I don't own digimon.
Chapter 16
Paying our Debt
As it would turn out, our heroes would be paying off their debts right now. Considering what the Artisan said, they had the rest of the day to do whatever they wanted too. Talk about a win if I've ever seen one. If not, to hell with him for the moment.
"We're willing to help you right now." Yvonne explained, getting a look from Madame at the moment. "If that's alright with you, Marigold."
Marigold scanned the area one more time. While the actual cleanup time was minimal at best, getting some help for the busy lunch hours would be nice. Then they would be even. Hopefully.
"That works for me." Marigold explained, turning her attention to our heroes. "Blaze, Yvonne you'll be helping me take orders. Bubbles, Ella and Madame, you'll be helping my wife in the kitchen."
Madame let out a groan. Of course, she managed to be dragged into this. The fact that Yvonne had her whip made it all the more worse in that moment. But they bite their tongue and what sounds like pride is swallowed.
"Is there any outfits that you would like us to wear?" Ella inquired and caught what looked to be a smile on Marigold's face. Yvonne took a step back, watching the waitress effortlessly make up the difference.
"Oh. I won't tell Marulyn." she cooed, getting a sigh from the barbarian in return. After the events that had transpired yesterday, Yvonne's feelings were quite understandable. Even if she had taken the time to make sure that a certain someone would be kept busy. Hopefully.
"Fine." Yvonne remarked, making her way over towards the kitchen. She gave the elf cleaning the stove a wave. Passing on through, she found herself facing down a closet. Quite plain, with little in the way of something to actually make it stand out. Doesn't stop her from pulling it open, revealing a bunch of pinafores. Spans the rainbow. Almost. I don't think grey and black are part of the colors. Not that this stops the barbarian from grabbing this one in particular and ducking into the closet itself. A few minutes of grunts and groans followed. Eventually, Yvonne exited the closet and past on through the kitchen. She felt naked to an extent. The armor provided protection, on top of weighing down on her body. Here, the pinafore and apron combo felt too… light. At any moment, she would just float away without any method to get back down. Probably not something extreme like that. Even the flats that somehow held her feet in felt far too dainty. She wouldn't have chosen this pair, but these were the only ones on offer. Given the choice, Yvonne would've gone for a pair of boots. Preferably a weighted pair. But not too heavy. Waiter/Waitresses had to be quick on their feet.
Crossing over from the kitchen and back into the dining room, Yvonne found her teammates already hard at work pushing the tables back in place.
"Uh… what do you think?" she whispered, her partner of all people the first to approach. Jumping from one of the nearby tables, Munbimon glided a circle around the barbarian. Landing back down, she cleared her throat.
"It looks alright on you." Munbimon remarked, climbing up onto Yvonne's shoulder. "Though, I kind of prefer the armor here."
Yvonne nodded, watching the rest of her teammates focus in on her. They look… content. Aren't used to her being in different outfits. That was for sure. Especially something that light and frilly.
"That's good enough." Marigold explained, pushing what looked to be the last of the tables in. After, her focus shifted to Bubbles, Madame, Ella and their partners. "Go to my wife and tell her you're the temporary help."
Ella gave a nod, making sure to grab hold of Madame as she headed off. Bubbles and Phusitmon followed, with the other two digimon making up the rear.
A single step into this strange sanctum and our group is assaulted by the wonderful scent of something. Of course, none of them could really see it. Well, not without creating an even bigger mess or destroying the kitchen.
"Why do I never get any of that?" Madame muttered, taking the time to make sure she was currently in her jumpsuit. The cook pays her no mind. "Hey! I'm talking to you!"
The chef looked around, only to return to cooking. Well, stirring in this case. Great. You're making me hungry. Snack after this. Maybe.
"Down here."
Shifting her attention from the pot, the elf finally found our group of six. On the older end of things, locks of silvery white hair were the first things to draw our group of short heroes in. Faded eyes eventually found them, with a look of complete indifference towards Madame. Even more so when she was lifted up into the air and found herself face-to-face with the chef.
"You've shrunk." the chef muttered, Madame flailing about. That doesn't phase her. If anything, the grip tightens. "What happened? I thought you were big and strong."
Madame looked away. Try as she might, no tangible connection seemed to be there between her and this woman. Why couldn't she remember? She was supposed to be Madame Von Strauss. The greatest thief to ever grace Aldia. Were such an event as this lowly elf was describing had occurred, some memory would've existed. Discounting age (of which she was unsure of her own), she couldn't find anything. So she checked within her own head once more. Still nothing. Why did such memories seem insistent on evading her?"
