#koushiros other self

[koushirouizumi]

Digimon Adventure+02/tri./Kizuna/(+Adventure:) {2020 Reboot} + Digimon Adventure 02: The Beginning (+minimal Kizuna) A.M.V x “Apologize” {David Archuleta} Live Concert Version Featuring Characters/Duos/Ships: + {+2020!}/{Kizuna!}KOUTAI, {02!}KENSUKE, (Implied/Former?/Un-requited??) YamaSoraTai/Yamachi, {briefly/+also from Yamato's end); Adventures Chosen; (Overall 02 Chosen-Leaning +Side KouxTai)

“I’m hearing 'what' you say…”

“Take a Fall {?}”–

“I Need you like a heart 'needs' a BEAT– … BUT that’s Nothing {N E W…}”

“{’XXXXX’} like the A N G E L…"

“IT’S TOO– (???)”

"...Ten feet..."

Comment: If you think I'M not in this CROWD somewhere, {despite the fact my voice is really soft 'irl'} you might just be Mistaken,,,,, (Also - This is my overall personal 'final thesis' on The Beginning.) {If you watch, please genuinely try to FOLLOW the themes presented.}

{Note: Tri Pt. #6 Bokura no Mirai/"Our Future" Spoilers, Major The Beginning Spoilers, (select scenes from opening, final battle, FINAL Post-credits scene at very end clip) + middle part Big spoiler (Rui’s eye & Ukkomon) {Notes: Eye Trauma/Injury; Blood}

Original Song © O.n.e.R.e.p.u.b.l.i.c Archuleta cover from AUGUST 1st 2009’s Sunrise, Florida Concert {“Hey O.P., can you explain that GAP in your blogs' hISTORY of this fANDOM—???”} [Do you hear 'THEM' here???]

*Edited in about 5 hrs 10~ min overall (Preparing for this however took at least four days of off-and-on out-lining) {Any final fix's will come in the future...!!}

{*Slightly LOUD/Low quality audio at points!!} (*Contains cheering, as its LIVE Ver.)

by Me/Hikari M. Productions @hikari-m/@koushirouizumi/@izzyizumi {DO NOT Repost} {DO NOT Copy} {DO NOT Reproduce my Work/Video Edits Without my Permission Under any Circumstances}

[otakween]

Digimon Adventure 02 Drama CD (Armor Evolution to the Unknown)

Translation here

There are definitely perks to binging a franchise with a big fandom and one of them is being able to easily locate more niche content like this. HUGE thank you to the translator and Youtube uploader who made this post possible. I wish there was more hype for drama CDs so we could find them all in one spot, but I take what I can get. This was a blast.

Track 1 - Daisuke’s Great Valentine’s Day Plan (listen here)

Daisuke wants to be more popular with the ladies on Valentine's Day so he goes around looking for manly mentors, starting with Yamato and Koushiro. This kinda reminded me of the My Little Pony episode where the pony's try each others special talents lol. The message is obviously "be yourself"

My favorite part was when Daisuke tried to speak more like Koushiro and Koushiro flipping out at Daisuke for messing with his computer 😂

The girls whispering about Sora and Yamato's stubborn personalities was pretty funny too. I never thought about that connection before. I don't really think having the same personality makes you compatible though (usually it's the opposite)

I like that this is formatted like an anime episode with the theme song and the narrator. Makes it feel more like an official extension of the show.

Track 2 - The Heart Thief (listen here)

These drama CDs almost match the vibe of the 02 English dub because they throw in a random gag like every 2 minutes (and a lot of obscure pop culture references). Shout out to the translator who put in tons of footnotes explaining the more confusing jokes.

I had to pause many times listening to this to remember who these characters were because this track focused on a lot of side characters.

The gag of Hiroaki and the narrator having the same voice actor was hilarious. I guess these things stand out more in audio-only formats.

How the heck did the girls not realize Boltmon was a digimon when they first saw him?? HE'S GREEN. The "looking for a heart" thing feels very Wizard of Oz. I guess they just wanted to make the villain Valentine's themed.

Track 3 - What the Children Can Do (Listen here)

Lol this was the most Japanese/footnote packed track yet. So many voice actor gags and references to dialects that I've never heard of/can barely tell apart! I do wonder if the children listening even understand any of these jokes (like do they really know Finnish rock band Leningrad Cowboys?) I guess they'd think the accents are funny at least. This drama CD would be really hard to localize...

The joke about the group needing to split up or else "no one will get many lines" killed me 😂

I feel like the people most entertained by these drama CDs are the voice actors themselves, they seem to be having a blast.

Track 4 - Daisuke, Dark Evolution! (listen here)

Okay, this was clearly written in the 2000s because the humor is very "LOLRANDUM XD" Luckily, I'm a millennial, so I have a soft spot for that kind of humor. A Japanese commenter said it well カオス過ぎるw (too chaotic lol).

The funniest part of these is how unserious the monster of the week is. Like they're taken hostage but they're still goofing around and then the enemy joins in on the gags too lol

Daisuke failing hard at being a dark hero was funny, especially when he asked V-Mon's permission to kick him and then immediately apologized afterwards

Ken is obviously fangirl bait (as they joke about in this track) but I never found his Digimon Kaiser persona to be the cool side, I think most real fangirls would like his normal self better (without the dorky outfit and hair)

I'm glad the moms got a random cameo and it was fun to hear them interact lightheartedly

Sora got the ick from Yamato's tap dancing lmao. Incidentally, I don't remember ever seeing tap dancing in anime like ever? (unTAPPED market 😜)

I'm bitter that they gave Wormmon a cute digivolution for the drama CD but not the anime 😑I've never cared for Stingmon, personally.

Track 5 - Armor Evolving in Chaos (Listen here)

Oh man, I had a big smile on my face the whole time listening to this, it was so fun. All of them scrambled the digimentals and revealed a bunch of new digivolutions, some legit, but most of them gag digivolutions. Sooo silly. Gomamon even says "nothing makes sense right now but oh well!" lol

My jaw DROPPED when I saw that Linkmon was a Cyborg 009 homage. Are you kidding me!?! You mean another series I binged for my blog has a connection to Digimon??? Stunned. This is why I like to absorb all of pop culture cuz then these references really hit.

I wish there were illustrations for all the joke digimon (like Selfishmon) lol.

More funny meta jokes when they defeat Boltmon and no one really knows how they did it.

Wow, this one was a hoot and a holler. I think gag versions of serious(ish) shows might be my favorite thing. I give this a 7 out of 10.

[ayukaze]

Fairy Tail Parfum (Japanese perfume brand) announced a collab with Digimon Adventure, with the products releasing early at the Digimon 25th Anniversary Exhibition set to begin in 2 days.

Details about the products listed on the website:

Taichi Yagami: This perfume inspired by the protagonist of the work possesses fresh and invigorating fruity notes which easily bring to mind the image of an athletic, cheerful and active Taichi. The change from an aromatic fragrance to a fruity sweet fragrance gives us a sense of Taichi's bravery, and how with his positive attitude he acts as the leader for his friends.

Fragrance: Fresh Green Note. Scent image: Top notes: Pink Pepper, Bergamot, Mango, Lotus. Middle notes: Cardamom, Geranium, Soft Rush (Grass) Last notes: Amber, White Musk, Patchouli, Cedarwood.

Yamato Ishida: The uplifting fruity notes take inspiration from the cool demeanour of Yamato, who also has acts with a strong sense of responsibility, bringing forth his wild personality. The last note, which changes to a calm fragrance with a lingering fruity freshness, gives us a sense of Yamato's inner feelings, who despite of putting up the front of a lone wolf, feels strongly for people he considers friends, which makes him a suitable partner for Garurumon.

Fragrance: Fruity Floral. Scent image: Top notes: Apple, Narcissus, Lemon. Middle notes: Jasmine, Rose, Bamboo. Last notes: Amber, White Musk.

Koushiro Izumi: The fresh and invigorating fragrance brings forth the image of a curious, intelligent and practical Koushiro. The change to softer floral notes brings to mind his adeptness at solving mysteries and how reliably Koushiro uses his knowledge to stand as the chief advisor among the members of the group.

Fragrance: Floral Ambery. Scent image: Top notes: Pear, Coriander. Middle notes: Cabbage Rose, Linen, Pink Lily. Last notes: White musk, Amber, Sandalwood

Jou Kido: The natural citrus note inspires the image of Jou, who is self conscious about his role as the oldest member of the group. The fresh fragrance lasts and as it dries down the scent changes, resembling the growth of Jou through his adventures in the digital world.

Fragrance: Sheer Citrus. Scent image: Top notes: Bergamot, Neroli, Ginger. Middle notes: Ivy, Oakmoss. Last notes: Cardamom, Tea Leaves, Sandalwood.

Takeru Takaishi: At first the fresh and invigorating fragrance evokes the image of Takeru as the youngest member of the group, who through this journey embraces growing up by developing a strong will and building up a sense of self-reliance. After the fragrance settles down, it leaves a fresh and lasting scent changing into something which gives a glimpse of the strength of Takeru's character, who never gives up, no matter what the situation.

Fragrance: Fruity Floral Scent image: Top notes: Apple, Blackcurrant, Cherry Blossom, Peach. Middle notes: Peony, Freesia, Pomegranate, Ylang-Ylang. Last notes: Musk, Cedarwood.

Sora Takenouchi: The fresh and soft scent of the citrus notes is at first glance boyish, but under it's layers it is easy to visualise a gentle and mature Sora. The change in fragrance with the addition of sweetness to the floral notes brings to mind the image of Sora, who is good at paying close attention to other's feelings and acts like an elder sister to her friends.

Fragrance: Floral Fruity. Scent image: Top notes: Honeysuckle, Grapefruit, Mango. Middle notes: Jasmine, White Rose, Cabbage Rose. Last notes: Musk, Sandalwood.

Mimi Tachikawa: The strong and pleasant fruity notes bring forth the innocent side of Mimi, who expresses all her feelings be it joy, anger or sorrow with a sense of purity, but who is also kind at heart and cares deeply for her friends. The change to floral notes, which are pleasant yet strong at the core, aptly shows Mimi's kindness.

Fragrance: Floral Fruity. Scent image: Top notes: Honeysuckle, Passion Fruit. Middle notes: Wild Jasmine, Cabbage Rose. Last notes: Sandalwood, White Musk.

Hikari Yagami: Using Lemon and Lilac as it's base, the sweet and refreshing fragrance takes inspiration from the mysterious atmosphere surrounding Hikari and her kind-hearted yet fragile nature. The change from the sweet scent of fruit to a spreading fragrance represents the gentle feeling she possesses towards all Digimon and her friends.

Fragrance: Floral Musk. Scent image: Top notes: Lemon, Lilac. Middle Notes: Blossom, Green Tea, Peach, Peony. Last Notes: Cedarwood, Musk, Amber.

And now, time to choose!

[tobiasdrake]

Ranking Digimon Adventure 1's Chosen Children on the Fight Me Bruh Scale

Here we go. This will be a scale from Most Confident to Least Confident, based on how confident I am that I could take each child in a playground fistfight. In the interest of fairness, they will not have their Partner Digimon with them, and my age will be set to 10 years old; An average of the eight of them.

1 - Izumi "Izzy" Koushiro. Oh, cute little nerd boy, what's he going to do, complain online about--

NO YOU'RE WRONG. Koushiro's on the soccer team. He may be meek and unassuming but that boy is an athlete all the same. Pick on him at your peril. He may be one of the less difficult fights but that meek stature conceals enough musculature to at least get by on the field.

Koushiro may be the least threatening but only because of how scary the others can be. I still don't relish my chances, and it's all uphill from here.

2 - Kido "Joe" Joe. What Jou lacks in athleticism and gusto, he makes up for with wild intensity when he gets going.

If this fight is happening, either I'm bullying Jou or I said or did some shit to the kids under him. In the first case, I can probably sweep the win. He won't defend himself too hard. But in the case of the latter, he's going to come at me like a lanky berserker bent on my destruction.

Jou is also the child most likely to win the fight by showing up to it in the company of an escorting adult, who then proceeds to drag me away by the ear.

3 - Ishida "Matt" Yamato. Yamato seems vulnerable to psychological warfare. Maybe if I yell something at him like "Look over there, it's your self-worth!" that will distract him enough that I can get some good hits in.

I'm gonna need something because he is ready and willing to come at me in full-scale brawling mode. He doesn't have the build of an athlete which will help me, but he's also probably not above cheap shots. Obviously, neither am I. Either way, this is going to be a fight.

4 - Takaichi "T.K." Takeru. On paper, you'd think I can just punt the little shrimp. But Takeru is small, scrappy, and unyielding. He faced down an insane puppet with a revolver 1v1 and came out on top. I don't think anything I have to throw at him is going to top that.

If I pick this fight, I'm going to regret it quickly when Takeru turns his niceness off and flips over into the honey badger of my destruction.

Plus there's a strong possibility that this fight ends in Yamato emerging from the underbrush with a steel chair. The Big Brother Factor is always important to keep in mind during playground brawls.

5 - Yagami "Tai" Taichi. Oh, fuck me. Nope nope. Nope nope nope. Are you shitting me? You want me to fight one of the two ace strikers of the school's soccer team?

This boy is rabid. I'll be on that schoolyard two seconds before he's throwing a thousand punches per minutes straight into my kidney. He is a ball of energy wrapped in a shell of violence incarnate waiting for an excuse.

6 - Takenouchi Sora. Oh, fuck me. Nope nope. Nope nope nope. Are you shitting me? You want me to fight the other of the two ace strikers of the school's soccer team?

In a playground brawl, Sora is Taichi with better reach and something to prove. I have self-identified as an opportunity to vent her frustrations over her mom's dislike of her athleticism, and I'm not going to be very happy about what comes next.

7 - Yagami "Kari" Hikari. Hikari isn't much of a brawler so you'd think this would be an easy fight. But this girl is weird, y'all! I go in for the haymaker and before I can even land it, she starts glowing brighter than the surface of the sun and speaking in new voices and levitating in the air.

And before I can even say "What the actual fuck is happening right now", Taichi with the steel chair.

8 - Tachikawa Mimi. One does not fight Tachikawa Mimi. This girl's charisma score is through the roof. Her greatest power is the ability to inspire others to stand by her, even when she isn't even trying to.

There is no version of this fight where Mimi ever throws a punch. She doesn't have to. In all other fights, the crowd of kids gathers to watch me fight. Mostly to laugh at me. In this fight, they're the fight.

This is a 35-on-1 shitstomp as every child on the playground dogpiles on my face and kicks the shit out of me for even daring.

And you know what? They're right. It's me. I'm the bully. ._. I'm sorry, everyone. I'll try to be better.

[ltrllynbdy]

I'm currently rewatching Digimon adventure because of my own entertainment and I've decided to make a post about literally every single interaction that Yamayo has because why not? Seems like this fandom still doesn't understand him even after years of this show going on.

I will put these post with the hashtag "Yamato in digimon episode by episode" so y'all can find them easier as I go.

So here it goes:

Yamato in Episode 1:

There are three things that are very very clear about Yamato from this episode alone:

He is a careful and pragmatic person that cares about people's safety a lot

He is quite overprotective of the smallest member of the group (Takeru)

Yamato is prone to calling the shots when they need to make decisions, similar to Taichi

Firstly, the episode starts with an unnatural snow in Japan. Yamato's first instinct, is to look for Takeru's safety and Yamato initially agrees with Jyou who's first instinct is to go and look for adults.

Later in this episode when the kids are trapped in the digital world and are being chased by Kuwagamon, Yamato calls the shots by telling them to dodge.

Yamato's personality and pragmatism automatically clashes with Taichi's who is way more prone to taking risks.

