View source for 1617/Friend Or Foe: Lets Play--Spar

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2015/02/19
|Location=The Eastern Ruins
|Synopsis=Duke meets up with Alexis and Artyom, while learning a bit about them as well. There is also a spar fight involved.
|Thanks=
|Cast of Characters=459, 665, 718
|Tinyplot=
|Tinyplot2=
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:718|Duke (718)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The Ruins were vast and large, though some spirits also roamed here. Yet who would come here probably were not seeking Spirits, but rather a red dino Digimon named Duke. A Guilmon X who didn't always seem the brightest perhaps over the radio-- or at least-- was extremely childish.<br /><br />While the morning comprised of meeting Lute and Kari-- Duke was now ready to meet two others. One who helped him understand what a comm was-- and the other who didn't seem to happy about Lute's attention being on the Digimon.<br /><br />The Guilmon X was not very tall either, only maybe around four feet tall and by a few inches. He could maybe be hear chanting in the wind about digging and when they did find him. He would be doing just that, digging through some rubble and letting out a sneeze from all the dust.<br /><br />Though when a small rat-like creature tried to escape, those gold eyes of the Digimon locked onto it and then followed it running off. Before his eyes narrow and then went charging after it. "Come here! Duke can hunt too!" However the rat went into a pipe and while the Digimon followed....<br /><br />..he ended up getting stuck and then trying to get himself out of his odd-- situation.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:459|Alexis (459)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>To be fair, it wasn't just Lute that Alexis was worried about, though she'd made it very clear over a private channel she wouldn't tolerate him dicking anything up, either. But she was concerned more about what some of the people Lute worked with might do if they decide to mess with things.<br /><br />That and Beezlebumon's explaination wasn't really reassuring about Yddrassil and what might of gone on in that Digital World. He may not be the most reliable source of information, but at the same time, he struck her more as someone who as a ass for amusement rather than lying for no real reason, based on a digimon or not.<br /><br />"Chrrrrr." &lt;Why do people always have to get LOST in ruins,&gt; muttered the Charizard she was riding on over the ruins, looking for a sign of the red dinosaur digimon.<br /><br />"Because that's what they are there for," Alexis replied like it was the most sensible, logical answer.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:665|Artyom W. Valodjn (665)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Tracking someone down in the multiverse without the backing of a massive organization is kind of a pain in the ass. It took a few favors to a few oracles and a lot of trial and error, but somehow, Artyom has managed to find his way... here.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;...Wherever here is. 'Here' appears to be a set of ruins. This is reassuring, given what Duke had said about his whereabouts, but 'ruins' could be basically anything anywhere. Not many are right next to cities, though. That did help narrow it down a little bit.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And so the Titanic Geomancer arrives, his travelling cloak billowing about his legs as he walks into the broken place. A chill runs down his spine the grave energies of this place flicker across his consciousness. But he's not looking to fight any ghosts, today- rather, he's searching for something called a 'digimon.'<br /><br />...Whatever those are.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In any case, locating Duke is something of a priority right now. Largely because he'd really rather not have Lute take advantage of the little guy, but also because Artyom is carrying a plastic bucket full of delicious-smelling fried meats around in his one hand, and that's just not something you want to eat cold.<br /><br />Maybe the smell will lure him out!?<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:718|Duke (718)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The Guilmon X however was stuck as Alexis was flying in, though her Charizard may notice a red dino-dragon rear end sticking out of a long pipe, who's back feet were braced against the metal /trying/ to pull itself out.<br /><br />Though the aroma of food does make its way to Duke, through via the pipe. The Guilmon X blinks his eyes a few times as he sniffs at it. "Mmm?" He cants his head, his ear fins go up, "Foood!" Which is echoed through the pipe-- and so he tries again.<br /><br />With one final shove he pops himself out, goes rolling across part of the ground, then down a hill and almost lands on top of poor Artyom.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:459|Alexis (459)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&lt;Should we be concerned he's stuck in a pipe?&gt; "Wha?" Alexis nudges Redline to bank back around, but by the time the fire lizard has done so Duke has gotten himself loose and tumbling down the hill. &lt;Nevermind.