I don't own digimon.

Chapter 58

Planning for the future

The walk to the Shaky Walls Cafe was thankfully brisk for once. Everyone was silent, the sound of footsteps serving as the only sound. A bit too eerie. Normally, I would fill this spot with a story from my time or some kind of useless trivia I know about the stuff taught there. Now, it just feels awkward to do that. On top of sounding like I'm bragging for the moment. Which is definitely not something that I want to be doing. Unless you do want me to tell a story or two.

"I don't think any of us would really mind in the slightest." Yvonne announced, gaze shifting to Dave for good measure. At the moment, Dave looked to be in better spirits. Good to see him rebound after my accidental mention of birthday parties. Let's see… Ah, here we go. Even when I was going to school here at the Astral Academy, there was always talk of something called 'Theuragy'. Though, it was always followed by, 'that's a myth created by priests'. Whenever I asked my fellow faculty members, they would always brush off my question and claim something along the lines of 'teaching and religion shouldn't mix'. Whatever the heck that actually means. Sure, most gods are at war with each other rather than actually taking in their follower's prayers. Hopefully, they'll eventually settle their differences. But for now, I'm the only one here on this hunk of rock.

"Only one?" Bubbles inquired as he looked up towards the sky. Yeah. It's just me and Salamon for the moment. Absolutely lonely. Never thought I would see that day I would actually talking with other people. Sure, finding out there's a cannibal on the staff wasn't the greatest announcement to be treated too before having too flee to the catacombs. Then I met you guys. For real. Not from the safe distance of some place else. Makes a world of difference. Shit. That's another pun. And I thought I was actually doing quite well on that front.

"It's just a pun, nothing to get that mad over." Marulyn announced, getting a look from the rest of our heroes. It might not seem like much, but it's a major part of me. That, and it doesn't come up far too often. So it all works out, more or less.

Giving a nod, our destination comes into view. For the moment, we find Mari Gold of all people sweeping. Dressed in her usual waitress outfit, she looks the same as ever. Not that this is a bad thing. The more things change, the more they stay the same. AOr something dumb like that. Never been too certain how well that works in practice.

Though by the time that you guys actually approach, she's just standing there and waiting.

"There you are!" Mari announced, gaze already shifting to Madame for the moment. "I trust that you all have been on your best behavior?"

Nods all around. Before we get anywhere. Hi. I'm the unimportant voice in the sky narrating in the background by the name of Mister Lore Mage. Yes, my first name is in fact 'Mister'. It's a very long story and doesn't really matter for the moment. I'm their narrator and observer.

"Usual table." Madame answered, stepping out in front of everyone. "Most of us haven't had anything that would be considered proper food in the last couple days. So no funny business."

Their gaze shifted to Yvonne. The knight knelt down, taking the time to whisper something to her teammate. The conversation that followed was short and plain. Can't really call it sweet when they both have someone in particular with romantic feelings. Better to air on the safe side in regards to that. Even if I can't actually hear what they are saying. Probably nothing to worry about.

"That, and it's Yvonne's birthday." Madame continued as the group made their way into the cafe proper. Out of everything we've seen now that we're back in Aldia, this was somehow the one place that hadn't. The tables sit in the same places, the benches look as clean as ever. But the real question has yet been answe- Feel free to ignore my babbling. I have to make sure that the viewers have a good idea on what's going on. So hopefully, you don't find me distracting.

"I'll keep that in mind." Mari explained and grabbed some menus. As she did that, our heroes made their way over to a nearby table and sat themselves down. Kind of a shame that Melody and Rantha can-

"What's this about us?" a pair of voices called out, our titular pair and their partners making their way over to the table and took a seat with everyone else. I can just make out a trunk and a couple of bags outside the cafe. You might want to

"Where have you guys been?" Cinemon remarked, gaze already on Carinamon for the moment. The scorpion digimon looked away, trying his hardest to just make himself as small as possible. I probably would too after everything that's gone down both here in Aldia and in Malibu. By any chance, does any of that ring a bell? Or has everything after your transformation back from Adarnamon swirl everything up for you?

Cariinamon nodded, giving the faintest of glances to the ceiling. For a brief second, I swore I saw a tear roll right down.

Then he's right back to staring into Rantha's top. All well and gone, if not for the fact that he's a feathered scorpion thing sitting on some guy who's top looks nothing like a feathered scorpion.

"We went to grab some of Rantha's stuff." Melody explained, gaze on Munbimon of all people. A small hand motion followed. Great attempt to get her over to you, except for the fact that such a gesture passed right over the ghost monkey digimon's head. Literally and figuratively. Maybe try a more direct approach to get her over.

The mystic nodded and closed her eyes, focusing her head in Munbimon's general direction.

