I don't own digimon.

The following is an incomplete attempt by me to do something for the fifth anniversary of Digital Adventures Online. I do hope you enjoy this.

Session 117

Goodbye (Incomplete)

Sometimes, Alice forgot that her wife was a strange weredragon creature thing. Sure, most days there were little reminders. A stuffed animal that needed some tlc, maybe a couple scratch marks on the walls and floors. Nothing that major.

Coming back with groceries for the week, the spirit gambler found herself staring down a tornado of mess and destruction. The whole place looked like a burglar had broken in and attempted to make off with something, any of possible value. Not that anyone would actually go through with robbing a place. Sort of like the example shown in that one anime. You know, the one where that lady meets a dragon in the mountains and is convinced able to convince them to be her maid and their fun's hijinxs and romance? Yeah, that anime. Wonder when the second season will come up. Oh right. Probably should introduce ourselves. It's me, Chaos. Yeah, I am very aware that it's been quite a while since I've actually 'narrated' a piece. Believe me. Sure, I've been enjoying my duties at both the Plush Cafe and the flower shop. But part of me misses the day narrating. No, that doesn't mean we'll be seeing more stuff narrated by yours truly. Just get that feeling some days. That's all.

"Elena!" Alice screeched, her wife slowly heading over. Wrapped about in blankets and pulling along a variety of plushies, the normally human gale corsair had reverted back to her dragonic state. Down on all fours, purple scales just visible from the few spots that the blanket didn't cover. Of course, we can't forget about the large barb on a 'rubbery' tail. That last part usually brought with it static electricity sometimes. Which was the last thing the spirit gambler needed for her red dress. Sure, her brunette locks and chocolate brown eyes were more than enough to take this unintentional static attack. But those parts of her were usually not the target here.

"I'm sorry, Alice." Elena mumbled and watched her wife bend down to meet her gaze. A sigh, followed by a head pat. More patronizing than congratulatory, Elena knew she had messed up. "I was minding my own business… then the thunder came down."

Alice's gaze shot over to the nearby window. While the window itself was still intact, droplets look to be cascading down. Sure, Washington had a reputation to be rainy. Yes. But these thunderstorms were just the worst. Especially when the dark sky came in and the thunder cra-

Right on cue, we have more thunder. Of course, that brought the tail of our gale corsair right around her wife's waist and pulled her in.

"What am I going to do with you?" Alice muttered, gaze swinging about as she tried to break free from her wife's grip.

"You could try shooting the ground." Elena suggested and Alice pulled a revolver out. Quite a thing of beauty, with it's cobalt blue finish and it's red ornamentation. Heck, there's even one of those card symbols on the handle - a heart. Wait. These came from that statue. Thanks Nina. Hunters might not get the honor of being remembered (for a variety of reasons), but it's still a major part of laying the groundwork for stuff like this. But that's beyond the point. Alice fired off a single shot, watching the bullet slam into the floor of their apartment. Uh… that won't pierce through the floor, right? Because I doubt whoever is living below you would really appreciate having their floor pierced. Let alone with something like a bullet. Yet, it's the muzzle flash that we're looking for at the moment. Blink and you'll literally miss it. But not Elena. No, she definitely saw that. Why else would Alice find herself tumbling towards the ground. Thankfully, the spirit gambler is able to stick the landing. Phew. Wouldn't want this bonus entry to end with one of you dying.

"No shit." Alice muttered, slipping the revolver into its holster as her phone went off. Digging into the pockets of her red dress, what looks to be a flip phone comes on out. Though, someone had gone through the trouble of bedazzling the device with a bunch of those fake red jewels. Looks more fitting on the old Alice, than the you right now. "I won it in a competition. Cut me some slack."

Okay… that still doesn't explain why you're carrying around a flip phone in a day and age where smartphones are the norm? Why are you holding out

"She does have a point." Elena added, finally straightening herself out. Still going with that dark blue sundress and sandals. Does make that hair color all the more weirder. Can we just call it pink? I know we're supposed to call it 'puce', but that doesn't quite explain what the fuck that color is. "It's a brownish purple?"

