girl would have never thought she'd have to overcome... at least in her old life. "Just thinking to myself."" Haru responded, waiting at the door.
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Post by Dr. Mikemon on Jan 5, 2019 23:44:09 GMT
Haru wasn't the only one hesitant about these check-ups.
It wasn't that they weren't necessary, or that he dreaded doing them. But the fact remained, Haru was an absolutely new 'class', a mere consciousness that had managed to take over the host core. When the doctor thought about what could go wrong, the list that came up was too long for his liking. Data rejection, split consciousness, feral regression... ugh, he just wanted it to at least reach a point where he could be confident in Haru's stability.
Still, it was about that time. Pushing away from the desk, and putting a smile on his face, the cat moved towards the office door, and opened it inward. As expected, Haru and Tawna were already waiting. In her holosuit, Haru looked quite well - as to be expected for a holosuit, really!
"Ah, hey! I don't want to end up taking too much of your time," Mikemon nodded, stepping to the side to allow the 'tamer and cat' inside. "Though, I am going to have to ask for the Holosuit to be turned off. The data signal it gives off will interfere with my scrying."
... Was he being too direct? Mikemon swiftly asked: "Anyway, how have you two been doing? Things going alright on the other side?"
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Post by Haru Toriya and Tawna on Jan 6, 2019 0:02:05 GMT
For the most part, the former tamer's worries at least were relieved to see the small calico once more... Sure it was mostly business, but he WAS a friend; one that she and Tawna cared a lot about. She smiled warmly as she and her former partner walked in, she closing the door at his request. "Oh... I getcha Mikey! Give me a moment then." Haru was quick to chime in before taking a deep breath. She fortunately had not had trouble managing the holosuit, so it was a simple process for the girl's form to shimmer... replaced by the much tinier form of a gray, viral Salamon.
The world looked so much bigger at such a size... Probably the only disorienting thing for Haru, she quickly snapping to reality. "I think been getting the hang of that! Have had no real trouble keeping it up really." she mused, briefly scratching at her ears with her hindleg.
"She keeps it on most of the time. Honestly, I've never seen a Digimon prefer a holosuit more than their actual form... It just feels like wearing someone's skin for me." the maine coone somewhat dully mused
"Hey, I spent 18 years of my life walking on two legs! So give me a break, man!" the Salamon grumbled while puffing up her cheeks, though quickly calmed down. Yeah she had other forms, but she wasn't being allowed to use them... besides, too furry for her own tastes. "We been doing alright though... I'm just back at my job and at school, and Tawna just does what she normally does... lurk, eat, and sleep."
"Meow." Tawna monotonously spoke, though clearly was mostly just poking fun at how regular Earth cats are like.
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Post by Dr. Mikemon on Jan 6, 2019 1:28:28 GMT
It didn't take long for Haru to shift back to her form as a Digimon. And to a bit to Mikemon's surprise, she slipped down not to a Meicoomon, but to her rookie form as a Salamon. "Hm... well, the transition seemed smooth enough. Still, I would at least advise you to not sleep in your holosuited form."
That aside, both Haru and Tawna seemed to be in high spirits. The Salamon didn't lead with any complaints, and for a doctor making a check-up, that was a good first sign. And heck, Haru was even able to keep her job! "Oh? I know you were worried about your taking so much time off without telling them first. How'd that all work out, anyway?"
That was just Mikemon's curiosity, though. Sharing a brief chuckle with Tawna, Mikemon casually slipped his arm out to the left, once more procuring that red crystal from a small portal that opened in front of his left glove. "I'll start by taking a look into your core data. All I need you to do is take a deep breath, and relax."
With a slow nod, he'd raise that crystal, Mikemon's eyes tensing to narrow pin-pricks as he peered towards Haru, his sight going beyond the mere surface level of data. Deeper, and deeper... just what would he see?
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Post by Haru Toriya and Tawna on Jan 6, 2019 2:09:42 GMT
"Aww... Do I really need to avoid sleeping in it?" the Rookie whined somewhat childishly at the prospect of needing to sleep in this form. It was just weird being on all fours... not as much as say being a YukumiBotamon, but thats aside the point.
"Hey, its not that bad. Just get used to being short until doc says its fine to use Meicrackmon." Tawna idly refuted, the Meicoomon sighing slightly. She honestly didn't care what Haru did, but if the doc was suggesting something it was bound to be least worthwhile following.
