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haologram · 9 months ago

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araneae 🕸️ k.sy (teaser)

🕸️ synopsis: when you realize your friend (with benefits) actually has feelings for you, a tangled web of lies and avoidance ensues. 🕸️ genre: friends with benefits au ; big dummy dumb idiots to lovers because it's the only trope ever ; ta x student dynamics ; fluff, angst & eventual smut (surprise?) 🕸️ pairing: zoology ta!kwon soonyoung x marine biology major!reader | side pairings: joshua hong x sana minatozaki ; vernon chwe x roh jisun (fromis_9) ; mentions of reader x yuta nakamoto (nct) 🕸️ word count: 2.8k | full fic: i don't fuckin' know but hopefully under 20k. 🕸️ rating: 18+. minors do not interact i beg. 🕸️ warnings: mentions of knife play (none involved), alcohol, mentions of protected sex (dw it'll get freaky later), mentions of cum, loss of virginity talk, mentions of marijuana (stoner!hoshi be off the honeypacks!!), they're naked for most of this snippet. a lot of parties later in the fic, just wait LOL. 🕸️ what to listen to: good kisser - usher ; magic stick - lil' kim ; more to come.

LAST YEAR – Sunday, October 23.

You were never opposed to a nice Halloween party. Lots of thematic drinks, stupid boys dressed as Ghostface trying to explore knife kinks, and girls going all out with their glitter make-up and tinsel in their hair for the optimal fairy costume.

You loved a good Halloween party, music blasting out of the speakers that were stolen from the AV Club by the softer version of the Beta Tau Omega brothers. Dancing with strangers in sweat-soaked facades, and waking up with smeared face paint all over your neck and shoulders from whatever disguised hook-up you'd taken home that night.

Last night's rager had to have been one for the books, because you have no idea how you ended up in this absolute mess of a bedroom – owned by none other than your close friend, Kwon Soonyoung. The same Kwon Soonyoung who also happens to TA the class you've put off taking for the last two years, and are set to start taking the upcoming spring semester.

The same Kwon Soonyoung that was related to the wife of the Dean, and the same Kwon Soonyoung that showed up everywhere stoned or ready to get stoned. The very same Kwon Soonyoung that made infused pre-rolls and edibles for nearly the entire campus…for free. Even you could see that was a horrible business call, and you were a Science major.

Soonyoung who helped people sneak kittens into their dorm rooms and make homes for them under lofted beds. Soonyoung, who taught a dance class and self-defense class back to back, so he was never free until after nine at night. Soonyoung who made hanging out seem like he was trying to get into your pants because he was just naturally flirtatious (and somehow, still absolutely bitchless.)

Soonyoung who you've kissed twice since meeting him two years ago, both times at Halloween parties hosted by his stupid fraternity. Soonyoung, who has had his hand up your skirt twice before someone interrupts you by asking if he has any weed at hand. He always does, and it's always in his car or his bedroom. He always goes, and a part of you, no matter how into it you may be, knows it's for the best. He keeps his circle small, of friends that is. You were added to the mix sometime after your first Halloween party (and first kiss together) your freshman year, when he slammed into you in the middle of the economics hallway, breaking your laptop in the process. He'd felt so bad he took you to Best Buy that same night and shelled out two grand for a new one and even invited you out to lunch the next day.

He did not remember making out at all. To be fair, neither did you until the digital photos came back and he texted you a picture of the two of you kissing against the Beta Tau insignia on the wall. You were so embarrassed you avoided him for a week after, but he quickly forced you out of your dorm for a movie night. The two of you became fast friends, bonding over silly little things and enjoying each other's company – but it didn't stop the rumors from flying that you were a freshman stealing a guy from the sophomores.

You remember that he adamantly denied any and every dating rumor flung your way, and even went as far as distancing himself from you for a bit – but when you tried to pull the same move he had earlier that year, he said maybe it was best for the two of you to remain friends from a distance. You didn't speak to him for the rest of the year, choosing to spend your time with friends your age and even dating a transfer student named Yuta Nakamoto, who was also in Soonyoung's year.

When word got around, Soonyoung was pissed – but didn't attempt to rekindle your friendship. He still followed you on Instagram, and still felt a bit of anger puddle in his stomach as he liked photo after photo of the two of you together, biting his tongue at the empty smile you held by his side.

This continued well into summer, and he saw the two of you take a trip to Jeju Island together, before breaking up the following week. Soonyoung heard from your friend, Nagyung, that he was transferring back and neither of you wanted to try long-distance.

The following school year, he watched as you got recruited by sorority after sorority – eventually joining his frat's sister sorority, Alpha Sigma Delta. You hardly had to rush, the girls actively pushing you to pledge and you were far too nice to say no.

You saw him again for the first time at the Halloween party planning, when you and your fellow pledges were tasked with helping the frat pledges in hauling in liquor. You weren't very happy about it, but Soonyoung whisked you away without a word from you, telling everyone that he needed your help with a certain task.

That task? "Can we talk?"

And you did. You talked, and talked, and talked. He even left at one point to get drinks for the two of you, returning to you fishing through his bag of pre-rolls for the ones infused with lemon balm. He smiled, telling you they were in his car, and you rolled your eyes at it.

You kissed at that party, too. It went further this time – the two of you on Seungcheol's balcony. The idea had been to go up to the roof and get crossed, but it seems a rather tipsy Soonyoung had other ideas. You didn't mind it, in fact you encouraged it – you slipped his hand up your latex dress, you let him slip your panties down your legs. "Hey, Hoshi! Do you have any pre-rolls?!"

Just as he'd started undoing his pants.

"Fuck, I'm sorry baby."

"It's fine."

You passed out in his bedroom that time, too tired to go back to the sorority house with your sisters. You got out of clean-up, and Soonyoung left you a kimbap roll and an electrolyte drink on his nightstand, with a note asking how you got there 'haha.'

It hadn't been fine. Again, neither of you remembered this happening until digitals were printed. And it was freshman year all over again – except this time, Soonyoung stuck around. Soonyoung defended you tooth and nail, and even dropped a few of his friends that bad-mouthed you. When you asked him about it, he shrugged, "Nothing wrong with kissing your friends every once in a while." So, here you are. Again.

The third year in a row you and your stupid friend have made out, and somehow, you're in his bed. There's no other explanation as for why your underwear is across the room, hanging off his lamp and why his head is gently laying on your chest. There's literally no other explanation.

"Soonyoung." You rasp, patting his cheek. He doesn't stir, but pouts into your bare breast. "Soonyoung." You speak louder, shaking him slightly as he peels open one of his eyes.

"Yeah?" It takes him a moment to realize that it's you, sprinkled with glitter from his eye look last night and practically doused in his saliva.

"Oh, fuck." He just furrows his brows, rolling off your chest with a groan. He sits up at the edge of the bed, surveying the room before realizing he's got no pants on. "Son of a bitch. Did we…Yup. Yup, it's right there." His painted fingernails point at the discarded condom atop his dresser, flung hastily in a half-asleep attempt, most likely. You sigh, letting your head fall back on your pillow with a hmph. He does the same, his fingers only reaching up slightly to close the blinds with a jerk of the liftcord.

"You think it was good?" You ask with a small smile, and he snorts. "It was with you, I doubt it would've been bad."

Silence permeates the air again, before he sees your bare bottom half also covered in glitter. You have a tattoo on your hip that you didn't have when you first met. It's a stick-and-poke kitten. "Nice tattoo." "Thanks, I got it on Jeju Island." "When you and Yuta went?" "Yup." "Cool." He sits up, peering down at you with tired eyes. "What'd you see in that guy, anyway?"

"Hm?" "Yuta." "Oh. You want the truth?" It's like being nude in front of each other isn't a big deal. It's like having slept together after years of being in limbo means nothing. It's all so normal, the way you allow him to practically eye fuck you.

"I was sad you stopped being my friend." He blinks at you, watching the way you carefully pick at a thread loose in his comforter. You pull it out, discarding it behind you with a soft smile. "Does that answer your question?" "You fucked another guy because I stopped being your friend?" He asks incredulously, and you shrug. "Not just, but it was a large reason."

"You lost your virginity to him." His eyes are wide, and you shrug once more, nodding your head. "Yup." "Did he make you cum?" "Soonyoung-" "Did he?"

You sigh, patting his comforter. "Not the first couple of times, no. He got better at it, though. It was decent."

Nodding, he clears his throat.

"Do you think I-" "Maybe. I don't know. I don't remember much, just the Pink Whitney Mingyu gave me." "Mingyu does love his Pink Whitney." You flip onto your back again, staring at the glow-in-the-dark stars on his ceiling. Tucking your hands behind your head, you speak again. "Do you think I went down on you?" "There's lipstick on my tip." "What color?" "Uhh…wine red." You wipe a finger across your bottom lip, the small amount of residue a bloody, Cabernet red. "Hm. Checks out."

The air feels…comfortable.

"Wanna shower?" "Yeah." "Can I shower with you?" "Yeah, Soonie."

The two of you stretch simultaneously, before rolling to the side of the bed and standing up. He grabs the discarded condom off the dresser, holding it like a used tissue and taking it to the bin. You dig through his dresser for a towel, and he fishes out something for you to wear.

"Boxers okay?" "Hm, I prefer briefs." "On me or on you?" "Your underwear choices are your business." He holds up a pair of Spiderman briefs. You bite back your laugh and nod silently, extending your hand for them.

He disappears into his bathroom, flickering lights on and turning the shower head on. "Hot?" "Boiling." "Got it."

The both of you get in, and you close your eyes as the water pelts your back. Soonyoung says nothing as he moves your hair off your shoulders and away from your face, pressing a kiss to your forehead. "You should've asked me." He mumbles, reaching for the shampoo in the caddy behind you. Peeling your eyes open, you look up at him with a confused stare. "Asked you for what?" He shrugs, holding the shampoo bottle upside down over his hand and squirting some out. "I would've made you cum the first time." You snort, shoving his chest lightly. "Yeah, well…you didn't. It's fine." "This isn't weird to you?" "What? Showering together?" "After fucking, yeah." "Could be worse." "How?" "I could be that girl you've been flirting with since last year, wondering when you're going to text her back." "Who? Yujin?" "Yeah." "I'm not flirting with her, what made you think that?" "Stolen glances, flirty touches, you give her pre-rolls all the time." He rolls his eyes as he cards his fingers through your hair, his dull nails scrubbing your scalp gently. Your eyes flutter shut, and he huffs. "I give everyone pre-rolls." "Because you're a horrible business magnate."

"No, because I'm nice." You smile without opening your eyes, your hands reaching out to touch his chest. His body feels good under your fingertips, you realize. "Are you mad you don't remember any of it?" "Furious." He mutters, gently tilting your head back to wash the soap out. You can't see the way he's looking at the sweet slope of your neck, just barely making out small nips of his teeth across your throat. Your necklace hangs nicely. The rest of the shower remains silent, as he carefully washes you before himself. His attention to detail is insane, the way his fingers hold the washcloth taut so he can feel every inch of you. He has to commit this to memory.

