Scene #2066: All The Things Ever

Owner	Pose
Dukemon X	--- (Taken from last time) This is Ponyville. It's full of ponies! Colorful magical talking ponies. Doing ... pretty much the same things that everyone else does in their day, actually. Ponyville itself had a bit of an older quaint feel to it, with most of the buildings being made out of stone and wood, with thatched roofs. More elaborate exterior design was usually saved for places of actual business, like the bakery in middle of town that had rooftops decorated to look like cupcakes, or the library inside a giant hollow oak. Or the tall building out towards the residential part of town that resembles a fancy merry-go-round. --- A new day has come and while some may be sleeping in or others are already been out for awhile, Duke had vanished in rise of the morning sun. He has been checking out the town, visiting the locations, and just about getting into everything he can without getting in the way. If some pony needed a helping hand, or hoof in their case, the Guilmon X was quick to offer. Carrying bags for them, grabbing that ball that ran off into the brush, whatever. In a strange way, it seem like he was trying to fit in, but when you have no home to really call your own.... Can you blame him? He has yet to visit the library, that was the plan before the storm came in, but instead he has found a shady tree to sit under and snooze a bit. Yep, a cute little four foot red, draconic dino raptor is snoozing under a nice colorful tree. Though he doesn't seem at peace, every once and awhile his earfin twitches and his eye ridges furrow. One may even see him twitch. The problem with poor Duke is, no matter how peaceful the location or how much he tries to put the past behind him, it seems to always invade his sleep. His fragmented mind trying to make sense of who he once was and how he came to be, because not knowing yourself, not accepting yourself--- is sometimes the most frightening part.
Doran	In Duke's eagerness to meet the new day, he seemed to've forgotten about Doran in his haste. So he got to sleep in! For a bit. Maybe an hour, max. He's so used to a certain someone jostling him awake that /not/ having such interruptions eventually wakes him up anyway. Ever since then, he's been following Duke's path, following the trail of helped ponies that the Digimon leaves in his wake. He also isn't afraid to ask a passing pony if they'd seen anything matching Duke's description, which usually helps. He doesn't bother calling for Duke -- one, it makes him sound like a mother looking for their child (which he most certainly is NOT), and two, it's an undue disturbance to the ponies trying to go about their day. Eventually, he circles around a colorful tree and almost steps on Duke's tail. A quick hop back prevents that kind of rude awakening, and Doran tilts his head as he stares at his fellow Digimon. Restless sleep, again?
Dukemon X	The Guilmon X continues to snooze, his tail flicks as he mutters something in his sleep. The words are hard to make out, but there is a minor snarl on his muzzle for a moment. Yep, he is having one of those nightmares again...
Rarity	"Oh why is it whenever we have to clean up from the wind, I end up having to work with you?" "Look at the bright side sugahcube. This time its after the act'al storm, so we won't have to be shackin' up together for the night at Twilight's place." "Though in the end that wasn't -too- bad." "True dat... just next time, let's get rid of the advice book first." "Agreed." One voice in the conversation coming down the path is reconizable as Rarity. The other, with the country twang, would be from the orange pony wearing a cowboy hat atop her blonde ponytailed (ha ha) mane walking next to the unicorn. The latter has a couple of baskets slung across a harness on her back, already full of a bunch of sticks, broken out of trees by last night's stormy weather, stuffed in them. "At least ya ain't tryin' to -fix- the branches back on the trees this time." Rarity huffs softly as she picks a broken branch up with the faint blue shimmer of her magic. "No, but I am left wondering if we could do something with them other than burn them. Seems like a waste," she replies as she stuffs it in a basket. "Maybe. But then we put the ash in the composte, an' use it fer fertilizing the fields and orchards. So really it's kinda like usin' the old stuff the tree can't use anymore, to help new ones grow."
Doran	Doran crouches in front of Duke's sleeping form, eyes narrowing as he recognizes the signs. Yep, dead asleep and in the throes of a nightmare. Just /how/ bad, he can't be sure... but waking him up would probably be bad. His ears perk as he overhears the two ponies talking, recognizing the unaccented voice as Rarity (well, unaccented compared to the southern belle next to her). He straightens up, looking left and right before catching sight of the duo. He waves but does not call out to them, instead keeping the bulk of his attention on Duke. HOPEFULLY, he'll simply wake up...
