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Hoihoi all again! Is time for more of that Digimon writing! As I'm having a really great time slowly going through the series again as an adult compared to the small amounts I remember from when I was a kid. And I have to say I'm quite surprised how dark a lot of themes the show goes into. One minute its funny pee jokes and then 'heres someone dying slowly in their friends arm!' fun! But this is another one set in the Freelancer little world and could be considered a gift I suppose to the Freelancer leader;
alephgon
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An excellent and friendly fluff who has helped a lot of us get through crummy days and always ready with a hug and support. This is a semi continuation of the previous Digi story where Levin takes some of the first steps in getting over what he thought he always was and toward a helpful hero

Three days after the previous Digi story.

"Really!? They just...drive around all day? Towards nothing in particular?" Neko humming as he chewed on his oatmeal at the breakfast table. Aleph and Levin nodding as they munched on some bread, milk, and other assorted breakfast foods.

"Yeah. It really seems like a really wasteful thing doesn't it? Spitting out all that icky smelling uhh...smell from their cars." Levin would nod before homphing down on his toaster pastry. Full of totally healthy filling don't you worry.

"Well I mean maybe they are going to work? Or to see friends!" Aleph would add as he chewed on his bread roll. Sword resting on the table next to him which he had been using the slice the bread. Making pretty thick slices but hey meant more tasty fresh bread for eating. No-one seemed to be minding much really.

"I suppose. I saw a lot of shouting in and outside those vehicles back in the city. Though maybe I just noticed them more than the other Humans who were just having an average or nice time." The Gazimon tapping his claws on the table as he hummed. Alephs arm already reaching to move over his head as he continued. "Seems easier to notice the bad often compared to the good...Wonder if there is a word for that." Before he epped at the Digipaladins arm clapping on his opposite shoulder and pulling him into a side hug!

"Probably! But we should also focus on food too! We have a big day ahead of us Levin!"

"Are you sure you don't want help with the Digimental testing Aleph?" Leo would humm as he swirled around the bowls contents. "Its a little uhh...new isn't it?"

"In a sense! And it may not be fully ready yet. Kuro is still working on fiddling with the Syphons for the egg itself. So waiting around until I get the message that its good to go may be awhile. And well,"

"I have other duties I know I know." Neko eeeeh-ing as he flicked out a kunai from his various pouches to help scoop up the last of his oatmal. "Just helping to patch up the wall isn't nearly as cool sounding as that stuff." The grumpy ninja cat soon pulled into the side hug as well as Aleph stuck out his tongue to reaaach over to him as well. Levin now squished between Aleph and Neko as the blue boi smiled.

"Only for now and don't you worry about it Neko." Giving him a wink over those wriggling Gazi ears as Levin hurfed and squirmed. "Just need Levin for a little surprise." Neko ooohing and then nodding back as he turned to better hug both of his Digi buddies! Levin smooshed even more as his tail flicked and kinked as he squeaked between the other two. At least it was nice and warm unlike the wheelbarrow last time! Neko and Aleph finally releasing the hug as the half flat Levin would wobble on the bench seat before Aleph helped him right himself as the Gazi started to regain his normal size. And those waving paws finally found the pastry again.

"Sur...prise?" Levin would squeak out between chomps of snack as he slowly popped back into his normal size. But Aleph, and Neko when Levin looked over at him, just winked. Sneaky Neko acting like he knew!

"Oh you'll see. But be sure you get that food in you Levin so we can be ready if today is the day!" Levin nodding as he looked back at the fresh bread and apples and started to nom on them. Looking a little worried if anything. Surprises tended to not be a nice peaceful day. And had a high chance of sudden complications! Aleph patting his shoulder to try and calm him down as Neko would humm and speak up again.

"So besides those car thingies they spend so much time in. What was this I heard about these little glowing bricks?" Levin and Aleph looking over with full mouths as Neko hummed and boxed out a small square. "About this big? That every Human is issue at birth or something that they just stare at all day?"

"Does it blink and bloop?" Levin would mutter around the food to which Neko nodded at before Aleph ooohed!

"Oh you mean a smartphone?"

"Maybe? If I knew what it was called I would have called it that." Neko would respond with a shrug before Aleph would give him a thumbs up.

"Well I think you are meaning a smartphone. The humans have to buy those they are not just given them. And shock they actually sometimes use it like a phone! But most of the time they just use it to send messages to each other. Or to browse the internet."

"Oooh that's what they are for," Levin would humm as he shrugged. "I stol...err...acquired one back when I was there. But it never did much besides occasionally make noise and colors before it stopped working. I could never put electricity back into it properly. I think I broke it trying."

"Aww well if you want one later I'm sure after good work in the Real World we can get you one Levin! Then you'll be able to fiddle with it some more! But yeah Humans also make little programs for them. Apps or something." Before Aleph would stop with his mouth half open. Those apps were digital...and stored on the phone. Maybe...Digitalmonster app of some kind?!

"Sounds pretty useful," Neko would quip as he finished off his oatmeal. "Kind of like those Digivices but with more things. Maybe we could get communicators like that some day?"

"Maybe?" Levin would humm as Aleph kept looking into the middle distance - and the potential future! "Though those have to send out...something to connect to other devices. I'm sure that could be tracked cause I often felt something coming off the one I had before it broke. Like a current gently brushing against me. Before it died. Decent idea though. Means we could do more of those good deeds that Aleph likes while keeping in contact. Right Aleph? Aleph?" Levin reaching over with a sparking claw before zapping the Digipaladins shoulder. Making the blue jolt in his seat and blurt out.

"Appmon!" Before he blinked and looked at the two thoroughly confused Digital Monsters. "Err..." A blush forming across his muzzle as he quickly picked up his bread again. "Food you two! Work to do and all that!" Levin and Neko glancing at each other before they grabbed an apple and bread slice. What an odd thing to say.

But the good food would eventually be consumed and the work, and testing, couldn't wait forever. And luckily as Aleph was leaving the table he would almost run right into Ember! Kuromons assistant giving him a wave before he smiled and nodded. Aleph ooohing to himself as he glanced over to see Levin clearing the table of plates others had left behind. Like a good minion. Before back to Ember. "Is it ready?"

"It is indeed!" A small blue faced flat circle with yellow lines criss crossing pulled out of a pouch on the Gabumons side and held out. Aleph carefully picking it up and turning it onto its side, about half an inch high with semi clear blue plastic surrounding its perimeter. A clear swirling glow inside of it which reflected well in Alephs big happy eyes.

"It looks amazing!" Turning it over back onto its face as he clicked the small screen and a blocky sprite of Aleph himself showed up on it. "And is set up for me. Though did Kuromon get the uhh...surprise I mentioned?" Ember just smirking and making a poke at the screen himself, the sprite flicking over to a Gazimon! Who was doing a little slash gesture with a grumpy face on him. The similarity was staggering! Well besides the sprite not having Levins hoodie or his tail bands. But still! Uncanny! "Heh. Good. Gooooood." The Syphon clipped onto Alephs belt as he looked back to see that Levin was almost done. "Are the Mentals at the forge or do you have them too?" The satchel taken off and handed over which made Aleph clap those paws together. "You two are just the best!" Ember getting a glomp hug before the satchel was put over Alephs shoulders. "Be sure you and Kuro get all the food you need after such hard work. I'll be sure to let you know how successful it is after the test!"

"Oh he's heading over here to get some of that after finishing cleaning up, like Levin is." Ember giving the Gazimon a wave as he started to head over. Aleph quickly sliding the Syphon into the satchel to hide all parts of the surprise for later. "I'm sure you all didn't eat everything did you?" Alephs expression switching to one more of embarrassment as he rubbed the back of his head.

"Well uhh...maybe? But!" Striking a dramatic pose before almost falling over as the heavy satchel swung out before bonking back into him. "Epp! Uhh...yeah but! I'm sure Kaida would be happy to make some more for both of you! Especially after such good work."

"Work on what?" Levin would squeak as he waddled up with his claws tucked into his hoodies' tum pouch.

