The story so far: After their first defeat, the group finds itself in a friendly village. Last chapter, Zoe used her D-Tector to free the local librarian Gargoylemon from a corruptive influence. Usually, the D-Tectors only store their respective Spirits, ancient artifacts which allow even humans to turn into digimon. Meanwhile, Tommy - the youngest team member - ran away from Kouji and Kei when he didn't get his way during a shopping trip.
-Tommy-
Tomoki was furiously rubbing at his eyes.
He’d curled up on the wide walls of a fountain on a paved square. No one was around, and the fountain drowned out all noise. In the churning water, he could see that his face still looked puffy and red from crying—and that wouldn’t do!
It just wasn’t fair! They were five people in the group, but he still felt so alone... The others were older than him and didn’t even care what he wanted. A tiny part of him realized that the way he’d run off wasn’t helping, but the rest of him had never felt so helpless. He had a Spirit, just like them! He was important too and he had a right to decide with them!
Tomoki gripped his D-Tector tightly.
He wasn’t stupid. Keisaki thought that he didn’t belong here and that he was just holding them back. And he was scared that she was right. His arms tingled, and a sick feeling spread in him. He buried his head in his hands and willed the feeling to pass. That wasn’t working so well. Now that he had no one to talk to, his thoughts ran in circles: what Keisaki said, what Kouji said... What had happened since they’d come to the Digital World. He’d never had to think about stuff like that and now, it was all he could do—and it was crushing him.
Tomoki drew up his legs and rested his chin on his knees. He thought he’d done well in the morning, Zoe had said so, and Kouji hadn’t said anything bad either, but... But Woodmon, Snimon and now Grumblemon. Tomoki screwed his eyes shut. They had been so scary! Not only that, but he lost against all of them. He was the only one who couldn’t work alone. Kouji and the others were so much better than him... Why was he so weak? Was he really slowing them down?
Tomoki leaned back and watched the rain clouds moving in from the lake.
He missed home.
He missed Mama.
But, he balled his hands into fists, what he was doing here... that was important. He was part of something great, and that would make him a stronger person. He was helping the oppressed digimon, and he wanted to bring peace back to them. He knew he could do that! He was supposed to.
Right, he shouldn’t be thinking so much. Who cared what Keisaki thought?
Tommy stood up with new determination. Kind and cool. That was what he wanted to become, and the first step was to—
A cloud of data erupted into the sky, shooting high above the rooftops.
Okay, the first step was to check that out!
It took him longer than he thought to find his way through the winding streets. When he finally made it to the site, a huge amount of digimon had beaten him to it. They grouped around the entrance of what looked like a fairy-tale castle.
“Excuse me, coming through!” Tommy shouted as he slipped through the crowd. Hah, good that he was so small!
He stumbled onto a paved path that led to the mini castle. The digimon crowd stayed back, shooting each other nervous glances. No one was brave enough to follow him. He didn’t care because he’d spotted Kouji’s blue and yellow bandanna behind one of the windows on the ground floor. The others were already here!
Tommy rushed inside but stopped at the doorway when he could hear them argue. A second later, he realized that they were arguing about him again. He clutched the doorframe and looked down. Just why did he have to make everything worse?
Okay, he thought to himself, just... get in there. You’re here now. It’s okay. Right?
He hadn’t moved by the time JP spotted him. “Tommy?”
Suddenly, it was really hard to look up, and Tomoki was unsure of what to do. So he mumbled, “I... I saw the fractal code. I thought I could help...”
Zoe walked over, and he could hear a grin in her voice. “Good thinking. We fought off someone under a bad influence.”
“Oh,” Tomoki said. He quickly raised his head and looked past her at a smiling white thing with wings that waved at him. It looked a bit scary but had a friendly twinkle in its eyes. Next to it stood Keisaki and Kouji, and they weren’t looking at each other.
While Tomoki had been gone, the others ran into trouble... He should have been there... He gulped.
Then, he left Zoe and walked over to Keisaki. “I shouldn’t have run off... I’m sorry.”
