A Strange Encounter [Champion Armor Hunt]
Sept 16, 2020 16:20:03 GMT
Post by Makoto on Sept 16, 2020 16:20:03 GMT
One of the first things that a young Makoto learned, when they set off on their own, was to steal.
It wasn't all that surprising, really; between how young they were when their adoptive mother died, and how little the rest of their family seemed to care for them, they never did have a chance to pick up many life skills. Without proper life skills or education, they'd be unable to find a job, and they wouldn't know how to properly barter, either. As a result of all of this, it didn't take long for Makoto to fall in with the wrong crowds - thieves and bandits - and learn less reputable skills to survive; be it stealth, lock-picking, lying and cheating... and, of course, stealing.
Be it pick-pocketing, shoplifting, or other simple sleight-of-hand thefts, Makoto was good at it. They had to be good at it, to avoid being caught, after all; though even when they were caught, they had their ways of escaping from trouble. They would sometimes even enjoy boasting to their peers about how even the most keen-eyed of marks can't spot them in the act, and how even the swiftest of guards can't catch them in the act - and while a lot of it was just them exaggerating, no one could deny that Makoto was a quick learner, with plenty of tricks up their sleeve.
But, even with all of their boasts and skills... They sometimes ran into a mark that they just couldn't, quite, catch; and this was one of those times, it seemed.
Makoto had been stalking their mark through the streets of Terminus for awhile now - a Karatenmon, and a rather rich-looking one at that, judging by his garb and demeanor. Such an individual seemed so out of place in these parts, if Makoto was going to be honest - they'd expect someone like him to be in some vacation home in Whitewater, or at least in the more affluent parts of Terminus. While these parts weren't quite on the 'wrong side of the tracks', it wasn't exactly fancy and prettied up around here, either; being more middle-low class, if they had to make a guess.
He was drawing attention, as a result - though even if that attention was just the barest of glances, it was still enough attention that the Renamon-X couldn't risk being drawn to themself, if they attempted to sneak up to him now. If they were spotted, it was all too easy for a witness to catch them in the act or warn the mark! On top of that, it was entirely possible that there were other fellow thieves with their eyes on him, too; which meant potential competition, if Makoto was just a little too slow on the draw. If someone else got to him first, they might be left with nothing to swipe by the time they struck!
Which meant that with every passing minute, Makoto was growing more antsy - eyeing the Karatenmon as they watched him disappear around a corner, before following after with quick and quiet steps. Was this their chance? No, no - this street wasn't giving any good openings to dart in, either; Makoto spotting a few idlers across the road, who were watching the Karatenmon with whispers and mutters amongst themselves.
Quietly, the fox would curse at themself, and at the situation in general; tails twisting into each other in ever-building anticipation. Just how long was it going to take, for there to be an opening? Were they biting off more than they could chew, chasing after such an out-of-place individual? Certainly, it was high risk for high reward - but this was all just ridiculous! They were starting to consider calling off the chase - figuring that they'd be better off picking out smaller-scale targets, over wasting their time fruitlessly chasing after this Karatenmon; they could've already made off with a few pouches and purses by now, if they weren't so focused on this bird.
However, before too much longer, Makoto's patience - as waning as it may be - would pay off. The Karatenmon would take another turn onto a smaller street, which was vacant of any potential witnesses. Makoto couldn't hear anyone nearby, either, or anyone coming around the corners - everything being quiet, save for the Karatenmon's footsteps. Swiping their mark's coin pouch now would be easy as pie, and that coin pouch in question was sure to be full of plenty of bits; this was the perfect opportunity...!
Grinning mischievously, the fox would take this aforementioned opportunity to strike - moving with quick and quiet steps up behind the Karatenmon, who appeared to be completely oblivious to their presence. Step by step would bring them ever-so-closer; and when Makoto was within arm's reach of the tengu digimon, they'd ever so carefully reach out, holding their breath... Before snatching up the pouch with a deft hand; unhooking it from the bird's belt, to shove it into their bag! Score!
Resisting the urge to giggle with the giddy burst of adrenaline that'd well up in them, Makoto would instead grin and turn around to leave, aiming to slip away with their ill-gotten gains into an alley unnoticed...
"Now where do you think you're going, little kit?"
... only to be stopped, by a clawed hand settling on their shoulder.
Whirling around suddenly, sparks of purple flames would dance at the tips of Makoto's claws as the startled fox prepared to try and make a hasty getaway - the adrenaline kicking in as their core began beating hard in their chest. The Karatenmon was much faster, however; grabbing at their wrists with ease, and holding Makoto still in an iron grip that they couldn't break, with the Ultimate digimon being much stronger than they were. "Eaaasy there, kit; calm yourself." The crow digimon would speak, half-grinning down at Makoto. "You're not in any trouble, little thief; I've been wondering when you'd strike for awhile now, in fact."
Not in trouble? Wondering when they'd strike? It took a second for Makoto to register these words - their struggling against the Karatenmon's grip stilling, as they begun to eye the taller digimon suspiciously. Did... Did he know that they'd been following him, all this time..?
