I don't own digimon.
Chapter 29
All the people I thought you were and the one you truly were
Back inside, the manor looked the same as ever. Though, expecting it to change in some meaningful way was absolutely crazy. Sure, there exists spells to mask traps and other pitfalls. But the manor's scale would make such a feat difficult and not worth the cost of doing that.
Didn't stop Ella from looking over every inch of the entrance area. While there have been no sign of any real traps or defense mechanisms, I can totally understand the reasoning for doing that though. Though, I don't think that's it. No, this is more of someone who's interested in the place itself trying to find the little things. Especially that muttering coming after it. A possible fan of Madame. Wouldn't that be a twist. Probably not this Madame. Though, I think that would be a bigger bombshell at the end of day.
"The hole should be just up the stairs." Madame explained, a few short deep breaths following that statement. Ella's attention was already back on her for the moment. "You're free to hate me for this."
Ella's hand met Madame's face, knocking the thief's head back at most - a couple centimeters. More than enough to get her message across in that short span of time.
"There's so many things I think about you." Ella continued, emotions surging through in one fell swoop. "When I was a kid, you were my fucking hero. I wanted to be like you! Whenever the holidays came around, I would actually send a letter of goodwill and cheer."
Madame looked away. Inside, 'she' was bracing herself for this incoming storm that her teammate was about to bring forth upon. While they could probably handle it, there was a chance that they couldn't.
"Now, you're nothing more than a washed-out thief hanging onto their legacy. What an absolute joke."
Heading up the stairs, it was now Madame's turn for the slapping. Was a lot more effective here than Ella's attempt. But that was probably more the result of the stairs than the actual face hit. Especially since our thief didn't want to cause any harm to their teammate at the moment. Maybe before this strange compromise of theirs, but not right now. Better yet, how the heck were they going to explain that to them? Sure, the change of dress and what looked to be the start of new locks of hair. Or maybe this was the case of just being honest with them. Even if they don't believe her/them, it's good enough of a start. Then they could build something up from there. Whatever form that might take remains to be seen.
"I'm sorry to hear you putting me on a pedestal that I couldn't quite reach." they mutter, the other part looking away within their head. This had not been what either of them had been expecting. While likely as it was this was not the same Madame, this was just another problem to be facing at the moment. "Any other regrets in regards to me and my failures?"
Ella took a deep breath. I have a pretty good idea where this is going. But I'll give her a chance to say it outright.
"That you didn't give me back that meteorite and all the other inventions you've stolen from me." the artificer muttered, Cinemon shooting her a look at the moment. "What? That was all the material I brought back with me! My parents insisted that I took home something that at least resembled what a dwarf would want."
Okay… Not quite sure that's quite the best thing to gift upon your kid. Unless there was somehow a bunch of jewels in said rock. Though, you would still need to extract the gems out and then cut them for use in jewelry.
"I've been meaning to ask you this, Ella. But what exactly is a dwarf?" Cinemon inquired, getting a sigh from their partner.
"Well… we're usually a subterranean species with a penchant for stonework, alcohol and mining." Ella answered, gazing shifting away as our group reached the top of the stairs. Did give us a good view of that spot Rantha created earlier. Thankfully, it's not sizzling for the moment. That would mean further structural damage. Which reminds me. Supposedly, the academy was going to do a 'psionics' course for this coming quarter. I'm not entirely what exactly that sort of 'mental' ability has to do with actual magic. Maybe one of the researchers found a connection between the two. Wait. Isn't that kind of like Melody was doing earlier? No, that probably involved something similar but not quite the same as general psionic stuff. Probably wrong on that.
Taking a left, we come upon our destination. Bubbles and Phusitmon are nowhere to be found. Expected. Probably didn't want to deal Rantha. He could use to learn some manners, maybe some calming techniques. Maybe then we wouldn't be in this situation. Doubt it.
