{"sf1_id":2043112,"sf2_id":"r17ARVjm","title":"Return to the Battledome","author":"KnickedYourKnacks","words":2989,"posted_at":"2023-08-28T13:19:32.000Z","tags":["Action","Alternate Reality","Digimon","Fight","Fox","Gulusgammamon","Human","Realistic","Renamon","Slice of Life","Violence (Not In Yiff)","Youkomon"],"url":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/2043112-return-to-the-battledome","original_url":"https://sofurry.com/s/r17ARVjm","image_url":"https://cdn.sofurryfiles.com/submissions/thumbnails/7b/3e/7b3eafb2-86ac-4710-9daf-69aa096262a1","description":"An exploration of some of the more mundane aspects of being a digimon tamer. In this world, digimon have become relatively commonplace, many partnering with humans by choice, rather than just the select few chosen to fulfil a great destiny.  \n  \n---  \n  \nCliche action sequence time","content":"Ren had spent the rest of the night fixing his fur. With a lot of effort, he got it back under control by the next day.\n\n   \n\nThat morning, the pair were sitting at the dining table, munching through some breakfast and casually chatting.\n\n   \n\n“Hey Ren, you know how you said you would like to have a friendly match with Gaby if you could?\"\n\n   \n\n“Yes.\"\n\n   \n\n\"So… I was talking to Haley about it during the week. She said they were gonna try and make some time to go to the park around lunchtime today.\"\n\n   \n\nRen's expression remained mostly neutral at the mention of the park, although he did raise an eyebrow.\n\n   \n\n\"...she also said Gaby would be happy to spar with you. I was wondering how you feel about going back after… you know… what we saw last time.\"\n\n   \n\nRen gave a knowing look.\n\n   \n\n\"You are concerned that a particular digimon will be there again, Tamer.\"\n\n   \n\n\"Well, it's… a possibility. Just… it's the local park, and I don't really want to have to avoid it for the sake of one troublesome digimon.\"\n\n   \n\nRen pondered for a moment, before nodding.\n\n   \n\n“I agree. You should be able to enjoy the park if you like, and Gulusgammon may not even be there.\"\n\n   \n\n“So… you're interested in going?\"\n\n   \n\n“Yes. It would be nice to go out after the… poor weather earlier.\"\n\n   \n\n“Alright, we'll head out around lunchtime.\"\n\n   \n\n—\n\n   \n\nThey made their way to the park, following the same trail as last time. It was noticeably quieter as they approached. There was still a small crowd gathered around, with a few cheers and cries sounding out through the area.\n\n   \n\n“Hmm… maybe it's a proper friendly match this time. That's good. Let's see if Haley and Gaby turned up.\"\n\n   \n\n\"Gaby is not here, Tamer \"\n\n   \n\n\"Uh, you sure? We only just got here.\"\n\n   \n\n\"Yes. I cannot sense his data. However…\"\n\n   \n\nRen gave a sidelong glance to the tamer.\n\n   \n\n\"What?... Urgh, you're not gonna tell me what I think you are… are you?\"\n\n   \n\n\"Yes. Gulusgammamon is here.\"\n\n   \n\nThe tamer let out a long sigh.\n\n   \n\n\"Of course. What do you wanna do?\"\n\n   \n\n“Well… we made the effort to come. It would be a shame to leave straight away. I think we should stay for now… if that is alright with you?\"\n\n   \n\n“Yeah, of course. No point walking all the way just to leave. Let's see if we can at least watch a bit of the match. I think I can see a free bench over there.\"\n\n   \n\nHe pointed across to the other side of the field. The pair meandered around the various spectators, heading for the bench.\n\n   \n\n“...so, you can sense Gulusgammamon, right?\"\n\n   \n\n“Correct.\"\n\n   \n\n“Ok… like… how accurate do you reckon your sense is?\"\n\n   \n\n“It is a rough feeling. I can determine a direction and I have a feel for how far away, but I could not give a specific distance. He is quite far away currently, somewhere over that side of the park. You should not be concerned.\"\n\n   \n\nRen gestured to the far side of the park.\n\n   \n\n“Ok, that's a pretty neat ability. So you'll know if he comes over here?\"\n\n   \n\n“Yes. What do you plan to do if that happens?