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Post by Kazuya Fujimoto on Feb 14, 2022 17:42:58 GMT
Kazu supported his weight on the game machine as he idly pressed the buttons, directing the yellow face around the maze away from the ghosts. The constant "wocka wocka" sounds made for a surprisingly relaxing rhythm once he got used to them and he could easily lose himself in the simplicity of the vintage game. Nobody expected Pac-Man to excel in academics or sports or anything other than eating dots and running away from ghosts. Pac-Man had a singular purpose and for at least a little while, Kazu could use that to forget his own lack of ambition.
Eiweiweiweiweiw-wepwep!
Unfortunately, idle disinterest and vaguely melancholic philosophizing did not equate to remarkable arcade game skills and the musical death tones of the iconic character soon rang out, signaling the end of Kazu's diversion. There was nothing stopping him from starting a new game, as the decades old, slightly banged up machine in the corner of the small arcade didn't generally draw enough attention for a line to form behind him but he couldn't really bring himself to try again. He wasn't about to crack any high scores and being bored playing Pac-Man wasn't much better than being bored doing nothing.
"Tch, Whatever," he sighed to himself as he turned to leave. He didn't want to go home and deal with more lectures on how he was wasting his potential yet but he supposed he could wander around, maybe find something that would at least amuse him for longer than Pac-Man had.
Ka-thunk!
Before he could step away from the machine, however, a noise drew his attention backwards. For a moment he couldn't spot anything different but his eye soon fell upon the most likely source. Sticking out of a slot in the machine's coin door was some sort of small, white and grey device with a plastic ring at the bottom and a screen at the top.
"Uh...what?" the bemused teen asked aloud, thrown off guard. He was pretty sure that the Pac-Man machine wasn't meant to give out prizes and even if it was, they probably wouldn't come out of the coin door. And even if they did, his score had hardly been anything impressive. Curious despite himself, he reached out and picked up the machine, weighing it in his hand and probingly pushing the three buttons in turn. None seemed to do anything beyond cause some brief static to flicker over the screen.
"Huh. Weird," he remarked as he turned and headed out the door onto Cat Street, still fiddling with the mysterious device.
***
In an alley not far from Kazu, Dux could feel that something had changed. That the one he was searching for was finally within reach.
"Soon," the Yaamon vowed to himself solemnly as he bounced towards the street, careful to stay in the shadows and out of direct sight of the hordes of unremarkable humans. "I will find you soon, master."
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Post by ricochet8-Kshin on Feb 15, 2022 1:15:33 GMT
Elsewhere in the arcade but still were what appeared to be two kids. The boy looked about ten while the energetic girl with him looked slightly older maybe twelve or thirteen at oldest. The girl was playing one of the machines as the boy was out of money so after she was done they planned to go.
"Aww! There goes my last life. I was so close to beating the level." the girl said with a brief pout before turning her attention to her companion. "Guess we can get going, Kshin."
The boy dubbed Kshin seemed distracted as he was watching the teen near the Pac-Man machine but then the girl said
Before he could step away from the machine, however, a noise drew his attention backwards. For a moment he couldn't spot anything different but his eye soon fell upon the most likely source. Sticking out of a slot in the machine's coin door was some sort of small, white and grey device with a plastic ring at the bottom and a screen at the top.
"Uh, hey Kshin!"
"What is it, Grace?" Kshin asked turning to face the girl.
"I was just saying that I lost my last life so we can get going. So what has you so distracted anyway?" Grace asked looking perplexed.
Then a thunk caught the two disguised digimons' attention as they looked at the teenager as he pulled something from the machine. "Is that a..?"
"I think so, Grace. It seems to be a digivice." Kshin said as the two took in the teen's confusion. Obviously the guy had no idea what he had in his hand. When the teen began to leave the pair of youngsters left following the teen curious of what would happen next.
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Post by Kazuya Fujimoto on Feb 15, 2022 16:36:27 GMT
As Kazu left the arcade, he never noticed his two new tails. Even if he hadn't been focused on the mysterious device, he wasn't the type to pay much attention to random people around him. Nor did he notice the more blatantly inhuman figure that soon started to watch him from where an alley opened onto the street with intense interest.