When Taichi wants to fight with Kwagamon, Yamato completely disagrees with him. (other characters usually either agree with Yamato or Taichi. In this scene, Koushiro and Sora agree with Yamato)

While Yamato's way of thinking looks more similar to Jyou at times, the key difference is that Jyou normally appears to lack self confidence and acts due to his nervousness (which is Jyou's character growth in the show as well) while Yamato in general is a confident person , rarely gets nervous or scared and simply prefers not to take risks for the group's safety and comfort. If Yamato ever get affraid it's not for his own safety but for others and usually Takeru.

(There are a few moments later in the show in which Yamato acts based off of his insecurities or fear for Takeru but I'll talk about that later)

On a side note, when I was a kid, this tsunomon blush made me totally fall in love with him (and later fall for Yamato due to my love for tsunomon lol)😂

[ahiddenpath]

New Digimon Fanfic: Exploration

I published the first of four chapters of a new explicit digimon fanfic today! You can find it on AO3 here and FFN here.

Summary:

An AU story where Motomiya Daisuke, Anami Eimi, Ichijouji Ken, and Izumi Koushiro are undergraduate students in 2024. This four chapter explicit story follows their exploration of sexuality and relationships in a consensual, queer-friendly way.

Author's notes:

This story features college-age characters exploring their identities in a supportive/sex-friendly/consensual way. We'll see characters pushing themselves to see what they like, asexual characters exploring sex, casual relationships, casual relationships ending, casual relationships shifting to committed ones, monogamous relationships, and possibly poly and open relationships. The characters are purposefully pushing themselves and each other in the name of self-discovery, but they are doing so consensually. They are beginners, though; their advice isn't perfect. Also, while the story is sex positive, there are difficult aspects to being queer in our world, and to navigating relationships in general. Those do come up here.

Chapter one: Motomiya Daisuke x Anami Eimi Chapter two: Motomiya Daisuke x Ichijouji Ken Chapter three: Izumi Koushiro x Anami Eimi Chapter four: Still in development

Additional Notes:

Hi all!  So, this story was inspired by a dream I had of Daisuke and Eimi hooking up, which, if you're familiar with Eimi and my work, was...  Kind of weird for me.  I ended up fleshing out a story without meaning to simply by trying to figure out what could possibly bring those two together like that, and this is what I came up with!  It began expanding to contain Daiken, and suddenly it was June, and I thought...  Pride month celebration!!!!

I feel extremely unsure about sharing this work, because explicit content is outside of my wheelhouse, and because I'm lowkey terrified of accidentally blundering somehow when it comes to exploring queer themes (although I am queer myself).  So please be kind <3

[taikouvember]

Taikouvember 2024 - Prompt Guideline

If you read about Taikouvember and are excited for the event, but don’t know how to interpret the prompts, let us give you a little bit of input about what was on our minds when we brainstormed them. Maybe it will give you some inspiration! Singular posts outlining every single prompt will follow soon as well.

Any kind of medium is allowed: Fanfiction, drabbles, poems, fanart & doodles, picture & gif sets, AMVs, playlists, meta analysis, rambles/rants... You name it!

Disclaimer: It is all up to you and you don’t have to follow any of the following ideas!

Day 1, Monday, November 4th 2024: Friendship

What is your favourite aspect about Taichi's and Koushiro's friendship with one another? What do you enjoy the most about their dynamics, what makes them special to you? Do you have headcanons about inside jokes, hobbies, etc.? Where could you see them have quarrels and arguments? Are there moments in the anime, manhua, games, etc. that stuck out to you, which display their platonic bond best?

Additional idea: What is your favourite aspect about their relationship/dynamic with Yamato?

Alternate prompts: Connection / Distance (2022) & The Multiverse: Canon vs. AUs (2023)

Day 2, Tuesday, November 5th 2024: Love

What is your favourite aspect about Taichi's and Koushiro's romantic potential with one another? What do you think makes them work out as a couple, how do you think their dynamic might look like? What kinds of habits and routines would they have? Are there any hardships they would have to overcome together? Do you have fluffy and cheesy headcanons about their love?

Additional idea: What is your favourite aspect about their relationship/dynamic with Sora?

Alternate prompts: Adventure / Calm (2022) & Past / Future (2023)

Day 3, Wednesday, November 6th 2024: Sincerity

What are situations where they would have to be sincere with one another? Are there any confessions they have to make (in regards to love and otherwise), any things they need to open up to towards each other? Are there secrets they have been hiding from the other?

Additional idea: What is your favourite aspect about their relationship/dynamic with Mimi?

Alternate prompts: Work / Casual (2022) & Habits / Change (2023)

Day 4, Thursday, November 7th 2024: Reliability

How do you see them complementing and supporting each other? How does Taichi's brave mentality help Koushiro's intellect - and vice versa? Are there moments in the anime, manhua, games, etc. that stuck out to you, which display their loyal, reliable attitudes towards each other best?

Additonal idea: What is your favourite aspect about their relationship/dynamic with Jou?

Alternate prompts: Confession / Lie (2022) & Trauma / Healing (2023)

Day 5, Friday, November 8th 2024: Hope

In case we would get any kind of new media (promo art, a new anime for the original or reboot timeline, a new movie, etc.): What are your personal hopes for them? How would you like to see their dynamic develop or change, how would you like to see it play out in the future? Are there any headcanons or guilty pleasures, however self-indulgent they may be, that you would love to see come to life?

Additional idea: What is your favourite aspect about their relationship/dynamic with Takeru?

Alternate prompts: Extroverted / Introverted (2022) & Visible / Invisible Affection (2023)

Day 6, Saturday, November 9th 2024: Light

"Shedding some light" and positivity on your personal experiences: What does the ship mean to you? When and why did you start to ship or at least appreciate it, do you have specific memories you would like to share? Have you made any fanwork in the past that you are particularly proud of?

Additonal idea: What is your favourite aspect about their relationship/dynamic with Hikari?

Alternate prompts: Loyalty / Jealousy (2022) & Brave Knowledge / Curious Courage (2023)

Day 7, Sunday, November 10th 2024: Kindness / Miracles

Do you want miracles to happen for them? Do you want to grant them a deed of kindness or highlight their kindest moments and qualities? Either way: In a series that regularly lets miracles happen to its protagonists, that kindly fulfills dreams, the last day shall be dedicated to your personal wishes: You may post whatever comes to your mind in regards to Taikou, something you always wanted to shout into the world, draw, write, create, but never found the opportunity to do so! We’re excited to see what you have in mind!

Additonal idea: What is your favourite aspect about their relationship/dynamic with Daisuke, Miyako, Iori, Ken or any other Chosen Children?

[izzyizumi]

Digimon Adventure ~ J.P.N Version ~ Episode 39 + Izumi Koushiro{u}'s Parent + Kido Shin (Jou's 2nd eldest Sibling)

"Don't say such {negative} things! I {b e l i e v e} in these children!" - Koushiro's parent, referring to Koushiro and, the "Chosen Children" as a Whole, (including Jou)

"It'll be all right, Nii-san.

We'll make {absolutely} sure the s u n does 'come up'!"

-Kido Jou, after overhearing from afar, Triumphant-like

Gifs by @izzyizumi / koushirouizumi {Do Not Re-post} {Do Not Copy} {Do Not Remove Caption} {Do Not Re-produce My Work Under Any Circumstances Without My Permission Whatsoever!}

Original commentary, Image Usage & Interaction rules under the 'read more'!

My Commentary: This small but significant sequence takes place not long after Koushiro is revealed to be a canon Adoptee. Mrs. Izumi is fully aware that Koushiro has accepted Mrs. Izumi (+Izumis both) as Koushiro's true parent{s}, however, we are not given indication that the other supporting characters were actually told about 'the secret' of Koushiro's. Shin's surprise, in that regard, can hardly be held too much against Shin - which Mrs. Izumi eventually quickly recognizes, dropping the argument and frustration - Shin was likely completely unaware how strongly Mrs. Izumi felt during these moments, while Mrs. Izumi was likely running on pure adrenaline responding!

Mrs. Izumi, in the original version, is also using a neutrally polite speech pattern that is overall appropriate when speaking to children; Koushiro, in the original, is also known for speaking throughout the entire series with a formal and polite pattern that is "unusual" for Koushiro's age, while it's more "typical" for Mrs. Izumi to use similar in this sequence.

Shin Kido, Jou's 2nd eldest sibling closer in age, the 2nd born of the three Kidos, is the sibling who appears throughout Adventure Episodes 35~39 and later Adventure-specific episodes (such as flashback sequence in Dark Masters arc) specifically. In the 2nd sequel series, "02", Jou's oldest sibling, Shuu, was introduced. The U. S. dub combined "Shin" and "Shuu" into "Jim", a singular character, but they were actually two separate siblings! (Thus, Jou is speaking to Shin as if Shin is the younger of the two siblings, addressing Shin commonly with a 'casual' "Nii-san", though in this scene, Jou sounds surprisingly more 'assured' and perhaps a slight bit 'full of' self, but is quickly grounded by Sora and Mimi not long after.)

{Usage of gifs may be allowed if permission is asked / or if credit is given. However, read my about & FAQ pages first. Please do NOT use / ask if you match anything in my “Do Not Interact” sections.}

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[Though Koushiro is not in these specific imgs, (Koushiro is in the back-ground of this specific sequence) Izumis are, so please treat it as Koushiro Positive regardless! Please interact on this set Respectfully. Please only tag with 'Familial' and 'Platonic' tags!] {usage may be allowed IF PERMISSION IS ASKED TO USE.}

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[froggie-bolt]

Froggie's Master Post 2: The electric boogaloo

I'm unable to add to my original masterpost, so im making a new one!

Masterpost 1

Digimon

TaiShiro (Tentoman, Help!, Pixel sprites holding hands, More TaiShiro doodles, Taichi and Koushiro teach each other a lot of things, Taishiro art,"Im not calling you good boy, Taichi-san", )

V-tamer AU( I'll be with you every step of the way, I promise, Character sheets pt.1, Character sheets pt.2, Side A pt.1 , Side c pt.1, Side B pt.1, Side A pt. 3?

Other: ( Post-Tri thing, Seeing Digimon 02: The beginning, Playing Digimon adventure for PSP, Taichi freestyling until he says something gay, New art of Daisuke and Taichi post-Kizuna, Motimon Card, The Taichiverse, Yandere Taichi AU?, Looking for the box art, Cool deck box, Yandere Taichi AU, Takari boxes, more yandere taichi au, Digimon cosplay at otafest, Taichi headcanon, Yagami siblings ,

My Hero Academia

KRBK: (Not the krbk treches either, post war joke comic, Fireworks, Make Kiri happy, Kirishima on copeium, Krbk art in this day and age, You know I wanna be your rock, my love, Bookshop AU, movie redraw, doodle request, krbk canon, krbk coded, doodle for krbk day Krbk sticker , Krbk sticker timelapse, Krbk w2h AU piece,

Todoiideku: (Todoiideku trenches,)

Bkdk ( What in the gay bullshit, bkdk comp...,

Other: (Bakugou art based off a fic, Izuku doodle, Kirishima doodle, ANOTHER izuku doodle, middle school kiri, Kirishima Cool as I think I am Animatic, Kirishima is a pokemon fan CANON, Self-care Eijiro, middle school kiri doodle,

Sonic

Sonadow ( Sonadow Comic,)

Other

Animal crossing wild world, Go listen to Kagerou Project, Short shipping discussion, Birthday post, what is Proshipping,

[detectiveichijouji]

02 Group’s profiles!!

Ken: A sophomore student from a High School in Tamachi, 16-17yo. He used to be the tyrant Digimon Kaiser, but thanks to Daisuke and the others he had been reformed and recovered his old, kind and true self. Lately he’s working with his friends as an “unofficial special unit” solving digimon cases and mysteries around Tokyo. Seems like he’s enjoying the role as the detective already!?

Miyako: A senior student from Hikarigamori High School, 17-18yo. She’s still helping everyone as she can, and still doing her best. She still has no idea what he wants to do when she graduates, but she likes to assist Koushiro on maintaining the Chosen Children Network. Currently working with her friends solving digi-cases around Tokyo.

Iori: A 3rd grade student from Odaiba Junior High School (Middle School), 14-15yo. One with excellent grades and who becomes a role model for younger children. He still practices Kendo, and works as the 02 group’s voice of reason. You could think he would turn Daisuke down on the idea of starting a “club to solve mysteries” but he found that an interesting way to spend time with them all.

Daisuke: A sophomore student from Amanogawa High School, 16-17yo. While he seems to struggle at a few curricular subjects, he’s still good at soccer and English. After watching a ton of detective movies and TV series to entertain himself after school activities, he decided to convince the group to form a “special detective club-or-unit” and go solving digimon cases around.

Hikari: A sophomore student from the same school Daisuke attends, 16-17yo. She’s still good at manipulating Daisuke, but never for selfish purposes (if anything, she enables his best and boosts his courage in order to make him accomplish missions), and she joins the school’s journal staff, in order to have a new experience and expand her horizons, as their photographer. Her role at the school’s journal staff becomes handy when the group decides to investigate digimon phenomenon around Tokyo.

Takeru: A sophomore student from the same school Daisuke and Hikari attend, 16-17yo. Takeru has been closer to Daisuke now and they tend to spend their school time together, alongside Hikari. He likes to write short stories in his notebook, about his daily life as a student and as Chosen Child. He was the first to jump into the wagon for Daisuke’s idea of forming a detective club. May-may-not be the group’s enabler.

[ayukaze]

MIMATO WEEK 2023 DAY 1 - "DIGIVICE"

FFN / AO3

Summary: After losing their partners, the Digidestined are learning to let go, they're learning to move on with their lives. But what throws them off track is the sudden revival of their Digivices in a way that none of them expected. The word partner has more than one meaning after all. If one is lost, maybe another will be found?

