Welcome back to another chapter. I hope everyone is doing okay today, or tonight, whichever it is.

I still feel bad for putting this story on hiatus for months since last year, as it really wasn't my intention. That's why from now on, if it does look like I'll be going on a hiatus again, I'll be sure to let everyone know with an update, should the day ever come.

In addition, while the months have passed, I noticed a lot of new Digimon appear every now and then, which give me some ideas for future chapters. Don't know how or if I will include them in the story, but we'll see how it goes.

Now, without further ado, let's get on with the next chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own Digimon or Hyperdimension Neptunia. Both franchises belong to their respective companies.


Chapter 19: New Friends, Old Acquaintances

At the Lastation Basilicom, the CPU Candidates had taken a rest for the day. They had explained everything that went on to Noire, who had heard about the incident in the streets. Uni explained to her how the Raremon appeared and how they had caught Linda and a Numemon who had been following her. What really caught the Lastation CPU off guard was the fact that the blonde haired girl named Peashy had been there to help catch Linda when the former ASIC member tried to sneak away. Noire had heard from Neptune that she had met a person whose name was also Peashy, with the difference being that the other blonde haired girl lived in a different dimension and was a CPU.

As for Linda, they had taken her to a guest room and had a couple of guards stationed next to her, making sure that she doesn't try anything to break out. The Numemon that was with her was also detained for questioning. The group then decided that they would hold on to them until IF and The Guild would take Linda away in the morning, where she would be charged for many crimes based on her past dealings with ASIC and the recent kidnapping of Nepgear and Uzume. Until then, Noire and Uni would be doing the interrogating.

The Lastation pair entered the guest room, gesturing the guards to wait outside the door. They nodded and left the room, leaving the two CPUs alone with Linda. They looked at the pale skinned girl and squinted their eyes in suspicion. Linda shifted nervously as the pair walked around her, almost like vultures circling their prey.

"So, why'd you do it?", Noire inquired.

"Do what?", Linda replied coyly.

"You know what. Why'd you try to kidnap Nepgear and Uzume before?", the Lastation CPU said.

"Hey, it wasn't exactly my idea to begin with", said the former ASIC member.

"A lie if I ever heard one", said Uni.

It's true. I wasn't the one who came up with it", said Linda.

"And what makes you think we'd believe that?", said Noire.

Linda wanted to say something, but thought against it, fearing that the CPUs would judge her more harshly. She blinked as the Lastation CPU continued.

"And what about that Digimon? That weird, green slime thing. Ugh... just thinking about it makes my skin crawl", said Noire, referring to Numemon.

"He followed me for whatever reason. I don't even know why he wants to be around me", said the pale skinned girl.

"It's true. He was following her when she came out of the sewer. And for some reason he tried to help fight off the Raremon that attacked us", said Uni.

Noire looked at Uni before nodding as she carried on with the interrogation.

"And what about that SkullSatamon? You were with him during the kidnapping incident. Are you in league with him or something?", asked Noire.

Linda looked down at the floor, not responding to the question. This made the raven haired CPU a bit annoyed.

"Well? Out with it! Are you working with him or what?", Noire repeated.

"I can't tell you", said Linda.

"Can't or won't? You better spill the beans or it's gonna look real for your case later on", the raven haired CPU demanded.

Uni placed her hand on her sister, gesturing her to back off for the moment. Shrugging her shoulders, Noire decided to comply and sat down on a nearby chair. Uni then looked back to Linda and she looked back at her.

"If there's something you're not telling us, we have to know. It might help us all here", said Uni.

"I can't tell you", Linda repeated.

Uni felt a bit of fear from her voice. It was as if the pale skinned girl was hiding something, but dare not speak about it for whatever reason. The Lastation Candidate frowned a bit as she tried to press on.

"Linda, I tell something's bothering you. Is there something you're afraid of telling us?", Uni asked softly.

Linda looked away from her, a face of discomfort and fear showing in her expression.

