{"sf1_id":2043899,"sf2_id":"ve3wQNEe","title":"Home truths","author":"KnickedYourKnacks","words":2175,"posted_at":"2023-08-30T10:35:26.000Z","tags":["Alternate Reality","Digimon","Fox","Human","Realistic","Slice of Life","Youkomon"],"url":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/2043899-home-truths","original_url":"https://sofurry.com/s/ve3wQNEe","image_url":"https://cdn.sofurryfiles.com/submissions/thumbnails/5b/cd/5bcdddc1-47bd-4b1e-b885-83d4d0dcc7b8","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.","content":"The walk home was tiresome. It had already been a long day, it was getting dark and he was hungry.\n\n   \n\nAll the way, the tamer was fixated on something Gulus had said.\n\n   \n\n\"...something dark inside. What could that mean? Some sort of dark energy that helped him digivolve? Is that why he became Youkomon instead of Kyubimon?\"\n\n   \n\n—\n\n   \n\nHe wasn't sure what to expect when he got home. Part of him imagined Youkomon would just kick his door down to get inside. Another part wondered if the giant fox would even come back after the way he behaved.\n\n   \n\nAs he approached his unit, he didn't see any immediate signs of the troublesome digimon.\n\n   \n\n\"Maybe he really didn't come back.\"\n\n   \n\nHe couldn't decide if he was disappointed or relieved. He let himself in and looked around.\u0026nbsp;\n\n   \n\n“No signs of destruction here… no giant blue fox.\"\n\n   \n\nHe wandered through, checking each room. No Youkomon.\n\n   \n\nHe made it down the end of the hall to his own bedroom.\n\n   \n\nHe opened the door and entered.\n\n   \n\n\"Oh, come on… are you serious?!\"\n\n   \n\nHe was greeted by the sight of a giant blue fox sprawled across his bed.\n\n   \n\nThe digimon's ears twitched at the tamer's little outburst, massive head slowly lifting to see what had disturbed his sleep.\n\n   \n\n\"Oh… you finally came back. I was wondering what happened to you.\"\n\n   \n\nAnger boiled up inside him at his digimon's callousness.\n\n   \n\n\"Oh, you were, were you? Hmm, let me think… where was I? Oh, that's right… I was stuck in a cop car, and then an interrogation room thanks to you… but it was only for THREE HOURS!\"\n\n   \n\nThe digimon let out a derisive snort.\n\n   \n\n\"Silly Tamer, you let yourself get caught?\"\n\n   \n\n\"What the hell am I supposed to do when the police turn up? Run? I'm not some criminal on the run from the cops. Somebody had to answer for what you did.\"\n\n   \n\n\"What do you mean? All I did was finish the battle.\"\n\n   \n\n\"That's not what everyone else thought. They thought it was a full-on fight. The cops filed a report, you know? You're on the watchlist now.\"\n\n   \n\nA cocky grin spread across the digimon's face.\n\n   \n\n\"Oh, so I'm notorious now?\"\n\n   \n\n\"That's not a good thing, idiot. They said they wouldn't show leniency for any future incidents.\"\n\n   \n\n\"Oh, what are they gonna do, send a letter asking me to behave? You worry too much, Tamer.\"\n\n   \n\n\"Of course I worry. I don't want you going around beating up other digimon. And I certainly don't want to end up in jail for it.\"\n\n   \n\n\"Relax. I wouldn't let them take you.\"\n\n   \n\n\"Yeah, like I believe that.\"\n\n   \n\n\"Why wouldn't you? You're my tamer. It's my job to protect you.\"\n\n   \n\nThe tamer was gobsmacked by the digimon's hypocrisy.\n\n   \n\n\"How can you even say that when you tried to bite my face off?!\"\n\n   \n\n\"Pfft, hardly. That wasn't even close.\"\n\n   \n\n\"Well, it felt bloody close to me. You were all snarly, bearing your fangs at me. You lunged at me!\"\n\n   \n\n\"Ok… I'll admit I was upset that you pulled my tail. But you were never in danger.\"\n\n   \n\nThe tamer didn't respond immediately.