'Could you come over to me?' she thought, catching a blur of motion at the last possible moment. Munbimon currently laid in her lap, Lumosmon floating over to Yvonne in response to this possible cuddle. They flash green of all colors. Yes, we get it. You're not happy about your partner getting all cuddly with another partner digimon.

"This would be far easier if we actually had a way to communicate with them." Balamon remarked, Mari bringing over the menus. But not before getting a look at Rantha in, followed by a sigh. Yeah. He's with us. Turns out he's a mess in all sorts of ways. But he's making progress.

Rantha nodded and focused on Mari for the moment. You only got one chance at this. Make it count.

"I'm sorry about any possible damages that I or Carinamon may have caused to your establishment." the artisan explained, bowing his head as tears began to roll down. Yet, Mari took a deep breath. Placing a hand right under Rantha's chin, she raised right back on up.

"Sweetie, that was a couple months ago. Right now, everyone's focus is on the rebuilding of the part of town you destroyed." Mari announced, both Rantha and Melody looking at our heroes and their loved ones. Yeah. We've been over this now at least three times, but a couple months have passed while we were in the Digital Dungeons. I don't quite get it either. Though, both DM and I are now proud owners of a Salamon. Much like the whole time thing, we're not sure why we got gifted such a creature. I guess whoever decides to give these out has a big plan in mind. What that plan is, I'm not particularly sure what it is. "I trust that neither of you don't want any egg dishes, correct?"

Rantha nodded, Carinamon taking this as his moment to crawl from Rantha's left shoulder to his right. If you're trying to hide yourself, that position makes it even more obvious to the surrounding people. Which for the moment, appear to be a couple of orcs, succubi and other

"Quite a big place." the feathered scorpion digimon announced as his gaze shifted to the other partner for the moment. Of the few actually capable of eating, they were looking at the menu. Just had to make sure what they wanted was still on the menu. "In all seriousness, what did you guys do after we tried to destroy this place?"
Marulyn's gaze swiveled over to Carinamon, carefully giving her girlfriend a slight tap for the moment. Yvonne's gaze swiveled on over from her menu. But not without some whispering of context from the elven mage.

"We cleaned up your mess, then helped Mari and her wife around the Cafe so they could make up for any sales they might've missed." Yvonne explained, setting her and Marulyn's menus in the center of the table. Kollmon's quickly joined there's, followed by Madame's. Here's to hoping you don't get goop again. Not that I think either Mari or her wife would actually go through with it now of all times. You just got back from a long trip. Probably make up a feast for all of you.

"Good to know." Carinamon remarked, gaze shifting back to Rantha's menu. Currently, our artisan was looking at the salads. An interesting choice after all the rations you've guys have been subjected too for the last couple days. Not that I'm saying that you shouldn't. Just something to keep in mind before ordering your meal. "Gotcha."

While Rantha continued to look the menu over, Blaze and Dave set their menus down. Definitely look to be sharing a meal today.

"So now that we're all back, what's our plan?" Munbimon remarked, gazes all about our table for the moment. To be fair, you've been back for what? A couple hours at most. I get that a plan needs to be made, but it might also be good to relax. Just a tiny bit of peace and quiet can do a wor-

Of course, this is the moment that Salamon decides to wake up. I'm in the middle of narrating for the moment. Dinner - for both you and me is going to have to wait till they're done. Shouldn't be that much longer.

Salamon gives me a nod, going to chase his tail or something. Did the dogs and cats that my fellow wizards kept around engage in this behavior? Probably not. Even if for some reason they actually did, they probably discourage that in their familiars. Not that I've seen that many in my time at the academy.

"Failures? How?" Bubbles chimed in and cradled Phusitmon in his lap, looking up towards the ceiling for the moment. Think of a digimon, but it's not a digimon. More an animal that comes from another dimension, that warlock patrons have a different level of access too. Judging by the look our little dragon is giving me currently, I think he understands. Though, the options for wizards aren't as interesting as the digimon you got.

"Yeah." Marulyn remarked and focused on Bubbles for the moment. "On top of that, they cost quite a bit of gold and they're rarely worth the benefit. I used to have a snake… until someone accidentally stomped on it."

Her gaze shifted back to Yvonne, a sigh exiting the knight's lips at the moment. While not quite the sort of thing you really want to be thinking about on your one special day, no real use in avoiding it.

"That only happened once and it was an accident." Yvonne remarked, Mari finally making her way over to pick up menus and get their orders. Which is also a good time for everyone else to make their decision on what they're having for their first meal back in Aldia.

"We'll share a soup." Blaze announced, getting a nod of confirmation from Dave as he took a proper spot at the table. Would be kind of hard to share otherwise. Unless… No, that would be absolutely dumb and neither of them would actually go through with it.

"Ella and I would like some sandwiches." Madame added, shooting Mari a look. She got the message loud and clear, even if Bubbles was still looking at the menu. But eventually, he points to a picture of a bird. Definitely a new item on the menu.