After, you're drying your hair with a random t-shirt he gave you. He remembers you told him that towels can be too rough for your hair texture sometimes. It's only when you're brushing your teeth with a brand new toothbrush he pulled from his cabinets that he speaks. "Let me change my bedsheets." "Don't wanna lay in the sin of fucking your friend, do ya?" The navy blue sheets are quickly replaced by ones with light grey ditsy floral print, and his comforter is shoved off and replaced by a few throw blankets. He watches as you change his pillowcases, only looking away when he hears his phone ping.

Msg From: Cheol [9:32am] hosh [9:32am] who is the girl in ur room and is she missing a pair of cat ears

"What was your costume last night?" He asks, and you snort. "I was a sexy witch." He smiles to himself as he picks up his phone.

Msg To: Cheol [9:33am] not missing a pair of cat ears [9:34am] and it's y/n

Your head snaps up when you hear a pair of feet thundering up the stairs, followed by silence. You give him an odd look, only to hear excited giggles down the hall and the pitter-patter of two adult men coming towards Soonyoung's room. You cross your arms as you hear the door creak open, an expectant look on your face as Jeonghan and Seungcheol's noses appear through the crack. "Hey, Y/N. Fancy seeing you here." Jeonghan remarks sweetly, and you just roll your eyes.

"He wasn't bluffing." He whispers to Seungcheol, receiving an annoyed huff from Soonyoung. "If you're done intruding on my personal business, I'd appreciate it if you left. The pledges still need to clean up last night's mess." Jeonghan gives you a wry look. "Can I say something and you don't get upset?" "If it's about sex, I will punch you in that pretty face of yours." You say pointedly, fluffing the pillow in your hand before throwing it onto his bed. Jeonghan purses his lips, nodding before sliding out from under Seungcheol. He nods his head, a satisfied look on his face. "Have a good…don't fuck too loud, okay?" Soonyoung barely misses Seungcheol's face with the charger he throws across the room, his giggle being heard in the hallway as he barrels down the stairs.

"Idiots." He huffs, running a hand through his damp hair as you flop onto the bed. "You don't mind if I stay here a bit? My head's killing me."

He lays down next to you, a sigh escaping his lips.

"You okay, Soonie?" Turning only his head, he scans your face. Tired eyes lined with thick lashes, plump lips covered by the Aquaphor in his bathroom. Slightly unkempt brows and your shoulder tattoo peeking out from the collar of his shirt on your frame.

"Kitty?" You grimace at the pet name, one he christened you with when the two of you met. He'd been dressed up as a cowboy, and dancing with a skeleton that was stolen from the comparative anatomy students (with the help of Junhui, of course.) He also had a lit joint between his fingers, one that sprinkled ash over your newly healed shoulder tattoo and made you yelp in pain.

"Shit, I'm sorry, kitty." He quickly put it out in a nearby ashtray, dusting your shoulder of any ash residue. "It's fine, it's fine. Just…can I get a hit?"

"Yeah?" He sits up, leaning against his bed frame before looking down at you. "Would it be weird if I asked to try again?"

You glance up at him, an amused smile playing on your lips. "Try what again, exactly?"

He clears his throat, a beet red blush coating his cheeks. "You said Yuta didn't make you cum. And we don't know if I made you cum. So…can I have a redemption round?"

You've sat up at this point, a small laugh falling from your lips as you push your hair back, "You want to fuck me?"

"I can just go down on you, if, uh…if that's what you'd prefer." He stutters, mentally cursing himself. You glance at him, eyes scanning his face. "And we're still friends after this? You won't dump me?"

"I won't. I promise. Cross my heart, kitty." He holds his pinky finger out, insinuating you link yours. Sighing, you do just that. "Fine. Hop to, I want breakfast."

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tobiasdrake · 4 days ago

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Digimon Adventure 02x29 - The Spider Woman Arachnemon's Mistake / Arukenimon's Tangled Web

Previously on Digimon Adventure: The mystery woman emailed the Chosen Children asking them to please come die in her bug pit. When they happily acquiesced, she shrugged her shoulders and rolled with it. Ever the gracious host, she's put on some gentle music to get this party started in earnest.

Full disclosure, I really wanted to put that Superman comic here but I wasn't sure if I'd be able to fit it in under the 30 image limit. That time I used "Dracula, you huge fucking nerd, where's my money?" for a Vamdemon episode was kinda stressful.

Anyway, a bit of housekeeping just so I don't forget: Arachnemon is a 絡新婦 jorougumo and we're going to talk about what that means when we get to it. But in the episode title, they call her 蜘蛛女 kumo on'na which means "spider woman".

This is a more literal description than 絡新婦 jorougumo which literally means something like "Tangling Bride" but in practicality means the same thing. The equivalent of centering a minotaur in an episode titled something like "The Man-Bull Cometh".

By the way, spoilers in the episode title but it's nothing that hasn't already been thoroughly spoiled by the dub magically knowing everything's name ahead of time.

Also, good news for the Dub Narrator. He's promised that this episode will decide whether the DigiDestined will be able to escape the web they were caught in at the end of last episode. There is little fear of this episode ending without a conclusive answer to that.

Now then, let's get back into it. Where were we?

Oh yeah. Fucked. That's where we were.

We return to find Daisuke, Iori, and Ken still trapped in that spider-web we left them in. Daisuke and Ken have their legs free but their upper bodies webbed down, while Iori's sitting on the web with free arms. As the mystery woman's flute music fills Giga House, the web's occupant Dokugumon slowly advances on the children.

Daisuke: (flailing legs) I can't... move my arms.... IORI!!!

But Iori isn't listening. Up in the attack above, XV-mon is trying his best to parry attacks from Stingmon and Digmon at once. That's where his attention lies.

Iori: STOP IT, DIGMON!!! YOU HAVE TO COME TO YOUR SENSES!!!

But Digmon isn't listening. Lost to the enchantment of the woman's flute, Digmon doesn't belong to Iori anymore.

We're gonna have to think of something quick or this will be a short episode. The dub hasn't even taken their first commercial break. What will the Americans think if children gruesomely die onscreen before they have a chance to market fast food and antidepressants to nine-year-olds?

In the dub, Davis criticizes Arukenimon's music.

Davis: Hey lady, don't you know any other tunes!? (Arukenimon keeps playing; Dokugumon keeps coming) Davis: This is why I don't surf the internet! (flailing legs) I hate... websites...! HELP US!!! (Cody's watching Stingmon and Digmon double-team ExVeemon) ExVeemon: Help you!? Who's going to help me!? Sorry, Davis, but I'm a little... tied up at the moment! Cody: DIGMON!!! STOP IT!!! DON'T YOU REALIZE YOU'RE FIGHTING YOUR FRIENDS!?!? ExVeemon: Yeah, guys, can't we all just get along!?

Davis and ExVeemon try to inject some levity into this tense situation. The one noteworthy change from the original is that Davis asks ExVeemon for help instead of trying to Cody.

With the death spider slowly advancing and Iori not listening, Daisuke and Ken have to figure out something.

Daisuke: (flailing legs more) Damn it! What now!?

What else can we do? New plan, same as the old.

Ken: Iori-kun! Iori: PLEASE, DIGMON!!! Ken: IORI-KUN!!! Daisuke: Iori! Listen to me, Iori! Iori: Ah!

After repeated prodding, Iori finally realizes they're trying to talk to him. He stops shouting and turns to look at them.

Ken: You're the only one who can use his hands. Use your D-Terminal to contact the others. Iori: Ah... B-But....

Iori's unsure of what to do. Whether because he's panicking or because it's coming from Ken is unclear. Probably both. Either way, he looks over at Daisuke for confirmation.

Daisuke: What are you waiting for!? Hurry up! Iori: Ah! O-Okay!

Finally, Iori takes out his D-Terminal and sends out a message.

In the dub:

Davis: Oh no, we're bug meat! (flailing legs more) Well, Ken... goodbye! Ken: Nice knowing you! Cody: COME ON, GUYS!!! KNOCK IT OFF!!! Ken: Keep trying! Davis: Yeah, Cody! You're our only hope! Cody: Ah! (Cody finally pays attention to Davis and Ken) Ken: We're useless but your hands are free! You've gotta contact the others and tell them to help us! Cody: Ah! But, uh.... (Cody looks at Davis for confirmation) Davis: Don't brainfreeze on us! Just do it! Cody: I'm on it! (Cody starts messaging) Cody: (thinking) Come on, Yolei. Be there. Whatever you're doing, it can't be as dangerous as this!

Davis and Ken give up and have no plan other than letting Cody try to reach Digmon. But then, like the flipping of a switch, the original script suddenly reasserts itself once they get Cody's attention.

I really like the dub script from that point forward but the way Ken abruptly flips from "Keep trying to get through to Digmon" to "Contact the others with your D-Terminal" gave me whiplash.

Moving along, Iori's message is received. Come on, Miyako. Whatever you're doing, it can't be as dangerous as this.

Oh no, that is super dangerous.

Receiving Iori's email, Miyako isn't exactly in position to help out.

Miyako: Agh! Of course I want to go help, but....

But the Flymon swarm has split up and has them cornered. Three Flymon are coming in from either side.

Aquilamon: Miyako-san! Please hold on tight!

With a huge flap of his wings, Aquilamon ascends suddenly, causing the Flymon to crash into each other.

Miyako: GOT THEM--EUGH!?!?

Miyako has only a moment to breathe before more Flymon come buzzing down the hall. Taking out her D-Terminal, she sends Iori her answer.

Miyako: (typing) Sorry! I don't think I can make it!

Outlook not so good. Both on Miyako's ability to get there and on the boys' ability to survive the Dokugumon attack.

In the dub:

Yolei: I want to help but I'm sort of busy right now! (Flymon coming from both directions) Aquilamon: Hang on! It's time we rise to the occasion! (Aquilamon ascends and lets the Flymon crash into each other) Yolei: Good work! ...huh!? (More Flymon coming down the hall) Yolei: (typing) Sorry! My hands are full!

This is perfect. Good job.

So, Miyako's a bust. Who else have we got? Cutting back to the web, we brainstorm next steps.

Daisuke: What about Takeru!? Or Hikari-chan!?

At Daisuke's prodding, Iori sends another email. But things aren't going any better over there.

Takeru and Pegasmon use a book to shield themselves and push a Snimon towards the edge of the shelf. That Snimon stabs through the fragile paper, their blade coming out right in front of Takeru's face.

Takeru: BWAUGH!!! Aggghaaagh....

But the boys keep pushing, eventually knocking the Snimon off the shelf with the book on top of them.

