The Call to Adventure, Meeting the Mentor (Arakan/Ask)

Charles couldn't help but chuckle a little at Arakan's huff, and her explaining herself - and would smile warmly. "It's okay, kiddo - I still appreciate your concern for an old man like me. You're a rather kind young..." He'd trail off a second, eyeballing Arakan as he scratched his cheek - trying to consider what Arakan must identify as. "... Lady, yes? Pardon me - being a digimon makes it a little vague beyond your voice, but I've been trying to get out of the habit of assuming, as well." He'd question, giving her a sheepish smile. "Either way, you seem like a kind soul - and I can appreciate that. Can always use more kindness in the world, and whatnot."

But then came the question of Arakan's trip, and her mother. Charles couldn't help but frown perhaps a bit grimly - as Arakan's responses, well... It didn't exactly paint a pretty picture of her mother, and the situation indeed seemed complicated; though it raised the question of whether they both saw it as complicated for the same reasons. If he was honest, something about this was giving him a weird feeling - and it raised a couple red flags for him. "... I wouldn't want to pry into your personal life, and your relationship with your family, any deeper than necessary - though... You wanting to go on a four-five hour trip just to get to Kamakura, and the idea that you'd have to cry and beg to your mom, or that you have to make her listen to you or take you seriously... This all sounds either like a big misunderstanding, or that there's something concerning going on, to be frank." Charles began. "I feel as though there's something here that I don't quite understand yet, that could have even more concerning implications. So with me being an adult, and you sounding as though you're young - at least young enough to need to rely on your parents - I feel the need that I should ask further for your sake."

The old man would sigh a little, massaging his forehead for a moment as he glanced to Arakan, thinking. "... I suppose, to begin, is asking why you want to go to Kamakura so badly. Is there something about Tokyo, or your father, that you don't like?" He'd question, frowning gently to her. "And why do you feel like you have to make your mom take you seriously, and listen to you? Does she not listen to your wants or needs normally?"

Charles would listen closely to Arakan's explanations and venting - quietly nodding along as she let off some steam. All the while though, he couldn't help but crease his brow a little, thinking it all over. It didn't sound like she had a very good relationship with her father, and what he guessed might've been a stepmother - or perhaps aunt or grandmother? He wasn't sure, if he was honest. Either way, none of this sounded very good... He could certainly see why she'd want to seek out her mother, but at the same time...

"... It certainly doesn't sound like you have a very good homelife..." Charles would begin, frowning sympathetically to Arakan, sitting down with her. "I can certainly understand why you'd want to seek out your mother, and possibly live with her... Though speaking as a father, raising a growing young lady such as yourself can sometimes be a little financially difficult, when you're single with a basic job - and I imagine that being surprised with a kid wouldn't help, either."

He would pause for a second, thinking over his words for a moment as he tried to decide on what the best way he wanted to word the next thing he was going to say. "... I don't say this to discourage you - but I think that you should go in expecting that she might not be able to house you immediately. Or at the very least, even if she is able to, there might be financial issues to be expected for the first while. Perhaps, if you're old enough to get a job, you could try looking into work in the area, or save up before you make the trip proper?" In truth, there was also the expectation that her mother's reactions may not be what she hoped it to be - but Charles didn't want to necessarily get her hopes down. Frankly, this situation had a lot of uncertainties and unknowns on both sides - he could see multiple ways that this could all go very wrong very quickly, if this didn't boil down to a misunderstanding or teen phase.

But, he was still willing to be a good samaritan, even if this did turn out to not be as big of a deal as his brain wanted to make it out to be. "... If you're comfortable with going with a stranger like myself, though... I could drive you to Kamakura for you, if you'd like." He'd offer, after some thought. "Once we figure out how to turn you back, we can start heading back to Shibuya, and I'd be more than happy to give you a ride - I have nothing better to do with myself beyond learning more about this strange world, and I don't feel comfortable letting a young lady such as yourself go on such a big trip on your own - even if you feel that you've prepared for it."

"Ah - perhaps I worded that a bit wrong, pardon me..." Charles began, as he scratched his cheek - clarifying "I was referring more to how it sounds like your father and stepmother stress you out an awful lot. It doesn't sound like a pleasant type of household to live in, even if your father is well off enough. But on that note, I also don't imagine that giving 'every spare penny he makes' to your stepmother is a very sustainable lifestyle either." Unless he had savings for emergencies, if something were to break down, well... That'd be a whole lot of trouble for them.

