Fandom [IC]The Veil To Spurn: A Digimon Survivor Tale

[galvanismgal]

“Ara? A spirit would be needed to digivolve so no,” Mei answered since it was clear she was still herself.

“Which mon?”

Black Gabumon was now awake and rubbing their eyes. They readied themselves to head off again since they wanted to sneak in another nap before it was time for bed.

“Ruth is always like that,” Mei quipped thinking to every panic she had seen the undie girl do,” she’s like if a person was multiplied by one and if Raven was a French horn she would sound Italian. She should focus less on remaining strong and more on not strong-arming others.”

Mei stood making sure everything was put away in its proper place getting ready to head back to the market. It was getting quite late so she had to hurry before prices rebounded.

“You should,” Mei replied drily in response to what Kimi said plainly.

“Ohoho? Do I look free enough to continue to hang out with the likes of you?” she said looking as she always did, a woman with nothing but free time,” half of them probably gravitated to the injured and the other half to someone in charge so I have my own cheques to do. Rosey, Cool Kimi, I’m sure if you return together whatever mission, you get roped into by Raven can be a murder suicide this time.”

“Now, I don’t plan on raising a Scumon so you can excuse yourselves,” she said making it was clear she was leaving, clear that the others didn’t need to wait for her because she was not returning planning to end her day at whatever remained of the bath house.

 

[Scatterbrain]

Ace didn't really have an answer for Raven so remained silent. Maybe he didn’t know why he was grabbed but, now that he was here, he knew exactly what he was going to do. He glanced at Ruth, reaffirming his promise to himself from earlier. No matter what.

As she spoke, Ace caught the moment Ruth froze when mentioning her parents. He knew that reaction. He had seen it before in the way she would vent to him during their online chats; always carefully, never too much, just enough to let a little pressure out before moving on, and now, just like then, she shut it away. It wasn’t his place to push. He never liked it when people pushed him either but still, seeing her stop herself like that… it didn’t sit right with him.

Raven's background was interesting. An astronomer, huh? He didn’t know much about space beyond the occasional cool fact he’d come across here and there. When she mentioned the saxophone part, a brief smile crossed Ace's face. He had developed a sort of soft spot for the instrument ever since he saw that show with that saxophone playing superhero whose name he couldn't quite remember and that other one about a lifeguard turned detective who battled the paranormal. Then there was the dragon fruit thing. Ace frowned slightly, hesitating before finally asking, “Wait... dragon fruit’s real?” He had thought it was some made-up thing. Like something you only find in cartoons or video games or a fancy flavour companies used to sound exotic. "Huh. Learn something new every day."

Wormmon’s loud outburst caught Ace off guard and nearly made him jump. Ace glanced down at his partner for their response. “Y-yeah… sure.” Cutemon simply muttered before looking away. Ace frowned slightly at their reaction but, again, didn’t press. He knew that look, the one that said I don’t want to talk about it. He had worn it plenty of times himself.

Their group chat was interrupted by the monotone voice of Palmon X who questioned them for the purpose of their visit and Ruth answered by pulling out the black card she had found. Ace watched to see how Palmon X would respond but the Digimon’s blank, unblinking stare was unsettling enough that he had to look anywhere else before long.

Azurian Dream Pumpkid

 

[Anorgos]

---------------------

Lopmon was finishing off the last of her fruit as Kimi gave her full thanks to the bunny and partner on 'retrieving' her cards, her ears perking up as she looked up at the 'Cool Girl'.

"You're welcome...!" Lopmon was tired, but still perky enough to give out an excitable reply, one ear weakly giving an outstretched shake in the air as if it was a human hand waving.

As Tentomon questioned after the other Digimon's evolutions, Lopmon was swept up in the new and exciting information about Wormmon, especially the inclusion of the broom.

"A broom? That's sounds like fun!" She said as she hopped to the ground to get closer to the ladybug, the two just as excitable as the other.

"I-I got really big and furry!!" Her arms extending out as much as possible to try and get across the sheer size, from such a tiny frame.

"A-And super strong! With arms that could shoot out and...and...um..." She was silent again, ears drooping back to her sides as she glanced up to Róisín worryingly, yet the red haired partner simply continued to rest against the logs and give a momentary and understanding nod to the bunny.

"Um...sorry...I-I um, don't remember much after that...it felt kind of...scary?"

She was all but literally frozen to the spot now. The perky and tired aspects of her were trying to fight one another, to come out on top and just make a decision for the conflicted bunny, but now a new fighter was in and gunning for control, shame.

Gently pressing themselves back to their feet, Róisín scooped up Lopmon into her arms as the Digimon silently let it happen, resting against Róisín's arms in a quiet daze.

"Sorry about that...Glad you got those back anyway."

The sun had already started to set below the tree line, casting bigger and longer shadows through the fort and giving Róisín a quick shiver of cold. As Kimi asked both other women if they'd like to head off to the others, Mei was already busy getting her 'valet' up and ready to head back to the market. With another condescending wave, but combined with a sort of slow padding-out-cause-i-don't-know-how-to-leave-like-a-normal-person eagerness to it, Mei was soon off with Gabumon and leaving the redhead and bunny alone to answer.

"Sure. Her highness there seems too busy with the common folk right now, but I'll tag along."

Holding the now quiet Lopmon in her arms, Róisín proceeded to follow after Kimi and Tentomon out of the silent, peaceful building yard and back to the hustle and bustle of 'civilization' again.