&gt; "Well at least we found him."<br /><br />The Charizard swoops in low, pulling up and spreading his wings wide to brake his descent so he comes to rest on the ground without must disruption save a bit of dust flitting about as he settles his wings into their usual passive half-folded position. Once he's settled Alexis hops down off his back. "Guess it's true what they say about thinking with the stomach."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:665|Artyom W. Valodjn (665)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Being eight feet tall has its disadvantages. You hit your head on a lot of things, and sometimes you have to bend /really/ low to make sure you can fit into tight corridors, and it makes you a pretty huge target. But for all that, Artyom can firmly say that he rather enjoys being a Titan.<br /><br />For one, it lets you absorb the impact of a rolling dinosaur-thing, even if it did come down a hill.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Gwuh--" Artyom grunts as he's suddenly the victim of a head-on digital collision. He staggers back a but, but manages to not only catch himself, but the lizard-ish digimon as well! He kind of has to dig his toe into the ground to make sure he doesn't fall over, but still.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Duke," Artyom says, setting the Guilmon back onto solid ground, "I presume? I brought something to eat, as promised." He hoists his bucket o' meat, "...I hope it's enough, though." <br /><br />The arrival of a second- and distinctly draconic- lizard catches his attention, then. Artyom stares up at the Charizard and its rider. He promptly says the first thing that comes to mind: "...Dragoon?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:718|Duke (718)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The Guilmon X is caught by the giant human and is then placed down. He shakes his body to get some of the dirt off, while looking at the very bucket of meat. He sniffs at the food, though his gold eyes turn over as the Charizard lands down. He then blinks a few times at the Charizard, before his eyes go over to Alexis. "You have a Digimon too?" He squints at the Charizard, "...though that doesn't look like any Digimon Duke knows..." He sniffs in the Charizard's direction. ".. or smells like it.."<br /><br />Guilmon X then turns his focus back to the food, looks up at Artyom and blinks his eyes a few times. "You're tall..." He blinks again and then rubs his head. "...and hard." He snorts to the side and then looks back into the bucket. "Food smalls good."<br /><br />Duke's tail moves side to side before he then smiles at them both, his ear fins perking up a bit. "But yep! Duke is Duke!" If Artyom is careful at this point he may find suddenly that bucket being snatched out from his hands and Duke sticks his snout right down into it to chow down like no tomorrow.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:459|Alexis (459)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"No, but I suppose that term does fit using one to get around," Alexis replies to Artyom. Having been around pokemon of assorted sizes, transformers and other things for a while she's hardly phased by the Titan's height.<br /><br />And Duke goes right for the food. Oi. She shrugs her shoulders a little, and explains anyways. "No, this is a Pokemon... though there are some similarities, I suppose. They get stronger by fighting, we work together and stuff like that. But he's not a digimon." Good thing she didn't bring out the Porygon, that might of been more confusing.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:665|Artyom W. Valodjn (665)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Artyom doesn't cling to his bucket o' meat. He brought it here for a reason, after all! Still, it's maybe just a little bit unsettling how quickly the digimon goes for it- how hungry is he, anyway? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well, yes," he says, lightly brushing the dust from his cloak. It doesn't really... leave the fabric, really. It just kind of gets spread around a little bit. There's a lot of dirt on that cloak, "We of Titan are made of rather sturdy stuff. We have stones for bones."<br /><br />He's probably using a figure of speech. Probably.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Artyom nods at Alexis. "Forgive me. I'm not used to seeing dragons in any context. The ones back home are... reclusive and territorial. Though also very highly regarded." He inclines his head at the Charizard. Perhaps this one is a bit smaller than most dragons from Bahamut, though.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:718|Duke (718)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Alexis explains and the Digimon looks up from where is eating from the bucket, bits of meat over his snout which he licks off. He stares at her with those gold eyes of his and then looks over to Charizard. "Ah." Is all he says before he dives back into the food.<br /><br />It does seem the Duke thinks with his stomach... at least for now.. hopefully..<br /><br />Though when Artyom speaks up, Duke looks up at him as well, "..rock for bones..?" The Guilmon X tilts his head gently.."Do all humans have rock for bones?" He licks his chops as he asks. Though he looks at Artyom-- the meat-- back at Artyom-- and then slids a piece into his maw as he waits for an answer, chomping away at it.