#soot the narrator

[ask-ashlyn-and-co]

MYSTYYY JUST WANNA SAY YOURE VERY PRETTYYYYY

also does any of you have ✨ pet companions/familiars ✨,if not then who would you pick as such? :D

As for pets…

As for the non pet owners…

Bernard: “Do I count as a pet??” :D

Kristal: “Uhm… Not quite, Bernie. Well, save for full moons.”

Bernard: “Awh…”

Ashlyn: “…Does Soot count as a pet?”

Soot: “hey.”

Ashlyn wistfully sighs.

Ashlyn: “I would love to have a cute little creature to spoil… but my job makes that impossible. I’d be leaving it alone all day, everyday—“

Mystery: “You would most likely end up leaving the poor creature in a whole different universe. You never remain in one spot, let alone possess a permanent housing situation—“

Ashlyn: “Shshs don’t say it like that! You make it sound like I’m homeless!!”

Soot: “Wait, you’re homeless?”

Ashlyn pinches the bridge of her nose and sighs.

Izzy thinks for a moment.

Izzy: “…I’ve always loved ferrets. But, well, I’ve never been a good pet owner.”

Izzy nervously chuckles.

Izzy: “I can’t even take care of plants… What am I supposed to do with a living creature? Plus, my dorm doesn’t allow—“

Delilah lets out a loud and dramatic sigh, cutting Izzy off.

Delilah: “I miss my peacocks!”

Izzy: “…Of course you do. Our peafowls were just as loud and flagrant as yourself.”

Delilah: “Exactly! I— wait, that’s a good thing, right?”

Izzy forces a smile.

Izzy: “Sure.”

[max-the-valkyrie]

[cafe--tables]

My comfort characters because I forgot a few of them and I’m having fun while drawing all these sillies

[yeahummokay]

some drawing and skeches from my newest skechbook

✨Duck✨

I LOVE THIS MEME!!

✨STARBOY✨

SLAY✨😎💅

I re-wached Hamilton

THEY ARE SO CUTE!!!!!!!1!!1

✨Beatlejuice✨💅

Human Ricky ^^

And Ricky

I am late for The Stanly Parelel fandom and stuff... BUT! i got here! :)

Ghostbur<3

✨The Click✨

OMG!! ACTUAL GOOD DRAWINGS!!! :O

✨Ineffable husbends✨

Mah boy ^^

The sketchbook

CROWLEY!!! ^^

I remenber making him at 3:00am lol

horse on the moon...

HORSE ON THE FUCKING MOON!!!!

"Say yes to the donation of Dragons"

[stelar-time]

My Narrator looks like a normal guy till you see what the inside of his body looks like, imagine a gaming pc but with organs and some horrors beyond your comprehension

[daisyjonesgf]

half return // finnick odair x reader

1.3k words

masterlist

summary: the capitol has its way of digging its claws in so deep that you're no longer even sure where it ends and you being. finnick tries to reassure you, even though you struggle to let him in.

warnings: hurt/comfort, angst, fluff, reader is an unreliable narrator, mentally unwell, and emotionally shut off, victor!reader, allusions to things doing with the games themselves, pre-established relationship, no use of y/n, unedited and short, just a treat so I can really get back into writing finnick

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

The Capitol had a way of taking everything for you. Where you were supposed to find comfort in being in your District, even after the years that had passed, it still didn’t feel like it had before. It was almost like a rebirth, but not in a way that felt refreshing. It was more like a baptism of sludge, it made you slow, and tired, like tearing your skin off your bones. That wasn’t the life you’d been promised. No, the Capitol made winning their Games seem so illustrious, so alluring, with a big house where the roof never caved, enough food for a while for everyone in your district to go without starving, and all the fame someone from a District could ever dream of having. All of that was true, but what was the cost? After all this time it still felt like your sanity had slipped down the drain, and you didn’t even know who you were anymore.

That’s exactly how you felt as you stared at your reflection in the mirror. Letting the thoughts consume you as the feeling of zoning out of reality into the dissonance of your own thoughts made your face distort itself. Maybe, you thought, this distorted version of yourself was closer to who you really were inside than any picture. Those too closely resembled who you once were, who you were supposed to be. Oh, the things you would do to have that life back.

“Everything okay in here?” Finnick’s voice cut through your thoughts, broke the illusion of the mirror, and startled you back into the even sadder reality.

“Hmmm?” You glanced at him, eyes wide, like you hadn’t quite heard him, although the words really just hadn’t fully registered in your brain yet, “Yeah, everythings good, everything is fine.”

You offer a halfhearted smile that’s trying its best to be so real, he deserves real. You know that, after all he’s been through, all he’s done for you, even just for putting up with you, and yet the days creep in where you can’t give him that. All you can do is try and fake it until you make it. Almost like you’d had to do in the Games, but now it was to stop the attention. You didn’t need him anymore worried, scared about you spiralling, you were, but he didn’t need to know that. He deserved to have a partner, that’s what he signed up for, not to deal with another person’s emotional baggage and trauma. That’s at the very least the excuse you gave yourself in order to make lying about it feel okay.

“You’ve been brushing your teeth for at least 10 minutes.” He’s smirking, chuckling a little, pushing himself further into the bathroom from where he was leaning in the doorway.

“Just really getting in there. I really can’t help it if I have better dental hygiene then most, it’s just a burden I have to carry.” You look away, rubbing your neck, before adjusting your eyes back into the mirror. God, you’re a mess. Life is a mess. You used to dream of no longer being a child, of the freedom that would come with it, and now as you look in the mirror you resent younger you for that wish. Growing old has not been a blessing, and that makes the fact that you fought so hard for it even more tragic.

Finnick’s arms are around you, arm crossing your body, holding onto your other shoulder, he’s pulling you into him. Face pressed to yours, it’s meant to be comforting, and you hate to admit to yourself that it is. You want to push this down, not let him comfort you for it. “What’s going on?” His voice is so soothing, he smells like the ocean, and it draws you in. Yet you must resists in some capacity.

“Finnick-” You turn your face away and after a second you feel him start to pull away. You can hear him trying to suppress his sigh, feel the way his shoulders slightly slump, and suddenly your blood is running with guilt. He wants to be there for you, to help, you know that even if you want to shield yourself from that type of support. However, the idea of disappointing, of hurting the man you love by hiding those parts of yourself, makes the pit in your stomach so much heavier. You really can’t help but fold to him. “Come with me.” You’re turning your face back to his.

His eyebrows furrow together, “Where? What’re you talking about, sweetheart?” One of his thumbs is rubbing circles onto your skin that make you want to melt into him, to cry, but you haven’t let yourself cry in at least a year. You won’t let yourself start now.

“My house, my old house, I wanna go see it.”

If he was anyone else you would’ve expected him to say something about the fact you were both currently in your pajamas, or how late it was, but he’s Finnick, your Finnick, and so all he does for a second is look into your eyes as if he’s seeing into the depths of your soul that you desperately don’t want him to see. “Okay.” He nods, and is pressing a kiss to your forehead before letting you go. You can’t help but miss and crave his touch the moment it’s gone.

It’s even later into the night by the time you’ve both gotten dressed again and are leaving the gilded cage of Victors Village. You don’t care though. This is the first time you’ve let Finnick come with you on one of these escapades, usually you make them in the middle of the day anyways, but you’re letting him in on this little thing you do for yourself. The opening on who you were, what your life was before the Capitol came and sunk its teeth in, draining you of all that you used to be, all you thought you were. The two of you walk in silence, but it’s not one of awkwardness or stagnation, no, it’s just exactly what it needs to be. You can hear the ocean hitting the rocks and the shore, feel the wind, smell the salt air, and in the smallest amount it can it brings a sliver of unwanted comfort.

Then you’re there. The old, dilapidated house, roof caving in on itself, moss growing up its walls. No one has moved in since you and your family moved out of it, it’s like a reminder that one of the Victors came from it, what even the poorest citizen could come out of through the Games. In reality though, there was no point in buying a house like this, it was basically begging to crash in on itself, and then the owner would be paying more to repair the house then they’d spent to purchase it. So, here it sat. Dead lawn, broken fence, and a childhood’s worth of dreams.

“Every time I expect it to make me feel like me again or something, I know it’s stupid, but I just can’t help it. And everytime it does absolutely nothing, but I can’t stop coming back.” You’ve never told anyone that before, why you crawl back to the ruins of your childhood, of life before. Searching desperately for comfort, for understanding of who you are, only for it never to be found. “I just want it to tell me who I am.”

“It’s not stupid.” Finnick means what he says, so earnestly, and though you’ve told yourself you won’t cry. That you can’t let yourself do that anymore, something about that small reassurance has the tears slipping out once again, and once you’ve started you can’t stop. You’re trying to cover your face, hide it in the moonlight, suppress the way sobs make your body shake, but you can’t. Not from him, never from him. He’s holding you before you’ve even fully devolved. “Whatever you need to help you, you do. Okay? It doesn’t get any easier, I can’t lie to you about that, but if you really don’t think you know who you are, then just ask. I know exactly who you are, even if you think I don’t, I see every side of you."

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

Thank you so much for reading, sorry it's so short, kind of using this as a jumping off point to get back into writing Finnick fics. As always likes, comments, reblogs, and asks are much appreciated. Love you all so much 💋

[2knightt]

「 you are—unforgettable.」

IN WHICH—you’re them and they’re you!♡ ໋֢ 👒✧

🍵ヾFT. THE GREASERS࿐ྀུ ♡

⌗ 👒 notes !𖥔༌ ᰷ ﹅ people in this fic refer to two-bit as ‘keith.’ who cuz who the FUCK says ‘he got his two-bits in🤓’ NOBODY! but in the descriptive parts he will be two-bit. ALSO IF U DON’T UNDERSTAND WHAT I’M SAYING LOOK IN THE TAGS!

Ponyboy Curtis ;

his class was gonna watch this movie before reading a book. ‘the outsiders,’ or somethin’.

it was made in the ‘80’s—he didn’t want to even watch it. watching movies in class was the worst!

ponyboy sat at his desk, head in his arms. he heard the music and looked up, chin resting on his arms.

when ponyboy seen you writing down and narrating, he could’ve sworn he died and came back to life. LIKE WHEN HE HEARD YOUR VOICEEE HE GOT A LITTLE BLUSH ON HIS CHEEKS.

his friends beside him noticed, snickering to themselves. they shoved him, asking if that was his future partner. he just pushed them off, quietly telling them to fuck off.

when ponyboy seen you covered in the soot??? phew—he questioned his morals, man. and THEN HE SEEN YOU BEAT UP?? he was getting FED.

ponyboy came out of that school a new man.

his ears were hot, his cheeks were red, and he was already looking up edits of you. ponyboy shoved those almost broken wired apple headphones in his ears and tuned everyone out.

when he got home he ignored any questions darry and soda threw at him and immediately went to his room. ponyboy quietly closed the door before hopping into bed, pulling out his phone, and going on tiktok.

spent like a solid 30 minutes tweaking over edits of you. like full on screaming into his pillow—i’m so serious.

“darry, what the hell is that noise?”

“i dunn—ponyboy?”

“AHHH!!”

when he found out that, outside of the outsiders, you’re decades older than him he was SO HEARTBROKEN.

the gang seen him looking at photos of you and immediately started teasing him. he absolutely tried to back himself up with stutters.

“they’re how much years older than you, bro?”

“NONO HEAR ME OUT, PLEASE! KEITH, BRO, PLEASE.”

reads fanfic. look at me in the eyes and try to tell me that ponyboy motherfucking curtis doesn’t read fanfiction.

you can’t.

like bro he’s so desperate for more content of you to the point where he writes the fics he yearns for—got pretty popular to.

“why the fuck is your phone blowing up?”

“PLEASE don’t ask me any questions about it.”

he’s a freak. he knows everything about you. ponyboy’s even began to watch your interview’s about the movie. and your other movies.

literally a teenage girl.

“THEY’RE SO FINE THOUGH, PLEASE!”

“nuh-uh.”

“FUCK YOU MEAN ‘NUH-UH’?”

Johnny Cade ;

seen you when he was watching random movies at the curtis house. at first he was like, ‘wait!! they’re so me coded😛.’ it never occurred to him that you could be so cute.

he seen you crying and something in him like actually snapped.

“wait….am i getting a crush? they’re kinda…”

when he seen the equivalent of ponyboy in this universe snuggled up to you in the church he was soooo jealous.

yk that one audio where it’s like, “how long is he gon’ be talking to my WIFE.” that’s literally johnny cade when he seen that person kiss the top of your head.

“what the fuck?”

“…what do you mean?”

“nothin’. it’s just kinda bullshit that they swoop in and steal my chance😒.”

“you never had one.”

“okay, pal😐.”

heart broke when he seen you in the hospital bed btw. like was full on gripping onto a pillow with tears in his eyes.

johnny was in such denial when he seen you die😭. ‘bro, no. they literally aren’t dead.’/‘guys!! it’s just a prank!!’

when he got to the scene he was in SHAMBLES. HE WAS INCONSOLABLE. ripping his hair out, screaming, crying, allat.

“stay gold…”

“NOOOOOOO-“

was so pissed when you didn’t come back. was even more pissed when your letter was read out loud.

“HOW COULD THEY KILL THEM OFF?? THEY DIDN’T DESERVE IT!”

“johnny, it’s a movie.”

“this is so unfair. i hate movies.”

gets nervous looking at photos of you. like to the point where he tries to look up your name on pinterest before bailing mid sentence and giggling. like full on throwing his phone across the room, kicking his feet.

will talk for hours about you. thinks your the coolest character ever!! defends you like his life depends on it.

“they killed someone?”

“so?? you’re acting like you wouldn’t do it to🤣🤣 fake ahh friend.”

—

“they legit can’t stand up for themselves. you want someone like that to be out walking them streets?”

“oh, god for bid a person has trauma. and YES I DO🗣️. i hope they walk right into my arms, HO.”

all said online btw. he would never ruin his ego by speaking like this. i am a strong believer johnny cade puts up a strong front online.

johnny literally thinks you’re the cutest person he’s ever seen. like his cheeks get so hot when he thinks about you and he gets a silly little smile on his face.

he looks at photos of you and his friends think he has a little girlfriend.

