Decided to start crossposting this from main place so gradually shift it over onto here.
A socially awkward man ends up in another world as an, unfortunately, short and fuzzy warrior of light of a world completely different from that one. And they're not the only phantom of that world.
Or I continue trying to figure out how to write and use this to distract from other anxiety. (Ended up fairly light-hearted mostly, Ghost Game elements/crossover primarily on the digimon side. GG direct stuff appears later.)
Something I started on SB and I had been intending to make an account here for a while, but only just thought of it. Have this going so might as well put it here.
Started as something to distract from bad anxiety, still nervous about things with this, and just gave writing a go without much of a long term plan. So set expectations around it being like that? But I kept on going and, there's a lot to move over so I'll group up chapters (they're typically around 1.3-2k on their own I guess) as I move them, say any notes I thought mattered as I do. They're numbered so just gotta move like over 100.
Despite the title thing I will say this ended up being a Digimon fic primarily, it takes place in YJ but they're more primary characters. Also probably see them earlier on before I got a real handle on them (the OC mons mostly, other characters are harder) from what I partly used as a starting point (Symbare's is Kaname Date for example) when I was doing ideas. Uh besides that, there IS an OC digimon in this eventually, to cover up a missing rookie slot in an evo, who takes up a primary character role.
It's primarily based on Ghost Game (though I will say now, besides cameos due to something there does end up being a short crossover arc with it late into it ass is. Did it for fun but gave reasons to it.) but there are elements of frontier and a bit of everything else. Original digital world.
It also probably takes after GG in that it's more like the episodic nature? Not full-on, things move just not fast and there's more downtime than action. I still struggle with fights. But also because I guess it's more focused on the main cast than things like YJs conspiracy stuff even if they're all still there.
Anyway thats the SI right there, he is not happy about the furriness and is kinda dense. I have cast lists to deal with keeping a track on the digimon overall and will post them as I think they come to matter.
I haven't actually seen the early chapters in ages, so some fun reminders to me as well.
1 (starting point is a short time before the team formed)
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The universe is something of a bastard.
Or maybe it could be a multiverse come to think of it going from certain factors right now. Either way, the point still stands and goes without saying generally but with how my day started, or more like night considering it's dark and the moon is out. Unless that's also changed.
Anyway back onto what makes it a bastard, namely moving me from bed somehow to some dark rank alley in a city. I don't even live in a city. So, unfortunately, I am now pretty far from home.
Another reason is the rather, odd condition I woke up in. Namely having my clothes swapped out for a pair of white pants with numerous belts on them, two belts on my arms a bit below the shoulder, black gloves with metal-covered claws on their ends, and a bright purple scarf around my neck. Would have liked a shirt as well, though at least I have pants? A lack of pants would have been a tad bit awkward.
Also noticed on my left arm above my gloves there is some kind of digital watch or a perhaps fitness bracelet. The part with a rectangular screen was black with the straps being white.
But kind of minor to the main part of this condition, namely the whole Digimon thing. Given the light purple fur on most of my body, with some being white on my stomach up to the top of my chest, with a fluffier bit around my neck. Strabimon then, one of the more anthropomorphic Digimon. Yeah that bit feels awkward, good job internet way to make almost everything have something awkward.
As for things now.
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"Wha-" I immediately cut off the words leaving my mouth as I felt it move in its, new not human but canine shape.
Okay... this is, yeah.
"Uh, check?" I try speaking again to feel my mouth move again, "Right yeah that feels freaking weird." I cross my eyes in order to try looking at the part of my face that is now protruding outwards as I raise my hand to touch it.
Gonna take some getting us-
"Gah-" Flinching at a sudden sharp pain in my jaw I quickly turn to see what hu- "Oh shit right. Claws." Heh, whoops. Hopefully, I don't keep jabbing myself with those, I know strabimon has claw attacks along with these really sharp claws but somehow those feel cooler when I'm not hurting myself.
Though it doesn't feel like I did much to myself beyond the initial pain there, not sure how durable I am compared to a human though I should be pretty fine in that area if that didn't cause any bleeding. Or maybe I can't bleed? I know in the xros manga Digimon cou-
Okay actually never mind that thought, I should back on track to the situation at hand rather than standing here gormlessly.
The alley itself was kind of uninteresting for the most part. Rubbish bins, manhole, and some metal fire escape stuff. A couple of lights I could see were on through some windows above which normally would help with visibility but surprisingly I wasn't having much difficulty making out things in the parts of the alley that I could tell were much darker, like how from the still damp bits it'd probably be safe to say that it had been raining earlier.
Looking back down at the... fur on my body kind of glad it's not anymore. The fur is weird enough on its own, I do not want to see how wet fur feels anytime soon. Probably find out why it makes my dog flip out so much.
Really could do with a shirt or something as well not having one is just stra-
"Oh." Blinking in surprise as I look at a small group of what appears to be about three of what I think are high schoolers stood staring at me at the end of the alley leading onto the streets of... wherever the hell this is. I can't exactly tell from anything here, their uniforms don't help either since I can't identify anything from it, at least from this distance. "I- uh."
"What's that?" One of them, a girl from the sounds of it, asks the others whilst reaching for something in their pocket "Kind of looks like a kid? It's too damn dark, hold on."
Oh right, christ I better not be too short. Suppose I should try diplomacy here.
"I uhm- hi?" I greet the teenagers as I wave my hand whilst trying to give a friendly smile, "Do you-" Cutting my question off was a sudden bright flash briefly bathing myself and the alley in light before just as quickly leaving it in darkness again as I stood blinking in response as the teenagers turned to the item which caused the flash.
Is that a flip phone? Who even makes those anymore?
"That was a bit ru-" However before I could finish my sentence the group after looking back at me from the phone promptly started walking away rather quickly "Oh... okay then." Diplomacy has failed.
Flash a guy then leave, I swear teenagers these days.
.....Wait.....
Alright, that sentence went somewhere horrible, good thing I didn't say that one out loud.
Still, that was certainly, a reaction. I didn't even do anything there to warrant such a thing. I think I don't think I look creepy or anything either I just waved and smiled. They thought I looked like a kid, I mean I figure Strabimon isn't the biggest mon but I gotta look older than that? Could be how thin I am as well, not sure I've ever been this skinny before. Just add that to the list of odd things.
Still should probably stop standing in the middle of an alley in case more teenagers or something decide to flash me.
....I could phrase that differently but since I am talking to myself I shall be as immature as I desire. Regardless quickly looking around I move behind a larger metal rubbish bin to get out of sight from any possible people walking past the alley so I do not receive another unwanted flashing. Immaturity aside I do wonder if that picture will end up on social media somewhere.
Hopefully, there isn't like, a masquerade or something I just buggered. Probably not from just one picture but still.
Shifting about to kneel down, without any issues balancing that's also new, I uhh.
....Ah hell I haven't a clue.
Moving to put my hands on my head I stop midway through the action due to two reasons, seeing the shine of my claws and realizing I'd really rather not risk stabbing my own eyes and spotting the digivice on my arm. Or would it be called a vital bracelet? Eh, specifics don't matter for it is time to push buttons.
"Let's see then," I mumble to myself as I look the digivice over "Series wasn't even done before this, at least from what I can remember." Given, well everything with me right now can't rule out something could have messed with my head on top of that which would be pretty horrifying now that I think of it.
Last thing before waking up here was going to bed, so kind of tracks and the pain from the claws probably rules out a dream.
Still, I think the digimon in ghost game needed a human partner to get one of these to work properly like a lot of digivices, if this one ends up still needing that then it'll be curious if having been human I'll count for myself. If not, well crap then I'd have to find one.
Swear if I have to get a partner and get stuck with some kind of shitkid for some reason then I'll uhhhh. Something.
Looks like a DIM is in it, so maybe that AR field sort of thing should work but that's probably useless right now though so try it later. But materialization was a thing for 'ghost' digimon using one of these and it could be reversed, being able to walk about without being seen could be really handy.
"Think it was... two presses on one button then just one on another?" I continue mumbling as I press the buttons, then jump up in surprise as bright digital square... things moved up my limbs and body leaving it translucent where it moved past taking a couple of seconds to finish, "Oh right, yeah nailed it! No need for a partner, for that anyway."
Question if being see-through now is any weirder than being furry, regardless the process didn't exactly feel like anything physically. Though now moving about to walk to the street I also feel a bit, heavier? I still feel better than I have done in ages as a human so not that much of a downgrade.
Moving out onto the street I walk up to the first man I see and try moving out in front of him to make sure I actually am invisible, which is promptly proven when he both doesn't react and walks right through me briefly making my vision totally blackout when he was moving through my eyes.
Probably good, I think to myself as I pat myself over after that bit of weirdness, don't think I'd have liked to see the insides of someone. Well now I know I can totally avoid interacting with people, great thing to have. In general at that, now to uh...
Wander about gormlessly until I figure out where I am or find something notable I guess? Probably should look for a way home.
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2
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Despite being able to go through people in the 'ghost' state I figured that I was still better off just not doing that if I could help it. Having my vision blacking out for a second as I walk through someone is fine, less so when it starts involving multiple people where it happens repeatedly.
Pretty sure a crowd would do it so much that I'd probably have a panic attack or something like that.
"Excuse me." I apologize as I sidestep another person as I continue walking down a street. Primarily out of prior habit, seeing as none of the people here can actually hear me like this, could scream insults at them and such without a response if I felt like it. Not that I do, but it's there.
The first thing, for now, is finding where I am.
Mostly I've been looking for some buildings that aren't, residential or some sort of big business thing. Probably a shop, newsstand or maybe a library they'd have something I can look at easier. Although the buildings themselves mostly seem kind of, not quite run down but certainly not doing that well. Kind of gives some of this city a... gothic vibe I guess? Most of the skyscrapers don't look like what I'd think of as modern buildings anyway.
Bet I could find some grizzled noir detective in this place, "gotta shake the tree to see what falls out" types.
"Ah-ha!" A corner shop, I think. Lights are on, shelves full of stuff and things all that fun bits. But more importantly, there are newspapers. Somehow always a little surprised those are still a thing, most things these days just put it all online. Or both, given that anxiety help thing my Dad got me.
...Hopefully, I'll be able to talk to him about that sort of thing again. My heart would be pounding right now if I, actually still had one in that sense. Can still feel a creeping pressure of dread right now though. Regardless I move through the automatic doors of the shop I can hear them making some sort of brief, buzzing sound.
That's... probably not important right now, at least I can walk through objects as well as people. That's fun, unless like I start falling through the ground towards the cent- and cutting that line of thought off right now. Quickly moving to the shelf with newspapers and magazines on it to see the- "Wait what?"
Gotham Gazette and Gotham Globe? Those aren't, any newspapers I know. Well, I don't know many newspapers but the Gotham bit is a cause for ala-
These are all dated in the middle of June 2010. I could write that off as just some old one if it was the only one like that but every newspaper on this list has a similar date. And another was titled the daily planet, with its front page talking about Superman fighting a robotic man with green kryptonite in his chest.
So, that kind of rules out a practical joke...somehow. Which means that I am somehow, over a decade into the past in another universe with superheroes, gods, space assholes, and a weirdly large amount of gorilla-related incidents. Not sure how being a digimon even relates to any of that though.
Oh and I'm in Gotham right now which, actually could be worse. Could be that bludhaven place. Still that makes getting home, an issue. Not one I know how to solve, so you know what? Now I feel like screaming and since no one can hear me...
"GODDAMNIT WHAT THE FU-"
-------
That... may have gone for a little while and I may have ended up lying on the floor. Who needs therapy when you have consequence-free screaming? Most people probably. This complicates the whole getting home thing a little. How do you even track down a home universe and time?
As for what to do now, well the lights had gone out whilst I was venting so it was kind of dark. I could still make out things easily enough though so that leaves something to do. Moving into a sitting position I move to grab a newspaper-
Oh right, my hand just goes straight through. That is an issue, I could materialize and grab it but a quick look around the shop makes it clear they've got security cameras. I'd rather not, break them or show up and probably freak out the owners, or do something that'd have the police after me or something. Not sure how lenient about trespassing they'd be.
Well, I could just read the covers I guess. Though news-wise it's mostly just economic, some stuff happening in other countries, Batman and Robin fought a guy using... some sauce stuff? Apparently got a few hits in from the front page summary, good for him I guess. Magazines aren't of much interest either, TV, games, Occult- hold on is that what I think it is.
Moving closer to look at the image on the front page, there's part of what seems to be a tattered white bedsheet ghost. I can guess the picture was taken in a high school from the hallway, lockers, and signs over the doors. I'd chalk it up to being some occult tabloid given bedsheet ghost silliness but the ghost had the same sort of see-through thing I have going on. Well, that and I remember that bakemon is a thing.
Mostly cause of Tai beating one up like a freaking lunatic, fun times.
Still, this means I'm not the only Digimon here and that some are materialized enough to be visible to anybody. Bit weird to include me in that group now but at least physically I don't count as human anymore. But if I have any chance to figure out things on that end finding other Digimon is a decent one. That and someone should probably make sure that one isn't dangerous or anything and I'm not sure if anyone in Gotham can punch a ghost. Well digital ghost, does that make it some kind of double ghost?
Random thoughts aside text below the photo claim it was taken at Gotham North. So got a name for the place, now to find it, see if there's a map or something in here before I go.
Hopefully, it doesn't take until like, hours.
-----
Well, took like. Half of one, there was a map. And it was actually close by, a good thing too since I couldn't take it with me.
Still Gotham North does not look like the most well-looked after high school, must be a rough neighborhood. Well, that and Gotham just being a shit hole in general, at least most versions of it.
Kind of figures that a crappy-looking high school would end up haunted, at least in a sense.
Moving inside through the doors into the high school didn't really improve my opinion of it, then again my experiences with high school are mostly in the negative area. Still pretty damn creepy, though that might partly be because it's at night time that and I've always found empty school hallways a bit spooky whenever I had to leave for home late.
Regardless it's pretty easy to listen to out for more specific stuff in here, at least the streets were all pretty loud. Blaming that on the new ears given how big they are, or maybe it's just a canine thing with hearing. Can't really smell anything right now though, could when I was materialized which was horrible in that alley.
Still listening out for Bakemon if it's still here and... huh unexpected, static noise upstairs that's probably them but it sounds like someone is... shuffling stuff downstairs. Well, maybe I should check the closer one first. Save time.
Moving outside the door to the shuffling noise, the sign says it's a lab classroom. Going inside to examine the room it's pretty much one would expect, for the most part, stools, a front desk, gas taps for lessons involving bunsen burners, and cabinets for different chemicals. For the most part doesn't account for the person in I guess an improvised thief outfit, concealing but normal-looking clothes, gloves and a hood up putting some of the chemical stuff into small canisters.
And they've got a bow and arrow for some reason, not typical thief gear.
Guess I should... do nothing I guess this is a sidetrack that isn't important right now. Actually they're using multiple of the same sort of bottle rather then emptying any of them, guess it's to make it harder to notice? Seems harmless enough I suppose, they don't seem worried about the haunted thing anyway.
Moving upstairs I track down the other noise into a computer room, figures. Inside I find most of the computers off except for one that's just freaking out for lack of a better word.
Probably some kind of a prankster I bet. No sense in waiting for them I guess.
"Hey uh," I call out looking at the computer, "Bakemon? You there?"
At which point the computer stops freaking out. And then loudly explodes.
...Kind of hope that was insured or something, ass.
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3- (I really suck at original hero names, seriously I used Robin at first thinking of Robin Hood until I remembered... yeah)
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"Well," a somewhat deep voice echoed from the destroyed computer, "ain't this a surprise." Then a translucent form begins to rise out of the computer, a large white cloth bedsheet ghost with torn-up parts around its arms and bottom, black eyes, and a large mouth filled with sharp teeth.
You know seeing those teeth, maybe this wasn't my best idea. Christ, they looked goofier in the anime than, well this.
"Yeah uh," I stutter as I struggle to keep the mounting dread in my chest at the sight, "I was just wondering if, erm." Please don't be a dick, "Can I ask you a few things? I'm rather, well lost."
"Can you?" Bakemon said dryly as it floated closer towards me, "Well I suppose, though answers-"
Cutting that answer off however is the computer room door opening as the hooded, and masked now that I can get a look even being able to spot bits of blonde hair, lab thief from the downstairs enters with their bow drawn.
"What," they speak in a somewhat low but still clearly feminine voice, "the hell? An actual ghost?"
Oh hey, lab thief is a girl, and Bakemon is materialized enough to be visible to anyone. Shit that complicates this.
"Oh ho!" Bakemon laughs turning to look at the girl stuck in confusion, giving me time to rush away to the other side of the room and get some distance, "another guest!"
"Guest? Pretty sure this isn-" The girl responds scanning the room before raising her bow at Bakemon, "What do you mean another? It's just us."
"Lady you should get," I shout before remembering my current state, "ah hell." Which also seems to have informed Bakemon as he's smiling even wider and back to staring at me, "I Uhm, yes?"
"What are you smiling about?" The girl questions her head now moving to follow Bakemons gaze trying to figure out what he's doing.
Well, she's clearly brave for a thief, this doesn't seem like the brightest move though. If this is going where I think it's going I can't exactly keep an eye out for her or anything and I don't think she can even hit Bakemon, which means...
"You want in on this?" He asks, moving toward the girl whilst raising an arm in her direction and revealing a clawed hand from beneath the white cloth whilst I move my hand to my wrist and start pushing buttons on the digivice stopping just before the last needed press, "It'll be fun!"
"If you mean what I think you do," Still kinda wish I had a shirt or something still feels awkward, pushing the last button to materialize, "then no."
"A freaking werewolf now?" The now even more confused girl yells out blinking in confusion.
"What," Okay not the expected reaction, keeping my focus on Bakemon as I raise my hands and ball them up into fists, "I'm not- look just get out of here!"
"Suit yourself," Bakemon scoffs shifting his focus as his right hand begins to extend, so I start moving closer in case he's going to- "Now, Touch o-"
Yeah, no. At which point I promptly rush the rest of the way and punch him sending Bakemon back to the other end of the room whilst I start stumbling nearly tripping over my feet. Holy crap did not think I could hit that hard, that was awesome!
"Okay then," Bakemon growls now having dropped his smile and glaring right at me as my euphoria quickly vanishes and I start moving towards the door, "If you want to help the human you ca-"
At which point the sound of a string being let go comes out from behind me, making me turn around as the whistling sound of an arrow in the air passes above my head. Blinking at the girl in surprise as she lowers her bow I hear the arrow impact the wall behind me.
"Crap." The girl, having expected it to not just go through Bakemon.
"...Seriously?" I incredulously ask.
"Your sloppy punch worked!" She defended as she backed up to the computer room door.
"YOU TWO-"
"Okay, yep time to go!" I quickly say following her as she moves outside the door.
-----
"Okay," I say quietly as we've found a classroom on the ground floor to hide in for the time being after having lost Bakemon who is currently unhappy about that going from the roaring and occasional sound of something being smashed, "not sure what now, uh what should I call you Miss...?"
"Ar-" The archer beings to speak turning her head to look down at me before stopping after another roar of frustration from Bakemon comes from somewhere closer than before, "...you don't know if ghosts have any name magic stuff by any chance?"
"Firstly, he's not really a ghost, well he is but not like, a ghost-ghost but I don't think they do name stuff?" I try to explain before looking at the ground which I am currently not touching, "Secondly can you put me down now? I'm not gonna keep almost tripping if we're not running." Which without warning leads to her dropping me from her one-armed carry and me just barely stopping my face from hitting the floor by putting my arms out. "Thank you. But yeah name things not sure, not one I'm too familiar with."
"Uh-huh." The girl responds as she pulls out the capsules from earlier and starts fitting them onto some arrows missing arrowheads whilst I start messing with my digivice, see if I can't find the field button prompt, should let her hit the damn thing if we end up having to fight Bakemon. "Well if you're not sure about ghosts and names then... Hood works for now."
Guessing that's just cutting off the Robin bit, eh it fits with the archery and thieving since Robin is already taken I bet. Looks like the lab thieving was for some trick arrows, neat. Should probably ask about that to make sure but given how she was willing to fight Bakemon, eh give the benefit of the doubt that doesn't seem like a bad person move.
"And you?" Hood asks as she finishes readying another trick arrow, "Unless you want to be called Wolf Boy or something."
"Oh, I uh. Uhm." Boy? Okay I know I'm short compared to her but still, she's... Probably a teenager dammit just had to be a short Digimon. Actually that works, "Right uh, Strabimon is fine."
"...That doesn't even sound like a real word," Hood states as she rapidly begins loading her quiver as the sounds of Bakemon being a grumpy ass get closer.
Two presses were materialization stuff and I think it was more. Three, I'm blanking on if three did anything but four. Four! That might be it, the death number.
"No, it's well. It's kind of what I am?" Okay think I figured the button numbers out, dunno if it'll move her to it automatically so just incase I move close to Hood and get ready to grab her arm, "Though also a Digimon which stands for Digit-" At which point before I can finish Bakemon floats into the current room immediately spotting the two of us.
"Well hello again."
"-monster, okay right please work." Grabbing onto Hood's arm with my left hand then rapidly pushing the digivices top buttons four times.
"What are you," Hood begins to question as the digivice lights up and the area around us turns into a technological dark material with bright green lines on bits of it, "doing... okay screw this day."
Oh neat the same field biome Kiyoshiro had.
"Oh now that is a fascinating gadget you have there little wolf," Bakemon, now having been turned solid by the digital field, actually starts laughing at this and starts clapping with his clawed hands in amusement, "In fact I think I'll just take it myself, the things I could do li-" Yeah I'm just gonna tune this evil speech out for a minute.
Bakemon has that claw attack and I think, might have a gas one? Still don't think I can move reliably to attack... Wait. I got Digimon attacks as well. Not sure how I use one, unless. Strabimon has instincts mentioned in the profile, so maybe don't think?
"What funky arrows you got Hood?" I quietly ask quickly as I shift to, what I guess is a ready stance, "Anything to keep him still?"
"Yeah some foam stuff," She responds readying a trick arrow whilst I move away from her, "You got an idea?"
"Sort of, just get him to stay still."
"...Are you two seriously ignoring me?" Bakemon asks raising the volume of his voice, and wow he actually looks either upset or just disappointed, "That's really rude."
"Oh well uh," Well no time like the present, continuing to move away from Hood whilst Bakemon keeps his focus on me, "sorry I guess?" Come on girl get his ass whilst he's distracted, "It's just, a lot of words?"
"Bah, kids these days." Bakemon deadpans right as I hear the arrow fly loose and start running towards him, slow enough to maintain easy effort in avoiding tripping over my feet. "Wha-" Upon impact, Hood's arrow explodes into sticky grey foam covering almost all of Bakemons left side whilst also connecting to the ground, "the hell?"
"LICHT-" I start to call out opening up my hands as my claws begin radiating glowing light.
Please, please work.
"NAGEL!" Slashing at Bakemon with the glowing claws before he can try escaping the foam they immediately tear completely through his body which immediately forms a ring around itself as it turns partly see-through in a computer glitch-like manner. then explodes into small bits of data.
.....
"Would have been useful if you used that earlier Strabimon." Hood calls out after a brief moment of silence, at which I use the digivice to dismiss the digital field. Okay, safe and the school is probably, mostly intact. And I learned nothing from Bakemon who I just killed, that... will need processing.
Well, he was trying to kill us and almost... Oh god, I almost died. At which point of that realization anxiety I didn't even realize I was there burst through as I fell to my knees in nervous laughter.
"Uh Strabi, you alright there?" Hood asks whilst still, standing some distance away.
"Shit I uh," I try to get out through the anxiety, "It's just, uh. I." I mean, I can't deal with someone right now. "I gotta go." Quickly pushing buttons on the digivice I start to dematerialize and run outside.
"...that ghost was right about him being rude."
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4
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The running didn't go particularly far, felt little reason to bother with being invisible and frankly, right now I just couldn't be bothered with much effort. So I just found a bench near the school to collapse on.
Well, what now. Could go back to looking at occult magazine stuff for any other leads on that front. And probably almost die again, so actually let's not. Still feel like throwing up.
Groaning I shift about on the bench to a sitting position and take a look at the high school, looks like Bakemon did a bit of damage in his flipping out screaming crap. Few holes in the walls from here and a lot of broken windows. Going to guess that got some attention from the police, late to the problem as always too. And maybe Batman could try approaching him to see if he or any heroes he knows could help.
Probably not though. And he could be really strict about the whole 'no killing' thing which would be an issue now so good job on that me. Could flip a coin on odds for that one, injustice comic Batman was really bad about that from what I heard.
Sighing I look up at the sky and, well I can guess it's at or around midnight with the moon being about the center of the sky from where I'm sitting. Maybe, not an expert on the moon or time and such. Actually, the digivice is a watch maybe it can tell the time-
Blinking after looking back down at the sight of a translucent small child-like purple, baring the yellow smiley face on its chest as well as the white around its mouth and green eyes, imp creature wearing red gloves and a scarf on it stood staring at me with its arms folded and an annoyed expression on its face.
"Uhhh," I stutter before nervously smiling and waving to the Impmon, "hi?"
"Hi? I've been here waiting for ya to notice me and all ya got is hi?" The Impmon grumpily complains in a new york accent pointing a finger at me, "The nerve of some mons I tell ya."
"Oh, sorry?" Well, rude little guy. Hasn't tried to do anything at least so that's a plus. The same accent as the tamers one, but the voice doesn't sound quite right.
"Ey some manners now at least, names Impmon" Impmon rapidly switches to a more cheerful tone, "Listen this ain't usually my department but me and my buddies came lookin' for a new Digimon acting up around here."
"Buddies?" Honestly, this guy is sounding like a real goon right now.
"Yeah, Gazimon is checking about for somethin' after the mess ya made." Impmon said smiling at the word mess, "Shame the guy we were lookin' into turned out to be a bag of crazy, but great job dealing with that for us."
"...You're welcome?" Now I'm just, not sure what he's getting at now besides, "You were looking for Bakemon?"
"Yep, the boss is trying to get Digimon stuck in the human world to our hideout, so long as they ain't gonna try to ice any of us anyway. He's a big ol' soft bunny."
...Bunny? That could be a few. Still sounds like this is less of a gang than a charity case, yet the little guy here still sounds... rather proud of this "boss."
"Okay so then, you're really not mad about the whole, well." I'm, a bit less anxious about this topic of killing something with a Digimon given how 'primed for violence' they tend to be as a whole, but it's still uncomfortable, "Killing the Bakemon you came here looking for?"
"Bag of cray like I said so if ya didn't take him out we probably woulda done it," Impmon replied before pausing and rubbing his chin in thought before continuing, "Gazimon woulda liked that actually, more than looking for where his Digi-egg ended up."
Huh, must have missed that when I run off, wasn't exactly in a mood to look out for anything. Wonder if Hood saw it, probably would have confused her. Well confused her more than she probably already is.
....Not sure if them not staying dead is much of a comfort though, usually Digimon forget everything when they reincarnate. So chances are I still killed him in that sense.
"Does mean the gang is gonna have a new baby Digimon to take care of once that mook hatches though."
"Oh, well sorry." Sighing I look about to see if I can spot his Gazimon friend he mentioned. "I didn't really come looking for a fight but Bakemon was a bit, aggressive."
"Eh no worries about it, we woulda done da same thing," Impmon shrugs before jumping off the bench, "besides the boss says to offer any mon we find a place to stay and you're still here."
"I... dunno." This is sounding like weird gang recruitment more than anything, though that might just be chalked up to Impmon sounding like one.
"Ey come on pooch," Impmon gives my leg a light punch, "at least come check out the hideout, promise we're cool, even got food there."
Stolen I imagine, doubt any of them would have a way to pay for that or a way to grow anything. Unless maybe like fish? Somehow. Be fun if they had stuff for digital world meat plants with them though.
Letting out a hum in thought as I consider the offer my stomach decides to actually make its opinion known on that topic to me by causing me some minor pain as a reminder I haven't eaten a thing since ending up a Digimon, at least far as I can remember. Looks like needing to eat still hasn't changed for me alongside almost everything.
"Alright," I tell Impmon as I stand up from the bench and look down at him, "I don't exactly have anything else to do anyway."
"Aw yeah!" Impmon cheers doing a small fist pump, "You won't regret it, Gazimon will meet us there or on the way so we don't need to wait for him I can lead the way myself." Impmon finishes before pointing up in the air back at the school, "Hey check it out!"
"Huh?" Looking for what he's pointing at I can make out two dark figures moving through the air, one with a cape extended gliding with another zipping across to the school with a retracting rope coming from something in their hand.
"It's da bat!"
-----
There wasn't really much point in sticking around after that, not sure if Hood had already left or had stayed behind for a bit to do something else. Hopefully if she is Batman and Robin don't treat her harshly or anything. She didn't seem like a bad person from the few minutes of interaction I had with her there.
Though my only comparison for other people here are teenagers that flash strangers, a killer ghost, and a talkative imp who decided it'd be more efficient to climb onto my head and call out directions when I refused to try jumping across buildings instead of just walking to the hideout.
The said hideout was in a, well a really bad neighborhood from the looks of it, quite a few run-down buildings or just outright abandoned ones although the ground itself looks far more recent. Brings the question of why they cared more about fixing pavement and roads than anyplace for people to live here.
The hideout itself was one of the abandoned ones in really poor condition, with smashed windows and the doorway itself was blocked with rubble. Suppose it makes sense to pick one people wouldn't go into but it doesn't look like a great hideout.
Something bad must have happened around here. Or well, worse than usual for Gotham. Curious if Batman has tried to fix this place.
"Just go through the rubble in the entrance since we ain't materialized," Impmon says from his perch on my head, "few of the other guys are and they gotta go through a window."
"Gotcha." Walking up to the doorway and through the rubble blacks out my vision like usual, probably just going to use one of the windows next time this is actually rather.... annoying. "Uhhh."
"You're a new one," However upon getting to the other side of the rubble inside the building I was left blinking in shock at the sight of a rifle barrel pointed directly at me before it was lowered, "Ah Impmon I see you secured a ride on your expedition, Gazimon returned to base with an egg a few minutes ago."
"Hey Commandramon," Impmon greeted the blue holographic camo-skinned dinosaur that was wearing similarly colored military armor, "taking pooch here to meet the boss."
"Understood," Commandramon responded before putting her rifle down and holding a hand out in greeting, "I apologize for surprising you, just being cautious."
"It's fine," I said shaking her hand quickly before she marched to the other side of the hallway and sat down next to a doorway, "I'd have only been upset had you know, actually shot me."
Though the gun barrel thing still scared the hell out of me for a second there.
"The others are downstairs." She states pointing to the door next to her before focusing back on the hideout entrance.
Huh, underground. That's... not my favorite, hope this isn't gonna set off any claustrophobia. Still, she was materialized, guess not every Digimon who ends up here is a 'ghost' of sorts.
"Tough gal her," Impmon comments as we move down the stairs to another hallway, "also told ya we shoulda jumped across the buildings, coulda beat Gazimon back here!"
"Yeah no, still sounds like a terrible idea to me." I deadpan.
Upon going through to the end of the hallway we end up in what appears to be a hotel lobby, albeit one in a state of disrepair. The floor is missing tiling and carpet in some bits, and the stone stairs leading down to the lobby are missing small chunks.
That said it does seem like they've been trying to clean it up a bit given there was far less dirt than I'd expect of an abandoned hotel, even have some chairs and tables about and they have somehow figured out how to get the lights on.
Still, kind of a shithole in a lot of ways.
"Most of the gang is probably asleep right now." Impmon said before pointing at a bar with a translucent gazimon sitting on a stool with a brightly coloured egg in his hands speaking to a... tall anthropomorphic rabbit man. "And that's the boss there, hey boss!"
----
5- (You ever play saints row 2? The early saints HQ is what the hideout is based on)
----
A bit more specifically 'boss' was a Symbareangoramon sat behind a wooden bar counter, a tall bipedal rabbit man, wearing black pants that also covered his feet, long brown gloves with a belt around his wrists, and more belts as a sort of headband for his long ears that were shaped like an arrowhead at the end with the green edges visibly being sharp enough to cut things.
Well, that's one thing that never seems to change with Digimon, so many bloody belts. Their name is a bit long though.
Besides, the articles of clothing Symbareangoramon had mostly yellow fur, on his ears, there was a wavy line of green fur, his face and stomach had brown colored fur whilst a puffed up bit of fur on his chest and around his neck were white. The same sort of thing I kind of had come to think of it, still want a shirt or something to wear even if that'd make it an issue.
Got no tail like him at least, a very.... fluffy bunny tail...
"Ah, good to see you back Impmon," he called back to the Imp Digimon who had jumped off of me whilst I was distracted by an entirely appropriate thing to be distracted by and ran ahead as I slowly walked down the last of the lobby stairs then jumped up onto a stool next to Gazimon, "Gazimon already informed me about your trip."
"Yeah, and I beat you back buddy!" Gazimon cheerfully said as he gave Impmon a pat on the back as he sat next to him.
"Only cause my ride insisted on walking back," Impmon complained glancing back at me as I got down the last step, "what kind of Digimon doesn't want to jump across buildings?"
"Well let's see," Gazimon leaned far backward on the stool to look at me before loudly gasping, "he's a doggie!"
...well, that's a first.
"You're a pooch yourself Gazi." Impmon deadpanned.
"But not as fluffy!"
"Children," Symbareangoramon chimed in with a tired smile, "I think we're being impolite to the new guest here. I'm sure...they. Hm." After trailing off in thought Symbareangoramon stood up from the bar, picking up the two small Digimon from their seats before setting them down on the ground. "I'm afraid it's late and I need to have words with our new friend, may I ask you two to retire to a room and go to bed whilst I manage this?"
"Sure thing boss!" Impmon gave a thumbs up before walking away.
"Fiiiine." Gazimon complained before yawning and following Impmon.
"Uhm," Standing stiffly still as Symbareangoramon approached I gave a quick look around the room for any other Digimon before turning back to face him as he knelt down in front of me, "hi?"
You know somehow the height difference is more intimidating up close. Freaking hell had to be a short mon huh? Well, tall for a rookie at least.
"Hello young man," he greeted back before reaching out and pointing toward my neck, "do you know what this is?"
"Oh uh, a scarf?"
"Well, yes," Symbareangoramon let out a brief chuckle before putting his hand back down, "no I meant the symbol on it? Because I know digital world history enough to recognize it."
There's a symbol on my scarf? Didn't really, get a look at the front of it earlier. Kind of hard too without taking it off.
"I haven't really had the chance to look at my scarf uh, sir," I informed him, with a feeling of anxiety driving me to start using formal language.
"Sorry," he apologized, seemingly picking up on my nervousness, then held out his right hand in greeting, "I'm being rather forward here, my name is Symbareangoramon although Symbare is fine. Much less of a mouthful I'm told."
"I.. guess?" Taking his hand Symbare began shaking it before slowly pausing, "Sir?"
"Sorry," letting go of my hand he points at my wrist and, oh "is that yours?"
"Oh yeah," I promptly input the materialization button command then held out both my hands, "ta-da!"
....Jazz haaands....
Symbare just continues to quietly stare at me until I stopped with the incredible display of hand gestures, philistine. At which point he gestures back towards the bar and goes over to take a seat on one of the stools, so I follow over and sit on one myself.
"So," Symbare begins as he puts a hand on his head looking down at me, "a Digivice then. But if I'm not mistaken shouldn't you need a human partner to work one of those?"
"I guess, but uh..." Trailing off in thought I do consider if I should not tell him, try to bullshit something or other, but decide against that as I don't think it'd particularly matter or help much to lie about it. Besides, he seems friendly enough and better off trying to find any help right now.
...Also I can't think of any convincing way to bullshit that. "So about that..."
------
"-and about then I ran into Bakemon," I continued explaining to Symbare whilst looking at the scarf in my hands that I didn't need his help to get off, turns out there was infact a symbol on it, "which went violently cause he was kind of a dick."
Three lines going downward, with the middle stopping at the line going through the other two which turn at an angle away from each other underneath it. A pretty simple symbol, in all honesty, think Lobomon also had it on his shoulders.
"Please, refrain from swearing," Symbare said, having gotten some food and drink for me out from... somewhere when I wasn't paying attention due to sharp pain in my neck due to reasons, "kids shouldn't-"
"I just told you I'm not-"
"I know," Symbare sighed whilst rubbing his head, "it's a habit when dealing with young Digimon." Quickly raising a finger to wait before any possible further interruption Symbare took the scarf out of my hands before continuing, "And at the very least you look and sound like one now."
Wonderful. Actually, what do I sound like I haven't really been able to tell beyond 'kind of younger.'
"How'd that become a habit?" I questioned whilst staring at the food and drink on the counter, hadn't really given much thought to it besides whenever I move my eyes downwards but now it actually feels strange to consider just how to consume things with it. Food is probably simple enough but drinks...
I am not doing that like a dog that's for damn sure.
"Teaching," Symbare says whilst smiling in remembrance, "back in the digital world for the most part. Not from a particularly big one or anything but my village had Trailmon tracks in it so I helped look after young Digimon who lived there or visitors who came with them. You'd be surprised what words they can pick up."
Looking at Symbare I actually tried to picture him in a room full of baby and rookie Digimon, it just seemed kind of strange to have a furry rabbit man mon doing that. I mean he's certainly friendly and Impmon clearly likes him well enough so who knows he might actually be great at it.
"What did you teach anyway?" I wonder whilst eying the cup the drink is in and looking in it to see if it's clean on the inside, hate dirty cups.
"The usual things, reading, writing, some math," Symbare lists off as he watches me examine the cup, "did some fighting classes," 'That's... not surprising given how primed for violence Digimon usually are' "but my favorite things have always been dance and history."
"And I take it the last bit is how you recognized this mark?" I pointed at my scarf that was now laid on the top of the bar.
"Oh yeah," Symbare's tone now has a tinge of excitement, "I read a lot on old digital worlds legends. Demon lords, Witchenly there's a lot of great stuff there! I should show you uh-" Symbare had begun to stand up and start speaking faster before stopping, then sat back down on his stool, "Anyway I saw that mark and recognized it from one of the books on the group of the ancient warrior Digimon. Knew it'd be odd for a child Digimon to be wearing one of their marks like that and well."
"You figured that if I'm not one of them then I probably would at least be linked to them?"
"Something like that," Symbare rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment, "thought you got tossed from the digital world from one of those gates like the rest of us here. But if you're story is true then, I'm not quite so sure. That digivice does seem to recognize you as a human on some level at least."
...That is something I thought as well, sounds like the other warrior ten Digimon were also a thing in his digital world as well.
"Say uh, you're just helping any other lost Digimon right?" He nods. "And I kinda, both have nowhere to really stay and don't really know how to uh, Strabimon correctly."
"One way of putting it I suppose."
"So I was uh. Well, you said uh," Carefully I pick up the cup ready to attempt to drink the juice in it, "You teach so I was wondering if, well."
"Go on." Symbare began to let out a grin whilst motioning with his hand for me to continue.
"Can you help me figure out how to do, stuff?"
"Stuff? Well, I assume you mean more specific things. Dancing perhaps?"
"No? I mean-"
"Fighting, I kinda figured," Symbare said before putting a hand on my shoulder, "be a bit awkward if I let a unique little mon like you end up dead. Yeah, I'll give it a go."
"Not little, and please don't touch me," I complain before smiling as I raise the cup to drink, "but yeah. Thanks."
Now how do I.... maybe tilt my head far back it should be fine.
"Hey don't-"
It wasn't fine.
----
Note: I'll break em up in about 5s to make it easier for others to pick up and go without losing a ton of reading progress.
6 (lack of planning is funny in hindsight, cause Symbare was never intended to be a major long term character)
----
My eyes struggled to open as I rolled around with a looming sense of dread, pretty much par for the course these days though at least my heart isn't pounding at all. I stop moving as my vision clears-
This isn't my room and is that fur- oh right.
"How about that," I mumble to myself after my mind clears up and I remember the events of last night, "still actually real. Heh, fuck." Guess even a different body isn't going to make the anxiety when I wake up go away for now.
Still guess this means all the ghosts, Digimon, and DC whatever stuff was actually something that went down last night. After the betrayal of my juice drink, Symbare had helped with cleaning up before directing me to one of the rooms they had managed to mostly clear out of debris to sleep in. From what he had to say the hotel seemed to have fallen underground during some kind of earthquake, but was still intact enough for him and some other Digimon that got stuck here due to some digital gate to try fixing enough to live in. Granted it's mostly just the ground floor and first floor that came out of it fine enough for that.
Though personally, I'd prefer someplace above ground, much less chance of something happening and getting trapped. At least it's not cramped though, that'd be ground for freaking out.
Did try asking if they had any clothes in like pajamas but unfortunately no, bit weird to sleep in the same white pants I always have on. Symbare thought it was unusual but said it's fine if I wanted to look into getting some myself. At the very least I took off my gloves, shoes, scarf, and the silly amount of belts. Digivice I kept on just-in-case, now know my claws aren't just a glove thing as well.
Just putting the shoes back on, even if they don't entirely cover my feet, I got up from the bed before looking out the doorway. Seems there's actually Digimon awake here at this time, I know Symbare mentioned there being more but still kind of a surprise to see them. Not exactly that many but still, and hey at least the rookies that mostly make them up I'm taller than almost all of them. Small victories.
Heh, small. Still should probably find Symbare, not a big place so shouldn't be hard. Or ask someone... only if I have to anyway.
Walking down into the lobby I take a look at the few Digimon just sitting about, for the most part. There is a Kokuwamon, a mechanical insect Digimon with a sort of taser head, doing something with wiring by one of the walls. Could be he's fixing it or taking electricity out of it, or both. Does, mostly seem like everyone's just trying to make this place livable.
Symbare said it's been a month or so since he and Commandramon found this place, wonder how bad it was back then.
"New guy! Kept us waiting huh?" A voice spoke up all of a sudden right beside me, causing an odd sound to come out of me in surprise as I stiffened.
Was that a yelp? Swear I've heard similar from my own dog.
"Ha," The Digimon, a small childlike being made out of square cardboard boxes with red eyes, one of the 'ghost' ones was looking at me with amusement in his eyes, "aren't you a jumpy puppy."
"I- please don't call me that," I asked, not whining whilst I regained my composure, "so, what did you want?"
"Symbareangoramon asked one of us to point you to him when you got up," They pointed towards a door on the other side of the lobby, "since he's helping with the younger ones."
"Oh." Guess he didn't want to just tell them everything, not sure I like his excuse idea of being a 'younger one' though. "Well, thanks, mister..."