Notes: Post Kizuna, Soulmate AU

Chapters: 1/?

~~~~~ xxx~~~~~

To live every day with a gaping hole in your life was something that Yamato had now gotten used to.

His routine was simple, wake up, go to college, socialise after classes, come home and sleep, and when the sun rose the next day, rinse and repeat.

This is how things had been ever since Menoa Belluci was apprehended for her actions, ever since Gabumon stood next to him for one last time, before disappearing into a void that Yamato still hadn’t managed to break into. What he had learned from trying, however, was that life goes on despite everything else. Even if he and Taichi could not be there at the scene to resolve the issue of Digimon pouring into their world through random appearances of Digital Gate, someone else was ready to take their place.

Yamato, like many others, had finished playing a role in the grand scheme and had no choice but to accept the next act that awaited him, no matter how small and irrelevant it seemed in comparison.

So that’s what he did, lived life with the hope of making it to the end of the day, ignoring the emptiness that tugged at him from every direction, reminding him of the promise he had made, reminding him of the partner he had lost.

Somewhere along the line, it became difficult for him and Taichi to look each other in the eye after that final battle. Agumon and Gabumon had taken with them the phase of their lives where they depended on each other for everything. From catching up twice or thrice a week, their meetups happened once a month until the two became busy enough to let their get-togethers fizzle out of their schedules and turned them into an occasional message or a short phone call every few months.

Sora had lost Piyomon not soon after, deciding that that was the moment she needed to discover herself anew, moving on to immerse herself in her job and eventually losing touch with most of them. Jou had been the next one to lose Gomamon, he showed up to Yamato’s apartment at 2 AM, crying uncontrollably. Yamato sat with him all night as he sobbed, holding his hand throughout as he held his own tears back. A few months back, Koushiro informed everyone that the timer had appeared for him as well, but so far it was moving slowly so Tentomon was still around. Takeru, Hikari and the other kids were still very much actively trying to work towards solving any Digimon related problems that arose around the world. His brother was sweet enough to not let Patamon tag along when he came by to visit until Yamato told him it was okay to do so.

As crazily as they had been dropped into the Digital World and gotten used to having their partners next to them at all times, eventually, they got used to their disappearance as well. Yamato knew that if he ran into his younger self right now, the little boy would find it hard to believe that he could live every day of his life normally, smiling and laughing, knowing that there was a chance that Gabumon would never appear at his side again. That was probably the only thought that tugged at him the most, every time the idea that he could no longer face his younger self confidently would appear in his mind, Yamato would find it very difficult to look at himself in the mirror.

But, life goes on, and so did Yamato.

Today, he was out socialising after classes with his college friends, the part of his routine that he was always least interested in but could never get out of either. Most of the time the group would go to small izakayas where Yamato would sit cramped between two people he didn’t like, sipping on beer as slowly as possible to avoid getting drunk in front of his classmates. Sometimes he’d be dragged to mixer parties, as much as he tried to say no to these, he was told that the girls would not show up if he didn’t so for the sake of keeping up a good relationship with his classmates he’d allow himself to be showcased as a prize in front of girls he had no interest in. Wanting to try something fresh and new, today his college friends had decided that they would go for karaoke. As Yamato had kept his singing hobby under wraps from this group, he wasn’t looking forward to the night at all but was somewhat relieved to see that only a handful of people joined this escapade.

He was a little proud of himself for managing to avoid taking the mic up for a solo, so far he’d only joined in on choruses when everyone else was singing loudly too, and no one had noticed his bare minimum participation yet. The escape plan became very clear in Yamato’s mind, he’d stand up and join the hype for the next song, then pretend to be tired enough to be excused for the night without suspicion. He tapped his fingers against his knees impatiently, waiting for the two loudest members of the group to come back from the restroom with the hope that they’d pick some loud, rowdy song next which would get everyone in the room worked up for no reason.

Right on queue, the door to their booth opened and for a brief moment the dimly lit room was filled with white light before the two guys shut the door, their loud laughter drowning out the low notes of the ballad currently playing.

“You guys won’t believe what we just saw-”

“It’s so crazy!”

“There’s a girl in the booth next to ours-”

“A really hot girl by the way!”

“And she’s crying her eyes out, it’s insane really.”

Their loud exclamations were met with an uncomfortable silence for a few moments, Yamato was relieved that not everyone in this group thought that a girl in distress was something to laugh about. But as the two boys settled down, a few chuckles and shrugs were passed around their group, dismissing the information as irrelevant as the beginning notes of a preppy song filled the room. Yamato tried not to squirm in his seat as he forced a smile and nodded along to the music, fighting down the suffocating feeling that was trying to overwhelm him. He had planned to stay for one more song but he decided that now would be a good time to escape to the restroom and then come back after a few minutes to take his leave.

Raising his voice to be heard over the boys who were singing, Yamato informed the person sitting next to him that he’d be right back and quietly slipped out of the booth. Once in the empty hallway, he took a deep breath and made his way towards the restrooms. He dawdled around the bathroom stalls, scrolling on his phone and counting down the minutes until he’d need to go back and join the group. Although he hadn’t done much except sit around and fake nod to music he didn’t like, Yamato figured that by the time he got home, he’d be exhausted to the bone.

Deciding that a good ten minutes were more than enough time to go back and make an excuse about not feeling well, Yamato left the restroom and began to make his way back to the booth. When he passed by the booth right next to theirs, his feet automatically came to a halt. He hadn’t peeked inside, he wasn’t rude like his classmates, but something in his heart told him to take a few steps back and see if everything was okay in there. He knew that he wasn’t the best at comforting people, especially when they were crying, but if the person in there really did seem like they were in trouble, then the least he could do was inform the staff so they could come handle it. With that thought in his mind, Yamato confidently took a step back, leaning his head to glance through the large, oval-shaped window in the door.

As Yamato’s eyes landed on the occupant of the booth, his breath got caught in his throat.

His classmates hadn’t lied, the girl sitting inside was indeed crying terribly.

And it just so happened to be that that girl was Mimi Tachikawa.

A million questions raced around Yamato’s mind, should he go in, should he let her be, should he call someone else for help? Takeru would know exactly what to say and Sora would know exactly what to do, but Yamato was neither so at first all he could do was stare at the sight of a completely broken Mimi, fists balled at his side and feet frozen to the ground. He tried to reassure himself, that he didn’t know what had gone wrong, that this could be something personal like an argument with a friend or family member, or perhaps a bad breakup, in which case he really wouldn’t have anything worthwhile to say. It might be best to leave this to the experts, Yamato decided, pulling out his phone to drop a text to Sora. The two hadn’t talked in months but he was sure she would respond immediately out of her concern for Mimi’s well-being. He took a final peek into the booth, just to make sure he’d get all the details right before contacting Sora, and that’s when he noticed it.

Mimi was sitting with her hands clasped above her lap, clutching onto something loosely as she wept uncontrollably. When he moved closer to the door, it didn’t take him even a second to recognise the object in her hand.

She was holding onto her digivice, which once used to be as bright as a clear sky but now lay rusted and lifeless in her hands.

Yamato swallowed a nervous gulp, finally understanding what he was witnessing.

He slipped his phone back into his pants pocket and without hesitation stepped forward, opening the door so he could quietly enter Mimi’s booth. The sound of her crying rose above the music playing in the background. First, Yamato picked up the controller so he could turn off the music, and while setting it back down he noticed the mic that lay on the sofa across from Mimi. He clenched his jaw as an image of Palmon holding the mic and sitting in that dim karaoke booth with Mimi flickered into his mind. He shook his head in an attempt to keep his own emotions at bay before he gently sat down next to Mimi.

She was yet to notice his appearance in the room, when he looked at her face he saw that her eyes were squeezed shut as tears endlessly flowed down across her flushed cheeks, and the sight of her looking so crushed made his heart feel heavy. Her crying voice was also not easy for him to stomach, he was used to her chirpy tone even her slightly high-pitched whiny retorts, but these loud, guttural sobs were something he’d never have associated with Mimi. Being so close to her in this vulnerable state made his own pain resurface. He’d mastered the art of pushing down the numb emptiness he felt in his heart, but now suddenly he could see Gabumon sitting next to Palmon on the sofa across from them.

Yamato closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

Now was not the time for him to be consumed by his own sadness, he was here to help Mimi get through this difficult moment.

With the feeble amount of courage that he could muster, he raised a hand and rested it softly on top of Mimi’s open palms. The effect was immediate, though she did not stop sobbing, Mimi did open her eyes wide as she turned to face him.

As surprised as she looked to find him next to her, when their eyes met it was as if everything that she had tried to hold back by herself burst out of her at once.

“She’s gone, she was right there and now she’s not, she’s gone- my best friend-”

“I know. I’m sorry.”

Yamato squeezed her hands as he tried to maintain eye contact with her without shedding a tear or two of his own. Mimi darted her head around, looking at where Palmon must’ve been sitting and then back at him, caramel eyes filled with tears and grief as she attempted to make sense of the truth.

“My best friend.”

Mimi repeated those words in a hollow tone and Yamato nodded in response, even though her gaze was focused on the empty spot at the sofa across from them.

He wasn’t sure how much time passed after that, he sat there holding onto Mimi’s hands, making sure that she knew that she wasn’t alone. Even if her tears never stopped flowing across her cheeks, or her sobs never stopped echoing across the room, Yamato didn’t leave her side for even a second. It was all he could do really, he thought about saying encouraging shit like ‘it’ll get better’ or ‘you’ll get through this’ but dropped the idea as soon as it appeared in his mind because he knew the truth, it doesn’t get better so easily and nobody gets through this without feeling incomplete.

Mimi didn’t speak much and only stared ahead of herself in a daze. Once in a while, she’d squeeze his hand, maybe in an attempt to let him know that she was still here. He didn’t know if she appreciated his silence, or even his presence, since they’d never been close enough to bare their true feelings in front of the other like this. But he did know that if he’d turned around and walked away after seeing her in such a broken state, he would never have forgiven himself for it.

Which is why Yamato sat silently, almost as if he was a statue, awaiting any kind of signal from Mimi that would let him know that she was okay enough to leave. But it was the karaoke employee speaking through the intercom to inform them that the room’s usage rate was fulfilled, that brought Yamato’s feet back to the ground. With gritted teeth and a hardened jaw, he coaxed Mimi into standing up from her seat. Her footing was wobbly so he allowed her to hold onto his arms for stability. Looking around the room to check they weren’t leaving any of Mimi’s belongings behind, Yamato gently guided her out of the room even as a fresh batch of tears came rolling down her cheeks as she gave one last glance in the direction of where Palmon had stood last.

He was grateful that the employees they passed on their way out did not seem to bat an eyelid at the odd sight the two of them made, but his luck only lasted for so long. Once out on the street, the two received peculiar looks from the passers-by, with most of them directed at Yamato since he’d draped a protective arm around Mimi’s shoulders to ensure she wouldn’t walk into a busy street in her daze. He knew, however, that they wouldn’t be able to get too far like this, without some well-meaning stranger stopping them and enquiring about why Mimi looked so distressed. Spotting a brightly lit convenience store a few steps ahead, Yamato quickly led them to it, hoping to reduce any suspicion towards him if he talked with her in an easily accessible location.

“Mimi, which way is your home?” He tried to ask the question calmly, he didn’t want to burden her with more tiresome thoughts but knowing where they were supposed to go would make this whole ordeal so much more easier on him.

“I don’t know. I don’t know anything anymore,” she mumbled to herself, her eyes fixed on the pavement as she staggered for a moment before clutching onto his chest to keep herself standing straight.

“I can’t take you home if you don’t help me out here.” Yamato pleaded with her softly, hesitantly resting a hand on the small of her back to make sure she wouldn’t stumble again.

“I don’t care where you take me, it doesn’t matter anymore. Nothing matters anymore.”

Mimi spoke in a voice that was barely above a whisper before she leaned her head against his chest and let her body go limp. While Yamato understood that the whole situation had drained her of all her strength, he’d still hoped that she would be able to stay upright till they reached her house. Instead, he was left having to get her on his back all by himself in the corner of a street without looking suspicious.

With great difficulty and after a few awkward eye contacts with passing strangers, Yamato managed to get Mimi safely tucked onto his back and began to make his way towards his apartment, which thankfully wasn’t a long walk from the neighbourhood they were in. He wasn’t sure if he should inform anyone that he was taking Mimi back to his place since she was in no state to get herself home safely because he had no clue if she still lived with her parents. He thought about checking with Takeru, but the whole conversation that that one question would lead to was something Yamato didn’t have any energy for presently.

So with the occasional huff and a few rest stops, Yamato managed to carry Mimi safely back to his small apartment. Once inside, he made straight for his room, glad about his neat freak tendencies since he could just lay Mimi down on his bed without a single worry. He tried his best to settle her on the mattress comfortably, arranging pillows behind her head, taking off her shoes delicately, and covering her with as many blankets as he could find. During all this, Mimi didn’t even flinch once, which in a way was a blessing since it made things less embarrassing.

After he was done bubble-wrapping her into comfort, Yamato glanced at her face. She looked like she had passed out from exhaustion, which was probably the case anyway. Her eyes were swollen, her cheeks were tearstained and tinted pink, the tip of her nose was as red as a tomato, her lips were swollen too from being bitten at carelessly, and her hair lay dishevelled around her face, in other words, she looked like a complete mess.

Yet, the sight of her ignited something inside of Yamato.

He stood there for a few minutes, just staring at her.

He vaguely remembered the first time they’d met at school, he hadn’t paid her much attention at the time. It was only when they went to the Digital World, had he started to notice her.

He’d always liked how easily she managed to gel with Takeru, the youngest one in the group at first, and how she always spoke to him as a friend on the same level, not as somebody older who was trying to assert themselves onto him, something Yamato himself was guilty of at many occasions. He’d always liked how much she cared about everything and everyone, so much so that sometimes those feelings spilt into impulsive or brash actions, but her intentions always remained pure and he’d always noticed that.

