The Road Continues (Kitt)

It was a somewhat humid, yet not overly hot sunny day in the Eastern Timberlands. Summer was almost here, but the tall trees prevented the area around Rosewood from getting too hot; just enough to make a mild warm day comfortable. In addition the rain from yesterday cooled the area down a bit, making it more comfortable to go out and stay out for hours, even all day perhaps.

For Kitt the Spadamon, this was more than pleasant; it was perfect. He had arrived a few minutes ago via a Digi-port, the one automatically installed on his D-Nexus courtesy of KIZNA, and began to make his way to Rosewood to purchase some gardening tools and equipment. Why? Because in Luminas City, gardening stuff was pretty expensive. In Rosewood, items there were noticeably cheaper, so he was not going to spend all of his hard-earned on some items where it’s cheaper elsewhere.

As he walked through the damp forest, he stopped, his black cloak and hair flowing against the soft breeze. He opened his arms and took a deep breath, taking in soothing air.

“Ahh, the weather’s so peaceful,” Kitt said. This was the kind of weather he enjoyed. Sure, he could have just put in the precise coordinates to Rosewood’s entrance, but then he’d missed out on this calm weather away from the city life.

The tranquility would only last a short time as gunfire was heard from the distance, making the Spadamon’s ears flicker in response. Was Rosewood in danger again? No...it was close, but away from the town. Still, it was something he couldn’t ignore.

He then began to sprint on all fours, following the source of the commotion. As the sounds got louder and louder, telling him that he was close, he climbed onto a perch point, analyzing the area.

Two Digimon were fighting, one of them was a Garudamon: a tall, muscular bird Digimon with a bow that was as almost as big as the trees around them, and an Assaultmon: a four-legged Machine Digimon with gatling guns for arms. Next to the Garudamon was a blonde human girl wearing a scarf and a hat. He couldn’t get a good look at her since they were a distance away, but even he could see that the Assaultmon was giving them trouble.

Taking a deep breath, Kitt closed his eyes and focused, tapping into his digicore, a soothing mauve light surrounding him. The Spadamon’s form gave away and reconfigured as he evolved into his Ultimate form, GrapLeomon.

The fighting between the two began to get even more intense as it appeared the Assaultmon was putting the Garudamon on the defensive. The turbines on Kitt’s limbs began to spin rapidly, and with all of his leg power, he jumped up, ascending high above the sky, before diving down towards the unaware Assaultmon.

“Hey Assaultmon! Why don’t ya pick on someone your own size!” He aimed his fist at Assaultmon, hoping that the element of surprise played in his favor.

---

Combat Log:

Kitt evolves to GrapLeomon.

Kitt uses Jackpot Crash on an unsuspecting Assaultmon.

Jackpot Crash - Kitt draws his fist back, the turbine on his wrist beginning to spin, and strikes the opponent with a heavy punch. Alternatively, he could also spend a total of two posts charging the punch further, if he chooses to, increasing the velocity of the turbine, then unleashes it in the subsequent turn. He is still mobile while doing so. If he charges the punch for one post, it will deal a 50% increased damage. If he decides to charge the punch for two posts, it'll pierce through any active shields or defensive buffs. [Two post cooldown]

The BanchoLeomon shoved his fist towards Assaultmon’s face, knocking him into the ground. The element of surprise worked. However, that didn’t mean the fight was over yet. Assaultmon’s Gatling gun arms were still firing, but in different directions: one aiming at a random direction, and the other aiming at the Garudamon.

Kitt retreated a few steps, hoping to not get into the crossfire of the random arm firing. Although he was successful in getting out of harm's way, the Garudamon wasn’t as he was struck in the abdomen by Assaultmon’s attack, crashing into the ground. Kitt winced, wanting to immediately check to see if he was already. Luckily, the Garudamon was more resilient than he thought as he got up, aimed his bow at Assaultmon and fired, partially encasing the four-legged Digimon in ice.

