I'm alive guys!
I have to apologize GREATLY for my absence. Between moving to a new place and the current events going on in the world right now, I just couldn't get myself motivated enough to write my story for a while. If anything, I'd like to make up for my hiatus with this chapter. A full explanation on why it took me so long to make this will be shown at the end of this chapter.
Again, I am sorry for almost abandoning this story. I'm not leaving this story in the dirt yet. That won't happen on my watch. Besides, I haven't even begun to get to the good parts.
So, to those of you who are still following this story, I hope you'll enjoy this long awaited chapter.
Disclaimer: I do not own Digimon or Hyperdimension Neptunia. Both franchises belong to their respective companies.
Chapter 18: Robot Rumble
"So, a couple of hours ago, while you were gone, I was chilling out in the Basilicom..."
Uzume was lying down on the couch in the living room, watching a documentary on wildlife. It had reached a segment about insects, describing a few species of bug every few minutes. The redhead shivered a bit.
"I may like Baby Bug, but these things really give me the creeps", said Uzume.
Just then, Histoire floated into the living room.
"Hello, Uzume. I see the nature documentaries have peeked your interest", she said.
"A little bit. It's just that the only thing I don't like much is the bugs. Sometimes they make my skin crawl", said Uzume.
"Well surely there's a certain insect that you like, is there not?", the Oracle asked.
Uzume pondered for a moment before looking at the documentary again. She saw a segment depicting about bees and wasps and how they both play a vital role in the world that people live in.
"Well, I guess if I had to choose, I guess it's the bees and wasps. They're pretty cool looking", said Uzume.
"I see", said Histoire as she smiled.
Then, the two heard a loud crash in the other room. Histoire and Uzume were surprised by the noise. It sounded like glass breaking to them.
"What was that?!", asked Uzume.
"I'm not sure. I hope it's not SkullSatamon again", said Histoire.
The two looked at each other and cautiously moved towards where the sound came from. They peered out the corner and saw that a window was shattered into pieces. Below it was something lying on the floor. It looked like a bee-like insect with green eyes, blue antenna, and multiple small limbs.
"Is that a bug?", asked Uzume.
"I'm not sure, Uzume. I never seen any insect like this before", Histoire replied.
Suddenly, the insect started to buzz its wings a little. It groaned weakly as it tried to move. The Oracle and red haired CPU looked on in concern.
"It looks hurt. Should we do something?", the redhead inquired.
"I don't know. I never handled a situation like this before", said Histoire.
The insect then looked up at the pair and blinked.
"H... Help me, please...", it groaned.
Both Uzume and Histoire looked at the fallen insect worriedly before looking back at each other.
Present Time
"And that is when we gave it some first aid and fed it some honey we had in the fridge", said Histoire.
Neptune and Dorumon looked at the insect Digimon, who gave an apologetic face.
"I'm sorry if I caused any trouble", said FanBeemon.
"Hey, no worries. We've had worse happen to us than a broken window", said Neptune.
"But why did you break it in the first place?", asked Dorumon.
"I didn't mean to", said the insect Digimon. "I was blown in here by a strong gust of wind. I wasn't strong enough to correct my flight path and I ended up hitting the glass and hurting myself."
"Well, it has been notably windy lately", said Histoire.
"Guess we missed flying bees in today's forecast?", said Uzume.
"I said I was sorry! My wings are exactly strong enough to fly in strong wind currents", said FanBeemon.
"Oh don't squirt the small stuff, little guy. No actual harm was done, so all's well", said Neptune.
"Neptune, I believe the word you're looking for is 'sweat', not squirt", Histoire deadpanned.
Neptune and the others just laughed a bit and decided to continue the conversation in the living room. There they took a seat, except for the insect Digimon, who preferred to hover in place. It was quiet for half a minute before Neptune broke the silence.
"So, what brings ya here to Planetune?", she asked.
"Well... I... uh...", FanBeemon said nervously.
"It's okay. You can tell us if something is bothering you", Histoire calmed.
FanBeemon look at the Oracle before plucking up the courage to speak up.
"I believe that I'm lost", said the insect Digimon.
"Lost? Oh dear", said Histoire.
"Oh, wait, don't tell me. I think I already know where this is going. You got sucked through a giant hole, pulled from your own world, and now you need to find a way back home through the same hole, right?", Neptune deduced.
FanBeemon looked at the lilac haired CPU in utter confusion before blinking a few times.
"Uhhh... No, that's not really what happened", he said.
