I don't own digimon.

The following chapter contains references to suicide, transphobia and just general not nice things by way of DM.

Chapter 43

All over the place

Leaving the group behind, Kollmon headed further into the store. For as many times she had been in this place, it always seemed a lot tougher than one would think. Maybe that was the result of this being one of the few times she wasn't holding someone's hand. Though, there's tons of hands you can hold right now.

"Like, the reminder isn't that helpful here." Kollmon announced, tears rolling right down her face. Most of these people were not known to the mole or her former partner. Yet, why did the sight of seeing her former home absolutely wreck her. Sure, the old her probably wouldn't have held such emotions to places like this. Yeah, the amount of dead and/or comatose people puts an absolute damper on things, but that doesn't take away from the fact that this is a place for people who just wanted to go about their shoppi-I reminded you of her, didn't I?" Yeah."

Sorry about that. Anything else you wish to add before I leave you to sulk? I'm all ears and it's unlikely that DM would really intrude on this moment. Even if they somehow did, not much more damage can be done at this point. We can only go up from here. Hopefully.

Kollmon nodded, gaze nearing the ceiling. The tears are still rolling right down. If you're not careful, you could accidently flood this mall. And I doubt anyone wants you to do that.

"Stay with me just a little bit longer." the mole digimon remarked, a request that I can quite easily oblige. Hasn't been since my time in the academy that I needed to do this. Screw it, this was bound to come up eventually. Kollmon, would you mind if I talked about myself a tiny bit? "Not at all. Be a nice change of pace from me moping about things."

Okay, here goes nothing. When I was a bit younger than Blaze, I was shipped out to the Astral Academy. Sure, it wasn't my first choice of things I wanted to do with my life, but it was better than spending the rest of my life doing nothing and just getting nowhere. Sure, I didn't really have that much of a future in magic. I would learn a few tricks, then get shipped back to help.

"Didn't work out that way?" Kollmon remarked, making me wish that you could at least see me. Make the nod of my head clearer at the moment. Not that it really needs to be at the moment.

As I was saying, things took a turn and the Academy lost an instructor. When we all asked what had happened to them, the other staff told us 'he was in a place among the stars' or something dumb like that. In layman's terms, he went to do battle for the gods and got himself killed. Or something like that.

Serves you Americans, right. Always getting yourselves into wars that you had no right to be in the first place. When has that done you any good? Outside of the few times that it did.

"Uhh… I doubt Mister Lore Mage is actually an American." Kollmon countered, giving the ceiling a brief look. Then it's right back to looking at the makeup around her. "I'm like, not sure what makes you so sure of all of us being those people. Better yet, what is being an American has to do with the garbage you're shouting at us?"

It doesn't matter. You would be too much of a bimbo to know in the first place. Like seriously, your former partner was an absolute scum of the earth. Go ahead and counter it. I like dare you to do that.

Kollmon's gaze shot up to the ceiling. Every part of her body was ready to bolt out of this store and make a beeline straight for DM. Once the mole digimon found them, they would probably scratch them to death. Heck, there's even an option to really headbutt this entity really hard before they break and apologize. Well, that's the desired outcome for this situation. Reality, sadly, is quite the harsh bitch. Rarely clean, it would probably create more problems than it's worth. Even if she could somehow get beyond the walls of the digital dungeons, then what? We have no real way of getting

Ha! You're just as dumb as your buxom partner. No wonder she got the idea to take her own life from you. That sounds like something only idiots with fake boobs do.

Their words hang over both of us, a million different options swirling through my head. Sure, a thunderbolt could do the job quite nicely. But, I doubt it would change DM thoughts on us for the better. For now at least, it might be best to just pay them little mind. At least till they change their mind.

Out in the distance, the rest of our heroes run off to begin their search for something to sleep in. Anything is probably better than those plastic bags of grain Billie let you use last night. Well, I thought that was grain at least. Wait. Why would a bar of all places have bags of grain? What possible use could there be for such stuff?

