SleepingSilence — Roleplayer Guild

Introduction: So because I couldn’t sleep, I did this with my sleep deprived time instead...

Honestly, I didn’t submit an entry to this one because I thought making something with “The Butterfly Effect” would be too obvious and done by somebody else. Will read and give my thoughts about the entries from top to bottom. (As reviewing these works are nearly impossible in my normal format.)

Tidbit Thoughts on “Metamorphosis”: Okay, so writing wise, it was decent enough. And I don’t know if this was an afterthought or not. But I’m grateful that there’s someone (other than me) that puts consideration into the structuring of their writing for these contests. As making your story into the shape of a butterfly, is just that little extra detail that shows you put enough care into what you posted. Also the title itself is perfect. (Point being, I appreciate the consideration of your craft, however brief it might’ve been.)

Tidbit Thoughts on “The Lepidopterist’: Ignoring nitpicks about unnecessary descriptors, or questioning if every word was used to its utmost effect. There’s little bits and pieces of writing here that certainly makes me want a longer version of this mini-character study of sorts. And I’ll say that there’s clearly something here. So I think others may like this one more than I did personally. 

Tidbit Thoughts on “A bit sappy”: Um, yep. I got nothing. 

Tidbit Thoughts on “The Butterfly”: I’m trying to analyze if there’s some other technique present than the sentences spelling out the word. But regardless, it doesn’t really stand out to me.

Tidbit Thoughts on “Butterfly”: Is the missing capitalization on purpose? And if so, why? *Adds ‘Caliginous’ to vocabulary.*

Tidbit Thoughts on “полуденное солнце”: Might be a little too obtuse for me. But this only comes off as being able to use google translator. 

Tidbit Thoughts on “Summer haiku”: It’s a haiku alright. I got nothing.

Tidbit Thoughts on “Dreams”: The artsy vagueness of the prompt (as it’s not just outright stating “geddit, it’s a butterfly.”) makes it a little less bluntly obvious than other entries. So that’s a point in its favor.

Tidbit Thoughts on “Butter Flies”: It actually had me, but it lost me. Dragged on a bit long for my taste. But I appreciate the effort to make bad puns.

Tidbit Thoughts on “The Summer of 20”: You didn’t capitalize the word Summer in your hider. 6/10 too much water - IGN No, actually I liked this. (Maybe it’s because it kind of reminds me of mewithoutyou’s short songs about a spider and a leaf.) But I think it’s nicely written.

Tidbit Thoughts On “Sensitivity to Initial Conditions”: I think ‘The Butterfly Effect’ is what’s being mentioned here? (And whether or not it’s a positive that I don’t quite know what it’s going for, is up to how clear you intended to make it.) But ignoring how I feel about the use of punctuation. By feeling alone, I like how it started. But I don’t know if I care for how it ended up. Though the random name drops feel a bit out of place. As it seems more natural to put the character’s name/random philsosophy stuff at the start. But that’s just my two cents.

Tidbit Thoughts On “The fight for acceptance”: This one might be a little hard to argue for fitting the topic of “Butterflies”. But it’s also not edited for spacing, and it has obviously missing words. (And I do apologize for only doing this to you, but I do want to point it out. “From the bugs all (the) way to Mother Nature herself.”)

Top Three Entries:
1. The Summer of 20 - (Probably my favorite writing wise. And it didn’t need to say “Butterfly” for you to get precisely what was being artfully described.)
2. Metamorphosis - (A very close second for me.)
3. The Lepidopterist - (It didn’t quite grab me. But I respect the effort to make a “full” story.)

@Calle
Voting For: The Summer Of 20.

Edit: (If you're supposed to vote for two, then 'Metamorphosis' would be my other vote.)

Vulcan
Mushroom Forest (Southern Territory)
Some time later…

The chatty pair who originally captured Vulcan and separated from the rest of their group, were now guiding the uniquely golden-eyed Mushroomon by the gloves. As the trio walked across an old wooden bridge that was surrounded by a body of bubbling purple water. Only visible due to the many glowing mushroom-filled trees; which created a pungent stench of fungi that would continue to permeate through the air. Making both of them smugly grin at the sight of Vulcan’s deep inhale of what would be an intoxicating aroma. 

“Do you like the stink of our swamp, new friend?” The Mushroomon asked blithely.