"Aww, shucks. I thought I had it that time", said Neptune.
"Maybe next time, Nep", said Dorumon.
"What happened then?", asked Uzume.
"Well, I sorta came here on my own accord. A friend of mine was with me when we came here", FanBeemon explained.
"Wait, you came from the Digital World on your own?", asked Dorumon.
"Yes... but it's a long story. I'd rather not talk about it either", said the insect Digimon.
"Why not? Is there something wrong?", Histoire asked.
"No, it's just... some of it is too painful to talk about", said FanBeemon sadly.
The Oracle was a little suspicious about this. She wondered if this Digimon was hiding something and did not want to reveal what it is, but decided to not bring it up as she continued to ask the insect another question.
"So why are you lost?", Histoire inquired.
"When that strong gust blew at me, it carried me off, separating me from my friend. Now I don't know where they are cause I got carried so far away", said FanBeemon.
"Oh, that's not good. We're sorry to hear that", said Uzume.
The Planetunian group all looked at each other wondering what they should do. Even Histoire was having mixed thoughts. Although they were willing to help in any way, without their Sharicite in their possession, they would have some difficulty if they ever run into trouble. That's when Neptune speaks up.
"Don't worry. We'll help you find your friend", she said.
"Huh?!", both Uzume and Histoire said in surprise. The insect Digimon perked up.
"Really? You'll help me find my friend?", FanBeemon asked hopefully.
Uzume and Histoire huddled next to Neptune and whispered to her.
"Neptune, are you sure about this? We still don't know enough about this Digimon", said Histoire.
"And besides, we don't have our Sharicite. If we run into danger, we won't be able to go into HDD", added Uzume.
"Relax. We got Dorumon, remember? if we come across any baddies, I'll just go 'Take that!' and make him Digivolve", said Neptune.
They then looked at Dorumon, who was trying to balance a pudding cup on his snout, but loses his focus as the pudding hits the floor. The purple Digimon did not seem to mind, however, as he started to eat it as part of the five second rule. The group giggled at the sight of this.
"Well, I do hope you're right, Neptune", said the Oracle.
"Of course! As the protagonist of protagonists, I'm never wrong", the lilac haired CPU said.
"Either that or you set off a death flag. But I'm willing to put my trust in Dorumon", said Uzume.
"Then it's settled. We'll help our little bug here find his friend!", said Neptune unanimously.
"Yay! Thank you so much!", exclaimed FanBeemon.
Histoire smiled at the sight. Although she still worried that the group may have difficulty without the power of their HDD, she had faith that they'll be safe. She only hoped that they can reunite the insect Digimon with his friend, where they might be.
Back in the Lastation sewers, Linda and Numemon were running away in a frantic sprint. Their reason for running? An angry Raremon chasing them down with no end in sight.
As i turns out the former ASIC member tried to confront the sludge-like Digimon. But when she tried to attack it with her club, all it did was make the Raremon very annoyed. Numemon tried to defend her, but to no avail. The two could do nothing to damage it, so all they could do now was to try and gain some distance. The unlikely pair had been running from the sludge-like Digimon for about half an hour, and they were starting to run out of breath.
"Geez... How long... are these... tunnels?!", Linda exclaimed, gasping for breath.
"I don't know. How long were we going this way? I think this turn is familiar", said Numemon.
The underling then looked around and suddenly stopped in her tracks, with the slime Digimon bashing into her.
"Hold on, what do you mean that this place looks familiar?", Linda asked.
"Well, you see that pile of boxes over there?", said Numemon.
He pointed towards a pile of boxes at on side of the wall.
"I noticed we went past those a few times now", he continued.
Linda just stared at him, then kept looking back and forth at the boxes and the slime Digimon. Realizing that the area did look familiar, she looked at Numemon with a face that showed both a mix of anger and frustration.
"You mean to tell me that all this time we've been going around in circles?!", exclaimed Linda.
"Uhhh... yes?", Numemon replied coyly.
"And you're telling me this now?! Why didn't you say anything before?!", the underling yelled.
"You never asked", said Numemon.
Linda thinking about grabbing her club and just bash the slime Digimon in his eye stalks when an inhuman roaring noise reminded them of why they were previously running. The Raremon had caught up with the two and was getting ready to attack them.
"Acid Sludge!", it said, rearing up and then lurching forward as it launched its corrosive ball of sludge at the pair.
"Eeek! Look out!", exclaimed Numemon.
