I don't own digimon.

Chapter 36

The enemy of my enemy

"Roll for what now?" Ella remarked, asking the question on everyone's mind. Well, hopefully on their mind at the moment. Not really that much of a mind reader. Sure, being a narrator gives me the ability to see one's thoughts. But within limits of course. They have to actually be thinking something for me to read their heads. It can't be idle chatter. Even then, idle chatter isn't really that interesting in the first place.

"Good to know." Munbimon remarked and jumped off of Yvonne's shoulder. Good timing too, since this was the moment that our barbarian raised her warhammer up in anticipation of the coming threat.

Let's see here… We need to figure out the order on who gets to attack. You are telling for initiative, right?

Why exactly do we need to know that? We've been doing pretty well without such a system in place. How does this benefit us?

"I don't think it really does." Yvonne remarked, scanning the area. While there looks to be no sign of actual threats, I suspect that's going to change quite fast. "If I had to take a guess, it lets people like me get a head start?"

I can see that, but doesn't tell us why we need to 'roll' for it. This unwritten agreement we've had so far seems to be working well. Though, who wants to vote on our chosen style?

For the moment at least, nods from everyone in the tavern. Not that the threat of a large bird is really putting anyone on edge. Probably easily manageable. Wait. I shouldn't have said that. Hopefully I didn't jinx it for you guys.

For the moment, my comment went ignored. For the best. Superstitions aren't something I usually believe in anyhow. But considering that there's someone else who may be calling the shots for the moment, it's good to be a little cautious. Least for now.
"Are Tavern and I eligible for this vote?" Billie remarked, everyone's gaze already on her for the moment. While I don't see any reason why not, even though you did dodge my question earlier. "I'm a digimon - a SquireLilithmon to be exact."

Enabling Scanner…

Izumi Tech Scanner enabled.

A picture of Billie appeared upon a wall of what I can only assume to be magic of some kind. It has a nice blue glow to it. Or whatever this world's equivalent of such things would be. Not that I would know it off the top of my head.

Loading information…

SquireLilithmon

Mega, Data

Special Moves: Nazer Blade, Acid Armor

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Mister Lore Mage: So this displays data on digimon?

?: Correct, assistant dungeon master. Though, I'm surprised that you didn't know that.

Mister Lore Mage: None of us are from around here.

Finished loading. Now closing Analyzer screen.

"Okay…" Madame remarked, the wall of something or other fading away for the moment. Their gaze shifted up to the ceiling, but not before clearing their throat. "Doesn't make up for the behavior displayed earlier though."

Does that really matter? If anything, you're the problem here. You couldn't just be norm

Madame made their exit, Kollmon following right behind. I'm with you two here. No place for that shit right now. Take that somewhere else, bury it and let those bygones be. Then maybe come back and apologize. If not, you already know how we feel about this. Or must I remind you?

No answer, especially as the rest of our heroes and digimon joined our thief outside. Before them, was a large red bird. Their beak casually taps against the roof of this tavern, while what appears to be a plume of metallic colored feathers slide against the ground. All colors of the rainbow, it's quite pretty. Even if I can only assume it to be quite deadly. Though, there's also the talon on his feet. Can't forget about those.

"Carinamon!" Rantha screeched, the bird focusing in on him for a moment. A loud screech pierced through the silence, this unknown creature going in for a bite.

"Again and again we go." the bird answered, gaze split between his partner and our heroes. "Have you forgotten Rantha, I'm Adarnamon. You asked me to erase your pain - all the marriages, all the adventures. To be blank once more…"

Well… that's something? Even if that is true, you made your choice. Going to have to live with knowing you threw your past life out for what I can only assume to be a very good reason.

Yet, Rantha looked up towards the sky. Then it's back to his partner. Even then, he's really trying to hide his face from me. Hey. We're in this together. Like it or not.

"Thanks, captain obvious." the artisan muttered and pulled out what looked to be a knife of all things. As tools go, it's pretty plain and not really interesting in the slightest. Which just begs the question on what secret function awa-

Raising the knife to his arm, Rantha slid it across his skin. Drops of blood hit the ground. Of course, this fucker decides that the best course of action is to cut himself. Figures.