"I still think it would be weird." the puppy Digimon grumbled. She had not evolved since that initial freakout, but she was legit unsure if it would really help. She liked being human... or at least humanoid. Nonetheless, the transition back to a human life surprisingly was... not as harsh as she expected it would be. "You know, not that bad actually! Its a good thing I had a lot of vacation days to spare while was out of action.. though I don't remember actually calling them about taking time off? Tawna thinks Lucey had a hand in that, but you know how she is... the really silent type."
Tawna seemed to scowl at the mention of that freaky demon bug. That creature was just... weird. Wrong and weird. Sure they seemed to take a liking to Haru and the field club, but it still didn't change the fact that she did not trust that thing. "Honestly, less said bout her... the better." she mumbled, Mikemon soon readying the diagnosis.
Haru fortunately was a great patient and was easily read by the demon lord's sight. In regards to the Salamon's digital makeup, it fortunately seemed mostly structurally-intact... a few minor oddities such as trace D-Reaper virus scarring, but mostly nothing noticeably worrying. The core was definitely more stable though then when the former human first hatched... if there was any trace of human data, it was already long-gone; the core fully metabolizing what was once foreign data, it jury-rigged with that data in the front seat of its controls.
... Of course, this did not mean that the other presence was gone. Similar to a jogressed Digimon's core, there was a section of it that was notably different... only a mere ten percent or so and still quite dormant, but it was unmistakeable as to what it was.
The original owner of this stolen body.
"Is... Everything good?" the viral Salamon curious asked, blinking her blue eyes with a curious gaze in them at the doctor.
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Post by Dr. Mikemon on Jan 6, 2019 2:54:39 GMT
"Well, yes, but that's a bit of advice I would be giving to anyone using a holosuit." Mikemon gave a small shrug. "They're generally stable, but its just a better idea to at least be 'aware' while you're using one." It would be something that Haru would have to get used to, yes, but Mikemon didn't seem to sound too concerned when he gave his warning.
"Hm?" His ear gave a flick, as Haru mentioned that she had, somehow, gotten that time off. Apparently the Lucemon had called in? It was a bit strange, yes, but the cat still returned a smile: "Regardless of how it happened, at least that's good news!"
And good news was becoming an unfortunate rarity around here. Hopefully the cat would have more to give after his test. Peering through that scrying orb, Mikemon homed in at the center of the Salamon's data. Let's see... her core structure is relatively stable. A bit of abrasion, but nothing out of the ordinary, it should clear up after about a month or two.
Even deeper in, however, the cat saw something quite particular. Her core was finally on the mend - which was good news - but that secondary presence was held deep within. It was like a full, secondary core embedded within the main body, its surface protruding outward like a 'wart' on the side of the surface. From it, he could sense another presence...
"Hm..." His ear twitched at Haru's question, Mikemon taking a step back, rubbing his eyes with the back of his glove. "Well, good news, your data structure is fine. I honestly wouldn't say its the best in the world, but its at least as stable as Tawna's." So, not perfect, but at least the same quality as a twin's.
"There is one other thing, though. Its not a threat to your stability, but taking a look into your core? Well, I did see a 'second' core inside. Its dormant, but it composes about a fifth of your central core's data."
"Actually," he continued, "its not too uncommon of a sight. Its something that occurs when a Digimon manages to load the data of something more powerful than it. So, even though we might need to keep an eye on it..."
He sighed.
"Its about what I would expect."
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Post by Haru Toriya and Tawna on Jan 6, 2019 3:30:38 GMT
Haru was not too happy with the idea of sleeping in her real form normally, but guess there really was no arguing it. She already was expecting to have to go through some new crap thanks to this whole reincarnation business, but it still didn't mean she liked it. Better than dying for good though.
As for the actual diagnosis, Tawna wasn't exactly expecting for everything to be a bed of roses, but Mikemon least seemed to be in good spirits in regards to Haru. "Good to hear honestly. That asshole left a number on me... Lost a lot of data back there, and I'm positive its left an impact. I can't use Meicrackmon Vicious Mode, and Raguelmon is just gone too. My guess if anything is Haru is the only one who can use those now." she initially spoke, musing over the incident on that dreadful day... bitter thoughts still brewed in her about that devil cat, and hearing that there was a fraction of a second core was not too fun to hear either. "... That cancerous bitch."
