[IC Inbox]

[alwaysimpaled]

Connection established with [Dante] ►

TRANSMISSION ▼ TEXT ▼ AUDIO ▼ VIDEO ■ PRIVATE

SYSTEMWIDE INBOX

Hey, this is Dante. Can't answer the phone right now. If this is about Deputy Guardian stuff, try the office line, they can get a hold of me. Otherwise, leave a message at the tone.

Comments

[action]

[howamanlives]

... I've been fighting since I was ten. I'm mostly self taught, but my dad taught me how to throw a punch. And...

[He makes a fists, and his hand is surrounded by a flame-shaped, pixelated glow.]

I got this. It's called Digi-Soul. I use it to evolve my partner but it makes me stronger too. Enough to fight a Digimon one on one.

[action]

[alwaysimpaled]

Huh. Wasn't expecting that.

[He shrugs, pulling out the paperwork again, quickly signing something.]

Sounds like we've got ourselves an arrangement. Anything you want to know about Attleton going forward?

[action]

[howamanlives]

... Uh. Whatever you can tell me? I've spent most of my time in other places.

[action]

[alwaysimpaled]

This place is fairly quiet as far as crime goes. There's the occasional bounties, but those are fairly tame compared to the other cities. The big thing you'll need to watch for is the mafia.

I've taken something of a hands-off approach to it, only coming down when they start involving civilians.

[action]

[howamanlives]

... I see.

Are you sure that's not just letting them get stronger?

[action]

[alwaysimpaled]

The only alternative is an all out war. Raids on strongholds, and the like. If there's one thing history has taught me is that organized crime entities like the mafia are far more resilient than that. It would just be a needless bloodbath.

So long as they're not peddling deadly drugs on the street corners or murdering civilians for stepping out of line, that's the best can really hope for.

Re: [action]

[howamanlives]

[Masaru's hands ball into fists.]

I'm gonna be honest. I don't like any of that. Yeah, I see your point, but I don't like leaving an enemy go unchecked.

... But being DATS also taught me I have a responsibility to follow orders when your commander is justified. I'll accept it.

[action]

[alwaysimpaled]

Trust me, I'm not a fan of the prospect either. I'm a demon hunter in my world, and most of my experience in problem solving involves a lot of violence.

However, I've seen what happens when people in power attempt to squash organized crime. Stuff like the Mafia usually recruit people with little to no other option but crime, and as such its easy for them to foster a narrative of 'the man' keeping down people they don't like, which only starts to drive up their numbers, and pretty soon we're shooting at the very people we're supposed to protect.

[He leaves out the part about demons infiltrating law enforcement and turning prisons into people farms..]

[action]

[howamanlives]

... Well... as long as you understand, I guess.

[He lets out a heavy sigh and slumps back in his chair.]

So how do I make this official? Please tell me I get to prove myself in a one on one brawl instead of just signing something.

[action]

[alwaysimpaled]

Don't worry, as soon as they step out of line, we come down on them hard.

[He shrugs.]

I handle the paperwork so don't worry about that. As for a brawl, there's nothing really like that in the process. But I won't stop you if you really want to.

[action]

[howamanlives]

... Then you know I'll be ready to give it my all.

[Masaru grinned.]

So that's it? I'm a deputy guardian? Man, I totally wanna show you my moves, but... I have to admit, finally being able to afford a place and stuff'll be great! I don't have to stay outside!

[action]

[alwaysimpaled]

[Dante just chuckles. Gotta give the kid credit for enthusiasm if nothing else.]

That's it. You're welcome to crash at my shop until you find a place though.

Re: [action]

[howamanlives]

Really? Huh, well alright. I'll take you up on that!

[He stands up, raising his fist.]

Now, what do you say we get that sparring match out of the way?

[action]

[alwaysimpaled]

[He arches an eyebrow and finishes his sundae before standing up.]

Alright. If you're that eager, let me drop the paperwork off at the office and we can throw down at my shop.

Re: [action]

[howamanlives]

Alright. I won't disappoint you!

[Wait a minute.]

Uh. I think I've already forgotten your name.

[action]

[alwaysimpaled]

[Dante just laughs, spinning dramatically to face his newest deputy, extending a hand.]

Dante. Just Dante is fine.

Re: [action]

[howamanlives]

Dante. Cool, got it!

[Masaru grinned, taking his hand. His urge to fight is only getting higher.]

[action]

[alwaysimpaled]

So. Just how durable are you?

[Time to make small talk as they walk back to his shop.]

[action]

[howamanlives]

Uh. Let's see... without Agumon, I could probably be hit by a truck and be okay, as long as I have my Digi Soul up. Or a giant wolf, or a dinosaur, I guess.

[action]

[alwaysimpaled]

[Dante whistles a bit.]

How about guns. You bulletproof?

[action]

[howamanlives]

Uh... not really, no. I think there's limits to the kind of stuff Digi Soul can block, honestly.

[action]

[alwaysimpaled]

Good thing I asked. See, in my world, I'm a Devil hunter, and part of that job means carrying some high power weaponry.

[He pulls his jacket back, showing off where Ivory was holstered.]

And even with my toybox of ridiculous weaponry I've found people here that can shrug that shit off like I'd thrown a feather duster at 'em.

Re: [action]

[howamanlives]

... Huh.

[Masaru stared at Ivory for a moment. It's odd, he's never gotten a sense of strength off of weapons before.]

I see. I mean, I could probably if Agumon were here, but without him around I'm not really at my full potential. We're a package deal, and I only get crazy strong when he's fully evolved.

[action]

[alwaysimpaled]

Nah, I understand that.

[He shakes the guitar case, making a hard metallic sound.]

I've got something similar. That said, I doubt you'll have any problem's round here. Most of the citizenry are normal in Attleton, and I can hold my own unarmed too.

Re: [action]

[howamanlives]

[Masaru nodded. Then... he thought for a minute.]

How do ya deal with it? Not being able to go all out?