"Rantha!" Melody screeched, eyes mid-closing as she shouted that. The air around her condenses, with what looks to be another one of her motes forming in front of her head. Shooting the projectile forward, the mystic managed to knock the weapon out of Rantha's hands before serious harm could be done. "You idiot! Harming yourself is not going to help you."

Yet, Rantha still reached for the knife. A slam from Yvonne's warhammer brought an end to such attempts at self-harm for the moment. Thankfully, our artisan still has his hand.

"Don't." the barbarian added, pulling her warhammer back. Gazing over to Rantha, she took a deep breath. "If your solution to your problems is to hurt yourself and others, then I'm going to need you to come up with something else here."

Rantha looked away and pulled out another knife. Compared to the first knife, this one seemed designed less for self-harm and more an actual fight. Now we're getting somewhere.

"Okay." Rantha answered and charged towards Adarnamon. Coming within mere inches of his partner, a gust launching him into the tavern door. Bubbles scrambled over, healing glow at the ready. Starting with the cuts to the ar-

Let's see here… You do your best to mend the self-inflicted wounds of your 'frenemy', but your lack of experience prevents you from really doing anything to actually stop the bleeding.

Bubbles looked up towards the sky, not quite following what he had just heard. Even if he somehow did, Rantha still has his cuts. Grabbing hold of the Artisan's arm, gentle pressure was applied with the healing magic.

"Better?" Bubbles inquired, his patient remaining silent. So he let go of the arm and went for his favorite move - a hug. Yet, Rantha pushed him away. "Okay…"

Hey. You had your roll! You're breaking the rules right now. I'm going to need to roll back your healing and have you wait your turn.

Rantha's cuts reopen, forcing Bubbles's attention back on the Artisan's arm. At least let him finish his work for the minute. That's the least you can do. Or would that still be a 'rule' violation?

"We don't even know what said rules are." Yvonne countered, getting what I can only assume to be a sigh from this entity. "How do you expect us to play by 'your rules', if you're not going to tell us what they are in the first place?"

The entity doesn't answer. Instead, the bird chooses to focus on the rest of our heroes. I guess he was waiting for an attack that never came. Sorry about that?

"Aren't you going to hit me?" Adarnamon remarked, getting a shrug from Ella of all people. Might I suggest that you choose your words carefully?

Looking up towards me, the artificer nodded. Then she's back to looking at the bird. Did get me a look from Adarnamon. Hi. I'm that weird guy providing narration. Feel free to ignore me.

"This is a fight between you and that idiot of a partner." Ella explained, gaze just catching a glimpse of the tower out in the distance. While there only lead, the large building on top seemed tease them out in the distance. "If anything, we're trying to get to the bottom of our own little mystery."

Adarnamon nodded and focused on his partner. There was a million different things that he could be said in this moment. Opening his mouth, a scream comes out. Not sure what that was suppos-

Color begins to vanish from the surrounding area. The water goes gray, the buildings now near indistinguishable from one another. We're next, aren't we?

Fuck. Dispel! Dispel! Dispel! Crap. that isn't working. Or perhaps this is a different sort of thing entirely. Maybe something restorative. That stuff usually doesn't have anything in the way of safeguard.

Maybe you should've rolled the dice and done your saving throws?

What followed, was everyone - even Adarnamon of all people looking up towards the sky. Yeah. We're somehow the crazy ones here in this situation. Not you, the strange disembodied voice supposedly calling the shots.

"You're saying a lot of stuff and then expecting us to somehow magically know." Kollmon countered and shook her claw towards what I can only assume to be this unknown entity. Though in our current situation, it looks more like it's pointed towards Adarnamon. "Like, we're not mind readers (outside of Melody of course), you need to tell us."

Fine. You need to guard your mind from this strange effect. But since you all flubbed your roll, sucks to be you.

As great of an 'explanation' that was, I'm still not certain why it's called a 'saving throw' in the first place. Wouldn't something like that be called a defend or dodge depending on the situation?

Yet, no answer came to my question. Not that I really needed an explanation, just some sort of acknowledgement of it.