"Please. We can help you if you want. But you have to talk to us", Uni insisted.

"...If I talk, they'll come and...", Linda said before quieting down.

"Who will come? What will they do?" , the Lastation Candidate pressed on.

Then the two CPUs saw a couple of tears form in the pale skinned girl's eyes. She looked at the pair with a scared expression.

"Please, don't let them find me! I don't want to die!", she exclaimed suddenly.

The Lastation sisters were taken aback by this outburst. They stared at the crying girl before looking at each other with concern and worry.


Inside the main living space, the other CPU Candidates had introduced themselves to the newcomer, who did the same in return. They had sat down on the couch and nearby seats with Peashy, discussing about the event that had transpired that day. Hagurumon was with Dracomon, playing a little game of tag as they chased each other around the room. The group would sometimes giggle at the two Digimon's antics.

"So these guys are Digimon, as you call them, right?", asked Peashy.

"Yes. They come from a world almost like ours, only that it is filled with digital creatures", said Nepgear.

"Sounds like a cool place to visit", the blonde haired girl remarked.

It was only then that Peashy had begun to notice that Nepgear had been glaring at her strangely for quite some time. The Lowee twins saw this too. Ever since finding out Peashy's name earlier that day, the lilac haired Candidate had just kept looking at the blonde haired girl for a long time. It was a little unnerving to say the least.

"So... any particular reason behind the weird looks you're giving me?", Peashy asked finally.

"Huh? Oh, I'm sorry... It's just... The Peashy I knew was a bit smaller in person", said Nepgear.

"Oh, right. You did mention that you knew me from somewhere else, right?", the blonde haired girl asked curiously.

"Yes, but she was pretty different", Nepgear explained. "She lives in a different dimension that's pretty much like ours, except it has a few differences. For example, the technology is a bit out of date compared to here, and my sister Neptune, or the Neptune of that dimension, wasn't a CPU of Planetune, but that's another story. Oh, and the Peashy of that dimension was a child when she accidentally became a CPU herself."

Peashy reeled back a bit, shocked by the last part that Nepgear just said. She could not believe what she just heard. In the other dimension that Nepgear spoke of, there was an alternate version of herself that was a CPU. What really surprised her though was the fact that her counterpart was still just a child!

"You're not making this up, right? In that dimension I'm still a child AND a CPU?!", Peashy inquired.

"Ehehehe, yes, but it's a long story, to say the least", said Nepgear sheepishly.

The blonde haired girl was still a little flabbergasted, but was now even more curious than ever. She wondered if she would ever meet this other version of herself one day.

"Wow. I can never imagine myself being a CPU, let alone a child CPU at that", Peashy said.

"It was a big surprise for us too when we found out, and it's even more of a surprise to see you here", said Nepgear.

"Hey, I'm just glad that I get to actually meet the CPU Candidates. It feels like an honor", said the blonde haired girl.

"It's cool. We're glad to have a new friend here", said Ram.

"Any friend of Miss Nepgear is a friend of ours", added Rom.

"Hey, c'mon, you're gonna make me blush", said Peashy, her cheeks turning a light shade of red.

Everyone giggled a little at this, even Peashy, who couldn't help but smile. Then after a minute of silence, Nepgear spoke up again.

"So what brings you all the way to Lastation?", she asked.

This when Peashy's smile slowly started turning into a sad frown. The Candidates looked at her worriedly.

"Hey, what's the matter?", asked Ram.

"Is something wrong?", Rom inquired.

"I'm looking for someone. I lost them here and I don't know where they are now", said Peashy.

The three Candidates looked at each other with concern and then looked back at the blonde haired girl.

"Do you know how you lost your friend?", asked Nepgear.

"All I know is that there was this gust of wind that came by, and when I turned around, my friend was gone. I think they got carried off", said Peashy sadly.

The group looked at her before Dracomon and Hagurumon moved up to her, smiling with confidence.

