How's it going everyone? Hope you had a good start to the New Year. And if not, then that's okay, because I'm sure that this chapter is sure to brighten your day.
Took a little longer than I thought to make this, but I think it's time to finish one arc and start another. That's right, everyone. It's time for our heroes and their Digimon friends to enter the Digital World! What will they find in their new journey? And what dangers await the CPUs and their Digimon? Only one way to find out. Get ready for a new chapter, readers!
Disclaimer: I do not own Digimon or the Hyperdimension Neptunia series. Both franchises belong to their respective companies.
Chapter 29: To The Digital World!
The CPUs, their friends and their Digimon gathered at the balcony. Everyone who had a Digivice placed them together, aiming them in a single direction. Then their devices glowed in a rainbow of light. Then, a large wave of light shot out of their devices towards the end of the balcony. The light started creating a vortex that grew larger until it reached a size big enough for everyone to fit through. They could now enter the Digital World whenever they were ready. They turned to Histoire one last time.
"We'll be back before you know it, Histy!", said Neptune cheerfully.
"Good luck, everyone. And may fortune smile upon you all", the Oracle said as she waved them off.
Then the whole group looked at each other before smiling.
"To the Digital World!", they all exclaimed.
They jumped through the portal, vanishing out of sight. As soon as the last person made it through, the portal started to become smaller until at last, it closed completely. Histoire stared at where the portal once was. She was now placing all of her hopes in the CPUs and their Digimon, praying that they will make a safe return.
"Please, come back soon...", she said softly.
On the other side of the portal, the whole group were amazed by what they were seeing. From what they could make out in the distance, everything around them looked like a bunch of zeros and ones. There were also green cubical grids floating in the air. Then they stared at the ground that they were standing on. It looked like giant cubes with green glowing circuit paths. It was unlike anything they had ever seen before.
"Is this really the Digital World?", Nepgear asked.
"It almost looks like the beginning of that film I once seen. I think it was called The M-", said Uni before being cutoff.
"Ahhh! No no no no no!", cried Neptune.
"What is it, Neptune?! Don't tell me that we left someone behind!", said Noire.
"It's not that! We can't say the names of movies like that! This story doesn't have the budget for it!", the lilac haired CPU said.
"What budget are you talking about? Geez, not even five minutes in this place and already you're spouting nonsense", said Blanc.
"As much as our series is known for making references to media and stuff, there are fine lines that just shouldn't be crossed", said Neptune.
Everyone just stared at her for a moment before sighing, not wanting to deal with her weirdness and fourth wall breaking antics again. The Digimon were just as confused as their partners were. Everyone took another look at the realm that they were in. No matter where they turned, nothing but zeros and ones could be seen. There was hardly any signs of life.
"This can't be the Digital World we've heard about", said Vert.
"If I must hazard a guess, this realm could be a world between worlds", stated Hagurumon.
"Of course! Like a pathway or a bridge that connects our worlds together!", Nepgear explained.
"So is this something that the D-Brigade or any other Digimon travel through before entering our world?", Peashy pondered aloud.
"I don't know. When I ended up in Gameindustri, I don't think I ever went through something like this", said BlackTerriermon.
"I must agree. I do not recall entering this place before leaving the Digital World", added Hagurumon.
Everyone looked at the other Digimon and asked them if they experienced anything like the digital void that they were standing in. All of their partners shook their heads, except for Dorumon, who seemed to be thinking a little more about it.
"Thought of something, oh purple buddy of mine?", Neptune asked.
"I don't know why... but I think I was in a place like this... when I was chasing Machinedramon", said Dorumon.
"Really? Can you recall anything else?", Nepgear inquired.
Everyone wanted to know what Dorumon had went through when he entered Gameindustri ever since he and Neptune had fought the Machinedramon when they first met. The purple Digimon thought long and hard, trying to remember if there was anything else from his past. Sadly, he shook his head, unable to remember anything else. The group was a bit disappointed.
"Well, one thing's for sure, this place is pretty trippy. I wonder- Woooaaah!", Neptune said before shouting all of a sudden.
