Chapter 73: Regarding How a Mature Woman Turned into a Loli
While BeelStarmon's cool, mature side possessed a captivating allure, her current, drastically downsized form carried a unique charm of its own—like a small-caliber bullet, compact but packing an obvious punch.
Ahem. Setting aside the aesthetic appeal, Mizuki was far more curious about the mechanics behind this sudden transformation. Why had she gone to such lengths to rewrite her own structural data?
"Belle," Mizuki asked, tilting his head slightly as he looked down at the girl in his arms. "I'm a bit curious. What made you suddenly decide to adjust your digivolution data like this?"
"Why?" Little BeelStarmon blinked. Under the bright desert sunlight, her eyes resembled flawless, shimmering gemstones, catching the light with every subtle movement.
"Because if I look like this, I can fit perfectly right here in Mizu's arms~"
Little BeelStarmon—or rather, the partner Mizuki had affectionately named 'Belle'—snuggled closer, burying her soft face against his chest. She rubbed her cheek against his shirt with deep affection, a nostalgic gesture that perfectly mirrored her habits from back when she was just a tiny Nyaromon.
After thoroughly enjoying the warmth, she tilted her head back up, locking her sparkling gaze with his. "Holding Mizu is definitely an addictive feeling, but compared to that, I still prefer being the one held by Mizu~♦"
She shifted slightly, finding a more comfortable angle. "Trying to do this in my BeelStarmon form felt a bit too forced. It was awkward! So, I just tweaked my data a tiny bit."
Suddenly, her eyes widened as a thought struck her. "Oh, right!" she quickly added, her tone turning urgent. "Even though I'm small now, it absolutely won't affect my fighting capabilities—I promise!"
Her small hands gripped the fabric of his shirt. "Or... wait. Mizu, do you not like the way I look right now...?"
Her voice trailed off, the confidence melting into sudden, visible anxiety. Her lower lip caught between her teeth as she started to overthink.
Seeing his partner spiraling into unnecessary worry, Mizuki immediately stepped in to derail that train of thought.
"There, there. Relax," he said, his voice dropping to a soothing, gentle cadence. "I don't dislike the way you look at all."
He adjusted his hold on her, ensuring she felt secure. "As long as it's a form you've chosen, Belle, I'll like it no matter what."
"Really? I'm so happy!"
The faint mist that had begun to gather at the corners of Belle's eyes vanished instantly, replaced by a radiant, blooming smile.
"Thank you, Mizu~"
Before Mizuki could even blink, she leaned up. Chu~♦ A light, incredibly soft kiss landed squarely on his cheek.
Mizuki froze. "—!"
Completely caught off guard, his eyes widened in sheer surprise. He stared blankly at the grinning girl in his arms for a long second. Slowly, the shock ebbed away, melting into a look of deep softness and doting affection.
Honestly, compared to the heroic, battle-hardened aura of her mature state, this petite, youthful appearance actually aligned much better with Belle's current mental age.
A fond smile touched his lips. He raised a hand, intending to gently pat her head. But Belle, ever attuned to his movements, anticipated the gesture. She leaned forward first, actively nuzzling the crown of her head against his open palm like a contented cat.
"Hehe~ Mizu's hand is always so warm~" she hummed, her eyes fluttering shut in bliss.
"You child..." Mizuki chuckled, shaking his head fondly.
Just as the boy and his Digimon were completely lost in their own little world of affection, a hesitant, terribly ill-timed voice drifted over from nearby.
"Great King Mizuki... I am so sorry to interrupt you and Big Sis—Sister!"
Belle's blissful expression instantly flatlined. "..."
"..."
Under Belle's intensely 'kind' and piercing glare, BlackGatomon swallowed hard. She paused for a fraction of a second, her tail twitching nervously, before frantically correcting herself. "I am very sorry to interrupt Great King Mizuki's conversation with Lady Sister!"
Belle's eye twitched. 'Lady Sister' or whatever sounds absolutely terrible too...
Oblivious to Belle's internal critique of her naming sense, BlackGatomon stood at attention and delivered her scouting report. "We are about to arrive at Etemon's lair."
"The Pyramid?"
Mizuki shifted his gaze toward the horizon, where the massive, inverted structure loomed against the desert sky. He gave a firm nod, then looked back down at the dark feline. "It's fine, no need to apologize. You've done excellent work, BlackGatomon."
"Yes! Thank you, Great King Mizuki!"