Hikari: Over here!

Hikari waves them to a hidey-hole she's found or made. Three books stacked on either side with an opening just big enough for something of human-width to pass through. Takeru and Pegasmon slip through, followed by two Snimon who try and fail to cram themselves through the opening.

Takeru: We should be able to hole up here for a while. Hikari: But....

Hikari looks down at the D-Terminal in her hands.

Hikari: We won't be able to go help Daisuke-kun and the others.

We are all getting murdered by the Giga House trap. There is no help coming for Daisuke, Iori, and Ken.

You know, it says a lot about Iori's state of mind and his admiration/respect for Miyako that he tried her first, before the veterans. And then needed to be told to try the veterans.

Iori is still in a state of shock and panic, he's the youngest of the team, and he's known Miyako way longer than any of these other kids. So it makes sense, when Ken told him to contact the others, that he narrowly interpreted that as "Please help me, Miyako-san."

In the dub:

Davis: Don't give up! Try Kari and T.K.! (Cody sends message; T.K. pushes book) T.K.: Nnnnnnngh-- (Stab) T.K.: DYAAAUGH!!! (T.K. and Pegasusmon push the book over on Snimon) T.K.: I'm stronger than I thought! Kari: (waving) Over here in Fiction! (T.K. and Pegasusmon join her, followed by Snimon) T.K.: I'd kill for a can of bug spray right now! Kari: Oogh... I'm beginning to wish we had never split up.

Kari doesn't directly acknowledge Cody's message but she's holding the D-Terminal in her hands, and Cody will say they aren't coming next scene. So she doesn't have to say it outright here.

I'm... a little confused by Kari saying they're hiding "in Fiction". Does this private study have separate, clearly marked Fiction and Non-Fiction sections of its bookshelf? Do people do that? I honestly don't know how homeowners decorate.

Back at the web, Hikari's answer reaches Iori.

Iori: (distraught) Takeru-san's group can't help us either!

Daisuke has no answer for that. He struggles to think, but nothing comes out. After a moment, he looks up at the hole, where XV-mon is still engaged with the others. All the while, the mystery woman sits on that rafter and plays her flute.

XV-mon: (parrying attacks) Shit! If it weren't for that flute....

But he too has no answers. Down in the web, Dokugumon creeps closer and closer to the others. At what, by this point, is honestly a pretty glacial pace. Really dragging your tarsal claws, Dokugumon.

Iori: It's hopeless.... Ken: Don't give up! Iori: Huh?

With eyes full of terror, Iori looks at Ken.

Iori: (thinking) Even though he's the closest one to Dokugumon...

Iori's features harden as he thinks about that.

Iori: (thinking) I have to pull myself together too.

Inspired by Ken's courage, Iori finally pulls himself out of his panic and looks around the web with fresh eyes. Before long, he spots something of peculiar interest: the web is attached to an air conditioner, with the controls visible right under it.

Iori: That's it! If we can find a way to turn on that air conditioner, then the wind would.... Daisuke & Ken: Got it!

Now that we finally have Iori back with us, a plan is made. We just need to figure out how we're going to execute it.

In the dub:

Cody: Um... I'm afraid they can't come either! We're on our own! (Davis looks helplessly up at the hole) ExVeemon: (parrying attacks) What do you say, guys? How about a chocolate break!?

He doesn't say to break me off a piece of that Kit Kat Bar but you know he's thinking it.

(Arukenimon keeps playing) ExVeemon: (thinking) I can't stand it anymore! Doesn't she know another song!? (Dokugumon keeps advancing) Cody: No one's available! Ken: (harshly) Then you help us! Cody: Huh!? Cody: (thinking) What can I do to help, especially without Digmon? (Cody toughens up) Cody: (thinking) I have no choice! If I don't think of something fast, those guys are through! Let's see, what do I have to work with here.... (Cody notices the air conditioner) Cody: (thinking) A thermostat! Hmm... Which means there must be an air conditioner nearby! Cody: That's it! We can blow Dokugumon off of the web! It's worth a try! What do you say? Davis & Ken: Mhm!

Man, Davis and ExVeemon really don't like Arukenimon's playing. To be fair, it's not as good as Mystery Woman's. A much simpler melody and without the haunting echoing sound it makes.

In the original, Iori is inspired by the courage Ken possesses. He's going to get eaten first but he's still refusing to give in to despair, and that gives Iori the strength to resist the panic attack he's been undergoing all episode.

In the dub, Ken basically just snaps at Cody to nut up and fix this problem, and that does it.

My favorite part of the dub in this segment is when Cody deduces that "there must be an air conditioner nearby"... as the camera pans up to reveal the gigantic air conditioner he's staring right at.

Cody also thinks the A/C will harmlessly remove Dokugumon from the web while leaving everything else safe and intact. Oh, you sweet summer child, you. It's not clear whether Iori realizes the complications the A/C will introduce; He doesn't finish his train of thought.

After some consideration, Ken manages to pick up a piece of rubble lying in the web using his legs. It's part of the wooden attic floor that Digmon broke when he dropped them down here.

Ken: Motomiya-kun! Use this to turn on the switch! Daisuke: Got it!

Ken passes to Daisuke, who shoots for the switch.

Daisuke: HIT IT!!!

GOOOOOOAL!!! The rubble chunk strikes true, slamming into the On/Off switch. The A/C activates, tearing apart the web.

Iori: IT WORKED!!! WHOA--AHHHHHH!!!

Breaking the web while we're tied to it proves to be a perilous decision, as Iori suddenly tumbles from it into freefall. Ken grabs his ankle before he can fall too far, however.

Ken: You're okay.

Holding onto a strand of web, Ken slowly lowers himself and Iori safely to a giant bed in the room below. Daisuke lowers himself on another strand. The imminent danger, at least, has passed.

In the dub, they spell out the skills Ken and Davis used here.

Ken: This might work! It's just like playing soccer, Davis! Davis: Pass it here! (Ken passes, Davis shoots) Davis: BICYCLE KICK!!! (Davis scores; A/C turns on) Davis: DAVIS SHOOTS, HE SCOOOOOORES!!! (A/C breaks the web) Cody: WOW, GREAT PLAY!!! AH!!! WHOA-WHOA-AHHHHHH!!! (Cody falls, Ken catches) Ken: I've got you, Cody! Cody: A-a-are you sure!? You're not just pulling my leg, are you!? Davis: Now this is what I call a king-sized bed! (Ken and Davis lower the three of them onto the bed)

I love Davis calling his attack and then cheering when he makes the shot. Less fond of Cody quipping about his own near-death.

The boys are safe, but XV-mon is still up there. Daisuke means to rectify that.

Daisuke: XV-mon! Hurry, over here! XV-mon: Right!

Easier said than done, as extracting himself from this fight is going to be a challenge.

Still silent as ever, Digmon and Stingmon launch their special attacks. Digmon leads with Gold Rush. XV-mon dodges the volley of drills, but Stingmon follows up with his Spiking Finish. He doesn't score a direct hit, but his momentum knocks XV-mon through the hole.

Then nonsense occurs.

XV-mon falls through the hole and lands hard on his feet on the floor. He falls to his knees and releases Daisuke, Ken, and Iori, who he... caught?

They were standing on the bed last we saw them. Why they are suddenly in his hands as he's recoiling from the Spiking Finish attack is... confusing.

I wonder if the creators originally meant for XV-mon to catch them when they were falling from the web? This feels like an editing error.

Whatever the case, everyone teleports to the floor and that's where we are now. It takes the last of his strength to vacuum-pull the boys into his hands while he's falling, however, and so he reverts helplessly to V-mon.

Daisuke: Thanks, V-mon.

In the dub, the mind-controlled Digimon still call their attacks as normal.

Davis: HEY, EXVEEMON!!! WE NEED YOUR HELP!!! ExVeemon: Right! Digmon: GOLD RUSH!!! (Digmon shoots, ExVeemon dodges) Stingmon: SPIKING STRIKE!!! (Stingmon knocks ExVeemon through the hole. He lands hard on his feet) ExVeemon: I'm okay! (ExVeemon falls to his knees) ExVeemon: ...maybe? (ExVeemon puts the boys down and reverts to Veemon) Davis: Don't worry, old buddy. You did a good job holding them off!

This is solid. ExVeemon's gag at the end there is pretty fun and something I can believe him saying in this moment. It's funny, but unlike the "pulling my leg" bit, it doesn't sound like he's intentionally cracking jokes at an inappropriate time. It comes out naturally.

Now that we're on the floor, where do we go from here?

Oh, straight into that dresser. That makes sense.

Ken: Let's hide in here.

The boys tug at the bottom of the drawer, slowly pulling it open just a crack. Then Daisuke and Ken collect a slipper and carry it over to the drawer, setting it up as a ramp. Finally, one by one, they climb inside.

Mystery woman's mind-controlled forces stand by and let them arduously do this because I guess they needed a smoke break. Only once the boys are in the drawer do they finally drop through the hole and go on the offensive.

Ken: We have to close it! Iori: But how!?

The enemy delivers! Stingmon and Digmon dumbassedly crash face-first into the drawer and slam it shut for us. Wow, they really did roll a Nat 1 on this interception, didn't they?

Daisuke: (English) LUCKY!!! V-mon: If only.... Boys: Huh?

V-mon does not elaborate, but a moment later they hear a crashing sound. Outside, Digmon's putting his drills to work to cut through the front of the drawer.

In the dub:

Ken: This place is perfect. Davis: You mean I gotta hide in somebody's underwear!? (Davis, Cody, and Ken start pulling the drawer open) Veemon: That's it, boys! We almost got it! Just a little more! (Davis and Ken go get the slipper) Veemon: Whew! I never realized the bigger the shoe, the bigger the stink! (The boys climb into the drawer) Ken: Let's close it up! Cody: How can we!? (Digmon and Stingmon accidentally slam into and close it) Davis: EASY!!! Veemon: Yeah, but I sure hope it holds. Boys: Huh?

The dub takes its first commercial break here, as Digmon begins drilling into the drawer.

Inside the drawer, the boys finally have a moment to breathe and think things through.

Iori: I can't believe Digmon turned on me. Daisuke: Hey, can one of you explain it to me? How exactly can that flute control Insect-type Digimon? Ken: It's the sound. The vibration it makes in the air. Iori: If we silence it, then our problem will be solved. Daisuke: But we won't be able to take it away that easily.

Ken and Iori both put their minds to it. Trying to figure out some way of defeating a melody. Outside, the woman continues to play her flute, and Digmon continues to drill into the drawer. We're running out of time.

Suddenly, it hits Ken.