Everyone turned to see that the Planetune CPU had almost fallen over the edge of the platform that they were standing on. Luckily, though, she managed to catch herself before stumbling backwards on her rear. Her Digimon ran over to her.
"Are you alright, Nep?", Dorumon asked.
"You must be more careful, Neptune. We're in unfamiliar territory", added Ryudamon.
"I'm fine. But, uh... can anyone look over the edge and tell me what they see?", Neptune inquired.
Everyone just stared at her for a moment, thinking she was just saying more random things. But when they saw the shocked look on her face, they felt that she may be serious this time around. They decided to see what got the lilac haired girl spooked all of a sudden. When the group looked over the edge, they too were shocked by the sight. From what they could see, there looked like there was no bottom at all. Just an empty and endless void of zeros and ones. None of them wanted to know what was down there, or what would happen if they fell down there at all.
"Yikes!", said Rom.
"Wow! It looks like it goes on forever", stated Ram.
"I think it does. Best not to test it, though", said Blucomon.
"This is giving me the creeps...", said Linda.
"Okay, let's just relax. I'm sure it's not like you can get lost forever if you just fall in", Neptune waved off.
"Um, sis... Are you sure about that?", Nepgear asked her sister.
"At least it's not like the Gameindustri Graveyard", said Noire, shivering at the sound of the name.
"Still, there's got to be a way out of this. Otherwise we wouldn't be here if there weren't", stated Peashy.
They looked all around for an exit somewhere, searching for anything out of the ordinary. Not that the realm they were in was normal to begin with. Then BlackTerriermon started shouting.
"There! I see something!", the black rabbit Digimon said.
The group turned to see where he was pointing at. Up ahead were more of the cube shaped platforms, forming a pathway throughout the realm. This intrigued the CPUs and their Digimon.
"That looks like a way forward, alright", said Uzume.
"If we're right, it should lead us to where we're supposed to go", added Noire.
"Or it could just lead straight to a place worse than this. Still, I guess it's worth checking out", Linda commented.
"Well then, what are we waiting for? Let's go!", said Dracomon excitedly.
Everyone started on their way down the path of cubes, keeping an eye out for any sign of something that looked like part of the Digital World. Unknown to them, however, they were being watched. At the platform they had started on, something had slowly started rising from one of the cubes. It almost looked like a head with no eyes, and it seemed to resemble the realm itself. It then slowly moved its head back inside the cubed platform, vanishing out of sight.
Back in Gameindustri, IF and Compa had received the news about what had happened. After the CPUs and their Digimon had left for the Digital World, Histoire had informed the two what was going on. They felt surprised and disappointed that they left without the two, but both the Guild agent and the nurse knew that the CPUs were capable of taking care of themselves, especially when they had their Digimon friends protecting them. Still, the two couldn't help but feel a little left out.
"Geez. You'd think that Neptune would ask us to come with, let alone fill us in", sighed IF.
"It's okay, Iffy. We can't always be there for her and the others", said Compa.
"Yeah. But I still would've liked to go with them. I actually wanted to see what the Digital World looks like", the Guild agent stated.
"You got no arguments from me", said a voice from behind the pair.
IF and Compa turned around to see who it was. Coming up from behind them was the Ultradimension version of Neptune. The pair smiled as the lilac haired girl walked up to them.
"What's up?", she said, waving a hand.
"Big Nep-Nep!", Compa cheered.
"Hey. What brings you here?", IF asked.
"I thought you two looked lonely. And you sure were giving off that vibe, so I figured I hang out with ya for a bit", said Adult Neptune.
The Guild agent and the nurse both thanked her for her kindness and decided to talk to her about what had been happening recently, from how an invasion force sent by the D-Brigade was stopped by the CPUs and their Digimon to how they had just left Gameindustri to enter the Digital World. Needless to say, the dimension hopper was a bit miffed.
"Aw man! I should've been there with them! You know how much I like seeing new worlds!", Adult Neptune pouted.