She looked at him in surprise, and then her face fell. “It’s okay. You’re right. I shouldn’t push you around so much.”
“We really need to get moving to the Forest Terminal,” Kouji reminded them, looking through the window. “It’s an hour past noon. We still have time to move out.”
“But there’s still so much we need to find out about Beast Spirits and the Legendary Warriors working for Cherubimon!” Zoe insisted and fluttered her eyes at the white digimon. “Right, Gargoylemon?”
“I think I have a solution for your dilemma!” Gargoylemon said. He stepped forwards and presented her with a book. “This is an updated encyclopaedia of the Digital World. I may not be able to accompany you, but with this book you should be able to traverse this world more easily.”
Zoe flipped it open with a dismayed look. “But it’s written in DigiCode... I can’t read that... Are you sure that you can’t come—”
“Fear not, it does have pictures of all the Legendary Warriors as well as maps you will find useful. Besides, if you’re in dire need of information from this book, you may always ask one of us digimon to help you,” Gargoylemon offered. “I’m certain that everyone will jump at the chance to help the Legendary Warriors!”
After how the ShellNumemon had reacted to them, that sounded a bit hollow. Zoe just hummed and waved Keisaki over.
“You know, carrying our stuff should also be a team effort,” Keisaki complained as she scrambled to make room for another heavy book and strained to hoist the backpack again.
-Zoe-
Tommy seemed awfully withdrawn. I couldn’t catch his eyes, and he stuck to the edge of the group. I didn’t know the specifics about what brought him down so much, but I was willing to bet that Kei had something to do with it. Now that I’d failed in my glorious attempt to have Gargoylemon join us, I was more than a little put out and ready to lay into her. But I didn’t even get to have that.
Kei had to have seen the righteous anger flash in my eyes because she quickly called, “Okay, thanks for everything, Gargoylemon, but we gotta... you know... move out.” She fixed Kouji with a stare, trying to make her hasty retreat appear like she did it to appease him, but I knew better.
“Kei!” I said in warning as she fled through the door and left a rather dumbfounded Kouji in her wake. This wouldn’t do! I was faster than her and rushed after her. “Wait up! We— Ow.” I ran straight into her back.
Outside, a colourful crowd of digimon had conquered the park in front of the library. My anger quickly evaporated. Eyes of all shapes and forms stared up to us, and I didn’t know what to do about the expectation shining in them.
“Uh, hi?” Kei said lamely.
Thankfully, it turned out that they just wanted to know about Gargoylemon. From their excited chattering and thankful praises, I took that Gargoylemon was a well-beloved figure. No one had been happy when the corruption got to him.
I contemplated my D-Tector while Kei convinced the crowd to let us pass. The D-Tectors had the power to purify the corruption, but what caused it in the first place?
As our group made its way to the gate, Kei managed to get back into my good graces. Amongst the crowd was our innkeeper, and Kei was savvy enough to let it slip who exactly was responsible for saving Gargoylemon. As she hoped, the innkeeper graciously offered to let us stay another night, free of charge.
That at least nipped Kouji’s insistence on heading out today in the bud. I was still sore, despite the exhilaration of victory, and I’d have rebelled if Kouji would have pushed for it. Who knew if we even made it to another city today? Better to leave tomorrow in the morning!
In addition, a lot of shopkeepers were suddenly a lot friendlier and talkative! We scored several things for the journey that had been too expensive earlier, including foldable umbrellas. That was my insistence, actually. I really didn’t like the look of the sky.
Kei could even present Tommy with a sugar cane, saying: “It’s no cotton candy, but I hope it’s still good…”
Tommy practically froze up, drawing my attention. What had him still so spooked? He eventually took the candy with a rather subdued: “T-thanks.”
Kei grabbed one of her ponytails, a nervous gesture, and sent me a pleading look. I shrugged. She probably deserved it, for losing Tommy. She mumbled something that sounded suspiciously like: “can never do anything right with this kid.” I huffed. Typical for making this all about herself.