Yes, but my boss didn't know that. That's beyond the point though, Alice opening her phone up and holding the device to her ear.

"Hello?" Alice remarked, the sound of children echoing through the device. Looks like someone is currently getting tackled. Or perhaps they all want to talk to their 'aunts'. "How are you Suiko?"

Silence. Oh dear. Guess someone is currently fighting for control of the phone. Though considering they're all based off of the same person, would this mean she's fighting herself in a mirror match? You know, like in those fighting games...

That joke went right over our heroines' heads, sadly. Polly would've totally gotten that joke. I would think the time spent with her would at least rub some knowledge of fighting games onto you two.

"Except you killed them." Elena remarked, to which I remind you this is an AU. The changes brought about by that mess of a fic are on a case-by-case basis. Or in other words, it's whatever Sachiko and I want it to be. That's a win-win for everyone involved.

"I'm doing alright, sis." Suiko answered and pushed off one of her copies. Standing herself up, what sounds like a deep breath followed. "It's getting a bit easier to get some alone time without a child coming out of nowhere."

Alice chuckled, the glare from her sister going unseen. To be fair, our spirit gambler here has the half-dragon equivalent. The only difference being they weigh a couple tons and capable of firing blasts of energy.

"Sounds like you're quite busy." Alice explained, very aware of the glare that her younger sister was trying to pass through the phone at the moment. She wasn't that successful. Not that it mattered here. "Anything else happening?"

My. That's a loaded question. Are you sure you want to ask that at the moment? Maybe the answer is not the one you want. How about that?

"Not really." Suiko answered, pausing for a moment. While there really wasn't anything else of note she wanted to say to Alice, there was something she did need to ask Elena about. Whether or not the spirit gambler would allow it. Not for any nefarious reason, more the fact she was trying to keep her plan a secret and all. "Can I talk with Elena?"

Alice turned to her wife, getting what looked to be a nod. None the wiser, even if the mess brought on by Elena's freakout was still fresh in the spirit gambler's mind. To be fair, I would be a touch on edge if I came home and found my business destroyed by Sachiko and/or Freya. Though, they would probably have a good explanation for why everything is torn up.

Handing the phone over to Elena, Alice got to putting away the groceries. But not before making sure the fragile stuff hadn't been broken when she dropped the bags after that scare. Then it's over to the fridge. While thoughts of dinner had already began to enter the spirit gambler's mind, she got the feeling that it wouldn't be necessary. Hey. No cheating.

"Not my fault you're somehow a loud mouth while having no voice." Alice muttered, shooting the ceiling a look. Thanks for that criticism. I'll keep that in mind going forward, even if the mic settings are a touch finicky on this setup. You would think I would have it down, but that's far from the case. Especially with the sign language translator. Quite a finicky device, but gets the job done. Even if the last time I used it was for Jestery's little rampage over Kizuna. "What was even her problem with that?"

I think it has something to do with the way that the big bad did their master plan and how it kind of was dumb to just go back to the dream dimension. Oh right. Spoilers for Kizuna and stuff. Sorry about the lack of warning. I'll just add one to the top when this goes out to everyone.

.

Across town, we come to the home of the Mahora trio - Polly, Fatemon and of course, Chacha. Regular Chacha, not cat furry robot Cha-Cha. A big difference. Even if I do like both versions of her… for far different reasons, of course.

"Thank you for making that clear." Chacha announced, shifting her position at the balcony. For this occasion, she was once more decked out in one of those lace hoop skirt and crinoline. All black and typical of someone from Branakan times, what looks to be a pair of skeletal wings hang out of her back, making the chalk white color of her synthetic skin all the more noticable. Which even isn't getting into those purple lips and faded lime green hair. Dull blue eyes keep watch, while hand covered in even more black lace cradle a parasol made from similar materials. Of course, who can forget the little cloth doll dressed up just like her. Guess they are meant to be your former mistress? I won't judge. "Shut it."

