It was like a nightmare. Rather, that was what Daisuke hoped it to be.
Just when they thought they had one problem solved by sending Daemon to the deepest of the Dark Ocean, another trouble arose ー Ken had gone missing. According to Wormmon, there was nothing particularly strange last night, and he was right by his side the whole time before they fell asleep. No one knew where he went to, not even Oikawa and his underlings, and that said something.
"Huh? Don't be daft. Like we've said before, we've got no more use for that pathetic kid. ...Ah! Maybe someone else had an interest in him and took him away. How unfortunate, whoever did that must be terribly uninformed. The Ichijouji Ken right now is nothing but a useless carrier. The most he can be is a relatively good meal, ahahaha!" The spiteful words and condescending laughter of Arukenimon still echoed in Daisuke's mind, making his blood boil even now.
"Shit!" He gritted his teeth, crushing the canned drink in his hand. "Where the hell did they take him to, damn it!" And that was one deliberate headconk to the lamp post, like it would help something.
After nearly losing his temper during the emergency meeting he had with the rest of his peers, he decided to cool his head down here, by the vending machine outside. He wasn't calm, and he knew that he needed to be this time, more than ever. The juggle of the pressing matters were closing in, overloading his brain capacity. Fingers began tangling and pulling his hair in frustration, as he chanted to himself, 'Don't think about it. Don't think about it. Just do it like you always do.' But how? He couldn't just leave Ken out and forget about him! He needed him, his Jogress partner, to fight alongside him. With their newly acquired evolution line, there was a bigger, no, definite chance to win the battle against Oikawa, especially if they joined forces with the rest of their comrades. That was the one way they had to go through to return peace to their world and the Digital World.
Beyond all that, he just wanted Ken to be safe. Ken was his precious comrade, he was part of the team ー he was his friend. It was one thing if he had Wormmon with him, he was all alone! There was no way Daisuke didn't want to go and save him! But, at the same time, the clock was ticking, and if they didn't move fast, more people would get harmed. What should he do? It was like he had to pick between the world and someone precious to him. There was no way he could choose! All these times, he thought things like doubts and worries had been wiped off clean from his dictionary. He believed that he had overcome them after the last time he hesitated about facing his senior's Digimon. Why did he begin to doubt himself again now? ...What would Taichi-senpai do in this situation?
"Daisuke."
A familiar voice lifted his head up, turning him to face the source of voice.
"Let's go. I know you're worried about Ken, but we have no choice but to fight now. We gotta do it!"
What he saw there was his Digimon partner, V-mon, standing with strong convictions in his eyes, fists clenched. "V-mon..."
"Ken isn't weak. I'm sure he'll be fine! We have to do what we can do now. Nothing will come to us if we just wait here!" He took a step forward, extending his arm. "Come on, Daisuke! Let's go back, everyone's waiting!"
"!" V-mon was right. Ken wasn't a weakling. He wouldn't have gotten this far if he wasn't tough in the first place. They had to fight on for his sake, too! There would never be an end if they stalled here without taking any actions. They could never help him if they didn't start with something!
"What are we going to do without the Raid Commander?"
"...Heh. Yeah. What the heck was I thinking about?"
His hand was well on its way to return the gesture when V-mon blurted, "That's because Daisuke, out of all people, tried to think with that head~"
Snap. 💢
"What was that?! Come here, you littleー!!" A smile finally spilled out of Daisuke's lips as his arms locked on V-mon's neck, their laughter resounded against the walls. V-mon might not be the brightest Digimon, in fact he was rather lacking in the knowledge department. But time and time again, he had taught Daisuke so many important lessons that meant so much to him. Not that he would ever admit it.
Their beautiful moment of friendship suddenly halted as they both became vigilant and wide-eyed. Something foreboding was approaching. At the very least, Daisuke could feel a very unsettling sensation at the back of his neck. Untangling themselves from each other, their backs met, eyes darting from one side to another. Mist slowly surrounded them from all sides, as a figure silently approached.
A Digimon?
"Who's that?!"
* * *
What he thought was a Digimon turned out to be a different being from another world, who referred to herself as The Witch. He'd heard of the existence of the creatures from the different worlds before, but he didn't expect to see one, especially not one that resembled a human being. Would that mean he was practically seeing a ghost then? Anyway, she claimed that Salad's friend ー whose name he strangely can't recall now, what the heck?! ー was in her world to clear off a debt. If Salad wanted to take him back, he had to come with her and try to do that. But only under one condition, that V-mon couldn't come with him.
Though incredibly suspicious, the moment he heard what she had to say, the answer was a given: of course he would go. There was no guarantee that the friend was there, but he would readily take the leap of faith and this chance that was being dangled by the lady because... what if Salad decided against going and he was there? He would regret it for the rest of his life, and he didn't want to regret. Throughout the adventures, he had seen so many moments where everything seemed so impossible, but miracles continued happening as long as they believed in them, the strength they had within themselves, and their comrades.
Salad might be physically alone this time, but spiritually, he wasn't. There was nothing he needed to be afraid of. If his friend was indeed there, he was freaking sure that he could take him back in no time.
That was what he believed two hours ago.
Two hours have passed since he arrived here in Koriko, and he's very much lost. The Witch left him just like that, without a word, without any further explanation. He's been running around since he's here, and right now he's just, wheeze, catching up with his breath under a tree. Ugh, his stamina stinks. What's the deal with the people here, anyway? They didn't answer him when he asked questions, and he's 100% sure they understood him! (Maybe he should stop calling people, or well, spirits with "hey you!") Plus, it's really strange how the world looks so much like Japan, it's almost looks like Kyoto mixed with some... weird combination of things. Pretty bad taste if you ask him. The Digital World looks way cooler!
"And what's with Salad?! Are there no better names out there?!"
Argh, whatever. He's got no time for this! Let's see, he's gone through the marketplace just now, this area should be... Hmm. That's some really nice smell. Restaurant area, eh?
. . .