"Ahhhh!", Linda shrieked as she moved out of the way.
The pair dodged just in the nick of time, as the Acid Sludge hit the pile of boxes, melting them down into mush. Then the pair saw something that really surprised them. Behind the boxes was a new pathway.
"That was there the whole time?", Linda said.
"How convenient!", cheered Numemon.
"Yeah, convenient...", the underling deadpanned.
The pair made their way to the new path, while the Raremon gave chase once more. Up ahead they could see a ladder leading upward. To the former ASIC member, it looked like a way out.
"Awesome! I don't care where this leads, I just want out of here!", she said hopefully.
But as she ran towards the ladder, she heard Numemon trip up and fall over. She looked back at him trying to reach out to her.
"Hey, a little help here, please?", Numemon called out.
"Sorry, but it's every man and woman for themselves. Or in this case, every human and slime for themselves. I gotta save my own skin!", said Linda as she resumed her way towards the ladder.
"Wait! You can't leave me here with Raremon! Come back!", said the slime Digimon.
But Linda ignored him and continued on without him. Numemon looked horrified as he saw the Raremon getting closer, believing he was now doomed.
The former ASIC member had reached the ladder and was just about to climb up when she felt something in her gut. For a moment she hesitated climbing up, pondering on what this strange feeling was. It wasn't until she looked back at where she ditched Numemon that she realized what that gut wrenching feeling was; it was guilt. In all her life, Linda didn't feel guilty about anything. Not when she joined ASIC, not when she fought against the CPUs, and not when she tried to revive the Deity of Sin. The underling never felt guilt towards anything until now. Something within her was telling her to go back for the slime Digimon. She wondered why she would do that when she could just escape right now. She looked at the ladder, then back where Numemon was. At last, she sighed.
"I can't believe I'm doing this...", said Linda as she made her decision.
Meanwhile, Numemon looked on in terror as Raremon reared up, getting ready to obliterate him with an Acid Sludge. The slime Digimon felt like he was about to see his whole life flash before his eyes.
"Well, guess this is it for me...", said Numemon as he braced for the inevitable.
As Raremon launched his Acid Sludge attack, Numemon shut his eyes. Suddenly, he was pushed out of the way just before the attack hit. The slime Digimon opened his eyes and saw that Linda saved his life. The Acid Sludge had missed them both, only hitting the ground near them. Numemon looked at the underling with joy.
"You came back for me! I knew you wouldn't leave me behind!", he said happily.
"Oh shut it. I didn't do it for you", said Linda, blushing in embarrassment.
They got up and went straight for the ladder, quickly climbing up as soon as they reached it. Hopefully it would lead to a way out of the sewer and away from the raging Raremon.
In the streets of Lastation, the CPU Candidates and Hagurumon were hanging out at a nearby parts shop. They had met up with Uni earlier, who was surprised to see the living gear Digimon with them. Nepgear had explained to the Lastation Candidate how she met her new friend in Planetune. Uni smiled at this, envying her Candidate friend.
"Wish I were as lucky as you, Nepgear. You might be having a better day than me", she said.
"Why do you say that?", asked Nepgear.
Uni then explained to the group what had happened in Lastation, from taking a walk to the mountains to being attacked by Devidramon and having to stop him before he hurt someone. The group were surprised by what she had told them.
"Oh goodness", said Nepgear.
"At least you showed that bully what for", chirped Ram.
"Scary", added Rom.
"I'm more shocked that he took his own life rather than give up", said Uni, still shaken by the event that happened in front of her.
"I just don't understand why he would do that. Why would he destroy himself rather than surrender?", Nepgear questioned.
"If you ask me, I think he was trying to hide something", the Lastation Candidate said.
"You think so?", asked Ram.
"Yeah, but what that something is, I don't know", said Uni.
"Perhaps he never intended to surrender at all. By that logic, it would make sense to avoid capture", stated Hagurumon.
The group then pondered on why Devidramon had fought the way he did a few days ago and just obliterate himself in the end. Did he really have something to hide, or was there another motive to his actions? Whatever the case, they wouldn't get the answers now.
"Still", continued Hagurumon, "why would he destroy himself when he knows that he won't be able to reincarnate into a Digi Egg?"
The Candidates looked at the living gear Digimon, curious about what he had just said.
"What's a Digi Egg?", asked Ram.
"A Digi Egg is where all Digimon like me come from", Hagurumon explained. "Digi Eggs come in all shapes, colors, and sizes. They are the basis of new life in the Digital World."
