Discovering Bai Hu

Jared had listened to Theos' tale about his day and nodded as he went along. "I see...those Gekomon could be from the oasis way out in the center of the desert. It's actually not to far from the city. Good to see that your starting to fit in." Jared said with a smile. He continued to eat when suddenly, there was a banging at the door. "Oh. I wonder who it is? It's awfully late." Jared hopped down from the table and walked over towards the door. "Who is it?" He asked from the other side. "Nanimon!" A voice shouted. "Nanimon?" Jared opened up the door to the small bald, round man. "How can I help you Nanimon?" Jared asked. "There have been sightings of a quadrupedal digimon much like yourself, wondering the town." Nanimon began, "It seems he is new to town and has been staying here. I have been ordered by the officials to officially in look into whether this is true or not. Can you verify?" Nanimon asked. Jared listened to the man and nodded, "Why yes....he's my grandson." Jared replied. "Your grandson? You're aware that any digimon coming into Bai Hu to stay is required to earn that right and work in our mines correct? It is the law. Why have you been harboring him and keeping him from his civic duty?" Nanimon questioned. "I'm sorry, he's just very young. I don't think he should be made to work just yet." Jared said.

Nanimon forced his way into Jared's house, "That is not for you to decide, Metal Etemon's will cannot and should not be ignored! You there, boy, front and center." Nanimon said pointing at Theos. "If he's old enough to pick fights, he's old enough to die working for this city." Nanimon exclaimed. Jared looked saddened as Nanimon ordered Theos to approach him, "Please, he's just a child!" Jared pleaded. "I said you are not one to decide that!" Nanimon exclaimed.

Theo's approached with his ears down. The nanimon was rather scary and mean to grandpa. He swallowed slightly and stood there his tail still and drooping. He voice was suddenly gone. If it was the law he had to do it. However he couldn't claim to like this digimon. It felt like he had done something wrong. He had been here less than three days and was already in trouble.

"I'm Theos," he managed to spit out. His heart was pounding he wondered if the nanimon could hear it.

Jared drew quiet as his face drooped. Nanimon looked over Theos, up and down. "How old are you boy?" Nanimon barked. "Are you aware that living in this city is only allowed if you agree to work for it? Your grandfather is to old, therefore you should be working the mines in his stead!" Nanimon said his hands firmly on his hips.

"Sir, he has just recently arrived. He is still settling in." Jared added. "Recently implies before today. That is plenty time to settle in. We aren't running a hotel, this is a very crucial economic business and everyone in this city must supply their labor to that cause. You're only allowed to stay here because you served your time. He however, has not earned it." Nanimon said. "What do you have to say for yourself boy?" Nanimon asked.

"How old are you boy?" Theos flinched at his gruff attitude. "Are you aware that living in this city is only allowed if you agree to work for it? Your grandfather is to old, therefore you should be working the mines in his stead!" Theos was about to respond when he continued.

"Sir, he has just recently arrived. He is still settling in." He was thankful for Jared's defense. However it was getting Jared in trouble. "Recently implies before today. That is plenty time to settle in. We aren't running a hotel, this is a very crucial economic business and everyone in this city must supply their labor to that cause. You're only allowed to stay here because you served your time. He however, has not earned it." Theos felt guilty even though it was really his fault. "What do you have to say for yourself boy?" 

"I'm sorry mister," Theo's said plaintively. Being naive wasn't really an excuse in this case. He doubted the nanimon would accept it anyway. It was better not to make matters worse.

"I'm also thirteen digital years," Theo's said responding to his earlier question. He wasn't sure if it still mattered though. either way it seemed the nanimon was dead set to send him into the mines. It made sense in a way. If it was expected of others then he would it if for no other reason than to prove he could help.

Nanimon listened to Theos and seemed disgusted in a way, "Thirteen huh? You're thirteen and still acting like you're freshly hatched! Pathetic! Listen boy, if you're going to make it in this world you had better man up and grow up quick or this world will crush you! When I was thirteen I was already making a name for myself! I was so popular I had to sneak out in disguise to prevent women from trying to claim me as they're own!" Jared at this moment chimed in, "U-um...sir....it's late. Could we get back to our night now?" Nanimon glared at Jared. "How rude! I was in the middle of teaching your mutt an important life lesson! Now....where was I? Ugh. I forgot.....well, whatever! Just know this boy, I expect you to be bright and early outside the factory! If you wanna continue to live here with your grandfather then you'll need to be accustomed to how things work around here! The next time I come back here, should you fail to listen, will be to throw you out of this city got it!?" The scruffy digimon exclaimed. Jared felt powerless to help his new family and could do nothing but watch as his grandson was ordered into work. "Now you two have a fantastic night....now if you'll excuse me...I have a whole bottle of booze waiting for me back at home." Nanimon then stormed out of the house closing the door behind him.

Jared stayed silent at first in the middle of the room, staring at the door. He felt terrible that he couldn't do anything to help Theos and was ashamed to look at him but did so anyway. "Theos....I-I'm sorry....this is all my fault....I should have never burdened you with staying here." Jared's eyes welled up. "You don't deserve to work so hard at your age, you should flee the city first thing in the morning...." Jared said. It would break his heart to see Theos go, but he did not want Theos to feel forced into this cities lifestyle especially after he had only just begun to explore the world.

Theo listened and frowned. Acting like he was newly hatched? Did newly hatched digimon act differently in different areas? When he was newly hatched he was always frightened and couldn't do anything. Though this digimon was in fact a bit frightening Theo could do things now that he couldn't back then. He simply cocked his head as the nanimon boasted.