"Surprise things," Ember would respond with a little tap of his pelts nose as he stood aside to let Levin and Aleph move past. Levins eyes drawn to the new satchel Aleph was sporting as he made a little weeeh sound.

"Why is everything a surprise today? This won't involve trash or squishing will it? I got enough of that in the Real World." An arm thrown around his shoulder again as Aleph started to walk with him out toward the castles courtyard.

"Because surprises lead to anticipation and in your case some concern! Emotions you will need to learn to even better control when we help out the Humans in the Real World. Don't worry they are nice surprises."

"I'll see when then finally show up." Levin grunted as he returned his hands to his pouch. "What you consider nice is sometimes a little odd. And am I really the best to help with whatever we're doing today with the bag?" Levin frowning as his ears lowered down. "You got others who would likely be better." Alephs spare not shoulder arm patting between those big wing ears.

"Now now Levin, even if that were true it would be bad of me to only focus on a few Freelancers would it? I want everyone to be good and powerful not only a few of us. Leaving our own behind would reflect terribly on us as a group who is supposed to uplift other Digi and Humans."

"Makes sense...alright fine. What are we doing today with whatever Ember and I'm guessing Kuromon gave you?" The two passing through the castle gate as Aleph pointed at a clearing a little ways off. Just at the edge of the forest around the Freelancer Castle. Where Monzaemon occasionally took field trips out for one of the dozens of lunch's throughout the day. But for the moment at least there was no big sleepy bear around.

"We will be testing a new type of Syphon that Kuromon has been working on! Allowing us to use Digimentals!" Levin blinking at that as Aleph removed his arm around Levins shoulder and moved ahead as he opened up the pack. Taking out his most recently used Mental, Levin not spotting that there was another one in there as he tossed the egg to his other hand as he did a little spin before taking the Syphon out of the satchel as well and holding it out. Luckily for him he was able to click the screen before Levin saw it to swap it back to the little pixel version of himself.

"We need to test it? Haven't you already become Tall before?" Levin asked as he took a half step back. "Why am I here when you know it works?" Aleph pointing with one of his egg fingers at the 1.0 Syphon as he tried to explain.

"While yes it did work before that was more of a spur the moment and kind of risky method. This," turning the Syphon to the side so Levin could see the glowly energy inside it gently spinning around. "Collects energy slowly from the world around us and allows us to use these much easier and transform much easier!" A little pause before he added. "Thats the theory at least. The Mental has also been modified so we need to make sure it still works properly. You're here to observe and be ready to step in if something goes wrong. The energy of this could just leak out and I'll be left worn out trying to evolve without success. At which point I'll need help getting back and we'll need to explain what we saw and felt." Levin thankfully taking some steps forward this time to hold his hand out toward the Syphon as he slowly nodded. Electric bun could feel the energy from it as the fur on his hand stood on end.

"Ok that makes sense. Umm...I'll move back and hope it works then." Aleph handing him the satchel to take back with him before the Gazi moved about ten feet backwards. Aleph taking tight hold of the Syphon and Mental in one hand each as he gave a hopefully reassuring smile at Levin.

"Right! Here we go! Digimental, Up!" Holding both close together as he braced himself. The Syphon whirring to life and starting to glow. The glow quickly overcoming the Mental of Darkness before shooting up Alephs arms and soon surrounding him entirely. Levin trying to keep watching through his claws half blocking his view. Alephs light blob stretching upward as the Syphon and Mental floated on opposite sides of him. Before the Mental of Darkness entered the glow that was Aleph as the Syphon moved to be floating above him. The Evolution seemed to start at his head as far as Levin could see as Alephs closed eyes popped into a mask that settled over his face. Sharp and pointed as his ears shot a few inches taller. Ready to listen to the injustices. Face as a whole becoming much sharper; muzzle, eyes under the mask, and much of his normal fluffy face and head fur seemed to go away. But that was fine as all that floof was moved down to his scarf. Which poofed into a much larger thing that flowed behind him! Split into two halves that billowed behind him like small wings. Kept held snug by a strap across his upper chest that clicked into place into shoulder pads. The securing gear continuing onto his chest as his chest belt split into two that also secured themselves around the shoulder pads and strapped together snugly around his chest. Ensuring his scarf and shoulder gear would stay secure during the shadow melding. Alephs normal belt doubling up into two layers as smoke grenades popped into place on his right side and two pouches on his left. The suspender loops he kept around his thighs opening up like arms before they turned inward and secured themselves around his thighs much more securely before they clipped up into the belt. A lot of very snug gear to keep everything in place through the shadow running and fast chasing down of those who would do harm. Much more offensive focused than the Alephmon most commonly seen. And the now much taller fluff would have his pants tucked into wraps around his knees for better jumping and landing before capped off with knee pads for up close work. His now much larger feet ending in three black claws compared to his normal white as the new Armormon crouched down and started to turn. His right arm over his face as his left was held out straight from his shoulder as the light of evolution suddenly darkened down drastically. The dark however was swiftly shifted from Alephs entire body to the end of his left arm. Where it coalesced and condensed into a large gauntlet that went past his closed fist to three large claws before snapping upwards to just under his elbow. The bleeding darkness dripping down in a thin strip that the new Mon grasped tightly as he completed his spin. Collapsable stun baton now held tightly in his gauntleted hand as he stood facing Levin poised forward. Right arm that was over his face now out stretched too toward Levin as his armored and weapon holding left arm held backwards. Coiled and ready to strike.

"Furvusmon! Shroud of the Night!" Aleph/Furvus happily reported as he held the pose. Levin finally looking at it fully without all the glowlyness as he gave a little clap clap for it.

"The posing and line is part of the fun is it?" The now tall and armored Furvus giving a shaky smile before he shrugged.

"Well," he responded, much deeper in voice than the normal little pally. "Yeah! You got to make an impression after all! And it means the process went perfectly!" Reaching up to collect the floating Syphon as Furvus turned it over in his none armored hand to see how it looked. Seemed like it was still holding together perfectly well! And still had some glow into it. Even better. His gauntleted hand giving a little spin as the stun baton collapsed and was slipped into the armor before Levin spoke up again.

"What's next? Should we have you try some moves or something? Make sure its all working well?" Furvus nodding as he blinked before he was gone. Levin epping and looking around before there was a gentle press on his shoulder. Looking back to see that his own morning shadow was reaching up take hold of his shoulder. The shadow having a very eerie glowing smile and eyes from Furvus just chilling in Levins shadow. Those Gazi feet soon dangling as Levin was picked up off the ground by the grinning shadow as Furvus rose up out of the ground shadow until he was standing a full height with Levin dangling from his out stretched none armored hand. "Well uhh...that works." Levin squeaked before he oppfed at being pulled into a tight huggle snuggle! At least Furvus was still soft and somewhat squishy.

"It does indeed Levin, and now we move onto the second test." Levin plopped back down on his wrapped feet before Furvus would take a deep breath and hold the Syphon in both hands. The glow returning before he was fully enclosed in it and then squashed down into his normal Alephmon size! And when the light was gone Aleph was standing before Levin holding the Shadow Mental and Syphon! With eyes that were pretty swirling as he stumbled forward before Levin moved forward to steady him.

"You ok Aleph? Maybe sit down?" The Pally helped down to the ground as those eyes started to return to normal. Using Levin for support before Aleph let go to sit more normally. Though Levin would be surprised to see that the Syphon was now in his hands? But he shrugged. Clearly Aleph just wanted him to hold this to make sure he didn't drop it. Though when he turned it to the side Levin was surprised to see it still looked pretty full. Impressive that Aleph was able to get most of that evolution energy back into it! But that initial impression was soon dispelled as he looked up to see Aleph holding not the Mental of Shadows but a new egg. The open satchel that Levin had been wearing having been quickly opened for Aleph to pull out the second Mental and was now holding it out toward Levin. Primarily white with a yellow sharp angled mountain like peak valley peak valley on its top. A black base. And two little pufts of grey on its edges like Levins ears. Emblazoned on the front of it being the crest of Lightning. "Uhhh..."