The Candidates awed at this amazed by how Digmon are born. Ram and Rom even imagined some baby Digimon popping out of an egg.
So Digimon come from digital eggs? Interesting", said Nepgear.
"I bet they look adorable when they hatch", added uni.
"I wonder if we can get one?", Ram pondered.
"I want one", said Rom.
"Digi Eggs don't just resemble new life. They also signify that another Digimon has passed away and has been reborn as an egg", Hagurumon continued.
The group were a little saddened to hear this.
"Pass away?", Uni echoed.
"So Digimon really can... Goodness...", said Nepgear sorrowfully.
"Yes. But it's not always a tragedy. When a Digimon passes away, they'll be reincarnated as a Digi Egg. Sometimes they retain their memories, and other times they're data is purified in their next life, if they were evil in their previous one. And with each new generation of Digimon, the cycle of digital life goes on."
The Candidates smiled at this, relieved that not all Digimon return to evil when they were reborn. They were also intrigued by the fact that they can sometimes retain their memories after turning into a Digi Egg. Then, Nepgear had a thought.
"I wonder... Would the same thing apply to us CPUs? Like, if we are reincarnated, would we keep our memories?", she pondered.
"Nepgear, I don't think the same process works in our world...", said Uni.
Nepgear was a little disappointed, but it didn't bother her all that much. Then Uni had a thought.
"But wait... If Digimon can revert back into Digi Eggs when they die, how come we didn't see Devidramon turn into one?", she questioned.
The other Candidates and even Hagurumon were surprised by this. They hadn't thought about it until now. Why didn't Devidramon turn into a Digi Egg. when he destroyed himself? Just as they were beginning to think on some possible theories, the group all heard a strange noise.
"Aaaaaahhhhhh!"
They were all startled by the sudden scream and wondered if it was an attack or if someone was in trouble. They all looked at each other and nodded. Whatever it was, they knew that they had to act fast and find out what was happening.
"It sound's like trouble. Let's go everyone!, said Nepgear.
The group sprinted off towards the sound of the disturbance. It seemed to have come from a few blocks away. They reached an intersection on the street when they saw a sight that made them stand in shock. It was someone the CPUs thought they'd not see again. Coming out of the manhole in the middle of the intersection was Linda, along with a green slimy creature with two eye stalks and a big mouth with a large tongue sticking out. The former ASIC member looked up at the group as she came out of the manhole.
"Ugh, that's just great! Run from one problem and you end up bumping into another!", she griped.
"Underling! What are you doing here?", Nepgear inquired.
"What's it look like I'm doing? I've been trying to find a way out of those damn sewers for hours, and now I run into you broads again? Can my life get any worse?", said Linda.
Just then, the slim creature came out of hiding from behind her.
"Hey, do you know these pretty ladies?", he asked.
"A little too well", The former ASIC member replied.
The group looked at the creature, surprised that it could speak. Hagurumon looked at it, looking like he knew who it was.
Everyone, I believe that talking slime is a Digimon", he stated.
"A Digimon?", Nepgear echoed.
"Yes, more accurately a Numemon", said Hagurumon. "They are the scum of the Digital World, living in dark places like sewers or junk piles."
Hey, I'm a handsome fellow back where I come from, thank you very much!", Numemon snapped.
"So, what sort of trouble are you causing this time, Underling?", Ram asked demandingly.
"Confess", added Rom.
"Nothing! At least not yet. Why should I answer to you punks?", said Linda.
"We heard a scream coming from here. Don't tell you're staging another kidnapping", said Uni.
"What are you talking about? I'm the one screaming here", the former ASIC member replied.
"You? Yeah right! Like we'd believe that", said Ram.
"Don't believe me? The why don't you ask the thing that's chasing me", said Linda, pointing towards the manhole.
As if on cue, the ground started to rumble. Everyone was startled by what was happening. They thought that Lastation was having an earthquake. Then they looked at the manhole and saw that the area was starting to bulge upward. Something big was emerging from beneath the street, and it was too big to fit through the manhole. A few seconds later, the pavement erupted into pieces, and a large creature came up from the shattered remains. A slime-like creature that had metal parts on most of its body and a large mouth with giant teeth had came out of the sewers that Linda had escaped from and roared as it came out into the open. It let off a foul stench that made the group reel back in disgust.
"Ugh, what is that thing?!", Uni exclaimed.