"Yes," Dux enthused quietly to himself, his excitement coming close to overwhelming his prided composure. He could sense that this human was the one he had been searching for, the one who he would swear allegiance to. The boy was... admittedly not quite what Dux had expected. He seemed a touch scruffier than Dux would have preferred and there was a distinct lack of fearful looks directed his way by the rest of the humans. Still, that just meant that Dux had found his master before his rise to greatness and would thus be able to prove himself of great value.
Starting, perhaps, with protecting him from a pair of unseen threats. While Kazu himself may have remained oblivious to the two figures following after him, Dux's viewpoint gave him a clear view of the two. The figures were smaller than Dux's new master and didn't seem to have any hostile intent towards him, appearing more curious than malevolent, but Dux was nonetheless uncomfortable with their clear focus on Kazu. It hadn't really occurred to him that others might have already taken an interest in his master before they could be introduced. If they were potential minions then that could be beneficial but it made it all the more urgent for Dux to insert himself as his master's right hand Digimon before they could usurp his rightful position.
If they meant to do his master harm, however... well, Dux may only have been an In-Training Digimon but he would still defend his master from all threats. And besides, it wasn't like two human children would be that much of a challenge for him to drive off. With that in mind, he waited until Kazu was passing directly by him before spitting out a stream of ink that fell just short of Kazu's leg, drawing the human's attention.
"What now?" Kazu couldn't help but question as he noticed the stream of black liquid spraying from the alley. After the mysterious device showing up from nowhere, he couldn't help but take note of another bizarre occurrence. On the other hand though, wandering down dark alleys in search of mysterious liquids seemed a bit more involved than picking up some random device. He was curious, sure, but he wasn't sure if he was that curious. He dithered at the opening of the alley, barely a few steps away from where Dux waited with barely constrained excitement.
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Post by ricochet8-Kshin on Feb 16, 2022 0:42:10 GMT
Kshin and Grace being the curious youngsters they were continued tailing the teen at a distance observing the new tamer. Perhaps they could help him find his partner or even possibly explain the concept of digimon and the Digital World to him. The gruff looking teen looked like the type that could handle such unusual information well but one couldn't always judge a book by its cover.
As the two moved on Kshin felt something he couldn't easily explain to Grace. As the disguised Gumdramon looked around Grace whispered "What is it, Kshin?"
"I don't know how to explain it, Grace, but I have a feeling something is near." Kshin whispered back as the pair had continued to follow the teen. Then as a stream of ink was spat in front of the teen causing the human to stop and look at it. As Kshin and Grace got closer they both felt something faint but familiar as there digimon abilities were extremely limited in their holosuits. Yet there was no questioning something was near focusing on the ink trail and looking where it was flowing it was obvious what they were dealing with. "Grace, I'm not completely sure but I think I sense a digimon." Kshin whispered to his disguised Gammamon companion.
"Seems weird one would be here in the Human World undisguised. Perhaps this stranger doesn't yet own a holosuit or possess some ability to otherwise disguise themselves." Grace replied in a slightly louder whisper than Kshin's as the peppy girl seemed to visibly be getting excited about the potential of making a new friend. Then the pair silently followed the teen into the alley with Kshin walking a bit ahead of Grace and was on full alert as if ready for potential trouble. Despite Grace's excitement, Kshin knew she was just as alert and would have his back if things went awry.
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Post by Kazuya Fujimoto on Feb 16, 2022 8:45:10 GMT
Kazu's reluctance to enter the alley could have gone either way but Dux was not about to miss his chance to finally enter his master's service. With that in mind, the Yaamon rolled forward slightly, just enough to emerge from the shadows where he had been lurking without exposing himself to easy observation of the the passing crowds. If the two whom he had had dismissed as human children spotted him, then he would just have to deal with them one way or another.
"It is my greatest honor to make your acquaintance, my master," he greeted the now visibly startled Kazu. "My name is Dux and I have come to swear myself to your service. Your goals will be mine, your enemies mine also. Whatever you wish to accomplish, I will be there to aid you in whatever way I can. This I swear on my honor as Digimon," he finished his introduction, smiling proudly as he pulled himself up to his full height. Not that his full height was particularly impressive, being little more than a disembodies head, but that was no excuse for him to be lazy.