<br /><br />Yet Duke's attention doesn't stay long as he looks over to the Charizard, then to Alexis. Still eating a bit contently. Then he looks back to Artyom. This is where he picks up the bucket and walks over with a bit before he plops down with it. "There! Now Duke can easily see everyone!" Nom!<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:459|Alexis (459)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"He's not a typical human," Alexis chimes in before Duke can get any confusing ideas. Though he seems more interested in eating. Not surprising. She's heard from enough people that do know digimon that food is the quickest way for them to build up energy. Not that he seems to be all that short on it. "Name's Alexis, by the way." Idly she leans against the Charizard's side.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:665|Artyom W. Valodjn (665)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"N...no. Not that I know of," Artyom coughs into a fist. "It's just a phrase we use on Titan sometimes. I'm not sure if there's any truth to it." He has no interest in opening anyone up to check, either. Artyom's Job is Geomancer, not Surgeon! Surgeon isn't even a job! White Mage and Chemist both are, though.<br /><br />"I am Artyom," he nods towards Alexis, then looks toward Duke, "Though I believe I've been introduced to our friend here already, hm? Over the radio."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:718|Duke (718)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Duke looks over to Artyom and nods his head. "Duke remember! Artyom! ...sometimes called Frank!" The Guilmon X tilts his head. "...Artyom better." He cleans off his claws about then, seeming to have been done with whatever meat was in the bucket, his gold eyes look over to Alexis. "..Alexis?" He says to repeat her name. "Alexis!" He then chants her name a few times, before smiling.<br /><br />Duke then turns the bucket upside down and shakes it a few times to see if anything else comes out. "..aw.. all gone.." He pouts a bit, but then sticks it on top of his head and grins. Though he catches his own reflection with the metal bucket there and stares at his reflection for a moment.<br /><br />His gold eyes almost seem to glaze over for a moment, before they narrow slightly. He then blinks, shakes his head and then tosses the bucket aside, growling at it. For-- whatever the reason. He huffs some smoke from his nostrils and then closes his eyes.<br /><br />His ear fins twitch gentle and keeps his eyes closed shut. His tail tip gently tapping the ground, before he opens his gold eyes again. He blinks them a few times and huffs in some frustration. "Are... are you both going to be like Lute and offer food.. and shelter.. for safety of others? And in return.. aid sometimes?" His gold eyes look at them both, there was a flicker of blue in them for a moment.<br /><br />"Cause.. Duke remember you both.. were also against Lute." His gold eyes then looks over at the bucket. "Yet Lute first human friend ever." He smiles then seeming to try and shove aside whatever thought came with that bucket. "So lets be friends too and play! Duke remember he asked for spar! Duke still want to spar! Cause it help Duke get stronger!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:459|Alexis (459)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Alexis briefly frowns a little when Lute is brought up, because she herself isn't entirely sure yet what to make of 'this' version of Lute. "As long as he's sincere about helping..." Finally she sighed a little, pigtails swaying with a shake of her head. "Honestly I'm less worried about him, and more about what some of the other people he ... works with at times might try to do. Sounds like your world has had enough trouble as it is."<br /><br />But then she shrugs it off, going back to her usual demeanor and a more pleasant smile. "Right, a spar. Pokemon also get stronger by testing their strength and skills against different opponents. We actually have... I guess you would call it competative games, on the matter."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:665|Artyom W. Valodjn (665)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;...Maybe Artyom should have brought more than one bucket of meat.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The giant watches as Duke seems to contemplate his own appearance, only to find it... wanting. 'Dukemon,' huh? A knight who once served to protect the Digital World. A bucket isn't much of a knightly helmet, though. If this truly is the same 'Duke.'<br /><br />But that's neither here nor there.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Not quite," Artyom rumbles in reply. He slides his free hands up to undo the clasp on his cloak, allowing the heavy cloth to collapse into a heap at his feet. Then he undoes the buckles tethering his massive stone blade to his back and shoulders. It slides away slowly, its tip breaking the earth below and sinking down deep until it stands stable on its own. "As I said before, I'm not looking for aid unless it is freely given. Food, shelter, friendship, certainly. But this is no business transaction. I don't ask for anything in exchange."