Before Makoto could open their mouth to speak, however, the Karatenmon would continue. "You're well practiced, kit; though you hesitate too much." He'd gently chide, letting go of Makoto's wrists, to instead pat them on the head with one hand, leaning in close. "If your mark didn't spot you one too many times and gotten suspicious by now, those around the mark surely would've. Take more... productive risks, I'll say, won't you?"
Quiet and unsure, Makoto would look Karatenmon up and down briefly - trying to judge whether or not they're truly safe here - before deciding that they weren't in any danger, and nodding half-awkwardly in response. "Y-yeah," They'd mutter softly, unsure of what else to say. "Sure..." Slowly, they'd take a couple of steps back - eyeing their bag, where they had stashed the Karatenmon's coin pouch. Figuring that he'd want his bits back, they'd reach for the bag, but...
"No, no, don't worry about that." Karatenmon would speak, his hand raised in a signal to stop - making Makoto pause. "Keep it - that's only a drop in the bucket for me, as far as money is concerned; and there are other things far more valuable than just money, isn't there?" He'd remark, a hand waving dismissively, smiling in a wry amusement. "How about we both be on our ways, instead? I'm quite a busy man, and I'm sure you'll want to put your gains to good use."
This was suspicious - Makoto wasn't used to the idea of someone being this... Casual, about having caught a pickpocket in the act. Yet; he was letting them go? Wary, the Renamon-X would slowly nod, and backed away a few paces before turning away to leave - though they'd notice that their bag felt just a little heavier than before. Confused, Makoto took a moment to open up their bag to look inside...
... Only to see what almost looked like a decorative egg inside - a strange symbol depicted on the front. Was... Was this a Digimental? And how did it get here?
Did the Karatenmon reverse-pickpocket this onto them? When did that happen?
Hearing a chuckle and spotting some movement out of the corner of their eye, Makoto would jump a bit, glancing up towards the Karatenmon. However, it seemed that the crow digimon had disappeared. Instead they'd only catch a glimpse of flowing white hair and red wings passing around a corner, and disappearing from view - even as they attempted to follow him around the corner.
All that would be left, was a bewildered Renamon-X who - upon confirming that nothing appeared to have been stolen from them - would simply decide to move on, in seeing that they wouldn't be finding any answers here. "What a strange day..." They'd sigh, shaking their head; wondering if that other digimon was watching them still, as they slipped away into the nearby alleyway.
Without answers though, all that they could do was wonder just who that Karatenmon was, and ponder over just how strange this chance encounter was...
It wasn't all that surprising, really; between how young they were when their adoptive mother died, and how little the rest of their family seemed to care for them, they never did have a chance to pick up many life skills. Without proper life skills or education, they'd be unable to find a job, and they wouldn't know how to properly barter, either. As a result of all of this, it didn't take long for Makoto to fall in with the wrong crowds - thieves and bandits - and learn less reputable skills to survive; be it stealth, lock-picking, lying and cheating... and, of course, stealing.
Be it pick-pocketing, shoplifting, or other simple sleight-of-hand thefts, Makoto was good at it. They had to be good at it, to avoid being caught, after all; though even when they were caught, they had their ways of escaping from trouble. They would sometimes even enjoy boasting to their peers about how even the most keen-eyed of marks can't spot them in the act, and how even the swiftest of guards can't catch them in the act - and while a lot of it was just them exaggerating, no one could deny that Makoto was a quick learner, with plenty of tricks up their sleeve.
But, even with all of their boasts and skills... They sometimes ran into a mark that they just couldn't, quite, catch; and this was one of those times, it seemed.
Makoto had been stalking their mark through the streets of Terminus for awhile now - a Karatenmon, and a rather rich-looking one at that, judging by his garb and demeanor. Such an individual seemed so out of place in these parts, if Makoto was going to be honest - they'd expect someone like him to be in some vacation home in Whitewater, or at least in the more affluent parts of Terminus. While these parts weren't quite on the 'wrong side of the tracks', it wasn't exactly fancy and prettied up around here, either; being more middle-low class, if they had to make a guess.
He was drawing attention, as a result - though even if that attention was just the barest of glances, it was still enough attention that the Renamon-X couldn't risk being drawn to themself, if they attempted to sneak up to him now. If they were spotted, it was all too easy for a witness to catch them in the act or warn the mark! On top of that, it was entirely possible that there were other fellow thieves with their eyes on him, too; which meant potential competition, if Makoto was just a little too slow on the draw. If someone else got to him first, they might be left with nothing to swipe by the time they struck!
Which meant that with every passing minute, Makoto was growing more antsy - eyeing the Karatenmon as they watched him disappear around a corner, before following after with quick and quiet steps. Was this their chance? No, no - this street wasn't giving any good openings to dart in, either; Makoto spotting a few idlers across the road, who were watching the Karatenmon with whispers and mutters amongst themselves.
