setting them up [ Astoria ]

[CLAIRE LYON]

Maybe I like this roller coaster

Maybe it keeps me high

Astoria Zenker

The western part of the Digital World was just Claire's style, really. Perhaps a bit arid for her taste at times, most times in fact, but there was something about the atmosphere that was simply thrilling- places such as the Overdell breathed an air of adventure. The place was crawling with hardy and rough Digimon.

An unlike on Earth, wild places like these were still very much wild, despite human contact... as one tamer seemed to be learning right now. The place was ripe with those looking for an adventure a little more risky than normal, and Claire had found herself a cute little target.

From the high height she perched herself at, hidden under the shade of a ledge, Claire and Walter were safe. But the two watched the unknown Tamer and her Rookie partner struggle against the likes of an angry pair of territorial Flarizamon. Unfortunate that they were losing so badly, but if the tamer was wise, she would run now and save both herself and her partner.

What made it even better was that Claire was the one who had sent her into the monsters' territory. A small, soft chuckle escaped the woman's lips- if only she had been a little more wary about Claire's directions. If only, if only... The unknown girl couldn't have known, of course- perhaps she was new to the Digital World altogether, or maybe just with this area. Or maybe she was simply a trusting, pure-hearted soul. Or just foolish, poor thing.

It didn't matter, really. If Claire ever encountered the girl again, it would be a fun little diversion, she was sure.

"I wish you wouldn't do things like this," Walter complained beside her, fanning himself with an ear. He didn't move to help the pair- however much he disliked his tamer's treatment of other humans, Claire was the boss. "Or at least, could we help them after you've had your fun? Next time?"

Claire shook her head, laughing dismissively as she removed the hat from her head to fan herself lightly. "Nonsense. What doesn't kill them makes them stronger, my friend. In a sense, I'm helping them, teaching them, in fact. With any luck, they'll know better next time."

There was no better cure for naivete than experience.

[ Up to you whether Astoria is the tamer Claire was watching or if she's approaching from another angle. c: ]

MADE BY ★MEULK

[Astoria Zenker]

❝ Long lashes collided as Astoria closed her eyes shut in attempt to save them from getting burned. The western part of the Digital World was just too hot and dry for her taste, yet she found herself standing under its blazing sun without any umbrella or hat. She could have been completely cooked- crispy fried- if it weren't for the boulders that were spontaneously scattered over the place. She considered herself lucky that she had found shade. "Dammit Astoria, how long will we be standing here?" Nox remarked rather vexed. He was, too, not very fond of the weather the Overdell Plateaus offered. Who could blame him? His body wasn't made for the heat. "I dare you to say one more word," A sharp glare was thrown at the gazimon along with a threat disguised as a warning. Astoria barely had any tolerance left for the high temperature, let alone deal with complains and stupid questions. Nox did seem to have successfully received the message marked by his sudden silence. An inaudible sigh escaped the tamer's lungs before turning her head slightly around to check the battle between a pair of Flarerizamon and, apparently, a tamer. As much as she wanted to see how it would end, though probably the tamer's rookie being sent back to being an egg, she just couldn't get herself to enjoy the show. The temptation of sending Nox to finish the fight was strong and was getting stronger each second spent in this hotter-than-hell climate. "This is getting too long," A grimace was traced on her lips as she spurted words under her breath. The gazimon's ears perked at the muffled noise, though he didn't dare to ask Astoria; the girl was an open book and he could pretty much read her levels of irritation "Nox, disorient them," "Finally!" The corners of the digimon's lips were pulled into a smile as he hurriedly stanced himself to do the move. He wouldn't hold back given their unfavorable condition; all he wished to do was to leave the West and head to North pronto. He needed some serious cooling off. So, Without any warning, he took a deep breath and released a howl that would guarantee to temporarily mess up with the Flarerizamon's senses. At best, that should be enough to get them to start fighting each other, at his worst, to get them to stand and stare... or maybe even twirl like idiots. CLAIRE LYON

LAIKA OF GS!

[CLAIRE LYON]

Maybe I like this roller coaster

Maybe it keeps me high

Astoria Zenker

"Oh?"