“who you textin’, johnnycakes?”

“nobody-uh!”

“c’mon—we see that smile!”

and it’s literally just you with blood dripping down your face.

Dallas Winston ;

caught a glimpse of you at some girls house he slept at. literally stopped dead in his tracks as he seen you light a cigarette before mumbling, ‘nothin’ legal, man.’

“i-uh, what movie’s this?”

“huh? oh, the outsiders. pretty good movie.”

he thanked her and threw on his jacket before speed walking to bucks place. he had to watch this movie or he’s actually lose it.

imagine buck’s bar is actually a house, kay? dallas sits his pretty little ass on that couch, flips to whatever streaming service, and turns on ‘the outsiders.’

thought it was all boring until he seen you walk into frame—mocking the main character. at that very moment he was all, ‘wait that’s kinda hot.’

seeing you help the two younger ones run away while still acting tough was so attractive to him. dallas felt like he was losing his mind.

seeing you run in after the two into the church kinda made his knees weak.

“BAE NO!”

“what the hell are you screamin’ ‘bout?”

“nothin’, buck…”

he was so scared that you’d die in the fire. (little did old dallas know am i right fellas!!!!) like i swear to god he was so scared you’d end up like the johnny in this universe.

WHEN HE SEEN YOU FIGHTINGGG. he went feral. dallas was like so flustered. he was trying so hard to hide his blush to the ghosts around him with his hair.

his flush was short lived however. seeing you cry and then literally point a gun at a cashier was lowkey whiplash for him.

“what the fuck is happening?”

dallas figured out what was gonna happen early on and started kinda tearing up. like one tear formed in his eye before he blinked it away. but he was still devastated.

WHEN DALLY HEARD SOMEONE SCREAM “they’re just a kid!” he lost it. like actually. he went limp on the couch and spaced out. like damn…his fiancé, who doesn’t know they’re his fiancé yet, really WAS just a kid.

nobody knows he likes the outsiders OR that he has a crush on you. and they CAN’T know, it’s way too embarrassing. like actually.

when he’s with the gang and he’s just casually scrolling on tiktok and he sees the tags with your name, he immediately favourites it and scrolls. he saved it for later when he’s alone.

also defends you like there’s no tomorrow.

“they were hitting on someone who had a partner??”

“okay?? fucking live a little jesus.”

—

“THEY’RE A FUCKING CRIMINAL?”

“i’m into it tho lmfao”

swears up and down that if you and him were in a room together—you’d have a crush on him. top tier delusion.

like if he gets drunk with keith, he will rant about it.

“no—hear me out. put me in a room with y/n l/n and i swear to god they’re gonna be madly in love with me.”

“no they won’t, dallas.”

“yuh-huh.”

looks at photos of you and probably has you as his pfp on his spam. includes you in every other photo dump.

Sodapop Curtis ;

seen an edit of you on tiktok and audibly gasped. full on went, “WHO IS THATT😜” went to the tags and just scrolled under it for a good long while.

he seen a angst edit of you and made up his mind that he had to watch the movie.

for the while that you weren’t on screen, he was trying to push through. he really was. but deep down—in his head he was screaming, “BORING! SHOW ME THE PRETTY ONE!!”

when sodapop seen you tending to your younger sibling he could’ve sworn he was on cloud 9.

“my turn when :/.”

WHEN SODA SEEN YOU GET OUT OF THE SHOWERRR😭😭. he lost his BREATH like was full on gripping his imaginary pearls.

had to take a breather to walk around the house before unpausing the movie. had a blush across his cheeks, i can’t even lie.

when he learned that you were described as, “movie star attractive,” all he did was nod. like,

“mhm. i always knew my fiancé was good looking.”

SODA WAS APPALLED WHEN HE FOUND OUT THAT YOUR PARTNER CHEATED ON YOU. like jaw was on the FLOOR.

“I COULD TREAT THEM BETTER🗣️🗣️ THEY KNOW WHERE HOME IS!!”

he is so open about his little crush in you—it’s so cute :(

“steve, look at ‘em.”

“i see them—get your fuckin’ phone outta my face.”

“aren’t they so perfect??🤭🤭”

“i guess.”

“well, BACK OFF. we’re already happily married.”

“in your dreams maybe.”

“oh my god.”

soda has you as his pfp on at least two platforms. his name on one platform is “y/n’s boyfriend (REAL!)”

seeing you run out on your siblings after they grouped you into your argument made him just wanna hug you so bad. like he just wanted to tell you it was all gonna be okay.

has a album in his photos where it’s edits of you and photos. giggles and twirls his hair as he looks at it.

Darry Curtis ;

his parents used to watch the movie all the time and you’ve always just been a life long crush of his.

like when younger darry seen you walk into frame, comforting your kid sibling, something in his head snapped.

suddenly everything was in slow motion, there were hearts everywhere, he had rose coloured glasses on, and for some reason—harps play in the background.

as darry grew up it literally never went away. whenever the outsiders comes on when he’s home he always still goes, “woah.😍😍”

like he thinks you’re so fine.

he doesn’t like watch edits, read fanfic—none of that🗣️. but if he gets asked who is celebrity crush is—your name is coming out of his mouth ASAP.

“so, darry, who’s your celebrity cru-“

“y/n l/n.”

“but they’re a character?”

“Y/N L/N.”

he has like ONE printed out photo of you in his room from years ago. he knows exactly where it is and where to hide it, but he still keeps it.

at least once every two months, when everyone’s asleep and he has no work the next day, he’ll stay up just to watch the movie.

he’ll have a budlight in his hand as he watches you absolutely DEMOLISH at the rumble.

“i always knew they’d win.”

“you’ve watch this movie a thousand times.”

“PONYBOY?!”

the gang eventually found out his little crush on you. only light teasing ‘cause they’re so scared they’ll get that darry smoke if they push him further😭😭.

“oh my god! look, darry! you’re little crush is on screen!”

“steve, i will beat some sense into you if you don’t shut up.”

“…okay, bud.”

—

“when’s the weddin’?”

“after your funeral, keith.”

“wow. hater.”

Steve Randle ;

his dad fell asleep on the couch one night with this old movie playing in the background.

steve was about to turn it off before he caught a glimpse of you offering this half naked person some cake. he was all, ‘WAITTTT🙈🙈!!’

like he seen you in that sleeveless jacket and immediately fell in love. literally was on a mission to figure out who you were.

when he did? all he wanted to do was watch the outsiders. WHEN HE SEEN YOU SCOLDING THE MAIN CHARACTER HE SOO KNEW YOU WERE HIS TYPE

“wish they’d scold me like that…damn…😞✊”

was TWEAKING SOO HARD WHEN HE SEEN YOU ALL BLOODY WITH YOUR HEAD THROWN BACK.

“…you think i look tuff?”

“YES BAE!!!”

making his name on like insta or something, “y/n’s HUSBAND.” he puts emphasis on the husband because he believes that you want him so bad.

like actually. he’s fucking delusional.

“guys…they like cake…and I LIKE CAKE! do you see my vision??”

“no??”

“man, fuck you.”

photo dumps on insta of pictures of you with the caption, “from our honeymoon 😍😍😛😛!” his friends are ripping him apart in comments btw.

WOULD GO FOR WAR FOR YOU.

“they’re actually so gross what.”

“YOU’RE GROSS!🗣️ KEEP THEM OUT OF YOUR MOUTH YOU FOOL!!”

—

“they have 0 depth.”

“0 depth to YOU. to ME they’re the love of my life.”

Two-bit Matthews ;

seen the outsiders when he was drunk. he didn’t remember anything that night but the cute lil’ actor who was laughing after flirting with some rich lookin’ kid.

the only thing he remembers saying that night was,

“damn—when is it MY TURN😩😞”

WENT ON A FUCKING HUNT TO FIND THIS MOVIE ISTG. he was looking up shit that didn’t even matter to the plot—so he got different movies each time.

‘cute actor flirting’

‘cute actor in old ass movie’

‘mickey mouse shirt’

‘when was mickey mouse created’

‘who is walt disney’

he got a little distracted but that’s not the point. two-bit found the movie and cried tears of joy. fell to his knees and all😭.

he immediately turned the outsiders on and waited to see you. HE WAS SOO SAD TO FIND OUT YOU HAD LIKE SUCH LITTLE SCREENTIME.

but he worked with it. he was taking SO MUCH PHOTOS OF HIS TV WHEN YOU WERE ON SCREEN LMFAO. they were all so shaky too😭😭.

doesn’t shut the fuck up about you.

“they want me so bad🤣🤣😂😂.”

“they wouldn’t touch you with a ten foot pole, keith.”

“what if i killed myse-”

—

“they’re so find i won’t ‘em.”

“what the fuck are you saying?”

“what are YOU SAYING? back up.”

saves edits of you. he is ABSOLUTELY THE TYPE OF PERSON TO SAY THE MOST OUT OF POCKET SHIT ABOUT YOU IN THE COMMENTS LMFAOOO

‘they could beat the shit out of me and i thank them :3’

‘WHAT?’

‘omg who said that’

you are his profile picture everywhere. and anywhere.

genuinely believe you’re the love of his life. i swear to god he does. KING OF DELUSION ABOVE ALL ELSE!

[ravensolo77]

The Typewriter of Dominion

Daisy Mae Martin stood in the charred ruins of her family’s barn in Des Moines, Iowa, her bare feet dusted with soot. At 18, she was a vision of farm-girl charm—curly blonde hair cascading in soft ringlets, cornflower-blue eyes bright with dreams, freckles scattered across her cheeks. Her faded flannel shirt and denim overalls hugged her slender frame, but her hands trembled, clutching the insurance papers. The fire had taken her parents, her home, her past. Yet it offered a lifeline: an insurance payout, enough to escape the cornfields and chase her dream of journalism.

Daisy had always wanted to tell stories that mattered, scribbling in notebooks and narrating imaginary broadcasts with her twangy voice. With the money, she enrolled at Iowa State University, studying journalism. College was grueling—waitressing at a dive diner, fending off truckers’ advances, studying by lamplight. Her flannel shirts, jeans, and messy blonde bun marked her as the outsider among polished classmates. But Daisy’s grit outshone their sneers. At 22, she graduated and landed a job at KDSM-TV, a small Des Moines station eager for fresh talent.

Daisy Mae glowed on camera. Her curly blonde hair framed her face like a halo, her Iowa twang softened into a warm lilt. At 22, she covered county fairs and city budgets with a sincerity that won Des Moines’ heart. “Daisy Mae’s goin’ places,” locals said, watching her on barroom TVs. But Des Moines was too small for her hunger. She dreamed of Chicago, a city of stories and power.

At 24, she joined WGN-TV, shedding her old self like a worn-out skin. She became Summer Dew, a name as sharp as the skyline. She straightened her curls, dyeing her hair platinum blonde, and traded flannel and overalls for tailored blazers, pencil skirts, and modest heels from Nordstrom. Her makeup sharpened—red lipstick, smoky eyes, foundation that erased her freckles. Her twang, now a calculated charm, captivated viewers. Her breakout City Hall corruption story made her a star, but fame stirred a darker craving—for control, for dominance.

On a wet and gloomy evening, Summer found herself in a Wicker Park antique store, captivated by a vintage Underwood typewriter, its keys weathered from years of untold stories. The store owner, an elderly woman with a mysterious grin, referred to it as 'cursed.' Summer, fascinated, handed over eighty dollars and carried it back to her apartment.

On that evening, with a glass of wine in her grasp, she crafted a narrative concerning the mayor’s crackdown on prostitution. The sound of her fingers dancing across the keys was hauntingly rhythmic.

The following morning, the headlines shocked everyone: Sarah, the 22-year-old daughter of the mayor, had disappeared from Yale. While at Yale, Sarah embodied innocence—long chestnut hair styled in a tidy braid, dressed in preppy cardigans and ballet flats, with her face free of makeup except for a hint of mascara. A dean's list student, she volunteered for literacy programs, her smile as pure as her father's campaign advertisements.

Now, she had reemerged in the Loop of Chicago as "Sugar," her chestnut locks transformed into a striking platinum with wild curls, trading in her cardigans for a daring leather miniskirt, fishnet stockings, and a fitted corset that showcased her midriff. Her lips were a vibrant cherry red, her eyes accentuated with thick kohl, and a cigarette hung loosely as she navigated the streets with a playful smirk. The mayor’s efforts had taken on a darkly ironic twist.

Summer was stunned—her story was a draft, unpublished. She tested the typewriter again, praising a nurse’s devotion. The nurse was arrested for drug trafficking the next day. Every story twisted reality—a pastor’s charity became a sex cult, a CEO’s ethics hid fraud. The typewriter was a force of chaos, and Summer was addicted.

Days later, Sugar’s fall deepened. Police raided the Loop, and Sarah, still dressed as Sugar—her leather skirt hiked up, fishnets torn, makeup smudged—was cuffed and led to a squad car. Flashbulbs popped as reporters swarmed, the mayor’s daughter now the face of his scandal. The mayor, once a moral crusader, faced calls to resign, his family’s name in tatters. Summer watched the coverage, her fingers itching to type more.

Summer’s career soared. Her “scoops” were uncanny, her stories breaking as scandals erupted. Chicago crowned her its queen, her platinum hair now dyed a sultry auburn, styled in sleek waves. Her makeup grew bolder—crimson lips, kohl-rimmed eyes, a flawless complexion that buried Daisy Mae. Her wardrobe evolved into high-end luxury—Gucci silk blouses, Chanel tailored dresses, Louboutin stilettos, Louis Vuitton handbags. She was dressed to the nines, every outfit a declaration of power.

She met Scott, a 28-year-old bartender with soft brown eyes and a timid charm. He was handsome but pliable, perfect for her games. She dominated him, her manicured nails digging into his arm as she whispered, “You’re mine, Scott.” In public, her Gucci-clad presence dwarfed him; in private, her control was ruthless.