"That smell! Gah! I think I'm gonna throw up!", Nepgear commented.
"It stinks!", Rom quoted.
"You said it! Where's an air freshener?!", added Ram.
Everyone had covered their noses and mouths, hoping to keep the stench out, but it was so strong that it did them little good. For some reason, however, Hagurumon and Numemon didn't seem to be fazed by the foul smell.
"I don't know what everyone seems upset about. It smells just like my home in the Digital World", said Numemon.
"It's a good thing that I wasn't built with a nose, or I'd otherwise be malfunctioning right about now", Hagurumon commented.
Linda looked up at the creature in horror as it roared loudly.
"Are you serious?! Leave me alone ya freak!", she exclaimed.
She started to run off with Numemon in tow, but the CPU Candidates stood in her way, not wanting to let her off the hook.
"Hold it right there!", said Nepgear.
"Hey, can't you see I'm trying to get away from that thing!", said Linda.
"After what you tried to pull last time, not gonna happen", Uni said.
"Besides, you gotta pay for every crime you did!", stated Ram.
"We won't let you go", added Rom.
"You're kidding, right? That thing's gonna kill me! I don't wanna be turned to mush!", Linda panicked.
"Maybe that's what you get for kidnapping me and Uzume, and for aiding ASIC long ago", said Nepgear coldly.
"That's a little harsh, isn't it?", asked Uni.
Linda looked back in terror as the sludge-like monster was starting to get closer. There was two things that the former ASIC member feared: Being done in by a monster and the CPUs. And right now, she was afraid of the terrifying mass behind her more than the group blocking her path. She got on her knees, which surprised the group.
"Please, you can't let me be monster chow! I'll turn myself in if I have to! Just save me!", Linda pleaded.
The Candidates looked at each other, not sure if she was serious or not. They looked back at her with a questioning look.
"You promise?", the Lastation Candidate inquired.
"Yes, please! Just save me from that thing!", the former ASIC member said.
The Candidates looked at each other again and nodded.
"Ram, Rom, make sure she doesn't run off. We'll stop that monster", said Nepgear.
"You got it", said Ram.
"Uh huh", squeaked Rom.
Nepgear, Uni, and Hagurumon stepped forward to confront the monstrous creature, while Ram and Rom stood next to Linda, keeping a close eye on her. Numemon stood next to them too.
"They're either crazy or brave", he said.
Hagurumon looked at the monster and analyzed it with his red eye-like optics.
"This monster is a Raremon. A Champion level Digimon. Recommend avoiding his Acid Sludge attack to avoid being melted to oblivion", the living gear Digimon stated.
"Guess we'll have to do some ranged combat", said the lilac haired Candidate.
"Ranged is my specialty", Uni replied.
The Lastation Candidate closed her eyes as an aura of Share energy surrounded her body. After a few seconds, she quickly opened them.
"Access, HDD!", she shouted.
Uni was then engulfed in a bright light. Soon her black dress became a black plug suit, her her black twin tails became white drills, and her eyes changed from red to green. Armor pieces and small wings of black and silver coloration appeared around her, and a large black and silver rifle of futuristic design formed in her hands. Her transformation into her Goddess form was complete.
"Interesting. This is not like Digivolution", Hagurumon commented as he looked on in awe.
"I wish I could transform too, but without my Sharicite crystal in Planetune...", said Nepgear, now looking worried.
"Don't worry, Nepgear. I got your back", Black Sister reassured her friend.
The lilac haired Candidate smiled at this as she turned back to face the Raremon in front of them. Black Sister aimed her rifle at the sludge Digimon and fired away at it. The Raremon seemed a little annoyed at this and tried to swipe at her in retaliation. Nepgear saw this and tried to help her friend.
"Slash Wave!", she exclaimed, swinging her N-Blade and launching a wave of purple energy at Raremon.
The attack hit, but it didn't do much damage. The creature turned towards Nepgear and reared up, preparing to spit his Acid Sludge at the Candidate. Luckily, Black Sister was there to push her friend out of the way just before the corrosive attack hit them, melting part of the ground that they stood upon.
"Woah. Don't wanna get hit by that", said the white haired Goddess.
Hagurumon stood firm as he stared down Raremon, not afraid to face the terrifying creature.
"Cog Crusher!", the living Gear Digimon exclaimed as he launched a series of black gears from his face.
The gears seemed to do no damage to Raremon though, only blasting part of his decaying flesh. The sludge Digimon then reared up and spat another Acid Sludge at Hagurumon, but the small Digimon quickly moved out of the way before it could hit.