Ken: That's it! Have you guys heard about moths and bats? Iori: I have. Moths can hear the sounds that bats make, and they use it to escape from them. Ken: They don't just listen. Moths also make sounds of their own which scramble the ones the bats make, disorienting their sense of direction. Daisuke: (sheepish) Y-You guys sure know a lot.... Iori: So what you're saying is, if we can scramble the sound of that flute, all the Insect-type Digimon will go back to normal? Ken: Exactly! Daisuke: But can we make a sound like that?

Good question. The team falls silent for a moment as reality settles in again. After some consideration, Iori answers.

Iori: It's impossible. To start, we'd have to know the wavelength that the flute is on. Ken: We have a solution, but we don't have a way to do it.

Daisuke takes a moment to think it over himself. Then, suddenly, it hits him.

Daisuke: Huh? Wait, if that's the case...! Iori & Ken: Eh?

Ken and Iori have contributed their parts. Now it's Daisuke's turn.

There's something deliciously ironic about using an insect's biological habits to counter the Giga House trap. Now that we know what the rules are, Ken/Iori and the Mystery Woman can go head-to-head on Big Brain Insect Skills.

In the dub:

Cody: I can't believe Digmon is trying to attack us! Davis: Hey, someone please explain to me, why does that obnoxious flute make Insect Digimon flip out? Ken: It's simple. It creates a vibration.

Everything creates a vibration. That a vibration exists is not an answer. But to be fair, this wasn't a very helpful line in the original either. "Because of its sound" is a nothing answer to "Why can the flute music mind-control Insect Digimon?" Ken is answering questions without actually having anything to add.

Cody: So if we stop the sound, then Digmon would help us out! Davis: I don't think Arukenimon is about to take piano lessons instead! (Ken and Cody stop to consider the problem) Ken: Hey! Are you guys familiar with the story of the moth and the bat? Cody: Of course I remember. The moth heard the sound the bat made and used it to escape. It was a trick of some kind. Ken: It was quite amazing. The moth was able to create its own sound and mixed it with the sound of the bat. The bat became confused and lost its way, enabling the moth to escape unharmed. Davis: I thought that was the story of the birds and the bees!

The dub makes an understandable translation error here. 話 Hanashi can mean a lot of things. It can be a story or a tale people tell, or it can speech, conversations, chatter, rumors, etc. Any kind of second-hand knowledge is 話 hanashi.

Ken and Iori are talking about scientific knowledge. This is an actual thing moths do. They emit specific sounds to scramble the bats' echolocation so the bats can't hunt them. There's an invisible sound war happening between moths and bats that's been going on for eons.

But the word 話 hanashi, commonly translated as "story", threw the Dub Team. So they took this to be some kind of Japanese parable, and that's the direction Ken and Cody go with it.

Cody: All we have to do is find a way to alter the sound of the flute! Then if our theory holds, the Insect Digimon will return to normal! Ken: Precisely! Davis: (frustrated) Then how does the story of the birds and the bees go!? Cody: Uh, later, Davis. Now's not the time. We need some more information. If we could measure the length of the flute's soundwaves, it would help determine our moves. Ken: So we have a solution but there's no real way of carrying it out. (Davis thinks for a moment) Davis: Wait! Guys, I know exactly what to do! Cody & Ken: Huh!?

The tone here is lighter. Davis's sex talk shenanigans drive away the near-hopeless tone that the original takes once the boys realize their solution is impractical.

Davis Davising up the scene aside, the dub nails it on Ken and Cody's dynamic here. The delivery of two smart guys excitedly bouncing ideas off each other hits perfectly.

Now, Ken and Iori have done their part. It's time for Daisuke to leverage his greatest strength.

That strength is being a social creature who can network well. He takes the plan we've made and passes it right along to the others to see if someone can put it into action.

Miyako: (checking D-Terminal) Well, that is a talent of mine, but without a computer....

Dodging the Flymon, Aquilamon sails under a table and then out the door from the living room, back into the hall.

In the study, Hikari gets Miyako's message.

Hikari: There's a computer right here! It's in the study!

Hikari's barricade is still holding firm, but the Snimon horde is piling up outside of it. Nonetheless, she sends her message.

Receiving it, Miyako checks the radar on her D-3.

Miyako: Let's see, where is Hikari-chan... Left door! Aquilamon: Understood!

Aquilamon swoops down and enters through one of the holes that Nefertimon blasted in the door. Like the Snimon before them, the pursuing Flymon try to cram themselves through the tiny holes and end up stuck.

In the dub:

Yolei: (checking D-Terminal) They want me to what!? Well, it's true, that's my specialty. But how am I supposed to figure it out without a computer? Aquilamon: You can do it, Yolei! (Aquilamon exits out into the hall) Kari: There's a computer right here in the office. (Yolei checks D-3) Yolei: Okay, I'm beginning to get a signal. They're real close... There they are! Make your first left. Aquilamon: Right! Yolei: No, left! Aquilamon: Roger! Hang on! (Aquilamon swoops through the hole) Aquilamon: Don't go in through the out door! (The Flymon follow and get stuck)

Yolei says "make your first left" but there is only one left to make. We'll be in the study once we make that left.

Yolei's D-3 seems to be having some kind of unexplained problems with its reception. She implies that they need to fly around until she "gets a signal", and the dub adds a staticky sound effect to it.

I feel like the "Left!" "Right!" "No, left!" bit could have had more done with it. Aquilamon goes in through the right opening when he makes his left so... it feels like there's something there, something you can do with that and the left-right confusion, but I can't put my finger on what.

Anyways, Miyako's in the room with the computer, so it's a good start. Now what?

Brief shot outside the drawer shows Stingmon has given up on waiting and is now trying to tunnel through the drawer himself. Time is even shorter now.

Daisuke: Takeru and Hikari-chan, go back up Miyako!

From their hidey-hole, Takeru and Hikari get the message.

Takeru: We can handle that. Hikari: Yeah!

They'll have to get through the Snimon, of course. But that's simply a matter of shoving the books to push the whole swarm off the shelf and then dropping the books on top of them, just like Takeru did to that one earlier.

Aquilamon swoops low over the computer and Miyako dismounts, dropping a short distance and landing hard on the power button. The force of her landing pushes it in and the computer hums to life.

Miyako: BINGO!!!

We're in business. Also, apparently this is a Wac, a lawyer-friendly Mac with a tomato instead of an apple as its emblem.

In the dub:

Davis: Do not leave your position in case Yolei needs you! T.K.: Like we have a choice! Kari: Mhm. (Kari and T.K. push the books over on the Snimon) Nefertimon: Those must be very popular books. (Aquilamon flies down over the keyboard) Aquilamon: You can do it, Yolei. One... Two... Three! (Yolei jumps and lands on the button) Yolei: TADA--aww, nothing. (Computer turns on) Yolei: Ahaha! PERFECTO!!!

Davis's directions here are a little confusing in relation to the following action. Davis tells T.K. and Kari to not leave their position, which makes it sound like they're supposed to stay in the hidey-hole. T.K. even confirms that they can't leave it anyway. Then this is followed by them immediately leaving it.

Aquilamon has to talk Yolei up to making the jump which is fair; That was a very dangerous action she just took.

I love Yolei briefly being disappointed by the startup delay, though. That's a fun little add-on.

Once the computer's online, Miyako messages Daisuke back.

Daisuke: Yes! (to Ken) Now, can you explain how to do this? Ken: Uh, well.... Daisuke: (deflating) ...well what? Ken: It's audio software... I never learned how to use it because I wasn't interested in music. Daisuke & V-mon: EHHHHHHH!?!? Iori: Oh, that's fine. Miyako-san is a specialist in that field.

It's okay! We're fine! Ken's disinterest in art has not killed us all! Over at the computer, while it's loading up, Nefertimon and Pegasmon form a barricade wall of books around the keyboard. Miyako is having the same conversation with Hikari and Takeru.

Hikari: Really? Miyako: Yeah. My oldest sister is in Drama Club, so I make sound effects for her. Oh! And I also help Izumi-senpai do the synthesizing for Yamato-san's band, the Teenage Wolves. Takeru: Oh, that makes sense! That's how they're able to produce that sound with only four people. I mean, I kept hearing brass instruments even though none of them play any! I thought I was losing it!

The secret of Yamato's musical success has been leaked. Behind every brilliant man of success and repute, there is a hard-working uncredited woman and also Koushiro. Takeru will not let him live this down.

But we're out of time; The Snimon swarm have recovered. Two Snimon come up over the book barricade. Shurimon bounds to the top, slashing them each in the face and knocking them back.

Shurimon: Everyone, now is not the time for friendly banter! Pegasmon: You're right. We should hurry. Miyako: (sheepish) Ah, sorry! Sorry....

I mean. It's not like we could do anything until the computer finishes loading. You're kinda being a dick right now, Shurimon.

In the dub:

Davis: Great! She'll put the brakes on that mad 'mon! Ken: But there's one problem. Davis: What's the matter!? Ken: Well, it's a music software program. If she's not familiar with it, it'll be difficult to use. It's probably going to be impossible. Davis & Veemon: WHAAAAAAT!?!? Cody: I'm positive it's not going to be a problem. Yolei's a real professional when it comes to stuff like that!

In the original, this scene has Ken expressing his own limitations as a super mega ultra-genius. Everybody in the team has something different to contribute. Iori and Ken come up with the plan but Daisuke's leadership allows him to connect the group, to be the vector of communication that brings them together and puts Miyako's skills to work on Ken and Iori's plan.

No one member of this 仲間 nakama could have solved Giga House on their own, and each individual member is an invaluable component in the solution.

In the dub, Ken instead doubts Yolei's qualifications. Which is just an asshole thing to start talking shit about out of nowhere. Dub Ken is such a dick even post-reformation.

Kari: Is that true? Yolei: Sure! My older sister's in the Drama Club at school and I'm the one that does the sound for all the shows. But that's not all; I've also helped Izzy do the mixing for Matt's band, the Teenage Wolves. We were the best because they sounded totally cool after we got through with them. T.K.: Oh, wow! I've wondered why Matt's band sounded so good lately! Matt said it was because he was such a great musician. Wait 'til I tell him I know his secret weapon is Yolei!

This is basically the same, but vague. Takeru specifically calls out Miyako and Koushiro's work as adding new instruments that nobody's playing, where T.K. just says Yolei and Izzy made the music better in some sort of way.

He also credits the success entirely to Yolei, so fuck Izzy, I guess. I can get behind that. Izzy's an asshole.

(Snimon attack; Shurimon fights them off) Shurimon: Listen up! We don't have any time to waste on idle chitchat. Pegasusmon: We have to hurry. Yolei: (sheepish) Ahaha, oh yeah... sorry....

Shurimon is still a dick in either version.

Finally, the computer comes online so now we can get to work. Shurimon.

Miyako: Takeru-kun, you connect the microphone cable to the computer. Takeru: Mhm. Miyako: Shurimon, please cover him. Shurimon: Yes, ma'am! Let's get to work, Takeru-san! Takeru: Right! Miyako: Hikari-chan, you'll help me with the mouse. Hikari: Got it!