She started adding estrogen to his beverages, noticing his jawline lose its definition and his body hair diminish. 'You look more beautiful now,' she'd remark, adorning him in silky panties as her laughter rang out, sharp and piercing, whenever he obliged. Scott, shattered and entranced, transformed into Stacy, his former self completely wiped away.

At the station, Summer caught sight of Sandy Lux, a 22-year-old intern sporting unassuming brown hair and a timid smile. Clad in simple blouses and flats, Sandy was a journalism student driven by raw ambition. Summer viewed her as a protégé—a blank slate ripe for manipulation. "Come along, Sandy," she coaxed, her Chanel dress shimmering. She showed Sandy how to twist narratives, how to distort the truth for effect. Eager to impress, Sandy started refining her reports, her naivety gradually fading.

Summer had undergone a complete metamorphosis. She transformed her hair to a sleek jet black, chopping it into a sharp bob that demanded attention. Her makeup served as her armor—luscious crimson lips, eyes accentuated with kohl, and a flawless complexion that obscured any remnants of her rural past. The mansion was a bastion of opulence, its walls adorned with reflective surfaces showcasing her collection of Gucci gowns, Chanel ensembles, Louboutin footwear, and Louis Vuitton handbags. On an obsidian desk sat the typewriter, its keys whispering of dark ambitions.

On an unforgettable evening, Summer hosted an extravagant gathering at her luxurious Lakeview estate, where the polished marble corridors glimmered softly under the glow of chandeliers. Among the elite guests was Marcus, an impressively tall and charismatic man who instantly caught her attention. Summer had a flair for thrilling experiences, particularly with men like Marcus, whose physical appeal resonated with her own desires. She invited him into a secluded chamber, where the atmosphere was charged—Stacy, dressed in intricate lace lingerie, trembled with expectation as Marcus approached. Summer watched intently, her Louboutin heels clicking in an alluring rhythm, as Marcus took control, asserting dominance over Stacy in a way that left her utterly breathless. A sly smile curled at the corners of Summer's lips, her authority unmistakable as she orchestrated their encounter, her pleasure an undeniable force.

Her tales ripped through Chicago like a tempest. A judge she referred to as 'fair' was ensnared in a bribery operation. A teacher once lauded for her kindness was revealed to be cruel. The heart of the city began to disintegrate, and Summer flourished. She invested her vigor into shaping Sandy. 'Deceive, Sandy,' she'd instruct, handing over altered scripts. 'The strength lies in the deception.' Sandy's reports became ferocious, her gaze more unyielding.

On a muggy evening, after an extended broadcast, Summer welcomed Sandy to her opulent mansion. In the bedroom, the silk sheets shimmered beneath the glow of a chandelier. Dressed in a translucent Gucci robe, with her black bob catching the light, Summer poured a glass of wine and settled in close. "You’re so innocent, Sandy," she whispered, her fingers gently caressing Sandy’s cheek and lingering on her lips. Sandy, blushing, her simple blouse hugging her form, didn’t resist as Summer pressed in, capturing her in a deep kiss, their tongues dancing. "Power is sweeter than honesty," Summer breathed, leading Sandy toward the bed. She slipped Sandy’s blouse off, her Louboutin nails brushing against Sandy’s skin, sending tingling shivers down her spine. Summer’s touch was both gentle and assertive, her lips trailing down Sandy’s neck as she murmured, "Submit to me." The closeness felt like a trap, Summer's authority pulling Sandy from purity into desire. The following morning, Sandy awoke, her eyes ignited with a newfound, darker passion, her transformation into Simone Rogers set in motion.

Summer’s indulgence reached new heights. She pursued lovers who fit her desires, especially men endowed with 'big black cocks,' a claim she would flaunt to Sandy with a mischievous grin. Her evenings blended into a haze of exclusive clubs and clandestine meetings, leaving her partners mesmerized yet ultimately overlooked. Stacy, now entirely transformed in lace and stilettos, resided in a guest suite, catering to Summer's every whim, her loyalty unwavering.

By the age of 30, Summer had become a formidable force. Her sleek, jet-black bob shone with intensity, while her eyes glimmered with a cold, obsidian stare. She finished her last article: Summer Dew, the undisputed queen of Chicago's media landscape, with her protégé Simone Rogers poised to follow in her footsteps. The typewriter resonated with energy, channeling her determination. The following morning, she unveiled the hidden truths of the WGN-TV chief (written in her own hand) and took command of the station.

She appointed Simone—now reinvented with raven-dyed hair styled into a chic bob, bold makeup emphasizing her red lips and kohl-rimmed eyes, and a wardrobe reflecting Summer's own, featuring Gucci dresses, Chanel blazers, Louboutin heels, and Louis Vuitton handbags—as the fresh face of the news desk.

Summer retreated to her mansion, running the station from the shadows. She typed stories for Simone to deliver, each one twisting Chicago further. A senator praised for ethics fell to scandal. A charity leader lauded for good was exposed as a fraud. Simone’s broadcasts, once earnest, now dripped with malice, her transformation complete under Summer’s tutelage. The typewriter’s curse was their crown, its lies their legacy.

Summer's opulent estate served as a haven of excess—gatherings filled with the city's elite, where she unabashedly pursued her pleasures, her admirers bolstering her self-image. Stacy, an elegant figure draped in silk, remained loyally by her side, her devotion unwavering. Simone, now as merciless as Summer, collaborated with her to scheme against the city, their laughter resonating like a sinister melody.

There was neither downfall nor salvation. Summer Dew, formerly known as Daisy Mae Martin, stood as a goddess of decadence, her raven locks a diadem, her typewriter a symbol of power. Chicago was her realm, its inhabitants mere marionettes in her scheme. Simone Rogers, molded in Summer's likeness, bore the torch of deception, pledging that their reign of falsehoods would endure indefinitely.

[theneighborhoodwatch]

All of the scratching and trying to open a door to escape something definitely is drawing to mind a fire, especially with the soot web looking things behind home. But I guess it could also just be a buried alive (in the costume?) kind of thing as well. Also, the two works of The Telltale Heart (direct) and A Cask of Amontillado (indirect) have...interesting implications.

as pointed out in this post, the cask of amontillado is a revenge story. In Particular, it's a revenge story in which the reason the narrator montresor wants revenge is never made clear to the audience - although it's worth noting that one possibility that gets brought up a lot in literary discussion is that montresor envies fortunato's wealth (something that montresor is implied to have once had, but does not possess any longer, at least not to the degree he once did) popularity, and general good nature.

as i point out in this ask, these latest incidents so far seem to come about as a result of home wanting the spotlight to be on them/wally wanting the spotlight to be on home and acting accordingly - even if the only action they need to take is simply taking advantage of the fact that poppy was likely to drop out anyway. even then, bricking her in seems like a measure that one only would have taken to make sure she Stays out of the way, by disguising it as a favor to her.

speaking of which... the solution the neighbors come up with here falls very much into an "ignorance is bliss" sort of deal, right? and ignorance is at least partially what keeps the neighbors from like, learning a lesson that lasts longer than one episode/story or forming better ways to regulate themselves emotionally, right? and this is, however indirectly, what led home to be on the spotlight at least this time, right? then, if i'm right about these incidents being a result of home wanting the spotlight on them/wally wanting the spotlight on home - is it not Also reasonable to conclude that the neighbors remaining ignorant of both each others' distress and their own/the full context of their existence/how to better regulate their emotions etc. is crucial to that plan?

[aro-throughyourchest]

imagine if the dream smp was a podcast. it starts out as a series of recordings from one "wilbur soot" in his process of starting a new country l'manburg and slowly gains narrators like Niki, Eret, and Tommy until it's an ensemble. Everyone's favorite episode is the only one Schlatt's ever recorded (not for any plot related reason, quite frankly it’s the least tangential of all.) Fundy never records one but is frequently mentioned and Jack recorded like a couple times but his always have like the least amount of people who listen.

the entirety of the exile arc is from tommy's point of view with tubbo occassionally recording episodes in between (like four out of fifteen). out of the arc dream has a single episode. and what if everyone's were sort of diaries and idle talking to themselves and Dream just starts fucking talking to you. Like holy shit right? You think he's talking to Punz but then he starts listing the episode number they're on and whose name is attached. And every time Dream narrates an episode, he's talking to you. He's describing his hands covered in blood and an eerily quiet cell after an episode where Tommy narrates and the next episode is Jack telling everyone Dream beat Tommy to death.

the podcast just stops airing one day, btw. the creators have a really long twitlonger about how scheduling conflicts happen and people got busier but they would love to keep doing it one day. then a bunch of people get outed as terrible, so the series never has a chance to come back.

[tobiasdrake]

Digimon Adventure 02x22 - The Brave Evolution! XV-mon / Davis Cries Wolfman

Previously on Digimon Adventure: Chimeramon came back for another go but Wormmon killed them with kindness. Unfortunately, in the process, Chimeramon also killed Wormmon with excessive violence. Nonetheless, the Chosen Children completed their mission and the Ken was given a new mission of his own: Go touch grass.

Apparently this is NOT the episode that goes into Ken's past. That will be next episode. So the Dub Narrator was wrong when he said we'd find out today what Ken will do with the Crest of Kindness, and I was a fool to trust him.

Uh, content warning for extensive involvement of urination. If you're squeamish about that, this one's gonna be gross.

With the Digimon Kaiser at last overthrown, we open on another normal day at Odaiba Elementary. Iori's in class reading a thematically relevant passage from a textbook.

Iori: Thus, the country was saved. The king was overthrown and the country was saved. The king was overthrown but a great sadness remained in the people's hearts. The great sadness remaining in the people's hearts became a legend that will never fade.

Each line contains a piece of the previous line and makes a new statement out of it. It's a language exercise, not a literary one. But it's hard not to think of the Digital World when reading it.

Upamon, hiding in Iori's desk, wipes a tear from his eye.

Upamon: Native Language class always makes me want to cry-dagyaa!

Nope. None of that. Iori pushes Upamon deeper into the desk to silence him.

Yes, it's called Native Language class. The word 日本語 Nihongo refers to the Japanese language while 国語 Kokugo means the native language of the region you are in. So, in 日本 Nihon, Japan, the 国語 Kokugo would be 日本語 Nihongo. But if you went to 英国 Eikoku, England, then 国語 Kokugo would be 英語 Eigo, English.

In Japanese schools, the study of Japanese is 国語の授業 Kokugo no Jugyou, Native Language Class. Most places with a robust education system have some form of 国語の授業 Kokugo no Jugyou; It's just that the 国語 Kokugo we study in different regions are different languages.

It's like how Americans sometimes call it "Language Arts class" instead of "English class". It's a better, more universal terminology.

In the dub:

Cody: And so the kingdom was saved. But there was no joy in the land that day for the king had died. In his effort to save his people, he mistakenly stood on the wrong side of the cannon as it was being fired. The people watched in shock as the king flew overhead. Upamon: Gee, Cody, you couldn't be a little more depressing, could ya? Cody: Shhh! (Cody stuffs Upamon in the desk)

Cody is reading a literary textbook. A hilariously morbid one, at that. Holy shit.

"There was no joy in the land that day because of the hilarious Looney Tunes demise of their lord. Royal blood and viscera rained down upon all who came to witness his glory. One man got hit in the face with a femur and let out a yelp."

Obviously, this does not bear any sort of thematic resonance to the recent victory against the Digimon Emperor.

Next, we turn to Miyako in chemistry class, holding up a flask.

Miyako: Take this fluid. Add it to the other chemical in the beaker and then heat them over an alcohol lamp.

She pours the solution in and heats them.

Miyako: There! Now we just have to wait three minutes.

Outside the window, Poromon is watching her. He has concerns.

Poromon: Uhhh, that seems kind of dangerous....

Suddenly, the boiling fluid starts putting out purple smoke.

Poromon: Huh?

The smoke then turns to smoke rings. Miyako stares at the rings, transfixed, but the rest of the class is smart enough to run.

Poromon: EYEEEEEEGH!!! Students: LOOK OUT!!!

The concoction explodes right in Miyako's face, covering her in soot.

Miyako: Errors have been made.

Don't worry, Miyako. It's not your fault. It's the fault of the Coalition of Fictional Chemistry Teachers who make it standard practice to let children mix dangerous chemicals unsupervised.

In the dub:

Yolei: Pay attention, everybody! I take this tube of hydro-something stuff and add it to this beaker of a few things I threw together. I let it simmer for a bit. Now the experiment is almost complete! I'm thinking of doing some tutoring in chemistry after school if any of you boys are interested.... (Beaker starts to smoke) Poromon: Uh-oh! Boy: Is it supposed to smoke that much!? Yolei: Uhhh, of course! It's just the fluorodicarbonate polyethylene. (Smoke rings; Everyone screams and runs, followed by explosion) Yolei: Ehehehe....

I like that they roped in Yolei's love-starved trait. She tries to use her volatile concoction to flirt only for it to literally blow up in her face. I don't think any of those boys will be taking her up on that offer.

So that's what they're doing in 3rd and 6th grade. Time to check in on the 5th-graders. In the gym, Hikari is doing ballet. Chibimon, Patamon, and Tailmon watch from the rafters.

Tailmon: I want to dance too. Patamon: Will you dance with me? Tailmon: Yeah!

Neither of them know how to do ballet but they flop around and have fun. Beneath them, Chibimon feels left out.

Chibimon: You two have fun, then! Hmph!

Here's our first hint at what's going to be a driving source of conflict for this episode. That's right, it's time to talk about the Takeru/Hikari/Daisuke triangle.

The girls' ballet lessons end almost as soon as we get to the gym, though, and now it's time for boys' basketball. We see a few practice shots taken at the basket. Two balls whiff the basket while a third one goes in.

From their body language, it seems Daisuke sunk the successful shot; Takeru and another boy look distraught while Daisuke proudly spins a basketball on his finger. Then the whistle blows.

Daisuke: Hehehe.... Chibimon: (excited) The boys' basketball game is about to start!