“Yes, Yes. Kehehe. Do tell.” The other Mushroomon snickered.

Vulcan nodded firmly, while speaking in a joyful tone. “Yes, my friends.” As he turned to stare and smile at the one who couldn’t stop giggling.

“Kehehe. Well, well, aren’t you so much happier than before.” He sneered.

“Mhm! I’m so excited to see where we’re going." Vulcan said giddily, as they soon stopped at a crossroad of connecting bridges. 

“Since we're behind schedule. We’ll be taking you to meet our prisoners.” The Mushroomon replied, as they simultaneously let go of Vulcan’s gloves. “So follow your leader.” He added, beginning to move at a quicker pace. Disregarding Vulcan, who was left to stumble forward with a smile. As the adjacent Mushroomon noticed him struggling to walk independently.

“Sad, Sad. You’ve already forgotten about that stupid humanmon of yours-Eh?!” The Mushroomon then yelped at the sudden pull toward Vulcan’s violent glare. As the leader spun around at the sound of a big splash, seeing the moment after Vulcan had shoved the Mushroomon in. “No, no. That’s not something a friend does at all.” The Mushroomon protested once he rose to the surface. As the leader wearily sighed, and went up to take Vulcan by the glove again. 

“Don’t be too upset. The snickering fool used to be resistant to change just like you.” He noted with a smirk. “Now, say you’re sorry. Then I’ll help you to your holding cell.” He instructed, causing Vulcan to glumly nod and bow his head at the swimming Mushroomon. “Good. Frankly, I prefer your silence.” He scoffed, letting the other Mushroomon climb his own way up, while tugging Vulcan away.
* * *

The haphazard prison was in an open clearing. Containing twenty small metal cages, with mostly Floramon and a half-dozen unconscious Ninjamon. But the atmosphere of dread was felt, as most of the Floramon had quickly curled up in the corner, when they saw the two Mushroomon approaching. However, one stood defiantly and watched on in confusion. As the same one who brought her here, opened up the last empty cage, using a key which he pulled out from within the strap of his glove. Before the Mushroomon swiftly shoved Vulcan inside, and proceeded to lock the door behind him.

“You even treat your own kind terribly.” The Floramon snapped in an exasperated tone. Causing the Mushroomon to merely scoff and lock the door. “But at least one of you back where you belong.” She berated. While Vulcan turned around to watch the Mushroomon snicker at her remark and walk off.

“Not even a day goes by, and my ally got me captured.” Vulcan thought cynically, completely ignoring the same Floramon who was currently chastising him. 

“Why? Why did you have to corrupt our Blossomon and capture my friends? What did we ever do to you?”

“And I couldn’t even evolve — because I wouldn’t have been able to protect my incompetent partner. So now they’ve ruined my good sense of smell.”

“Wait a minute. I’ve never seen a Mushroomon cry.” Another Floramon interrupted, as the group of prisoners watched a couple tears fall from the golden-eyed stranger. Causing Vulcan to stand up and spit out the key into his hand, stolen from that snide idiot that he shoved in the swamp. 

“Because I’m a Vorvomon!” Vulcan snapped, before immediately freeing himself by wriggling his twig arm through the narrow bars and unlocking the door. “And now — I am their greatest enemy.”
Asher Shaw
“Vul...can…” Asher muttered, feeling the sudden light slap across his face. As he opened his eyes to the same scenery, but only saw the lone Ninjamon that was holding out the small device in its hand. A fact that briefly pierced through his armor of calm, and got Asher to scramble up onto his feet. “Vulcan!” He shouted out to no avail.

“Your partner is gone. He bargained with them to come along quietly, if they left you there.” Ninjamon explained in a solemn tone, while Asher looked at him and clenched his hands tightly. “And I’m sorry. But when I arrived, your partner had already transformed into a Mushroomon.” Ninjamon stated, as Asher took a deep breath and leaned over to reclaim his device.

“Panicking won’t help me here.” Asher reminded himself, unable to comprehend the sentence that was spoken. “D-did they really make Vorvomon into one of them?” He asked, noticing its compass was pointing south as the device started to glow an ominous black.

The Ninjamon shook his head nervously. “It seems your partner had a superior mental fortitude...but if you don’t mind me saying so. I’m a little scared of him too.”

“If this means what I think it does, I’ll trust that Vulcan knows what he’s doing and not get in his way this time.” Asher pondered, incidentally half-hearing what was said. 