"If it's all the same to you, I would've like to go with them, too", said IF sympathetically.
"It's like my grandpa always said: 'No use crying over spilled milk'", said Compa.
"Compa's got a point. Besides, it's up to us to keep an eye on things here while the others are away", the brown haired girl stated.
"I guess you're right. Plus, it finally gives me an excuse to hang out more", said Adult Neptune, cheering up again.
"That's the spirit. Now, c'mon. We going to ask the Gold Third for some help", said IF.
The other two nodded as they all started on their way once again. They were still disappointed that they couldn't go with the CPUs to the Digital World. But they knew that there would be other opportunities. In the meantime, the girls decided to help look after Gameindustri and protect the peace while the Goddesses and their Digimon venture off to save another world. Whatever threat comes their way, they felt that they would be ready for it.
Minutes had felt like hours as the CPUs and their friends continued walking through the digital void, unsure how long the path was or where they were even going. It was as if the path was endless. Needless to say, Neptune was getting a bit restless.
"Ugh... Are we there yet?", she groaned.
"It's already been ten minutes, Neptune, and already you're whining? We're not even close yet", said Noire.
"It feels more like ten hours, or days, or months, or years. I'm getting bored here!", the lilac haired CPU said.
The Lastation Goddess just sighed, not wanting to deal with Neptune's antics.
Tailing behind the group, Nisa, Linda and Numemon were walking side by side one another. Every other minute, Nisa would glance at the grey skinned girl, who paid her no mind. It felt unnerving to the blue haired heroine to be next to a former enemy, especially after how Linda had once kidnapped both Nepgear and Uzume a few weeks ago. Even though the CPUs and their Digimon had told her that the former criminal had reformed, a part of the blue haired girl didn't really believe it. Although she was not the type to hold a grudge, Nisa felt she still could not trust this former criminal. After glancing once more at her, Linda sighed and turned to the heroine.
"Okay. What's your problem? I can feel you looking at me", she said in an annoyed tone.
"Forgive me, but... I'm still not convinced that you are on our side", said Nisa.
"Look, I don't care if you trust me or not. Things have changed recently, and I've been turning over a new leaf ever since. I'm tired of being on the run and being a bad guy", the green haired girl stated.
"Even so, trust is earned, not given. The CPUs may be able to vouch for you. But I still have my doubts", Nisa replied.
"C'mon, you can totally trust her. She saved my life a few times, so she's got to have a heart of gold somewhere", said Numemon.
"I-I do not! I just didn't want to see him get wasted, is all", Linda stammered.
The blue haired heroine was a bit puzzled by this. The former member of ASIC she knew didn't care who she harmed or left behind just to get her way. Nisa wondered what made her change her ways. Was it because of the Digimon that befriended her? Or was it something else that the grey skinned girl was keeping to herself? Whatever the case, Nisa felt that Linda wasn't going to tell her anytime soon. Still, she pondered on the idea for a bit.
"It's like she's become different somehow. Has she really reformed?", the heroine thought.
"Anyway, if you don't believe I changed, that's fine. Right now, I just want to turn my life around and do some good for a change", Linda continued.
With that said, the grey skinned girl continued on to catch up with the others, with Numemon tailing behind her. Nisa followed them in silence, not wanting to press the issue any further for the time being. Up ahead of them, Peashy couldn't help but overhear their conversation. She wondered if she could vouch for Linda's reformation, but decided to save the idea for another time.
Another minute went by, and the CPUs were starting to lose patience.
"I swear, it feels like we've been going in circles. When are we going to find this Digital World?", Blanc said.
"I'm getting bored here! Isn't there anything to do her besides walking?", Ram whined.
"How about we play I Spy?", Rom suggested.
"Oh! Me first!", said Neptune. "I spy with my little eye... Something green and numeral..."
"You mean the void that we're in?", deadpanned Noire.
"Ding ding ding! We have a winner, and the prize is a chicken dinner!", said Neptune.
"Honestly, how about something a little harder? Like something nearby?", the Lastation CPU asked.