The boys square up against each other, with Daisuke and Takeru on opposing teams. The girls file off to the side. Hikari and two other girls watch eagerly as the match begins.

In the dub:

Patamon: Kari is such a graceful dancer! Gatomon: She should be. I taught her everything she knows! Patamon: Teach me! Gatomon: Okay! (They start dancing) DemiVeemon: I forgot my dancing shoes! Hmph!

The dub's take on the ballet scene cuts out the romantic connotation to Patamon asking Tailmon to dance. So it's not really clear why DemiVeemon is suddenly acting so pissy.

The dub uses extra dialogue to clarify that it was Davis who made that shot.

Davis: You guys are lame! Watch me! (Ball sinks) Davis: Nothing but net! Not only am I the best soccer player in school; I'm the best basketball player too! (Davis spins the ball on his finger) Davis: Hehehe.... Chibimon: Is there anything in the real world that Davis isn't the best at? Gatomon: Yeah. Being modest.

All this extra dialogue is setup for the impending match between Davis and T.K. There are other players on the field, but comparing Daisuke/Davis and Takeru/T.K. is the purpose of this scene.

At the serve, Takeru claims the ball and dribbles around the opposing players.

Patamon: Keep it up, Takeru!

Daisuke moves in to stop him, but Takeru's incredible footwork allows him to dart around Daisuke and move in on the basket.

Patamon: SHOOT!!!

Takeru takes the shot and sinks it.

Patamon: YIPPEE!!! Tailmon: NICE SHOT!!! Chibimon: Daisuke could do that too, y'know. Hikari: TAKERU-KUUUUUUN!!!

With everyone cheering him on, Takeru high fives his other teammate.

Takeru: Yes! We did it!

A fantastic play by Takeru. Daisuke may be a strong soccer player but he's in Takeru's thunderdome now.

In the dub, Kari announces the start of the match since they changed DemiVeemon's dialogue.

Kari: The basketball game's about to start. GO T.K.!!! Referee: (whistles) Jump ball! (T.K. claims the ball and dribbles down court) Patamon: Air T.K.! T.K.: Try to stop me, Davis! If you can! (T.K. dribbles around Davis, then goes up for the shot) Patamon: Don't pose for pictures; Shoot it! (The ball goes in) Patamon: Two points! Gatomon: YAY!!! DemiVeemon: I guess anybody can get lucky against Davis once! Kari: NICE SHOT!!! T.K.: Teamwork, baby! (T.K. high fives his partner) T.K.: Yeah!

"Don't pose for pictures" is an Abridged Parody riff on the animation. They hang dramatically on that shot of Takeru preparing to fire, and Dub Patamon accuses him of actually doing that diegetically.

I really like the "Teamwork, baby!" line as he high fives his partner. That's good sportsmanship.

But one person isn't impressed.

Daisuke: That smug Takeru thinks he's so cool. Alright!

Determined to prove himself, Daisuke gets back in the game. He catches the basketball and dribbles past an opposing team member.

Chibimon: DAISUKE, SHOOT!!!

Against an opposing team member, Daisuke finds himself blocked the way he tried to block Takeru. He tries to slip past, trips over his own foot, and crashes face-first into the floor. The ball goes flying.

Tailmon & Patamon: Ahahahahahahaha-- Chibimon: STOP LAUGHING!!!

Daisuke, embarrassed, picks himself up off the court and glances over at the girls, who are all stifling laughter of their own.

Hikari: (snicker) We should go start our dance routine over.

Hikari herds the girls away from Daisuke's shame. Takeru approaches him, offering a hand up.

Takeru: Are you okay, Daisuke-kun?

Daisuke ignores the offered hand and picks himself up.

Daisuke: Obviously, I'm not okay. Takeru: What's wrong? Daisuke: Hmph!

Refusing to answer, Daisuke turns away from Takeru just in time to take a basketball to the face. He's not having a good day.

Yesterday, he vanquished the Digimon Kaiser once and for all. Today, basketball butt monkey. It's not easy being Daisuke.

In the dub:

Davis: Guys, we need to learn to pass the ball! Now let's do it! (Davis catches the ball and dribbles down court) DemiVeemon: GO DAVIS!!! (Davis trips over his own foot and faceplants) Gatomon & Patamon: Ahahahahahahaha-- DemiVeemon: IT'S NOT THAT FUNNY!!! (All the girls are laughing) Kari: Come on, I think Davis needs a little more time to practice. (T.K. offers Davis a hand up) T.K.: Hey Davis, do you need a hand? (Davis picks himself up) Davis: No, I need a team that knows how to pass the ball! T.K.: I think they're starting to learn. Davis: Hm? (Davis turns around and takes a basketball to the face)

This version doesn't have the symmetry of both Patamon and Chibimon respectively cheering for their Partner to shoot.

Hikari tries to spare Daisuke's feelings by driving the girls away, while Kari mocks Davis.

Daisuke is jealous and spiteful of Takeru for outperforming him in basketball. This, again, sets up a significant conflict for this episode. Davis is fine with T.K., but mad at his team over insufficient ball passing. This sets up the gag of the ball hitting him in the face, but is an odd thing for him to complain about in context when what went wrong was him tripping over himself.

So the dub traded out setup for a core theme of the episode to try and make an existing gag funnier.

The ringing of the school bell heralds the end of the day. Time to hit computer club.

Miyako and Iori meet in the stairwell.

Iori: Ah! Miyako-san! Miyako: Iori!

Together, they sprint down the hall and into the clubroom, where the fifth-graders are waiting for them.

Daisuke: You're late! Miyako: Huh? Takeru: Miyako-san, Daisuke-kun's been in a bad mood for a while now. Please just hurry up and open the Gate. Miyako: Hrm.

Miyako goes to the computer and pulls up the Digital Gate.

Miyako: DIGITAL GATE, OPEN!!! CHOSEN CHILDREN, LET'S ROLL!!!

Crossing over, the Chosen Children arrive in a forest in the Digital World.

Iori: (contemplative) Even with the Digimon Kaiser gone, we can still enter the Digital World.... Miyako: What's that supposed to mean? The Digital World is finally at peace! We can just enjoy the Digital World from now on, right? Takeru & Iori: Eh... Well.... Miyako: You're with me, right, Hikari-chan? Hikari: Uh, sure....

Iori raises a valid concern. Last time the Chosen Children were needed, the Digital World basically told them to hit the bricks as soon as the task was complete. So the fact that we can still come and go from the place is a little concerning.

In the dub:

Cody: Oh, I'm late I'm late I'm late! I'm late! I'm late I'm late I'm LATE!!! (Yolei and Cody meet in the hall) Yolei: (cheerfully) We're late.

The dub has the school bell ring here. Which is an odd place to put it. If they were on their way to a class, then this would support how late they are because the bell means class has started. But since it's the end of the school day, doesn't that mean they skipped the last few minutes of their classes and are in fact early?

(Cody and Yolei sprint into the clubroom) Davis: LOOK WHO'S HERE!!! T.K.: Davis is in a bad mood. Let's hope things are better in the Digital World. He's already had one nasty trip today! Yolei: Hrm. Is everybody ready? (Yolei pulls up the Digi-Port) Group: YEAH!!! Yolei: Then let's do it! DIGI-PORT, OPEN!!!

"He's already had one nasty trip today!" Goddammit, that got me. XD Good passive-aggressive burn, T.K.

The dub takes its first commercial break as the kids are crossing over. We return to find them in the woods.

Cody: You know, I'm surprised that now, with the Digimon Emperor gone, we're still able to come to the Digital World. Yolei: Of course we can still come here! I don't know about the rest of you but with the Digimon Emperor gone, I plan on having a little fun in the Digi-Sun! Don't you think we deserve it!? Cody & T.K.: Well, yeah! Yolei: How about you, Kari? Do you agree with me? Kari: Uhhh....

This is almost perfect, but they seem to have missed that Iori and Takeru are not onboard with Miyako's assertion. Cody and T.K. deliver their lines like they're in full agreement, though their faces clearly suggest otherwise. But they did catch that Hikari was only humoring her.

There is one person willing to cast his vote in Miyako's favor, however. And that should probably be reason enough to rethink her stance.

Daisuke: You're right, Miyako. However, we didn't come to the Digital World to play today. Miyako: I know that! We're volunteering to help with the reconstruction. Daisuke: We're partly responsible for the damage that's been done to the Digital World, after all.

Daisuke has a stronger sense of international responsibility than many actual world leaders. We won the war against the Digimon Kaiser and that's great and all. However, we left several places in ruin while we were having fun kicking his ass and knocking down his Dark Towers. So we now have an obligation to help rebuild what our conflict with him destroyed.

That the Kaiser was himself a Chosen Child only heightens that responsibility. If an English general went rogue and annexed Romania and then the English army bulldozed several Romanian cultural sites to drive him out, Romania would reasonably expect some restitution from England.

Iori: Miyako-san, what is the damage report for the Digital World? Miyako: Let's see... I'll check the D-Terminal.

Apparently the D-Terminal can give you sitrep now. That's a new function.

Miyako: There's the mountain region....

Brief cut to a group of Gotsumon knocking down trees and excavating the mountain for materials.

Takeru: We'll go there. Patamon: Sounds good, Takeru. Daisuke: Alright, Takeru will handle the mountain region.

Makes sense to send one of the fliers up that way.

In the dub:

Davis: There'll be plenty of time for rest and relaxation later, Yolei! But that's not why we came to the Digital World today. Yolei: I know, I know. We're here to restore the Digital World to the way it was before the Digimon Emperor took over. Davis: That's right! There's a lot of areas that are in pretty bad shape and we're part of the reason for it. We have to get to work! Cody: Alright, Yolei, give us a damage report on all the different areas. Yolei: Okay, let me pull it up on the D-Terminal. (Yolei takes out her D-Terminal) Yolei: The mountain area is pretty bad. (Brief cut to Gotsumon working) Gotsumon: Let's get back to work, boys! Don't leave any stone unturned even if it's your cousin! (Back to the kids) T.K.: I guess then... We'll take it. Patamon: The Gotsumon rock! Davis: Okay, Patamon and T.K. will handle the mountains.

They add a couple gags with the Gotsumon but they follow the script perfectly. Despite the foul mood he's in, Davis even refrains from the running gag of saying T.K.'s name wrong on purpose; The dub understands that now that we're here, he's in Serious Business mode. There are bigger things happening than his petty rivalry.

What else have you got for us, Miyako?

Miyako: Next up is the city. That place was hit pretty hard.

Cut to a ruined metropolis. Buildings line in rubble, some knocked over entirely or bombed out. RedVegiemon is there running a soup kitchen, providing curry to Gazimon refugees.

Armadimon: AHH LET'S GO LET'S GO LET'S GO-DAGYAA!!! IORI!!!

Armadimon runs off without another word, forcing Iori to run after him.

Iori: Ah, wait up, Armadimon! Daisuke: Aw, crap! They already took that one.

City region is assigned to Iori. Better luck next time, Daisuke.

Miyako: Next up is the rural countryside.

There, we see Gekomon tilling the rice paddies. Otamamon gather around a river, though it's unclear what exactly they're doing. I assume they're irrigating. A group of Bakemon show up carrying a log, adding it to a bridge under construction across the river.

Daisuke: Guess it's our turn now. Hikari: Wait! I want that one too. Tailmon: Yeah. Daisuke: Alright, then let's play Rock-Paper-Scissors for it. Hikari: Sounds good. Daisuke: (chanting) Starting at Rock! JAN KEN PON!!!

最初はグー Saisho wa guu is a customary phrase to begin a match of じゃんけん Janken. Players all begin with the closed fist of Rock. The three syllabic steps of じゃんけんぽん Jan Ken Pon then serve as a rhythmic countdown to when the players will throw their signs, delivered in the same cadence as 最初はグー Saisho wa guu.

English-speakers have similar countdowns with "Rock Paper Scissors!" or "Rock Paper Scissors Shoot!' but the melodic nature of the Japanese language makes their countdown exceptional.

Daisuke throws Rock to Hikari's Paper, so Hikari wins. Daisuke groans while Hikari high fives Tailmon.

Daisuke: Augh, I lost! Hawkmon: Next is the lake, right? Daisuke: V-mon and I will take the lake!

Once that's decided, Hikari, Takeru, and Daisuke scatter in separate directions. There is no glimpse of what's happening at the lake this time.

Miyako: All that's left is the coastal region. Hawkmon: Then I guess that one is ours, Miyako-san.

Similar to the lake, there is no glimpse of the coast. They just take it.

Just like that, the map is divvied up. Again, despite the bad day he's having, we can see how serious Daisuke is about this reconstruction. He loses out on the region he wants twice but he just rolls with the punches and takes what he can get with minimal complaint. This isn't about him.

In the dub:

Yolei: Next is the city. Wow, that looks in pretty bad shape too. (Cut to destroyed city) RedVegiemon: Form a single line, everybody. And no cutting in! Today's entree will be tuna surprise. Unfortunately, we didn't have any tuna. THAT'S THE SURPRISE!!! (Back to the kids) Armadillomon: Didja hear that, Cody? You get a free lunch. Let's go! (Armadillomon runs off with Cody chasing after) Cody: Wait for me! Davis: Aw man, he beat me to it!

Armadillomon doesn't quite match Armadimon's explosive enthusiasm but the idea is still there.

Yolei: Let's take a look at the farmlands. (Cut to farmlands) Gekomon: Alright, you Bakemon, a little to the left! ...now a smidge to the right! That's it! Easy does it! (The Bakemon add their log to the bridge) Gatomon: Haha, yeah! (Back to the kids) Davis: Okay then, we'll take that one. Kari: Wait! I wanted that area. Gatomon: Me too! Davis: The only fair thing to do is Rock-Paper-Scissors. Kari: Let's do it! Davis: Just so you know, I was champion in the fourth grade! HUAAAAGH!!! (Kari wins) Davis: Aggggh! Gatomon: Yay!

Davis does not offer any cadence and just expects Kari to know when to throw. He set himself up for failure with that one.

