TDM #1 - "Welcome to the Digital World"

[tamerunion]

I'll become a happy butterfly, and ride on the glittering wind
I'll come to see you soon
It's best to forget the unnecessary things
There's no more time to be fooling around...

[ Prompt #1 ]
[ "Welcome Tamers" ]

So, you've answered "yes" to the question asking you if you want to save the world. You've gone through the Digital Gate. You've been greeted by Sunflowmon and Nanomon, and told about Tamer Union and the fact that you're to be partnered to a Digimon. What's next?

As it turns out? Ain't no party like a Digimon party because a Digimon party don't stop, and this Digimon party is the biggest and brightest that's been seen in Access City in quite some time! Finally, the Tamer Union is reborn! All these new Tamers and their brand new Digimon are gathered together here in the hopes of bringing peace to the Digital World once more. And what better way to welcome them with a party?

The streets are lined with streamers and festive blinking bits of circuit boards. Multicolored transistors glow softly, lighting the way for revelers who might not yet have a sense of the layout of the town. But hey, if one wishes to step off the beaten path to explore a little more, they're not going to stop you. They all lead to an open area in Access Park, where the main thrust of the party can be found. There’s music being played all night, which might either be new to you, or might be familiar; Tamer Union’s database has samples from across the multiverse, it turns out!

That’s not all, because all of of Access City is now open to new arrivals, from Omekamon’s Arcade to Club Zeal. What’s that? Oh yes, every single establishment in the city will be open all night. It’s a citywide party, after all. Don’t have any BITS? Every single shop is willing to waive their fees… within reason, that is. No one’s going to let you empty out an entire place of business after all.

It’s not all fun and games, though. This is your chance for you and your Digimon partner to meet and get to know one another. Maybe they zero in on you during the party. Maybe the two of you have already found one another. Either way, a night like this may set a precedent for how the two of you you will get on for the future.

[ Prompt #2 ]
[ "Refreshing Refreshments?" ]

No party would be complete without food and drink, and this one's no exception. Access City has gone all out and brought in the widely renowned digital chef, Ebidramon, the proprietor of Ebidramon's Eatery, a restaurant that can be found deep within nearby Bitrot Swamp. Digimon come from far and wide to sample Ebidramon's cuisine, but today, the cuisine has been brought to you!

Ebidramon's palate is said to have ascended beyond human comprehension, and so some of the available foods might not be to everyone's tastes. There's sausage and jellybean pizza and banana and anchovy sliders. There are potato chips and a mysterious "Digital Dip," which the more adventurous among the new arrivals may be able to discover is a delectable blending of marshmallow fluff and caviar. Cookies of all kinds are available as well, ranging from benign chocolate chip to chocolate sandwich cookies with a variety of fun fillings like espresso and buffalo wing. There are asparagus-clam smoothies and a wide selection of the finest sodas and fruit juices available from all across the island. What’s more, some of the strange fruits from Material Jungle have been brought in—the kinds that might leave you turning purple, coughing up polka dots, or making you really energetic all of a sudden.

There's something for everyone, and you can eat as much as you want! This stuff isn't going to keep as leftovers.

[ Prompt #3 ]
[ "They're Throwing What?!" ]

It's the next day. The party has come and gone, and all that's left of it is stuff to be cleaned up. But hey, that's a job for civil servants right? Though they won't say no to anyone offering to help out.

But before any of that can happen, an incident occurs. Coming up from the city's sewers are the likes of Numemon and Geremon. What are those who usually dwell among the muck and the grime coming out of their hole for? Well, they know there was a party last night, and they're angry over not being invited.

(The whole city was invited. The Numemon and Geremon were simply told not to come if they were going to be a nuisance, and they took that to mean not to come at all.)

Putting aside the inequities of Access City vis a vis the filth dwellers, the Numemon and Geremon are intent on trashing Access Park where the party was held and vandalizing as many places of business as they can. Whether that be by throwing their pink "sludge" everywhere, or by trashing the party equipment and furniture, they're intent on raising a lot of really, really dirty hell.

Those caught up in the chaos must either dodge the so-called "goo" they're flinging or work to stop them. Thankfully, Numemon and Geremon aren't too difficult to deal with, despite their being Adult Levels. Tamer Union didn't intend this to be the first challenge Tamers faced in coming to the Digital World, but it seems fate itself had other ideas.

Mod Notes - Please refer to the Game Info/FAQ for details on how various things in this game work. If something is not covered there, we have the What Are Digimon? page, the Glossary of Terms, the in-progress locations post, and profiles for Digimon up to the Child-Level. If something isn't covered there and you have further questions, or questions about the TDM itself, there will be a space to ask the mods themselves. Also, watch for posts where you can directly interact with some of Tamer Union's key NPCs!