-Meanwhile-
Somewhere high above the clouds, a clan of angry and resentful digimon started their sinister journey towards the land of the humans. The children of the human world betrayed the digimon. Now the BlackToyAgumon and all their digimon supporters would take the fight to them and get their long-awaited revenge! Their quest would be long and difficult, with twists and turns and ups and downs, and many a tear falling when hopes and dreams crashed and burned. The Digital World below them continued to change, to fall apart, to put itself together, but the flying island would never waver on its course. One day, someday, they would fulfill their destiny.
-JP-
The shopping trip stretched on. In the beginning, JP could at least distract himself with all the stuff that Gargoylemon revealed. Souls were real? Humans and digimon had them? What did the other elements stand for? Not like any of the others cared about that, but a man could daydream.
Eventually though, even that couldn’t distract him anymore. Evening was fast approaching and Kouji was still arguing with shopkeepers while Zoe had a bunch of digimon on lock about the Forest Terminal. As usual, they had nothing but platitudes. “Oh no, why would you want to go there?” “It’s so dangerous!” “Of course we don’t know where such a terrible place is!” and the like. All they really did was point them in the direction of the Land of Forests.
“Come on!” JP called when he sensed weakness. Kei had just talked Kouji down. “I think we’re done here! It’s late and we gotta eat eventually!”
He’d brought that up at least five times already, and he was tired of being shot down. He’d never heard his stomach rumble that loudly before! At home, he’d never allowed himself to go this hungry! By now, JP was eying some of the more food-looking digimon with new eyes. If only Kei weren’t so vicious in guarding the rucksack. He was sure they could share at least a small snack!
Kei shot a look at the sky in turbulence and said, “It’s still light out, JP.”
Kouji made a vaguely threatening noise from the back of his throat. Or he was cleverly disguising the growl of his stomach. She turned to him and waved dismissively. “Right, and to appease mister grumpy-pants here, we’re going to leave nice and early tomorrow morning.”
When nothing of note came from Kouji, Zoe stepped in like the beautiful angel she was. “Why don’t we eat dinner at the restaurant from earlier?”
“That sounds like a great idea!” JP hurried to agree.
“I want to eat pizza,” Tommy mumbled, but JP caught it. They had pizzas at the restaurant, so they were good to go.
The only one not happy with that prospect was Kouji—naturally. JP started to think that emotion just wasn’t in his repertoire. What a miserable douchebag.
Dinner went over pretty well: Tommy got his pizza and Kouji got a sweet and sour chicken at which he could frown miserably to his heart’s content. He probably hated that they had a few hours to kill until bedtime and nothing productive to do in the interim.
Once everyone was done with the food, Kouji moved to leave, but Kei held him back: “Wait, we don’t have a table that fits us all at the inn! We could stay here for a bit.”
“And do what?” he asked impatiently. This guy had no chill whatsoever.
Kei instantly became a crowd favourite when she drew a pack of cards from her backpack. She shot a conspiratorial look at Zoe. “I told you: Be prepared!”
“You’re going to play... a card game,” Kouji asked with a disbelieving stare.
“Yeah. I was thinking rummy. Does everyone know the rules?” she asked, joggling the cards loose from the pack.
When Tommy reluctantly shook his head, Zoe patted him on the arm. “It’s not hard. Don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of it pretty soon!”
Of course, Kouji still didn’t look convinced.
“So, what’s it going to be?” JP asked him directly.
The other boy gave a long-suffering sigh that couldn’t have conveyed ‘I’m only putting up with you guys because Grumblemon’ more clearly. He stood and said, “I’m going for a walk. See ya at the inn.”
“Well, suit yourself,” Kei said dismissively as he stalked to the door. “But everyone else is in, right?”
Zoe agreed emphatically, and when she stayed, JP saw no reason not to do so as well. Tommy looked indecisive but eventually settled back and drummed his fingers on the table.
Zoe was still hung up about Kouji. She rolled her eyes and puffed her cheeks, eyes at the door. “What’s with this guy?”
Kei began dealing the cards. “As long as he comes back to the inn, I don’t really care.”