Never mind, I stand corrected. We absolutely could have been over there connecting the mic while the computer was loading instead of standing around chitchatting. You were right, Shurimon. I shouldn't have second-guessed you.

Inside the drawer, gouges from Digmon and Stingmon's efforts can now be seen from the inside.

Daisuke: It's not done yet!? V-mon: HURRY HURRY HURRY HURRY HURRY HURRY!!!

Miyako and Hikari take their positions behind the computer mouse.

Miyako: Now, let's go! Hikari: Yeah!

And that seems like as good a place as any for a commercial break.

In the dub:

Yolei: First I need for you to hook up the microphone cable to the computer. T.K.: Mhm. Yolei: Shurimon, I'm counting on you to protect T.K.'s back. Shurimon: I'll protect the rest of him as well. Come on, T.K., let's go! T.K.: Right! Yolei: The mouse is too big for me to push alone. Do you think you can help me, Kari? Kari: Sure. (Cut to drawer) Yolei: We're almost there, Davis. Good thing that wood's as big as your head. Davis: Could you hurry!? Veemon: (half-crying) Yeah, speed it up, would ya!? (Cut to Kari and Yolei at the mouse) Yolei: On my count, let's push. Kari: Mhm.

The dub kicks out their second commercial break for later and continues straight from here.

We return from commercial with a reminder of where we're at and what's happening. Digmon and Stingmon are still carving away at the outside of the drawer, while the mystery woman's flute music fills the room.

Inside the drawer, the gouges have gotten thick. They'll be through soon. Daisuke and the team have moved to the far back of the drawer, and now Iori's the one with the D-Terminal for some reason.

Iori: Please hurry, Miyako-san! Miyako: I know!

At the computer, Pegasmon and Nefertimon have taken defensive positions up on the wall. Whenever a Snimon tries to climb over, they kick 'em.

Miyako guides Hikari with the mouse. They push together until Miyako declares,

Miyako: (English) STOP!!!

Then Miyako uses both hands to click the mouse button.

Miyako: How's it going on your end, Takeru-kun?

With Shurimon covering his back, Takeru plugs the cable into the computer.

Takeru: All set!

The computer is set up and the pieces are in place. Now we just need to execute Miyako's plan.

In the dub:

Cody: We can't wait! Go for it, Yolei! Yolei: Gotcha! Let's go! (Yolei and Kari push the mouse) Yolei: Wait! Hold it up! (Click) Yolei: Hey T.K., all plugged in? (T.K. plugs in the cable) T.K.: All plugged!

A note about the flute music. In the original, when we return from commercial, the flute is the only music we have going in the background for this entire scene. But before the commercial break we had normal BGM.

The dub also has the flute music just sort of start being in the background here as if it always was, but without the commercial break, it's more noticeable the way it fades in all of a sudden.

Both versions are inconsistent about when we can and can't hear the flute, with the implication that even when we're not hearing it, it's supposed to be saturating the house.

As Hikari and Miyako move the mouse into place again, Miyako explains part of the plan.

Miyako: (English) Stop. (Japanese) We're going to record that sound. Hikari: Got it.

She points up at the screen where they have the cursor over a microphone icon. Then she moves in front of the mouse and presses down the mouse button again.

While the mic records Mystery Woman's music, Miyako climbs up on top of the monitor and uses a computer cable to rappel down onto the screen. She yells down instructions for Hikari.

Miyako: STOP RECORDING!!!

Hikari, down below, clicks the mouse for her.

Miyako walks over to the far left of the screen.

Miyako: FROM HERE!!!

Then she runs and swings to the other side.

Miyako: TO HERE!!! Hikari: GOT IT!!!

This plan does leave Hikari having to push the mouse and click the button herself, but she's strong enough to pull it off!

In the dub:

Yolei: Hold up! Now what we have to do is record that sound. Kari: Mhm! (Yolei clicks the mic button) Yolei: (mocking) I'm sorry, but I just don't hear a single! (Yolei climbs up onto the monitor and rappels down) Yolei: Stop recording, Kari! (Kari clicks button) Yolei: We'll take this section to here. (Yolei swings across to the other side) Yolei: YOU GOT ALL THAT!?!? Kari: I GOT IT!!!

I'm surprised she got all that because Yolei delivers the "Stop recording" and "We'll take this section to here" lines in her normal speaking voice. But minor directing quibble aside, this is solid.

Now that they have the section they need, Miyako rappels all the way back down and returns to Hikari.

Miyako: Now, invert the selected part, remove any unnecessary parts, select all of it, reverse the wavelength, save the sound file, and play it on a loop! Hikari: ...I don't understand a word you just said. Miyako: Aha... Sorry, sorry. In any case, this should work.

Hikari has no idea what Miyako is talking about and neither do I because I am not a sound editor. This might be a real thing, it might be a real thing that I translated badly because I don't know what she's talking about, or she might be making things up.

Back in the drawer, Digmon and Stingmon finally break through. They're inside and now Daisuke's team is cornered.

Boys: UWAAAAUGH!!! Daisuke: IT'S NOT DONE YET!?!?

The Flymon, meanwhile, finally figure out the hole they're stuck in. They pull back out, then enter through the hole in single file, ready to attack.

It's down to the wire now. This will be the moment of truth.

In the dub:

Yolei: We'll delete the section that we don't need and then we'll save the part that's left as a sound file. We'll copy and paste the original onto multiple tracks and use special effects to distort the soundbites. All you do is press Play! Kari: Um, I have no idea what you're talking about. Yolei: Hehe, sorry about that. Hey, it'll work; Just trust me! (Digmon and Stingmon invade the drawer) Boys: WHAHHHHH!!! Davis: This isn't good!

Kari doesn't need to know what she was talking about because Yolei said at the end, "All you do is press Play." As long as she has an instruction that simple, it doesn't matter if she followed the rest.

Miyako lays all of this out like she's expecting Hikari to do all that stuff.

As the Flymon advance on the girls and Stingmon and Digmon advance on the boys, it's time to put Miyako's masterstroke into action.

Miyako: The moment you've been waiting for! Play the loop! Hikari: Here we go!

Hikari clicks the mouse button and the recording begins to play. The mixture of the mystery woman's flute with its own reversed sound creates an unbearable cacophony that brings all the attacking Insect Digimon to a halt.

In the drawer, Daisuke, Ken, and Iori brace for their impending doom only to realize it isn't coming.

Daisuke: Huh? Did it work? Takeru: ...seems like it.

The bugs look around for a moment, disoriented. Then they back off, returning to whatever they were doing before they fell under the flute's sway.

Miyako leaps straight up and cheers in celebration.

Miyako: HUGE SUCCESS!!!

In the dub:

Yolei: Play that funky music now, girl! Kari: Name that tune! (Kari clicks the button and the funky music starts to play; All the bugs cease) Davis: ...hey guys? Are they normal? T.K.: ...I... think so.... (Bugs withdraw) Yolei: I'M SO COOL!!!

It's "Play that funky music, white boy" but Kari is a girl and Japanese so Yolei had to improvise.

Now that Digmon and Stingmon have come to their senses, Iori rushes forward and hugs Digmon's drill.

Iori: DIGMON!!! Digmon: What's wrong, Iori? Stingmon: More importantly, what are we doing in here?

Exiting the drawer, the team re-enters the bedroom to talk about this.

Daisuke: What? You don't remember any of it? You guys-- V-mon: Ah!

V-mon grabs Daisuke's sleeve, shaking it to get his attention.

Daisuke: Huh?

V-mon says nothing, but he frantically shakes his head. After a moment, Daisuke gets it.

Daisuke: (sheepish) Oh! No, it's nothing. Don't worry about it! Ahahahaha.... (serious) Anyways, that woman....

Daisuke looks back up at the hole, where the mystery woman is peering down at them. This isn't over yet. But we did just kick her ass so it's a good time to celebrate. Daisuke waves his hand contemptuously

Daisuke: Haha, that's what you get!

He follows up by making an akanbe, a rude Japanese gesture consisting of sticking out your tongue and pulling down one eyelid. He's basically flipping her off.

In the dub:

Cody: DIGMON!!! Digmon: What's up, Cody? Stingmon: What are we doing in this drawer? Playing Hide and Seek? (Exit to bedroom) Davis: Whoa! This is absolutely beyond belief! You mean you actually can't remember anything about what was happening to you!? (Veemon tugs Davis's sleeve) Veemon: (whispering) Davis, um.... Davis: Hmm? (Veemon shakes head frantically) Veemon: Mm-mm! Mm-mm! Davis: Huh!? I-I'm just kidding! I'm trying to psych you out! Fun, huh? Hahahaha.... (serious, looks at Arukenimon) Yeah, it's time to face the music! Arukenimon: Hoohoohahahaha! Davis: HEY, LADY, THIS IS WHAT I THINK OF YOUR FLUTE!!! (raspberry)

"Time to face the music" is a perfect crack for this moment.

Davis's tone when Veemon stops him is shocked and curious. Daisuke is accusatory; V-mon was stopping him from going off on them for things outside of their control.

Arukenimon laughs maniacally for no reason I can discern when they look up at her. They just screwed her plan. Why is she happy right now?

Mystery woman could withdraw at this point. Her trap's been botched and they can't easily pursue her from all the way down there. This would be a good time to cut her losses and run. But. Um. Do you remember how this all started because she felt disrespected by Daisuke? Yeah.

Daisuke's akanbe is a step too far. Having been provoked one time too many, she steps through the hole and drops the full distance to the floor unaided, landing on her feet.

Iori: Ah! How can she jump from that height without getting hurt!? Ken: Y-You couldn't be-- Woman: Were you going to say I'm not human? That's precisely it. I am...

At long last, the mystery woman reveals her true nature. Her body distorts and shifts into a grotesque spider creature.

Woman: ...Arachnemon!

Arachnemon is a Perfect-stage Virus-attribute Demon Beast Digimon. And now there is no more putting it off. We need to talk about this.

Fucking.

Name.

アルケニモン Arukenimon

What the actual fuck is this supposed to be? Here is the problem. I can think of exactly four things that this name might be referencing.

アラクネ Arakune - Arachne アラクニッド Arakuniddo - Arachnid

These two are spider-related, but I've also considered the possibility of:

アーチェネミー Aachenemii - Archenemy アーチネメシス Aachinemeshisu - Archnemesis

...with a hard 'k' instead of a soft 'ch'.

But the problem is that none of these fucking work. Her name is Arkenimon. That's nothing. The official Romanization is Archnemon, which is both not how you spell Arachne and also not what that word says. ネ is ne but instead they gave her ニ ni because the "ne" of Arachne is pronounced "ni". But if her name isn't Arachne then why are we spelling "ni" as "ne"?