Down below, our monk magi and her partner were engaged in a sparring match. In the middle of a thunderstorm. Because you know, that's obviously the best place to be training right now. Instead of you know, in a place actually designated for training. Oh right. This is the same group of people that decided the solution to space travel was a giant space elevator. Said elevator required a specifically trained person to actually operate. Are the people of that world dumb or is this something they chose to not even question?

"No comment." Chacha muttered, leaning over the balcony. Please don't fall o- Oh. You're focusing on the battle. Gotcha. My bad.

Down below, our two fighters look evenly matched. Not that this is any real surprise, more an observation. Even after all the time shifts and other weirdness that trapper and her furry wife brought forth in their adventures, these two fighters balance each other out.

Seaside Throw!

Grabbing hold of her husband's leg, Polly threw the harem mage further down the road. Thankfully there were no real cars coming that way. For today's event she had gone for just a tank top and shorts. An eternal (blue) tomboy, in other words. Especially as those blue eyes of hers sparkle about while that pixie cut tries to stay in fashion. Even if I don

As for her husband, he had gone for his usual green cloak. Though, no hood this time around. Which means we can actually see his face. What looks to be silver hair meets silver eyes.

"Is that really the best you got?!" Fatemon countered, already forming what looks to be a pillar of all things from the street. Quite an impressive piece of architecture. Would be worthy of a museum… if it actually lasted long enough to be preserved for people to look at. But no, we're just going to use it too smash down on someone.

Pylónas tou Ádi (Pillar of Hades)!

Gravity took hold of this spectacular piece of art, tipping it forward - right into the path of our monk magi. That's going to leave a mark. Whether that's on Polly or the street remains to be seen.

Aquaport!

Closing her eyes for a moment, Polly's body jumps about the raindrops. Shrunken down for the moment, it's quite a show we get to watch right now.

"Gotcha." Polly whispered, going in for an uppercut. Connecting with her husband's face, the harem mage countered with a kick to the shin. Though, his foot seemed to pass right through that area. So he went for the head. Still no luck - both his hands passing through. Even more so as both appendages passed right back through.

"Cheater." Fatemon muttered, Polly rolling her eyes and going for another throw. This wasn't as successful as her last attempt. Mostly because this sort of move required her to actually return to being solid and in turn, be vulnerable for any incoming attacks. Which was exactly what Fatemon expected to happen, the harem mage choosing to counter with a punch to the stomach. Sending his wife flying, energy began swirling around his hands. Magic, digital data, ki, it's all the same thing when you get down to it. I'm not sure why people are so insistent on making a big fuss on what we should call it in the first place. Does it really make that huge of a difference in your short life? Not really.

Arkáin Orgí (Arcane Wrath)!

Pouring that gathered energy out in one ball and launching it forward, he watched the projectile make a beeline for Polly. This bout had been going for a couple hours now. They were both at the end of their stamina and he highly doubted his wife actually had energy left within to counter this.

Σταγόνα γοργόνας (Mermaid Droplet)!

Of course, Polly managed to pull just one more rabbit out of her hat. In this case, a large explosion of water erupting forth from… somewhere. A wave washed down the street, knocking our harem mage into his pillar. I'm no doctor, but that got to hurt.

"I guess I lost this time." Fatemon muttered and watched the wave dissipate and what looked to be bits of jello left about. I could go for some of that right now. Which is absolutely pure coincidence and nothing else. I promise. "Sure it was."

Shifting his gaze away from the sky, our harem mage watched the bits of jello converge in one spot. Reforming into a familiar monk magi, she made her way over.