Hawkmon: The next area is the lake. Davis: Veemon and I will take that one! (Everyone scatters) Yolei: The only area left is the beach. Hawkmon: Alright, it's settled then! You and I are headed to the beach!

Overall, this is another pretty good adaptation. They stay on point and resist the urge to shit on Davis any harder than his No Good Very Bad Day already is.

Just like that, all assignments are divvied up. A map of the region shows us where each Chosen Child is assigned to work.

The map is followed by a montage of Chosen Children working through the day. Takeru and Patamon up in the mountains are helping with crops. Takeru plants while Patamon flies around the field with a watering can.

Over at the coast, Miyako and Hawkmon are helping dredge up debris. A team of Gizamon push a broken canoe up from the water, while Woodmon on shore pull it with a rope. Miyako and Hawkmon have joined in the pulling, though Hawkmon is contributing nothing to this exercise.

Hawkmon: I CAN'T PULL!!!

Miyako is helping. Hawkmon is dangling. But at least he tried.

In the dub, there's more dialogue to the montage.

(T.K. plants a sprout) T.K.: Okay, Patamon. (Patamon waters; Cut to coast) Yolei: Woodmon, you pull, and Gizamon, you push. Get it right this time. Go! (Yolei and Hawkmon help pull)

They take out the gag of Hawkmon lamenting his uselessness and instead blame the Woodmon and Gizamon for some reason. That's just good old-fashioned American nepotism right there.

In the city region, Iori helps RedVeggiemon stir the cookpot. Armadimon shows up with a bundle of kindling tied to his back, collapsing in front of the pot.

Armadimon: Ugh, if you don't work, you don't eat-dagyaa.

At the lake, Daisuke and V-mon help a group of RedVeggiemon carry cut logs. Unfortunately, a group of Numemon have taken up residence on top of the stack.

Daisuke: Move, Numemon! You're in the way!

The Numemon depart from the log pile, but leave poops behind. Thanks. That's great. Assholes.

And finally, Hikari and Tailmon help the Gekomon harvest water from the river.

In the dub:

(Armadillomon collapses in front of the cookpot) Armadillomon: Ugh. This is hard work. So much for a free lunch. (Davis and the others bring a log for the pile) Davis: Come on, Vegiemon! Lift! You've got to put some backbone into it! Oh. I forgot you don't have one.

Again, the dub has the kids chewing out the Digimon they're helping for inadequate work performance. Something about that rubs me the wrong way.

For Davis, it's used as a replacement for the Numemon poop bit, which the dub snips out the footage of. -1 Poop joke, +1 Digimon anatomy joke.

As Hikari and Tailmon pull up the water bucket, they suddenly hear someone calling for them.

Patamon: TAILMON!!! Girls: Huh? Takeru: HIKARI-CHAAAAAAN!!!

Takeru and Patamon come running over the log bridge that the Bakemon recently built. Which is quite a feat given that they were on opposite ends of the map from Hikari and Tailmon. Do we think Takeru Solid Snaked it past Daisuke? Or did he go the long way through Iori or Miyako territory?

Either way, what he's not doing is his fucking job. He and Patamon planted like three crops and then booked it. For shame.

Hikari: Takeru-kun? Tailmon: What's wrong, Patamon? Patamon: Takeru's worried. There's something weighing on his mind. Hikari: What are you worried about? Takeru: That we can still enter the Digital World. Hikari: That's because we're still needed in the Digital World, right? Takeru: That was certainly the case three years ago. Hikari: So how about now? Patamon: Are we still needed here? Tailmon: We're needed to help with reconstruction for the destroyed Digital World, aren't we? Hikari: Ultimately, we're just volunteering for the reconstruction effort.... Takeru: The fact that we can enter the Digital World means that the Digital World still needs us. A crisis is approaching. Hikari: You mean a new enemy? Takeru: I don't know, but I think we should tell the others about it. Hikari: Yeah.

The veterans remember the escalation from the first series and then whoops none of those guys were actually the guy, THIS is the guy.

I'm glad Takeru spent half an hour slowly moving past Daisuke under cover of a cardboard box so he could deliberate with Hikari about whether to tell Daisuke that they're in danger. He didn't even really consult her on anything. He just came here and told her, "This is what I think. Anyways, let's brief the team."

I think he just wanted to get out of planting crops.

In the dub:

Patamon: GATOMON!!! Girls: Huh? T.K.: KARI!!! (T.K. and Patamon come running) Kari: What's wrong? Gatomon: Patamon, is a dog chasing you? Patamon: No! Listen up. T.K. has a theory that I think we should all listen to. Kari: What is it? T.K.: I was thinking about what Cody said about still being able to come to the Digital World. Kari: I thought we figured out that we can come here because we're still needed for something, didn't we?

We did not. I don't know where you got that impression. This is the first mention of us still being needed for something. Figuring that out is the purpose of this conversation we are having right now.

T.K.: That's the reason we were able to come here the first time. Patamon: You're right. There must be a reason this time too. Gatomon: The reason's as plain as the whiskers on my face; We're here to clean up the mess left by the Digimon Emperor. Kari: The only problem with that theory is that we volunteered for the work. It's not like we were drafted. T.K.: Exactly! That's the part that's been bothering me. We're not meant to be here as a cleanup crew. There's something else out there that we don't know about yet. Kari: T.K., you mean... a new enemy!? T.K.: I'm not exactly sure what it is yet but I think we should be prepared for whatever's out there waiting for us. Kari: Mhm.

Apart from Kari bizarrely thinking we've already had this conversation, this is pretty good.

Setting out to collect the others, Takeru and Hikari find the lake region vacant. Daisuke is nowhere to be found.

Patamon: Huh? There's no one here. Hikari: That's weird. Where did they all go? Patamon: HEEEEEEY!!! COME OUT OF HIDING!!! Takeru: DAISUKE-KUUUUUUN!!! Tailmon: V-MOOOOOON!!!

But no answer comes. What dire fate might have befallen--

Oh, no, scratch that. Daisuke and V-mon went for a walk in the bamboo forest. They're fine. Daisuke's just a little out of it.

Daisuke: Hey, V-mon? You've probably noticed already but... why are Takeru and Hikari-chan so tight-knit?

What exactly does Daisuke mean by that? Well, the language used here is あんなに仲がいい an'nani naka ga ii. 仲がいい Naka ga ii means two people who get along very well. They can be friends, lovers, coworkers, peers; The term does not define a particular type of relationship. What matters is that they support each other with minimal conflict.

あんなに An'nani basically means "like that". To that extent.

So Daisuke isn't specifically defining any sort of relationship for them, though he does have suspicions. But with this line, he is questioning how it is that Takeru and Hikari get along that well. They're two peas in a pod. They support each other relentlessly and are totally on the same page all the time, and it's weird.

Daisuke flashes back on the way Hikari cheered for Takeru at the basketball game. This is a rare instance of a flashback with dialogue.

Hikari: TAKERU-KUUUUUUN!!! Takeru: Yes! We did it! (End Flashback) V-mon: Patamon and Tailmon too....

V-mon flashes back on Patamon and Tailmon dancing.

V-mon (V.O.): They get along really well....

The boys let out a mutual sigh.

In the dub:

Patamon: Uh-oh. Everybody's gone.... Kari: That's really strange. They were all here just a minute ago. Patamon: Okay! If you're hiding, we give up! You can come out now! Ollie Ollie Oxenfree! T.K.: DAVIS!!! VEEMON!!! (Cut to bamboo forest) Davis: Hey, Veemon? Have you noticed how chummy T.K. and Kari are together? Why do you think that is? Veemon: Maybe they're identical twins that look completely different! Davis: For example, did you see how Kari was openly rooting for T.K. when we played basketball? Huh.... (Flashback) Kari: I!!! LOVE!!! YOU!!! T.K.!!! T.K.: YEAH!!! (End Flashback) Veemon: Funny, I don't quite remember it like that. (Flashback) Veemon (V.O.): I was too busy watching Gatomon. (End Flashback, collective sigh)

Obviously, Kari didn't say that in the original scene. But for once, that's on purpose. We're seeing Davis's jealous interpretation of that scene rather than a literal flashback.

Daisuke: V-mon! V-mon: What is it, Daisuke?

Daisuke crouches down and grabs V-mon's hands.

Daisuke: We have to work together. V-mon: Work together? Daisuke: We'll come up with something really cool! V-mon: Really cool! Daisuke: And that will bring me closer with Hikari.

Daisuke fantasizes about doing a slam dunk while Hikari cheers for him. Then he front-flips over in front of her and throws up two V for Victories.

V-mon: And I'll get closer with Tailmon.

V-mon fantasizes about waltzing with Tailmon while holding a rose in his mouth.

V-mon: (singsong) TAILMOOO~OOON!!!

With both boys drunk on their fantasy, we return to reality.

Daisuke: The only way this happens, V-mon, is if you evolve into your Adult form. V-mon: Evolve to my Adult form? Daisuke: Something like UltraAngemon.

THAT'S RIGHT, FUCKOS. Remember UltraAngemon? It's an evolution Daisuke pulled straight out of his ass in a jealous fervor. He invented the concept of UltraAngemon way back in episode 7, the Andromon episode, after witnessing Patamon evolve into Angemon for the first time. With the Digimon Kaiser defeated, it's finally time for UltraAngemon to make his debut!

The boys take a moment to picture what UltraAngemon will look like. It's basically Angemon if he flew through a rainbow and got tie-dyed.

V-mon: Got it! Are you ready for me to become UltraAngemon!?

Daisuke laughs and claps at V-mon humoring him. I don't think they're really serious about this UltraAngemon thing; They're just venting some of their stress by goofing around. Daisuke is serious about V-mon evolving to Adult, though.

In the dub:

Davis: Augh.... Veemon: We're not that popular. (Davis crouches down and grabs Veemon's hands) Davis: If we want Kari and Gatomon to like us, we've gotta change. Veemon: What do you have in mind? Davis: We have to be better at the things they like. Veemon: Like what? Davis: I have to learn to become a better basketball player. (Fantasy Davis dunks) Kari: Yay! Davis: KARI LOVES ME!!! YEAH!!! (End Flashback) Veemon: And I have to learn to be a better dancer. (Veemon flashback) Gatomon: (swooning) Veemon.... (End Flashback) Davis: I got it! Just Digivolve into a Champion Digimon who happens to be a great dancer! Veemon: A regular twinkletoes! Davis: Yeah, right? I can just picture it now! (Imagine spot of UltraAngemon) Davis: Angemon would have nothing on you! Veemon: Here goes! VEEMON DIGIVOLVE TO CHAMPION MEGADANCERMON!!!

The dub didn't quite lay the groundwork for UltraAngemon. It sort of did; Davis did tell Veemon to Digivolve into "AngeSomething" in their version of that scene. But it seems they found it easier just to break away from that gag entirely here, inventing the new hypothetical form of MegaDancermon.

In the original, Daisuke just suggests that they need to "do something cool". The fantasies are them expressing their respective jealousies; Daisuke fantasizes about Hikari cheering for his basketball prowess like she did for Takeru and V-mon fantasizes about Tailmon dancing with him instead of with Patamon.

The plan is:

Step 1: Evolve V-mon into a super cool Adult form that impresses the girls so that they like US now!

Step 2: And then we'll be the ones they do these specific things we're salty about with instead of Takeru and Patamon!

The dub tries to merge those into the same step. Davis describes these activities as "things they like", which he and Veemon must improve at. Then they joke around about evolving Veemon into MegaDancermon to achieve that goal for him.

And, for Veemon, that makes sense. But. Uh. I don't think his logic follows for Kari. Kari wasn't cheering for T.K. because he's good at basketball. She was cheering at the basketball game to support T.K. So that's awkward, but in a way that can just be the character's mistake. Daisuke/Davis is meant to be off his rocker here either way.

Suddenly, Daisuke and V-mon's jubilation is interrupted by a presence nearby. Alerted by the scattering of birds, they whip around to see a horrifying creature emerging from the bamboo forest.

A creature that is clearly a bunch of Numemon in a trenchcoat but we'll humor them. After a commercial break, the creature lunges forward and reveals itself to be of a colossal height.

They kind of look like they're wearing a makeshift Monzaemon outfit.

Daisuke: HELP ME, V-MON!!!

Daisuke pushes V-mon forward towards the creature and darts to the side, out of the way.

V-mon: DAISUKE!!! Daisuke: V-mon, evolve into your Adult form! V-mon: S-Sure...

V-mon spins in place while trying to call out his evolution phrase.

V-mon: V-MON SHINKAAAAAA-YA-YA-ya-yaaaaa....

He successfully dizzies himself and falls over. Victory for FakeMonzaemon.

Daisuke: Ugh, he can't evolve.

Oh well. Looks like we're doomed by the very real threat bearing down on us. Sucks.

Honestly, it's for the best. This kind of disingenuous shit is how you get SkullGreymons. Do you want SkullGreymons, Daisuke?

The dub also takes its commercial break here before commencing the attack. When we return, Davis and Veemon drop some quips in before starting up the script.

Davis: That Digimon needs a new tailor! Veemon: He must have a hard time finding eyeglasses! Davis: LOOK OUT, A MONSTER!!! (Davis pushes Veemon towards it and runs) Davis: Don't just stand there! Try to Digivolve into a Champion! Veemon: VEEMON DIGIVOLVE TO... Doooyagh....

Even in the context of Davis staging this attack, the way he suddenly jumps from snarking on the creature's design to screaming and running for his life feels really awkward and inorganic.

With V-mon vanquished, it is time for the wrath of the fake Monzaemon thing!

Creature: Um, are we done here? Daisuke: Yeah, we're good. Thanks. Creature: You're welcome.

The monster tilts forward and its head comes off, spilling countless Numemon and RedVeggiemon out into a pile.

Daisuke: And after all the trouble you went to. Sorry about that. Group: Bye.

Daisuke and V-mon wave as the Digimon depart.

In the dub:

Creature: Can we stop now, Davis? It's getting really hot in here. Davis: Yeah, guess so. Nice job, guys. Creature: Gee, thanks, Davis. Everybody out! (Creature comes apart) Davis: Aww, you ripped your costume. And it was really good too. Group: Adios / See you later!