“Hey, I heard from the grapevine that my colleagues found another humanmon with a device like yours.” He informed, swiftly getting Asher’s attention. “We must leave this place before they decide to return. Come with me, I’ll bring you to the flower council. And they’ll be able to take you to Blossomon.”

“I suppose I don’t have a better choice...” Asher noted hesitantly. 

“I understand why you don’t have a reason to trust me yet. But please do...” He pleaded. As Asher pulled the jacket's hood over his head and nodded silently. Proceeding to follow the Ninjamon toward the eastern territory. “Vulcan — I hope you don’t think I’ve abandoned you.”
Izabel Ivanowski
“Well, I don’t know what it means either.” Izzy replied, also looking at her device’s message. As Muchomon looked at her from below and reached his wing up in the air.

“May I take a peek?” Sunny inquired with a soft smile. Causing Izabel to shrug her shoulders and crouch down to show him the screen. As he began to inquisitive stare at it, she could imagine the smoke rising out of his head. “Hmm...it might be...yes...yes I think that’s it.” He mumbled, slowly coming to a certain realization. As she patiently waited for his expected answer ⁠— not that it would appear that way from her restless fingers tapping against her knee. “Something in the forest has indeed changed. And we’re supposed to change it back.” He responded.

Prompting Izzy to stand up and cross her arms. “So what’s different then?” She questioned, while Muchomon’s wing shyly rubbed the tip of his beak in reply.

“Um...that, I don’t know.” Sunny muttered, before noticing that Izzy was already creating a portal in one of the nearby trees.

“You can call me Izzy.” She sighed. "And with how my partner is, the others would’ve found out my name anyway.”

Though hearing that made Muchomon hang his head low, before he turned to address Alice and Doru. “W-will you two be okay in this spooky place alone?” He asked, anxiously twirling his front talons. As Izzy quickly approached and scooped Muchomon up. 

“Don’t meddle. They can handle themselves.” Izzy chided, watching as he opened his mouth to protest. But he said nothing, and let her carry him toward the portal without doing anything else. “I’ll report back to the guild for both of our sakes, if you want to stay.” Izzy offered, her back now turned to the pair. “But I don’t want to keep them waiting in suspense.”

“Y-yes, we really must get going.” Sunny chimed in agreement. “It was nice to meet you both.” He added politely, before she headed into the portal.
* * *

Shortly afterward…

Izabel carried her ‘plush toy’ into the garage. To the surprise that her dad’s car had not returned yet. As she lightly squeezed her feathered friend, and Sunny then softly smiled up at her blank stare. 

“I’m sure they’re okay.” He reassured in a soft tone, before she shushed him.

“No talking.” Izzy reminded, as she carefully walked up to the door that entered the house. “I’m...um...sorry...” She began, with Muchomon brightening up before she could finish apologizing.

“I know you were worried about your family wondering where you were. So you wanted to get home-” He replied, before being interrupted with another shushing sound. But this time it was because her name was being called out by her mother. So she quickly opened the door, and started to leg it down the hallway. 

“Yeah, Mom?” Izzy called out, as she ascended the staircase. Not stopping until she managed to make it inside her room and sigh in relief. As she hurriedly set Muchomon on the bed. He casually plopped down and gave her a smile of acknowledgement. Letting her make a short run into the hallway, where she was abruptly halted by the presence of Koushiro running upstairs to approach her.

“Izzy! Look, I had no cavities!” He exclaimed, giving his sister a pearly white smile. As she took a moment to consider why her brother was here.

“That’s good.” She replied, fiddling with her hat and goggles. “What happened to dinner?”

“Dad brought the wrong food home.” He explained. As she nodded and pointed down the stairs.

“I’ll race ya to mom.” She offered, as her brother happily dashed back downstairs. “That’ll keep him from finding Muchomon for now.” Izabel thought, proceeding to head into the kitchen where her mother and brother were both sitting at the table. Not expecting the question she then received.

“Did you let a bird inside of our house?” The mother asked, with a stern expression.
Kate Beckham
The past few hours of her life were spent at the dauntless task of completing a basic tutorial. But at least the quiet ambient sounds coming from her speakers were nice...