\n\n   \n\nWhen he did speak again, his tone was much quieter.\n\n   \n\n\"I wish I could believe that.\"\n\n   \n\nThe digimon picked up on the sad tone in the tamer's voice, his cocky expression replaced with a much more serious one.\n\n   \n\n\"You think I'd hurt you?\"\n\n   \n\n\"I…\"\n\n   \n\nThe tamer thought about what Gulus had said and what the cops had told him.\n\n   \n\n\"Can I trust you like I did Ren? Or do I believe what the cops said? Am I in danger?\"\n\n   \n\nHe clutched the folded-up form in his pocket, before pulling it out.\n\n   \n\n\"...the cops gave me this.\"\n\n   \n\nHe unfolded the form so Youkomon could read the title.\n\n   \n\n\"What's…\u0026nbsp; 'Unsafe Digimon'… why do you have that?\"\n\n   \n\n\"They… they got reports from witnesses after the fight. Someone must've told them about how you lunged at me. The cops said they were concerned about my safety.\"\n\n   \n\n\"And what does that form do?\"\n\n   \n\n\"A tamer who fills in this form is agreeing to be separated from their digimon. It's-\"\n\n   \n\nThe digimon's eyes snapped wide open.\n\n   \n\n\"YOU WOULDN'T-\"\n\n   \n\nYoukomon stopped mid-sentence, sitting up and scanning over his tamer.\n\n   \n\n\"...where is your digivice, Tamer?\"\n\n   \n\n\"Huh? Well…\"\n\n   \n\n\"Where. Is it?\"\n\n   \n\nThe tamer looked away nervously before responding.\n\n   \n\n\"The… cops have it.\"\n\n   \n\nThe digimon gave the tamer a seething gaze.\n\n   \n\n\"_What_ have you done?\"\n\n   \n\n\"NOTHING, I SWEAR! The cops just took it to record your ID.\"\n\n   \n\nYoukomon still looked suspicious despite the tamer pleading his innocence, as he moved to step off the bed.\n\n   \n\nThe tamer took an involuntary step back, bumping into the door frame behind him whilst keeping his eyes locked on the digimon.\n\n   \n\nYoukomon stopped mid-movement as he saw his tamer's reaction.\n\n   \n\n\"You do fear me.\"\n\n   \n\n\"I…\"\n\n   \n\nThe tamer looked away, feeling something akin to shame. He didn't want to be afraid of his digimon. He knew a tamer was meant to trust their digimon. But at the same time, he was still struggling with the idea that Youkomon even was his digimon.\n\n   \n\nHe thought back to what had happened at the park. The image of fangs snapping at him flashed through his mind. In that split second, thinking he was going to die, remembering the feeling…\n\n   \n\n…it was fear.\n\n   \n\n\"...yes.\"\n\n   \n\nYoukomon was clearly bothered by the tamer's answer. Whilst he didn't break eye contact with his tamer, his ears pinned back. His tails, which had been lazily waving behind him, now laid completely still.\n\n   \n\nFor a moment, neither spoke or moved.\n\n   \n\nThe tamer found it strange, seeing the digimon like this. So far, Youkomon had only shown arrogance. But now, standing there in stillness, he had a sombre mood about him.\n\n   \n\nEventually, the digimon broke the silence.\n\n   \n\n\"I have betrayed you.\"\n\n   \n\nThe admission caught the tamer off guard.\n\n   \n\n\"Huh? Well… I wouldn't… say that, exactly.\"\n\n   \n\n\"I would. Do you remember when Ren said that he didn't want you to be afraid of him?\"\n\n   \n\n\"I… yeah, I do.\"\n\n   \n\n\"I can't help but share many of Ren's feelings… including that sentiment. A tamer should never fear their digimon.\"\n\n   \n\nDespite what had happened earlier, the tamer couldn't help but feel bad for the digimon. Somehow it troubled him, seeing how much his fear seemed to affect Youkomon, as he sat there staring glumly. The tamer surprised himself with his next words.\n\n   \n\n\"It's… ok, Youkomon. I dunno how… but we'll work on it.\"\n\n   \n\n\"No, it's not. I must fix this. Will you… give me a chance?