"Wh-what the Hell?" Kazu stammered, raising his voice a touch more than Dux would have preferred in his attempts to remain relatively covert. Kazu's usual disinterested air had now completely vanished as he recoiled from Dux, his mind racing. "What...what's a Digimon? Are you an alien? A ghost? A demon?" he asked at a paid pace, just barely managing to lower his voice back to normal levels. He quickly cast a look over his shoulders, trying to see if anybody around had noticed his initial outburst. It didn't feel like he was hallucinating but if he was, it was probably best not to be seen conversing with an invisible demon head in an alley just off a busy street.
Wait, were those two kids looking at him? Of course they were, the alley was otherwise abandoned, unless he counted the possibly imaginary demon head. Kazu tried to come up with some excuse he could give to convince them to walk away without asking any further questions but with his mind still racing from his new acquaintance's introduction, he couldn't manage to come up with a suitable explanation.
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Post by ricochet8-Kshin on Feb 16, 2022 10:20:23 GMT
Kshin and Grace noticed the teen's hesitance to enter the alley. Not that either disguised young digimon could blame the guy given the alleyway was thought to be abandoned. Yet when a Yaamon appeared from the shadows that idea was squashed instantly. Kshin was getting a sense of Deja vu from seeing the little in training digimon. The feeling emerged due to the fact one of his adoptive fathers, a Wizardmon named Mandrake, had told Kshin that his in training form was Yaamon.
As for said Yaamon he called the teen his master as well as introduced himself by the name of Dux. Then he mentioned his goals and enemies being the teen's as well. He seemed alright to both Kshin and Grace at first glance. Then Dux rose to his full height making Kshin wonder if he was trying to prove himself to the human he and Grace had yet to learn the name of.
Speaking of said teen, the human had began stammering while raising his voice before recoiling from Dux. All of which were understandable reactions to something as unfamiliar to most humans as digimon were. Stepping forward Kshin decided to handle things as he said "Sir, digimon are monsters that come from a world parallel to this one called the Digital World. The two worlds are connected to each other allowing humans and digimon to pass between the two worlds. So in a sense I suppose digimon are technically aliens though they can come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes including forms like demons and ghosts."
Grace noticing how uncomfortable the teen was held up her hands in a calming gesture before she said "I know this comes off as quite a shock but neither my friend and I mean you any harm. What my friend didn't mention is that he and I are digimon ourselves but we are using devices called holosuits to take on human form."
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Post by Kazuya Fujimoto on Feb 16, 2022 14:29:07 GMT
Before Kazu could come up with something to say to ward off the attention of the two kids, the younger looking boy stepped forward and provided an explanation, albeit one that left Kazu with more questions than before. At the very least, it seemed he could discount the idea of Dux being a hallucination but could the kid's explanation really be true. Monsters from a parallel world? His friend's added explanation didn't do much to put him more at ease as she revealed that not only were they more of these Digimon creatures but also that they could apparently disguise themselves as human.
"Alright, so... Dux here is a Digimon, from another world. And you two are also Digimon," he recapped slowly. As bizarre as the situation was, he could at least begin to get his head wrapped around it now that the initial shock was passed. He briefly considered the idea that this was some sort of practical joke but it would have to be an extremely elaborate hoax and he couldn't picture a couple of strangers going to those kinds of lengths to trick him. So for the moment, at least, his best bet was to try and get more information. "Okay, so does this have anything to do with whatever this is?" he asked, raising the device that he still held in one hand. It seemed reasonable that the first strange occurrence of the day was related to this one. He also took the time to turn so that all three of the other parties present were in his field of view as he addressed his question to the one that was blatantly inhuman. "And what's this about swearing yourself to my service? Is this some sort of magical alien destiny thing?" he asked, half jokingly but uncomfortably aware that that was a feasible possibility in this scenario.
Dux, meanwhile, had been eyeing Kshin and Grace suspiciously since the latter revealed their true nature. Holosuits... the term sounded familiar and had the ring of truth to it but he couldn't recall any specifics. He silently bemoaned his scrambled memories from his previous lives, reflecting that his search for his master would have been much easier if he had been able to obtain one of these suits prior to crossing over. He quickly put this out of his mind, however, as his master addressed him.