A call- not from Walter, and certainly not from the exhausted tamer's rookie- was sent to the air. At this, the Flarizamon looked up, then looked away to re-focus their attack... promptly butting heads in the process and both staggering backward from the impact somewhat comically. Claire raised an eyebrow- before this, the two lizards had seemed at least somewhat coordinated, but now they growled at each other rather than their target.

"WATCH IT!" One of them snapped, bristling. The other was rubbing his head and stumbling a little, but snorted indignantly at his partner. "You kiddin'? You're the klutz here, not me!" Silly things. These particular individuals were temperamental and not too graceful. With some Digimon, their level increased, but they remained as witless as their previous forms must have been.

The struggling tamer didn't need an extra clue- she grabbed her little Digimon and took of like a rocket, leaving the Flarizamon pair to argue in the background. Presumably, with that head start, she would live to fight another day- lucky her. It was a little disappointing for Claire that the show was over, but c'est la vie.

Still shaking their heads in an attempt to regain stability, the two Champions stumbled after the tamer before regaining their footing somewhat. "Now look what you did!"

Walter sighed with relief- at least he wouldn't have to see another mess like that. Briefly, he wondered if his tamer would ever get tired of playing such meaningless and petty tricks- maybe then they could do something more useful with their free time- but the Lopmon could answer his own question: No.

The woman turned her attention now in the direction of the howl- someone or something decided to lend a hand, and Claire was going to find out who it was.Creeping along the rocks, Claire soon found what she was looking for- a girl and her Gazimon.

The other tamer was young, most likely younger than Claire, and quite attractive- if she had many admirers, she could see why. With loose, wavy hair, lovely complexion, attractive features, and those somewhat unique green eyes, she was quite the sight.

The woman made no effort to hide her approach, but did so with caution, one hand loosely on her sword- it was just something she had trained herself to do. Not everything in this world was as it seemed, after all, and she knew that very well indeed. A small smile was offered, however, and she spoke gently, "Kind of you, to help those two. Your beautiful looks match your heart." Whether that was true or not remained to be seen, but statements like that were always more of an opener than hello, and Claire wasn't one to be boring in her introductions.

MADE BY ★MEULK

[Astoria Zenker]

❝ Despite her digimon's successful delivery of the move, the young lady remained unsatisfied though somewhat relieved at the thought of finally being able to cross the other side without facing any other adversities. Astoria was definitely not in the mood for anything but snow cones and air conditioned rooms right now. "And done," Nox placed his hands behind his head and leaned on the giant rocks, a smug smile plasted on his lips and eyes sharply turning to his tamer. Nope, she didn't look to pleased in his opinion... But hey, did it matter? "Y'know for a second I thought we'd be helping to destroy the twerp," He feigned a sigh and closed his eyes, his voice changing to a mocking tone "Think you're going soft, boss" Impatiently fanning herself, the green-eyed turned to the gazimon with a change of expression. Amusement along with a tinge of confusion lingered her face that made the rabbit-eared raise an eyebrow, well, he would if he had one "Of course, we could have done that if you were strong enough to digivolve into your champion form," The gazimon flinched upon the mention of his ability to digivolve and it was something he hated talking about-- a topic he avoided being touched, most especially by Astoria. "Instead of mocking me, you should be thanking me for sticking around despite your incapacity," Her unforgiving words stinging deeply had broken Nox's arrogance, forcing him to look away in disgust for himself and extreme irritation- anger- for the black-haired "You'll die in an instant when I leave you on your own, so if I were you I'd show me some respect and gratitude." The look on the purple digimon's face was really relieving. Astoria didn't take pleasure in making her beloved digimon feel bad- well, maybe a little- but she had to give him a reality check. All she said was the truth, and the truth always hurt. Although she didn't plan to stop with her lecturing, she was silenced by the faint sounds of footsteps and before she knew it someone had spoken flattering words. Really, if Astoria was like the ladies back home, she would be blushing not only at the compliment but also by the way it was said. Intrigued, she slightly turned her head to an angle where she could get a glimpse of the stranger from her peripheral vision. Light hair with delicate features but a deadly weapon hanging on her waist, the woman somehow gave an impression of a careful adventurer. Smart girl. "O-Oh no, not at all," Astoria stuttered as she faced the woman, intentionally looking away from the other's beautiful optics to hide her embarrassment, and slightly hunching her shoulders. A timid chuckle escaped her lips "I only did what's right," She didn't have any right but Astoria couldn't help but to ask in her mind; if she saw her saving the pathetic duo, then wouldn't it meant that she had been watching as well? Then if that was the case, why didn't she step in? "I would bear the guilt for life, if that girl's digimon died in the battle, knowing that I can do something but chose to keep silent," She sealed her statement with a humble smile, although this time meeting the woman's eyes. Astoria would see if she could get something out of this tamer, or if she was just like everyone else. CLAIRE LYON

LAIKA OF GS!