“Why wouldn’t he come back to the inn?” Tommy asked, alarmed.
“He’s an unsocial loner who doesn’t like any of us?” she offered in a detached tone that was probably meant to conceal her seething anger at Kouji’s attitude.
“Oh,” Tommy said, picking up his cards and staring at them. A crinkle of confusion appeared between his eyebrows.
Zoe leaned to him. “As I said, don’t worry so much. Kouji’s a loner, not stupid. He’ll stick around for now.” She paused to see if anyone had anything to add to that. “Alright, then let’s go over the rummy rules, huh?”
Another hour later, JP felt exceedingly good about himself. He wasn’t the best player, but it was fun seeing Kei and Zoe trying to outdo each other. The competitiveness was strong in both of them! It made it doubly great that Kouji wasn’t around; he’d just suck the good mood right out of them!
When they walked back to the inn, it felt like everyone had something to contribute to their conversation. JP relished the feeling. For once, it was the easiest thing in the world to fit into a group! Thoughts of Kouji only returned when they reached the lobby.
“Your friend came in a while back,” the innkeeper with the trunk for a nose called from the desk.
Well, and that was that. They gave a barebones reply and shuffled upstairs.
“Okay, remember, we’ll have an early morning, so try to fall asleep quickly,” Kei said unhelpfully as they separated in the hallway.
Zoe bopped her in the arm, giggling. “Yeah, I’ll keep that in mind. Good night guys!”
“Good night!” said Tommy while JP opened the door to their triple room.
Kouji was already in bed, fast-asleep or at least pretending to be, and JP was fine with that. He didn’t feel like talking to him anyway.
End of chapter
Continue to next chapter WoS Ch8 - Frozen MountainPoints:
Time spent:
IP address:
Canary word: Present
Possible AI signals:
Original Text:
Are you sure you want to delete this comment? This cannot be undone.
Mark this comment as a review? Points will be awarded to the poster.
Your comment was posted, but it wasn’t long enough to count as a review. Reviews need about four complete sentences (at least 250 characters). Try writing another review that explains your thoughts in more detail — the author will appreciate it, and you’ll earn points for it.
140,066 Literary Works • 672,978 Reviews
"BuT tIkAa, Rummy is not a Japanese card game. In fact, Japanese children don't play cards!" Well have you considered the fact that I don't know any Japanese games that are easily set up for 4-5 people? So if you know any, I'm so ready to change that scene~
Questions!
Spoiler
1) What was your initial reaction to the interlude?
2) What are your thoughts on the group? Group dynamic-wise?
3) Is there any character you especially liked here?
4) Or one you especially didn’t like?
5) Did anything surprise you?
6) Anything that stood out to you?
7) What do you think is Tommy’s place in the group?
8 ) Do you agree with his internal realization?
9) Do you think they should have agreed with Kouji and left the village after reuniting at the library?
10) What do you think happens in the “Meanwhile”?
11) How do you feel about JP’s section?
12) Did any parts drag on or feel out of place?
13) On a scale of 1 to 10, how much did you enjoy the chapter?
14) On a scale of 1 to 10, how eager are you to read the next chapter?
15) Do you have any predictions for how the story will proceed?
Japanese children do play cards, they just don't gamble with money. Also, mahjong exists.
idk the rules qq I know how to play Rummy tho, it is my favourite card game after all (that can be played with a number of ppl other than exactly 4. Otherwise it would be Doppelkopf)
Hey there, Tikaa! Alex is back with a review, on a surprisingly shorter work this time. Let's dive right in! I'll start with the quoted reactions, and then move to the questions like always~
Okayyy the tone of self doubt is really strong here! I want to comfort poor Tommy so bad now, he must be feeling horrible right now. I won't say his tantrum was the best thing to do, but he's a child who's doing quite well for his age. I feel the iron was hot here, so you you've striked the hammer at the right time! This idea of giving Tommy a monologue was definitely a good one- I can tell how much he needed a moment to himself.
