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Post by ricochet6-Mandrake on Aug 8, 2021 2:41:18 GMT
In a small town Mandrake, Lothar, and Kshin were wandering around. Deciding to make money the way they normally did and, after walking under a tree, Mandrake telekininetically lifted Kshin into the tree so the youngster could watch Mandrake's performance. After Kshin was settled Mandrake and Lothar made their way to the center of town and readied to begin. Lothar was standing not far away with his arms crossed ready to do crowd control if necessary.
Mandrake had begun with various slight of hand including tricks involving his hat. From the tree Kshin was amazed as the gathering crowd and Mandrake hadn't even used his magic to bring forth any illusions. Kshin was so enthralled that he hadn't noticed a digimon land on the branch he was perched on till the other digimon said "Hey kid!"
Kshin nearly jumped at the suddenness of the voice but carefully turned around seeing a DemiDevimon perched on the branch near him. "Hey. Did you come to see the magic show?" Kshin asked with a smile his tail swishing.
DemiDevimon smirked before he said "Yeah, Kid, you could say that but I have a problem. You need to get out of the tree."
"Why? There is plenty of room for both of us." Kshin answered.
DemiDevimon didn't say anything but smirked. Next thing Kshin knew he felt something strike his back sending him tumbling out of the tree luckily landing in a neaby bush. Kshin wiggled out of the bush turning teary amber eyes back up at the DemiDevimon seeing two more had landed on the branch and were laughing at him.
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Post by supesman on Aug 8, 2021 3:04:23 GMT
The DemiDevimon trio would not have much to laugh about for very long one suddenly a fairly large rock was tossed out of nowhere at the backs of their heads. To a human that would be a very serious charge of assault, to a Digimon a rock tossed by a human even at close range was little more than a shock. Suddenly a shadow appeared behind them in a tree, glittering gold and bronze with a glint of color in her eye. The FanBeemon buzzed loudly behind the trio as a figure walked out from the periphery of the ground, Zack dressed in his costume attire but holding his helmet by the edge in one hand.
"Hey folks, pretty nasty thing you just did. Would be a shame if things got out of hand before you got the chance to apologize and give your friend here back their seat..." he said, idly tossing another rock up and down in his palm, the look on his face was stone cold and totally unmoving. The second he saw something that he knew wasn't right, he was ready to correct it by any means nessacary, even if it meant being totally outnumbered.
"You never know how guilty you might feel later if you don't apologize now. And guilt? Guilt stingssss" Marigold added, drawing out the last sound as a confident joke at her own insectoid nature, her silver stinger glinting it's serrated shape in the light muddling through the trees.
Zack walked up to Kshin, stepping in front of the downed Digimon, moving his body in such a way that it was clear that if the trio of DemiDevimon had an issue, they'd have to get through him first and foremost.
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Post by ricochet6-Mandrake on Aug 9, 2021 3:53:13 GMT
The DemiDevimon's laughter was cut off as one of them felt a rock bounce off their head. The lead one turned to face Zack not looking remotely threatened by the human's words. "The little wimp is not our friend and it isn't our fault he was sitting in a tree all by himself." DemiDevimon said before he and his two companions began laughing again. When Marigold tried to intimidate them and Zack stepped in front of Kshin the trio laughed even harder before the lead DemiDevimon then said "You and the little bee don't scare us, Human. If the little wimp wants the branch back so badly he has to fight for it."
Kshin began softly sobbing before he managed to say "B-But you too strong for me to fight any of y-you. I haven't digivolved yet." He had then begun shaking from the force of his distress.
"Aww, what's wrong? Is the little baby going to run crying to his parents to tattle on us?" DemiDevimon asked in a condecending tone that made Kshin's cried become louder resulting in the trio laughing again.
Meanwhile Mandrake had decided to take a break and walked over to Lothar when he saw his boyfriend's ear twitch and the Leomon stiffen. "What is it, Lothar?" Mandrake asked his sapphire blue eyes showing concern.
"Kshin is crying." Lothar answered looking ready to dash off to the distressed child.
