Hello everyone. Before we get on with the new chapter, I want to apologize for the long wait for new update. Unforeseen "world events" have put me on edge once again, and as a result, I decided to take some time away from this story for a while. I will not be mentioning what it is here, as I rather not have discussions about it in here or in the reviews. In addition, it also made made me think more about how I should write the D-Brigade Arc in the future. Rest assured, I will take the necessary precautions when the time comes. Now, with that said, let us recap.
In the last chapter, the CPUs and their friends were off to the Digital World, only to end up in a world between worlds, where Analogman's forces awaited them. After fending them off, they managed to find the way out to the actual Digital World. However, their trip had been anticipated by ChaosDukemon, who decided to sabotage their entry.
Upon entering the portal, the CPUs, their friends and Digimon, were all separated from one another, scattered across the Digital World. Now they must all find their way back to one another as they survive a new world full of extraordinary lands, dangerous creatures, and sights beyond imagination. How will it all pan out? Find out as we begin the new arc!
Disclaimer: I do not own Digimon or Hyperdimension Neptunia. Both franchises belong to their respective companies.
Chapter 30: Division
In the Digi-Lab, Mirei was concerned about the condition of the CPUs and their Digimon. When the CPUs were leaving for the Digital World, she had a bad feeling that something was going to happen. The purple haired woman decided to track the signals from their Digivices before they left, just to keep an eye on them. Much to her dismay, her prediction came true. When the CPUs and their Digimon left Gameindustri, their signals had mysteriously disappeared. Needless to say, she was worried.
"I knew I should've warped them to the Digital World myself. Damnit...", Mirei cursed out loud.
The CPU's whereabouts were unknown, and they had been off the radar for some time. It was bad enough that she couldn't track their movements, but the fact that she was unable to contact the CPUs at all was most disturbing. It was as if they had all just simply vanished into thin air. Mirei wondered what could've happened to them all. Then, an idea popped in her head.
"Could it be that they...!", she said aloud.
Pulling out her laptop, she pressed some keys and opened up a simulated program. It showed a bright red dot, which indicated the CPUs, and a digital hole, representing the vortex that they would take in order to make the trip to the Digital World. A second hole appeared, showing the exit portal leading to the Digital World. Playing the simulation, the purple haired woman watched the red dot entered through the entrance hole, and after a few seconds, it reappeared out of the exit. Mirei nodded in confirmation.
"That's what should've happened. Now, if we just do this...", she said.
She typed on the keyboard again, and this time a new object appeared in the simulation. It sat in between the two holes in the digital space, as if acting like a blockage. Restarting the simulation, she watched as the red dot entered the hole again, only to see that it had not come out of the other end after thirty seconds had elapsed. This confirmed her worst fears.
"Just as I thought. Their jump to the digital World was interrupted. And I think I know who's responsible", said Mirei.
Her thoughts now went to her former colleague, Mr. A., or Analogman, as he refers himself to as. It had to be his doing, and she was sure of it. Somehow he had brought them into a pocket dimension in between Gameindustri and the Digital World. She wondered if he planned to trap the CPUs and their Digimon inside this world between worlds for eternity. It certainly seemed like something he would do.
"But how? Has he really recovered his body again? And has he received new abilities as well?", the purple haired woman pondered.
She began to wonder how Analogman had come back to the world of the living. Mirei did not believe that he could manage this on his own. She felt that some other force was at play. Whatever that force was, she could only pray that the CPUs and their Digimon do not encounter it. As she was still thinking, a beeping noise made her divert from her train of thought. Looking back on her laptop, she saw that the CPU's signals were coming back online.
"They're back. They must've found a way out", said Mirei, intrigued by their reappearance.
She then opened up what seemed to be a map of the Digital World, glad to see that the CPUs and their Digimon had made it safe and sound. However, something didn't seem quite right. From what the purple haired woman could tell, it seemed that their signals were all scattered about around the Digital World. She wondered why this was possible. How could they all reappear again only to be split apart from one another?
Then it dawned on her. She now realized what Analogman was up to. He had brought the CPUs to the pocket dimension so that he could split everyone up. It was all starting to make sense to her. But then more questions started to pop in her head again.