"Alright. I spy something lonely and tsundere", the lilac haired CPU said smugly.
"...To whom are you directly referring to with that?", Noire said in an annoyed tone.
"Walked right into that one, didn't you?", said Dracomon.
"Oh, who asked you?!", exclaimed Noire.
Neptune just giggled teasingly. As the group marched on, Dorumon sniffed the air for a moment. Then he suddenly started growling, bearing his fangs and raising his tail up. Everyone stopped in their tracks when they saw him do this, knowing what his actions signified: Danger was approaching them.
"Something's coming!", said Dorumon.
Everyone huddled together, watching for signs of anything out of the ordinary. Even the CPUs were on edge, a little more than usual. Since they were no longer in Gameindustri, they were cut off from their Share energy, so they could not transform into their HDD. And if they cannot access their Goddess forms, then the CPUs could not fight as effectively. Everyone who had a Digimon pulled out their Digivices, ready to Digivolve their partners at a moment's notice. Just then, something was emerging.
One by one, multiple bodies started rising up from the cubed platform. They looked like large, clear black bodies with green lines, almost as if they were living grids. They hade no eyes, noses or even mouths. It was as if they were lifeless forms. And yet they were moving like they were alive. It felt disturbing to the group.
"Are they some kind of Digimon?", Uni inquired.
Aiming her Digivice at one of the digital lifeforms, Nepgear scanned them before a strange beeping noise occurred. She was confused at first, but then a holographic image of the creatures appeared.
"It says they're called Rockmon. This is odd... There's no other information available other than its attacks: Guardian Bomb and Anti-Digi Beam", the lilac haired Candidate said.
"Are you sure it ain't broke or something, Nep Jr.?", Neptune asked her sister.
"No, I don't think so. I'm checking right now", Nepgear said.
"So, are they Digimon or not?", asked Noire.
"Even I do not know if they're Digimon. I have never seen anything like them before", stated Hagurumon.
"Yeah. These guys are giving me the creeps", said Dracomon.
"They're just standing there... menacingly!", Ram said.
"Not good...", added Rom.
"Wait a minute, Rockmon? I don't see no rocks or boulders. Not even a pebble. Are they like a rock band or something?", said Neptune.
"I think it's because of their grid-like patterns", stated Nepgear.
Suddenly, the Rockmons started marching towards the group. The CPUs and their friends were getting nervous. Their Digimon stood in front of them, ready to Digivolve and fight at any time. When the grid-like Digimon got closer, they stopped just a couple of yards away from everyone. They wondered what they were doing or what they were about to do. Then one of the Rockmon's stepped forwards, then stopped after moving a couple of feet.
At first, the CPUs were a bit confused, but then something appeared over the Rockmon's "face". It looked like something like white noise on a TV screen. Then the static cleared up, revealing a face. It looked like a human face with glasses over his eyes and black hair on his head. He was smirking sinisterly as the CPUs and their Digimon stared at him.
"Greetings, CPUs", the face said.
The group were a bit unnerved at first. But when he spoke, they recognized the man who was speaking to them.
"I know that voice... It's Mr. Alphabet or whatever!", said Neptune.
Everyone stumbled after hearing the lilac haired CPU's comment, dumbfounded by how she could not even remember the man's name.
"That's Mr. A., you fruitcake!", Noire scolded.
"Ohhh, right. Sorry. It's just that we only ever heard from this guy once, and I just couldn't be bothered to memorize him all the way", said Neptune.
Mr. A. raised an eyebrow at their conversation, unsure of what to make of it.
"Are you crazy or just stupid?", he asked.
"No. It's mostly just her and her dog", said Blanc, also referring to Dorumon.
"I'm not a dog! Sheesh!", exclaimed the purple Digimon in question.
"At any rate, you got some nerve showing your face, Mr. A. What do you want with us?", Uni inquired.
"Please, call me Analogman. Now, I heard you were going to enter the Digital World, regardless of being warned by one of my... associates", said Analogman.
"Associates? You mean that ChaosDukemon guy?", Peashy said.