[CLAIRE LYON]

Maybe I like this roller coaster

Maybe it keeps me high

Astoria Zenker

"What's right, hm? I see." Meeting the other's gaze, Claire found her interest piqued. She appeared to be a shy thing, ladylike and modest- perhaps even a bit righteous if Claire were to judge by her words alone. It was clear too, now that she had turned around fully, that initial impressions about the stranger's beauty had been fully correct. Claire herself put a fair amount of effort into her appearance on top of her natural beauty- something she was privately rather proud of, thank you- but this unknown girl had a different kind of beauty... perhaps it was the allure of innocence.

What she said was curious, however- considering Digimon regenerated eventually so long as they weren't absorbed. She knew from experience there could be complications, such as with what happened to Walter, but generally, they only reverted back to baby form. Perhaps absorption was what she was referring to, though- Claire would give her the benefit of a doubt for now.

She removed the hat from her head and fanned herself with it for some relief from the dead and still air. The action provided little however, and with a small sigh the woman tucked one of the strands behind her ears, mirroring the girl's expression. "Yes, poor things," she sighed, taking two small steps closer to the pair and momentarily casting her gaze over the ledge, into the Overdell. "New to the Digital World, as so many seem to be, these days. Unfortunate that they ran into those two Flarizamon at such an early level, isn't it?" Her smile grew with mischief, just by a little, and Claire wondered if the girl would notice it. "I'm sure your assistance was appreciated."

Tilting her head, Claire's eyebrows raised and half lidded blue eyes met green eyes once again. "Forgive me, I should really introduce myself. My name is Claire, Claire Lyon. This is Walter." She gestured to her partner with a small nod. "May I have the pleasure of knowing your name, Miss..?"

Walter, at his introduction, gave a curt, silent nod. However, he kept his gaze on the unfamiliar girl's partner- the Gazimon leaning against the rocks red eyes narrowed slightly and chubby body held somewhat tense with suspicion. Call him prejudiced, but virus-types always made him feel on edge, like he couldn't turn his back on them or they would strike him down. He knew better to think of them as inherently evil, but still, he would rather watch himself around them...

Better safe than sorry.

Not one to be outright rude however, the Lopmon kept his mouth shut, settling for an expression of mild disdain.

MADE BY ★MEULK

[Astoria Zenker]

❝ My, my... Was that what she thought it was? The black-haired tamer had almost raised an eyebrow at the smile that slipped those pink lips the woman had. Well, that was most certainly incoherent to the subject but Astoria was definitely not the one to judge or to question. Assuming things too early might cause big problems later. For all she knew, that tinge of mischief on that graceful beam might only be a part of her imagination. Should it not then it wouldn't be of her concern, though it would agitate her for a bit. If this she wanted to exercise her demons then might as well do it in a place that wasn't as hot as the overdell. "I'm glad you think that way," The woman's voice remained cool under the sun that made the black-haired wonder if she frequented around this area, or this type of climate. She wouldn't be able to think kind words like that or say anything in a wintery tone. How refreshing. The silence that followed was brief however, broken by the other's introduction. Claire Lyon. Lyon. A French surname if she wasn't mistaken. Eyes then shifted to the bicolored digimon who merely offered a nod. Were lopmon this stingy with expressions? What a waste of that adorable face. That didn't discourage Astoria from putting a gleeful smile, face lightening up. A follow up question, request or anything for that matter was unnecessary. An introduction from the German would follow soon after this certain Miss Claire had finished hers. Though, she found it amusing how the other was charismatic with her words. May I have the pleasure of knowing your name?. That was definitely a way to get a girl's name, sincere or not. "Astoria Zenker," She softly replied, bringing her 'tensed' shoulders to a more natural slump as if encouraged or eased "And Nox," She turned her head to the gazimon's direction, who flashed them a toothy grin "Nice to meet you Miss Claire," There was a hint of sneer somewhere in his words "And Miss Walter." Astoria's mouth slightly parted at this while her eyebrows furrowed before turning to the woman with an apologetic look-- one of the most overused expressions in her whole life. "His sense of humor is dark but he's not really that problematic," But really, he was. Nox wasn't all enjoying this as much as Astoria seemed to be. He had to stay in the sidelines, watch and shut up or else he wouldn't be getting anything to eat later. The only thing closest to fun that he'd be getting was adding mockery whenever he's given the chance to speak. His "partner" could stomach that; she could abuse him for all she wanted without feeling the slightest remorse. Sometimes he wondered what would happen if the digimon destined to her wasn't as resilient as him. Cute bunnies like lopmon and terreirmon would die on their first day. CLAIRE LYON