"Tomorrow, same time?" Polly remarked, getting faced with a glare for the briefest of moments. To be fair, you pulled out a super move in greek of all languages. So much for being evenly matched. Perhaps the student has become the teacher or some bullshit saying along those lines. Never did like those saying. Always came across as vague and pretentious. Do you realize how much work goes into becoming a teacher? You get paid like shit, get treated like shit and have to deal with all sorts of possible viruses. For what? The satisfaction of shaping the next generation of people. Not worth much in this day and age. I digress of course. No use thinking that negatively.

"I guess." Fatemon remarked, Chacha floating her way on down. But not before making sure that her doll was hanging at her side. Can't forget about her. Especially after all the shit that's gone down just to get to this point. Except it didn't, because time shifts and contradictory events. Yes, I'm aware that Cho & Me was an absolute fucking mess. Far more energy went into the initial write-up for that one fic alone than all of the past works combined. Which is saying a lot considering how long that Digital Adventures Online went on, is saying something. But in the big picture, things went out with a bang. "You also killed both of us. For what?"

Not much? I thought the idea was for you guys to meet back up with everyone else and do… something. That was the assumed plan at least. Heck, my boss took the time to put out an alternate ending for this fic that let it line all up.

"That 'trapper' of yours and their friends 'erased' those events. In the end, only two got to see a future. Congrats. You screwed a majority of the cast." Polly remarked, looking up to the sky. "You passed right along with that stupid bitch and her fuck-"

One, your story was fully told. At that point, you had reached the end point - the final destination. You should've considered the fact that you got one more chance a blessing of sorts. Yes, I'm aware there was some favoritism with Alice and Elena, but they were just a small stop on Ai and Cho's journey. That, and they brought the end to a time loop. It's all well and good to end the order, but it doesn't matter if you end up back where you start. Then everyone's stories would be in jeopardy. I'm sorry if this is not the answer you two want to hear right now. But that's all I have for you at the moment.

"Fine…" Polly muttered, focusing back on Chacha for the moment. For the moment, what looks to be a phone floats in front of her. What a show-off. Not even my phone can do that. At least leave something for the rest of us to strive for. "Now what?"

Chacha rolled her eyes, gaze shifting away from the phone and over to her partner. To be fair, this is my fault for getting her all riled up talking about Cho & Me.

"Suiko wants to know if you're willing to help surprise Alice for her birthday party." the gynoid remarked, Polly helping her husband up.

"We're in." Fatemon remarked, not even waiting for the monk magi to get her two cents in. Though, she did give a nod. Guess it all works out, until the next argument that inevitably comes on up… that requires beating the crap out of each other.

.

Moving on from our trio and their grievances, we come upon a workshop. Scrap metal and loose electronics are scattered about in all corners with the little light let in come from a handful of lightbulbs hanging from the ceiling. Kind of gives off a basement sort of vibe. This is in no way helped by the weird-looking lucemon rip-off. Currently enjoying a cup of tea, he looks like the sort of person who would be the last to ever step foot 'down' here. Which is funny, considering this is supposed to be a house. Maybe this is one of those fancy smancy underground homes? Actually, probably not it.

For Joey Spence-Izumi though, things were business as usual. Kind of expected when you are the low man on the totem pole when it comes to the main cast of characters for this fic. Not a bad thing here, with all the big personalities in this fic. Balances everything out. In theory.

"Thanks… I guess." Joey muttered, not even looking up from whatever he was working on at the moment. Probably some kind of technology. Or perhaps plans left behind by dear old dad. Hopefully nothing on the scale of that one thing he did. "If this is about the angels and stuff, yeah. That was really messed up."

I'll agree with you there. Glad the majority of them are now down in what remains of Heck. Quite a society they had.. according to Jestery. So take that with a grain of salt.

"Wait. There's an entire society down there?" the shadow scientist remarked, looking up towards the ceiling. Like I said, the source is dubious… except we had confirmation a while back from an angel who managed to survive all the time shifts and everything that came with it. Kind of impressive. Anything of note happening for you?

All I got was a head shake. Was kind of hoping for something a bit more substantial coming from you. Or is this a case of you almost dying and stuff by way of time shifts?