"Very perceptive of you. I figured that you would not heed his advice, so I decided to send some friends to give you some added persuasion", said the man.
"Why are you working with a Digimon like him? Both him and the D-Brigade want to destroy the people of Gameindustri!", said Uzume.
"Lets just say that I was given an opportunity that I could not refuse. Now I have a chance to rule over all, both humans AND Digimon", Analogman said.
"Is that so? Well, it just so happens that we're not gonna let that happen, so step aside specs!", said Neptune.
Analogman then laughed, confusing the CPUs for a moment, before he recomposed himself.
"Oh, I think not. Do you not see that you are surrounded? You cannot hope to escape my army. Why do you think you ended up in this place to begin with?", he said.
They all just stared at him for a moment. Then, a sudden realization had hit them: Analogman had somehow lured them into this digital realm!
"You brought us here somehow. That's what this is about!", said Nepgear.
"Correct. Yes, I had anticipated that you would try to enter the Digital World. Which is why I made this special world between worlds to make sure your trip ends before it can even begin", said Analogman.
"Well if that's how it is, then we'll just have to break out of here!", said Blanc.
"Is my army not a clear indication of how this going to end? I can be merciful, however. Walk on back to where you came from, and we can forget this whole experience. Or better yet, you can surrender your lives to the rule of the D-Brigade and ChaosDukemon", said the man.
"If there's one thing about us that you should know, it's that we never surrender, no matter what odds we face", said Vert.
"I urge you to reconsider, CPUs. Consider the lives you'll be putting at risk", Analogman threatened.
"We're prepared to risk everything to save our worlds from any danger, including you!", shouted Nisa.
"Yeah! We're going to save both Gameindustri and the Digital World, no matter what!", added Peashy.
Analogman just stared at the group and their Digimon for a moment, unable to understand what made them think they can escape this encounter. He smiled sinisterly before continuing once more.
"I see. Well then, let's just see how far that bravado gets you. But even if you do get past my minions, you'll never survive what awaits you in the Digital World. I guarantee it. Rockmons, attack!", the man said.
And with that, his digital image disappeared. The grid-like Digimons then started marching slowly towards the group. The four CPUs held out their Digivices, while their partners stood ready.
"We'll handle these guys. The rest of you go find the exit. We'll join up with you later", said Noire.
"You got it, sis. Alright, lets go!", said Uni.
The Candidates and their friends split off from the CPUs and their Digimon. Some of the Rockmons turned to try and chase after them, but the Goddess's Digimon partners stood in their way. Their Digivices glowed, and the CPUs called out the code phrase.
"Digivolve!"
Colorful beams of light soon shot out from their Digivices and engulfed the Digimon. Their Digivolution had begun.
"Dorumon, Digivolve to...!", said Dorumon before changing into his Champion form. "Dorugamon!"
"Ryudamon, Digivolve to...!", said the armored Digimon as he evolved to his next form as well. "Ginryumon!"
"Dracomon, Digivolve to...!", the small dragon exclaimed as he was Digivolved. "Coredramon!"
"Blucomon, Digivolve to...!", yelled Blucomon before becoming bigger. "Paledramon!"
"Lalamon, Digivolve to...!", shouted the plant Digimon as she changed into her Champion level. "Sunflowmon!"
The CPUs and their Digimon stood against the mob of Rockmons marching towards them. They would not let any of them pass no matter what. They could only hope that they can hold out long enough so that their friends can find the exit to the actual Digital World.
Somewhere in the Digital World, near a vast mountain range, there was an active military base being run by the D-Brigade. Many Commandramons and Tankmons were either marching in platoons or training for future battles with their enemy. Others were out on patrol or doing odd jobs like sorting equipment and supplies, practicing on their aim at the firing range, or even keeping a lookout for anything out of the ordinary. It was like a well oiled machine of military order.
There were some buildings at the base, ranging from armories to bunks and hangers. Inside the main HQ, Analogman was standing in what seemed to be an observation room, which was overlooking the entire base. Some Commandramon stood guard at the door, while the black haired man stood in silence, looking outward towards the Digital World. He was still pondering on why the CPUs and their allies were so determined to save both worlds.