She winced a little as the sounds grew louder, but shook her head as she tried to drown them out by talking with Kimi.

"Know anything about the others I was with? Arii, Eliam? I'm guessing the Ji-Su one is doing alright, they seemed used to hectic environmen...what's going on there?"

Looking at part of their group from the outside, Róisín could tell if they all stood out when broken apart then by God they must have been like a circus coming to the fort that morning. Sure there were plenty of Digimon everywhere, but so far Róisín hadn't seen any others that matched any of the Skyfaller partners. The group, momentarily headed by Raven, appeared stopped in their tracks with a familiar, and intimidating, form of Gabriel's Digimon, standing between them and the office they first departed from.

"I'm gonna give that Gabriel a piece of my mind if he doesn't have any idea what's going on, besides deadly attacks and ambushes." Róisín's whisper growing into anger for a brief moment as she started to march towards the intense atmosphere ahead.

"Hey, Audrey II, your man in there? Got things to talk about." Some others might have found it weird and unpredictable to square up against a Digimon like Palmon X, especially those who might have glanced at its fight with Groundramon, but that didn't matter. What did matter for Róisín, was to take the intense glare of the plant Digimon away from the kids and focus squarely on her.

 

[Azurian Dream]

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"Free Period" / Epilogue Forest Arc 1

Pumpkid (Ruth/Impmon), RedArmyShogun (Ji-Su/Commandramon), galvanismgal (Mei/Black Gabumon), Anorgos (Roisin/Lopmon), Matreania (Eliam/Salamon), Scatterbrain (Ace/Cutemon), Twist (Kimi/Tentomon), ScatheAriiasqDrayceon (Arii)

Objective:
Explore, Interact...
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Raven/Wormmon(Present)
Pumpkid Scatterbrain Anorgos Twist RedArmyShogun
...

"I mean.... that's a positive outlook on its potential reasoning," Raven spoke, a bit surprised by Ruth's optimism on the conversation. She doubted that this place had a sense of granting small favors. Yet she smiled nonetheless at Ruth's theory, believing the scared girl deserved some peace of mind. It seemed Ace planned to make sure to keep it that way as he to held a look of affirmation to make that thought a reality. It seemed they had a genuine history of taking care of one another.

However, that smile faltered as Ruth paused when she barely spoke the word parent. For a moment, a fermenting silence filled the room to the brim with a scent of fear. Ruth seemed to freeze in place as she bit her lip, causing Raven to turn to Ace with a concerned raised eyebrow, looking to him for answers. None ever came through as Ruth broke herself out of it, ending the once passionate love of drawing on a broken note.

"I like the unknown; honestly, it's as vast to unlimited learning as possible, and I honestly like to learn. I'm glad to join the League of Ruth Allies," Raven chimed gently, understanding this was not a mystery to pry at for now. She added a charmed wink of appreciation for the newly confirmed friendship. Raven gave them both a thumbs up on keeping an eye out for the musical instrument.

"You thought it was a fantasy thing," Raven chuckled at Ace's shock at dragon fruit being real, stifling a laugh at the shock on his face. Before much else could be said, Palmon X made her presence known.

The plant creature looked at the card Ruth held. The plant's hands never moved, but its vine tendrils expanded out, taking the card softly from Ruth's grip as she spun it in numerous directions before giving an answer.

"It's a Desert Factory Key... they are rare and usually open rooms with expansive supplies, wealth, or secrets. I heard the original first generation of humans used what they found from such keys to build up certain civilization groups like those in the Ice and Fire Biomes," Palmon expressed, seeming to leave some extra info out of the equation. Still, Raven bet it was more a personal experience than something they needed to know. However, as Palmon processed the other half of what Ruth said, the plant gave an additional thought.

"If it came from a relic, it might be rather valuable. I have never heard of a key printing relic before..." Palmon X was about to continue her thoughts when Roisin's voice grabbed everyone's attention. At first, the plant just gave the Roisin a blank thousand-yard stare with her lifeless eyes, but soon, her vines moved ominously.

Wormmon, who had been frozen solid, not sure what else to say to Cutemon nor helped by the powerful plant's presence, just watched As Raven was starting to get concerned. Thankfully, things died down as the vines went towards Ruth, returning her card to her.

"Who is Audrey II?" Palmon X blankly asked, taking Roisin's comment way too literally. Someone knew as she turned her head a bit to find this new person Roisin mentioned.

"I... I think she meant you," Wormmon forced out, causing the plant to tilt its head in confusion. Palmon X couldn't even register Roisin's counter square-up body language.

"Ah... is this a joke thing?" Raven was quickly able to tell Palmon X was definitely a literal mentality and could only imagine the headache Gabriel had running a whole group with such a dangerously powerful entity with a straightforward, laced background. As the tension was deflated at the awkward moment, Palmon X returned to the rest of Roisin's words.

"He is in his office currently. Please wait for him to be finished," Palmon X said with a solitary blink. However, right at the end of her sentence, the office door swung wide open.

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Gabriel
ScatheAriiasqDrayceon Matreania Pumpkid Scatterbrain Anorgos RedArmyShogun Twist galvanismgal
...

Gabriel remained utterly silent throughout Arii's explanation, without interruption, motion, or even sign of life through a breath as the Faction leader took it all in stone solid. One would probably be concerned by the level of silence, but another could determine the true worth of a solid poker face. Only when Arii was done did Gabriel move, standing up, straightening his outfit as he drove past Eliam and Arii, unlocking the door?