\"\n\n   \n\n\"Honestly… probably just ignore him. He shouldn't be trying to start anything unless you agree to it. But I can't say for sure. His tamer's not exactly reasonable. Could easily have a tantrum and tell him to attack.\"\n\n   \n\nA voice from behind caught their attention.\n\n   \n\n“Oi, chicken man! What'd you say about me?!\"\n\n   \n\nThe tamer turned to find his least favourite brat in the world standing behind him.\n\n   \n\n“Ugh. Not you again.\"\n\n   \n\nThe kid pointed at Ren\n\n   \n\n“Oh my god, you had to get a diaper for your pet. What's wrong, afraid your pet's gonna piss himself?!\"\n\n   \n\nThe tamer raised a hand and rubbed his temple in agitation at the kid's teasing.\n\n   \n\n“Can you just shut up? Seriously, just because your parents don't love you, doesn't mean you have to hassle everyone else, alright?\"\n\n   \n\nGulusgammamon suddenly appeared beside the kid, somehow appearing out of thin air. The tamer took a startled step backwards at the sudden appearance of the digimon\n\n   \n\n“Where the _hell_ did he come from?! That's Ren's trick.\"\n\n   \n\nThe digimon stepped forward, levelling a sneer at the tamer.\n\n   \n\n\"Pretty feisty… for a human.\"\n\n   \n\n“Wait, you can talk.\"\n\n   \n\nThe tamer couldn't remember ever hearing Gulusgammamon speak before. He had been expecting something gravelly and guttural like a demon. Instead, it was quite high pitched, with a more haunting quality to it.\n\n   \n\n\"All digimon talk, idiot.\"\n\n   \n\nRen likewise stepped forward, staring down the other digimon.\n\n   \n\n\"Do not speak to my tamer like that.\"\n\n   \n\nGulusgammamon gave a ghastly smirk.\n\n   \n\n\"Oh, feisty pet, too.\"\n\n   \n\nThe tamer realised Ren was getting fired up again, clenching his fists and gritting his teeth in response to Gulusgammamon's teasing.\n\n   \n\n\"Oh, this feels familiar. I think we need to chill out.\"\n\n   \n\n\"Ok, ok… timeout. Ren, come here a sec.\"\n\n   \n\nThe tamer stepped away, waving for Ren to follow him.\n\n   \n\n\"...Ren, I think you need to calm down a bit.\"\n\n   \n\n\"Tamer… I cannot let them talk to you that way. Let me settle this.\"\n\n   \n\n\"Come on, we talked about this.\"\n\n   \n\n\"But I want to fight for you.\"\n\n   \n\n\"I know, but… this isn't a good idea.\"\n\n   \n\n\"Please. I can do this. Fighting for you will help me be stronger.\"\n\n   \n\nThe tamer still didn't like the idea, but he could feel his resolve fading. Ren obviously could too, and pushed his advantage\n\n   \n\n\"...trust me.\"\n\n   \n\n\"I do… just…\"\n\n   \n\nHe let out a long sigh, realising Ren wasn't going to let it go.\n\n   \n\n\"...fine.\"\n\n   \n\nThey turned back to face their opponents.\n\n   \n\n\"...alright. We'll take you on. But…\"\n\n   \n\nHe pointed a finger accusingly at Gulusgammamon.\n\n   \n\n\"...just a sparring match.\"\n\n   \n\nGulusgammamon gave his best smile.\n\n   \n\n\"Of course… just a friendly con-\"\n\n   \n\nThe kid interrupted before his Digimon could finish.\n\n   \n\n\"NO WAY! We're gonna smash you!\"\n\n   \n\nThe tamer cringed to himself.\n\n   \n\n\"What have we gotten ourselves into?\"\n\n   \n\nHe pointed over to the two digimon currently battling.\n\n   \n\n\"Alright, we'll wait until those two finish up.\"\n\n   \n\nThe kid gave a smirk.\n\n   \n\n\"No waiting. Scare 'em off Gulus.\"\n\n   \n\nThe digimon gave a smirk of his own, strutting over to the two battlers, despite them being in the middle of a match.\n\n   \n\n\"Oi, you two! Get lost. I got work to do.\"\n\n   \n\nDespite objections at being kicked off the field from their respective tamers, the digimon didn't need to be told twice, cowering and running off.\n\n   \n\nRen led his tamer to one end of the field, while the kid headed to the other. Gulusgammamon was waiting about a third of the way down the field at his tamer's end.\n\n   \n\nStanding next to Ren, the tamer couldn't help fidgeting, looking a bit lost with the whole ordeal.\n\n   \n\n“Um… what should I do Ren?\"\n\n   \n\n“You only need to be here, Tamer. With your support, I will handle this.\"\n\n   \n\n\"Ok… uh, please be careful.