'There's nothing there to begin with.' the other part of her thought. "That's a different Madame. Maybe."
Yet, Madame continued to struggle. Definitely correct, she wasn't going to admit that to 'them'. She was the one in the driver's seat at the moment. They had agreed 'reluctantly' to let her have this day. Tomorrow or the day after would be their turn. Or something along those lines.
"Like, let go of her!" Kollmon announced, flashing a claw in the elf's direction. Probably would help if Madame actually responded in some fashion. Instead of, I don't know, stewing over the lack of a particular memory. Beggars can't be choosers. Thankfully, Cinemon grabs hold and pulled the mole digimon back. Didn't stop Kollmon from copying her partner "That was totally rude!"
Cinemon let out a sigh.
"I get that you're trying to help, but this isn't." Cinemon barked, getting a chuckle from Ella. Unintentional puns are the worst. Especially ones that can be quite easily avoided in these situations. "Right now, this is more between Madame and this strange-looking woman than you and this woman."
Kollmon let out a deep breath, gaze returning to Madame. While her partner's motions had slowed down, it was quite clear she wasn't having any of this. Her focus was split between the chef and her teammates. Of which, Bubbles of all people was the shining star in the thief's vision. Interesting choice.
"Princess not want goop." Bubbles announced, his teammates attention now on him. "Why?"
The elf fell silent, grip on her captive loosening rapidly. The distance dropped thankfully is minimal. Then it's back to stirring. All while muttering to herself about something in a language I don't quite comprehend. Because of course she does. Then it's back to Madame and Bubbles for the moment. Better be good.
"That was her favorite meal." the elf whispered, a single droplet falling for the burner. A light hiss followed. "Or was her favorite meal."
Madame took a deep breath, a curtsey from Bubbles her reward. She chuckled, giving the dragon a slight head pat. Then it's right back to the elf. She already had to swallow quite a bit of her pride. This was just another helping of that. Though, this was even worse. She could've easily just walked out the door. So why hadn't she in that moment? Was it because she felt that this mess was somehow partially her fault? Had to be it.
"Sorry about that…" Madame mumbled, turning to Ella. The artificer nodded and took taking the time to clear her throat.
"Marigold asked us to act as your temporary help." Ella explained, watching the chef stare down towards them. Taking a deep breath, she pointed to a nearby set of stools. Our heroes complied. Attempted to at least.
For Madame this wasn't much of a challenge. The thief gave it a slight kick (don't do that out in public) and watched the stool slide on over. Ella just brought her turret out and set it down as a stepping stone. Which just left Bubbles.
"Ugh…" Phusitmon whispered, trying his best to even grab hold of the stool. Even with Bubbles's help, they weren't getting anywhere fast. "Little help here?"
Both Cinemon and Kollmon walked over. Putting their arms and in Cinemon's case - head on the unattended legs of the table, they joined in on this siege for the counter. It was actually quite successful, ignoring the fact that Phusitmon and Kollmon nearly slammed into the wall of the countertop.
"Phusie?" Bubbles mumbled, giving the plush rabbit digimon a tap. His partner stood back up and patted himself off. None worse for the worse. Hopefully.
"I'm alright." Phusitmon answered, grabbing hold of the stool's leg and began the climb up with relative ease. Bubbles followed right behind, having a bit of trouble. Thankfully, he had the help
"You're all here now?" the elf chef inquired, five heads nodding. Guess Cinemon decided he was just stay on the ground. Consider how unlikely people would want stray hairs in their meals, fair enough.
Letting out a sigh, she pulls what looks to be a knife out from the block and sets it in front of Madame.
"Can I trust you not to stab me?" the chef explained, hand still on the possible weapon. Madame let out a sigh. "The last time I gave you this, things went south and I was out a restaurant."
Freezing up, the thief muttered something to herself. The disconnect just seemed to grow between these two. Why did this woman seem so insistent on driving a further wedge between her that was right in front of her now and the supposed her from way back then. Hurts the head to an extent. No matter. Every time this mess comes up, I can only wonder if this is purposeful. This web a defense measure. Against who or perhaps what? I'm not entirely sure.
"I won't stab you." Madame whispered, letting out a sigh. Before she had a chance to dig herself into another inner monologue, a cutting board was placed down in front of her. The knife followed right after. "Thank you."