No no, he can't get distracted! The world is in a pinch, and he can't afford to waste time here! He has to findー
Growl.
......He'll just take a peek. Just one peek.
And so he caves, planting himself to a round window of some Chinese restaurant.
Peek into a window and it usually answers a riddling question - like whatever happened to Į̴̩̝̙̮͎̿̔̍̌͋c̶̡̧̱̼̰͔̠̣͖̱͖̯̻̐̏̄͜͝h̶̬̱͙͇̻̫̤̟̮̒̋̽̎͜i̶̟̜̪̺̫̺̳̯̻̞͙̪̗̿̑̀͆̀̌̈́͜ͅj̸̺̣̿̍o̴̲̍̊̕ų̴͖̬̯̳̹̟͔͉̲̫̮̳̬͈̈́̓j̵̛̠̒̂͗̕͝ï̸̙̹̙̥̌͛̾̌̒̚͘͝ ̴̨̡̠͈̭͔̫͉̱͙̠̗͙͛̆̈́̿̾̎͂͊̏͛̄̈́͌̕ͅḲ̶̢͖̥̔͊̈̾e̷̢̛̝͓͙͍͇͙͇̭̻̱͛̎̀̈́̋ǹ̷͇͊̀́͌̍̐͊̀̒͝ ?
He's just beyond the window, within the building of the restaurant. His hands, though still growing but have matured more than most boys, are holding on assortment kinds of tied packaging.
Caesar hands the spirit before him the delivery he's suppose to send. In less than a beat, the spirit berates at his sloppy timing, really it's a pain when they send new workers to this area during peak hour. The boy only hung his head low while nodding in the right moments, his hair almost covers most of his face, but the way he bobs his head is almost unmistakably less elegant than most of his actions. The spirit's complaints are drown by his own self criticism he keeps in his heart.
His heart...
It's not as empty as it had been the past few days. It feels more whole than it should be.
It's something he can't even entirely explain, but it's not like when he feels empty -though another time he would argue that he never felt entirely content or complete- but the moment when he feels the closest to being almost whole is when he's engulfed by the familiar warmth of his partner.
It felt colder since he arrived in Koriko. Not as frighteningly cold as the Dark Ocean, but he never thought he could feel this kind of coldness- no, emptiness since before Wormmon's rebirth.
His hands grip from the packaging loosens, Caesar's close to dropping them and disregarding his job to place his hand over his heart; gripping it and asking it, what are you doing? Are you broken after a few days? After you broken Papa and Mama's promise? After you left Wormmon without a word? After you abandoned your jogress partner D̸̡̩̬̓͜a̶̡̝̭̹̟͌̋͆̉́̆̾͠i̴̹̩͇̰̞̪͇͎͉̰̲̹͊͒̾̍̍͒͝░▒▓-
Only with one try he realizes that the name that he practically commits to memory, the very same name he used to cursed with venom that gradually became the one he's afraid to say aloud in respect of the owner- it's lost. Yet the there's a return of the warmth in his heart that's uniquely only to that person. He couldn't be around, could he? Almost childishly he turns left and right, the spirit in front of him not all too please the fact Caesar hadn't been listening. Blue eyes frantically scan the room until
Hunger? What's that? All Salad cares for is what he sees now, and that'sー
"AHHH!!!"
His friend! His jogress partner! The guy he's been looking for! ██████!!! ...Why the hell won't his name come out?! Whatever! He's gonna stomp his way to you, you person you!! AND HE'S NOT GOING TO LET GO UNTIL YOU COME BACK HOME WITH HIM.
It's probably rather audible even inside the restaurant ー his shouting, and then stomping from outside until he gets inside.
STOMPSTOMPSTOMPSTOMPSTOMP
He's not stopping, not even for a second, immediately going for the friend's arm like that's the most natural thing. Is he dragging the friend out by force? Yes he is. Of course, he has no time to pay mind to his surroundings staring at him wide-eyed.
What's -for the lack of better titles for now- he doing here? He should be home with the others, what would his parents and Jun-san think if he's gone? As lively and casual his family resident is, he's pretty sure that even they would tear down Odaiba or maybe the whole world for him.
(Of course Caesar had some ideas, to the point he feels that he doesn't have the right to throw even titles like 'his jogress partner' or 'his friend' so easily for failing him.)
Caesar's used to his energetic reactions that it's not really surprising that he's being pulled away without him realizing it. "Ah!" Caesar says that as much before he grip of the deliveries tighten while being guided away from the restaurant. He legs pretty much follow through without complaint despite the clear confusion in his face. Or, that was the plan anyways, until the spirit places a firm grip on Caesar's shoulders.
With his objective cleared, Salad's engine is well-heated and all set to accelerate out of here. Nothing can stop his drive! Nothing!
Except a strong hold-down by a humongous, uh. Thing.
Sudden weight anchors the boy he's practically yanking, pulling him backwards and nearly has him squashing the friend if not for the balance he miraculously manages to regain. "Whoa!!" Immediately whirling around, he relentlessly shouts at the... how should he describe it? The seriously freaking ultra huge blob?
"What're you doing, old man?!" Actually, what the hell is that? He? She? It? They? "We're running out of time here!!"
The 'old man' in question huffs and glares at the (former) goggle boy, these hands aren't going anywhere until the spirit finishes the finesses of important business etiquette. They all have jobs and the delivery boy needs to deliver things in a timely manner, less than a business practically collapses because said delivery boy didn't bring the right items on time.
Caesar, on the other hand, looks uncomfortable in very much the middle of some kind of tug a war probably waiting happen. No, it's most certainly a tug of war. There really isn't much he can do at this point though he can understand somewhat of the spirit's disappointment with him.
"I'm very sorry," he says to giant the moment he turns his direction to... him? Her? It? Them? "It was wrong for me to be distracted, but please let me go." Other deliveries to send- oils for the spa, pens and inkwells for the HR office, news to deliver to people-he-cares-about-but-afraid-to-put-on-labels-for-now-because-he's-not-worthy-to-put-them-on-any-kind-of-title.