Now that I do look back, Tommy's has indeed been defeated a lot more times than the other. I feel like his Spirit is not the strongest though, so it might be a consequence of that. Plus, it doesn't have something to compensate it's power, as Kazemon does speed. But I also think the writing is being twisted here, as all these situations have at least some justification as to why he failed. Woodman was his second time so it was written, plus plot necessity to make Kazemon's debut epic. Snimon was actually way too powerful to begin with and Kumamon was caught off guard too. Even the girls weren't entrusted to defeat him- just Lobomon at the time. And when Beetlemon was found, Snimon was finally defeated- pretty unsurprising as Beetlemon is indeed the strongest of all, and it was his debut so plot dictates he had to win. (Imagine the embarrassment if he didn't XD).
And Grumblemon is definitely not a fair comparison , none of our protagonists could do much against them- even powerful Spirits like Beetlemon and Lobomon.
But I get that Tommy's sad so his brain is picking up every negative thought without really considering the logics, so I don't really oppose the relevancy of the text.
Well, that is just not true, but only because of the inclusion of everyone else. I'm sure Beetlemon (with the slightest training) and Lobomon can face fairly difficult contenders with much harm. Both our girls though, each have a fatal flaw. Kazemon's attack are not strong enough on their own. Even when when defeating Woodman, she had to rely on the crack made by Kumamon to win. Meanwhile Anumon is too slow in most battles, but usually compensates with her accuracy ability to fly as most opponents are terrestrial. But you could argue she fought our first villian on her own, so she might not be that big of a failure. I don't remember exactly what went down with Wizardmon but I think Lobomon dealt the final blow. So while the argument may not hold ground everytime, I can understand why Tommy could believe that, especially in such a depressed state.
Setting up goals, a great move to stand up from feelings of incapability! With how much he admires Kouji at times, I can definitely see where the 'cool' comes from.
See, everyone has their perks! You should write a scene where the heroes need to get in somewhere but the entry's locked. Tommy gets in through the window then, and saves the day!
Well, I guess we couldn't trade with Kouji's bandana in the previous chapter, afterall.. It's a sign of recognition, clever detail and use.
This was a stab to the gut, he's picked himself back up from the darkness but the others seem to pulling him in. Kinda how you have a good news to share but know your family is going to get that excited anyways, really ruins the whole mood. And still, he thinks he's the one making things work, poor kid.. I feel for Tommy here!
JP is the one to see it, huh? My guy's really got a connection with a Tommy, after having looked after him so many times <3
Aww, that's the hero attitude you need, kiddo! Plus I think this sets him apart from some of our other protagonists, who fight mainly from glory. Typical gryffindors XD
And that takes guts and maturity! Commendable arc and character development on him, Tikaa!
How about you lose the diva behaviour and your bag might just get a whole lot lighter! I get her at times, but I don't feel sorry for her at all.
Well at least Zoe isn't supporting her friend in the wrong here, I can respect that! I'm in awe that these seem to be attached at the hip most of the time, yet fight so head on when it comes to Tommy. Except when it's looking after him, then they'd unite and shove the responsibility to JP.
Someone's asking the real questions finally! Hopefully, it's a sign that we're going to get some answers soon enough..
Well with all her drama, at least there come considerable perks. I'm not excusing her wrongs so quick, but she's definitely improving her case.
That was sweet. Kei is trying and it shows, good for her! She does have compassion, whatever you say about her. I wonder how much harder of a time Kouji would've had if were in Kei's shoe- that guy can't apologize for the life for him. Guess Kei's not the worst that there could be.
Never mind, guess she's still the same Kei inside. I actually like such tricky writing, where characters stay rigid in their straits and aren't some goody perfect protagonists that change all their flaws entirely and do no wrong. Yours are flawed as humans, and keep the reader engaged.
Awesome lore, can't wait to see how this manifests!
Has it been this easy to translate code all this time? I'm not sure, all the struggle for information now feels very silly.
I don't like that JP has to beg here, Kei doesn't even have an excuse to not eat how, if it's around the time and one of the them is actually hungry.