At those words of praise, BlackGatomon's posture stiffened, and an utterly intoxicated, euphoric expression washed over her feline features. Her eyes practically sparkled. Anyone unfamiliar with the situation would swear she had just inhaled a massive dose of premium catnip.
In reality, her reaction was entirely understandable. The Digital World operated strictly on the brutal law of the jungle. Survival of the fittest was the only rule. In such a harsh environment, genuinely gentle existences were incredibly rare. An individual who was both overwhelmingly powerful and deeply gentle was practically a myth.
Having experienced the bitter, grueling ups and downs of a stray Digimon's life, BlackGatomon now viewed Mizuki as an incomparably noble, almost divine existence. If she had her way, she would gladly stay by Lord Mizuki's side forever.
But—
A sharp, dangerous glint flashed through BlackGatomon's eyes, instantly sweeping away the euphoric daze. Her features hardened into a mask of deadly seriousness.
Right now, I have a duty to fulfill!
With that resolve burning in her chest, she bowed deeply toward Mizuki. "Then, Great King Mizuki, I shall go forth and bring victory back to you!"
Pivoting on her heel, she prepared to dart off toward the enemy lines.
"Wait, BlackGatomon," Mizuki called out, his voice halting her in her tracks. "It's still too much for you to handle all those guys on your own."
He adjusted his grip, lacing his fingers gently through Belle's small hand. "Let's go together."
To his surprise, BlackGatomon shook her head, firmly rejecting the offer.
"Great King Mizuki, I deeply understand your concern for us, and I am forever grateful for your boundless kindness." She stood tall, her dark fur ruffling slightly in the arid wind. "But, I hope you can understand one thing. In this world, everything operates on a two-way street."
She met his gaze with unwavering intensity. "In other words, give and take."
"You gave us insignificant, cast-aside Digimon a new life. You gave us a future." Her claws flexed slightly against the sand. "Therefore, we must also do everything in our power for you. Even among friends, this principle should apply."
She took a deep breath, her chin lifting with a fierce sense of pride. "Although I know very well that I am not some stereotypically 'good' Digimon, on this point alone—"
BlackGatomon displayed a rare, unyielding stubbornness in front of the boy she revered. "I refuse to be treated like an ungrateful ingrate."
"Is that so..."
Mizuki studied BlackGatomon's resolute expression. The desert wind howled softly between them as he weighed her words. Though a knot of worry still lingered in his chest, he eventually let out a soft sigh and nodded.
"Alright. In that case, I'll leave the vanguard to you."
His tone shifted, becoming stern but warm. "However, do not push yourself past your limits, understand? If the situation turns sour, fall back immediately and call for help."
Ah~ Ahhh~~ Great King Mizuki is so caring~!
Internally, BlackGatomon was clutching her chest, desperately suppressing the overwhelming tide of emotion threatening to burst forth. Externally, she maintained a facade of absolute, stoic professionalism, nodding sharply.
"I understand completely, Great King Mizuki." She puffed out her chest. "But you need not worry. I will have those two blockheads, the Dobermon, accompany me—"
"No. Let them stay here on guard duty. I'll go with you."
A deep, rumbling voice suddenly interrupted.
The massive Greymon, who had been standing silently by as their transport, finally spoke up. The giant dinosaur slowly lowered his heavy, armored head, allowing Mizuki and Belle to safely slide off his snout and onto the desert floor.
Once his passengers were secure, Greymon straightened up, his heavy tail thumping against the sand. "I'll take the frontline with you, BlackGatomon."
"You!?"
BlackGatomon's jaw practically hit the sand. She stared up at the towering orange dinosaur in sheer disbelief. Given that this particular Greymon had done nothing but bicker and butt heads with her since they met, she never expected him to volunteer as her backup.
However, Greymon didn't even give her a second to process the touching moment.
With a sudden, deliberate flick of his massive head, he launched the dark feline straight off his skull.
Thwump.
BlackGatomon, completely caught off guard, plummeted through the air and planted face-first into a sand dune. Her hind legs kicked comically in the air. "..."
A low, rumbling snicker echoed from above.
Hearing Greymon actively laughing at her misery, BlackGatomon snapped. She violently yanked her head out of the sand, spitting out grit, her fur puffing up to twice its normal size.
She bared her fangs, wildly waving her sharp little claws at the smug dinosaur.
Hiss!
I must hiss at him!!!
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