For the moment, my rhetorical question is ignored in favor of other things.

"It actually wasn't that bad." Kollmon remarked, grabbing what looked to be a tube of what I can only assume to be lipstick. Popping it open, we're treated too to a very dark shade of red. Nothing like the stuff that you can get anywhere near the academy. Though, most people I knew would just use a spell or magic item to just get the same result. Oh right. After that announcement, my first year was a bit of a mess. There was god knows how many subs for that one teacher. Most of them for just a day, sometimes two if we were lucky. But there was one in particular that's stuck with me all these years. I'm not sure why or what about them was so different from all the other teachers that year. He didn't really teach the class anything, usually reading off the notes left for him by the staff. But he had a way of telling stories about his previous students and adventures he's been on. It was such a weird, almost contradictory perspective to everything he brought to class. Older than dirt, yet had a youthful vigor. Frustrating to follow, yet crystal clear by the end of it. A weird paradox of a person. Maybe that's why he's stuck with me for so long. A big advocate for one to go into the position of a lore mage. Even if my name seems like it would be a shoe-in.

"Yeah, I can see that." Kollmon added, even if I didn't really get around to actually introducing myself to you people. Oops. Too late now that you've heard my names a whole bunch of times in these last two days. Normally, I only need to do that once. Maybe twice at worst (even if that really isn't saying much). But with all these strange circumstances, this amount of times is I guess expected. I guess it wouldn't be so bad if that was the only thing I was able to say.

Kollmon chuckled. Personally, I don't really think about this stuff too often. You rarely have a time or place to be interacting with the characters. When you're the narrator, you serve as the farthest point from the characters - the point at which the audience can take hold and follow along. Sorry that got too deep.

A head shake. Phew. That could've gone bad. Not my intention to get that meta for the moment.

"I like sort of followed." the mole digimon announced, standing up after saying that. Making her way out of the makeup aisle, she heads along the edge. Any particular destination in mind for your journey? "Toys, maybe."

Wait. They sell toys here? Is there anything really that you can't buy at a place such as this? Outside of the obviously illegal things of course. That's perfectly understandable.

"Guns."

Uh… I don't know what that is. Probably a weapon of some kind, I'm going to assume that isn't a bad thing for the moment. Unless that somehow was. Though, that can't be the only things they don't sell at a place such as this. Or is that stuff found more in a specialty store?

"Pretty much." Kollmon continued, what I can assume to be the toys coming into view. There we find Madame, Ella and Bubbles. "Hey."

Madame's gaze shifted over to her partner, motioning for her to come over. Kollmon complied.

"Feeling better?" the thief inquired and got a nod in return. Letting out a deep breath, their gaze returned to their girlfriend and adopted child. The latter at the moment, was trying his best to get a good look at the various princess dolls sitting on the shelves. Quite a selection we got here. We have regular princesses, elven princesses. Even a couple orc and halfling princesses. Well, I think those are halfling princesses. Probably wrong about that. Going with such toys, were a variety of little dresses and accessories to complement the doll of your choice. While nowhere near the quality or craftsmanship found in the garments of either Madame's or our little dragon's garments, they could serve as a good backup in the case of their outfits getting too dirty for a special occasion. Or even as a present of sorts for good behavior from a parent or two. Wink.

"Princess?" Bubbles called out, giving Madame's dress sleeve a slight tug. After, he pointed to one dress in particular. Much like the one adorning his body, this garment too was a nice shade of glacial blue. Unlike his though, the garment came with a set of near translucent gloves and what looks to be a set of cyan mary janes. Or flats with a 'kitten heel'. "Plese?"

Madame's gaze swiveled over to Ella. Mumbling something in the general direction of the artificer, the response in return looked to be satisfactory at the moment. Especially as Cinemon took the time to give Kollmon a quick glance. In return, he got a thumbs-up from the mole. Then it's right back to Ella for our feline dog digimon. Especially as our 'parents' focused on their child.