Dukemon X	Duke's paw foot kicks a bit, there was a flicker around his form, almost like a static charge, before the words gently come out from his muzzled lizard chops, "...don't... hurt..." There was another flicker of energy around him. Doran would know that flicker and he knows what could come when these dreams are violent enough. It was always the question if Duke could keep himself in check--- and more important... ...not completely go into a blind rage believing the dream was still a reality. Rarity and Applejack may pick up on a flicker of glow near the tree where Doran is visible, before suddenly something happens. That happening is suddenly Duke snapping away with those gold eyes' pupils narrowed down to thin slits and with a roar, as he swings his body around; Probably causing Doran to duck; a massive light engulfs the once Digimon. That light surges around Duke, before his figure changes with the bits of data to something standing at six foot four and far larger, with more of a human like stance and a white bristled mane mohawk of hair. Those long claws of his glowing with bright light and plasma fire as his roar shakes the very air. Then those three claws jam right into the tree, the bark splintering under the sheer force and the plasma heated claws biting in and almost igniting the wood on fire, though they cease their glow as soon as he makes impact. His gold eyes still wild looking as his huffs smoke from his nostrils a few times. Duke's eyes though slowly start to settle back their normal look, as he then raises his head up a bit, then his eyes move down to his clawed hand jammed into the tree. He stares for a moment as a slow setting of 'fear' roams over his face....
Rarity	The wave is all it takes to catch Rarity's attention. "Oh there's some of the visitors from last night." Applejack pauses, squinting one eye a bit. "Since when'd we get more dragons?" "They're from out of town." Pause. "Very out of town. Come along, I'll introduce you." Then unicorn continues down the path until they're close enough for her to wave. "Yooohooo~. Doran! Over here! Where's your friend?" Cue a much -bigger- reptile getting up and tearing his claws into the tree with such intensity that it startles her. "Aaaaah!" Applejack barely has a chance to react as Rarity jumps, stumbling on her back legs as she sort of catchs the unicorn with her front legs. And sort of Rarity just latchs onto her. "Mff! Rarity! Ah can't see nuttin, yer prissy soft fur is in muh face!"
Doran	Doran's hackles rise as Duke's form flickers, and he immediately jumps back out of claw's reach. It wasn't quite out of tail-reach, however, and he flattens himself on the ground when Duke whirls around on the tree that had just been giving them some shade. "Stay back!" He barks to Rarity and Applejack, tiny wings flared for all the good they'd do as he pops back up onto his feet at a low crouch. His own form flickers with the same kind of light, fur rustling with unseen wind, already preparing to Digivolve if things get any worse... But it quickly becomes apparent that Duke's coming back around to himself, so the light dissipates and Doran cautiously stands up straight. "Easy, Duke. Easy." He carefully pads so the Growlmon-X can see him. "You only got the tree, and you missed me. Nobody and nothing else was close enough to get caught. Understand?"
Sanae Kochiya	It sounds like, in their own ways, each of the visitors that had stayed overnight ended up having a bit of their own adventures the following day. For her part, Sanae has proven as dynamic as ever, having managed to send a courier (Pony Express?) away with all the things she'd bought having freed her from having to carry it around all day. She isn't quite the ultimate do-gooder that she would be going out of her way, but if she did see some local Pony in need of assistance, and the magic of this world cooperated, she'd gladly work a minor miracle or two. Returning fallen branches to trees, though? That's just weird! She had intended to go to the library and meet up with Duke and all his other friends, after she had finished having her fill of the points of interest around town. Instead, as she happens to be pacing by, her focus on that is interrupted by something else. A yell of alarm? It stands out even more, given the otherwise idyllic setting, and giving up the inefficient pace her feet could manage, she takes to the air in a burst of wind, setting down close to where Doran is trying to calm down Duke. Her eyes quickly dart around. Rarity and Applejack okay. Duke's friend Doran managing the situation. And.. ..hmm, is that Duke? She remembers he changed that one time when he felt they were in danger.. She holds a hand up to her chest and breathes out, somewhat relieved, but still casts a worried glance. It seems like Doran would know how to handle this best. "This isn't how I was intending to meet back up with everyone. Is he alright?"