"It is as I said. I came to this world in search of the one suitable to be my master and now I have found you. I can tell that you are without a doubt the one I am meant to serve," he announced proudly. His content smirk did falter slightly as he cast his eyes up and down Kazu's figure, once again noting how different he looked than in his imaginings. "In truth I cannot explain how I know this, only that it is true. It... may have something to do with that device," he added hesitantly. Like the holosuits, the digivice was tickling at Dux's scrambled memories but he could not put his finger on it. Frustrating, as it prevented him from making quite as strong an impression as he would like, but far be it from him to willingly wallow in ignorance and allow his master to do the same when there were two potential sources of information at hand.
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Post by ricochet8-Kshin on Feb 17, 2022 0:16:15 GMT
"Yup, my friend and I are digimon. My name is Grace." she said in a peppy tone indicating her friendly nature. Though she at times struggled to control her boundless energy it seemed she was doing well for the moment.
Kshin shook his head at Grace as her exuberance could at times be hard for even him to keep up with. When she introduced herself he then said "I'm Kshin and I'm a humble stage magician in training." When Kazu showed the both of them the device he was still holding Kshin replied "Yes it has everything to do with that device. It is called a digivice and is used by humans that are partnered with digimon. Humans that have digivices like that are called tamers. Tamers and digimon are supposed to be a team that can handle many different challenges. The digivice you have makes it easier for a digimon to achieve stronger forms through the process called digivolution."
Dux seemed to be unsure of how he knew what he did but still seemed to be carrying himself with some pride. Kshin thought for a moment before he said "Dux, maybe you have all this knowledge because you were born with it for some reason. I've heard with digimon who are meant to partner with humans such knowledge is not totally unheard of."
Grace was looking behind her noticing how they were out of sight of the streets. One would have to even enter the alley to even see the group so Grace said "Hey, Kshin. Since we can't be seen unless someone enters the alley, I was thinking that we should show the new tamer our true forms."
"Not a bad idea, Grace." Kshin said with a smile before he and Grace deactivated their holosuits. Kshin took on the form of a small dragon with amber eyes and his forehead lacked the scar other Gumdramon were known for. Grace reverted back to her form of a bipedal white triceratops like monster wearing a scarf around her neck with her eyes being just as peppy as she was.
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Post by Kazuya Fujimoto on Feb 17, 2022 9:36:56 GMT
Kazu and Dux listened to the pair's introductions and explanation carefully, the human examining the now identified digivice thoughtfully. As surreal as the situation sounded, he was beginning to get a picture of what was going on. How exactly he had wound up in what sounded like an at least pseudo-magical symbiotic partnership was beyond him but he somehow found himself feeling... excited? It had been a while since anything seemed particularly interesting to him but not even he could remain apathetic about this. While he was reluctant to get his hopes up, there was even the chance that this could prove to be a source of the passion that had been missing from his life thus far.
Dux was similarly interested in the explanation, though he maintained an expression of stoic and slightly haughty indifference. "Indeed. My memories of my previous life are somewhat... less than comprehensive," he admitted reluctantly. "But in this life I am certain that my purpose is to serve me master..." he trailed off meaningfully, eyeing Kazu, who raised an eyebrow.
"Right, I'm Kazuya. Just call me Kazu," he introduced himself while processing the new information presented. So Digimon had some sort of reincarnation or inherited memory? Before he could ask about that, his attention was taken up by Grace and Kshin choosing to remove their disguises, revealing their true forms. Slightly more prepared this time, he was able to examine their forms without getting shocked. Both were small, though still noticeably larger than Dux and possessing actual bodies and limbs. "I see. So you mentioned something about changing forms. Is that why you're both bigger than Dux?" he hazarded a guess.
"Indeed, Master Kazuya, I am currently bound to my In-Training form. I would presume that these two are currently in their Rookie forms, the next level up," Dux confirmed. "I should be able to reach said level in a short time and in my previous life, I do recall that I had reached the level beyond that, the Champion level," he added, eager to assure his master that he could be of just as much use as either Grace or Kshin.
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Post by ricochet8-Kshin on Feb 17, 2022 11:15:52 GMT
Dux's haughty indifference had grabbed Grace's attention as she wondered silently why he was acting in such a way. Maybe it was just one of his quirks as all digimon had a quirk or two that made them unique from others. Then he mentioned having a previous life but that the memories were less than comprehensive. "You had a previous life? Cool! That means you are likely older than Kshin and I technically since we are on our first lives." Grace said with her eyes bright and twinkling in amazement.