As Arakan would go over her plans though, Charles would listen along - letting her come to her own conclusions about it before he spoke up. "Getting a job isn't always the simplest thing, either." He'd comment, before thinking a second, and continuing "Do you have any family friends, or relatives, that you could reach out to? If you're able to arrange something with one of them, you could see if they aren't willing to help. Else though, you'd probably have to choose between the lesser of two evils if you did go to your mother, and she wasn't able to house you immediately. And personally, I'd say that staying on the streets wouldn't be pleasant - or safe - for a young girl like you, even if it's stressful at home for you."

Arakan's hesitation didn't get by Charles, though. He'd smile warmly to Arakan - mentioning "I appreciate your concern, and the hesitance, too. Even if I did say it wouldn't be any trouble, it's okay to not be comfortable with the idea - I'd say it's a good thing to not be immediately comfortable, in fact. Stranger Danger, and all." He'd nod understandingly, continuing "I did want to at least make the offer, though - I'd feel pretty guilty if I didn't at least offer you a hand with things. And..."

He'd trail off for a second, a wry expression crossing over his face, before he'd laugh gently. "Eheh, even if your mom did want to take a swing at me, I imagine that it'd be another day of boxing lessons, for me. Maybe I could teach you a bit sometime?"

Charles hummed, but nodded in acknowledgement. Seemed Arakan was in a bit of a pickle, at least as far as getting away from a stressful family went. But, seeing her perk up at the mention of learning a bit of boxing would make him smile. "That sounds good - once you're turned back, and we start heading back to Shibuya, I'll teach you some pointers." He'd agree with a nod as he'd stand - grunting gently to himself as he did. Damn those stiff joints - he really should start looking into ways to help with that...

"I won't call myself the best teacher - you'd be best off looking for a professional for that - but I'll give it my best, nonetheless." He'd mention with a warm smile once he was upright, though. It wouldn't be too much different from how he taught his daughter, yeah? Seeing her tail wiggle, he couldn't help but chuckle and reach down to pat her back before he'd begin walking once more, adding "I just don't want to see you use the pointers to go pick fights, is all I ask. Like you yourself said - just to protect yourself, okay?" Last thing he wanted was for someone he taught to protect themselves to start using those skills to be some sort of hooligan - mischief was alright, but not at the expense of others.

As the duo would continue onward though, it wouldn't be much longer until the trees would begin to thin out - prompting Charles to glance ahead. It seemed they were reaching a sort of clearing, and past the trees, one could glimpse what looked to be something bright and colorful. Were they at the Village already? Encouraged, Charles would pick up the pace a little - he wasn't sure why exactly he felt so eager to approach, yet... There was a strange sense as though something was leading him forward, now. That same feeling that came over him in his dreams, calling to him. It was somewhere nearby...

But before he could find the source of whatever was calling to him, they would first be met with the sight of what was the Village of Beginnings. Buildings of what looked to be plush, pathways like quilts, and toys of varying sizes scattered about - it was almost like something out of a fairytale, the village. But Charles also noticed what almost seemed to be a semi-translucent 'bubble' that encompassed this space - the surface would shimmer and ripple outwards like water when he touched it, but otherwise, he was unable to pass through it. "Huhm... I suppose it'd make sense this place is well protected..." He'd muse out loud, glancing around to see if there was some form of entryway. He wouldn't see anything just at a glance that could let them thru, but...

"Excuse me,"

Charles would glance up to notice a swan-like Digimon - white with light grey markings, and some form of breastplate and greaves - wing their way down before him and Arakan. On the bird-digimon's back would be what looked almost like a baby carrier - but instead of a human baby, a small, round, and fuzzy black digimon would peer at them with wide, curious golden eyes. It raised the question of if the little fellow had ever seen a human before! But either way, the Swanmon would glance to the duo, before asking "Might I ask why you two are here?"

"Well... From what I mentioned before - this is where all digimon are born, it sounds like. I imagine that they wouldn't want a bad digimon to wander in and start hurting the eggs or kids." Charles mused out loud, in response to Arakan's question. Though while the Village did indeed seem rather safe and calm - whimsical, even, with how colorful it was - he could easily see someone coming along to cause trouble...