Haru merely remained quiet at Mikemon's explanation, even if it did leave her with questions. The mere idea that she was in a way borrowing or even sharing the body of her killer was not exactly a comfortable thought frankly "Though I didn't load anything? Or was what Cas did...?"
Surprisingly, Tawna was quick to jump to the question... She might have not been a doctor like Mikemon, but she was least well-versed with how data kinda worked. "What I understand is that your body is made out of primarily Hunter's data, but your original human body's data is now a Digicore... Not to sound rude, but humans are not exactly oceans of data. Basically, you are that weaker Digimon and you loaded her... or well, Cas MADE you load her." she briefly explained, though her attention was still drawn to the subject at hand. Tawna turned back to Mikemon, crossing her arms. "When you mean dormant, are you implying it could become active? What happens then doc?"
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Post by Dr. Mikemon on Jan 6, 2019 3:52:40 GMT
"What's important, of course, is that both of you are still standing here."
As traumatizing and terrible as that event was - from Hunter's initial act through her full reincarnation at Metal Drive's flying base - Mikemon could at least say with confidence that the two Digimon in front of him were of good health. "Given what Cassandra had to do, its unsurprising that some of your aspects passed onto her." It wouldn't make sense, in fact, if both of them had all of Tawna's forms.
Haru's question brought Mikemon's ear to flicker, but Tawna was quick to answer! "Tawna's essentially got it right. Digimon don't tend to keep all of the data of the things they load, so Hunter's data was used as a supplement to allow you to take the form of an egg, and later, a Salamon." Of course, that left that last question on the data.
Could that core become active?
"... Its entirely possible that the core could become active. Given its size and potential, I'd say it has about a twelve percent chance of doing so - but, keep in mind that's just a ballpark guess." The second part of that question was not so easy to answer.
"There's a few examples of that happening in the books. It could be as benign as a voice in her head, to the inner core having more control over certain forms. To that," he looked to Haru, "you simply need to be cautious, and aware of yourself. Tawna will be keeping an eye on you, as well - and I'm sure she'll let you know if she notices any changes."
With that, Mikemon took a deep breath, and put a smile on his face.
"But for now, your data is calm, and stable. Though I suppose I should ask... Tawna, how are you holding up, yourself?"
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Post by Haru Toriya and Tawna on Jan 6, 2019 10:19:22 GMT
The more Haru thought about it, it really was an absolute miracle that they both were still standing here alive and well... She didn't get to see her partner struggle against the Hunter, but it did sound like if Cas did not show up that Tawna would have also been a goner. "It... It really is bizarre. I mean, humans don't exactly get a second chance ever... or at least they aren't supposed to. Like, I can't imagine this is something that is remotely even common." the Salamon softly murmurred; the weight of what Cassandra not having missed dawning on her. She obtained a rare oppurtunity... A second life.
"Ehhh. Don't think too heavily about it. The point is, you are alive and well..." the Meicoomon shrugged, though the way their green eyes seemed to falter was a sure sign that some bad memories were being brought back. That was maybe the lowest point in her life... people like Mikemon helped her keep her sanity. In regards to the potential threat the partial core could pose, Mikemon at least seemed to put a good spin on that even if it does become active that it might not be too difficult to control... though the last thing she would want is Haru to unintentionally hurt someone. "We'll just keep it in mind... If you feel or notice anything weird, let us know Haru."
Haru gave a reassuring nod to the two felines as she took a deep breath. 12 percent didn't seem too bad honestly, but hopefully it didn't mean anything would happen. Certain forms being subject to influence might be a problem, but then again... but it couldn't be something that they can't work around, right? "I am kinda wondering when I can get a green light with Digivolving. I mean more as a kinda convenience-sake than anything."
"Well first off, you have to actually learn to use them; especially for combat. Gotta start small... Learn to use Rookie, then Champion. Sure you get some innate knowledge of the form, but you aren't like Mikemon and me. You aren't used to that kind of power." Tawna was quick to answer, she letting out a contemplative sigh. That alone was gonna be probably a challenge... Biomerging was fine since she herself could manage the fighting, but this was different. Unfortunately for Haru, she would have to learn things the hard way if she wants to be anything but a tiny dog. She soon snapped back to reality as Mikemon spoke to her, even going so far as to let a slight purr. "Fine actually! Just kinda been bored since we been at the human world, but it beats a sharp stick in the eye. I don't really feel sore anymore, maybe just a tad weaker but I could care less to be honest... Might need to start learning how to use regular Meicrackmon and Rasielmon more though if we start hanging out in the Digital World again."