Dukemon X	Duke's eyes went back to the tree. The Growlmon X slowly pulled his claws out with their black, glistening tips that flickered with sparks of electrical energy for a moment. As Doran spoke to him, those gold eyes looked down at the much smaller friend. Those once ear fins were jagged horns and his tail had ridge spikes near the end. Two horns rise from his eye ridges and the body is more defines as his gold eyes go over to Rarity with one of her friends. In the shock on Rarity's face is enough to cause Duke to lower his head. His massive foot stepping back but mindful of where Doran is. He opens his mouth only slightly, those rows of sharp teeth easy to see as he does so. Confusion and some fear still on his face, even as he takes note of others who could be looking. His tail gently sways as he goes to take another step back, a low whimpering rumble emits from him. Then he hears Sanae's voice and his body tenses up, before those gold eyes look her way, that mane hair of his has settled down, but he huffs out some air. Doesn't seem Growlmon X really talks much compared to his Guilmon X self. All Duke does after the huff is gulp a little and lower his head down more, before he at last speaks. His very edging on a primal sound, words with a growling, throttled tone. Aggressive, almost-- but yet-- controlled. "Fine... nightmare. Bad dream. Dead world." Yeah, that is the best your going to get out of him like this right now.
Rarity	"Iffen he's gonna have nightmares 'bout trees, please keep him 'way from the orchards. No offense, but that's kinda muh family's lifeblood." Applejack doesn't sound all that ruffled by the sight. It was more the suddeness of it that startled the two equines. Speaking of, she tries to shift her head to the side a bit. "Rarity, do ya mind? The smell of yer fancy shmancy conditioner is suffocatin' me." "How can you call something so refined a 'smell'?!", Rarity accousts in return, yet as she's nimbling getting back to the ground so Applejack can stand normally. Then turns her attention back to the others. "Nightmares? Was the inn not comfortable enough for the night? I told them to give you the best available room they could." "Hope they didn't... y'know..." Applejack nodded at the tree without saying. "Oh, pish posh." Rarity dismissed it with a hoof-wave. "If he had woken up like -that-, we would of heard the Flower Trio screaming about terror and what not."
Doran	Doran trots around to stay out of Duke's way and dips his head to rub at his forehead gem with a forepaw. "At least you're OK, Duke." No telling what could have happened if Duke had stayed out of control. He nods to Sanary in acknowledgement as she rejoins them. "He'll be alright, just give him a moment to gather his wits." He then turns to look over at Rarity and Applejack, a strained smile crossing his muzzle as his ears droop. "No, no. It's not the room or anything about trees. It's..." He looks up at Duke, then back to the ponies. "Our world is... well, gone. Destroyed. We both watched it happen, but Duke's more apt to have nightmares from the memories. Well, what few memories he still has." Never mind the fact that Duke's memories and sense of self are still in flux for the moment. His vulpine tail thrashes from side to side, then he exhales heavily as he looks at the tree forlornly. "Sorry about this tree, though..."
