INTRO EVENT: Dawn Of A New Age

[tamerunion]

The story which has begun to revolve at full speed
Dyes the earth red
The globe is an empty paradise
Let's save it with our hands...

A new day dawns in the Digital World. Technically, it's been a scant few since Tamers first appeared in the Digital World, but today... today is especially momentous. The reason for that is that today is the day that Tamer Union's mission fully begins in earnest. However, the path ahead will not be easy, and will be fraught with danger for human and Digimon alike.

But maybe, just maybe, these disparate people can work together to save their worlds.

Mission Start
The message is sent through on Tamers' digivices early in the morning. It comes from the leaders of Tamer Union, Sunflowmon and Nanomon, who give the directions to gather in the main assembly area of the HQ. When Tamers arrive, they'll find a group of allied Digimon there; essentially, TU's support staff, as well as Panjyamon, Mummymon, and Bitmon. The reason they give... is that it's time for Tamer Union's mission to begin in earnest.

Once everyone is assembled, it's Sunflowmon who speaks first. "Thank you for gathering here today, everyone," she said. "I apologize for the fact that it's taken this long to bring you all together, but we're ready to discuss Tamer Union's mission. Nanomon?"

Nanomon nods, and walks out in front of her. "Hello," he began. "You are all here because you chose to answer our call. All of your worlds are being plagued by some sort of phenomena, and we know that something in this world is the cause of it. We'd like to talk to you about what where we'd like to start focusing our attention."

He took a deep breath, and began explaining the matter of the strange phenomenon known as "Alias". A horrifying, frightful condition that drives Digimon to savagery, where they loose all sense of themselves and become ravenous monsters. He explains that the phenomenon first appeared on the mainland, and that Sunflowmon's master, Rosemon, sent her to restore Tamer Union in an attempt to solve what was truly behind Alias's sudden appearance.

Once Nanomon was finished, Sunflowmon stepped forward, and began to speak solemnly.

"Unfortunately, by the time we managed to bring you all here, Access Island lost contact with the mainland," she explained. "So our ability to pursue this mission is at present quite limited. What we can do right now is do our best to try and make sure that Alias doesn't spread and take over this island... which is why we need you Tamers to be vigilant and patrol the areas of the island that are open to us to determine if Alias has reached Access Island yet or not."

She frowned, and continued. "Furthermore... Tamers are not yet allowed into all areas of the island. The Digimon of each region aren't all sure they can trust you yet. For that reason, you may only be able to use the Trailmon to visit Panorama Plains, Material Jungle, and Pixel Coast.

"I'm sorry. I know after all this, you must all want to get down to business as quickly as we can. But right now, informing you and asking you to stay vigilant is all we can do. I would advise you all to also try and see what you can do to be helpful in the city... and if you want to try building a life here, you'll have our full support."

There looked to be so much more Sunflowmon wished to say. Unfortunately, she had run out of words, so she simply concluded with: "That's all we have for you. If you have any other questions, I'll do my best to answer them."

With that, the meeting was over. That left Tamers with a couple options: one, to approach Sunflowmon, or discuss the matter among themselves.

A Wonderful Day In Our Neighborhood
The inaugural meeting may have been somber, but the Tamers would find Access City bustling and ready to welcome them when they ventured out into the city proper. It turned out that there was something of an event going on, which seemed to be perfect for those still trying to acclimate themselves to their new surroundings: A massive sale in the business district.

All the shops were coordinating with one another. Stores had their wares at reduced prices, which would be a good way for one to spend the stipend they received from Tamer Union. Everything from food to furniture to entertainment was available, and best of all affordable. Others had free samples ready to give out, which were thankfully more palatable than the food served by Ebidramon at the welcome party.

That wasn't all. For those not concerned with buying up anything, there were shows being put on out in the streets by street performers: "human" pyramids, musicians, magicians, jugglers, just about anything you could imagine. And the Digimon putting it on? They would be quick to drag any observers into their performances, whether they technically agreed to it or not.

Even if the rest of the island wasn't ready to trust offworlders yet, it seemed Access City was more than willing to.