"So, Bubbles is like down there?" Kollmon chimed, getting a nod from her partner at the moment. Then it's over to the hole, claws meeting the boards. Unlike the last person who tried to make a dent in them, this went surprisingly better. Goes without saying though. Anything would be better than your own hands when it comes to wooden boards. "Is this like, big enough?"
The hole looked big enough for someone as tall as Yvonne to pass on through. Maybe in the future. Right now, it's just our foursome. Which begs the question on how our little dragon made it through.
"Never thought I would ever enter this part of the mansion." Madame thought, 'she' nodding in agreement. Not that they would really know. "You want to switch out?"
Their other half nodded, the reins handed over. Far smoother than one would think it would be. Don't think that Cinemon or Kollmon noticed. Which isn't even saying a thing about Ella. The death glare is losing its meaning real fast. Might want to change up your tactics. Though with all this dark space, actually getting anyone to see it would be an iss-
"Infuse," Ella announced, yellow outline forming around her body. "Spark."
Plopping her turret down, the artificer took the time to shift the weapon to a downwards angle. You know. Don't want to destroy anything valuable. Especially if this 'something' was in some way related to the Madame that she looked up too in the past.
"Ever been in this particular part of your own home?" she continued, getting a deep breath from Madame. Then a head shake. "Wait. You've somehow stuck to the same two - three rooms for all this time?"
The thief looked away, getting a chuckle. Guess that turret is far quieter than you would think such a device would be. The more you know in that case.
"Am I really that predictable, dear?" Madame countered, getting a nod from Kollmon. Though, I swear I saw rosy red cheeks on Ella's face in those fleeting moments."You're not helping."
Before either the mole or artificer could really fire back with something witty or smart, the pitter-patter of little feet heading towards the group at the moment forced them to a stop.
"Princess!"
Bubbles quickly made his approach, Phusitmon hanging on for dear life. Didn't explain the piece of paper hanging lightly in his paws. Yeah. That's what I'm sticking to for the moment. At least till I'm told otherwise.
Thankfully, Bubbles decided not to jump up into Madame's arms for the moment. Her body probably couldn't take it. Maybe. Instead, he came to a stop in front of her.
"Better now?" the little dragon remarked, getting a nod from his guardian as Ella snatched the paper off of Phusitmon. But not before smoothing it out. Just for legibility's sake.
To the esteemed Mr Traum,
I have successfully infiltrated this supposed organization - 'Distant Harmony'. For the moment, it would appear they are not a major threat to the goals of the Criasu Corp. But with their rapid development of world creation technology, it's only a matter of time before they undercut George's plan with one of their worlds and set everything on a tailspin. We can't have that. Especially if 'he' is supposed to return to his time, are we absolutely certain that his return will coincide perfectly with our other variable? If not, things might not work out the way that we need them too. Perhaps a backup plan is in order? For now, I'm going to remain undercover as a lowly.
May time be on our side,
-Sako Izumi
What… in the flying fucking is this? First off, who is this 'Crisau Corp'? Some kind of secret organization with plans for a world? Has to be. But this Traum guy, he sounds like a big deal. Maybe some kind of management entity? Perhaps he's the one who is the boss. No, that would be that George person. What sort of plan could be so great that it would require sending someone back in time. Probably something of great interest to stability and what I can only assume the life of all on that world. As for the person sending this letter, that's a complete mystery to me. Researcher, maybe. For what. Ugh. All these unanswered questions. Good to keep in the back of your head in the hopes that they eventually get back to this. Hopefully.
"Where exactly did you two find this?" Ella inquired, Bubbles pointing further in. Not helpful whatsoever. "By any chance, did you see any large sacks?"
Bubbles nodded, heading off in the direction that he just came from. His teammates and their partners followed right behind, making sure that the turret was still with them. Should've hit some kind of light at this point. Are magic lights really that difficult? Can't be. That's basic predesignation stuff. Also, who decided that needed to be that's spell name? You try remembering off your head, let alone trying to spell it out. Fuck. Another pun. Was doing so good as well. Sorry.
"Large sacks?" Madame remarked and got a look from Ella. A deep breath followed, hands meeting the thief's back.