Sanae Kochiya	Even if his ability to articulate is a bit lessened, there's no mistake that it's still Duke! Since he seems to have snapped out of it somewhat, despite that his form hasn't returned to what seems to be his non-crisis one, she closes the rest of the distance. She normally would give his head a pat, but given his current configuration it would be an awkward reach, so she instead opts for as warm of a smile as she can manage. "You were having a nightmare? That explains it, then. But don't worry, you're here with us in Ponyville. It's perfectly safe here." The worst she's personally seen all day, besides that poor tree, is a pony that got a pebble stock in their hoof. Doran's explanation and assurance receives a smile of its own from her, though what follows shortly afterward causes it to fade several shades. "I see.. With a burden like that, it's no wonder." Speaking of the tree. Assuming Duke had pulled his claw away from it, she doesn't seem too off-put by this. She walks closer still, bending to get a closer look at the wounds. The tree will be alright on its own in time, from just this much, but she'd also like to prevent any guilt on Duke's part that he might feel later. Rarity, being their unofficial guide to all in-depth questions to date, gets a glance from Sanae. "If I were to work a minor miracle to help the tree, speed the natural course along, how haywire could I expect it to go?" It sounds like she's already got this weird magic theory worked out in her head, considering her own nature. At least she is asking first before trying to mess with it! The errant talk of the inn rooms receives no negative verbal remark from her, though one might see a hand go to the small of her back and rub at it, subconsciously. She'd never complain to such gracious guests, but there were certainly many disadvantages to remaining in human form in this world. "Oh, the arrangements were just fine! Certainly a lot better than I usually can afford on the road, ha ha."
Rarity	"Like, gone entirely? That's a right shame," replies the orange pony as she trots over to the tree. Not the least bit flummoxed by Duke's current size and spikey look. They've already deal with worse than that. "Ah wouldn't worry too much. He just scratched it up a bit, the tree oughta regrow bark over the damage just fine." After which she turns to the group and gives a tip of her hat in greeting. "Name's Applejack, by the way. We kinda jumped over proper introductions there." "Well you are the expert on trees, so I suppose that answers that." Rarity does pick up a couple of the twigs that feel out of Applejack's baskets due to her little scare jump and sticks them back inside.
Dukemon X	Duke hears about the concern for the inn and waves his large paws in front of him as if to say 'no no, nothing like that!', at least that is the best one can guess, though thankfully Doran has the chance to explain things and when he brings up the world and Duke's own memories, the Growlmon X lowers his head, closing his eyes for a moment. The six foot five draconic almost humanoid places his claws against his chest gently. "Pain. Suffering..." there was a pause in his voice, "...death." 'Payment... price... death' Those words echoed suddenly in Duke's mind after he finished and he closed his eyes tightly, shaking it away. As Sanae walks up, he looks at her and her warm smile, returning a small smidge of one at the edges of his muzzle, before he looks over to three tree and then sighs softly. Yep, that would take some time, even as Sanae offers to try and fix it, the Growlmon X looks away and rumbles to himself, before looking to Rarity and Applejack, "..I... I am sorry." He tries to say the best of his ability. Duke then crouches down and rests his arms over his knees as he crouches there. His tail coming to sweep over his feet, as only the tip of it twitches from time to time. He /could/ switch back, but he can still feel his core beating hard, it was better just to wait it out a touch more before forcing a degeneration. Though he does try to make light as he tries to speak once more. "Should see bigger form. Tall. Powerful. Much smarter." He says raising up his index claw and gently tapping his own head. Doran would know what form Duke is talking about.
Doran	Doran sighs in relief at the prognosis of the tree Duke 'punched'. "Good." Damaging something in someone else's world is a major no-no, he's found. At Applejack's introduction, he blinks once as his mind has to shift gears accordingly. "Oh. That we did. Sorry!" He rests a forepaw over his chest. "I'm Doran, and that's Duke." He points up at the Growlmon-X behind him.