Rail Riders
Some time after the big meeting, Tamers would get yet another message on their Digivices, this time from Panjyamon:

Have you all taken a ride on the Trailmon yet? It's an ice way to get around!
Puns aside, he was right. The Trailmon of Console Station were more than willing to carry passengers to any of the available locations. Perhaps you want to get started on patrolling the island for signs of ALIAS. Or maybe you want to get the lay of the land. Or maybe you just want to go to the beach. In any case, your tickets are free, and the Digivice's version of the Handbook has more than enough information for you to read up on the areas before you go.

That being said, there's some goings on that might catch one's eye. A bunch of shifty looking Digimon are riding the Trailmon more than usual. Not only do they make a ruckus on the train, they're going in and out of cargo cars both prior to and upon exiting the train. Do they have permission to do that? And why are they off in such a hurry, and in such large groups?

In any case, this looks like an ample time to find out.

This prompt can be used one of two ways: players visiting the various areas to search for signs of Alias or just because they fancy doing so, or to pursue the Goblimon mystery. If you'd like to pursue the former, you can either NPC them yourself (the Goblimon would turn out to just be everyday troublemakers), or you can request an NPC below and possibly get involved with larger matters!

Comments

Themis and Elecmon [FFXIV Endwalker Spoilers probable]

[fallenstarmagnet]

--a talk with Sunflowmon-- [closed]

"Good day, Sunflowmon. I was hoping I could have a few minutes to speak with you?" Themis approaches when there's a moment to do so and Sunflowmon doesn't seem busy. Elecmon is seen clinging to his shoulder with her fore..legs? Arms? Well anyway most of her is tucked into the comfortable folds of his cowl. It's been a wonderful nest she's claimed. In any case, she waves in a cheerful way at the digimon Themis addresses.

If Sunflowmon turns out to be free enough to talk, Themis will speak to her. He is a little over twice her height, but at least the scale makes it easy to chat with her. He's had to do a lot of kneeling and sitting for conversation since his arrival. Not that it hasn't been interesting.

"Do you know anything more than what's been written in the handbook about 'Alias'? Should we move under the assumption that even our partners can be affected?"

Elecmon glances at Themis and seems to sober. Ah, this is going to be a serious talk.

--shopping on a wonderful day--

The stipend is welcome. Themis has carefully read the digital handbook, has familiarized himself with the local currency and some of the customs long before he received it. Elecmon has been helpful too, though often she would add assurances that he wasn't going to have much problem making money, because of his height. And his height. And really what about his height?

He finds his new partner very charming and indulges her whims to a certain extent. So far Elecmon hasn't crossed a line.

Not long after his arrival, he'd set aside the social norms of his people to keep mask and cowl up in public except in certain places. The mask rests hanging against his chest and the cowl is down, leaving a silver-haired young man with lightly glowing blue eyes dressed in white robes.

But shopping! A humbling necessity in this digital world but even if it wasn't, Themis would be looking to take part in the experience. It's busy in the square with so many sales and often the giant can by spotted hanging back and simply watching the crowd; whether standing or resting on a bench that's made for his size. The rush to find what merchant has a good deal, merchants calling out to passersby and the sheer crowds of digimon.

There's also the matter of moving safely through people rushing around in packs to get to the next deal. But that's where the ever helpful Elecmon comes in.

"Leave it to me, Themis! I'll get everything on your list and..." She trails off, glancing in a telling way to some food stalls. Sure there's free samples but the lure of grilling meat that isn't bite size and a cool beverage is where it's at! "Do you think we'll have enough left for lunch? I'm awfully hungry! You've got to be as well, right?" Clearly it's meant to be a sly temptation.

Themis chuckles against a raised hand and shakes his head. "I'm not hungry. But," he closes his eyes briefly to think, "you can spend a little bit to get lunch, as long as it remains in our budget." He names a number that'll be more than enough to get a meal for Elecmon who nods enthusiastically. ...And also plots to bring back a little something for her giant partner. The man just does not eat enough!

Will you spy Themis and stroll up for a chat? Or do you encounter Elecmon, zipping hither and yon through the crowd far more nimbly than the Tamer could, carefully referencing a list in hand?


