Mining Days

Theos would not need to wonder much longer as a human walked up to him and knelt down, "Hello there, and who might you be. It's very rare we see new faces around here." He said with a friendly smile. He was in a uniform and possessed what Theos would interpret as a metal arm. He had a gun holstered on his side, but whether or not Theos knew what it was, was to be determined. "My name is Max, I'm from W.A.D.A. and I work as a guard here for the factory. I try to make it a point to introduce myself to all the new faces." Max said, he held out a hand as if to shake Theo's paw in a gesture of friendship. "Are you here to work?" He asked.

A human?! They seemed taller than the stories made them out to be. He smiled politely at the friendly human.

"I'm Theos," he said accepting the mans hand. Though it was hard to shake when he has no fingers. "And yeah I am....though in truth I have no idea what to do. I just arrived in town three days ago so I'm still learning the ropes of this place."

His tail began wagging eagerly. He was already enjoying his experience here. For he had finally met a human from W.A.D.A. It was exciting.

"I always wondered what W.A.D.A. was like. I'd really like to join them. Promote peace between species and everything. Some great stories made it to my mountain beyond the desert. It all sounds like fairy tales sometimes," He chattered happily.

Max chuckled at Theo's spunk, "Perhaps one day you will join W.A.D.A., though our job can be pretty dangerous and tiring at times. I think you should gain some real world experience first so that way W.A.D.A. can't turn you away when you make your request." Max said patting the young digimon's head. "I could tell you all about W.A.D.A. every day before work, then they won't be fairy tales. It looks like though, that the foreman is coming so we will talk again tomorrow. Okay, Theos?" Max stood up. "Stay safe." He waved as he walked towards another couple of human agents. "LISTEN UP MAGGOTS!!!!!" Nanimon yelled over the entire group, everyone quickly drew silent and paid attention. "I have everyone's assignments, Group A is going to working the pressurizer inside. Group B will be working the unloading of the trucks. Group C and D will be working the delivery room. Group's E through I will be working the mines today. Everyone in those last groups need report to the truck taking you to the mines." Nanimon yelled reading off of a clipboard.

"I expect all of you to work to your deaths today! Remember, your lives better the rest of the world! This is your chance to show Metal Etemon that you deserve to live here! Don't screw it up, or I'll end you myself." Nanimon clapped his hands. "Let's go, everyone get to work! Anyone new faces, come see me immediately. That is all!" Nanimon jumped down from the pallet he was standing on and walked over to a crate to examine it. "Hey." A voice called out from behind Theos, "Hey kid." A similarly young voice called out to him. When Theos would turn around he would see and Armadimon, not much older then him, "You new to?" He asked. "My name is Dan the Armadimon, today is my first day." He said.

"Perhaps one day you will join W.A.D.A., though our job can be pretty dangerous and tiring at times. I think you should gain some real world experience first so that way W.A.D.A. can't turn you away when you make your request." Theos understood that. It would help to make sure he is a good agent. "I could tell you all about W.A.D.A. every day before work, then they won't be fairy tales. It looks like though, that the foreman is coming so we will talk again tomorrow. Okay, Theos?" Max stood up. "Stay safe." 

"Okay I will," Theos called after him before turning his attention forward.

"LISTEN UP MAGGOTS!!!!!" Theos winced in memory of last night. He listened as nanimon read ff the assignments. All the time wondering which would be his group.


"I expect all of you to work to your deaths today! Remember, your lives better the rest of the world! This is your chance to show Metal Etemon that you deserve to live here! Don't screw it up, or I'll end you myself." A scary prospect. He was small but made of metal.

"Hey." Theos turned around at the sound right behind him.  "You new to?" Theos nodded. "My name is Dan the Armadimon, today is my first day." He said.


"Mine too," Theos said with a smile. "I was just wondering which group I belonged to. Maybe we'll get the same group that would be great." Theos said his tail wagging.

This place didn't seem as scary as he originally thought. He was meeting friendly humans and digimon. He'd have to work to the bone but at least he'd make friends.

