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

[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.

[monbyanyothername]

Sunflowmon still looked uncomfortable, but nodded all the same. "It's... it's quite alright," she said, after a moment. "I know you're simply trying to do the best you can to help our world."

She took a deep breath and did her best to smile.

"I only hope that the three of us can trust each other enough with things like this some day. One day."

[fallenstarmagnet]

"Thank you for understanding. Still, I hope to avoid causing you more discomfort in the future." Themis appears sincere.

"I think it would be great if we all become close," Elecmon pipes up with an encouraging voice. Though she has a foreleg patting the side of Themis's head to send the consolation of comfort to him as well.

The tall Amaurotine finds himself raising a hand and gently placing it on the top of Elecmon's head between her ears. A bit like fondly ruffling the head of a child really and soon to end.

"I hope we can speak again on less serious matters. But if you don't mind, I'll take my leave. I'm sure others will wish to speak with you." And left unsaid is that Sunflowmon probably needs a moment to herself to rest before the next person approaches.

[monbyanyothername]

Sunflowmon nodded. "Thank you..." she said. "I appreciate your concern, by the way. It shows you're dedicated to this cause."

And with that, she bade him farewell, and floated off to collect herself.