Okay JP that was low, even for you. He does a lot for the team and is allowed to choose his own company when not otherwise required. I'll never understand this masculine jealousy over nothing, but I've definitely seen it around as well.
I do wish Kouji would try more to be with them, but I get that all this travelling together and having to put up with everyone's trouble must be draining for him. I don't support this seclusion, but I sure relate to and get it.
I'll agree with Zoe on this one, he's a man of strategy!
That's rude, JP
Even as I imagine what he's saying to be true, it doesn't reflect well on him at all.
So this is it.. JP's recently increased misery in life is directly because of Kouji's presence. It actually makes a lot of sense! Zoe respects Kouji more, Tommy admires him more, Kei argues with him, but is still well aware of his intellect. JP is good but Kouji is better. He draws the attention and the other guy's credit away with assets and skills, can't really hold JP's coldness to him against him now, really..
Isn't this dynamic complex and interesting? I wonder it it's going to be tested anytime soon.
Okay, it's time for the questions you've been waiting for ~
1) What was your initial reaction to the interlude?
Very satisfying and rewarding! Tommy's monologue was only a matter of time, and you such a perfect moment for it. After seeing the insufferable drama by all our other heroes, it was only fair to hear out Tommy as well. And his complaints are are lot more valid than most, plus his normally good behaviour gets him the special lending a ear privileges for me. I feel his thoughts were quite well put and presented, very realistic and pulling!
2) What are your thoughts on the group? Group dynamic-wise?
With these people, you can never get a break. I guess the overall relations haven't really changed- JP caring for Tommy but Tommy looks up to JP (he's even a bit off put when Kei explains why he might return to the inn), Zoe and Kei always get along except when it comes to treating Tommy equally, Zoe being nice to Tommy, Kouji trying to avoid Tommy most of the time but still stands up to Kei for him, only when logic supports it though. Zoe has somewhat of a soft corner for JP as she recognises she does much, and that doesn't build resentment in him but he likes being valued and supported by someone (perhaps the only positive interaction within the group). Kei gets along with none of the boys but more so with Kouji, and JP uses him sometimes to get his points across. In this chapter, they weren't acting together. It felt nice to see the fractal code united their arrival in crisis for worry of each other, but it certainly didn't last. I feel like there are lot of positive dynamics, but they're acting scattered still. They really need to sit down and sort some stuff out if they're ever to work as a team. But such struggles are also very appealing for the story arc, so I wouldn't mind waiting a little more before they looked beyond their differences.
3) Is there any character you especially liked here?
Tommy, no doubt. Sure, running is no solution but when you take in everything, he dealt with the situation with maturity afterwards. He acknowledges his emotions AND apologises for running away- he's doing so well for his age. Zoe was also pretty good in this one, defending Tommy and being sweet to him. I do wish she'd not let Kei's socialising perks excuse her behaviour for Tommy a little, but she was awesome other than that. JP was also super thoughtful for Tommy again, loved that part of him.
4) Or one you especially didn’t like?
On the other hand, the way JP talks of Kouji reflects very poorly on him, and I in no way am overlooking that. But Kouji too, needs to learn to put aside his preferences and give more time bonding with the people he's going to be fighting alongside- consider it strategy. His lack of effort towards them is wrong, but it doesn't give JP to so rudely comment on it. Kei is being the most annoying again. Mocking Kouji's want to reach the Forest Terminal early, brushing off JP when he suggests that eat and following the sugar cane with such a nasty comment- she's gonna have a tough time redeeming herself from this. Plus she purposefully avoids Zoe when she wants to confront her about not taking care of Tommy and distracts her with the help of her social charisma is most unacceptable. And she speaks badly of Kouji to Tommy, despite knowing how much the poor boy adores him. She's really plunged to the depths of hell for me now, but I'm sure your expert writing can twist the scene soon enough.
5) Did anything surprise you?
The Digimon crowd gathered around the castle was an unexpected detail, and it gave an excellent plot armor to Kei from Zoe's protective wrath. But I think the card game was the most surprising thing of all! I was also taken aback by the sugar cane, but Kei showed her true colours soon enough. Tommy apologising to her right after returning was too generous for her, it seems.
