I don't own digimon.

Chapter 47

Up a creek

Leaving the front of that weird store and all of it's dead bodies, spirits are relatively high. Even if we do have more questions than answers after last night's weird dream spiel with DM of all people. But that's just the nature of life some days. Or perhaps this world has a habit of making things weirder on purpose. Maybe even both in this particular case.

Rantha shot me a look. I have to keep this interesting, okay?

As we head on, the possibility for more interesting locations for this day of traveling looked to be high. Large splotches of color cover the pavement, shaped to look like prints of some kind. Heck, even the buildings have a different look to them. Vibrant patterns streaked about every side, making for something different. But that doesn't tell us anything on what it was used for.

"Maybe it was dedicated to painting?" Balamon suggested, head trying its best to find the start of one of these patterns. Which is easier said than done, with all this overlapping stuff. Kind of makes you feel bad for the person who had to do all that.

"I like, don't think so." Kollmon announced, her gaze shifting to the area around the building. While there was no sign of a playground, something about this place seems… joyful. Compared to everywhere else in this 'bubble', it doesn't seem that bad. Which means that there's probably something hiding here. Hopefully nothing nefarious, but it wouldn't surprise me if that was the case here. "I find that unlikely."

Fair enough. I was just throwing out the idea. It's something to keep in mind as we get closer to the tower and any other possible digital dungeons. There's bound to be one place that's hiding some kind of dark secret left abandoned by people who rather their secrets go to the grave then let the world be treated to their mess.

Testing, testing. One, two, three. Okay good. *static* That piece of shit of an underling didn't take me completely out.

Oh DM. I'm guessing you're at least in a better mood. Or if nothing else, have you at least changed your stance on us? We at least listened to you. Now would be a good time to listen to us. That's the least you can do for us at the moment.

"He does have a point." Rantha added, a sigh echoing about our heads for the moment.

You're right. I've kinda… been stuck in this bubble for so long. While I can make no guarantees on me slipping up, this is the least I can do. But don't expect me to just change overnight.

"Of course not." Madame announced, Kollmon staring up towards the sky. The mole digimon took a deep breath. She had expected to get an additional apology for that one remark yesterday. The one that pushed this mess to the edge, just enough for our strange entity to have their meltdown and lead to the events of today.

"Ahem." Kollmon announced, closing her eyes for the briefest of moments. Sure, the memories of her former partner came and went. But to claim such slander would not be tolerated.

I'm sorry for assuming that you were the sole reason that your partner killed themselves.

While not exactly what our mole digimon had in mind, this would work. Especially as we come upon a map of all things. Sure, it doesn't exactly highlight the boundaries of our 'prison', but does serve a great deal in telling us where exactly we are - The Museum District. Interesting name for a section of town. Not sure if it really works with the scenery.

"I would've gone for something like… 'Color District'." Ella suggested, Cinemon shaking his head. "What would you call it then?"

Cinemon took the time to examine the area once more. Sure, there was a variety of colors and patterns on full display at the moment. But was there something else going on here? Some other major theme that somehow tied this entire area together in one nice cohesi-

As if to throw the feline dog digimon off, the world around him began to shift about. Gone was Malibu, replaced by an entirely different plaza. Large tan buildings stood out in the distance, with a damaged fountain hanging over there. Which was just one item on a massive list of things that were torn apart in this general area. Especially after a lot of money had been spent to restore this area to its pristine beauty.

"Cinemon, what do you see?" a voice inquired, the feline dog digimon turning to the source. Beside him stood a man in a suit. They are quite far away from the courtroom at the moment. Instead, they've been asked to help in a local case of international law. Quite a high honor.

"Destruction." Cinemon answered, scanning the area about for anything else of note. "The whole area looks like a battlefield."

The man nodded, bending down to give his partner a pet. For as faithful as his partner was, sooner of late he was going to have to look into other things. Perhaps, finally, retire. But that was a thought for some other time. Right now, his focus needed to be on the case. After all, their observations were a key part in deciding the outcome of this case for both parties.

"So do you think this was the result of just Cure Clavel fighting or the digimon that tried to intervene in their fight with that strange monster?" the man explained, Cinemon's gaze returning to him. Not before giving the area just one more look. Sure, the damage looked consistent with most magical girl fights. But something about this felt… different.

"The digimon that tried to intervene." Cinemon answered, finding a treat tossed down his way, I can only really imagine what it tastes like. Especially as this is the point that the flashback ends.

"Cinemon?" Ella called out and gave her partner a slight shake. All that got the artificer was a look from the feline dog digimon, even if she did return that gesture with a pet.

"I saw something… from before." Cinemon explained, gaze shifting to the pavement. I'm not entirely sure where to place that moment in the timeline.