Actually, stage 3 can also be called child-level instead of rookie so technically, ah dammit.
"Bacomon." He said waving me off. Nice mon, if a bit sneaky I guess.
-----
Going into the room I spotted Symbare easily enough since he was standing in front of a few other Digimon including Impmon and Gazimon.
...Wait so was Impmon calling the class a "gang" and their teacher "boss?" I mean I guess he was one of the ones who found this place but it doesn't seem like anyone's in charge exactly...
"So are you just gonna stand there?" Symbare called out to me as I had stopped moving mid-thought. Which also prompted the other Digimon to turn and stare at me.
"Er." Well, this is awkward...Maybe I can just go back to bed... "Yes?"
"Riiight," He deadpanned before folding his arms, "well everyone this is the new young Digimon joining us here."
"Not that young," I whisper under my breath, Symbare evidently hearing it since he made a quick shushing gesture, "Right, hello other... people..."
"Oh actually look at the time, break time gang," Symbare mercifully spared me from further awkwardness, "since Strabimon here was late enough for that."
...Nevermind. Heh, still though been a long time since I overslept into missing a class. Annoyed my Mum that...
....Great now I'm nostalgic and sad.
Moving out of the way so the other Digimon can leave, although Impmon and Gazimon stayed behind, then walked over to Symbare who gave me a look over. "Uh, sir?"
"Did you really only just get up?" Symbare asked sitting down on a chair after pulling out another for me. "Fur is a mess and you're not wearing half your other things."
"It is? I mean, it's kind of hard to tell but uh, guess you'd know better than me." Sitting in the chair I try and see what he's talking about but uh, no it's all just fluffy to me. "Didn't see a point of putting them back on, for now, especially the belts."
"Why wouldn't you want belts on?" Gazimon spoke up, well seems he was listening alongside Impmon. "They're cool!" Upon saying this he pointed at the three belts on his tail. I mean I guess if you're from the 90s or something they might seem that way, but I had belts around my knees, that was more ridiculous than anything.
"...If you say so I guess."
"I do!"
Right, children. I'm not one for arguing, or really telling them off if I don't have to, with kids. Speaking of which he was the one who picked up Bakemons egg after I dealt with him, actually kind of a concern now that I think about it. I know Digimon tends to be a bit less concerned about safety but...
"Say Symbare," I turn back to him sitting silently, "did you really let those two go looking for Bakemon on their own?"
"There's no rule about not being allowed to leave at any time," Symbare stated, "though I did ask Chamelemon to keep an eye on them in case they ran into trouble. Digimon or human, they can be trigger happy."
I'd ask about not seeing them, but given Chamelemon I think that was kind of the point. Thinking on it that also means if I had done anything to Impmon beforehand I'd had to deal with them as well. Trigger happy humans though, yeah I can see that is probably why they've tried to keep this place a secret.
...Though now I wonder if Chamelemon has been somewhere at the same time as me and I just never saw them.
"Right, but what is with saying I'm one of the uhhh," I point my thumb at the pair still in the room, "you know."
"Ah, three reasons. One is because it's easier for me to teach the stuff you need to know at the same time, only have so much time to teach and that's easier if your being in class doesn't stick out too much." Okay, that makes sense, except...
"Isn't that just two reasons?"
"Three is because I thought it'd be funny," Symbare stated without a single hint of shame, "besides it's not like there's a real way to prove otherwise."
"...oh you fucker."
"Swear!" Yes Impmon, I know.
------
"Damn kid. Weren't kidding about needing help," Symbare remarked from above me as his foot was currently pinning me to the ground, "that was, well, just bad."
"What did you expect?" I ask groaning with my face on the ground. Yeah turns out bunny man got moves, more than Bakemon anyway. Or he just wasn't in the business of messing about even if his sparing was without using attacks to avoid seriously hurting one another.
Sparing probably wasn't even the right word for that.
"At least a hit," Symbare removed his foot before giving me a hand back up, "you did take out Bakemon as weak as the species tends to be."
"I had a bit of help with that one, and did you flip over me there?"
"Yep, any good fight has style after all" Symbare gave a grin before turning serious again, "good thing you don't need to be taught the same things as the kids. Cause this is gonna take a while."
"Yeah, I guessed that," I muttered as I started brushing off the dirt from the floor. "Not like I have anything better to do now."
"That you don't, now let's focus on that footwork for now...."
----
7 (You ever pick something cause it feels fitting and then it turns out to be way too hard a counter? Yeah this happened here)
----
Turns out Symbare really wasn't kidding about it taking a while, kind of lost track of the time. It was honestly, a good chunk of getting kicked in the head and trying not to trip over as I got used to, everything. Progress is good, even if when Symbare got the bright idea for Commandramon to start helping since humans have guns even if they're weaker than hers it got a bit more painful than usual.
It's still, strange and I'm not any closer to figuring out anything. Though it's not like the Digimon are either, more are still showing up every so often though the rumors they cause seem primarily around Gotham for now so it's not getting out of hand for now.
That said somebody has gotta pick up on the 'ghost' strangeness eventually. Can't imagine that has many ways of going well, probably a few that are amusingly disastrous at least. Regardless the Digimon hideout is still a work in progress, partly because we can't just go out and grab that much stuff at once for building stuff but I guess superhuman strength makes using what they have easier.
Including powering stuff, I tried asking how that worked but all I got was some stuff about wires and stuff I didn't understand. The cliff notes at least are that people who keep an eye on power wouldn't be able to track it down to here, just be confused about why someplace has it higher. But I did manage to get one of the Digimon who leave to get stuff out to get a computer and some stuff for it so I could get internet here, along with some other stuff. Figured it'd be easier to find ghost rumors and news then just listening out or checking magazines.
....I may have had to ask for extra keyboards as well. Damn claws.
-----
"So let's see," I muttered to myself scrolling through a news webpage to catch up on what had been going on in the world recently, found out the date of July 31st as well, "business stuff... a bunch of ice guys got arrested... Green Arrow got a second sidekick huh." Thought it was usually Batman who had more than one at once, granted the old one apparently hasn't been seen with him for a bit.
Speedy is a pretty strange choice for a superhero archer name though, seems like a speedster thing... Actually, wasn't he the guy who did drugs?
Well, this is going nowhere useful, interesting maybe but not useful besides getting to check if heroes still seem like good guys. I really wouldn't want to have ended up in a Justice Lords or Injustice world, actually seeing Superman as a bad guy in real life? That'd hurt right in my childhood. On that line, no Static or Teen Titans about.
Changing my searches I shift to looking for rumors about ghosts or other weirdness in Gotham, the difficulty there is filtering out what likely isn't a Digimon or what we've already checked. Like... the one about a restaurant having random ovens turned on when nobody was around then and finding food cooked, that one was Flamedramon from a few weeks back.
Another cool Digimon corrupted by the internet back home. Still nice dude, and good to have another person here who can actually cook. Guy loves his barbeque.
"Find anything?" Symbare asks holding two sandwiches as he comes over having finished with the class he was teaching.
Glad he at least lets me sit out of anything I already know... Even if it usually means spending more time with someone else on "catch-up training" as he called it.
"Nothing much so far," I admit whilst taking a sandwich he handed out for me, "still mostly a lot of old stuff but... hold on."
'Multiple reports of monster sightings at Grand Avenue'
Ohhh that might be something. Usually, it's the ones with multiple reports that a Digimon ends up being behind. Although I can't find a description of anything consistent with who the writer interviewed. I guess it could be a shapeshifting Digimon, but none come to mind...
Don't see where the mentions of gas come in either...
"Do we know where that is?" I ask Symbare as I point at the name Grand Avenue. "Because that's another mass sighting but I can't recall any Digimon that would get such varied responses."
"I think so but it's a bit far." Symbare said before eating his sandwich in one bite, "Will probably get there pretty late. Worth checking out. In fact, since you found it why don't we go?"
"Seriously?" I haven't really gone far from the hideout since I got here, mostly cause I never had a need to but also because nobody wanted someone who was struggling to not fight so clumsily to go on one of these in case we ran into a more hostile Digimon. That's happened a few times.
"What, you thought I'd let all this training be for nothing? Besides, if it goes badly for you I'm pretty sure I can get us out."
"Ehhh, maybe," I say before grabbing the sandwich and taking a bite out of it as we move towards the room I stay in, "oh this is a nice one what's in it?"
"Turkey, jam, and some of that cereal stuff you like."
...Whatever it's still nice, though it does seem like my picky eater habits have been mostly gone. Guess Digimon really do eat just about anything.
Alright, let's see, if it's gas-related I want to be materialized to try smelling for it better so time for 'totally not a Digimon' disguise of a hoody and mask.
"I still don't see why you wanted that stuff." Symbare mutters behind me as I start putting the clothes on, whilst I mostly got used to not wearing anything besides pants I do still prefer having a shirt or something on if I don't need to dematerialize that day.
"Cause it's nice, besides I thought someone who likes to look good would approve of dressing." On the bright side, I do have... far fewer complications with getting dressed, still gotta be careful not to poke holes in stuff but I'm not hurting myself. "Ow." ...as much.
"I'm already beautiful." Symbare scoffed.
"Yeah, yeah."
Alright, today's the day.
------
"Pauli's diner"
The diner itself was fairly busy at the late hours in Gotham, at least relative to the small size of the diner, a classical American diner in design. Basically, the image one might have associated with the idea, with red seats around tables, black and white checkered floors, and a long counter with a waitress behind it. The sort of place one would go to for refuge from the typical rain of Gotham for a light meal later in the day.
Of course, none of this really matters to the hooded man sitting in the corner of the diner next to a large bag they have made extra care in keeping secure. Not just because of how much of an issue the GCPD and certain other locals of Gotham could become if they saw its contents, but also because of how rare it was for anyone to take interest in his work enough to... sponsor it.
Sure they wanted to see if he could trigger a response from one of those 'ghost' rumors that had been on the uprise in Gotham, likely from foolish teenagers, by using his usual talent to start some in one place they can observe in Gotham. But seeing as only a couple of more... lowkey sites have reported on it as he "may" have not done the job to the level desired to ensure what they wanted to ask for a little...more.
After all, if they really do have an interest in fear they'd appreciate this far more than some paltry ghost stories.
-----
"Is it me or does it rain almost all day in this city like three to four times a week." I quietly whisper to Symbare, who had managed to dematerialize himself, as we walked down the rainy streets of Gotham. He talked about that in one of the 'learning' classes I had to sit in on, didn't get a pass on all of those, unfortunately. Still, informative even if nobody has quite figured out how it works exactly besides that I get to cheat.
Wet fur sucks about as much as wet clothes do, hoody only does so much but alas. At least the mask dampens the smell from all the cars, looking for another gas here you polluting numpties.
From what Symbare had to say in the lesson on it most Digimon materialization is linked to emotion, or it's at least a strong factor, and it's easy to control going back to one of the 'ghost' states at will once you've managed that. Our data is pretty responsive to emotions that come from the 'heart,' though our own eventually do it just fine outside ones from humans are better. Some of the more hostile Digimon are those that were trying to do it faster by harassing or hurting humans.
Frankly, it sounded a lot like how Digivolution for partner Digimon tends to work, granted certain emotions like rage tend to see that go badly. It's not something I've been able to get to work either, I thought I found what could have linked to it but I just got an error prompt on the digivice about 'function not available due to digicore malfunction' which sounded... not great. I mean I feel fine but-
"Somethings wrong." Symbare suddenly stated with his eyes narrowed in alarm before he leaped up into the air and then kicked a foot off a nearby wall to jump even higher onto a building before pointing into the distance, "There! There's a gas cloud on a street, I can hear screaming and sirens in that direction as well."
Well, shit.
Picking up my pace I weave through the people on the street following Symbare as he leaps across buildings to get closer until I can see a line of police cars pulled up blocking off traffic from the street and... "huh, thought it'd be bigger."
It was still a bit of a sight, the yellowish-green gas didn't go any higher than the second floors of the nearby buildings and the windows of them seemed to keep it out. But that's only a comfort to the people inside of them or the ones that aren't smashed going from the diner in the middle of the street. The people in the gas, however, most were screaming extremely loud cowering, or running from something but there were a few attacking other people in the gas.
I'd make a comment about the GCPD being as useless as ever but somebody really should give these guys gas masks.
"It's not Digimon related, my tornado didn't do anything to the gas so it isn't data," Symbare had now jumped and landed over where I was standing watching the chaos on the grand avenue as most civilians outside of the gas were moving away from the scene, "likely could if I materialized but..."
"We'd be spotted?" Symbare nodded in response before folding his arms and started looking around the area, presumably checking if a local hero was near enough to handle this themselves. "I think that uh, we should..."
"Deal with this ourselves?"
"Yeah, I mean we only promised to keep the hideout secret right?" I mean don't think I'd be fine with just, letting this happen anyway and if it's not data then the gas shouldn't affect us. "I think I know who did this, sorry that I didn't think of it earlier."
"It's fine, be foolish to assume our presence would be a secret forever and I'd be disappointed if we let this play out. Besides," Symbares rabbit mouth broke into a grin, "I love to make an entrance, see if you can track down the cause I've got the gas." Symbare quickly leaped over the crowd, materializing mid-air, and over in front of the police blockade before holding both his arms forward, the right position below the left, as the wind quickly and visibly gathered between them, "Excuse me officers, BREAKIN' STREAM!"
"Sorry as well!" I yelled as I hopped over the blockade as well, the wind knocking the hood off my head, charging into the gas whilst Symbares tornado forced parts of it to dissipate where he aimed it. Not actually sure that's how any of that is meant to work, but good for us that it does.
"What in the. Gotham's got Neopets now?" An overweight noir-looking detective in the blockade called out in shock before shifting to a resigned tone, "Gotham gets all the damn freaks."
Neopet? REALLY?
"Get a move on kid!" Symbare called out whilst walking forward to get closer to more condensed gas whilst turning his head back to look at the detective, "and freak? You have no taste in style officer."
-----
It probably would have been faster to actually focus entirely on tracking down the 'good' doctor Crane, but I wasn't exactly going to let the armed people-driven violent by the gas do something they'd probably regret. That said none of my training was exactly about restraint when dealing with humans even if I didn't really work with my attacks either. So it was a lot of just running up to someone, shoving them over then either stomping on whatever firearm they were shooting widely or just tossing away any blunt objects.
Go far little guy!
Tossing another pipe back across towards Symbare I looked over the area again, still, more screaming people but at least the gas was mostly gone at the half of grand avenue over where the blockade was. Besides that it does seem like a lot of this was coming from the sewer below, but a few clouds were coming from rubbish bins, inside of which were canisters. So Scarecrow definitely planned this in advance since there's some set-up required.
Besides Arkham Knight though I don't remember him doing anything notably large scale, granted it's been a long time since I saw him cartoons or-
Cutting that thought off however was the impact of something hitting the back of my head and some of the fear gas clouding my vision, though the worst bit was that it just burnt my nostrils. Crane, pick a better-smelling toxin, please.
Speaking of, turning around I saw and heard the maniacal laughter, of the doctor in a brown baggy scarecrow costume who was currently aiming some kind of odd pistol with a container full of pellets connected to it. A gas gun, neat. Though I think he kind of expected a different response seeing as my lack of reaction to said gas and his laughter slowing down upon noticing I was just staring at him with an annoyed look on my face.
"Why did you think-" Another hit to my chest, "really-" forehead, "seriously-" sidestepping that one, "okay I'm just gonna punch you now."
Of course that declaration, and him finally getting the picture about his gas, caused him to try and run off leaving me to chase after him... Well, chase as in 'turns out I can run really fast compared to most' and 'Scarecrow skipped leg day.' As he got halfway down an alley before I pounce tackled him to the ground.
"Hello," Cheerfully smiling I raised a fist in preparation to hopefully not hit hard enough for serious damage, "You have done goofed sir."
At which point impish laughter rang out from above, then a boy in a domino mask landed in front of us clearly taking amusement at this situation. "Man, never thought I'd see the day Scarecrow was the one running scared from a monster in a dark alley, no offense."
"Uh, I," Holy shit that's Robin, and stop struggling Scarecrow you're making this more awkward, "It's- It's fine." Okay since he's just making this more embarrassing I point down at the villain. "Can you uh-"
"Yeah make room." As soon as I did by standing back up Robin gave him a quick blow to the back of his head, knocking Scarecrow out, 'funny I thought that was movie stuff', before pulling a pair of cuffs out and putting them on the doctor's wrists, "Now then, names Robin incase you didn't know."
"I-I. Hi?"
Oh great, even he's taller than me.
----
8
----
It's probably just a combination of usual nerves around younger people, new people, and the first time I've come face to face with someone that I guess could be considered famous. In a few meanings of that, considering all the stuff Robin was in back in my world whilst being one of the most notable sidekicks in this world. Hell back home Robin might as well be the codifier for the idea when it comes to superheroes, well the identity is given I don't know which one it is under the mask.
A pretty expressive domino one at that, given he seems amused at my continued mumbling.
Looking around I quickly spot a subject change by just remembering the situation on grand avenue then point back over in its direction, "Hey uh, maybe. That, yes."
"Yes?" Robin responds whilst moving to lift up Scarecrow's unconscious body. Kind of lucky that worked in a sense, maybe. Usually blows to the head don't quite reliably knock people out in real life, then again a month or so ago that also involved less strange stuff so fuck it apparently.
"That, we-I should, probably, maybe, help gas people yes?" Upon finally getting that not quite a smooth sentence out I quickly walked out the alley and everyone was already cuffed or unconscious or whatever... Was I really just, standing there for that long? Christ no wonder Robin was finding this funny, bloody gremlin.
Wonderful first impression, yaaaay.
"Yeah, we work fast," Robin proudly stated as he walked past me towards where the blockade was where the police have mostly moved from it helping people into ambulances that had arrived, a news crew had arrived with its crew getting equipment out of a van as one member was recording with a camera, "even faster when we get a hand."
"Oh, uh, okay." Well, the smoothness continues. Moving back to one of the rubbish bins I check into it to- oh it's empty.
"Already got those, we'll work on an antidote from the samples, just wait a sec." He walked over closer to the police and called over for their attention before dumping Scarecrow on the ground near them. During that time I looked around and was unable to spot Symbare who evidently had completely moved away from the blockade, or anywhere I can see on the street, nor is he in that diner.
He better not have ditched me, I mean I know he wouldn't. I think. I hope...
"Big bunny is up above, he agreed to have a talk with the Batman." Robin pointed at the rooftops, having finished whatever he had to tell the police, whilst pulling out some black gadget from his utility belt.
"Oh." Oh, he's just talking with Batman... Oh god, he's talking with Batman. "WHAT?" I mean Symbare isn't exactly a dumbass or anything but he, and other Digimon for that matter, tend to be a bit... off. Then again it's not like people who dress up and punch out criminals without super powers probably aren't the sanest group of people either. Maybe that'll even it out.
"Okay, I can see you're pretty whelmed right now," Aiming his gadget at the top of a nearby roof he pressed down one of his fingers causing the top of it to trigger a rope to shoot out and connect to the top of a building, "need a hand getting up there?"
"I'm- no I can-" Upon the confirmation, that I could get up there on my own he pushed down another finger and shot across the air as the rope zipped him over to the building where he then flipped over to the top of the roof, turning around then turning around to observe what I'm doing, "get up. Okay, sure I will just... climb then."
Is whelmed even a word? It kind of feels like this slaughter of words is a joke I'm not in.
-----
"So you're the Batman then?" Symbare questioned folding his arms as he looked over the tall masked man clad in black, and very dark greys, "Outfits a bit much in some areas, do rather like the belt though." Silence reigned on the rooftop as the two continued to stare at each other. "The pouches seem handy."
"Why are you here?" The Bat questioned in a stoic baritone, his face maintaining a flat expression, "And how long have you been in Gotham?"
"Not much for friendly conversation are you?" Symbare questioned, humming in response when Batman's eyes squinted down in a glare. "Alright then, know your type anyway. So for the first question, I was here on an investigation and came across the gas problem. Wasn't what I was expecting to find here."
"And what were you expecting?"
"That is... private information. Glare all you want sir, I've no reason to trust you on it. As for your second reason..." Symbare trailed off-putting a hand under his head in thought. "A while, I think it's been at least a month in this place."
Batman quietly processed the information before looking off to the side of the rooftop as a sound went off in his ear. "Scarecrow has been apprehended, your..."
"Student, I suppose you could call him that."
"...Student aided in his capture, he'll be handed off to the GCPD to be taken to Arkham." Batman finished, watching for how the rabbit man responded. Said rabbit man simply nodded his head before looking back down in thought. "You don't know what Arkham is do you?"
"Nope!" Symbare cheerfully admitted, "I would guess that if those cops are taking this 'Scarecrow' there then I assume it's fine. I don't really care so long as he's not doing that weird gas stuff."
"It's a place for the criminally insane to receive treatment," Batman informed, whilst internally noting its current poor track record when it came to those considered 'supervillains' in Gotham, "A chance to improve and rejoin society whilst keeping the public safe from them."
"Not... how things usually go back home," Symbare noted before shrugging again, "but alright then. Glad we could help."
Batman simply remained quiet, before motioning for the rabbit man to wait as a quiet impact sound hit the side of the roof. Upon which the small form of Robin flipped over onto the roof and faced Batman, "Scarecrow is with the GCPD and out like a light, our canine friend said he could get up on his own." Turning away from Batman he quickly introduced himself to Symbareangoramon and then looked back over the edge of the roof to observe the other Digimon.
"He's unharmed I take it?" Symbare asked the small hero moving alongside him to watch Strabimon walk up to the building.
"Other than being totally whelmed? He's fine." Robin reassured the tall Digimon, as the smaller one bent his knees and then jumped up three floors before stabbing his claws into the side of the building, muttering something about 'not being able to pay for that' and then using his arms to launch upward again much higher than the roof of the building.
"...It's a work in progress." Holding his hand out and looking up Symbare waited until Strabimon came back down then grabbed his arm, "We really gotta work on that part of climbing." Strabimon simply stayed quiet looking downwards in shock before releasing a breath and muttering a thank you as he was put down on the roof.
"I, Uhm." The canine Digimon looked between those who stood on the roof now staring at him before quietly moving slightly behind and to the left of Symbare, "He hasn't uh, said anything... bad has he?"
"No," Batman stated as Symbare turned to his student who gave him a nervous smile as Robin simply cackled to himself.
"Really? The lack of faith here hurts kid," the deadpan tone hiding Symbare's shared amusement before he changed to a joking tone, "also manners, you didn't even introduce yourself."
"Oh right, I'm uh... Strabimon? I guess. And, I guess you know him since you've been speaking."
"Actually I never told him my name," Symbare admitted with his student slowly turning to look at him with an open-mouthed incredulous and annoyed expression to which Symbare gave a grin back, "What? It's not like anyone asked. Symbareangoramon, before anyone does."
"Jackass," Strabimon whispered to his teacher before looking between the two heroes quickly as he nervously rubbed his hands together, "so are we uh, okay? And done?"
"We are... okay. However..."
-----
"At which point Batman asked about where they've been staying, they wouldn't answer where in any exact sense but said it was handled, and then said if they're going to be doing any hero business in Gotham they should know how and have a way to contact us." Robin finished telling his story to the two people sitting with him at a table in the kitchen of the base inside mount justice, a blonde girl listening closely to him and a ginger-haired boy who was much less focused on the story and more on the snack food he was consuming.
There was also a black-haired teen in a black shirt with a superman symbol on it who was sitting watching tv static on the nearby sofa area but he hadn't shown any interest in the current topic.
"Huh, Well good to hear Strabimon is fine since last I saw him," The blonde girl, Artemis said, "Didn't sound much like him at first there until he sent himself into the air, he could barely run when I saw him."
"Yeah looks like his teacher did good work there," Robin said before lifting up a phone to show the screen and scrolling through a few Gotham occult rumor sites, "going from what Artemis told us when we met her and looking for possibilities on why they showed up we can guess that they were looking into these rumors at grand avenue that Scarecrow was causing as there was a major increase in reports in that area caused by the small amounts of fear toxin leaked recently."
"So what," The ginger boy, Wally, spoke with his mouth full muffling his words, "they're some kind of furry ghostbusters?"
"No idea, it's concerning that we've got so little on what they are if they've really been here for months though, we think Scarecrow might have been trying to draw them out but he ended up going off-script, pretty unlikely he could have gotten the resources for all that fear toxin by himself so soon after his last trip to Arkham."
"So what about those two then?"
"We're going to try keeping an eye on them, so far they seem friendly but interesting that they denied they were heroes even if they've helped people as far as we can tell. Strabimon seems pretty lacking in terms of practical experience, which is reassuring given he's going about with those claws."
"Yeah, and I saw him punch that ghost thing pretty hard in the school before he ended up turning it into a weird egg," Artemis added, "that watch gadget he's got was strange as well, not convinced he knew."
"I didn't see him use it back there, for now, Batman thinks it's best to keep in contact with them in case they become willing to open up but to keep distant for now. Though he wants us to try approaching Strabimon ourselves if given the chance."
"Like the team?" Wally swallowed the last of his food and then leaned back in his chair, "Well I'm glad they got faith in us for something like this, would prefer more missions though. Flash thought it'd be better to just walk up and offer to sit down with them about hero stuff when I brought up these new guys."
"Not the full team. It's more that he looked to be the nervous type, so he figured having those closer to his age talk with him would be for the best. Artemis he's met before but we don't know how he'd react to telepathy given either since Megan can be a bit forward in that area, and Wally you're like, the least intimidating guy I know."
"...I can't tell if that's an insult or not."
----
9 (Oh yeah, I think this is about the point the Kaname Date traits of Symbare start showing)
----
"I think that went well," Symbare stated as I climbed down from holding onto his back, as we finished traveling back to near the Digimon hideout by jumping across rooftops and having decided it was better to let me just hang on than jump myself after launching myself into the air rather than risk me doing something like that again.
Which was kind of terrifying, and embarrassing but at least the fur should block any face going red, I think. I hope.
"I guess. Suppose it was at least a good first impression?" Removing my arms from around Symbare, I hop off onto the ground stretching a little before pulling out a spare phone, probably a burner, which Robin handed me before we left in case of an emergency or something like that. "You want to have one of the others come out to check this for any tracker stuff they might have snuck in? They're sneaky like that."
"Yeah sure," Symbare took the phone off me before climbing onto a roof, spending half a minute up there, before hopping back down, "alright it's safe and hidden. Now time to, speak to the others."
-----
The others took it... reasonably well. We had a couple of Digimon pretty upset that we chose to let ourselves get seen so visibly but took comfort in that it was at least in a manner that didn't let anyone know about the hideout so that's safe. Plus the argument that helping in such a way should give the humans- people, I meant people- a positive impression of us which could prove helpful. Or it is at least better than a more hostile Digimon being the one to make the first notable public impression.
Internally referring to humanity as separate from myself, hope that's not a sign of anything. I guess it's not wrong in one sense, but still. Not like it's been THAT long even if I'm more used to it now.
Speaking of positive impressions a few Digimon, mostly those from Symbares class like Impmon, were pretty ecstatic about the whole thing. Frankly, I think Gazimon just likes it when we get to do "righteous violence upon evil" as he put it even when limited to shoving hallucinating people over and pouncing on Scarecrow. Still not sure what his plan was shooting me after I wasn't affected by the gas unless he missed that, though guess I shouldn't expect logic from crazy.
After talking with the others, we just ended up deciding to go to bed and see what the response is on the news and online tomorrow.
At least I have pajamas for that now, pajamas are nice.
-----
"Do you all have to crowd around me?" I asked the Digimon who decided they were interested in me using the hideout computer to look up news and public reactions to last night's incident, "it's a bit... uncomfortable."
"Yep," multiple members of the small crowd, Commandramon, Symbares class, and the mon himself, all flatly responded at the same time.
"I want to see if they got good angles of me," Symbare followed up with a proud grin then waved his hand about, "and you of course."
Riiiight.
Well let's see, most news sites outside of Gotham didn't have us on the front page outside of smaller-sized links. Must not be particularly notable for this world at large at this point I guess. There was a G. Gordon Godfrey show that made a point of it, from the transcript it was flipping out about what could be more aliens sneaking onto Earth. Only stood out to me cause I'm like, 70% sure I've heard that name before.
Wasn't he the guy who complained about Wonder Woman's outfit in the Justice League cartoon? Maybe he hates Symbares lack of shirt. Wonder if that is a real universe as well actually.
Shaking my head and turning my attention back to the computer I brought up Gotham news sites looking for the one who had the van last night or any others that had reporters on the scene. Which, didn't take long to at least find a video recording of part of the incident.
-----
The footage started focused on a red-haired reporter woman who was standing in front of the blockade where Symbare could be seen using his Breakin' Stream on the last bits of fear toxin gas in the background.
"Vicki Vale here reporting from Grand Avenue near the site of the recent villain attack with a hallucinogenic gas that has caused its victims to enter a state of severe panic. However, two unknown beings showed up to assist seemingly out of nowhere with one still nearby."
The woman stepped out of the way as the camera zoomed in on Symbare as he finished with the gas then before moving forward down the avenue turned and with a smile winked at the camera.
The footage paused as Strabimon clicked on the video and the Digimon watching the footage all slowly turned to look at Symbare with either unamused flat expressions or amusement who was standing with a grin on his face before he brought up his hands defensively "What?"
"Seriously? A wink?" Strabimon questioned while bringing his palm to his face, "I can't tell if you were trying to flirt or something there."
"It's part of making a good impression! People like a friendly face." The response to this statement was silence as the group slowly turned back to face the computer screen.
"You're lucky you're pretty," Commandramon sighed, "Alright Strabimon start the video again."
"Right, though I don't get how he's pretty at all," Strabimon muttered as he clicked on the video again.
"HEY!"
Upon Symbare making it halfway down the road as Strabimon was hit by gas pellets a black-clad figure dropped down in front of him, although the footage lacked any audio as the camera was unable to pick up anything said at the distance it was clear they were speaking to each other. They took off after their brief words with the Dark Knight grappling onto a roof with Symbare jumping after him.
"And now our resident dark knight has made contact with the larger of the strange creatures. So far they seem cooperative in this incident but will that last? We will see about interviewing witnesses for their opinions and if they saw anything different from what we did. But for now, we're keeping watch."
-----
Well, that was mostly positive, besides Symbare being an embarrassment. Smart enough to teach but dumb enough to do that, or he's just a bit too confident in his looks. I swear if he manages to start something cause of that, should see about keeping him away from cameras.
Clicking through the comments it also seems mostly the same, bar a few complaining about 'more freaks for Gotham' and 'damned furries' which I kind of guessed would happen. It's not unexpected but... esh that's gonna be awkward. Kind of glad I was mostly in the distance and still had the hoody on compared to Symbare being up close and shirtless.
Course there was a few comments actually of the sort, complaining about not getting footage of the 'smaller one' or being a bit... appreciative of what they got.
"Hey I like this guy," Symbare happily spoke up before pointing to a specific comment, "Is it me or is the bunny guy kind of hot in a weird way?"
"OKAY, ENOUGH INTERNET FOR ME TODAY!" I loudly declared closing the web page before standing up to the disappointed complaints of the other Digimon. I would have checked like a forum but that was just weird, like hearing people talk about your dad being attractive sort of weird.
....Why is everyone staring at me funny? Symbare is oddly amused...Oh, I said that out loud didn't I? "I'm going to my room cause that phone is clear, later!"
----
10
----
End result of messing with the phone? Nothing really, granted it was mostly just an excuse not to listen and be embarrassed further. I like Symbare and all, but he's kind of a bit weird about the "beauty" thing. I guess one could say he could be pretty for a rabbit man thing but that is seriously not my area of expertise, my degree was in human biology and infectious diseases after all!
Though given the kind of things I live with now that's sort of lost its usefulness. Not that I ever got to really use it anyway.
I'd say "leave that to the internet to figure out" but from those comments, guess people like the bun. Whilst I am far more thankful there wasn't good footage of me cause eesh, not an experience I would like to go through. But I suspect at some point I will to a degree, cause internet and its lack of restraint.
Still as is now I kind of, don't have anything to do. Suppose I could keep an eye out for any more 'ghost' and 'monster' rumors, kind of surprised it took so long for any of us to run into one of the Batman's villains which just makes me question my luck on it. Strange I haven't seen anything on a few come to think of it, nothing on Killer Croc, Clayface, or even Manbat. Those I'd expect to hear something on.
Still what to do... Wonder if they'll let me install games on the computer? Eh probably would end up smashing the keyboard on accident. Damn.
-------
Nothing much happened for a couple of days, more training and classes with Symbare and that lot but nothing notable in the rumor department and I didn't get anything on the phone. Didn't have much reason to leave the hideout, that said after a few days...
------
I swear this used to be less stressful, probably doesn't help there's even more stuff I'm less used to in doing it this way. More so in that, it leaves me feeling like I should be sweating, anxious that I'll break something and ruin it for everyone else.
I question everyone's sanity on this one, I said I found it interesting and that I used to be in a class on it that I never finished properly. Apparently, they took that as "hey let's have Strabi take part in it! We could do with more who can" rather than just curiosity. I'd have refused but, the younger ones pushed for it, and gah.
"Alright now, flip them!" Flamedramon called out, having used his fire to ignite charcoal under a kind of homemade barbeque earlier since we lacked any kind of proper oven as it seems nobody here knew how to connect gas without anyone noticing like with the electricity, which then prompted me to flip over the burger meat being cooked, "nice job little chef, we're almost done."
"Please don't call me that," stepping away from the barbeque I grabbed buns ready for putting the burger meat into them, "so I can go after this?"
"Oh yes, I would like to work with you again even if it is with this poor equipment," Flamedramon shook his head in disgust "the sacrifices one must make for feeding the hungry mouths here."
"I, thanks I guess? Not sure why you'd want to do that though." It's pretty stressful in general, though I guess he was a cook back in the digital world anyway. Or just, really into it given he still did it in kitchens when he got here.
"I enjoy spreading the joy of good food of course! Teaching others just expands that beyond what I do myself. Now put on those buns and I will hand these out whilst you... do whatever it was." He finished dismissively, man does not seem to care much for stuff outside of his cooking, at least he's passionate?
Finishing up and taking my burger to the computer I took up the usual check-up of occult rumor sites, turning up nothing really useful again, and checked the news. "Oh, a Justice League fight against a robot..." The fight itself took around four hours apparently, would have questioned that but this... muscular elf-looking guy was a power copying robot, which meant they were giving it more.
Still, think that rounds it down to probably being AMAZO. Bit, different than the one I can remember, more person-looking. I question why on the elf ears but given the evil mad science creator stuff here I can probably chalk that up to "style points."
Still, fun to see them in action a bit. It's always cool to see superheroes flying through the air doing the big punches, laser eyes, and all that fun stuff. Good old Superman and his weird variety of powers, so long as he's actually good, which he does look to be, though I have no issue with that here.
But that kind of leaves out anything interesting today, so just time to eat and then finish up for the day since that seems to be about it today.
------
Course the day I think that AND am ready for bed at that point is the point that phone goes off.
And nobody around to answer it for me damn. Should have let Symbare hold onto it after it was clear of any tracking stuff, then again not sure he'd know how to work one.
Pushing the answer button I bring up the phone to my head, and notice this was not built in mind for one whose ears are on the top of the head, and hear what seems to be some vehicle driving? "Uh, hi?"
"Strabimon, quick question where are you and Symbare right now?" The voice of Robin comes through the phone's speakers.
He must be in the middle of something with how rushed he sounds.
"Uhhh, home?" Well, that works as an explanation, it's not technically a lie.
"Good, listen there's an android that can copy powers heading in the direction of Gotham now, do not let him see you or Symbare and make this worse if they get off there," Robin stressed as I got up from bed and put my shoes on, no time to get out of my pajamas into a more normal outfit alas.
"Oka- wait didn't the league fight one today?" Did, they not break Amazo into pieces? Cause that seems like a bad idea, they are the sort of thing you break into tiny pieces to not deal with again anytime soon.
"Long story, just don't confront it if you see it and keep away?"
"Sure," not like I want to fight Amazo anyway, "I can keep an eye out if that helps I guess? In case somebody else is nearby or something."
"Yeah sure do that, Robin out." As soon as he said that the phone cut off. Guess I will uh, try and keep an eye out for that then? Better check no other Digimon are hovering about, don't know if he can then but I'd rather him not end up with digivolution or anything weird. Still should at least tell Symbare about this as well.
Popping around to his room I move my head in to speak. "Hey, Symbare- oh you're asleep. Guess I'll go do it myself?" Huh, a bit earlier than expected to actually be asleep. Well, I'm not going for a fight so shouldn't be an issue.
...maybe I shouldn't think such things and tempt fate? I'll tell Commandramon what I'm doing, she's up on night guard tonight, that'll be fine.
------
One good thing about this fur I'll give it helps for going out at night in pajamas in a rush and not feeling cold, especially when standing on top of a roof. Still not brushing it though no matter how much Symbare complains about 'self-care' and such. Still, funny how easy is to climb up stuff now, not enough to like hanging out near edges but hey.
Well looks like it's not stopping in Got-
At which point some... guy in a black shirt flew through the air and from the angle was knocked that way since he's going down. Well that and the sound of crashing and stuff breaking in the distance about two seconds later, so they impacted into something. Still, not much I can see from here so I climbed down and ran closer to where they went whilst I got the phone out of a pocket as all the best clothes do unlike a strabimons normal pants to message Robin, the previous caller thing worked at so there's that rather than trying to dial a number I'd never remember.
Or text, no idea how anyone did that quickly with these sorts of phone buttons.
"I guess the black shirt guy is yours? Cause he kind of just got sent into uh..." Looking down the street as I walked closer to make out the words on a sign of the building
"Gotham Academy and yeah I know him." Robin cut me off over the phone, though he sounded a bit amused
"Ah, okay. Well, the area seems empty enough so uh, I'll..."
"Not engage, we're almost there and can handle this." Robin quickly responded before hanging up.
"...Stand here I guess." Well, that was a bit rude, but they are in the middle of something so give that a pass. Though it sounds a bit rough in there with the smashing sounds, like the last school I visited here come to think of it. Maybe schools in Gotham just have bad luck.
Further reminiscing of the previous destruction was cut off as a half yellow, half red blur moved past me. Not sure which one that was again... Speedy? Something fast named, though I thought the Teen Titans weren't a thing here and so far three young heroes working together kind of feels like that.
...Huh that's a lot of small things heading this way, little flying things. Green ones...
...Oh this is totally about to be an issue they forgot to warn about.
11 (To those who can write fight scenes well? All the damn respect)
----
The "things probably should have mentioned" turned out to be flying robotic... monkeys? With glowing green eyes, ears, and some lines on the joints of their bodies. Very... funky? They're high-tech-looking I'll just leave it at that.
So are they heading into the school or...? Oh nope, they're flying down at me an- SHIT.
Hoping back a small distance as some kind of green blast comes from the eyes of one of the robots leaving a burning hole where I was stood, okay they're aggressive and my presence apparently offends them. Or something, I dunno but there's a bunch of them and I'm not particularly sure about my ability to escape from a bunch of flying things.
Mind they could just go after the others which, might be an issue on top of Amazo soooo.
Kicking the first one that got close, which shattered its body taking it out, I took the initiative to run inside the academy. Not about to fight a bunch of eye-blasting things out in the open and if the noise continues should be simple enough to funnel them in whilst avoiding Amazo, unless like they fly to him. So uh, hope that doesn't happen actually.
Okay so, the plan is uh. Use violence? Wow, I did not think much of this through. They don't seem alive in any sense so no reason to hold back at least.
Looking around the hallway I see a bunch of busted-up parts of the floor and dents in the walls with one trophy cabinet having had its glass smashed. The loud smashing noises were coming from the other side of some double doors, so not going in there. "Okay, beat a ghost so this should be, nothing like that." ...Well, that self-pep talk was ass.
The front doors of the school smashed open as the group of about 10 to 15 robotic monkeys entered the school and started creeping forward. Okay, group of small things so uh. Fuck it. I immediately charge toward the robots opening up my hands to bear my claws and swiping at the first robot that leaped back at me, tearing it into pieces and then stomping on one that tried to charge from below smashing its torso into pieces. And, also making a hole in the school's floor, ah whoops.
This is going surprisingly well I thought grabbing another monkey and tossing it into another before I felt one grab onto the back of my neck, another on my leg before I felt a severe burning pain flare-up on my chest, the kind of sort you'd feel grabbing something out of the oven without something to cover your hands. One of the monkeys in the brawl actually managed to hit me and left a burning hole through my shirt with my fur burnt black in it.
"Okay," I growled trying not to focus on the burning pain as I felt... surprisingly irritated instead of near tears like I would have thought from a burn like this, before leaping at the monkey that blasted me and ramming my right fist through its head. "Oh that felt-" Another blast came at me from ahead interrupting me as I jumped up over it and hit my head on the ceiling, "damn." Didn't even dislodge the monkeys on me on, and now I felt another grab onto my other leg and start trying to send me flying or something by turning on its jets, mostly just making it harder to stand.
"Can you," one more on my chest, "all just," ducking below the next that went for my head I impaled the one behind it on my claws, "STOP!" As I yelled that something must have happened because all the other monkey's lights turned off, stopped moving and those clinging onto me fell off then hit the ground.
Uh, what. I mean good but... did I do that? Seems like it but uh, hell if I know how.
Digimon, are kind of good at brute-forcing tech stuff and I guess they might have been on the same network, in-fact the fighting in the gym seems to have stopped from sudden the lack of noise. But, not sure how I just made them do that, maybe wanting them to stop whilst I had one impaled did it? Go me I guess- oh the lights are going back on it's not permanent crap. Acting quickly I started stomping on their heads before they could all turn back on.
I thought I got them all until the sound of one of their jet packs started behind me, though I needn't have bothered turning around to hit as an arrow hit it in the head.
"So," a girl in a green costume, that left her midriff visible, and a mask that covered her face but not around her mouth and left her long blonde ponytail uncovered, spoke up whilst giving a confident smirk and spinning another arrow before putting it back in her quiver "that makes us even I'd say."
"What?" I have no idea who this is, the green and arrow symbol on her chest says probably something to do with Green Arrow at least, "I don't know. Wait." Archer girl... nope drawing a blank. "No sorry, thanks anyway?" Not sure the assist there was even really needed but the intent is appreciated.
"Wow I'm hurt," the girl sarcastically says, whilst the door behind her opened up as two more people came into the school before rushing off into the gym, "and after our last school event was so memorable."