Davis compliments the costume instead of apologizing for the wasted effort.

Once they're gone, Daisuke turns on V-mon.

Daisuke: That was all your fault, V-mon! V-mon: How was that my fault!? Daisuke: It just is!

Daisuke punches V-mon in the top of his head.

V-mon: OW, WHAT THE HELL!?

V-mon breaks a bamboo stalk with a chop and then turns furiously on Daisuke.

V-mon: Now I'm really getting mad.... Daisuke: Uhh, sorry!

Daisuke turns and runs from his infuriated Partner. V-mon chases after him, roaring at him.

V-mon: COME BACK HERE, DAISUKE!!!

No dice. Daisuke flees from V-mon until he reaches a rope bridge. Once there, he stops and waits for V-mon while explaining his plan via internal monologue.

Daisuke: (thinking) Hehe... Next plan: Enrage V-mon and then break this suspension bridge and cause it to fall, thus putting me in a dire situation. Then, as a result of my brilliant plan, V-mon will have to evolve into his Adult form!

Okay, I joked about it earlier, but this is literally the SkullGreymon episode of the first series. Daisuke really is just doing the SkullGreymon plot again.

In the dub:

Davis: This is all your fault, Veemon! If you would have just Digivolved into a Champion, I never would have had to trick you!

The dub removes the part where Daisuke punches V-mon in the head.

Veemon: So that's it! (Veemon breaks a bamboo stalk) Veemon: You tried to scare me! (Davis runs for it and Veemon gives chase) Davis: WAAAAUGH!!! WELL, YOU USUALLY DIGIVOLVE WHEN YOU'RE SCARED!!! AHHHHHHH!!! (Davis reaches the bridge) Davis: Come on, Veemon! You're slower than the U.S. mail! I hope your Champion form runs faster than you do! Davis: (thinking) Hehe... And now it's time for Part 2 of Operation: Make Veemon Digivolve. I make Veemon mad and then, as I'm crossing this bridge, it breaks! And in order to save me from the fall, Veemon has to Digivolve to the Champion level. Perfect!

I would have gone with "Plan B" instead of "Part 2". The phrase "Part 2" implies that Davis intended to fail with the Monzaemon costume earlier. In the original, it's more clearly asserted that the bridge plan is a contingency for if the Monzaemon plan fails.

Additionally, losing the punch to the head makes Veemon's reaction seem more irrational here. He's chasing Davis with clear intent to do violence over what was basically a prank. Still a dick thing to go but not necessarily one that needs to escalate into physical violence.

Daisuke puts his plan into action by ripping the cord holding the bridge together. The now unstable bridge begins to shake.

Daisuke: AHHHHHH!!! SAVE ME, V-MON!!! V-mon: DAISUKE!!!

All thoughts of retaliation gone, Daisuke sprints across the bridge, screaming Daisuke's name with fear in his voice. Unfortunately, the shaking of the bridge proves too much for him and he falls on his face. The bridge snaps in half, forcing V-mon to leap across in order to reach the segment that Daisuke's holding onto.

Daisuke: V-MOOOOOON!!! V-mon: DAISUKEEEEEE!!!

Hanging onto the cord of the now destroyed bridge, Daisuke hits the cliffside hard but keeps a firm grip. V-mon manages to grab onto Daisuke's legs.

Daisuke: V-mon! You have to evolve into your Adult form! V-mon: V-mon... shinka....

Then all of a sudden, like magic....

...V-mon loses his grip and plunges into the river below. Daisuke follows shortly after.

I sure hope that isn't one of the bridges we just rebuilt or else Daisuke's going to have some explaining to do. In fact, just in general he's going to have a hard time explaining why he wandered off from a volunteer reconstruction assignment to go wreck things further.

Forget what I said earlier about Daisuke knowing there are bigger things happening here than his petty rivalry. This is kind of awful, Daisuke.

In the dub:

Davis: AHHHH!!! VEEMON, HELP ME!!! Veemon: Davis, hold on! (The bridge gives way) Davis: WHOAAAA-OHHHH!!! Veemon: DAVIS!!! (The boys end up dangling) Davis: Now, Veemon! You've got to Digivolve! Veemon: Veemon... Digivolve... To.... (The boys fall in the river) Veemon: (floundering) Was! This! Another! Trick!? Davis: (floundering) I would never! Do! Something like that!

The boys get a little extra dialogue at the end over what is, in the original, the both of them gasping for air while struggling to keep their heads afloat.

Washing up on the shore, Daisuke comes clean to V-mon.

V-mon: Huh? This was a practice exercise to get me to evolve into my Adult form? Daisuke: The plan was that if I put myself in danger, you would evolve into your Adult form and save me. V-mon: But it doesn't seem like it worked. Sorry, Daisuke. Daisuke: It's not your fault, V-mon. V-mon: No? Well then, we should probably head back to the others soon! Daisuke: Yeah.

V-mon bounced back from that pretty fast. Daisuke stands up, then offers V-mon a hand and helps him to his feet. Suddenly, they hear the sound of rumbling rocks nearby. Looking up, they see several rocks rolling down the cliff towards them.

Daisuke: Run, V-mon!

Daisuke starts running, but V-mon watches the rockslide curiously.

V-mon: This is another practice exercise to make me evolve into my Adult form, right? Daisuke: IT'S NOT PART OF THE PLAN!!! V-mon: WAAAAAAAUGH!!!

Now appropriately freaked out, V-mon books it before a massive boulder lands where he was standing. The boulder hits the ground rolling, pursuing Daisuke and V-mon.

Honestly, I'm surprised it took V-mon this long to realize something didn't smell right. The fact that Daisuke kept yelling "Evolve to your Adult form!" instead of yelling "DIGIMENTAL UP!!!" is a dead giveaway.

In the dub, Veemon already knows Davis has been trying to trick him so their discussion is a little different.

Veemon: But Davis, why did you want me to Digivolve into a Champion? Davis: Well, I thought that maybe Kari would like me more if my Digimon could reach the Champion level like T.K.'s can. Veemon: That's silly. Gatomon wouldn't like me more if you could Digivolve. Davis: Well, it couldn't hurt; She doesn't like you now! Veemon: Hey! That's not nice. I really wish you wouldn't rub it in. Davis: (conciliatory) Okay.

It feels a little awkward that Veemon's suddenly confused by this when they were just talking about MegaDancermon.

But it actually does make sense; They'd only been talking then about how Digivolving would benefit Veemon. That Davis is actually personally invested in Veemon Digivolving was not a topic of conversation before.

In the original, Daisuke clearly stated that V-mon becoming UltraAngemon would impress Hikari and Tailmon into liking them both more. But that idea had not been conveyed to Veemon in the dub until this moment.

Davis does come out of this conversation looking more like an asshole than Daisuke does, however, due to the "She doesn't like you now!" exchange. For Daisuke and V-mon, this is just a sweet reconciliation scene.

(Rockslide) Davis: RUN, VEEMON!!! (Davis runs) Veemon: This isn't another one of your tricks to get me to Digivolve into the Champion level, is it? Davis: NO!!! THIS TIME IT'S FOR REAL!!! RUN!!! Veemon: Waugh! (Veemon starts running too)

This part's perfect. No notes.

Fleeing from the boulder, Daisuke and V-mon run afoul of a Digimon that is clearly and unambiguously urinating on the ground beside the river.

Sure, that might as well happen. We've had so much poop so I guess it's about time. Thanks, show. Also, the spiky-shelled Digimon is laughing riotously about his pissing. I'm not sure what's so funny.

Digimon: Hehehehehe AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

Daisuke and V-mon come running, pursued by the boulder.

Boys: AHHHHHH!!!

Upon reaching this Digimon piss puddle, they screech to a stop and then leap over it. They may be fleeing for their lives but stepping in that would just be gross.

Spotting the incoming boulder, the Digimon headbutts it up into the air. It lands and shatters on their hard shell.

V-mon: Awesome! Daisuke: Yeah, but we just saw them... peeing....

The Digimon whips around, letting out a furious roar.

Daisuke: And they seem mad about it!

Tortomon is an Adult-stage Vaccine-attribute Reptile Digimon. It's technically トータモン Toutamon but it's based on the English word トータス toutasu or "tortoise".

This is another rare instance where I feel like the dub actually gets the name right and the Digimon Reference Book gets it wrong. Officially, this Digimon is called "Tortamon" according to the Reference Book but. Like.

If we're going to correctly interpret トー tou as "tor" in this context then why wouldn't we extend that same leverage to タ ta? Tortomon's name is literally トータス toutasu with the ス su cut off and a モン mon glued on, so it feels arbitrary to interpret トー tou with the original word in mind but then take タ ta literally.

The dub goes with "Tortomon" for the English name, and that feels correct and natural.

In any case, new Digimon! Tortomon is from the Nature Spirits release of the Digimon Pendulum V-Pet. They were the other Vaccine Adult alongside Kabuterimon for Tentomon, Gotsumon, and Otamamon to evolve into.

Narrator: Tortomon! A tortoise-like Reptile Digimon with a sharp spiked shell. Their special attack is Shell Phalanx!

As an aside, their most notable feature is not being what Armadimon evolves into even though that would totally make sense. V-mon, Armadimon, and Hawkmon are all designed in a way that feels like new Child forms to existing Digimon (V-dramon, Tortomon, and Garudamon) but are all going in a separate direction with their Adult evolutions.

Though V-mon did evolve into V-dramon in the V-Tamer manga. And it's worth noting that Garudamon is a Perfect so it would still seem natural for Hawkmon's Perfect form to be that Digimon. Plus, Digimon evolutions being what they are, nothing's stopping them from branching that way, I suppose. Still, point is, it makes sense for them to evolve that way but in this show, they do not.

The dub has some editing to do in order to remove all shots of Tortomon's onscreen urination. As the boys approach, we get a closeup of Tortomon's face looking at them in surprise and then splice in a shot from later of Tortomon rearing up and trying to body slam them.

The impression is that the boulder chased us right into the clutches of an already hostile Digimon. Then, from there, we get the awesome moment of Tortomon destroying the boulder.

Veemon: That was close! Davis: It's a good thing he was here to block it. You were great, pal! (Tortomon turns around and roars) Davis: He doesn't take compliments well! Tortomon: (rundown) I am Tortomon! I'm a turtle-type Digimon but I hide my head from no one. I use my Strong Carapace attack to be hard on my enemies!

Lacking the urination bits, Davis has no reason to suspect Tortomon's hostility. Though you'd think Tortomon trying to body slam him a moment ago would be a clue.

Once the rundown's over, the boys are left having to unpack this awkward situation they've found themselves in.

Daisuke: Ack, I knew he was mad! V-mon: Who wouldn't be upset if someone walked in on them while they were enjoying a good piss? Daisuke: But it's not like we wanted to see that! Do you think they'll forgive us if we apologize, V-mon? Tortomon: NRRRRRRGREEEEEEEGH!!! V-mon: (flatly) Don't apologize. (cheerful) Oh, is this another plan to make me evolve?

Tortomon rears up on their hind legs, roaring furiously.

Tortomon: HRRRRRUUUUUUGH!!! Daisuke: IT'S NOT A PLAN!!! RUN!!!!

The boys bail before Tortomon slams back down onto the ground where they were standing. This is the shot that the dub used for the body slam earlier.

Yes, this really is what the third-act conflict is predicated on. Between Wormmon's death and the backstory of how the Digimon Kaiser came to be, this is a tension-relieving shenanigans episode.

In the dub:

Davis: Wow! This guy looks pretty angry! Veemon: I'd be pretty angry too if I had a boulder come at me like that! Davis: We didn't throw it! Veemon: He doesn't know that! Davis: Well, I'll just explain it to him and everything will be fine. Listen, you seem like a reasonable fellow. Let me tell you what happened. Tortomon: HYRRRRRGH! Veemon: Smooth move. Hey, how do I know that's not some Digimon in disguise trying to scare me? (Tortomon rears up) Tortomon: HRRRRRRUUUUUUGH!!! Veemon: Never mind! Davis: WAAAAAAUGH!!! (The boys bail before the body slam)

For their part, the dub credits the boulder itself as the source of Tortomon's ire. Which, to be fair, is a valid reason to be upset. Dub Tortomon feels under attack and is defending himself.

Back at the lake, all those Numemon and RedVeggiemon explain things to Hikari and Takeru.

Takeru: Huh? Daisuke and V-mon are practicing evolving to the Adult level? Hikari: Oh, Daisuke-kun... What is he thinking? Daisuke & V-mon: HELP US!!! Hikari: Daisuke-kun!? Tailmon: V-mon!

Daisuke and V-mon come running, joining the others before stopping to catch their breath.

Takeru: What has you so freaked out? Tortomon: RRRRRRRUUUUUUGH!!! MRRRRRRRMEEEEEEGH!!!

Despite Tortomon loudly storming through the woods, the embarrassing debrief continues.

Takeru: You said you "saw Tortomon while they were enjoying a good piss"!? Daisuke & V-mon: Yeah.... Hikari: Then this is all your fault, Daisuke-kun and V-mon. Tailmon: I think so too. Patamon: No argument here. V-mon: I knew you guys would say that.... Daisuke: (aside, bitterly) It's not like we could have avoided it! Who would want to see something like that? V-mon: (sigh) If only we hadn't-- Tortomon: RRAAAAAAGH!!!

Time's up. Tortomon's caught up and comes running.

In the dub:

T.K.: Let me get this straight. Davis is trying to trick Veemon so he'll Digivolve to the Champion level? Kari: Why does he always have some hair-brained scheme he's trying to pull off!?

...does he? I'm gonna have to drop a Citation Needed on Davis being a Bugs Bunny-esque troublemaker.