"I think we're going to need as many as possible of you as present for this talk," as Gabriel opened the door wide, he was quickly met with Roisin carrying a tired Lopmon trying to size up with his recently confused head tilted Palmon X. The sight was odd as Gabriel looked between the two female entities. A sigh escaped his lips as he could imagine a thousand scenarios where Palmon X had probably more likely been in the wrong, but he chose to assume this was a neutral matter.

He quickly noticed Ruth, Ace, and Raven next to Palmon X. A bit out, he could see Kimi not too far away, and off in the distance, becoming less and less visible as the nightshade of lunar light took over, could see Mei leaving the scene. However, turning to the left, he noticed Ji-Si being guided by Gryzmon and Gazimon. Good, the Guard had found her.

"If you don't mind, for all those willing, I would like to meet with you. Anyone not willing is fine," Gabriel addressed before turning to Palmon X.

"If you don't mind, find the young lady's partner, Impmon." Palmon X gave Gabriel a stern look. She did not want to be too far away from her partner, but his request bugged her. Coding to be a proper helper caused her to sigh. The first time, she had shown some emotion.

"I'll go. I think she's less scary than Gabriel," Wormmon said, hesitant to be part of a big, scary conversation. Raven patted her on the head, mumbling how that wasn't nice, though Gabriel humorously chuckled.

"You would be the first to think that."

"Might be better that way. If someone he's accustomed to is with ya, he should be more willing to be brought back," Raven motioned to Palmon X

"Fine," she quickly trailed off as her vines snatched up a surprised and screaming Wormmon, who had not expected to be manhandled as they headed toward the rubble areas of the fort, having noticed him previously somewhere. Once she was gone, he nodded for them to come in as he headed back. Gryzmon nodded to Ji-Su as Gazimon waved her and Commandramon goodbye, and the burly bear turned to Kimi.

"We can catch up later, of course," he offered in case she wanted to be a part of whatever was happening.

Once everyone willing to be a part of the meeting was in Gabriel's woodwork office, the man himself closed the door, this time, leaving it unlocked as he got back to his desk. With a tired and drained nature, he sat down, about to speak, before Raven unexpectedly raised her hand. This caught Gabriel off guard as he stared at the girl for a second.

"Before you start... I think there is something we should warn you about," Raven bluntly expressed.

"I see... by all means," Gabriel motioned to hear her out.

"When we arrived, we were attacked by something... well, some things that were well..." Raven tried to find the right words to explain them, but when she failed to find them, Gabriel gave them to her.

"Four Fangmon that acted nothing like the rest of the Digimon you have experienced thus far... more animalistic, but robotic. Don't talk, but still say their attacks. Unlike the Digimon you have all experienced today, who wore those clothed ribbons like badges, they stuck out of the Fangmon-like protrusions trying to escape. No signs of self-preservation fighting till they were nothing but a husk," Raven went wide-eyed as Gabriel brought everything down to the tiniest detail. Raven briefly turned to Arii in shock before returning to Gabriel. Perhaps even more shocking for Arii, in particular, was Gabriel's details, which Arii hadn't given Gabriel.

"Don't worry, they didn't give the full spectrum...Am I correctly assuming that Chel told you to keep silent?"

"Yeah, but after today's event, I think you have enough to worry about, honestly, than something new to catch you off guard," Raven said honestly.

"... I appreciate the honesty and don't hold it against you all. Honestly Chel was right to tell you that, I assume she was planning to come back later to ask me about it," Gabriel strangely expressed before leaning forward his hands on his desk as he contemplated what to tell them.

"So you knew about them," Raven asked as Gabriel looked at all those present.

"Yes... The problem is that it was 15 years ago that I last ran into them. Quite frankly, you are all lucky Chel was there. Would it be correct to assume she hit them first before you all fought them," Gabriel strangely asked. The quick nod from Raven was all he needed. Gabriel was holding details back; he wasn't trying to hide them, but they had a personal weight. Making it clear he didn't fully feel required to tell them, that or it was a harsh reality of sorts he didn't want to remember.

"That would explain a lot..."

"Do they belong to that faction that attacked us all today?"

"No, those things don't see anything, not even their own kind as allies if needed; they will rip each other apart. The faction we have all experienced today... it's new. I have been trapped here for 18 years, and I have never heard of anything, anyone, or any group calls the thing that dragged us all here any definable thing, much less a goddess. Hell, I doubt that faction even knows those things exist," Gabriel expressed as he rubbed his eyes.

"What are they?" Raven asked, finally sitting down and looking to her fellow Skyfallers for their reactions.

"Fakes, clones, some nightmare security system? It's hard to tell the one person who could explain it better... is not here. The only thing for sure, especially now, is that they are not Digimon. No real Digimon can touch those shrines you fell onto without instantly being deleted... Only Bio Digimon can interact with them," Gabriel expressed. Raven found herself lost for words. Up to this point, things had been wild, but now that she thought about it, those Fangmon had been something more ominous and disturbingly fed into the weight behind these cult digimons' words. However, Raven found her next question, which she dryly asked with a fear of the answer.

"How did you experience them?"

"..." Gabriel was silent at that question, rubbing his temple, clearly highly contemplating whether to answer it, but something about that group seemed to push him to answer as he looked at them, his temporarily matching the dead look of Palmon X's.

