This Isn't Kansas.

It was a pleasantly warm day, when Makoto had begun wandering out into the Server Woods. This time of the year, many of the fruits that tended to start growing on the bushes and trees during the spring were starting to grow properly ripe - and as a result, it wasn't uncommon for the occasional digimon of Rosewood to wander into the forest to do a spot of gathering. The Renamon-X in question would be no different, figuring that they could use whatever they found to bake some nice pastries, or otherwise just have a nice and sweet snack.

That, and there was always the occasional herbs and mushrooms that they could gather as well! Perhaps they could make a salad...?

Kuro, too, seemed to be in a good mood; their living shadow briefly flickering as it looked about at the trees above, trying to judge if any of the occasional fruit-laden boughs above held any particularly juicy looking fruit from its spot underneath the Renamon-X. <... How about these ones?> It'd eventually ask the fox though, 'speaking' through their mental link as it parted from Makoto's body to travel up one of the trunks, to get a better look at the boughs.

"Oh, that's a good eye, dear." Makoto responded with a warm chuckle. It was a bit on the tall side - but the Renamon-X's claws did well for gripping to the trunk as they'd climb up but a short distance, to reach a few of the prize fruits, and deposit them into their basket. "Do you think we could find enough to make a pie or two?" Makoto questioned with a curious hue - the day was still relatively young, so they had plenty of time to search... "I'm sure some of our friends in Rosewood would appreciate a slice of fresh pie!"

Kuro would respond to the question with a simple hum, murmuring <Perhaps.>

But before the duo's thoughts could go any further, the distant sound of a splash would catch their attentions - Makoto blinking a bit. "Huhm. What was that?" The fox wondered out loud, as they'd begin moving in the direction of the noise - taking a second to 'deposit' the basketful of fruit into their shadow; where it'd be safe, in the rare event that the splash was from something dangerous, like a feral digimon.

It didn't take long for them to find the source of the splash that they had heard, though - coming face to face with what looked to be a... Human, facedown in a pond, and holding up what looked to be a little Pupumon quite dramatically. As they approached, the human would look up to them - prompting a gentle chuckle from Makoto as they mentioned "Hello there, darling. Are you quite alright?" They weren't sure if this human was a newcomer - though given that they had a baby digimon with them, it seemed to be the likely answer. "Would you like me to help you up?"

Kuro, though, would remain quiet meanwhile - pretending to simply be Makoto's ordinary shadow. It was a very shy shadow, towards strangers - and it knew that some people found it a bit unnerving - so it preferred to just stay under the radar, until it could properly get used to these new people....

At Zack's grousing, Makoto couldn't help a gentle but sympathetic chuckle. "It's quite alright, dear - it seems like it might've been something just a little bit out of your control." They'd respond, wondering if they had a towel within the storage of their shadow, to help the human wipe himself off. They'd take a time to reach their tail into their shadow to search around - no, that's their books, that's the basket of fruit, that's their tarot deck... ... There!

"There it is..." They'd murmur, pulling out a large towel - something that looked more suited to a picnic than actually cleaning off, but it was probably better than nothing - and offering it to Zack. "Here you are - go ahead and wipe yourself off, darling."

As the offer was made though, well, Marigold didn't seem to entirely approve of Makoto getting close to Zach; the little Pupumon near-immediately kicking up a fuss! As the little baby insect began to shout and yell, Makoto initially jolted in surprise - and even Kuro would jolt a bit, the edges of the fox's 'shadow' becoming briefly jagged in surprise. Oh dear - this little one had quite the pair of lungs on her, didn't she?

Zack, however, would be quick to reassure her before Makoto could even think to speak up - speaking to her in a firm tone, as he reassured her. Seeing this, the Renamon-X's expression would soften gently, quicky realizing what Marigold's worries were based off of the young man's own words. Poor thing - she was afraid of being alone; something that Makoto could easily sympathize with - perhaps even empathize, to a certain degree.

With Marigold soothed though, Zack would soon smile to Makoto and introduce himself and his partner - and the fox in question would smile back to him. "It's a pleasure to meet you both, dears. My name is Makoto - I'm a traveler who technically lives not too far from here, a city by the name of Rosewood." They'd introduce themself - and upon noticing that Kuro was moving, the shadow drifting along the grass to get a better look at Zach and Marigold, they'd gesture to Kuro and add "And this here is Kuro - it's a... Familiar, of sorts; my shadow made living. It's very shy towards strangers, so don't worry too hard if it's quiet right now."

Glancing back to Zach and Marigold though, Makoto would smile warmly to the two once more - peering to the little Pupumon in particular. "By the way... I'm sorry if I gave you a scare, Marigold darling." They'd begin in apology, their voice gentle and almost even motherly, as they crouched down to meet the Fresh digimon's height. "I have no intentions of taking Zach away from you, I promise - I'm sure he's a very special human to you, after all. It'll be rather hard to find someone who would want to take Zach away from you, at that - so it'll be okay, dear. Okay?"

