BMillsWrites

All Ye Faithful – one of my favourites, but that does not mean that I’ll be easy with it. This should be good. Did you know that the word ‘ye’ is a misspelling of ‘Þe’ and as such should be pronounced ‘thee’? The kinds of things I find interesting...

The others all leave before Cody gives his report. I can only assume that they don’t listen to it normally.

Did Cody just outplay Yolei? I know he did it with Tank and the dance but the final score in LMO was still very much in Yolei’s favour. I suppose she was taking a much sneakier approach when compared to normal, which was slow enough that Cody could respond to it.

I’m now picturing Yolei and Cody in a variant of ’Whack-A-Mole’ using her apartment furniture.

I don’t think I’ve ever heard the phrase ‘Child of Faith’ or any token of that sort used in Digimon. But it was a decent call out to the title. I’m not saying it didn’t happen, just that I don’t remember it.

In addition to the things Minako has pointed out, the picture also fits the card text. You’d be amazed at how many fail even that test.

Minako may perceive Cody deeply, but not deeply enough. Cody needs much less cause than that to worry about making her happy.

Upamon is a brilliant as ever.

When I first read this, my initial response at this point was along the lines of ‘wasn’t Joe supposed to be at medical school, why would they sell books on illustration?’ At this point I can’t remember where he went in the show itself so I’m happy with it being a medical department.

Yes, Joe not worrying about something would be a bad thing. When Tai, Mimi and Izzy would want to charge off into some very obvious traps, he was always the one to tell them what could go wrong. It was played for laughs, but that doesn’t change the fact that he was often right.

And Cody’s honour and propriety make it harder for him again. I’ve got to give you credit; you do use those traits to disadvantage him. It’s almost to tragic flaw levels, but it doesn’t have the ‘tragic’ aspect of it.

After Cody’s worrying about such topics as ‘Will I turn into the emperor?’ and ‘How badly have I messed up Mina’s production?’ a comparatively simple issue like not having enough money makes for a nice change of pace.

Joe has some level of shrewdness too. While I’ll avoid commenting on most of the plan until it comes up, I will point out that he didn’t formulate it until after persuading Cody to stay (a clever move in itself) which means he can plot pretty quickly when he wants to.

I took awhile to understand how the line ‘and noted that the small room did overlook the campus’ courtyard’ managed to convey its clear importance, but I think I’ve figured it out. Since that is Joe describing his office to Cody, the choice of details applies, not just to you this time, but to Joe as well. Of course he’d make it extra clear that there was a window for Cody to look out of.

Of course Dr. Orzu’s surprise would be over Cody’s size and age; Joe would only have had time for the briefest description on his way to his exam, and I imagine the standard image of ‘young visitor’ meant ‘a bit younger than me’.

Joe’s plan seems to hinge on convincing Cody that helping Dr. Orzu to push his cart is part of his job. I’m not sure that would be as easy as he thinks it would be.

I’m not going to say much on the relationship between Dr. Orzu and his son, since Cody summed it up fairly well, but I will note that Dr. Orzu does not sound entirely blameless (nor does he claim to be), which Cody has a hard time understanding.

Ah, Cody’s starting to come around. His desire to get his mother the perfect present has overcome his righteousness, and honestly it’s for the best.

Cody’s managed to fix a family drama, without even realising it. I wonder if Melki Orzu knows Judi (from the ‘Comfort Cottage’) too.

I told you ages ago that I liked it when Cody had someone to rub off on, and Cody certainly manages with Orzu. The beauty of this one is that he was not really trying to. It was simply the fact that Cody found Orzu’s situation incomprehensible, which led to Orzu seeing that as well.

I hardly need tell you that when thinking about words to describe Cody, unlike most of the other digidestined the first aren’t things like valiant, courageous or heroic (though those are still true) but things like honest, true, tranquil and good-natured. It’s these showing their positive effects (and hinting at their negative ones) that makes this story so good.

I also told you that I believe idealism and the Christmas theme go together well, and this is one of the obvious instances. Everything fits together almost perfectly, and if it wasn’t Christmas themed, it could come across as being too convenient. As it is however, it works.

Dr. Orzu has managed to get Joe and Cody back to the bookstore, and has ordered (for Cody) the Illustrators Kit. However, I’ve got to ask, is he embezzling from his department? I highly doubt his fax will carry much weight with the collage auditors.

Back when Cody was on the phone with Sora (LMO Ch: 4) she got him to tell her that repayment for a gift would be impolite, and yes, that is the passage that sprang to mind as I was reading the bit after the fax. Even now however, Cody seems to be in doubt that he deserves it. Whether or not it’s impolite to refuse a gift is another question, of course, but it would be an odd move from Cody to say the least.

Cody gives the money he was going to spend to charity, specifically the ‘Odaiba Police Condolence Foundation’. That fits perfectly with him.

Imagine trying to find a Christmas present for the Digimon Emperor. Perhaps a Chrome Digizoid Dark Spiral...

So Cody’s Grandpa likes a series of detective novel. I hope you’ll forgive me if I choose to think it’s a Japanese version of Cadfael.

At least Minako liked the art kit.

Cody with the wrapping ribbon around his neck - If there was ever a time for taking photos then I think that would be it.

Cody’s feelings are certainly honest.

On the pun name front so far I’ve got Dr. Melki Orzu being a play on Malchior of the 3 wise men. And to further the connection he gives Cody a gift.

This is still one of my favourites, in spite of some of my observations, helped by it still being fun and Christmassy.

Thisisfun

Wow. This was a wonderful fic. Cody's such a cute kid. You potrayed Cody, Joe, and Yolei really well. Cody, the best of all. He's so proper and sweet. Great job!

Wow, how lovely. This story was written beautifully and I enjoyed having the honor to read it. I raise a toast to you.

Really good, expertly written. I often feel sorry for Cody beacause no one generally takes any notice of him in their fics, but this one is different. The same goes for Joe. Congratualtions, great work!

The spirit of Christmas embodied in a fic, what more can I say? It really brought a smile to my face, I wish there were more fics out there like it (apart from your other ones). Thankyou. A belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you. I hope 2004 brings you good fortune.

It's soo~ nice to see a fic centered around Iori. That is just so rare. Nice job! I really liked it.

Very good job. A little late for Christmas, but still within the season.
It's nearly impossible to adequately commend this because of the sheer greatness of it. Your interpretation of Cody's fears and intentions was perfect, and Joe and Dr. Orzu provided the perfect backstory. In fact, Dr. Orzu's story reminded me very much of the neighbor's in the original Home Alone movie, a reminder I welcomed very much.
Excellent job once again. I can't wait to see more of your incredible work.
Grade: A

Lovely as always. I wish I could give you Cody for Christmas, though if he were mine to give away I probably couldn't bear to part with him...