"I'll handle it, Lothar. You can take over entertaining the crowd for a short while showing off your strength." Mandrake said as he made his way in the direction they left Kshin knowing that if something had happened to their adopted son there would surely be hell to pay. Fortunely Lothar took over entertaining the crowd instead of following. Mandrake had a feeling this was a matter that didn't require Lothar's potential fury.
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Post by supesman on Aug 9, 2021 15:06:29 GMT
Zack looked over his shoulder down at Kshin, giving him a heroic grin before turning back, serious faced to the trio. he, with a practiced motion, fits the motorcycle helmet onto his head, clipping it into place. This was not the time for words, the DemiDevimon had exhausted that possibility by taking mocking advantage of his better nature. he would not give them a second opportunity. He gave Marigold a soft nod.
"Honey Bucket!" Her voice rang out as her mandibles opened and shot a thick gob of honey direclt into the DemiDevimon's center of mass, the force of the sticky goo pushing to shove it off the tree branch as it stuck the base of one of its wings to the side of it's rounded body. Zack unclipped his digivice from his belt and placed it into a slot on the outside of his right boot. Moving in perfect synch with his daughter he swung his leg outward, kicking the hopefully toppling demon digimon like a soccer ball toward the base of the tree where it would be able to smash it's guffawing grin against the unforgiving wooden wall.
Marigold zipped backward away from the remaining two Rookie level demons, sniffing and cocking her head side to side, popping the joints in her neck and letting her crimson scarf snap in the breeze. Both of the assembled heroes waited for their opponents to make their next move, Zack keeping his body positioned in such a way that there was no possible straight shot from where any of the DemiDevimon were to where Kshin was standing. No matter what the number one priority here was to make sure that the victim remained safe and secure. Neither of the heroic duo was even aware of Mandrake coming up from behind, totally focused on the battle before their eyes.
"Fun fact about me, you little snot. I don't like bullies." he opined gravely.
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Post by ricochet6-Mandrake on Aug 9, 2021 22:39:34 GMT
DemiDevimon tumbled from the tree a sticky mess from Marigold's attack and his cohorts fluttered off the branch ready for battle and looking furious. The anger in their glare intensified as the lead DemiDevimon was punted into the harsh trunk of the tree looking momentarily dazed.
"You will pay for that!" the other two shriek in unified anger ready to fight as both of them brought forth syringes. "Demi D-"
Mandrake had arrived at this point the sound of him hitting his staff on the ground got the two DemiDevimon's attention as Mandrake asked "Who has upset my son?" The normally gentle Wizardmon was glaring at those near Kshin with a less than friendly look to compliment the false sense of calm in his voice his sapphire blue eyes a reflection of this. Kshin still crying but softer, ran over to Mandrake diving behind one of his adopted father's legs.
The DemiDevimon gaped as the syringes vanished as they knew that look since they had seen it in parents of other young digimon they bullied. Knowing they were no match for the champion form digimon they flew down snatching their honey covered compatriot ignoring how sticky he was before fleeing as if Yggdrasill himself was after them. No one in their right mind would provoke an angry parent further especially since that parent was at a higher level.
The DemiDevimon gone Mandrake looked at Zack and Marigold his stance no longer angry but still cautious. "Would either of you mind explaining why my son is covered in dirt and crying since you two are involved somehow since Kshin didn't run from you."
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Post by supesman on Aug 10, 2021 0:25:22 GMT
"Your name is Kshin little man?" Zack said, first turning his attention to the victim of the attack, squatting down with his arms folded over his lap, tilting his head, simply exuding an aura of good nature and nobility. "You were very brave, Kshin. Are you alright?" he said, making sure to get an answer as to the smaller Digimon's tatus before he turned his attention to Mandrake, standing up and reaching to undo the clasp of his helmet, Marigold buzzing down to stand on the walkway beside him.
"Stupid meanies, I tell you what, Dad I would have wrung their little necks if they had any! AND I'LL STICK KNOCK YOUR HEADS TOGETHER IF YOU WANNA PICK ON SOMEONE ELSE!" She said, shouting loudly and shaking one of her legs in the direction of the fleeing trio. Zack for his part pulled his helmet away, letting it rest by his hip as he gave Mandrake a smile.