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Artyom extends his hands to either side. Tremors shake the ground underfoot as twin shafts of stone begin twisting out of the earth. He seizes them, shattering their tether to the ground, the stone shafts reshaping themselves into paired, cleaver-like bludgeons. "As for me," he continues, inclining his head, "I don't care much for what Lute does. However, I cannot stand for such manipulative actions. Nobody should fight in any war unless they must, or unless they decide for themselves whether to do so or not. That's just what I think, anyway."<br /><br />He lifts one of his bludgeons to the little lizardlike creature, "So then, whenever you're ready."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:718|Duke (718)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Duke hrms softly. "Lute said that Confederacy could help protect us.. and that Union would not help. That Union would be bad." His eye ridges furrow a bit. "Doran though didn't like Lute.. which has Duke worried.. Doran is smart.. Duke.."<br /><br />He looks at his claws and sighs. "..Duke maybe not so smart." He grumps a touch, but then when Alexis talks about competition his ear fins perk up. "Competition?" He smiles a bit. "Duke love competitions! Duke want to join! Duke want to join!!" He then pauses and tilts his head. His gold eyes blink a few times, "..Can Duke join?"<br /><br />Then Artyom decides to do some Geomancy and this causes Duke to quickly get up and scramble back. Those gold eyes watch as the giant man seems to command the ground and his gold eyes go wide. The Guilmon X's mouth opens slightly in awe at what Artyom has done and then blinks his eyes a few times. His snout twitches gently as he sniffs the air.<br /><br />When Artyom points the Bludgeon at the Digimon, Duke narrows his eyes. Suddenly those innocent eyes, take on a much sharper look, something deep within them sealed away staring directly into Artyom's own eyes. Sizing him up quickly.<br /><br />Duke's tail comes to steady itself as his huffs out a bit of flame from his maw. There is a warrior spirit in those young eyes-- something far more powerful then what is being shown. Something-- maybe locked away. "Duke doesn't know how well, Duke will do." His three clawed feet digs into the ground, "But Duke will do his best!"<br /><br />Then with a shove off his feet, he goes charging right at Artyom. He roars out, before he leaps into the air and tries to flip kick against him with his back legs.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:459|Alexis (459)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Alexis blinks at that. Then tosses her head back with a small laugh. Redline cranes his head to give her an odd look. "See, Lute's just saying that because he wants his side to be the only ones to help," she explains to the odd looks she's getting. "That, or thinks that because Yggdrasil is the 'boss' of your world, that the Union wouldn't oppose him. Which, if what Beelzebumon said is actually true about what Yggrasil tried to do, isn't going to be an issue. Trying to wipe out one kind of digimon just because they're a little different is genocidal, and the Union isn't gonna stand for that, leader, god, or whatever this Yggdrasil may be."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:665|Artyom W. Valodjn (665)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"The Union will help if you ask," Artyom replies before the fight begins in earnest. "Lute has something of a vested interest in you joining the Confederacy. He seems the type to manipulate others to achieve his own goals. Or rather, /that/ Lute seemed like this to me."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"And you did not agree to join them outright, at the very least. You still have much to learn, but your judgment is sound," Artyom continues, falling into a ready stance, his weapons held defensively over his torso. "But... War is not merely a competition. In war, people's lives are at stake. It is not something I would wish on anyone unless they fully understood the implications."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He starts to say more when he notices a... change in the Digimon's demeanor. Artyom has seen that gleam of bestial intelligence before- all adventurers in Galianda have seen it at least once. It's similar to the battle-instinct that burns within the monsters that lurk the plates, but... more focused, somehow.<br /><br />Perhaps he should have used his greatsword.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Duke surges forward with animal grace, leaps into the air, and immediately goes for a kick. Artyom's eyes narrow. He hops back, back foot slamming hard into the ground. A wall of caked earth shoots up in front of him, forming an unsteady bulwark against the Digimon's attack. It shatters on impact- mere soil doesn't have the resilience of stone, but it's enough to give Artyom the time to raise his own defense.