Comments

[ourtomorrow]

[ Ken laughs fondly, which comes easily to him now. ]

...Well, we can still pace ourselves.

[ ....Is something wrong, though? He doesn't associate "stiffness" with Miyako-san, but small details of her posture and gesture bother him. He'd like to gain more evidence before asking, but - you have his attention, Inoue Miyako.

His careful attention.

But also his consideration, as he fetches a plate of food himself - mostly, admittedly, for Wormmon. ] There's room near the Digimon.

[ Wormmon has had a great deal of fun bouncing around but now he has landed on his back and can't get up! FLAILING COMMENCES ]

[bingos]

No way! Could you imagine if we let all the new kids pass us up? It's our job to be the ✨ cool ones ✨ for once, Ken-kun!

[ A finger is held up alongside the too easy grin for extra emphasis. "Cool ones," said in such a way that it almost feels like Miyako's emphasis on the word is sparkling — Perhaps it is.

If there was something stiff about her, in quick decision she's stuffed it back down: All smiles as she places the bag of provisions down nearby and half jogs to where Hawkmon and Wormmon are. Before the bird Digimon can flap back down to help his friend she's leaning forward with a playful expression: ]

Oh, look what we have here, an open belly for tickling —

[ She even makes a show of waggling her fingers, but instead of acting on her evil-tickle scratches moves to help turn the worm digimon over and place him right side up: ] There we go!

[ourtomorrow]

[ ...Ken doesn't consider himself particularly "cool", but he can't fault Miyako-san's enthusiasm. Her behavior has shifted again. Maybe he'd imagined it....Either way, worrying about it won't help the present moment. If something happens, he's here. He'll take things as they come.

And what's come is that Wormmon giggles and squirms in anticipation but then moves in to hug Miyako when she saves him from his dreadful plight. ] Thankyou!YouresonicewemissyoualotespeciallyKenchanwhydoesKenchanpullupyournameonthephoneandthenputitdownhekeepsdoingthat--

[ Ken's cheeks flush until he pushes back the reaction. ]

---ah, easy, Wormmon.....

[bingos]

[ She's as much a whirlwind as ever at least — Bright smile and easy laughter at Wormmon when he hugs her. It's difficult to keep up with what the little bug was saying, so for a moment she's confused. Blinking between the pair and barely managing to keep a flush from her own cheeks. ]

Well [ She tries to amount herself to some authority in her tone, pleased that she doesn't manage to stutter over the word well like she felt she might have — ] When you don't get to see someone in a while, you want to check up on them!

Miyako-san would know something about that.

[ Now she does color, bonking her partner lightly on the head as he lands on the ground next to them. ] Keep that up and I won't be making nice food for any of us.

[ That any sure is pointed at Hawkmon who salutes in understanding and decides his favorite food is more important than teasing his partner. She tucked a strand behind her hair. ] Spain's amazing. I've seen a lot of cool places, but it's not the same without everyone else, too. You know?

[ourtomorrow]

Mm. [ Ken nods, relaxing into the change of subject. He can definitely imagine that being the case....He's always happier with Wormmon, or a friend or family member, by his side. Every experience becomes more precious when shared. ] I'm glad we'll get to see this Digital World together.

Metoooooooooo..ooohhh....

[ Wormmon yawns. He's done a lot of bouncing and babbling and now he's getting a little sleepy. Ken holds him like a baby, and Wormmon snuggles in. Good night, everymon. And Ken-chan.

Ken-chan is special and gets to be separate. ]

[bingos]

[ Crisis adverted. Momentarily. Miyako gave an enthusiastic bob of her head. ]

After all this time it's nice to go on another adventure!

[ She speaks honestly, as ever, because she does truly like the adventure. Maybe she doesn't enjoy fighting or what fighting may or may not mean right now — But being able to spend time with everyone, meeting lots of new people, and seeing the worlds. That's her favorite thing to do.

Perhaps, it's Ken's influence that allows her to calm slightly. Lidding the boiling water of anxiety as she hums: ]

Looks like he finally wore himself out~ What do you think, should we find some place for him to rest up? I need to properly pack the food we picked up too in case we need it later.

[ourtomorrow]

[ Ah, right....Wormmon can't join them for food if he's asleep. Ken knows the importance of staying fortified, though, so: ] If you're hungry now, please don't hold back. I'll keep something for him.

[ Wormmon murmurs something about Ken-chan~ and curls up like a pillbug. Cozy. ]

[bingos]

Oh! This isn't for now. [ Miyako offers a wink and a grin before raising her hands up in an 'it is what it is' kind of gesture. ] I've been to the Digital World enough to know to stock up on supplies. You never know when its going to send you somewhere!