Eti-what? Salad will probably never say it right if asked to. Anyway, he's annoyed. What's with all these, uhh, creatures from just now? Don't they have mouths to answer?! That glare is answered with one of his own, complete with a tightening grip on his friend's hand. Let him go already, what's the deal?!
Salad almost opens his mouth again to complain when the other boy apologises, trying to get out of the situation himself. He waits for his friend to finish before blurting, "You heard him. Let him go already!" That's another tug his way, and more staredown towards the blob monster from the tip of its head to the tip of its toe. (Whatever, Salad's not going to try to figure out whether it's a he or she anymore.) What creepyass googly eyes, freaking hell.
Caesar lightly tugs his hand, signalling for his important-person-to-him to not anger the spirit any further. His heart rate might be slightly irregular, he knows that he only means well- never really thinking of doing things out of ill intentions or poisonous spite, but he isn't looking forward at the idea of serving to a building full of spirits when he's still trying hard to adjust to his surroundings. So far it still leaves him feeling uneasy everywhere he goes.
Thankfully despite the hint of hesitance, Caesar's client lets them go, but not without glaring at him one last time. Fine, Caesar's off the hook for making a newcomer mistake, but next time he isn't going to be off the hook so easy. Scram now before they disrupt business any more than they already have.
And so they're already outside soon, leaving the restaurant through the backdoor and to the muddle and dirty alley of the district. It's cramped and dark even during broad daylight of summer, but at least the air feels a little easier than inside. The taller boy stops staring at the dirty floor beneath his bare feet and turns towards him, "what are you doing here?!"
His family must be so worried right about now, not to mention V-mon and the other chosen children. He couldn't imagine him falling for a wish granting witch, so why?
The tug brought Salad's attention back to the friend, raising an eyebrow in confusion. He wasn't alert enough to notice the apprehension or the atmosphere that gradually got more and more chilly down here in the restaurant, but at least the distraction was (thankfully) good enough to stop him from sending stink eyes towards the spirit. ...He would've asked aloud 'what's wrong', if not for the spirit letting go of the bob cut boy, though. Crisis averted!
"Oh? See, you got it!" That's 'thank you', to you, Salad.
Lucky! He thought, taking his chance to immediately bolt out with his prize. He wouldn't know if the spirit yelled in anger afterwards, or protested about his less-than-acceptable manner, as the vigour he was sprouting amplified the speed in his feet, and they were out of sight! They weren't that far actually, they (Salad) just blindly took every turns he found through the narrow alleys, which he (obviously) didn't know leading where... Great.
He did slow down after maybe almost a minute of sprint, though, focus easing out of fleeing because now he realised that he needed to know what the heck was his friend doing there earlier with the package! What was he handing over to the blob?! Was he caught in some sketchy business?! Salad was about to launch his million questions when the friend suddenly spoke up, prompting him to turn his head with half-opened mouth.
Completely unaware, his hand reflexively tightens its grip on the other's at the question. "Huh? Taking you back home with me, what else?" His tone was like, duh, obviously. "How did you even get here, sheesh... Don't just follow random people on your own like that! I've been worrying someone would snatch you again, and it really happened!" Wild gestures with his free hand animate through the babble, subsequently messing his own hair with a heavy sigh when he's done.
"What were you doing earlier?!" Okay not quite done. "You better not get involved in some weird stuff..." Uh.
Actually he knows why- he knows even before he thinks of asking why.
In comparison to him, Caesar is hardly sweating or even all that tire. In some other time, he'd think it's almost terrifying how he's gone to accept the bug in him than the fact he doesn't tire out so easily. But in present time, all his thoughts goes to him as his confusion just turns into a plain frown. In a rare moment of emphasizing the situation, Caesar has his hand over his forearm, his grip may be gentle but it's no less firm.
"I'm not," he shakes his head. He's overcome with guilt to hear he's been worried of Caesar, it makes him think of his own parents and how much they must be worried where their son went.
The taller boy bits his tongue as his eyes focuses on the air besides his important person, "you should go back home while you can."
Look, he's not tired at all, alright? He just sweats like crazy because it's hot! In fact it's weird that you're not perspiring! There must be something wrong somewhere!! Salad wipes the sweat rolling down his side of face with the back of his unoccupied hand, watching his friend with an intensity more than necessary. He's waiting for some good reasoning.
But instead of a satisfying verbal answer, he receives a gesture he never receives from the friend before, freezing the unoccupied hand mid-air. His eyebrow almost raisesー okay it raises now. "Whaa?" That's all he had to say?! "You seriously think I'm going home without you? Why are you even here in the first place?!"
That does it, he starts to look on the ground again, on the spot that's just right next to him. Caesar can't really lie to him, can't he? Even if he tries to be quiet, it won't take long for him to prod him until he snaps and for him to hesitantly let go of the subject. And... he really doesn't want to make him feel any more guilty or sad for him.
It sounds like a better idea to be quiet of it but, he lets out the breath he has been holding. "I asked the Witch for something."
Now that's not an answer he expects to hear. "The Witch? You mean that weird old lady?" Why? "Why? What did you ask her?" What can that person(? spirit?) do anyway??? Why would ███ trust her in the first place? Is magic even a real thing?
They've seen so many things, heck, even Caesar can- used to do things that were practically impossible to achieve at the age of 11. And that's all thanks to something he came into contact in a world that's made up of data, a strange lady who can do magic doesn't seem strange at all.
"I asked her to stop Oikawa before he could continue more with his plans." Caesar omits the fact that wish came out because something compelled him. He really doesn't have to think much to conclude it might be the Witch herself. There's a long silence before he continues with a smaller voice, "... I also asked for her to erase the dark seeds from the kids Oikawa kidnapped."
He never, ever wants to give any child a fate like his.
Salad's way of thinking has always been somewhat off compared to the rest of the people, he'll swallow many things without considering whether it's logical or not. But this one sticks out to him. It smells like trap, his instincts tell him.