There was no denying, that the two had drifted slightly apart as they grew older, with Mimi moving to America and only visiting them once in a while. He always found it difficult to strike up a conversation with her when she’d come back from the States, he felt that nothing about his life here would interest her much in comparison. After they graduated from high school, she did try her best to stay in touch with each of their friends individually, sometimes Yamato would receive a message at midnight asking him about how his day had gone, which always threw him off guard. Lately, he had been lacking in responding to even the shortest questions she sent in, but that hadn’t stopped her from trying.

Now that he stood in his room, watching her chest rise and fall in a slow, tired rhythm, he regretted putting off replying to her messages. Maybe if he’d kept in touch regularly, he might have known about her time with Palmon being limited. Not that knowing about this could have prepared him any better for handling the situation, but still, at least she would’ve known that she could count on him to get through this.

Instinctively, Yamato's hand reached forward and he brushed a few strands of her hair away from her forehead, leaning his face down so he could get a better look at hers.

It would be a while before he’d be able to forget the sight of her sobbing alone in that dimly lit karaoke booth, but he still hoped that tomorrow when she woke up, her face would have the budding hints of her usual brightness, because he really could do with some sunshine and happy smiles in his life.

Shaking his head at the ridiculous thought, Yamato walked out of his room, quietly shutting the door behind him. He eyed his cramped couch with contempt before sighing in defeat as he didn’t have a choice. He tried to rearrange the two cushions on the couch into a headrest for himself, however before he could lie down, a flicker at the corner of his eye caught his attention. Yamato surveyed his living room carefully, trying to find the object that had disrupted his concentration but nothing stood out for a while. After a few minutes, just as he was about to give up on the idea of finding anything, he saw a flicker of light on the shelf that took over the opposite side of his living room.

Abandoning the couch, Yamato stepped closer to the shelf as the light appeared for a brief moment before disappearing again. The shelf wasn’t cluttered, there were a few photo frames with his family and friends featured on them, some books and a succulent or two. The light had appeared in the centre, so that’s the direction he leaned closer in. In the middle of the shelf was the photo of him and the other kids from their very first adventure into the Digital World, next to it was the harmonica his father had gifted him that summer along with his battered and broken digivice. Not even one of these items was capable of making the light he’d witnessed, Yamato thought, maybe it was just a trick the nightlights from outside the window had played on his eyes. But just as this thought appeared in his mind, it happened once more, and this time he was able to witness the source.

Yamato had kept his digivice out in the open like this because he knew that it was nothing but a piece of memorabilia for him now. The digivice had laid unresponsive on this shelf since the day Gabumon had departed.

And yet, tonight was different.

The minute Yamato fixed his gaze on it, the digivice lit up intensely in a shade that he knew was not meant to represent either him or Gabumon.

Yamato stood frozen in his living room, eyes wide with shock as a bright green glow surrounded his digivice.

Slowly, the light around the digivice dimmed, but to Yamato’s surprise, the digivice that had been lying rusted for days now looked as alive as ever, the only catch?

It had turned completely green.

- x -

[tobiasdrake]

Digimon Adventure 02x10 - The Enemy is MetalGreymon / The Captive Digimon

Previously on Digimon Adventure: Fed up with a society that doesn't understand him, Ichijouji Ken took Taichi's ball and went home to the Digital World. FOREVER!!!

We open on Taichi in class, staring solemnly out the window as the rain pours. Symbolizing the storm going on in his heart right now.

Taichi: (thinking) Agumon... Five more minutes....

The teacher silently looks Taichi's way. He doesn't say anything, but Taichi flinches and gets back to work on his test.

Taichi: (thinking) Ugh, this test... I can't deal with this!

So they've definitely broken the news to Taichi between episodes. Koushiro probably called him right after Iori's email came in.

In the dub:

Tai: (thinking) Hold on Agumon! I'll be there soon! (sigh) Just a few more minutes. (Teacher looks Tai's direction) Tai: Oh! (Tai gets back to the test) Tai: (thinking) Antegrade... quadratic... it's like this stuff makes no sense!

Taichi can't pay attention to his test because he's so worried about Agumon. Tai's just ill-prepared.

After school lets out we cut across Odaiba to the elementary school.

Hikari, Daisuke, and Takeru race down the hall as fast as they can, ducking into Computer Club. Inside, Iori's waiting for them with Taichi and Koushiro.

Daisuke: SORRY, WE'RE HERE!!! Taichi: Why are you so late!? Hikari: Sorry, Onii-chan. Daisuke: You're wrong, Taichi-senpai. It's not Hikari-chan's fault. Okada and the guys started playing hockey with the brooms.... Takeru: Yeah, and then the teacher lectured us too! Taichi: Who's this Okada? Daisuke: Oh, he's in the same cleaning crew as us. Hikari: It's okay, Daisuke-kun. I couldn't stop them, so it's my fault too. Daisuke: But-- Hikari: No, really, it's okay. Thank you. Daisuke: Okay.

It's not clear from the animation that Taichi's snapping at Hikari specifically, but the conversation that follows seems to indicate it. Daisuke and Takeru specifically step up to defend Hikari. But though she appreciates the gesture, she takes responsibility anyway.

Despite it honestly sounding like entirely Okada's fault. "I couldn't stop him so it's my fault too." Hikari, no. Sweetheart. You unlearn that defense mechanism right now before you end up in an abusive relationship for twenty years.

It's customary in Japan for the students themselves to be responsible for cleaning their school. To my understanding, the goal is to teach kids to be responsible for their spaces. But it runs into the same problem as any parent trying to teach their kid to do chores: Children like to goof off.

Taichi is polite as he asks about Okada, but then visibly seethes as Daisuke explains. He's got a lot of emotional turmoil that he's biting back on right now.

Taichi has a history of lashing out when he's upset, both verbally and physically. But here, he seems to be trying to restrain himself and be civil. He's clearly feeling violence, but unlike his behavior three years ago, he's learned how to avoid expressing that violence.

In the dub, the junior kids get lines before we see them running to establish their panic.

Kari: HURRY!!! T.K.: WE'RE LATE!!! Davis: QUIT SPLASHING!!! (Kari and the others run into Computer Club) Tai: You guys are late. Kari: We're so sorry, Tai. Davis: H-Hey, don't blame Kari! It's my fault we're late. I had an appointment for a haircut, but when I looked in the mirror, I realized my hair was perfect! T.K.: The problem is, he was looking in the mirror for over an hour! Tai: But what about Agumon!? Davis: Have him make his own appointment. Tai: (seethes) Rrrrgh! Kari: Davis, if you're gonna be a member of the DigiDestined, you're gonna have to think less of your hair and more of the team. Davis: Okay. Kari: Now let's go and save Agumon! Davis: ...

In the dub, the team's tardiness is entirely Davis's fault because he's a raging narcissist. Why T.K. and Kari didn't just leave his ass there goes unexamined. He's also so self-centered that he's completely forgotten Agumon's plight.

...though I am ashamed to admit that "Have him make his own appointment" got me. XD I don't like the way the dub characterizes Davis but that was pretty funny.

So, this explains why the fifth-graders are late, and Iori's already here. That just leaves....

Takeru: By the way, where's Miyako-san? Poromon: She isn't here yet. Koushiro: Could she still be in class? Daisuke: Class let out a long time ago. She must be goofing off somewhere! Taichi: (forcefully) Then go look for her! Daisuke: R-right! Iori: I'll go too!

Daisuke and Iori flee the room, only to run into Miyako standing right outside the door. It's unclear how long she's been out there.

Iori: Miyako-san! Miyako: (weakly) Sorry I'm late.

With almost no emotion in her voice, Miyako makes her apology and enters Computer Club.

Koushiro: Alright, we're all here now. Takeru: Then I'm counting on all of you. Daisuke: Go on, Miyako! Let's have the usual cheer! Miyako: ... Daisuke: (concerned) Huh? What's wrong? Poromon: Are you sick? Miyako: That's not it. Chibimon: We won't know if you don't tell us. Taichi: To put it simply, you don't want to go, right? In that case, it'd be better if you don't come. Hikari: Onii-chan....

Hikari defensively latches onto Taichi's arm as if trying to calm him. But it isn't necessary.

Taichi: (to Hikari) Don't get the wrong idea. (to group) I'm not mad. I just don't want to put anyone in danger. At worst, I've even thought about going with just Hikari and me. Hikari: (nods) Mhm.

Taichi is a boiling kettle under the surface and everyone can see it. But again, he's restrained himself and is avoiding lashing out at everyone like he might have done three years ago. He's showing his emotional growth and maturity.

In fact, he's showing specific growth and maturity as he's demonstrating what he learned from the way things went with Mimi and Yamato way back when. That he can't force-march the team against their will, and it's honestly better for everyone if they can take the time they need and come back when they're ready.

Even if their destinations are the same, everyone must find their own path to it. Taichi is going. But he's more than ready to split the party if splitting the party is how he has to go.

In the dub:

T.K.: But where is Yolei!? Poromon: WOOHOO WEEHEE!!! Izzy: She's cleaning her glasses. Davis: As big as her glasses are, that could take hours. When are people gonna learn to wear goggles!? Tai: Well hurry up and go find her so we can leave already! Davis: Okay, okay! Cody: I'll go too!

They really had no idea what to do with Poromon's lip flaps so he just makes contextually-inappropriate hooting noises. XD That's... one way to handle a dub script, I guess!

Not sure why Yolei had to leave the room to clean her glasses.

(Cody and Davis run out into the hall and find Yolei there) Cody: Yolei!? Yolei: (weakly) Hey, how ya doin'. (Yolei enters Computer Club) Tai: Yolei, we've been waiting for you to go to the Digital World! We're going to save Agumon! Davis: And show that Digital Emperor just who's boss! Yolei: ... Davis: Huh!? What's wrong? Poromon: Aren't you excited to go to the Digital World? Yolei: I'm not going. DemiVeemon: Why not? Tell us what's wrong so we can help! Tai: Well, I can see you're the last person I would ever turn to if I was in trouble and needed some help! (Kari latches onto Tai's arm to calm him) Kari: Be nice, Tai. Tai: (to Kari) I'm sorry. I'm just worried about Agumon. (to the group) I don't want any of you to put yourself in danger if you feel like you're not up to the challenge, so maybe it would be best if you stay here, Yolei. I don't want anyone going if their heart's not into it. Kari: (nods) Mhm.

...Digital Emperor, Davis? Who dat?

Miyako doesn't feel up to going but is willing to force herself to do it anyway, for Agumon's sake. Yolei firmly states that she won't go.

Kari still grabs onto Tai to calm him, but in the dub, it's because he actually is having an angry outburst. Taichi's restraining himself and says something that sounds harsh but is actually well-intended, while Tai does lose his temper and lash out at Yolei. Still, after calming himself, he finds his way to where Taichi's at.

Takeru: It's okay, Miyako-san. You're not obligated to come or anything. Daisuke: Yeah, it's fine. Iori: That's right! We go because we want to go.

Iori poignantly reciting the wisdom he learned from Jou, back when he was the one who had to stay behind.

Miyako: Izumi-senpai, I-- Koushiro: That's what we'll do. Since everyone agrees, we'll stay here in reserve in case of emergency. Miyako: But.... Tailmon: It's okay. It's better not to go until you've sorted out your feelings. Poromon: They're right! Miyako: Ah!? Poromon: Going in like that, you'd just become a burden for everyone. Miyako: (sigh)

Miyako isn't happy about it, but it's decided. She's too depressed to put herself on the front lines, so she'll hang back with Koushiro.

Takeru: Then Hikari-chan can do the usual cheer. Hikari: Yeah!

Hikari steps up to the computer and holds up her D-3.

Hikari: DIGITAL GATE OPEN!!! CHOSEN CHILDREN, LET'S ROLL!!!

Miyako's officially said that so much that the team doesn't feel right deploying without it.

In the dub:

T.K.: (snide) And if it will make you feel any better, Yolei, you can stay and do my math homework. Just to keep yourself busy. Davis: Mine too! Cody: Now that I think about it, my kendo sticks could use some polishing.

"Kendo stick" sounds wrong to me and made me flinch, but I don't practice kendo so I can't say if that's actually a way practitioners might refer to their shinai or not.

Yolei: It's alright if I don't go? Izzy: (snide) Sure, you can make a day of it! Cleaning, math homework, and all those other fun things you love. Yolei: You sure? Gatomon: What do I have to do, hold up a sign? If everyone says you should stay, then you should say! Poromon: Gatomon's right, Yolei! Yolei: Huh? Poromon: If you don't feel like going to the Digital World then I don't feel like going either! Yolei: Hmm.... T.K.: Now that that's finally settled, let's go get Agumon! Kari: Right! If everyone's ready, let's go DigiDestined! DIGI-PORT OPEN!!!

Again, in the original, Miyako is willing to force herself to go and everyone has to convince her that she should stay behind if her heart isn't in it.

In the dub, Yolei's determined to stay behind no matter what anyone says. And, for their part, everyone's willing to let her but they're going to be passive-aggressive about it. Just to make sure she understands how much she's holding the team back.

This is particularly glaring with Izzy, who isn't going either yet still uses this as an opportunity to be an asshole. Because he is an asshole.

While 4/5 of the junior team and Taichi transfer over into the Digital World, we cut away to the Digimon Kaiser reflecting on the recent failures from his Evil Ring.

The Kaiser flashes back on Andromon breaking off his own ring, and then on SkullGreymon nuking the Dark Tower.

Kaiser: Why...? Why can't it control the Perfect stage? Are there limits to the Evil Ring? If so, then where is the problem...?

While the Kaiser contemplates his device, most of his screens are blank. He's got two that he's considering: One showing the Evil Ring and its Digital World code and the other showing his captive Greymon.

In the dub, the Emperor offers a little narration over the flashbacks, but just to guide them.

Emperor: (thinking) The Dark Rings keep failing me. First there was Andromon. (Flashback to Andromon breaking the Dark Ring) Emperor: (thinking) Then SkullGreymon. (Flashback to SkullGreymon nuking the Control Spire) Emperor: The Dark Ring... There must be a flaw with it, but what could be wrong? Is it just not powerful enough? (suddenly chipper) Ooh, I can still experiment on Greymon! Wormmon: Here we go again....

With that ominous proclamation, the dub takes its first commercial break here.

Wormmon mouths off but in his defense, that shit with SkullGreymon was pretty fucking ugly. I wouldn't be psyched for a repeat performance either.

The Chosen Children return to the volcanic region from the previous episode, where Tentomon meets them.

Tentomon: Ah! I've been waiting for you. Hikari: It was here. Right here, SkullGreymon.... Taichi: ...yeah. Tentomon: His destructive power is as dreadful as ever. Daisuke: It's infuriating! He captured Agumon, knowing full well that he was Taichi-san's Partner Digimon! Taichi: Made me look like a fool, too. Never thought in a million years that I could be humiliated like this by an elementary school student.

The group's standing around the edge of a crater filled with lava, but the camera slowly pans out to show us the massive size of the crater, as if we're meant to find the crater impressive. So I think this is supposed to be the blast zone from Ground Zero, which would parse with why they're discussing SkullGreymon's destructive force.

While they're discussing this, Iori's found an actual stick to carry around as a substitute for his shinai. We cut over to Armadimon ducking under Iori's wild, furious swings.

Iori: UNFORGIVABLE!!! Armadimon: Iori, what's wrong dagyaa? Iori: It's unforgivable. I'm ashamed to even call him a fellow human being! Takeru: Iori-kun.... Iori: (snaps out of it) I'm sorry. I let my anger get away from me.

Somehow, Iori sheathes the stick.