With that though, they'd glance over to Zach, further speaking. "In any case though, it seems like you might be new to all of this, if I had to hazard a guess. Would you like me to guide you to Rosewood?" They'd offer, standing up fully once more. "I'd also be more than happy to answer any questions you have, as we move."

Certainly, they could've done a whole spiel on the Digital World, but well... Too much infodumping all at once, might break the poor man's head a bit, when he already seems to have been having one hell of a day. Best to just start with answering any questions he might have, and then filling in any important gaps once he's asked everything.

Ahhh... So Marigold didn't have the happiest previous life - Makoto would nod gently and with visible sympathy, waiting until Zack was ready to go before they'd begin walking. "Where to start, where to start..." Makoto would begin with a gentle hum, pondering what to explain first. "... Well, I suppose the best place to start, is where we are. This is the Digital World that you're in now - you're somewhat far from home, as you may imagine. Don't worry though, darling - there's a number of ways for you to go back to the human world; although it's worth noting that such pathways will lead you to Shibuya, in Japan, - this is where the worlds are most reliably linked."

"To further explain, we are in the Eastern Timberlands, which - as it sounds - is in the eastern portion of the Digital World - and to be more specific, we are in the Server Woods. Rosewood City and the Village of Beginnings rest not far from here."

"And what Marigold and myself are, are Digimon - short for Digital Monster. As both terms - Digital World and Digital Monster - make it sound, our world and we ourselves are composed primarily of data, as opposed to the flesh and blood that humans and other lifeforms from your world are used to. Our forms are - to a certain degree - highly malleable and adaptable, as a result. "We can come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and as we grow older and stronger..." To demonstrate their next point, Makoto would take the form of their Champion Stage - Reppamon. "... We are able to access different forms through a process called Digivolution."

As Marigold spoke up though, continuing to stare over at them. Makoto couldn't help a gentle smile at the young little Pupumon and Zack both as they returned back to their Renamon-X form. "It's quite alright, darlings." They'd state simply, pulling a handbag out of their shadow with their tail, and beginning to idly search through it. "It sounds like you're very special to her, so I don't blame her for being protective of you."

Before long though, they'd pull out a few homemade soft caramels - unwrapping one to pop into their mouth, before offering the others to Zach and Marigold. "Would either of you two like a sweet? I fancy myself a bit of a confectioner, as a hobby of mine." And perhaps something sweet and tasty, would make a good olive branch, for placating little Marigold?

That being said, they'd also offer a gentle and sympathetic smile in Marigold's direction - continuing "It'll be okay, darling - I understand how you feel. But I can at least say, without a doubt, that you have a very special bond with your dad." This would be more directed at the both of them now, as the fox continued with a knowing tone "Nurture this bond, and understand each other the best you can, and you'll both be okay."

It wasn't too hard to guess that Zack and Marigold were bonded much like the other human-digimon pairs that wander the Digital World - and Makoto knew quite well, that such bonds can cause miraculous things, if nurtured well.

Though Makoto knew full well that Zack was joking over the Isekai Truck mention - the fox gently chuckling - they'd nonetheless clarify "Less trucks, and more computers, I would suppose." Last thing anyone needed was someone to think that running out into the streets was a good idea, for sure.

But nonetheless, as Zack elaborated upon the level of intelligence that digimon had and the like, Makoto nodded. "We're just as varied in intelligence and personality as humans are. Although it may be worth mentioning that there are also digimon whose minds are completely bestial or otherwise 'primitive' in nature - those who live away from civilization, much like the animals of your world do. Typically, we refer to these digimon as being 'feral' or 'wild'." They'd explain.

"For this reason though, dear, I advise against wandering far from the quieter and more civilized parts of the Digital World; at least not until Marigold grows big and strong enough to protect you, or unless you have another digimon to accompany you." Makoto would caution Zack next, concern apparent. "All but the youngest and smallest of digimon are able to do real harm to a human, if one does try to attack; your kind are far more fragile than our own."

With the subject of digivolution however, Makoto couldn't help a gentle chuckle, nodding. "Digimon are able to switch between their forms more or less freely - so if Marigold genuinely desired, she could choose to go back to that form. However, most typically do prefer sticking to a modest or otherwise medium-sized form outside of combat. One part because after a certain point, one's strongest forms will become tiring for a digimon to maintain outside of when they're in a fight - and one part because most digimon tend to feel pretty vulnerable, in their smallest forms"

Smiling a bit humorously, they'd add "In addition to the first point, it's a little bit awkward to try and interact with one's community, when you're the size of a house."

Seeing Marigold enjoy the caramel was quite the happy sight, though - Makoto always enjoyed seeing their work put smiles on other peoples' faces, and this was no different. Makoto smiled warmly and brightly in the little baby bee's direction, nodding and responding "Of course, darling; thank you as well."