Those two seemed in a hurry, guess I'm not a priority though not sure when they got a heads up there.
"Last?" The last time I was in school was when Bakemon- ohhhh I think I got it, "Miss Hood?" I ask, which gets a clap and thumbs up of confirmation, "You uh. Look, different?" In a professional hero sort of way, even with that 'no armor here shoot me' bit. Guess I was right on her being good, "Not in a bad way but uh. Like, very. Green?"
"Got a real way with words there, better dressed than you, did you seriously come here in... Pajamas?" She questions looking up and down at me, "And it's Artemis now, felt more fitting."
"Still, Strabimon here I guess. And I like," looking down at my shirt which is now sporting a hole from the energy blast, and other bits were torn up from where they had physically been attacking me, "aww dammit. Well, uh. I think it's time for me to go."
"Oh no," Artemis cuts me off with a very annoyed tone to her voice, "you are not suddenly bailing again."
"But, uh. I want to?" My reasoning is sound! Kind of, but seeing as Artemis is glaring at me I get the idea she doesn't seem to feel the same way. I could use the digivice to dematerialize but, I'd lose my pajamas going back invisible to them but still naked. And I guess it'd be a bit rude to do it again, "and like, maybe police? Also, I gotta go home?"
Oh hey, more people I don't know.
----- A minute or so earlier
To say the fight with Amazo was going well would be an exaggeration, considering a lot of it so far has involved nothing making much damage and either trying to avoid getting hit or being sent flying. Especially in the case of Superboy who was really starting to understand what Robin was getting on about fighting those stronger than you even if he was a 'living weapon' as he put it. The quick rescue from being pounded further into the ground from Kid Flash grabbing was, quietly appreciated at least.
Especially since Robin making his presence known by tossing more exploding birdarangs, his own version of batarangs, at Amazo. Even if they had proven ineffective so far at actually hitting the android they still held its attention, though Superboy was curious about the fighting he heard pick up in the nearby hallways since as he knew the other members of the team were still some distance off.
Tossing another set of birdarangs after Amazo used Superman's strength to knock back Superboy again with a punch Robin did mostly expect the android to change powers again. But as it vocalized the change again something went wrong with it as the voice of the android cut off right as it finished saying "Martian" before going still giving the fight their first clear damaging hit once the dust cleared around its head the mechanical face and upper chest had its outer layers blown off exposing the circuitry within.
"What," the confused and panicked voice of Professor Ivo called out from the bleachers with his two MONQI's that had been sitting with him also having switched themselves off prompting the Professor to hastily pull out a loudly beeping device, "Stop? I gave no such order Ama-"
Course he might have finished whatever his plan was if not for Superboy having gotten back up and realizing they had an opportune moment leaped yelling loudly at the Professor who scrambled to get away in fear, albeit not fast enough for him to press a button on the device to reactive his robotic monkeys whereas Amazo was clearly struggling to move with the damage already taken.
This might have led somewhere had Robin decided that a robotic head that was no longer protected by its armored shell was just ripe for being electrocuted and made it collapse once again, "Sorry Professor, but I think you might want to go back to shop class for this one!" Robin taunted before letting off a round of impish laughter as Ivo was still trying to run away from Superboy whilst Kid Flash dealt with the MONQIs he left behind in the gym. Sure Robin couldn't take credit or know why they all decided to bug out like that, but he's pretty sure the taunting will annoy Ivo so win-win for him.
'Guys? Artemis got ahead but Kaldur and I are almost-' The voice of Miss Martian rang through the head of Robin and the others before stopping as she felt another message come along from Robin.
'Just be quick and give me a hand taking apart the android before it turns back on. Again. Where's Artemis?'
'Near the entrance actually, guess who I found with some of those monkeys?' Artemis's mental voice was carrying some amusement and confusion, 'Strabimon seems to like showing up for school fights, he's a got a burn from one of those eye blasts and the monkeys seem to have got a hold of him in a few places but he looks alright.'
Robin wasn't surprised that much at his presence, a little annoyed that he evidently didn't stick to just trying to keep an eye on things without engaging but also did feel a bit thankful that from the sounds of it he ended up preventing reinforcements of Ivo's from getting to him.
What part of do not engage the android- oh. Right, didn't tell him anything about the monkeys... Whoops, well I'm sure he'll take that fine.
------
12 (I'll get people to treat me my actual age. Yeah I'm certain that'll never happen. Also Gammamon showed hacking so that's neat to use)
----
The people I didn't know were a tall darker-skinned teenage boy with short blonde hair and... gills? There was also a green girl with red hair, black shirt boy the living projectile from before, Robin, and a ginger teenage boy in a yellow and red costume that covered his body besides his eyes, hair, and most of his lower face with a pair of goggles resting on his forehead.
See if this were a Digimon world I'd assume he's the leader, or at least what would be the protagonist. Which is a pretty weird thought to have about someone outside of that context.
Curious as to what they were doing, most of them took a look at me before continuing to move what look to be mechanical body parts whilst also escorting some formally dressed professor-looking guy. Guess they dealt with that android, hope they're just going to melt the damn thing down or put it in a condition they'll never get it working again. Though I suppose Professor... whatshisname just builds another one.
"Okay but... I'm, not sure what to say here? It seems like everything's handled." Rubbing my hands together I try to keep my mind distracted from the lingering pain and to keep my hands busy. Seriously I don't see what point in staying there is besides, talking I guess.
"A start would be just telling me what the hell was up with that ghost, thing, whatever was back when I first met you." Artemis folded her arms in frustration before letting out a breath and dropping to a less harsh tone, "sorry but, that stuff was just insane and you owe me at least something on that instead of just running off on your own." She sounds... worried? Can be a bit hard to tell with people at times but, I guess that would disturb most people on at least some level. Since 'suddenly ghosts are real' but not actually a ghost.
"Oh." Still, I suppose that's fair. Even if this time I didn't really need help I'm not totally sure how well I'd have done against Bakemon on my own, plus I suppose 'suddenly ghosts are a thing' would shake up one's worldview. That said not sure how much Symbare and the others would let slide. "Well, uh. It really wasn't a ghost, at least not in the usual ghost sense. They were like, a creature from another dimension? But with some different rules."
Artemis nodded her head quietly as she seemed to process the information whilst the others continued to move robot parts outside the school. Though oddly her eyebrows narrowed, like she was annoyed but, nobody did anything? "So, it really wasn't anything... supernatural?"
I can see why one would think that with Bakemon even if they are somewhat cartoony ghosts. But, I don't think they really count as supernatural since Digimon aren't magic in that sense. Maybe, so I shook my head at her question, "not in the way people use that word I think. I mean, I guess I count as much as Bakemon did since I'm, kind of from that dimension in a way?"
The conversation however was interrupted by the yellow costumed teenage hero rushing up in a blur with a grin that felt... weirdly smug? Why is he smug? "Hey good to meet you, so what's this I hear about other dimensions and not ghosts?"
....Okay I think I'm missing something here, still, manners are a virtue even if he's lacking them right now so I gave a smile and waved to uhhh. Ah hell, what was it again? He's fast so, something like that. "Hi uhhh, Speedy was it?" The moment I said that I figured it was wrong, not just from his pained expression but also because Artemis was clearly amused with how she was grinning. "Sorry."
"Great even the pokemon gets it wrong." The boy let out a loud sigh before pointing at the lightning bolt on his chest, "Kid. Flash. It's not hard."
"Right, sorry." I apologized, though he seems a bit old for a kid codena- Wait a damn second, "hold on pokemon?" I pointed a finger at Kid Flash in a not entirely serious accusing manner as I gave him a hard stare, at least I think I did, "you take that back boy!"
"Who you calling boy? You sound like you're twelve and are smaller than everyone else here!" Kid Flash pointed an accusing finger back at me but held his other hand up to Artemis before she could step in, "and don't say 'size matters not' or something, I put my hand on your head and you wouldn't even be able to reach me."
"Yeah well," Okay I can either blow the entire thing about what I am and used to be or I can come up with a proper comeback, "your... uh?" Or I could just fail at that entirely, banter seemed easier on TV and such. Still, fucker I almost had something. "Damnit." Course the failure at that seemed to amuse Kid Flash as he broke out into a victorious smile as I folded my arms in frustration. "You win this round, so are we done here?"
Come to think of it I haven't really paid much attention to my voice now, besides being more childish I guess. Wonder if I can hear a recording of it, voice always sounds different in those.
"Well, I would like to hear more on the not ghost magic other dimension stuff," why is he going on about magic? "But seeing how you're dressed I imagine you don't have all night so to be quick two things, are there any more of those dimensional monsters to watch out for?"
"I don't know, maybe? They're not always, violence-happy some are just... weird people. They just kinda show up I think."
"Right... okay, and the second question since you and your rabbit dad guy are doing hero stuff our mentors have been curious about you two, wanna meet some to talk? The Batman might prefer being hands-off with you new guys but Flash I know is fine with helping to learn the ropes."
"I'm... not sure." This sounds, helpful. I suppose I can see the Flash being more upfront than just waiting to see if can be trusted in a distant manner, given how extroverted they tend to be. But, it's a bit odd to me that they'd be the one to do that since the cartoons often had him be rather... childish. Though they never had sidekicks in those either. "I mean, I guess I'd have to ask Symbare about it. He's not my dad by the way."
Bit of an odd thing to think, do we even look alike? Beyond animal man in pants and some belts... okay so a few minor details.
"Aww, but you called me that the other day," Symbare's voice spoke up out of nowhere from behind me, Fuckin- I'm gonna punch someone who does that one of these days and it'll be totally justified, prompting me to spin around to face him as he shifted from an amused smile to a deadpan stare once he faced me, "and you've gone and gotten hurt. Commandramon came and woke me up after you left."
"And you said you were just going to keep an eye out," Commandramon said as she stepped out from behind Symbare with her rifle in hand but not pointed at anyone even as she saw the teenage heroes, "didn't exactly keep your word on that one."
"...I didn't mean to get into a fight?" Well, this is awkward. Now it really feels like being told off by parents in front of others. I am nailing these first impressions.
------
'Dude, there's a dinosaur in military gear with an assault rifle here.' Kid Flash messaged over the team's mental link as he watched Strabimon get scolded by the other two creatures. 'I can't decide if that's amazing or just stupid.'
'Yeah, it's, something alright. I'm gonna vote for both of those things.' Artemis confirmed for Kid Flash, 'Gotta say your "be annoying" idea got Strabimon talking just fine.'
'Why thank you-'
'Though it was really more just being yourself.' As Artemis gave her jab at Kid Flash the group of creatures turned to face the two teenagers, 'Did anyone even see those two come in?'
'No, I heard the wolf boy fighting the robotic monkeys before but not these two.' Superboy responded, the others having decided to wait outside to let the two currently in handle talking whilst remaining close enough in case they needed backup.
"So yellow one," Symbare said walking up to Kid Flash with his hands behind his back whilst giving him an appraising look for a couple of seconds before shrugging, "well I've seen worse ways to dress. Better than my student is right now at least."
'Okay, furry-bait here is a weirdo.' Kid Flash held back his snark verbally but didn't leave it outside the mental link.
"Can you not do this right now?" Strabimon asked putting his head into his hands in embarrassment before sighing and turning to Kid Flash, "Sorry he's a bit of a fashion critic. But uh, on that offer."
"You got a place or time for it? I'm actually kind of curious about this Flash and the kid here says he thinks it's a good idea...."
----
13 (Symbare, finding the joys of acting like a goof to embarrass one he keeps registering as a child)
----
Alright so, they said they'd message us in a few days to set that up since he'd need to speak to Flash to set that up. Frankly, I'd, really rather deal with the Flash than Batman if it comes down to learning about the Justice League. Or learning from them, and frankly, I think Symbare would have fewer chances of causing an incident or something with him than Batman.
Unless they get along too well, that has a few ways of going badly.
"Okay so got the number for that phone off of Robin so see ya!" Kid Flash said before running off... not in a flash? Maybe it's just me but I thought he'd be, faster. Could be he just needs to build up acceleration maybe? Still faster than an Olympic athlete on all the drugs it seemed so still better than any human back home ever could do.
"Right so then until next time, bye." I wave to Artemis, the last human still here, before spinning around to follow Symbare and Commandramon out of the school- Oh hey it's the ground, "SHIT." Goddamn monkey debris trip over trap!
"Well," I heard Artemis chuckle behind me along with her footsteps as she left the building, "that's more in line with what I remember from you, good luck with your parents!"
They're not my parents, at least falling doesn't hurt but dammit meeting heroes are turning into a sequence of embarrassing incidents every time I run into them.
------
"So, uh." I took a seat on my bed as Symbare stood with his arms folded by my room door, "How mad are you?" Cause, this feels like a being mad cause you got into a fight situation, speaking of, "Because I wasn't, trying to get into a fight there I just uh."
"I'm not mad," Symbare sighed lowering his arms before coming over and kneeling next to my bed, "more concerned. And annoyed. You at least told Commandramon about what you were doing, not sure what you expected her to do besides waking me up to inform me there."
"Ah, well I tried telling you but you were asleep and..." Yeah, I probably could have woke him up there but, I dunno felt awkward so. I didn't. Somehow potential danger felt better than doing something like that.
"Didn't try very hard then. Look, if you want to help people like I'm not... opposed to it. I figured it'd be a part of what you are," I assume he's talking about the warrior thing there, not like I can check if I got or... am a spirit thing, "just not like this on your own. So sure, I'll meet this Flash guy to help on that but promise me one thing." Symbare looks around before picking up my scarf that I wasn't wearing and pointing to the symbol on it, "I don't know what this could mean, but if the warriors are coming back then we might have need of you."
"Or you won't, could be nothing, I'm still the only thing of that sort we've actually seen." Nothing would be great, the less responsibility the better. I'm fine with helping, I like helping people but I'd rather stay on the down-low than anything.
"Could be, but we just can't tell and I'd rather we be safer than sorry. So if it comes to it, if something goes really wrong you save yourself over others if you have to," Symbare put the scarf down as his voice became somber, "not... exactly proud of saying that. But..."
Yeah, that seems more callous than I'd expect from him, but... I guess I get it, still heavy expectations over a "what if" idea. Though I'd rather not deal with a sad Symbare at this hour sooo.
"I think I get it, can't say I've never thought something like that before." I quietly say before breaking into a smug smile, "Or is this your way of saying you like having me around?"
Symbare to his credit recovers quickly from the sudden shift in tone before brightening his expression up "Course I do, when I'm around you I get to look like a single parent. People love it."
"Yeah, they truly do love to see a creepy rabbit man hanging around with a kid-looking thing like me." Not a child, but willing to take advantage of it for some back and forth. Which seems to be appreciated as Symbare lets out some quiet laughter before getting up and moving to leave the room.
"Alright better get some sleep then, a child your age shouldn't be up at this hour. Smartass."
...Okay I set myself up for that child comment.
------
So the Flash agreed to meet us in The Hall of Justice in Washington DC on August 6th, apparently there because "Bats gets real grumpy when other leaguers show up in his city unannounced" though I think he just doesn't want to talk to him if he can help it. Bit hard to tell from texts but frankly, I don't blame him.
Though I seem to be the only one like that here, given the Digimon don't seem to get what the deal of a "grumpy man in a costume" is, more so in that he isn't one of the superhuman guys about. Which, I suppose adds up. If you come from a world of monsters, witches, and all sorts of weird stuff he probably registers really damn low on that scale.
Still, that leaves getting there. Apparently, there are faster ways to get there but I'm not a fan of flying and the other is "classified" or something. For now anyway so we get to go the long way, could be fun. Never been to Washington before, or America for that matter. Be nice to get out of "shit is pretty fucked" the city for a while, not to be mistaken for "shit is really fucked" the city of bludhaven.
Actually, if there's no Nightwing about that might narrow down who Robin is. Probably not important. Distance means a train ride or something whilst dematerialized though, so I don't get to wear anything besides my normal Digimon outfit there. Still, weird to not wear a shirt like that. Much less than it used to be but I'd still like a coat or something.
Better not add to anymore "is the rabbit related to you" mistakes or comments.
----- August 6th, 2010
So the ride here was, not interesting. Turns out that when the only guy you get to interact with is someone you already do quite a bit and can't do much else it's not much of an adventure. Still, the hall of justice in all its big walk-up step pathway and partly spherical glory.
...I do not remember a hall of justice, frankly, when I saw the name online I just thought it was some government building with a weird name. Might be some, deviation or maybe a pre-league kind of thing cause I always remember them having a space tower of sorts. Pretty public as well given the few reporters outside. Talking to the Flash as he was waiting at the top of the steps. And Symbare has already materialized since we can't speak to anyone when like that and is walking up the steps, oh letting him be a public face was probably not the best idea the hideaway Digimon could have had.
Well so much for keeping this on the down-low, hope it's just a slow news day and they saw him outside.
I could, wait out their conversation and go inside but, probably best to be visible in case I need to interrupt Symbare.
"Wow, you are... tall." I hear the Flash say, about as diplomatically as one could make that reaction, "my protege did tell me about that, and hey there's yours so let's, go on inside. Sorry news people interview is over, gotta speak with earth new visitors!" And with that, he moved fast enough to be a blur to my eyes to open up the entrance for us. The Flash can move uh, in a Flash. The bastard had to pick the first thing that comes to mind as his name damnit.
Symbare to his credit did follow, up until he got near the entrance at which point he spun on his heel and bowed to the reporters. "Yes, sorry people I know you'd love to see more of me," 'oh for the love of, I'm not watching this,' "but we are in a hurry so I and my-" quickly moving up to Symbare I just grabbed his arm and dragged him into the building, "ah you're no fun today."
"I'll be fun when you're not an embarrassment, did staying in that hideaway for so long building something up in you to act like this?" I question Symbare as we entered the lobby of the hall and, huh.
Okay, statues of the league. Pretty awesome not gonna lie.
"Maybe a little," Symbare responded before walking up to the statues himself, "fascinating, I heard people looked up to these guys but I wasn't quite expecting such large displays of them. Are they like humanities Royal Knights, or Legendary Warriors?"
"Ehh, something like that." I mean one could say the biggest superheroes were close to modern mythology in a strange way when they weren't real back home, be hard to find someone who wouldn't know of at least one of these guys. "Not, quite what I expected though."
"And what did you expect?" The voice of the Flash suddenly spoke up in front of me making my eyes widen in surprise as he appeared in front of us, "Sorry was just seeing who else was here."
"Well, I uh. I dunno. Like, a space tower?" I admit though I can't recall the name of it I remember the JL usually having a space tower base.
...Why does he seem a bit surprised by me saying that? Fast recovery but somehow it's easier to read an expressive mask than a person's normal face.
"Oh is that a museum?" Symbare, having apparently either not noticed or cared about his surprise, cheerfully said whilst pointing excitedly at another section of the hall, "can we check that out? I love history, I wanna see what you guys have."
Well, rapid change of subject there.
----
14 (Aqualad is a pain to write)
----
"Oh yeah, between you and me though? Nowhere near as good as the Flash museum we got in central city." The Flash cheerfully says as he leads Symbare in the direction of the museum who gives a little fist pump at being given the all-clear. It's, nice that he's got something to be excited about I guess, but really Flash? Do you have to encourage this getting sidetracked behavior?
Yeah like you've never been guilty of that hypocrite. Though now I wonder, can Digimon have ADHD? Or maybe it's just a natural thing and has no name for it as a result. Or the digital world has no psychiatrists.
Sighing I take a step before my ears twitch at a sound coming from... I think the room that is toward the center of the building. Hmm, can't really make anything out exactly but guess someone is in there. Whatever time to go look at super history, museums can be cool at least. Do wonder what a superhero one would be like.
-----
Well, a lot of glass displays with some weird, alien stuff in them and old-looking costumes. Ah, the uh. Something age, damn can't remember what that was called. Still full of fun times, weird-ass crap, and superdickery. Brings the question to mind, would being in that place be better or worse than an injustice or justice lords type world? Probably worse for sanity anyway.
"So what's up with these... things?" Symbare asked looking at the four displays with strange, almost elemental-looking things in them. The nameplates inside say they're... Appellaxian? Okay not anything coming to mind to me, granted my knowledge is mostly just Kryptonians, Martians, and uh, whatever the Hawks were called in terms of specific species.
Wow, I am worse at alien names than I thought.
"Oh these guys," Flash responded before shifting into an exaggerated 'tour guide' voice as he stood in a dramatic pose with his hands on his hips, "only the very aliens that brought the Justice League together. They came, they saw and then got their as- behinds handed to them!" Awfully fast word swap there Flash for some reas- oh right. Me I guess.
"You uh, don't have to censor yourself around me, sir." I inform Flash as I turn around to look at the costume displays.
"No, he should," Symbare stated as he flashed a smug smile at me when I looked back at him with a glare, "children shouldn't have to hear such crude language."
"Yeah, sorry little man I know it sucks." The Flash also chimes in,
Oh not him too, damn your lagomorph ass.
"I'm not a kid, he's just exaggerating like a dick." I turn back to face Symbare deadpan before feeling a sense of dread when I see Flash giving me a flat stare, "I mean uh. Like, older than I look?" The stare continues, well I'm being very convincing on this or he's doing it for the laughs, "Hey so what about these outfits?"
"Ah, those!" Shifting back into tour guide mode Flash moves over to costume displays, taking position next to one that had a red shirt with a lightning bolt on it, blue pants, and a metal helmet with two small lighting bolt-shaped bits sticking off the sides, "These are the costumes of the league's predecessor! The Justice Society of America, this one right here belongs to the Flash before me. He's still around like most of the Society just retired."
"Ah, so it's a mantle passed down I take it," Symbare nodded in thought, "I know of... similar things. Not quite passed down in that sense though." Figure he's talking about the warriors, seeing as that's more reincarnation or whatever the hell is going on in my case.
"Huh, probably less costume passing down I'm going to guess since you and your kid don't seem to like shirts." And there's that mistake, figured it was a matter of time.
"We're not related." I quickly state to shut that line of thought down, "And I'm fine with them we just, couldn't take one here."
"Aw, the rejection stings right in my feelings," Symbare deadpans before fluffing up the fur on his chest and pointing to himself, "as for myself I simply cannot deny letting others have a full view of this beauty."
Groaning in response to Symbare's remark I sink to my knees and put my hands on my head...If there's any higher being up there, take me now. I'm ready, end it all.
Flash takes the opposite reaction to mine as he lets out a round of joyful laughter, "Oh you're a fun one! Still, we should probably get to business, so if you would follow me there's a pair who might be able to help with you two."
They're like two peas in a pod, a bloody idiot pod.
-----
We moved into a more, casual-looking area filled with books, multiple sofas in a sitting area, and one high-tech-looking set up with a giant screen kept that was between two entryways to some place closed off. So, some sort of library, there was some glass above us but it appears to have been darkened.
Oh, and there were two people sitting waiting patiently, the blonde-haired teen with gills from the school and a muscular blonde bearded man in a costume that was orange on his torso, black leggings, and green finned boots that left part of his feet uncovered. So, Aquaman and the boy must be an Aqualad, a bit different than the ones I know of.
The one that comes to mind had longer hair after all. And it was black, not blonde.
"So a question," Symbare quietly asks me, and Flash, as we stand at the entrance before the two waiting notice us, "are all the adult heroes in this world attractive? Or is that just the ones we've seen so far? I'm not complaining, just thought it was notable."
"Okay pretty forward there," Flash says before taking a moment to think whilst scratching his head, "actually, I think you're onto something there. Just about every hero I've seen could be considered good-looking. Kinda weird now that I give it some thought..."
"And are usually taken so don't get any ideas Symbare," I quickly tell Symbare. But, yeah fair question it does seem like comic book attractiveness rules are in play, at least for humanoid heroes I've seen so far. Well, I assume, not something I can tell that well, "I actually thought you were uh, with... You know."
"Nah, haven't actually had anything serious for... about a decade." Symbare proceeds to walk in and wave at the duo waiting, "Greetings patient people."
"Ah, our guests have arrived," Aquaman says in a deep voice that actually sounds, kinda familiar. Weird, good voice though, "I see your usual lateness has rubbed off on these two Flash."
"Hey, not my fault for once big bunny here wanted to look at the museum," Flash said before taking up a sofa and sitting casually near Aquaman who was just, staring at him, "don't give me that look I did a great job as well."
"It really was interesting," Symbare defended Flash as he also took up a seat across the heroes in a more professional posture compared to Flash, "different from the history I've taught myself but some ideas were kind of similar."
"Taught it to this little guy right?"...Do not try to hit the Flash it will not end well.
"A class actually, Strabimon here is a bit of a special case but I teach other children." I give the heroes a quick wave as I sit next to Symbare once he mentioned me, "so Flash I was told you were the one to speak to, not to be rude but I wasn't informed about these two."
"Aquaman and Aqualad," Flash pointed at the two as he said their names, "and I thought it'd be good to bring in a guy who has experience with getting used to working around humans rather than growing up around them."
Aquaman? But I thought he was usually like half-human an-
"Yes," Ohh Aqualad, yeah that makes sense, interesting accent "I was not brought up on the surface world, Atlantis may have similarities but there was still some acclimation to be had." Aqualad appears, very stoic. Perhaps it's the accent a bit but it's hard to get the sense of much out of him. Well, more than usual when it comes to people.
"Ah, well. That's..." I don't wanna be rude at what's clearly an attempt to help but I grew up with humans, though I haven't interacted with them much in a while. Well, longer if you don't count family and face-to-face, "uh, neat?"
Well, that wasn't the right answer seeing as he's just staring in response. Unless it was? This is... hard.
"That's one way to put it I guess. It gives us a basis to work from for you two though," Flash chimed in cutting through the brief silence of the stalling conversation, "better than just winging it right?"
"Yeah, though I think the little one here might need less than you expect," Symbare said whilst shrugging off my annoyed stare at the nickname, "well, actually how much have you dealt with humans before?"
"Well," ah the truthful answer to that question is a bit, not helping my case but I can't really lie to superheroes, "not too much? I never used to go out much." To the point, I actually avoided working on group projects if I could help it, "I'm not... social."
"Yeah, I noticed that part," Symbare turns his head back to the heroes, "he kind of keeps to himself if nobody prompts him."
"Well best to start small then, good thing we're doing just us huh?" Flash held his arms out as he said that before putting them back down, presumably because nobody gave him much of a response, "So for starters... why you'd two get involved in the hero business? Or whatever you call jumping in to help people like that."
"Because, well why wouldn't I?"
"I uh," whilst Symbare seems to have his answer of 'just because' ready I, kind of haven't given it much thought either, "I guess because I was there and it felt like the right thing to do? I don't, really have much of a reason beyond that."
Besides not particularly liking innocent people get hurt. I like it when helping people works out well anyway.
"Understandable," Aqualad spoke in... approval? Maybe, I kind of thought they'd be expecting more of a reason, "I found my calling aiding my king when he needed assistance, I was not alone in coming to his aid but I was the one who chose to become his apprentice."
"And I am ever thankful for it." Aquaman spoke with a clear sense of pride. Hmm, never really known Aquaman well enough to tell if that is the usual way Aqualad becomes Aqualad, but interesting.
"I am curious, a friend of mine Artemis said you helped her before with a ghost creature? What, exactly did you do to it?" Aqualad questioned me curiously, "She said you turned it into an egg."
Ah, well. I guess might as well drop that bomb.
"Uh, Bakemon? Yeah, I kind of. Sorta." I turned to Symbare who gave me a nod to continue, "right well, yeah. He... died and, that's a thing that happens when it does. I can't... egg things." Finishing that, not well said explanation I grimaced and then prepared for a bad reaction.
"Was... that your only option?"
"Kinda? I hadn't been in a fight before. He'll come back but, probably won't remember anything."
"It's a form of reincarnation," Symbare stepped in to help explain the situation as the heroes remained calm though Flash showed signs of disapproval on his masked face, "it's a natural thing where we come from. Humans don't have something like that I take it?"
"No, we don't. So don't do that," Flash sternly said looking at me before sighing, "at least not if you can help it. I kind of get it if you get into a situation where you can't avoid it, but try not to get into those as best you can."
"Yeah we get it, part of his training has been to avoid getting backed into a corner. Though we haven't got any for dealing with humans, we don't really know any."
"If I may," Aqualad got up from his seat, "the... team has been having such training for another one of our members. And Strabimon here has been involved in situations involving other members already, perhaps he would benefit from joining in on such sessions? It may prove useful in avoiding situations that force resorting lethal force."
Aquaman nodded in approval at the idea whilst turning to Flash who shrugged, "Provided you don't speak about it to anybody I think we can set something like that up."
"There a secret base or something?" I asked which got a nod of confirmation, "I mean, I don't really have any people to tell but, if Symbare says it's fine then, I guess."
"I do say it's fine. It's always good to learn and if you trust then heroes then I can as well." Symbare said before leaning in and putting more emphasis on one word in his next sentence, "besides if there's ever a time you need to work with a team it might be good to know or at least see, how they function."
Ah, right. Cause the warriors are a group and, well yeah I can see that. If it ever came to it probably best to not, be something of a disaster in that area.
"Alright then, Aqualad you have anything coming up soon or...?" Flash got up and then spun around to the mentioned teen hero.
"We do have a 'team building' day of sorts planned..."
----
15 (Socially awkward wolf mon! Also yeah digimon and gender get brought up a few times, they mostly don't care)
----
So the "team-building" exercise Aqualad clarified on was a beach day, I assume someone on this team watched Top Gun or some other equivalent for the idea, I mean I guess I see the logic that a team probably works better together if they're friends and that's something most find fun. Symbare was still on board with that, though they're still having the team combat trainer come around later since he thinks a socializing thing would still be good on that end.
I swear if they do volleyball it'd just confirm my Top Gun suspicion as I heard about that film having that, I'd say the thing they did in Maverick but that's not even out yet in this universe... Actually, I should check if the first one ever did, could be different media.
They didn't say where it was, just that we'd have to take a zeta tube to get there. I don't know what that is, mentally the name zeta tube only really brings to mind Mothership Zeta and that was fallout, probably not relevant. Though I probably shouldn't rule out running into something like that, or little green men aliens. Martians are a thing.
Still, wait a few days then go meet Robin and Batman at some alley in Gotham to this boom tube thing.
-----
"Symbare can you like, not make a fuss?" I question as we stood waiting with Symbare trying to make some adjustments to my jacket. I didn't really feel the need for anything special so I just put on a white one we found to go with my normal Strabi brand pants, only this jacket has pockets. Yay Pockets, they're not big enough for the food box I'm holding though. "Seriously, it's a jacket what more can you do?"
Humming Symbare took my words into account, then promptly ignored them and unzipped near the top part of the jacket, "Well that, come on keeping all that fluff up there constrained has got to be uncomfortable. I think this look works better for you." Hearing this I took his words into account, then promptly zipped it back up whilst giving the most deadpan stare I could, "you're a killjoy when it comes to this, can't you at least try looking good?"
"Some of us just aren't vain as hell, I look fine," I state before looking around to see if I can spot the heroes we're waiting for, "it's not like I have a reason for doing so anyway."
"Do you really need a rea-" Symbare suddenly cut himself off before pointing down the alley and above, "oh I see you trying to sneak up on us there!" Turning around I could see Gotham's dynamic duo on a nearby rooftop before they both leaped down using either a grapple or cape to slow their descent.
Batman didn't seem to have much to say as he just walked up a wall and pushed on one brick, which resulted in the wall opening up into a secret room. There was a large, circular machine at the back whilst the sides had shelves loaded with different bits of gear.
Oh, this is some serious spy fiction stuff, figures Batman would be into this sort of thing. I'm not gonna knock him for it, stuff is pretty goddamn cool.
My thoughts were interrupted by a tap on my shoulder from Robin who was, giving me a surprisingly serious expression? "Before we go in, I'd like a word about something you told Aqualad."
"Uh," That's... strange, not much that was notable there... Oh, wait I can guess what this is about given Batman usually enforces his rule pretty hard, "I think I know but you're not... mad are you?"
We looked over at Symbare and Batman who had walked up to the big machine at the back at some control panel but had turned to look at us still standing by the entrance, "I'm not... sure, Batman said I shouldn't be but... I want to hear this from you, did you have any other option when you killed that ghost creature?"
"I..." I turned my head down to face the floor and the food box I was holding, so much for a positive impression, "I, don't think I did? I really hadn't been in a fight before so, I just... acted."
Robin stayed quiet before facing his mentor and let out a breath he'd been holding in then walked over to the machine with the other two. Maybe, I shouldn't have told the heroes about that... no probably would have found out eventually, and then it'd have gone worse or something, I can't tell if he's actually mad or just processing that. Symbare did seem a bit concerned as well, more than I've really seen him before and he's got a better read for people than I do.
"So this big thing is the zeta tube then?" Symbare quickly decided to cut through any lingering awkwardness with a question, "it's very... circular."
"It's a teleporter," Batman spoke candidly, "makes use of zeta-beam energy to transport matter to different locations."
...Okay that makes sense, thing half looks like a death trap but I'd rather test that not on us first in case the whole 'made of data' thing messes with it.
"Uh not to doubt your builders but... can I just uh. Test it with something of mine first?" I cautiously asked whilst unbuckling a belt from around my knee, "it'll make sense later but..."
"It's fine, most people are nervous the first time around," Robin answered, guess he's not too mad, maybe, "Pass it here, I'll come back through to say if it's fine."
"Thank you."
-----
Good news, the belt came through fine so we got to use the teleporter just fine. It was more walk through a portal than like, be converted into some energy stuff it turns out. Still an intimidating machine.
The other side of the teleporter was still kind of spy-like. The walls were some kind of brown rock whilst the hallways had silver metal walls and floors seemingly where more specific types of construction had been performed. This room's center had a large circle with an inner circle bit of a brighter grey color, looks like it was made of square pieces... how'd all these squares make a circle?
Looks like some people had been waiting as well, the teenagers I saw at the school dressed in casual clothes although down one ginger teenage boy, so I guess that Kid Flash either isn't here yet or is busy. Hard to say, it's still pretty early in the morning. Still, if it weren't for the green-skinned girl this probably would seem like a regular teenage group.
Superhero breakfast club! Maybe, I don't know what breakfast club actually is. Does it even involve breakfast?
Course during that time the green-skinned girl decided to float closer to us, rather than just walking I guess. Gonna go out on a guess that she's not as human as she looks. "Everyones here!" She cheerfully clapped her hands together before looking at me and Symbare, "Oh you two really are as fluffy as they said,"...fluffy? Do I not have any other defining traits? "I'm M'gann, or Miss Martian when out doing hero things."
"Why hello there Miss M'gann," Symbare responded back with equal cheer before giving a slight bow with his right hand over his stomach, "I am Symbareangoramon, though most settle for Symbare, and the huggable one here is..."
"Strabimon," I quietly say as Symbare trailed off whilst turning to me as a prompt to take over, "uh, hi. Do not hug me." Finishing the warning I gave Symbare a hard stare which simply got a chuckle. M'gann seemed fine with this bit of goofiness considering she just giggled at it, whatever so long as she realizes I'm serious about that no-hug comment.
"Right then," Symbare clapped his hands and then pointed at us before walking back a bit to follow Batman who was waiting by the teleporter, "you kids have fun doing, whatever. And remember," his voice became deadly serious, "if he gets badly hurt or anything of that sort I'll shatter every limb you have," then brought his cheer back, "well bye!"
...Well that was a bit awkward.
"So... was he serious?" M'gann questioned her confusion visible to which I just shrugged as the zeta tube turned on behind us, "Oh. Well, it's nice he cares so much?" Well, seems she is the sort to take a positive spin on stuff I guess. Or is just confused.
"I suppose," I peek behind her to look at the other teenagers waiting who seem to have mostly taken that in stride beside the one in a black shirt with a superman symbol on it who seemed a bit angry, "Uh, I've met most of you before but I don't know him."
I'd rather not deal with an angry guy that's built like a wall of muscle for a teenager, surprised he's got the same clothes on as before. Unless like, he just has a bunch of the same shirt.
"Oh that's Superboy," said Superboy just folded his arms in response to her saying his name, "he's a bit on the quiet side but he's nice when you get to know him," hope that's not code for 'they're an asshole but you get used to it' and they're actually just a bit grumpy right now, "well Wally is busy today so we're about to get ready to go down to the beach outside the mountain since we were just waiting on Robin and you. Though I am wondering what's with the box?"
"Dinner, I-we weren't really sure on that so I have my own. It's just, sandwiches," sinner sandwiches so probably don't let humans try that, "there's also some extra biscuits because Flamedramon thought it'd... help?"
"Oh, I tried that actually with cookies. Kind of burnt them the first time I tried but it was fun! Still, we should go down now..."
------
I fuckin knew it! Volleyball net one of these did get the idea from Top Gun! Maybe! I'm not asking though cause... I don't wanna.
Admittedly so far it really hasn't been much on my part besides sitting and watching, well kind of watching even if they're not particularly revealing swimwear it feels kind of awkward to be around teenagers wearing it whilst I simply took my shoes off and left them on a towel.
Cause sand in shoes sucks. I am not a fan of sand as it gets into many places, my opinion of sand is in the negatives, one could even say that I hate it. Ah to chuckle at my own stupid jokes.
Still, excuses so far have worked fine for certain stuff, like not bringing swimwear of my own for not playing about in the water, then just pointing at my claws for volleyball letting the unspoken consequence linger on that one rather than even out their teams. I did at least agree to help with barbeque since I know how to do that, thanks Flamedramon, so I can do more than sit here and smell the ocean. Been a while since I smelled it, far more strongly than I ever did before but I chalk that up to now having a canine nose.
"So I have a question," Superboy, of all people, asked having walked up to where I'm sat, "Symbare is your parent right? Why don't you share an accent? That dinosaur girl didn't have it either."
...Why the hell does he sound like Nolan North? I wasn't sure at first but, nope I know that voice. Whack.
"He's not my parent, I mean I live in the same place and he's kind of a caretaker but uh. Well, I just don't?" I hadn't really given it much thought, more so with the different voice, but yeah kind of makes sense that hadn't gone away. Huzzah for British accents? Superboy... I guess processed this, his face doesn't seem to shift beyond stoic or mad that much.
"I see... something else but," Superboy continued to stare at me to my increasing discomfort so I went back to staring at the ground, "do you... know you don't have a pulse? I can hear heartbeats when close to things but with you, I can't get one from."
"Oh, no that makes sense, I actually kind of figured I wouldn't have one."
"...Okay." And with that apparently satisfied response, or just plain confused enough to leave, he wandered off before Artemis came over to me.
"Right so, this is all fun but we're meant to be 'team building' in a sense I think we've hit a point you should be joining in," she sternly declared raising a finger to cut off any response, "and before you say lack of swimwear or anything again, Robin picked some up since we couldn't get even volleyball teams." Fucker, the sunglasses-wearing gremlin actually is mad at me. Maybe. "Now go on inside, trust us this is fun."
"But-"
"No buts, team build!"
Ugh, god damn peer pressure. Fine, can't tell if this is payback for leaving her to deal with the Bakemon aftermath or actually trying to help.
------
Strabimion, to his minor credit, actually did come back outside wearing a pair of white swimming shorts without his gloves and other accessories on. Though he still appeared uncomfortable seeing as he was just standing at the edge of the water.
"You know," Artemis said watching the Digimon, "I thought it'd just be a cartoon thing but no, somehow you are blushing through the fur." The comment simply got her a withering look from the Mon, "okay now it's even redder."
"How does that even work?" Strabimon questioned before muttering that "feels like a damn anime" under his breath, "whatever, can I just... not go in the ocean?"
"It's fine, don't worry about it," M'gann called out having stopped to watch the Digimon, "it's not cold or anything."
"That's not it, I uh," Strabimon now took to kneeling close to the ground and poking at the water, "I'm... not... great with this. Like, in every sense of it."
"There are no creatures in the sea nearby and..." Kaldur reassured before stopping midthought as something occurred to him, "you have been in Gotham since arriving correct?"
"Yeah."
"And have spent that time on the streets."
"Kind of but yes."
"You do not know how to swim do you?"
Sighing Strabimon nodded in confirmation whilst M'gann slapped herself on the head letting out a "hello Megan," which earned a quizzical look from Strabimon who stood back up before she used her power to make him float, "don't worry it's just me and- wow you're light."
"Yeah- light whatever just, what the hell-"
"Simple, we just teach you to swim and I can stop you from going under, easy!"
"I don't, there's still- look I put on the swimming stuff isn't that enough?" Strabimon pleaded to M'gann, who looked over to Artemis giving a thumbs down.
"Do not worry, no harm will come to you," Kaldur calmly said trying to placate the mon, "in any case such a skill may prove necessary for you at some point."
Groaning Strabimon turned to face Kaldur before closing his eyes, "Alright fi- OH GOD," at which point upon hearing his agreement M'gann dropped him into the water, "warn a guy first! Ohhh this is weird."
Wet fur is... not an experience I ever wanted. Just, stay away from deeper ends, the deeper you go the bigger nightmares you find...
20 (Not actually a recruiting thing yet, for funzies)
----
The following stuff from M'gann being a bit pushy was mostly, just kind of awkward. Not in the social sense exactly, though partly, as it was a lot of flailing about trying to figure out how to swim, I barely could when human so trying now with the different body shape and fur is, yeah. M'gann at least kept her word on using her powers to prevent me from going under, at least longer than a few seconds. I don't think I can actually drown now, that said saltwater still tastes horrible so I'm good on not doing that.
Which has led to me now getting to sit on the beach trying to dry off all this fur with a towel instead of helping with the barbeque. I'm really starting to see why my dog would flip out running like a nutter after a bath... Great, now I'm sad.
"So how was it?" M'gann asked kneeling down next to me holding a hot dog from the barbeque pit, "learning to swim, not the drying off stuff."
"Fine, I guess." I quietly answer back as I keep focus on getting this blasted fur dry. At least help more you damn sun! "So uh, you're... alien?" I am also currently making no attempt to actually look at her much cause it kind of feels like creep territory to be around teenagers wearing swimwear like that.
"Oh, yes! Like my codename says I'm a martian!" She says before hastily continuing, "A green martian, just like in case that wasn't clear."
Uh, okay that was beyond clear. Guess they come in multiple colors, bit odd for shapeshifters now that I think about it. Wonder how many, get some power ranger Martians up in here.
"I think it was?" Well, that seems to have eased whatever concern she had for... whatever reason.
"Oh, okay. So, what are you then?" Hmm, whilst I could give that a detailed answer I'm not going to. For dumping me in the water.
"Strabimon."
"Oh, not your name I meant what species like me being a martian!" Her cheer remains.