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Guilmon's kick smashes into the flat of one club as Artyom braces it against his shoulder. He shifts his feet forward, throwing his weight into his guard and against the Digimon's strike. With a low growl, the Titan twists, swinging his other bludgeon crosswise at Duke's thigh. "Not bad," Artyom grunts, rolling the shoulder that took the strike with a slight 'pop' of bone. The beginnings of a bruise creep over the skin there beneath his travelling clothes, "Your strength is impressive."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:718|Duke (718)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Duke impacts against the Bulwark, breaking through it and then flipping back around to his feet. His tail quickly moves about to help hold his balance and the Guilmon X snorts out some smoke. He doesn't respond right away but he does try to get out of the way of the club as it swings in.<br /><br />Yet he isn't quick enough and its slams into his body. He yelps out a cry as it knocks him over and he rolls back up on his feet. He winces a little and opens one eye. "Duke try.. cause Duke has to get stronger."<br /><br />Though his attention shifts to Alexis as she laughs and says her bit. "Mm.. that makes things harder on Duke.. Duke not sure what to trust now.." His eyes peer back at Artyom, taking in what the man said. "Duke not even sure about your words either. Humans are confusing!"<br /><br />Duke doesn't let his uncertainty slow him down however. Instead he comes back after Artyom, leaping toward him, only cut himself short and then going down low to swing his tail around for the back of the man's knees. "Duke wants to trust though. Duke wants friends.. and Duke wants to be able to hunt along side Doran.. or repay Doran by being better.. that way Doran don't have to worry about Duke!"<br /><br />His gold eyes flicker with a blue light. "..but how can Duke trust friends.. if all friends talk opposing to one another."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:459|Alexis (459)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Alexis rubs her bridge with two fingers for a moment. Fortunately this wasn't a conversation she was unfamiliar with, she's had to use it a time or three with pokemon as well. "We're not saying you shouldn't have friends. I'm saying you shouldn't let friends use supposedly 'being a friend' to pressure you into things to do what you don't think you should, just because you're 'friends'. Trust is something that should be earned, not just given out freely."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:665|Artyom W. Valodjn (665)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Back to those disadvantages of being tall that got brought up earlier. One of the most significant ones happens to involve having a high center of gravity. Duke slams into his legs, causing his knees to buckle out from under him. He grunts, shifting one leg forward, catching his weight before he goes toppling over, but his back knee comes down on the ground hard. The Titan winces. "I do not mean for you to have no friends. That isn't my intent at all," Artyom says, shaking his head, "Just to know for yourself who is truly a friend, and who is simply trying to manipulate you."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Artyom jabs the tip of one of his bludgeons into the ground. The land underneath him shifts and twists, whirling him about to face his opponent, even as it churns to help him onto his feet. "Friendship- real, lasting friendship- is something truly precious," he rumbles as the land continues to shift, pillars of hardened earth shooting up in a tight circle all round him. One such pillar might come up right underneath Duke's chin if he's not careful. "But some would take advantage of such bonds," Artyom continues, "Putting a price, any price, on a relationship is not something I can approve of."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Titan shakes out his leg, and then drops into a defensive stance once more, keeping his injured leg to the back, "Humans are confusing... We often have goals that are contradictory and in opposition. We often seem hypocritical and uncertain. This is normal, but I can see how it might be odd looking in from outside."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:718|Duke (718)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Duke hears Alexis' words but he doesn't respond to her, but how can he right now? Though he wants too, some part of his instinct is keeping him focused on the battle at hand. This giving him a chance to actually /think/ over what she has said.<br /><br />The pillars come and even as Artyom speaks, the Guilmon X moves. he leaps into the air to avoid a strike and skids around. His claws on his feet digging into the ground as his eyes narrow. He can feel his heart-- his digi-core-- pounding. This is battle.<br /><br />This is what he was meant for.<br /><br />He can feel the heat building up in him as he stares at Artyom, those pupils of his becoming like slits. "Kari helped Duke.. so Duke will repay Kari. Lute gave Duke food.. so Duke will repay him too." His stance shifts slightly. "Duke also sorry if this hurts..."<br /><br />His eyes then shift blue, as flames lick around his maw, "<span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">FIREBALL!!</span>" Then a fire ball blasts out from his mouth that was half the size of him. It sails right for Artyom and will explode on where-ever it impacts.