It was clear that Marigold was a little nervous near Makoto - not only in her body language, but also in her scent - and the fox wouldn't blame her for feeling that way. She was much smaller than themself, after all - a young little Fresh Pupumon, compared to the Renamon-X who just displayed the capability of digivolving to Champion. As Marigold got up the nerve to speak to them though, Makoto would smile to her sweetly and patiently - simply speaking "Take as much time as you need, darling - it's okay." in gentle encouragement.

And before long, the baby bee would indeed find the courage to speak to them proper - all the while, being able to digivolve to the In-Training Puroromon! Makoto's eyes lit up in happiness at seeing the young child grow - and in addition to this, little Marigold would be able to even ask to have another sweet!

Zack wasted no time in praising Marigold - giving her a little crimson bandana that Makoto thought looked quite nice on her - as well as thanking Makoto and Kuro both - to which the fox chuckled. "Of course, darling. There's enough trouble in the Digital World as it is, with something always seeming to happen one after another - no point in not sharing some kindness with those around you." They'd respond simply, smiling over to the duo. "And speaking of sharing..."

Now they'd turn their attention to Marigold proper, continuing with a warm smile "... You, of course, may have another. Thank you for being so polite, dear - and congratulations on digivolving." With that, they'd start digging through their purse to retrieve another caramel - pulling it out, and offering it to Marigold. "There you go, darling; you're quite the sweet little bee, aren't you?" They'd affectionately tease, smiling gently.

Glancing over to Zack though, they'd also ask him "Would you like another caramel too, Zack dear?"

Seeing Zack gently teach Marigold how to unwrap the caramel, as well as some general manners, would bring a smile to Makoto's face once more. It was good to see that he seemed to take well to the role of being a parent to little Marigold - and Marigold, in turn, was a rather sweet child, even if she didn't necessarily trust strangers easily. "Of course, dear." Makoto would respond to the 'thank you' from the baby bee, before turning their attention to Zack as he spoke.

Hearing that Zack enjoyed more fruity candy, Makoto chuckled and nodded, smiling wryly. "I'll keep that in mind, if we ever meet again, then." They'd muse out loud, briefly wishing to themself that they had thought to bring some citrus drops with them as well. They really ought to make some more candy later, next time they get home; there was a recipe that they had been meaning to try out...

As Zack elaborated upon the value in being kind though, and that one should always help others, Makoto would smile down to Marigold. "It's okay if that reasoning is that you're not feeling well, that you're injured, or otherwise that you're feeling exhausted or drained, though." They'd explain gently and knowingly - continuing "If you burn yourself out or hurt yourself without taking the time to take care of yourself and recharge, then you won't be able to help those around you. Your own health - mental, physical, and emotional - are all important, too."

"But I agree, otherwise; helping out wherever you're able is a good thing to do, and the friends you make doing so will likely be more than happy to return the favor if you ever find yourself in need." Makoto concluded.

Makoto didn't necessarily believe the advice they had given to be a philosophy, per se. Just more a thing of common sense; you helped more people in the long run by pacing yourself, and making sure that you're not burning yourself out, than you would if you sacrificed all self care to try and help others around you. You wouldn't be able to help people if you were sick, maimed, or dead; and there are sometimes people that you are just incapable of helping out, depending on the conditions and situations.

Nonetheless, as they continued to walk along, Zack would begin to speak - prompting Makoto to smile in the duo's direction. "I appreciate that, darling," They'd respond, continuing "You two are quite the pleasant dears as well."

However, things would soon take a turn for the dangerous; something that the group wouldn't immediately realize, at least... Not until Zack's voice would suddenly cut off, prompting the fox to glance over in his direction, questioning "Is everything alright, Z--" However, they'd cut themselves off upon noticing what was happening - a thin strand of insect's silk wrapped tight around his throat, and the scent of an unfamiliar digimon in the air...

Snarling, the fox would waste no time in protecting Zack - producing a shadowy warfan in one of their hands, that they'd use to slice away at the silk; using their opposite arm to coax Zack behind them, once they were sure that he wasn't about to asphyxiate to death. "Stay Close." They'd command, growling low and protectively, leaving as little room for argument as possible. Even Kuro appeared agitated, the shadow's edges jagged, a flash of fangs and claws displayed in its otherwise amorphous shape.

However, despite the command, Marigold would be quick to act - "Marigold!" Makoto called, not wanting the young In-Training digimon to be hurt - but the baby bee would nonetheless fly onwards, up into the canopy.

<I'll follow her.> Kuro stated - the presence of its voice in Makoto's and Zack's minds like the rumble of a snarling beast as the shadow climbed up along the side of one of the nearby trees, to give chase. Hopefully, whatever it was that had tried to attack Zack, the shadow would be able to keep Marigold safe; especially as Makoto digivolved into Reppamon once more.