\"\n\n   \n\n\"Like… right now?\"\n\n   \n\nThe digimon nodded.\n\n   \n\n\"...what would it involve?\"\n\n   \n\n\"This will be hard for you, but I need you to do as I say.\"\n\n   \n\nThe tamer stared into the digimon's eyes. He saw a similar fierceness to Ren's, but in this case there was also a pleading quality. He was still wary, but it seemed Youkomon genuinely wanted to make amends.\n\n   \n\n\"Hmm… alright, I'll try.\"\n\n   \n\nThe digimon stepped off the bed and sat on his haunches, much like a dog would.\n\n   \n\n\"Come here.\"\n\n   \n\nThe tamer hesitated.\n\n   \n\n\"...please, Tamer.\"\n\n   \n\nSlowly, the tamer stepped towards the fox.\n\n   \n\n\"Now… put your hands around my throat.\"\n\n   \n\n\"What?!\"\n\n   \n\n\"Just trus-\"\n\n   \n\nYoukomon hesitated, realising what he was about to say.\n\n   \n\n\"...please just do as I ask.\"\n\n   \n\nThe digimon raised his head towards the ceiling, baring his throat.\n\n   \n\nThe tamer stood motionless, having no idea what the digimon was planning.\n\n   \n\n\"...sometime this week, Tamer.\"\n\n   \n\nThe tamer scoffed. Once again, a little bit of rudeness seemed to help his nerves. He slowly reached out, laying his hands on the digimon's throat as instructed.\n\n   \n\n\"Good… now squeeze.\"\n\n   \n\nThe tamer yanked his hands away from the digimon.\n\n   \n\n\"What? No! I'm not gonna choke you. How is this supposed to help me trust you?\"\n\n   \n\nThe digimon let out a frustrated sigh.\n\n   \n\n\"You are making this much more difficult than it needs to be. Would you please just do as I tell you?\"\n\n   \n\n\"But I don't get how-\"\n\n   \n\n\"Oh my god, just do it already!\"\n\n   \n\n\"Alright, alright… jeez!\"\n\n   \n\nHe put his hands back around Youkomon's throat and gave a meager squeeze.\n\n   \n\n\"Now keep your hands there and look me in the eyes.\"\n\n   \n\nThe tamer found it a bit uncomfortable staring into the eyes of someone he was effectively strangling, but he did as told.\n\n   \n\n\"...now, you hold my life in your hands and have full power over me. As your digimon partner, I will submit to you as my tamer. I will let no harm come to you and will protect you with my life. This I swear to you, Tamer. Will you accept my oath to you?\"\n\n   \n\nThe tamer was left speechless. He would never have imagined the brash Youkomon could say something so sincere. He couldn't help but falter as he struggled to come up with a response.\n\n   \n\n\"I… I…\"\n\n   \n\nThe digimon stared him straight in the eye, never losing his gaze. For all Youkomon's arrogance, the tamer swore there was something genuine hidden in that gaze. Maybe there really was some part of Ren buried deep in there.\n\n   \n\n\"...alright. I accept your oath.\"\n\n   \n\n\"Thank you, Tamer.\"\n\n   \n\nThe tamer slowly removed his hands from the digimon's throat.\n\n   \n\n\"Um… wow. That was pretty intense.\"\n\n   \n\n\"It was. I am still your partner and I needed to remind you. But… I also needed to remind myself.\"\n\n   \n\nThe digimon took a breath.\n\n   \n\n\"...any digimon that makes their tamer fear them is a disgrace. During that fight, I was… I got carried away. I may be strong, but for all my… egotism, I still need your guidance. Will you accept my apology for behaving like that?\"\n\n   \n\n\"Well, after all this, I guess I'd be hard-pressed to say no. And anyone who can admit their flaws and want to change for the better is ok in my book.\"\n\n   \n\n\"Is that a yes?\"\n\n   \n\n\"Yes, Youkomon. I accept your apology.\"\n\n   \n\n\"Thank you, Tamer.\"\n\n   \n\n\"So, are we good now? No more face-snarling bitey-bitey stuff?\"\n\n   \n\n\"Yes… I promise I won't bite your face off.\"\n\n   \n\nThe digimon gave a sly grin.