"I've just been busy with helping out various people with large scale projects." Joey continued, what looks to be wrench coming on out. "Lots of Nekoroid stuff."

Oh right. Ai mentioned something about that in the latest staff meeting at the Plush Cafe - How the next generation of the cat robots were finally going to market on top of her recently getting upgraded. Which was on top of something called… Dracoids - which were going to be used in a couple locations to get them ready. Care to spill the beans on that?

"Yes, but you can't tell anyone else." Joey remarked, realizing right after that this recording studio alone leads out into another room where Sachiko is currently enjoying a cup of tea. All while she replants a couple zinnias. Which I hope is going well. If not, I'll need to go help her. "They are supposed to be robotic dragons in the similar vein as Nekoroids. As it would turn out, it's actually a lot harder to get the suits/bodies working just right this time around."

Shouldn't it be something simple as transferring files over and the like? I would assume once you have the nekoroids all set up properly, converting their programming should be a breeze.

"You would think that would be the case." the lucemon ripoff announced, gulping down another cup of tea. Setting his cup down, he pours another cup. Uh… it might help to slow down a little. At least have something else before you down more of whatever liquid. "Life rarely works out that way. Much like this kettle of tea."

Joey rolled his eyes, not even looking away from his current project. Why do I get the feeling this is a common occurrence? Moderation is key to just about everything. Having too much of something can be just as bad as having too little of something. Well, the former is less of a problem unless it's something you need to live.

"That's your last pot for the day, Issacmon." he muttered and grabbed the kettle. Setting it on the floor, what looked to be a kick followed. Not quite sure that's the best way to go about moving such a tool. Especially when tomorrow comes and you need to go grab it to make more. "Like my partner said, what you think would be simple is anything but. In this case, the personality of the Dracoids is a lot more varied than that of the Nekoroids. Since you know, dragons and their complete mess of species."

I can see that. Though... any fun bugs or glitches? Stuff that's harmless, even if the program in question isn't working as intended there has to be something that brought just a touch of happiness. Some sort of emotion.

Joey's gaze returned to the ceiling. Pondering my question for just a moment, an answer came to him. At least one. Maybe more. Kind of hard to read your expression in all this darkness. You could at least turn on one more light… if one more light actually exists in this room. Knowing you, it's a matter of the light switch and not the light. But I digress.

"There was this one time a robot thought it's one and only goal was to dance the 'macarena'. That was a hell of an issue to debug." the shadow scientist explained as his other partner made his entrance in this mock cave. Some butler looking dude, the most interesting thing about him being the four swords at his side. With four swords… comes four arms. What? Were you expecting some sort of joke there? Sorry to disappoint you in this particular instance. I don't really have anything here.

"You could at least introduce me." the butler announced as I looked through my notes. Fuck. We have a lot of OC's for this one fic. Though, that isn't saying much in regards to my boss's D&D stuff or that anthology fic. You know, the one that was three parts with the adventure cast and Tak- What? That guy has written two bigger collections - one of which has all the seasons? That's good to know at least. I'll have to give it a look. Right. You're Gentleman, correct?

Gentleman nodded, making a beeline for the kettle laying on the floor. Picking it up, he set it down on a nearby table. Said table you can't currently see in all this dark room. Could it really hurt you to have more than one light on currently? Can barely see a thing with everything like this. Unless your eyes are super sharp, there's no way that your vision likes this at all.

"He does have a point." Gentleman remarked, Issacmon nodding in agreement. They do have a point in that regard. Not much of one, mind you (they can easily do something about it, but chose to do nothing) but it's still a point.

"I like it this way." Joey remarked and found himself getting glared for the moment. Must I repeat myself at this moment? Your eyes are getting fucked with! What part of this seems to go right over your head? "None of it?"

Then turn on another light. Or do I need to get back to my original question in this case? Because we do seem to have a problem if that's the case.