"Surprise!" Aleph happily beamed with his eyes returned to normal but closed in that perfect little happy pose as he held out the Digimental of Lightning Kuromon had been working on diligently for the last few days. The Syphon was important for sure but the Freelancer brand of Mentals were the real key. And Aleph thought it would be perfect for Levin to finally be a proper Hero himself!

"...For me?" Levin would finally respond as he kept his hands to his side. "But I'm...not...uhhh...anything." Levin trailing off as he looked down at the ground. It was unfortunate that neither of them noticed the bushing shaking to their side as Alephs encouragement was fully interrupted by the arrival of nine other Gazimon into the small clearing.

"Thats right Levin! You deserter! You aren't!" Levin and Aleph looking over just in time to see the other Gazimon with mouths open and glowing yellow before a chorus of 'Electric Stun Blast' slammed into the two just as hard as the shocking orbs did. Both thrown hard many feet back before onto the ground. Twitching and trying to breath as the nine buns quickly moved over and grabbed the Syphon out of Levins hand and then the Darkness and Lightning Mentals from the floor. "Get them both too. Boss may need them to know how this works and for us gettin more stuff from the fancy pants and their castle!" Alephs fancy pants and himself soon grabbed between two Gazi as he struggled to stay awake as he was hefted off the ground. Levin soon up as well as the apparent leader, with a stylish bandana over his head, stood between the two twitching Freelancers.

"You didn't really think we would forget you after leaving us all after that network collapse did you? Running away to the Real World and leaving us all here." Waggling a claw finger at Levin as he tried to keep breathing. "But don't worry. We'll extract the price of that out of you and your little boss soon enough." Before he blasted both Digi again himself. And Aleph and Levin were rendered unconscious. Before the group quickly left before anyone from the castle saw them.

It would be a very uncomfortable bed Aleph found himself in. Very lumpy. And his grumbles about it made him realize another issue! The blankets, so good and warm, were so darn tight! He could barely even wriggle at all. But it was bed. Maybe Stry had put him in here because he finally needed some rest. Been working too hard on the Freelancers as Aleph nodded to himself. That must have been it. So he yawned and settled down again. Sleep was important for warriors after all! Got to be well and rested to protect...protect. Levin!? This time when he opened his eyes Aleph found himself where he actually was. A small room where he was tied up inside. Laying on the hard stone floor and what looked like a thick wooden door for entering this room. But where was Levin?! His head whipping around before he spotted the Gazimon in the corner...curled up there looking at the wall while also tied up.

"Levin! Are you ok?" Aleph would squeak in a loud whisper. But Levin didn't respond. He didn't even have his hoodie, tail bands, or foot wrappings on! Though when Aleph glanced down he would epp as he found himself without his pants, scarf, and gloves too! Those little monsters! And his sword but he expected that at least. But he needed to focus here. Levins tail was flicking so he may be awake. Tied up too but Aleph needed to make sure he was ok. "Levin?" He asked again but still no response. Maybe he was still asleep? Rolling over a few times as the ropes around his torso made try to get up hard he found himself next to the Gazimon as he strained but no good for the arms. So would instead gently pat Levins back with his foot. "Levin?" He would try again before the Gazimon turned over to look at him. Making Aleph gasp as Levin looked like he had been beaten up! Scratched and dinged all around with bruises. Those monsters!

"Use...less." Levin mumbled around his swollen face. Eyes mostly closed though it looked as if he had been crying too. "No...point." Before he urked at Aleph flopping forward on top of him in an attempt to hug the despondent bunny. Though Aleph did notice that he seemed to flop a bit lower than he expected into Levin.

"Don't let their taunts make you feel that way Levin! Thats what they want. You are not useless!" Aleph starting to get a little misty eyed too as his arms strained against the ropes. Hugs were required, as was healing, but he couldn't! It was terrible! "You are an important member of the Freelancers!"

"Am not," Levin grunted back. "Everyone else liked by humans and each other. Alone. Left team behind. Now alone from them too." A few drops of water falling on Levin from Aleph as he kept trying as hard as he could to free his arms. But the ropes were too tight!

"Those monsters don't deserve your help Levin! They are stuck in the past!"

"Brain is stuck in past. Am just follower." Another rise up and flop as Levin squished down a little more. Aleph managing to slightly think of a plan through his anger and frustration.

"Then we need to look ahead Levin! Where you can be a hero and make everyone happy! In fact." A sniff from Aleph to try and think more clearly as he rose up again before flopping back down. Levin starting to get pretty flat. Helped by the evil Gazi smacking him around to soften him up. So evil! "We start now!" Another up and down as Levin tried to curl away from the impacts. But as he was already in the corner there wasn't anywhere to go besides flat! His complaints having to been squished through which didn't make Aleph feel any better but this was the best plan he could think of for now.

"S..stop!" But the act had been done and now Levin was pretty paper thin on the floor. The rope thankfully now very lose on him as Aleph flopped next to him to try and nose Levins face.

"Heros don't stop Levin. And now you can get out of the rope. Get under the door. And get us out of here! Rescuing me like a hero!" Levin stayed quiet and still for awhile, Aleph holding his breath as he hoped he could get through to his now flat friend, before finally Levin raised up a flat claw to put his hand on the wall and start to pull himself up to a wobbly upright position. So far so good. Though he would lean against the wall and sigh. Aleph having to shimmy wriggle to the side to see his face.

"I'll just untie you. You can get out of this." A little spin before Alephs unbound feet would pat Levins flat tail.

"I won't be able to get flat enough Levin. I need you to get out of here even if I'm untied. You can do this. I believe in you." Giving Levin his best smile and eye sparkle before the bun sighed and started to waddle toward the door. Using the wall as support before he was there. And would start to slide down the wall to stick his feet under the door. Aleph wriggling over to help push him along on his shoulders to try and help Levin get under the door. It seemed to be working! And with a last shove Levin was through!

Though now that he was Aleph mentally whapped himself for not trying to listen or look under the door to make sure one of the other Gazimon were not in this right about to hurt Levin again. But thankfully it seemed to be quiet so far.

"Clear." Levin would confirm from the other side before he would squish around to try and stand up. And then clasp his hands on the lock for the door. Thankfully just a turn deadbolt! But still a big one for a flatmon to try and work with. But luckily for Levin as he took hold of it and started to tug and pull it backwards to try and twist it he started to pop back into his normal shape. Gaining more purchase to be able to finally give that knob a clacky turn. And then the door would be, unfortunately, loudly creaked open. To reveal Aleph flopping forward with an ack as he had been resting against it. And the blue would wriggle like a fresh caught fish before he could get onto his back looking up at Levin.

"See? You did great!" The ropes around Aleph quickly clawed through by Levins normal claws now before both were on their feet. Before freezing. Footsteps were coming down the only hallway down to here. Just sounded like one set. The door creaked shut again, but unlocked, before Aleph and Levin would try to hide on both sides of the door toward the sword. Just in time for one of the old crew Gazi to wander into the room. Giving the door a glare as he clicky clacked over to it with those toe claws.

"You two making a big racket," he would complain at the door as he waggled a finger at it. "Do we need to smack you around again little hero?" His smarmy mocking of the prisoners making him totally miss Aleph and Levin were now behind him as Aleph took the lead by tapping the Gazis shoulder.

"Not for me. But you need some smacking for being mean!" And then a quick double punch, one left one right, from Aleph. Levin as he was still pretty beat up just giving the other Gazi a downward strike between the ears! The other Gazi blargling before he flopped backwards. Well at least that was one of the nine down. Assuming they didn't have extra goons in here. The Gazi soon rolled and pushed into the old cell before the door was closed and locked again. Aleph now that he was free giving Levin a hug! Cause he needed it now. "Great job Levin! See we are on our way now toward escape!" And at least Levin smiled back as he hugged. A few of his injuries starting to slowly heal as Aleph applied some Lay-on-Paws to the battered Gazi.