"This Raremon seems to be acting on instinct, only attacking those that attempt to attack it", Hagurumon stated.
"Maybe we can lead it away from the city then", said Black Sister.
She fired her rifle at the monstrous Digimon, trying to get its attention. The Raremon shifts its focus on the Lastation Candidate, now moving towards her sluggishly. As she tried to back away, however, the creature was not having it.
"Acid Sludge!", it said as it spit another corrosive ball of sludge at her rifle, melting it into nothing but scrap.
"Crap, my weapon!", she exclaimed.
Things were about to go from bad to worse. As she was distracted by her ruined weapon, the Raremon slammed one of its arms down on her, pinning her to the ground. Black Sister struggled to break free, but the Digimon's grip was too strong. Her armor pieces and body suit were also starting to partially melt.
"Oh no! Uni, hang on!", shouted Nepgear.
She tried to swing her N-Blade at Raremon in an attempt to free the Lastation Candidate, but the monstrous Digimon swatted her away, knocking her into Hagurumon.
"Ow! My processers!", he said.
"Sorry", the Planetune Candidate apologized.
The Lowee twins looked on in horror as they saw their friends were in trouble. They wanted to help, but they couldn't leave Linda and Numemon to roam free and slip away if given the chance. All they could do was sit back and watch.
"Hang in there guys!", said Ram.
"Don't give up!", added Rom.
"They really should've just ran when they had the chance. Now they're toast", said Linda.
"Don't count them out just yet. They'll beat this nasty thing for sure", said the long haired twin.
Ram was only saying this to keep her hopes up. But from the way things were going, it may not be very long before Nepgear, Uni and Hagurumon would lose this battle and the Raremon would come after them next. Unless something was done quickly, they would be doomed. Just then...
"Hey, get back here you idiot!", Linda exclaimed suddenly.
The twins looked to see Numemon rushing towards the Raremon in an attempt to distract it from the other CPU Candidates. They were surprised that he was willing to risk his life to save them.
"Multi-Junk Attack!", Numemon exclaimed as he tossed lobs of pink sludge at the monstrous Digimon.
However, all that did was make the Raremon turn its attention on him. It then started to move towards the slime Digimon in an attempt to attack him. Numemon, realizing his mistake, starts to retreat back to the Lowee twins and Linda.
"Great, now he's coming this way!", said the former ASIC member.
"Not for long. Ice Coffin!", Ram said as she pulled out her staff weapon and summoned a wall of ice in front of the group, blocking Raremon from going any further.
Meanwhile, Black Sister, now released from Raremon's grasp, crawls to safety with the aid of Nepgear and Hagurumon.
"Are you okay, Uni?", the lilac haired Candidate asked.
"Yeah, but I think my rifle has seen better days", said Black Sister, looking at the melted remains of her weapon.
Nepgear looked back at the Raremon, who was now trying to break the wall of ice crafted by Ram. Cracks were starting to form as it slammed its arms at the barrier.
"We have to stop that monster somehow", said Nepgear.
"With what? Nothing seems to faze this thing", Black Sister said.
"I don't know. But I'm willing to do whatever it takes, with or without my CPU powers", the Planetune Candidate said with determination.
Then Hagurumon stood right next to her, beaming with the same amount of determination on his face.
"I too shall help. This creature must be stopped at all costs", he said.
Suddenly, a small bright light appeared above the pair, causing them to look up in surprise. Everyone else saw this and looked at the light as it descended towards the lilac haired Candidate. She decided to reach out to it with her hands, and soon enough, the light ends up in her palms. When it does, it disappears in a flash, while something else takes its place. It was rectangular shaped and was colored in white and lilac stripes, and it looked like it had a small screen on the face of the device. Taking all of these features into account, Nepgear figured out what it was.
"It's a Digivice... MY Digivice!", she said.
Everyone looked on in awe. Now the CPU Candidate of Planetune had a Digivice just like her sister. Not only that, she also has a Digimon she could use it with. Knowing what to do, she looked at Hagurumon, who looked back at her, and both of them nodded. Nepgear raised her Digivice and shouted...
"Digivolve!"
A lilac colored light shot out from the Digivice and went straight to Hagurumon. The Raremon stopped his assault to look at what was happening. The living gear Digimon glowed brighter as his Digivolution process began.
"Hagurumon, Digivolve to...!", he said.