"If we get you that, you won't be able to get anything else." Madame explained, getting a nod from the little dragon. Though to be honest with you, that's kind of an empty threat. There really isn't that much that I doubt Bubbles wants. Outside of a hug and this particular outfit, he isn't the kind of kid to really be asking

Bubbles perked up, arms stretched out for what seemed to be his favorite gesture/greeting. While I sadly can't quite reach you. Would an air hug work here?

A nod. So I hold my arms out and do my best attempt at a hug. Which is currently getting me looks from everyone down below. Did it reach him? I'm not sure if I'm anywhere close.

"Uh… maybe a little lower?" Kollmon suggested, Bubbles getting up on his tippy toes. Uh, I think she meant me, not you. But that works. Going in for my second attempt now. Can you feel anything now? This is as close as I

Bubbles nodded, bouncing up and down. For a few brief seconds, I can feel the arms of our little dragon. There's something strange to the gesture. Sure, I've gotten hugs from all sorts of people. A lot of which as they left the academy and never came back. They have their lives, I have mine. But this is a hug from a character to the narrator. I guess weirder things have happened.

While he did that, Ella walked up to Madame. The thief knelt down and felt their girlfriend climb up onto their shoulders. Leaning forward, it was pretty easy to grab that dress. Wait. You could've just used your turret. Probably would've been a heck of a lot easier for this.

"Eh." Ella remarked, scurrying back down to the floor. Once there, she handed the outfit over to Madame. Which brings us to the moment of truth - actually getting the dang dress on Bubbles. Which meant first, taking off his old dress. Easy enough, especially once Phusitmon had jumped off.

"There you go." he whispered and watched Bubbles slip into his new outfit. Overall, it looks quite nice on him. But that's without the gloves and mary janes. We still need to get those on before we can truly judge this outfit.

"Hold still." Ella cooed, slipping the first of two gloves onto our little dragon's paws. The second was a touch easier. Probably because Bubbles had a general idea of what was going on. Then came the mary janes. Easily the simplest part of the outfit. But that isn't really saying much.

"Yay." Bubbles whispered, twirling about in his new footwear. If nothing else, you're getting started on wearing shoes like Madame's. Gaze turning to Madame, he made sure to curtsy for both his moms and their partners.

"I'm fairly sure that last part won't be for some time, dear." Madame remarked, Bubbles letting out a sigh. Didn't last long, since they gave the little dragon a head pat. A crown would maybe look nice on his he-

As I say that, what looks to be an envelope of all things floats down. Uh… I don't remember that being here. Even then, it looks to be fading in and out of existence. You might want to grab it now before it fades away.

Looking among each other, both the thief and artificer's gazes turned to the area around both ends of the aisle. Then it was too their partners. Yeah, that could work here.

"Kollmon?" Madame inquired, grabbing the letter and handed it to the mole digimon. What followed was a very careful strike across the back of the envelope. Quite clean too. All the better when the contents of the envelope floated out and hovered right in front of the trio and their digimon.

To one Mr/Ms Bubbles (Our staff aren't sure which),

If this letter has reached you, we at the Clearwing School of Regalia would like to offer you an introductory package to our prestigious school. While we normally educate people from our own world, we can make an exception in regards to your world - Aldia. When you're ready to take us up on our offer, travel to the world of Ebyssia. While we can't quite give you a port key, we suspect you and your friends will figure out a way to get here.

Sincerely,

Star Clearwing

Headmistress of Clearwing School of Regalia

P.S. We are sorry that we cannot fulfill your friend's request to lightning bolt this 'DM' person. We did our best, but we were unable to find that person. So we delivered to the large building sitting in the sea.

Right after, the letter floated down into Ella's hand as Yvonne approached. Munbimon still hung to her shoulder, even if that space was currently being threatened by some sleeping bags.