"But why? We don't know who she is, and what she will take in return. It doesn't make sense."
To think the word 'doesn't make sense' is coming from him this time. It's just, REALLY weird because this guy, out of anyone else, is the one who actually believes in her and goes along with it. Sure, Salad has no much room to talk since he did follow her too. He took his chances to find the friend, and in fact, he is with him this moment. So in a way, she did keep her... well, she didn't exactly promise, but... something like that. Still!
"If it's about Oikawa, we can just do it on our own, can't we? You don't need to rely on some other powers." His grip on the other boy's hand tightens even more, followed by a light tug as an emphasis. "If we do it together, we definitely can defeat him."
He freezes at that statement- the thing is, he doesn't disagree with his suspicions at all. With something about the Witch luring him into signing a contract so easily, it just makes everything about this all more suspicious. Magic isn't the strange thing at all, it's more that they have to be cautious because this isn't the Digital World or any world they know of.
Caesar stares at him, the words on his throat dies before it could think of anything solid that won't come out as him screaming that he's the real monster that should be banished. It's kinda of a wish come true in Caesar's perspective honestly; this is the closest he feels to atoning his crimes by having everyone avoiding his fate and downfall.
His grip on his hand loosens in comparison, Caesar's sight isn't leaving from the ground any time soon. "That's why you should go home soon, you can still defeat him without me."
... Right? Why does it feel wrong when he says that? He knows that he can pull a miracle through even before their hearts and souls became one during jogress.
His words leave him faster than he could even process it, louder than he would've intended if he had time to think of it. He couldn't have anyway, the rush of emotions just gushed through him the moment he heard what his friend had to say. It wasn't anger, no, but more of a strong disbelief. How would you expect him to trust your words if you're not willing to meet his eyes, and sounding like it was painful to say aloud? He yanks the arm he's holding, making their proximity much closer than comfortable.
"Is that really what you think? Do you seriously think that you're not needed, even when I'm right here right now?" The grasp on the hand moves to the wrist, his hold firm. "What's the point of you being here if you really think I could defeat Oikawa without you?"
Caesar's entire body immediately flinches as he finally looks up to see him eye to eye. Of course his eyes lit up with determination and willpower, he's a little envious on how much the light doesn't just hit his entire being but the fact his own eyes burns just as brightly as that light.
Caesar stays silent, searching for any kind of regret or fear in him- but there's none. It's silly to look to begin with, there never was any of that sort. His presence is always so warm... his friend, his jogress partner. It's never overwhelming when his partner is around, to the point that the light isn't blinding much more that it gently washes him over and anchors him against the Dark Ocean's temptations when they had sealed Daemon not too long ago.
With him around, it makes him believe that he isn't just him and Wormmon desperately trying to fix the damage they cause. That there's a place for him in someone's heart, after all.
"You're not wrong." He's not sure but his answer feels more right than his previous declaration. Still, his hand turns into a fist as he inhales deeply, he's the worst kind of human.
"But, this is the last chance you could get to leave."
He can't, and he locked himself up in a sort of jail.
If only there was a mirror here, he would've loved to show your reflection to you.
Those aren't the eyes of someone who believes that they're worth nothing and should be left on their own in this strange, unfamiliar world. He might not be the best at reading people, but this is the one thing ー the one person ー he's completely sure about. He knows that he knows, deep down, how much he is needed, how he will never back down no matter how much he's being pushed away.
He's very clear of his goal from the very start, and that hasn't changed a bit. He'll do whatever it takes to bring his precious friend back with him, even if it means fighting this world. They've done so many unimaginable things ー they've gone so far. There's no reason for them to stop here.
It's going to be so, so different without V-mon and Wormmon on their sides, but things always change. Situations change. What doesn't, and will never change is the trust he puts in the friend right by his side, and in their comrades back home. They may be far apart, but their hearts are one. That's why, he's ready for anything, and always is.
The determination gathers in the strength of his grip and the intensity of his gaze to the other, that even if he doesn't say it, it probably has gotten across. He will say it anyway, because he wants it to absolutely get across. "I'm not leaving without you, and that's final." With that said, he turns his back to face the other, still not letting go as he resumes their (his) stride.
"We're seeing that old hag." No, he's not gonna let go anytime soon.
There's no way he could even try to think of his friend's words as anything but the reassurance he has stated. Caesar's just really fond of that part of him, he's just so sincere and straightforward with things, even if he couldn't match up his energy at times. When his friend makes up his mind, there's no way to shake that determination off.
And because of that, Caesar's aware he's not being freed any time soon. However, his stance is firm as with his the back of his neck already starting to burn at the mere thought of visiting the Witch. He can try to pull him any time, but Caesar feet remains firmly planted on the spot.
"We can't, I don't think it's a good idea for us to visit the Witch." Namely, he has no idea how his mind will react seeing her again, especially since he's still adjusting when there's so many strange powers around and overloading senses that he initially didn't have. "The deal's been made, I can't leave."
Not expecting the weight he was trying to pull to be anchored down, Salad nearly lost his balance. He turned his head behind, brows furrowing in reflex. Unlike him, his friend always has a reason to every single thing he does. There must be some kind of basis or worry for him to resist going. Salad opened his mouth but didn't say a thing, knowing that the other boy would elaborate.
And indeed, he did.
But it makes zero sense to Salad, this whole thing. How can they trust The Witch, who looks obviously suspicious and is most probably trying to take advantage of them? What are the chances of her not wanting to make use of the dark seed inside his partner? She has the similar vibes to Archnemon and all!
"Are you sure she's not tricking you?" His voice comes out much calmer than his louder thoughts.
Even if the deal has been made, there should be a way to cancel it. They can't waste anymore time here. Who knows what Oikawa could be doing back in Japan now? The Witch is their only clue, as she's the one who took them down here. There's no other choice than to see her, it's not like he wants to do it either. "We need to go back." His grip on the wrist loosens, but only to slide down and squeeze the friend's hand as an emphasis. "We can't let our friends fight on their own, and I can't leave you here." He steps closer, trying to meet the other's eyes. "Please."