"Don't worry! We'll help you find your friend!", said the dragon Digimon.

"You really mean that?", asked Peashy hopefully.

"Of course. Probability of finding your missing friend will be greater if we all work together", said the living gear Digimon.

"Yeah. So what do you say?", said Nepgear.

Peashy looked at the group and just smiled.

"Thank you. I'm counting on you", she said happily.

"We'll go out first thing tomorrow morning and go look for your friend. How does that sound?", asked Ram.

"I'm sleepy...", added Rom.

The blonde haired girl yawned and nodded.

"Sounds like a plan. I could use some shut-eye myself", said Peashy.

"Then it's settled. Until then, let's get some sleep", said Nepgear as she stretched her arms.

The group all got up and started making their way to their respective sleeping rooms. They all said goodnight to each other and went inside their rooms to turn in for the night. As Peashy was getting ready for bed, she looked at a mirrior that was on the wall and frowned a bit.

"Why now, of all times, did this have to happen now? If I had known that they had Digimon...", Peashy thought.


Later that night, somewhere out in a forested area, SkullSatamon was standing in a small open space. He looked like he was waiting on something.

"Were are they? If they don't show up soon, I'm coming after them myself, and it's not going to be a happy ending for them", he said.

Then he saw three figures come out from the darkness of the trees. SkullSatamon smiled wickedly as they started to approach.

"Ahhh, finally. Took you long enough", he said.

"We've been waiting for this, boss. I'm ready to bash some heads", said one figure.

"Speak for yourself. This place is a little warm for my tastes", said the other figure, looking at the third one.

"Ignoring this fleabag's complaints, we've been awaiting your signal for quite some time, and now we're ready to carry out your instructions, SkullSatamon", the third figure said.

The first figure was a yellow muscular creature who looked almost disfigured-like. His left arm and both of his feet had four black claws, while his right arm was larger and had three red claws. His head had a long mouth with a brown skull-like helmet with a single horn protruding from the top. He had only a single blue eye on his left side, a spiked metal pad on his right shoulder, black spikes on his spinal region, and a long tail that was half organic and half metallic.

The second figure was more beastly-like. It resembled a large wolf that had periwinkle colored fur with dark blue tiger stripes, black claws on all four of it's paws, and a curly tail. He was snarling as he looked at the third figure.

The third figure was a large bird-like creature whose body and large wings were almost entirely covered in black flames, except for its golden colored eyes, its large mouth with protruding teeth, and its two feet armed with five black talons. He rolled his eyes as he ignored the wolf's snarling.

"Cyclomon, Gururumon, Saberdramon. I believe the time has come for you to make yourselves useful at last", said SkullSatamon.

"It's about time! What do you want us to do, boss?", asked Cyclomon.

"Calm yourself, my one-eyed minion. I've cooked up a plan for a three pronged assault on those wretched CPUs. And I can't think of anyone more suitable to assist me with such a task than you", the fallen angel Digimon said.

"A three way attack? Not to question your orders, master, but what good will that do?", Saberdramon inquired.

"For once, I agree with the bird brain here. Wouldn't it be easier to attack them with all of us together one at a time?", asked Gururumon.

"Normally I would suggest that, but your master's master demands that we get this done quickly. Which is why I'm giving this order to you now", SkullSatamon explained.

He looked at the three Digimon ominously before continuing.

"You will each head to the other countries and steal the Sharicite crystals from the CPUs. You will not let them stop you, you will not falter, and you WILL return with the Sharicite crystals. And if you dare to come back empty handed, well then..."

SkullSatamon then traced his thumb over his neck area in a slitting motion, making the three other Digimon squirm in terror.

"So, to recap: Steal the CPUs Sharicite, and either come back with them or don't come back at all. A difficult choice, is it not?", said the fallen angel Digimon.

The three Digimon looked at each other before looking back at SkullSatamon and nodded, understanding their objectives.