"We are doing it yeah. Leaving them behind right? Especially that one, left behind in the prison!" Levin giving the door a rather rude human gesture! But hey it was confidence so its all good. Aleph giving him another hug before the two would start to head down the hallway toward hopeful escape.

"And finding our gear." Aleph would nod as they went. "Thats important too."

"Yeah yeah...I kind of forgot how cold these stone passage ways can get without my hoodie."

"Or pants."

"Or pants, if you wear those." Both Digi having a little chuckle before they quieted down as they neared a corner. Peaking around to see a Gazi flopped half over a table asleep. And there was the Syphon and Lightning Mental! None of their gear but at least something. Looked like a small break kind of room with the remains of food too. Even better once they bonked the unwelcome guest! The two sneaking closer before Aleph would first reach for the special items before stopping. He had no way to hold them without belts or the satchel. So that wouldn't help really. Gazi first. Levin taking hold of the back of the chair as Aleph nodded. The meanie startled awake as he was suddenly falling backwards to spawl over the floor. Before the chair leg was being swung toward the side of his head! But he was a quick one as he was able to open his mouth and start saying electric before wham! The small stun blast flying upwards - nowhere close to hitting Aleph or Levin but it did hit the light bulb above him. And set it and all the other lights in this little base stuttering and flashing. Uh oh. The now knocked out goon left on the floor as Aleph looked at the door that would lead them the opposite direction they came from. Shouting and lots of footsteps. Oh crap.

"Levin!" Aleph would squeak as he scooped up the Syphon and the Lightning eggy - clicking the Syphon to the Gazimon picture as well. Quickly putting them in Levins hands. "Use them! Become a hero! We need it!" As into the hallway and approaching rapidly would be the remaining seven naughty Gazimon. Bandana leading from the back as he screeched down the hallway.

"Well we tried nice first!" Not good if he considered beating Levin to be nice. "Time to die!" Aleph looking back at Levin who was just looking at the two items in his hands. Looking between them and the rapidly approaching past of his life. The future in his hands and the past running forward to try and steal it from him. Aleph taking a breath before throwing himself in the door way. Trying to spread his arms wide to give Levin time as the Gazi fell upon him. Claws raking his fur and face as he tried to hold steady.

"Alephmon!" Levin would scream as he reached out toward his friend. One of the few that believed in him. He wanted to help. Just help somehow. Before he was shrouded in light. Aleph and the other Gazi looking over from the floor where Aleph had been tussling with two of them as the stampede stopped.

Levins out stretched hand, holding the Syphon, would change first as his claws elongated before the light formed a large gauntlet around his hand. A sharp bolt of yellow down their middle. Levins other hand rising up as he tried to look at both of them before he was stretched upward. The Digimental of Lightning sliding into roughly his chest area as the Syphon took its position above him. The light continuing down his arms leaving behind the dark blue of his hoodie. Continuing up his arms before the white stripes spread out to cover his entire thorax. Leaving a big red plus right in the center and the crest of Lightning on his back. The light now splitting into two parts as the brighter glow moved up to Levins worried looking face. The now much taller Gazimon struggling with these new feelings as his arms flailed. Though as he couldn't see too well he didn't see the large electrical sparks that that movement generated that sent the Gazimon scrambling backwards and Aleph for the moment alone. The dimmer light going down his body leaving his now bigger hoodie behind before two pouches formed on his left and right hip. As well as a large pouch above his tail. Which poofed up to be much thicker than it had been before. Tail bands snapping into place as his tail kinked into a lightning bolt shape. The pufts of fur at the end of his tail becoming much longer and pointier as it flicked side to side. And to the shock of Aleph Levin got himself some pants! Light cream colored with similar shocking motifs compared to his gauntlets which stopped just after his new big knees. Simple black wrappings below that to keep it snug on him - so he could move quickly to where help was needed. And his ankle fur gaining a few strips of yellow as well. But the light on his head was still doing its work as his ears rapidly enlarged and stiffened. The ends of them gaining a black and yellow pattern and a jagged edge. Before they were laid down low on his head as the light became even brighter and shiny before snapping into a Chrome Digizoid helmet atop his head. In the form of a salet helmet which segmented neck guard kept his ears down and the back of his head safe. Stretching down his cheeks into sharply angled guards for the sides while leaving his eyes free reign to see who needed healing. The Light topping the helmet off with goggles currently sat against the metal helmet above his eyes. Red like his normal eyes and with a yellow strap.

Levin blinking at his new form before he looked back at the scene in front of him. Quickly reached out with his now much greater reach to pull Alephmon closer to him and holding his other hand out toward the other Gazimon. Crouched down trying to shield his friend as Aleph smiled up at the new armormon. "Go on Levin," he whispered. "Do the line."

"Wha? Oh! Right!" Clacking together the claws facing the enemy Gazimon before he hissed. "Statmon! Shocking Salvation! Stay back!" Bandana glared at the now much larger Digimon as his troops reorganized in the hallway.

"Fancy trick, but its still one against seven! Crew! Fire!" The Gazimon quickly forming up either crouched down or standing on tiptoes to not hit each other as all of them were now charging stun blasts. But Statmon would move fully in front of Aleph as he crossed his arms together still crouched. A thin yellow barrier forming in front of him which took the collective stun blasts all at once. And Statmon barely moved. In fact all that happened was his goggles sliding down to over his eyes as his ear and tail tip crackled and sparkled with electricity. Electricity he could now use. The red lenses glowing as Statmon grit his teeth and glared at the other Gazimon as his tail lowered down to rest against Alephs' chest. The little blue suddenly feeling an absolute surge of power as he hopped up right onto his feet with hands up. God he was ready! Ready for Anything!

"I'm done believing in what was!" Levin would growl around his crossed arms as his teeth sparkled with charge before slamming his gauntlets on the ground. The collected shock he just took now channeled to his arms as his claws burst into light. The slam also raising him back onto his feet. "When the future is what will come!" The other Gazi starting to worriedly back up before Statmon charged forward. Goggles giving off an almost blinding red light combined with the yellow glow all over the lightning motifs all around him as he screamed. Aleph doing what he could to keep up but the static shocks radiating off of the very angry Armormon made him have to hang back as he just watched. Gazimon flying into the walls, sliding back down the hallway, and soon enough Bandana rolling to a stop right in front of him! Making Aleph blink before he quickly snatched the satchel from the very much out of the fight Bandana and checking to nod to himself. Darkness was in there. Good. So Aleph would head back and pick up the Syphon from where it had been left after Levins evolution and then look to see how Statmon was now progressing. It was pretty evident that the other Gazimon would not be a threat right now.

They were all strewn about the hallway. Twitching and groaning from the smacks and shocks they had received from Levin. But Statmon wasn't there? Humming Aleph would careful step over the limp Bandana and jog down the hallway. Soon finding the panting Statmon in the next large room as he leaned over a table. Huffing and puffing as his goggles slid back to be over his eyes. Aleph very pleased to see he was still alright and even better on the table was his pants, scarf, and sword! And of course Levins old hoodie and tailbands as well. Hopping up on the bench Aleph would smile as he set a hand on Statmons left gauntlet and decided to ask the same question he had before. "Levin. Are you ok?" His hopeful smile matched as Statmon smiled back as he gently patted Alephs head.

"I am yes. Thank you for believing in me. Pulling me out of the belief that what was in the past is all I can be. Weather like this or like normal what I do now will define me. Not what I was." Statmons patting hand reaching over to take hold of the Syphon as with a flash Levin was back to normal. Hopping up onto the bench as well as the two worked on getting their equipment back on. And soon enough were outside in the clean air. Bandana and the others would be fine in time. Hopefully it would be a lesson for them to take as the two Freelancers threw an arm over each others shoulder and headed off into the forest. They had a third lunch to get to after all.

Though the boss that Bandana had mentioned had not been seen. Had they seen what had happened? Or would need a report for their goons when they were active again. The Freelancers now had even more toys for their use. Once it was liberated from the castle.