Quietly, the fox would curse at themself, and at the situation in general; tails twisting into each other in ever-building anticipation. Just how long was it going to take, for there to be an opening? Were they biting off more than they could chew, chasing after such an out-of-place individual? Certainly, it was high risk for high reward - but this was all just ridiculous! They were starting to consider calling off the chase - figuring that they'd be better off picking out smaller-scale targets, over wasting their time fruitlessly chasing after this Karatenmon; they could've already made off with a few pouches and purses by now, if they weren't so focused on this bird.
However, before too much longer, Makoto's patience - as waning as it may be - would pay off. The Karatenmon would take another turn onto a smaller street, which was vacant of any potential witnesses. Makoto couldn't hear anyone nearby, either, or anyone coming around the corners - everything being quiet, save for the Karatenmon's footsteps. Swiping their mark's coin pouch now would be easy as pie, and that coin pouch in question was sure to be full of plenty of bits; this was the perfect opportunity...!
Grinning mischievously, the fox would take this aforementioned opportunity to strike - moving with quick and quiet steps up behind the Karatenmon, who appeared to be completely oblivious to their presence. Step by step would bring them ever-so-closer; and when Makoto was within arm's reach of the tengu digimon, they'd ever so carefully reach out, holding their breath... Before snatching up the pouch with a deft hand; unhooking it from the bird's belt, to shove it into their bag! Score!
Resisting the urge to giggle with the giddy burst of adrenaline that'd well up in them, Makoto would instead grin and turn around to leave, aiming to slip away with their ill-gotten gains into an alley unnoticed...
"Now where do you think you're going, little kit?"
... only to be stopped, by a clawed hand settling on their shoulder.
Whirling around suddenly, sparks of purple flames would dance at the tips of Makoto's claws as the startled fox prepared to try and make a hasty getaway - the adrenaline kicking in as their core began beating hard in their chest. The Karatenmon was much faster, however; grabbing at their wrists with ease, and holding Makoto still in an iron grip that they couldn't break, with the Ultimate digimon being much stronger than they were. "Eaaasy there, kit; calm yourself." The crow digimon would speak, half-grinning down at Makoto. "You're not in any trouble, little thief; I've been wondering when you'd strike for awhile now, in fact."
Not in trouble? Wondering when they'd strike? It took a second for Makoto to register these words - their struggling against the Karatenmon's grip stilling, as they begun to eye the taller digimon suspiciously. Did... Did he know that they'd been following him, all this time..?
Before Makoto could open their mouth to speak, however, the Karatenmon would continue. "You're well practiced, kit; though you hesitate too much." He'd gently chide, letting go of Makoto's wrists, to instead pat them on the head with one hand, leaning in close. "If your mark didn't spot you one too many times and gotten suspicious by now, those around the mark surely would've. Take more... productive risks, I'll say, won't you?"
Quiet and unsure, Makoto would look Karatenmon up and down briefly - trying to judge whether or not they're truly safe here - before deciding that they weren't in any danger, and nodding half-awkwardly in response. "Y-yeah," They'd mutter softly, unsure of what else to say. "Sure..." Slowly, they'd take a couple of steps back - eyeing their bag, where they had stashed the Karatenmon's coin pouch. Figuring that he'd want his bits back, they'd reach for the bag, but...
"No, no, don't worry about that." Karatenmon would speak, his hand raised in a signal to stop - making Makoto pause. "Keep it - that's only a drop in the bucket for me, as far as money is concerned; and there are other things far more valuable than just money, isn't there?" He'd remark, a hand waving dismissively, smiling in a wry amusement. "How about we both be on our ways, instead? I'm quite a busy man, and I'm sure you'll want to put your gains to good use."
This was suspicious - Makoto wasn't used to the idea of someone being this... Casual, about having caught a pickpocket in the act. Yet; he was letting them go? Wary, the Renamon-X would slowly nod, and backed away a few paces before turning away to leave - though they'd notice that their bag felt just a little heavier than before. Confused, Makoto took a moment to open up their bag to look inside...
... Only to see what almost looked like a decorative egg inside - a strange symbol depicted on the front. Was... Was this a Digimental? And how did it get here?
Did the Karatenmon reverse-pickpocket this onto them? When did that happen?
Hearing a chuckle and spotting some movement out of the corner of their eye, Makoto would jump a bit, glancing up towards the Karatenmon. However, it seemed that the crow digimon had disappeared. Instead they'd only catch a glimpse of flowing white hair and red wings passing around a corner, and disappearing from view - even as they attempted to follow him around the corner.
All that would be left, was a bewildered Renamon-X who - upon confirming that nothing appeared to have been stolen from them - would simply decide to move on, in seeing that they wouldn't be finding any answers here. "What a strange day..." They'd sigh, shaking their head; wondering if that other digimon was watching them still, as they slipped away into the nearby alleyway.
Without answers though, all that they could do was wonder just who that Karatenmon was, and ponder over just how strange this chance encounter was...