--investigating movements-- [wanna pair up for an investigation? first come first served! also asking for NPC Goblimons]

Obviously Themis is going to ride the train when there's an offer to experience it. At this point the Goblimon haven't been harassing anyone (at least not in his particular coach) and maybe that's because of his size and Elecmon's occasional warning wherein she points at her eyes, then at the Goblimon that glance in their direction.

She's watching you Goblimon. Don't make her sic her Tamer partner on you.

Right now it's only two and it doesn't seem worth the trouble for them. What does interest Themis is that, because of his proximity to the cargo cars, he's seeing how the groups are moving into and out of them for at least two stops. It's... curious. And given their behavior and that usually such places should be off limits to passengers, Themis begins to gauge what would be better. Checking out the cargo area or following a group and seeing where they go when they leave the train.

It's after the two move on (maybe to meet up with some of their fellows and double back or going to harass other passengers on the train) that Themis gets up.

"Shall we see what's so interesting about the cargo, Elecmon?"

"Oh! We gonna do something, Themis? I know a few tricks that might stir them up. Next group that tries to go in or out..." Elecmon gets a wide, very mischievous grin thinking about her 'plan'.

"First, let's find out what's so interesting. You can tell me about your plan on the way, so I know what resources we have."

This isn't a total 'no' and Elecmon perks up while grinning wider. She knows full well by now that if Themis thinks it's the best possible course of action, he absolutely won't stop her. So eagerly she clambers further on his shoulder and begins quietly speaking in his ear while he walks back toward the cargo cars.

"Okay so what I had in mind..."

--Wildcard--

[ For wildcards. Like at his assigned house, or between locations, etc! ]

Shoppin

[chainsthatbind]

It's not uncommon that if one of the towering Amaurotines is around, the other isn't terribly far in these first few early days. Now is no exception, and as Themis and his Elecmon partake in this 'shopping' thing Erichthonios frankly didn't see the point of whatsoever.

But he announces himself mostly by reaching out to grab the white-clad young man's shoulder, grip not particularly tight; it'd be easy to shrug him off. The crimson splotch of Guilmon is unsurprisingly also lurking just at his hem, wearing the edge of his robes like a borrowed shroud. It gives a slightly ominous look if one ignores the ridiculousness of it.. and probably that's the entire point.

"Themis. I should have said something earlier, but, with familiars at the least from our own star here, it's possible they and more will be quite involved." World ending, send help, yadda yadda-- "Don't mention my relationship to Lahabrea to anyone. It's unnecessary."

And more importantly it could actively harm his attempts at doing ANYTHING worthwhile here, if anyone who knew the title found out.

Re: Shoppin

[fallenstarmagnet]

Themis always seems to have this underlying enthusiasm for what's going on around him. That funny smile he was often caught with in Pandaemonium is definitely in play here in the Digital World.

He isn't going to pull away and turns to welcome Erichthonios and his Digimon Partner. Though as the warder begins to immediately address the issue he came over to speak about, Themis politely hears him out. There is a nod of both understanding and assurance.

"Of course. I've also noticed the familiars and met someone who seems to have traveled from another star and met our people." With aether as thin as most familiars but that doesn't mean they aren't what they claimed. Themis shakes his head. "I agree, mentioning such a close connection to a member of the Convocation is likely to detract from more important matters, even if we were to set aside the particulars of your relation to Lahabrea. Which I would not be inclined to do."

Themis gives Erichthonios a nod. "I promise not to speak about it." And so he won't. There really is no need to at all. After this matter is settled, he smiles in a more relaxed way. First he looks down to Guilmon, still shrouded in ominous hem.

"Good day, Guilmon. I take it you're well?" He'll leave a span of time for her to answer and maybe make a bit of small talk before addressing Erichthonios again.

"What are your plans for today?"

[chainsthatbind]

"Good." It wasn't exactly a clean slate, but the fewer who knew, the fewer could wonder why he wasn't pulling off the vast skills his father was known for. Even if everyone seemed inhibited in some fashion by way of power, it would still be an ideal he wouldn't be able to measure up to. Better to not have to deal with it at all.

Never mind having to then field, why was he here at all, and not his exalted father?