"Destroying the only way out we thought existed, massacring a whole lot of good people who had fought to get us off this island," Raven could feel her whole body shack at that answer. If she was to believe what he was placing out there, there was no escape. That or the other truth that everyone with much more experience and longevity than them had wholly given up. Gabriel looked over them again, awaiting anything they might have wanted to ask or a better explanation of the situation.

"I am not going to tell you to give up on finding something to hold onto that's a death sentence, honestly; just understand that many good people have tried and have failed... every... single time. If you go journeying, you'll see that everyone has adjusted to accepting: this is their life now," Raven understood. Gabriel's tired expression wasn't of someone completely exhausted but a man with his back to the wall. He had first-hand experience as someone who had tried to find a way out, and from the sounds of it, it only led him into a deeper nightmare. For the moment, Raven couldn't find a voice to cheer or push past the new encroaching darkness... for once; she found herself silent, a voice in this new world.

........................
Unknown: Merchant
galvanismgal
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As Mei made her way to the Bathhouse, she was surprised to find it relatively untouched by all the chaos. Unfortunately, none of the staff was around. However, the Bathhouse was clearly still running with a smell of lilacs, confirming it was, at the moment, fully operational. The smell and sounds of running water filled the moonlit night's serene essence. However, a voice spoke up behind her before such delicacies could be enjoyed.
"Excuse me, miss. I had heard you were quite the celebrated shopper today, making quite a stir in reconstruction costs. " An eager-looking male, maybe around his 30s, approached her with scruffy short hair and eagle-like sharpness in his hazel eyes.

"I am just looking to see if gaining some of that grace our way is viable. I work for an outwards network, particularly in the Desert market. We've been trying to get a solid stand in the forts market, and quite frankly, as willing as everyone is to work with ya. I am very certain we can help one another out. The name is Nest," he calmly and eagerly introduced himself as Mei's digivice went off as Nest's partner revealed themselves.

Digivice Link: Burgamon

With a quick, speedy tempo, Burgamon ran up, handing Mei and Black Gabumon a business card with a picture of a rather well-sized shrine with what looked to be a massive bazaar-like city. The shrine, in particular, was much like the forest one, though way more significant than the forest shrine. Running back to Nests side, the food-themed Digimon gave them two thumbs up.

"If you don't mind me asking, how exactly are you moving so much commerce around, especially after such a heavy day of conflict... pretty damn effective to buy so much with so little time. You must be from the Northern regions. FIre Biome, or Ice Perhaps," Nest asked.

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Palmon X/Wormmon

Pumpkid

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"WHERE ARE THE BREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAKS," Wormmon screamed as Palmon X swiftly started to maze through the debris by the northern wall like a parkouring pro leaping past a particularly big piece of fallen walling as she ended up around where she had sighted Impmon last. Wormmon felt like she was about to barf up her imaginary lunch as Palmon X's vines started to concentrate, moving a massive piece of debris, bringing the two Digimon face to face with no doubt about to be a very shocked Impmon.

Wormmon's mandible opened wide at Palmon X's insane strength, but she couldn't find a reaction; she fainted right off Palmon X. The plant mon, not seeming to notice this sudden unconscious change of back up, looked right into Impmon's eyes with her blank expression.

"Your attendance is requested."

 

[RedArmyShogun]

In short order Ji-Su found herself accompanied by the ever-alert Commandramon, and the two soon to be traveling comrades-in-arms, Gryzmon and Gazimon. As the four made their way to the meeting site, it was not too long till Gryzmon and Gazimon were sent on their way, Ji-Su giving both a partial bow in thanks and in parting as they were left with Gabriel a few more of their number would part off, chiefly seemingly to find others or as they did not have the willingness to handle the conversation that was to await.

And there really wasn't one, not yet at least. As the Army Officer watched, they in short order would be in the man's personal office, inside of his workshop, where he seemed more tired than his visible age could suggest. The same tired and burnt-out stare she had seen among her old school and college acquaintances that had gone to the much better paying civilian fields of her line of work. Even now, he wasn't first to speak, as Raven broke the ice.

Walking about the workshop as she listened, Ji-Su was curious to see the works that kept the man busy. The tales of the Fangmon were of interest, she herself had not had such an eventful first time in the world. But when she found Commandramon, she quickly left the area and did not bother to stay, trying to find a place to hold up in, to plan her next moves. She found herself wondering if she would have met those same things had she taken a moment to relax, to question the reality she was now in.

Speaking up once the pair were done, the woman could stop to exam what seemed to be a decorative piece more than utilitarian. "They sound like an antivirus. meant to contain things here and to be a final security measure, even against digital lifeforms. I can't say more than that, but the fact they still exist, may mean there are other systems in place. Over the course of staying here, I've come to the conclusion that this place isn't on our Earth, or any planet... Yet is. As in it is a digital world that manifests the physical. It reminds me of the simulated reality hypothesis.

At the very least, it is the work of human hands, there is no God or Goddess that is all knowing, nor all seeing. For now, I still intend to see what more I can learn, to figure out if there are holes in the system, or a way to restore previous features... Ah, don't mind me, continue your talk. Though it all does make me curious. How they could physically destroy what you had seen as a way out, but yet the rest of the world continues..."