\n\n   \n\n\"...unless you try pulling my tails again.\"\n\n   \n\n\"Uhhh…\"\n\n   \n\n\"I'm joking, Tamer.\"\n\n   \n\nThe tamer let out a nervous chuckle before Youkomon continued.\n\n   \n\n“...now… you owe me.\"\n\n   \n\n“Huh? What for?\"\n\n   \n\n“You pulled my tail.\"\n\n   \n\nThe tamer gave the digimon an incredulous look.\n\n   \n\n“Seriously?\"\n\n   \n\n“Yes, that was very hurtful.\"\n\n   \n\n“What was I supposed to do? You were about to bite Gulus' arm in half.\"\n\n   \n\n“No I wasn't. You shouldn't have pulled my tail.\"\n\n   \n\nThe digimon turned his nose up in superiority.\n\n   \n\nThe tamer put on his best sarcastic voice in response.\n\n   \n\n“Well I'm so terribly sorry for offending his nibs by pulling his majestic tail. Whatever can I do to make up for it?\"\n\n   \n\n“Well, I suppose the apology is a start. Now... what else is appropriate punishment?\"\n\n   \n\n“Oh my god, you are not blackmailing me over this stupid nonsense.\"\n\n   \n\n“It's not blackmail, it's simply… compensation. For being mean to me.\"\n\n   \n\nThe tamer covered his face with one hand and shook his head, muttering under his breath.\n\n   \n\n“How did Ren turn into such a knob?\"\n\n   \n\n“Tamer! Don't be so rude to your digimon partner.\"\n\n   \n\n“Argh… do you actually want something or are you just being difficult, Youkomon?\"\n\n   \n\n“I'm not being difficult, I'm-\"\n\n   \n\n“You totally are and you know it.\"\n\n   \n\nThe digimon relented, letting out an annoyed huff\n\n   \n\n“Fine. There is something, and I think it would also help you.\"\n\n   \n\n“Great, what?\"\n\n   \n\nThe digimon's ears perked in anticipation as he told the tamer what he wanted.\n\n   \n\n“A name for me.\"\n\n   \n\nWithout hesitation the tamer replied.\n\n   \n\n“Bluebell.\"\n\n   \n\n“What?\"\n\n   \n\n“Your name. Bluebell.\"\n\n   \n\nThe digimon's ears flattened and a look of disdain replaced his anticipation upon hearing the tamer's suggested name.\n\n   \n\n“No.\"\n\n   \n\n“Alright… how about Chomper?\"\n\n   \n\nThe digimon scowled and whined at him.\n\n   \n\n“You're not taking this seriously, Tamer. Come on, you gave Ren his nickname. Why can't you give me a proper one?\"\n\n   \n\nHe had thought Youkomon was just playing a stupid game, but it turned out the digimon actually did want a name.\n\n   \n\n“Fine, fine.\"\n\n   \n\nThe tamer turned to think to himself.\u0026nbsp;\n\n   \n\n“I guess Bitey McBiteface is not gonna do it. Youkomon. How would I turn that into a nickname? Hey, Youko? No. Yukesy? Yuki? Hmm, that's not bad. Hey Yuki… maybe a bit cutesy, but not bad.\"\n\n   \n\nHe turned back to the digimon.\n\n   \n\n“What about… Yuki?\"\n\n   \n\n\"Yuki?\"\n\n   \n\n\"Yeah, like 'Hey Yuki, how's it going?' I think it sounds ok.\"\n\n   \n\n\"Hmm… I suppose it's acceptable.\"\n\n   \n\n“It's either that or Bitey McBiteface.\"\n\n   \n\nThe digimon's gaze narrowed at the tamer.\n\n   \n\n“You're not going to let me forget that, are you?\"\n\n   \n\n“Eh, eventually. I mean… in the few hours I've known you so far, that is the most significant little anecdote I have.\"\n\n   \n\nThe digimon gave him a grumpy look.\n\n   \n\n“I said I was sorry.\"\n\n   \n\n“And I said I was sorry for pulling your tail, so we're even… Yuki.\"\n\n   \n\nThe digimon gave the tamer another scowl.\n\n   \n\n\"Fine. Well, if that's settled… I was in the middle of a nice nap before someone rudely woke me up.\"\n\n   \n\nThe tamer rolled his eyes.\n\n   \n\n“Should've called you Princess Snowflake.\"","series":{"name":"Digimundanity","previous":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/2043879-consequences.json","next":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/2044237-reconnecting.json"}}