The anxiety about it really wasn't going to fade easily, but he hadn't had the impression yet that Themis was prone to lying. Hopefully none of the familiars about would make such a connection either.

"Doing well!" She sounds bright and cheerful in spite of her ominous shroud. "We're looking for things to take apart!"

He tugs once briefly at the lower part of his robe, but she remains firmly attached. "I told her I'd make her her own if I could find something to convert." He doesn't really have the reserves to just do it on his own, but changing one thing to another and using ITS aether? Easier. "It should.. still be something I can do, even with the suppression this place has."

"With a better mask!" One clawed forepaw rises to grip at the air, pupils narrowing to thin black slits. "Scarier! Eviler! With spikes and stripes on it!"

[fallenstarmagnet]

Themis isn't one to lie... right? But definitely not about something like this. He will keep his word and if something changes his thoughts on necessity, he'll bring it to Erichthonios's attention first with the reasoning and seek their opinion.

But really, what need would there ever be over letting the other young man live free of Lahabrea's shadow?

Themis is focusing on Guilmon's excited answer. After tilting his head to the side by her phrasing- living next door to the pair and often being in their company he has gotten use to her proclamations- he then appears to be holding back a chuckle when Erichthonios clarifies.

"I see. It sounds like you're looking forward to having your own set of robes. And a mask?" A scarier and eviler one. This is accepted with the spirit of indulgence, as one might give to a child.

He turns his attention up to Erichthonios. "If Elecmon returns with anything you find useful, you're welcome to it." Of course he's able to read the room here. A direct offer to help support or do it will not be given. Erichthonios should be allowed the opportunity for self-growth. Though perhaps there is a bit of sobering of Themis's amusement with the reminder of the suppression.

It's been a considerable adjustment for the young man, for other reasons.

"I've seen clothing and fabric in these shops for sale. And a variety of other items that might suit your needs. You've gotten a grasp on the currency and the customs of shopping for items with it?"

Of course there's a need for shopping! If nothing more than for situations like these.

"Or would you prefer to gather what you need from one of the places we can travel to? I was considering taking up the task of gathering ingredients later. You're welcome to accompany me if you'd like."

[chainsthatbind]

"Yes but not like yours, yours are boring and the same." Which is apparently extremely unwelcome to small crimson dinosaurs, who expect scarier and with more spikes."I can't scare anyone if it's exactly the same as yours."

He doesn't find any of it intimidating at all, be it Guilmon or anything else she's coming up with. "We'll find something sooner or later." It's neither acceptance nor refusal of potentially taking whatever Elecmon comes up with, because if she came back with a bag of rocks it wouldn't really be that useful but outright refusing is rude. "I wonder why they bother with this ..exchange of 'coin' for other items, surely there's enough hands to make anything needed freely available to all."

The problem with a utopian society: what the hell is supply and demand. "I've been given a rundown of how it works but what, precisely, prevents you or I from simply.. creating more of this currency and using it as we wish?" NOT A THING.

"Oh! If you're going traveling!" Themis is seized again, this time in razorsharp claws at about knee height via Guilmon, who tugs on his robe with all the impertinence of the young and oblivious. "We're going to be going to the Pixel Coast later on, you should come."

Wait weren't they supposed to be accompanying Themis, not extending a different invitation? "...Well if you're headed out gathering anyway, I'm hoping to get a better idea of the layout of the area and different ecosystems and resources to draw on. If we're to do a lot of fighting I'd like to be familiar with the arena."

[fallenstarmagnet]

"In our society, the community is valued over the individual person and this is how we represent it. Though I'm sure Erichthonios might have already explained this." Still Themis does look amused. One can imagine Guilmon has probably heard it before and simply was Unimpressed.

"But since it seems things are different here, there shouldn't be any reason not to add some embellishments. Hopefully you both can work together to find a design you like."

The mystery will persist for a little bit longer as to what Elecmon is bringing back from her shopping trip. Themis finds his companion has a good point and gives it due thought, going over what he's seen and observed about this unusual system of... could it be called barter in a sense? Or at least tokens that promise the exchange of goods from another shop.