In the dub:

Tentomon: It's good to have the whole gang back again! Welcome to my treehouse! Actually, it's not much of a treehouse anymore since SkullGreymon disintegrated it. Now it's more of a twig house. That's okay! I was planning on redecorating anyway! Davis: We don't care about your stupid tree, Tentomon! We're here to stop the Digital Emperor from hurting more Digimon! Tai: It's incredibly important that we stop him! If he continues to gain power like this, he'll threaten the entire Digital World! (Armadillomon ducks under Cody's swing) Armadillomon: Hey, watch it, Cody! Be careful! Cody: I'm sorry, but that Ken makes me so angry! Armadillomon: YEAH, ME TOO!!! Cody: (snaps out of it) Armadillomon, you really need to control your temper.

Okay, I figured it for just a flub the first time but I guess we really are going with Digital Emperor for this episode, not Digimon Emperor.

Tentomon quips over the entire discussion of SkullGreymon's terrifying destructive power and weirdly implies that he lives here? I guess there's no reason he can't but he seems like an odd fit for a fiery hellscape.

Then the part about how personally hurtful this all is for Taichi is completely depersonalized, replaced by static recitation off the team's heroic duty.

Moving along, the group continues to discuss while Tentomon oddly flies past, saying nothing. Just... buzzing the camera to remind us that he's in this scene, I guess.

Tentomon: (silently flies past the screen) Patamon: Hey, where did they take Agumon, anyway? Takeru: That's the question, isn't it? V-mon: Don't worry, we'll find him soon. Right, Daisuke? Daisuke: Yep yep! Taichi: (snaps) DON'T TELL ME TO RELAX!!! Daisuke: (embarrassed) O-Okay.... Hikari: Onii-chan....

Now Taichi lashes out. He takes offense to Daisuke's cavalier attitude and snaps back. Taichi wants action, not hollow optimism.

Tailmon: I've never seen Taichi lose it like this before. Takeru: Well, it's to be expected. Tailmon: In any case, there's nothing we can do here. Let's visit the next area over and gather intel. Tentomon: Yeah, go do that. I'm going to see if I can find information another way. Hikari: Onii-chan, should we go? Taichi: (gruffly) Yeah.

Tentomon flies off across the blast site crater. No idea what he's looking for. While the rest of the team move out to follow Tailmon's strategy.

Emotionally, no one's in a good place. The SkullGreymon incident and the fact that the Kaiser still has Agumon has put everyone on edge; Taichi most of all, but he's far from the only person who's pissed.

Also, I don't know what Tailmon's on about. I've seen Taichi lose it like this plenty. He's hot-headed. The fact that he hasn't thrown a punch at any of his teammates yet is still pretty restrained of him.

In the dub:

Tentomon: (silently flies past the screen) Patamon: How in the Digi-World are we gonna find out where Agumon is!? T.K.: Tentomon will help! Veemon: Now that Tentomon is out of his tree, maybe we can climb it and have a look around! Davis: You bet! Tentomon: AND STAY OUT OF MY TREE!!! Davis: Aww.... Tai: (silently scowling) Kari: You okay? Gatomon: Tai hasn't been this angry since I popped his soccer ball with my claws. T.K.: He certainly has the right to be! Gatomon: All this standing around is making my paws itch! Let's get going! Tentomon: Good idea! I'll go see what I can find out! AND DON'T TOUCH MY TREE!!! I know exactly how many pieces of bark are on it. Hmph! Kari: Everything will be okay, Tai. Tai: (gruffly) I know.

Again, we are massively talking around Tai's barely-constrained nuclear fury. Gatomon does bring it up, but the part where he explodes at Daisuke gets dropped.

In its place, Tentomon's weird buzzing of the camera gets roped into the dialogue, setting up an extended set of gags about the treehouse that SkullGreymon destroyed. Tentomon is very protective of it.

While the Chosen Children head out to look for leads, we cut back to the Kaiser's base. Greymon wakes up for an experiment in an enclosed chamber.

Kaiser: GREYMON, DARK EVOLVE!!!

The Kaiser gets SkullGreymon again for his efforts. SkullGreymon rebels against his confinement immediately, pounding against the metal walls of his sealed chamber.

Kaiser: (gasp) O_O ....

One monitor shows SkullGreymon, while the other show data on the Evil Ring. The Kaiser goes over the data.

Kaiser: Where is the problem...?

While he's going over that, SkullGreymon fires his Ground Zero missile into one of the walls, tearing open a small hole. He fires again, blowing open a more sizable hole that he can climb through. However, when SkullGreymon leaps to the edges of it, a surge of electricity shoots through him and knocks him back down into the chamber.

Then he runs out of energy, regressing to Greymon once more. As he regresses, the Evil Ring on the Kaiser's screen flattens, distorts, and then disintegrates. Though the one on Greymon's neck is still there, so it's not super clear what that was a representation of.

Kaiser: What was that? Wormmon: Did you figure out something, Ken-chan? Kaiser: Maybe. GREYMON, DARK EVOLVE!!!

Trial and error. Maybe wanna patch that hole first though? IDK.

In the dub:

Emperor: Greymon, the time has come! (Greymon wakes up) Emperor: GREYMON, DARK DIGIVOLVE!!! Greymon: (Digivolving sequence) GREYMON, DARK DIGIVOLVE TO... SKULLGREYMON!!!

Like last episode, Greymon's dark evolution sequence gets the typical Digivolving callout in the dub, while the original is just a silent transformation.

But unlike last episode, they're using the "dark" modifier now. The Emperor says to "Dark Digivolve" and Greymon uses the same language during his Digivolution sequence despite not doing it before.

The Kaiser may have actually coined the term "Dark Evolution"? I don't remember if it was ever used in the episode "Dark Evolution! SkullGreymon"-- Well, fuck me, I guess.

(SkullGreymon rampages around) Wormmon: Look, Master! He's trying to escape! And we just had those walls re-stuccoed. Emperor: (gasp) He's too powerful! He's overloading the Dark Ring! I must transfer more power to it. (SkullGreymon tries to escape but gets shocked) Emperor: That was close. (SkullGreymon regresses to Greymon) Wormmon: You can't control SkullGreymon. He's too powerful! Emperor: Oh yeah? Wanna bet? Wormmon: Please, Master, let's just let him go. Emperor: Be quiet! GREYMON, DARK DIGIVOLVE!!! Wormmon: (thinking) Why won't he ever listen to me?

SkullGreymon is too powerful. The problem the Kaiser is running into is that the Evil Ring can't control Perfect Digimon. For some reason, the dub's avoiding using their own terminology of Ultimate Digimon, but they are correct when the Emperor assesses that there's a problem with how powerful the recipient is.

The tone of the scene is totally different. The Kaiser is quiet and contemplative, attempting to unravel this situation as a puzzle to be solved. The Emperor is taking this as a personal challenge and brute forcing it, despite Wormmon's pleas to stop.

Meanwhile, Daisuke and Fladramon have their sights set on the next area's Dark Tower.

Daisuke: Tear down that tower, Fladramon! Fladramon: Yeah!

As Fladramon approaches, a Woodmon suddenly erupts from the ground wearing an Evil Ring around their head.

Daisuke: W-What is that!? Woodmon: ROOOOOOARGH!!! THIS IS THE TERRIFYING NATION OF WOODMON!!! TAKE ONE MORE STEP AND-- Fladramon: FIRE ROCKET!!!

Wreathed in fire, Fladramon slams into Woodmon and sends them hurtling helplessly back into the Dark Tower. Their wooden skull cracks the base of the monolith.

Woodmon: (whining) But I wasn't finished yet.... Fladramon: KNUCKLE FIRE!!!

Fladramon lobs a volley of fireballs into the cracked base, toppling the Dark Tower and bringing it down right on top of Woodmon, who's forced to catch it to avoid being crushed.

Woodmon: (pathetic) It can't be! (Woodmon's Evil Ring disintegrates) Woodmon: Ohhh... What was I doing? Taichi: HEY!!! DO YOU KNOW WHICH WAY THE DIGIMON KAISER WAS GOING!?!? Woodmon: UM... UM.... Taichi: DO YOU KNOW OR NOT!?!? Woodmon: Probably that way?

Still struggling to hold up the massive broken obelisk, Woodmon gestures with one of their roots.

Taichi: Thanks! Let's go, guys! (Chosen Children run off) Woodmon: BUT WHAT ABOUT ME!?!? (Fladramon reverts to V-mon) Woodmon: HEY, COME HELP ME WITH THIS!!! (V-mon runs off with the others) Woodmon: NOOOOOOOO!!!

Woodmon is slowly crushed beneath the weight of the obelisk while the Chosen Children leave them to their undeserved fate. XD Great job, team.

Woodmon is so pitiful and only here for the joke that they don't even get a rundown. And they never will. The one they got in the first Adventure series will have to suffice. Eat shit for some reason, Woodmon.

In the dub:

Tai: Look, a Control Spire! This is one of the areas controlled by the Digimon Emperor! Daisuke: Something's coming! CAREFUL, FLAMEDRAMON!!! (Woodmon erupts from the ground) Woodmon: I AM WOODMON!!! I CANNOT BE DEFEATED!!! Flamedramon: FLAME SHIELD!!! (Flamedramon tackles Woodmon into the Control Spire) Woodmon: (panicking) HEY!!! I'M BEING DEFEATED!!! Flamedramon: FIRE ROCKET!!! (Flamedramon's fireballs bring down the Control Spire on Woodmon) Woodmon: YIKES!!! (Woodmon's Evil Ring disintegrates) Woodmon: What happened to me? And who are you? Tai: Hey, Woodmon! Do you know where the Digimon Emperor can be found!? Woodmon: Well, I'm not really sure. But I think he went that way! (Woodmon gestures with one of his roots) Tai: Thanks a bunch! GO!!! GO!!! (DigiDestined run off) Woodmon: WAIT!!! CAN I GET A LITTLE HELP HERE!?!? (Flamedramon reverts to Veemon) Woodmon: SERIOUSLY!!! BIG SPIRE!!! (Veemon runs off with the others) Woodmon: REALLY HEAVY!!!

Solid. Knuckle Fire is Fire Rocket as usual but this time Fire Rocket is Flame Shield.

They sanded some of the rough edges off, particularly where Taichi snaps at Woodmon when they don't answer quickly enough. But the central gags of a) how pathetic Woodmon is and b) everyone abandoning Woodmon to be crushed both make it through intact.

Returning to school, we find Miyako in the bathroom washing her hands.

Looking herself in the mirror, Miyako holds up her D-3.

Miyako: (uncertainly) Chosen Children, let's roll!

Miyako sighs and puts her D-3 back down.

Miyako: Everyone's getting serious about this. I can't keep acting like we're just going on a picnic. I know that; But even so....

This short conversation with herself seems to make clear what's going on with Miyako. The escalation and the incident with SkullGreymon freaked her the hell out.

It's not fun anymore.

While Miyako's trying to find her confidence in the mirror, Tentomon reports in to Koushiro across the Gate in the Computer Club.

Tentomon: I think that's where it is. Could you please inform Taichi-han and the others? Koushiro: Of course. Tentomon: And I'll keep my ear to the ground and see what I can find.

Miyako returns on the tail end of this conversation.

Miyako: (gasp) Did they find Agumon!? Koushiro: If Tentomon's intel is correct.

Koushiro stands up from the computer, and Miyako takes his place.

Miyako: I'll let everyone know. Where is it? Koushiro: It's a place called Locomotown. Miyako: Got it.

With that, Miyako gets to work, typing out an email for the field team.

In the dub:

Yolei: (thinking) Huh. I cleaned my glasses for the third time today and I'm still not happy! (Yolei holds up her D-3) Yolei: Tai? Guys? Is everything okay? (Yolei sets her D-3 down) Yolei: Ohh... They probably don't want to talk to me anymore after I let them down... Well, it's time I got tough. Oops, I missed a spot!

Not giving Yolei her catchphrases is really coming back to bite them in this episode. They have nothing to explain what she's doing when she holds up her D-3, so they have to act like the D-3s work like radios. Even though that would make all the emails everyone sends to each other totally pointless.

Tentomon: According to my information, Agumon can be found in Railtown. Izzy: That's great, Tentomon. I'll let them know. Tentomon: And tell them to stay out of my tree! Izzy: Uhh... You bet!

Okay, that one got me. XD I'd actually had enough time to forget about the tree thing.

Yolei: Is everybody okay, Izzy? Izzy: Tentomon may have found Agumon! Hey, what's wrong? Yolei: I wanna help. Please let me tell them, okay? (Yolei replaces Izzy at the computer) Izzy: Well, sure. Just tell them about Railtown. Yolei: Yeah....

The dub scenes here miss the heart of Miyako's drama. She's wrestling with how dark things have gotten versus her own cavalier attitude towards it all. Yolei just feels insecure about her previous decision to stay behind, where Miyako's trying to process the feelings that motivated that decision.

Returning to the Kaiser's experiments, SkullGreymon rampages in the contained room while the Kaiser monitors his data feed.

SkullGreymon fires off his Ground Zero missile again, this time causing so much destruction that a chunk of the ceiling conks him on the head and knocks him out. This Looney Tunes moment knocks him all the way back to Agumon.

Kaiser: That's it! The Evil Ring can easily control the Adult stage but can't process all the data needed to control the Perfect stage. I need to expand its functions by altering its shape. Huhuhuhu... The word "impossible" isn't even in my dictionary!

This time, the Kaiser's pretty sure he's cracked it.

In the dub, the Emperor thinks out loud while he's analyzing.

Emperor: Once more... (SkullGreymon rampages) Emperor: The power levels.... (SkullGreymon rampages more) Emperor: Hmm.... (SkullGreymon shoots his missile and conks himself out) Emperor: Foolish creature. You should know better than to fight me. But you have given me what I need. The Dark Ring can control an Adult-stage Digimon... but not a fully evolved Digimon! It needs to be a different shape like a cylinder or a... AH!!! Of course! I know what I need to do now! Hehehehehehe....

I love the Emperor snarking on SkullGreymon's embarrassing self-KO.

Okay so... XD ...first, he accidentally uses the original Japanese terminology instead of changing it to the English "Champion".

And then we see the return of the now long-inaccurate terminology "fully evolved" for Perfect Digimon. He doesn't even use the dub term "Digivolved", either.

Returning to Taichi and the junior team, they're coming up on Locomotown.

A long stretch of railway tracks winds through the countryside, leading towards a town in the distance. A town in the shadow of a Dark Tower, no less.

Patamon: There! Daisuke: That has to be Locomotown! Iori: It's like a town made from railroad sets. Taichi: Wait for me, Agumon. I'll save you, no matter what!

As the team makes their way in, we go to commercial.

In the dub:

Cody: Tai, slow down! Tai: We don't have the time to slow down! Patamon: Oh hey, look! Tai: We've made it! Railtown! Patamon: Railtown! Cody: Railtown! Davis: Looks more like Grass and Hill Town to me! Tai: Come on, guys! Agumon is in this town somewhere so let's GO!!! Everybody split up and start looking for him!

The dub postpones its second commercial, kicking it out to later.

Tai's lashing out some more in this version. Also, he tells them to split up, which is an odd order to give when their next scene will see them all still together.

We return from commercial on an act of treachery.

Wormmon silently enters Agumon's cell. He presses down on the back of Agumon's Evil Ring, causing it to pop open, then takes the Evil Ring. He examines it for a moment, as if uncertain whether he really wants to do this. Then he turns and leaves, casting the Ring back into the room beside Agumon.

Agumon: (coming to) ...I'm free? Why?

Agumon's question goes unanswered. But the door is wide open, so he musters what strength he has to stand up and make a break for it.

Agumon: I have to get out of here....

This moment is such an enigma in the original. Wormmon has offered no indication yet as to what he's thinking, and so this sudden act of treachery comes straight out of left field. Maximum intrigue.

The dub goes the other route and has him explain himself.

Wormmon: (thinking) If Agumon escapes, Ken will have to use me. But he's gonna be mad! (Wormmon breaks Agumon free) Wormmon: (thinking) Eh, I'll bake him some brownies. (Wormmon tosses the Ring aside and leaves. Agumon rouses) Agumon: The Dark Ring's gone; I'm free! (Agumon gets up and stumbles towards the door) Agumon: Now it's time for a little payback!

It is not. Agumon is injured and is going to try to escape. Revenge is not on the agenda right now.

In his control room, the Kaiser examines his new three-ring design.

Kaiser: Not good enough. Its processing capacity has increased, but it's still not enough. Hang on.... (Keystroke) Kaiser: That's it! I should have done it like that from the start! Hahaha! Why didn't I think of this sooner!? There's strength in continuation!

The Kaiser here quotes a Japanese proverb: 継続は力なり Keizoku wa chikara nari. The idea is basically that activity leads to improvement in the activity.

We study the task, and we get better at the task. We practice the task, and we get better at the task. We do the task, and we get better at the task. In whatever form it takes, strength is acquired through repetition and continuous activity.

It's real life XP grinding, basically. Practice makes perfect, except that perfection is unattainable.