"It's exactly as I said, sir. I don't like bullies. It's sort of why I go out in public dressed like this." He said, gesturing to the sparkling golden outfit he was wearing. "I mean you seem like a man with respect for the superhero game, the stage magician is an old version of the art for. Zatara, Zatanna, Mandrake the Magician, Sargon the Sorcerer. I guess it sorta speaks to the importance of a persona when it comes to being a hero and being and entertainer" He said with a comical wink, shrugging. "I didn't do anything other than what a decent person seeing someone else getting picked on would do sir. Honest, we were only here because my daughter wanted to see your magic show."
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Post by ricochet6-Mandrake on Aug 10, 2021 4:26:29 GMT
When the DemiDevimon flew off Kshin came out from behind the safety of Mandrake's leg and when asked by Zack if Kshin was his name he silently nodded. Then when asked if he was alright, Kshin said "Yes I'm okay because a bush broke my fall but I hate being weak. If I was able to digivolve I wouldn't always need rescued all the time."
"Believe me, Kshin, I understand how it feels to be weak but you will digivolve when it is your time. You must be patient." Mandrake said watching the unknown human interact with him.
"I just want to be strong like you and Lothar. Even LJ can take care of himself without needing to be protected all the time." Kshin said with frustrated tears now streaming down his face as he made his way over to the bush that broke his fall and began hitting the branches.
"Kshin, stop that!" Mandrake exclaimed in a stern tone causing the youngster to stop and begin pouting quietly.
Mandrake turned his attention to the unusual human dressed as a superhero and, with an amused twinkle in his eyes, said "A superhero named Mandrake? That's a funny coincidence seeing as that is my name." When he heard the human and his digimon daughter were there to see his magic."What's your name? Since I gave you mine it is only fair.:
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Post by supesman on Aug 10, 2021 16:27:53 GMT
Zack couldn't help himself, throwing his head back laughing in pure delight when he heard the magician's name, nearly doubling over laughing at the coincidence of it all, having to clear his throat into his balled up fist and sigh before he could get himself back on track with what was actually on his mind.
"Well now we just need Flash Gordon and The Phantom to show up and we've got ourselves a cult classic Saturday morning cartoon!" He said, still softly chuckling to himself. Displaying more of that instantly innocent and noble nature that was the core of his personality. "My name is Zack, Zack Zello. My daughter here is Marigold. Though when I'm in my "work clothes" I tend to go by the Digi Rider. Has a bit more panache don't you agree?" He said, playing the part of the responsible parental figure working things out with Mandrake while Marigold turned to face Kshin and walked up to him, her pointed legs clattering against the hard ground.
"It's...hard. Not being as strong as you want to be." She said, speaking quietly enough that either adult wouldn't overhear and cut in. She was the one who was closest to Kshin's dilemma and she wanted to be the one to at least try and empathize. "I don't want anything more in life than to be able to protect my dad the way that he's always protected me. But...my dad says that we can only grow up on our own time, that power is more dangerous than it's worth if we're not ready for it when it's here." She said, spearing a leaf on one of her pointed limbs and wiping at his tears with it gently. "You shouldn't doubt that there's a hero inside you, you just have to be ready for when it finally comes."
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Post by ricochet6-Mandrake on Aug 10, 2021 16:57:48 GMT
When Zack burst out laughing so hard that he was doubled over Mandrake could only stare at him in a confused manner. Apparently he shared the name with a Human World superhero. He was more confused at the mention of the names Flash Gordon and the Phantom and the look of befuddlement was clearly written on his face.
When Mandrake managed to find his voice again, he said "A pleasure to meet you both. As for your outfit, it definitely makes a striking statement."
"I know I will digivolve eventually but waiting is hard." Kshin said quietly to Marigold so Mandrake and Zack couldn't hear him.
Mandrake sensed Lothar approaching them as he thought 'Looks like Lothar is heading this way. I guess it has been longer than I thought.'
"Mandrake, the locals are getting impatient. Is everything okay?" Lothar said as the eight foot tall lion man made his presence known the Leomon's brown eyes catching sight of Zack and Marigold as well as a dirty Kshin. "What happened here?"