"Of course not, I'm not entirely sure if it's all true either." Caesar's own hand squeezes back his friend's in return. There really isn't any point of lying to him, he'd find out sooner than most people whenever Caesar lies or hesitates. However, he does try to carefully construct his words so that the shorter boy doesn't feel even more upset. To some level, he does understand why his best friend is so angry, even if a part of him puts out conflicting thoughts and still couldn't really accept as to why so much effort was given to him.
Blue eyes aren't clouded by any kind of spirit or device -not yet, he thinks to himself- but they're not masking any sort of feelings either, his expression may seem even but his eyes are only showing fear.
"Even so, I've given my word to her," and he isn't breaking it, he isn't going to do that anymore even if someone tells him it's an alternate reality. The eye contact doesn't last long before Ceasar breaks away, his voice turning smaller, "I'm not sure if I can explain something about the Witch when I met her."
The quiet air around Salad may seem almost spooky, like the sky can fall over and swallow them whole any time. But really, all he's doing is trying to ignore the questions and doubts that begin emerging in his mind as the friend explains himself. A number of 'why's line up, only to be swallowed whole as he sharply watches every movement.
"Then, let's do it together." The intensity shooting out of his eyes threatens to overpower the ones before him, as if demanding 'look at me'. None of the jitters of fear are being left out in those irises. "It'll be faster if we do it together, so we can go home faster, too." If there's really no other choice, he's in this with him. But what if there's actually a choice? It's ridiculous that they have to work for something they were being tricked for, and he's definitely not going to just accept it. "But we will still talk to her."
...Wait, what did he just say?
"Hold on. What do you mean with 'something about the Witch'?"
[It's a little surprising how they can still get some off days despite how much the spirits and the Witch pushes them to work, but nonetheless Caesar is grateful because while they're here, he could at least fulfil a promise he had been given to Salad.
He walks into their shared room and lightly kicks the ball to Salad's direction.]
Want to do a rematch?
[Now more fair without his enhancement giving him too much advantage!]
[ Salad hasn't expected much in return of their work as it's supposedly paying off their 'debts'. Well, it's not like he wants anything in particular here. The only 'material' thing he wants is asking Taichi-san's goggles that was entrusted to him back (that sneaky old hag... just watch him!), but that's about it. He just wants everything to be done and over with so they can return quickly!
But he can't lie about how happy he is over getting a soccer ball as one of the rewards for their joint delivery the other day. It's actually not a soccer ball per se, but close enough! He's satisfied with it.
He accepts the ball Caesar kicks his way with the tip of his foot, following it up with some light juggling. It goes up his knee, to his head, and... drops back down to the floor. ]
Tch! [ Needs more practice, it seems. ] Huh? Rematch? [ Salad doesn't look up, eyes busy paying attention to the ball he's dribbling ahead of the friend. He stays quiet for a few more moments as he goes further, and further... before finally realising what Caesar is talking about.
That instant, he runs back to the other boy with Mach speed. ]
Did you say rematch?! Uhyooo!! FO SHO!! Let's look around for an empty field!!!
[ His fists are clenched in excitement, and if he had a tail, it'll be wagging with all its might now. He may not be saying it aloud, but just looking at the aura he's emitting, it's definitely shouting: LET'S GO LET'S GO LET'S GO NOW RIGHT NOW LET'S GO I'M READY LET'S GO!!!! Salad is so, so ready for a walk with his owner! ]
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Just when they thought they had one problem solved by sending Daemon to the deepest of the Dark Ocean, another trouble arose ー Ken had gone missing. According to Wormmon, there was nothing particularly strange last night, and he was right by his side the whole time before they fell asleep. No one knew where he went to, not even Oikawa and his underlings, and that said something.
"Huh? Don't be daft. Like we've said before, we've got no more use for that pathetic kid. ...Ah! Maybe someone else had an interest in him and took him away. How unfortunate, whoever did that must be terribly uninformed. The Ichijouji Ken right now is nothing but a useless carrier. The most he can be is a relatively good meal, ahahaha!" The spiteful words and condescending laughter of Arukenimon still echoed in Daisuke's mind, making his blood boil even now.
"Shit!" He gritted his teeth, crushing the canned drink in his hand. "Where the hell did they take him to, damn it!" And that was one deliberate headconk to the lamp post, like it would help something.
After nearly losing his temper during the emergency meeting he had with the rest of his peers, he decided to cool his head down here, by the vending machine outside. He wasn't calm, and he knew that he needed to be this time, more than ever. The juggle of the pressing matters were closing in, overloading his brain capacity. Fingers began tangling and pulling his hair in frustration, as he chanted to himself, 'Don't think about it. Don't think about it. Just do it like you always do.' But how? He couldn't just leave Ken out and forget about him! He needed him, his Jogress partner, to fight alongside him. With their newly acquired evolution line, there was a bigger, no, definite chance to win the battle against Oikawa, especially if they joined forces with the rest of their comrades. That was the one way they had to go through to return peace to their world and the Digital World.
Beyond all that, he just wanted Ken to be safe. Ken was his precious comrade, he was part of the team ー he was his friend. It was one thing if he had Wormmon with him, he was all alone! There was no way Daisuke didn't want to go and save him! But, at the same time, the clock was ticking, and if they didn't move fast, more people would get harmed. What should he do? It was like he had to pick between the world and someone precious to him. There was no way he could choose! All these times, he thought things like doubts and worries had been wiped off clean from his dictionary. He believed that he had overcome them after the last time he hesitated about facing his senior's Digimon. Why did he begin to doubt himself again now? ...What would Taichi-senpai do in this situation?
"Daisuke."
A familiar voice lifted his head up, turning him to face the source of voice.
"Let's go. I know you're worried about Ken, but we have no choice but to fight now. We gotta do it!"
What he saw there was his Digimon partner, V-mon, standing with strong convictions in his eyes, fists clenched. "V-mon..."