\u0026nbsp; Remember, you can walk away at any time, ok?\"\n\n   \n\n\"I know.\"\n\n   \n\nRen took up his position on the field, staring down Gulusgammamon. He readied himself, assuming a fighting stance.\n\n   \n\nDown the other end, Gulusgammamon stood with his arms casually folded, his nonchalant attitude a stark contrast to Ren's seriousness.\n\n   \n\n\"Ready, pet?\"\n\n   \n\nRen scowled at his opponent, before giving a slow nod.\n\n   \n\n“...make your move.\"\n\n   \n\nRen didn't need to be told twice, launching himself head-on with a fist readied. His speed made him a blur to the tamer.\n\n   \n\n“Holy shit, he's fast!\"\n\n   \n\nIn a flash, Ren had closed the distance to his opponent, putting all his momentum into a fearsome punch.\n\n   \n\nOr at least it looked fearsome as he unleashed it. However, Gulusgammamon had no trouble stopping Ren's momentum, catching the fist easily.\n\n   \n\nWith a sneer, he taunted Ren.\n\n   \n\n“Wanna try a bit harder this time?\"\n\n   \n\nRen snatched his fist away, pivoting as he did and lashing out with a roundhouse kick. Again his opponent easily blocked the attack, simply raising his arm up beside his head.\n\n   \n\n“...too slow, pet.\"\n\n   \n\nRen pushed off to create some distance to regroup. However, Gulusgammamon beat him to the next move.\n\n   \n\nIn the blink of an eye, the dark digimon had disappeared in his own blur of speed, delivering a shattering punch to Ren's gut.\n\n   \n\n“Guh-!\"\n\n   \n\nCaught completely off guard, Ren crumpled under the impact, falling to his knees. He remained kneeling and coughing for several moments.\n\n   \n\nHis tamer cried out.\n\n   \n\n“NO! Ren!\"\n\n   \n\nHe went to step forward and call the fight off, but Ren stopped him, holding a hand up and signaling the tamer to stay where he was. In between gasps he called back to the tamer.\n\n   \n\n“Stay back… I can… do this.\"\n\n   \n\nGulusgammamon had started heading back to his own tamer after delivering his attack, but turned as he heard Ren preparing to continue.\n\n   \n\n“Oh. Want some more, do you?\"\n\n   \n\nRen heaved himself back to his feet, readopting his stance.\n\n   \n\nAgain, he launched himself at his opponent, this time delivering a volley of punches and kicks.\n\n   \n\nThe outcome was the same, with each one easily blocked.\n\n   \n\nAfter blocking most of the attacks, Gulusgammamon changed tactics. He used his speed to duck under one of Ren's punches and launched a massive knee into his gut, again winding him. Before Ren could fall to the ground, Gulusgammamon grabbed his arm with both hands and launched him back towards his tamer in a rough toss.\n\n   \n\nRen tumbled along the ground before coming to a stop.\n\n   \n\nThe tamer didn't know what to do. Ren had clearly told him not to intervene, but he didn't see any way his partner could win this fight.\n\n   \n\nHe stood frozen, unable to do anything but watch.\n\n   \n\nRen slowly picked himself again, taking a few heavy breaths to steady himself.\n\n   \n\nThis time he took a different stance, crossing his arms over his chest.\n\n   \n\n“Koyousetsu!\"\n\n   \n\nA wave of crystal shards materialised around him. He flung his arms open, sending the shards flying towards his opponent.\n\n   \n\nGulusgammamon simply held his cape up around himself. Most of the shards bounced right off. A few embedded themselves but couldn't get through.\n\n   \n\nHowever, as he lowered the cape, Ren was right up in his face with his fist cocked back. The shards had been a distraction, with Ren chasing straight in after then.\n\n   \n\nHe launched his fist straight at his opponent's jaw. Gulusgammon's head snapped to the side with the impact.\n\n   \n\nRen stood there with a proud grin, chest heaving from the effort.\n\n   \n\nSlowly, Gulusgammamon turned his head back, a menacing leer on his face.\n\n   \n\n“Not bad, pet.\"\n\n   \n\nRen's expression dropped. He had hoped that attack would floor his opponent, but it seemed only to have made him angry.\n\n   \n\n“...but playtime's over now.