Seeing that he had been beaten, Assaultmon made his clumsily retreat, making Kitt chuckle. He turned over and looked up at the looming Garudamon, who thanked him for the assistance.

“Anytime, sir.” he said, bowing politely. “I was in the area when I heard all of the gunfire. I’m glad that this fight was de-escalated quickly before it got out of hand.”

He then turned to see the human right besides him. He was about to ask her if she was ok, but the human girl’s appearance was real familiar. Then it clicked; the BanchoLeomon’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“Lady Kaya?!” he said in a shocked, yet exciting tone. “Long time no see! I almost didn’t recognize you with the hat!” He looked up at the Garudamon. “Wait...and that would make you...Sir Hawkeye?! Wow! I should have known since you have a bow!”

Kitt then paused, realizing that neither of them wouldn’t be able to recognize him in this form. So in turn, Kitt closed his eyes, his body was overtaken by a suave, soft light, shrinking his frame, devolving back into this Spadamon form.

“It’s me, Kitt!”

Kitt was momentarily surprised by Kaya gently petting him. At first, knowing how eccentric she is, he thought she was going to pick him up and start hugging him. Thankfully she was gentle with him, and in response, Kitt began to purr, closing his eyes, liking the pats. Humans really did have some magic fingers.

“Hehe, it’s great to see you too, Lady Kaya,” Kitt said, recovering from Kaya’s pettings. “I’ve been doing great, and thank you! I was starting to outgrow my jacket, so Eris made me this cloak along with these armor pads for my knees.”

But he wasn’t the only one who'd changed; Hawkeye as well looked different, literally since he was towering over the two. Like him, he’s gotten loads stronger, he was more accurate than ever with that bow of his. As he devolved back into his Hawkmon form, Kitt was ready to greet him, until he started to stumble in pain.

“Are you ok?” Immediately, concerned flicked over his face as he rushed over to his side. That attack from that Assaultmon really must have hurt him. He would eyeball torso. No visible bleeding for the moment, but left untreated, it could get infected.

Without saying a word, the little Spadamon recalled how Ophelia treated his sprained ankle when they first met. He glanced up to the trees, noting the long leaves. He went into a nearby tree, climbing up and plucking some of the leaves. “If I may, Sir Hawkeye…” with Hawkeye’s permission, would begin to layer them around the Hawkmon’s torso carefully.

“I don’t have any healing abilities, but can you please freeze one of your arrows and allow it to freeze the leaves in place? It’ll act as a cold compression and help the swelling and pain go down.” Kitt said. He wished he had bandages and wound ointment, but he had to improvise.

Kitt was glad that Hawkeye gave him the permission to tend to him. He knew that he was a stoic Digimon, but this small gesture--though small-- showed that he completely trusted Kitt, and he was happy about that.

Though still, he wished he had stock up on some healing potions at KIZNA’s store. It was a resource that was available to him and other members of KIZNA, but something he didn’t take advantage of due to not signing up for any hazardous missions in a while. So for now, he had to make due with the environment around him., and what way than to take it out of Ophelia's playbook.

He watched as Hawkeye picked up a rock and charged it up with blue, cold energy that allowed it to cool the makeshift bandages into place like an ice pack. Good for the most part, but even he knew that it was a temporary solution as Hawkeye pointed out. "I understand. This is only to relive you of most of the pain for the time being. Ice can only last so long in the sun after all." He said.

Kaya then asked if he wanted to tag along with them. “Of course, Lady Kaya,” he replied, giving a soft smile. “I have a little errant to do in Rosewood, but that can wait until after we get Sir Hawkeye the proper treatment. I know of a clinic not too far from the front gates of Rosewood. We can stop there if you like.”

The Spadamon’s tail slightly puffed up in fear after uttering the word “clinic”, but moved it underneath his cloak casually, awaiting Kaya’s response.