Even with what was said, it did not dissuade her. She would approach all of this from a different angle. If that didn't work, well, it would be however long in this place. Or contemplating suicide, a fact she would not readily voice, as Commandramon narrows his eyes, or eye, during the exchange. "I will say, I did not see such things when I came to be here, but I also quickly left the area." If anyone got tired of her speaking so long or in such a way, well, she didn't much care.

Interactions/Mentions: All present.

 

[Pumpkid]

• Ruth Valentine
• Impmon

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  Ruth Valentine
  
  Interactions: Kimi Twist Rosin Anorgos Gabriel Azurian Dream Arii ScatheAriiasqDrayceon
  Mentions: Ji-su RedArmyShogun Ace Scatterbrain Eliam Matreania Mei galvanismgal​

  
  

  
  As Palmon X extended their vines, Ruth jerked back in alarm. Did she offend them just by the card alone? No. They were too lazy to make a move and used their tendrils to their advantage. Ruth relaxed knowing no harm will come to her. Then again, she doesn’t think Gabriel would be too happy about it. She twiddled her thumbs patiently waiting for an answer. A key to some factory found in the desert or maybe something else entirely. The way Palmon described it is as though it opens a vault full of treasure, and no ordinary jackpot either. Resources. While Ruth found material items useless, it might serve a greater purpose in the future. Trading with biomes or using them as bargaining chips. If worse comes to pass, it may be used to make a base of their own; yet there is more to it. Unfortunately for Ruth, Palmon X was cut off by Rosin and handed the card back. Following alongside her is Kimi. She had bolted out of the medical tent earlier. Perhaps she found her cards by the neutral expression on her face. A relief.
  
  The plant digimon was perplexed by Rosin’s call, but recognized what a joke it was. Ruth wasn’t sure it was an insult or a playful nickname. As long as it didn’t resort to conflict. There was enough fighting after a long day. “Kimi, Rosin! She greeted. “Did you retrieve your deck?” Before she could get an answer, Gabriel called everyone for a meeting. She didn’t realize Ji-su had been escorted by two furry creatures. She recognized Gazimon, the bear was new to her. When Gabriel asked Palmon to fetch Impmon, Ruth wanted to decline. They didn’t need to be here nor did she wish to face him right now, however, going against Gabriel or Palmon might not be a good idea after the last time.
  
  As she entered the office, Eliam and Arii were already in attendance. Ruth’s eyes went alight, relieved to see them barely functioning. She quickly moves to their side, “Arii, you’re okay. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to leave you with Impmon. I hope they didn’t cause any trouble. To think, I haven’t repaid you yet.” She hung her head briefly, noticing the injuries on them, and dirt smudges. “Oh my gosh! A-are you injured anywhere? You look like a mess. Why didn’t you come see me?” The blonde zips from one side to the other in a cartoony fashion, checking over their body from head to toe. She lifted their shirt a little for any wounds on their torso, then rolled up their sleeves for more. Her medical instincts kicked in wanting to at least patch them up, but there were other matters to focus on. It’s not like she would do anything without an aid kit.
  
  Gabriel and Raven’s conversation demanded attention as they exchanged information. Any questions asked might be answered like the key card. He might know something more that Palmon X didn’t get to say back there. The talk of Fangmon brought back memories of her beginning on the beach and what the group endured as their first encounter. A horrific sight the way one melted, keen on taking Arii. It was astonishing the way Gabriel knew of their past situation. Did Chel have anything to do with it? They didn’t seem all that chummy, but who is to say. Well, her question was answered as if reading everyone’s thoughts. What’s strange was Gabriel had only ever come in contact with it once in his time in the digital world. On top of that, the group that attacked them were not the same. “How is that possible when some of them were wrapped with a piece of the veil?” What Ruth surmised is the veil might be a cleaning program that wipes away any threat. Ji-su seemed to agree on that theory.
  
  Ruth’s heart strings tug when Gabriel confessed the loss he endured to give up a way out just to keep the veil away. At least he was semi-encouraging. If there is a way back, then there are millions of possibilities if they tried hard enough. Giving up is not an option, and Ruth would probably search far and wide. They came from Earth, no way there isn’t some exit. The question is what to look for. The bleach blonde pulls out her card again and steps forward. “Not to change the subject or anything, but Al-Ace and I came in contact with a relic or at least a satellite. Dr. Tanaka might have mentioned it.” She hands the card over to him. “This ejected out of it after playing with it. Palmon X said it’s a Desert Factory Key card, but since it came from a relic I was wondering if this means whatever it opens might have resources or something else? What would the enemy be hiding?”
  
  Her eyes scanned the group as she waited, noticing a person missing. Mei. Curious. Wouldn’t she be interested in learning all there is to know to walk all over everyone? It was unusual. Despite her behavior, Ruth still cared for each person. Hopefully nothing bad has befallen her.
  

  
  
  
  
• 
  
  
  

  Impmon & Terriermon
  
  
  
  Interactions: Wormmon & Palmon Azurian Dream​

  
  

  
  After the encounter with Youkomon, Impmon was in a pensive state, replaying what they said and nearly spilling the beans regarding Ruth. She was privy to her upbringing and would rather not drop her dirty laundry onto a suspicious kyubi who hadn’t made their intentions clear. He felt like he had betrayed her a little which irritated him since she wanted nothing to do with him. The reminder had Impmon kick a rock. He raised his head realizing the sun had set and stood in front of the gates. He could walk out now and never return. If he were to stay, he would delay his departure. He dropped his gaze then back up unsure what to do.
  