[ And given this is the first time they've really been stuck in the Digital World for a prolonged time — maybe she's being a little bit Over Prepared.

Grin widening, she lowered her voice and offered in a conspiratorial tone: ]

Besides, I was snacking on all the cookies when Hawkmon was gathering everything earlier!

[ourtomorrow]

[ Ken grins. Being told things in "confidence", even jokes, still never fails to warm him. They're important moments that indicate closeness with someone he cares about. He treasures them. ]

That's true. Keeping the Digimon fed is important, as well.

[ Case in point: Wormmon is dreaming something about eating a giant salad with Ken-chan. He looks so happy.

Anyway. Make a Plan time. ] I'm afraid I didn't answer the invitation with much on me... [ He shows what he's got: his wallet, smartphone D-3, Crest of Kindness to keep it flexible whether or not michi e no armor shinka is canon, handkerchief, punch card for something called the Pan-Japan Onsen All-You-Can-Soak Tour (three-fourths completed). The wallet at least has dollars in it.

It also includes more pictures of his family than any self-respecting nineteen-year-old usually carries around, but Ken has very different criteria about what makes him respect himself. ]

[bingos]

[ Miyako's smile softens with a more warm than playful touch. There's always been something precious about Ken Ichijouji's smile that she'd never admit to anyone but herself — Although, Hawkmon has seemed to figure it out and tease her on occasion. Thankfully, said Digimon is too busy watching over their sleeping friend. ]

Just the Digimon? I'll have you know as the official snack supplier all of you are grumpy if you haven't eaten in a while. [ She stops and laughs to rub the back of her head cheerfully. ] Me most of all.

[ She turned her attention to the items he had on him — Nothing more than something anyone would carry to go about their day. It was to be expected. How many people prepared to go to another world — Well about that... ]

I had a pack for emergencies that Hawkmon and I put together a couple months back. Wate, first aid kits, hygenie supplies, some battery packs —you know? I grabbed that when I saw the message... It's too bad I didn't think to prepare more in advance, but I thought you guys might be in trouble and wanted to get here right away after all!

[ Half disappointed in herself, she grins anyway. It was who she was after all. ]


[OOC: Noting that not sure if a survival pack would be 100% okay but we can just go with that it didn't come with on arrival or retcon later, it just made sense! ]

[ourtomorrow]

[ Ken shakes his head, impressed. He'd responded in the heat of the moment, but she'd thought this through.... ] No, that's exceptional. Thank you, Miyako-san.

Ken-chan, are we going camping?

Possibly. We're here until this world is saved.

[bingos]

Of course! Besides, I'm not staying in the Digital World without at least some kind of toilet paper ever — [ A beat and she scrambles to wave a hand in front of her head, turning her head slightly away to hide her creeping flush: ] Ah, I mean — I learned a lot from our last camping trip in the Digital World! Ever since then, I've tried keeping ready:

[ Snacks and some minor supplies were not all they needed for any prolonged stay. But as quickly as she'd panicked she'd blinked in surprise as if realizing something: ]

Right, I forgot you two weren't with us on our camping trip.

[ Back when he was the Digimon Kaiser. Hawkmon looked, for his part, mildly confused and pipes: ]

How did you forget that, Miyako-san?

Because it's felt like Ken-kun has always been with us!

[ It's said as abruptly as ever, without missing a beat. If there's any embarrassment attached, she doesn't show it. How could she? In her mind, Ken was the Digimon Kaiser but he wasn't Ken. Ken had been someone so easily integrated into her life, it's like they'd spent that entire journey together. ]

[ourtomorrow]

[ Ken takes this mention of their shared (or not) past in stride; if anything, it's sweet to be reminded she considers him that integral to the group, and had so quickly. ]

In any case, you should be able to keep supplied. I'm surprised this area is so urban.

[ He looks thoughtful. ]

It seems at peace....

[ But if the Digimon here actively, specifically summoned people - Chosen Children and not - from other worlds, then something grievously wrong must be on the brink of occurring. Everyone has showed them such hospitality! He'll do all he can for them. ]

[bingos]

Yeah, it always has, huh?

[ Because just like them, most Digimon was just living their daily lives. Not all of them were bent on taking over and/or destroying the Digital World — all worlds — just for fun. So many of them were happy to meet others.

It's why she smiles and waves at a passing Frigimon before her brows furrow slightly and she frowns mumbling, more to herself: ]

But it doesn't stay that way. Things are always changing, just like our world.

[ourtomorrow]

That's true. We'll have to do our part - so all worlds have a future.

[ Wormmon snuggles closer. Ken smiles. The "normal", uneventful days....really are the ones he cherishes, and fights for. ]

[bingos]

Well said!