"It's unusual. But I haven't seen anyone yet with creation magicks like ours. If this is an island and the mainland has been cut off, surely some items will not be easily supplied. If most of the populace can't freely create by manipulating aether... data as they call it, then this money system may make sense. After a fashion."

Clearly a little clunky. But if Person A doesn't have something in exchange for what person B has, having some form of token to take to a third party isn't completely uncalled for. Pile that onto the time it takes to craft something by hand? Still, Themis shakes his head. He may be able to reason it with much study and deliberation but he doesn't entirely understand it. Nor has he settled on whether economy via tokens bearing value is really the best way to go about doing things.

"Still, they've been doing things this way for a long time and it's interesting enough to watch and experience." It certainly doesn't impact them, barring the suppression on their power. Themis smiles at Erichthonios's question about why they can't just create more currency. "Nothing does other than our choice whether we should. I don't think there's enough reason to harm to our relations in this world by doing so. We stand to gain more by following their ways and earning trust."

Not a thing indeed. It's all about whether it would be a GOOD IDEA to.

Ah, robes! Themis looks down with a bit of surprise; proving that it was a good(?) idea to tug at the fabric to attract his attention. His features relax and he looks between digimon and warder. There won't be any mention of that strange reversal of invitation.

"I don't see our purposes at odds. I would be glad to keep you company. One of the places I need to travel to is Access Port in that area. I'm sure Elecmon wouldn't mind."

"Mind what?" And lo, there's the digimon in question, pulling up with a bag of shopping supplies balanced on her head (carefully) and holding some sort of grilled meat and vegetable on a stick in one grasp and two cartons of juice drink in another. This requires a rigid balancing act but she's somehow managed to pull it off the final distance.

[chainsthatbind]

"Yes, he tried." Which he did, though she still obviously disagreed with it."In digimon society, so many of us are hatched looking alike anyway that it's good to make yourself different! And besides, you two are pretty stand-out now the way you are, only Wizardmon and the like roam around in spooky robes all the time."

He isn't giving up the outfit of decades that easily; it might make him stand out here but it's also comforting and familiar. "Call it habit then. But we don't really expect anyone not our kind to do as we do either. So even if we were back home, it would be fine to imbellish all you want."

This at least seems to mollify Guilmon a little.

The matter of currencies draws a slow frown that doesn't quite go away. It still sounded inefficient, and not very concerned about what's best for others to him. "I'm willing to bet somewhere in this system, there's one or two digimon benefitting way more from this currency thing than the rest are." It sounded like what someone might come up with if they simply wanted advantages over everyone else!

Erichthonios and Guilmon turn in the same motion when Elecmon reappears, with a bag of ... things he can't quite discern easily. "Going on an excursion. Seeing what's out there, and who's out there."

"And taking it ov--" "Not yet."

[fallenstarmagnet]

In fact one can argue that artistic embellishment was often applied directly to many creations and familiars and those 'not of their kind'. Themis nods in support of what Erichthonios explains to Guilmon, but also offers a few words on the contrast that's in Digimon society.

"It's been interesting to observe your society. And that of the other Tamers brought here." Themis looks again at Erichthonios. "It's fascinating that combining a small nod to fitting in and being uniquely dressed compared to our fellows, we are in fact fitting into their society." Clearly he finds the simplicity of it interesting. A bit of compromise was all it took.

Of course the nature of the economy here does warrant some thought on the underbelly. While it's interesting Themis recognizes its shortcomings. "It would only have been a matter of time. The one with the ability to provide more would gain the most." And without a strong sense of valuing a community over the self, it would probably grow progressively worse.

"Not yet? I didn't think we were trying to take over anything at all. But exploring sounds fun!"

Elecmon has a bit of a conundrum. First her hands are full and she can't really shift the bag off her head. Second, there's more people than she planned and she only has enough in her hands for herself and a small 'bite' for Themis.

"I don't have much food, but we can split it between us?" Naturally she's going to sound a little disappointed being that she was looking forward to the part that was her. But fair is fair!