A long silence followed his leaving. Then Jared spoke telling him to leave this burden behind. Theos looked at the crying Jared. His heart went out to him.

"What is the miners life like," he asked. If Jared was convinced it was a horrible and terrible lifestyle that would break his heart to see Theos go through he would go. However some part of him told him to stay and work this mine. To discover why it was so valuable to this place. Maybe learn to respect the work even though he may dislike those behind it like nanimon. He wasn't going to say yes to leaving not til he experienced it or understood it maybe even both.

Jared cleared his eyes when Theos asked him what the work was like. "It's very difficult labor...I worked the mines nearly my whole life. Being akin to stone and heat, my kind is perfect for that kind of work. We can take temperatures well above 100 degrees and continue to work at our best. The individual tasks differ but all of the work is life threatening. Working for this city, one literally puts their life on the line. There is no currency used here, everything is done with one's labor. Under special circumstances, does one have a business outside of the mines. Though because I told him you were my grandson....they'll work you in the mines....I'm afraid you'll be hurt...or worse." Jared moved to embrace Theos. "I could not live another moment if something were to happen to you." Jared said.

"So please, all though seeing you go will be difficult. Don't risk your life for my expense. Perhaps I could request W.A.D.A. to protect you." Jared replied. He would respect whatever Theos decided but he continued to worry for him.

Theos heart leaped into his throat. So many risked their lives in those mines. It makes sense they asked the same of him. However feeling Jared's heart-filled plea how could he deny him.

"Okay, I will go," Theos said and hugged Jared. His head hanging over his shoulder. "What about you though? Since they know you harbored me and let me escape. Will you be okay?"

He worried for his grandpa. What if there was a backlash for him leaving? He hated the thought maybe he could come with him. To W.A.D.A. or to a mountain, forest anywhere but here. He'd lived most his life here though. He doubted he would leave now.

Jared smiled and rubbed the back of his head. He tried to keep a straight face when Theos asked Jared's fate. "Oh...no need to worry about me...whatever happens to me I'll deal with it." Jared knew very well what Metal Etemon would do to him. He'd force Jared to work to his death in Theos place.

Jared would not lie to Theos should he want a real answer. Though given Jared's poor attempt at hiding his emotions, Theos could no doubt tell a fate would come against Jared and one not so good. "W.A.D.A. will make sure you're safe. I know they will! So don't worry about me, okay?" Jared said.

Jared was hiding something he could feel it. The question was whither or not to push the matter. Some nagging part of him felt the fear of death. Like somehow his leaving would lead to it. Jared would risk his life for him? A digimon he just met? Even though they had become close in such short time. Such a sacrifice was only if they truly loved one another right?

"I won't run....not if it means your life. If you are sacrificing yourself for me I am more than willing to do the same for you," Theos said. "I am young and strong. I can work the mines if I have to. If you want me to leave then come with me. We can find the herd of your second love. You could be with your own kind again. Be free of a place that would see you dead."

Why was he getting so emotional? Tears had started flowing with each word. His voice rose as he spoke that last line. He wasn't angry why did he raise his voice. Or was he? Was he angry at those who would destroy the happiness he had found? Was it anger or sadness he felt? It was so hard to tell. He sniffled trying to stop the tears.

Maybe it would have been better if they hadn't met now. He felt guilty. His guilt had just grown ten fold with the though he could cost grandpa his life. Never in his life had he felt this. It felt wrong and unnatural.

Jared was surprised at Theos passionate outburst. Theos said he would work, or only leave with Jared. Jared was to old to migrate now, he'd die for sure if he left now. He couldn't allow Theos to be victim of that. "Theos....I can't leave...my body could not take the travel." Jared closed his eyes to fight back the tears. "Metal Etemon won't kill me, he'll make me work the mines in your place is all...I've done it before. I'll be fine...just please get yourself to safety. If you work the mines, your life will be in danger more then mine." Jared frowned. "I cannot handle losing you, not after I just found you." Jared said softly.

"If....if you insist on working...I won't stop you...but...you have to come back to me. Always. Alive." Jared said. "You are forbidden to die before me. Okay?" Jared couldn't hold back any longer and tears rolled down his face.

If he couldn't survive the travel how could he survive the mines. Theos shook his head. He would be staying after all. He would grow big and strong in the mines and stay here til Jared passed on. No matter how long. He didn't want him to die because of him.

"I'll stay," Theos said just barely above a whisper. "I guess i'm going to need a lot of sleep tonight," He said suddenly smiling. It was all settled; tomorrow he would work the mines. And for many more days after that. He would do his best to keep them both alive.

"I promise that i will not die before you. No matter what I will always find my way home," He declared with smiling but tear stained face.

Jared was still worried but he had to be strong for Theos, he had to trust him...just like he trusted his real family. He finally gained back the love he had lost so long ago and he now had to run the risk of losing again, only for certain this time, he'd not outlive Theos. He would take his own life should Theos ever die on Jared's account. "Good. I'm going to hold you to that promise. I promise to have a warm bath and food ready for you every day I see your smiling face come back home. Okay? Now, off to the bath with you then bed. You have an early day tomorrow. If you need help reaching hard to get places I'll be just in the next room" Jared said shooing him off. Jared made his way to the bedding area and began preparing their sleeping quarters. Jared would need to make another bed, he thought. "I'll have to go to the market tomorrow and make another bed now that you'll be living here. I don't want to crowd you at night after all." Jared said so Theos could hear. He then said a small prayer, "Yggdrasil...please watch over my grandson...." He whispered.