<br /><br />Duke then grits his teeth after his attack and then nearly falls over. He shakes his head gently and rumbles softly. "...Duke.. probably shouldn't have done that.." Then the digimon falls over onto his side.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:459|Alexis (459)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>He may have a naive manner but the fighting instincts were still strong. A bit unrefined though. Redline blew some smoke out of the corners of his mouth, looking almost grumpy that he wasn't the one fighting. Alexis was mostly off in her own thoughts while she watched, considering the things Beelzebumon and others had said earlier. Dukemon had disappeared after what had happened in their Digital World... Was it possible? She knew digimon 'reformatting' in their youngest forms was entirely possible. Or was it just coincidence this unusual version of a Guilmon had the same name as one of his ultimate evolutions? Then again even if he was its possible being 'reborn' had changed that, making it a moot point.<br /><br />In the end, it wasn't really a train of thought to get anywhere. At least not right now.<br /><br />Duke collapsing over snaps her out of her thoughts, and she quickly darts over to kneel down next to him. "Easy there, I think you over-exerted yourself a little?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:665|Artyom W. Valodjn (665)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Artyom doesn't have some kind of magical point-source for the power he wields. Rather, it's some thing intrinsic to his very being, something woven into his flesh and mind and soul. For so long he has been tied to the earth that he can't imagine life without his connection to it. Perhaps that's why it comes so naturally to him- why it's more like a fifth limb than a strict science.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He grunts unpleasantly as he feels that wave of heat washing over him- and the fireball that accompanies it. Artyom roars, driving both of his cleaver-bludgeons into the earth. His hands follow, pressing flat against the ground. Tremors twist down into the foundations of the land- and squeeze it upwards. Walls of hardened earth and solid stone erect themselves one after the other in the fireball's path. It smashes through the first, explodes into the second, the third, the fourth and the fifth.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The heat blasts across the edges of the sixth, searing Artyom's flesh and igniting the grass around him. But then, just as the blast comes, it fades away again. The last of the stone bulwarks falls apart, disintigrating into a heap of loose dirt. Artyom rises, grunting softly as he lifts his hands from the earth... only to notice that his opponent has all but collapsed, himself. "Are you alright?" the Titan asks, approaching with more haste than he usually exhibits, "That was an impressive fireball, but... Perhaps a bit much, on only one bucket of meat?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:718|Duke (718)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The Guilmon X lays there, even as Alexis comes up to kneel down next to him. He doesn't move right away, his eyes are closed, but they are twitching gently. His tail only moves slightly. Even as Artoym comes over, Duke doesn't respond right away.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-----<br /><br /><span class=" fg_r bg_n ++ r">Is this really the only choice...?</span><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class=" fg_r bg_n ++ r">There has to be another way, old friend..</span><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class=" fg_r bg_n ++ r">...even the children...?</span><br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-----<br /><br />"...omegamon..." Duke whispers out, before his eyes suddenly snap open, they are draconic like slits and he lets out a sudden roar and nearly comps at Alexis who is closest to him, however before his jaws can even come close to coming down he pulls himself out of it and quickly scurries away from her.<br /><br />The Guilmon X stays down low and his tail curls around his front legs and paws. "Duke sorry..." he says with his eyes lowering. "..Duke.. Duke thought he could maybe..." He then closes his eyes with a gentle, sad rumble.<br /><br />"..Duke had been out for some time.. when home collapsed.. Exiles took care of Duke.. Doran took care of Duke.. Duke had trouble waking up.. Duke has trouble remembering..Duke thought maybe he could..." He looks at them both. "..Duke wants to help others.. but maybe Duke /is/ danger to everyone..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:459|Alexis (459)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Alexis is use to dealing with this sort of thing with 'battle monsters'. Even if Duke hadn't stopped himself he wouldn't of gotten a firm bite because the tomboy had jerked back as soon as she saw the feral look in his eyes at first. An immeadiately holds up a hand to keep Redline from doing more than lurching towards him. "Easy there, both of you. It was just an accident. No harm done."