The Kaiser hit his head against this particular brick wall until he had a breakthrough that, at his heightened level, now seems so obvious he can't believe he overlooked it. He's made himself smarter through repetition and continuation of the problem he couldn't solve.

On the screen, the three rings change shape and merge together, forming into the shape of a coil.

Kaiser: This will boost both processing and reception capabilities, so it won't need to rely on power from a Dark Tower. Let's try out this ring!

The Kaiser flicks his monitor back over to the containment room's feed, only to find Agumon missing and the door wide open.

Kaiser: HUH!?!? (disbelieving) He's gone? ...why?

Oh, he just went out to get cigarettes. I'm sure he'll be back any moment.

In the dub:

Emperor: This new structure will increase the power tenfold. (Keystroke) Emperor: I won't even need the Control Spires! Huhuhuhu! No one will ever be able to stop me from taking over the Digital World! (The three Dark Rings merge into a spiral shape) Emperor: Not a Dark Ring but a Dark Spiral! With this, I can control even a fully Digivolved Digimon! Now to test it on Agumon. (Emperor switches to Agumon's feed) Emperor: What!? He's gone! But... But how!?

Solid. Still saying "fully Digivolved" but they remembered to use their term this time.

Minor change in that the Kaiser celebrates his personal growth and individual improvement while the Emperor celebrates his grand ambition and prospects for domination.

Meanwhile, Taichi and the junior team enter Locomotown.

Taichi: So, where do we go from here? Hikari: Should we split up and search? Tailmon: Sounds good to me.

Suddenly, the sound of a train's horn blows through.

V-mon: A train's coming. Daisuke: From over there?

The train's headlight appears in a nearby tunnel, followed shortly by the rest of the train emerging into the light. As it passes through town, Agumon can be seen in the engine compartment.

Taichi: (gasp) That's Agumon! AGUMOOOOOOON!!! Agumon: Taichi!?

Tailmon throws a switch to change tracks, bringing Agumon's train screeching to the end of the line. Taichi races to the front of the train as fast as his legs will carry him.

Taichi: AGUMON!!! ARE YOU OKAY, AGUMON!?!?

Agumon leaps from the engine straight into Taichi's arms.

Agumon: IT'S TAICHI!!! IT'S REALLY TAICHI!!! Taichi: Of course it's me! Oh, I'm glad you're okay!

Taichi hugs Agumon so tightly, Agumon winces in pain.

Taichi: I'm sorry. Are you hurt? Agumon: It's fine. I'll recover soon.

Agumon is safe and back with Taichi where he belongs. ^_^

In the dub, Tai already suggested splitting up. They have not done so and will continue to not do so, but stealing credit for Kari's idea frees them up to make fun of Davis here instead.

Davis: Tai, Agumon's close! I'm following his tracks! Tai: (annoyed) Those are train tracks, Davis. (Train horn) Veemon: What's that noise? Davis: Huh? (Train appears in tunnel) Kari: It's either the local or the express. (Agumon's train emerges) T.K.: And look who's driving! Group: WHOA!!! Tai: It's... It's Agumon! AGUMOOOOOON!!! Agumon: TAI!!! (Gatomon changes tracks) Gatomon: That ought to slow him down. (Train comes to a halt) Tai: Agumon, are you okay!? (Tai runs up to the train and Agumon leaps into his arms) Agumon: I'm fine! TAI!!! Tai: I'm so happy to see you! Give me a great big hug! (Hug) Agumon: Ouch! Tai: Are you okay? Did he hurt you? Agumon: No, you were just squeezing my ribs too hard.

He did hurt Agumon but the censors won't let us say it out loud.

Hikari: Onii-chan, we should get out of here while we can. The Digimon Kaiser could strike at any moment--AH!! Daisuke: WAIT A SECOND!!!

Daisuke hip slams Hikari out of the scene so that he can talk to Taichi in her place. There's no frame of contact in the animation, but she yelps and there's an impact sound.

(Hikari will remember this.)

Daisuke: We came all the way out here, and we're just going to leave!? Taichi: Don't worry, Daisuke. After what he did to Agumon, I can't let this go either. We'll settle things with him one of these days. But right now, nothing is more important than getting Agumon to safety. Daisuke: (deflated) If you say so, Taichi-senpai.

See, Daisuke? You didn't need to smack Hikari with your butt after all.

In the dub:

Kari: Tai, we should get going. I'm sure Ken will come after Agumon--Oof! (Davis shoves Kari aside) Davis: Are you kidding!? We all came here to fight! Now you want us to turn around and go home!? Tai: Listen, I want to get back at the guy who did this to Agumon too but you gotta learn, Davis, that sometimes you gotta think with your head and not with your heart! Remember, we're not at full strength! And Agumon's been through a lot so our first priority is to get him back to safety. Davis: You mean we can come back here later and get him? Tai: (confidently) Mhm!

The dub puts its second commercial break here, on the promise of future revenge.

Kari's "Oof!" here doesn't have the accompanying shoving sound effect so Davis may have just crowded her out of the scene instead of slamming into her.

Back in his control room, the Kaiser's trying to make sense of Agumon's escape.

Kaiser: How did he escape? Wormmon: What's wrong, Ken-chan? Kaiser: Agumon's escaped. But how was he able to get the Evil Ring off? Wormmon: Hey, Ken-chan! Kaiser: What!? Wormmon: Forget about him! You can use me for your evolution experiments! I can evolve. I'll evolve and fight for Ken-chan! That's why I-- Kaiser: YOU LET HIM ESCAPE!?!? Wormmon: That's not what I mean. I'm your Partner, Ken-chan! I should be able to evolve. So if you're going to study someone, you should study me. Kaiser: (dismissive) Heh! Wormmon: KEN-CHAN!!!

Wormmon reveals his motivations for setting Agumon free. Ken has reached a point where he's actually using his Digivice to evolve a Partner to fight for him, but he won't even look Wormmon's way for it. Wormmon makes a compelling point, too.

If Ken evolved him to Perfect, he wouldn't even need to worry about whether he can control him or not. Wormmon would fight for Ken loyally, with no need for a control device.

In the dub:

Emperor: HOW DID AGUMON GET AWAY!?!? Wormmon: An escape clause in his contract? Emperor: I'm in no mood for humor. Wormmon: Good, because I want to talk to you about something serious. Ahem, Master? Emperor: WHAT!?!? Wormmon: I-I was just thinking that y-y-you could use me for your experiments. I mean, I am a Digimon just like Agumon. I can Digivolve too. What do you say? Emperor: I SAY YOU CAN FORGET ABOUT IT!!! Wormmon: But Master, please! I've done absolutely everything around here you've asked me to do and more! I even cleaned that hair trap thing in the shower! Emperor: (dismissive) Ha! Wormmon: Don't laugh.

Unlike the Kaiser, the Emperor does not glean from context that Wormmon freed Agumon.

Dub Wormmon grovels as he makes his pitch. He seems to be aware that this could go badly for him, but he tries to plead his case nonetheless. Original Wormmon is more hopeful; He's pouring his heart out to make the case for his Partnership with Ken-chan.

So, that's his pitch. Digimon Kaiser, your answer?

Kaiser: And what kind of majestic Digimon do you think you'd evolve into? You're supposed to be my Partner? Hah! Not a chance. How could the Digimon Kaiser have a Partner like you? Wormmon: KEN-CHAN--

Before Wormmon can say any more, the Kaiser kicks him in the face, knocking him on his back.

Kaiser: From now on, I don't want to hear you call me "Ken-chan" anymore. My name is the Digimon Kaiser. Wormmon: I'm sorry, Ken-- No, Digimon Kaiser-sama. Please.... I-- Kaiser: SHUT UP!!!

The Digimon Kaiser raises his whip to strike at Wormmon. But before he can swing, an alarm on his console alerts him to the Chosen Children in Locomotown.

On his monitor, Taichi and the junior team are making their way out of town, following the train tracks. Taichi's carrying Agumon on his back.

Kaiser: Huh? ...his nakama came to rescue him. I won't let that happen.

The Kaiser goes to leave, then stops and informs Wormmon:

Kaiser: You got lucky. Wormmon: Ken-chan--ACK!!!

Retaliating against his use of the forbidden name, the Kaiser whips the floor right in front of Wormmon. He doesn't make contact, but he startles Wormmon into submission.

In the dub:

Emperor: And what kind of Digimon would you Digivolve into, huh? Perhaps you'd transform yourself into a giant butterfly with scary-looking wings? Hah! You're about as useless to me as an old pair of underwear that's made out of 100% poison ivy.

The dub cuts the shot of the Kaiser kicking Wormmon in his face, as well as the shots of the scared and trembling Wormmon on his back. They splice in shots of Wormmon standing there and talking normally so that no one's the wiser.

Wormmon: Just give me a chance, Ken, and you won't be-- Emperor: AND WILL YOU STOP CALLING ME KEN!?!? MY NAME IS THE DIGIMON EMPEROR!!! Wormmon: All I'm saying is, now that Agumon has escaped, I'm all you've got. Emperor: ENOUGH!!! (Emperor raises his whip) Emperor: ...huh?

Missing sound effect time. There's no alert noise from the computer to pull his attention. The Emperor suddenly stops and looks at the monitor due to a psychic premonition.

Emperor: They're here! And they've got Agumon.... (Emperor starts to walk away, then turns back) Emperor: ...and he's a useful Digimon. Wormmon: But Ken, I am-- (Emperor whips the floor, startling Wormmon)

All this drama around the use of the name Ken doesn't really land when Wormmon typically calls him Master. And has been doing so as recently as earlier in this same scene. Wormmon only ever uses the name Ken when his Japanese counterpart is getting in trouble for it.

On their way out of Locomotown, Taichi checks on Agumon again.

Taichi: Agumon, do your wounds still hurt? Agumon: Mm... I'm okay. Thank you, Taichi. Kaiser: Huhuhuhuhu... Takeru: ICHIJOUJI KEN!!!

Perched atop a railway tunnel, the Kaiser's distinctive chuckle alerts everyone to his presence.

Kaiser: (dramatically) Please, call me the Digimon Kaiser! Daisuke: Keh! Who would ever call you that!? Ken Ken Ken ICHIJOUJI KEN!!! Kaiser: (angry) Do you really want to piss me off?

Taichi sets down Agumon.

Taichi: I should be asking you that. After what you did to Agumon, I hope you're ready for this. Kaiser: Hehe... A middle school student losing his temper at an elementary school kid? You should be ashamed. Taichi: WHAT WAS THAT!?!?

Iori draws his stick, brandishing it at the Kaiser.

Iori: Well I'm younger than you, and I despise you! YOU'RE A DISGRACE TO HUMANITY!!!

Iori chucks his stick at the Kaiser as hard as he can. The Kaiser whips it out of the air, breaking it in half.

Kaiser: I don't care about the opinions of worms.

We already know from earlier that Taichi feels humiliated by the fact that a kid as young as Ken has managed to hurt him like this. Part of his agitation stems from the fact that he's been victimized by a little boy of Takeru's age.

The Kaiser in this scene hones in and presses that button, forcing Iori to come to Taichi's defense from the other side of the age gap.

In the dub, Tai doesn't need to check on Agumon because we've already established that he's totally uninjured.

Tai: ...and we'll have cookies and ice cream. Agumon: I want mine with chocolate sprinkles! Emperor: How endearing! Group: (miscellaneous surprise noises) Kari: It's Ken! Emperor: My name is the Digimon Emperor! Davis: So now you don't want to be called Ken, huh? Alright then, how's Kenny or Kenneth!? Emperor: You really don't want to make me angry! Tai: So you're the one who put Agumon in a cage like a wild animal! Davis: You come down here now and take your medicine like a man! Emperor: You do amuse me so. I can defeat you just as I defeated Agumon! Davis: Try it! (Cody brandishes his stick) Cody: You should be ashamed of yourself, Ken! You're the kind of bully that gives bullies... a bad name! (Cody throws his stick; Emperor whips it out of the air) Emperor: I'm afraid you're going to have to do better than that, little boy.

The dub sidesteps Taichi's emotional anguish and has the Emperor bicker with Davis instead. They just puff out their chests and bellow at one another, which Cody soon joins in.

Though Iori's attack proved futile, it's still the first punch thrown. We're done talking.

Backed up by three Airdramon behind him, the Kaiser cracks his whip. Five DarkTyranomon emerge from the surrounding area. Three to the team's left and two to their right.

V-mon: Daisuke, my evolution! Daisuke: Got it. DIGIMENTAL UP!!!

V-mon Armor Evolves into Fladramon, but he's not the only one.

Armadimon: Should we get in on this too dagyaa? Iori: Of course! DIGIMENTAL UP!!!

The dub explains who these Digimon are, in case the audience doesn't remember from last episode.

Davis: DARKTYRANNOMON!!! T.K.: WE'RE SURROUNDED!!! Veemon: Give me the word, Davis! Davis: Yeah! DIGI-ARMOR ENERGIZE!!! (Flamedramon evolution sequence) Armadillomon: Don't let Flamedramon have all the fun, Cody. Cody: Right! DIGI-ARMOR ENERGIZE!!!

Takeru and Hikari seem to be staying in reserve for now and Taichi can't evolve his Digimon under the influence of a Dark Tower. But it's fine. Fladramon and Digmon can handle this.

With gusto.

Fladramon: FIRE ROCKET!!!

Fladramon takes the two on the right, slamming into one horn-first with his Fire Rocket. The other tries to flank him from behind, but he lays that one out with an armored backhand that breaks their teeth.

That hit might also have broken their Evil Ring? It's hard to tell. DarkTyranomon's teeth shatter but the chunks that fly off are black.

Digmon: BIG CRACK!!!

Digmon goes for the three on the right, proving his Big Crack to still be OP. Do not nerf.

Kaiser: What!?

He really thought he had the advantage here. Problem is, the junior team's gaining experience with every fight and the Kaiser keeps bringing fresh-faced new minions to the table. What was that about strength in continuation?

In the dub:

Flamedramon: FLAMING FIST!!! (Flamedramon KOs one DarkTyrannomon) Flamedramon: HI-YA!!! (Flamedramon backhands the other) Digmon: ROCK CRACKING!!! (Digmon takes out the other three) Emperor: (outraged) THEY'RE WINNIIIING!!!

Fire Rocket is back to being Flaming Fist.

As soon as he's through the DarkTyranomon, Fladramon goes for the Kaiser.

Fladramon: KNUCKLE FIRE!!!

Fladramon punches six fireballs up into the edge of the train tunnel the Kaiser's standing on. Kaiser leaps off the edge, landing on one of his three Airdramon.

Tailmon: Put me in. Patamon: Me too! Hikari & Takeru: Finish it (ganbatte)! DIGIMENTAL UP!!!

Yeah, the withdrawal plan is scrapped at this point. Everyone is in agreement: New plan is to shitstomp on the boy genius.

Nefertimon: CURSE OF QUEEN!!!

Nefertimon clears the path, parting the two Airdramon in front and forcing them to open the way for Pegasmon.

Pegasmon: NEEDLE RAIN!!!

Following up on that opening, Pegasmon unloads a spray of needles from his mane. The attack proves ineffective, however, as the Kaiser shields himself with his cape. Apparently that thing is functional and not just a fashion choice.

Pegasmon: SILVER BLAZE!!!

Since shooting at the Kaiser isn't working, Pegasmon changes tactics and shoots his mount out from under him. One shot from Pegasmon's forehead beam straight into Airdramon's face dislodges their rider and sends the Kaiser plummeting to the earth.

In the dub:

Flamedramon: FIRE ROCKET!!! (Emperor jumps to an Airdramon to avoid Flamedramon's shots) Gatomon: He's tough! Patamon: I'll say! Kari & T.K.: DIGI-ARMOR ENERGIZE!!! (Armor Digivolution for Nefertimon and Pegasusmon) Nefertimon: ROSETTA STONE!!! (Nefertimon divides the Airdramon and opens the path) Pegasusmon: WIND MANE!!! (Emperor blocks Pegasusmon's rapid-fire needle spray) Pegasusmon: EQUUS BEAM!!! (Pegasusmon shoots Emperor's mount out from under him)

Gatomon and Patamon are content to just rubberneck in this version. Kari and T.K. basically spring the Digivolution on them.

The dub tends to have Pegasusmon call Shooting Star for both Pegasmon's Star Shower and Needle Rain. But this time they went with Wind Mane.

Ken lands on the ground and he's fine. It's not super clear whether his cape is slowing his descent or if it's just cartoon logic, but he lands on his feet completely undeterred after that drop.

Agumon: And now it's my turn! Taichi: WAIT, AGUMON!!!

Agumon inadvisably charges at the Kaiser to get some licks in himself. Realizing how bad an idea this is, Taichi frantically chases after him.

Kaiser: Oh, what a shame. You're too late. The Evil Spiral is complete.

The Kaiser holds up the very first Evil Spiral, letting everyone see it, then throws it at Agumon.

In the dub:

Agumon: Attack! Tai: AGUMON!!! (Agumon charges the Emperor) Emperor: So, you've come back to me, Agumon. And I've got a new friendship bracelet for you!

Calling the Evil Spiral a friendship bracelet is both wickedly poetic and a slap in the face to Wormmon. Really rubs salt in the wound of the Emperor replacing him. I kinda love it.

The Evil Spiral latches on around Agumon's right arm.

Agumon: W-What is this!?

That's all he gets out before it seizes control. Agumon collapses to the ground.

Kaiser: The Evil Spiral is the improved version of the Evil Ring. Taichi: What!? Daisuke: LOOK OUT!!!

Under the Spiral's control, Agumon stands up and fires off a shot of his Baby Flame at Taichi. Daisuke tackles Taichi out of the way just before Agumon shoots.

Iori: This is bad! He's already being controlled! Taichi: Agumon!