"So why not just simply trap them inside the pocket dimension of his and finish them off there? Unless... he plans to actually engage them in the Digital World. when they're not at their best", said Mirei.
Things definitely weren't looking good for the CPUs and their Digimon. It wouldn't be long before Analogman or the D-Brigade would take advantage of this opportunity and start targeting them one by one. Mirei wondered if she should step in and do something to help. However, she decided against this idea.
"Let's see how this plays out. I'm curious to see how the CPUs will respond to this situation", the purple haired woman said.
She would then proceed to keep a watchful eye on everyone's whereabouts in the Digital World, hoping that they'll find each other again soon and save both worlds before it's too late.
"I know they can get the job done. So I'll put my faith in them all. Hehehe", Mirei said.
Neptune, Dorumon and Ryudamon were shocked and confused. Although they had made it to the Digital World safely, they were split apart from the rest of the group. They had no idea where they were or where everyone else was. All they knew was that they were lost in some sort hilltop next to a forested area in the Digital World. They could see many things from their position, from a mountain range in the distance to huge forests and fields across the land. Even though that it was an amazing sight, they still did not have the slightest clue as to where they were.
"So is this really the Digital World?", Neptune asked.
"Yes. There's no doubt about it. This is our home", said Ryudamon.
"But where in 'home' are we?", Dorumon inquired.
"I do not know. I have never been in this part of the Digital World before", the armored Digimon replied.
"More importantly, where did everyone else go? Don't tell me they snuck away while our backs were turned. Or maybe they're still trapped in that other world we were in?!", the lilac haired CPU said in a panicky tone.
"Hey, chill out, Nep! At least you got us", said Dorumon.
"Yes. If anything, I'm sure that our friends are out there somewhere in the Digital World. We'll find them again soon enough", added Ryudamon.
Neptune felt a little better knowing that her two Digimon friends were there for her. And in her heart, she knew they were right about one thing: Their friends were scattered somewhere in the Digital World. It was up to them to find them again, and figure out how to stop the D-Brigade and Analogman. The lilac haired girl smiled at them, her confidence growing.
"So, while we're looking around for the others, any idea on where we should go?", Neptune asked.
"Why don't we check out the mountains out there? We could probably find some friendly Digimon on the way", stated Dorumon.
"Good call, oh purple friend", the lilac haired CPU said.
"Hmmm...", Ryudamon hummed.
Neptune noticed him staring out at the mountains and wondered what he was thinking about.
"Hm? Something on your mind, little samurai?", she asked.
"Those mountains out there look familiar to me. I think I might have trained there before", the armored Digimon said.
"Well if you've been there before, you can give us a tour when we get there", said Neptune.
"Yeah, what are we waiting for? Let's go! I haven't been in the Digital World in forever!", said Dorumon excitedly.
Neptune smiled at his enthusiasm, while Ryudamon simply shrugged, as if wanting to just go along with it. They then marched forth towards the mountain range. The trip would take a while to make, but it was no cause for concern for the three. They could only wonder what they'll find along the way, as well as hope that they find their comrades again soon enough.
Somewhere in middle of a vast grassy plain, Noire and Dracomon were looking all around, very confused and shocked by their surroundings. One moment they were about to enter the Digital World with their friends. The next thing the two of them knew, the two of them found themselves in the middle of nowhere within a vast plain. It was a bit breezy, and there a few trees here and there, but not much. Needless to say, they did not know where they were. Fortunately, the Lastation CPU was taking the situation very calmly and-
"How did this happen?! Where is everyone?! Why are we in the middle of nowhere?! What are we gonna do?!", Noire panicked.
...Nevermind...
"Oh shut it, author! It's not like you weren't in a position like this!", Noire shouted to the air.
Dracomon couldn't help but stare at his partner in confusion and just shook his head.
"It's only been five minutes, Noire. I'm sure our pals are out there somewhere", he said.
"I know. But last time I was lost like this, I was on the run in the wilderness with no help. I can't help but have flashbacks every now and then", said the raven haired girl.
"Well this time you're not alone. I've got your back, powers or no powers!", said the small dragon Digimon.
Noire stared at him for a moment before regaining her composure.
"Yeah... you're right. B-But it's not like I really need your help. I can handle things my own", said Noire.
"So you can take on that big monstrous Digimon right behind you?", Dracomon said as he was pointing towards a direction behind her.