Then the teen introduced himself as Kazuya but said he wanted to be called Kazu. That was no problem for either Kshin or Grace since Kshin's older brother rarely went by his full name preferring to go by LJ instead of Lothar Junior in most cases. "Nice to meet you, Kazu." Kshin said with a friendly smile before Kazu talked about changing forms and that they were bigger than Dux. Dux then mentioned he reached a champion level in his previous life. Yup it was highly likely that Dux was older than the duo now if one counted previous lives as part of ones' age. "Yeah Grace and I are at the rookie level but have yet to reach champion level. Yet I have obtained something called a digimental which has allowed me to armor digivolve into the armor champion form of Sorcerimon." Kshin said in response to Dux. This in training digimon was sure fascinating.
"The difference between an armor champion and a standard champion form is that the armor form is slightly weaker in strength but a smart digimon can easily make up for the difference by fighting smart. As for the other forms there is the ultimate and armor ultimate level, the mega, and finally the super mega level." Grace said before she looked at Kshin and then continued "As for how Kshin will evolve, knowing digivolution it's impossible to tell but I have a hunch he'll one day become a mighty and super cool dragon digimon."
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Post by Kazuya Fujimoto on Feb 17, 2022 14:52:57 GMT
Dux allowed himself to soften slightly as Grace confirmed that the experiences of his previous life, jumbled as they may be, gave him an edge that would surely make him a fine counselor to his Master Kazuya once he had reacquainted himself with the facts of the world that for now eluded him. He also took careful note of what Kshin said about digimentals, which would perhaps allow him to reach a portion of his former power more quickly. He was unsure how long it would take to reach the Champion level and become Oryxmon once again but even a lesser form of that power would be useful if applied correctly. He was sure that between his own intellect and the strategic genius he was sure his master no doubt held, it would be a valuable asset.
"A super cool dragon, huh?" Kazu remarked thoughtfully, taking a look at Kshin's current form. He supposed it did look somewhat draconic, albeit a touch more furry than he would have typically associated with the term. If that was an indication of what future forms would be like then Dux... his current form was too simple to give much in the way of clues but he did seems to have a slightly demonic aesthetic that could be impressive if it continued to develop. Though that left the question of how to help him develop. "So how exactly does this tamer thing work? Is there something I should do to help Dux here, uh, digivolve," he tested the unfamiliar word in his mouth.
"A Digimon typically reaches new forms over time, at least until the Rookie level," Dux interjected, glad to have information that he could actually recall. "After that, the typical rate of growth slows dramatically, to the point that many Digimon never reach beyond the Champion level. Digivolution can be achieved more rapidly by becoming stronger and engaging in combat regularly. Being partnered with a tamer can also dramatically accelerate the process, allowing a Digimon to reach far beyond their normal level," he explained. "In order to ensure I reach greater levels of power, you need only give me the opportunity to vanquish your enemies."
"Uh, vanquish my enemies?" Kazu questioned uncertainly, suddenly struck by the thought that he still didn't know much about Dux personally. His speech and mannerisms so far seemed a touch dramatic so perhaps this was just some unusual phrasing but it sounded a touch more violent than Kazu was entirely comfortable with.
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Post by ricochet8-Kshin on Feb 17, 2022 23:43:48 GMT
Kshin noticed the thoughtful tone in Kazu's tone before the young dragon said "Well Grace has a point given that my birth parents and grandfather were all dragons. Mom and Grandpa were furry so me having fur at least makes some sense even though I seem to have gotten my fresh and in training forms from my mother but, judging by my rookie form, I seem to be taking more after my father since he was a digimon called Arresterdramon. Mom was a furry dragon called Dorugamon and Gramps was an ultimate digimon called DoruGreymon." While talking he had subconsciously brought out his mother's gold heart shaped locket holding it gently in one of his paws the chain dangling down. As his empty paw ran across the locket his amber eyes began filling with tears at the memory of witnessing his parents' death.