The Swanmon, though, would land not too far from the duo - approaching them from the other side of the barrier. First, the birdlike digimon would give Arakan a puzzled look, craning her neck down to eyeball the Plotmon every which way. "Well, you seem rather fine to me! Unusual coloration for a Plotmon-X maybe, but then again that coloration reminds me a bit of a Meicoomon, but I digress - nothing unusual about you that I can see... See, a Plotmon such as yourself usually has a more cream-colored coat, though digimon these days sometimes will hatch in a whole array of colors! Sometimes it's a result of them having a different attribute or element from normal digimon of their kind, but sometimes it's also purely cosmetic! Have you ever seen a rainbow Vamdemon, a pink Plesiomon, or a purple Tyrannomon? I've heard a couple of the kids I myself focused on raising grew up to be strangely colored like that..."

Charles would blink a bit, before scratching the back of his head a little with a chuckle. "Well... She's supposed to be a human, but she seems to be stuck like this. I myself would like to visit the Village though, if that's alright with you - there's something I'm looking for that's around near here." He'd supply, adding "We ran into eachother along the way here, and figured we'd come here together, to see if there's a way we could help her turn back."

The Swanmon nodded, bringing a wing to her chin and thinking. "Well well, I suppose that a visit isn't too unusual - you're not the first human to have come here. But a Digimon that used to be a human sounds a lot more unusual indeed!" She'd tilt her head one way, and then the other. "I'm guessing you're going to be another one of those Tamer types - they always come here and end up finding some digimon that becomes their partner. It's like we're handing out babies like candy these days! Not that it ever tends to go badly - most of the Tamers and Tamers-to-be I've seen come here are actually quite polite, and the partners they raise have become notable figures, too! But still, I can't help but wonder how long it is before we start getting bad Tamers, too - humans are just as varied as Digimon, are they not? What will happen to the children that end up following after such humans? Will they become something to be feared, like the Demon Lords that have been running around and making a mess of things these days? Heavens me, I don't want to deal with yet another influx of baby digimon - that Gaomon and Dorumon duo have enough kids as it is!"

Charles blinked, and looked as though he was about to say something, but the Swanmon would continue. "Ah but right, your Plotmon friend. Ahhh, hmm..." She'd think for a second, before mentioning "I think I've heard of things like that before - humans that, instead of partnering with the Digimon, they become one! Spirit Users or something, they're called - working together with the spirits of long-dead Digimon who don't revert properly. But I don't think I've ever seen or heard of a Spirit User who is stuck as a Digimon! Very unusual indeed - very very unusual... I don't think I'd be much help with that - that seems more like something you should take up with your Spirit, or maybe a digimon who's more familiar in dealing with such Spirits, I think - but I also don't know how that would work either seeing as I'm a digimon and not a Spirit User... Would it be like those spiritual journeys, or would it be like a fireside chat? I've heard Spirits can be cryptic too, so I don't know how one would hold a conversation with one, either..."

"Ah... Miss?"

The Swanmon would blink, before glancing to Charles and Arakan. "Ah! Right, pardon me - I must've gone off on a tangent again. Sadly, I wouldn't be able to help with a human being stuck as a Digimon, but perhaps if you are like one of those Spirit Users, you just have a Spirit that's a little too eager to go! Homeostasis knows how you might've ended up with a Spirit without realizing it, though. Either way though, you two should be more than welcome to enter! Just hold out your hand - or paw, in the Plotmon fella's case."

Charles would blink, before nodding, holding out his hand. Once he and Arakan were both holding them out, the Swanmon would bring out what looked like a stamp depicting a striped digiegg in a nest, and stamped it on the back of both Charles' hand, and Arakan's paw. "There we are, that stamp there has special ink in it! We're beta-testing using this as a way to a-ok visitors, so that they can come and go for the day until the ink wears off! Let us know if it has any odd effects such as prolonged staining or digital irregularities. Don't touch the eggs, be gentle with the kids - and don't mind it too much if they come up to you, they're very curious little tykes - and overall, please do behave; we'll be watching you, understand?"

"Perfect!" The Swanmon would chirp, clapping her wings once the stamps were done. She would then turn back towards a distant building, and open her wings - preparing to take flight, it seemed. "Now if you pardon me, it's probably time for this little tyke's lunch - can't leave them waiting too long, or they'll get cranky! And flying with bubbles all around isn't fun, let me tell you, I remember when-" "Buwaaaah...." The Botamon in the Swanmon's carrier would suddenly speak up, sounding displeased by the Swanmon's delay - followed with a distinct sound of a rumbly tummy to punctuate it. "Oop, that's my signal - be good now!" The Swanmon would call to them, before - with a running start - taking flight once more.