  “You’re walking out without Ruth?” Terriermon watched from a pile of debris. Impmon recognized the rabbit as his replacement. Jealousy surged. Ruth has someone else besides him to care for her as well as the others. She didn’t need him. Now he is certain.
  
  Impmon crossed his arms and shot him a glare. “What’s it to ya, long ears.”
  
  Terriermon hugs his ears against his face. “Thank you. I’m glad you noticed.” He chirped and hopped down from his throne.
  
  “That wasn’t a compliment, idiot.”
  
  “Wow! You’re a real grouch, aren’t ya? No wonder you two can’t get along. Both of you are callous.” Terriermon inspected the imp as if admiring a piece of art. His nose twitched curiously.
  
  Impmon growled low in warning over the comparison. He steps away from the giggling rabbit. “She started it!”
  
  “Oh, I know. I watched the way she squirmed uncomfortably when it came to you. Why do you think that is?” Terriermon mirrors Impmon. Arms crossed, head tilted to the left.
  
  “I don’t know. What is this an intervention?” He averts his gaze grumbling under his breath. First the fox, now the rabbit. It’s like he can’t get a break. Maybe it was a sign for him to rethink his options or to be straightforward with himself. What did he want in this? He wanted a chance to grow with his partner and show her how strong and useful he can be. “Maybe because I’m a virus.” He finally admitted. “She don’t take too kindly to them because she’s nuts.”
  
  If Terriermon could lower his ears more he would if only to show how rough Impmon has it. A digimon contains the same attributes as to what his partner despises the most. How could he hope to convince Ruth when she was being completely illogical. “Sorry to hear that. I understand why you would want to leave, but doesn’t that mean you’re giving up too early? Is this how you want to end it?”
  
  Impmon bit his lip and kicked up some dirt as he pondered that question. He wouldn’t be ridiculed, he would be free. There is nothing to stop him from leaving, but at the same time he enjoys the crew he has fought with. It felt unfair to them and wanted to see where their adventure would take them. The problem was Ruth. She’s unavoidable and there is guarantee she will follow too. Everyone would probably try to force their bond to happen. Impmon is open to the idea of working with the blonde like he did the first time, if only she would stop being afraid. “No. If she could find it within herself to at least compromise with me, that’s enough.”
  
  Terriermon pats his tiny hand over his chin in thought. “I can help with that.”
  
  Impmon perks up.“Really? How?”
  
  “Simple, I can talk to her for you. I have context and perspective on what’s going on with you two.” He grinned.
  
  “You mean like a mediator?” Terriermon nodded. “I guess that can work. You’re not trynna steal her from me, are ya?”
  
  “No way! Just trust me, you will see results right away. Why don’t we head back and see if it works?”
  
  Before they could move a cry caught their attention. Two green digimon came their way. Impmon was ready to fight when he heard Wormmon asking for breaks. They fell off of Palmon X as soon as they met with Impmon to be summoned. “Summoned for what?” He moves to pick up the collapsed Wormmon. “Oi! You alright?”
  

  
  
  
  

 

[Twist]

"No" answered Kimi, shaking her head "I hadn't found them yet"

The 'Cool Girl' shrugged, Tentomon skipping beside her. She hadn't interacted much as of yet with Ji-Su so Roisin's analysis of the woman was news to her. She was still hoping to meet up and check in with the remaining Sky Fallers she had yet to speak with but as her fellow redhead whispered something under her breath and marched towards Raven, Ruth and Ace, Kimi just fell in step, offering a wave as she walked. "Yeah i got it" she beamed in answer to Ruth's question

"I'm glad your up" said Kimi, as she came to a stop near Ace.

"Me too!" chimed in Tentomon

Only a moment after did she see Gabriel, turning to face his direction. The 'Cool Girl' was still unsure about him though his actions in the forts defence had shifted her opinion to a more favourable one. She felt for Wormmon as she was carried away screaming but the appearance of new friends quickly lifted her spirit. She nodded her head in response to Gryzmon, her smile wide as he approached with Ji-Su. "Kimi, its Bancho Bear and Grand Gazi!" exclaimed Tentomon excitedly.

"It is, isn't it" nodded Kimi, going along with her partners enthusiasm.

Tentomon waved her claws excitedly, running up to the pair of G-Mon and towards Gazimon's side. "Thank you for helping me earlier" she said, pecking the rookie on the cheek with her mandibles.

In one quick motion, the ladybug held his hand, trying to pull Gazimon faster towards the group. Kimi held one hand out, letting her fingers run through Gryzmon's fur, giving Gazimon a beaming nod as he passed her. She looked towards Ji-Su, unsure how to approach her to check in.

They had never really talked yet but Kimi was confident that her friends had taken good care of her. Preferring to engage one on one with the older girl, Kimi let her gaze fall on to the two G-Mons and watched Gazimon and Gryzmon go before entering Gabriel's office. "Ooooo!" pouted Tentomon, thinking the two mammals were sticking around.

She waved a claw. "Bye Bancho Bear! Bye Grand Gazi!"

Already inside were Eliam and Arii, and as the group settled inside, Gabriel locking the door behind them, Kimi manoeuvred between the group as Raven spoke up. Offering Eliam a smile and a warm look as she passed, her plan the same for him as it was Ji-Su she took a position close to Arii. "Hi Arii." she said quietly as Raven and Gabriel began to discuss everything that had happened so far. "How are you holding up?"