Description
6,940 words

Hoihoi all again! Is time for more of that Digimon writing! As I'm having a really great time slowly going through the series again as an adult compared to the small amounts I remember from when I was a kid. And I have to say I'm quite surprised how dark a lot of themes the show goes into. One minute its funny pee jokes and then 'heres someone dying slowly in their friends arm!' fun! But this is another one set in the Freelancer little world and could be considered a gift I suppose to the Freelancer leader;
alephgon
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An excellent and friendly fluff who has helped a lot of us get through crummy days and always ready with a hug and support. This is a semi continuation of the previous Digi story where Levin takes some of the first steps in getting over what he thought he always was and toward a helpful hero

Three days after the previous Digi story.

"Really!? They just...drive around all day? Towards nothing in particular?" Neko humming as he chewed on his oatmeal at the breakfast table. Aleph and Levin nodding as they munched on some bread, milk, and other assorted breakfast foods.

"Yeah. It really seems like a really wasteful thing doesn't it? Spitting out all that icky smelling uhh...smell from their cars." Levin would nod before homphing down on his toaster pastry. Full of totally healthy filling don't you worry.

"Well I mean maybe they are going to work? Or to see friends!" Aleph would add as he chewed on his bread roll. Sword resting on the table next to him which he had been using the slice the bread. Making pretty thick slices but hey meant more tasty fresh bread for eating. No-one seemed to be minding much really.

"I suppose. I saw a lot of shouting in and outside those vehicles back in the city. Though maybe I just noticed them more than the other Humans who were just having an average or nice time." The Gazimon tapping his claws on the table as he hummed. Alephs arm already reaching to move over his head as he continued. "Seems easier to notice the bad often compared to the good...Wonder if there is a word for that." Before he epped at the Digipaladins arm clapping on his opposite shoulder and pulling him into a side hug!

"Probably! But we should also focus on food too! We have a big day ahead of us Levin!"

"Are you sure you don't want help with the Digimental testing Aleph?" Leo would humm as he swirled around the bowls contents. "Its a little uhh...new isn't it?"

"In a sense! And it may not be fully ready yet. Kuro is still working on fiddling with the Syphons for the egg itself. So waiting around until I get the message that its good to go may be awhile. And well,"

"I have other duties I know I know." Neko eeeeh-ing as he flicked out a kunai from his various pouches to help scoop up the last of his oatmal. "Just helping to patch up the wall isn't nearly as cool sounding as that stuff." The grumpy ninja cat soon pulled into the side hug as well as Aleph stuck out his tongue to reaaach over to him as well. Levin now squished between Aleph and Neko as the blue boi smiled.

"Only for now and don't you worry about it Neko." Giving him a wink over those wriggling Gazi ears as Levin hurfed and squirmed. "Just need Levin for a little surprise." Neko ooohing and then nodding back as he turned to better hug both of his Digi buddies! Levin smooshed even more as his tail flicked and kinked as he squeaked between the other two. At least it was nice and warm unlike the wheelbarrow last time! Neko and Aleph finally releasing the hug as the half flat Levin would wobble on the bench seat before Aleph helped him right himself as the Gazi started to regain his normal size. And those waving paws finally found the pastry again.

"Sur...prise?" Levin would squeak out between chomps of snack as he slowly popped back into his normal size. But Aleph, and Neko when Levin looked over at him, just winked. Sneaky Neko acting like he knew!

"Oh you'll see. But be sure you get that food in you Levin so we can be ready if today is the day!" Levin nodding as he looked back at the fresh bread and apples and started to nom on them. Looking a little worried if anything. Surprises tended to not be a nice peaceful day. And had a high chance of sudden complications! Aleph patting his shoulder to try and calm him down as Neko would humm and speak up again.

"So besides those car thingies they spend so much time in. What was this I heard about these little glowing bricks?" Levin and Aleph looking over with full mouths as Neko hummed and boxed out a small square. "About this big? That every Human is issue at birth or something that they just stare at all day?"

"Does it blink and bloop?" Levin would mutter around the food to which Neko nodded at before Aleph ooohed!

"Oh you mean a smartphone?"

"Maybe? If I knew what it was called I would have called it that." Neko would respond with a shrug before Aleph would give him a thumbs up.

"Well I think you are meaning a smartphone. The humans have to buy those they are not just given them. And shock they actually sometimes use it like a phone! But most of the time they just use it to send messages to each other. Or to browse the internet."

"Oooh that's what they are for," Levin would humm as he shrugged. "I stol...err...acquired one back when I was there. But it never did much besides occasionally make noise and colors before it stopped working. I could never put electricity back into it properly. I think I broke it trying."

"Aww well if you want one later I'm sure after good work in the Real World we can get you one Levin! Then you'll be able to fiddle with it some more! But yeah Humans also make little programs for them. Apps or something." Before Aleph would stop with his mouth half open. Those apps were digital...and stored on the phone. Maybe...Digitalmonster app of some kind?!

"Sounds pretty useful," Neko would quip as he finished off his oatmeal. "Kind of like those Digivices but with more things. Maybe we could get communicators like that some day?"

"Maybe?" Levin would humm as Aleph kept looking into the middle distance - and the potential future! "Though those have to send out...something to connect to other devices. I'm sure that could be tracked cause I often felt something coming off the one I had before it broke. Like a current gently brushing against me. Before it died. Decent idea though. Means we could do more of those good deeds that Aleph likes while keeping in contact. Right Aleph? Aleph?" Levin reaching over with a sparking claw before zapping the Digipaladins shoulder. Making the blue jolt in his seat and blurt out.

"Appmon!" Before he blinked and looked at the two thoroughly confused Digital Monsters. "Err..." A blush forming across his muzzle as he quickly picked up his bread again. "Food you two! Work to do and all that!" Levin and Neko glancing at each other before they grabbed an apple and bread slice. What an odd thing to say.

But the good food would eventually be consumed and the work, and testing, couldn't wait forever. And luckily as Aleph was leaving the table he would almost run right into Ember! Kuromons assistant giving him a wave before he smiled and nodded. Aleph ooohing to himself as he glanced over to see Levin clearing the table of plates others had left behind. Like a good minion. Before back to Ember. "Is it ready?"

"It is indeed!" A small blue faced flat circle with yellow lines criss crossing pulled out of a pouch on the Gabumons side and held out. Aleph carefully picking it up and turning it onto its side, about half an inch high with semi clear blue plastic surrounding its perimeter. A clear swirling glow inside of it which reflected well in Alephs big happy eyes.

"It looks amazing!" Turning it over back onto its face as he clicked the small screen and a blocky sprite of Aleph himself showed up on it. "And is set up for me. Though did Kuromon get the uhh...surprise I mentioned?" Ember just smirking and making a poke at the screen himself, the sprite flicking over to a Gazimon! Who was doing a little slash gesture with a grumpy face on him. The similarity was staggering! Well besides the sprite not having Levins hoodie or his tail bands. But still! Uncanny! "Heh. Good. Gooooood." The Syphon clipped onto Alephs belt as he looked back to see that Levin was almost done. "Are the Mentals at the forge or do you have them too?" The satchel taken off and handed over which made Aleph clap those paws together. "You two are just the best!" Ember getting a glomp hug before the satchel was put over Alephs shoulders. "Be sure you and Kuro get all the food you need after such hard work. I'll be sure to let you know how successful it is after the test!"

"Oh he's heading over here to get some of that after finishing cleaning up, like Levin is." Ember giving the Gazimon a wave as he started to head over. Aleph quickly sliding the Syphon into the satchel to hide all parts of the surprise for later. "I'm sure you all didn't eat everything did you?" Alephs expression switching to one more of embarrassment as he rubbed the back of his head.

"Well uhh...maybe? But!" Striking a dramatic pose before almost falling over as the heavy satchel swung out before bonking back into him. "Epp! Uhh...yeah but! I'm sure Kaida would be happy to make some more for both of you! Especially after such good work."

"Work on what?" Levin would squeak as he waddled up with his claws tucked into his hoodies' tum pouch.