"What?! Where?!", Noire shrieked.
She quickly turned around, nervous about what she'll find behind her, only to see that there was nothing there but more grassy fields. Her face turned from a look of shock to a mixture of frustration and disbelief that her partner could pull a joke like that. Dracomon started laughing, making the Lastation CPU's face turn red with embarrassment.
"S-Stop it! It's not funny! Gosh, you're just as bad as Neptune!", she exclaimed.
"Ah c'mon, it's a little funny!", Dracomon giggled.
Noire just scoffed loudly, crossing her arms and huffing before turning to walk away. The little dragon Digimon saw this and started walking after her.
"Hey, where are we going?", he asked.
"Anywhere that's better than here. There's got to be some sort of civilization here, and I don't plan on living in the wilderness", Noire answered.
"Are you sure you know if we're going to find anything this way, though?", Dracomon asked.
"Of course! I have a very good sense of direction, after all", the raven haired girl said smugly.
Dracomon wondered about that, and to say that he had his doubts was a bit of an understatement. Still, he decided to go along with his partner's plan and walk beside her. He could only hope that Noire's "good" sense of direction wouldn't fail them, as even he did not know where they were in the Digital World.
Deep in a cold and snowy wasteland, both Blanc and Blucomon were wondering what had happened to their friends. When they had jumped through the vortex that led out of the pocket dimension that they were trapped in, they did not think that nothing else would go wrong. Suffice to say, they should've known better. Nevertheless, the Lowee CPU was thankful that she had brought her winter coat with her for a situation such as this. Even so, she had no idea where she or her Digimon partner were.
"So, any idea where we are?", asked Blanc.
"Hey! I know where this is! It's my homeland, Frost Zone!", Blucomon said excitedly.
"Your home is a snowy wasteland? I think Lowee was more lively than this", the brown haired CPU commented.
"Ahh, you're just jealous that my homeland has more snow and ice than back in your world", her icy Digimon retorted.
They looked all around for any signs of their friends, but to no avail. The only thing the two could see all around themselves was that looked like it stretched for miles around, and the only sounds the could hear besides their own voices were the howling winds carrying the falling snow everywhere. Needless to say, it felt hauntingly lonely.
"It doesn't seem like there's anyone or anything around, unless you count the snow", said Blanc.
"We might be either in the outskirts or in the center of Frost Zone. Not many Digimon come this far because of how barren it is", said Blucomon.
"Great. So now we're lost in the snow with no way to go", deadpanned the Lowee CPU.
"Don't worry, Blanc. If my home is the same as I left it, I'm sure we'll find a friend of mine" Blucomon stated.
"You have a friend here?", Blanc asked.
"Yeah. He could probably help us out if we explain our situation to him", the icy Digimon replied.
He then looked up at the sky towards where the digital sun should be. Although it was partially hidden behind the numerous snow clouds, he could make out the position of the sun's glow. Then he turned to the opposite direction of the sun and pointed.
"This way! Let's go!", shouted Blucomon.
Blanc decided it was probably best that her Digimon lead on, seeing as how he knows this part of the digital World better than her. She could only hope that they would reach where Blucomon's friend resided at before a snow storm or nightfall comes around.
"Do you think we'll find everyone along the way?", the brown haired girl inquired.
"Maybe. I just hope they don't come down with digi-frost before we find them", Blucomon replied.
The Lowee CPU didn't know what "digi-frost" was, but it didn't sound good to her. The pair treaded on, not knowing what they'll find in the snowy wonderland.
Deep inside a great jungle, Vert and Lalamon were brushing past some branches and vines that were in their path. The area was huge and was filled with a great array of plant life, ranging from large trees and bushes to tropical-like flowers and long vines, all of which was unknown to the Leanbox CPU and her Digimon. Some sunlight pierced through the thick treetops, providing some light in some spots while also offering some shade in many other areas. The two never thought that they would end up in a place like this in the Digital World, let alone get separated from their friends. Although this was a major inconvenience for them, both the CPU and her Digimon couldn't help but grow curious about their surroundings.
"I don't know where we are, but I think I like it here", said Lalamon.
"It certainly is lively here. I do wonder, though, where our allies are", said Vert.