Dan was happy he had found another newbie like him, "I hope so to! We new guys should stick together!" Dan said happily, just then a teenage Spadamon overheard them and walked over. His body was scarred and battered, "I remember when I was that happy. You two squirts are in for one hell of a rude awakening....especially if you get stuck working the mines instead of the factory. You can actually die for real in there. I've lost a lot of friends over the years, so if I were you two, I wouldn't be so friendly. One of you may not make it back home today." He said, Dan's head drooped down when the older boy told them that they may wind up actually dying. "My name is Butch the Spadamon. I'm in Group F, so I'm heading off to the mines. Group F always gets stuck in the mines. The foreman puts all of the young kids he doesn't like in that group, if you're in that group....well....hope you don't expect to have a future." Butch laughed as he headed for the truck that was going to be taking the latter groups into the mines. "Do you think what he said was true? Are we really--" Dan was cut off when Nanimon approached him and Theos. "Well well well, glad to see you decided to actually come to work like the rest of these kids." He said referring to Theos. "Theos, age 13 and Dan, age 12. Both are relatively good at digging according to your species. I'm placing you both in Group F. Now get your small asses on that truck and work yourselves to death!" Nanimon yelled with spit flying into their faces. He then stormed off.

As Dan and Theos would move towards the truck Dan would speak up, "Do you think....we'll really die...? I don't want to die..." Dan said sniffling, "I just want to help my brothers out....it's why I started working." Dan added. He was very distraught at what Butch had told them, and now they were placed in that very group that seemed to always work the mines.

Theos frowned as Butch told them about the mines. Maybe it was true or maybe he liked scaring the new guys. Whatever it was Theos could at least tell his soul was broken. There wasn't an ounce of happiness on his face.

Theos listened to Dan but his attention quickly went to Nanimon. Where had he gotten the information on his species? As far as he knew there were so few they may as well be myth. He rubbed his face with a leg trying to get rid of the feeling of spit before moving towards the truck. Dan voiced his own worries as well.

"We won't die," Theos said confidently. "I made a promise. And i'll make another. I'll always help you out okay," Theos said smiling. "I'd never let you die." And that was truth if he could prevent it no matter the punishment he'd help him. They were in the same boat after all if they didn't watch one another backs who would?

He hopped onto the truck his hooves hitting the metal. He was ready as he could be for this. He'd prove to himself and to that nanimon he was not someone to be trifled with.

Dan felt relieved to hear the words of Theos, they empowered his wavering will. He hopped into the truck with all of the other children and teens, he looked over to see Butch who was staring down at the floor. He looked on the faces of all of the veterans who shared a similar look. It seems that these kids spirits had been shattered by this work, it caused Dan to wonder if this was his own and Theos' fate. How long would it be before they wind up dirty and banged up like the others? How long would it take them to lose their joy? These thoughts raced through his mind as the truck began to drive off into the desert, towards the mines. Soon they would know.

Continued from Whistle while we....work?

Butch had never really fallen asleep, he was just listening to Theos' heartbeat the whole time so he was the first to stir when the truck pulled in to the factory. "Dan, Oi...wake up. We're back." Butch said shaking Dan slightly. When that failed, he held Dan's nose closed and Dan shot up from his sleep. "Gah! What!? Where!? Who!? Oh...." He said realizing where he was. Butch chuckled to himself and jumped out of the truck and Dan followed suit. Nanimon was waiting, "I see you all didn't work hard enough seeing as you're all still alive! I expect you to be refreshed and ready to die working tomorrow! Come pick up your pay and then you're dismissed!" Nanimon called out. The kids seemed happier now that the day was over as they went to gain their units for the day. "Alright so now we get our pay and we can go home." Butch said pointing to the table with Nanimon handing out the money. Dan had already claimed his units as he was counting it with a gleam in his eye. "I see that Dan already understood that however. Ha ha ha." Butch said he then walked to gain his units. Nanimon didn't speak a word and just handed him the money, when Theos showed up Nanimon looked at him. "Huh what do you know, you're alive...guess you didn't work hard enough." Nanimon then handed Theos his units and shooed him away. Dan placed his units in a pouch on his underside and looked at his friends, "So, where do you guys live? Maybe we can all walk home together!" Dan said. Butch scratched the back of his head, "I kinda...don't have a home per se.....I live in the basement of an abandoned building. Since I have no living relatives I've been on my own since I came here ten years ago. Yea...when I was about six years." Butch said then looked at his friends. "I'd love to walk you all home though." Butch said. Dan couldn't understand Butch's situation, but he seemed to be doing alright for himself.