"Strabimon."
She remains frozen in place for a few seconds after that before the realization hits her, "You're... named after your own species?" Oh her smile is even straining now.
"Yep." I continue answering bluntly, having maintained my deadpan tone with my answers.
"Oh, you..." M'gann turns to look at the others who are still mostly busy barbequing their food, "poor thing?" And now she's giving confused pity, "unless that's normal for you cause uh."
"It is don't worry about it," Alright enough messing about, "besides I know it's pretty hard to find another Strabimon due to certain factors so not like that'd be a problem." Well, there is my human name which I kind of don't use anymore, probably not helping with feeling detached from humanity but I was pretty annoyed after finding out it has a meaning to do with the current 'light' situation. And, Symbare pretty much said there's little point in using it at this point since everyone is used to Strabimon.
"Oh good, was really worried there for a minute. Sounds... lonely though. How do different Strabimon look anyway?" M'gann questions, sounding both curious and sympathetic. Though the latter is a bit misplaced all things considered.
"Exactly the same."
"Really? Even the girl ones?"
"Yeah? This doesn't work how you seem to be thinking." I suppose for most organic beings the whole Digimon physiology thing would throw off most. Though that's not always consistent given Xros Wars or just fan art. Always stumble upon some of that whenever I looked up Flamedramon.
"Oh, well. Messes up one idea I had, oh well." M'gann shrugs before standing up, "I thought I might have been able to show off my shapeshifting to you but I struggle with doing boys." That... doesn't make sense given how weird Martians don't usually seem particularly human in shape in true form half the time so body shape between human gender shouldn't be an issue. Sounded like she wanted to do a girl Strabimon or something instead of just some clone of me I guess, that'd be weird either way. Unless you were into it I guess, might have been an interesting kind of weird.
Or perhaps she just plain doesn't like shapeshifting into guys, probably the actual reason.
"That's fine, I'll take your word for it. Uh, I'm gonna carry on getting dry, I'll ask about powers later."
-----
By the time I got dry though I ended up not actually doing that since everyone went inside to get dressed after realizing how late it was and they had a meeting soon whilst I was to wait for a trainer.
Or maybe they just didn't want to deal with Kid Flash, who I now knew was Wally West, as they seemed to have timed it enough that he ran in wearing his own swimwear declaring how the "wall-man is here" before tripping and having a beach ball bounce right past Batman and... red robot man with the blue cape and yellow arrow going from his forehead to behind his head, maybe he's an Airbender? Give credit to everyone just, not saying anything in response as they stared.
I simply just focused on keeping any laughter down, not AT Wally but come on, Batman's stoicism to the point of seemingly not reacting at all is comedy gold. Really him doing a lot of stuff is funny just due to that.
Either way, Wally stood back up and looked at everyone else before noticing me then groaned, "Aw come on I missed it but Strabimon got to be here? This sucks."
"...Nice to see you again." I kept my voice a controlled deadpan, he's rude still but no reason to respond in kind. Although after I said that the zeta-tube activated again whilst calling out the identity of 'Speedy B06' and a red-haired teenage archer that was somewhat on the taller side came through the teleporter. Besides the Red bow and arrow, his costume was primarily black with red on his chest and around his collar plus some black elbow-length archery gloves. And he had a domino mask.
An awful lot of those masks here. Quite a few red-haired people as well, don't normally see so many.
"Hey, Speedy-"
"It's Red Arrow now, Speedy was Green Arrows' sidekick." The boy cut off Wally's greeting as he started looking over who was waiting in the room before briefly freezing on me then turned to Artemis, "is he?"
So he stopped being a sidekick to Green Arrow it sounds like, but the name change is still close to his. Like, 'player two Green Arrow' close. Maybe he's just being tsundere about it.
"Yeah that's Strabimon," I gave a greeting wave to him as she responded which didn't seem to improve the somewhat grumpy teenager's mood, "he's here for some team and training stuff."
"So should he even be here for this briefing?" Okay rude, but... that is a fair question since I'm not really part of this team more on like, a learning trip?
"Uh, I can just go if it's an issue?" I ask, though my voice quietened once all the attention was on me and everyone was staring...judging "It's fine?"
"Red Tornado can show you to a room to await the trainer whilst the team is preparing to leave on a mission." Batman answered my question whilst also confirming the robot man's name who walked up to me before gesturing down one pathway deeper into the cave and started walking down it.
"Okay, uh. See you all later?" I wave off the others before quickly moving close behind Tornado to keep close as I followed him, "So uh. hi."
"Hello." He greeted back in a flat robotic monotone voice.
"I... guess you do wind stuff, from the name I mean. That's uh, cool?"
"...Indeed."
This is awkward...
----
The waiting room for whoever was pretty nice, with some waterfall on one wall for some reason, two green sofa chairs facing each other in the middle with two small tables on both sides of them, and even a few plants in the room. Fancy, maybe. Gave me something to sit on as I waited whilst Red Tornado just stood there. I'd try talking to him more but... I'm not really sure how to talk to someone like him, though I guess he didn't mind since he wasn't doing anything either.
Not like I can tell what he's thinking. Well, more than with most people, at least he's quiet?
The silence from my lack of anything to do besides kicking my legs in the air was broken by the door opening and a woman with long blonde hair, a choker around her neck, black boots and fingerless gloves, a blue jacket, a black leotard, and grey stockings I think? Probably a good thing Symbare wasn't here for the practice stuff if she's doing it, he'd probably get distracted trying to talk fashion with her.
"Hello there, Tornado you can go now," the woman spoke in a soft tone whilst dismissing the robot who silently left the room, "don't get up just yet." She walked over and sat in the sofa chair across from mine, "do you know who I am?"
"Hi and... maybe?" I waved to the woman, I'm like 90% sure who she is but would rather make sure than embarrass myself by getting it wrong.
"Black Canary, good to meet you Strabimon. Heard about you from Artemis and others in the league." Okay, that I mostly expected. Artemis I guess, if she ended up as Green Arrows' protege then it makes sense Canary has spoken to her since she's usually with Arrow.
"Oh, okay. So uh..." Looking around the rooms set up again it seems like it is meant for conversations than anything else, not like there's much here for anything else, "I thought I was going to be doing, training stuff."
"We will but, something came up and I wanted to check if you'd talk about it first." Canary kept her tone soft but shifted to one of slight concern, "but before that how are you feeling?"
"Fine, I guess?" I mean besides the water stuff and maybe having made Robin mad it's been a pretty alright day.
"I see. Have you had any issues with the team? This won't leave this room."
"Uh... I don't think so? Mostly seemed fine?" Pretty sure I didn't do anything, notably bad.
"Mostly?" Canary asked, focusing on that specific word. Sounds like she's trying to pry a bit? Not like I have much on there and I'll... leave the possible issue with Robin between us, I'm not even sure he's actually mad.
"Yeah, I mean uh," Still should probably give, something on that, "I guess they're a bit... forward? At times. Some of them. A little."
"So you'd prefer it if they weren't?" Canary questioned and... I dunno actually, was more involved when they were I guess rather than just, watching.
"Maybe?" Might, give that a bit of thought, still... "What was the thing you wanted to ask though?"
"Right, I heard from others in the league about this... Bakemon? I'm not here to judge but you said yourself that they're dead, but that they'll come back?"
"Kind of, I mean he won't remember anything most likely so I think it still counted as killing them." I should actually ask how their egg is doing at some point.
"And was that the right call?"
"I mean... probably? Maybe, I don't think he was going to stop and I couldn't run very well back then or... fight so. It might have been him or us and uh. Yeah."
"So you're not certain then?" Canary leaned forward, "that maybe if you were better it could have been different?"
...hm. "That's... always possible. Probably not though." Yeah chances are Bakemon would have just gone after someone else if we got out, or just kept going. If not me then any human about, "he kind of seemed like he might have given me a pass since he asked if I wanted in on I think hurting people when Artemis showed up. So, could have just, let that happen and go?"
Canary quietly listened to my rambling bit at the end before standing up and holding out a hand to me, "well maybe I can help with not getting into such a situation, you said you didn't have anyone to help with fighting humans? I don't know about things like Bakemon but I'm pretty good at knocking a thug's teeth out."
"That'd be... good." I say before taking her hand which let her pull me to my feet off the couch. And huh pretty good grip, stronger than she looks.
-----
The teaching was, interesting. Less how to kick someone in the face without losing balance and anticipating where an attack was coming from but more WHERE it's safe to hit someone. Well, safer. Human biology is still ultimately a mixed thing, some people walk off all sorts of absurd things whilst others could die from just hitting their head on the floor in a bad way.
Though unlike back in my world it seems like the baseline for what humans can pull off is... higher for some reason. Like what is considered peak here would be some superhuman antics back home.
Canary figured it was probably best not to punch or kick anything hard if I wasn't sure, moreso cause of my claws which she quickly said should be off-limits unless my opponent has some form of enhanced durability. Just grab them then throw in that case until I could manage to pull my punches without much thought. Personally, I think I probably could do it with much thought, most humans are kind of slow. Canary isn't as bad but it wasn't exactly hard to step over her attempts at a leg sweep.
Much less painful practice than with Symbare or Commandramon though, I don't get kicked in the back of the head or into walls. Or get told to dodge attacks from Commandramon, I swear she finds shooting at me entertaining. It doesn't hurt that much, except that one time I couldn't sit down after she hit me... that might have been more of a self-esteem pain in the end though.
The practice would have been longer but half the team was coming back earlier than expected going from a call Tornado got. They said the mission was going well but something they were meant to deal with ran into issues on its own.
This brings us to just standing waiting as Artemis rushed over to where we were with M'gann and Kid Flash right behind in less of one.
"Oh good, you're still here." Artemis said as she held out a phone and... oh, "There was something we were helping make sure a virus got but... Robin sent this he got from a security camera nearby and look familiar?"
The half-melted van and hole in the ground didn't but the translucent shape in the hole was in a sense. In that, it was the effect of a Digimon that was close to fully materializing but not totally, like Bakemon. I couldn't quite tell what was in the hole exactly, besides a metal plate with an eye on it the most I could make out was some grey skin that seemed... half-melted?
"...huh. Well shit."
----
21 (I forgot Symbare outright quotes Date here, ah those traits show up less later on)
----
Well, that's probably going to be an issue. It's certainly a Digimon, though I'm not entirely sure which one it is. Kind of a long list, melted flesh is probably an undead one if I had to guess. The fact that the van and ground seemed to have been melted isn't the best sign on that either, unless it was because of what was in the van? Whatever that was. Still, If I'm not sure...
"Does anyone have the number of the phone you gave us?" I turned to face the others in the room, "Symbare should have it and he might have a better idea of what that is." I could guess which one it is but better safe than sorry.
"Yeah, right here I'll call it," Kid Flash answered inputting a number before tossing me the phone, "so another one of those... Bakemon you called it?"
"Not... kinda." I'm just gonna have to see if I can have permission to explain Digimon cause... yeah. Holding the phone up to my ear I wait for the other end to pick up which took a few seconds before it did to the sounds of... complaining? "Uh... Symbare?"
"HEY KIDDO! HOW ARE YOU DOING?" Symbares voice loudly came through the phone as I moved it far away from my head, "THIS WAS NOT DESIGNED WITH MY EARS IN MIND!"
"Does he not know how to use a phone?" Artemis asked to which I just waved my hand in a 'kinda' response.
I wouldn't put it above him to act like he doesn't just mess with us.
"Symbare please don't yell, look can you come over here? We seem to have a... ghost situation." Upon hearing the word 'ghost' the other side of the line went quiet for a few seconds until Symbare said he was coming, "But uh, something else. I think we should, probably. Explain properly, at least more of this."
The phone line was quiet again for a couple of seconds before I heard a sigh from Symbare, "alright if you're sure. We're already pretty far in with this stuff with these guys. I'll be there in a minute." And with that, the phone shut off leaving me to look at the others who were watching me then Artemis and Kid Flash folded their arms.
"So you have been holding important information back," Kid Flash narrowed his eyes at me, "I swear if anyone gets hurt because of that-"
"Wally stop," Canary scolded the teen, "let him say what he has to say first. I don't think he'd do it if he thought it would put people in danger," she turned back to me and lowered her brows, "Is that right?"
"Uhhh, well. I think?" I mean, probably wouldn't matter I think so at least. "Not, at this point anyway." Looking down at the ground rubbing my hands I let out a long breath before starting with the explanation, "Okay so Artemis, you remember how Bakemon was like, messing with computers and such?"
"Kind of?"
"Right so that's kind of, our thing. Usually at least."
"Our? Yeah because a bedsheet freak ghost is exactly the sort of thing you are." Artemis was expressing some pretty clear disbelief that bit which, yeah.
"It's more of a... species thing? Like we're the same general thing but not the same, subspecies? Like, a sort of... genetic shared base? Like if, uh, a-"
"Pokemon!" Kid Flash suddenly yelled as my explanation was turning into rambling, "you mean you're like Pokemon, right?" And now I have an urge to hit him, "I mean, monster things that are the same general thing despite looking pretty different? Plus I thought about it but did anyone notice their names all end the same?"
"Now that you mention it... yeah," Artemis agreed as she lifted her head in thought, "Strabimon, Bakemon, and Symbareangoramon. They all end in mon."
"Yeah see? It made me think of pokemon once I noticed, though they don't do that so you're not pokemon."
"Yeah, I am most certainly not, and don't suggest it!" I realize I am oddly annoyed by this but, come on, "I get the idea but, yeah. No, we're called Digimon, which stands for Digital-"
As soon as the word 'digital' left my mouth the zeta-tube noise flared into life as Symbare walked into the cave.
"-Monsters. Okay, hey Symbare."
"Hey, what's everyone got on this one?" Symbare quickly made his greeting before moving right to business as Kid Flash brought up some, digital computer thing to show the footage Robin found, "...metal...melty skin... points to a Raremon. That'll... probably take care of itself eventually, they're not very stable so it'll probably stop being able to move after a bit. Gas and acidic sludge attacks, smell absolutely horrendous. Was there anything involving tech or data going on there?"
"Well..." Kid Flash turned to Canary who gave him a nod to continue, "there was this nanotech weapon called the fog that was meant to destroy anything in its path whilst gathering any information off of tech servers but Robin couldn't find any trace of it whilst Aqualad hasn't been able to either even with the woman who made it. Why?"
"Cause if I had to guess it either caused or got unlucky, a digital gate and mess with whatever Digimon was nearby forcing it to become a Raremon." Symbare explained clearly but he sounded... sad at the end of that, "you got anything that can target this fog thing? It... might work on undoing that."
"Well yeah but," Kid Flash looked at Symbare and then me skeptically, "digital? I dunno that doesn't seem possible at all, you're here right now touching stuff so you're not some hologram things. It barely sounds more sensible than magic."
Whilst I simply smiled and gave him two thumbs up, Symbare walked over to the holographic computers and physically pulled the screen over to him, briefly causing the entire thing to glitch out before stabilizing as he put his hand through the screen.
"Symbare what are you doing?" I tilted my head as I questioned his action before the screen became a list.
"Just showing off how 'digital' things are, now let us see what young Flash here has been looking at." Symbare spoke seriously before breaking out into a jovial grin quickly spinning it to show Kid Flash before bringing it back to him, "Oh ho these are some titles!"
"Uh, heh," Kid Flash broke out into nervous laughter as he rubbed the back of his head with one hand, "he's not really-"
"3 minutes with a married woman, a secret agent caught in the enemy base-"
"Okay yeah stop I get it right! Those are just, training videos!" Kid Flash waved his hands about as all the humans in the room turned to him with stoic flat looks on their faces.
"Those... aren't actually training videos are they?" I asked which got shakes of the head from the girls, a flat "no" from Red Tornado, and a frantic "yes" from Kid Flash, "...I don't know if should be shocked or not."
"Did you just, fist the hologram computer to get his browser history or something?" Artemis asked, before cringing, "that sentence went somewhere horrible."
"Yeah phrasing," Symbare deadpanned before chuckling to himself and shaking his head, "kind of. It's digital, I'm digital it's a very intimate relationship." Oh, so he's not going to do phrasing then, "so we get to do fun stuff with when getting physical." Well, at least that turned everyone's stares from Kid Flash to Symbare, not sure that's an improvement.
"Symbare being weird aside that's... pretty much about right. Just get to do things a bit more directly. There's more to it but, we should probably figure out what to do about Raremon then."
"We?" Kid Flash questioned as he walked up closer and looked down at me, "no offense dude, but you're not a part of this team and what we do."
"I-I." I'm aware of that but... "that's uh."
Symbare stomped his foot and interjected, "and you're not a Digimon so I don't think you've got the-"
"Symbare, wait." I hold up a hand as I cut him off before letting out a breath and looking Kid Flash in the eyes, "look I know I'm new at actually, doing anything. But, this? I actually have a better idea than you when it comes to dealing with these things and besides," I held up my arm and pointed to my digivice, "I think you'll find just hitting a Digimon that isn't materialized fully an issue without me or Symbare around and as for this, ask Artemis what her arrows did before I open a field with it."
As much as I feel similarily to Symbare on this, a fight isn't going to help. And I imagine actually giving reasons for it probably works better... Though, hitting him is tempting.
"Nothing, for the record," Artemis confirmed for me putting a hand on Kid Flash, "fired an arrow and it went through him like it was nothing whilst he could attack us just fine, Strabimon could hit him fine but until he did that.. tech world thing I couldn't do anything."
"So yeah, you can put whatever the issue you got with this team stuff aside and let us at least try to help." I finish whilst focusing on maintaining eye contact and keeping the increasing feelings of dread and discomfort down. Fortunately, I didn't have to wait long before Kid Flash smirked and stepped back, "what?"
"Oh, I just wanted to see if you cared enough about this to put up a fight about it, can't say I'm a fan of putting up with the rabbit but seems taking all the not-pokemon we can get quickly is a good idea." Yeah, I am very much going to end up whacking this kid at some point and he's going to have it coming.
"Yeah!" Symbare cheered, "let's get gropi- going!"
"...Symbare man what the fu-"
----
18
----
"So how are we gonna get to Miami Beach then? Another zeta tube?" I asked following behind M'gann alongside Symbare and her teammates though sticking closer to Symbare.
"Oh Robin sent the Bio-Ship back with Superboy to pick up Aqualad and Dr. Roquette with the virus for the fog while he keeps track of that Raremon, so they should be here in a seco-" M'gann was explaining only to be cut off as large hangar doors opened up and a red and black spaceship flew in, "oh that's convenient."
"Ohhhh," I whined at the sight of it, "we're gonna fly there aren't we?" To which got a round of nodding heads got a groan of discomfort from me "aw fuck it, fine let's just go."
"Sure are nervous about a lot of things huh? Well since I'm here do you want to hold my ha-" Symbare might have finished that sentence had I not punched his knee, "Ow damn fine. Since when do child Digimon hit that hard?"
"Since you've been a jackass," I responded before whispering under my breath, "and uh, maybe. Like if there's turbulence."
----
Well, the flight was surprisingly smooth, the joys of modern uh, martian technology? We were able to open up a line to comms with Robin to explain things to him and Aqualad at the same time. Though I think it worked better with Aqualad than Robin, somehow he knew what Pokemon was and Robin somehow didn't. Still going to end up hitting someone for calling me one eventually.
Or for saying they'd have preferred pokemon showing up, did not expect sarcasm from Aqualad. Almost seemed too professional for that. Wonder what his favorite is, mudkip?
From what they said on their end the mission was basically going fine until Raremon showed up and then the assassins they were defending the doctor from just, left. Aqualad suggested it was likely with the fog being put out of commission they no longer had a reason to try killing the doctor. Which seemed, sensible. Unfortunately, they weren't able to actually catch any of the assassins as a result.
Some hook-guy, what sounded like Spider-Man but evil so I guess being a real thing here means you don't have to worry about getting sued and a stabby lady called Chesire. So, nobody that I really knew. Probably nobody important then I guess.
Aqualad also got some USB stick-type stuff with the fog virus on them, not sure how to use it on something like Raremon besides maybe tossing one at them or shoving it into its mouth like when giving a dog medicine. I mean Digimon games had stuff like the recovery disks, might work something like that never mind that I recall one in the anime eating a bunch of discs and stuff to get data or something from them. Pretty sure it was something like that.
Symbare did ask to look over the virus code though, whilst he didn't know this fog stuff on its own he figured he can adapt the coding into accounting for Digimon parts. Mon of many talents, except tact. That is beyond him.
----
"Huh, that's... neat." Having gotten off the bio-ship I turned around to wait for the others to also get off only to notice that the bio-ship itself wasn't visible. Guess that explains the lack of anyone noticing it flying about, besides 'no one ever looks up' or something like that.
"Bio-ship is pretty great." M'gann smiled as she patted the cloaked spaceship before we all walked over to the melted van. Whi- holy hell my nose was burning from the smell coming rising up from the hole melted into the ground.
"This- real bad for anyone else?" The question was met with a shake of the head from everyone but Symbare who walked over and looked into the hole.
"Kind of, as I said Raremon smell pretty horrid. Tend to be worse for the lower-level Digimon though I doubt your nose is of help." Symbare responded before looking over at Aqualad, "some kind of...underground pipe place? Do you have contact with Robin now?"
"I can feel his mind right now so I can use my telepathy," M'gann lifted a finger to her head then went quiet for a few seconds before nodding, "he's lost sight of the Raremon but so far it's just been, wandering the sewer. Hasn't melted anything else so far."
Huh, well guess if it's just acting on instinct and is stuck in a sewer then I guess it wouldn't really be accomplishing much. Probably, try to eat machinery or something like the van, speaking of that.
"Has anyone seen whoever was in the van?" I asked only for a negative answer, "Huh, well might have been useful to see if they knew anything. Guess they ran away unless..." Checking the van I can't see anything notable besides the whole melted part of it, doesn't seem like it was entirely acidic from Raremon though since parts of it had melted beyond the hole. Even still felt warm, maybe... the digital gate? "Hey, Symbare do you know what happens if one of those gates opened and something was in the way instead of out in the open?"
Symbare hummed in thought before also poking at the van, "I'm not entirely sure, punching a crack into this world from the digital one likely takes a lot of energy though so chances are nothing good. Guess you got the same idea as mine?"
"That it incinerated whatever was in the van and Raremon did the rest out of some kind of panic maybe? If so then, yeah." Could still smell the Raremon but still felt like there was something else, not very strong though and it didn't go anywhere. Suppose if there was someone else who had been here they didn't go anywhere besides, maybe the hole, "so uh, do we also go in?"
"That we do," Aqualad confirmed leading the way by jumping down the hole as the rest of his team followed and looked around, "it'd be easier to communicate in case of an emergency or if we are separated if you were included in the mental link."
...Okay he's right but I'd really rather not have someone able to hear my thoughts. Or hear their thoughts, kind of creepy. My mind is my own and should stay that way, having it messed with in any way is pretty up there in terms of creepiness But, still.
"Uhm, how does it, work exactly? It's not like uh... invasive right?"
"Oh don't worry it's pretty good at not picking up that kind of stuff," M'gann reassured before glancing at Kid Flash who cringed, "well usually." Not sure that's one a want details on given... the browser history, "It wasn't anything bad really! More like... saying something accidentally."
"Well," glancing at Symbare who nodded I let out a breath and closed my eyes, "screw it go ahead then."
...well I feel a buzz but...
"M'gann is something wrong?" I ask. I can feel... something but it's not, right, "I got something but..."
"It's... weird. I get the feeling of some kind of mind from you two but, nothing like when I try it with anyone else or the bioship."
"I think I get the issue," Symbare jumped down into the hole and motioned for me to follow, "bit of a shift from organic to digital minds huh? We can figure it out at another time, no time to sort this out now."
"Here," Aqualad handed a small radio device to me and Symbare along with a fog virus USB whilst saving one for himself, "we carry these in case of emergency but will do since you can't be in the mental link, you two should have better odds when it comes to making use of the virus." Neat, and here I thought it'd only be the Batmans sidekick to have emergency stuff like that. Or maybe it's just part of the team thing.
"Okay so how are we gonna go about this?" I asked putting the radio into a pocket on my jacket, "cause uh, I don't... usually work in groups." On anything, even usually got to do group projects on my own.
"First we link up with Robin and then we-" A guttural roar sounded throughout the underground cutting off Aqualad, "...deal with that, try to stick together. If we truly cannot fight back against this Raremon and are separated lead it back to one of the Digimon to let them engage. If you get an opening try the virus USBs, otherwise defend yourself as best as possible."
Actually, I have an idea about that not being able to fight back issue if it comes to that...
----
19 (FIGHTS ARE HARD. And here I learned, split up your damn cast)
----
"Hey so, before we go I have something else," Lifting the left arm of my jacket sleeve I took off the digivice and held it out, "I only have the one but, it has a function to create a field, it's sort of like a pseudo digital world."
"Digital world?" Kid Flash questioned raising a hand to object before stopping himself and sighing, "know what, sure. Makes as much sense as the other digital stuff with you guys."
"Thanks? Maybe. But, yeah that's the world, dimension, or whatever we come from. It'll basically force him to materialize fully there so you guys can hit him, though not sure it'll be effective, champion Digimon can be pretty tough."
"Champions my stage, or adult as some call it," Symbare stated, "we can cover the others later but if you ever run into one higher... well, get the hell out of there. Strabimon, think you can try tracking it via smell? I'm not bad myself but canines do have pretty good senses of smell I hear."
"Well I haven't really tried anything like that before," Sniffing again it was... still mostly something horrible but... "I think the really bad smell that burns is the strongest thing but it... doesn't seem any direction specific? There's also some... less bad, kind of smells like an unclean toilet."
"Sewers maybe?" Kid Flash asked then used his speed to run deeper into the underground with the sound of a door slamming open after a second before coming back holding a hand to his nose, "oh, yep that's a sewer."
"Huh, wonderful. There's also something... acidic?" Might have been something to do with Raremon that, "Well anyway who wants to borrow the digivice?" I can't say I really, trust anyone here at partner levels but it might be better for one of them to have it in this situation.
"Aqualad is the leader so I think he should." M'gann voted which received nods from the other heroes so I handed it over.
"Alright so few things, besides being a link to me and I think making all Digimon visible..."
----
"...So that's the button stuff, the field should drag in any Digimon nearby along with you and I think anyone you're holding onto?"
"So it will also work as a method to alert you and Symbare quickly if needed, or possibly" Aqualad noted.
"And limit any damage, it doesn't carry over despite the same shape. Pretty handy if you get into a destructive brawl around people and don't want them to you know, get... dead." That would be bad, "Anyway, let's go, you know. Stuff and Robin."
Opening the door and going through I was greeted with two things, the smell of sewage hitting me even harder and the sight of a maintenance-looking area of the sewer, with walkways above the sewage waterways or whatever they're called. There were smaller pipes running across the walls and into the tunnels whilst a few larger ones were stuck out from the walls, clearly ending at this part of it. About the only upside of this was that there were lights still on up here, but the path of broken-down lights was likely because of Raremon.
Well, this is a wonderful place to have to track down something, kind of familiar too. I swear if I see zombies or a giant eyeball mutant guy I'm gonna flip. Or if this leads to some secret lab, that wouldn't even be abnormal for a DC world I bet.
"Well, the worst smell and the rotten one seems stronger where the busted lights are but..." Looking down I point at my feet and shake my left leg, "I'm not exactly... equipped for walking in that gunk." And after how much effort just water took to dry out of fur, eesh.
"Yeah not a fan of it myself but, I got better footwear for it." Symbare looked over at the broken lights before pointing at the pipes, "If the upper area ends you can just, climb along that."
"Probably be easier to sniff things out away from the sewage with that sniffer as well," Kid Flash said before humming in thought, "couldn't we just do that field thing though? Might get rid of the sewage."
"I'd, rather not alert Raremon before we see them or before we run into Robin. Besides, I'm curious about the rotting thing, probably just sewage but... could be interesting." Walking forward I felt the scents get stronger and motioned for the others to follow.
Pulling dog tracking duty in a sewer now is what it's all about. Oh, I don't even want to think about what all the solid things in the brown muck are, grand day to wear white like usual.
"Robin's just around the corner now," M'gann spoke up after a minute of walking along the walkway before pointing downward, "bad news on this bit though."
"Lovely," Symbare deadpanned before leaping over the railing and holding out his arms, "Strabi I'll give you a hand onto the side, not sure if Aqualad also wants..."
"I can manage," Aqualad stated jumping down himself followed by the others, though M'gann also made sure to hover above the sewage. So I hopped over into Symbare's arms before he let me climb onto a pipe on the side whilst digging my claws into the wall for some more balance.
Wonder if I could improvise a full-on wall crawl with this, high property damage but hey... hold on.
"Hey guys," I point to a smaller pipe on the other side of the sewer that is facing into this part of the sewer, "the two things are pretty strong in there, but the pipe is... a bit small? I think I can get across actually." Lowering my legs and then quickly extend them to jump most of the way across before ramming my claws into the ceiling loudly dragging them across it for a few seconds slowing me down, "Ah ha!" At which point I kind of, forgot about gravity there and the lack of momentum would have made me fall into sewage if Symbare hadn't rushed over and caught me.
"Nice one," he deadpanned lifting me on top of it before looking into the pipe himself, "yeah we're not fitting in there, something... red on the other end?" Symbare put his arm into the pipe and tried to reach it before pulling back and shaking his head, "nope. Hm, it's not that small you know. Bet Strabi here could fit in."
"I'm not that short, it's... this world is just big." I defend before pointing at M'gann, "can't she just use her powers to grab it?" M'gann nods moving closer before gasping, "Is it Robin?" She nods, "Fine go to him, I'll go in but only if someone is ready to pull me out." M'gann quickly flies off with Aqualad and Kid Flash following her.
Using Symbare as a balance I put my arms into the pipe and drag myself in, a somewhat tight fit but still able to go onto my knees, whilst Symbare keeps a hand on my leg. Whilst the red thing wasn't far I could make out the other two scents were very close. Moving closer I could make out what seemed like a helmet stuck in... gunk? Maybe. Grabbing it I try to move the helmet but it fails to budge until I pull harder.
"Got it! Think it's a-" The 'gunk' started slowly moving and a bloodshot eye came into view, "...hi?" Evidently not the right thing to say as it continued to move as a toothy mouth came into view with green liquid bubbling in it, "PULLSYMBAREPU-" The second I started quickly yelling I felt him strongly yank hard pulling me right out the pipe and flinging me onto the other side of the sewer as the green liquid hit's above me as I hit the ground.
"You okay?" Symbare glanced at me and started slowly walking over whilst keeping his focus on the pipe and his arms up and hands in an open-palmed martial arts stance.
"Yeah, just... gonna, take a sec" breathing hard I grab onto Symbares leg to pull myself up before looking behind me and "oh christ that almost, ha." The green liquid had left a head-sized hole above where I had landed with some smoke rising out of it, "shit. Well, got this?" Lifting the helmet it was mostly blue with a black forehead, a red dot in the middle of the black part, and parts that looked like they connected to something but had been broken. Rotating it to look inside it appe- "oh hell."
"What?"
"There's some...bits of... person in the helmet!" Putting the helmet down onto a pipe to deal with later I glance over at the now empty pipe, "like, remain of person, not much. Just, leave it for later. Freaking hell, that was the rotten smell."
"Guess that explains what happened to whoever was in the van or at least what was left of them," Symbare hypothesized before letting out a breath and turning on the radio, "found Raremon and, a helmet with... remains in it. Attacked Strabimon as soon as he saw them."
"We're close, Robin ran into them earlier as well." Aqualad's voice rang through the radio and, just a bit down the sewer, "Raremon attacked him as well."
"Got it, we will wait here." Symbare shut off the radio before turning back to the pipe.
-----
"Well, that looks like it sucks," I muttered as I looked over Robin, his arm was bruising pretty badly and his cape had holes burnt into it though thankfully it appeared as if he hadn't taken any such hits to his person.
"Oh, it's not, that bad." Robin gave a pained smile whilst holding onto his left arm, "I think I only got a few bones in my arm broken, on a really bad day it's more like half."
...Medically I'd say that happening with any frequency should lead to permanent damage. Humans here do not obey half the stuff I learned about that. Or maybe there are just some really good doctors.
"Is he gonna be of any use like this?" Symbare questioned kneeling close to Robin, "This already isn't a humans job, injuries aren't going to-"
"I can still fight-"
"Still doesn't mean you should, even if I can respect the determination." Symbare cut Robin's complaints off before turning to Aqualad, "does anyone here have any knowledge of treating stubborn people?"
The heroes remained silent for a minute looking between each before Artemis nodded and came over and helped Robin to his feet, "kick their ass for me." She called out to us, "come on Robin, let's go get a lot at that arm." the team's two 'normal humans' went back towards where we came from.
"They really can hit us but we can't hit back, that's... annoying." Superboy folded his arms in annoyance, "is there a point to not using that field to let us hit this thing? They've seen and attacked two of us now."
"Well, I guess not? Would keep those two safes on their own as well. Uh, Aqualad?" I turn to him before pointing at my lent digivice, "do the thing and everyone else try holding onto him?" And with the nods of confirmation, the others did so turning the sewer into a dark tech-looking world.
Been a while, haven't had a reason to use this for quite some time.
"Dude, what?" Kid Flash was turning around quickly whilst the others had shocked expressions, "I mean, I know you said it could do this but, what."
"Yeah, it's... something," M'gann said in wonder before glancing at me, "in a good way though! It's... cool."
"It's... I think was said to be like a pseudo-digital world? I'm not, quite sure where this came from?"
"Think it's anything to do with your Legendary Warrior stuff?? Symbare questioned as the young heroes looked even more confused as Symbare glanced at them, "...maybe we should explain this later?"
"Well seeing as we're already bringing everything up, probably. But now we should, you know. Deal with this."
"Indeed," Aqualad stated with his usual calm. And with that, we all got up to go and deal with Raremon.
And then get a bath and clean clothes. Ugh, sewers are the worst.
----
Hiding around a corner we went back in the direction that Robin came from and, well, there's Raremon that is now... smashing into walls and absorbing them. Maybe I should have thought that bit through with the tech bits of the field. Kind of removes waiting them out as a solution.
...Well at least the instinct part still seems mostly there? Might be better than one that could think and was evil. Maybe. The tunnel ceiling is holding up well enough at least.
"So anyone got a plan here then?" Symbare queried before beginning to raise his fingers as he spoke, "acid sludge, odor gas, tackles and I think... claws? Think that's all the attacks to watch out for."
"Understood," Aqualad responded before going silent for half a minute then looking over at us and taking out his fog virus USB, "we have 3 tries at this method, how certain are you this will work Symbare?"
"Oh, mostly?" He shrugged before giving a nervous grin, "not like I've run into this situation before." Upon his statement, M'gann raised her hand and Aqualad's USB floats into the air slowly over to the Raremon and into its mouth, "huh neat trick, that was-" At which point it spat out more green acid, "...nevermind guess it's not a fan of the taste, got a reaction at least. Alright, I got a plan of my own here."
"And that is?" Aqualad wonders whilst pulling out two... handles?
"Simple, we do violence until it stops moving and takes its medicine," Stepping out from the corner we were hiding from Symbare starts to walk toward Raremon, "Get it stuck or beat it unconscious that ought to work."
Suddenly picking up his pace into a run before dropping to his knees to slide across the ground as acid sludge flies above his head before launching himself at Raremon and kicking it in its metal plate on the head causing it to slide back several inches and roar in pain. Symbare promptly hopped back before Raremon could hit him with a swipe of its hand which was met by a swing from a mace made of water to the other side of its head from Aqualad wielding it in his right hand before using an aquatic shield to block it's acid.
"Huh, I know a girl who could do that water stuff," I mutter to myself... before blinking and feeling... pressure in my head, "wait, no. I don't?"
"Are you okay?" M'gann asked looking at me briefly before she lifted a piece of debris into the air with her telekinesis and flung it at Raremon, only for it to tackle it and shatter the debris into small chunks.
"...Yeah I think so, kind of, doesn't seem like I can do much if we're all ganging up in this tunnel..." Looking around as Symbare shouted his 'Jive' attack and let out a rapid flurry of kicks I noticed that Raremon was taking more data in from the ground causing open cuts to close up on it, "I don't think the violence idea is working."
"We can try using additional violence!" Symbare yelled back over before hopping over another claw swipe then stomped his onto its eye again, "though I am open to other suggestions!"
"I got one, well more of a repeat of an idea," Kid Flash tapped my shoulder before pointing at the tunnel ceiling, "need it to stay still right? Think collapsing on them will work?"
"...Maybe? Worth a shot, go tell Symbare I'll start punching walls." Once I finished speaking I stepped out from my cover before running to the left side, "Hey Superboy, a little bit of a hand with this?"
----
Symbare was, quite frankly. Having a blast. Sure there was a bit of potential tragedy with how this Raremon came about but dancing around such a slow opponent and driving his foot into its head whenever he got an opening. Though it didn't appear to do anything lasting to it even as he himself started to feel soreness in his legs.
"Hey bun man," Kid Flash called out to him as he sidestepped another blast of sludge before giving it a chop with his right hand, "keep the creepy flesh guys attention there, the others are gonna bring the roof down."
"Got it yellow!" Symbare gave him a thumbs up then released another flurry of kicks "JIVE!" Letting the Digimon recoil in pain before it slammed deeper into the ground converting it into more data whilst he could hear the sound of rocks being broken from above, "my you are a greedy one, don't suppose you could share?" Not appreciating his sarcasm, or just not caring, it spat out another bit of goo at him to which Symbare did a spin as he dodged, "missed again, have you tried aiming?"
A roar of frustration was cut off by a large chunk of debris falling on the head of the Digimon, briefly stopping it as it started to rise again before multiple extra bits of debris slammed onto it. And then Strabimon fell from the roof on his face.
"Nice," Symbare chuckled at his student before taking out his fog virus USB and moving his hand close to Raremons mouth, "now open up," waiting a second Symbare pulled his hand back to avoid more acidic sludge then quickly shoved it down its mouth before it could fire off more, "well, nice try at least."
"Kind of took charge of that one for me huh?" Strabimon said looking at the debris that had a shrinking glow under it.
"Disappointed?" Symbare asked as Strabimon lifted up a chunk of rock almost as big as he was before casually tossing it aside and looking into the debris pile.
"...Kind of, just thought I'd... do more I guess." Strabimon admitted before reaching into the debris pile, "looks like it worked, and our victim of the day is..." The wolf Digimon pulled out an unconscious pink four-eared rabbit Digimon, "Huh, cute little bunny."
"You never call me cute how unfair," Symbare huffed as he folded his arms, "well I'm still fluffier than this one. Still, let's take her..." Symbare turned around and saw the faces of varied confusion on the teenager heroes, "actually I'll handle getting this one to safety. Once we're back you can explain all the Digimon stuff to them."
"...Fine," Strabimion carefully handed the small rabbit over to the tall rabbit digimon, "Can I have my watch back?" Aqualad quickly took off the digivice and handed it back to Strabimon who then used it to get rid of the field leaving them back in the sewer. And the sewage to the immediate complaints of others, "oh forgot about that. Let's... go back and get clean. Please?"
----
20 (Oh yeah, Digimon Beat)
----
"Hey wait," I held up a hand to stop on our way back once I saw the holes burnt into the side near the pipe I first saw Raremon, "I left something here..." Checking over the pipes on the side for the helmet I... couldn't find it? "...Artemis and Robin didn't take anything with them did they?"
"No?" Symbare stated as he walked over to where we were attacked whilst keeping Lunamon still in his folded arms, "...that helmet is gone isn't it?"
"Helmet?" Superboy questioned us, "so someone else was here."
"Well, not the helmet owner we kinda, found... melted... person in it," I nervously say shivering slightly in disgust at the memory, "unless you, meant them. But that doesn't answer who, you know. Took the helmet now."
"Well if they were a part of the League of Shadows another one might have come looking for them and took it?" Kid Flash suggested, which... made sense actually. Which is, interesting. Those were Ra's Al Ghuls gang of ninja assassin Social Darwinist types I believe the term was. Or murder environmentalists, time will tell if they're right on that, though to be frank I can think of a few people who could do with catching the dead but they tend to take things to insane levels.
------
"How is Robin doing?" Aqualad questioned Artemis as she was finishing putting a cast on Robin's broken arm who had a slight grimace on his face at first before giving a smirk and a thumbs up as we walked into the bio-ship.
"What's with the... rabbit thing?" Robin asked pointing his unharmed arm at Lunamon.
"They're a Lunamon, we got Raremon to take the fog virus and it went down a level." Symbare answered whilst giving the unconscious Digimon a quick pat on the head, "another lagomorph mon for... a place. It's fun!"
"Well, she's... cute? I guess," Artemis awkwardly commented, "I mean, rabbits usually are but, still a weird one."
"Damn straight we are," Symbare declared before poking Lunamon who began to stir, "though not sure what this little one thinks of that."
The small rabbity Digimon's eyes began to open before blinking at Symbare and then shuffling in his arms to look at the others on the bio-ship before opening their mouth to speak in a somewhat deep voice similar to an older male teenager, "Er, yo guys?"
Oh, seems like they're a boy. Kind of didn't expect that. And they sound older than I do, grand.
"...Yo?" I replied whilst waving back to them, "you feeling alright?"
"Yeah, I'm aight," Lunamon nodded before pointing at the humans, "so what's going on with you guys?"
Oh great, they talk like they're some, punk ass teenager.
"We'll explain later, I know a place to take lost Digimon but for now we gotta go back in this flying machine with these kids," Symbare told them whilst gently putting them down as the bioship created a chair for the smaller rabbit, "that fine with you?"
"You mean I get to fly in a sweet ride? Then fo' sho!"
....this speaking method of theirs is highly distracting.
----
Upon getting off the bio-ship we were met with the sight of the heroes I saw before we left but also the additions of Batman and the Martian Manhunter. Huh. The group of sidekicks went down the ramp and walked up to the older heroes to begin speaking to them whilst I, Symbare, and Lunamon just stood waiting for them to finish.
Seems like it's a check-up and, debriefing maybe? Batman isn't, glaring at us so probably good? Though it's hard to tell if he's upset with Robin's arm being broken.
"So I really busted up his arm?" Lunamon questioned to which I nodded in response, "huh...nice." The small rabbit grinned to themselves which... not exactly something you should be proud of there I think.
"Hey, Symbare do you wanna see if they'll let you take them... to the safe place before we get to explaining?" I ask him whilst pointing at Lunamon, "I might be able to try, making some stuff to help get things across better." Or just delay doing anything, that's also fun.