Looking down to her feet, Ella found the black of her tenchcoat give way to a boring gray color. Spreading fast, the rest of her outfit was next to fall in line with this wicked spell. Bubbles and Rantha were next to fall victim. Though, flipping the bird isn't going to do you any favors for the moment. Especially after all the times I've had to tell you that fact.

The Artisan still rolled his eyes, gaze shifting back to Adarnamon. A smile (or whatever the closest thing to a smile a bird digimon could manage) formed on his face. Laughter followed.

"What's so funny?!" Rantha screeched, feeling Melody and Blaze grab hold of him. To make absolutely sure that we have no funny business, Yvonne walked over and put herself in between the Artisan and his partner. "I'm your enemy! You should be thrilled by my possible death! Why are you trying to stop me?"

He does have a point, not that it's going to stop Yvonne from approaching. Placing a hand on Rantha's shoulder, she took a deep breath.

"Yes." the barbarian answered as Rantha looked away. "You are our enemy. But right now, we need to work together. The time for coming to terms with the destruction you've caused Aldia will come. Believe me, it will. Right now, we need to get through this battle."

Rantha nodded, gaze focusing on Yvonne currently. Mumbles of something followed, but I caught none of it. Then, a nod.

"I'll take your word for it, boss." Rantha muttered, looking up towards the sky. "There. You finally got me."

Not that I really consider that much of a victory. Especially with that grayscale still tearing us up for the moment. Ask me after that and maybe, just maybe I'll answer.

Rantha nodded, looking now to Blaze. Though, the dancer seemed to already be looking towards him. Talk about coincidences. More mumbling now.

"Can you do something for me, ballet boy?" the artisan continued, this tentative alliance forming for the moment.

"Got it." Blaze remarked and pulled out his scimitar. For the moment, the blade was unscathed and still full of color. Not if Adarnamon Turning to Balamon, his partner gave a nod. The red outline appeared around his body, magical word ready to be said. "Infuse! Ember!"

What exactly do you all have in mind here?

No one answered. Instead, Adarnamon let out a laugh and let his focus shift away from Rantha and over to our heroes.

"There. Now this is all of your guy's fight." the bird digimon remarked and looked towards everyone. Fairly certain there's easier ways "Look at what you made me do! It's quite a shame that I'm going to need to go even further!"

Rantha rolled his eyes, flashes of something filtering right through. But the details were hazy. It's all out of focus, taunting him in that moment for his choice. Pushing it to the backburner, he took a deep breath.

"Bring it." the Artisan announced, Blaze already running forward. There's a bit of a skip with each step he took, as if our dancer is about to do a bit of a pirouette and twirl. Rantha was right behind, the pair striking together. Okay, they weren't quite in sync. But close enough to be seen as such currently. Not that this stopped our bird digimon here from holding back his laughter.

"Do you know the definition of insanity, Rantha?" Adarnamon cooed, gazing down towards his partner. A peck followed, sending him flying back for the moment as what looked to be what little color remained in his clothes faded out. "It's expecting something different to happen when you do the same actions over and over again."

Nonetheless, Bubbles was already back to assisting Rantha in healing his injuries. He even managed to avoid getting hit. Got that going for us.

What part of this don't you fucking get?! It's not your turn! Stop trying to heal that dumbass and let someone else go for once!

Bubbles looked up to the sky. He was just trying to help out Rantha for the moment. Why couldn't this person see that? What wasn't clear to them? Sure, it was rude of him to act out of turn. He knew that. But this entity was being ruder here. That doesn't put things as right, more… necessary at the moment. Yeah, that's the word.

"No." he answered and closed his eyes, hand reaching out for Rantha's arm. But unlike his previous attempts, there was something different here. It's as if he is trying to reach out to someone for the moment. Especially as a pop-up appeared in front of artificer for the moment.

Bubbles initiates a trade with Ella

Do you accept?

Yes/No

Ella's gaze shifted to Bubbles and subsequently, Rantha. Not a mind reader, but I think she understands what the little dragon has in mind for the moment. Considering how little of a plan we have at the moment, this is better than nothing. Giving a nod, a tap of the 'yes' button followed.

Trade Terms: Temporary.

A cyan outline forms around Bubbles's body, energy surging about for the moment. What's it going to be? Another charging attack? The possibilities are endless.