"You know, for letters?" Ella explained and watched Madame freeze up. "Hm… For supposedly being the ol-"
Madame pushed Ella to the ground, faces mere inches from each other in what little illumination they could get off from the turret's firing right now. More than enough at the moment.
"I'm not her!" Madame shouted, trying her best to keep it together. The hits just keep coming. Try as one might to hold strong against all that may be thrown your way, no one is invincible. You can give off the impression of such a state, but that's only skin deep. "If I truly were her, I would have remembered you and any letters you might have sent. But that person is long gone now, probably dead. I never was her. I'm just… me."
Her words ring right on out, Ella just staring towards them. Both around the same size, it was unlikely that Madame could stay like this for mu-
Spoke too soon. Now, Madame sat comfortably on the artificer's stomach.
"You idiot." Ella muttered, slowly brushing her hand through what little of Madame's hair had grown back since Bubbles had fixed the holes in her head. "You could've just told us. And don't just say 'we wouldn't understand'. We're a team damnit. We'll have to work together through this, Maddie."
Madame gave her a look, reaching for her face. She was kindly declined for the moment. Though, that was more testing the boundaries.
"Maddie?" Madame muttered, Ella's cheeks turning red as the artificer looked away. "Only in private are you allowed to call me that. Deal?"
Ella nodded, helping her 'girlfriend' back up. Grabbing her turret, the pair make good time.
"You uh… alright?" Kollmon remarked and watched her partner shake their head. A chuckle followed. "Like, no?"
"I wouldn't say alright is the right word in this situation." Madame muttered, gaze doing it's best to keep an eye on both Kollmon and Ella. "I'm one less person, which means I'm closer to actually being me. Progress."
You're still technically two people though. Oh right. Can't hear me. Nevermind that thought for the moment.
"Princess, Ela?" Bubbles called out, the artificer and thief making their approach. Compared to all that we've been so far, this particular area appears to be lit up. Maybe the light from the windows. No, this is too bright. Looking around, we come upon a small possibly magical light. "Here."
To the left of our little dragon, we have ourselves a desk. A body laid right in front of it, halfling of some kind. Dried blood surrounded them, along with stone of all things.
"Mother?" Madame remarked and tapped the skeleton. Nothing really happened. No sudden reanimation, just a regular old dead body. How… boring? Yeah. I'm going with that. Taking a deep breath, she let her focus turn to the desk itself. There had to be something, anything that could help in this search. "Bingo."
Picking up a yellowed, almost tattered note the thief did a double take. Sure, she had her suspicions, but this was absolute proof. A hint at something greater going on in this town. Still, it felt as if she was grasping for straws.
Dear 'Madame',
No means no. How many times must we tell you that for it to stick in your head? My wife and I moved on from this project for a reason. If anything, you're the one stuck in the past. Don't come running to us when you're 'miracle' turns out not to be one after all.
-Mary Gold
Once more, Madame's world seemed to flip right on her. This time though, it's more angled than anything else. Yet compared to yesterday's mind screw, this felt… expected. Like everything leading up to this one moment culminating in this revelation.
"Maddie, something wrong?" Ella remarked, watching her 'girlfriend' hand over the note. Giving it a quick once over, a deep breath followed. "Guess that explains her knowledge in regards to you."
Madame nodded, turning her attention back to the desk. Maybe if they were careful they could find more information on what exactly 'Marigold' and her wife had been working on. Or would've, if the turret had not gone off and electrified the entire thing. Which somehow set something off inside the desk. That ignited all the papers held within. Well, fuck. That's one lead that's no longer able to be further deciphered.
"Dimensional Matrix awaits activation." a strange metallic voice announced, forcing our heroes attention further into this strange hallway. Running as fast as their little feet could manage, we come upon the end of the line for this part of the room. Here, we find a large set of double doors. Before them, was a large set of double doors. Not quite bolted to a wall, they looked to be connected to a large sphere of spinning crystal 'plates' above. Off to the side, someone had gone through the trouble of scratching out six bracelet-looking symbols on the floor. Which can be viewed in the dainty light being given off. Which made the dead bodies littering the area all the more jarring. Not really clothed and lacking in the wound department, there's no real telling what happened to them. Probably ran out of food.