"Yes master! We shall not fail", they said in unison.

See that you do not. Now then", said SkullSatamon. "Saberdramon, you head to Leanbox and steal their Sharicite. Gururumon, you will get the one from Lowee."

"Yes, my master", Saberdramon said obediently.

"You got it", added Gururumon.

"And you, Cyclomon, will accompany me to Lastation. I'll need some muscle to distract the CPUs there, should they decide to try and get in my way", said SkullSatamon.

"Alright! I get to smash stuff!", exclaimed the one-eyed Digimon.

"Wait a moment. Why are you heading to Lastation as well?", asked Gururumon.

"My master has also ordered me to... 'take care' of someone, if you know what I mean", said SkullSatamon.

The three Digimon looked at their master for a moment but realization came to them. They grinned and nodded.

"Now, let us commence. We will succeed, no matter what!", the fallen angel Digimon said.

They then split up in different directions, each of them heading to their assigned destinations in each land.


At the Digi-Lab, Mirei was running some simulations on her laptop. She had grown increasingly concerned over the events that had transpired thus far. From the Machinedramon incident to the kidnapping attempt by SkullSatamon. Then there was the theft of Planetune's Sharicite committed by the dark Digimon. It seemed to her that there was more going on than everyone had thought.

"Why would SkullSatamon steal a CPU's source of power? It can't be just to make her weak", Mirei thought aloud.

The purple haired woman then decided to look back at another simulation that she had been working on earlier. It was a program involving digital waves and the boundaries between worlds. She felt like she could find something there that she might have overlooked.

"I know that some of the Digimon had been appearing in Gameindustri due to the walls between worlds starting to weaken in some places", Mirei monologued. "But what really puzzles me is how that Machinedramon appeared. There would have to be a large amount of data and energy needed to make something like that appear."

Then she stared at the screen of her laptop. Her thoughts went back to the Sharicite theft, and then an idea suddenly came to her. The purple haired woman then opened up her other simulation next to her current program and then started typing in some new data.

"What if THAT is what he's really after?", she said, now tensing up.

After a few minutes of typing, a new simulation was made, which had confirmed her worst fears. According to her program, the power of a fully charged Sharicite is almost similar to that of a supercomputer or a nuclear power plant. One Sharicite crystal alone, though, would not be enough to create something like a digital gate. However...

"Since there are four nations in Gameindustri, each with their own CPU, then... Oh no...", said Mirei.

Just then, her communicator started beeping. She checked to see who it was, but there was no ID on it. Something about this didn't feel right to her. In the end, though, she hesitantly answered the unknown caller.

"Who is this?", the purple haired woman asked.

"Why, Mirei, after so many years of being apart, you you don't recognize your long lost colleague?", said an ominous voice on the other end.

Mirei froze in place as she heard the voice. It was as if she had seen a ghost from the past, or in this case, heard a ghost.

"It can't be...", she managed to utter. " But you were-"

"Presumed missing or dead?" Sorry to say, but those reports have been greatly exaggerated", the voice said.

The purple haired woman looked at her laptop, fearing that something might happen. As Mirei reached towards her laptop, the voice spoke up.

"Ah ah ah! Don't even think about it, my former assistant. I can have your entire place blow up on you if I so feel like it. And don't even bother trying to trace this call. You will fail", the voice threatened.

The purple haired woman growled under her breath and slowly sat back down. She feared for what will happen if the caller's hand was forced, but she also feared for what might happen if she doesn't do something fast.

"How did you even find me here", she asked.

"Come now, Mirei. Did you seriously believe a digitized pocket dimension can conceal you from me? That was originally MY idea, you know", said the voice.

"When I found out you had other ulterior motives in mind, I had to get that program away from you", the purple haired woman said.

"And that didn't stop me from reaching the Digital World, now did it?", the caller said.

Mirei was nervous. She wanted to keep the conversation going until she could find a way to shut the voice out without harming herself and any of her equipment.