6) Anything that stood out to you?
I think the effortless conversation on their way to the inn was a great scene to include. The way that our heroes feel like the good old times without Kouji there, despite the undisputed existence of some duos that do not get along amongst them, was most fascinating. Especially for a person who doesn't stay involved or cause no drama like Kouji here, such a claim seems unexpected at first but makes sense at its core. Makes me think- would the group have parted ways with him if he weren't so good a fighter? It's interesting to see how an outsider can change the mood so much, no matter how inert.
7) What do you think is Tommy’s place in the group?
Kei's so wrong about him, and the only one who has a problem with him in general. If Tommy wouldn't pester Kouji, I'm sure the later would also back off. Of the rest two, Zoe treats him well and JP has been known to go beyond himself for the little one. So I'd say he's a well liked person, plus his less problematic personality makes him so much better than all of them. He's younger, but picks up him weight equal part to the heroes. I'd say he's pampered a little, but then again he's a kid afterall. I think he's got quite a respectable postion, if you omit Kei's horrible attitude and terrible experience with kids.
8 ) Do you agree with his internal realization?
Not necessarily, as I already stated so in my reactions. But they're pretty understandable for a mental breakdown and disagreement he just had with Kei then! I love the conclusion he draw to pull himself out of it though, more people wish they had the same determination in life.
9) Do you think they should have agreed with Kouji and left the village after reuniting at the library?
I get why Kouji wanted to, given his personal calling from the Forest Terminal, but I don't think it would've been a good idea either. He and Kei were interrupted getting supplies, which is just an important of a task for an adventure that is their lives. Plus I'm sure Kei's slip up about their heroic win helped them save a lot of the money they're really short on so a win-win. Plus after the mental and physical exhaustion of fighting Gargoylemon and Tommy running away, everyone deserved some time off. Obviously, it's not safe to be travelling in the dark either.
10) What do you think happens in the “Meanwhile”?
A trailer for a plot that awaits us ahead! I'm guessing the human kids being talked about are our protagonists who betrayed the Digimon somehow? Perhaps Cherubimon made a pact with Humans to stay away from their world which was overruled by some secret hero in his own system to call the kids here to save the Digital World. Now seeking revenge, they plan to invade Earth. I'm curious as to how they'd be stopped. Our heroes rerouting sounds too much hassle, looks like we're in for an introduction to a new good character! But we'll see how it goes..
11) How do you feel about JP’s section?
Hmm.. why do I feel this was put here specifically to taunt me for my favourite XD. He's so out of line here for Kouji, though. He's not exactly wrong, but how one says things is really important. He's acting a bitch, and I don't condone it. I remember my heart melted when he picked up on Tommy mumbling he wants pizza and thinking so far as to recollect if the resturant had pizza- like much can someone care so deeply awww!! But the commentary on Kouji really disappointed me. Given how much Kouji has made things tough for him, he gets to be mad but not a whining guy.
12) Did any parts drag on or feel out of place?
Hardly, the planning and execution were rather impeccable! Not too exciting perhaps but being an interlude- it was great at just that.
13) On a scale of 1 to 10, how much did you enjoy the chapter?
8, not at all reflects the quality of writing. You've just got me a little too hooked to action and crisis! =)
14) On a scale of 1 to 10, how eager are you to read the next chapter?
8.5, because it seems like they'll finally reach the Forest Terminal now- right?!
15) Do you have any predictions for how the story will proceed?
I'm kinda blank and not like I'll ever be able to best the Tikaa brain to it anyways, so guess I'll pass this time! But considering nothing much came out of Tommy running away now, the story will need something more drastic to make our heroes appreciate him more, especially Kei. And from the 'losing Tommy' title I accidentally saw in the GR, I just hope it's not too final! @_@
That's all I have for now Tikaa, see you on Review Day. Hopefully, we succed in your witchly pursuit of clearing out the Green Room this time. May the best team and reviewer win, until next time ~
Love, Alex
Hey there, Tika! The Rebel here for another review!