"Do you still have that device?" Ella remarked, Madame digging into her dress. Out came that strange oval-shaped device, pointed directly towards the door. The sound of someone locking up followed. Oh dear. That definitely wasn't the solution that this puzzle was looking for right now. Or perhaps this is just one small piece of the puzzle and more needed to be grab-
Wait. Why are you staring at the door? Did something happen when I blinked. Unless
"Person?" Bubbles called out, slowly approaching the door. "Bubbles!"
Uh… yeah. Your name is Bubbles. That isn't much of an arcane secret really. I've known that for quite a while now. As for something none of you might know, that would be my name - Mister Lore Mage.
"That's kind of an awful name." Madame remarked, even if her own first name was just as silly. "Eh. Mine at least sounds refin-"
A look from Elka brings an end to that. Aw. This was definitely not something I was expecting to come out of this outing. Though, I could say that a lot about this adventure so far. Not that I find this to be bad, mind you.
Oh. I guess it's now your turn to ask a question or two. Go on ahead. Just remember to grab your friends after this.
"Mister Lore Mage, what's your big deal?!" the artificer announced, any friendliness reserved for Madame all gone. Fair enough. This must probably feel like a complete and utter what the fuck moment. Believe me. It is. Though, I didn't think you would be so conflicted on your friend here. Before this, I thought you were completely against her. Guess the truth is a lot more complicated than it looks.
Ella took a deep breath. Looking towards the bodies of the fallen. If it helps, you can just think it. No need to say it outright.
"I'm conflicted." She thought, Madame looking her way. "Part of me wants to do her in for all the stolen stuff, but part of me wants to know the why behind. Why does she try to be so unreachable, when in actuality they look so vulnerable."
Oh. Didn't think of it like that. I'll keep that in the future. As for your question, I'm the narrator. My job is to give context and commentary to your guys actions as a neutral third party of sorts. Considering how the past couple days have gone, I'm on your side all the way. Even if it doesn't seem like it at times. Have to be entertaining to an extent.
"Uderstod?" Bubbles remarked and pushed a body off to the side. Both Ella and Madame just nod. Good. We're on the same page.
"So what's the plan now?" Ella remarked, Madame letting out a sigh. While they had no clue to where exactly their teammates are for the moment, they had found me of all people. Wait. I can look for you! This is a total win-win solution. I was going to have to narrate them anyhow. Okay, let me shift perspectives from this door and over to you. Hmm… they appear to be chasing Rantha and M- I mean Wu Jen over by your inn, Ella. If you get yourselves going, you might be able to close the distance. No guarantees of course. I'm not psychic or anything. Even if some wizards see that as a form of magic. For so-
Oh. They're gone. Let me shift my perspective back on them for the moment. Easy as pie. Currently, our trio is making their way back. Ella did box up her turret though. Far easier to carry that way. As for Madame, she had just come to a stop.
"Your turn." the thief thought, getting a nod from within. Probably the most normal thing in this whole chapter. "Phew."
Shooting off, they made sure to keep up the pace with both their 'girlfriend' and their digimon partner.
"Something wrong, Maddie?" Ella called out, Madame looking away. "Or is this the other part of you in control for the moment?"
The thief nodded, carefully grabbing hold of Ella's hand.
"Yeah." they answer, equal parts embarrassment and joy on their face right now. Perhaps the expectation had been a rant of some kind. Entirely misplaced, but could also be an expectation of a better answer. "No. I don't know where your stolen inventions are."
The artificer rolled her eyes, deep breath coming right after. So much for that. Probably all in that secret place. But that's a search for some other day. Right now, getting to our teammates is what matters for the moment. Everything else can be handled after that.
Notes:
So this chapter kind of happened. Not that this is a bad thing. The setup is more than worth it.