Patrol
Ren slept in a bedroom so sparsely decorated that it was Spartan. They thought it discomforting, though they assumed correctly that past Ren had chosen it this way. The next morning Maria told them that she’d contacted Dave for everyone to get together and have dinner. “We said this coming Wednesday worked best. How’s that sound?”
Ren had come into the realm on a Thursday, making Wednesday the last day before Leland should send the next suit. “Works for me,” they said.
“Cool. You ready to head out on patrol?”
Ren blinked. “Patrol?” I’m supposed to know what that is. “Yes, patrol. Let’s go.”
“Patrol”, as it turned out, was just riding along with Maria throughout the city and making sure the peace was kept. It was like being a cop, except much lazier and less dangerous. After the battles fought to save the world from evil doers, the world at large had turned pretty safe. It was Ren and Maria’s reward for fighting the good fight that they could just do whatever they want all day as the city’s protectors. Ren wasn’t complaining, though they couldn’t shake the feeling of being a bit of a freeloader.
They saw their first Digimon as Maria coasted down the street. Ren snapped upright at the sight of a petite creature droning over their tamer’s shoulder, chatting with them. Maria watched as Ren turned their head and then their whole body to watch them as they passed. “You know them?” Maria asked.
Ren slumped back into their seat, having hoped that Maria knew for them. “No, but I thought I did. How many Digimon do you think are in this city?”
“Right now?” Maria shrugged. “I don’t know, a thousand maybe? Most of ‘em showed up after everything calmed down. One pops up every once in a while.” She looked over at them. “I feel like this is stuff you should know better than me. You sure you’re alright?”
Ren would’ve laughed it off if not for the fact Maria expected them to be stoic. They looked forward and sat upright in their seat. “Yes. I’m quite fine. Let’s continue our patrol.”
Maria snickered to herself. “Yeah, let’s do that.”
The patrol ended and the pair returned home with most of the down time spent watching TV. Ren found himself transfixed watching television shows and movies with their plots and settings totally rewritten to involve Digimon. It was like the skunk realm all over again. Dear God. That feels like ages ago. On the following patrol Maria made a stop at a clothing outlet where they got an even better look at another Digimon, this one a tiny white and purple fellow who had ears that looked ready to send it soaring should a stiff breeze roll through. It looked adorable waddling behind its tamer, talking with a cutesy voice. After a while they realized they were staring and quickly snapped back to their sister. I ought to be used to them by now. Eyes on your own paper. So they told themself while stealing glances on the little thing that squeaked and squawked.
Written by catprog on 19 December 2025
The end (for now)