\"\n\n   \n\nIn a flash, Gulusgammamon drove a knee into Ren's gut, this time following up with a powerful kick that sent Ren flying back almost to his tamer.\n\n   \n\nSaid tamer rushed forward to kneel beside his digimon, trying to help him. Even as he did, Ren was attempting to get back up, but he fell forward onto his hands and knees.\n\n   \n\n“Shit! Ren, you alright?\"\n\nThe digimon clutched his gut.\n\n   \n\n“Urggghh… I forgot… how much battling can hurt. He is… quite strong.\"\n\n   \n\n“Ok, that's enough. Let's just call it a day.\"\n\n   \n\nRen pushed the tamer off him and shakily rose back to his feet.\n\n   \n\n“No. I… I refuse… to give in.\"\n\n   \n\n“What? Come on Ren. You can't win this.\"\n\n   \n\nSomething inside Ren snapped and the tamer could see his demeanour change instantly. His bristled with anger as he turned and levelled a glare at the tamer.\n\n   \n\n“You… you don't believe in me.\"\n\n   \n\nThe tamer took a step back. There was something hateful in that look that he had never seen before.\n\n   \n\n“What? That's not what I meant. Just… please, let's be realistic.\"\n\n   \n\nRen turned away, shoulders tensed and fists clenched in anger.\n\n   \n\n“No… no… I…. will WINNNN!\"\n\n   \n\nA bright light engulfed Ren as he let out a roar.\n\n   \n\n\"Renamon digivolve to…\"\n\n   \n\nThe tamer and spectators had to raise their hands to shield their eyes from the light as the transformation took place.\n\n   \n\nThe tamer had never witnessed a digivolution in person before, so he had no idea what to expect. He backpedalled away from the glowing ball of light.\n\n As quickly as it started, the light began to fade and the newly evolved Ren began to emerge. The outline of a massive four-legged fox slowly became visible, followed by a fan of nine great tails.  \n  \n\nThe voice that finished the sentence was definitely not Ren's. It was much deeper, with a smoothness that made it quite easy on the ears.\n\n   \n\n\"...Youkomon.\"\n\n   \n\nAs the light dissipated, the tamer took in the details of Ren's new form, including his vibrant blue fur.\n\n   \n\n\"Wait… blue? Youkomon? But he's supposed to be Kyubimon.\"\n\n   \n\nThe voice spoke again.\n\n   \n\n\"What's the matter, Tamer? Not what you hoped for?\"\n\n   \n\n\"Uhhh… is that you, Ren?\"\n\n   \n\n\"Do I look like Ren to you?\"\n\n   \n\nThe tamer just stared with mouth agape, surprised by his digimon's newfound sass.\n\n   \n\n\"...anyway, I'll deal with this troublemaker, then we'll have plenty of time for chit chat.\"\n\n   \n\nThe great fox turned to face the digimon at the other end of the field.\n\n   \n\nGulusgammamon was standing there, waiting with his arms folded and tapping a foot on the ground impatiently. Apparently the spectacle had left him unimpressed.\n\n   \n\nYoukomon didn't seem fazed, a smug look on his face.\n\n   \n\n“What's wrong, dear opponent? Got better things to do?\"\n\n   \n\nGulusgammamon simply tapped his wrist in response, miming checking the time.\n\n   \n\n“...oh, don't worry. I'll make it quick.\"\n\n   \n\nThe tamer called out to his digimon.\n\n   \n\n“Are you done showing off? This is serious, Youkomon.\"\n\n   \n\n\"Oh, no no no, I'm just getting started.\"\n\n   \n\nThe tamer cringed at his digimon's arrogance.\n\n   \n\n—\n\n   \n\nThe battle that followed was similarly short. The two Digimon exchanged a few blows, with Youkomon rushing in and Gulusgammamon blocking the attack like before.\n\n   \n\nHowever, the odds had clearly turned. Youkomon had all of Ren's speed and then some, but now he also had the power to back it up. His opponent was needing to exert a lot more strength to keep the attacks at bay.\n\n   \n\nSuddenly, Youkomon retreated, falling back to his tamer's side. The digimon glanced over with a smirk.\n\n   \n\nThe tamer gave a confused look.\n\n   \n\n\"You… uh… had enough or something?\"\n\n   \n\n\"Not even close. Wanna see something cool?\"\n\n   \n\n\"I… guess so.\"\n\n   \n\nThe fox stepped back up towards his opponent.\n\n   \n\n\"Jaenryu!\"\n\n   \n\nYoukomon somersaulted forward. Bright orange flames engulfed his entire body, before launching towards his opponent.