While that was happening, Blaze, Yvonne and their partners were up front greeting guests and taking customers orders. Overall, they look to be in a better shape than our kitchen group.
"Welcome to the Shakey Walls Cafe." Balamon greeted, slithering about in place. Normally, this wouldn't be so bad. That was what he had been doing this entire time. Of course, an orc had gotten grabby and was holding him up to their face. From the brief look the snake digimon was treated too, a black shirt and pants were in. Doesn't explain the strange choice of a piece of fabric hanging around their neck.
"Gorvor."
The orc shifted his gaze, Balamon doing the same. A second orc stood in the doorway. Dressed the same as his companion, a bulky metal bracelet hung around his left wrist. Some kind of strange wedding band? Maybe. Really need to look wedding
"Is this your husband by any chance?" Balamon inquired, getting a sigh from the orc.
"Yes." the orc in the doorway remarked, unfazed by the appearance of the talking snake his spouse is holding. "Probably should put him down. Definitely belongs to someone."
Almost on cue, Blaze and Yvonne walked up. Speak of the tiefling or something of similar measure or what have you.
"Sorry about that." Gorvor explained, setting Balamon down. After, their attention turned to the barbarian.
"Oh. Yvonne." Gorvor's husband remarked and entered the cafe. "Why the change of outfit?"
Yvonne's face turn a bright shade of cherry. She looked away, getting a sigh from Munbimon.
"We're helping Marigold out for the day." the ghost monkey explained, landing on the ground. Menu in hand. Somehow. "Would you like a menu?"
Looking down towards the monkey, the pair make sure they are seeing this right. They were. No need for the reminder that they are real or something.
While they look to regulars, they still take two. then it's a short walk over to a table.
"So, do you want me to get this table?" Blaze inquired. Yvonne sighted, shooting the orc pair a look. Then it's back to Blaze. With a sigh to boot. Something the matter? No. Probably just nerves at the moment. I guess a change of outfit makes a heck of a bigger difference than I thought it would in the first place.
"I got this." Yvonne answered and made her way over. "What can I get you two gentleman?"
Gazing up from their menus, the pair try their best to keep composure. Especially in the face of a much softer Yvonne.
"Uh…" Gorvor remarked, gaze back on his menu. Giving it one more read, then it's back to Yvonne. "I'll have some tomato soup."
The barbarian gave a nod, focusing in on Gorvor's husband. While still intent on looking at the menu, his gaze appeared to be on that of some plate shards left behind by the Artisan. Oops. Probably should've cleaned those up beforehand. Or not. I doubt most people would really consider eating a plate after having their meal. Probably a rule against it, now that I think about it. No matter.
"There was a little incident earlier today." the barbarian explained, shooting Blaze a glance. The fighter gave a nod, even if he was currently focused on manning the front. Just in case someone else decided to make an arrival and bring everything crashing down. Well, throw Yvonne for a loop is probably a more accurate statement. "Nothing major, just a real rude customer who challenged a friend of ours to an eating contest, Alan."
Alan gave a nod. Then he's back on his menu.
"I'll take a salad."
Yvonne gave a nod, the two orcs handing off their menus over to her. She headed off, watching Blaze's attention shift over to the pair. While she knew the fighter meant no harm, Yvonne could already feel the gazes of both men on her.
"Blaze…" she whispered, Blaze making his way over to the table. She left him to it.
"I'm Blaze." the fighter greeted, coming to a stop just before the table in question. "Do you think I can ask you something?"
The orcs shifted their focus over to him. Clearing his throat, Blaze piled his thoughts together and got ready to ask the one question on his mind. Well, it was more of Dave's question. Still applied here.
"Oh. You're that dancer boy." Gorvis announced, giving Alan a slight tap. "You're quite thrilling to watch. What is that we can do for you?"
Blaze looked away, trying his hardest to hide his fiery cheeks for the moment. Definitely not the reaction he was expecting to get in that moment. If anything, this was perhaps the complete opposite of what the fighter expected to hear.
"Uh… a friend of mine is looking for a job." Blaze continued. "You two look like business owners, so I was wondering what you do for work?"
Alan chuckled. Digging into his clothes, a bar of yellow something came out.
"Soap." Alan explained, setting the bar down on the table. "Take the fat left over from the butcher's meat, heat it up, throw in some sweet smelling stuff and wait for it to cool. Voila. You now have a bar of soap."