Her partner reaches down to retrieve the bag of shopping. Both helpful and with the intention of offering it out to the warder. Within is a number of household staples. Food mostly on a scale for Elecmon. Some things that would be useful about the household they've been assigned, including a few linens- towels and cloths and is that a curtain with a floral print? The list it was based on was probably worked out between both Themis and Elecmon and seems geared more toward the needs of the latter. Themis probably means to simply create or 'purchase' what he needs for himself as it comes up. Why worry about buying food now when he might not need it til a while later?

Anyway Erichthonios is welcome to root through and find anything he might be able to use. Shopping for these things was, in the end, more of a social experiment.

"I'm fine, Elecmon," Themis reassures. He did notice that a little extra had been gotten and probably for for himself. He doesn't say anything if it had gone over budget. "If Guilmon or Erichthonios wants some, they're welcome to it." Less to share between.

[a talk with sunflowmon]

[monbyanyothername]

Sunflowmon heard the rather tall Tamer's words to her, and flew upwards, meeting him at eye level.

"The handbook has the sum total of what we know, I'm afraid," she said. "We're not even sure if it's viral or not. As for your partners, we've never had a chance to test that before you all arrived here. I'm sorry I can't tell you something more hopeful..."

[fallenstarmagnet]

"Don't worry about me, Themis! I know the risks, but I want to save everyone we can," comes Elecmon's assurance.

"Thank you, Elecmon. But it's best we also understand the risks we take." Themis seems to be fond of Elecmon, though possesses a rational mind. The important thing is that he's not talking down to her at all.

"And it seems we'll have to confront it to collect any information. Sunflowmon, have you ever seen a Digimon under the influence of Alias? The handbook mentioned the remains are only a mass of fading data. Does this mean the data seems to vanish without a trace?"

It's best to clarify if nothing more.

[monbyanyothername]

At Themis's question, Sunflowmon's mouth fell open, making her look surprised. She frowned, and looked to the side.

"I... have seen someone under the influence of Alias," she admitted. "I can only fathom the amount of suffering they experienced. But yes, their data does seem to vanish without a trace. Nanomon's own research has confirmed that."

[fallenstarmagnet]

When Sunflowmon seems to become distressed over what she's witnessed, Themis doesn't appear to be any less interested in getting information from her. But he does acknowledge it.

"I'm sorry to bring up painful memories." He sounds sincere and Elecmon reaches up to pat the side of his head as if supporting him. It's not like he's showing any overt dismay so maybe she senses something deeper about his mood.

"Your firsthand account of what happens can be invaluable," Themis continues. His tone is gentle, meant to be soothing but earnest. "For instance if you saw the beginning of a Digimon that was affected, could you describe what happened? Did Alias immediately take them over? Or was it something gradual? Do they appear aware despite the mindless agression?"

Elecmon chimes in after Themis gives examples of questions he might have. She too speaks to Sunflowmon. Her words are just as earnest but also a lot more obviously empathetic.

"Themis is very good at studying! If there's anything you can remember, even if it's a bit painful, he'll put it to good use, I promise!"

honestly thought I'd be revealing this a lot later

[monbyanyothername]

Sunflowmon hovered there for a moment, unsure of what to do or say. In truth, her experiences were already known to Tamer Union... or Nanomon, at least. But then... could she really call herself a leader if she kept secrets?

With a heavy sigh, she started to tell her story.

"It... it was back when I lived on the mainland," she said. "In the Elysium Flowerfields. I was with my best friend, Togemon, when she started acting strangely. Before I knew it, she was affected, and attacking me. All she could say was that word... 'Alias'. It was like she didn't even know who I was!"

Tears began to fall from the corners of Sunflowmon's eyes as she continued.

"I couldn't fight back," she said. "If she was aware, there was no sign of it. It happed all of a sudden, not gradually. I would have been done for if our leader Rosemon hadn't... hand't-!"

She turned away, obviously choked up. But she'd done her best, and couldn't go any further.

"I. I hope that answers some of your questions."

Themis likes to get as much information as possible.

[fallenstarmagnet]

Themis is listening. He's not unsympathetic to Sunflowmon's loss but he won't do it a disservice by not listening in favor of comforting the digimon immediately.

But this is why Elecmon is a good partner for him. While the tall Amaurotine's reaction may be delayed while listening to and processing the tale, Elecmon can be already reaching out to offer comfort to Sunflowmon even before she breaks down crying.