Grace noticed the state Kshin was in but said nothing to her friend as she placed a paw on his shoulder showing her silent support while Dux explained more about digivolution. "I heard things like emotions, you know like digivolving to protect someone you care about, can also bring forth digivolution at a faster rate. Kshin, told me his adoptive parents are living proof of that concept." Grace said her gaze focused on Kazu and Dux. Kazu seemed uncertain but given how odd Dux seemed who could blame him.
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Post by Kazuya Fujimoto on Feb 18, 2022 9:30:14 GMT
Kshin's explanation did a little more to explain why they felt he would become more draconic in his higher forms, as well as confirming that each form had a distinct species name, all ending in "-mon". Then Kshin seemed to get emotional at the thought of his family, leaving Kazu somewhat uncomfortable. Should he try to comfort the Digimon? How would he even go about trying? It was a relief when Grace seemed to handle that before adding on to Dux's explanation of digivolution.
"Indeed," Dux confirmed, choosing to ignore Kshin's turmoil. While he personally felt that such an open display of emotion was unbecoming, he didn't particularly feel it was necessary or prudent to draw attention to it. "Sufficient motivation is also an important factor in achieving new levels. Fortunately, I am entirely dedicated to protecting you from all those who would oppose your rise to power, Master Kazuya," he attempted to reassure Kazu although it wound up having a somewhat different effect.
"Why do you make it sound as if I'm going to be going to war?" he asked uncertainly, drawing a bemused look from Dux.
"It is rare for the plebeian masses to accede to the control of their superiors. There will no doubt be those who attempt to hinder you but together, we will no doubt triumph and crush them beneath our boots," he explained succinctly, before coughing quietly, as if embarrassed. "Or rather, your boot, for the moment. I am quite certain that at least some of my future forms will have feet but that is hardly a requirement."
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Post by ricochet8-Kshin on Feb 18, 2022 11:25:06 GMT
Dux had said nothing about Kshin's breakdown which at some level the young dragon was grateful for. The subject of his deceased parents and grandfather was a sensitive subject for him. Seeing as he had lost his family not long ago while he was his in training form of Dorimon such a reaction from Kshin was understandable.
"Wow, Dux. You are really super serious." Grace said dumbstruck before she smiled and said "It is one thing to want to prove yourself to Kazu but there is more to life than fighting ones' enemies you know?"
Kshin began wiping his tears with his paw as he worked on drying them while he put his mother's locket away. Then when his eyes were free of tears, he said "Sorry for the waterworks guys. My birth family is a sensitive subject since I was barely an in training digimon when they were murdered."
Grace then took her paw off his shoulder and gently patted her friend's back as she said "Kshin, there is no shame in mourning loved ones. Sure you'll always miss them but you'll feel better over time."
"Yeah. You're right. Thanks, Grace." Kshin said with a genuine smile which Grace returned in kind. If there was one thing the young Gammamon was to Kshin it was that she was a good friend.
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Post by Kazuya Fujimoto on Feb 18, 2022 14:26:34 GMT
One of the greatest problems with being a disembodied head, Dux reflected, was that he couldn't properly turn his nose up at Grace's comment. "Certainly, combat is not in and of itself sufficient to lead a satisfactory life. However, in order to achieve anything of true value one must oppose those who would seek to take one's goals for themselves. The surest way to achieve the station in life one desires and maintain it, it is most efficient to summarily crush all potential threats before they have the chance to do so to you in turn," he lectured. Once again, Kazu cast an uneasy glance his way.
"Again, I'm not sure we have exactly the same plans for the future," he pointed out before turning his attention to Kshin as the Digimon composed himself."Ah, don't worry about it. It's... uh, things happen," he offered weakly. That seemed insufficient but would saying more just make it worse? He couldn't relate to the situation and with no real idea on how best to proceed, it seemed easier just to let things rest as they were.
"Hmm. One can only behave according to their best nature. Some must inevitably be incapable of comporting themselves perfectly in all situations," Dux remarked. It was technically a polite acceptance of Kshin's apology but there was a subtle but noticeable edge of disdain to his tone. While he may not have explicitly mentioned that he viewed those incapable of maintaining their composure as flawed, it was possible to intuit it if one was paying attention. Kazu certainly got at least an idea that Dux seemed a touch snobbish, as well as a touch too comfortable with violence.
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