It was then that Ruth swooped in, Kimi taking a step back as Ruth quickly went into overdrive. Her own cheeks went flush for embarrassment for Arii, though Ruth's actions brought back memories of her own mother who reacted in much the same way when she had fallen into a rose bush in her Grandmothers garden. Rose had taken care of her of cuts and scrapes but her mother had been insistent in looking over her herself. And angry too. There was a twinge of sadness as her grandmother had taken the heat for her own mistakes....

She sighed...

"Are you okay?"

She looked down at Tentomon, her partner taking her hand in hers, a look of concern. "I'm okay" Kimi said, giving the rookies hand a gentle squeeze. "Let's concentrate on the conversation"

 

[galvanismgal]

Interactions: Azurian Dream
Location: Leaving the nest

---

Spoiler: shopping

Buoyed by Rosey having a nickname for her as well Mei took to the market like a freshly divorced woman teaming up with her ex-rival now lover to maximize their joint slay. Unlike other people both the flower in the mirror and moon in the water were obtainable to her.

She was just that rich.

The word unobtainable was only limited to spiritual goods back at home here was a different story for now. Thanks to the desperately low prices set by desperate people she naturally embezzled because girls just want to have funds. If Gabriel was going to send the others on a suicide mission it was only fair she kill his balance sheet.

While small change it was only natural that her girly intuition let her find the perfect gifts for her friends within her budget. A nice chunk of metal that could serve as the mirror Kimi would desperately need and a long piece of bamboo she could bend into a fun straw for Róisín since it seemed like she was always on her last straw. Even if they seemed cheap now the fact they were the first items she bought with her own money gave them semimetal worth that couldn’t be measured. Plus, as raw materials of course they would be cheap but just like her friends she chose the diamonds in the rough and she knew they would see the real value of them.

Speaking of real value there was a small stop she had to make before her battle against some glue.

Mei met Black Gabumon returning from the errand she sent them on in front of one of the first troublesome stalls they visited during their first little trip around the market.

Wordlessly she extended her hand to the shop keeper. If not for her poise one would think she was saying I told you so but thanks to it they didn’t think that,

They knew.

The glittering ring that was placed in her hand had been her insurance before her word became as good as gold. Despite not being brand named nor having any precious metals the simple solid band of taaffeite was wrapped in a layer of moissanite and encased in diamond had enough value in being hard to break and shiny to fetch a pretty amount through sheer novelty. Mei had handed it over quite easily despite how important it was since she knew it wouldn’t be sold. By the time the merchant realized it the luxury good would be a luxury paper weight due to the market crash so the only way to make a profit was to hope Mei kept her end of the bargain.

However, now that it was back in her hands Mei hesitated. In tune with her even if it meant both of them were off key to the world Black Gabumon sensed the question what was on her mind by tapping her hand.

They were right. Shoving it into her stole or sticking it into her dress wouldn’t be a good place for it anymore. The digivice she had was taking up too much space but since it could probably stop a bullet it was no contest which to keep squirreled away. Pulling off the glove she deemed the least likely to be used as a blackjack she put the ring on before sealing it away again.

“You know,” Mei waited a pause so pregnant it had given birth and now was a mother pause giving everyone plenty of time to act like they were not going to snoop. Glancing down at Black Gabumon not just spilling the tea but flipping the whole table spread she continued,” I heard that sky faller Róisbien was sent on a suicide mission by Gabriel but she said its Róisen time and she róised all over the place until everything was Très Bien. Ohohoho, I can see why Cool Kimay holds her in high esteem.”

Might as well add a new rumor into the mix while she was at it. Based on the others rumors she traced the ones here had the highest chance to being spread. A picture was worth a thousand words but only had a single life. Even if one of the leaving merchants survived the seed would be carried to sprout elsewhere and grow until it outweighed similar things like the truth.

With those little matters taken care of just like how Mei put the handy into handicraft it was time for them to put the GUE in glue.

Obviously when dealing with such a sticky situation it would be best to have the bath close at hand. It was no surprise to Mei that it was still intact since if it had been destroyed in the fight, she would have heard about it. Water and sanitation were both keystones of civilization and people love to complain if they lack either of those. Someday they would complain more about her then their precious essential to life things. It was not her dream, her prayer, but her deepest wish. Mei did not notice the lack of staff since she didn’t pay attention to them the first time around and ensure their bath was private so Black Gabumon could relax.

The hard fought battle to make a fan would have to wait as her non-girly intuition flared up for once driven by her sensitivity just as it did earlier in the day about being watched.

Maybe moonlight could have been not only serene but beautiful if she did not find herself with this…this specter of Ari’s future.

His eagle like sharpness was met by her DDT like gaze. She made no motion to reach for her digivice when it went off continuing to make it clear she thought she held all the power in this situation. If a merchant had to introduce themselves well, they simply were not up to the caliber of those she normally interacted with.

Black Gabumon took the card Burgamon ran over before presenting it to Mei. It was clear one of them was a servant and the other was simply an employee.

Ugh or maybe GUE was more fitting given how sticky this man would be to her. It was clear by his business card that he was in that stage of wealth, if he had any disposable income to his name, with the lack of name and gaudy image. It screamed you should know me in the way unknown people liked to scream. While she wanted to flick it into the water the calling card could prove useful to one of the other sky fallers to wheedle there way into somewhere they shouldn’t. Mei would not need any assistance for that since any villainess worth her salt could cause a scene when she pleased and where she pleased.