"Are you sure, dear? That's quite a lot of meat for a little guy." Mari answered, Madame and Ella looking towards his menu as well. I guess the picture of the bird is supposed to show that you're getting a whole bird instead of… I don't know, a single piece? Or something along those lines. That can't be cheap… Unless there's some kind of strange catch to go with our meal.

"Would it be possible to give him a smaller portion?" Ella remarked and received a sigh from our waitress. Her gaze shifted to the far end of the kitchen. There, I can only assume that Mari's wife is hard at work - cooking meals and probably glaring. At who? Her wife, at this current moment. Maybe Madame. Perhaps even both.

"Yes, but I'm going to get quite a bit of flak from my wife." Mari answered and scribbled the order down, gaze shifting to Rantha and Carinamon of all people. "What's it going to be for you two?"

Rantha gave the menu one more look, then gave his partner a slight tap. Carinamon's gaze swiveled over to face him.

"What do you want?" Rantha whispered, Carinamon just now getting to the menu. As long as you don't order the rest of that chicken, things should be okay. I think at least.

"Some fruit." the feathered scorpion digimon remarked and Mari wrote it down. Of course, that doesn't answer what you want Rantha.

"I'll have a salad." Rantha answered, shooting Melody a quick look. At the moment, our mystic was moving Munbimon to her shoulder. While her menu had made its way to the rest of the menus, I'm not particularly sure what Melody has in mind.

"I'll give the 'burger' a shot." Melody announced as she set Munbimon down on her shoulder. Then it's right back to our waitress. Though, I'm not particularly sure what this burger is, myself. Does sound kind of tasty though. Hopefully the kitchen has everything I need to make such a creation. I digress, of course.

"Some soup as well." Kollmon announced, extra care taken not to give her journal when handing over her menu. Then it's right over to Cinemon of all digimon for what he wants at the moment. Even if I do have a good idea on what he wants.

"If you have any bones, that would be nice." the feline dog digimon remarked and jumped down from the table. To be fair, I'm not entirely sure why exactly he was given a menu in the first place. Maybe Mari thought he would choose something different this time? No real clue.

Yet, our waitress's gaze shifted over to Yvonne of all people. While no real words are spoken at the moment, I have a pretty good idea on what's being transmitted to our knight. Looks to be, status of relationship or something along those lines. Shooting her girlfriend a look, Yvonne took a deep breath and set her khakkara down. Just make sure to remember to pick it back up once this meal is all over. Don't want a repeat of what had happened with your warhammer and Madame's whip. At all.

"Marulyn and I have decided to remain a couple." she remarked, what looks to be a smile forming on Mari's face. A sigh followed. Then we're right back to taking down orders. "We'll share a salad."

The waitress nodded and wrote down the order. That should be everyone now. Unless I've forgotten about someone during this whole sequence. It's possible.

"Your meal should be out in a couple of minutes." Mari explained and headed for the kitchen. Guess this is a perfect time to discuss strategy/what we need to do now that we're back here in Aldia.

"For starters, we need to bury Bubbles's mom." Madame started, Bubbles looking away. Giving Phusitmon a very tight squeeze, he lets his focus shift to the floor. Sure, it didn't seem that long ago that she died. After all that has happened - meeting Phusitmon, finding Princess, meeting everyone else… He now had a family with two mommies, a bunch of friends, a place to call home and of course, two dresses. But to face down his own deceased mother? Was he strong enough to face th-

Out of nowhere, Rantha carefully picked the little dragon up. While that wasn't quite what he expected to happen there, the artisan had taken the time to make sure that his dress didn't get mangled. Always a plus in situations such as this one.

"You'll be fine." Rantha remarked and turned Bubbles around for the moment. A proper hug followed, with one for Phusitmon as well for good measure. Not that the plush rabbit digimon really minded getting treated to such affection. "If anything, the worst part is already over. You've been able to find something to fight for and people willing to support you. All that's left to do is to say your last words and bury her."

Bubbles nodded, focus shifting to both his mothers. For the moment, they nod in agreement. Even if the irony in regards of this coming out of Rantha's mouth of all people is quite hilarious in this current. But maybe that's just me.

Nonetheless, the artisan carefully set Bubbles and Phusitmon back on their spot at the bench. After, his attention shifted back to the rest of the group.

"How are you holding up at least, boss?" Dave remarked and got a look from his boss. To be fair, I would consider Blaze more your boss than Rantha. Especially since you were one of the first grunts to defect from his command.

"I've been better." Rantha muttered, Carinamon shifting his position for the third or fourth time now. Could you please make up your mind?

Carinamon shot the ceiling a look, then returned to shifting his body about in Rantha's lap. Did get him a little pet from his partner.