<br /><br />Just to prove the point she pushes her self back up to her feet and reachs over to pet the top of the raptor-mon's head. "Hey, don't be so hard on yourself. Clearly you've been through a lot. It takes time to recover from that sort of thing."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:665|Artyom W. Valodjn (665)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Artyom frowns as Duke wakes. Something seems off-- and then he tries to snap at Alexis. The Titan shifts forward suddenly; is this some kind of Berserker-like reaction? Can Duke not switch from combat mode?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;...Fortunately, he manages to not actually take off Alexis' hand, or otherwise remove anything attached to her body. This is the good thing. The bad thing is that the digimon then gets all down with the self loathing. Artyom breathes a long, relieved sigh. "You stopped yourself, didn't you? Anyone with enough power can be dangerous to those around them. True strength is necessary to keep that power from going out of control."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He draws closer, despite the possible risk. Artyom is still limping just a little bit, but it seems to be fading with time. He squeezes a hand around the digimon's shoulder, "You are as much a danger as I am, or as anyone else is. But you are no monster. It is evidence enough that you can pull yourself back from the brink. Yes?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:718|Duke (718)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>When Alexis come to touch the top of his head. He closes his eyes once more and actually makes a purring sound at her petting. His ear fins laying back slightly as he enjoys the comforting attention. When Artyom speaks up, Duke opens his eyes and looks at the man.<br /><br />When he touches the Digimon's shoulder Duke looks away, but then looks back smiling, "Right and with friends-- good friends-- Duke knows they will have his back!" he rubs at his snout and eyes gently, before moving to get up.<br /><br />He then nudges Alexis gently and offers her his clawed paw hand to aid her back to her feet. "Duke wants both to be friends." He says with a smile. "Both have shown kindness.. Duke wants to repay that!"<br /><br />The Digimon furrows his brow. "..So.. Duke will warn," he looks at Alexis. "..if Lute is bad.. then other Exiles may fall into trap. We promised him we would tell the other Exiles of his offer.. that the Confederacy would protect them.. and would help deal with bad Yggdrasil."<br /><br />Duke lowers his head. "If... If they injure any of them." His eyes get a very stern look, that childish innocence melting away. "..Duke will not forgive. Anyone who harms friends." Though it goes away just as quickly, before he shakes his body a bit and looks at the Charizard. "..Maybe next time. Duke can spar him." He points his claw at Alexis' Pokemon.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:459|Alexis (459)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Alexis smirks one corner of her mouth. "That's pretty much what *I* told him. If he proves to not be sincere he's going to have a lot to answer too."<br /><br />Redline is pretty aptly named, the way his flame tipped tail thrashes and he blows some more embery smoke out of the corners of his mouth when Duke mentions wanting to spar with him. Enough that Alexis has to wave him down again. "Next time, fella, next time. He needs to rest after that excersion. And probably..." She reachs it one of the pockets of her cargo pants and pulls out a couple of granola bars, offering them to Duke. "I know it ain't a big ol' bucket of meat, but this will help keep your energy up until you can find another, ah, large meal."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:665|Artyom W. Valodjn (665)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Mmn. That is good. I do not trust that man, but... Do not necessarily allow factional lines to color your perception of others. Some people have kind hearts, others do not," Artyom shrugs, releasing the digimon's shoulder. "You must be able to decide for yourself who to trust, yes?"<br /><br />Artyom's glance shifts towards the Charizard. He nods up at the creature, "You're sure flying wouldn't be cheating, though? Those wings look rather strong."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then back to Duke. Artyom jerks a thumb back towards the glittering city lights in the distance. "You know," he says, "It's not too far away. Could easily return with some more food without too much difficulty. Though perhaps you'd prefer a lighter meal for now?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:718|Duke (718)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Duke sniffs the granola bar and then takes it from Alexis. Chomping down the granola bar rather quickly. He seems pretty content to nom away on it and just chew away happily. Though when Artyom points to the city Duke rubs the back of his neck gently with his claws.<br /><br />"Duke should avoid place. Duke upset some humans when he took some food." He glances off to the side. "..That is why Duke owes Kari. She got angry humans to back off." He sighs gently.