“Ara? is it common to do business in a place like this were your from? If I had to guess I would say you’re from the nether region?” Mei said even though burgamon clearly pointed to the man being American. If he had said I beg your pardon rather than excuse me she may have been humored enough to let him beg.

“If you spent your money more wisely maybe you would know the answer to your questions hmm? But, then again you would know I’m a luxury you can’t afford if you did. What’s the expression…the moon is beautiful away from you? It’s clear like the water that you have much to reflect on Nest so I will leave you to it. This scent suits you much better than myself after all.”

Mei pronounced his name like it was one she would not soon forget thought it clearly would be better for him if she did. He had his shabby information network and his shabby personality that matched his spending habits. He had heard of her? Why had she not heard of him then? If anyone had class they would have donated to help with the reconstruction effort. It was clear Mei spent her day getting down to business while he spent his trying to sell himself. She did not care to associate with someone who had more money than class. Eager to please her his loose lips fed Mei some information that suited her pallet better than whatever burgers his Digimon could have offered. Unlike the noble sacrifice Black Gabumon and herself could make the employee would just be a sad little snack to the man. The most informative was that they had a feeble position in the forts market which meant Gabiel put no weight behind them even with their hoity toity self-importance. If even a man who sent children on suicide missions didn’t want to associate with you why should she? As little as it was it was clear his only sense was business sense since anyone could know that the easiest way to use the markets was simply to get rid of people’s indifference towards you. Empathy, understanding, intelligence were such needless things you just had to predict not what people would want but what they would need.

“The moon is beautiful isn’t it,” Black Gabumon said before Mei lifted the weary digimon to carry like a sack of flour.

“Ara? you think so? The moonlight will make it easier to find a barrel I guess,” She responded lightly or maybe moon-lightly given the topic of conversation. A rotten man wouldn’t spoil her night. Since she was spending her second night outside it would be a waste to not try and make an outdoor bath.

 

[Anorgos]

------------------------

She continued to stare down with the plant Digimon, both not budging an inch until finally Palmon's vines began to move and stretch outwards. Róisín was about to raise her arm in some kind of instinctive form of protection, but that never happened as the vines, gently, returned the key card back to Ruth before retracting again.

A slight tilt of the head, a momentary talk between her and Wormmon on the nature of jokes, and soon Palmon was leading the group into Gabriel's office the moment he was ready.

Róisín just stood there for a moment, letting everyone else move by her before she released a held breath and shook her head a little from that brief, tense standoff.

"Okay...the take everything literal kind of Digimon, huh? Good to know."

"Róisín, who's Audrey?" Asked Lopmon, taking the moment to look up at her partner from within her arms.

"It's Audrey II. And they're a plant monster from a musical."
"Ohh! So it was a joke?"
"Kind of. Guess it went over their head."

After entering the office, which seemed more cramped than usual now that most of the Skyfallers and Digimon were present, Róisín and Lopmon managed to find themselves to the side of the room against some of Gabriel's bookcases and shelves.

She listened as Raven put forward the initial attack the group had at the shrine with Chel, and though Róisín took a moment to glance at Eliam & Ji-Su for their reaction, she was more taken back when Gabriel spoke about the creatures. And not just being aware of them, but personally knowing them.

Lopmon had first been listening too, but shortly into Gabriel's thoughts on the strange cult she began distracting herself, softly humming a little tune that she had no way of knowing. Róisín however just listened and listened, and grew more ticked off the longer she heard more from Gabriel. There were the mentions from Ji-Su about the creatures possibly being some kind of anti-virus to the system, the concern about Arii from Kimi and Ruth as well as the uses of some key card, but all that continued to repeat and repeat in Roisin's head was one thing.

"So you're telling us...you knew those zombie things existed out there, somewhere?"

Lopmon's soft humming began to die down as she felt Róisín tense up, looking to find the red head staring straight at the fort's leader.

"That these things were so dangerous, you still remember them after nearly two decades? That the only reason we're alive, is due to the whirlwind force of nature that's Chel...and you didn't think it be good to let us know?!!"

"Róisín...?"

That caused her to stop for just a moment, just a moment to look down at Lopmon, to look briefly at the group who probably were surprised with the sudden outburst. But just a moment.

"No! No, this is ridiculous. You and Chel are as worse as one another. One's telling us not to say anything so people don't freak out, and another turns out to already know and doesn't think it's worth enough to warn people!"

"Róisín..."

"You really don't care, do you?! You didn't care about those things still out there. You didn't care about us so long as we went out searching. Hell, you didn't seem to care much about those missing until we got here!"

"Róisín, stop!!"

That was enough. The little paw pulled on her jacket sleeve while the long ear reached up to touch Roisin's cheek. It was enough to snap her out of whatever that was. The rage and anger were there, initially, but by the end that still ever presence of fear and shame started to surface. She took a moment to pull her sight away from Gabriel and towards the others again, that shame part beginning to rise more and more.

"...fuck'n hell..."

Lopmon pulled back her ear and paw as she saw Róisín come back down from her tirade. She could see the anger was still there with Róisín, but more so towards herself than anyone else now. She just stood there against the wall and furniture of the office, her heart finally resting to a steady beat before she began to speak again, this time much more composed.

"Who's this one that might know what those things are? If they're not around, there's gotta be someone
else who bothered to look into things."