"Those brats and their Digimon are so stubborn. They're just as determined as that kid who ruined my life all those years ago when I tried to conquer the Digital World once before", he thought. "But I won't make the same mistake as last time. Soon both them and their Digimon will serve me or be destroyed..."
Just then, a door opened up a few feet behind him. It was a creature that was taller than the Commandramons. He had a longer tail, dark grey armor covering his whole body, a combat knife sheathed on his chest, and a crested helmet that had a clear eye piece on the left side and a red cybernetic eye on the right. Analogman turned to face the individual, who kneeled in his presence.
"What is it, Sealsdramon?", he asked.
"My leader, Lord ChaosDukemon is contacting us. He wishes to speak to you personally", said the elite Digimon.
"Put him through, immediately. All of you, leave at once", Analogman ordered.
Both Sealsdramon and the Commandramon guards nodded in compliance as they started to exit the room. When they were gone, the windows and door were suddenly covered by what seemed to be metal blast panels. The room got dark, and a tall shadowy presence formed in front of the human. Analogman knelled before it, bowing his head as the form took shape. Soon the dark figure took shape, revealing a familiar individual. It was a shadow-like version of ChaosDukemon. His yellow eyes peered down at the human before speaking up.
"Have you set up the trap for the CPUs?", the dark knight Digimon inquired.
"Yes, my lord. They have no idea what's going to happen the moment they enter the Digital World", said Analogman.
"Good. Their strength comes from them all being together. We must take apart that strength, piece by piece", said ChaosDukemon.
"I still say you should let my minions destroy them while we have the chance", Analogman suggested.
"No. Our master wants to make sure that the CPUs are destroyed here, in the actual Digital World", said the dark knight Digimon.
"I just don't see how I'll be able to rule the Digital World with those brats running loose. In fact-", the arrogant human said before being interrupted by ChosDukemon.
"You will rule nothing!", the Digimon boomed loudly. "Or do I need to remind you of your... condition?"
He then raised his hand towards Analogman, who flinched immediately when he saw it glowing in a dark light. He bowed his head back down, not daring to look back up at ChaosDukemon.
"T-That won't be necessary, m-my lord... I-I understand my role in the master plan...", said Analogman relunctantly.
"Good. I would hate to have to take away what keeps you from disappearing completely", said the dark knight Digimon.
He then lowered his arm, the dark light fading. Analogman sighed internally before ChaosDukemon continued.
"Now, the only thing you shall be concerned about for now is keeping the CPUs distracted in that digital dungeon for as long as possible. After that task is complete, you will await further orders. Is that understood?", he said.
"Yes, Lord ChaosDukemon...", the human said.
"Very good. Now then, I must reconvene with our master. You have your orders. Goodbye for now, human", said ChaosDukemon.
And with that said, his shadowy form started to dissipate, until it vanished completely. The room became bright again, and the metal blast panels retracted back to where they once were. Analogman stood back up and growled under his breath, his fury showing in his eyes.
"Blasted Digimon! Sooner or later, you will learn who your real master is! I will regain what I lost that day, and the Digital World will be mine to rule!", he thought.
He then resumed to overlooking the D-Brigade base, pondering on what to do next.
Back in the digital void, the CPUs and their Digimon were fending off the hoard of Rockmons so that the Candidates and their friends can splinter off and find the exit to the Digital World. Although the CPUs were unable to fight due to being cut off from their HDD, their Digimon were more than capable of holding their own.
Everyone had split up, hoping that they can divide the number of enemies. So far it had been at least ten minutes since they had engaged the Rockmon hoard. It was now coming to blows, as both sides were throwing in everything they got. The Rockmons were tough, especially with their overwhelming numbers. However the CPUs and their Digimon were determined not to lose. The Digimon partners were even managing to reduce the number of enemies around them.