"Ken isn't weak. I'm sure he'll be fine! We have to do what we can do now. Nothing will come to us if we just wait here!" He took a step forward, extending his arm. "Come on, Daisuke! Let's go back, everyone's waiting!"
"!" V-mon was right. Ken wasn't a weakling. He wouldn't have gotten this far if he wasn't tough in the first place. They had to fight on for his sake, too! There would never be an end if they stalled here without taking any actions. They could never help him if they didn't start with something!
"What are we going to do without the Raid Commander?"
"...Heh. Yeah. What the heck was I thinking about?"
His hand was well on its way to return the gesture when V-mon blurted, "That's because Daisuke, out of all people, tried to think with that head~"
Snap. 💢
"What was that?! Come here, you littleー!!" A smile finally spilled out of Daisuke's lips as his arms locked on V-mon's neck, their laughter resounded against the walls. V-mon might not be the brightest Digimon, in fact he was rather lacking in the knowledge department. But time and time again, he had taught Daisuke so many important lessons that meant so much to him. Not that he would ever admit it.
Their beautiful moment of friendship suddenly halted as they both became vigilant and wide-eyed. Something foreboding was approaching. At the very least, Daisuke could feel a very unsettling sensation at the back of his neck. Untangling themselves from each other, their backs met, eyes darting from one side to another. Mist slowly surrounded them from all sides, as a figure silently approached.
A Digimon?
"Who's that?!"
Though incredibly suspicious, the moment he heard what she had to say, the answer was a given: of course he would go. There was no guarantee that the friend was there, but he would readily take the leap of faith and this chance that was being dangled by the lady because... what if Salad decided against going and he was there? He would regret it for the rest of his life, and he didn't want to regret. Throughout the adventures, he had seen so many moments where everything seemed so impossible, but miracles continued happening as long as they believed in them, the strength they had within themselves, and their comrades.
Salad might be physically alone this time, but spiritually, he wasn't. There was nothing he needed to be afraid of. If his friend was indeed there, he was freaking sure that he could take him back in no time.
That was what he believed two hours ago.
Two hours have passed since he arrived here in Koriko, and he's very much lost. The Witch left him just like that, without a word, without any further explanation. He's been running around since he's here, and right now he's just, wheeze, catching up with his breath under a tree. Ugh, his stamina stinks. What's the deal with the people here, anyway? They didn't answer him when he asked questions, and he's 100% sure they understood him! (Maybe he should stop calling people, or well, spirits with "hey you!") Plus, it's really strange how the world looks so much like Japan, it's almost looks like Kyoto mixed with some... weird combination of things. Pretty bad taste if you ask him. The Digital World looks way cooler!
"And what's with Salad?! Are there no better names out there?!"
Argh, whatever. He's got no time for this! Let's see, he's gone through the marketplace just now, this area should be... Hmm. That's some really nice smell. Restaurant area, eh?
. . .
No no, he can't get distracted! The world is in a pinch, and he can't afford to waste time here! He has to findー
Growl.
......He'll just take a peek. Just one peek.
And so he caves, planting himself to a round window of some Chinese restaurant.
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He's just beyond the window, within the building of the restaurant. His hands, though still growing but have matured more than most boys, are holding on assortment kinds of tied packaging.
Caesar hands the spirit before him the delivery he's suppose to send. In less than a beat, the spirit berates at his sloppy timing, really it's a pain when they send new workers to this area during peak hour. The boy only hung his head low while nodding in the right moments, his hair almost covers most of his face, but the way he bobs his head is almost unmistakably less elegant than most of his actions. The spirit's complaints are drown by his own self criticism he keeps in his heart.
His heart...
It's not as empty as it had been the past few days. It feels more whole than it should be.
It's something he can't even entirely explain, but it's not like when he feels empty -though another time he would argue that he never felt entirely content or complete- but the moment when he feels the closest to being almost whole is when he's engulfed by the familiar warmth of his partner.
It felt colder since he arrived in Koriko. Not as frighteningly cold as the Dark Ocean, but he never thought he could feel this kind of coldness- no, emptiness since before Wormmon's rebirth.
His hands grip from the packaging loosens, Caesar's close to dropping them and disregarding his job to place his hand over his heart; gripping it and asking it, what are you doing? Are you broken after a few days? After you broken Papa and Mama's promise? After you left Wormmon without a word? After you abandoned your jogress partner D̸̡̩̬̓͜a̶̡̝̭̹̟͌̋͆̉́̆̾͠i̴̹̩͇̰̞̪͇͎͉̰̲̹͊͒̾̍̍͒͝░▒▓-
Huh.
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His jogress partner's face is literally glued to one the windows.
tmw you have the perfect icon
"AHHH!!!"
His friend! His jogress partner! The guy he's been looking for! ██████!!! ...Why the hell won't his name come out?! Whatever! He's gonna stomp his way to you, you person you!! AND HE'S NOT GOING TO LET GO UNTIL YOU COME BACK HOME WITH HIM.
It's probably rather audible even inside the restaurant ー his shouting, and then stomping from outside until he gets inside.
STOMPSTOMPSTOMPSTOMPSTOMP
He's not stopping, not even for a second, immediately going for the friend's arm like that's the most natural thing. Is he dragging the friend out by force? Yes he is. Of course, he has no time to pay mind to his surroundings staring at him wide-eyed.
"We're going home!!"
No 'let's', no 'shall we'. WE'RE GOING HOME.
im crying every time
(Of course Caesar had some ideas, to the point he feels that he doesn't have the right to throw even titles like 'his jogress partner' or 'his friend' so easily for failing him.)
Caesar's used to his energetic reactions that it's not really surprising that he's being pulled away without him realizing it. "Ah!" Caesar says that as much before he grip of the deliveries tighten while being guided away from the restaurant. He legs pretty much follow through without complaint despite the clear confusion in his face. Or, that was the plan anyways, until the spirit places a firm grip on Caesar's shoulders.
is it totoro
Except a strong hold-down by a humongous, uh. Thing.