"Yvie!" Bubbles announced, curtsying for the barbarian. Which in turn, got him a quick examination. Then, the setting down of a sleeping bag. Didn't stay rolled up for long, Bubbles curious what could be inside. Sadly, there was no gift within. Instead, what looked to be a princess was emblazoned on the front. A princess decked in the same dress as the one on Bubbles's body currently. Ain't that quite a coincidence.

"So much for getting anything else for him." Madame muttered, their other part chuckling within. As tempting that might be to tell them shut it, they resisted the urge and instead focused on Yvonne. "You're making us look like bad parents."

A chuckle, followed by a head pat. Except instead of Bubbles it was for Madame. Aw…

"Then let me and Marulyn be the grandparents." she answered and got a look from both Ella and Madame. To be fair, that's jumping quite ahead. Especially with this whole break from your girlfriend. "Or just Marulyn."

Bubbles looked her way, the obvious observation pushed out of the way for other things. Not that I mind, really. This sort of stuff can tell you all kinds of things. Even 'secrets'. Well, the last one is pushing it. But take what you can get.

"I get that you're nearing the end of your life and all, but that's pushing it." Cinemon remarked as Yvonne looked away. "Or is this about the whole suit of armor thing?"

The barbarian's face went red, mumblings of something exiting her mouth. The longer this has gone on, the more obvious it kind of became. Especially after that mess in the alleyways and the hotel. But that's a bit out in the future. Not to interrupt this conversation, but can't we just take a moment to think about the fact that I accidentally broke a shitload of rules that you're supposed to follow when it comes to stuff like this? I know that stuff might not really matter to you guys, it can make a world of difference of me keeping this gig or getting the boot.

"In regards to what?" Rantha announced, bringing with him his own sleeping bag. And a proper knife to boot. Okay, his second proper knife. You could actually take something down with that thing. To answer your question, Rantha, I made contact with another world. It was an accidental contact, for the record. I guess I contacted a god when calling for lightning to come down on DM's base of operations. "Wait. What was that world's name?"

Ebyssia. Ring any bells by some oddly specific chance?

The artisan shook his head. Figures. You would think someone in Distant Harmony would know about such a world. Especially if they're in the business of destroying them. Don't you think it's odd that this one place that somehow hasn't heard of or at the very least has maybe dealt with Distant Harmony in the first place. Or perhaps there's something going on there that prevents them from telling us. Maybe ev-

"I'm going to stop you there, Mister." Melody announced, Lumosmon and Blaze following right behind. "If such places did by some stretch of the imagination exist, the fleet would've made contact of some kind with them. Or at the very least heard of them."

Well, the note did mention that they made an exception for our little dragon to come to their academy or something. Maybe they don't feel comfortable sharing any more till they know that we're not going to try and capture their world. I would probably not be that trusting of outsiders if they decided to invade my world and attempt to take it over. But who can really say. Outside of me definitely not having a job once this is all said and done.

"True." Blaze announced, sleeping bag just visible under his arm. Even red to boot, which does make it a touch harder to find Balamon within all of that. Wait. There he is. Phew. Now that we're all back together once more, what's our game plan?

Our heroes' attention shifted to Yvonne of all people. Your call, team leader. We're still a day out from that tower and I doubt most of us would be able to go any further.

"Setting up camp." Yvonne announced, heading towards the entrance of the store. Everyone else followed right behind, the doors a heck of a lot easier to get through on the second time around. Even if they were technically not there but at the same time, were.

Back outside, things were still the same. Which made it all the better for setting up camp. Even if Rantha did have to run up to catch up.

Notes:

Happy 1000 views, everyone. Yes, Digital Dungeons has passed the four digit mark for people looking at it. Thanks for that.

That letter has been waited on for a while. This just seemed like a perfect time for it.

.

Next Time: Someone hits the logical conclusion as more questions get asked.