Kitt frowned when Kaya suggested seeking further retribution against the Assaultmon, only for Hawkeye to shoot her down, something that he agreed with. “Yeah, there’s really no point to beat him up further. He saw that he stood no chance against us and he ran off with his metaphorical pants down. With that suggestion, you would be an even bigger bully than Assaultmon, Lady Kaya.” he said.

He hoped that didn’t come across as too mean-spirited. In his eyes, seeking further conflict after the fighting was done was pointless. He’ll fight if the situation calls for it, but he won’t fight to seek revenge; it wasn’t in his nature. With the way the Assaultmon looked when he ran, he’ll think twice about crossing them again, and Kaya eventually agreed, much to his relief.

For Hawkeye’s injuries, the makeshift bandages won’t hold for long, so they’ll have to go to a clinic, as Kitt suggested. At the same time, he felt a tinge of fear coursing through him, and apparently, Kaya took notice of that. How did she know he was afraid from just his tail? Regardless, he puffed up his chest and spread his legs in a heroic pose.

“Afraid? Pfthahahaha! Why would I be afraid of the doctors?” Kitt bolstered, trying to eliminate their worries. “They’re a place where Digimon go when they’re sick or hurt. Why would I be afraid of something so...positive, hehe.” He felt a shiver creeping up his spine. It almost made him cringe from saying that.

After Kaya picked up Hawkeye, the human instructed him to lead the way, to his hidden reluctance. “R-Right!” Then they were off, their destination: the front gates of Rosewood. And judging by the distance between where they were at and the town, it’ll most likely be a 10-15 hike. Despite his overly increasing fear coming closer to him step by step, it was nice to see the duo again. He’d almost forgotten how boisterous they were, especially Kaya. He welcomed it.

Kitt was glad that Kaya decided to let that Assualtmon go, knowing that he was no longer a threat since they were near Rosewood jurisdiction. So if the machine Digimon decides to pick any more unprovoked fights, the guards will be quick to act and arrest him. But, Hawkeye’s skepticism on whether or not Kaya was being serious made the Spadamon look at her for a split second. She didn’t seem like the type of person that would hold a grudge...was she?

In any case, Kitt decided to drop it and to focus on what was important: getting Hawkeye to the nearest medical clinic in Rosewood. Easy as that sounded, it presented another problem, not for his two companions, but for Kitt himself. Stethoscopes, otoscopes, needles, everything that was even remotely associated with the doctors easily made the Spadamon go on high alert, afraid of eventually getting a check-up.

His tough bravado act, however, was easily seen through by Kaya and Hawkeye. Kitt broke into a cold sweat and began to fidget his thumbs together nervously in response. Gee, way to lift his spirits up.

Nevertheless, Kitt still led the way, following the dirt trail to the city. Kaya thankfully changed the subject from the doctors to what he’d been up to since the last they saw each other. His face lit up in surprise.

“Oh, well a lot of things actually,” he said, beaming. “I joined a team called KIZNA. Our goals are to maintain harmony in the Digital World and help out whenever there’s trouble, explore new places and to uncover a bunch of hidden things throughout our world. It was a lot to take in at first; I had my doubts about joining, but Eris and my sister, Ophelia convinced me.”

Looking up to the plant-covered buildings of Rosewood that were partially visible from the tree, Kitt smiled. “My first mission was actually here. I was in a team with another member of KIZNA, a human named Kenny and his partner Skadi, alongside with a Meicrackmon named Holly, and another human that can turn into Digimon named Toki. We had to protect one of the Sovereigns and the city from a plot that involved possession tags threatening to corrupt Digimon into attacking our grace. It was so nerve-wracking and scary, but I was able to push through and further evolve to the form you saw me in early-- GrapLeomon. But get this...the villain behind the attack was the person that handled us the mission!”

Kitt took a breath, realizing that was a lot to take in. “But with all of us together, we beat that corrupted angel with a huge attack, so huge that it could have wiped out the entire city. It was something you’d had to be there to see, hehe!"