LAIKA OF GS!

[CLAIRE LYON]

Maybe I like this roller coaster

Maybe it keeps me high

Astoria Zenker

What a pretty smile! Claire could have sworn her heart missed a beat. Such an expression was likely natural, but there had to be more to Astoria than sweet smiles and presumably good intentions- people were never so one-dimensional. Perhaps, she could be the one to push more out of the younger girl. "Lovely to meet you."

Miss Walter? Typical.The Lopmon snorted softly but didn't move or attempt to correct him, only wrinkling his short muzzle and twitching the hand on one of his ears in minor offense. A simple mistake was forgivable, but that was clearly meant as a petty insult. Maturity, clearly, was one of the Gazimon's core values. "Charming. A pleasure, Miss Astoria."

Claire, meanwhile, took no offense to the Gazimon, choosing to ignore the words directed at Walter entirely. It seemed the pair were somewhat of a mismatch- the rough, rude Digimon and his kindhearted, mild tamer. As if she were one to speak, though- Claire and Walter, despite their close cooperation and friendship, were often at odds in opinions. She had the last say, but that wasn't to say he kept his mouth shut, especially when the two were alone.

"Now now, Walter." She scolded her Digimon gently for his rudeness towards Nox. No sense of humor, that one. As much as she loved him, the little rabbit had the bad habit of taking things too seriously sometimes. Most times.

She placed the hat she'd been using as a fan back on her head. "Well, what do you say we get out of this heat and move along?" She stepped closer once more, so that the two were side by side- perhaps too close for strangers, but Claire hardly minded making others uncomfortable. This wasn't like back home- being in the Digital World was like adventuring in a storybook world. Here, she felt as if she could be a character, do things she could never normally do, including experiment with the emotions of others.

"If you were headed somewhere in particular, I'd be happy to accompany you, if you wish. Plenty more monsters lurk here, without a doubt." Head was turned casually to look directly into Astoria's eyes- her own glinting again with the same expression as before.

MADE BY ★MEULK

[Astoria Zenker]

❝ That wasn't fun at all. The gazimon expected a better reaction from Walter but all he got was a soft snort. Man, the guy needed to losen up. Nox shrugged his thoughts off and began walking up towards his tamer, only stopping when his place was taken by the woman. He blinked once before looking up to the humans with a displeased look on his face. Really? Space has never been quite a problem for Astoria, in fact it fell to her advantage. The closer people were to her, the better she could reach them. Literally and figuratively, she preferred it that way. She could say that Claire's a fool to do such a thing, but she didn't seem like the person who'd easily be tricked or the one who wouldn't put up a fight. Astoria had to admit that this person somehow glowed in elegance and felt as if a cloud of reason clung to her, like a prince in a fairy tale only cladded in feminine clothes. But, it was a grave mistake to trust exteriors. Eyes again lighten up upon the other's offer, it was a damsel's moment of weakness-- protection. If she had to play the role, she had to do it right. Astoria was confident that she could make it out the plateaus without getting a scratch but a company wouldn't probably hurt. Besides, basing in Claire's words, she seemed well-acquainted with the Digital World. She could use some information, filtering it was okay to come at a later time. Astoria cocked her head to the woman's direction, only to be greeted by her swooning gaze. Oh my, and did those eyes just gleamed or was the heat starting to get in her head? "That would be splendid," There was a bounce in her voice, a hopeful kind of tone combined with anticipation as she softly clapped her hands together, cupping it on her chest. A bright smile had now grown from her lips, completing the delighted expression "Me and Nox have been travelling in the Digital World all by ourselves, a companion is a good change," She chirped, leaning to Claire a bit closer. The woman did say she would gladly accompany them, there was no reason to hold back "But," Her voice dropped a little as her eyebrows slightly furrowed "We're headed to Borealis City, it's quite far from here so..." Astoria turned away, disappointment beginning to linger on her face. Reluctance was discouraging but it could also be manipulated to be used in other things. CLAIRE LYON