The grid-like Digimons were swiping away at Dorugamon and Ryudamon, who either dodged or took the hits head on. Then they countered and slashed at some of the Rockmons with their claws, or chomped down on others with their jaws and teared into them. They would then use their Power Metal and Metal Armor Break to blast them away, even knocking them into other Rockmons in the process.
"That's the spirit!", Neptune cheered.
Meanwhile, Paledramon was engaged with three more Rockmons, who tried to attack him with a series of Anti-Digi Beams. However the ice dragon Digimon leapt up out of the way, and then started breathing in heavily.
"Ice Age!", he said as he blasts a stream of cold air out of his mouth.
The cold wave started to freeze the Rockmons in place, eventually turning them into blocks of ice. They would not be able to break free from their icy cages for a while.
"Nice one", Blanc remarked.
Elsewhere, Noire, Vert, Coredramon, and Sunflowmon were starting to get surrounded by an angry mob of Rockmons. They were intent on swarming the group from all sides. Nodding to each other, they turned to their partners with a determined expression on their faces. They nodded back, preparing to make an attack.
"Down!" Noire exclaimed, ducking to the ground with Vert.
The Rockmons charged at them, but both Coredramon and Sunflowmon were ready for their assault, and were already preparing one of their own.
"Blue Flare Breath!", exclaimed the blue dragon Digimon, blasting a stream of blue fire at the Rockmons.
"Sunshine Beam!", added the plant Digimon, her face glowing before a large continuous beam of light shot out.
Both attack were aimed in the same direction. And due to their close proximity to one another, the attacks started to combine into one. The combined stream of fire and light blasted away the swarm of Rockmons one by one. Then they started directing the stream in a clockwise motion, hitting the other grid-like Digimons as they got close. Within a matter of seconds, they were all either blasted away or knocked out. A few of them were possibly even deleted. Noire and Vert were impressed by the two Digimon's combined attack.
"Not bad. I never thought of mixing attacks like that", Noire commented.
"We should try that tactic more often", added Vert.
The CPUs and their Digimon gathered together again, searching for any signs of any straggling Rockmons still remaining. Some of them were still left standing, unwilling to back down and surrender.
"Jeez. Is there no end to these things?", said Blanc, annoyed by the fact that there were still some enemies left.
"Don't get your panties in a knot. We'll clear'em all out if that's what it takes!", said Neptune.
As the CPUs and their Digimon prepared to fight them off yet again, they heard some frantic steps coming from behind them. The CPUs turned around to see Nepgear and Hagurumon coming towards them.
"Everyone! We've found the way out!", Nepgear exclaimed.
"Good work, dear sister of mine!", said Vert.
"Hey, that's MY Nep Jr., Vert!", Neptune scolded.
"Follow us! We can't stay here forever!", Hagurumon stated.
Everyone followed both Nepgear and the gear Digimon, hoping that the way out wasn't far. The remaining Rockmon's slowly started to give chase, determined to catch the CPUs and their Digimon. Dorugamon saw this and decided to make sure that they don't follow.
"Not today, guys! Power Metal!", he exclaimed as he blasted multiple iron spheres from his mouth.
He aimed his attack at the platforms that the Rockmons were standing on, forming cracks from the stress of the impacts. After a few seconds, the platforms crumbled, and the grid-like Digimons unable to stop themselves or get away, started to lose their footing and fall into the digital void below. They kept falling until they vanished out of sight.
"Way to go, Digi-buddy!", cheered Neptune.
"Now we don't have to worry about any of them chasing us", said Dorugamon.
"Well then, let's hurry before more of them show up", added Ginryumon.
The CPUs and their Digimon then continued on their way, wanting to find a way out of the digital void as quickly as possible. Watching from afar, however, a single Rockmon managed to survive. A holographic screen appeared over its face, revealing to be that of Analog man. He squinted his eyes as he watched the group move further away to their destination.
"Alright, Lord ChaosDukemon. I've done my part. Now it's just a matter of time...", he said.
His holographic screen disappeared, and the Rockmon started to sink into the platform it was standing on, still staring out into the void. After a few more seconds, the grid-like Digimon disappeared completely.