"Got it, hey Bat dude..."
-----
Good news, Symbare got permission to do that whilst I sat waiting to make some visual charts on Digimon until he came back. Bad news, it took him like 5 minutes so all I had were words. And had to do it quicker, a bit too late to not do this as I promised and they got chairs out for the team as Canary and Manhunter stayed in the big briefing room looking place to listen.
"So, uh. What do we start with?" I asked the group as I stood next to Symbare, though I was also aiming that a bit at Symbare as I looked up at him, "Cause there's... like a lot."
"Could do with filling the gaps in what you are," Canary prompted, "I got bits about, data at least."
"Indeed, the shapeshifting this... Raremon showed sounded unusual," Manhunter also expressed interest in... I guess it sounds right to them but, not quite right.
"Right well, it's not quite shapeshifting it's... different specific forms? Though they can, vary. It's a level thing and is usually an indicator of how strong a Digimon is but it gets.... messy," I continued whilst handing Symbare a chart to hold up showing the Digimon level names in order, "so right there are usually two names for some of these for uh, some reason... Is there one Symbare?"
"No idea actually." He expressed some confusion before shrugging it off.
"Huh. Well, there's baby or in-training which is, relatively harmless but then you get to my stage of rookie or..." Well, this is going to solidly screw up any arguments against it so let's get it out without cringing, "...child." And I failed. "But it's not like, an age thing."
"Suuure," Kid Flash drawls out as he leans back in his chair before looking quickly between me and Symbare, "and I guess from the chart he's adult level? Actually how old are you two exactly?"
"...I mean yes on the first bit, or champion if you prefer. And... actually, I don't know how old Symbare is."
"Old enough to be your actual parent," Symbare deadpanned, "I'm not sure exactly, stopped keeping count after a while. At least... over 70 years old I think?"
"...Oh so you really are a dirty old man," I gave him a blank look as I faced him before turning back to those listening, "though I guess it doesn't quite work like that. I'm... 24 I think?" Sometimes get, a bit confused about that exactly, "Digimon don't usually physically age in that sense."
"Oh so you're kinda like Martians then," M'gann chimed in with cheer that seemed typical of her at this point, "I mean, we still age but far slower than humans do, I'm 48 but still mentally a teenager?"
"...You are?" I question to which she nods, "Huh well... uh. You- you look good for it?" That's, kinda weird. Thought I was older than everyone else, but I guess not, "well, anyway then we have ultimate or perfect and then mega or ultimate. It's... confusing. Anyway typically, you don't really see many beyond champion cause that's where things get... messy."
"Yeah whilst I'm not exactly the most dangerous of Digimon, at this stage at least, things tend to get out of hand above champion, like 'redraw the map' or 'destroy a continent out of hand or sometimes even worse. Not that there aren't dangerous Digimon at the lower levels just... far less common." Symbare proceed to point at me, "the little fluffy one here is an odd case given the stuff he's linked to but I haven't seen him pull out anything like stopping time or anything." He stopped for a second then shrugged, "course you could partly chalk that up to him being kind of inexperienced."
"Sometimes the forms of the level go back and forth as well," I continued, not going to argue back as far as profiles ever said Strabimon only has like two attacks even if they're stronger than rookies usually are and... I can't really argue against being inexperienced, "so it's not quite, static. I haven't gone past ch-rookie level myself but Symbare is champion and I think uh..." turning to him Symbare shakes his head to answer in the negative, "right he hasn't gone beyond that. Do kinda wonder what you'll get, for most, it's fairly random but I'm probably not from what I know."
"So long as I remain beautiful, Astamon, Machgaogomon, Mervamon I could rock being those." Huh, fancy-dressed machine gun guy, jetpack wolf, and... wait.
"Mervamon, really?" I asked, mostly out of curiosity on that one because well, "the not... well-dressed amazon big sword snake arm digimon?"
"Oh, you know that one?" Symbare smiled back, "I mean not the main one I'd like for but I could roll with it, and I think the outfit works for what they are."
"Wait," Kid Flash cut off are side tangent before we could continue before pointing at Symbare, "this... level stuff isn't like, locked to what you are enough that this rabbit man could end up an amazon? Like, Wonder Woman style amazon?"
"Uh, warrior women yes?" Kid Flash nodded at my question and confirmed that is correct, thought it was but I don't actually know Wonder Woman mythos that well, "then, yeah kinda. Theoretically."
"Ah," Kid Flash nodded to himself before looking up, "kinda want him to get that then..."
....All the more reason to ensure he doesn't then. Besides... general weirdness.
"Mind going places there huh Wally?" Artemis spoke up with a stony expression, "I mean, I wouldn't say no to having more heroines for people to look up to about but-"
"Can we, not go this route?" I asked them with discomfort growing on my face, "no idea of Dad here would still be a guy even if he got Mervamon as his ultimate form..... Oh god, I said it again."
"So you do think of me like a fath-"
"No, I think of you as like a bother because uh," looking between the rising smug grins of everyone else I quickly scramble to change the subject back on track, "anyway levels, kind of random what Digimon one ends up when changing upwards and somewhat random but I'm likely not that situation cause reasons so sorry to disappoint anyone wanting something else to what I get that most certainly isn't what Kid Flash wants."
I finish that with a glare directly at him, which got a sound of disappointment from Kid Flash and... And someone else I wasn't looking at. Well sorry to disappoint you're gonna get light warrior stuff from me not like, I dunno Kinkakumon is the only champion of that sort around. Even Gatomon would be less awkward than that.
"Well, I'm fine with you as you are," M'gann states with a warm smile.
"Why thank you M'gann."
"I mean, you're so cute and fluffy."
Oh goddamnit, "I'm... not cute. I-I am rescinding that thanks! And no laughing, I see you there Robin ya damn gremlin." Seriously, I have pointy teeth and claws, what part of any of that falls under cute?
21 (Hey the digital world exposition starts, and here I decided to do something odd with the warriors vs demon lords thing)
----
"Anyway if you're all... quite done. You know," I don't whimper out as the group beings to calm down, "seriously, you can have fluffy at least."
"Alright funs over," Canary spoke over the others, "Strabimon has been willing to open up despite his... awkwardness, let's not make it any worse for him than it already is." Her order does get them to fully settle down as I mumble out a thanks getting a silent nod and warm smile from her.
"I am curious," Aqualad stated as he rose his hand, "what separates Strabimon from what you say are the normal functions when a Digimons undergoes one of these changes in level?"
"Ah well, there's a thing... Do you remember that thing Symbare mentioned?" I questioned pointing a thumb at said Digimon.
"Perhaps?"
"Oh let me do this," Symbare chimed in then shoved me aside, "I don't think he really knows this stuff very well. Take a seat as well!"
"....There's no spare chairs here."
"Sit on the floor then, it'll be like when you're in my class." Sighing at his remark I took a seat on the floor holding onto my knees, "right then, so to start we're from the digital world, or a digital world as Strabi puts it. Apparently, there's more than one but I've never been to any soo." Symbare shrugged his shoulders.
"Interesting," Manhunter's deep voice spoke up, still not very emotive this one it seems, "do you have any way back to this world of yours?"
"Not yet no."
"I see, when I first arrived on earth it was due to a zeta-beam accident perhaps..."
"I don't think that'd work," I say looking up at manhunter and wow the red eyes are kinda intimidating when they're looking at you, "it's uh, more of a... like another dimension than just another place?"
"A world of data?" Kid Flash queried, "yeah that kind of sounds like nonsense but..."
"I can reveal more of your browser history by fisting if you want more evidence." Symbare deadpanned.
"NO, I mean," Kid Flash nervously laughed, "after Rob got his arm broken by an undead freaky thing that became a rabbit I can buy this. Yep."
"Smooth there yellow. But yeah, our world like us is also made of data, a lot more interesting than what I've seen of yours, seriously you guys don't even have floating islands or upside-down buildings. I mean they're hard to live in for most but come on, they're cool."
"I suppose but Symbare you haven't answered the question," Aqualad cut him off before pointing a finger at me, "about what separates Strabimon here from normal Digimon?"
"Ah right that yes," Symbare clapped his hands, "so who wants a history lesson? If no, too bad you're getting one it's Symbare time... Anyone got something to draw on?"
"Could try messing with the computer again?" I suggest, "I mean if that's fine with the others here."
----
"Well, some, thousands of years ago in the digital world we had a... pretty bad war. With a lot of death, destruction, and all that, we didn't really manage to keep history on what exactly started the war itself but things got a lot worse once the Seven Great Demon Lords decided to join in." Symbare used the mountains computer to display the symbols belonging to the Demon Lords.
"Demon lords?" Robin questioned before letting out a small laugh, "that's a bit, on the nose don't you think?"
"If the name fits..." Symbare stated before pointing to each of the symbols in turn, "we had Leviamon, Lilithmon, Beelzemon, Demon, Belphemon, Barbamon, and the real problem and overall bastard that was Lucemon. Which, fits with the sin of pride being his area."
"Pride? And with seven of them, I take it that the others are sins of greed, gluttony, and wrath to name a few?" Black Canary questioned before turning to Martian Manhunter, "this seems, close to Zatara's area of expertise, maybe we should have gotten him here for this."
"Doesn't seem like it's the same thing given this data stuff," Kid Flash cut in before rubbing his hand under his chin, "gotta admit though I'm most curious about lust."
"Does seem like your area yes," Strabimon stated flatly, "Lilithmon looks, about what you'd expect in terms of a fancy goth lady in a dress I guess. So probably something you'd like I guess."
"I do like goth girls..."
"Even if they had like, pink hair?"
"Bit specific but hmm," Kid Flash thought to himself before nodding, "I can dig that."
"Lilithmon is pretty great yes," Symbare spoke up to regain control of the conversation, "if we ever get to the digital world I'll introduce her to you. Well, Strabimon at least."
"Oka- wait introduce?" Strabimon titled his head to the side in confusion, "you... know her? I thought, with uh..."
"Yeah, I know her? She lives in the same city that I did. Runs a club with dancing and everything these days, where I learned how to dance myself."
"...That explains so much."
"Even I can tell that," Robin muttered.
"Can we get back on track here?" Artemis interrupted the two Digimons de-railed conversation.
"Right, anyway most of the Demon Lords were pretty willing to go along with Lucemons ideas of conquering and domination, but two of them Beelzemon and Lilithmon didn't find his ideas to their liking. Guess you can't rely on loyalty among demons, Beelzemon had enough with picking fights with weaklings to ensure nobody could threaten them whilst Lilithmon says she was more interested in actually doing things with Digimon over just subjugating them, the years seemed to cool her off after that. Well, that and Lucemon pissed them off with his attitude more than anything else, pride does that."
"So what, the demon lords had a civil war? Cause I don't buy that just two of them would win that one AND it's leaving out, you know." Strabimon pointed at his scarf after questioning the story.
"Yeah getting to that, but yes as Strabi here said two vs five isn't a winning fight. But there ended up being other Digimon who were willing to stand up to them created from the same data that made up parts of the digital world itself, called them the Warrior Ten or legendary warriors. Took a while for them to get the Demon Lords whilst having to deal with the other warring Digimon but they were aided by the two who turned traitor to fight the rest."
"Huh," Strabimon rested his head on his hand as he folded his legs, "that's... interesting. Never quite thought the demon lords would end up doing something like that, in any world."
"I mean they weren't exactly motivated by heroism or anything, seemed like neither was happy about a lack of challenge," Symbare shrugged, "Of course, this mostly comes from Lilithmon and Ancientmermaimon themselves so they could just be being a bit untruthful, or exaggerating for effect. Not like there are many others around to argue on that, or care enough to do. Those two are just chatterboxes."
"History is written by the victors even with you guys huh?" Artemis noted before shrugging her shoulders, "seems like even as different as things sound others stay the same."
"So Digimon can live for thousands of years from the sound of it then?" Canary spoke up next making an educated guess, "Would make you two pretty young by those standards."
"I think anything above champion level tends to be pretty old," Strabimon vocalized, "but I'm not sure it means that much overall."
"I mean, most don't last that long. It does seem as if age just does a very poor job of killing us, at least by itself," Symbare said before motioning for Strabimon to lower his raised hand, "I know what you're wanting to ask, and no. Most of the warriors didn't come out of the fight with the demon lords alive mostly due to Lucemon, the warriors of water and ice were the only survivors. Which gets to the other thing, the ones that died seemed to leave their spirits behind but until recently none of them reincarnated like most normal Digimon. Which get's to the odd thing..."
Symbare walked over to Strabimon and then picked him up from the back of his scarf, ignoring his loud complaining, "Yeah quiet down for a sec," walking back to the front of the heroes he put Strabimon back on the ground, who proceeded to fold his arms and glared at Symbare, "took a while to find him I guess, but... here's the first of them reincarnated, fluffy here-"
"Oh don't you start, you've also got a lot of fluff." Strabimon grumpily complained.
"And people love it," Symbare smugly grinned, "as I was saying, our very own Warrior of Light... as a child so he's pretty much set in what he'll be due to that spirit stuff. We haven't really, got an idea as to why that is though."
"Could be nothing at all," Strabimon admitted, "could be to kill chaos, no clue whatsoever." Strabimon held up his hands in an 'I dunno' gesture whilst holding back a chuckle.
"Why does this chaos talk always amuse you," Symbare questioned before shaking his head, "but yeah in cliff notes that's about it for him. There are also those digital gates Digimon keep coming through to this world from the digital world but, we're not sure what's causing them. Still, we'd rather this all be kept, between those here or need to know until we can figure it out..."
-----
After that, it was, just everyone getting ready to go home it seemed. It was pretty late, Superboy seemed like he wanted to say... something. But just ended up walking off, strange lad that one, quiet as well though not sure if it's because he is some kind of anti-social or the sort of stoic professionalism Aqualad has shown. That said before we left Aqualad, Black Canary and Robin wanted to speak to us before I and Symbare left.
"Well uh, this was all... okay? I mean, it was fun, besides the almost getting acid on my face and going through sewage." I tell the heroes whilst cringing at the memory of sewage, sure beat out car exhaust for horrible smells.
"That is good to know, but we were wondering if you wanted to, work with us again?" Aqualad asked me which... huh, that's a surprise.
Could just be a pity thing though.
"Like as a team thing?" I turned to Symbare, "I mean... I guess? If it's alright with him and the others."
"I'm fine with it, they seem like good kids." Symbare gave a thumbs up and smile at Aqualad.
"I'd have to speak to the league on any membership stuff, but after today," Canary reached over to my shoulder, which I stepped back from, earning a questioning look, "...I'd put pretty good odds on that."
"I mean it's our team in the end," Robin stated before... smiling? Huh, "but, yeah it's fine. Still not quite sure I approve of how you dealt with that Bakemon but after I saw Raremon... I think I get how you'd end up getting stuck there."
"So... you're not mad at me?" Cause that's a big relief, I didn't alienate him. Huzzah!
"Nope, well... maybe if you don't bathe I will be." Robin chuckled before holding his nose.
Like sewage is easy to get out you little shit.
"Oh we're gonna deal with that don't you worry," Symbare patted me on the back before looking at them curiously, "say what even is this team's name anyway?"
"We just call it the team," Aqualad stated. Which, huh odd way to do it. Symbare meanwhile just rolled his eyes.
"Well, I see the youth of this world are just brimming with creativity, come on kid let's go home. And get you clean, cause that crap on you is horrible."
"It got on you as well," I grumble out a complaint, "anyway this was... nice Aqualad sir."
"Kaldur is fine," The Atlantean held out his hand, "if you're with us without civilians around, then it is fine to use my name."
"Ah, well, mine is still, Strabimon but, you know. Uh, see ya?" I awkwardly finish before waving off everyone else as we left through the zeta tube, "Symbare when we get back there's, something I want to talk about."
"Oh?"
"Yeah, something... weird happened in the sewer and it's, kinda bugging me."
----
22 (Always distract thyself from the ongoing existential crisis that is life)
----
It didn't take long to get back to the Digimon underground hideout, though everyone was still asleep despite it being late enough to be almost morning I think. I'm not an expert on time zones but it was still dark out.
The hideout... actually had come a long way since I first got here. More rooms had been dug out, a lot of the broken bits of rock had been fixed up or reinforced and the dirty busted up floors had the broken parts fixed and carpets now covered a lot of it. Kind of impressive, given half of its stolen.
Funny how little that bothers me now.
Regardless I handed off my clothes to be cleaned and quickly cleaned myself as best as possible with an improvised bath before getting dressed for bed, taking a small mirror up to my room with me as I waited for Symbare. It was, partly on topic with what I wanted to talk about and... I had another concerning thought.
"You alright there Strabi?" Symbare asked as he knocked on the door to my room, now wearing some spare pants that looked like shorts on him due to his own sewage-tainted normal clothes, prompting me to put the mirror down and point for him to sit down next to me, "...well if you're letting me sit with you this must be serious."
"Just, be serious for a minute," I let out a sigh and looked up at the ceiling for a second before pulling my knees up to my chest, "back at, the sewer when we were fighting Raremon you remember what Aqualad had with the uh, water weapons right?"
"I do."
"It... triggered something. Or maybe, M'gann trying to do a mental link with us loosened it but, when I saw that I... said that it reminded me of someone that I knew who could do that but..."
"I think I get it," Symbare quietly stated before lifting his arm up, "do you mind if I...?"
"No... it might help right now," the confirmation was met with Symbare putting his hand on my shoulder to, some discomfort, "but yeah, I don't know anyone who does that. Or, I think I don't. Maybe I did but before all..." I point at myself, "this I was human. So..."
"You're worried whatever spirit thing with the warriors is getting into your head," Symbare questioned to which I nodded, "can't say I've got experience with, anything like that. But, you still seem like the nervous young man I've known for months. It's not much I imagine but..."
"Yeah... I mean for all I know maybe the warrior of light in the legend was me and I just forgot."
"Maybe, or maybe not." Symbare moved to kneel in front of me and held my head still to look in my eyes, "but I do know that right now, none of that matters. Whatever you were isn't anything you can control. But now? You've got a say in that."
"I guess..."
"More of a certainty," Symbare let go of my head before looking at my side and picking up the mirror, "why'd you pick this up anyway?"
"I uh," I started nervously rubbing my hands together for a second before taking the mirror out of his hands and looking at my light-purple and white-furred canine face then watched the reflection also pull its tongue out, "I thought it might remind me but... I couldn't remember exactly."
"...of a maybe past life warrior thing or?"
"What I looked like as a human. It's not important anymore I guess," not like I'm ever going back at this point, "but I just... felt like I lost something there." Putting the mirror down I looked back at Symbare who had stood up and backed away a bit, "one last thing though... I wanted to uh. That. Well. Say... thanks. For, putting up with me. I think I'd have, had big issues on my own so... yeah."
"Don't worry about it, I've rather enjoyed our time together," Symbare gave a warm smile, "might be stuck in a weird human world but I am... pleased to have met you."
"Yeah uh... me too," I smiled back before waving him off, "well I'm sure being serious this long has hurt you so, I'm gonna go to sleep now."
"Oh it's not that painful," Symbare chuckled, "good night Strabimon."
"Yeah, good night... uh... Symbare." Still, some awkwardness there huh.
If I do, get to work with this hero team I'd actually hang around with him less probably. That's... weird. Maybe I should come up with something else to do...
-----
"Hey, Strabi I just wanted to-" Symbare entered the room of his student, intending to check up on them somewhat early in the morning only to notice his absence either on his bed or at his desk they 'acquired' for reading, "huh. Usually bigger on sleep than that." Moving back outside the Symbare looked around for any other Digimon currently awake, quickly spotting Bacomon taping together some cardboard boxes in a corner and running up to the box Digimon, "Hey Bacomon, still trying to make some emergency hiding spots?"
The small box Digimon was startled enough that Symbare could picture an exclamation mark appearing above his head as he spun around in shock at Symbares sudden appearance, "don't- don't do that man. And, maybe, I just felt the urge to have some boxes like this. I always feel like, I found the key to true happiness being in them you know?" Symbare shook his head, "maybe you should come inside the box, then you'll know what I mean."
"Yeah, I think I'll pass," Symbare flatly said before taking a glance at the lobby, "I wanted to ask have you seen Strabimon about? He's not normally up this early, and last time he went off on his own he got attacked by monkeys."
"Oh, yeah I saw him go into one of the bits that got dug out near the lobby earlier," Bacomon pointed over in its direction, "one we haven't really figured out a use for."
"Alright thanks," Symbare waved off Bacomon as he began walking over to the unused part of the hideout. 'A bit odd for Strabi to want to do something with that, he seemed fine with just the computer and room,' he thought to himself as he walked into the poorly lit room with Strabimon sitting drawing on some paper in a corner alongside Kokuwamon and Impmon. "So, what's going on here?"
"Oh hey, boss!" Impmon waved back as Kokuwamon glanced over at him before taking the paper out of Strabimons hands, the wolf Digimon shrinking in nervousness a bit upon seeing his teacher, "Strabimon here had an idea and we're helping!"
"Because I'm not letting him near any wires for it," Kokuwamon stated, her voice robotic but not entirely monotone, "go on tell him what it is."
"Right uh," Strabimon stood up and looked up at Symbare nervously before pulling him over to look at the paper, "so I thought with, that team stuff I might not... have as much time here as I used to. If they let me on I mean but. I had a thought last night on something that, well..."
"On that," Symbare interjected quickly, "you holding up alright? It got, a little more serious than we usually do."
"Oh, yeah," Strabimon nodded before pulling out the phone Robin gave him, "but it was about... before this. Something I used to do with family and, I thought it'd be... fun to do it with fam- friends here as well. I asked Robin for help on it a bit for ideas with the texting thing so yeah."
Symbare blinked, mostly in surprise at Strabimon wanting to set up a group activity before realizing an issue, "and that thing you used to do is?"
"Ah well, I told Robin it was to get more ideas about humans and such as well as for fun but uh." Strabimon pointed at the paper with squares labeled 'sofas/chairs' and one at the wall labeled 'television' "films! Uh, I wanted to see if we could like, get this stuff and some on the DVDs so we could just. Sit down and watch some. Together."
"That's... nice." Symbare smiled at his student, "so what ones do you have in mind then?"
"Don't think titles would mean much to you but uh, Robin suggested some Star Wars ones, I wanted to get these 'Evil Dead' ones, never got to see them with my family like I wanted to..."
----
23 (League scenes are hard, also yeah Mervamon thing was a part of 'digivolution is weird' going on. But more notable to those from the outside whilst digimon just think it's not really notable)
----
The cinema room setup wasn't going to be done for a while, which gives time to wait for an all-clear on that team stuff. It's... strange, I felt full of dread that the whole silly film thing would just get blown off like some, dumb childish thing. But, having something I used to do in my old life felt... relieving. I mean I don't have my family to do it with or go out to a cinema to see the new stuff. But it's... something.
...though all things considered I could, come to consider some people here it. If the old one is lost or broken beyond repair, nothing says you can't stumble your way into a new one. Ugh, that's a bit corny, certainly not gonna tell them that... Maybe.
Watch fewer cartoons and anime ya nerd, might find less cringe ways to get emotional stuff across. Or not, might be more fun that way. Or earnest, hm. I mean I am part of a species powered by friendship and I think dreams now so kind of got little ground to stand on there.
Still wonder what the Justice League thought of, all that. And the idea of, me going on the team. Good things I hope.
-----
"So is the league certain that it is a good idea to let this Strabimon work with the team?" Zatara the Justice Leagues resident magician queried the other members, "these... Digimon sound to be full of contradictions to what I know of how the mystic world, elements, and technology interact."
"Could just be stuff you don't know or even new stuff!" Captain Marvel, the boy chosen by the wizard Shazam and champion of the rock of eternity who is also not sharing on the boy part to his allies in the league, "I mean, that's pretty exciting right?" He let out a wide excited smile, "a world made of data, just imagine the cool stuff they have there!"
"And dangerous things, considering the injuries Batman's protege suffered," Zatara told Marvel to damper his enthusiasm, "this talk of reincarnation, demon lords, and 'warriors' also seems cause for concern."
"Why should it be?" Wonder Woman the daughter of the queen of the Amazons and the heroine questioned, "other members of this league, myself included, have such martial backgrounds. Perhaps not warrior specifically but Stewart served in America's military and the Hawks are officers on their homeworlds military."
"Warriors tend not to be the same kind of thing and we know he's already killed before," Hawkwman chimed in, "but if this reincarnation part is truthful then there may be some cause for concern, I and Shayera know well enough how past lives can leak into your current one. Which doesn't necessarily mean just the positive parts of it."
"Then wouldn't it be better to guide this child? As to aid him in avoiding his past life's fate of dying in some war?" Wonder Woman turned to Black Canary, "you told us he was unsure of his actions, even if it was in defense of himself and another. If anything that is a sign he has the potential to act as a hero by the standards of man's world."
"He really didn't seem certain of much honestly," Canary clarified, "but from what he's said and done, I think he means well. The strange part is that despite how shy he appears and being from an entirely different world Strabimon seems to have a strange amount of trust in heroes from the league."
"They've also refused to disclose the location of where they live," The green lantern Hal Jordan spoke up, "so it clearly only goes so far. We haven't even seen a single sighting of this 'Commandramon' with them that the team reported about since they saw it."
"Everyone has a right to privacy, not all heroes tell each other their secret identities after all." Superman defended, "that's not something we can truly single them out for. That he killed before is something I have reservations about yes but in a desperate situation even members of this league would consider such action if necessary."
"Some here less willing to do so than others," Wonder Woman noted looking at Batman, "but still a situation to be avoided."
"It is a line you can't ever walk back on," Batman said in his stoic baritone, "but that doesn't mean we shouldn't help those willing to do good in the future instead of holding them to past mistakes forever. And without the League influence on his growth, no way to guide how he will act in the future when it comes to deciding such a thing."
"Yeah, otherwise it'll mostly be down to his... father? Symbare," The Flash noted, "I mean he was great but I can't shake the feeling he's a little... off. Kind of like how Red Tornado can be about humans though not quite in the same way, not 'I'll stab your family for fun' off I mean. In that, he's not operating on the same wavelength that humans usually do, no offense Red."
"Symbare has openly made a threat before when it comes to Strabimons safety but considering his eccentricities it is possible he did not intend to follow through on it," Red Tornado robotically made note of, "I believe this is primarily an indicator watching over his student."
"Like a parent!" Flash pointed at Tornado before settling back into his seat, "sure seemed to enjoy acting like an embarrassing one at least. Still, fun guy like I said but I'm not sure he's the sort of guy you'd want to handle most of teaching an alien kid to deal with humanity. So I wanted to suggest that, not full time but one of us should do some sort of... joint kind of thing. To see how he actually does it, and if he is in need of any help. I know mentoring can be a hassle even without that sort of thing."
"I would also add that from reports from both Artemis and Robin the Digimon that were transparent appear capable of ignoring attempts to attack them," Batman added, "Strabimon himself proved able, but if other available resources such as magic fail to combat hostile ones then, for now, we will have to rely upon him and Symbare."
The league members around the table went silent for a minute to mull over their conversation before bringing up a screen to vote on how they should observe and potentially direct the Digimon.
"As for the other subject, my protege Troia is currently focusing on her studies which would leave time for me to observe and potentially assist. Considering previous experience there and my own when it comes to adapting to man's world, I am willing to approach Symbare about potentially aiding in his mentorship." Wonder Woman declared.
"Right," Green Arrow nodded before smiling, "kind of bet you also want to see if he really can turn into that amazon warrior woman thing they mentioned as well."
"This planet could do with more female heroes," Hawkwoman commented with her opinion, getting agreement from the other two female League members.
"Would be a bit of a weird case though, given we don't count things like that... brief oddly colored kryptonite incident. If it really does go that way anyway given they said it's random. Hey, maybe he'll end up an archer, that'd be great don't have many of those either." Green Arrow nodded to himself, "but isn't this down to the team itself in the end? They chose to form it with Superboy and none of us knew him beforehand."
"I thought we agreed not to talk about that incident," Superman mumbled in some embarrassment though nobody gave him a response to that.
"We have had a hand in adding members before," Martian Manhunter pointed out, "so we cannot say we haven't had influence there. Still in this case we have put their opinions in on this vote."
"If it is to be a mistake, ultimately it will be the teams to make," Batman declared, "but that does not mean we do not try to take steps to ensure their safety."
-----
It's probably going fine, bet they end up bringing up something weird. Wonder what the oddest thing I could mention is, probably Gundramon. Or is that more the "sickest shit possible" cause that is a dragon made of guns? Batman would hate that I bet.
Lot of things we didn't get around to mentioning, maybe I should write them down on cue cards. Probably not, ton of stuff to cover, didn't even get around to Royal Knights, canned food plants, and other oddities. Don't think I even brought up the phrase of digivolution when it comes to levels.
...We have an awful lot of digi-words now that I think about it.
"Hm?" Putting a book down I had been reading, well until I got mentally sidetracked, I looked over at the phone which had buzzed for a message alert, "oh, approval for it...yay." I feel like I should be happier on that, having heroes being fine with me like that. And yet, kind of terrifying, along with having less time to just stick around Symbare and the others.
Still, August 13th is a day to come if possible for... espionage instruction with Captain Atom? I... don't know that guy, espionage is odd though. Guess Batman pushed for that, guy likes his sneaking about.
Guess I better go tell Symbare then...
------
24 (And then Strabimon was never as observant as this again)
----- Soooo I think I'm here early?
The neat bit of being allowed to work with these guys is that I get a voice number thingy from the zeta-tube, though 8 isn't my favorite number. Still, little things. Though I don't know why you'd want a robotic announcer whenever you use one of these tubes, I'm going to put a point towards someone wanting maximum dramatic entrance possibilities.
Which left me to just... do something on my own. Nobody was standing waiting but I know I'm not alone going from the smells, not quite sure which is who but there are two I can tell. And, food? Cooked at that, smells fresh and... apple? I never really, put much effort into this before, it's fun.
Walking down the halls into the room with the smells I found Superboy and M'gann sitting at a kitchen table with a... pie out? Like, full-on cartoon style one, not a big one but... still. Do they really make them like that? I'm kind of impressed, and mostly curious. How do you make one like that?
"Oh hi Strabimon," M'gann waved and smiled at me, "I didn't realize you arrived. You haven't been... wandering about by yourself have you?"
"No, I... just uh, well," I tapped my nose, "followed the smells once I noticed them and nobody was there." Turning to Superboy I gave him a wave which just got a nod, still quiet I see. "So, uh. Nice to see you again? Is it just you two here?"
"Red Tornado is usually here as well when he's not out on a mission for the League," M'gann said as she got some plates out of a cupboard, "but I live in the cave, and so does Superboy. I usually do a lot of the cooking, it's fun! Do you want any since you're here?"
Surprising that they trust two teenagers to live on their own half of the time? Usually not the sort of thing I think most would, then again most don't have powers or risk their lives often so, yeah.
"No it's fine, I don't really like pie anyway but uh thanks for the offer?" I do take a seat across from both of them since I don't really want to be too close, "so this is, a covert team right? As some way to learn and get experience yeah?"
"Pretty much," Superboy surprisingly decided to be the one to answer that, "it was the decision of myself, Aqualad, Robin, and Kid Flash after escaping from CADMUS to form it. With, or without permission from the league."
"Oh. That's... cool, I think," Superboy blinked in I guess confusion at my statement. I think I know CADMUS from the JL cartoon, government thing maybe? Pretty sure they did some clone stuff, "you doing that I guess. Must have been... hard? How was the... escaping?"
"...Messy. We broke the building."
"Oh, happens I guess." Shuffling in my seat, I look around the kitchen for a minute before pointing at the Superman symbol on his shirt, "so I, don't. Actually know why you're... you know." Superboy looked down at the symbol before looking at my neck for a minute and giving it a hard stare.
Is he, curious about the symbol? I know the jacket doesn't cover up my neck so pretty sure this isn't a 'thinking of choking him out' stare.
"CADMUS specialized in making genomorphs and clones," I have no idea what genomorphs are, "they created me in case Superman died or if he turned away from the light." Superboy finished before turning to the plate M'gann had passed to him and quietly began eating.
Guess that's a 'back to being quiet' again thing there. Not the first clone of Superman I've heard of to replace him in case of death. There was that Superman X guy in the future cartoon... note to self there be wary of any possible X virus thing.
"Well, okay. Guess you had other ideas if you escaped so... good on you?" Superboy froze for a second as his eyes turned to face me and I quickly held up both my hands, "in like a good 'be your own man' sort of thingy. I uh. Say who is Captain Atom?"
Topic change ACTIVATE!
------
Turns out he's a man who is entirely silver, save for his red boots, gloves, and the stylized atom symbol on his chest. Unsurprisingly he also had the standard 'heroic build' and defined facial features. Bright solid yellow eyes were neat I guess. Would have the energy or atomic powers I guess, which explains the name. I know of THE Atom before so a Captain Atom being a thing as well is a bit of an odd one there.
It took an hour or so before he and the other members of the team showed up which meant sitting about with M'gann and Superboy. It was... quiet. Mostly because Superboy wasn't the most talkative sort and M'gann wanted to look through other recipes in her cookbook. Which actually led to a brief conversation I found interesting.
-----
"Hey, Strabimon what kind of recipes do Digimon have back in your world?" M'gann suddenly questioned looking up from her cookbook over at the sofas where I was sitting, "sorry I just thought, maybe there's something similar in here?"
"I... hm." Looking down I rest my head on my hand. I actually... don't really know any digital world recipes. At least for specific stuff, I think it's mostly got similar stuff, "I don't really know myself, usually just eat the stuff from farms. Fruit, vegetables, and meat."
"Oh. What kind of animals do you have for meat then?"
Oh good, I get to bring up this dumb bullshit.
"We don't really," I state holding back any smile or chuckle of amusement, "I mean I think there's some fish, but usually we just grow meat."
"...Grow?" M'gann questioned with an increasingly confused look on her face.
"Yeah. You know from the ground," I glance at Superboy who was also looking confused, "we don't have any seeds with us though so I can't grow any of that for you."
"...Are you serious?" Superboy asked.
"Why wouldn't I be?" M'gann quietly turned her attention back to the recipe book whilst Superboy slowly sank into a sofa cushion, "can always ask Symbare about it if you're not sure. He probably knows more about them."
--------
Fun times, getting to inflict high levels of confusion/bafflement onto people. Or, whatever that was. They'll be fine. Probably, I kind of want to try meat from a meat plant farm now though.
Regardless Captain Atom and the others showed up after a bit and that led to us sitting in the briefing room sitting on cubes with cube tables getting a lecture on espionage.
They must really like these cubes. One more upside of not being human is that it's harder for seats like this to be killer on my back.
I'll admit it when the whole "out of public" superhero team thing got mentioned, a lecture on espionage was among the last things I would have thought of. Easier to pay attention to, even if claws meant I may have accidentally cut a pencil in half. More than once. Wasn't hard to figure I especially should pay attention to this as I have no real experience being sneaky and since I... kind of suck at blending in still ne-
"This is boring isn't it?" Captain Atom suddenly said cutting off from his lecture script and interrupting my internal thoughts. Guess I got a little distracted there.
"Oh, no captain it's quite-" M'gann started before being interrupted by Superboy.
"Yeah. Boring." Okay bit rude, give this lad a crest of sincerity or something for honesty though.
"All right. Let's learn in the field." Captain Atom moved to change the hologram he was using for his lecture into another screen showing a man called Captain Adams. Learning the field seems kinda not gre- wait.
Okay I know it says this says deceased but this guy's face is extremely similar to Captain Atoms, his hair too. Bar the silver stuff and glowing eyes of course. And he's interested in a cold case that says he's framed... I mean, could just be related but-
"Strabimon are you okay?" Robin asked waving his hand in front of my eyes, "kind of staring off into space there."
"Yeah it's fine I just thought Captain Adams looked kinda like Captain Atom- WAIT!" I stand up and point at Captain Atom, "WORDPLAY!"
That's a pun! Maybe, like Adam Smasher! A pun that unravels the clear secret you fool!
"Strabimon?" Artemis asked with some concern in her voice as she looked worried about my sudden outburst, "are you alright?"
"Yes I uh," Slowly sinking back onto my cube chair seat I look at everyone else staring at me, "said Atom and Adam out loud and uhh." Turning to the Captain he simply raised an eyebrow before chuckling, "It's kind of... you know."
"Don't worry about it." Captain Atom reassured.
"Right okay, so uh. What was it that we were doing again?"
----
25 (Training should involve more training)
----
So the actual thing we are meant to do that I totally didn't get distracted from with my internal nonsense was to investigate and either prove the innocence or reconfirm the guilt of Captain 'totally not me' Adams. So if he's doing this and has claims of a reliable tip of being framed then... yeah I guess he's innocent and he knows.
Well, that or go back to the lecture which would be fine with me but considering everyone else shouted "no" when he suggested it I'm gonna go ahead and guess I'm unawarely vetoed on that by them. Guess I will... sit here and let them plan.
....
Well, I suppose if he was framed and is claimed to be dead then it's likely some sort of conspiracy than just a framing for murder, can't imagine they'd feel the need to go further after landing him in jail. Unless like, he had more information... Or some weird comic-book-style stuff happened. Be a lot easier to narrow down if I knew the Captain's origin.
I sat there thinking to myself until I had a hand waving in my face again, looking up I saw Kid Flash this time, "yes?"
"Being a bit quiet there dude," Kid Flash said before pointing his thumb at the others, "you got any ideas? We've already thrown in ours together."
"Um," well I got... nothing solid beyond guesses, "not... really. I'm not really sure where to start, I haven't done this kind of investigation before." It's not like I have much experience on investigations outside of looking for Digimon 'ghosts' and that is not the same skill set I imagine, "interview witnesses? Check files?"
"Yeah, we figured we should be doing that stuff already."
"Well, then why ask?" I question holding my arms out in an 'I dunno' pose, "I've only really looked into rumors about ghosts and monsters at the most, this is kind of a different field."
"That's fine," Robin reassured with a confident grin, "luckily for everyone here you've got the partner of the world's greatest detective here to help break this cold case open."
"Oh..." I nodded my head in response to his confident declaration, "so where are they?" To which Robins smile doesn't fade but his eyebrow does twitch a little.
-----
So the plan is, to go speak to people. Namely, those involved or linked to people with the 'murder' and Adams. Which, seems like the least useful task for bringing me along on, at best I can be invisible to most by dematerializing but M'gann can also do that so it's covered, but she's also a shapeshifter so unlike me she can avoid sticking out like crazy if anywhere that's not the streets or a dark area.
This meant going with Superboy and Kid Flash to Las Vegas to talk to Lieutenant Yarrow would be totally pointless, same with going alongside Aqualad and Artemis to meet with Adam's children. The only interesting option of sorts was to go along with Robin and M'gann to see the guy who was the judge at Adams court martial General Eiling. Which was kind of a notable name because I'm pretty sure that's the guy in the Justice League cartoon who really hated metahumans and probably superhumans in general.
Also, think he took a serum or something to make himself superhuman and attacked non-powered League members. So, not a trustworthy guy whatsoever. Certainly not the sort I'd want to know about Digimon. Seriously, screw that guy. Which means... well not like I'm doing anything so time to see if I can find anything on that here.
Well, at least we're somewhere ideal for that given the two I went with decided to sneak into the fucking Pentagon. This? This does not feel like hero shit... Okay, maybe Batman brand stuff, always have something to do with corrupt government shenanigans. Which is actually pretty normal for a government, hm. Okay on the scale of hero shit but towards the anti.
Either way since the other two can't see what I'm doing and I can just say I stopped paying attention... rather than follow M'gann to the General Eiling's office I break off and... uh, shit. Uh, the hell is the way to the secret spy bits of the pentagon? Time to... run downstairs and hopefully find a way there?
-----
5 minutes later
Glad I don't get tired anymore cause who the heck designed this interior? Probably meant to get people lost, or I'm just dumb. Either way, I found the bigger computers in a room with an upper walkway around the edges and more downstairs so time to try, messing with them for information... and hopefully not triggering anything.
Stay the hell away from messing with DEFCON stuff that's for sure.
Looking around the lower level of a room filled with computers I spotted one that wasn't in use by anyone in a corner, so I hopped over and ran over to it. So hopefully nobody comes over and checks it whilst I do this bit of hacky stuff as I put my hand into the computer... which immediately lets out a few electrical sparks before functioning normally, thankfully without anyone noticing.
"Okay, could have gone better now let's see how well I can do this," now let me see what you have on General Eiling and if he's as doing weird stuff with CADMUS this time... "so... early career things, earned awards, others he worked with in Vietnam, other dull crap... nothing on CADMUS, dangit." Well, that was a bust. Figures, still what if I have it show me stuff on him and Captain Ad- "oh alien metal experiment was done on him with approval from higher-ups, so that's the Captain's Origin. Be great if I could take this wi-" At which point I must have messed something up as I removed my hand from the computer more electrical sparks came out from it.
And then it exploded. Resulting in nearby agents running over and... well good thing I wasn't visible to them.
GOGOGOGO!
Still panicked. -----
"Hey guys," I materialized in front of M'gann and Robin who were standing waiting at a rendezvous a few streets away from the Pentagon, "so uh. I might have, broken something in there and I didn't stick around to see if anyone noticed."
Robin to his credit, only facepalmed, "weren't you supposed to stick with M'gann there? What were you doing instead?"
"Well, I uh, wanted to see if I could get into the computers for... stuff," I let out an awkward laugh before continuing, "turns out I kind of, overdid something and made one... explode." Robin continued to slowly lower his hand from his face as he kept a flat expression, "I mean, nobody will know it was me, so probably chalk it up to a glitch? And I didn't copy anything cause I was, still ghost so you know."
"What kind of glitch expl-"
"What did you find?" M'gann questioned interrupting Robins, "In case it was anything helpful, I mean I can't check with my telepathy but it could be useful."
"Uh, thanks? And well... Adams is alive, though I think you already knew that given the earlier... outburst. But they did a thingy with some alien metal on him as an experiment and that it had higher up approval.
"Okay," M'gann nodded her head then turned to Robin, "see? He helped, he told us Adams committed suicide and as a General, he should have known that since he's a higher up!"
"It's probably on a need-to-know basis you two which he'd think you weren't," Robin argued back before bringing up his wrist computer, "but I'll add that to the case files, kind of strange considering the widow thing. He might have only heard about it after promotion from Colonel."
...Damnit that actually makes some sense. I still think he's suspicious as hell.
"Anyway, Strabimon? Don't explode computers in the future? I know you're new at this but that's kind of the opposite of stealth."