Charles would blink in the direction of the Swanmon, before glancing down to Arakan, chuckling faintly. "Sounds like it, unless you figure out a way to talk to that Spirit." He'd respond to her first question, before scratching the side of his head. "I'm not sure if going to Shibuya would necessarily turn you back either, though. Maybe if we can't find any other solutions?" He'd shrug a little, suggesting "You could try seeing if you can't reach out to it in some strange way, though, while we look around the village." as he made for the barrier.Stepping through was easy, though, now that they had the a-ok it seemed. The stamp would fizzle a bit - painlessly, but still a strange sensation that prompted Charles to glance down at his hand - as they passed through; looking around for any sign of that old tree that he had seen in his dreams.

All the whilst though, they would be greeted with a whimsical sight. Towers and buildings of what almost looked like plush building blocks, trees that had toys and candy hanging from the branches, a quilt-like floor beneath their feet, and bright colors wherever you looked. Off to one side, Charles noted that there were fields of what looked to be near-countless Digieggs, being attended to by what looked like a few Swanmon, as well as a few strange mammalian creatures - red with blue stripes. They were looking over the eggs, a couple were holding and gently rubbing one, and another would watch with happiness as yet another egg seemed to be hatching! "So many eggs... I suppose it's to be expected, if every Digimon in the world is born here..." Charles would comment, "But it does raise the question of how many actual children are- Woah!"

As Charles would exclaim in surprise, a handful of small, round digimon of various colors would proceed to swarm around the both of them, chirruping and babbling with curiosity and awe. A few of them seemed to be older and larger, and would chirp up - commenting and asking questions like "What are you?" "You're so big! Are you a digimon?" "This digimon over here kinda smells funny...!" Thankfully, one of the red and blue digimon - an Elecmon - would come along to nudge the little tykes along. "Now now, don't swarm the visitors, children, it's time for lunch! Come along, now..." Charles would watch as the Elecmon would gently herd the children off for, presumably, lunchtime - and couldn't help a small chuckle, glancing down at Arakan. "Take it from a parent, if you ever get interested in having or adopting a kid - be ready for lots of energy, lots of curiosity, and lots of questions." He'd joke lightly, smiling to her. "You see anyone that might be worth talking to, or checking out, though?" He'd then ask - glancing around for that tree. It was somewhere out here, he could almost FEEL it...

Charles hummed, scratching his cheek. "Yeah... I suppose just reaching out to it is something easier said than done, in hindsight..." He'd comment out loud with a sheepish chuckle, continuing "Though meditation or soul searching could work, if we can't find any better solutions..." as he walked along. Perhaps he should wait until they found someone who better understood this stuff, before he start making suggestions and the whatnot; he probably was just going to end up confusing her - and himself, too - at this rate, with his suggestions...

At Arakan's question of what they were looking for, Charles would blink a second. "... Well, as funny as it sounds... I'm looking for an old tree, somewhere out here." He'd mention with a chuckle. "At the risk of sounding like a senile old man... I have been to the Digital World once before, some time ago. A long story, involving an... Unusual trainride, to say the least. But ever since that accidental trip to the Digital World happened, I've been having... Strange dreams. Of this village, and of an old ancient tree that... Something seems to be lurking underneath, sort of calling to me?" Charles would scratch the back of his head, before chuckling as he commented "Geez, I really am starting to sound like a crazy old man, aren't I? Either way, the dream was why I decided to come out here - to try seeking out whatever in the world is..."

"... out... there...?" Charles would trail off a second as he paused in his steps - glancing out to beyond the buildings of the village. That same strange impulse that had been nudging him along, it led his attention out towards a field that seemed to be filled with toys, and playground equipment. It looked like this was a place for the children to play - when it wasn't lunchtime, of course - but beyond that ground...

... was an old, gnarled tree - near the barrier. at the edge. It was notably larger than the trees around here that held toys and candy in its boughs, and likely a different species of tree altogether as well; soft pink flowers blooming along the branches. Charles would blink, walking towards the tree, almost as though drawn in - drawing the attention of a nearby Swanmon cleaning some of the equipment, that would glance to him and Arakan. "Ah - are you the two we called about investigating the tree?" She'd ask - seeming to be a different Swanmon from the one that let the two of them in. "The children have been talking about how they've seen something hiding near the tree - we've been unable to find anything, but it's got the kids spooked...." She'd sigh, making a thoughtful gesture with her wing as she murmured "Hopefully we can figure out whether something is up with the tree or not - it's hard to keep the kids calm when they think that something's haunting it; and I really wouldn't want to cut down the tree, it's so pretty this time of year..."