Timeline? As in the events *static* that transpired before my employers froze the world?

That's one way to put it. Especially since there's some stuff that does tie back to their world of Aldia, somehow.

How so? I would not think a world such as yours would have any actual connections to this place. Though, I *crackle* haven't seen anyone actually 'alive' in god knows how long. Not that this can really be reversed.

Wait. So they tested this 'spell' on the entire world without really knowing if they could actually revert it back. Isn't that quite stupid on their part?

My employers were never really people to plan that far ahead. Which is *static* pretty obvious now.

"We found a note talking about Criasu and someone by the name of Sako Izumi." Madame explained, digging out the note from that boarded-up area of her manor.

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

Dang. That feels like forever ago. I'm aware that particular event only happened a couple days ago - tops. Just feels like a lot longer when you're actually down here and not in your world. Did that bring any memories or information back to you, DM?

Hm… Sako Izumi. While I don't believe *scratch* Criasu actually authorized any double agents (especially to infiltrate a group like Distant Harmony), it doesn't surprise me. The people in those tubes must have been key to something great if they were willing to go above and beyond to make sure they were able to get back to whatever place needed them.

"And that Dr Traum person?" Melody inquired, the sound of something grinding up against another object echoing about ears. Not the most pleasant sound I've been treated too.

A psychiatrist turned robot engineer. I don't think he *static* was in his right mind. Did come find me, even if it was too late. I'm not sure why he was so focused on those people. It's all well and good to save someone for later. But they always looked like they were staring at me, judging my actions. Which makes it all the more a sfdr efa af

DM, are you alright?

Nut ar really.

"DM?" Bubbles called out, waiting for an answer from our strange entity. But no answer came. For now at least, this might be a good time to give them some space and do repairs, whatever said repairs take the form of. As for us, we need to head on. Especially if we want to reach that tower and begin our ascent.

"Fair enough." Yvonne remarked, her walk turning into a jog. Though, there really wasn't much in the way of an increase of speed. Not that her companions really mind. Especially as we leave this part of Malibu with no new name for this district.

"Art District." Cinemon explained as the paint-splattered sidewalks and pattern-covered walls fading from view. Less interesting architecture was next to greet us, along with the sound of… water. Uh, I don't think we're anywhere close to the beach. Right?

"I don't believe so." Balamon remarked, Blaze stopping in place and tried his best to slip his scimitar into the purse. He's less than successful, but that's probably the pair of outfits held within. "Oh dear. Is there anything I can do for you?"

Blaze shook his head. After, he set his scimitar back into its handle and focused on the rest of the group at the moment. Who at the moment, were all standing in place and making sure that their stuff was high enough up to not get swept up. Though, I'm not sure what happened to Yvonne's warhammer?

Yvonne put a hand on her back, finding nothing there for the moment. Closing her eyes, the barbarian racked her brain for where her weapon could be.

"It's back at where we camped, isn't it?" Yvonne muttered, Munbimon choosing to switch shoulders for the moment. It wouldn't surprise me if that were the case. Probably too late now to really go back and grab it. I kind of sidetracked you talking about DM's spiel. "Yeah. I'll just make do with what I can find."

That's good to hear as we head off once more. Not that we actually got really far, the source of the water coming into view at the moment. That's a river, alright. Sure, kind of nice to see some actually moving water after all the stuff that's still and able to be walked on. Though, that would be nice to have at the moment. But beggars can't be choosers now.

To add further insult to injury, what looks to be the outline of our destination is just in sight. Taunting us, mocking us at this possible moment. Of course it was. Can't have anything easy for us now, can we?

"Melody, do you think you could freeze part of the water?" Yvonne continued, gaze already on the mystic for the moment. Even as Melody's gaze was on the river itself. While I'm not sure how much experience you have with swirling bodies of water, give it a shot.

"Okay." Melody remarked and walked over to the river. Eyes closing up and the air around her chilling, an icy mote formed above the mystic's head. Firing it forth, what looked to be a small ice platform formed. Perfect. One more of the-

Or would've been, if not for the fact that said platform got carried off further down the river and probably to the ocean itself. So much for that option. Hm… is there any spot to cross where the current wouldn't sweep us away?

Lumosmon shot off, heading off towards the start of the river. But after just a handful of minutes, they're heading back our way. Looks like that's also a bust. Well… Fuck.

"Bubbles, can you do something for me, dear?" Madame whispered, the little dragon already turning his attention over to the thief. He even set Phusitmon down beside him. "Can you go across and wait for us?"

Bubbles nodded, already turning to Phusitmon for the moment. His partner seemed to know what he had in mind for the moment.

"Fuse!" he announced as the blue outline formed around his body. Picking Phusitmon back up, the pair heading for the river. "Druplet!"