His body soon began to grow bigger and change shape. He now had a steampunk-style copper-colored body, his eyes went from red to green, and an engine-like thruster pack formed on his back. A few puffs of steam spewed out as his Digivolution was finished.
"Guardromon!", he said.
Everyone looked on in awe when they saw the new Digivolution take place. All except for Raremon, who only roared in response. Guardromon stood his ground, not moving an inch.
"Cease and desist your hostilities now, vile creature!", the bronze Digimon ordered.
"Acid Sludge!", was the only thing it said as Raremon launched a corrosive ball of sludge at Guardromon.
The bronze Digimon was quick to react as he used his thruster pack to move out of the way, then charged forward quickly and punched the monstrous creature in the face. The CPU Candidates cheered as they watched Guardromon punch away at Raremon with little trouble. Even Linda was a little surprised. Then she noticed that everyone was distracted by the sight. She took this opportunity to try and slip away.
"Time for me to take my leave", she thought quietly.
The former ASIC member was trying to sneak her way into an alleyway, but as she was moving through it, she looked back and saw Numemon following her. She ushered him to not follow her, but as she was distracted by the slime Digimon, she bumped into something and fell backwards. Linda looked up to see what it was. The silhouetted shape was humanoid.
"Going somewhere, criminal?", said the silhouette.
Meanwhile, Guardromon managed to push Raremon back towards the middle of the intersection where the monstrous creature emerged from. He then raised his arms forward as two ports opened up.
"Guardian Barrage!", Guardromon shouted as two small missiles launched from the ports of his arms.
The missiles hit the Raremon with a direct impact, causing a big explosion to occur. The monstrous Digimon, not wanting to stick around for another volley, decided to try and retreat. But Nepgear stood in its way.
"Mirage Dance!", she shouted as her N-Blade lit up and started striking at Raremon with powerful swings.
Raremon was still a little dazed by Guardromon's attack earlier and could not react to the Planetune Candidate's attack in time. It soon fell over with a thud, unable to get up after the series of attacks.
"Alright, he's down!", cheered Black Sister.
"Now let's send this thing back where it came from", said Nepgear.
The Planetune Candidate looked at her Digivice, unsure of what to do. She knew she had seen Neptune do it before, but the lilac haired girl did not know how her sister did it.
"So, how do I open a gate again?", she pondered aloud.
Then, a lilac colored beam of light shot out of her Digivice. It stopped just short of the spot where Raremon had emerged from. A vortex soon opened up. It was the same kind of gateway that Neptune had opened before.
"Well, that was easy", she remarked.
She then looked at the Raremon, who was suddenly growling. He was starting to regain strength. The Candidates had to move him fast before he goes on a rampage again.
"I don't think I can lift him even if I wanted to", said Nepgear, referring to not only Raremon's size but also the fact that he smells like a dead animal.
"Please, allow me to dispose of this creature", said Guardromon.
He then placed his hands underneath the monstrous Digimon and started to lift him up. The group was amazed that he could pick up such a thing with little difficulty. Guardromon then activated his thruster pack and started to charge towards the vortex. His speed increased little by little as he charged along. Once he reached a certain velocity, he threw the lumbering Raremon into the portal, the foul creature roaring as he went through. Seconds later, the vortex closed up. The group cheered as Guardromon stopped in his tracks.
"Good job, Guardromon!", praised Nepgear.
"It was my pleasure", the bronze Digimon said.
Then he glowed in a lilac colored light and soon shrank down in size. His body changed back into a gear-like shape. He was now Hagurumon again.
"Nice work guys", said Black Sister before returning back to normal in a white light.
Just then, the Lowee twins ran towards the trio. Their faces had a worried look.
"What's wrong? Wait... What happened to Linda?", asked Nepgear.
"She got away when we weren't looking!", exclaimed Ram.
"We're sorry", Rom whimpered.
"Damn. I should've stayed to keep watch. She could be anywhere by now", said Uni.
"Or she could be right here all along", said a voice.
Everyone turned to look towards where the new voice came from, only to see someone dragging Linda and Numemon out of an alleyway. The person who was dragging the two was wearing a yellow and black dress overlapped with a jacket in the same colors, except for the fact that there were a few stars on one side. She wore a black collar around her neck with a white fuzzy tag on it, and hanging off of her jacket were two long black strings with white fluffy balls attached to them. She was also wearing red and white tennis shoes, and had yellow and black striped stockings on her legs. Her golden blonde hair was tied in a large ponytail by two red hair bobbles. She walked towards the group, smiling as she towed the pair alongside her.