<br /><br />"..But Duke should head back to resting place. It is getting late and .. Duke should lay down after spar.." His ear fins droop. "..Though Duke doesn't want to say good bye either.. Duke gets lonely cause Doran gone often.."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:459|Alexis (459)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Alexis gives Duke's head another pat as she gets up. "Hey, all you gotta do is call. Remind me next time and someone can show you how to use the comm to radio someone directly instead of on the broadbands." She rolls her eyes a bit as Artyom is stroking the Charizard's ego as Redline spreads his wings even wider as they're complimented. "Flying is pretty common in the Multiverse. If he wants to get stronger he's gonna have to learn how to fight against it."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:665|Artyom W. Valodjn (665)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Ah, no, you misunderstand," Artyom explains, "I was offering to return to the city to bring food back here. But I suppose that can wait for another time." He moves back to where his cloak and sword are waiting. He buckles the harness back onto his shoulders, setting the blade into its sheath, before wrapping his cloak aroud himself. "Mm, yes. If you do wish to meet again, you need only to give word. Now that I know where to find you," Artyom says, adjusting his gear slightly.<br /><br />He gives Alexis a long stare, though. "...Nn. Flying and oceanic combat alike. No matter how much I might wish otherwise."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:718|Duke (718)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Duke listens to them both and gets a puzzled look, but nods to the other. He lets out a yawn and scratches the side of his head. "Duke like instructions on how to do that.. whatever that is.." He says to Alexis before he looks to Artyom.<br /><br />"Alexis right. Duke has to learn to fight all types. Duke wants to get stronger, wants to help friends.. Duke must be ready for everything." He says with a nod of his head. "Duke knows here," he places his paw hand on his own chest. "That Duke will get better."<br /><br />The Digimon then lowers his clawed paw. "..just Duke wishes he could make senses of... things.. pieces.. bits... Duke knows if he could also remember... Duke would know who he once was... and maybe.. Duke would be.." He sighs softly. "..whole again."<br /><br />He then cheers up quickly, "But Duke will never give up! Duke is strong in will!"<br /><br />Duke then moves away from the two, sliding down a bit of the sides edge, before he looks back at them. "..Duke see Alexis and Artyom again.. soon?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:459|Alexis (459)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Chrrr." &lt;Maybe you should have a Psychic look at his head.&gt; Redline chars gruffly.<br /><br />"Maybe," Alexis replies after a moment of considering it. "But when he's had a chance to rest and work on his stamina." And she's not sure if you'd use a Psychic or a Porygon to try and poke at a Digimon's memories. Considering the one time she took Glitch to one of the other Digital Worlds that popped up it nearly BSODed from sensory confusing of sensing everything as real AND digital.... yeah... a future thought, but not right now.<br /><br />"Of course." Alexis starts to walk back to her pokemon. "But right now we better let ya rest up."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:665|Artyom W. Valodjn (665)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Mm, I hope so. Should not be so hard to visit, now." Artyom nods in reply, his cloak billowing around his ankles as he approaches again. He reaches a hand out to pat at Duke's shoulder, "And the next time, you can fight the dragon over there. Then I can watch, hm? Maybe I can bring you to see Miss Sanae one of these days, too?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It would be good," he says, then, "If more people had this kind of faith. Don't worry, I'm certain things will work out if you keep pursuing that goal. I will help as best as I can, should you require it. I'm certain others will as well, as you meet more and more people, yes?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:718|Duke (718)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Duke nods to Alexis and smiles to her. "Ok! Bye bye!" His gold eyes then look to Artyom and smiles up at the taller man as he rests his hand on his shoulder. "Duke happy to meet both of you and Duke will look forward to meeting Sanae!"<br /><br />"She sounds nice." He says with a gentle nod of his head. "Duke also will meet more people. Duke will explore world. Fight those willing to fight and get stronger. Duke will learn and grow." Though he tilts his head to the side. "...though Duke will need to also make sure Duke know how to get back."<br /><br />He yawns again and nods his head. "Duke say bye bye now!" He walks off from Artyom, before turning around and waving to him and Alexis both, before now running off. At least he learned something today, it will be only a matter of time to see if he applies what he has learned from both what they have said and even Doran.<br /><br />After all---<br />This is only the beginning of a much bigger adventure.<br> <br>


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