LAIKA OF GS!

[CLAIRE LYON]

Maybe I like this roller coaster

Maybe it keeps me high

Astoria Zenker

Astoria surprised Claire by moving closer instead of away- not the expected reaction to be sure, but she had to say a... welcome one. Instead of the awaited response of Astoria shying away, it was Claire that became faintly hot, this time not due to the climate.

Perhaps it was the girl's natural scent, or maybe she was wearing perfume- Claire didn't care which, really- but she found her imagination working. She daydreamed, just momentarily, of the soft touch of the younger girl. A stroke of tenderness on the cheek, or a sweet kiss on those pink lips- but Claire was getting ahead of herself already, perhaps. Mentally, she almost cheerfully scolded herself- fleeting attractions in chance meetings could be dangerous to muse about.

Glancing up at the pair, Walter wrinkled his nose slightly but said nothing, finding himself slightly irritated at the distance between the two strangers. Claire was smart and sure of herself, but could also be careless at times... but just try to tell her that. Eyes flicked back toward the Gazimon. It was this fellow that still concerned him, but so far he didn't seem dangerous, just mildly irritating- the Lopmon couldn't help but still be wary of the other rabbit's true colours.

"Oh, is that so? I can't imagine why," Claire remarked, a slight heat tinting her cheeks an almost unnoticeable pink, though she held the other's gaze for the time being. "Perhaps your partner is driving them off." A joke, but considering Nox's attitude so far, it wouldn't have been surprising if that were true.

"In any case, you're right- Borealis City is a healthy day's walk away, at the very least. I should at least see you part of of the way." Finally taking her gaze off the younger woman, Claire began to move along the wall. Her eyes were kept open for a way down while Walter watched her back, still somewhat concerned and stony-faced.

There- a way down. The path looked stable, but it was a short drop from the ledge they stood. Without hesitating, the blonde dropped down, then turned to hold her hand out for Astoria to help her down if she desired, silent but smiling. It wasn't wise to judge a book by it's cover, but she didn't look like the type to go rock climbing frequently.

---

"Claire speech."
"Walter speech."

MADE BY ★MEULK

[Astoria Zenker]

❝ Red eyes widened, forehead wrinkled, mouth gaped-- face distorting at the sight of the nineteen-year-old making lovey dovey eyes. Nox shook his head vigorously in disgust, looking away from the unpleasant sight of his tamer only inches away from another. "Blek," The gazimon snorted, poking his tongue out in the air with his eyes squinted. That image just left a bitter taste in his mouth; he was not possessive but that was just gross. The disapproving remark by the digimon was apparently ignored- or perhaps was unnoticed- by the young woman, still mesmerized by the blond's gaze. Astoria let a light chuckle out, shaking her head gently at the remark "Ah, sometimes I couldn't help but to think of putting socks in his mouth," She added playing along with the joke, though she highly doubted that socks would keep the digimon quiet. Nox rolled his eyes at this all while mimicking the black-haired speak, but no voice came out his lips. It was certainly not him who kept on scaring away potential friends, excuse him. With crossed arms, the gazimon turned away and faced another direction like a spoiled brat. His gaze was locked to the barren land, temper once again rising as the sun went higher and grew hotter. But not any longer, feminine voices fleeted in the background and upon turning around, he found the stranger and the stranger's digimon taking the lead and his own partner following them, completely leaving him behind. Panicked, he bolted up and began to run, calling for Astoria's attention only to be ignored. "Oi, are we really travelling with them?" The rabbit digimon asked, catching up. "We are," Came a reply from the tamer keeping her voice low "That's why you behave." She gave the gazimon a warning glance before walking ahead, towards Claire who boldly jumped off the ledge. My, was she going to jump too? Upon reaching the drop, neatly trimmed eyebrows furrowed once again as her eyes met the height she was supposed to leap to. But, did she have to worry? No. As she lifted her gaze, the raven-haired found an encouraging smile on Claire's face and a hand reaching out to her "O-Oh," It was definitely such a good thing they were with such a chivalrous individual. Taking the hand, she jumped with her grip tightening as she landed and regained balance "Thank you." Her voice was now clear of worry. "Miss Claire, you seemed very accustomed to these kinds of things," Astoria complimented, her hand still holding the other's though acted as if she wasn't noticing "I kind of struggle making my way through since the Digital World's still new to me," False information... well, most of it. The moment she learned how to fully utilize her digivice, she had been going back and forth the worlds. CLAIRE LYON