"...What do you want?", said Mirei.

"Oh, I just thought you and I could chat for a bit. After all, it has been a long time since you and I have spoke to each other", said the voice.

"You wouldn't be calling me unless you wanted something", said Mirei.

"I see your deductive skills are as sharp as ever. Yes. I am calling because you seem to be poking your nose into things when you shouldn't be", he said.

"I don't know what you mean...", said the purple haired woman.

"Don't play dumb with me. You know what I mean. I already know that you are helping those brats in that other world... CPUs, as they're called?", said the voice.

Mirei started to sweat. The caller had somehow found out where she was and who the CPUs were. She feared what else this person has figured out as well.

"Has his programming and hacking skills really progressed this far after so long?", Mirei thought.

"I also know that you have been trying to help them from the sidelines, while also trying to figure out why the walls between their world and the Digital World grow thinner with each passing day", the voice continued.

"Tch...!", Mirei muttered.

"Judging by that reaction, I guess I've hit the mark", said the voice before chuckling.

"And what if I were helping them? If you know about it all, why are you calling me in the first place?", Mirei asked hesistantly.

"Because I know that you won't be able to stop me this time. I won't be denied of my ultimate goal", said the voice.

"Much like how you were beaten by a single boy and his Digimon?", Mirei mocked.

"Watch your tongue, my former assistant", the voice snarled.

Mirei mentally giggled at this, but remained cautious, not knowing what her "colleague" would do next.

"The only reason I haven't stopped you permanently is because a part of me still has some respect towards you. Emphases on 'some'", the voice continued. "However I still cannot allow you to interfere for now, so I'll leave you with a parting gift..."

Suddenly, the lights in the Digi-Lab started going crazy, flickering on and off, while Mirei's laptop started showing a weird screen that depicted a series of code that showed as letters and numbers. After a few seconds, her laptop suddenly shut down, as did every system in the Digi-Lab, sav for her communicator. The purple haired woman had a shocked looked on her face as she processed what she had just witnessed.

"You madman... You sent a computer virus to crash my computer and my Lab", she deduced.

"Do not worry. There's no permanent damage. My new partner wanted me to ensure that some... sensitive information doesn't fall into the wrong hands", said the voice.

"New partner?", Mirei asked.

"I'm afraid that's all the time I have for you, my former assistant. I have a busy schedule to keep, so I must be going now. Oh, and tell your allies to expect a call from 'Mr. A.' shortly. Ciao", said the voice before hanging up the line.

Mirei sighed as she looked around in the now dark room. Then she smirked as she heard a whirring sound. The lights soon came back on. The systems in the Digi-Lab were coming back to life. Then she walked to a nearby wall and pressed her hand on it. A hidden panel opened up, revealing a second laptop.

"It's a good thing I always keep back-ups around, the purple haired woman said.

She opened it up, turned it on, and after a few minutes of searching through her files, managed to bring up her previous programs before her systems were hacked into.

"There's no time to waste. I'll need to warn the CPUs once I get everything repaired and see if my theory about the Sharicite is correct", she said.

And so Mirei continued her work, determined to figure out the end goal of SkullSatamon's dark scheme. One thought still came to mind to the purple haired woman.

"How could HE have survived? I thought he and his dark influence were vanquished", Mirei thought.


I wanted to add more to this chapter, but I couldn't fit the start of the next set of events into the rest of this one. I also said that I wouldn't take as long as last time, so I figured might as well post this now while I am out of ideas for now.

Now that conversation with Mirei and that mystery caller seemed pretty ominous. Though for those who have played the original DW1 and Next Order, you might have already figured out who it was. But I wouldn't recommend spoiling it in the reviews. No, that's something for everyone to figure out on their own. ;P

Hope you enjoyed this chapter, my fellow readers. If you did, be sure to leave a review, and follow for more chapters like this if you haven't already. Thanks for reading and I'll see you in the next one. Have a good one!