"Didn't they come through the portal with us?", Lalamon asked.
"It was most likely a trap set up to separate us all from one another. I used a similar tactic before in 4GO", the blonde haired woman said.
She then pulled out her Digivice, hoping that she can find a way to contact the others so that they can try and meet up somewhere. No matter how much she tried, however, the Leanbox CPU could not seem to reach anyone. This made her grow increasingly concerned.
"I can't call anyone with my Digivice. Either everyone's out of range with one another or they're not in the Digital World with us", said Vert.
"I hope it's just bad reception. Oh, where are they?", the plant Digimon said worriedly.
"Worry not, my little friend. We'll find eventually", Vert reassured before continuing. "Besides, I have a feeling that we may be needed here for a purpose."
"Is that so? What makes you sure about that?", Lalamon said.
"Well, if it was fate that we would all be separated, then there must be a purpose for us being here. the same can be applied to some of the story games I've played", said the blonde haired woman.
"Of course you'd use something from games...", Lalamon deadpanned.
"Still, without our friends to provide assistance, we'll have to be on guard. We don't know where we are or if we'll meet anyone friendly or not", Vert added.
"Okay. And I'll do my best to help!", said the plant Digimon.
"That's the spirit. Now, off we go. Adventure awaits!", said Vert excitedly.
The two journeyed onwards, pushing past the leaves, branches, and vines that stood in their path. They did not know what awaits them, but the pair felt that they would be ready for what is to come. Unknown to them, however, something atop the trees was looking down on them. It was hidden in the shade of the leaves and branches as it squinted its eyes, quietly watching the Leanbox CPU and her Digimon, as if it was discriminating their appearance.
"Hmm..."
The unknown being then jumped across to another tree, following the pair from a good distance, as if it was a predator stalking its prey...
In a desert-like wasteland, Uni and BlackTerriermon were already feeling hot and bothered by the sun's rays. It was bad enough that they were separated from their friends, but to end up in a desert, of all places? The Lastation Candidate felt that her chances of finding her friends in time were slim. The black rabbit Digimon didn't seem to mind, however.
"Ugh... How can you stand this heat?", said Uni as she wiped the sweat off of her forehead.
"I grew up around here. The Digital Wasteland isn't exactly for everyone, but my friends and family made a living in this place", BlackTerriermon explained.
"Really? I suppose you even had cold showers or cool water in these parts?", Uni inquired.
"What's a shower?", the black rabbit Digimon asked.
"Nevermind...", the CPU Candidate muttered.
BlackTerriermon tilted his head in confusion, unsure of what she meant. Looking back, though, he could tell that she looked like she was getting worse. Then, he had an idea. The black rabbit Digimon jumped up and landed on top of Uni's head, causing her to look up in confusion. Then he stretched his long ears out and spread them wide, angling them to provide an amount of shade for the raven haired girl. Seeing what he was doing, she smiled at him.
"Hey, thanks! You make a great sunhat", she said.
"Hehehe! Momentai~", said the black rabbit Digimon.
They continued onwards, Uni now feeling a little better in the shade as BlackTerriermon took the brunt of the heat from the sun for her.
"You didn't have to do this for me, you know?", said Uni.
"Nah. Like I said, I'm used to this. And I hate to see you get a digital heat stroke out here", BlackTerriermon replied.
Uni was really appreciative of her partner doing something nice for her. She wondered how she could repay him later once they find their way to civilization. Then the Candidate thought about how she and her Digimon will be able to find their friends, assuming they even made it to the Digital World with them. And if so, she hoped they were alright.
"Do you think we'll find our friends out there?", she asked her partner.
"Momentai~ We'll meet back with them in no time. Besides, if we keep going this way, we'll reach my home village by tomorrow", said BlackTerriermon.
Uni remembered that her partner mentioned his village being attacked by the D-Brigade before he escaped to Gameindustri. She could only hope that there was okay. In her heart, however, she knew that going there would open up old wounds for the black rabbit Digimon. The Lastation Candidate only felt sorry for her partner, but she would be there for him when the time comes. They marched on, with the sun beating down on them and the howling wind blowing dust and sand around them.