LAIKA OF GS!

[CLAIRE LYON]

Maybe I like this roller coaster

Maybe it keeps me high

Astoria Zenker

Again, Nox displayed his oh-so-high level of maturity, mimicking his own tamer this time. Brow raised, but the little rabbit wasn't surprised- by now, Walter fully expected to have to tolerate this behavior for the remainder of their time with the pair. His hope that the time wouldn't be much longer was dashed however upon Claire's reassurance to Astoria about her offer... plus, his tamer reaching out to the other.

The Lopmon sniffed, beginning to tingle with jealousy. Claire had always been the bold type, but he always tried ignore her... attractions, whenever possible. He was her partner, no one else could change that. Surely, she was just playing with the girl, as usual.

Right?

Claire helped Astoria down, watching carefully to be sure she didn't lose her footing in the process. Wouldn't want such a pretty thing damaged- at least, not so soon. Perhaps not at all, she found herself thinking with some level of amusement, but they would have to see what happened later down the line- it was rare to meet a new tamer that managed to make the constant mischief in her mind stop, even for a moment.

In that case, there must be something more to the girl than a pretty face, Claire thought. In personality, Astoria hardly seemed different from quite a few tamers she'd come across, but something about her mannerisms- for instance, she hadn't even flinched upon Claire drastically shortening the distance strangers should be comfortable with, even staring into her eyes right back as she did so. That wasn't the common response she was used to at all.

It was fun to be the one charmed for once- her heart was fluttering with interest and excitement. "Of course," she purred in response to her thanks.

If Walter had been as openly expressive as Nox, it's possible that he would have looked even more revolted than the Gazimon.

Once assured Astoria had her footing, Claire expected her new companion to walk forward and let go, but instead Astoria surprised her yet again, by holding on. If the woman didn't know better, she'd say Astoria was challenging her at her own game. "Oh?" The word said almost as a sigh, low and soft. A thumb grazed over dainty fingertips before intentionally easing down back to her side.

The small smile on Claire's lips persisted. "Thank you. Indeed, actions like these come naturally to me. I've been exploring the Digital World for years now, so much that it's become my second home." Though, at the moment her apartment seemed more like her second home than the Digital World.

"Watch your step, darling." As the blonde moved down the path she'd scouted, she remained close to Astoria, out of the corner of her eye making sure the girl didn't fall. "But new, are you? I'd hate to see anything unfortunate happen to you- can Nox digivolve yet?"

---

"Claire speech."
"Walter speech."

MADE BY ★MEULK

[Astoria Zenker]