"...It was an accident?"
------
Anyway, after that, I just decided to let the others do their stuff whilst I waited for a call for anything to do. Didn't seem like there was much point since all I can do here is stay invisible and let them do whatever. Can't exactly do much if it's not tech and I am learning basically nothing in this practical method. This is... a very strange way to do it, maybe this is more for them than me? Still, at least I didn't have to be dematerialized for this debriefing, though Artemis and Aqualad weren't able to meet us at this, foreign-looking house.
Regardless Robin and M'gann got an identity list from a photograph and the others did some interviews with others. Photograph got some names after they scanned it.. Well mostly, I asked who took the picture but just got shrugs and the suggestion that it was put on a delay. Oh, and the Shirley Mason woman was murdered by a sword.
And there was a seven-foot samurai with a sword that the Trang guy from the picture is talking with, so this time I did follow M'gann, I think since she turned invisible as she was starting to fly in the direction of his house. So I broke off into a sprint, to the alarm and call-outs of Robin, Kid Flash, and Superboy who seemed to have missed M'gann flying off, before jumping up to avoid the stairs and then grabbing onto the railing and had begun to pull myself up only to see the Samurai's suddenly sword floating in the air.
"A new security system general?" The black and yellow armored Samurai- is that a horseshoe helmet, had turned away from the Old Man in the room smirking at... something in the doorway as I finished pulling myself up onto a crouched position on the rails, "most impr- hm?" His smirk shifted to an expression of slight confusion after noticing where I was, so I waved which appeared to just confuse the man more. And then Superboy came crashing through one of the paper window things and tackled the Samurai and started punching him in the face.
Huh. That was anticlimactic. Shiny sword though...
Walking over to the sword, briefly bumping into M'gann who turned out to be invisible in the doorway, I picked it up and waved it about in my hand. It felt... oddly natural, haven't held a proper sword before...
"Hey, can I keep this?" I asked the confused old General whilst pointing at the sword as I twirled it about in my hand, shiny sword...
-----
"No, you can't keep that," Symbare sternly said taking the sword, even as I let out an "aww" of disappointment, I held onto after I came home from the practical lesson away, "I've seen you hurt yourself with claws enough times to know giving you some... special cutting sword is a bad idea."
"But it felt good to hold! It even has a glowy function!" I complained folding my arms, I have an unreasonable amount of swords without that one, which is no swords. Unreasonable.
"Yeah still no. So what did you learn?" Symbare asked shifting to curiosity after getting the cliff notes of what happened to prove Captain Atoms' innocence, "well besides that trying to kill people to cover stuff up leads to them revealing your conspiracy out of spite as I'm sure guys like that Eiling just learned."
"Uh, jack and shit? Like... I don't think this was a well-thought-out lesson." I'm... a bit baffled they honestly went this route, felt more black ops than a hero thing. Ah well, at least the captain is happy to see his kids again, "I'll try asking like Commandramon or anyone if they have any ideas for practical stuff between us. See if that's better, this team seems... a bit too eager."
...I still want a sword.
----
Note: Oh yeah, that happens quite a bit. Strabimon just ouright missing things, part of it is when I couldn't quite figure out how to derail somethings overall events.
26 (So anyone played Solatorbo? There's some concept art of Red that Strabimons 'costume' is based upon just recoloured)
----
I was... admittedly a little torn on that whole experience. It was nice to go with the heroes on an investigation and help Captain Atom like that. But, it wouldn't be much of an exaggeration to say it was kind of... not a good learning experience due to 'talking to people to investigate a cold case' bit being kind of unsuited to a wolf-shaped person. And, not really having anything to do besides taking a sword.
Really the main thing is that I still... haven't gotten any practical experience. Every damn fight I've had since Bakemon has either been sparing or I end up not doing much. It's kind of, weird to want to go into danger like that but I'm really getting agitated at not getting to hit someone in that sense. Seriously, it's kind of annoying.
...maybe I do have some combat instincts in me, this is strange.
Still, it feels like this team thing was more focused on giving them something to do than it is about actually teaching them. Or they were just not sure how to handle a sneaky team of sorts, somehow despite having the goddamn Batman on the league. I did speak to Symbare about not being sure I was going to get much experience if things were like that all the time, maybe next time things will be different but otherwise, mostly be getting extra sparring.
Which gives me an idea, I'll ask Commandramon if she has any extra ideas. I've done training a few times with her instead of Symbare, but haven't really spoken to her much before outside of that. Symbare should be able to handle any reach-out stuff for a while, they gave him something to speak with him if needed so I don't need to hang about. Nothing will come up I bet anyway.
-----
"Hey Commandramon," I tap the small gun-wielding dinosaur when I found her in the lobby area on a break sitting on a chair rather than being stuck guarding or anything else, "so uh, I was wondering if you want to... do, extra."
"...Extra? You are aware that explains nothing right?" Commandramon deadpanned and folded her arms before waving to go on with one arm.
"Right so, that team stuff hasn't let me, you know. Do some of the violence but you've done some training with me before and I was wondering if, you know," tapping my claws together as I took a breath before continuing, "go out and, fight a crime?"
"What like a cop?"
"More like, one of the superheroes? It could be fun an-"
"Alright," Commandramon hopped off her chair before holding up a finger to stay quiet, "I could do with a proper fight myself but under a few conditions. Namely in that we don't go looking for a fight we can't win, I'm in charge, and lastly..." Commandramon smiles looking up and down at me, "these superheroes dress up in costumes right? I get to pick yours."
"...I'm sorry what?" I ask before looking down at my clothes, well white pants, shoes, and belts. Whilst I didn't have a need for a jacket or anything today so felt no reason to put any of that on, "I look fine. I can put on a coat or something if I need to. But if we're demateria-"
"Oh, we won't be," Commandramon interrupted, "Symbare isn't the only one who gets to have fun doing stuff with you. And I got some practical stuff I think might be your style ready for this already, consider it a surprise early present."
"...Is that your way of pressuring me into this?"
"Absolutely, I know how to handle reluctant recruits. Besides I've always wanted to play dress-up and had nobody to do it with. Now go to your room and await my return, that's an order private!"
I'm a private now? Maybe I shouldn't have asked her... Nah I still wanna punch some guys more.
-----
"So uh, I went with this out of the lot you gave," I told Commandramon as she walked in and looked me over, "it's... fine right?"
Commandramon let out a hum before looking at the bed and the pile of spares I didn't go with, "it is... sufficient. I actually thought you'd go with the shorts and leggings."
"Eh that felt... not right," and not in a good way, kind of felt like the girl or 'pretty boy' outfit bit in a game, "pants work better."
"True, your ass might be cute, but not that sort of cute like Symbare."
"I'm not cute," I bluntly shut down before adjusting my scarf, which I didn't have to take off, "kind of surprised you haven't-"
"Asked him out, eh he's more eye candy than anything, better than anything back when I was in the D-brigade, you checked the mirror?"
Right, figures she is some kind of former military.
"Yeah, yeah," I mutter giving myself in the mirror. Honestly, I don't mind the outfit, bar not being able to fully button close the vest jacket against the more notably fluffy part of my chest. Otherwise, it was a primarily white outfit with lavender bits on the edges of it and on the parts used to button it up and a few black lines going up on it. The pants had a similar color scheme, albeit stopping a bit halfway down past my knees rather than going down to my ankle, likely to match the black boots which almost went that high. The boots still had holes in the front of them for the claws on my feet. Got pockets though, and came with two black pouches as extra to carry more stuff with one tied on each leg.
Or drop pouches as Commandramon called them.
Last thing which felt... odd was the pair of aviator goggles with some lavender frames in them. That's leader stuff in Digimon, still surprised she set this up, "you know what threw me off a lot with this stuff Strabimon? You don't have a tail, kept thinking you'd have one."
"Yeah, I've gotten that a few times," I respond giving a spin in the mirror to look at other bits of it, at least my gloves, arm belts, and scarf could stay, "where'd you get this anyway?"
"Oh I made it, proof of the design in terms of appearance right now," Commandramon noted before thumping her chest armor, "I'll reinforce it another day, promised Symbare I'd help keep you safe after all and dumbass recruits almost always get badly hurt not putting their armor on properly."
Armor? Huh, well not sure how to do that with clothes but I think that's been done with Digimon before. But yeah, I can rock this I think. Still...
"Feels like there's a story there?" I question Commandramon who just lets out a short laugh.
"Oh it was D-brigade there was tons of dumb stuff that made me glad I left. And not just because I crashed a mobile house into artillery."
"Ah, so you le-" hold on a second, "mobile what?"
"Look they're really hard to drive okay?" Commandrmon folded her arms before leading a walk outside the hideout, "whatever, come on let's get a picture of you in this for reference before it gets torn up dealing with any punks."
"Reference?"
"Yeah, so I know how to do it right," Commandramon stated before scratching under her jaw in thought, "bet I can get an order in from the digital world for the stuff I'd need, no idea how those cats do it but these odd Blacktailmon have been able to deliver anywhere. And yet they still can't find us a way back," Commandramon ground her teeth in frustration, "fuckin cats man."
"I see..." I nodded in response deciding not to question that further, "actually if we can do orders like that can we get meat farm seeds? We should start growing some of our own..."
-----
Okay so turns out just walking in the streets seems fine now, people didn't do anything at least and left us alone. Guess they're used to the idea of me being around here, or it's Commandramon holding an assault rifle openly. That'd probably explain everyone who stayed out of our way.
The first question we had was 'where to find criminals' which given it was Gotham it shouldn't be hard, though I figured walking about randomly would take too long. So I decided to look in a certain area, the docks! It always seems like crime stuff happens around boats and warehouses, at least in media. And well, comic book universe.
And I was right!
Didn't take long either, just had to follow one of the weirder smells and gunpowder to find armed mooks offloading containers and barrels from a smaller boat into a warehouse. Figures they'd have a lot of guns, right city for it. Didn't seem like anything sci-fi at least, just the usual handguns, shotguns, and rifles you'd see guys of this sort carry around.
"So what's the plan?" I ask Commandramon as we were crouching down watching from on top of a nearby warehouse rooftop.
"Plan? Oh, I'm not doing this for you private," Commandramon stated as she lay down on her stomach and readied her rifle, "you say you needed this fight so it's on you. I'll step in if you somehow get over your head with these mooks. Or I get bored, either one."
"Oh, alrighty then." I give her a thumbs up before stepping off the roof, landing quietly before sprinting up to the warehouse, forcing open a window, given some of the noise it made I might have broken a lock and climbing inside.
Sure a fight right away might be fun but I'd rather check what they're delivering first in case it breaks in a fight, lot of guys with guns.
Crawling along the ground and peaking around a wooden crate I saw only two guards inside stood next to each other inside the warehouse as another left through an open door, I would presume they just finished rolling something in since the guy was more 'incognito' compared to the guys here in some heavier military looking armor and some... card symbols on their arms? Not sure that means anything.
Moving back behind the crate I knelt up and used my claws to stab into and pry it open as quietly as I could. Peeking in there was... stuff. Like, more firearms, some gag-looking stuff and... I'm gonna assume this block stuff is like bombs or something. Pretty sure I know whose warehouse this is... and know what fuck him.
Crawling over to a barrel and stabbing a hole in the top to look inside reveals some... purple liquid? Yeah, I don't know that one, Venom is green, so is Joker stuff usually and the fear toxin is more of a yellow so none of them. Whatever probably nothing good. if these guys want it.
Anyway, curiosity sated, now to sate my desire for violence... Eh, stealth is overrated, hopping onto a wooden crate I immediately followed it up by pouncing onto one of the guards knocking him onto the ground and kneeing him in the stomach. Quickly turning around I saw the other guard moving to raise his gun and about to shout in alarm so I kicked his leg out and then followed it up by kicking him in the chest before he hit the ground, launching him across the warehouse and into one of the walls making a banging sound on its metal.
"Well, that was easy," I mutter to myself as I stood up from the ground and looked outside where there was now shouting about the noise from coming inside here, "...yeah let's take this outside."
And me without a one-liner, darn.
-------
27 (Do not startle the gun dinosaurs for your face is very shootable)
----
So I have the initiative here seeing as they're being a bit slow to get in here, well unless they toss in a grenade or something but somehow I doubt that they're interested in blowing this stuff up. At least, I figure, be a bit pointless to guard things you're going to blow up in this manner.
So with the initiative, I shall... tear this metal door off and throw it at someone. That sounds like a perfectly sane plan, so I walked over to the door and stabbed my left hand through it and ran forward an-, "oh whoops," didn't mean to quite do that, "uh sorry guys I meant to tear off the door entirely not. Half."
"What?" One of the mooks spoke in confusion before turning around to face one of the other mooks who shrugged at him.
"Oh right," I quickly shook the door remains loose from my claws before tossing it at one of the mooks and broke off into a sprint at the nearest gun-wielding mook before he could fire it and snatched it out of his hands and throwing at a- the distance totally what I was aiming for, "you saw nothing!" And ensuring the now gunless mook couldn't say anything I grabbed his shirt then pulled on it knocking him to the ground and followed it with a quick kick with the bottom of my foot.
"The hell is this shit?" Another mook called out and thus labeled himself my next punching bag, taking a simpler route I just hit him in the stomach with the palm of my hand and left him throwing up on the ground after he landed some meters away.
Gross man. Wonder how everyone else is doing, maybe not quite having fun but I am sure feeling less agitated.
-----
"Well the training wasn't useless after all," Commandramon muttered to herself after watching Strabimon duck in response to gunfire sounding off before leaping onto the mook who shot at him, "or these guys just really suck. Much like my old C.O." Giggling at her own joke to entertain herself Commadramon continued to watch Strabimon beat guys unconscious before she sat up and started to survey outside the warehouse dockyard. So far nobody besides nearby low-rank goons had shown up from her estimate but typically these things brought the attention of higher-ups.
Wonder how that message will go, hello sir this not even 5 feet tall wolf guy is kicking and punching the heck out of us! Commandramon thought to herself as Strabimon, for some reason, had put his arms around the waist from behind one guy and dropped to the floor slamming their back onto the ground, He's improved on self-control in terms of not hurting people too bad it seems as well.
Commandramon admittedly did find the resulting, well hard to call it a fight with how one-sided this is, battle a bit amusing at first but that kind of wears down after the eighth guy Strabimon knocked down out of it. She was, surprised at how... physically unimpressive these humans were, even their firearms seemed inferior to her own and she was a Rookie level Digimon, at least Strabimon would complain if she hit him during training, the only guy to land a hit with one barely got a reaction.
At least it seems to have instilled the instinct to dodge in him fairly well, even if he complained about sitting down being painful a couple of times, Commandramon made a mental note and gave herself an internal complement, though this is getting pretty boring. He's doing fine though so no reas-
Commandramon cut off her line of thought and turned down the dock upon hearing sounds of what she assumed were some vehicles coming, probably more mooks that Strabimon would have no issue dealing with but if there was something bigger...
"Shame," Commandramon muttered in amusement as she pulled out a DCD bomb at the ready.
----
I am seriously starting to wonder if these guys suck at their jobs more than anything. Maybe Gotham mooks are just of low quality from Batman-related head injuries? I've gone through like at least 10 guys here and they've shot me in the back about twice and one guy hit me in the back of the head with a wooden bat, which broke. Also, I'm more bulletproof to this Commandramons M16 Assassin, great to have that confirmed.
Leaping onto the shoulders of one mook with my hands I kicked both legs out at two other mooks before elbowing him in the back and onto the ground, "why are all you guys so tall anyway? Serious question."
"Shut it damn mutt!" Another goon with a bat shouted running at me, come on man look at all your buddies on the ground I thought this overconfidence was a game thing! They didn't even give you a gun. Actually speaking of on the ground... Grabbing a tall out-of-the-fight mooks legs I brought them up to under my armpits.
I've wanted to do this sort of shit for years!
"Alrighty then," I started walking towards a few other mooks and started spinning the mook around me and in the direction of nearby others, "one!" that one is gonna have sore ribs, "two!" that one is gonna walk funny for a week, "and three!" after hitting the third guy I let out a yell as whilst letting of the unfortunate weaponized mook who sailed through the air much like a brick into two more of his friends, "ah ha suck it practical fighting techniques, giant swing style motherfuckers!"
Oh, this laughably one-sided fighting is much less terrifying than other kinds. Especially against Digimon.
Still, if everyone seems to have gone then it is the fist pump of victory time, even though Commandramon is now... pulling something out? Wh- oh I can hear more coming. This isn't the most tiring physically but, I feel pretty satisfied in terms of getting violence out of my system now. I'd just leave but it'd be an issue for the police, even as useless as they typically are if I let them grab whatever from these warehouses so better deal with these guys as well. Gonna grab a pipe as well, try using that. Respect the pipe.
Which is a fairly small convoy of cars led by one big green and purple truck which I think I know, from a lego game anyway. Hopefully, it's just more mooks rather than- oh fuck off.
"Well, what ha-" Yeah I don't really care for whatever he has to say, especially if he tries to get manipulative.
"Uh, Joker sir? I kind of just punched out your guys and don't feel like doing it even more, so can you just leave?" I ask to interrupt whatever this not-Mark Hamill-sounding version of him was going to say with annoyance in my voice. Something he seemed to not appreciate with how his Joker brand smile dropped to an annoyed glare as he stopped halfway from getting out of his truck.
Seriously man? Do you not see the state of the guys around me? Unless this is a super-powered or kung fu version of the Joker this seems pointless.
"Typical Gotham weirdo, no respect for other weirdos, ah well." He said before getting back into his truck and the engine starting up again, "so, how about I try fixing that?" And now it's moving in my direction, wonderful. Making a decision quickly I toss the pipe at the truck, which just hit it sideways and bounced off, then proceed to run and jump at the truck, dragging my claws across the front to slow down as my foot hits the front window , "well look at that, the doggy finally caught a truck."
"Oh, shut-" My complaint was cut off by the sound of an explosion from behind the truck. Grabbing onto the front of the truck I lift myself over and, yep "...oh those guys are dead." The other vehicles had been blown apart with their remains on fire, couldn't quite spot anyone in the flames though.
"Someone blew up my guys?" I heard Joker's voice angrily question from the truck, followed by the sound of glass smashing and gunfire as I felt two hard pokes into my stomach, so I lowered myself down to glare at Joker who had pulled a revolver out to shoot me, "only I get to do that!"
"...How do you hire anyone?"
"I give very good benefits, like dental!"
"Riiight," I drawl out before looking behind me to see we're still driving around the dock in a circle, he's awfully good at driving one-handed... well that sentence went places. Dragging him out won't end well so let's stop this. Lifting my right leg up as it began to glow I looked down at Joker with a flat expression, "anyway time to stop, LICHT BEIN!"
Two things happened once my leg slammed down into the front of the truck, it smashing apart and my forgetting of how sudden stops tend to go with myself slamming into the front of the truck whilst the Joker was launched out from his seat across the ground. Which left me groaning in some pain as I climbed down from the front wreckage of the truck and then leaned on it as I spotted Joker lying down on the ground halfway across the dock.
"So even their vehicles suck?" Commandramons voice suddenly called out from next to me as I rose my hands in front of me with their tips touching each other, "I got the others, looks like you got your guy."
"Uhh, okay," I quietly say in response before moving my hands to point at the Joker on the ground, "is he still alive?"
"Not sure, hold on," Commandramon rose a fist up as she made that order and walked over to him before poking him a few times. Joker, for some baffling reason, decided to surprise her by grabbing her leg and laughing so she surprised him by firing a burst of gunfire from her rifle at Joker creating multiple holes in him, "Well definitely isn't alive now. Good job today I say!"
"...NOT WHAT I MEANT!" Ohhh I am going to be in so much trouble.
--------
"So the TV is finished then?" Symbare asked Kokuwamon as they were aiming to finish the cinema room Strabimon wanted to have set up for the Digimon to use to which Kokuwamon gave a nod as they moved back from it, "nice, should make a nice surprise when they get ba-"
"Hey, Symbare!" Strabimon chose this moment to make his appearance alongside Commandramon who was happily smiling in contrast to Strabimon who was clearly forcing one, "I uh, things went well?"
"Why does that sound more like a question?" Symbare looked between the two Digimon stood in the doorway of the room with his eyes slowly narrowing noticing how strained Strabimons expression was becoming.
"Oh well, beca-"
"I killed a big-name villain!" Commandramon happily stated before giving a thumbs up whilst Strabimon face palmed as Symbare looked at the two in concern before sighing, "today has been a good day."
-----
Note: Remember, when your allies are violent prone and their nature gives them an odd view of death do not forget to tell them not to shoot people.
28 (Luck out in your calls!)
----
Good news! Symbare wasn't mad at me, I think. After sighing he motioned for us to sit down on the sofa the room already had ready before asking Kokuwamon to see if it can be connected to "whatever it is humans use to make TVs connect to things to watch" once I mentioned that the explosions will probably end up on the news.
I mean the gunfire probably would have tipped someone off but things being on fire tends to add to that. Besides, we didn't stick around to see if there were any witnesses or anything. Not sure I'd get blamed for a death via bullet seeing as I don't use guns. But given they know about Commandramon, yeah that's probably gonna put a damper on any progress in relations between us and humans, or at least the superheroes.
"I don't get what the issue is," Commandramon complained as she sat sulking with her arms folded, "Strabimon said this 'Joker' guy was some mass murderer. We kill those all the time back in the digital world."
"Humans, usually, don't come back from the dead after a while as we do," I stated with my hands tightening on my legs as I felt the anxiety in my chest rise again, "that and the Heroes here are really sensitive when it comes to lethal force. Like, they get super mad."
"...oh. Well, why didn't you say in the first place?" Commandramon defended as Symbare put the palm of his hand to his face, "besides that guy shouldn't have surprised me like that if he didn't want to get shot like that, what was he even thinking with that?"
"I wouldn't think 'hey don't shoot people in the face' was something I had to te-"
"Okay you two it's time to stop," Symbare interrupted before it could escalate to an argument, "I'll admit we likely should have told Commandramon about how things are done here, can't exactly blame her for something she wouldn't know."
"That's... fair, I guess," I admitted whilst letting out a breath as I sank into the sofa cushions.
"It is," Symbare nodded before letting out an annoyed groan, "gonna be a headache to explain this one though. So thanks Commandramon."
"Yeah okay, my bad on that one," she let out an awkward chuckle, "but hey, Strabimon shouldn't get in trouble for this one since I'm the one who did the killing."
"I think they might take issue with it being a part of my idea to get practice in on fighting people," I stated raising a finger, "you know just a bit."
"I'll... try to explain it to them, I'm supposed to get a call from one of them sometime soon anyway. I don't think they'll take it too bad if we explain clearly," Symbare reassured before turning to me with a flat stare, "that doesn't mean I'm not annoyed with the both of you getting us into this situation. Even if it was unintentional." Breathing out Symbare looked up at the ceiling before mumbling under his breath, "wonder if I can throw their bad practical lesson back at them if this goes poorly."
After that, the TV finally came to life leaving me to mess with the remote to check if there was anything on the news. Which did quickly reveal that people had gone to the scene of the fighting, thankfully it seemed as if nobody knew it was us there. And, well people seemed pretty alright with the idea of The Joker being dead.
Well, I said thankfully no one knew but that's more in my personal case considering...
"Unknown gunman!?!" Commandramon angrily yelled at the tv, "aw come on I can't even get credit for my work in this world either? No damn respect for Commandramons I tell you!"
Where is this coming from?
---------
Don't be mad, don't be mad don't be mad.
"Can you please not shuffle about like that?" Commandramon asked as we were still sitting waiting for a call from the League, "I get you're nervous but, kind of annoying."
"Sorry, just. Felt better when it wasn't so close to happening?" I apologized, though my voice still carried across the anxiety in my chest.
"Yeah it was a problem for future you, and now you're future you."
"...Yeah pretty much." At least this wasn't something past me could have done anything about at any point. Though that thought was cut off as the phone in Symbares hand started ringing making my anxiety shoot up even higher as my claws started to dig into my legs.
"Relax I got this kid," Symbare reassured before turning to hit the answer button and turning the audio onto speaker mode since it wasn't designed with his kind of ears in mind, "Symbare here, how are you?"
"Hello?" A female voice with a notable accent that I didn't recognize came through the phone, "I am fine?"
"That's great! How mad is everyone?" Symbare cheerfully responded before bluntly questioning the woman without losing his cheer.
"...mad?"
"Oh, she doesn't know. Uh, whoever you are." Commandramon noted waving at the phone briefly before stopping and slowly lowering her hand.
"It's Wonder Woman, and what don't I know Miss?" Wonder Woman identified herself before sternly questioning Commandramon, guess she's perceptive enough to pick up on the 'something to be mad about' thing.
"Did you see the news about the docks cause we were... involved a bit," I spoke up, "But like, not. Uh, I didn't."
"I killed The Joker!" Commandramon happily stated, "They called me unknown tho-"
"I said let me handle this," Symbare cut off Commandramon by putting his free hand over her mouth before she could talk further, "and it's not as bad as it sounds."
"So she didn't kill him?" Wonder Woman's voice was completely deadpan at that statement.
Well, this is going about as good as I expected.
"Oh. No, she totally did that... and blew up some cars. Commandramon here was taking Strabimon on a... practical lesson of their own since the one with the team didn't really let him, do much and he kinda needed one. So they went looking for some criminals to let him learn how to handle them firsthand. Which went mostly fine, Strabimon fought a lot of guys then this Joker showed up and well..."
"He tried to hit me over with a truck which was, a bit stressful but I managed to stop it and kind of, sent him flying out the window. Not on purpose!" I quickly reassure Wonder Woman, "He was still alive but then uh..." I trail off trying to think of how to explain that part, but I needn't have bothered.
"I think he thought surprising me would have been funny," Commandramon grinned, which thankfully Wonder Woman couldn't see, "evidently it wasn't. It was on reflex though... mostly."
"Lady do not make this sound worse than it is," Symbare scolded before sighing, "look I know you guys are a bit, sensitive on this. But that really wasn't something we intended for her to do. Admittedly we did, kind of forget to tell her not to use lethal force. Hindsight for the ex-military one of us."
"You have a military?" Wonder Woman's voice remained stern but had some curiosity clearly coming through despite that.
"Sort of," Commandramon answered, "we didn't work for any one city or anything exactly. D-brigade was kind of crappy if you weren't a higher-up or anything. I ended up leaving after... I think the fourth time they almost got me killed due to that stupid crap."
"I see..."
"For the record, Strabimon is not to blame for any of those guys dying" Symbare brought the conversation back on track taking a glance at me and flashing a small smile, "he did a fine job of holding back from what I know. And Commandramon was only there to not let him get in over his head."
"Well, that... will be considered. I can't imagine others will be pleased by this turn of events but it shouldn't affect anything to do with your charge if what you say is true," well that's a massive relief, "I suspect some like Batman might actually be relieved to not have to worry about the Joker anymore even if he is likely to be unhappy with what happened. It is doubtful anyone could charge Conmmandramon for this either, but that doesn't mean this should happen again. But the reason I made contact was to discuss aiding in your mentorship to Strabimon seeing as you might struggle with adapting to this world."
"...I can feel that this incident may have furthered the idea I might not do well at that."
"Most likely, it is merely an offer that you do not need to accept. I do have experience in teaching family of my own as a protege." Symbare remained silent to mull it over before looking at me, which I guess means he wants input...
"I-I guess that... I'm fine with it. Maybe, is this actually gonna, you know?" It's more stuff to do but could be fun to do it with Symbare, that said, "but you do know that we're not, related?"
"I will make sure it's actually a learning experience do not worry. And besides, family need not be shared blood or... whatever it is your species have." Well WW that is a nice thought bu-
"Don't bother with that sort of thing with Strabi, he's pretty stubborn when it comes to not being open about that sort of stuff," Symbare put a hand over my mouth in case I said anything, which I wasn't!
"I am very familiar with his sort after my time with the Justice League," Wonder Woman said with some amusement whilst Commandramon was sniggering to herself.
I'm starting to think arguing against this sort of belief to others is getting rather pointless. At least some are having fun.
"That sounds like a fun conversation." Symbare was also audibly amused at her remark, "But on topic, if Strabimon is fine with it then sure. Not sure when but if we have time then we can try that."
-----
"So that's that then?" Kind of felt like a lot of nerves over nothing, "I thought there'd be a lot... more yelling." This is not to say I'm upset that she took it so well though that was just Wonder Woman and well, she comes from some sort of warrior society. And I guess cause Commandramon was the one who did it. Still, bit surprising.
Though I suspect the team and a few other Leaguers would have more to say if we spoke to them first.
"Seems like it, told you I had it." Symbare puffed up his chest and folded his arms in victory, "probably visit this Wonder Woman in a week or so, give her time to speak to the other heroes on what happened." Turning around he pointed out at Commandramon, "whilst you little lady, need to refrain from shooting people."
"What if I just don't shoot them dead?"
"...Yeah that's probably fine."
I dunno Symbare, sometimes it also goes to guns in their flip-out area. Though I figure this might hammer home the whole, 'primed for violence' thing about Digimon.
----
29 (Gundramon is best mon and should always be mentioned to people)
----
We did decide that going to see the team or League right away probably wouldn't have been a great idea. Let things cool off for a day or two as Wonder Woman speaks to the others about the thing with the Joker. Probably better than us doing it, or at least me or Commandramon. Seriously I half suspect she'd have done that even if she didn't get spooked by him there. She's gotten pretty damn pleased about the whole 'scored me a big name one' part of this whole affair.
And... I think I'm going to try and avoid letting other Digimon get into fights with normal people without stressing some ground rules first. I know others can get it from the anime and such, but maybe it's best not to count on them to know better first. Well more like definitely shouldn't count on them knowing better after Commandramon did that, even if I can't say The Joker more than likely had that one coming.
Or could just be that Commandramon has a couple of bad habits from D-brigade. That could also be a factor, which just makes me wonder about any of the other warriors.
That is actually... a thought. We still have little clue as to what the state of the other warriors is when it comes to reincarnation. I know in my head that I shouldn't be the one from the old times given the formally human thing, and yet I'm... rather curious as to what he-I-whatever was like back then. Bet now I'm something of a disappointment in comparison to the original warrior of light, and I can't even say 'well at least nobody remembers the original' going from what Symbare said.
Still, when I think about this, a part of me feels... like it's something I should do at some point. Is that what the partners of chosen feel at times? Weird, whatever if I disagree with whatever 'fate' or 'destiny' has in mind then it can shut up and deal with whatever I choose to do instead of something like I dunno if it wanted me to suplex a child.
Going for some extreme ideas in my head at possible destinies that can get ignored and deal with it but Symbare pretty much told me to after all! And he's the smart one here, put mental health first. Still, I should smack him for making me sit in a class with Digimon children though.
Gotham seemed mostly fine for now, seems like the city is mostly just... confused if that makes sense. Like they never thought they'd be rid of The Joker and are waiting for the other shoe to drop, or his gang is at least since the news has said they're either moping or doing nothing.
On the bright side, Clown Associations were extremely pleased and even wanted to make it a day of celebration with an offer to make a Clown Egg for the one who killed Joker if that ever gets publically revealed. Figures he did a number on those guys, though I have other perfectly valid reasons to be... scared of clowns. I blame Dead Rising. Not sure how the GCPD are taking it, well I would guess. Bet right now they're drinking it up in celebration.
----
"You know Commissioner," Detective Bullock said leaning back in a chair whilst holding a glass in his hand, "when I heard The Joker was dead this is not what I had in mind for how we'd toast the occasion."
"Well..." Commissioner Gordon looked up from his desk at the Detective before quietly handing him another sheet of paper from a pile, "I suppose even in death The Joker finds a way to be a pain in our ass."
"Got that right, how many crimes did that guy commit to leave so much paperwork to sort even after he died? I'm starting to think the guys saying he wasn't even human were on to something cause I don't see how anyone even had time to sleep," checking over the paper Bullock's face shifted to one of utter confusion before turning it back and pointing at one part of it, "seriously I don't even know what this crime even is!"
"Take it up with Montoya then, this is going to take half a week to sort out at this rate."
----
Yep, bet they're having a grand old time.
Deciding that I should probably tell the team around the same time, so I checked when they were all meeting up again on the 19th. A fairly late one, unless one or more of them had something suddenly come up. Which is possible. Still, I figured that I should probably show up early so that I can get my words right. Or at least do it one at a time.
Or get nervous and awkwardly stand about trying to tell them but not actually saying it. That is also an option. I like that option, it involves not talking.
But that'd disappoint the adults and, yeah.
----
The first agenda of the day was to arrive at the team's base early that day. Well relatively early, was still the afternoon by the time I showed up, Symbare offered to come but I figured it'd probably go better in person if it was just me to explain this one. That and, I can't rely on him to bail me out on everything when it comes to dealing with people.
Besides Superboy just looked at me and shrugged when I waved at him before going off on his own like usual so he's probably, as anti-social as ever. Not sure what goes on through that boy's head given, that I have barely spoken to him. Either that or the meat farms still him in a state of confusion, jokes on him I got the seeds on order!
M'gann was the only other one here and that should be a fun conversation as she is... cutting food. Again. Does she, do anything else here? Well, let's just get this out of the way before the others arrive.
"Hey, uh M'gann?" I wave at the Martian who stopped what she was doing before looking at me and giving a wave, "did you... hear about my attempt at... learning?"
"Just some... bits." M'gann nodded before putting her knife down and then gave me a look over, "you look like you're doing okay. I mean not that I expected you to be like, doing horribly. Even if you got that villain, you know."
"Yeah, that was... not intentional." Rubbing my arm and trying to put on a large smile that got a brief flinch for some reason? Oh no, wait I know why teeth heh. "I mean I know I wasn't the one who did it which kind of, gave some distance from that bit of it all but uh. Yeah, I will try to not forget to tell the Digimon not to do that in the future."
M'gann quietly gave me another nod before looking back down at her knife then back to me, "are you guys usually..."
"Violent? Far as I know... yeah we're kind of prone to it," holding out my hand I opened it up to put emphasis on my claws whilst pointing at them with the other hand, "these aren't just for show after all. It's not all of us but, most Digimon are capable of being dangerous at least on some level."
"I see. Kind of like, living weapons?"
"Eh that's pushing it a bit I think. Unless counting any Digimon that have weapons built into them like Gundramon. Those are dragons made of guns." I mean you probably could call all Digimon that but then you run into ones like Cutemon who doesn't really have a direct attack and yeah.
M'gann upon hearing that last sentence totally froze in position before her expression shifted between an attempt at strained smiling and confusion of what I figure is trying to picture a Gundramon "...that's nice?"
"It's the hypest thing!" I declared putting a hand on my hip whilst giving her a thumbs up with the other, "dangerous but it's a great thing that is also stupid as hell."
"I'll take your word for it. So uh, I like your new outfit?" Ah darn, she is changing the topic. Some people just do not know how to mentally handle a gun dragon.
----
30 (Cats end up in the darndest places. Also yes I do bring up things from the tie-in comics)
---
After a short talk about my outfit, it's still the one Commandramon made for me though since materials hadn't come in she had to stitch up a few cuts and bullet holes in it from the fight, M'gann revealed that her own costume was organic to be able to work with her shapeshifting being able to change colour or shape. Which, actually explains some questions about Martians and shapeshifting, whilst avoiding awkward ones I guess.
At least I can say I pull off the punk look better than she does. Who knew furry punk beats green-skinned teenage girl punk? Most people I guess.
Still talking with her went well, and maybe Superboy by default. Maybe one day I will have a more proper conversation with him, but I'll save that for other times. So long as he's not mad at me, or madder? Tangent aside that just means talking with the others when they get here to see if they're fine with me. I wasn't blocked out or anything, though that could be a case of thinking I might find a way in any way.
Regardless I'm bored so I'm gonna go and lie down on a sofa for a while as I wait for the others to show up. Maybe watch TV.
----
DAMNIT!
Okay so I ended up falling asleep so it's time to go the sound of others fighting in the main room, so now it's time to find them and question why they le- "why is he shirtless?" Blinking I rub my eyes to confirm that, yes Superboy and Aqualad are sparing but Superboy doesn't have his shirt on for some reason. Like, why? Given that M'gann and Artemis are stood off at the side of the practice area watching I guess some people here aren't gonna be complaining about that.
Well I know they're not complaining given how both of them are talking about boys and stuff, can't really back up Wally being full of "it," though he is pushy. And something of an ass. Well whatever I don't really care so long as I'm not a part of this conversation I turn my focus onto the spar between Super- and Aqualad is on the ground after Superboy threw him over his shoulder, actually saw him put his foot behind Aqualad's pretty quickly in order to put him off balance for the throw as well. Nice bit of finesse that.
Not sure the computer voice announcing the loss is the best thing though, real kick in the self-esteem that seems. And mine is fragile enough, so do not spar in here if possible.
Waving at the others I open my mouth to speak before stopping as Red Tornado lowered himself from a room above, a small... Red Tornado surrounded the lower half of his body as he flew downwards. Well, the name is certainly accurate, how do you make wind red though? Wally rather than letting me do any talking as I intended immediately went up to Red Tornado and was asking about a mission because of course. Only teenagers, I've met who want to do work.
Though he also said Robin is doing the dynamic duo thing in Gotham so can't talk to him. Darn, ah well hope that's going well.
----
"So, it really is easy to cause things like that by accident then huh?" Robin muttered watching Ra's Al Ghul's corpse be taken away by his daughter and servant after Ra's leaped after the lens he removed from the rocket and tossed off the side, "I mean not like I shoved him off or anything but wow."
"It's Ra's, he'll get better eventually," Batman stated as he pulled out a grappling hook to leave the area, "though I doubt he'll be much happier than Talia about this."
"Hey I'm just wondering if this coming back from the dead messed with his survival instincts, that was a pretty dumb move," Robin suggested with a shrug before pulling out his own grappling hook.
----
Not sure what they'd be doing it for, I'd say a Joker plot but that's kind of not likely for a certain reason. Not impossible either but still I wouldn't bet on that right now. And I should probably pay attention to what's going on with the old guy on the digital screen and what Red Tornado is saying.
"-missing for twenty-three days. Kent was a member of the Justice Society, pre-courser to your mentors Justice League." Tornado explained in his slightly stilted robotic voice.
"Of course, Nelson was earth's Sorcerer Supreme," wait isn't that Doctor Str- no wait, he's the other franchise, "he was Doctor Fate." Aqualad explained upon seeing the image of Kent shift to him wearing a golden helmet, cape with a high collar, and a tight mystic-looking outfit. I... don't know much about Doctor Fate, bar him being in Injustice 2 and the helmet spirit guy ended up siding with Brainiac so yeah. But that's Injustice so acting out of character isn't too abnormal if it was, so be careful I guess.
"Magic is a thing here?" I mutter to myself putting my hand under my head in thought before shrugging, "eh sure why not I can buy that, makes about as much sense as anything else at this point."
"Wait seriously? No, it doesn't." Kid Flash interrupts me which seems, weird. Does he think it's not possible for some rea- oh this explains stuff back at the school when he was being smug to Artemis.
"I am literally a being from another dimension made of data that can still interact with things around me without being a hologram, pretty sure that makes as much sense as magic," I state before holding out my hand and letting my claws glow with light, "which isn't much sense. Actually, now that I think of it there are Digimon like Wizardmon, Sorcerymon, and Witchmon about. Symbare even dated a Witchmon once, some kind of Owl Lady from how he described her."
"Wha- oh screw it never mind." Kid Flash sighed as he started rubbing his forehead in confusion, "seems like every time you talk about your guy's stuff I end up with more questions than answers."
"Think I'm starting to get used to that," M'gann spoke up with a flat expression, emotionless eyes, and a deadpan tone before shifting to one of realization quickly brightening back up, "oh Strabimon wanted to talk to everyone about that thing with the Joker, he fell asleep earlier on one of the sofas. He can do it on the ship when we go looking for Kent."
"He was?" Artemis questioned glancing at me and then back to M'gann, "...did you get a picture?" The answer of which was a shake of the head from M'gann, "damn, bet he looked adorable."
Is this some attempt at gathering blackmail or something? Or jokey blackmail, I can never tell with people.
"I seriously doubt that Artemis, guess I will go-" I began to say and turn around to go wait by the bioship but stopped when I felt my leg being poked, looking down I saw a small black feline Digimon wearing a green hoodie, blue gloves, and a red delivery box poking at my leg, "hi?" The Digimon silently took off its box and pulled out a 'meat plant' seed bag and a letter that I looked over but couldn't see anything besides 'to Strabimon' written on the front, "Oh thanks, what's with the lett- oh they're gone."
Turning back around I saw the team all wearing faces of complete bafflement with them trying to look around for where the Blacktailmon Uver had gone, "Hey guys I got the seeds for meat plants that Commandramon ordered for me. No idea how they got here for the delivery but convenient!"
31 (Oh so this is when those two showed up first, water warrior desires more cute girl energy in the warrior ten)
---- Yep, still. Not great with flying, shame the bioship is alive, that bit makes me even more anxious since I can't grip hard on the seat arms like I usually do. The chair doesn't even spin either.
"...And then Commandramon shot him. So uh, yeah." I finished telling the story of what happened that night whilst trying not to focus on the combined anxiety of telling them this and from flying. I hate flying, it's scary even if now I do not seem to really be capable of being hurt from falling off of tall things, "I really didn't mean for it to go that way but uh. Yeah."
"I think I get it actually," Kid Flash, of all people, spoke up with some understanding, "Flash has talked about how despite how fast he is even he can't avoid some accidents or things going wrong. Think he was thinking abo- never mind. Anyway, I get what he's talking about. Sort of." Turning to face me he quickly folded his arms and lowered his eyebrows, "maybe you should be more careful though, kind of seems like whenever you get involved in a serious fight someone ends up dead."
"I mean nothing happened with Scarecrow so not all the time," I'd count that situation as a serious fight, "but I get it. I was already thinking of making it more clear not to do that to the other Digimon I know that aren't being bastards or anything."
"That is good," Aqualad agreed before raising a curious eyebrow, "what about that feline one who got into the cave and the letter they gave you? It seemed concerning that they were able to enter the cave without us being able to detect them."
"Oh that was a Blacktailmon Uver, they're a delivery Digimon. Very good at their job apparently since they came from the digital world. Somehow. I don't know, cats man. Does the cave have any defenses or stuff for detecting things like that?"
"I do not think so. I will ask Red Tornado and see if we can get some in to avoid any more surprises like that, in case they next time they mean us harm."