Somewhere in a vast ocean, a lonely island with a small forest inhabited the water, as if like a piece of driftwood in a river. On that island, three new occupants were stranded with no clue how they got there in the first place. Linda, Nisa, and Numemon were entering through the portal out of the pocket dimension with their allies, only to find themselves now split apart from them. To make matters worse, they were trapped on a large island with no method of travel to escape from it.
"Damnit, where the hell are we?!", exclaimed Linda.
"Former foes - now unlikely allies - trapped on a lone island with no way out! A desperate situation awaits us as we adventure our surroundings!", said Nisa excitedly.
"This isn't the time to joke around, you moron! We've got to find a way out of here!", the former criminal argued.
"Who's joking?", asked Numemon.
"I always imagined a scenario like this would come around for a heroine like myself one of these days. And I might as well take advantage of it", stated Nisa.
"Well I, for one, would rather eat poop than live on an island with you", snorted the green haired girl.
"You can eat poop too? Wow! We have so much in common!", said Numemon excitedly.
"Shut it! I didn't mean it!", Linda exclaimed.
"Listen. We may have been enemies in the past, but that's all behind us now. We have to work together if we ever hope to find our comrades", said the blue haired heroine.
"Hmph. And why should I help a goodie two-shoes like you? In case you haven't noticed, I never liked you one bit", said Linda.
"But you like me, right?", asked the green slime Digimon.
Linda looked away from Numemon, unable to find the words in her mouth.
"Uhhh...", she said.
"Don't worry. We'll find a way out of here eventually. For now, let's explore our surroundings", said Nisa.
She looked around, staring out into the ocean that lay out in front of them, then looking to the small forest behind them. The heroine smiled as she looked to the trees.
"Come on. Let's see if we can find anything past those trees. Forwards!", the blue haired girl said.
"Whatever...", said Linda begrudgingly as she slowly followed Nisa.
"Hey, wait for me you two!", said Numemon as he hurried after the pair.
As the entered the trees in the island, a few yards away from the shore, something huge was nearing the surface of the water for a moment. The silhouette was huge and snake-like. Then a part of it breached the surface. It looked like a light blue snake-like body with fish scales. It moved through the water's surface and back before going back into the water completely. Then, as quickly as it came, the silhouette vanished back into the murky deep. Whatever it was, the three inhabitants had more to fear than just being trapped on an island with no way off...
To say that Ram and Rom were feeling lonely was an understatement. After entering through the pocket dimension's exit, they found that their friends were nowhere to be found. Now they found themselves outside of what looked to be a huge village inhabited by many Digimon, large and small. It felt more like a city than a village, though. Still, without their friends or even their sister Blanc, they couldn't help but feel a little nervous.
"Where is everyone?", said Rom.
"How should I know? I don't even know where we are", Ram answered.
"It feels scary here...", said the short haired twin.
"Don't worry, Rom. We'll find the others soon. Maybe they're in the this village. Come on!", said Ram.
This raised Rom's spirits a little as she followed her long haired twin towards the entrance. The pair soon approached what appeared to be a gateway that led into the village. At the gate, they saw a strange creature standing in front. He looked he had the upper body of a man and the lower body of a horse, all with purple spots on his entire body. He was also wearing what looked like a metal helmet with a frill with a single eye peering out, a metal gauntlet on his left hand, and metal protrusions on his back. What also made him stand out was that his right arm looked like it was disfigured, and had a few metal rod and pipes sticking out.
When they approached the creature, they were in awe by his appearance. He was bigger than them, and to them, he looked like a noble guardian. Noticing the pair, he looked down at the Lowee Candidates and stared at them in surprise.
"Sistermons? What are you two doing here? Weren't you just in the village?", he asked.
"Huh? We may be sisters, but we're not Sistermons, whatever that is", said Ram.
"We're humans", added Rom.
"Ah! That explains your strange appearance. Sorry about that. Your colors looked familiar to me", the creature said.
"We could say the same. I'm Ram. And that's my sister, Rom", said the long haired twin.
"Hello", said Rom.
"Greetings, Ram and Rom. I am Centarumon, the gatekeeper of Gigabyte Village. Welcome!", the Digimon said.
"He seems friendly", said Rom.
"Yeah. Hey, did you happen to see any other humans come by here? Some of them even had Digimon with them", Ram asked.