“I’m honestly not sure what disturbs me more…” Ouro chimed in yet again, while sitting on the edge of the bed. With his gaze affixed to the computer monitor in front of him. “Watching you ‘play as me’. Or that you appear to be failing at it.” He scoffed, making Kate groan and slouch back in her computer chair. As she took one glance at the Mushroom Forest on her screen, before swiveling around to face the pouting Dracomon.

“Are you really still upset that I said that?” She sighed, not getting a response until she continued. “Or is it because I joked about your code-”

“Both.” Ouro interrupted with blunt honesty. As Kate played with her hair for a moment to consider what should be said next. Before deciding to shrug it off and turn herself around to send more messages to her friend.

@DestroyerOfWorlds Thanks for getting me into the guild, Ash.[@RockStarKate]

@RockStarKate Mwhaha! My pleasure.[@DestroyerOfWorlds]

@DestroyerOfWorlds Are you understanding the game alright?[@DestroyerOfWorlds]

“No. But, I understand the real thing even less.” Kate thought, glancing over her shoulder to see Dracomon’s stubborn glare. As she quickly looked away and massaged her temples. “Though, he sure does seem to hold a grudge.” However, that notion got Kate thinking and frantically typing away at her keyboard. Feeling confident that her computer chair was blocking their chat from Ouro’s view.

@DestroyerOfWorlds So this may seem like a stupid question but...[@RockStarKate]

@DestroyerOfWorlds Let’s say you actually found a real digimon. How would you hide it, and keep it hidden from your family?[@RockStarKate]

Her friend didn’t respond right away, as Kate practically held her breath until she exhaled in relief at the answer.

@RockStarKate Ooo. That would be so great! Though I wouldn’t have to worry about anyone seeing the digimon. Since I’ve been living on my own since my 18th birthday. ^3^[@DestroyerOfWorlds]

She got halfway into writing her message, ‘Ash, I have a really big favor to ask of you’, but then immediately backspaced it into oblivion. “Ouro...would you be willing to live at my friend’s house?” Kate asked with a hesitant tone, as she turned around to notice that Dracomon was giving her time to elaborate further. “You’d be safer there, since she lives alone. You’d...probably get plenty of snacks.” She stated with an increasing lack of confidence, while starting to feel stupid for even suggesting it. Causing Dracomon to smile and shake his head slightly.

“If you’re worried about others finding me. I would rather return to my shrine.” He replied. “Really. I don’t want to trouble you, or your family.”

“If those are the only two options, you’re staying here.” Kate insisted sternly, picturing the little dragon sitting alone within the wreckage of his former home. As Ouro promptly nodded with a grin, getting a smile back from her in kind. “Alright then. I’ll figure it out…after I get myself another drink.” She assured herself, while standing up. Sparing one last look at the computer to see that she had just received a private message. Although it wasn’t from ‘ApolloKnight’, one of the supposed guild leader’s that her friend mentioned..

@RockStarKate I saw your message about the meteor in chat. Did you receive one too?[@The_Clockmaker]

Kate stared at the message reluctantly, not even noticing that Dracomon had swiftly moved off the bed and stood up on her seat.

“It appears that someone else has had the same thing happen to them.” Ouro commented, briefly startling her, before Kate sent a reply. 

@The_Clockmaker Are you a boy, or a girl?[@RockStarKate]

“So, should I tell them anything?” Kate asked, seeking Dracomon’s advice.

“I think we could use whatever information they may have.” He responded promptly. As Kate also got a swift answer back.

@RockStarKate A girl. So did you get one or not?[@The_Clockmaker]

“Straight and to the point. I like it.” Kate thought with a smile, as she began to reply. “I can already feel the start of a like-minded friendship.”
Izabel Ivanowski
@The_Clockmaker Awesome. Yeah, I found a device. Does yours mention something about the Mushroom Forest too?[@RockStarKate]
While at the same time...

Izabel was lying in bed on her stomach, with her legs casually swaying and kicking the pillows. Offering a blank expression to the messages she was now receiving. Taking a moment to place the laptop at her side and look down at Muchomon, who was sitting on the floor and joyously munching on a plate of sushi rolls. 

“Well this person's already annoying me...” Izzy muttered, as Sunny soon swallowed and fluttered his wings gleefully.

“Oh my, this is quite delicious.” He chirped, proceeding to pop another one in his beak.

SleepingSilence Member

OC, Plz No Stealz.

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