Theos felt Butch stir and smiled as he tried to wake Dan. As Dan woke with a start he laughed and followed them out of the truck. Nanimon seemed as cruel as ever. He seriously didn't like him. Wishing people dead...it was wrong. One day the nanimon would get his. Lady luck and lady karma were both very fickle. Theos stuck his money on his back and walked up to the others.

"Hmm, I guess I live somewhere around the middle. I know it was six houses north and two or three east from the fountain," Theos responded thoughtfully. He didn't know any street names so landmarks were what he relied on.

Dan laughed, "I guess destiny really was involved in our meeting. I live in the same direction, in fact my borrow is close to the market place." Butch shook his head in disbelief, "You said you live with the old Jyagamon yea? In that case, I live about a five or so blocks before your house if we head from this factory." Butch said pointing in the same direction. "Well then, no point standing around here, lets get going." Butch said and began to walk with a friend at each side. "Maybe we can all have a sleepover one day!" Dan exclaimed. Butch was a little reserved by that remark, "I don't know if any of us have the room for that...I mean I do but I live in a dusty basement....you live in a borrow designed for Armadimon and Theos lives with his adoptive grand pa which happens to be a Jyagamon which have small homes." Dan looked disappointed. "We're all practically the same height. I mean I'm the shortest but you two aren't really that big. I'm sure my borrow would be big enough." Dan said. "Didn't you say you live with eight other brothers?" Butch reminded Dan looked surprised that he forgot, "OH yea...I do. There hardly ever home." Dan said, "Tell you what, I'll spruce up my basement a little and then at some point we can all spend the night at my place." Butch said pumping his fist. "Sounds like fun!" Dan said, "We won't even need pillows, you already marked my lap with your drool." Butch teased. Dan's face flushed red and his cheeks puffed out. "Anyway, this is me." Butch said looking at the home. It was old and worn down, it was a wonder what was keeping it's foundation standing. "Home sweet...uh...home." Butch said turning around and waving at his friends, "See you all tomorrow." Butch ran around the side down a flight of steps. Dan looked at Theos, "Butch's house looks haunted." He said and continued onward.

"I'll never forget today." Dan said and looked at Theos, "In such a short time, I made friends....who in the same day became brothers. We've really grown close haven't we Theos?" Dan said. They eventually came to a crossroad with one section leading towards the market and the other Theos' home. "My borrow is just over there, I'll see you tomorrow Theos." Dan ran up and nuzzled Theos before running away with the laughter of a happy child. He was only a year younger then Theos, but it seemed he was not yet mature. He did not have the real world experience Theos and Butch already possessed. Then, remained just Theos to contemplate today, before heading home to his beloved grandpa.

Nanimon paid Theos, 100 units
Theos gained 100 x2 experience for a hard day at work.

Theos gains one level! Theos is now level 8!