Davis & Veemon: WHOAAAAAA!!! Kari: What's the matter, Davis!? Gatomon: Veemon! (Davis and Veemon stop to catch their breath) T.K.: You guys look like you've seen a monster. Tortomon: NROOOOOOGH!!! HRAGH!!! HRAAAAAAGH!!! T.K.: So you think this Digimon is mad at you because he thinks you threw a boulder at him? Davis & Veemon: Uh-huh.... Kari: Why don't you guys just explain the situation to him? Gatomon: Start with Davis's lame plan. Patamon: And finish by saying you're sorry. Veemon: We tried that already!

They did. Unlike their Japanese counterparts, they have in fact tried that already.

Davis: (aside, bitterly) Of course, if Veemon would have Digivolved to the Champion level in the first place, none of this would have happened! Veemon: Again with the Digivolving thing? Tortomon: HRAAAAAAGH!!!

Here again we see a lot of pragmatic writing around the censored topic of Tortomon's urination. The most notable part is having to come up with a new reason for Davis to look off to the side and gripe.

This has the knock-on effect of again making Davis more of an asshole than Daisuke. After the bridge plan failed, Daisuke came clean to V-mon and dropped it. But here Davis is, dredging it back up to whine about it and shift the blame for his stupid plan.

As the furious Tortomon barrels towards them, Daisuke and V-mon scream and start running again. Hikari and Takeru take cover behind the log pile with the Digimon.

Tortomon: MMMMEEEEEERRRRRRGH!!!

As the creature storms off, Hikari and Takeru emerge.

Takeru: (amused) Everyone has times when they don't want anyone to see them, huh? Hikari: (serious) But are they going to be okay? Takeru: What do you mean? Hikari: We can't just leave them like this! Tailmon: Don't worry about it. They'll be fine! Patamon: Tortomon doesn't seem like such a bad guy.

Smash cut to Tortomon bearing down on Daisuke and V-mon, roaring and snarling all the while.

This conversation. XD Takeru says, "Oh those wacky kids." Hikari looks him dead in the eye and goes, "THEY'RE GOING TO DIE." And then the Digimon cut in like, "Nah, I like the cut of Tortomon's jib!"

Tortomon is going to trample Daisuke to death and Hikari is the only person who has a problem with that. XD

In the dub:

Tortomon: HRAAAAAAGH!!! (T.K. and Kari take cover while Tortomon stomps through) T.K.: Have you ever noticed that Davis always gets himself into these things?

I have not. What are you talking about?

Kari: Should we help them? T.K.: Nah. Kari: But how do we know that they'll be okay? Gatomon: Somehow, Davis always lands on his feet. Patamon: Besides, I don't think Tortomon is really that angry with them anyway.

Nonetheless, this conversation is just as hilariously unreasonable as in the original. T.K.'s short and simple "Nah" sent me.

In the city region, Iori's teaching kendo to the Gazimon because of course that's what he's doing.

Armed with sticks, Iori demonstrates an overhead strike, which the Gazimon then repeat.

Iori: MEN!!! Gazimon: MEN!!!

They repeat, calling out their strike and swinging a total of four times before they hear Daisuke's voice.

Daisuke: IORIIIIII!!! Iori: Daisuke-san and V-mon? Daisuke & V-mon: SAVE US!!!

Daisuke and V-mon take cover behind Iori, who brandishes his makeshift shinai.

Iori: I see! Tortomon: HROOOAAAAAAGH!!!

Then Iori actually sees what he's committed to fighting off. The Gazimon scream and scatter.

Iori: AHHHHHH!!! I... I don't think my kendo skills are up to this task. I'M SORRY!!!

Iori throws his stick on the ground and runs for it, abandoning Daisuke and V-mon to their fate. Tortomon crushes the stick underfoot while Iori and the Gazimon take cover inside a nearby stack of culverts. Armadimon cowers atop the culverts making his best attempt to just not be noticed; It works.

As Daisuke and V-mon flee with their pursuer once more, Iori peeks out from the culvert.

Iori: It's a good thing I backed down. There's no way I could have won that. Armadimon: No argument here-dagyaa!

Sorry, guys! Good luck!

In the dub:

Cody: Ready, 1! And 2! And 3! And 4! Davis: CODY!!! Cody: Huh? Hey Davis, what's the big hurry? Davis: We need help! (Cody brandishes his makeshift shinai) Cody: Ha! Hiyah!!! Tortomon: HRAGH!!! HOORAAAAAAGH!!! (Gazimon scatter) Cody: I've just remembered I've got to study for a big math test next Monday! Seeya! (Cody throws the stick down and hides until Tortomon passes) Cody: Boy, Davis sure has some strange ideas about how to have fun. Armadillomon: You can say that again!

The gag is the same in both versions. Iori/Cody initially acts tough and commits to defending Daisuke/Davis only to instantly fold once he lays eyes on the adversary. But the dub presents it in a quippier fashion.

At the coastal region, Miyako and Hawkmon are on a break. Miyako's checking her D-Terminal while Hawkmon knocks back some bottled water.

V-mon: SAVE US, HAWKMON!!! Daisuke: MIYAKOOOOOO!!!

Looking down the beach, Miyako holds up her D-Terminal.

Miyako: Iori sent me an email! Hawkmon: We don't have time to mess around! Daisuke: WE'RE NOT MESSING AROUND!!! V-mon: NO MESSING AROUND HERE!!! Miyako: (eyeroll) You guys are in the way so BUZZ OFF--ACK!!!

It's at that moment that the boys and Tortomon come into view. Upon recognizing the severity of the situation, Miyako and Hawkmon hide in one of the canoes they dredged up. Daisuke, V-mon, and Tortomon pass by.

Daisuke: "Buzz off"!? V-mon: That's so mean! Tortomon: HRAURGH!!!

As Tortomon passes, their size causes their heavy footfalls to slam down into the surf, drenching the boat Miyako and Hawkmon are hiding in. Once they're gone, Miyako and Hawkmon peek back out of the canoe, completely soaked and utterly speechless.

This scene's a little difficult to parse because when Miyako turns and looks at them, holding up her D-Terminal, and then Hawkmon berates them? It feels like they're supposed to be able to see the boys at that point. But then she clearly lays eyes on them and Tortomon for the first time at "Buzz off", when she suddenly reacts and hides.

In the dub:

Veemon: HAWKMON, YOLEI, HELP!!! Yolei: Cody sent me an email and said you had a small problem! Hawkmon: I. Would. Not. Call that. Small. Davis: YOLEI, QUICK!!! DO SOMETHING PLEASE!!! Veemon: YEAH!!! HELP US!!! HURRY!!! Yolei: While you guys are running around playing games, some of us are working. Now--ACK!!! (Yolei and Hawkmon hide) Davis: WE'RE NOT PLAYING GAMES!!! Tortomon: HRARGH!!!

The dub is just as awkward. Hawkmon explicitly sees Tortomon only for Yolei to suddenly notice a few lines later and for the pair to hide.

Continuing onward, Tortomon chases Daisuke and V-mon up a hill.

Daisuke/V-mon: HEEEEEELP!!! / STOP CHASING US!!!

Their luck finally runs out as they reach the edge of a cliff. With nowhere left for Daisuke and V-mon to run, Tortomon stops and catches their breath.

Daisuke & V-mon: Ugh, no more! Tortomon: RRRRRRG-- Daisuke: Wait, Tortomon! Tortomon: Hrm? Daisuke: Before you attack us, there's something I want to say. V-mon: What, our last requests?

Daisuke bows down low to Tortomon. V-mon quickly does the same.

Daisuke: We apologize for seeing you pee. V-mon: It's too late to apologize now! Daisuke: But before you attack us.... V-mon: Before? Daisuke: ...you should wash your hands. V-mon: WHAT!?!? Tortomon: NYRRGH!?

Goddammit, Daisuke. XD

Tortomon's as taken aback as V-mon at that. They rear back and look at their front paws in shock.

Daisuke: If you're going to attack us, wash your hands first. V-mon: WHAT ARE YOU SAYING, DAISUKE!?!? Daisuke: It's more hygienic that way, don't you think? V-mon: I do. But this isn't the time to be worrying about hygiene! Tortomon: MRRRRAAAAAAGH!!! V-mon: LOOK, YOU MADE THEM ANGRIER!!!

Good job, Daisuke. Way to further embarrass the furious murder turtle.

Anyways, that's the story of what ever became of Daisuke. He was never seen again after this point. Only Hikari missed him.

The dub adds some lines as they're running up the hillside.

Veemon: Davis! Please tell me this is just another trick! Davis: Do you think I'm smart enough to think up something like this!? Veemon: Good point!

V-mon/Veemon has brought up the possibility of Tortomon being another trick before, but only Daisuke answered that question definitively. Veemon retracted the question, so this is the first time Davis has actually answered it.

Davis/Veemon: Help! Please! Anybody! / SOMEONE HELP US!!! (Tortomon corners them on the cliff's edge) Davis: This is the end of the line, pal. (Tortomon gasps for breath) Davis & Veemon: He's got bad breath! Tortomon: RRRRRRGH!!!

Right where Daisuke interrupted Tortomon's attack, the dub takes its third commercial break. They roll back the footage on return and we start again from Davis and Veemon delivering their mutual line.

Davis & Veemon: Goodbye old friend! Tortomon: RRRRRRG-- Davis: Hold on! Tortomon, let me just say one thing. Tortomon: Hrm? Davis: I have one final request. Veemon: (hisses) What are you doing, Davis!? (Davis kneels in supplication) Davis: Shut up and get down here! Veemon: Oh boy. (Veemon does the same) Davis: I-I've always considered myself a very clean person. Veemon: Oh, really? It's a good thing he's never seen your room! Davis: Before you destroy us, could you do me a bit favor? Veemon: What? Davis: Would you mind washing your hands? Veemon: HUH!?!? Tortomon: NYRRGH!? (Tortomon looks at their hands) Davis: I don't want to get any bad germs or anything. Veemon: I wouldn't be worried about germs right now! Davis: If you've got a better idea, I'd be glad to hear it right about now! Veemon: Uh, Davis is right! Germs can be very dangerous, especially right-- Tortomon: MRRRRAAAAAAGH!!! Veemon: (flatly) I don't think he buys the whole germ theory.

Without the context that Tortomon was draining the lizard a moment ago, Davis asking him to wash his hands comes right out of left field. The dub plays it off by recontextualizing it; If you read between the lines, Davis is clearly attempting to trick Tortomon as a last-ditch plan to get away.

Whereas for Daisuke, this moment is pure comedic absurdity. He is entirely sincere. Yeah, we're gonna fight, but your hands are icky so can you wash up first?

It's also worth noting that Davis says Tortomon is going to "destroy" them while Daisuke only admits as much as 襲う osou, which means to attack or strike or assault. Davis says "Before you kill us" and Daisuke says "Before you try". He has two Digimentals in his back pocket and he's seen uglier.

Infuriated, Tortomon finally attacks.

Tortomon rears up and slams their left front paw down. Daisuke and V-mon split up, Daisuke breaking left while V-mon goes right. Tortomon turns to follow Daisuke, exposing their flank to V-mon.

Though he doesn't call the attack, V-mon dives in with a headbutt. Tortomon thwacks him with their tail, knocking the wind out of him as he hits the ground.

Daisuke: (worried) V-mon.... V-mon: (pained) Daisuke...!

Once they're satisfied that V-mon is down, Tortomon turns their attention to Daisuke.

Tortomon: RRRGH!!! Daisuke: V-mon! You have to evolve, V-mon!

When Daisuke holds up his D-3, holy light emanates from its screen. Getting his second wind, V-mon climbs back to his feet.

V-mon: Daisuke!

This time, it's sincere. Daisuke has the power now only because he genuinely means it.

In the dub, Veemon calls the attack.

Veemon: VEE HEADB--OOF!!! (Tortomon tail whips Veemon to the ground) Davis: VEEMON!!! Veemon: Why do I have a headache...? (Tortomon turns his attention on Davis) Tortomon: RRRGH!!! Davis: Teach this guy a lesson, Veemon! (Davis holds up his D-3) Veemon: Wow!

The difference is minor, but Davis sounds just a little too secure in his ability to do something that has not successfully worked before.

In any case, despite Daisuke's false starts before, it is now finally time. V-MON SHINKAAAAAA!!! And the first ever instance of Show Me Your Brave Heart playing for one of the three new kids.

Daisuke: V-MON EVOLVED TO THE ADULT LEVEL!!!

XV-mon is an Adult-stage Free-attribute Mythical Dragon Digimon. Like the letter V, the letter X is not a sound that comes naturally to the Japanese language and has to be phonetically spelled out. This means that the relatively simple XV-mon has to be named, in katakana, エクスブイモン Ekusubuimon.

Narrator: XV-mon! An Adult-stage Mythical Dragon Digimon that V-mon evolved into using his own innate power. His special attack is X Laser!

The narrator specifies that this evolution comes from V-mon's own power, as opposed to the Digimentals which borrow on the power of the others. This isn't Daisuke walking in the shadow of Taichi or Yamato; This is Daisuke, pure and unfiltered.

As XV-mon charges into battle, Tortomon lands the first hit. A headbutt to XV-mon's gut knocks him on his back. Tortomon follows up by stomping on his gut.

Before another stomp can be delivered, XV-mon counters with a kick to the head. His kick knocks Tortomon over onto their back. XV-mon scrambles to his feet and grabs Tortomon's tail, spinning him in the air before tossing him.

Tortomon hits the ground hard but recovers quickly and turns back around towards XV-mon.

Tortomon: SHELL PHALANX!!!

Yep! Despite being largely non-verbal, this Digimon actually does call attacks in the Japanese version! That's rare.

Shell Phalanx sounds like it'd be a defensive move but it's not. It's a rapid-fire spike shot from Tortomon's shell. But XV-mon's ready for it. He punches any spikes that come too close out of the air, ending with a side kick for the last spike.

In the dub:

Davis: YOU DID IT, VEEMON!!! YOU REACHED THE CHAMPION LEVEL!!! ExVeemon: (rundown) I feel like a new 'mon! Davis, wait 'til you see my Vee Laser attack! It'll make my Vee Headbutt look like a tap on the shoulder!