Madam, you are one of my favorite Digimon but why the fuck is your name like this? I am dying over here.

The dub opted out of making sense of this and just translated it literally, letter for letter, as Arukenimon. Of course, they also might have just had no idea it was supposed to be Arachne. We saw what they did to poor "Halsemon" before.

But Wikimon assures me that it's supposed to be Arachne and for lack of better guidance, I am just going to trust them on that.

Arachnemon was created for 02 and, like Bakemon, she's a reference to a mythical creature. She is a 絡新婦 jorougumo, a spider yokai who shapeshifts into a beautiful woman in order to manipulate and deceive her prey - ultimately luring them foolishly into her den so she can devour them.

Which you may recognize as exactly what she did here in Giga House. This two-parter has actually been a 絡新婦 jorougumo story all along. Albeit without the part where she tries to seduce the protagonist because they're 11 and that would be gross.

For fairly obvious reasons, she is most commonly presented as the Perfect evolution of Dokugumon. I am dismayed to find out that she has never been presented as an evolution for Bakemon, despite both of them being predatory shapeshifting yokai. Shame, that. Dokugumon + Bakemon = Arachnemon just makes sense in my brain.

Narrator: Arachnemon! A cruel and brutal Perfect Digimon known as the Queen of Spiders. Her special attack is Spider Thread!

QUEEN OF SPIDERS. Yeah, not a lot of information in this rundown.

Oh, one more thing before I kick it over to the dub. Arachnemon's human guise is kind of what she's known for, and has appeared in follow-up Digimon titles but it's kind of unfortunate that the twist is already well-known. If you see a woman dressed in red with silver hair show up in a Digimon entry, you know exactly who that is and that she's evil.

They should probably give her human self a makeover and/or use her in new ways if they want her to ever be surprising again. I would love to see a take on Arachnemon that poses her as one of the good guys, just for a change of pace. Like, a supporting character we've known and relied on all series turns out in the last twenty or so episodes to have been an Arachnemon on our side all this time. I think that'd be pretty cool.

She's so fucking cool. I hate her name.

Anyways.

In the dub:

Cody: That's amazing! How could she jump down all that way without getting a single scratch!? Ken: You think she could be...? Arukenimon: So you've finally caught on. Well, it's about time. That's right, kids, I'm not human. I'M.... (Arukenimon transforms) Arukenimon: ...ARUKENIMON!!!

The dub takes its second commercial break here, on the... "shocking" reveal of Arukenimon's true nature. When we come back, they replay part of the transformation and then go straight into the rundown.

Arukenimon: I'm really.... (Arukenimon transforms) Arukenimon: (rundown) Arukenimon! An Ultimate Digimon. "Welcome to my parlor," said the spider to the Flymon.

Using a common spider-based idiom while referencing a Digimon in a way that perfectly suits both the present situation and the character's 絡新婦 jorougumo roots while also managing to sound perfectly diegetic? Yeah, Arukenimon's English rundown nails it. Dub wins on that count.

That said, I don't know how Cody, Davis, and Ken can possibly be surprised by this. We've already been calling her Arukenimon for four episodes now. Courtesy of the dub characters' script-reading, this is old news.

With Arachnemon's true form revealed, she goads the boys.

Arachnemon: I wonder, are you all lucky to witness my true form... or unlucky? Daisuke: What's that supposed to mean!? Arachnemon: You have no hope of defeating me in this form. SPIDER THREAD!!!

Arachnemon's Spider Thread is a long red tentacle-looking ribbon thing that emerges from a ruby embedded in her hand. Visually, a little confusing and not at all what you'd expect Spider Thread to be.

She whips it out suddenly and launches it straight for that disrespectful little brat Daisuke. V-mon gets his second wind in an instant, evolving to intervene.

XV-mon: STRONG CRUNCH!!!

It's a bite. Strong Crunch is a bite. XV-mon bites the Spider Thread before it can reach Daisuke, ripping it to pieces.

Arachnemon: I have more than one!

This time, she lets out three from each hand. This battle's only just getting started.

In the dub:

Arukenimon: It's so good to be back to my true form. I was so trapped in that human body. I feel pretty again! Davis: You know, you don't scare us! Arukenimon: Oh, then I've done a terrible job as host. Let me make up for it by TERRIFYING YOU!!! SPIDER THREAD!!! (ExVeemon Digivolves) ExVeemon: CRITICAL CRUNCH!!! (ExVeemon bites the "thread") Arukenimon: SPIDER THREAD!!! (Arukenimon releases six more)

The dub dialogue is fantastic here. That Arukenimon considers her spider form to be prettier than her human form is a fun bit of characterization, and that "I've done a terrible job as host" bit is really good.

Whereas the "Oh no, how unfortunate of you to witness my TRUE FORM" in the original is just basic-ass shonen anime 101. This scene is one of the few cases where the dub is actually way better.

Grappling XV-mon, Stingmon, and Digmon all at once, Arachnemon slams them through the door and out into the hall. She skitters out after them, revealing herself to the other three Chosen Children on their way to regroup.

Hikari: Wh-What is that Digimon!? Takeru: Whatever it is, the others are in danger! Nefertimon: CURSE OF QUEEN!!! Pegasmon: SILVER BLAZE!!!

Nefertimon and Pegasmon both take shots at Arachnemon. She dodges, but they force her to back off. Arachnemon skitters up the wall to gain height, then lunges for Hikari and Takeru.

Shurimon: KUSANAGI!!!

But Shurimon intercepts. Forced to change course, Shurimon bounds off his shuriken and hits the ceiling.

This is going well. We've landed no hits on her but, working together, three of us have managed to keep her on her toes.

In the dub:

Kari: Just what we need, a new enemy! T.K.: Let's squash this one like a bug! Nefertimon: CAT'S EYE BEAM!!! Pegasusmon: EQUUS BEAM!!! (Arukenimon dodges and goes on the attack) Shurimon: DOUBLE STARS!!!

As usual, the American kids are more aggro but that's the only difference.

Having bought a moment to breathe, the Digimon deposit their riders. Then they go back on the attack.

It does not go well.

Arachnemon: ACID MIST!!!

Stunning Nefertimon and Pegasmon with her Acid Mist sets them up for her follow up attack.

Arachnemon: SPIDER THREAD!!!

A few lashes with her very not-threadlike Spider Thread brings them down. We might have been able to keep her busy with teamwork at first, but in direct confrontation, Armor Digimon have never really measured up to a Perfect.

Stingmon: You guys can't handle her! XV-mon: Leave her to us. Daisuke: Ichijouji, let's go! Ken: Understood!

Finally, with no flute music to get in our way, XV-mon and Stingmon Jogress and bring Paildramon to the fore.

In the dub:

Arukenimon: ACID MISTS!!! (Mist) Arukenimon: SPIDER THREAD!!! (Tentacles) Stingmon: Why do I have a sudden urge to sit on a tuffet eating curds and whey? Davis: Time to exterminate! Ready, Ken? Ken: Let's do it!

Don't worry, Stingmon. Maybe she'll crawl up a waterspout.

Paildramon may be in play now, but Arachnemon isn't impressed.

Arachnemon: You think we're the same now, but you're still no match for me. Paildramon: What was that!?

Arachnemon and Paildramon lunge for one another. Meeting in the air, Arachnemon leads off the fight with a hard kick to the face, sending Paildramon hurtling through a nearby shoji, a Japanese paper room divider, into the living room.

Arachnemon: DIE!!!

Leaping through the hole Paildramon made, Arachnemon moves in to follow up. But with the distance he's gained, Paildramon has time to recover, stand his ground, and meet her assault.

Paildramon: ESCRIMA!!!

Extending his wrist-blade, Paildramon stabs forward, striking a hit across Arachnemon's shoulder and launching her into a nearby waste bucket. Gross and disrespectful.

From the sidelines, Daisuke and Ken offer support.

Daisuke: Keep it up, Paildramon! Ken: You can't lose!

In the dub, for obvious reasons, Arukenimon does not scream "DIE" when she lunges through the hole.

Arukenimon: You're wasting your time, boys. You're just crawling deeper into my web! Paildramon: What!? (Arukenimon kicks Paildramon into the living room) (Arukenimon lunges) Paildramon: STING STRIKE!!! (Paildramon trashes Arukenimon) Davis: You put her right where she belongs! Ken: Way to go!

The Miss Muffet one was eh but overall I'm enjoying these spider cracks. I love it when combat banter is uniquely personalized to a character's specific details and abilities.

Extricating herself from the trash, Arachnemon goes back on the offensive.

It does not go well. For her.

Arachnemon: SPIDER THREAD!!! Paildramon: DESPERADO BLASTER!!!

Machine guns trump inexplicable hand tentacles, blowing her away and knocking her to the ground.

Arachnemon: ...what...?

For the first time, it seems to be setting in that she might actually be in danger from these meddling brats. She probably should not have let Daisuke provoke her into a fistfight. She got baited by a child. Jumping down from that hole was her literally letting Daisuke bring her down to his childish level. She might not be glad that she did.

While she's having this revelation, the other children huddle up.

Digmon: We should help out too-dagyaa. Nefertimon: Of course. Miyako: Let's set a trap for her in the dining room. Daisuke! Ken-kun! We're going ahead to get set up. You guys bring Paildramon to the dining room. Ken: Understood. Daisuke: We'll do our part!

This fight already seems to be going well but there's no kill like overkill. The more thoroughly we can shitstomp Arachnemon, the better.

Cutting back to Paildramon, he hoists Arachnemon over his shoulder and leaps high into the air, then slams her down hard onto the table.

Paildramon: Do you surrender? Arachnemon: Never!

She lunges suddenly for his legs. Paildramon, now very much in control of this fight, hops back and out of the way. Arachnemon seethes with frustration over how badly this fight is going.

In the dub:

Arukenimon: SPIDER THREAD!!! Paildramon: DESPERADO BLASTER!!! (Paildramon knocks Arukenimon on her ass) Arukenimon: ...SO WHAT!? (Meanwhile, the kids plan) Digmon: Let's take her down now! Nefertimon: We're ready. Yolei: Let's trap her in the dining room. We need everybody's help. Davis, Ken, listen up! Alright, here's the deal. We're going on ahead. I want you to try to lead Arukenimon into the dining room, okay? Ken: We'll make her go! Davis: We've got it covered. (Paildramon lifts and slams Arukenimon) Paildramon: Give up? Arukenimon: Never!

In the original, Miyako tells them to bring Paildramon, with the implication that Arachnemon will follow. Yolei cuts out the middlemon and just says to bring Arukenimon.

Arachnemon's "...what...?" gives a hint of vulnerability breaking through her armored exterior. Her voice is quiet, weak, and in pain. She's starting to regret picking this fight. By contrast, Arukenimon's "SO WHAT!?" is bold and cocky, still seeming to think she has the upper hand here.