Seeing how wary Lothar looked, Mandrake said "It's alright, old friend. Kshin was knocked out of the tree by three DemiDevimon bullies and these two were dealing with them by the time I arrived." He then telepathically informed Lothar of what he witnessed before he said "This is Zack and his daughter Marigold." As he introduced them he indicated each one with a smooth hand wave. "Zack. Marigold. This is my boyfriend, Lothar."
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Post by supesman on Aug 10, 2021 21:09:15 GMT
"Hmm, Lothar? Who is...CHRIST!" Zack yelped, nearly jumping out of his skin like a cartoon character as he caught sight of the massive lion man that was suddenly casting a shadow over him. he placed a hand on his heart, bending over slightly and taking a few deep breaths. "Woof, I'm ok, I'm alright..." he jerked up to his full standing height, a winning smile on his face, outstretching his hand to Mandrake first, and then Lothar. "Sorry, I guess I haven't been doing this long enough, most of the Digimon I've encountered so far have been big enough to lift up with two hands at most. You just startled me, is all." He said, accepting the handshakes he had put his hand out for before stepping back, putting his hands in his pockets.
"Maybe you don't have to wait as long as you think." Marigold said to Kshin, placing her leg gently on his shoulder, being soft at first in case he was jumpy or just uncomfortable with the contact so she could pull the limb away. "My dad says that everyone can stand up to the bad guys. I mean, look at me, I'm just a rookie level. Being a hero isn't about how big or strong or powerful you are. it's about knowing when to say enough is enough." She pat him on the back and turned to look over her shoulders. "Come on, I think your other dad would want to see if you're ok."
"Sorry for the interruption, Lothar. We didn't mean to leave you holding the bag while we all shot the breeze. if you like, I can help win back the crowd, I'm no magician, stage or otherwise, but Marigold and I have some pretty killer acrobatics routines." He said, making the offer candidly.
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Post by ricochet6-Mandrake on Aug 10, 2021 21:36:25 GMT
Mandrake couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of Zack jumping out of his skin at the sight of Lothar and, when he recovered, said "I suppose Lothar could come off as intimidating to those who haven't been around digimon long. There are, however, digimon that are many times bigger than Lothar."
Mandrake and Lothar accepted Zack's offer of handshakes before the human stepped back putting his hands in his pockets. As for Kshin he sighed as he took in Marigold's words before he said "You have a point, Marigold. Mandrake would always say that power isn't everything but I still can't wait to digivolve to see what I become next." Kshin was feeling a bit better and was smiling again. When Marigold started patting his back he began to softly trill stopping when she looked over her shoulder causing Kshin to do the same. Spotting Lothar he smiled and began wagging his tail showing that even though he was dirty, he was otherwise fine.
"I wouldn't mind a little help entertaining the crowd. If we earn enough money before lunch time we can get something good to eat." Mandrake said before looking at Kshin and then said "Kshin, I want you to stay near Lothar while Zack, Marigold, and I continue the show. I'm sure Lothar wouldn't mind you helping him keep a look out for trouble." Kshin smiled and nodded as he walked over to Lothar and Mandrake led the group back to the restless crowd.
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Post by supesman on Aug 10, 2021 21:43:41 GMT
Zack's smile got a small bit more strained as he listened to Mandrake explain that Lothar was not even that large compared to most other Digimon, which made him shake a little bit with a strained, almost nervous sounding laugh.
"Well that is...existentially terrifying but I'm sure we'll cross that bridge when we come to it." he said as Kshin and Marigold moved up to them and Zack reached down, patting Marigold on the head. he stood back up, bowing softly as the pair accepted his offer to be a part of the show. "Just make sure you give us the right kind of introduction, we have a reputation to uphold, after all." he said, playing up a movie star's arrogance for laughs as he slotted his helmet back on, clipped it into place and gave the thumbs up. "You probably don't need to worry too much about lunch, god knows my mother sends me enough cash to pick up whatever's left of the tab." he said, patting the pocket where he was keeping his wallet.