A few minutes of walking later, the CPUs and their now De-Digivolved Digimon caught up with the others. They all looked to see what they had found. In front of them all was a large vortex that looked like it could fit everyone inside. It felt strange to them, however.
"Alrighty! Let's head on through guys!", said Neptune.
She was about to walk towards the vortex, but suddenly Noire pulled her back.
"Hold on there, Neptune. Something doesn't feel right about this at all", the raven haired CPU said.
"What are you talking about, girl? The exit's right there", said Neptune.
"Exactly. This was way too easy", said Noire.
"I think I got to go with Noire on this one. This all feels staged somehow", said Blanc.
"Those Rockmons didn't look like they were trying that hard to stop us. And the fact that no more have shown up bothers me", added Vert.
"Yeah. That Analogman person doesn't seem like the type to just give up so easily", stated Nepgear.
"Indeed. For all we know, this could be a trap", said Hagurumon.
"Where's your sense of adventure, guys? We don't know if its really a trap or not", said Neptune.
"Yeah. And trap or not, we can't stay here. The Digital World needs our help!", added Dorumon.
"They're right. We can't stick around here while there's injustice in another world", said Nisa.
Everyone else looked at each other, unsure of what to do. They knew that they could not stay in the digital void, but the fact that everything up until now felt too easy was still unnerving them. In the end, they shrugged their shoulders and decided to go for it.
"Okay! Let's get out there and save the Digital World and stuff!", said Neptune.
One by one, they all followed the lilac haired CPU into the vortex, not knowing where they'll end up in the Digital World. As they went through the portal, they were blinded by the intense light it was emitting. When the light finally faded, Neptune, Dorumon, and Ryudamon opened their eyes to see where they were at. They were amazed by the sight that lay in front of them.
They were on a tall hilltop overlooking some of the landscape. From a mountain range in the distance to huge forests and fields, it was a beautiful view. At first, Neptune thought that she was back in Gameindustri again. But when she looked up at the sky, the lilac haired CPU gasped. In the blue sky was what appeared to be faded circuit lines and digital streams of zeros and ones. All of these sights indicated one thing indefinitely: They were in the Digital World!
"Wahoo! We did it! We're home!", Dorumon cheered.
"We've made it to the Digital World!", added Ryudamon.
"Awesome sauce! We did it, guys! We're in the-", said Neptune as she was turning around before pausing.
When she and her two Digimon turned to face their group, they was shocked to find that all of their friends were nowhere to be found. It was as if they just simply up and vanished. Needless to say, the lilac haired CPU was very confused.
"Um... where did everyone go?", Neptune asked.
In the dark castle within the Digital World, ChaosDukemon had been watching the events unfold before him on a monitor. He was pleased to find that his plan to separate the CPUs and their Digimon had been successful. Not only did Analogman did his part well, the CPUs did not realize until it was too late that the portal to the Digital World had been sabotaged so that they would all be sent to random locations upon entering, scattering them across the Digital World. He chuckled a bit at the thought, now knowing that the next phase of his plan was about to unfold.
"Now then, CPUs. What will you do if you and your Digimon don't have each other to count on for help when you need it most? Hehehehehe..."
Uh-oh! You thought that their trip would go smoothly without a monkey wrench thrown in, did ya? Well not in this story, that's for sure! With everyone separated from one another, will they be able to find each other again and save the Digital World?
For the pocket dimension they were in, I decided to base it off of Mt. Infinity and Infinite Cauldron from the Digimon World games, as I felt like it would act as a world between both Gameindustri and the Digital World. Wish I had more information to work with for Rockmon from Digimon World 1, but unfortunately, it's pretty much limited to video game appearance. Oh well. I did my best though, so we'll have to take it with a grain of salt.
I felt like I wanted to add a little more to this, but I wanted to get this chapter out of the way quickly. Would've came out sooner, but other things got in the way. Still, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. As always, leave a review, follow if you haven't already, and I will see you again next time. Bye!