Blaze nodded, letting his focus sit on the bar of soap for the moment. While Dave seemed more than ready for a job, it probably was a good idea to at least get a location first before going all in on such a procedure.
"Where is your shop exactly?" Blaze remarked, gaze returning to the couple. No maps of Aldia seem to exist (for some reason), making this more of a challenge in listening and memorization than actual direction taking.
"You know where the markets are?" Gorvor remarked, the fighter nodding. "Good. We're the first shop on the right."
With that problem now resolved, Blaze let a smile form on his face. While not quite a job offer, it's a start. Which was more than he had a couple hours before.
"Thanks." he whispered, making his way back over to the door.
.
Of course, things had taken a turn for the worse in the kitchen.
"Madame, like put the knife down." Kollmon whispered, trying her best to calm the now irate thief from a possible rampage at the moment. The mole digimon had turned her back for just a moment, mostly to update Cinemon on the current goings on. When she turned back around, her partner was flashing a knife.
"She won't stop comparing me to her." Madame muttered, the temptation of getting up onto the counter jingling about her head. While hope had been placed on the earlier incident being just a fluke, that had been misplaced. Misshapen cuts of vegetables sit on a cutting board, a constant reminder. Seemed to be a lot of those across these two days. What was it that made people so insistent on pointing this difference out? While the arrival of these digimon could be to blame, that was a surface level issue. Maybe this had knowledge always been here in the first place, just swept under the rug.
"But that totally means you need to show her this you!" Kollmon remarked, getting a groan from Madame. Where was Bubbles when you needed him? Not here, as far as I can tell. "The past is like… past."
Madame took a deep breath, shifting her position on the stool. The knife was returned to the cutting board. The elf chef's attention shifted over to her, a sigh followed. Please don't kill each other. Already been a big enough mess without having to deal with a dead body at this point.
"You're nothing but an imposter." she muttered, watching Madame jump down from the stool and to the floor below. "You don't deserve to call you-"
A kick to the leg, Madame taking a deep breath right after.
"If I'm not her, who am I then?" they announced, really tempted to blow this place. If anything, that was what they should've done in the first place. Especially now that she had both Bubbles and Ella's gazes on her. "Who am I?"
Silence. Even seems to reach everyone else in the cafe. Even the customers who weren't mentioned but had come to get a meal. While it might not seem that way, it's actually been a couple hours. Which means I'm pulling a late one, Not usually my favorite thing to do. Especially with all the work I have in the morning. Oh well. A job's a job. For better or worse.
"Exactly." the thief muttered, smile on her face. "Maybe you should take back what you said."
Her opponent rolled their eyes. Getting down to be at her level, the elf chef took a deep breath. Looking away, she slowly let her focus be back on
"You win this round." the elf chef remarked, turning to Madame's mess. Getting back up, she gave the thief one last look. "Just know that this needs to an end. You all can't keep suffering for one choice made so long ago."
Madame nodded, watching Bubbles and Phusitmon run up. A hug followed. Even if that doesn't explain where these two were in the first place. Probably in some kind of timeout. At least, I think that's what happened while we were focusing on Blaze and Yvonne.
"I'll be back." she muttered, getting a chuckle in return. Out of the corner of her eye, she makes out something. "Good to know we're on the same page."
The two pairs head out, Ella and Cinemon doing the same. Except they were also carrying the meal for our two orcs. Fair enough.
"Here's your food." Ella explained, setting both plates down. "Oh. It's you two."
Alvin let out a chuckle.
"You seem to be busy right now, but the delivery should be ready soon." the orc explained, taking a spoonful of soup. "Just make sure you get us our payment."
Ella nodded and made her way over to Marigold. There, the waitress was deep in thought. Didn't look too happy. Eyes opening back up, her attention shifted to Madame. Taking a deep breath, Madame finds herself stared over.
"I'm sorry if my wife tried to snap your head off." Marigold remarked, getting a deep breath from Madame. "Just understand that we want you to live a life not dictated by the dead."
The thief rolled her eyes and headed for the door. Her entourage followed right behind, which provided Yvonne the perfect opportunity to get changed and grab her warhammer.
Notes:
Originally, this chapter was going to be a short part in the cafe and then jumping into the next day. Of course, I decided to expand it into a full-on chapter. Funny how that works.
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Next Time: Yvonne tries her best in the face of the Artisan. Oh. And it happened again.