Sanae Kochiya	If the local expert on trees isn't concerned, then she shouldn't be either. And hopefully Duke won't have any reason to worry about it. Even so, as she takes a step away from the tree, then, she can't help but look a little bit disappointed. She's still a teenager at heart, after all, and 'figuring out what will happen, just because' is a part of the adolescent experience. The curiously accented pony gets a warm smile, and an extension of her hand all the same, "I suppose some things are better left. It's good to meet you, Miss Applejack! I am Sanae Kochiya. So you are the local plant whisperer?" She then sheepishly rubs at the back of her head, causing the trademark detached sleeve that serves as something of a badge of office for a shrine maiden to drape from the gesture, "Everyone's so self-sufficient here, but old habits are hard to break." With that dealt with, though, she returns her attention fully to Duke for the moment. He does seem to be feeling a little better, and while a head pat isn't in the cards just yet, she does hazard a light pat to the shoulder. "I'm sorry to hear about your world, Duke. But, you know, all of that still lives on inside of you. I think I understand - that's why you're wanting to become stronger, right? To keep that alive, and make sure noone else has to go through with that." She'd somehow managed to gather this from their few brief meetings, as well as overhearing things on the radio app on her smart phone. She's not quite the dull bulb she can seem to be, at times! After the heavier bit of her consolation is done, she gives a light shake of her head, "But, I think, you shouldn't be in a hurry. It might be nice to be bigger or smarter, but.." She pauses a moment, laughing a bit softly as she realizes, "This'll probably sound cliched, but no matter what your form, Duke, it's what you're carrying inside that matters." After she gets a light blush at how sappy she must have sounded, it's a welcome break to be able to shift to something else for a moment. "We met yesterday, but it's good to see you again, Doran! From the sound of things, you're another Digimon like Duke? I hope to become friends with you, too!" She's just so happy that what she feared for the worst when she first heard tht yelp and arrived on the scene, turned out to de-escalate quickly. Maybe they'll even be able to hit up the library, after all..though Duke might be hard to fit into the door at the moment.
Rarity	The terminology used by Sanae gets a rather confused look out of Applejack. "Plant whisperer? Ain't that a bit rude? Ah mean, iffen ya whisper to one, the rest of the crop is gonna think yer talkin' about them behind their stalks." The literal interpretation gets a roll of the eyes out of Rarity, who's had a bit more otherworld experience than the farmpony. "I think that's just a fancy way of saying you're good with growing things, dahling." "Well why didn't she just say that?" "She -did-." "She was talkin' about whispering!" Rarity rubbed her face with a hoof. "Sematics, dear, sematics." To which Applejack huffs with frustration. "Don't start with yer high falootin' talkin' Rarity! Bad 'nuff when Big Mac tries usin' the fancy mathematics on me."
Dukemon X	Duke hears the introductions and when his name is brought up, he raises his large paw hand in a 'hello'. Before he looks over to Sanae who goes to rest her hand on his shoulder. He rumbles a comforting sound, his eyes seeming to gleam with a bit of happiness in them. "Sanae... is good friend. Good friend like Alexis." Her words however cause him pause and to lower his head. There he closed his eyes and whimpers a rumble as she seem to show she understands his pain or at least his reasoning to why he does what he does. There was a part of the Growlmon X that wanted to agree, but another part knew there was so much more to it then just that. Something inside of him, hidden away with a forgotten key to unlock the deep chest. "Memories hard." Duke tries to explain. "Missing. Damaged. Fragmented. Wrong order." He glances up at the sky and inhales deeply, before he lets out a soft side. "Hold dear, yes. Try to sort, yes. Missing self. Missing much of self. Strength though." He taps his chest gently. "Strength to... free self. To remember all." "Digimon grow stronger by.... combat. I am combat. Strength of heart. Strength of battle. Makes stronger." Duke rumbles as he shakes his head. "But close. Yes. Sanae smart." He smiles at that, before he reaches up and gently motions to where her hear would be. "Warm heart. Good heart." He then gives a big smile, which may be a bit intimating with those teeth. "Good friend." Duke then goes to stand back up and shakes his body a little, his mane bristling a bit, before he looks over to Applejack, "You said apples, yes? Apples are good." He smiles softly. "Crops good too." He wiggles his claws a bit. "Hm." Then with a close of his eyes, his body glows softly before flakes of data fade from his form and he body re-shifts back to the cute little four foot Guilmon X, which once that is done he gives his body another good, full shake. "Bleh." Then rubs the side of his head "...may have gotten better, but still gives a slight headache... mmm." Duke looks at everyone again before he does a victory symbol with his claws and a big smile, "Nice to meet everyone!"
Doran	Doran bows his head more deeply to Sanae when directly addressed. "I am, yes." His muzzle quirks in a smile. "A friend of Duke's is a friend of mine." He barely seems to notice as Duke de-Digivolves back to Guilmon-X, though no sooner does Duke pose than Doran smacks him in the nose with his tail. It isn't a HARD hit, but the deadpan stare doesn't help. "A victory pose after scaring half of us and worrying the other half?" Though mildly scolding, it isn't nearly as harsh as it perhaps should have been. He rubs at his forehead gem again, perhaps the equivocal of pinching the bridge of the nose or facepalming. "Really."