"Surprise things," Ember would respond with a little tap of his pelts nose as he stood aside to let Levin and Aleph move past. Levins eyes drawn to the new satchel Aleph was sporting as he made a little weeeh sound.

"Why is everything a surprise today? This won't involve trash or squishing will it? I got enough of that in the Real World." An arm thrown around his shoulder again as Aleph started to walk with him out toward the castles courtyard.

"Because surprises lead to anticipation and in your case some concern! Emotions you will need to learn to even better control when we help out the Humans in the Real World. Don't worry they are nice surprises."

"I'll see when then finally show up." Levin grunted as he returned his hands to his pouch. "What you consider nice is sometimes a little odd. And am I really the best to help with whatever we're doing today with the bag?" Levin frowning as his ears lowered down. "You got others who would likely be better." Alephs spare not shoulder arm patting between those big wing ears.

"Now now Levin, even if that were true it would be bad of me to only focus on a few Freelancers would it? I want everyone to be good and powerful not only a few of us. Leaving our own behind would reflect terribly on us as a group who is supposed to uplift other Digi and Humans."

"Makes sense...alright fine. What are we doing today with whatever Ember and I'm guessing Kuromon gave you?" The two passing through the castle gate as Aleph pointed at a clearing a little ways off. Just at the edge of the forest around the Freelancer Castle. Where Monzaemon occasionally took field trips out for one of the dozens of lunch's throughout the day. But for the moment at least there was no big sleepy bear around.

"We will be testing a new type of Syphon that Kuromon has been working on! Allowing us to use Digimentals!" Levin blinking at that as Aleph removed his arm around Levins shoulder and moved ahead as he opened up the pack. Taking out his most recently used Mental, Levin not spotting that there was another one in there as he tossed the egg to his other hand as he did a little spin before taking the Syphon out of the satchel as well and holding it out. Luckily for him he was able to click the screen before Levin saw it to swap it back to the little pixel version of himself.

"We need to test it? Haven't you already become Tall before?" Levin asked as he took a half step back. "Why am I here when you know it works?" Aleph pointing with one of his egg fingers at the 1.0 Syphon as he tried to explain.

"While yes it did work before that was more of a spur the moment and kind of risky method. This," turning the Syphon to the side so Levin could see the glowly energy inside it gently spinning around. "Collects energy slowly from the world around us and allows us to use these much easier and transform much easier!" A little pause before he added. "Thats the theory at least. The Mental has also been modified so we need to make sure it still works properly. You're here to observe and be ready to step in if something goes wrong. The energy of this could just leak out and I'll be left worn out trying to evolve without success. At which point I'll need help getting back and we'll need to explain what we saw and felt." Levin thankfully taking some steps forward this time to hold his hand out toward the Syphon as he slowly nodded. Electric bun could feel the energy from it as the fur on his hand stood on end.

"Ok that makes sense. Umm...I'll move back and hope it works then." Aleph handing him the satchel to take back with him before the Gazi moved about ten feet backwards. Aleph taking tight hold of the Syphon and Mental in one hand each as he gave a hopefully reassuring smile at Levin.

"Right! Here we go! Digimental, Up!" Holding both close together as he braced himself. The Syphon whirring to life and starting to glow. The glow quickly overcoming the Mental of Darkness before shooting up Alephs arms and soon surrounding him entirely. Levin trying to keep watching through his claws half blocking his view. Alephs light blob stretching upward as the Syphon and Mental floated on opposite sides of him. Before the Mental of Darkness entered the glow that was Aleph as the Syphon moved to be floating above him. The Evolution seemed to start at his head as far as Levin could see as Alephs closed eyes popped into a mask that settled over his face. Sharp and pointed as his ears shot a few inches taller. Ready to listen to the injustices. Face as a whole becoming much sharper; muzzle, eyes under the mask, and much of his normal fluffy face and head fur seemed to go away. But that was fine as all that floof was moved down to his scarf. Which poofed into a much larger thing that flowed behind him! Split into two halves that billowed behind him like small wings. Kept held snug by a strap across his upper chest that clicked into place into shoulder pads. The securing gear continuing onto his chest as his chest belt split into two that also secured themselves around the shoulder pads and strapped together snugly around his chest. Ensuring his scarf and shoulder gear would stay secure during the shadow melding. Alephs normal belt doubling up into two layers as smoke grenades popped into place on his right side and two pouches on his left. The suspender loops he kept around his thighs opening up like arms before they turned inward and secured themselves around his thighs much more securely before they clipped up into the belt. A lot of very snug gear to keep everything in place through the shadow running and fast chasing down of those who would do harm. Much more offensive focused than the Alephmon most commonly seen. And the now much taller fluff would have his pants tucked into wraps around his knees for better jumping and landing before capped off with knee pads for up close work. His now much larger feet ending in three black claws compared to his normal white as the new Armormon crouched down and started to turn. His right arm over his face as his left was held out straight from his shoulder as the light of evolution suddenly darkened down drastically. The dark however was swiftly shifted from Alephs entire body to the end of his left arm. Where it coalesced and condensed into a large gauntlet that went past his closed fist to three large claws before snapping upwards to just under his elbow. The bleeding darkness dripping down in a thin strip that the new Mon grasped tightly as he completed his spin. Collapsable stun baton now held tightly in his gauntleted hand as he stood facing Levin poised forward. Right arm that was over his face now out stretched too toward Levin as his armored and weapon holding left arm held backwards. Coiled and ready to strike.

"Furvusmon! Shroud of the Night!" Aleph/Furvus happily reported as he held the pose. Levin finally looking at it fully without all the glowlyness as he gave a little clap clap for it.

"The posing and line is part of the fun is it?" The now tall and armored Furvus giving a shaky smile before he shrugged.

"Well," he responded, much deeper in voice than the normal little pally. "Yeah! You got to make an impression after all! And it means the process went perfectly!" Reaching up to collect the floating Syphon as Furvus turned it over in his none armored hand to see how it looked. Seemed like it was still holding together perfectly well! And still had some glow into it. Even better. His gauntleted hand giving a little spin as the stun baton collapsed and was slipped into the armor before Levin spoke up again.

"What's next? Should we have you try some moves or something? Make sure its all working well?" Furvus nodding as he blinked before he was gone. Levin epping and looking around before there was a gentle press on his shoulder. Looking back to see that his own morning shadow was reaching up take hold of his shoulder. The shadow having a very eerie glowing smile and eyes from Furvus just chilling in Levins shadow. Those Gazi feet soon dangling as Levin was picked up off the ground by the grinning shadow as Furvus rose up out of the ground shadow until he was standing a full height with Levin dangling from his out stretched none armored hand. "Well uhh...that works." Levin squeaked before he oppfed at being pulled into a tight huggle snuggle! At least Furvus was still soft and somewhat squishy.

"It does indeed Levin, and now we move onto the second test." Levin plopped back down on his wrapped feet before Furvus would take a deep breath and hold the Syphon in both hands. The glow returning before he was fully enclosed in it and then squashed down into his normal Alephmon size! And when the light was gone Aleph was standing before Levin holding the Shadow Mental and Syphon! With eyes that were pretty swirling as he stumbled forward before Levin moved forward to steady him.

"You ok Aleph? Maybe sit down?" The Pally helped down to the ground as those eyes started to return to normal. Using Levin for support before Aleph let go to sit more normally. Though Levin would be surprised to see that the Syphon was now in his hands? But he shrugged. Clearly Aleph just wanted him to hold this to make sure he didn't drop it. Though when he turned it to the side Levin was surprised to see it still looked pretty full. Impressive that Aleph was able to get most of that evolution energy back into it! But that initial impression was soon dispelled as he looked up to see Aleph holding not the Mental of Shadows but a new egg. The open satchel that Levin had been wearing having been quickly opened for Aleph to pull out the second Mental and was now holding it out toward Levin. Primarily white with a yellow sharp angled mountain like peak valley peak valley on its top. A black base. And two little pufts of grey on its edges like Levins ears. Emblazoned on the front of it being the crest of Lightning. "Uhhh..."