[ Hawkmon's agreement is enthusiastic as Miyako gave a low hum of her own — the sound more contemplative in nature before she released a breath: ]

Well, anyway, as long as we don't forget our own futures! The Digitial World had my teenage years, it better not get in the way of my ten-year-plan!

[ Please whatever you do, Ken, avoid asking about her ten-year-plan. It is nothing rational. ]

[ourtomorrow]

[ ....Ken has known Miyako-san for eight years, and therefore understands this is not something about which to inquire.

It's noteworthy, though, how several of his friends refer to their Chosen Children work as extricable from their daily lives, even in jest. As much as Ken cherishes the mundane moments, he doesn't think of his life as having two distinct halves. Perhaps that's illuminating? Whatever he's going to do with his own future, it'll integrally feature the Digimon, and continuing to resolve incidents relating to them. Continuing to always be looking for "what he can do". That's what feels like Ken Ichijouji's future.

How mysterious. He's fairly sure...he wants to be a Chosen Child when he grows up.

None of that helps the current situation, though - worth discussion at a later time, but not if it interferes with getting settled. ]

Have you found the group lodging? We could drop off your supplies.

[bingos]

[ Wow!! Not being interested in her plans for the future and some of them probably include you, shaking her head!!

If there's any moment of silence she tilts her head to it — If she knew what he was thinking, she'd deny it immediately. The Digital World and her adventures with them and Hawkmon are important — But she'd be the first to admit she didn't want to fight all the time. She never wanted to in the first place. Her plans didn't fail to include the Digital World in some ways, she just doesn't want to have to fight as they have until now.

It's not asked, however, and for the moment she's no reason to pursue it further as she hums: ]

Oh! You mean the apartments? We stopped by earlier! It's strange to have a space all to ourselves...

[ It's a tone that's as if she's not sure she likes it too much. ]

[ourtomorrow]

Strange?

[ Ken doesn't want to presume he knows what she means by that, especially since he has yet to see said apartments. ]

[bingos]

Sure is!

[ Her response is more cheerful than the last as she laughs: ] I always wanted my own space when I was a kid having three older siblings. I've had to share a room since before dormitories and sharehouses, you know?

[ She turns more sheepish as she shrugs a shoulder: ] But as it turns out, I've never minded sharing a room. I'd just like a minute or two to myself sometimes!

[ And no that doesn't include from Hawkmon ; In a natural way, her idea of her partner is separate from how she sees others and sharing spaces. ]

[ourtomorrow]

[ Ken gets it, Ken gets it. ] Reflection and company are both important. I'd also like to do more in groups....

[ Is Ken Ichijouji trying to think of ways Miyako Inoue won't get lonely? Surely this perfect a man doesn't exist, right? ]

[bingos]

[ Just come visit her every day: Solved. She won't ever admit to being lonely in Spain after all.

She DOES tilt her head at his mention, brows furrowing before she asks: ]

What kind of things would you like to do in a group, Ken-kun?

[ourtomorrow]

Let's see.

[ He considers this, shifting Wormmon to a more comfortable position in his arms. Wormmon, content, burbles something nasal but sleeps on. ]

"Tamer" business, obviously. But daily staples like meals, recreation.....I don't have particularly strong activity preferences, so long as a group of friends does it together.

[ Perhaps this is too vague. He needs to provide more specifics. ] I'd say my ideal balance of solitude to communal time is around.....thirty-five percent to sixty-five percent? Even pursuing individual hobbies in a shared area is comforting.

[ Read: middle school Ken folded a lot of origami on the kitchen table while Mama cooked and Wormmon.....helped Mama. By taste testing.

Wormmon was a Very Good Helper. ]

[bingos]

[ The way in which Ken takes her question so seriously isn't surprisng, but it caught her off guard anyway. As if he's spent a lot of time thinking about it down to a percentage. She can't help but blink once, then twice, and give a soft laugh into her hand — not demeaning, but amused: ]

You've given it a lot of thought, huh? I feel like you're reciting a textbook right now! [ Her laughter fades as she drops her hand: ] But I'm glad you enjoy company so much now... A long time ago, I would have thought that was way lower.

[ Her pride in him is probablu showing in the way she smiles. Hums and turns away to glance down at her own partner — who'd reclaimed their sack of goodies before she noticed: ]

All right! Since it's only fair — I'm a solid 80 / 20!

[ourtomorrow]

[ Ken is interested! And touched that Miyako-san chose to use his same system. ] We're fairly compatible, then.

[ KEN

KEN YOUR PHRASING

OF ALL THE TIMES NOT TO THINK BEFORE YOU TALK ]