\u0026nbsp;\n\n   \n\nAt the other end of the field, Gulusgammamon seemed unbothered by the ball of flames rapidly bearing down on him. He calmly held out a single hand.\n\n   \n\n\"Desdemona.\"\n\n   \n\nA wave of dark flames rushed forward to meet Youkomon's attack.\u0026nbsp;\n\n   \n\nThe two attacks met in a powerful explosion, shaking the field before cancelling each other out.\n\n   \n\nAs the dust cleared, Gulusgammamon was left standing as he had been, unperturbed by the explosion.\n\n   \n\nAt the other end, however, Youkomon was gone.\n\n   \n\nThe dark dragon looked around the clearing, searching for signs of his opponent.\n\n   \n\n\"Coward, hiding away.\"\n\n   \n\nA disembodied reply came from behind.\n\n   \n\n\"Slowpoke.\"\n\n   \n\nBefore he could turn around, Gulusgammamon found himself flung forward. Youkomon had appeared from behind and pounced, forcing the other digimon face-first into the ground.\n\n   \n\nThe fox stood with one flaming paw pressing on his opponent's back.\n\n   \n\n\"...do you yield, weakling?\"\n\n   \n\nGulusgammamon thrashed under the weight of Youkomon, but couldn't get free. In desperation, he whipped his tail at Youkomon's face, but the fox actually caught it in his mouth.\n\n   \n\nYoukomon wrapped two of his own tails around it, fully restraining Gulusgammamon.\n\n   \n\n\"...careful there, I've got more tails than you.\"\n\n   \n\nGulusgammamon continued flailing.\n\n   \n\n\"...and I take it that's a no?\"\n\n   \n\nYoukomon leaned his head down and bit his victim on the arm.\n\n   \n\nGulusgammamon yelled out from the pain.\n\n   \n\n“Argh!\"\n\n   \n\nSmall flecks of data began floating out of the wound.\n\n   \n\nThe tamer watched on, becoming increasingly uncomfortable with what Youkomon was doing to his opponent. The tamer pleaded for his digimon to stop.\n\n   \n\n\"Youkomon, please, that's enough.\"\n\n   \n\nFor a moment, Youkomon let go. He gave his tamer a cocky grin, before turning back and biting Gulusgammamon on the other arm.\n\n   \n\nGulusgammamon yelled out again.\n\n   \n\n“ARGH!\"\n\n   \n\nThe tamer cried out in desperation.\n\n   \n\n\"YOUKOMON! STOP!\"\n\n   \n\nThe digimon ignored him, only biting down harder.\n\n   \n\nNot knowing what else he could do, the tamer ran forward and grabbed one of the fox's tails.\u0026nbsp;\n\n   \n\nThe action had the desired effect. Youkomon immediately let go of Gulusgammamon's arm, turning and lunging at his tamer with a snap of his jaw.\n\n   \n\nThe tamer cowered at the aggression, genuinely scared of getting bitten. He tried to backpedal, but in his haste he lost his footing and fell over backwards.\n\n   \n\nThe giant digimon stalked over with fangs bared, not stopping until his face was hovering right in front of his tamer's.\n\n   \n\nHe leaned in and murmured to his tamer's ear.\n\n   \n\n\"Daring to pull one of my tails. You're lucky you're my tamer.\"\n\n   \n\nThe tamer was almost frozen with fear from the implied threat. It took several moments to find the words to respond.\n\n   \n\n\"Just… please stop, alright. You've proved your point, there's no need to go further.\"\n\n   \n\n“But this is what you wanted, someone to take this digimon down a peg.\"\n\n   \n\n“I didn't want you to become a monster. This is just… barbaric.\"\n\n   \n\nYoukomon let out a frustrated sigh.\n\n   \n\n“Just when I was starting to have fun. Very well, have it your way… Tamer.\"\n\n   \n\nThe giant fox made to leave.\n\n   \n\n“Wait, where are you going?\"\n\n   \n\nYoukomon turned his head back to the tamer.\n\n   \n\n“As you said, the fight's over, so I have no need to be here… unless anyone else is feeling brave.\"\n\n   \n\nYoukomon glanced around at the crowd with a confident look, as if daring someone to step forward.\n\n   \n\nApparently no-one was feeling brave today.\n\nHe walked off, leaving his tamer to deal with the aftermath.","series":{"name":"Digimundanity","previous":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/2041764-wet-dog.json","next":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/2043879-consequences.json"}}