Time to put the plan into action, Daisuke waves down Paildramon.

Daisuke: PAILDRAMON!!! WE NEED TO MOVE!!! Ken: TO THE DINING ROOM!!! Paildramon: Got it.

Following the boys, Paildramon races down the hall for the dining room, with Arachnemon hot on his heels. Iori stands guard at the door.

Iori: They're coming! Miyako: Get ready, everyone! Team: Yeah!

Paildramon reaches the entrance and pivots, bolting through the door. Arachnemon takes the bait, following him in.

Miyako: Out of breath? Shurimon: PUFF-PUFF!!!

Miyako and Shurimon meet Arachnemon just inside the door with pepper shakers, which they gleefully sprinkle her with.

I am not remotely confident in those two lines, they're hard to make out. But it sounds like Miyako's saying "切らした Kirashita" which would mean "all out" of something? Shurimon, on the other hand, is just shouting an onomatopoeia of sprinkling.

Blind and disoriented, Arachnemon flees further into the dining room and runs right into Digmon, perched on a can of bug spray.

Digmon: Try this instead!

He gives her a good heavy spray to the face. Arachnemon stumbles away from the walls and deeper into the dining room, but she isn't getting away.

Mounted on Nefertimon and Pegasmon, Hikari and Takeru have wires plugged into a wall socket in hand.

Takeru: It's not over yet! Hikari: We're just getting started!

Riding forward, they jam their wires into Arachnemon, electrocuting her. Arachnemon lets out an earsplitting scream.

Daisuke: NOW!!! Ken: THE FINAL ATTACK!!! Paildramon: DESPERADO BLASTER!!!

Paildramon guns Arachnemon down until she doesn't have the strength to even stand anymore. Her legs collapse under her and she falls to the ground. It's over. She's done.

In the dub:

Davis: HEY, GET OVER HERE!!! WE'VE GOT A CHANGE OF PLANS!!! Ken: FOLLOW US, PAILDRAMON!!! Paildramon: I'm with you! (Paildramon comes running down the hall) Cody: Ah! Here they come! Yolei: Are you ready? Team: Yeah! (Paildramon enters, followed by Arukenimon) Yolei: Surprised ya! How about a little salt bath? Shurimon: Every spider's favorite! (Yolei and Shurimon sprinkle Arukenimon) Digmon: Some Eau de la Bug Spray, Madame? (Digmon sprays Arukenimon) T.K.: How's her hair? Kari: It needs some work. (Kari and T.K. electrocute Arukenimon) Davis: Now it's your turn! Ken: Get her, Paildramon! Paildramon: DESPERADO BLASTER!!!

You know, I just noticed this. When Paildramon fires his Desperado Blaster in the original, they just sound like a pair of machine guns. In the dub, the sound effect is more of a high-pitched sci-fi energy weapon sound.

"Eau de xyz" is a naming convention for types of perfume. It's French, which is why Digmon added that "Madame" at the end.

So now it's over. Arachnemon is defeated and the battle has been won. So. Uh. What do we do with her?

Daisuke: Time to give up! Miyako: We have no intention of taking your life. Takeru: Why are you trying to destroy the Digital World? Ken: ANSWER US!!!

I mean, we just told her that we won't kill her so I feel like we've given up some of our intimidation leverage right out of the starting gate. Thanks, Miyako.

Arachnemon: What a pointless question.... Paildramon: What!? Arachnemon: Why do I cause destruction? Because causing destruction is the reason I exist. Hikari: How do you turn Dark Towers into Digimon? Arachnemon: Another pointless question. Without knowing the true nature of Dark Towers, you wouldn't understand even if I told you. Nefertimon: I see.

Alright. Follow-up question, what is the true nature of-- No? No, we're just going to accept that as an answer? Okay, guys. Thus ends the absolutely fruitless interrogation of Arachnemon.

Children dogpiling on an adult's face can overwhelm them more easily than the adult may want to admit, but they're piss-awful at getting adults to spill information. Arachnemon tells them nothing and they're just like, "Well, I guess that's all we're getting."

Nefertimon: What do we do, guys? There isn't an ounce of remorse in her. Paildramon: You're right. If we let her go, she'll just start the destruction all over again. Iori: That may be, but....

Sorry, Miyako, but we aren't going to be able to keep your promise. The writing is on the wall. Arachnemon has to die.

Ken: Let me do it. You guys shouldn't have to get your hands dirty. Takeru: Cut the crap! Let's just find a good place where we can lock her up for now.

At Takeru's outburst, Ken slumps and gives in. This is a tricky translation because what Takeru accuses him of is 格好をつける kakkou wo tsukeru, which literally means "trying to look cool". This can be taken to mean Ken's trying to show off or impress us with his mad execution skillz.

But in this context, it means Ken's bullshitting us. He's putting on a front. Trying to act the part of the cold and callous antihero who can do what we can't. He doesn't want us to realize that having to take her life will hurt him just as much as it would any of us.

Takeru, who's always questioned not Ken's sincerity but his commitment to change, sees right through him. Takeru isn't willing to let him fall back into old patterns for the sake of convenience.

In the dub:

Davis: We want an explanation! Yolei: Yeah, what did the DigiDestined ever do to you!? T.K.: Yeah, and why do you want to destroy the Digital World! Ken: Tell us now! Arukenimon: Oh, give me a break. That's a ridiculous question. Paildramon: Why's that? Arukenimon: Why do I want to destroy it? Ha! It's what I live for, you miserable excuse for a Digimon. Kari: How come you've changed several Control Spires into Digimon? Arukenimon: Please, that's another preposterous question. You don't even have any idea what the Control Spires are for, so it would be a complete waste of time to try to explain it to you.

She's right, that was a preposterous question. Hikari wanted to know, mechanically, how Dark Tower to Digimon is a thing that can happen. Kari just asks why she's doing this, which is the same as the first question.

This is probably a translation error; どうして Doushite means both "Why?" and "How?" so on some level, a judgment call has to be made when translating it based on surrounding context. But the sentence also contains できる dekiru.

どうしてダークタワーをデジモン化できるの? Doushite Daaku Tawaa wo Dejimon ka dekiru no?

And できる dekiru means "able to", "capable of". So no matter which way you take どうして doushite, that できる dekiru defines the question. Why are you able to make Dark Towers into Digimon? How are you able to make Dark Towers into Digimon? These questions are the same.

Nefertimon: She's not talking. Any ideas? Doesn't look like she wants to apologize. Paildramon: You're right. If she gets away, she will just continue to destroy the Digital World. Cody: What should we do with her? Ken: Let me take care of her. It's the very least I can do for you guys after all the damage that I've done. T.K.: There's no I in TEAM! (Ken slumps) T.K.: We should find a place that we can put her that's secure, then make sure she's locked up tight so she can't escape!

The dub downplays the fact that we're deliberating executing her. Cody isn't shocked and horrified by the suggestion like Iori is, and Ken only says that he should "take care of her" himself as a way of expressing his gratitude, rather than outright saying it's to keep the blood off their hands. In turn, T.K.'s reaction is just to chide Ken for misunderstanding teamwork.

You can still see the implication in their words if you know what you're looking at, but it could easily go over a child's head. Everyone's optimistic and upbeat, and not at all haunted by the dawning realization that we might end this day bringing a sentient, intelligent, living person to the guillotine. There is no sudden Dark Tower revelation or Evil Ring/Spiral to spare us from the ugliness this time.

Unfortunately, while we're distracted having this conversation, Arachnemon gets her second wind!

Look, a mild breeze counts as wind, okay?

Arachnemon: You're all too soft! Your naivety will COST YOU YOUR LIVES!!! DIE!!! Paildramon: ALL OF YOU, GET BACK!!!

Arachnemon lashes forward with her Spider Thread. Paildramon effortlessly backhands it. That is all. That is the entire attack.

Paildramon: Is that all? Arachnemon: (seething) Fffffffucckkkkk.... NRRRRAAAAAAAAGH!!!

Despite clearly having nothing left in the tank, Arachnemon puts up her fists. It's clear that she sees the way the wind is blowing, and she's ready to fight to the bitter end.

In the dub:

Arukenimon: YOU FOOLS!!! There isn't any place around that's strong enough to hold me! SEE!!! Paildramon: Out of the way! Arukenimon: SPIDER THREAD!!! (Paildramon deflects it) Paildramon: Is that all you can do? Arukenimon: Hrrrrrgh!!!

Arukenimon does not hiss obscenities through gritted teeth in this version, nor prematurely declare that she's going to kill the children.

She does still weigh in on the topic at hand, however. Arachnemon mocks the children for their reluctance to kill her, while Arukenimon points out how silly it is that they think they can just pull a maximum security penitentiary out of their assholes in the next five minutes.

Arukenimon also remembers to call her attack, in addition to the frankly amazing amount of telegraphing that both of them are doing. This is not how you Element of Surprise, Arachnemon.

Still, Arachnemon has made it clear that she intends to fight to the end despite Takeru's suggestion. That makes this simple. Paildramon is ready and willing to take her up on that offer.

Paildramon: If you're so determined to settle things here, then-- Newcomer: Then what? What will you do then?

And then there's this asshole! A whole new mystery man in blue we've never seen before.

Paildramon: Who are you!? Newcomer: Who am I? I am...

The man straightens his back and shapeshifts, taking on the form of a mummy wearing carrying a machine gun under his arm.

Ken: He's a Digimon too!? Newcomer: (amused with himself) I came to rescue you, Arachnemon! Arachnemon: Mummymon.... Daisuke: Mummymon!?

Mummymon. Meet the James to Arachnemon's Jessie.

Mummymon is a Perfect-stage Virus-attribute Undead Digimon created for the show. He's a mummy with a gun. His name is Mummymon. He doesn't really have any clear evolution lines to talk about. He just. Is a mummy. Named Mummymon.

Personally, I could kind of see him being a sibling evolution to Andromon from some kind of shared Adult predecessor but maybe that's just me.

Narrator: Mummymon! A Perfect-stage Digimon shaped like a mummy.

Yeah, that's all there really is to say on Mummymon.

Mummymon!

In the dub:

Paildramon: Two words: Anger management. But if you're still looking for a fight, then bring it on! Newcomer: Then what? You'll take on two Ultimates? Paildramon: Who are you? Newcomer: Just think of me as a well-wrapped present! (Newcomer shapeshifts into Digimon form) Ken: Another Digimon!? Newcomer: I thought we could spend some quality time together, my dear.... Arukenimon: Yes, Mummymon! Davis: Mummymon!? Mummymon: (rundown) Yes, and I'll let you in on a little secret I've had under wraps. My Snake Bandage attack is ghostly!