Sanae Kochiya	"Ah- I didn't mean.." Rarity is doing her best to explain what she meant, which gets an appreciative look from the girl. Sanae is also used to this sort of misunderstanding, though, thanks to her frequent culture clashes in Gensokyo. "In this case, Miss Applejack, the whispering is a good thing! It suggests an even, guiding touch, to things that others might find uncooperative. Kind of like how a gentle breeze helps a tree expand its roots." As opposed to a strong wind..well, blowing down twigs, apparently. She also silently hopes she didn't get herself even deeper into the metaphor mud pit. Regardless of any continued misunderstandings she might have prompted, she also listens patiently to Duke. Not the most articulate in this form, true, but enough of his meaning still gets through, especially with the emotion behind the somewhat stilted words. She'd had it..mostly right, though the jumbled data thing apparently remains a problem, even now. The gift of prophecy is one thing she doesn't possess, but she somehow still says with a measure of confidence in her voice, "You'll figure out those misplaced pieces, Duke. All of your friends will help you! This world seems like it'll be a good place to reflect on some of that." When Duke calls her a good friend, her sense of space is for a moment overcome, and just barely wraps her arms around - as best she can to avoid any dangerous protrusions - to give a hug, "Thanks, Duke. That means more to me than you realize!" In that moment, she thinks of the own loneliness she used to feel, all those years ago. She was never unpopular, or picked on, even if she was probably the 'weird girl'. Growing up with goddesses as sort of like a foster family. Then all the mess when she didn't really 'get' Gensokyo. All that replays in her head. You'll have to excuse that a bit of allergies suddenly gets to her as she dabs at the corner of an eye, when she finally regains her sense of composure and pulls back, though with a smile. Just in time for him to revert to his more familiar format. "Aw, it's okay," she remarks to Doran's criticism, though it seems half-hearted at best, and is likely even a bit playful. "Everything turned out okay in the end, and noone was hurt except a tree, that's going to be alright. ..hmm, now that Duke is smaller again, we should go explore some more of the town! After your head has a chance to clear a bit, that is."
Rarity	For once prehaps dealing with an older brother that uses as few words as possible to communicate most ideas works in Applejack's favor, as she seems to pick up on Duke's clipped replies just fine. "Ah get it now. He's got that there amnesia thing. Ah reckon by the sound of it they bunch of ya have him in good hooves." "Hands," Rarity politely corrects. "Those too." With that Applejack starts to turn away, ambling off the way the two ponies had originally come. "It was nice meetin' y'all, but ah better get these sticks back to the farm. Big Mac'll want to get 'em stowed way before night fall. Still too damp to burn 'em after the rains."
Dukemon X	Fluffy tail to the face! Fluffy tail to the face, "mffhhmm!!" Duke flails at it and then glares at Doran with a fake look of aggression, ear fins back, snout wrinkled, but nothing about it was serious. "Hey! At least I didn't eat anyone..." blink, "...not that I'd ever eat anyone. " blink blink, talon to the tip of his muzzle as he looks up. "...I don't think..." As Sanae brings up the exploring the town Duke hops up and down, "Yes! We should go explore more!" hop to one foot, hop to the other. "I was helping out the people, urm, ponies here, so I got to see some places, but there is so much more!" Duke then does a little twirl, "And we still need to go by the library!" He is so animated like this, seems he might be learning to reserve some energy after at least digivolving to Growlmon X. Duke then hears about 'fire, twigs, and rain'. Those earfins perk up. "Applejack! Wait!" Duke rushes over to her and then slides out in front. "If you like some help, I could help! I'm a Guilmon X! We breath fire! I bet I could light those twigs up for you later!" He looks back at the group, "After we do some exploring, you know?" He gives a smile. "Just tell me what to burn and I can burn it! Be no problem at all! Guilmon X fire, best fire!" "At least my fire is." Duke is not prideful or egotistical. Nope. Ok-- maybe a little.