"...Sure seems like that'd be a massive oversight if there wasn't. What if like, I dunno some aliens get in to the cave for some... Reason? Whatever," Shaking my head at the idea the League left their sidekicks in a base without any defenses like that, really that'd be extremely irresponsible I'd expect at least some surprise shock trap stuff. Pulling out the letter which just said 'to Strabimon' on the front of it I use a claw to carefully cut open the top of it, then held it upside down and let a piece of paper fall out onto my other hand, "alright let's see how I somehow got a letter, can't think of anyone who would send me one."
----
To Strabimon
The delivery request from one Commandramon alerted us to your presence in the human world, whilst your name would not alert most we Archangels were among the few to know of possible names for the warriors to reincarnate into if the possibility ever arose and have been monitoring for any indication or mention of said reincarnation in the case they needed protection again. Our alert had been raised beforehand due to the appearance of others but this has been our first indication for you although we are confused and concerned as to how you ended up in the human world before we were able to locate you.
The surviving warriors and reincarnations we have located have the desire to find and meet you, we will attempt to find a way to open a path for retrieval from the human world. For now, remain safe as the Digital Gate incidents may send hostile Digimon over.
-From Seraphimon
So there are other warriors back, shit that's probably going to be an issue. And, only if it's a two-way thing will I accept any 'retrieval' of sorts, especially for the other Digimon trapped here.. No abandoning them regardless of what the angels have to say. And oh more on the back.
We have additional short messages from others who heard of your reincarnation.
I'm giving the same message to the others who came back to you here. You die out there like an idiot again and I'll make sure you come back again just so I can kill you for being stupid myself. Also hope your child form is adorable like the others! - Meri
Meri... Ancientmermaimon? Must be like Symbare and his full name. Well, she sounds pleasant, maybe it's just worry? Not adorable though so ha suck it being probably more ancient than I can comprehend.
You come back to us safe now Sugar, gotta pay off any tabs for the heroics you warriors pulled dealing with my former boss. You're welcome to come and stay at my club, much more fun than the temples those dull archangels like to stay at - Lilithmon
...Should I be worried a demon lord wants to meet me?
----
"You got a letter from Archangels?" Artemis questioned looking very concerned.
"Seems like it, angel Digimon are a thing after all," I state putting the letter back into my pouch.
"I really hope you haven't pissed off god or something with this retrieval talk, cause I'm good but I think I'd need a bit more than a bow to fight anything like that."
"Ha, I don't think I'm quite capable of that myself. Seems like they have their own expectations for me but I don't plan on going anywhere," looking around the ship at the reaction of the others I noticed that Kid Flash is unmoving whilst just staring at the floor, "you uh doing okay there?"
"Freaking angel Digimon," Kid Flash mumbled to himself before letting out a long breath and looking at me with a tired expression, "yeah I think I'm just kind of giving up on you guys having any sort of consistent logic at this point."
"Hey, you're learning! Giving up on logic is half the battle." I cheerfully state whilst giving him two thumbs up before turning to M'gann, "since we're taking time to fly can we try and practice getting that mental link working?"
----
It wasn't that much time to practice until we landed really, of course since my outfit wasn't really digital material stuff yet I couldn't dematerialize without ending up... you know. So I had to wait until they checked the area was clear before getting off the ship since none of the teens were in their costumes and I stand out a bit more than M'ganns green skin she can quickly hide if needed. Plus it was already dark out so that factor.
"So this Fate guy lives in a tower right," I asked whilst spinning around to look at the empty field, "cause I don't see one... Oh, maybe it's some, invisibility thingy. I bet magic likes to be tricky like that."
Can feel something as well... like something in the area just won't settle down.
"Well, we have a key," Aqualad noted before walking forward with a key in his right hand before stopping in the middle of the field and turning it as if it was in a door. Which it somehow ended up being when a wooden door appeared with the key in its lock. The door itself was a part of an old square stone tower that was far taller than it was big.
"Huh, that's neat," I muttered taking a step towards the open door before stopping for a second. No this, definitely isn't what I was feeling, this tower is different... like a stable warmth? So that could mean...
"You okay there?" Artemis asked tapping me on the shoulder and making me jump, not trusting my voice I quickly nod then follow the others to the inside of the tower. Before quickly grabbing the key out of the door and rapidly slamming it shut behind us, "...so you're not okay then what was that about?"
"I uh, I dunno. It felt like we weren't alone and something wasn't, right?" I nervously state looking around the room before looking back at the entrance, of which the door had disappeared, "...well that's not good."
Of course, at that moment a yellow-tinted projection decided to appear right in front of me, which I very much didn't yelp in surprise at, and silently stared at me for a moment before speaking, "you have entered with a key, but the tower does not recognize you Kemonogami or your intentions."
Kemonogami? I uh, what? Think I'm being mistaken for something else here. AGAIN.
"I don't know what those are but uh, Red Tornado was worried about Mr. Kent and gave us the key and I thought something was out there, and... guys can I have a hand here?" Though it appears I needn't have asked since the projection disappeared and opened up a wall into a living room area behind me, "nevermind I guess that was fine." Let's go in here than with the old chairs and painting of a woma-
"Strabimon wa-" whatever warning that was got cut off by the wall closing behind me and leaving me standing on my own in the room.
Well, shit.
"The tower will assist the others in taking the warning into account, but first for safety, it will take time to identify your species and your origin due to your unknown nature," The Kent projection said as it showed up again whilst some kind of small portal opened up in the middle of the room.
"Uh, I can just, answer that you know? I'm Strabimon, a Digimon and I think I come from the digital world?" I try answering whilst looking at the portal which continued to shift in different colors before settling into a... club? With bright lights and a bar with 'Joyous Temptation' engraved into it with a giant woman in a rather revealing black dress and a golden cla- wait, "...can things see through this?"
"No." Of course when he said that said woman narrowed her eyes and started leaning forward before pulling back with a smile, her mouth motioning like she was yelling for something before the portal suddenly closed. "Yes. The tower has enough information to conclude that you are telling the truth, assistance will be allowed and a path to the top of the tower will open now."
Was that who I think it was?
At which point a lift rose from the ground and dinged open on its own with nobody inside. Oh, how I hate these things.
----
"Meri! Come look at what I saw," Lilithmon called out to a guest and friend who was visiting her club whilst using some programming to bring up an image of what she saw through someone's attempt at sneaking a hidden portal into her club, "I know that scarf symbol, looks like the angels were right."
"I see he came out as some man-beast child as well," Ancientmermaimon, or Meri to her friends and others close to her, a giant mermaid woman with long white hair under a blue finned helmet and was wearing a bright blue outfit with parts of it being armored with some kind of blue fish scales, noted with a smile at seeing the confirmation that another one of her ancient comrades had finally returned in some form before making an exaggerated sigh and frown, "of course they had to come back as a guy again. At least he's fluffy."
"Oh don't mope Meri, sure I know you wanted more cute girls on the warriors but you've still got ones like me around," Lilithmon gave her friend a teasing smile as she put her arm around her and brought her close, "still a fan of that time you got a few of them to fuse with some Mermaimon friends of yours for an underwater trip huh?"
"It was a fun day out. Wonder how much of his old self carried over, Ancientgarurumon was always a buzzkill when he wasn't being an idiot like most of the other warriors."
"Bet he will be no fun again if the angels find a way to him first," Lilithmon hummed to herself before looking back at where the portal was, "alas for them it appears our friend has given me an idea."
"Alas indeed, might even give me some headway into finding some of the missing Digimon as well," Meri smiled to herself before picking up her trident, "let's hope he can behave himself better than last time, I'd still... rather not lose them again even if chances are they'll never properly remember the old days."
----
32 (Strabimon: Warrior of Light and the mon who is annoyed with things sidetracking him from seeing stuff happen)
----
"So what is the plan exactly here Lilithmon?" Meri questioned the demon lord as they moved into a back room of the club, past the dance classrooms, and into Lilithmon's bedroom. Which was more well-lit than one would expect for something belonging to a demon lord, but still had expensive-looking carpets, sofa chairs, curtains, and an en-suite with a bath off to the side, "those portals aren't exactly easy to make or keep stable even for ones like us."
"True, even that one I saw little Strabimon in wasn't even a true portal," Lilithmon noted moving over to a chair behind a desk and sitting down before starting to write, with Meri standing across from her, "in fact, I don't think it was even meant to to be a portal, nor that they expected me to be able to notice it. More of a looking glass, that it ended up here suggests it was either checking for something powerful like me or connected to Strabimon like you."
"Hey I'm powerful as well," Meri folded her arms whilst frowning, "need I remind you we are almost equal in terms of who wins our spars?"
"But only almost honey," Lilithmon smirked before turning back to her letter, "I'm pretty sure with time we can get a small portal working to find the little light wolf, but neither of us will fit so we'd have to ask someone else to go watch over them and get them a way back. Unfortunately, those bloody kitties won't share how they get to other worlds like that. So besides more letters to him, we can ask one of the others who have been reincarnated to do it, they'll know what's going on."
"...I don't like that part too much, putting more of them where we can't keep an eye on them?"
"I know but if he's anything like how he used to be in terms of being prone to silly and dangerous heroics leaving Strabimon on his own is probably worse," Lilithmon briefly stopped writing and gently held onto the other Digimon's arm and gave a reassuring smile, "don't worry your pretty hair about this, I wouldn't think of this is if I thought of a better option. He's probably just a kid on his own right now after all."
"Yeah I know and he wasn't the brightest about his safety in his older age either," Meri sighed before turning to leave the room, "well if you've got that sorted no reason for me to be here then since the other warriors should be asleep at the angel's temple right now."
"Oh? I mean this won't take me long to finish," Lilithmon slowly stood up from behind the desk and leaned forward with a smirk, "why not stay here overnight if the young warriors won't be up until morning?"
"Hmm," Meri hummed whilst keeping eye contact with Lilithmon, not that she was certain she could tell under her helmet, "Not sure about that idea."
"Well I have some of the fancy stuff for the bath that you like, I could even fancy up your hair again once I'm done."
"...Anyone ever tell you how persuasive you are?" Meri stated as she moved towards the en-suite with Lilithmon keeping her smirk before letting out a small bit of laughter as she sat back down into the chair.
"Oh, all the time honey. Now who to ask to go see Strabimon who I bet is having a grand time...."
----
I. Fucking. Hate. Lifts. IT'S IN A DAMN MAGIC ASS TOWER WHY IS IT SLOW?
After being stuck in the lift for a minute my anxiety half became frustration as I held onto the side giving the floor indicator as intense a glare as I could. Seriously all I know is that there was an alarm about intruders trying to get in the tower after realizing it really didn't want them in.
"God this is like a stupid nightmare situation WHHHHY!" I whined, at which point the door dinged opened with the team, and the old guy Kent was with him now staring at me, "...so did you hear any of that?" All nods and a smile from Artemis, Kid Flash, and Kent, "oh... joy."
"You must be their missing teammate, Kent Nelson as I'm sure you already know," the old man introduced himself walking in the lift with a cane in hand alongside the team and holding a hand out which I shook, "I take it you were the one who warned the tower about Klarion then? Did a good job there, gave them time to get me here with my canes teleportation."
"You're... welcome? I'm Strabimon but I uh, didn't really know about Klarion just that something felt, off? Like in... a weird flux."
"Imagine a Lord of Chaos would do that to you if you can sense one," Kent nodded. Lord of Chaos? That sounds concerning, I know warriors of light are all about killing chaos but a lord might be out of my capacity to deal with at this moment, "so what are you kid? The tower's defenses said... a Kemonogami I think it was? Not anything I'm familiar with of course."
"Digimon not... whatever those are. Well, a Digimon species called Strabimon it's... just roll with it. Important bits are digital and I got elemental light stuff," I say before looking at the team who appear to be uninjured, "so what are we doing here then?"
"We're going to get the helmet of fate at the top of the tower, I'm just the body Nabu used to control when we acted as Doctor Fate," he explained, though that really didn't sound like a great situation, "he's a lord of order and the best shot we've got at fighting something like Klarion."
Probably could do it myself if I was at a higher level.
And now for the awkward waiting in a lift game... GO FASTER YOU MAGIC PIECE OF CRAP!
----
"Oh finally!" I cheerfully yell running out of the lift holding up my arms in victory, "I've been in that bloody lift for ages." I looked at the area which was some weird complex place of stairs going in all kinds of weird directions and a large golden bell. I felt my cheer evaporate as my anxiety started kicking in full force again, "uh. I changed my mind this is nightmare central, I don't want to suddenly fall upwards or something can we go back?"
"Relax kid you won't, now let me just do this," Kent reassured before walking up to the bell alongside the other members of the team, besides M'gann who floated over to where I was stood instead, and tapping the bell with his cane causing golden energy to surround him and the nearby members of the team.
"...Did they just fucking bail on us?" I question M'gann holding my arms and pointing out at the bell in disbelief, "I swear I get to do barely anything with you guys."
"Yeah I'm really sorry about that," M'gann genuinely apologized to me, "Mr. Kent? You forgot us!"
And nothing... now we play the waiting game. Again. I hate this tower.
"Soo been with the team long?" I ask trying to kill time until something happens.
----
Only had to wait a few minutes this time until the tower decided to open up another door for us to go through and it led... right outside. Huh.
"...Why is there a guy in his underwear?" I ask pointing at an unconscious man out in front of the tower, which seems to have been the site of some fighting going from the kicked-up dirt, ditches torn into it, and other bits of damage, "The hell did we miss?"
"Doctor Fate intervened as he put it," Artemis spoke up as she walked around from the side of the tower holding onto her stomach whilst wincing in pain, "Klarion had help from that Abracadabra guy there, can see why The Flash struggles with him dammit."
"So I missed the fighting. Again." I sigh with some annoyance, before lightly kicking Abracadabra solely to make sure he wasn't faking it, "must have been a big one."
"Yeah... Superboy ended up having to put the helmet, Kent... he's not doing so great." Artemis stated with some regret, "doesn't seem like that helmet of fate is great for you in the long run if it means you'll get hurt in fights."
"Huh, can I see it?"
"Here," Superboy suddenly said tossing me a golden helmet as I quickly caught it with one hand, almost dropping it, as I noticed Aqualad was helping Kent walk as he was struggling to breathe whereas Wally was trying to pat off some dirt from his clothes for some reason, "Don't put it on, it wants a host and... actually can that fit you?"
"Don't think so?" I question holding the helmet up to look it over and, yeah no way I could get this over my muzzle or ears right.
'I AM ABLE TO CHANGE CREATURE OF LIGHT AND DATA'
"GAH SHIT, he's doing a voice in my head!"
'IF YOU ALLOW ME TO MAKE USE OF YOU AS A HOST WE WOULD BE WELL SUITED TO COMBATING THE FORCES OF CHAOS'
Blinking at the helmet I think about this offer. For about half a second. Then immediately drop the helmet, "Yeah, fuck dealing with that." I turn and run up to Superboy leaving Artemis to pick the Helmet of Fate back up, "so that seems to have gone well. Wally seems a bit annoyed, what's up with that?"
"Klarion likes cats," Superboy stated. Which explained nothing, probably. And seeing as I missed it, I rather didn't care much.
"Neat."
----
33
----
"So that was a fun trip I guess," I state as everyone got off the bioship before turning to Aqualad, "is that Kent going to be okay? Had to rush him to medical care there."
"Humans become more fragile with age and by their standards, he is very old," Aqualad reached over to put a hand on my shoulder but stopped once I stepped back out of reach, "he may need time to recover, but take into mind that he also might not either."
Already knew that, though I guess they wouldn't know I do. Not sure what odds I'd put that on him getting better, superheroes don't live to that age without being REALLY stubborn about not dying.
"I see. Someone should tell his friends in case he doesn't," pulling out the meat plant seed bag I got earlier and poured a few seeds out onto my hand before holding it out to Aqualad, "you wanna take one before I go checking for somewhere to plant these?" Aqualad answered in the negative so I shrugged my shoulders, though before I go, "I wouldn't trust that helmet by the way."
"That is a surprising position. I would have thought you'd be in tune with a lord of order given your light element." Aqualad said and, I think I'm getting a bit better at reading him because that sounds like some genuine surprise there.
"Light doesn't exactly mean order. That and I know too much order isn't anything better than chaos, just a different way of being messed up." That's how you get things like SMTs Law at its worst, or Nabu thinking brainiac has the right idea in injustice, "Just... Be careful with that thing alright? Like really damn careful, I don't like how fast it was to make an offer to me."
"We will," Aqualad gave me a reassuring nod before walking off. And as for me I will... plant a few seeds for the cave here then leave, especially if Kid Flash is still making hissing noises when annoyed for some reason. Apparently, Zatara is sorting whatever that is out.
----
"You saw Lilithmon?" Symbare stated in surprise before quickly leaning over the bar and grabbing hold of my arms keeping me still and lifting me into the air a bit even as I let out a small growl at the sudden physical contact, "is she alright? Was her club okay? Was anyone else there?"
"Stop being a prat holding me up like this and I'll tell you!" I angrily state before Symbare froze, then immediately dropped me with an apology, "right dammit stay calm Symbare, she seemed fine and I only saw a bit of the club before the portal cut out so I don't know if she was alone or if it was fine okay?"
"Right yeah," Symbare let out a sigh of relief before chuckling to himself, "of course Mrs. Lilly is fine, ancient demon lord why was I worried?" I'd say he seems fine but that almost sounded sad at the end, though he quickly brightened up before grinning at me again, "total shame she noticed that portal thing though, I wanted to show you off as a surprise. 'Look Mrs I got to raise one of the warrior's reincarnations' she would have been so surprised! And proud I bet."
"Slight problem there, you didn't raise me I'm over twenty years old." I deadpan folding my arms and giving him the most unexpressive look I can manage.
"Only if we count your human years, I've known you and taught you for most of that time which should make your Digimon body less than a year old. Therefore I am technically correct," Symbare put his hands on his hips with a smug grin, "the best kind of correct as I'm told."
"That does not count!" I never should have let him figure out how to use the TV if he's going to start quoting things at me, "It doesn't and you should stop grinning like a loon."
"Don't be mean to your Dad Strabimon!" Commandramon mockingly called out as she walked past the bar behind us.
"...the day I snap you're the first to go."
"Don't be mean to your big sis, she made you that outfit after all," Symbare cheerfully mocks as I very slowly turn to look him in the eye. Before deciding I have other stuff to do and turn to go to the garden, "it looks very cute on you- don't flip me off, young man!"
---- Some days later
"...and then I got him to agree to go back after he was done." I finished telling the team the story of the recent Digimon I dealt with as they were back from a mission. Well, I say dealt with but despite being materialized the Sorcermon was pretty harmless even if him hanging around in a hospital is weird, mostly to entertain people or try healing them it seemed. Not sure if he was serious on his offer to take part so he could pull a rabbit out of his hat when it came to seeing Symbare was also with me.
Well, he is magic, doubt Symbare would have been amused if he like... I dunno. Used the high-level programming stuff to shrink or make him into an actual rabbit for that show. Might have been a bit funny to me but he probably would have just done something way stupider like actually trying to stuff Symbare in his hat. Still lucky that this public Digimon appearance was just some helpful odd guy, Gotham hospitals need more help I bet.
"So how'd your mission go? Sorry I wasn't there." I apologized to the team who were covered in what seemed like mud. Which just got met with tired expressions as most of them walked off while Robin stayed behind and let a long breath.
"Not great I'll say that much, was some kind of clay golem. Couldn't hurt it and Batman had to bail us out," He explained which... huh must have been Clayface. Couldn't hurt him though? Please tell me they didn't just try punching Clayface or something like that.
"That sounds... like a bad time. Did you try freezing it? That usually works on less solid creatures." I question as Robin holds still in thought before facepalming, guess they didn't think of that, "Ah well. It's over anyway so... I'll try to come on your next mission?"
I usually just basically end up on support or not doing much with them so it'd probably be an easy time.
----
"Did you seriously have to bring multiple bottles of water with you?" Kid Flash questioned me as I pulled one out from the pouch on my left leg as I watched M'gann turn invisible, and float off to a tent, "I know it's a mission in the desert but it's just an investigation so it shouldn't take long."
"Hey you try having fur in the middle of the desert," I defend, sure it's nighttime and I've left my vest open but it's still not great, "even in the cooler night times it's still really dry."
So to clarify after a few days after their Clayface incident the team got another mission from Batman, and I didn't have anything else to do at the time, to investigate a power surge that had some elements not from Earth in some country called Bialya which I've never heard of before ruled by a woman called Queen Bee. Given the name, gotta be a country ruled by a super.
Which is interesting, didn't know the League had a UN charter either so we legally shouldn't be here. Very weird that they want us to break, or at least bend it a bit, the law like this but I guess if there's alien stuff probably worth looking into just in case.
...Still don't get why this team is just called "the team" it's oddly uncreative even for superheroes. Teen Titans is probably taken... Wicked Twisters wouldn't fit and is a bit much, hey ma-
"The hell?" My internal thought process was cut off as everyone else suddenly started screaming out in pain holding their heads, "what's wrong? Guys?" I rush over and try tapping Superboy on the shoulder to get his attention since it seems whatever is doing this is affecting him pretty bad but he just pushes me back hard enough that I hit the ground before he jumps off into the distance as everyone else starts moving in different directions, "...the shit?"
Do I follow or do I hide the sensor box thing or... dammit.
"M'gann?" I try calling out climbing over the sand dune to look at the military tent she went to investigate but, nothing. So either she's got the same issue or nobodies answering and the link issue wasn't even fully solved... whilst everyone's managed to wander off out of sight already, "come on please don't leave me on my own out here."
...What the hell am I meant to do now?
-----
34 (The joys of it not being obvious you're not organic to psychics at first. And hey the OC mon appears)
---- Okay. Plan. Gotta come up with a plan. Or an idea. How hard could that be? Uhh, giving up? That's a plan I mean nobody here to notice if I do nothing.
...Besides myself, dammit.
Right, the others might get hurt, or worse. And I can't just stand on the sidelines and let that happen, they're heroes sure but they're also a team that's been separated and had some kind of head pain... Which is probably psychic in nature, well at least I should be fine then if M'gann still struggles to parse through my data brain. Or, whatever I have that's equivalent to a brain. Does that make me technically mindl- focus dammit.
Right then, in terms of danger... well someone called Aqualad is probably not gonna handle the full desert heat on his own, I can probably catch up to him by smell, Superboy leaped off somewhere so that's an issue but he's really tough, Kid Flash should be fast enough to get to safety on his own and I think Artemis went in his direction leaving Robin as the only 'normal' person on their own and I haven't a clue about M'gann.
Oh, and of course, Batman had to tell us to keep radio silence, motherfucker. Nothing gets to be simple, does it?
Okay so plan... I should probably find Aqualad first and make sure he has some of my water before looking for M'gann, she'll probably know what to do when it comes to this stuff if it's psychic at all. Plus, frankly, I have no idea where she even was when this hit the others. That's it! The mental link may have something to do with how everyone got hurt in the head at the same time. Which probably means she got hit by it as well, damn.
...No still check up on Aqualad first, why the hell did we let a guy with 'Aqua' in his name go to a desert? Shouldn't be hard to avoid or deal with any military, probably. Maybe I should have taken them up on a stealth suit offer I do NOT blend in well with this white and lavender stuff on top of my matching fur. Still track smell... the one that smells of the ocean should be Aqualad, then the more flowery perfume-like one should be M'gann after.
All right I have like 30% of a plan, let's do some hero shit!
-----
Wow, Aqualad did not get far, the sun is almost up but he ended up collapsing in the middle of some rocks before long. Looks like that's his only issue though, my degree wasn't in first aid or anything but taking my glove off and checking his wrists got the feeling of a pulse, same with putting my ear to his chest. So how to wake him up... well good thing I got some extra bottles.
Uncapping one I hesitate for a second, before quickly pouring a bit of water on his face making him quickly shoot up into a sitting position, eyes widening at me before scrambling away a bit and standing up into reaching for one of his water-bearers, "you alright there Aqualad?"
"What-who are you?" He spoke, initially in alarm before shifting to his usual stoic voice. And sounds like he's got memory issues, great. I try to give a friendly smile as I silently hold out the water bottle whilst taking another out and... only one more after that left. Aqualad stays silent for a second before carefully taking the bottles out of my hands, "...thank you."
"Don't worry about it Aqu- Kaldur," using his real name might actually be handy here though I'm used to the other one, "we're teammates, kind of. Strabimon, I take it you've some memory issues?"
"Teammates... I don't... yes I cannot place how I got to a desert on the surface world," Aqualad quickly downs the rest of the bottle I poured on him and rubbed his hand over his mouth, "I don't think I will be of much help dehydrated like this... I... am going to have to assume you're telling the truth for now."
Oh great, so still on my own for this. Damn, still he's safe for now.
"Right then... I need to track down the others so keep the water, we're in Biayla on a sneaking mission for Batman. Can you like, hide somewhere safe in the shade?" Aqualad briefly looks at our surroundings and points over at some rocks whilst nodding, "alright. Cool. Cool, cool. I got this, probably. Look out for Robin, Kid Flash, Superboy, Miss Martian, and Artemis in case I miss them."
"I... know two of those, but I will try. I do not like allowing one so young to face danger alone, so use caution Strabimon," I give him a thumbs up before sniffing the air to follow his trail back to the camp, "you speak the language of Atlantis quite well by the way."
"...I'm speaking English here. I think." Huh, interesting.
------
So nobody else is back at the device nor on the way back, and the sun is fully up now. I kind of wish I didn't go through water so quickly but better safe than sorry. Why can I digital being even feel thirsty? Whatever M'gann's scent trails off into that camp that has a lot more military around and... if whatever affected the group is there it found her even when she could turn invisible.
So whilst I could dematerialize I probably wouldn't be able to smell her or help her if she's still in that tent, which given they've got a tank, a truck, and a jeep out there right now she'd probably need. But Batman said to be covert and subtle and all that jazz... but if they need help. Well, to quote a wizard.
Fuck subtle.
Lowering my goggles over my eyes I quickly decide on my course of action, screw that tank. Time to put this into practice, crouching down before jumping high into the sky I shift into a kick position and aim my leg at the front of the tank letting it glow with light energy as I hit the apex of my jump.
"LICHT BEIN!" the second I fully shoot my leg out and the force of the attack takes hold I near instantly find myself with my foot buried halfway through the front of the tank shoving it back a small bit as a group of soldiers shouts out in alarm, "greetings soldiers, I am looking for-"
"Werewolf!" Random mook no.5 calls out in alarm before trying to shoot me in the head, missing as I move my head out of the way, whilst motioning for one guy to go into the tent, "get Psimon here-" His orders were cut off however as I leaped tackling him to the ground and gave a relatively light punch to his head. Standing, but grabbing the soldier's gun on my way up, I quickly snap his rifle in half and then tossed the halves at two other soldiers, knocking one of them out with a blow to the head and the other to the ground. Well if one of them is still awake.
"You," Growling I grab hold of the still groaning soldiers shirt and pull him closer to my face, "I will ask politely just once, whe-"
"Ah, I see I missed one," letting go of the grunt I turn to face a robed man walking out of the tent taking his hood down to reveal a pale white face with his brain visible through the top of his head. A few months ago, that might have counted as weird to me, "no matter Psimon can just as easily also make you fo-" Psimon froze in the middle of raising his hand at me as I felt the slight pressure from usual attempts at psychic pressure, "wha-"
"Yeah surprise," before I give him a chance to try anything else I sprint up to the guy who certainly ain't a mon then grab hold of his robe to lower his gaze to me and glare at him, "so also then? Take it you're responsible for screwing with the other's minds?"
"I... can fix it?"
"Suuure, but I think a friend of mine can figure it out," not taking any chances I immediately punch him in the stomach and then uppercut him into unconsciousness once he bends over in pain. Smart move not to trust him it seems, given the sound of something hitting the ground behind me. Figures he'd have telekinesis, I wouldn't trust a villain to fix someone else's minds either but they like tricks in general.
...One day I will lose the surprise advantage my appearance can give me. Or in this case psychic resistance, nobody expects the organic-looking wolf guy to be able to shrug it off like that.
Shoving the tent curtains open I find a lot of computer equipment set up in the tent, some sphere thing they've put in some kind of containment. Weird, some of the computers were also mentioning an energy surge nearby a while ago. And a group of scientists who had been cowering now stood up and raised their hands in fear once they noticed me.
"This would be a very good time to leave, and maybe find someone else to work for," I state and point at the tent's entrance motioning for them to leave, with the sounds of a truck driving off pretty quickly, "M'g- Double M you in here?" Better not use her code name in case anyone is listening even if the scientists are gone. Still silence so, probably not here, I can't smell her in here but she definitely has been here before. I'd... like to check what they were doing here but no time. Oddly I could smell Superboy nearby-
...I should have checked the truck dammit he better not have been in that.
"Hello!" A feminine voice suddenly called out, not anyone I knew, and looking around the tent I couldn't see anyone, "I am currently trapped, I would like to request assistance." Ah the sphere, it can talk of course. Doubt it was willingly here if they kept it restrained so might as well let it out by tearing off the metal restraints, "the aid is appreciated! This unit is New Genesphere, greetings!"
"Yeah, hi Gensphere. I'm Strabimon," I wave and greet the alien sphere, "have you seen any... other aliens?"
"They spoke of a Kryptonian clone being captured just before you arrived unit Strabimon." Oh shiitake mushrooms you damn moron... he was in the bloody truck.
"Are you well?" No Genesphere, I am very upset at myself and feel like screaming but am settling for hitting myself in the head. I would scream if I were alone, and not here on a somewhat failed sneaking mission. Hell, I hope the others are fine cause now I've got to chase a truck to find Superboy.
----
"Well, that's almost everyone back to normal," Robin stated after M'gann helped fix Aqualad's mind, "now we're just down two members."
"Do not worry about Strabimons mind he was not affected," Aqualad said leaning on the rock he had been using for shade during the day, "he aided me before going off to search for others."
"That's great, he's probably found Superboy by now," M'gann cheerfully declared before feeling out with her mind only to quickly frown, "I can't find either of their minds though, they can't be close then."
"Wonderful, leave it on Strabimon to once again end up on his own ag-"
"NOT FOR LONG!" A young male voice loudly declared from above the team, then a black spike with a purplish tint around the edges hit the ground in front of them before smoke appeared above the spike, "Strabimon will be found safely that is certain. A warrior of justice cannot die after all!"
"What." The team spoke in true synchronicity at the sudden arrival of another unknown lunatic.
"But he may require aid so," A feline panther-shaped head shot out of the smoke which quickly dissipated with its movement, "I request assistance in locating my lost brother."
"What." "Brother?"
"Oh my god he's adorable," Artemis of all people muttered and was met with flat stares as the rest of the team slowly turned their heads to her, "I mean. What?"
"Thank you miss but we must save our compliments until we have located Strabimon!"
----
35 (I think the decider of personalities mixed up what light and darkness are meant to be like)
----
Luckily it seems in their rush the kidnapping scientists left the jeep behind and their truck left behind tracks that would make it easy enough to follow. That said it's still a jeep and New Genesphere here doesn't exactly fit in one with her... spherical shape so.
"Genesphere you're gonna have to hide nearby, for now, just look out for anyone like the Aqualad guy I mentioned and make sure that Psimon stays unconscious," I tell it whilst moving into the driver's seat of the jeep and stood up on it to look over the top to see the Genesphere... very visibly peeking around the corner of the tent. That is... not great stealth, "ah key is already in the jeep nice. Now time to unleash the Drift King!"
....Wait my feet can't reach the pedal whilst seeing over the top particularly well with how this jeep is set up. Maybe I can just put something on it? How hard could driving really be?
----
"My liege," a soldier came into a command room saluting before putting his arm down and standing at attention, "some of our scientists returned with the Superman clone in captivity, they say they were able to sneak off with him when the forward research base was attacked by a... wolf child creature. It might be the one from Gotham on the news."
"And the sphere?" A female voice responded. The voice belonged to Queen Bee, the ruler of Bilaya a dark-skinned woman with long black hair and blue eyes. She was wearing her usual attire of a gold diadem on her forehead, gold stinger-shaped-earings, black pants, high-heel boots, and a strapless gray mini-skirt dress.
"They were unable to retrieve it before escaping from the wolf creature," the soldier reported before pulling out a tablet and showing it to Queen Bee, "our sensors also picked up one of our jeeps, to use the term loosely, 'driving' in the direction of our base. We think the creature might be trying to follow the truck that contained the clone back here."
"Must have come with those children," Queen Bee hummed in thought looking at the dot moving on the tablet's map closer at an erratic pace, "well I could do with a new pet, have that woman our 'friends' hired as a temporary guard await them by the gate."
"Understood!" The guard saluted Queen Bee before marching off to pass on the orders. As she continued to examine the tablet before she'd go to examine the state of the clone.
...Why was it moving in a circle for a few seconds there?
----
"GOD-" *bump* "DAMN-" *bump* "HOW!" *bump*
HOW- HOW DOES ANYONE DRIVE THESE THINGS IN A DESERT? SO MANY DUNES, WHAT DO I DO WITH A GEAR STICK?
----
"Ah ha- oh he's not here either," Ludgermon the Digimon that had appeared before the team upon hearing them converse about Strabimon shouted as he pulled open the tents door curtains before shifting to a tone of disappointment as he put his hands on his hip, "does he usually go off on his own like this?"
"Kind of?" Artemis said looking over the black anthropomorphic panther-like feline Digimon. He had primarily black fur, with a small bit of yellow around their grey eyes which almost gave them wearing impression of eyeliner, along with having yellow tips on their mane which looked like they had fluffy medium-length hair. He was wearing a grey chest plate that covers his upper torso with a very small dark purple sigil engraved into it near his neck which looked like an arch with two circles, one right above the other, inside and another solid circle inside the lower circle.
He also had yellow toeless shoes, grey cargo pants similar to Strabimons that ended just above his ankles, black vambraces on his lower arms and upper thigh that had a red gem in the center of each of them, a grey sash that became yellow at the ends tied around his back like a tail and fingerless black gloves that exposed his claws.
'So does anyone else get the cat... teenager equivalent of a pretty boy vibe from this guy?' Artemis questioned over the link as said Digimon started running around the tent touching the machines left behind, 'or is that weird? He seems a little older than Strabimon but not sure I buy they're related.'
'Didn't chalk you up as a furry Art-'
"I am not a-" Artemis started to yell at Kid Flash before realizing she said that out loud as Ludgermon suddenly froze whilst standing on all fours on top of one of the larger computers, "sorry about that it was... just him being an idiot," Artemis finished pointing at Kid Flash who just gave her an annoyed glare, "you were much more tolerable when we had amnesia."
"Yeah right back at yo-"
"Waaait," Ludgermon interrupted pouncing down from his position on the computer before moving closer to Artemis and Kid Flash quickly looking between the two, "my aunties have talked about this! I get it!" The panther-man nodded in understanding and pointed out the two heroes, "don't fight and just go for the kissing or whatever it is you humans do with partners!"
"Partners?" "Don't fig-"
"Told you two to get a room after all," Robin smugly mocked his two friends, "even this cat can see it."
"Oh shut it," Artemis scolded the Boy Wonder before turning back to the Digimon that was still looking up at her and smiling, "what gave you that idea?"
"The way you two just started going on! I've seen it before... from a distance." Ludgermon explained albeit awkwardly trailing off at the end before shaking his head, "anyway it would appear that you two are being... ah never mind. We should probably keep our efforts focused on locating Strabimon and your comrade." He proceeded to create a spear made out of darkness, held it out in his left hand, and thumped his chest with the other, "I will assist in the latter so long as we look for my brother."
"Yeah already were going to do that," Kid Flash told the feline, "and for the record, since you guys keep needing to hear this, don't kill anyone," he pointed at the top of the spear, "especially don't use sharp things on humans, kind of tend to be fragile about that sort of thing."
Ludgermon blinked at the request before staring at the spear in confusion as he lifted it off the ground and examined it in his hands, "Ah well- uh, yes!" Spinning the spear in his hand Ludgermon planted it back in the ground with the sharp end now planted into the sand, "behold my technique of... blunt..."
"That should be fine," Aqualad informed the Digimon who went back to smiling.
'Okay changed my mind,' Artemis spoke in an unamused yet confused tone across the link, 'this is absolutely in line with what I've come to expect from anyone who seems like family to Strabimon.'
"BALL!" The panther Digimon suddenly yelled pointing at a large black sphere that was halfway rolled through the tent's entrance, which started beeping in response to his declaration, "Oh? That's helpful thank you!"
"You can understand that?" Aqualad questioned, normally he'd be more disbelieving of such a thing but considering Strabimon earlier had somehow started talking in perfect Atlantean despite knowing the wolf boy hasn't met any besides himself. So sure, why can't this cat Digimon understand a ball of alien origin?
"Yep! He said Strabimon took a jeep and chased after a truck that had a clone in-"
"Clone!?! That's Superboy and he needs help!" M'gann shouted before flying off immediately to follow the nearby vehicle tracks.
"Wow, she can fly fast, that's cool! Since when can humans fly?"
-----
That was... not my best idea, I thought to myself groaning as I stood up shaking my head trying to get the sound off of it and out of my ears. Turns out, driving is hard and I ended up bailing out of the jeep once I spotted a military base that the truck had driven to.
The jeep itself had crashed into the front gate of the base and set off its alarms, probably shouldn't have put a big rock on its pedal. Still the drift king though!
Alright so, probably pointless to fight everyone so get in, grab Superboy then get the hell out of here. That's a simple enough plan right?
....No that's a goal, not a plan but I can't exactly come up with one for sneaking into a military base, if only Bacomon was here he'd know how to do it.
----
Note: I'll leave the move over there for a bit, since Ludgermon has popped up at this point and he's a main character moving forward and I'm still writting ones at it's actual current point. OC warrior of darkness rookie because they NEVER MADE AN OFFICIAL ONE. So I decided on doing that, name was picked because "people spear" or as I've seen it said to mean, "Spear of the People."
He has a profile I wrote up, one person even did a fan art though not gonna put that here myself cause its someone elses thing they did on their own. Will shift the profile here at some point after cast stuff.
36
----
The first thing was... look for an entrance beside the front where I tactically used the jeep as a battering ram. As fun as leaping through the front yelling 'fuckhead' would be I think I'll leave that for when I get laser swords. They're kind of a major part of that approach.
And whilst I can put pretty damn good odds on being able to deal with any mook with normal firearms I'm a bit more concerned with dealing with a place probably full of explosive weapons, armored vehicles, and whatever super science stuff a supervillain dictator could pull out of their ass. Which could be anything, from death rays, gamma rays, cancer rays, and all other kinds of nasty rays. Superhero science likes its ray guns.
Oh and super soldiers, that's something that shows up a lot.
Creeping around the side observing for any possible ways in from the other sides but it was primarily just more tall outer walls with barbed wire on the top and another gate with guards on alert from my earlier jeep attack already. So, no subtle way in unless... I could just climb the wall and over the barbed wire. It's just barbed wire, that can't do much to me now. Still, sometimes forget about that bit.
So I just leaped up from the side, using the claws on my feet to dig in a bit of the wall before launching myself upward a bit again to just below its top in order to peak over it. The base soldiers were either still scrambling into defensive positions, with tanks forming up mostly aimed at the entrance I rammed though it seems I wasn't going to luck into a base full of entirely dumb mooks since there were still others forming up elsewhere to watch the other ways in. Still, nobody was looking up...
Using my claws as scissors I quickly snip the barbed wire, don't want to trip on that, and lift myself into a crouched position on the concrete wall. Bracing I aim a jump at the large building in the center, probably the most important one unless they've hidden stuff underground. The leap carries me over the gap between the wall and the building in a second, which I follow with entering my claws digging into the roof to slow myself down into a crouch. Well, part one of sneaking is done.
...Hold on I have the digivice I could have just made myself not visible and physical. I really need to start remembering I have that. Good lord, I'm a dumbass. Probably won't be able to smell as well but I figure it's just best to do that and wander about.
----
There's something funny about just waltzing through a hostile base and nobody can see or touch me. Even if I finger guns at you mister soldier man! Ah ha, I should totally focus on finding Superboy though he's probably in trouble and that sucks a bunch.
Running through hallways quickly checking in doorway windows was pretty much my gameplan here, the running probably would take forever back when I was human in part because of how quickly I used to get tired but now the only source of slow down has having to stop and do a small jump to peak in through door windows. Seriously, who put these higher than someone of a reasonable height like I?
Though after checking the top floor and checking a lift I kind of figured that if all that's up on the top floor are rooms filled with guys on computers or meeting rooms Superboy is probably not being kept up there. Which led to the question of "where would they keep someone in a supervillain dictator base?" The answer which I figured, was probably underground. So down I went after briefly turning materializing to the bottom floor button and then ending up stuck in a lift with guys also going down to the lower levels.
The idle chatter of these guys is frankly obnoxious and my urge to kill is rising... Pretty sure I'm too close to the last strike on things about killing as well... Oh thank god, it's open.
----
And there's Superboy, restrained onto some metal restraining... thing. That has electrocution functions why? Oh and Superboy is shirtless for some reason so make that double why stuff here. And that's one of the scientist guys from before that drove off with him so whilst I could... I dunno explode computers and such I think I'll make this personal and materialize.
"Hello there I'm here to pick up my friend," I sarcastically tell the scientist with a toothy smile and glare as he spins around in surprise at my sudden appearance in the room sitting on a work table with a cup of coffee he had been drinking from evidently. Which I took a sip of, and immediately ended up coughing and spilling because maybe drinking something hot like this after having spent hours in a desert was kind of stupid. And also cause it turns out I still really don't like coffee, "O-okay. Anyway, you can stay or-" I blinked and spun around the room, turns out the scientists bailed in the middle of that, "...Yeah you better run! Dammit."
Well, smart move for them and less for me to deal with, not like I was really going to do much to them. But if those guys bring that up I'm going to end up with a really stupid reputation. Hopefully, this day can just "end" soon I haven't been to sleep since... the other day.
"Hey so Superboy I know you're currently, not conscious from all the electrocuting but uh," I quietly mumble mostly to myself as I climb onto his restraining device and move to tear off the parts around his arms, "given your earlier episode this is probably not the best plan but I don't have a lot of options so like, please don't eat my face or something like that," ripping off the metal parts I hope off of the device and catch Superboy before lowering him to the ground as he begins to wake up and... hold his hand to his head as he sits up so probably not angry now, "hey you're alright, and my face remains uneaten! Put that in the plus column for today."
