Vulcan was experiencing sensory overload. He didn’t listen, unconsciously letting out a snarl and pushing Asher away causing him to stumble a few steps backward. Jumping out of Asher’s grasp, landing with an audible thud. Stomping on the ground, as his wings flapped once. Sending a burst of wind past those in front of him, going against the breeze. Vulcan immediately made an off-handed remark, coming off crueler than intended.

[color=#ff6b00]“I forgot how fragile humans are compared to digimon.”[/color] Piercing through Asher’s outer calmness, clenching his fists but relaxing within seconds. Vulcan stared down the other digimon in an aggressive stance, watching their digivolutions. Releasing puffs of smoke between breaths, turning toward Salamon. Asher’s thoughts were too jumbled, ending up inaudibly muttering a rational response. [color=#ff6b00]“Speak up!”[/color] Vulcan exclaimed, causing the reverse to occur.

His back claw scratching into the dirt, moments from lunging at Max’s partner the instant Cinderella spoke up. Asher felt indescribable. Sensing a burning itch underneath his skin, persistent yet it wasn’t painful. [color=6ecff6][i]“What exactly am I experiencing right now? Is it possible that I’m undergoing Vulcan’s emotions...like some kind of Empath? How deep of a connection does the digivice allow?”[/i][/color] Recalling subjects that he’s studied. 

That feeling disappeared like it had never happened. Vulcan’s mood swung back like a pendulum, in a laid-back posture, head tilted and staring up at Asher. A chill rushed down his spine. Placing his hand over his heart, checking his pulse. The following boom didn’t reside in his chest. They both turned around and saw the blackness towering in the distance sky. Watching the class instructor running toward the smoke, telling the students to stay behind.

[color=#ff6b00]“No way! I want to go too!”[/color] Vulcan moaned. Asher shook his head and sighed. Sitting down underneath the clocktower, beckoning his partner with a hand motion. 

[color=6ecff6]“No, we’re going to do what we were instructed to and wait for Lilac and Yaa to return-”[/color] Vulcan frowned, only becoming more hyperactive noticing the pair that already left.

[color=#ff6b00]“You’re kidding me,”[/color] Vulcan argued. [color=#ff6b00]“Someone might be in danger!”[/color] Asher was taken aback by his partners words, fire burning in his eyes. 

[color=6ecff6]“Someone’s- But what can I even do? You’re still clearly too tired to fly…how can you expect to help?”[/color] Asher asked in a critical tone, looking for affirmation but everyone else seemed to be on a completely different page. Another digimon from their group headed off, making Vulcan grin.

[color=#ff6b00]“Yeah. I’m no student either! I’m going!”[/color] Asher simply crossed his arms.

[color=6ecff6]“Then go. It’s clear I’m not stopping you,”[/color] Asher uttered. [color=6ecff6][b]“Ow!”[/b][/color] Vulcan lunged right up to his face, literally butting heads. [color=6ecff6]“Geez! Don’t cave my skull in-” [/color]

[color=#ff6b00]“But I want you to come with me. I might need you.”[/color] Vulcan said sternly, his tone less rowdy and serious. Maybe it was the acknowledgement that he was needed. Perhaps, the fear that acting passive had already cost him something valuable, or the possible brain damage he received from being bashed by a skull harder than volcanic rock. Asher clenched his fists, doing something he hadn’t imagined in years. Willingly disobey an authorities order…

[hr]

Hearing a high pitched screech coming from Salamon. Asher rushed forward, breaking a sweat. Vulcan clutching his shoulders and riding on his back, smiling. Both witnessing the unfolding events, it was clear a battle had started. Once Asher had gotten close enough, Vulcan raised his claw in triumph.

[color=#ff6b00]“Let’s set some things ablaze!”[/color] Vulcan exclaimed oozing excitement, using Asher’s shoulders as a launch pad to jump through the air. Wings outstretched and soaring straight at the Hackmon, fire building in his jaws and spewing out flames. [color=#ff6b00][b]“Petit Flame!”[/b][/color]

[i][color=6ecff6]“I hope that’s not what you meant by needing my help.”[/color][/i] Asher complained in his head, with a furrowed brow.