Doran	Doran maintains his deadpan stare at Duke's false aggression in return, and he almost facefaults at the idea of Duke eating someone. At least Duke didn't bite his tail this time. He's barely able to mentally keep up with Duke's animated hyperness, one ear flat in the classic sign of puzzlement. "Used to be Duke had no energy after de-Digivolving. Now he's got too much!" He comments to nobody in particular. He doesn't sound bothered by it -- if anything, he seems like he's trying to avoid laughing. As Duke chases off after Applejack, Doran shakes his head and pads closer to Rarity and Sanae. "I bet you didn't anticipate this much excitement today."
Rarity	"Well that's right kind of ya, but it's too soon after it rained," Applejack replies without sounding too flustered at the sudden bombardment of Guilmon energy. Then again, she's use to dealing with an equally energetic and sometimes obsessive about discovering herself little sister, so this isn't all that unfamiliar. "Twigs gotta dry out, or they ain't gonna burn down right." She does rub her chin after a moment though. "But we ain't had a spring bonfire yet, so maybe we can do somethin' like that. But for now y'all just go enjoy the rest of the town."
Dukemon X	Duke seems a little disappointed at the fact it still a 'no', mostly because he is pretty sure he can make even 'damp' twigs burn. Oh well, this was their place and it was their rules. Duke puts on a gentle smile at the bonfire idea, before he gives a nod. "Ok. Take care Applejack!" The Guilmon X then goes back over to Rarity and Doran, the bit of disappointment was still in his eyes, but it was fading away as he smiled at the two, then looks to Rarity directly. "Thank you again for the beds and understanding. Its hard sometimes to know what is real and isn't real in my dreams." He lowers his head a bit. "...and your friend is right, about what I have... its what I am trying to get past... and at the same time, keep pushing on." He rubs the back of his neck. "Isn't easy, but, I'm doing ok!" He gives a bright smile. "...and this place," He looks around him, "...this place... reminds me of something... long ago." The smile is warm, his eyes distant, but still a glow of warmth in them. Duke gives a gently smile before he stands up tall. "So! Library! I want to see all these books and meet this Spike!" He then looks over to Doran, "Then maybe this evening, we could go on one of the roofs or up in a tree and look at the stars! From what I saw from the window, the stars are /really/ bright here! They are beautiful!" Duke then looks to Rarity, "Do you like stargazing as well? Maybe you could join us!"
Doran	Doran waves after Applejack as she takes her leave for good. He's impressed that she remained absolutely unrattled despite the Digimon antics as of late. He grins that knowing smile when Duke comments on the familiarity of this whole place. Oh /he/ remembers, but to outright say it outloud would defeat the purpose of Duke putting the pieces together himself. At least there is that feeling, which means the information will come along soon enough. He tilts his head slightly. "I haven't had a chance to read in a while. I'm interested." His head cants to the other side as well. "And since I doubt there will be another storm tonight, I'm sure we'll get a better view than we did last night." He frowns a bit. "Though probably not from a tree." There have been enough issues with trees for one day, thank you so much. He'd rather not risk another incident.
Rarity	Rarity flicks a hoof through some of the curls of her mane idly as the others talk. "They most certainly quite a sight. Shame it is too early in the season for Luna to leave the auroras up at night, but the stars are certainly quite breath taking. Though as lovely as that sounds, I have been... tromping around most of the day helping clean up, and really would rather just have a nice warm bath." Hmmm. "And maybe a romance novel while I'm at it. Reading does sound like a nice choice for unwinding."
Dukemon X	"Auroras?" Duke asks seeming a little confused by /what/ those are and he looks to Rarity in hopes she'll explain on the way to the Library.
Doran	Doran chuckles softly as his wings flutter a few times before refolding back into place. "Fair enough. Then a trip to the library it is." He falls silent after this, falling into step next to Duke, electing to listen and learn at this point as the topic turns to auroras.