Experience to next level: 130

"I guess destiny really was involved in our meeting. I live in the same direction, in fact my borrow is close to the market place." Butch shook his head in disbelief, "You said you live with the old Jyagamon yea? In that case, I live about a five or so blocks before your house if we head from this factory." Butch said pointing in the same direction. "Well then, no point standing around here, lets get going." They all lived so close. It was amazing really and maybe a bit of fate. He walked beside Butch with a smile. "Maybe we can all have a sleepover one day!" Dan exclaimed.That was a great idea. Theos tail wagged in approval, "I don't know if any of us have the room for that...I mean I do but I live in a dusty basement....you live in a borrow designed for Armadimon and Theos lives with his adoptive grand pa which happens to be a Jyagamon which have small homes." Dan looked disappointed. "We're all practically the same height. I mean I'm the shortest but you two aren't really that big. I'm sure my borrow would be big enough." Dan said. "Didn't you say you live with eight other brothers?" Butch reminded Dan looked surprised that he forgot, "OH yea...I do. There hardly ever home." Dan said, "Tell you what, I'll spruce up my basement a little and then at some point we can all spend the night at my place." Butch said pumping his fist. "Sounds like fun!" Dan said, and without a doubt it did. They could stay up and maybe play games a bit. Though if they had to work every day staying up to late would be a problem. Speaking of late... "We won't even need pillows, you already marked my lap with your drool." Butch teased. Theos was yawning as he said this making him laugh while he yawned making a rather funny noise. "Anyway, this is me." Butch said looking at the home. It was old and worn down, it was a wonder what was keeping it's foundation standing. "Home sweet...uh...home." Butch said turning around and waving at his friends, "See you all tomorrow." Butch ran around the side down a flight of steps. Dan looked at Theos, "Butch's house looks haunted." Is that what haunted houses looked like? He didn't really know. To him is was simply a worn building with history.



"I'll never forget today." Dan said and looked at Theos, "In such a short time, I made friends....who in the same day became brothers. We've really grown close haven't we Theos?"

"Yes we have," Theos responded as they walked with a smile.

"My borrow is just over there, I'll see you tomorrow Theos." Theos nuzzled him back and watched him go running off. He smiled and decided he'd prance about himself as he ran back towards his home. 

Theos stopped at the fountain a moment wondering if Dan had already passed by or not. He stood there a few seconds and then continued on. Either way he would meet him at the factory. The same with Butch if he didn't spot him as he passed by. He also had a promise to keep with a human which suddenly became his only thought. he had nearly forgotten the human had promised to tell him about W.A.D.A. Suddenly he broke into a run wanting to hear his stories.

He loped up to the factory and looked around til he spotted him. With a smile he approached.

"Told  you I'd come back," Theos said his tail wagging. "Can you tell me more about W.A.D.A. now?" Hie eyes gleamed with curiosity. They had a bit of time before he had to go find his friends and hop on the truck.

Max had been busy writing up a product report to send to the embassy when Theos approached him, he turned and looked at him with a smile, "So you did." He knelt down so he was at eye level and patted his head. "I'd be more then happy to tell you about W.A.D.A." Just as Max was about to begin, Dan had jumped on to Theos with a hug from behind "Captain! We meet again!" He said with a laugh. Max looked at the Armadimon and smiled, "Hello Dan." Dan waved, "I didn't know you knew Max. He is good friends with my brothers. He helped me get started yesterday, told me I should meet you. Best advice ever! So, what are we talking about?" Dan asked still holding on to Theos. "Theos, wanted to know more about W.A.D.A., I was just about to tell him some things." Dan wagged his tail, being impressioned by Theos, to express his excitement. "Cool! I wanna hear them to!" Dan exclaimed. "Sure, now let's see...W.A.D.A. helps keep the peace between Digimon and Humans by undertaking various missions given to us by either or..." Max went on to explain in detail, W.A.D.A.'s mission statement and even shared some missions involving himself traveling to the different continents and the heroic rescues he was one. He explained the Tartarus as best he could but it was truly to big to explain. Max himself, was stationed in Bai Hu so long that his memory of it was foggy at best. Dan listened and was awe inspired, at some point releasing Theos from the grasp of his surprise hug. "...Well guys, I hope that satisfied your hunger for knowledge at least for today. Come back tomorrow and I'll explain the guilds, but I gotta get back to work, and from the looks of it. So do you, just be safe alright?" Max said with a smile standing back up.

"Ooooooi!" A voice called out, Butch had come running up to them, "There you two are! You missed Nanimon's role call! The truck is ready to leave any moment! We gotta get going like now!" Butch said turning around and running towards the last of the kids boarding the truck. "Yikes! Looks like we better get Captain!" Dan said and ran after Butch's heels. Max waved to Theos with a salute as he turned to continue his own work.