"We also need to tell everyone that 'Madame' is no longer going to be a main part of people's lives." Ella remarked, getting a nod from her girlfriend as everyone focused on our thief at the moment.

"Uh… could you maybe fill us in on what you mean by that?" Melody remarked and got a nod from Madame. A deep breath followed. Take your time. This is quite a rollercoaster based on what we do know.

"Madame 'was' an actual person at one point." Madame explained as they reached out for Ella's hand from under the table. Ella grabbed hold, giving it a tight squeeze. "While I don't know exactly when she actually 'died', she managed to rope in at least one succubi and their spouse to act as the shapers of so-"

As the thief said that, Mari made her way out. Taking a deep breath, she makes a beeline over to the table. Sorry about this.

"Small correction. We inherited it from the last group that was working on Madame. 'She' had the maids kill them." Mari explained, getting from both Madame and Ella at this current moment. Fuck. This is going to get worse, isn't it?

The waitress's gaze shifted to the ceiling, both a nod and head shake following. You do realize that isn't showing any confidence and more giving me mixed signals at the moment? Because that's what it feels like.

"Not my intention, but I can see where you're coming from." Mari continued as her gaze shifted back to Ella and Madame. "I trust there's no hard feelings now?"

Madame nodded. Sure, in between the incident with the goop and the other stuff, there have been reasons not to trust you or your wife. But it's been a couple of months (Aldia-time), we've seen (some of) the worst parts of the Madame process. Well, I hope at least. Which is among the other mysteries held within that manor.

"No hard feelings." they announced, taking the time to squeeze Ella's hand just one more time for good measure. Then it's right back to focusing on the rest of our group. Minus Mari, who has decided that is her moment to head back to the kitchen. "Anything else that needs to be done?"

Silence. Though considering what we just steered out of a couple seconds ago, I don't really blame people for feeling that way.

"Rantha and I need a place to live." Melody chimed in, Lumosmon reluctantly floating back over to her. Not without a little colored light show for good measure on the way back. "Preferably, someplace where he can serve out whatever punishment the people of Aldia decide is worthy of the destruction caused."

I can totally see that. Even if I'm kind of surprised you guys don't use that spaceship thing under the guise of acting as informants and just misleading them on purpose.

"I would like a place similar to my shop." Rantha remarked, finding himself getting treated to glances from all parties involved. Even those that weren't even at our table, just minding their own business and eating their meals. "That way, I'm surrounded by the people of Aldia. Not the echoes of my former employer."

Uh… fair enough? Wait. You quit Distant Harmony? Is that even possible for someone in your rank? I would assume they wouldn't want you to just walk out the door with any secrets you may have on you.

Rantha's gaze shot up to the ceiling. A smile on his face, I'm not particularly sure what's so funny about that. At all. I don't think you really notice how often you and Carinamon do it. At all.

"If there was anything that they really wanted to not get out, they probably would've killed me before I even had a chance to actually leave the space ship." Rantha explained, carefully petting Carinamon as his gaze returned to his fellow table mates. "Speaking of which, Melody and I should check on DM. At least once, maybe while Melody and I are moving more of my stuff here to Aldia."

Any sign of that purple-haired girl? I would assume that you had to have ran into her at least once while you were over there… right?

Melody and Rantha shook their heads. Huh… I would assume Distant Harmony would at least up their security in response to someone messing around with their stuff. Don't want a rogue element to pop out of nowhere and tear your whole operation apart. But after everything I've heard I guess that doesn't surprise me.

As I said that, Mari returned once more. This time, she was carrying all of our food. And what looks to be part of the bird. Well, I hope that's part of the bird. Just the plate alone is bigger than most of the other dishes combined that she's having to carry.

"Mom, you sure you don't need any help?" Marulyn remarked, getting a head shake from Mari as she set the other plates of food down on the table. That way, she could put her focus on just this one plate and nothing else.

"Oh…" Bubbles whispered and looked up the plate as Mari set it on down. The picture alone doesn't do it justice. Not even a smidgen. What appears to be a whole turkey has been butchered and carved up into 'small pieces'. I'm not quite sure that's quite a compromise.

"I'm aware." Mari answered and took a deep breath. I'm guessing your wife decided to cut it all up the bird and then call it 'small pieces'? "You're right on the money."

Good to know at least. You do allow for people to take stuff out of the restaurant?
Mari nodded and headed back towards the kitchen. Guess that means it's time to eat. Yawn. Crap. How long have I been up at this point? It can't be a whole day at this point.

"Go and get some rest." Yvonne barked, gaze already on the ceiling. Munbimon has already made her way back over to her, Melody blowing a kiss her way. I trust that you all should be okay. See you all tomorrow. "Hear you tomorrow?"

Close enough.

Notes:

With the end of this arc, I'm going to take a short hiatus. Just long enough to work on other projects for a bit.

.

Next Time: I guess this was expected to an extent.