"I take it that you were looking for these two?", she asked.
Uh, yes. Thanks for catching them for us", said Nepgear.
"No problem. These two smelled like bad guys to me, and I didn't want them to get away, so I decided to make sure they don't go anywhere", the blonde haired girl explained.
"So, thought you could sneak out of here? And after you promised to surrender. What do you have to say for yourself?", said Uni.
Linda looked the other way, too embarrassed to even look at anyone at the moment.
"Guess she's not one for words at the moment", the blonde haired girl said.
"Well, we appreciate the assistance, miss... uhhh... what was your name?', asked Nepgear.
"Oh, right. How rude of me. My name's Peashy. Nice to meet you", said the blonde haired girl.
"I see. My name's Nepgear. Pleased to... meet... you...", said the lilac haired Candidate before slowing down.
A light wind blew past the whole group for a few seconds.
"..."
"..."
"..."
"WHAAAAA?!", exclaimed Nepgear suddenly.
Everyone was shocked by the Planetune Candidate's outburst. Even the blonde haired girl was confused.
"...Was it something I said?", she asked.
Inside the dark room, the yellow eyed silhouette watched the group through a monitor. He witnessed the entire fight through a hidden camera on the street. He had also witnessed the capture of Linda and the Numemon that followed her. To say that the figure was sorely disappointed with the former ASIC member is an overstatement.
"That blasted fool has failed in her mission spectacularly. Why am I not surprised?", he said to himself. "If she could not even defeat the CPUs during the time of ASIC, then even a task such as getting the Sharicite from Lastation is simply too much to ask from a human."
The silhouette then turned around to face his servant SkullSatamon, who was grinning a sinister smile.
"SkullSatamon. I trust you have a back-up plan in the works?", he asked the dark angel.
"Yes indeed, my master. And I think not even the CPUs will be able to do anything when their nations are under attack", said SkullSatamon.
"Ah. I take it that the test with the single Sharicite crystal is complete?", the silhouette said.
"Yes. They successfully enter this dimension unscathed. And now it's only a matter of time before these individuals will take their crystals. Not even they will be able to respond to an three pronged attack like this", SkullSatamon replied.
"Good. The army grows impatient with every moment that passes. Their war machines are itching to fight, and I'd hate to disappoint them if we weren't ready", the silhouette said, smirking with evil intent.
"And what about Linda, my master?", asked the dark angel.
The silhouette turned back towards the monitor and squinted his eyes.
"Terminate her."
Once again I am SO VERY SORRY for my absence from this story. I really didn't want to leave this story in the dust, but there were a few reasons why I haven't got back into it.
First of all, I had been stressed out by the pandemic so much that I couldn't really focus on writing a whole lot, as I was more concerned about my own health and safety. And even then, I also had a fear that I may not be able to continue the story at all if I ever fall ill due to the you-know-what.
Secondly, my old laptop had quit working a long time ago due to something within it going bad. Well tbh, it was very old tech, so it was only a matter of time before it would finally die out. Because of this, I had to resort to using my phone to write with. However, the phone method is very clumsy in my opinion. The screen and buttons were small, the line breaks are somewhat glitchy, and because of this it was more prone to mistakes in grammar.
So, to summarize, the pandemic had me focus more on my health, my old laptop broke down, and I had nothing but a phone to use. Suffice to say, all of these combined were so demotivating that I had pretty much put this story on hiatus for some time. I really didn't know when I would bring myself to continue, and there were even times where I considered even cancelling this story all together. But then I look back and think of all the people who were looking forward to the next chapter of this story, and how I'd be letting them all down if I did cancel this story. Heck, I'd even be letting myself down if I did something like that.
I really am sorry that I haven't updated this story in a while, but for anyone who's still following this, I'm willing to make up for lost time. I now have a new laptop, which is even better than my old one, especially now that I don't have to use my clumsy phone method. I don't know when I'll upload the next chapter, but I can assure you, I won't abandon this story yet. There's still a lot to do on here, and I plan to make this crossover grow for as long as possible.
With all of that said, I hope you guys enjoyed this belated chapter. I know it's taken so long to make this, but as the saying goes, better late than never. If it looks a bit rushed, I apologize for that too, as I wanted to get this out in the open as quick as I could after getting a new laptop. Thank you for reading and I'll see you all next time, whenever that may be. Until then, have a nice rest of your day!