The answer to that question we'll just have to wait, since a pastel green outline appeared around Ella's body. Placing a hand on her turret, the artificer pointed the weapon towards Rantha.

"Infuse!" she announced, energy surging through her body. While this plan looked risky, the outcome should possibly work in their favor. That, or it somehow backfires in some epic way that no one is expecting. Either option is quite possible.

"Fuse!" he shouted and tightened his grip on Rantha's arm. While he wasn't sure how much of this would translate to his frenemy, that didn't matter. He would be there for the Artisan. Sure, Rantha might not quite like it at first, but he needed someone. And Bubbles was willing to take the first steps in helping him work through his pain. Maybe even get him help so that he could turn this all around. "Arcane!"

Right as Bubbles said that, the first of the bullets reached Rantha. But instead of hurting him, they looked to be healing him. Great and all, except for the fact that he's still stuck in the gro-

"Come on." Yvonne muttered, pulling Rantha out and setting him back on his feet. Probably another 'turn' violation or something. Doesn't really matter now.

I'm not even going to bother. Just finish this.

Uh… good to know strange entity.

Rantha focused on his partner, a deep breath following that. Part of him wasn't quite sure whether to trust Adarnamon's claim of erasing his memories. If that was true, there should be a hole of sorts on when it happened and when he met Carinamon. But as far as the Artisan could tell, no gap existed. Sure, that wasn't counting all the marriages he was part of, those could be linked to some sort of time loop. Yeah. That had to be it. Ignoring the passenger holding onto part of his arm and the blood dripping down from it, he flung the knife into his partner. All of which was flung right back to the ground. So he picked the weapon up, finding Yvonne and company lining up to join in this assault. Minus Ella of course, since she was currently manning her turret. Quite necessary for this plan, of course.

Adarna Tornado!

"Oopsy." Adanamon remarked and began flapping his wings. The winds begin to pick up, poison getting tossed about for further salt to the wound at the moment. "Quite a shame that you're now all going to be… blown away."

Well, fuck. Probably should've seen this coming. I jinxed you guys. My bad. I can only watch as our heroes were flung up into the air. Clumps of poison swirled about, threatening to sting anyone who came close for the moment.

"Adarnamon..." Rantha muttered, going in for a dive. All while Bubbles still hung on. Doesn't stop the Artisan from pulling his knife back and going in for one more strike on Adarnamon. While contact is made, it's not enough to really defeat this bird. Even if some color did return to the surrounding area. Then it's right back up into the air for him and our little dragon. "At least play fair, you dumb fuck."

For that remark, Rantha was flung up into the air. Bubbles still clung on. Even if the same couldn't be said for Madame currently. Guess being so light has it disadvantages here. But this is just silly. You're alright, at least?

Madame flashed a thumbs up. That then turned into the flipping of the bird… to a literal bird digimon. Good job on that. You really showed him there. If at all.

While all of this happened, Yvonne remained planted firmly on the ground. That heavy armor coming quite in handy right now.

"Ugh …" she muttered and set her warhammer down. A look to the one other person not free falling followed. "A little help?"

Ella rolled her eyes and let her hand grab hold of her briefcase. Throwing all caution into the wind (literally), she flung it forward.

"That was an awful pun." the artificer muttered, watching her projectile get launched up. "It suits you perfectly."

After saying that, the suitcase fell back down. Right on Adarnamon's head of course, Just, ow. That got to leave a mark for the moment.

As funny as you thought that pun was, please keep that to a minimum. They're kind of a pet peeve of mine. I am fine with other kinds of wordplay. Feel free to use those.

Ella nodded, Madame's whip grabbing hold of the turret. Pulling herself back down, we have no wardrobe malfunctions. Phew. Suck if we somehow did, the winds finally dying down. Even though Adarnamon shot up into the sky and made a beeline for the tower. Kind of expecting some kind of remark. But none really came. Especially as our stolen color is returned to us. Okay. At least give us an explanation for that.

"Time to shop then?" Phusitmon remarked, dusting himself off for the moment. He got a nod in return.

Notes:

So this was an interesting chapter to do. Mostly because I had to redo the end so it flowed a heck of a lot better. College schedule ain't helping either.

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Next Time: We have some talking and some sleeping.