Mummymon combo breaks with his diegetic rundown. I would have Arukenimon deliver it so she can confirm "Mummymon!" like Narrator does at the start.

Again, Paildramon talks around the fact that we're deliberating executing Arukenimon. He accuses her of "still looking for a fight", whereas the original Paildramon says they're going to "settle things". In other words, she intends to go down swinging and he's going to indulge her.

As soon as the rundown's over, Mummymon takes the first shot.

Mummymon: NYEEHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

Cackling maniacally, Mummymon raises his gun and fires. Despite looking like an assault rifle, it fires a stream of plasma. The attack catches Paildramon completely offguard and somehow takes a 90 degree angle with its point of impact, sending him upwards into a glass cabinet.

Shurimon: YOU'LL PAY FOR THAT!!!

Shurimon, Nefertimon, Pegasmon, and Digmon all try to rush Mummymon at once.

Mummymon: SNAKE BANDAGE!!!

Mummymon throws his bandages, wrapping up and ensnaring all four Adult/Armor Digimon. Having bought a moment, he drops down by Arachnemon.

Mummymon: That should do for today. Let's go, Arachnemon.

Putting an arm around Arachnemon's thorax, Mummymon helps her retreat. They leap up onto the table, then out an open window into the wilderness beyond. In the span of a second, the two Perfects are gone.

In the dub:

Mummymon: HeeheeheeheeheewooHAHAHAHAHA!!! (Mummymon shoots Paildramon) Shurimon: He's such a mummy's boy. (Digimon lunge for Mummymon) Mummymon: SNAKE BANDAGE!!! (Mummymon snares the Digimon) Mummymon: They're all tied up. Time to make our getaway! We don't want to disturb them. (Mummymon and Arukenimon retreat)

It's fine that you want to make a pun but your character is lunging violently at another; Tonally, it shouldn't sound like a sitcom character doing a sideways glance at the camera and fourth-wall breaking to the audience.

That line needed to be more aggressive.

Once their enemies are gone, the Digimon revert.

Patamon, Tailmon, Armadimon, and Hawkmon return to their natural states. Paildramon, as before, reverts all the way down to Leafmon and Chicomon.

Daisuke: Arachnemon has a team of her own!? Miyako: What the hell is going on here!? What are they even trying to accomplish!? Iori: Didn't she say herself that they just want to cause destruction? Miyako: Well, she did, but.... Iori: (thinking) Am I even capable of fighting someone like that...?

Miyako and Iori both have problems with what just happened, neither relating to Mummymon. Daisuke's upset about Mummymon. He can have that topic.

Miyako doesn't think Arachnemon was being candid with her answers. And that's probably correct? We rolled Nat 1s on that interrogation. She fed us garbage and we swallowed it down. It was completely humiliating.

Iori, meanwhile, is haunted by what we almost did just now. Arachnemon is a cold-hearted and merciless creature who kills without remorse, and in that moment, we could devise no better solution than killing her. Iori doesn't want to be put in that situation again.

As an aside, I love Ken hanging out in the back of the huddle, a short distance away. He doesn't feel comfortable joining the sharing circle but he's still listening and paying attention.

But then Iori realizes something.

Iori: Ah!

Not to do with Arachnemon. Something else. He's being rude. He turns to Ken and bows humbly.

Iori: Thank you very much. Ken: Eh? Iori: I thought I had repaid my debt to you, but now I find myself owing you even more. Ken: Owing me? You're the one who spotted the air conditioner. That makes us even in my book. Iori: No, that wasn't sufficient. I must always repay my debts. Ken: (reluctant) ...very well.

I'm trying to rationalize! Stop arguing with me, you prick!

Iori doesn't elaborate on why that wasn't sufficient. He's hard to get a bead on due to how straight-laced he is, so there might not be an answer. He might just be using this to reconcile his own personal feelings towards Ken.

But there also might be one. Technically, Ken and Iori saved each other twice in this two-parter. Iori pulled Ken out of the washing machine and, if we count coming up with the A/C plan and there's no reason we shouldn't, then that makes two. But Ken tackled Iori out of the way of Digmon's drills and caught him when he was falling from the web.

If Iori owed Ken 1 when we came in and they both paid each other 2, then Iori still owes Ken 1. There is a logic here. It's just not clear whether that logic is all there is, or if Iori is using that logic to cover for his emotional feelings.

Miyako: Cut it out, Iori. You're being insensitive.

After chiding Iori, Miyako's curiosity gets the better of her. Batting her eyelashes and putting on her cutest puppy dog eyes, she asks details of Daisuke.

Miyako: Now what's all this about owing debts? Tellmetellmetellme! Daisuke: Let's see, what was it...? Iori saved Ichijouji, but I don't really think it was to repay any sort of debt. What do you think, Chicomon? Chicomon: I agree. I bet Iori's just embarrassed. Miyako: (disappointed) Let's hope that's all there is to it.

It'd be nice if this was the end of Iori's hostility towards Ken. But only time will tell.

The dub takes its third commercial break after the Digimon all revert. We pick back up right where we left off.

Davis: The good news is, We're alright. The bad news is, Arukenimon has friends! Yolei: I'm wondering what they really want. They must have some reason for being so nasty and mean. Cody: I think they feel destroying everything is simply fun. Yolei: Just the thought of it makes me sick! Cody: (thinking) Digimon like that must be really mixed up. But they can be healed just like people!

Cody speculates about Arukenimon's motives while Iori cites the literal answer she gave us two minutes ago when we asked her.

Cody then goes off-script to baselessly declare that Arukenimon isn't beyond redemption, and this gives him the idea to talk to Ken.

Cody: Ohhh! (Cody bows to Ken) Cody: Thanks. You helped me. Ken: Huh? Cody: You saved my life and, even though you were the mean Digimon Emperor, I still owe you one. Ken: What are you talking about? Why, you don't owe me anything at all, Cody. Your air conditioner idea was genius. Cody: Nope! I'm sorry, I still owe you, Ken. And I always repay my debts, okay? Ken: Hehe, whatever you want.

Tonally, this is a little bit softer than the original. Cody doesn't bring up the previous debt and Ken is more receptive to what Cody's expressing. But it's mostly the same.

Yolei: Come on, Cody, don't be like that! (Puppy dog eyes and batting eyelashes) Besides, if anyone owes anything, Davis owes me! Davis: Put it on my tab. But I don't think that Cody saved Ken just to repay a debt. There must have been something more deep and important that we'll never know about. What do you think, Chibomon? Chibomon: You might be right, but personally I think that Cody's embarrassed! Yolei: Knowing him, you're probably right.

They take the batting eyelashes moment a different direction but it's still pretty funny.

Davis expresses distrust in the dub's ability to adequately adapt Cody's character arc. That's fair, I suppose. They have been doing Davis dirty for almost thirty episodes now, after all.

Elsewhere in the Digital World, Mummymon and Arachnemon make their retreat in a small, roofless car. Mummymon drives while Arachnemon sulks in the passenger seat.

This is a Japanese car, of course, so the driver's seat is on the right.

Mummymon: Are your injuries still bothering you, Arachnemon? Arachnemon: Can't you tell? Mummymon: Oops. Dumb question, huh? Well, once we're back at our lair, I'll thoroughly treat every last inch of your body. EHEHEHEHE!!! Arachnemon: Hmph. Imbecile....

The verb Mummymon uses here is 手当て teate, which is a professional term meaning to apply medical treatment. It's not a sexual thing.

But he makes it sound incredibly sexual nonetheless when he describes doing it 念入り neniri, attentively and thoroughly, to 隅々 sumizumi, every nook and cranny, of her 体 karada, body in an unambiguously suggestive tone, then cackles about it.

Not having any previous knowledge of the relationship between these two, it's unclear whether they're a thing or if he's just a creep. But he's definitely being suggestive one way or the other, and he clearly brought up her injuries in the first place just to segue into this.

Arachnemon: Instead of rushing to help me, why didn't you try to pick off one of them!? Mummymon: I-I-I messed up... S-Sorry.... Arachnemon: More importantly, the bigger issue is with the Dark Towers. We're going to have problems if any more of them get destroyed....

We leave off on those ambiguous words, as the deadly duo drive away into the distance. Whatever their true intentions for the Digital World, our clean-up efforts are getting to them now. We will surely see them again soon.

In the dub:

Mummymon: Looks like they tossed you around a bit too much. How are you doing? Arukenimon: Don't even ask. Mummymon: Well, you know where you can get a bandage, HAHAHA!!! Sorry, bad joke. But as soon as we get back to our hideout, I'm going to make you look almost as bad as new, HEHEHEHEHEHEHEHE!!! Arukenimon: Hmph. You're pathetic. And why didn't you destroy those kids when you rescued me!? Did you forget to wrap your brain in those bandages!? Mummymon: Mm, sorry, I was just trying to be romantic! Arukenimon: There won't be anything of me left to romance if those kids keep tearing down the Control Spires! They're our main source of power and without them, we're finished! Mummymon: (wailing) Mrrrrgh! Narrator: Will the DigiDestined destroy all the Control Spires before Arukenimon gets her evil hands on them? Find out next time on Digimon: Digital Monsters!

Bold fucking promise to make, Narrator. Outlook isn't great on your ability to live up to that one.

The dub stakes its claim on "They're a couple". They make the sexual advance much less explicit to the point that you might not even interpret it as one unless you're familiar with the Japanese line, while also adding in the "just trying to be romantic" bit to clearly establish a romantic relationship between these characters.

The dub also tries to offer an explanation for why the Control Spires are so important to them by suggesting that Mummymon and Arukenimon are feeding on the Spires in some way, and would... I don't know, shrivel up and die if the Spires were destroyed.

Is that actually what this is about? We're just smashing their food supply and they're salty about it? Find out... probably not next time but surely eventually!

Assessment: Ahhh, Giga House. I didn't appreciate this two-parter as a kid. "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" episodes have never been very interesting to me. But this is honestly a fantastic environment for a semi-climactic duel against a 絡新婦 jorougumo luring us foolishly into her den.

I love that Mummymon's introduction is so abrupt and unceremonious. Just shows up like "And I also exist!" It highlights how little we actually know about these people. Ken wasn't the front man of their organization; He was their fall guy. He barely even knew that he was even part of something bigger. We're only meeting them now because they lost their rube.

I also love the way the resolution here makes good use of everyone's talents. Ken and Iori wrack their genius brains to come up with answers to both the web and the flute. Daisuke organizes and coordinates the team in order to make those answers happen, utilizing Miyako's skills and experience. Takeru and Hikari... are also present.

Yeah, Takeru and Hikari are basically just warm bodies to assist Miyako here but 4 out of 6 ain't bad! Most episodes, only 1 or 2 really get to shine! And it's nice to see all the new kids working together as a cohesive unit.

#digimon #digimon adventure 02 #revisiting digimon #revisiting digimon adventure 02

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