I will go straight ahead to the questions for this one:
1) What was your initial reaction to the interlude?
At the first glance, the chapter itself has no problems... but, for some reason, the entire chapter feels a bit 'unnecessary'. Of course, it's literally titled to be an 'Interlude' -- however -- I do feel like this entire thing could have been just three or four medium-length paragraphs from Tommy's and JP's perspectives. This chapter doesn't have enough 'meat' to have been written as its own chapter -- it feels like an incomplete chapter as it is.
Once again, that's just my own POV, it is your decision as the author to consider it or not. There's nothing wrong structurally speaking, it just... doesn't feel like the previous chapters, or the previous interlude. But once again, I guess it's an 'interlude' after all, so I guess I can consider it as a short filler episode. The 'Meanwhile' bit was interesting, however, it didn't really make up for the lack of lore drop in this chapter like the previous interlude.
2) What are your thoughts on the group? Group dynamic-wise?
It was cool to see all of them play cards. Kei giving Tommy a cotton candy was nice, I guess, but there's not much difference between the previous chapter and this one in terms of dynamic evolution so I don't really have much to say.
3) Is there any character you especially liked here?
For the first time, not really. Even though it was cool to see Tommy's emotions like that and Zoe being kinda funny, there wasn't much to 'like', per se, in this chapter. The playing cards idea from Zoe was cool though.
4) Or one you especially didn’t like?
Not really, because, once again, nothing happened in this chapter.
5) Did anything surprise you?
I really don't want to sound repetitive, but, there wasn't really anything surprising in this chapter because there wasn't nothing much in it. It would have been cool if there was some actual lore drop that wouldn't fit in normal chapters, but there was none.
6) Anything that stood out to you?
The 'Meanwhile' part was interesting. I don't really remember my Digimon lore much, but I do think something like this did happen in some Digimon movies. I am intrigued.
7) What do you think is Tommy’s place in the group?
Everyone else still considers him as a kid, even Kouji. The only difference between Kouji and the rest is that he doesn't think children should be spoon-fed, while Kei has the opposite dilemma because she doesn't actually know how to handle people younger than her because of her insecurities (which is fine and probably realistic for some people). But Tommy is a good tank as Kumamon, which more than enough makes up for the fact that he is a child. Everyone cares for him in their own ways.
8) Do you agree with his internal realization?
A child having heroic thoughts and determined to achieve them is awesome, especially in Digimon. Even in real life, it's a good mentality to have if you can maintain it through teenage years and adult life. It fills me with determination.
9) Do you think they should have agreed with Kouji and left the village after reuniting at the library?
If I were one of them, I would have definitely followed Kouji because I for one wouldn't trust Grumblemon not to follow us. But, once again, they are pre-teens/early teens so it's honestly fine what they did. Sometimes, chilling is fine.
10) What do you think happens in the “Meanwhile”?
Same as question 6.
11) How do you feel about JP’s section?
To be honest, I kinda expected my GOAT to make more jokes or drop more lore. I was slightly disappointed by their lack.
12) Did any parts drag on or feel out of place?
To be completely frank, this entire chapter felt out of place. It didn't feel like a complete chapter.
13) On a scale of 1 to 10, how much did you enjoy the chapter?
6/10.
14) On a scale of 1 to 10, how eager are you to read the next chapter?
9/10, I just want to continue on to the cool stuff where something actually happens, I would even take another interlude if it resolves some emotional beats and has additional lore.
15) Do you have any predictions for how the story will proceed?
They get attacked in their blissful peace and have a hard time defending till Kouji comes back or Kouji gets attacked and struggles to hold off till the gang comes in and cool stuff happens. Also, lore drop please.
Anyway, that's all for this one. I am sorry if I came off as too rude or too critical in this one, it's not my intention in any way to insult you. Only consider you want from this review since you are the author after all. Have fun writing, Tika! :p
Yours respectfully,
The Rebel
Ohh thanks for these thoughts! That's exactly what I wanted to hear :3