Sudden weight anchors the boy he's practically yanking, pulling him backwards and nearly has him squashing the friend if not for the balance he miraculously manages to regain. "Whoa!!" Immediately whirling around, he relentlessly shouts at the... how should he describe it? The seriously freaking ultra huge blob?
"What're you doing, old man?!" Actually, what the hell is that? He? She? It? They? "We're running out of time here!!"
hairless totoro
Caesar, on the other hand, looks uncomfortable in very much the middle of some kind of tug a war probably waiting happen. No, it's most certainly a tug of war. There really isn't much he can do at this point though he can understand somewhat of the spirit's disappointment with him.
"I'm very sorry," he says to giant the moment he turns his direction to... him? Her? It? Them? "It was wrong for me to be distracted, but please let me go." Other deliveries to send- oils for the spa, pens and inkwells for the HR office, news to deliver to people-he-cares-about-but-afraid-to-put-on-labels-for-now-because-he's-not-worthy-to-put-them-on-any-kind-of-title.
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Salad almost opens his mouth again to complain when the other boy apologises, trying to get out of the situation himself. He waits for his friend to finish before blurting, "You heard him. Let him go already!" That's another tug his way, and more staredown towards the blob monster from the tip of its head to the tip of its toe. (Whatever, Salad's not going to try to figure out whether it's a he or she anymore.) What creepyass googly eyes, freaking hell.
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Thankfully despite the hint of hesitance, Caesar's client lets them go, but not without glaring at him one last time. Fine, Caesar's off the hook for making a newcomer mistake, but next time he isn't going to be off the hook so easy. Scram now before they disrupt business any more than they already have.
And so they're already outside soon, leaving the restaurant through the backdoor and to the muddle and dirty alley of the district. It's cramped and dark even during broad daylight of summer, but at least the air feels a little easier than inside. The taller boy stops staring at the dirty floor beneath his bare feet and turns towards him, "what are you doing here?!"
His family must be so worried right about now, not to mention V-mon and the other chosen children. He couldn't imagine him falling for a wish granting witch, so why?
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"Oh? See, you got it!" That's 'thank you', to you, Salad.
Lucky! He thought, taking his chance to immediately bolt out with his prize. He wouldn't know if the spirit yelled in anger afterwards, or protested about his less-than-acceptable manner, as the vigour he was sprouting amplified the speed in his feet, and they were out of sight! They weren't that far actually, they (Salad) just blindly took every turns he found through the narrow alleys, which he (obviously) didn't know leading where... Great.
He did slow down after maybe almost a minute of sprint, though, focus easing out of fleeing because now he realised that he needed to know what the heck was his friend doing there earlier with the package! What was he handing over to the blob?! Was he caught in some sketchy business?! Salad was about to launch his million questions when the friend suddenly spoke up, prompting him to turn his head with half-opened mouth.
Completely unaware, his hand reflexively tightens its grip on the other's at the question. "Huh? Taking you back home with me, what else?" His tone was like, duh, obviously. "How did you even get here, sheesh... Don't just follow random people on your own like that! I've been worrying someone would snatch you again, and it really happened!" Wild gestures with his free hand animate through the babble, subsequently messing his own hair with a heavy sigh when he's done.
"What were you doing earlier?!" Okay not quite done. "You better not get involved in some weird stuff..." Uh.
Okay he's done now.
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Actually he knows why- he knows even before he thinks of asking why.
In comparison to him, Caesar is hardly sweating or even all that tire. In some other time, he'd think it's almost terrifying how he's gone to accept the bug in him than the fact he doesn't tire out so easily. But in present time, all his thoughts goes to him as his confusion just turns into a plain frown. In a rare moment of emphasizing the situation, Caesar has his hand over his forearm, his grip may be gentle but it's no less firm.
"I'm not," he shakes his head. He's overcome with guilt to hear he's been worried of Caesar, it makes him think of his own parents and how much they must be worried where their son went.
The taller boy bits his tongue as his eyes focuses on the air besides his important person, "you should go back home while you can."
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But instead of a satisfying verbal answer, he receives a gesture he never receives from the friend before, freezing the unoccupied hand mid-air. His eyebrow almost raisesー okay it raises now. "Whaa?" That's all he had to say?! "You seriously think I'm going home without you? Why are you even here in the first place?!"
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It sounds like a better idea to be quiet of it but, he lets out the breath he has been holding. "I asked the Witch for something."
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"I asked her to stop Oikawa before he could continue more with his plans." Caesar omits the fact that wish came out because something compelled him. He really doesn't have to think much to conclude it might be the Witch herself. There's a long silence before he continues with a smaller voice, "... I also asked for her to erase the dark seeds from the kids Oikawa kidnapped."
He never, ever wants to give any child a fate like his.
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"But why? We don't know who she is, and what she will take in return. It doesn't make sense."
To think the word 'doesn't make sense' is coming from him this time. It's just, REALLY weird because this guy, out of anyone else, is the one who actually believes in her and goes along with it. Sure, Salad has no much room to talk since he did follow her too. He took his chances to find the friend, and in fact, he is with him this moment. So in a way, she did keep her... well, she didn't exactly promise, but... something like that. Still!
"If it's about Oikawa, we can just do it on our own, can't we? You don't need to rely on some other powers." His grip on the other boy's hand tightens even more, followed by a light tug as an emphasis. "If we do it together, we definitely can defeat him."
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Caesar stares at him, the words on his throat dies before it could think of anything solid that won't come out as him screaming that he's the real monster that should be banished. It's kinda of a wish come true in Caesar's perspective honestly; this is the closest he feels to atoning his crimes by having everyone avoiding his fate and downfall.
His grip on his hand loosens in comparison, Caesar's sight isn't leaving from the ground any time soon. "That's why you should go home soon, you can still defeat him without me."
... Right? Why does it feel wrong when he says that? He knows that he can pull a miracle through even before their hearts and souls became one during jogress.
