Snowball’s Charm

Harlan Flint's eyes flicked to the system panel as it chimed, revealing Barbara's reward from Digimon: First Frontier.

She'd earned a Snowballmon, a fluffy infant Digimon cloaked in white cilia, thriving in cold and chilling to the touch.

This creature could evolve with elemental power, a tweak from the system that promised growth beyond its comic roots.

"It's a perfect fit for Barbara," Harlan thought, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he assessed the match.

Her Hydro Vision wasn't icy like Kaeya's, but it leaned close enough to keep Snowballmon comfortable.

Plus, its path to Tailmon—and eventually the angelic Gatomon—aligned beautifully with her role as the church's prayer pastor.

A beam of light pierced the shop's calm, settling on the table before Barbara with a radiant glow.

When it faded, a tiny, white-furred creature blinked up at her, its fluffy form sparking a gasp from her lips.

"What's this little thing?" she asked, her voice trembling with wonder as she leaned closer.

Harlan leaned forward, his tone warm. "That's Snowballmon—a Digimon you can nurture with elemental energy to evolve into Tailmon or even Gatomon."

Barbara's hands flew to her cheeks, her excitement bursting free. "Oh my goodness, the rewards are real!"

She'd half-believed Lumine's tales, but seeing this comic-born creature materialize sent her heart racing.

The shock of holding something she'd just read about was a thrill she couldn't contain.

"Jean will lose her mind when I tell her," she thought, knowing her sister's burdens with Stormterror and the Fatui.

This shop could shift Mondstadt's fate—Digimon like WarGreymon or Piedmon could cow any foe into submission.

Even a few such allies for the Knights would silence the Fatui's arrogance, not to mention powers like Lumine's wind.

"Boss, thank you so much!" Barbara said, her gratitude spilling out as she met Harlan's steady gaze.

Whoever could craft a place like Galehaven Comics was no mere merchant—Mondstadt was blessed by this gift, surely Barbatos' doing.

Harlan waved it off, his smile easy. "It's just a fair trade—if you enjoyed it, come back anytime."

"Absolutely!" she replied, her nod firm with resolve to drag Jean here for a firsthand look.

Work could wait—comics held the key to Mondstadt's strength, a priority she'd press with fervor.

She turned to the Snowballmon, her eyes softening. "Come home with me, little one."

No song had come, but this fluffy prize stole her heart just as surely as any melody might have.

She'd dreamed of cherishing a Tailmon, and now its infant form nestled in her hands—a wish fulfilled.

"Chirp!" Snowballmon trilled, its tiny voice bright as it nuzzled her, sensing its new master's warmth.

Who could resist such an adorable, cuddly companion, its chill a perfect match for her Hydro touch?

"I'll call you Snowball—how's that?" Barbara cooed, her smile as sweet as a cathedral hymn.

"Chirp!" it agreed, bouncing lightly in her grasp, sealing their bond with a joyful squeak.

She scooped it up, the cool tingle of its fur a delight she'd nurture into Mondstadt's future strength.

With a final wave to Harlan, she hurried out, her steps quick toward the Knights' headquarters to share this marvel.

Outside, Lumine, Paimon, and Wendy approached the alley, catching Barbara's retreating figure in their sights.

"Who's that?" Paimon asked, squinting at the familiar silhouette clutching something white.

Wendy tilted his head, his bardic knowledge kicking in. "That's Barbara—prayer pastor of the church and Mondstadt's shining idol."

He knew the city's luminaries well, and Barbara's star burned bright among them.

Paimon snapped her fingers, memory dawning. "Oh, right—she was soothing the crowd earlier today!"

They'd heard her name ripple through Mondstadt after Stormterror's chaos, a beacon of calm amid the storm.

Lumine's brow furrowed, her gaze sharpening. "Did you see that white thing she's holding—some kind of pet?"

Paimon tapped her chin, her voice speculative. "I've never seen anything like it—maybe a comic reward?"

It made sense—Barbara had just left Galehaven Comics, a place brimming with such wonders.

Wendy's curiosity flared, his tone eager. "Let's head inside and find out what's new!"

This shop grew more enigmatic by the moment, its mysteries tugging at his wind-god instincts.

Lumine and Paimon nodded, their smiles mirroring his as they stepped toward the door, ready for more surprises.

***

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