I don't know why they spell it like that. Or why they decided X Laser should be Vee Laser. He is no longer Vee. By the dub's admission, he is an ex-Vee.

The dub uses Let's Kick It Up for their insert song here. When ExVeemon kicks Tortomon to get him off, he calls that as an attack.

ExVeemon: EXVEE PUNCH!!! (ExVeemon gets Tortomon off and then throws him) Tortomon: STRONG CARAPACE!!!

Strong Carapace also sounds like a defensive move to me, so both versions are equal on that. ExVee Punch is a weird name for a kick.

When Shell Phalanx fails, Tortomon charges in for another tackle.

XV-mon leaps over the incoming Tortomon, kicking them in the back of the neck before hopping entirely over them. Tortomon crashes down on their face into the dirt.

Capitalizing on this opportunity, XV-mon whips around and lets loose with his special attack.

XV-mon: X LASER!!!

Exactly what it sounds like, the attack is an X-shaped beam emanating from the X/V symbol on XV-mon's chest. It hits Tortomon dead on. Tortomon pulls into their shell and tries to resist it, but the beam picks them up and carries them off the clifff. Tortomon plunges helplessly onto the beach far below. This battle is over.

In the dub, ExVeemon calls the kick he delivers to the back of Tortomon's neck.

ExVeemon: EXVEE KICK!!! (ExVeemon bounds off Tortomon) ExVeemon: VEE LASER!!!

At least this kick was an ExVee Kick and not another ExVee Punch. Though the existence of ExVee Kick and ExVee Punch only make the naming of Vee Laser all the more confusing.

With Tortomon bested, Daisuke takes a moment to celebrate.

Daisuke: YES!!! You're the best, XV-mon!

I love that Daisuke doesn't care even for a second that this is not UltraAngemon. That was a jealous whim. XV-mon is real, and that makes him a million times cooler than UltraAngemon could have ever been.

Suddenly, Tortomon down below starts rapidly spinning and charging up something.

Tortomon: hroooooAAAAAAUUUUUURGH!!!

And then they stop, emerge from their shell, and start giggling and pissing again. Daisuke and XV-mon quickly cover their eyes.

Daisuke: Don't look! Tortomon: Ehehehehe! AHAHAHAHA!!! Daisuke: We're not looking--huh?

Daisuke peeks through his fingers only to realize that Tortomon's finished. Tortomon washes their hands in the ocean.

Tortomon: Ehehehe! Daisuke: Tortomon properly washed their hands! They're not such a bad person when you get to know them. XV-mon: Yeah.

Okay, Daisuke. At least we know that Daisuke takes bathroom hygiene very seriously.

Tortomon departs, laughing to themself all the while. I wish I enjoyed anything half as much as they enjoy peeing.

In the dub, Davis trades Daisuke's unapologetic praise of XV-mon for a punny quip.

Davis: Tortomon has got to learn to come out of his shell! Tortomon: SPINNING ATTACK!!! YAAAAAAAAAAAA!!

Obviously, this footage of Tortomon peeing is removed too. We go straight to Davis and ExVeemon covering their eyes.

Davis: I can't watch! ...do I hear splashing? (Tortomon washes his hands) Davis: What do ya know? The big lug washed his hands after all! That's a good habit to get into!

This rapid spinning right before peeing isn't really explained. The dub compounds the confusion by having him call it as an attack only to never launch the attack.

Again, without the urination context, this resolution lacks any sort of rationale for why this would be how the fight ends. Though the original only makes marginally more sense.

With that settled, Daisuke and XV-mon return to the others. Daisuke rides on XV-mon's shoulder as they approach the team.

Hawkmon: So, are you done goofing off yet? Daisuke: I told you we weren't goofing off. Check it out! V-mon evolved into his Adult form XV-mon! Iori: That means we can rebuild much faster now. Miyako: We can work XV-mon and Daisuke extra hard! Team: YEAH!!! Daisuke: EH!?!?

Daisuke's so startled by this response, he slips off of XV-mon's shoulder and lands hard on his butt. We close on the team laughing merrily at Daisuke's expense! AHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

In the dub, Davis and ExVeemon get extra dialogue as the scene transitions.

ExVeemon: So this is what it feels like to be a Champion! Davis: Kinda like a great boxer, huh? Only with all your teeth.

OUCH. That was fucking harsh, Davis. XD

Davis: Everybody, I'd like you to meet ExVeemon! Champion Digimon Extraordinaire! Cody: I've always been fond of Veemon and I'm sure I'll like you as well. Yolei: Now our cleanup of the Digital World will go a lot faster! Let's put them to work! Team: ALRIGHT!!! Davis: HUH!?!? (Davis falls off and everyone laughs) Group: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Davis: Ha... haha... ha... What are you laughing at, ExVeemon!? Just because you're a Champion now, doesn't mean you know how to dance yet! Narrator: Is T.K. right about the DigiDestined having a new enemy? Find out next time on Digimon: Digital Monsters!

We might. I know next episode is Ken's big backstory reveal but I don't remember if we meet the new enemies there or not. I dunno. Gonna hold you to that one, Narrator.

Assessment: Like I said earlier, this is a breather episode. Shit was just very real for the last five episodes and it's going to go right back to being very real next episode, so this was an opportunity to dial it back and get into some low-stakes shenanigans.

Daisuke unlocks the first evolution that truly belongs to him of the series and it's oddly fitting that it's in such a goofball of an episode. I've said it before but Daisuke could totally rock the Digimental of Purity. For better and for worse, he wears his heart on his sleeve.

[ask-ashlyn-and-co]

sooooo 👀

Draw yourselves :]?

Soot? Ash? Izzy? Mysteryyy :D? /nf

Soot: *cue evil laughter*

Ashlyn: oh HELL YEA!

Izzy: Oh gods no.

Mystery: hm.

A few minutes later…

Soot slaps down its piece of paper.

Soot: “I look perfectly chaotic and chaotically perfect! As usual~”

Ashlyn proudly holds up her paper.

Ashlyn: “Easyyy shit. I look amazing!”

Ashlyn turns her paper back around to admire it…Then she squints.

Ashlyn: “…Damn, one eye’s smaller than the other. Let me just fix that real quick—“

Izzy shyly slides over their paper.

Izzy: “I… never advertised I was an artist…”

Izzy’s face is slightly red with embarrassment, and they run their hand through their hair.

They mumble something about “being a writer, not an artist” before shuffling away.

Mystery simply places the paper down for inspection.

Mystery: I believe it’s been a few decades since I have drawn myself. My hair is probably my greatest feature, if I do say so myself.

[max-the-valkyrie]

Soot

(In which I have yet to make an actual ref drawing, so here are mostly-accurate soot-y artworks)

And its character sheet <3

(featuring Ashlyn and Mystery!)

I present:

The Color Wheel Trend, with my OCs

And with names!

It is absolutely guaranteed that I will talk about these bastards (affectionate), but until then?

art dump (:

~ Val

[sluggishbugish]

Intro

• Call me sluggy (or slug)

• I am 24

•He/Him/His

Minors DNI

This blog WILL have 18+ material. Minors or ageless blogs will be blocked.

Some of my interests

My Hero Academia

Black Butler

Minecraft

Undertale

Epic: the musical

Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared

TMNT (any version but my favorites are 2012 and 2007)

Creepypasta

Animatronics

Marble Hornets

Kemonomimi

Some of my favorite characters!

Yuga Aoyama (mha)

Snipe (mha)

Rouge (Sonic)

Mettaton EX (Undertale)

Nightwing (DC comics)

Narrator (The Stanley Parable)

DNI list

Any racists/homophobes/transphobes

Minors(as I stated)

Wilbur soot supporters

Feel free to ask me anything ^^ (as long as it’s not personal)

[eugenebird]

This fever dream begins.

Walter Brighting was a writer, who is trapped in his own fictional world now. Being a "god" for the characters of his stories, he sometimes breaks down into thoughtless actions. What should he "tell a story" in which the world burns to the ground, leaving its inhabitants suffocating in ashes and soot? Wrap it in a neat metaphor that conveyed certain philosophical sayings, and the deaths would be justified. Is it convenient? And you can always start the story over and over again. A new story that can develop however you want. That's what Walter lives with: the world is his work, his story, and he can do anything with it in the name of artistic meaning. Or just for fun. Still, being trapped in your own imagination, you have nothing else to engage yourself with. For him, it's like being grounded in own room: all your toys are waiting patiently. You can do whatever you want. But you're not coming out of here. By the way, Walter doesn't remember who he was before all this, before he ended up here. He calls himself a Proctor.

One random silly fact. "Walter" used to be my design for TSP Narrator, but my brain had developed a completely different story around him, so I have decided to separate him completely from the fandom and just develop my own story.

[hanstruman]

Rooms We Borrow, People We Keep

Chapter 16

Dinner ends not with a sigh of relief but with the rising chaos of too many bodies trying to do too much at once.

Jeongin drops a spoon, Hyunjin shouts "five-second rule!" while diving to retrieve it, and Seungmin yells at him that "that only counts in a pre-apocalypse world, you feral raccoon." It's all ridiculous, loud, and warm in a way you didn't realize you'd missed until your ribs ache from holding in a laugh.

Minho stands at the sink, sleeves rolled up, flicking water at Seungmin when he tries to sneak out of dish duty. You catch a flash of soap on Minho's cheek and reach out without thinking, brushing it away with your thumb.

He stills.

Just for a second.

Then he mutters, "If you keep doing that, I'll start charging for the privilege," and turns away, but his ears are red.

You help dry the dishes. Hyunjin elbows you every time he passes, narrating each plate like it's a fine dining review show, while Chan works silently at the back counter, drying jars and checking supply levels with careful hands. He doesn't say much—but every so often, you catch him looking your way. And when you glance back, he always looks away too late.

Eventually, everything is wiped down, the stove is cooled, and the air is filled with the smell of leftover potatoes and soot.

Hyunjin claps a hand on your shoulder. "I love you," he says grandly, "but I'd also love to sleep in my own bed before I turn thirty."

You blink, startled. "Oh—yeah, I can grab my stuff."

"Or," Changbin interrupts from the hallway, arms folded smugly, "you could stay in the best bed in the house."

"That's mine," Seungmin scoffs.

"Absolutely not," Changbin shoots back. "I have the memory foam mattress."

"That's just a pile of blankets you found in a guest room."

"And yet," Changbin says, grinning at you, "still superior."

You're already laughing when you scoop up your tattered blanket from Hyunjin's bed. The fabric feels heavier now, like it's soaked up a bit of comfort and safety over the past few nights. You fold it under your arm and head down the hall, but you barely make it three steps before a figure cuts you off.

Chan.

He's leaning against the wall near the stairs, arms crossed, gaze unreadable. You slow, heartbeat stumbling for reasons you don't quite understand.

"Hey," he says, voice low.

"Hey."

"You did good today."

The compliment shouldn't mean as much as it does. You stare at him, searching for sarcasm, but his expression is plain. Serious.

"I'm not trying to kill you, you know," he adds.

You raise a brow. "Could've fooled me."

That earns you the tiniest smile.

"I just... I need to know you can handle yourself," he continues. "Everyone here has someone watching their back. We're a unit. A family. And if you're staying, you're part of that. I can't have anyone dragging the team down."

You nod slowly. "I get it."

He exhales, eyes softening. "Tomorrow, we'll go out. Just a short patrol. Maybe gather a few things if the coast is clear. I want to see how you do with your head on a swivel."

Your stomach twists, not entirely from nerves. "Alright."

For a second, neither of you speak. The hallway is quiet, just the faint buzz of an overhead bulb and the sound of someone laughing in another room.

Then Chan shifts closer. Not threatening—just present. "You've made it through worse," he says. "You'll be fine."

And before you can say thank you—or ask why it matters to him that much—he's already turning, disappearing back down the hallway.

You make it to Changbin's room, drop your blanket onto the bed, and try to sleep.

You can't.

The moonlight bleeds through the cracks of the boarded-up window. Shadows stretch across the walls like memories.

Eventually, you slip out into the hallway barefoot, the floor cold under your feet. You wind through the quiet house until you find the small balcony near the back, the one you'd seen from the training yard.

The night air is brisk and still. The trees whisper. You lean against the railing and breathe.

"You know," comes a voice behind you, "when people disappear in the middle of the night, it's usually to pee or cry. Sometimes both."

You jump, spinning around to see Minho in a sweatshirt and socks, hair sticking up in all directions.

"I was gonna cry," you say, deadpan. "But now the moment's ruined."

He snorts and steps out onto the balcony beside you. "Want me to turn around?"

"Too late."

Silence drapes over you like a worn-out coat. Comfortable.

Minho rests his forearms on the railing, watching the dark. "I miss ice cream," he says suddenly. "The good kind. Like the soft serve you could drown in toppings."

You smile. "I miss baths."

"Yeah. Hot water in general."

"Music that wasn't Hyunjin singing off-key."

Minho lets out a quiet laugh. "Hey, don't tell him, but I kinda like it. Makes the house feel... lived in."

You nod, lips parting like you might say something more, but instead the moment just stretches.

He leans his shoulder against yours. Just lightly. Barely enough to register. You don't pull away.

"I like this," he murmurs. "When it's quiet. No pretending. Just... you."

You look at him, startled.

But Minho only offers a small shrug. "You're figuring it out. Even if it's slow. Even if it hurts."

You swallow. "Do you think it gets better?"

His answer is immediate. "No."

You blink.

"But I think we get better," he adds. "At carrying it."

The words settle into your bones like warmth.

A pause.

Then: "You should sleep," he says. "Chan's gonna run you into the ground tomorrow."

You nod slowly. "He said we're going out."

Minho's lips tighten. There's a flicker of something you can't name in his expression.

"You'll be alright," he says, but there's a tinge of jealousy beneath it, like the idea of you out there with Chan does something to him he can't explain.

He walks you back toward your room. Doesn't speak much.

Just as you step through the doorway, he pauses, hand brushing your shoulder.

"Goodnight," he says, voice soft now.

"Goodnight, Minho."

And even after the door closes, you can feel the shape of his touch lingering on your skin.