"...Thank M'gann for that, she's close and..." Superboy grimaced as he started to stand up, it looked like those scientist guys had him long enough to do a number on him, so I helped him to his feet, "...Thanks, sorry something messed with my head and-"
"Don't worry about it not your fault, seriously." I cut him off, not about to blame the guy for something that happened because of some guy screwing with his mind. That's pretty up there in 'not your damn fault' stuff, "besides it's not like you did anything to actually hurt me, what are fri- well teammates for anyway if not bailing your ass out of a fire?" Opening the door I look both ways before motioning him forward, "well not a literal fire but, you know. Fair warning I snuck in here so I don't really know what they have here besides a lot of tanks and stuff like that."
"Ah," Superboy nodded as we started to move towards the lift as he still made noises of exertion from pain, "this is... unusual for me. Do you have a plan? Haven't exactly lived up to being covert on this mission, destroy any of their computers? Less evidence we leave the better."
"...I'll be honest I didn't think that far ahead, thought you'd be in better condition really. So guess I've got to handle the main part of my next idea."
"And that idea is?"
"A simple one," I smiled to Superboy as I heard more soldiers heading our way, likely alerted by the scientist or the guys on the inside, "thought I'd make use of the tool known as violence and punch everyone who tries to stop us. You know, for a change," Superboy actually smiled at that one, I guess that is his kind of language, "M'gann is nearby right? Take the lift back to the surface and let her help you out. There's probably a bunch of soldiers heading our way, I'm gonna stop these guys so they don't get in your way and start breaking things down here."
"Seriously? I can still-" He tried to argue but from the pained looks on his face, yeah that's pretty much what I thought. He's not really in a state for fighting soldiers right now.
"I'm sure you can but let's not push it, get some sunshine I think that'll help," I push him into the lift and hit the ground floor button before stepping back out, "You go smash up there if you think it'll help. I got this, probably."
"That doesn't reass-" The doors slammed shut, cutting him off before he could finish. Granted it was easy to figure out what he was saying, imagine I'd have agreed with him if I listened to myself.
Just breathe in and out, it'll be like that time you fought those guys at the docks probably. Unless like they get some super tech or magic or a super soldier or- okay yeah maybe not the best plan. Still...
----
37 (Ah the fight where I and commentators have openly said it's... not good. Even accounting for an exhausted Strabimon) (Note:2 I actually redid it, OG is on SB at least)
---- Punch, kick, jump off a mooks shoulders. This is all rather routine in a sense, guess it's kind of hard to shoot accurately in a corridor up close. And also when there's a bunch of other guys about. Still, keep this going until I can lead them into a bigger room down here with more space.
...Wonder what everyone is doing back at the hideout, not normally gone this long. It's been like, uh. At least I day and I have not slept at all that's, probably not good.
----
The answer of which, was nothing much at all as Symbare was sitting at the bar writing up lessons to teach his class and preparing for others whilst Commandramon sat nearby drawing in a book. So pretty much nothing special.
"Say Symbare question?" Commandramon put her pencil down and lifted it up to show designs of outfits, accessories, and drawings of how they'd look on humans or other Digimon, "these look alright to you? I'm thinking if Sorcerymon gets to keep going out to hospitals and such maybe I can get a clothing business going."
"They're fine," Symbare stated after quickly glancing at her drawings before focusing on his class preparations. And then froze in thought before looking up again, "...okay so I might be cool with shorts or a fancy dress but I don't think you'll get Strabimon to model any of those like in those drawings. Besides I'm the one who looks good in anything, gotta have the confidence of course."
"Ha, this is just to mess with him when he gets back. Unless I actually can get him to wear them then I still win. You gotta play both sides Symbare," Commandramon giggled to herself quietly before stopping and looking at a clock they 'acquired' in concern, "...he's still not back yet. Do you think he's doing alright? I don't think I've seen him be away from any of us for longer than half a day, and that's usually because he's stuck reading in his room."
"He'll... be fine. I'm certain, we didn't spend so long taking him from clutz to a somewhat competent fighter for nothing," Symbare quietly said before tapping on a phone to check for messages and sighing at the lack of any updates, "besides we've got that meeting with Miss Wonder someday soon and I don't think he'd want to miss that." Symbare reassured before pointing at the drawing book again, "I'm not too sure our chest fluff works for those sorts of things, well maybe if I really tried. Frankly, that concerns me about what kind of drawings I could find in that book."
"Yeah, yeah it's just a joke like I said," Commandramon waved off, "well if he's going to be late I think I can make the shirts on this page ready for when he arrives. As a gift to you and him on a successful longer mission."
"Ohhh best rabbit dad? Ha, I love it, and yeah I'm certain he'll be back to see that."
----
The fight itself was slowing down, partly because I think I've beaten and kicked in the dick at least more than half of the guys down here. That and I got to a large storage room filled with... alien-looking stuff. Wonder what would happen if I were to put my hand in one. Either way, the fight was going easily enough that I may have started humming to myself. If nothing else it helped with just how tired I was starting to feel.
When was the last time I even slept? I'm not even sure now. A drink of water would be nice at this point too.
Even if these guys weren't exactly capable of doing much more than stinging me with shots from their guns when they actually hit, either way, it was all still slowing me down. And I didn't exactly have any idea how to delete any evidence specifically...
If it's broke they can't get anything from it right? Maybe a digimon 'break your shit' kick will do more damage to the data than usual if it's possible to get stuff from the remains. So might work, and probably be fun too. But just going for smaller stuff might be a waste of time...
The first thing I did was retrace my way back to the lab Superboy was kept in, if there was anything important from him being captive it was in there. Even if my only solution was to break the computers and what I assumed were severs. They looked like the ones I saw in games and films at least, not the best source of information but best I got. After that, I went back to running until I found a larger room.
Planes and big door? Yep. Hanger. Even has one of those walkways in a place upstairs. Did all the guards vanish? Bit odd to leave this room unguarded actually. I think.
"I hope you plan on paying for the damage you've caused to my property mutt," a mockingly smug woman's voice came from above me as the doorway I came from was blocked. The source of the voice was a woman in a grey dress with a veil around her shoulders, the main standout thing though was what I think was a tiara. I could recognize her from the briefing as Queen Bee, "Now how about you stop and kneel to the queen like a good dog?"
Is that really the most practical outfit for a military base? I mean I'm not one to talk but still.
"...No?" I have no idea why she thinks I'd have done that, "and mutt? Really? I... that feels like it should be offensive." I tilted my head, "Should I be offended? Wait why am I asking you?" Shaking my head I gestured with my hand to wait, "Look it's been a long day, for more than one of us for sure so how about I just go?"
"Hm, can still refuse me? No matter, I have other ways to break stubborn pets," That's... probably not anything pleasant, "It is always good to have hired help after all."
Once she finished with that she leaned over on the railing as the doors opened to reveal a woman wearing a tight black midriff revealing vest and tight black pants. Oh, and she had black-spotted orange fur plus a tail, so that's about a three out of ten on my weirdness scale. The scale has kind of been wrecked by the average person's standards.
"So uh... Cheetah I guess?" I question as I glance around the room, not exactly the most escapable room. Granted if I ran and M'gann hasn't gotten to Superboy that's going to be a bit of a problem, "Don't think I can have you wait until a time I haven't fought like a bunch of guys?"
A Wonder Woman villain already? Seriously? That's... not a fight I want. Why is she even here?
"Nope." She calmly answers, the British accent caught my attention for a second, before immediately pouncing. She was fast enough that I was just barely able to get out of the way diving to the side. Barely in that she still landed a scratch on my arm. "Can always surrender boy."
Sounds like a bad idea even by my standards. I really don't have a plan here though.
I didn't grace that with an answer as I slowly stepped back, feeling the sting of pain from the cut on my arm. Cheetah took the silence as a "no" and reason to pounce again, and for once perhaps not thinking worked in my favor as instinct took over as my leg shot forward covered in light, and kicked her in the jaw.
Oh- cool as that was don't do that to normal people. That might be a bit more lethal there.
Unfortunately, any elation was brief as she managed to land and smoothly roll into a position with her arms and legs on the ground, ready to pounce again. The next few moments felt like they dragged far longer than they actually were, and I had no idea how much damage I actually caused with that one.
"So, some bite to that bark then? Won't be enough." Cheetah taunted, smirking all the while. Before her eyes glanced upwards as if a thought just hit her, "Of course, I could always jump for easier prey. How is that friend of yours doing?"
"What-" I felt my eyes widen as I reflexively looked up in alarm, is she- wait how would she even get up to him now? "You-" I didn't get the chance to finish as I had the wind knocked out of me and felt my back impact the floor. Damn cat just decked me! "Gah-Dammit."
"Gotta love you hero types, make the slightest threat and you'll just get distracted, and I couldn't even back that one up!" I tried to get back to my feet as she was laughing but ended up with her foot on my stomach before I could stand up. At the same I could feel the frustration growing in my chest as a growl escaped my throat, she was seriously pulling that kind of bullshit? I don't know if they're friends more than colleagues but that still kind of pisses me off.
If I live through this, Symbare can never know about being stomped... And to hell with "if!" I am not falling because of such a cheap shot!
"I'm-" I started to speak, before finding a hand around my throat as I was lifted off the ground. Even if I wasn't struggling to breathe the strength of her grip and claws digging into my neck were still causing pain. And yet, I didn't feel my energy going away. If anything I felt more in each of my limbs. "Go- tear your-"
"Sure you will you little-" Cheetah started to say as I started to raise my left hand to claw at her, pausing as I noticed the screen on my digivice activate itself. Something that also managed to catch her attention as a radial bar filled up on its screen, "A watch? What's that meant to-"
----
"Okay, think that's the last of them, Robin should be finishing with the computers up here on his end." M'gann said breathing heavily as she floated back down to the ground from the evening sky after having helped Superboy fend off the remaining soldiers on the base mostly by using telekinesis on them, "Superboy are you-"
"I'm fine, actually feels good to be in the sun again even if it is about to go down again." the teenager smiled at the martian before looking back at the building, "Strabimon still hasn't come out, we should-" the suggestion was cut off by the sudden shattering of rock in the courtyard as something was thrown through the floor, "...I think we might have a problem."
"A bit less of a problem now my friends!" An unfamiliar deep voice called from in the newly created hole in the ground, though it had a familiar accent before additional large chunks of rock and concrete were blown apart as a very tall blonde-haired man in white and lavender colored armor with a similarly colored scarf trailing behind him leaped up onto the ground, "As I previously stated, I am fine."
"...I don't..." Superboy blinked at the strange man before looking closer at his armor. "Wolf helmet... Wait. I know that symbol." The clone stared in confusion before shrugging once he figured a pretty good guess at what was going on as the man-Strabimon or whoever gave him a thumbs up before they turned back to face Cheetah and catch her as they pounced at him.
"Now to beat this villain's hindquarters." He announced, briefly looking confused before shrugging, and then slammed the woman onto the ground, the force of the impact cracking it, before tossing her again as he pulled out a small device holding it by his side as he watched Cheetah get back up to her feet. Walking slowly toward he pushed a button on his device creating a bright yellow beam from it as he held it in both hands in preparation for another attack. "Now, shall we continue our duel?"
"A lightsaber?" Cheetah looked at it incredulously as her eyes wandered to the other members of the team before sighing and throwing her hands up in the air before turning around, "Forget it I'm not getting paid enough for this."
"...I wanted to smite something. Anyway, good day everyone!" The Digimon complained as the cheetah woman leaped out of the compound turned around and waved as the rest of the team arrived, "Strabimon here, well Lobomon right now," he put a hand under his chin, "or is it Wolfmon? Lobomon feels better, address me by that whilst I take this form."
"He... reached his next stage already?" Ludgermon quietly muttered with a slight twitch of his eye, "That's... great." Ludgermon shook his head before quickly shifting to his cheerful disposition and waved at Lobomon, "Hello Brother! I have come to meet you. And give aid!"
"Huzzah? I am sorry, but who are you?" Lobomon asked the feline Digimon that he couldn't place. Something that caught his attention more than what he'd just been called.
I mean I don't know all of them but I think I know that symbol on his chest plate but there wasn't any rookie like that. Then again I also wasn't a Digimon so that logic doesn't hold up.
"I am Ludgermon a Warrior of Justice like you and-"
"Apologizes but hold that thought," Lobomon asked whilst holding up a finger before his entire body glowed and shrunk back down into the more canine shape of Strabimon again, "Oh wow, so that's what that feels like," he smiled and nodded before looking at the others whilst his legs started to shake, "Yeah I think I'm done for today. Good night everyone!"
And with that, he gave a final thumbs up and immediately lost consciousness, landing on his face.
"...Okay so who had a bet on Jedi?" Robin, appearing suddenly out of nowhere, asked the team with a wide and excited smile on his face, "Cause I'm way more whelmed than with anything like what Wally hoping for."
----
38 (Strabimon will believe just about anything at this point)
---- Well, that was a day and a half- why am I in space?
Pushing myself up, somehow guess there's an invisible floor, I took note immediately of how my arm seemed to be lacking much in any detail besides that it was a glowing bright white, even my muzzle was when I crossed my eyes to look at it. Huh, of course, the whole 'space' thing is extremely terrifying. Like, I can pat around me and still stuff solid there but. Now all I can think of is if there suddenly isn't anything. Maybe I can just lie here and go back to sleep then wake up face first back uh.
Oh in the desert sand. That'll be a bitch to get out of the fur. Presuming I wake up there, hope I do so until then I will stay right here in the middle of space. And fold my arms...
....
"Hey, dream-spirit place or whatever? Can I go?" Seriously if it's not doing anything besides, making more glowy stuff and, huh I think those colors are the same as the other warriors. The purple one is closer yeah but it's as dim as the orange-red glow in the distance whereas the bright blue ones, though slightly different ones in terms of the exact shade of blue are really bright. The pink one is brighter than purple and the rest seem somewhat close to that.
...Hm. Maybe, it's the other warriors and it points at their stages. That is, no help whatsoever right now. So can I go-
-----
"Ugh," Blinking slowly I pried my eyes open to see... more damn sand. At least it was moving forward as my arms were around someone's shoulders, and I could feel them carrying my legs. I better not have drooled or anything, that'd be embarrassing. Still feel tired though, "hey everyone."
"He's up," Oh it's Superboy that's carrying me, neat. Guess that fits with the claws being a hazard to most, "we're almost to the bioship."
"Woo," I tiredly cheer looking around, oh that feline Digimon I don't know is still here cool. The first time one has shown up in Gotham I think, wonder why. And he's standing awfully close whilst smiling at me, "what did I miss this time?"
"For once, not much besides fighting some soldiers," Robin came over and put a hand on my back, though he knew to let go when I turned to glare at him. Too tired to care about being carried, still not a fan of most getting touchy, "alright not a fan of that, it's all cool. Nice trick back there, by the way, turning into a massive wolf armored Jedi guy. Kind of made us all lose a bet though."
"...Bet?"
"Yeah since you and Symbare brought that form-changing stuff everyone was putting something forward as a guess on what you'd end up doing," he pointed at Kid Flash, "though I think some were more of a hope. Closest we had was 'involves swords' not lightsabers."
"Neat, I guess. But you know what?" I ask before shutting my eyes again, "I do not care. Wake me up when we get back, or just call Symbare."
"...Is this normal with him?" I heard the feline Digimon ask I focused on going back to sleep.
----
"Kid," I felt a nudge to my head as I jumped awake to find Symbare poking my head before giving a relieved smile, "well looks like sleepy is with us. Thought I'd have to carry you home myself, usually only have to do that for baby Digimon."
"...Nice to see you again Da-" Blinking I look at Symbare who was standing proudly with his hands on his waist before looking around the cave where half the team, Batman, Commandramon, and the other Digimon was still here, "...what the hell are you wearing?"
"What do you disagree?" Symbare pointed at the black text on his lavender shirt that left his lower stomach exposed, "I am not 'best bunny Dad' or not?"
"...Maybe by virtue of being the only one I know of," standing up from the chair I had been put down on and started stretching, "so I take it things have been explained whilst I was out?" Nods all around, "alright then I guess that leaves dealing with uh..."
"Ludgermon," the feline Digimon stated, "I think I told you earlier but you fainted pretty soon. So might have forgotten," he reached over to grab my hand and started shaking it very quickly, "it's really great to finally meet you!"
"Yeah uh," I gently shoved him back after I pulled my hand away, still not a fan of people doing that but... something familiar about this one. Well, besides the darkness spirit symbol on his chest plate I know that "that's nice..." Something neat there I guess. I still just, want to go home and deal with this all tomorrow. Future me can deal with all of this, "you wanna go home with us?"
"YES!" Ludgermon yelled in joy before freezing in place and coughing, "I mean, yes that would be great to see where you have been staying," the feline looked around at the others before pointing at Symbare, "is he really...?"
"Ehhh-"
"Oh totally," Commandramon came over and patted Symbare on his leg, "don't expect grumpy here to admit to anything, in fact, if he denies something on how he feels more often than not he seems to mean the opposite."
Oh, you want to play that game huh?
"Commandramon here is a lovely person who I love dearly with all my heart," I state as deadpan as possible with a flat expression and a thumbs up as Ludgermon just looked between us concerned before Commandramon started laughing.
"...Oh I get it," Ludgermons eyes lit up in realization before pointing at me, "he's a tsundere isn't he?"
...What? Who even taught him that word?
"That fits actually," Commandramon nodded giggling to herself before pulling out a lavender bundle and handing it over to me, "here, a welcome back gift since you were gone for days."
"Thanks?" Warily looking it over I unbundle it and find... a T-shirt? Huh, wonder what was fu- "If lost please return to the hot bunny Dad," I read before looking behind it at the widely grinning Digimon, "seriously? Did Symbare put you up this?"
"Nope! Read the other bit."
"Proud wolf son," huh, that's... sweet I guess. Really been pushed into that role here kind of. I mean, it's... uh. Well. Fine, "...this is more acceptable I guess."
"Yeah see kitty?" Symbare stated patting the Digimon on his back, "you're on the ball about the tsundere thing."
"...now it is less acceptable."
----
After that, it was letting Symbare and Commandramon see the recordings of me as Lobomon, as brief as it was, before heading home. Kind of interesting to see me in a different form like that, and hear myself when not tired. Pretty sure that wasn't what stopped me from saying 'ass' back there though. Less interesting were the two's comments of it being good I met them as Strabimon first as they'd have been less... familial or parental in initial interactions.
Yeah, must really be that sort of relationship if them saying that I looked good was just embarrassing. Which I got back at Symbare for by declaring my legs were stiff and thus he had to give piggyback home, enjoy menial labor of the kind one does with- yeah know what not finishing that thought.
"Gonna admit though, really curious as to how you managed it," Symbare questioned as we sat next to each other at the hideouts bar whilst Commandramon showed Ludgermon around, "I mean I know just getting stronger helps but you've mostly been a case of a lack of skill."
"I dunno," I shrug before resting my head in my hands, "I just, didn't want to die. I mean I know it doesn't stick for us but it'd, probably still hurt. And it does memories which, I got those. I like those, they uh," turning to face Symbare I examine his curious face before looking away, "I have, decent ones. A lot of those gotta keep those-"
"Your face is going red."
"Yes well," I'm, not sure what's going on now. The thought at the time was that I didn't want to and I promised him but now I can think clearer there's... fear? Of that especially besides just of just dying, "some are good too. That's important. Especially important, for myself and others, like uh. You know. The... others in the class!" Why am I laughing so nervously about, just, "I seem to be having trouble. Saying that, I..."
"Yeah, usually you just clam up," Symbare sounded really concerned before looking around us, "there's nobody else to hear you besides me."
"Yeah well, I-I know something to say but uh. I know the words. But, why is this hard?" I've had this issue before and that was with telling my old family that, well.
"I know you're not exactly the sort to be open so, how about you try easier words first? I can guess the meaning."
"It would, not be... enjoyable if I forgot about what. I... approve of about, those important here." Still, trying to struggle with these words but, I think that was what did it back there. I mean, crests are a thing in Digimon and they helped with going up, "so I couldn't... fall and..."
"Yeah I get it," Symbare smiled as I stood up then stepped closer before freezing and, uh, "I won't tell the others."
"Oh good so how-how about..." Looking over at Ludgermon coming over as I started tapping my claws together, "...bunk beds?"
"...What?"
"I mean sibling elements and well, I had one before so I thought," turning around to Ludgermon I waved at him before pointing to Symbare, "we were just talking about you and that... you know about the thing between us?"
"The angels and Miss Lilith said we were like brothers yes!" Ludgemon explained with a cheerful rapid nod before tilting his head at me whilst looking concerned, "...are you okay?"
"Yes! I was, just asking if you wanted bed bunk- I mean bunk bed- I mean, do you want to stay in my room? Like how thingies do?"
"I...thought you would..." Ludgermon looked confused before stepping closer with his arms outward before I quietly lowered them, "I wanted to ask myself actually. It is easier to be... prepared together to face villains after all!"
...Is this cat right in the head?
----
"Did you say something strange to him?" Commandramon asked as Strabimon walked away with the feline Digimon to show him where he stayed.
"No, he just, tried to come out with something," Symbare told the gun dinosaur, "I think he might be a bit more... stunted in some areas than we thought. I don't think he really noticed but, well he held back most of the waterworks trying to say it."
"I noticed he had a bit of wet fur, well hopefully this 'brother' of his is good for him," Commandramon stated before looking at Symbare's concerned expression, "what you think that guy is up to something?"
"No, I just... Get the feeling there might be a concerning similarity between the two."
----
39
----
"Come on... Do something... Brother... I SAID WAKE UP!"
"JESUS WHA-" Shooting up out of bed I ready my claws- oh it's just Ludgermon smiling at me trying to wake me up, "do-don't do that man." Tiredly rubbing my eyes I look at them before sighing, "what time is it that you felt the need to do that?"
"10 in the morning! Later then I usually get up at the temple but Symbare told me you were a late riser," Ludgermon nodded before holding his arms up in the air, "now rise from thy bed Warrior!"
I took his words into account, then looked back at my bed, then back to him, "...later."
"Say what? I thought a Warrior of Light would be more virtuous, how much later?"
"2, maybe 3 hours." I promptly put collapsed back down into my bed and then shut my eyes as I saw Ludgermons incredulous expression once I was lying back down.
I'm not actually planning that long, but I can't exactly control that when I'm not conscious.
"Well, I-I... I shall remain here to stand guard!" You do that man, "so what books do you have here? The angels let me go into the library a lot, they also said I'm to ask before checking after reading one of Lilithmon's books one time I got to visit. And that I'm not to read any book she gives me either..." Oh, I set myself up for this situation even if, kind of missed staying in a room with someone else, "Or you could wake up now that is also something. Sorry."
"It's fine, I probably should sleep less anyway." Looking at Ludgemon he was... still smiling, guess he's just happy to be here. Sounds like he knows quite a few higher-up people in the digital world, and that Lilithmon seems to like screwing with him a bit, "I think we've got something with one of the heroes of this world so-"
"This world has heroes!?!" He loudly questioned in excitement, though I had to step back to avoid being suddenly grabbed, "That's incredible! I could learn so much and fina- uh well I could learn how to do stuff here yes!"
"...That you could, the main thing is not killing anyone. We have had... varied levels of success with that," I move past the feline before grabbing a few books from a shelf, "now first thing, did you seriously wear that armor to bed?"
"Well, uh. I must always be prepared to dispe-"
"A yes would suffice you know."
"Ah. Well, yes. Most Digimon don't change clothes for it really so you're... special?"
In more ways than one... dammit the formerly human thing is gonna have to be told to him at some point even if it barely feels like it matters. And the other warriors... Still wonder why that happened but it also doesn't seem to matter at this point.
"Don't have to sound so unsure," I state before pointing to the door, "wait outside whilst I get dressed, then I'll come out with these books and we can read them whilst waiting for the thing with Wonder Woman. Even get food, what do you think of a turkey, cereal, and jam sandwich?"
"...That kind of sounds like a punishment? Or a test?"
----
"You two are getting along well I hope?" Symbare asked came over and asked a while after I gave Ludgermon a book to read after he ate which he was now pretty focused on, "he seems calmer at least. And you from last night."
"Yeah he seems to get invested in things easily, thought something like the hobbit would keep his attention for a bit," I said before looking at Symbare, "last night was a long day. An-and the other thing that well, you know. I-I... thanks again."
"No need to turn bright red again. Well, redder. But it was good to... hear you try to say those things," Symbare smiled whilst Ludgermon turned over another page, "message was received. But I guess we've got more on our plate with this one if he really is what I think he is."
"Sure seems like he is, I can't really... tell exactly when it comes to most warriors at this stage. Seems like everyone is back in some form at least," seeing Symbares confusion I lean in closer to whisper about the whole space/spirit dream thing. Which gets an excited smile before becoming a face of worry, "Yeah I got nothing if it'll mean anything. For now, let's just focus on some hero shit alright?"
"Oh yeah I finally get to meet that warrior princess lady," Symbare nodded before pointing at Ludgermon, "he's coming too I take it?"
"Yeah should be a fun surprise, I don't think leaving him on his own is a good idea. Kind of concerned Commandramon or Gazimon would talk him into something dumb."
"Your level of faith in him and the others here is utterly astounding kid."
----
So that meant just using the zeta-beam stuff to go to Washington DC and wait for Wonder Woman to meet us, I actually don't really know what city she usually operates in. Well, I guess besides the island she comes from, though I do wonder why she wanted to meet here. I guess, if she is a princess there could be diplomatic stuff for her to do here. Or cause, the hall of justice is here so could be that.
We of course didn't do anything like going there whilst we waited for her, seeing as Commandramon had... acquired, a good amount of wallets with money from our training exercise from the guys I knocked out. And the Joker... spoils of battle as she put it, I'm gonna pin that on D-brigade habits. Anyway, it left us the money to go to a restaurant with an outdoor area and wait there.
My idea, of course, I haven't been to one of these in ages. Plus fun family trip that lets Ludgermon hang around humans for a bit and we get to confuse the hell out of people with this public appearance. Besides children anyway, good thing the other two here are so extroverted to get most of the attention...
...Even if some try to single me out cause 'fluffy doggy' and other such things. Things I put up with to get a good pizza.
"-and that's how we met found Flamemon!" Ludgemon finished telling a story whilst I only just realized I got lost in thought in the middle of it, "I don't really get the appeal of setting bins on fire like that, good distraction apparently. He was in super big trouble, even after the angels let him stay in the temple after it."
"Huh, wasn't sure any of you had reincarnated until Strabimon showed up here," Symbare noted having paid much better attention than I, "Impressive that they were able to keep this pretty well hidden. Guess it makes sense they wouldn't want Digimon coming looking for warriors themselves, probably easy to exploit that since you all seem to have come back as amnesiac children."
"I think it'd go fine for most of us. Not that I'd know otherwise but - oh Kazzy is a champion now she's nice," Ludgermon trailed off a bit as he looked at his hands, "she doesn't know how she did it. She doesn't stick in the temple, which I get."
Kazzy? Must be Kazemon, and damn someone beat me to the champion stage. Though it sounds like it stuck for-
"Seeing the city I take it you tw- three?" A woman's voice spoke up behind me interrupting my thoughts as I spun around to see Wonder Woman in her red and blue costume that was... huh didn't think she'd wear one like in the old cartoons, "I did hear about another one of you from the League but wasn't aware he'd be here today."
"Hello, there pretty mi-"
"Really Symbare?" I spun around only to see him defensively holding his hands up before pointing at Ludgermon with his left hand who was staring at WW behind me, "Huh. Well, sorry kind of a habit."
"Oh, I... shouldn't say it? Lilithmon told me it makes people feel better when I- ah never mind," Ludgemon awkwardly finished, guess he was trying but probably not the best person to take social advice from there- why is he ringing? "Hey, timing!" Ludgermon regained his cheer as he quickly reached into his belt sash and pulled out some, circular device. "They gave me this when I came here to keep in contact! And not to use it in public so..."
"We can talk here whilst you deal with that," Symbare reassured whilst pointing at WW, "Is that alright?"
"Well, I mean..." Ludgermon started to say something before pointing at me, "the time sync isn't long either, so it'll be short and..."
"Yeah I get it," I got up from my chair and then waved at Wonder Woman, "sorry for the delay but, nice to meet you."
See what this is about, guess it makes sense whoever let him come here would want a way to keep an eye on him since it's on purpose.
----
40 (Strabimon is actually aro/ace so that's a good thing, still awkward when you look as he does and yeah)
----
Once I got up from my seat, letting Wonder Woman sit with Symbare as we deal with this which I imagine is going to cause even more attention on what's going on there, it was a simple case of Ludgermon asking for an out-of-sight spot to answer his device. Which I handled by just finding a small enough building to scale and sit on.
Still kind of weird that this is just, an option for us. At least it's one of those square ones that we can just sit on easily enough. I do wonder if all of this will get that pizza place more business, that'd be fun.
"Wow they have a lot of tall buildings here, humans don't seem that big on colorful ones though," Ludgemon observed before he started moving away from the edge and pushing a button on his circular device causing a holographic screen to emit from it, "hello Lilithmon!"
"Hey Sugar," the hologram spoke to Ludgemon who was slowly walking over to where I was, "did you- ah there he is." Lilithmons visage came into view as she stopped before looking up and down at me whilst humming, "not quite sure what I expected besides looking like your brother, you look... scruffy. Have you heard of a brush for that fur?"
"I uh, what?" Okay, so he really does know Lilithmon who has a way to keep in contact with him that's something interesting. And now I get this from her instead of just Symbare.
"I'm sure Ludgermon here can help with that, he's good at that sort of thing." Said feline Digimon nodded after she said that.
"She and Meri taught me how to do it! Along with make-up and-"
"That's nice and all but, isn't time limited here?" I question the two Digimon who seem to be about as functional as most others. Ludgermon did mention a time sync being short.
"Ah yes apologies little one," Lilithmon apologized, "now then, how much do you know about how you got there Strabimon? Did you stumble upon one of those gates?"
"No, I don't think so. I just, woke up here as- uh." Okay I know others said she's good now and such but, I'm gonna refrain from telling her everything for now, "actually I've been staying with Da- Symbareangoramon. Well, one but he said he was in a class you taught, do you kn-"
"Hold on..." Lilithmon rose a clawed finger to wait before tapping her chin, "...a rabbit Digimon, right? I remember one that used to be really fluffy that came to me about looking beautiful."
"...Yeah that sounds like Symba-"
"Hold on, did you almost call him Dad?" Lilithmon questioned upon realizing something she missed before giving a haughty laugh, "oh that's grand, those smug archangels are going to love that one of my old students has been keeping an eye on you like that."
Somehow I figured trying to be more open about things with him would backfire. A demon lord laughing at it was not among what I thought would happen though.
"I-sure whatever. Look we've been trying to keep a handle on the Digimon who show up here and uh," okay so I know this is probably not going to be taken that well, but I have my mind made up on this, "if this is about 'retrieval' to the Digital World then I'm gonna have to pass. At least not until this gate nonsense is deal and everyone can come and go."
Ludgermon seemed a bit alarmed by that, though remained silent, whilst Lilithmon just flatly stared at me for a few seconds before sighing, "that was somewhat expected. It'll take time to find a way to get a proper gate anyway, especially since the time difference between worlds isn't always in sync." Oh, that was taken bett- "That said, you better not get yourself killed there Strabimon. The same goes for you Ludgermon, what's your impression of him here anyway? A buzzkill like his previous self?"
"Oh no," Ludgermon reassured with a smile and moved to pull me over until I ducked under his arm, "well he doesn't like being touched anyway. But he's sleepy and a tsundere!"
I am really confused as to how he even knows that word. And that is not true, sleepy maybe but tsundere? As if, I'm just not affectionate and, that.
"...oh my that is amazing," Lilithmon smiled widely, whilst motioning to someone off the screen with her free hand, "Meri might have wanted more girls among those of you who reincarnated but she's going to love you of all people coming back as a tsundere."
"I'm not a tsundere!" I snap before quickly calming down and awkwardly shuffling, "I mean uh- sorry? I'm not, great at the talking and-"
"So what did you want me to see-" A red-haired teenage boy Digimon with cut-off horns, dark skin, white markings, a bushy flame-like tail, and elf-like ears that was wearing red pants, a belt with the fire symbol on its buckle, red gauntlets and red... shoulder pads? Could never tell with Flamemon, "Oh hey Ludgermon and... is that your brother?" he asked pointing at me and getting a nod in response, "he's cute, nobody told me he'd be cute. Damn, I should have gone."
"I am not cute!" How many times do I have to say it?
"Not that kind of-"
"Sorry you two the connection is breaking," Lilithmon interrupted as the screen started to glitch out a small bit, "I'll try to contact you again when I can but stay safe okay?" And with that, the connection cut out as I folded my arms in annoyance whilst Ludgermon put his device away.
"Seriously I am not cute," I complained to Ludgermon who just awkwardly smiled, "...don't you start."
"I'm pretty sure that was Flamemon trying to fli-" Oh hell no.
"He better not have- I'm not dealing with that sort of thing. I don't have that kind of- Look he's way too young for me anyway-"
"Aren't you pretty young?" Ludgermon raised an eyebrow at me, "kind of getting defensive there Strabimon."
For damn good reason! This is just, awkward. I mean I guess something like this was bound to happen eventually but I was hoping for someone I could ignore to do it!
"It'll make sense later I swear but, look this won't go anywhere so-"
"Well, what if when he gets to a higher level like you did wouldn't that-"
"Ludgermon are you into shipping?" I cut him off quickly which gets a nod. I kind of thought he'd deny that but, guess that explains it. Still, letting out a sigh I stand up from our position on the roof, "look just understand I just, don't feel anything of that sort? Never have and I imagine I never will okay?"
"Awww. I mean if you're sure," Ludgermon said as he also got up following me back to the ledge, "but if you ever end up being different let me know, I wanna try that wingman thing. Meri taught me about it!"
"...I'm starting to get very concerned about the kinds of things those two have been teaching you."
"The teachers at the temple all say the same thing! But they're boring in comparison!" Ludgermon complained before looking back at me with a curious smile, "say if I ever wanted to go out with someone would you take an interest?"
"...maybe. That's the best you're getting."
-----
After that last bit of, awkwardness it was a quick trip back to the restaurant where Symbare was sitting pretty relaxed whilst Wonder Woman was speaking to some children, must be fans of hers. Symbare did shoot up to a more alert position upon seeing us come back, so I gave him a wave.
"Good news Symbare, I think Lilithmon remembers you a bit," I told him which did get him to smile warmly a little bit before I pointed my thumb at Ludgermon, "turns out they gave him a way to talk to them when possible."
"I was kind of meant to keep that a secret..." Ludgermon looked, a bit nervous about me just outright telling Symbare, "I mean, I guess if you trust him on this I can as well. He's been nice so far."
"Don't worry, Strabimon can vouch for my ability to keep secrets," Symbare stated with a wink before looking at Wonder Woman still speaking with children, "it's... good to hear Lilithmon is doing fine. It did go well right?"
"I think? I told them I'm not going to the digital world unless we can get everyone a way back."
"Also we saw Flamemon on the call!" Ludgermon cheerfully chimed in before pointing at me, oh don't tell him about tha- "I think he was trying to court Strabimon or something before he got cut off."
"What," Symbare looked between us looking like a mixture of confused and awkward, "oh I am so not prepared for dealing with this part of looking after a kid. I mean if you-"
"I don't," I quickly cut this off, I expected more of a teasing thing but seems he's not exactly sure of this himself, "if there's one thing I don't have any interest in it's dating and such."
"Oh thank the angels," Symbare let out a relieved breath before laughing, "I mean I know where I fall with this kind of stuff but I got nothing on handling that bit of parenting."
"Well you've done a... decent job on it overall I think," I reassure whilst Wonder Woman starts to come back to the table, "even if I am abnormal due to certain things but... Anyway, she's coming back so, let's finish up here."
----
I forget where I oriiginally put this one in the thread itself due to being a side chapter but I'm pretty sure this takes place before Ludgermon showed up.
----
-----
There was a fairly slow day where I spent quite a bit of time just, looking up stuff online. Sometimes it's harder than one would think to just find what would sound like a Digimon fucking stuff up as the ghost stuff. It did mean I could just lean back after a bit and pretend I was reading something at least but... that's boring.
Might as well see what's online about those they know about. Well, me and Symbare. Might be a bit of fun stuff, and traumatic if I find we have "fan art." Well maybe for Symbare, hopefully looking like a 12-year-old will work in my favor for once in avoiding that creepiness. Probably not, oh but I could find cool stuff among it... damn. Actually wonder if they called us anything odd, not sure we've had our names publically mentioned much so might get, some odd stuff.
Let's see... Wolfboy and Karate Bunny, no. Punk Pu- god no, never going with that. Why do all of my stuff be variants of "boy" or "child?" I know Beast Boy got saddled with that even when his appearance is more teenager but, really? I know Superboy is fine with that but I'd rather... not. I don't even have a costume so guess it doesn't matter much.
Meanwhile, Symbare gets things like Kung Fu Rabbit and Captain Carrot (isn't that taken?), and even some non-animal ones like Wind Dancer, guess that works out when you got to do some extra stuff like Breakin' Stream in your debut. Still much better than all the childish ones I get. How many animal-based superheroes and villains even are there in DC? Like, Man-Bat, Killer Croc, Wildcat, Cheetah, and Catwoman. All the best ones are taken.
Comments are delusional, saying stuff like "the little one is adorable trying to look tough with those belts" or "I want a dog that's as cute as that small alien or werewolf guy." Get your eyesight checked people, I'm none of that. Symbare's comments are uh... well some people really appreciate the lack of a shirt. If I see another "I want to sex up that rabbit" comment though I'm gonna flip.
...Actually makes me curious.
----
"What?" Symbare rose his eyebrows in shock at my question.
"Was it not clear? I was just curious if you ever dated and had like, a girlfriend or anything," I state folding my arms, "you said it has been decades since you had any, was half curious how you ever pulled it off with how you are."
"I've dated plenty of times! Also, it'd be ex's not just... girlfriends," Symbare stated before sitting on the ground, "usually ended on a decent note. Think a few would have even liked having you around, of course I'd be the cool parent figure... usually."
"Usually?"
"Well, Witchmon fancied herself the leader of the 'bad girls coven' when we were together. I was an Angoramon back then, she really liked how much fluff I had back then. Made it easier to hide stuff in it, especially owl-like stuff." Symbare smiled at his memories, "gotta say magic made things... 'interesting.' In a fun sense, like 'see how good of a kisser you are' kind of fun."
...uh, "what?"
"Oh it was nothing too odd, she just knew some minor illusion-type thing, wouldn't do anything in a fight but make a clone or look like someone else? Can manage that."
"Ah," I nod, "this is some fetish stuff isn't it?"
Symbare just chuckled, "probably, who knows I might be hiding details from you to make it more suitable for children. Anyway I think she was disappointed I couldn't hide much stuff on me when I digivolved into Symbareangoramon and we ended up moving to other towns, called my choice of being a school teacher 'disappointing' but gave me an address if I ever wanted to get into contact again."
"Well, that's nice."
"Yep, I wasn't even mad she stole a pair of glasses I got to look formal for kids. Said I should just be myself and 'teach those dumb kids' respect. She'd be a cool aunt I think." Symbare rested his head on his hand as he went into thought, "asked out a Kinkakumon once but alas I lacked two large things that she was into."
.....Well, it's not ears I can tell that much. His feet are pretty big as well... eyes?
"Arms kid," Symbare deadpanned as his face went flat, "dunno where your mind was going. I mean fair to her, gotta love big arms, they're great for affection just lift up your partner in a big old hug. So unless I end up digivolving into like, Mervamon or maybe... Rizegreymon? No chance with her."
"Uh huh," note to self, add these Digimon into the list I should be glad I can't digivolve into as it'd be awkward, "we were on exes though not 'people who saw right through my creepiness' here."
"Oh ha ha," Symbare gave out a flat laugh and a half-hearted glare, "well there was uh... he..." Symbare started awkwardly turning away from me with... holy shit he's blushing since when does he blush? "I-I, okay so I might still have a thing for this guy."
"You're acting like well, me here. So I guess?" Never had an interest in any of this stuff personally, watching a romance can be cute but, whatever. Doesn't take much to realize this is out of character.
"Well... Gokuwmon was really sweet." Symbare tapped his fingers together, "like, wonderful in a fight. Especially good at using his long and powerful staff." I lower my eyes into a glare, I know what innuendoes are Symbare, "what, he really did have a staff! I got to try it once or twice. Really though outside of that we just did... couple style stuff more than anything. Dinner with candles, watching the sun go down. One time he even got us a trailmon to a town close to a beach, a wonderful day out that was, picnic and everything." Symbare was... trailing off into thought but his smile was... surprisingly bright, at a level I don't really see much from him. Huh.
"You're kind of a romantic then huh?" I question smiling at him, "not the sort of thing you expect from a creepy old pervert."
"I'm not creepy or old!" Symbare scolded before sighing, "I'd have stayed with him but, he wasn't really built for calm town life and I couldn't leave the school kids without a teacher so we agreed to break it off, mutually."
"I see... if there was anyone else for them would you have gone?"
"I... don't know. I like fighting, but I want to see the little ones grow and I can't do that if I just left. Even when the town expanded enough for more Digimon to come, I stuck about."
"And now you've been sent to another world entirely anyway." I leaned back in my own chair as Symbare let out a long breath.
"My class had graduated at that point, didn't start with the next set before I got caught in a digital gate," Symbare noted before smiling a bit again, "bet if Gokuwmon was with us he'd want to make you an apprentice."
"Maybe, but I get the feeling that'd be more painful than miss 'shoots you in the ass' Commandramon."
"Oh for sure."
-----
Note: Local rabbit really into beauty absolutely loved that one guy he went out with who did cheesy romance stuff with him.
Profile for the OC mon! Ludgermon - No I don't have a picture, cast stuff is image limited here so will have to figure that out though his descrption was in 2 but will put this here now.
A Digimon that was transformed into a half-beast, half-man form when a notable portion of Lowemon's power was lost. Despite not losing the "combat instinct" that Digimon naturally have it is typically slow to make use of it, leaving incidents of it violently lashing out fairly rare. Even with the decrease in power it still exerts notable control over darkness leaving most adult-level Digimon unable to match it. Its special moves are creating weapons and objects out of the element of darkness (Edel Schatten) often showing a preference for spears due to Lowemon's influence, and being able to warp itself (Dunkel Schritt) into the place of its darkness constructs.
Edel Schatten (Noble shade) - Creates a small construct out of darkness to attack or defend with.
Dunkel Schritt (Dark Step) - Warps into the position of one of its darkness constructs.