❝ Eyebrows slightly elated at the new information, feigning a surprise as she listened to the blonde "Oh my, that's amazing," Astoria said, voice filled with admiration, but inside her mind, she did otherwise. Laughing at her newfound information-- it seemed that this Claire would be useful, though she had to be careful for a person with experience would be hard to manipulate. She'd have to use a lot of charms, seduction and wits to pull her closer and get her trapped in her web. Even more careful steps were taken as they proceeded. She, indeed, had to watch were she was going if she didn't want to end up in an unfavorable situation, that applying literally too. Though it wasn't only her who needed to be careful both with steps and words; turning her head slightly around only enough to see how the gazimon was doing. He seemed to be holding up well... until the question about digivolution was raised. Oh great, drama would surely follow. And Astoria was right. Before she could give an answer, the gazimon's loud voice echoed across the overdell. "So what if I can't digivolve yet?!" He exclaimed, his forehead wrinkling, eyes set to a cold glare. He was insecure but Astoria thought he should be. With all these strong digimon and their surprise attacks, Nox shouldn't remain the weak gazimon he was. The younger tamer completely turned around, facing her digimon now in the verge of throwing a tantrum. "Nox," Astoria called softly but was ignored. Stopping in the middle of his way, he faced the humans and pointed a single claw at them "I'm gonna digivolve sooner and once I do, I'll be the strongest among the champion digimon!" So ambitious, but things like that was easier said. Digivolve sooner? Hah. If he would, then he should digivolve now. The gazimon was filled with poor logic and excuses. With that said, he began running-- running past the lopmon, Astoria and Claire, only stopping upon taking the front line. Flashing another apologetic smile, she faced the blonde and slightly lowered her head "Well, Nox haven't learned how to but I believe he'd be able to digivolve sooner too." Her lips curling to a graceful grin "He's a bit sensitive about that matter so as much as possible we try not to talk about it," A string of nervous chuckle left her mouth as she explained, hands were in stomach-level with fingers fidgeting as she spoke. It was a good way to piss him off quickly, though, "But I bet Walter can already digivolve," Cocking her head to the Lopmon, she would flash him a gentle smile before returning her eyes back on the path. If Astoria wanted to get to Claire, she had to get past the digimon first. It was an unspoken rule-- these piles of data were more than a display, they were bodyguards and most of them were very concerned with their partner's lives and decision. In her opinion though, digimon who intruded too much were just impolite, undisciplined beasts with tamers who couldn't put them in their proper place. CLAIRE LYON

LAIKA OF GS!

[CLAIRE LYON]

Maybe I like this roller coaster

Maybe it keeps me high

Astoria Zenker

Oh my- it seemed she'd struck a sore spot with the Gazimon by accident."It's not so surprising," Claire sighed softly, not so much to comfort the rabbit monster as stating fact. Evolution didn't really seem have anything to be with being weaker or stronger, it seemed, at least not in Claire's experience. Like some humans, some Digimon appeared to be just late bloomers was all. "Plenty of Digimon seem to have issues Digivolving at first, especially when only recently paired."

At Nox's declaration, Walter scoffed, allowing him to budge ahead- if he slipped and fell off the rocks, it was going to be his own fault. In fact, he was half-hoping it would happen. "Oh, I'm sure." Virus types! Always proving themselves to be exactly as their stereotype described: uncouth, childish, and temperamental.

And that was at their best.

To Astoria, Walter spoke curtly and with a cold politeness, devoid of any of the heat Claire had in her voice. He did make eye contact with the young tamer however- for the compliment, he should at least do that much. "Certainly, miss Astoria. I can Digivolve enough, when I need to." Never mind that was only to his armor form, at the moment. It would come back to him when he needed it, the Lopmon was sure.

Claire followed behind Nox and Walter, remembering to watch her step as well- just because she was the experienced one didn't mean she was immune to slips and heights. "Have you and Nox been in any sort of battle yet, Astoria?" Would help define just how new they were to the world.

"It's quite the thrill." The blonde pointedly tapped the hilt of her sword and cocked her head back with confidence, shoulders pushing back with a subtle pride. She then continued to walk, bending her knees as the path dipped steeply and suddenly. Better see if her young companion needed assistance- she turned, still smiling with warmth.

---

"Claire speech."
"Walter speech."

MADE BY ★MEULK

[Astoria Zenker]

OOPS, YOU SAW MY HORNS

they're really not halo, just horns Hidden behind an angelic facade; oh how silly, you fell for my lies. It's funny, the joke's on you. Can you hear my laughter? Can you hear my voice? You danced with the devil, now you must to pay the price. Nothing can save you now.