After saying all that, the Spadamon titled his head towards Kaya’s direction. “Sorry if that was too much. But what about you, Lady Kaya?”

Kitt's eyes perked up the moment Kaya said that he didn’t have to go into the clinic once they arrived there. Hearing that put the Spadamon’s mind at ease, his tail lowering, no longer stiff from the fear of stepping foot in that building. “Thank you.”

As they continued, Kitt began to explain what he has been up to since their last meeting: from joining KIZNA to his first mission that happened here at Rosewood. Both Kaya and Hawkeye already knew about the team, and his leader, King Hikaru, which caught Kitt by surprise.

“Oh really? That’s good!” Kitt said, smiling. “Every member there is really nice. There’s Bezil, one of the Admins who’s a friend of mine; Ophelia, my big sister who really loves a good fight every now and then; a human name Kenny O’Hara and her partner Skadi, a Valaismon, whom I’m also real close with; just to name a few. There are a few members that I haven't met yet mainly because some of them are out on other assignments, or on breaks, but I hope I get to meet them someday.”

Then there were the Sovereigns, something that Kaya wasn’t aware of. “Oh! The Sovereigns are a group of four powerful Digimon that protect the Digital World and govern its stability," Kitt explained. "While Ebonwumon is one of them and he guards this section of the continent. They’re extremely hard to find, so if one of them appears, it’s for a good reason, and that what's my mission was about.”

Explaining about the mission, Kitt eyes widened when Hawkeye misinterpreted how he and his team defeated Seraphimon. “No, no, no. We were fighting outside of the city limits; We didn’t destroy it. The explosion was big enough to wipe out the city if we were fighting in it. We made sure to evaluate every civilian to Y’s just in case things went south. The city only suffered minor damage from what I saw, like roof shingles blown out and chimney’s collapsed, nothing too serious,” he stated.

After Kitt asked about what they’ve been up to, it was met with a few highs with the rest being lows. The duo fought a dangerous Biyomon that wanted Hawekeye to abandon Kaya which resulted in a fight. They later met each other again and ended up having lunch together. “That’s...kind of strange,” Kitt commented, raising an eyebrow. “And you’re friends with one another now?”

Then he heard that they met a Tentomon named Kazuo, who was obsessed with something that made Kitt tilt his head. “‘Anime and manga’? What’s that?" he asked.

And then...Kaya began to talk about the downers, something that made Kitt express discomfort. “Oh…” he muttered, focusing his attention back on the road. He couldn’t find the right response to what he had heard. He didn’t think of Kaya negatively, hearing all that depressing stuff made him uncomfortable to say the least. “I’m sorry to hear that,” was all he said before remaining quiet.

---

The silence carried them all the way to the entrance of the village, where two familiar guards were stationed: A Leomon and a Togemon, the same guards that were on duty during the Seraphimon mission and helped out evacuating the townsfolk.

The Leomon would give a nod to the three of them. “Hm? Well there’s a familiar face. Kitt, wasn’t it? Long time no see. Been getting to sneaky trouble with that team of yours?”

Kitt gave Leomon a bow, then smiled. “Likewise, sir. And don’t worry, I haven't. To be honest, our mission here was enough excitement for me. I apologize for our group deceiving you like that. We did that because we didn’t want to cause a mass panic, though even that didn’t go out as planned…”

Leomon's stoic expression gave way to a grin - followed by a reassuring pat to the Spadamon’s shoulder. “Aw don’t sweat it! You and your team already apologize after everything was said and done, no need to keep apologizing. Y'all did what you thought was best, and though I don’t approve, it was commendable to say the least.”

Kitt’s golden eyes shimmer as he grinned bashfully. “Yeah, thank you!”

The Leomon then turned to face Kaya and Hawkeye. “And who might you two be? Friends of yours?” he asked inquisitively.