Haru did seem to grow silent at the mention of being in the Digital World again... Not as easy a feat when she was actively trying to hide what happened to her, but with Alice learning the truth a few days ago... it was maybe time to rethink that. "Alice knows now." the Salamon spoke in a melancholy tone before her face tensed up into a more determined look. "I think I'm almost ready to tell everyone."
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Post by Dr. Mikemon on Jan 6, 2019 21:34:26 GMT
"Well, I can certainly say its the first time I've ever seen a case like this." And with how long Mikemon had been in practice, that said a lot! But, just as Haru couldn't exactly picture what it was like for humans to have a second chance, Mikemon nor Tawna didn't exactly know what it was like to not have that chance. Even if loaded, a Digimon's data eventually returns to the Village of Beginnings - at least, at the end of the 'predator's' life.
But yes, it was more important that Haru was more-or-less fine! Her next concern was something that honestly brought a slight grin to Mikemon's face. When would she be allowed to Digivolve? Tawna was quick to answer herself, and Mikemon gave his addendum: "We're not saying you have to learn to do combat, but you should at least be aware of what you can do - both to get more used to your forms and to be able to use them in emergencies." He knew, full well, that Haru was not exactly a fighter.
Tawna, thankfully, was fine! Mikemon's eyes briefly gave a scan over her surface data, before he returned a nod. "You should be able to use your MeiCrackform regularly, at this point. As with Haru, just be aware of yourself - and Haru, let me know if she starts doing things that she hasn't done before, subconsciously."
Aside from that, everything seemed to be on the up-and-up! But... there was that point that Haru brought up. About how to tell everyone, about her condition. He gave a sigh, and crouched down to the Salamon's level. "They'll take it a bit hard, they'll be confused. But they'll still accept you for you, Haru. And besides," he chuckled, "do you really think Calumon will keep it a secret for much longer?"
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Post by Haru Toriya and Tawna on Jan 7, 2019 0:55:35 GMT
Tawna wasn't exactly expecting for Haru to just immediately become a natural at this... or well, at least become an experienced fighter like she and Mikemon were. "Don't worry about it too much. Often times you learn just from improvising and it comes from instinct. I mean, you didn't have to learn how to fight when we were Rasielmon for the first time." Tawna assured her former tamer, lightly patting Haru on the back.
"Little steps I guess." Haru mused, she going into contemplative thought about the weight of such a task. She felt guilt for having kept everyone in the dark for this long... Lying just was not something she was comfortable doing. "I feel bad that I have hid this stuff from everyone as long as I have... I mean, I'm thankful no one else had to know that I even died... but I wouldn't have wanted what you guys and Naoko had to go through."
Tawna lightly smiled as she joined Mikemon in comforting the Rookie, even going so far as to hug the Salamon. "We'll be there Haru. You are still the same gogglehead that everyone knows and loves, even if you are in a different skin." she smiled before turning to Mikemon "That should be mostly it, right doc? We were gonna probs hang out for a few digital days since its a weekend for Haru."
Haru nodded in agreement. "I figured it would be a good time to just kinda get to know everyone again... You know, get everyone comfortable for the big reveal."
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Post by Dr. Mikemon on Jan 7, 2019 2:06:29 GMT
"I'm not going to lie and say its been easy going through on this. But everyone here is here, for you."
He agreed that she was still the group's gogglehead, of course! As Tawna turned to ask that question, the doctor returned a nod. "That should be everything. I still want to see both of you next month, at least, just to have one more check-up on this. Well, I guess its not like I won't see you a lot before then."
With that, their check-up was more-or-less done. Though, Haru had one more idea, to try and get along with everyone before she gave the news. To that, Mikemon gave it a thought. "Well, I don't think you'll be able to use the name 'Holly' anymore. I, um..." Sheesh, had he even told Tawna this, yet? It was hard for him to track down the Meicoomon, given how long they were in the real world! "Well, Holly's the name I gave to my second daughter."