Centarumon placed his left hand on the chin of his helmet, trying to remember if he had seen anyone like the twins. Sadly, nothing turned up in his mind.
"Sorry. I'm afraid I recall seeing anyone else like you come across here", he said.
"Awww...", both Ram and Rom sighed.
"However, maybe they turned up somewhere inside the village. Perhaps you can take a look and ask around", Centarumon continued.
This gave some hope for the two Candidates, their faces perking up with new determination.
"May we go in the village then?", Ram asked.
"Of course! We always welcome newcomers. Just be on your best behavior, you two", the man-horse Digimon replied.
"Yay! Let's go, Rom!", exclaimed the long haired twin excitedly as she ran through the gateway.
"Ram! Wait for me!", the short haired Candidate yelped as she chased after her sister.
The pair sped past Centarurmon and into the village, while the gatekeeping Digimon waved them off. As he watched the two move further away, he started wondering aloud.
"Hmm... How did humans even get to the Digital World to begin with? These are some strange times", said Centarumon. "And what's even stranger is that their colors look like the Sistermons. Could they be related to each other somehow?"
Near a volcanic landscape, Nepgear and Hagurumon had found themselves alone in the Digital World after exiting through the portal. The Planetune tried multiple times to contact everyone with either her N-Gear or her Digivice. Neither device could reach them, however. Even stranger, her N-Gear couldn't even be used to begin with. When she tried to use it, there was nothing but static on the screen, as if it had all of its programming removed. Nepgear's Digivice could work, however, but she wasn't picking up anyone. She couldn't understand it.
"Did you contact our friends yet?", Hagurumon asked.
"No luck. My N-Gear doesn't seem to want to respond. It works fine, but there's nothing but a screen full of static noise", said Nepgear.
"It could be because we are in the Digital World. It's possible that human technology cannot work here", said the gear Digimon.
"Thank goodness my Digivice still works", said the lilac haired Candidate.
"We will definitely need it. This part of the Digital World is very harsh", said Hagurumon.
They both looked around themselves, examining their surroundings. There was a large mountain that housed a volcano, a tower of black smoke rising out from the top. It's presence and rising smoke looked intimidating. Yet as she gazed at the looming mountain in the distance, she couldn't help but grow curious.
"If this is the Digital World, then there's got to be Digimon living nearby that volcano", said Nepgear.
"Yes, of course! I heard of a town that is inhabited by many fire-type Digimon who lived near a volcano. Let us see if they can help us", said Hagurumon.
"I hope I can also find someplace to connect my N-Gear or Digivice to along the way", said the Planetune Candidate.
"Didn't you say your N-Gear did not work?", Hagurumon asked.
"Back in a place called Zero Dimension, there were ports I could up my N-Gear to. If I can find something similar to that, I might be able to make it work here and get some info on where we are in the Digital World", Nepgear explain.
"I see. A good idea. Perhaps then we'll be able to find out where are friends are", said the gear Digimon.
They proceeded to the direction of the volcano, expecting to see some amazing wonders of the Digital World as they journey to the supposed village. Although the pair were hoping to find any answers about the whereabouts of friends along the way, neither of them could foresee what terrible misfortune awaits them there...
Within a vast forest that stretches for mile around, Uzume, Peashy, and FanBeemon were searching high and low for their friends, but they could not seem to find any sign of them anywhere. All they could see were trees, bushes, and other digital plants. Even Uzume's wrist communicator wasn't working, so she couldn't contact anyone at all. It seemed that there weren't many options for the three.
"Man, this bites. How did we get separated?", said Uzume.
"Your guess is as good as mine. I have no idea", said Peashy.
"At least we're together, right Peashy?", stated FanBeemon.
"Yeah, I guess we got that going", the blonde haired girl replied, smiling at her partner.
"Still, what are we going to do?", the insect Digimon asked worriedly.
"Settle down, little guy. We'll just search our way out of here, find our friends, and figure out what to do from there. Simple enough, right?", said Uzume.
"It doesn't seem like there's anyone living here, though", Peashy commented.
"If there's no civilization here, then I guess we'll just have to rough it for a while. Lucky for you two that I happen to know a few things about surviving in the wilderness", Uzume said proudly.
"Really? How?", asked FanBeemon.