"Oh Sunflowmon, I'm so sorry to hear that. Would you like a hug?" Elecmon is saddened and distressed for the sake of the Union's leader.

This hug, if the offer is taken up, will be taking place on top of Themis's shoulder mind you. But it's for a good cause. A very good one. And honestly he's an understanding sort so won't protest.

"It does, Sunflowmon. Thank you for sharing it." Some though not all admittedly. He seems to think for a long minute before choosing to add something more. "There is an ability my kind have to witness memories of the past. I know at this time this might seem intrusive. We hardly know one another. Yet if one day you'll allow me to see this event as it unfolded, I would like to do so."

There is a pause as he looks around the meeting hall.

"And I would also be willing to use this ability where it might be useful. Perhaps in exploring the past of the Tamer Union."

[monbyanyothername]

Sunflowmon sniffled, wiping some tears away. "I... I'm fine," she said to Elecmon... before instantly tensing up at Themis's words.

"Um," she began, "I'm not sure I'm comfortable sharing my past to you in such an intensive way. This is already pushing at my limits, I hope you understand..."

[fallenstarmagnet]

Elecmon nods and settles back on her haunches. Though she does have a surprised look as she turned to Themis.

"You can do that?! Is it like watch--oh." Oh right. That's a bit insensitive to ask a question like that right now. Elecmon clams up quickly, a bit embarassed.

Themis is also gentle and looks understanding. Any disappointment, if he feels it, is very well hidden.

"I apologise for alarming you and I do understand. You've my word I won't look for it without your permission. There are many other investigations I can pursue." It isn't an apology for asking, but it seemed to respect the boundaries Sunflowmon placed.

And it's not too much of a bother to make such a promise not to look without permission. Sadly there will no doubt be other observable situations in the future. And there's no need to make Sunflowmon suffer undue stress by being impatient because of it.

"Sorry Sunflowmon. Themis really means well but sometimes he doesn't think before he speaks."

Which is actually quite the opposite of what he does. But Themis doesn't appear to be about to correct Elecmon either.

[investigating movements]

[monbyanyothername]

The Goblimon have indeed met up with their fellows by the time Themis and Elecmon reach them. Thankfully, there's a Themis-sized stack of cargo in this care for someone to duck behind.

The Goblimon number in four, with the two from earlier approaching another pair.

"Oh finally," one of the latter group says. "I thought I might get bored to death if I had to watch this stuff for a minute longer."

"Yeah yeah, we're relieving you," said one of the former. "You guys know what's so special about all this stuff, anyway?"

"No idea," said a third. "All I know is the boss wants us to get it to Panorama Plains quietly. He especially doesn't want those offworlders to find out what we're doing."

[fallenstarmagnet]

How fortunate for that stack of cargo to be there! For surely a giant in white robes would not go missed. Elecmon hunkers down on Themis's shoulder, eyes gleaming. Probably in excitement that her idea (prank) might be worthwhile to be honest. For now, time to be quiet so they can hear.

A boss? The Panorama Plains? That was a place they're allowed to disembark so it offers an option; deal with the Goblimon now and find out what the cargo is or wait and see where this is going and discover who the 'boss' is.

Though still listening; there's a question that might be pertinent after all, Themis whispers into Elecmon's ear.

"Perhaps you'd like to use your idea to try and lure them away?"

Elecmon's whole face brightens, eyes gleaming and vigorously nodding. She begins to scramble down his robes, meaning to make it to the floor and sneakily skitter to another place that's closer to the door they'd enter from. Hopefully she won't be seen or heard.

Themis focuses on the Goblimon again, hoping to collect what information he can before Elecmon can begin acting.

[OOC: feel free to notice Elecmon or perhaps hear a suspcious noise. Will begin'the plan' in next tag if nothing's noticed.]

[monbyanyothername]

The Goblimon kept conversing, none the wiser about Elecmon's movements.

"That's the thing," one Goblimon replied. "I feel like we don't really know what we're doing."

A second piped up. "Oh come on, you know the boss's golden rule, doncha? `Don't ask questions, and you won't have problems.`"

The first blanched. "The boss has like, fifty golden rules."