Marigold followed in her father's wake, buzzing around Zack's shoulder height, looking over her shoulder to where Lothar and Kshin had chosen to stand, winking and giving him a raised limb point in what he could only assume was a thumb's up as they let Mandrake walk up onto the stage to introduce them before they went up and made acrobats of themselves. Zack steadied his breathing, stretching softly as Marigold flitted about, raring to go.
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Post by ricochet6-Mandrake on Aug 10, 2021 22:01:08 GMT
Zack put his helmet back on and indicated with a thumbs up he was ready. "Don't worry about the introductions, Zack. I have been performing infront of others to earn money for food and lodgings since I was an Impmon. I'm sure I can come up with something satisfactory enough."
Soon making it back to the crowd Mandrake took center stage again while Lothar and Kshin stood to the side. Lothar had once again stood just in sight looking much like a bouncer crossing his arms and all. The crowd of various digimon, most being rookies and under with a handful of champions, were less restless and had gone quiet as Mandrake spoke up. "Sorry for the wait everyone. Now please enjoy the acrobatics of the mysterious Digi Rider and his Fanbeemon partner, Marigold." Though simple Mandrake spoke with such energy and confidence that he hand the crowd literally eating out of his hand as they politely cheered.
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Post by supesman on Aug 11, 2021 0:41:30 GMT
Marigold was the first up to batt, buzzing out over to one side of the stage only for Zack to make his move, sharply and gracefully. he leaped from the edge of the stage, flipping in mid air and landing with his hands on Marigold's sturdy exoskeletal back. He leaped, twirling with his arms crossed over his chest and when his feet hit the ground one of his legs bent to the knee and the other jacked out to one side, his right hand landing, fingers splayed in front of him. A perfectly executed superhero landing with the grace of a figure skater.
"Good morning Ladies, Gentlemen and all other 'Mon inbetween. Sorry that we had to jerk you around when you all came here to see a show, we just had some hecklers outside the crowd that needed a good..." He leaped, doing a sharp and strong enough spin kick that the snap of the air over the audience's head was audible. "Seeing to, if you catch my meaning. Though I'm sure we can find something to make up for it, can't we?!" He said, spreading his arms out wide, vamping for the audience with natural likeability and social grace that hopefully would connect with the crowd
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Post by ricochet6-Mandrake on Aug 11, 2021 2:28:53 GMT
As Zack and Marigold performed the crowd seemed mesmerized with the only sounds in response to the graceful movements being various oohs and awws. Mandrake had to admit he was impressed at their ability to grab a crowd as both Zack and Marigold seemed to be natural performers. Lothar kept his post his ears flicking every now and then as he kept an eye on the crowd.
Kshin, meanwhile, was feeling a familiar sensation in his body and almost moaned as it meant he would have to walk away from the performance for a moment to take care of it. Tugging on Lothar's pant leg with his mouth he was successful in getting the Leomon's attention as he looked down at the Dorimon and asked "What's wrong, Kshin?"
Squirming for a moment, Kshin said "I have to go potty. I think I can handle it by myself though since the nearest bathroom isn't that far." Kshin began looking in the direction of a nearby series of port-a-potties of various sizes not far from the stage.
Mandrake, who was listening, turned to the Dorimon and asked "Can you handle it alone, Kshin?" Kshin had been gradually making great strides with his separation anxiety and had been able to handle things without always needing someone familiar in sight of him.
"I think so. Scuse me." Kshin said as he bolted as if being attacked making a beeline for the port-a-potties picking a small one nearby before climbing inside. Mandrake looked in the direction Kshin took off and realized the young one had chosen a small port-a-potty just behind a fairly large one. Mandrake could still sense the boy's mental signature but three familiar mental signatures were heading in that direction and he recognized them quickly. It seemed the DemiDevimon weren't as easily dealt with as the magician initially thought. Sending a warning to Lothar telepathically he leapt of the stage running in the direction Kshin took off in.
Meanwhile Kshin exited the port-a-potty feeling much better before familiar laughter was heard behind him. Spinning around he saw the trio who pushed him out of the tree earlier and began backing up. Laughing the trio surrounded Kshin cutting off his escape with the lead DemiDevimon saying "What's wrong? Is the little baby in a hurry to get back to his parents? Let's see how tough you are without any protection."
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