[attr="class","horns"]"I see," Astoria mumbled at the other's explanation about digivolution while Nox cringed more-- that was exactly the problem. They weren't only recently paired. But he did spend more time living in the Human World than the Digital World, it was only recently did they started taking trips to the Digital World but did it even matter? If the time of pairing was considered then he should have already digivolved. He breathed out his frustration quite loudly, perhaps even enough to get attention from everybody else. He'd digivolve no matter what. Focusing his concentration on other things, he tried to block the humans' conversation-- now what were they talking about? Battles?

Battle was only thrilling if you were winning, otherwise it was frustrating. Those fools who said they had fun despite being on the losing end were just incomprehensible for someone like her. What was so exciting in something you failed at? Astoria observed how a lot of people loved basking in experiences and emotions, that for them having fun towered over victory... How pathetic. "A battle?" She repeated turning to the blond, watching her back as she gracefully made her way.

Taking a few more steps forward, she once again met an abrupt fall. Seriously, this was the worst place in the Digital World; graceless creatures, terrible land forms and most definitely a bad climate. It put the Emerald Mangrooves to shame and she had already decided that the place wasn't for her liking. She let out a deep breath of either exasperation or self-encouragement before lifting her skirt till knee-length "Hmm," She hummed, her glued on her path "Well, battle is inevitable here, isn't it?" She glanced up to the lady with a small smile before ever-so carefully stepping down with one foot first "We try to avoid conflict as much as..." Her voice faded as she worked the other foot down, finally reaching their path. She let out another sigh-- if this continued, she'd pass out of both heat and exhaustion "As much as we can," Releasing her skirt, she passed her palms on them, pressing them off of wrinkles and folds.

"We fight to defend ourselves," She, then, tilted her head a bit then flashed a rather clumsy grin "And sometimes maybe others too," She giggled rather anxiously, referring to the tamer earlier. See, sometimes a weakling, just as that girl, would come handy. Walking over towards Claire and stopping at her side, she waited for her to take the lead once again. She just never liked taking leads, as much as it had its own perks, she found the risk far greater. Not a good deal at all "So, I do agree with you carrying a weapon of defense" She, then, glanced at the woman's hip-- at her sword to be exact "Other than digimon." Hidden somewhere in that statement was the suggestion of digimon being nothing but weapons and tools. Would Claire notice it?

CLAIRE LYON

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[CLAIRE LYON]

Maybe I like this roller coaster

Maybe it keeps me high

Astoria Zenker

Walter often found it hard to believe that someone would conduct themselves with such indignity, and yet he was proven time and time again that, even as a little pinkish rabbit without memories, he was still among the most sophisticated of individuals, at least out of those they met on a day to day basis. At the Gazimon's rather loud and obnoxious snort, Walter lowered his voice to the other rabbit while their tamers continued their conversation. "Hmph. Maybe if you focused more on Digivolving and less on making a nuisance out of yourself, you would already be at your next form."

Poor Astoria- not used the traversing unpaved territory, Claire imagined. She watched with patience, sure not to walk to far or too quickly ahead- there was no rush.

"Of course." Claire nodded. "There's no doubt about that. There are plenty of Digimon that aren't as gentlemanly as Nox." She gave a short chuckle at her own joke, then let the younger girl continue.

An eyebrow raised at the statement about defending others- if frivolously displayed and followed as some seemed to do, such a trait would see one get into trouble in no time. "Indeed, as you've demonstrated." Claire herself would sometimes play the defender, but more so because of the thrill of the fight than delusions of heroism. Catch her defending someone because it was the so-called 'right thing to do'? Hah! "Just be sure to take caution in who you side with, Astoria," she said gently, tilting her chin to look down at the other. "Sometimes there are... consequences, to even seemingly good deeds."

That's what made things interesting sometimes though. It wasn't always obvious what the correct choice was- in fact, if you asked Claire there often was no correct choice.

The way her next sentence was worded made for some... interesting implications, if taken in a different sense. Surely, this sweet young lady wasn't suggesting what Claire thought she might mean? Most likely, it was just careless wording, though it still caused the blonde to tilt her head, answering after just a beat missed. "I would suggest it, if you know how. A normal weapon won't typically be as effective as a powerful Digimon's attack, but it's assuredly wise to carry one regardless."

A small shrug. "It baffles me that many tamers don't."

---

"Claire speech."
"Walter speech."

MADE BY ★MEULK