"What, seriously? Like fifty exactly?"

"Well, I didn't really count..."

A grunt from a third Goblimon interrupted their digression. "Look, you wanna know what we're doin? I took a peek inside of those crates."

"Ohhhhhh?!" the other three exclaimed.

Now would be a really bad time for someone to pull some kind of prank, it seems. Or distraction.

[fallenstarmagnet]

It really would be a bad time. But Themis has already sent Elecmon ahead and he's just going to have to make do. Let's be honest it's probably slightly more efficient than waiting for the Goblimon to become focused enough to make a big reveal.

Maybe. Probably.

Elecmon's plan was pretty simply and relatively harmless as her typical pranks would be. Making her way back to the entrance of the cargo car but not out of it. What she looks for first are vents or small spaces she might clamber into. But in the absence of these she can definitely work with all the stacks of cargo.

She begins with little noises. Scrabbles, metal or wooden or otherwise. Maybe unzippering a zipper if there's one available. Some of these sounds will be easily carried, others maybe not. But the point is that almost directly after she's done, Elecmon sneakily moves toward another position entirely, leaving a seemingly 'uninhabited spot'.

Operation Haunted Cargo Car has begun.

[monbyanyothername]

The other three were all excited to hear the fourth's words, but it seemed their attention would be demanded by something else.

"What was that?" said the fourth Goblimon, instantly getting defensive.

"It came from over there," said one of the other three, pointing at the direction Elecmon had been.

They each scrambled over in a hurry, only to find nothing there. The fourth Goblimon snarled. "I was sure I heard something..."

[fallenstarmagnet]

Elecmon is trying to keep from laughing. This is more fun than dangerous to her. But if they hear her snickers then the jig is up. Even so, as it is they seem more suspicious of someone being there than something. She hopes to change that.


From her new vantage she quickly scrapes a message into the.... well maybe a crate this time or a piece of luggage or a wall... you know hopefully someone won't mind since it's for the Better Good! Of course it's going to make a noise so it's swift. But these sorts of things make the effect look better anyway. Again she attempts to sneak off swiftly to another place.

WAtChinG YoU

Meanwhile, there's Themis. Did all the Goblimon go off checking out the source of the noise? Well, he'll case on himself a small spell to (hopefully) block perception of his presence. It's not invisibility and hopefully these Digimon don't have a highly perceptive nature that might break through his current limits. But he will start making his way over so he can try and take a peek in the box and see what cargo the Goblimon are guarding for their boss.

[monbyanyothername]

The Goblimon indeed all go, leaving their charge alone. They're still in the same cargo car, after all. What could possibly get past them?

But it seems they were too pre-occupied with the matter at hand to notice Themis. As they discovered more of Elecmon's trickery, fear seemed to spark among the Goblimon.

"O-oh man!" one exclaimed. "Are we being haunted?!"

"Oh come on! That makes no sense! Why would Bakemon haunt a train?!"

"It doesn't have to be a Bakemon! It could be a Ghostmon! Or an Impmon! O-or..."

"Don't say it..."

"A real ghost!"

Two of the Goblimon literally slapped their foreheads in frustration. "For the last time!" one exclaimed. "Digimon can't have ghosts!"

As they continued to argue and fret, they failed to notice Themis as he reached the box. Once the Ancient peeked into the box however, he'd find something alarming: a crate full of slumbering Dokunemon.

[fallenstarmagnet]

Yes, Yeeees, believe in the ghost---mon. Elecmon finds a metal pipe and, just as one Goblimon says 'digimon don't have ghosts' claws are out and ran down it. With the echo inside, it runs through the cargo car with an industrial SCREEEEEEKK sound that would make any horror movie audiophile proud to add it to their soundboard. A giggle almost escapes her lips but she's quick to put her paws over her mouth and wiggle into hiding under some luggage, mostly because she wants to see their reaction.

This might be a bad plan to be honest, but sometimes she doesn't think things through.

Themis has replaced the lid and slipped into hiding again. Even though the spell of 'don't look at me' is still up to help hide him. A tall white robed figure, well, could stand out.