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His words leave him faster than he could even process it, louder than he would've intended if he had time to think of it. He couldn't have anyway, the rush of emotions just gushed through him the moment he heard what his friend had to say. It wasn't anger, no, but more of a strong disbelief. How would you expect him to trust your words if you're not willing to meet his eyes, and sounding like it was painful to say aloud? He yanks the arm he's holding, making their proximity much closer than comfortable.
"Is that really what you think? Do you seriously think that you're not needed, even when I'm right here right now?" The grasp on the hand moves to the wrist, his hold firm. "What's the point of you being here if you really think I could defeat Oikawa without you?"
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Caesar stays silent, searching for any kind of regret or fear in him- but there's none. It's silly to look to begin with, there never was any of that sort. His presence is always so warm... his friend, his jogress partner. It's never overwhelming when his partner is around, to the point that the light isn't blinding much more that it gently washes him over and anchors him against the Dark Ocean's temptations when they had sealed Daemon not too long ago.
With him around, it makes him believe that he isn't just him and Wormmon desperately trying to fix the damage they cause. That there's a place for him in someone's heart, after all.
"You're not wrong." He's not sure but his answer feels more right than his previous declaration. Still, his hand turns into a fist as he inhales deeply, he's the worst kind of human.
"But, this is the last chance you could get to leave."
He can't, and he locked himself up in a sort of jail.
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Those aren't the eyes of someone who believes that they're worth nothing and should be left on their own in this strange, unfamiliar world. He might not be the best at reading people, but this is the one thing ー the one person ー he's completely sure about. He knows that he knows, deep down, how much he is needed, how he will never back down no matter how much he's being pushed away.
He's very clear of his goal from the very start, and that hasn't changed a bit. He'll do whatever it takes to bring his precious friend back with him, even if it means fighting this world. They've done so many unimaginable things ー they've gone so far. There's no reason for them to stop here.
It's going to be so, so different without V-mon and Wormmon on their sides, but things always change. Situations change. What doesn't, and will never change is the trust he puts in the friend right by his side, and in their comrades back home. They may be far apart, but their hearts are one. That's why, he's ready for anything, and always is.
The determination gathers in the strength of his grip and the intensity of his gaze to the other, that even if he doesn't say it, it probably has gotten across. He will say it anyway, because he wants it to absolutely get across. "I'm not leaving without you, and that's final." With that said, he turns his back to face the other, still not letting go as he resumes their (his) stride.
"We're seeing that old hag." No, he's not gonna let go anytime soon.
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And because of that, Caesar's aware he's not being freed any time soon. However, his stance is firm as with his the back of his neck already starting to burn at the mere thought of visiting the Witch. He can try to pull him any time, but Caesar feet remains firmly planted on the spot.
"We can't, I don't think it's a good idea for us to visit the Witch." Namely, he has no idea how his mind will react seeing her again, especially since he's still adjusting when there's so many strange powers around and overloading senses that he initially didn't have. "The deal's been made, I can't leave."
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And indeed, he did.
But it makes zero sense to Salad, this whole thing. How can they trust The Witch, who looks obviously suspicious and is most probably trying to take advantage of them? What are the chances of her not wanting to make use of the dark seed inside his partner? She has the similar vibes to Archnemon and all!
"Are you sure she's not tricking you?" His voice comes out much calmer than his louder thoughts.
Even if the deal has been made, there should be a way to cancel it. They can't waste anymore time here. Who knows what Oikawa could be doing back in Japan now? The Witch is their only clue, as she's the one who took them down here. There's no other choice than to see her, it's not like he wants to do it either. "We need to go back." His grip on the wrist loosens, but only to slide down and squeeze the friend's hand as an emphasis. "We can't let our friends fight on their own, and I can't leave you here." He steps closer, trying to meet the other's eyes. "Please."
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Blue eyes aren't clouded by any kind of spirit or device -not yet, he thinks to himself- but they're not masking any sort of feelings either, his expression may seem even but his eyes are only showing fear.
"Even so, I've given my word to her," and he isn't breaking it, he isn't going to do that anymore even if someone tells him it's an alternate reality. The eye contact doesn't last long before Ceasar breaks away, his voice turning smaller, "I'm not sure if I can explain something about the Witch when I met her."
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"Then, let's do it together." The intensity shooting out of his eyes threatens to overpower the ones before him, as if demanding 'look at me'. None of the jitters of fear are being left out in those irises. "It'll be faster if we do it together, so we can go home faster, too." If there's really no other choice, he's in this with him. But what if there's actually a choice? It's ridiculous that they have to work for something they were being tricked for, and he's definitely not going to just accept it. "But we will still talk to her."
...Wait, what did he just say?
"Hold on. What do you mean with 'something about the Witch'?"
ACTION!
He walks into their shared room and lightly kicks the ball to Salad's direction.]
Want to do a rematch?
[Now more fair without his enhancement giving him too much advantage!]
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But he can't lie about how happy he is over getting a soccer ball as one of the rewards for their joint delivery the other day. It's actually not a soccer ball per se, but close enough! He's satisfied with it.
He accepts the ball Caesar kicks his way with the tip of his foot, following it up with some light juggling. It goes up his knee, to his head, and... drops back down to the floor. ]
Tch! [ Needs more practice, it seems. ] Huh? Rematch? [ Salad doesn't look up, eyes busy paying attention to the ball he's dribbling ahead of the friend. He stays quiet for a few more moments as he goes further, and further... before finally realising what Caesar is talking about.
That instant, he runs back to the other boy with Mach speed. ]
Did you say rematch?! Uhyooo!! FO SHO!! Let's look around for an empty field!!!
[ His fists are clenched in excitement, and if he had a tail, it'll be wagging with all its might now. He may not be saying it aloud, but just looking at the aura he's emitting, it's definitely shouting: LET'S GO LET'S GO LET'S GO NOW RIGHT NOW LET'S GO I'M READY LET'S GO!!!! Salad is so, so ready for a walk with his owner! ]