Agumon really should have let the Armor Digimon do the shitstomping, but I can understand his eagerness. This is the payback time that his dub counterpart wanted. It does not go well.

In the dub:

(Dark Spiral latches onto Agumon's arm.) Agumon: What is this!? (Dark Spiral forces Agumon down) Emperor: YOU ARE MINE AGAIN!!! Tai: Agumon, are you okay? Davis: LOOK OUT!!! (Davis tackles Tai out of the way of Agumon's fireball) Cody: He's being controlled again!

Emperor explains nothing about the Dark Spiral but that's fine. The audience watched him design it and he's under no obligation to explain himself to his enemies.

With the Spiral in place, there's one thing still to do.

Kaiser: Now, Agumon... DARK EVOLVE!!!

The Kaiser raises the Dark Digivice and lets it shine. Its power overtakes Agumon, but this time the process works. Agumon evolves all the way into his Perfect form MetalGreymon... kind of.

Hikari: MetalGreymon! Takeru: No, he's different....

He is! This is actually the original version of MetalGreymon from the very first V-Pet, overshadowed by the orange Vaccine version invented by the anime. Often referred to as MetalGreymon (Blue) or MetalGreymon (Virus).

MetalGreymon (Blue) is a Perfect-stage Virus-attribute Cyborg Digimon. Available as the evolved form for Greymon, Devimon, or Airdramon, he stands shoulder to shoulder with Monzaemon and Mamemon (more on that one later) as the three Perfect Digimon that started it all.

Narrator: MetalGreymon! A Perfect-stage Digimon whose special attack is Giga Destroyer. His blue color is due to his Virus attribute!

Narrator breaks formula with this rundown. Typically he'll give a fun fact about the Digimon then close with "His special attack is XYZ!" But here the narrator's like "Yeah yeah we all know MetalGreymon; Look, lemme explain why he's blue real quick."

Kaiser: Just like I planned! This time, he evolved exactly the way I expected him to!

Taichi isn't having it, though. He goes out to try and appeal to his Partner.

Taichi: Agumon! Daisuke: Taichi-senpai, it's too dangerous! Taichi: It's me! Don't you recognize me? Kaiser: Your words are futile. He's not your Partner Digimon anymore. He's my servant! NOW, METALGREYMON!!! SHOW ME THE POWER OF THE PERFECT LEVEL!!!

MetalGreymon obediently raises his mechanical Trident Arm to strike.

Daisuke: LOOK OUT!!!

Daisuke grabs Taichi from behind, pulling him away just before MetalGreymon's claw strikes down where he's standing.

Taichi's efforts are futile, but it's easy to see where he's coming from. This actually worked for Hikari with Andromon, so appealing to the controlled Digimon has a precedent.

Unfortunately, the flaws in the Kaiser's system that made that possible have now been eliminated. MetalGreymon will not be defeated with words.

In the dub:

Emperor: Now, Agumon! DARK DIGIVOLVE!! Agumon: Agumon, Dark Digivolve to.... MetalGreymon: METALGREYMON!!!

As with SkullGreymon, Agumon calls out the evolution sequence here where it's a silent transformation in the original.

Kari: He looks so different! T.K.: And mean! T.K.: (rundown) MetalGreymon's armor not only protects him from harm, but it conceals his destructive Giga Blaster attack!

T.K. offers no explanation for why he's blue. Probably because he has no idea. The audience is left to infer the reason behind the palette swap for themselves.

Which, to be fair, isn't that hard. "The Spiral did it" is not very far of a logic leap, at the very least.

Emperor: The Dark Spiral is working perfectly! AGUMON IS MINE AGAIN!!! Tai: MetalGreymon, you've got to fight the Digimon Emperor's control! It's me, Tai! Don't you recognize me? Emperor: Ooh, such a tense moment. I've got chills. Will he remember you? Allow me to answer. METALGREYMON, ATTACK!!! (MetalGreymon attacks) Davis: LOOK OUT!!! (Davis pulls Tai out of the way of MetalGreymon's claw) Davis: Tai, he doesn't know who you are!

Thanks, Davis. That was unclear.

They're finally getting the Digimon Emperor's name right again. No more Digital Emperor.

The Kaiser celebrates finally getting the results from his experiment that he wanted, while the Emperor's just happy to have Agumon back.

Now that we once again have first shots fired, things escalate quickly once more.

Takeru: STOP METALGREYMON!!! Pegasmon: Let's go, Nefertimon! Nefertimon & Pegasmon: SANCTUARY BIND!!!

Pegasmon and Nefertimon break out their incapacitating dual tech, wrapping their golden light around MetalGreymon's neck, which ends up being around his arms and chest. They pull him to the ground.

Taichi: Agumon! Fladramon: What should I do? Daisuke: Like I know what to do!?

Daisuke tries his best to hold Taichi back from approaching MetalGreymon again, but his senpai is stronger too of body and will. Taichi drags him forward.

In the dub:

Pegasusmon: Nefertimon, help me stop MetalGreymon! Nefertimon & Pegasusmon: GOLDEN NOOSE!!!

They really used the name "Golden Noose" while the animation briefly wraps it around his neck. That really happened. In the dub.

Tai: Don't hurt him! Flamedramon: He's metal; He'll be fine. (Tai drags Davis forward) Davis: Hey! Whoa! Hold it!

Flamedramon making a valid argument here.

With MetalGreymon incapacitated, the team plans their attack.

Iori: Digmon, is there a way for you to attack just the Evil Spiral? Digmon: Eh... I don't know. It's a small target and he's moving around too much. Fladramon: I'll do it! Taichi: NO, STOP!!!

Taichi nearly reaches MetalGreymon before Daisuke regains body control and manages to pull him back again.

MetalGreymon: (roar) Daisuke: (struggling) It's too dangerous! Taichi: Stop it! Don't attack Agumon! Hikari: But if he stays like this.... Takeru: We have to do something, and quickly! Iori: He's about to break free! Shouldn't we at least try?

Window of opportunity is closing fast. Still bound by the golden ropes, MetalGreymon manages to get his wits about him and retaliate. He stomps down at Digmon and Fladramon, scattering them from their attack positions.

Taichi: WAIT!!! I'M BEGGING YOU, JUST WAIT A SECOND!!! Iori: WE CAN'T WAIT ANY LONGER!!! Daisuke: WAIT!!! Taichi-senpai told us to wait, so we have to wait!

Daisuke casts the deciding vote out of loyalty to Taichi. Against all reason, we wait and try to come up with a better option.

For some reason, despite being a key part of this argument, Iori never appears onscreen during any part of it. I wonder if Taichi was originally supposed to be arguing with someone else? Nefertimon and Pegasmon are onscreen whenever Iori's talking so it could be one of them.

Nefertimon would make sense. Due to her Adult base form and rough history, Tailmon tends to be the adult in the room when talking to and directing the other Digimon. I could see her being the one having this argument with Taichi.

In the dub:

Pegasusmon: We've got him trapped! Nefertimon: Digmon, can you get to the Dark Spiral? Digmon: That won't be a problem for old Digmon... If he'd just stop dancing around! Hey, quit it! Flamedramon: ...

Flamedramon sidles up to Digmon but I guess he's just there for moral support. He says nothing.

(Tai drags Davis over to MetalGreymon) Tai: AGUMON!!! MetalGreymon: (roars) Davis: Okay, we're out of here! (Davis drags Tai away) Tai: LET!!! GO!!! Kari: I'm still too scared to move! T.K.: I've forgotten how to move! Pegasusmon: He's trying to break the Golden Noose! Nefertimon: WATCH IT!!! (MetalGreymon stomps down and scatters Flamedramon and Digmon) Tai: Let me just try to reach him! Nobody: ... Tai: AUGH!!! Davis: The only thing you'll reach is the bottom of his footprint, Tai!

The dub solves the "Iori never appears onscreen" problem by kicking him out of his scene, and making him take the whole argument with him.

The prospect of shooting at MetalGreymon is briefly raised, but the conversation quickly pivots. Rather than arguing about whether to shoot at MetalGreymon, they're arguing about whether to let Tai try to reason with him instead.

Moments after Daisuke casts his vote and the team holds their fire, time runs out.

MetalGreymon breaks free from Sanctuary Bind, blowing Nefertimon and Pegasmon away from the force of his escape.

Taichi: I-It can't be.... Takeru: GUYS, RUN!!!

Daisuke drags Taichi offscreen to the right, while Takeru and Hikari flee left. In an easy blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment, Takeru and Hikari are holding hands while they run.

Nefertimon and Pegasmon join Fladramon and Digmon, presenting a united front against MetalGreymon.

MetalGreymon: GIGA DESTROYER!!!

Nefertimon and Pegasmon scatter, leaving Fladramon and Digmon to their fate. The twin missiles collide with them, kicking up a smoke cloud that blankets everyone.

Fladramon & Digmon: UWAAAUGH!!! Kaiser: AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! (Smoke cloud) Kaiser: Just as I expect from Perfect level! This was too easy! (Another smoke cloud) Kaiser: MetalGreymon, with your power, I'll conquer the Digital World in no time at all!

It's a bit of an awkward transition. The Kaiser laughs and then a smoke cloud transitions him to boasting, and then another smoke cloud transitions to the Kaiser perched atop MetalGreymon and exclaiming his plans.

In the dub:

(MetalGreymon breaks free) Davis & Kari: AHHHHHH!!! (The kids scatter) MetalGreymon: GIGA BLASTER!!! (MetalGreymon shoots Flamedramon and Digmon) Emperor: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA--hack gck! (Smoke cloud transition) Emperor: With the new Dark Spirals, I will control the whole Digital World! (Smoke cloud transition) Emperor: Goodbye, Digi-Fools! And say goodbye to your pet Agumon... FOR GOOD!!! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

The Emperor chokes on the smoke cloud transition the first time, which is cute.

The Kaiser's putting all his eggs in MetalGreymon's basket. As long as he has this Digimon, he's unstoppable. The Emperor's keeping his options open, and is just proud of the fact that he can control stronger Digimon now.

The fight is over. The four Armor Digimon revert to their Child forms. Even Nefertimon and Greymon, who avoided MetalGreymon's attack but I guess took damage anyway. Rude.

Taichi: Agumon! Kaiser: Now go, MetalGreymon! On to the next area!

Flanked by the three Airdramon, MetalGreymon reminds us all that those tattered ass wings of his are still functional and takes to the sky. With the Digimon Kaiser perched atop his head, MetalGreymon flies away.

Along the way, he punches rock formations for funsies. ...because animators get bored sometimes, IDK.

Kaiser: Ahahahahahahahahaha!!!

Leaving the junior team and Taichi behind.

Iori: There's no way we can catch up to them! Daisuke: MetalGreymon is incredible.... Taichi: What do I do...? How can I bring Agumon ba-- Miyako: GUYS!!!

Coming up the railroad tracks, Miyako arrives in a mine cart she's fashioned a sail to for propulsion. Not only that, but she's pulling Yamato in the cart behind hers. She hits the brake and their carts come screeching to a stop.

Iori: Miyako-san! Takeru: Onii-chan! Miyako: I'm sorry I couldn't come sooner. Iori: No, I knew you'd make it. Yamato: For my part, Miyako-chan staying behind wound up being really helpful. In any case, what's the situation here?

FUBAR, sir. The situation is FUBAR and it's kind of Taichi's fault 'cause he wouldn't let us shoot at the Dark Spiral.

In the dub:

Tai: Agumon, no! Emperor: With the Dark Spirals and MetalGreymon I am INVINCIBLE!!!

That proclamation brings us to our third commercial break.

We come back to MetalGreymon punching rock formations while the Emperor reminds us of what was happening here.

Emperor: MetalGreymon was the missing link I needed. There's NOTHING that can stop me now! Hahahahahahahahahahaha!!! (Transition to the protags) Davis: That kid is just begging to be taken down a peg! Cody: But how can we defeat him? Tai: I let Agumon down just when he needed me the most, and then I... huh?

Yolei doesn't say anything to interrupt Tai, but this isn't a psychic premonition moment. You can faintly hear the rumbling of the minecart when he stops, so that's what pulled Tai's attention.

T.K.: It's Yolei and Hawkmon! Kari: And Matt! Yolei: I'm sorry about not coming before. Cody: That's okay! I knew you'd show up eventually. Matt: Well, it's a good thing she did stay or I never would have found you all. Why don't you fill me in on what's happened up until now?

For some reason, they decided not to have T.K. be the one excited to see Matt. Brotherly snub.

Catching Yamato up takes long enough for the sun to start going down by the time they're done. Taichi hangs out by the tracks, wallowing in grief with Daisuke, while the junior team explains it.

Yamato: So that's what's happening. Taichi: (separate) What do I do... What do I do...? Yamato: (gently) Taichi.... Taichi: Huh?

Yamato walks over to Taichi and gently gets his attention. Then, when Taichi looks up, Yamato punches him right in the fucking face, knocking him on his ass.

Daisuke: WHY THE HELL DID YOU HIT HIM!?!? Agumon was just captured, and Taichi-senpai is in shock! And you just... WHAT THE HELL!?!?

Yamato keeps his gaze fixed on Taichi, ignoring Daisuke. Daisuke raises his arms as if to grab Yamato from behind, but Hikari calls out to stop him.

Hikari: Wait, Daisuke-kun! Daisuke: Eh?

Daisuke relaxes and the scene continues to play as if he weren't there. Yamato holds out a hand for Taichi.

Yamato: Taichi. Taichi: Yamato. Daisuke: What.

Daisuke doesn't know what he's watching but he knows that he hates it.

Taichi takes Yamato's hand, and Yamato pulls him to his feet.

Taichi: Thanks, Yamato. Yamato: You're welcome, of course. Taichi: You've opened my eyes. I can't hesitate like that again. I don't even know if we can pull this off. If I hold us back, then we definitely won't. If we don't fight with everything we have, then we won't take Agumon back. Yamato: That's right. I'm sure that's what Agumon would want too. He'd rather be defeated than used as the Digimon Kaiser's minion. Taichi: Yeah.

With that, Taichi addresses the junior team.

Taichi: Guys, this is what I'm asking of you. Next time we fight MetalGreymon, hold nothing back! Junior Team: ... Hikari: ...are you sure? Taichi: Yeah! Tailmon: Taichi's right. Listen up, everyone! If you care about Agumon, then do not hesitate! Digimon: (half-hearted) Understood!

Nobody seems happy about it, but we have our marching orders. Next time we see MetalGreymon, we hit him hard and fast with everything we've got. If he dies, he dies.

Takeru: Yeah! Let's go! Oh, uh, that's Miyako-san's job, huh? Miyako: Ehehe! CHOSEN CHILDREN, LET'S ROLL!!!

Miyako seems to be back with us. Looks like she just needed time to process her feelings and get her head in the game.

Finally, the teams pile into the minecarts. Most of the junior team takes the rear cart while Daisuke and V-mon sit up front with Taichi and Yamato. Taichi and Yamato exchange a brief smile.

Daisuke: What is with those two? V-mon: Yeah... Daisuke: (affectionately) I don't get it at all.

Oh, it's about 54 episodes of complicated, Daisuke. Ask Takeru if you really want to know. He was adjacent to just about all of it.

In the dub:

Matt: I see. Well, it certainly sounds like you guys had a full day! Tai: (separate) That's right. It's all my fault. Matt: (gently) Tai? Tai: Huh?

They censor the moment of impact with a white flash, but Matt punching Tai in the face is retained nonetheless.

Davis: Hey! Why're you hitting Tai!? You're supposed to be friends! And friends don't fight friends unless they're on a boxing team, and that's a whole different thing! HEY!!! (Davis goes to grab Matt) T.K.: DAVIS, LET THEM BE!!! Davis: ...

The dub again avoids the topic of how much this is affecting Taichi personally here.

Also they have Yamato's little sibling stop Davis instead of Taichi's. A fairly lateral change, but I do believe him holding back on Hikari's behalf more than on T.K.'s. Especially in the dub where he refuses to even say T.K.'s name correctly out of spite.

(Matt holds out his hand to Tai) Matt: Tai? Tai: You're right. Davis: Huh!? (Matt helps Tai up) Tai: Thanks, Matt. I needed that. Matt: (enthusiastic) Sure, any time! I'll do it again! Tai: I really appreciate that.

XD Perfect.

Tai: I know that I was just blaming myself for something that was completely out of my control. And also, it doesn't help if I stand around here and feel sorry for myself. But now we need to focus on how we can get Agumon back. Matt: Okay. We have to be willing to fight Agumon at full strength. I'm sure Agumon would definitely rather be defeated by us than remain a slave to the Digimon Emperor. Tai: You're right! (Tai addresses the junior team) Tai: In the future, when we battle the Digimon Emperor, we have to be prepared to face our friend Agumon as well. So, I don't really know how to say this-- Gatomon: Let me handle this, Tai. Everyone? THE NEXT TIME YOU SEE AGUMON, TRASH HIM, UNDERSTAND!?!? I CAN'T HEAR YOU!!! Digimon: (affirmative) O-KAY!!! T.K.: DEFEAT AGUMON!!! I can't believe those words actually came out of my mouth! Yolei: Ehehe, yeah! Let's all go get Agumon back!

Decent. They keep the tone light and upbeat as usual. They keep the central point that we need to hit MetalGreymon with everything we've got, while sidestepping the ominous tone and chilling undercurrent of what that might actually mean for our friend.