... Yeah, that felt a touch awkward to say!
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Post by Haru Toriya and Tawna on Jan 7, 2019 15:58:10 GMT
Haru breathed a bit easier knowing that she had people around her that she could trust... The whole scenario was a bit daunting, but they'd all get through this eventually hopefully. With it seemed the check-up done, the Salamon's spirits were high... though the look of confusion on their face as soon the doc began to talk about why the Holly moniker couldn't be used now. "No way... you guys had ANOTHER kid?! Why wasn't I informed of this?" the viral Salamon exclaimed, her eyes wide-open.
Even Tawna was mildly surprised, but not really at the revelation. It really was only a matter of time before Mikemon and K had another. "To be fair, you've pretty much been isolating yourself like some weird hermit." Tawna mused at her friend before turning to Mikemon, a cheeky but warm smile on her face. "Heh. It must be a great feeling having something you can love and care for. I've always wondered what it would be like for people like us... to be able to give life and not just take it away. Maybe one day..." the Meicoomon mused, though shook the notion.
Naw. She wasn't cut for motherly stuff.
Haru after the initial shock was quick to cheer up, she even laughing awkwardly. "I mean, congratulations! Hopefully we can meet them sometime. How has Syre been doing too? Haven't heard from her in a while... I mean, I guess haven't heard from a lot of people in awhile." the Salamon spoke before taking a short breath... covering herself with a veil of data as she took back on the shape of her holosuit; a familiar shape at least for her. "Guess I'll just go around in the holosuit. Might be easier than say, trying to pretend to be someone else."
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Post by Dr. Mikemon on Jan 8, 2019 1:47:28 GMT
"Well, I meant to tell you as quick as I could!" Mikemon couldn't help but give a small chuckle at Haru's over-the-top response! To him, it was an exciting thing - though, admittedly, three was probably his limit on kids. In response to Tawna, Mikemon gave a sigh: "Tiring, exhausting, fun, and rewarding. I can honestly say I've learned quite a lot over the last few months about all this - though I will say, Syre and Holly will be glad to see you two, again."
Regardless of form, of course! He shared in Haru's chuckle. "If you're around here, you're bound to run into them. Syre's doing just fine, and I know she's been missing aunt Tawna, at least." He gave a nod towards the Meicoomon, and a step back as Haru re-activated the holosuit.
Haru's reasoning was sound enough, the cat returning a nod. "You are still you, after all. Again, just give me a call if something comes up, or, heck if you just want to talk or hang out. It's been a while!"
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Post by Haru Toriya and Tawna on Jan 9, 2019 14:17:51 GMT
Well, perhaps it wasn't as much a surprise the doctor had not been able to tell either of them about his second daughter. There WAS a bit of a world gap after all... "Its fine, just kinda caught me offguard there doc." Haru spoke, catching her breath after the initial shock.
Tawna let out a soft chuckle of the mention of being an "aunt", if just because it felt like she was in a way at least part of a family... Something she didn't really have besides the Toriyas. "I'll be excited to see her ~ ... It really has been awhile since I've seen her, and I'll be definitely curious to see how your little Holly is like. Let me take a few guesses... Does she take after K, or is she another cat?" the Meicoomon mused, eager to hear perhaps about the doc's new kid.
Returning back to a taller and considerably more human-shape was generally comforting for the former human, though all in all she was more just happy to hear that the check-up was a success. "Yeah! We'll make sure to give you the heads-up if something is up! For now, I'm just excited to maybe see everyone again... It really has been too long!"
With that, the pair would soon head out... partly since if they were planning to meet-up with everyone, they were gonna need a headstart! The library was a big place after all...
The following night was... off to Tawna. Normally the cat was the type to basically sleep all-day if given the chance to, but the feline had awoken in the middle of the night in her and Haru's roo in a mild cold-sweat... Enough to cause the cat to now be knocking at the door to Mikemon's own quarters in the middle of the night.
The reason? She couldn't find Haru. It wasn't like she didn't try either... but the Salamon's scent was just gone, and she was having a difficult time tracking it down. She of course was not trying to rouse a commotion at the library, but Mikemon was the only one that she could trust for something like this. All she knew was that she wouldn't be satisfied until they could find where the Rookie was... and hopefully nothing off was happening either.
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