"Surprise!" Aleph happily beamed with his eyes returned to normal but closed in that perfect little happy pose as he held out the Digimental of Lightning Kuromon had been working on diligently for the last few days. The Syphon was important for sure but the Freelancer brand of Mentals were the real key. And Aleph thought it would be perfect for Levin to finally be a proper Hero himself!

"...For me?" Levin would finally respond as he kept his hands to his side. "But I'm...not...uhhh...anything." Levin trailing off as he looked down at the ground. It was unfortunate that neither of them noticed the bushing shaking to their side as Alephs encouragement was fully interrupted by the arrival of nine other Gazimon into the small clearing.

"Thats right Levin! You deserter! You aren't!" Levin and Aleph looking over just in time to see the other Gazimon with mouths open and glowing yellow before a chorus of 'Electric Stun Blast' slammed into the two just as hard as the shocking orbs did. Both thrown hard many feet back before onto the ground. Twitching and trying to breath as the nine buns quickly moved over and grabbed the Syphon out of Levins hand and then the Darkness and Lightning Mentals from the floor. "Get them both too. Boss may need them to know how this works and for us gettin more stuff from the fancy pants and their castle!" Alephs fancy pants and himself soon grabbed between two Gazi as he struggled to stay awake as he was hefted off the ground. Levin soon up as well as the apparent leader, with a stylish bandana over his head, stood between the two twitching Freelancers.

"You didn't really think we would forget you after leaving us all after that network collapse did you? Running away to the Real World and leaving us all here." Waggling a claw finger at Levin as he tried to keep breathing. "But don't worry. We'll extract the price of that out of you and your little boss soon enough." Before he blasted both Digi again himself. And Aleph and Levin were rendered unconscious. Before the group quickly left before anyone from the castle saw them.

It would be a very uncomfortable bed Aleph found himself in. Very lumpy. And his grumbles about it made him realize another issue! The blankets, so good and warm, were so darn tight! He could barely even wriggle at all. But it was bed. Maybe Stry had put him in here because he finally needed some rest. Been working too hard on the Freelancers as Aleph nodded to himself. That must have been it. So he yawned and settled down again. Sleep was important for warriors after all! Got to be well and rested to protect...protect. Levin!? This time when he opened his eyes Aleph found himself where he actually was. A small room where he was tied up inside. Laying on the hard stone floor and what looked like a thick wooden door for entering this room. But where was Levin?! His head whipping around before he spotted the Gazimon in the corner...curled up there looking at the wall while also tied up.

"Levin! Are you ok?" Aleph would squeak in a loud whisper. But Levin didn't respond. He didn't even have his hoodie, tail bands, or foot wrappings on! Though when Aleph glanced down he would epp as he found himself without his pants, scarf, and gloves too! Those little monsters! And his sword but he expected that at least. But he needed to focus here. Levins tail was flicking so he may be awake. Tied up too but Aleph needed to make sure he was ok. "Levin?" He asked again but still no response. Maybe he was still asleep? Rolling over a few times as the ropes around his torso made try to get up hard he found himself next to the Gazimon as he strained but no good for the arms. So would instead gently pat Levins back with his foot. "Levin?" He would try again before the Gazimon turned over to look at him. Making Aleph gasp as Levin looked like he had been beaten up! Scratched and dinged all around with bruises. Those monsters!

"Use...less." Levin mumbled around his swollen face. Eyes mostly closed though it looked as if he had been crying too. "No...point." Before he urked at Aleph flopping forward on top of him in an attempt to hug the despondent bunny. Though Aleph did notice that he seemed to flop a bit lower than he expected into Levin.

"Don't let their taunts make you feel that way Levin! Thats what they want. You are not useless!" Aleph starting to get a little misty eyed too as his arms strained against the ropes. Hugs were required, as was healing, but he couldn't! It was terrible! "You are an important member of the Freelancers!"

"Am not," Levin grunted back. "Everyone else liked by humans and each other. Alone. Left team behind. Now alone from them too." A few drops of water falling on Levin from Aleph as he kept trying as hard as he could to free his arms. But the ropes were too tight!

"Those monsters don't deserve your help Levin! They are stuck in the past!"

"Brain is stuck in past. Am just follower." Another rise up and flop as Levin squished down a little more. Aleph managing to slightly think of a plan through his anger and frustration.

"Then we need to look ahead Levin! Where you can be a hero and make everyone happy! In fact." A sniff from Aleph to try and think more clearly as he rose up again before flopping back down. Levin starting to get pretty flat. Helped by the evil Gazi smacking him around to soften him up. So evil! "We start now!" Another up and down as Levin tried to curl away from the impacts. But as he was already in the corner there wasn't anywhere to go besides flat! His complaints having to been squished through which didn't make Aleph feel any better but this was the best plan he could think of for now.

"S..stop!" But the act had been done and now Levin was pretty paper thin on the floor. The rope thankfully now very lose on him as Aleph flopped next to him to try and nose Levins face.

"Heros don't stop Levin. And now you can get out of the rope. Get under the door. And get us out of here! Rescuing me like a hero!" Levin stayed quiet and still for awhile, Aleph holding his breath as he hoped he could get through to his now flat friend, before finally Levin raised up a flat claw to put his hand on the wall and start to pull himself up to a wobbly upright position. So far so good. Though he would lean against the wall and sigh. Aleph having to shimmy wriggle to the side to see his face.

"I'll just untie you. You can get out of this." A little spin before Alephs unbound feet would pat Levins flat tail.

"I won't be able to get flat enough Levin. I need you to get out of here even if I'm untied. You can do this. I believe in you." Giving Levin his best smile and eye sparkle before the bun sighed and started to waddle toward the door. Using the wall as support before he was there. And would start to slide down the wall to stick his feet under the door. Aleph wriggling over to help push him along on his shoulders to try and help Levin get under the door. It seemed to be working! And with a last shove Levin was through!

Though now that he was Aleph mentally whapped himself for not trying to listen or look under the door to make sure one of the other Gazimon were not in this right about to hurt Levin again. But thankfully it seemed to be quiet so far.

"Clear." Levin would confirm from the other side before he would squish around to try and stand up. And then clasp his hands on the lock for the door. Thankfully just a turn deadbolt! But still a big one for a flatmon to try and work with. But luckily for Levin as he took hold of it and started to tug and pull it backwards to try and twist it he started to pop back into his normal shape. Gaining more purchase to be able to finally give that knob a clacky turn. And then the door would be, unfortunately, loudly creaked open. To reveal Aleph flopping forward with an ack as he had been resting against it. And the blue would wriggle like a fresh caught fish before he could get onto his back looking up at Levin.

"See? You did great!" The ropes around Aleph quickly clawed through by Levins normal claws now before both were on their feet. Before freezing. Footsteps were coming down the only hallway down to here. Just sounded like one set. The door creaked shut again, but unlocked, before Aleph and Levin would try to hide on both sides of the door toward the sword. Just in time for one of the old crew Gazi to wander into the room. Giving the door a glare as he clicky clacked over to it with those toe claws.

"You two making a big racket," he would complain at the door as he waggled a finger at it. "Do we need to smack you around again little hero?" His smarmy mocking of the prisoners making him totally miss Aleph and Levin were now behind him as Aleph took the lead by tapping the Gazis shoulder.

"Not for me. But you need some smacking for being mean!" And then a quick double punch, one left one right, from Aleph. Levin as he was still pretty beat up just giving the other Gazi a downward strike between the ears! The other Gazi blargling before he flopped backwards. Well at least that was one of the nine down. Assuming they didn't have extra goons in here. The Gazi soon rolled and pushed into the old cell before the door was closed and locked again. Aleph now that he was free giving Levin a hug! Cause he needed it now. "Great job Levin! See we are on our way now toward escape!" And at least Levin smiled back as he hugged. A few of his injuries starting to slowly heal as Aleph applied some Lay-on-Paws to the battered Gazi.