Eyes closed much like Melody, our pair found themselves on the other side of the river. Whoo. That's one pair down. Now for everyone else at the moment. Any ideas?

"One." Ella remarked, gaze on Yvonne and Melody for the moment. I wonder what exactly you have in mind for this situation.

Ella initiated an infusion trade with Melody

Do you accept?

Yes/No

Melody looked back towards Ella. Currently, the artificer was getting her turret out. Doesn't explain why it was pointed towards the river at the moment. Which was more than enough for the mystic to get the gist of what the plan was and tap 'yes'.

Trade Terms: Temporary

What looks to be a cyan outline formed around Ella's body. It's quite pretty, even if I'm not completely sure what it'll do when combined with that turret. Guess that's half of the fun of infusion. You never can really know how the element will affect the weapon.

"Infuse!" Ella shouted, gaze shifting away from her turret and over to Yvonne of all people. For the moment, the gray outline for Spirit surrounded her body. Oh. I think I have a pretty good idea on what you're trying to do here. "Frost!"

Setting a hand on her turret, cold orbs shot out of the device. A lot faster than the icy motes, they create a bigger platform. Enough to get across this river. But it's just a matt-

"Infuse!" Yvonne announced and carefully bent down. Easier said than done when you're wearing a full set of armor. "Spirit!"

Hand reaching out, the barbarian carefully touched the frozen platform. No longer bobbing up and down, it looks frozen in place. Please don't break your gauntlets even more than you've already had. I assume that Marulyn wants to have some sort of guide to work with when we inevitably return to Aldia - all in one piece no less.

"I'm not sure how long exactly this will hold." Yvonne continued, motioning for her companions to walk across at the moment.

"Do you need some help moving your turret, Ella?" Blaze inquired and got a nod from the artificer. Grabbing hold of a leg, the dancer carefully lifted it up. Just enough so that both Ella and Madame could grab the remaining legs. Then it was time to make their crossing. All while the turret continued firing. None of the orbs managed to hit Yvonne. Even as both Melody and Rantha crossed over. Cinemon and Kollmon were right behind them, with Lumosmon casually floating over at their own pace. Which just left Yvonne and Munbimon as the last ones to cross.

"Do you got this?" Munbimon whispered, her partner giving a nod as they stood up. You can do this, Yvonne.

Yvonne nodded and took a deep breath. The turret was still going at the moment. But Ella's trade with Melody probably was right at the end currently. The barbarian was going to need to act fast if she wanted to get across this river.

"Here goes nothing." she thought and took a step back. What followed was Yvonne charging across the ice bridge to the best of her abilities. Even with the help of the turret, it wasn't quite a clean crossing. Not that it needed to be, since Yvonne was able to finally make it across. Whoo!

Yvonne made her way back towards her friends, water dripping down from her armor. Though, that's an issue easily solved.

Returning infusion elements to their original owners…

"Infuse." Blaze explained, ignoring the announcement of the returned infusion elements. Please be careful with that. "Ember."

The dancer held his hand out. Though, that didn't explain how he managed to get out of his regular clothes and into his ballet outfit. All without exposing people.

"I can dry you up if you want." he suggested, getting a look from Yvonne in return. Followed by a chuckle of all things. At least give him some points for that clever solution.

"Just no touching." Yvonne answered and got a nod from Blaze in return. What follows is a short show of dancing. That involves fire. All while we chow down on lunch. That doesn't sound like a good deal on Blaze's end, unless you give him a chance to eat as well.

"Of course." Munbimon remarked, our entertainment's movements slowing down. Which was the perfect time to throw over the ration. Though, I'm not sure if there's really a place to change back into your regular clothes. "He does have a point."

Nonetheless, Blaze took a seat on the ground and got to eating. Unlike our breakfast, things were done a lot faster. Mostly because our target was now in sight. That's almost worth celebrating. If not for the fact we still have to climb the damn thing in order to get that journal and solve the mystery of Kollmon's owner. Oh. and maybe defeat Adarnamon as well.

With lunch now completed, we head off once more. The tower looked even bigger than ever. Sure, we've been able to see from across the river. But from this distance, we've got our work cut out for us. Is everyone ready for this?

"Absolutely." Rantha remarked, knife coming out once more. I get your willingness to go head first towards danger here, just be careful. "I will."

You better. I would hate if you bit the dust before this mess was said and done.

"We'll make sure he does." Melody remarked as the door inside came into view. Grabbing hold, she pulled it open. Which is our cue for everyone to head through.

[Tower at the edge of the world F1]

Notes:

We're finally here. I can't tell you how amazing of a feeling that is. We're getting into the home stretch for this arc. Kinda.

.

Next Time: First Floor. Bat this isn't what it all seems...