Though, like when Yolei was being hard on herself for hanging back instead of going over her actual issues, they mess with Tai in a similar fashion. Tai criticizes himself for how he's behaved since the fight ended rather than how he behaved during it.

Taichi's problem isn't that he's upset. His problem is that they could have hit MetalGreymon when they had the chance, and he stopped them. His hesitation let the Kaiser get away with MetalGreymon.

Yolei is also denied her symbolic moment of return to form due to the decision to strip out her catchphrases.

(The team departs by minecart) Tai: Hahaha! I've never traveled by sailing train car before! Kari: That's how all the important people travel. (Tai and Matt exchange smiles) Tai: Hehe, cute. Davis: I can't see a thing! Who put the sail in front of everything!? Narrator: Will the DigiDestined be able to meet the challenge of fighting Ken and their friend Agumon? Find out on the next Digimon: Digital Monsters!

Tai's meant to be responding to Kari's joke here but have fun, Tai/Matt shippers. We already threw a bone to Takeru/Hikari shippers so why not?

Davis raising a valid point about Miyako's reckless design. Though, to be fair, the minecarts run on a track so it's not like you need to see where you're going necessarily....

Assessment: Here we are with Part 3 of the arc. Wormmon, in his desperation to fill his role as Ken's Partner, betrays the Digimon Kaiser and gets kicked again for it. Miyako wrestles with how serious this all got, while Daisuke demonstrates his loyalty to Taichi which... is going to be a pretty important topic next episode IIRC.

And Iori haaaaaaaaaates the Digimon Kaiser. We got a lot of drama from Taichi in this episode. But, as hard as Taichi is taking the humiliating slap in the face that is Ken stealing his Partner, Iori's taking it pretty hard. He's furious.

[otakween]

Digimon Adventure Drama CD 2 (Character Song + Mini Drama 2)

It's pretty funny how both this CD and the previous one begin with Butterfly. I guess the CD needed an OP just like the anime! Christmas isn't mentioned once on this CD by the way...

Download link

Drama Translation

Koushiro and the Missing Whereabouts of Love

In this mini drama Koushiro is writing a love letter on his laptop and the gang find out. Everyone mobs him with questions and excitement and then he flies away with Kabuterimon to escape.

I don't have much to say about this one because it was so short. The only thing I found kind of amusing was that Yamato defends Koushiro at first but then is like "actually, I want to see it too teehee."

When I read the translation for this, there were actually more characters involved than I realized. There were so many people talking over each other that I completely missed Gomamon was there lol.

Image Song 1 - VERSION UP (Koushiro Izumi)

Translation

I hate to say it, cuz Koushiro is my fave, but I think this was one of the weaker image songs. I like the appropriately nerdy title, but the lyrics were too abstract to be interesting. Something about changing the world for the better.

I did get a kick out of hearing Koushiro singing at least. I kinda wish the digimon had duets with their human partners. Hearing Tentomon singing would be hilarious (maybe that comes later).

Mimi’s Overly Self-Conscious Plans for World Domination

The gang capture Koushiro and continue debating over who he wrote his love letter to. Mimi is very confident that it's herself and goes on and on about how all men fall for her. Koushiro is apparently gagged so can't protest.

Kinda weird jokes in this one. They say that Koushiro would be unhappy with Sora because she'd have him whipped (which...where did that come from?) And then they do the whole "you can't date my younger sister" crap. Yamato chimed in that if he was Taichi he wouldn't let Koushiro date Hikari...why does he care? Just unfunny early 2000s gags lol

Another obscure reference joke. This time about The Kindaichi Case Files. Definitely had to wikipedia that one. This CD wasn't exactly written to hold up in the future, huh?

Image Song 2 - Because We Can See Each Other Anytime (Mimi Tachikawa)

Translation

I loved this one, extreme Mimi vibes. Nothing to do with saving the world or facing your fears, just a poppy love song. I guess there's definitely a tinge of melancholy to it. It sounds like it's about a long distance relationship.

I liked the lyrics and imagery in this one, especially the line about minds leaving bodies and meeting without any restrictions. It almost felt like a song about love during COVID lol.

Hikari’s Weak Constitution

Okay, this one was basically just a shit post lol. It starts off following up on the previous part with the gang discussing who Koushiro is writing a love letter to and then it just descends into chaos. Very "lol randum" kinda humor with the characters saying lines that have nothing to do with the situation. Kinda funny, mostly stupid.

Booo we don't even get to figure out who the letter was to because they beep it out. Hikari politely asking us to listen to her song was cute tho lol.

Image Song 3 - Holy Light (Hikari Yagami)

Translation

Another kind of abstract one only this one has weird psuedo-religious vibes. Typical of anime to do that though. I guess it makes sense with all the angel digimon. Gonna interpret this one as being about having faith in dark times. (Maybe not in the Christian sense tho lol)

Hikari's voice is really cute. I kind of wish there were animations of the characters singing these. Maybe if someone made an AMV with lip sync...

Preview for the Next CD

There's a little "next time on Digimon Adventure" preview at the end haha. Nice touch. No translation so I had to figure this one out on my own. Something about "hatsu yume" which is the first dream you have in the New Year.

I cracked the code, the reason why the cover art for this CD is Christmas themed is because it came out in December. Still weird, but okay...

[finishwhatyoustarted-event]

Chapter Champions

Sometimes, no matter how hard we try, there are just too many words to complete in two months. I want to celebrate everyone who posted chapters to ongoing works during this event! You didn’t get to check off that “completed” tic box, but you DID finish a big chunk of work!! Congratulations!

If you made chapter progress and you don’t see your work listed here, send me a message! It may have slipped through the cracks

~~

Infinite Possibilities by ahiddenpath

Chapters 7 and 8 completed as part of this event. 

Digimon - All Media Types, Digimon Adventure, Digimon Adventure Zero Two | Digimon Adventure 02 - Rated T - Chosen Children | DigiDestined & Digimon Partners, Izumi Koushirou | Izzy Izumi & Tentomon, Tailmon | Gatomon & Yagami Hikari | Kari Kamiya, Chosen friendship, Izumi Koushirou | Izzy Izumi/Original Character(s) - Canon Related, Digimon Adventure: Last Evolution Kizuna, Canonical Character Death, world building - “As more people meet their digimon partners, the challenges of digimon and humans coexisting on earth cannot be ignored. College student Anami Eimi begins her career in digimon research, hoping to help digimon and humans understand one another. When she discovers caged digimon in her new lab, she contacts the Japanese Chosen, setting off a chain of events that force the Chosen and their digimon to reevaluate the dynamics of their partnership.  This fic is set pre and post Kizuna, and is a mostly canon compliant expansion. It's a three phase story, the first starring OC Anami Eimi, then Izumi Koushiro, then Yagami Hikari. It explores the realities, challenges, and politics of digimon living on earth, and the nature of the Chosen/digimon partnership.  Can the Chosen and their digimon find the infinite possibilities that will sustain their partnerships into adulthood?  There are mentions of couples in this fic, but it's action/world expansion/plot driven, not a romance.”

https://archiveofourown.org/works/54920815/chapters/139217416

Lifeless Stars by overmore

Chapter 18 completed as part of this event.

NSFW, content warnings: Past Child Abuse, Past Sexual Abuse, Past Sexual Assault, Past Rape/Non-con, Past Incest - 第五人格 | Identity V (Video Game) - Rated M - Luca Balsa | Prisoner/Alva Lorenz | Hermit, Luca Balsa | Prisoner & Alva Lorenz | Hermit, Luca Balsa | Prisoner & Tracy Reznik | Mechanic, Norton Campbell | Prospector/Luchino | Evil Reptilian, Aesop Carl | Embalmer/Joseph Desaulnier | Photographer, Ann | Disciple/Galatea | Sculptor - Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Alternate Universe - College/University, Teacher-Student Relationship, Slow Burn, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD, Self-Harm, Suicidal Thoughts, Cults, Supernatural Elements - “After Luca's father if finally out of his life, Luca felt somewhat free and safe for the first time in his life. He finally got to go to university, he can finally have friends other than Tracy, he didn't need to worry that something bad was going to happen to him when he gets home.  Because his father was finally dead.  But after his first day at university when he finds out that the man he thought his father killed was actually alive and was going to teach him more than just one course that he had, his world once again spirals around, but not in the same way as before.  Alva Lorenz did not seem to like him much, and neither did Luca. But what can he do about it?  Definitely not get himself into situations where he's forced to interact with the said man and find out more about him and himself in the process.  And definitely not start to realize they have more in common than his father ruining both of their lives.”

https://archiveofourown.org/works/45466510/chapters/114397213

the beat of a long-dead heart by HopeStoryteller

Chapter 8 completed as part of this event.

NSFW, content warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death - Bloodborne (Video Game) - Rated M - Iosefka/Maria, Maria & Plain Doll, Gehrman & Maria - During Canon, Fix-It of Sorts, Somebody Lives/Not Everyone Dies, Major Character Undeath, Dubious Science, Canon-Typical Violence, Implied/Referenced Suicide, Canonical Character Death, Canon-Typical Behavior, Angst with a Happy Ending - “In the aftermath of what happened to Gascoigne, Maria has some revelations regarding the Doll. With the beginnings of a plan in mind, it's time to return to the clinic, though Maria isn't prepared for what she'll find there. But then again, who would be?”

https://archiveofourown.org/works/57249334/chapters/145622155

[taikouvember]

Taikouvember 2023 Prompt Walkthrough - Day 4, November 9th: Trauma & Healing

Sad and traumatic experiences have always been part of Digimon and will always define how and why the characters act and behave the way they do in certain situations. Taichi and Koushiro aren’t an exception in that regard; between existential crisis and near-death situations, they have seen a lot. So what are the things that (still) haunt them, that may put a strain on their relationship? What are certain memories and experiences they might not be able to let go of, still unable to open up towards each other? Whether it’s attachment issues, fear of loss, abandonment or inadequacy, miscommunication or (emotional) distance, self-sacrificing tendencies...

However, let us not only focus on the negative parts - because our bonds may also be able to help us. So what are ways they can help each other to actually heal, getting better and more open or even learn to live with their trauma? How can they overcome their barriers and actually be honest with each other about their deepest fears?

Want to participate in Taikouvember? Here are the Rules & FAQ

[seventeenlovesthree]

And a follow up ask: how would you describe the differences and similarities between Koushiro and Iori (as they are my 2 favorites of the Adventure 01 and 02 kids)

Since we were already talking about Iori's traditional upbringing vs. Koushirou's self-imposed correctness causing both of them to be overly polite, I will try to dig into this a little deeper. I was looking for a screenshot of them together, but then I found this pic, which I've never seen before, so I'm gonna use that one:

About their similarities:

Since Iori is meant to be the heir of the Crest of Knowledge, they're both initially shown to be equally curious people. They both wonder about the whereabouts of the Digital World, what the Chosen Children business is all about - and that's where Koushirou himself notices Iori being a great kouhai for himself, so he offers him advice and guidance whenever he needs it. So yes - the easiest comparison to make is that they're both smart and coming up with ideas that help the others along.

On a purely physical level, when they're initially introduced, they're among the youngest AND shortest members of their respective groups. And it is yet to be seen whether they'll actually surpass any other of the male characters in height.

They're both not only very polite in their speech and approach patterns overall, but also highly responsible, studious, goal-oriented and resourceful and want to do things right - to the point of losing themselves in details and (self) doubts, when things are not going according to plan.

They both have strong moral codes, are very kind at heart and highly opinionated; they definitely know what they don't like (and are more or less able to put their feet down about it, but sometimes they get overlooked by others, unfortunately).

Despite usually being level-headed, they can both get snappy/angry/witty (read: EMOTIONAL) if someone annoys them/grinds their gears.

In regards to the former point: Something they have in common I wish didn't exist to that extent is that official art tends to depict them as "too emotionless" - which definitely contradicts their multi-faceted personalities in the anime. Yes, as mentioned, they are more level-headed and calm, less outgoing than other characters - but they can have their cheerful moments with the people closest to them (including their Digimon partners and characters such as Taichi and Takeru).

Family and their bonds mean more to them than one might assume at first, since they are generally more closed-off about their private issues.

Also very similar in choosing simple, work/school-compliant clothing (read: shirt, pants, tie, nothing TOO colourful, even if they have preferences in their colours being either more muted or autumn-based).

About their differences:

As mentioned above, they are both highly curious in nature - however, when it comes to the things they want to figure out, their approaches are a little different. While Koushirou approaches everything in a mostly rational manner, Iori's questions are a little more philosophical. While he tries to be rational too, his black-white thinking tends to actually cause him to be more emotional than he'd like to. (Which shouldn't be surprising if you encounter artificially created Digimon that destruct everything mindlessly while asking about the meaning of life... Granted, Koushirou approached an entity like that too, but he ALSO tried to answer to that one more rationally...)

Despite their polite attitudes, the respective origins of their behaviours are a little different. Koushirou's politeness was self-imposed, he forced himself to act like "the perfect son" towards his adoptive parents, not knowing why he was adopted, who his biological parents were, who he even was, and so he kept a distance to everyone else, not knowing how to interact or let alone understand others when he didn't even understand himself. When he reconciled with his adoptive parents, they let him know that he could be what- and whovever he wanted to be and he's still be loved. While Iori's biological father had passed away as well, he was mainly raised in a very traditional household, being taught the customs of kendo - and developing a very black-and-white-ish moral code at first. He may have a hard time understanding other's reasonings if they don't align well with his own - but that also applies to Koushirou if somebody is not acting in reasonable ways. So something I would assign to both of them again is that they slowly but steadily have to learn to pick up cues and to be more compassionate and less rational due to their experiences. Basically - the people they willingly surround themselves with FORCE them both to think outside the box naturally.

They're both overthinkers, mainly keep their emotional states to themselves - however, if Iori bursts out, he absolutely DOES burst out. Koushirou on the other hand is more prone to ramble and talk about non-emotional things he actually wants others to know about, whereas Iori is not that generally chatty at all.

Despite "The Beginning" suggesting otherwise, Iori used to be depicted as being not very computer-crazy - he had a computer, yes, but Miyako was the one who fixed it a lot and used laptop usually, paralleling Koushirou more closely in that regard.

Speaking of "The Beginning", it can be assumed that Iori is more athletic at this point in time in comparison to Koushirou - not to call the latter an office-dweller, especially since he DOES coordinate the Chosen Children business and may participate in that as well. But Iori, despite studying hard to become a lawyer, is definitely actively putting in the energy to stay physically fit as well with kendo training.

Tl;dr, I'm not sure if that makes sense and I hope I didn't forget anything crucial.