"We are doing it yeah. Leaving them behind right? Especially that one, left behind in the prison!" Levin giving the door a rather rude human gesture! But hey it was confidence so its all good. Aleph giving him another hug before the two would start to head down the hallway toward hopeful escape.

"And finding our gear." Aleph would nod as they went. "Thats important too."

"Yeah yeah...I kind of forgot how cold these stone passage ways can get without my hoodie."

"Or pants."

"Or pants, if you wear those." Both Digi having a little chuckle before they quieted down as they neared a corner. Peaking around to see a Gazi flopped half over a table asleep. And there was the Syphon and Lightning Mental! None of their gear but at least something. Looked like a small break kind of room with the remains of food too. Even better once they bonked the unwelcome guest! The two sneaking closer before Aleph would first reach for the special items before stopping. He had no way to hold them without belts or the satchel. So that wouldn't help really. Gazi first. Levin taking hold of the back of the chair as Aleph nodded. The meanie startled awake as he was suddenly falling backwards to spawl over the floor. Before the chair leg was being swung toward the side of his head! But he was a quick one as he was able to open his mouth and start saying electric before wham! The small stun blast flying upwards - nowhere close to hitting Aleph or Levin but it did hit the light bulb above him. And set it and all the other lights in this little base stuttering and flashing. Uh oh. The now knocked out goon left on the floor as Aleph looked at the door that would lead them the opposite direction they came from. Shouting and lots of footsteps. Oh crap.

"Levin!" Aleph would squeak as he scooped up the Syphon and the Lightning eggy - clicking the Syphon to the Gazimon picture as well. Quickly putting them in Levins hands. "Use them! Become a hero! We need it!" As into the hallway and approaching rapidly would be the remaining seven naughty Gazimon. Bandana leading from the back as he screeched down the hallway.

"Well we tried nice first!" Not good if he considered beating Levin to be nice. "Time to die!" Aleph looking back at Levin who was just looking at the two items in his hands. Looking between them and the rapidly approaching past of his life. The future in his hands and the past running forward to try and steal it from him. Aleph taking a breath before throwing himself in the door way. Trying to spread his arms wide to give Levin time as the Gazi fell upon him. Claws raking his fur and face as he tried to hold steady.

"Alephmon!" Levin would scream as he reached out toward his friend. One of the few that believed in him. He wanted to help. Just help somehow. Before he was shrouded in light. Aleph and the other Gazi looking over from the floor where Aleph had been tussling with two of them as the stampede stopped.

Levins out stretched hand, holding the Syphon, would change first as his claws elongated before the light formed a large gauntlet around his hand. A sharp bolt of yellow down their middle. Levins other hand rising up as he tried to look at both of them before he was stretched upward. The Digimental of Lightning sliding into roughly his chest area as the Syphon took its position above him. The light continuing down his arms leaving behind the dark blue of his hoodie. Continuing up his arms before the white stripes spread out to cover his entire thorax. Leaving a big red plus right in the center and the crest of Lightning on his back. The light now splitting into two parts as the brighter glow moved up to Levins worried looking face. The now much taller Gazimon struggling with these new feelings as his arms flailed. Though as he couldn't see too well he didn't see the large electrical sparks that that movement generated that sent the Gazimon scrambling backwards and Aleph for the moment alone. The dimmer light going down his body leaving his now bigger hoodie behind before two pouches formed on his left and right hip. As well as a large pouch above his tail. Which poofed up to be much thicker than it had been before. Tail bands snapping into place as his tail kinked into a lightning bolt shape. The pufts of fur at the end of his tail becoming much longer and pointier as it flicked side to side. And to the shock of Aleph Levin got himself some pants! Light cream colored with similar shocking motifs compared to his gauntlets which stopped just after his new big knees. Simple black wrappings below that to keep it snug on him - so he could move quickly to where help was needed. And his ankle fur gaining a few strips of yellow as well. But the light on his head was still doing its work as his ears rapidly enlarged and stiffened. The ends of them gaining a black and yellow pattern and a jagged edge. Before they were laid down low on his head as the light became even brighter and shiny before snapping into a Chrome Digizoid helmet atop his head. In the form of a salet helmet which segmented neck guard kept his ears down and the back of his head safe. Stretching down his cheeks into sharply angled guards for the sides while leaving his eyes free reign to see who needed healing. The Light topping the helmet off with goggles currently sat against the metal helmet above his eyes. Red like his normal eyes and with a yellow strap.

Levin blinking at his new form before he looked back at the scene in front of him. Quickly reached out with his now much greater reach to pull Alephmon closer to him and holding his other hand out toward the other Gazimon. Crouched down trying to shield his friend as Aleph smiled up at the new armormon. "Go on Levin," he whispered. "Do the line."

"Wha? Oh! Right!" Clacking together the claws facing the enemy Gazimon before he hissed. "Statmon! Shocking Salvation! Stay back!" Bandana glared at the now much larger Digimon as his troops reorganized in the hallway.

"Fancy trick, but its still one against seven! Crew! Fire!" The Gazimon quickly forming up either crouched down or standing on tiptoes to not hit each other as all of them were now charging stun blasts. But Statmon would move fully in front of Aleph as he crossed his arms together still crouched. A thin yellow barrier forming in front of him which took the collective stun blasts all at once. And Statmon barely moved. In fact all that happened was his goggles sliding down to over his eyes as his ear and tail tip crackled and sparkled with electricity. Electricity he could now use. The red lenses glowing as Statmon grit his teeth and glared at the other Gazimon as his tail lowered down to rest against Alephs' chest. The little blue suddenly feeling an absolute surge of power as he hopped up right onto his feet with hands up. God he was ready! Ready for Anything!

"I'm done believing in what was!" Levin would growl around his crossed arms as his teeth sparkled with charge before slamming his gauntlets on the ground. The collected shock he just took now channeled to his arms as his claws burst into light. The slam also raising him back onto his feet. "When the future is what will come!" The other Gazi starting to worriedly back up before Statmon charged forward. Goggles giving off an almost blinding red light combined with the yellow glow all over the lightning motifs all around him as he screamed. Aleph doing what he could to keep up but the static shocks radiating off of the very angry Armormon made him have to hang back as he just watched. Gazimon flying into the walls, sliding back down the hallway, and soon enough Bandana rolling to a stop right in front of him! Making Aleph blink before he quickly snatched the satchel from the very much out of the fight Bandana and checking to nod to himself. Darkness was in there. Good. So Aleph would head back and pick up the Syphon from where it had been left after Levins evolution and then look to see how Statmon was now progressing. It was pretty evident that the other Gazimon would not be a threat right now.

They were all strewn about the hallway. Twitching and groaning from the smacks and shocks they had received from Levin. But Statmon wasn't there? Humming Aleph would careful step over the limp Bandana and jog down the hallway. Soon finding the panting Statmon in the next large room as he leaned over a table. Huffing and puffing as his goggles slid back to be over his eyes. Aleph very pleased to see he was still alright and even better on the table was his pants, scarf, and sword! And of course Levins old hoodie and tailbands as well. Hopping up on the bench Aleph would smile as he set a hand on Statmons left gauntlet and decided to ask the same question he had before. "Levin. Are you ok?" His hopeful smile matched as Statmon smiled back as he gently patted Alephs head.

"I am yes. Thank you for believing in me. Pulling me out of the belief that what was in the past is all I can be. Weather like this or like normal what I do now will define me. Not what I was." Statmons patting hand reaching over to take hold of the Syphon as with a flash Levin was back to normal. Hopping up onto the bench as well as the two worked on getting their equipment back on. And soon enough were outside in the clean air. Bandana and the others would be fine in time. Hopefully it would be a lesson for them to take as the two Freelancers threw an arm over each others shoulder and headed off into the forest. They had a third lunch to get to after all.

Though the boss that Bandana had mentioned had not been seen. Had they seen what had happened? Or would need a report for their goons when they were active again. The Freelancers now had even more toys for their use. Once it was liberated from the castle.