Rarity	Rarity tilts her head to the side a bit, like it's strange that someone would know. "You know, the ribbons of colored light in the night sky sometimes? Sometimes Luna leaves them in the night sky when she gets bored after raising the moon."
Dukemon X	Duke shakes his head gently. "I never seen such things before." His ear fins droop a bit. "...please don't pick on me like they did when I didn't understand how to work a radio cause I never seen one before too..." He lowers his head a bit. "...still get harassed about that..."
Doran	Doran growls softly when Duke's mood worsens. For every person who ends up being good, there seems to be two or three that mess it all up. "There are a lot of things our world didn't have that most other worlds take for granted," he explains to Rarity, "and just as many things that we did have that had no true comparitive in the Multiverse." He shrugs his shoulders a bit. "It's difficult to adjust sometimes."
Rarity	On the contrary Rarity looks a bit sad at this. Though it's quickly gone. "That's okay, prehaps you will get a chance to see them when you are visiting sometime. Honestly, it's a shame some people out there expect everyone to just know everything without giving them a chance to acclimate themselves to the new surroundings."
Dukemon X	"Why are people like that?" Duke asks Rarity and even glances over to Doran too. "I hope I never become like that when I am able to stay in my Ultimate form." He smiles softly. "I'll do my best to be honorable, just, and protect those who need protecting." Duke gives a sage nod. "And strong enough to protect my friends and all they hold dear!" Once they arrive at the Library, Duke looks it over before going to place his hand on the door, then he pauses, looks at Rarity before he actually gives her a hug. Its a trait he was picking up from all these humans he has been around really. "Thank you for being a good friend too... and making us feel welcomed, Rarity."
Doran	Doran gets a strange look on his muzzle for a moment as Duke speaks about his future goals, though makes sure that the Guilmon-X doesn't see it. Not that he's surprised, exactly, but it's a difficult look to pin down. Almost like he's proud, happy, sad, and some other emotions all at once that is just about heartbreaking to see. Ah, Duke, if only you understood... All is back to normal by the time they reach the library, and Doran simply bows to Rarity instead of the far more personal hugging. "Yes. We are definitely in your debt for everything."
Rarity	Ponies are actually very good at hugging. It comes with the whole having a bit more anthromorphic range of gesture even if they are quadrupeds. But it does keep Rarity from seeing Doran's expression before she's set back down. "Now now, true generosity is not expecting anything in return.... Not that it isn't nice. But it means more when it is returned because one chooses to rather than it being intended." "All the same, you two take care." Rarity waves before turning to continue down the path that leads to her own home. "Really need to see about that bath, I haven't sweat this much since the time I got dared into entering that rodeo..."
Dukemon X	Duke watches Rarity take her leave with a wave of his paw, though he does tilts his head to her words after. There was a furrow to his eye ridges, but some understanding came over his eyes. As if perhaps knowing that meaning deeper then he should. He looks over to Doran and pushes open the library door. Books everyone to be found! Also probably a Sanae that had beaten them here lost in her own book. So this was a good day, a good adventurous day. Now they could check out some of these books, find a good rooftop, watch some stars, and then conk out in bed-- with maybe said books. Duke did look over to Doran though before he closes the door. "Doran... even though we are heading back out tomorrow... we'll need to make sure to come back for this... Bonfire Applejack brought up and... you know... visit again." Duke even gives a gentle smile. "Besides, I haven't seen you this comfortable... well... never. So I'm glad I brought you along. Maybe... even one day, we could also call this place home too."
Doran	Doran also waves after Rarity as she takes her leave, a thoughtful gleam in his eyes at her advice. He's already slowly begun to realize that self-sufficiency isn't always the best policy, not in a place as big as the Multiverse. And besides, truth is truth no matter where it comes from. He blinks at Duke a few times as if not comprehending, but allows a sheepish smirk as he scratches at the fur on the back of his head. "That obvious? I'll have to work on that." He hardly sounds like he means it, though. "We'll definitely come back for another visit, don't worry about that." His ears swivel as his tail twitches at the tip. "A new home, though...?" He puffs a soft 'heh'. "Maybe."