"Spending all that time in Zero Dimension taught me to be resourceful, how to take care of yourself, and use whatever's around you to your advantage", said the red haired CPU.
"Wow! That's pretty cool, Uzume!", said Peashy.
"I know right? With my mad survival skills, we'll be living large in no time", said Uzume before her voice started to... change. "We'll totally be able to forage for, like, apples, berries, and maybe even, like, find a lake and catch some fish. Then, just when when it seems like we might be down on our luck, we'll find some help and, like, they'll lead us to our friends. We'll find our friends, then we'll beat the D-Brigade meanies, and totally save the world and stuff!"
...
...
...
Both Peashy and FanBeemon just stood there staring at Uzume in silence, totally dumbfounded by her change in speech and personality. Neither one were able to process what just happened in front of their eyes. When the red haired CPU noticed their expressions, she quickly realized what was happening and started a fake cough, returning to her "normal" voice again.
"Uh, yeah. Anyway, I'm sure we'll get lucky and all that...", said Uzume.
"Uhhh... what?", was all both Peashy and FanBeemon could ask.
"Let's just say that's the 'other' part of me and leave at that, okay?", the CPU stated.
"Um, sure...?", said Peashy.
Not wanting to question it further, Peashy and FanBeemon just looked at each other and walked along behind Uzume in awkward silence as they proceeded through the forest. She didn't show it, but the red haired CPU was extremely embarrassed on the inside. She felt that she lost her "cool points" after that display. Peashy, on the other hand, felt otherwise.
"So cuuuttteee!",she thought.
Overlooking the Digital World in his castle, ChaosDukemon was pleased with himself. His plan to separate the CPUs was a success. He felt that it was only a matter of time now before they run into a problem that they cannot overcome alone and be swiftly defeated one by one. And once the CPUs, their human friends, and their Digimon were out of the way, both the Digital World and Gameindustri would be free to conquer for his master.
"Hmm..."
And yet, as he pondered on the thought of their demise, he could not help but think back on the Planetune CPU and her two partners.
"How is she able to manage two Digimon at once? What makes them special by being together?", ChaosDukemon wondered aloud.
Thinking more on the subject of the Planetune CPU's first partner, Dorumon, he felt something odd about the purple Digimon. Every time his thoughts focus on Dorumon, the red jewel on his head always comes to mind.
"There's something familiar about him... I can't quite put my finger on it", he said.
The other Digimon - the one called Ryudamon - also had a similar red jewel on his head. Yet ChaosDukemon had never seen him before. What was important, though, was the fact that the two Digimon were nearly equal in power. And it may have something to do with either their bond with one another and the Planetune CPU, or the fact that they had the same red jewel. Whatever the case, it was something that the dark knight Digimon had to watch out for.
"They'll become very problematic if I let them go long enough. I'll have to remove them from the equation first. Then the rest will be simplicity itself", said ChaosDukemon.
Then, as he was thinking on what to do to the Planetune CPU and her two Digimon partners, his thoughts trailed to another being.
"Then there's him to deal with. No doubt he's felt the presence of the CPUs and their Digimon in the Digital World even now...", said ChaosDukemon.
Somewhere in a desert wasteland, a very tall figure marched slowly as the desert sands were blown about in a strong wind. Clad in black armor and his entire body covered by a black cape, his red eyes peered through his makeshift hood as he looked onward. He felt the presence of new individuals in the Digital World, and already he could feel at least two that were closest to him.
"Dukemon...", he muttered.
As he was lost in his train of thought, the ground beneath him started shaking. Suddenly, something big started emerging from the sand and dust. It wasn't long before more started to appear, up until there were at least a group of twenty. They were all very large creatures, all of them staring death glares at the individual. They all looked skeletal, standing on two feet, a pair of large pincers on each arm, a insect-like head with three yellow eyes, and a long tail with a large stinger-like blade at the end of it.
Stopping in his tracks, the black figure stared down the scorpion-like monsters as they looked back at his general direction, their eyes filled with fury. The armored individual growled under his breath, not wanting to deal with this annoyance. However, judging by the intense looks on their faces, he could tell that he was not going to simply just walk away from this. The monster leading the group stepped forwards.
"You just made a big mistake, traveler. You just wandered straight into Scorpiomon territory", said the creature.
The black figure did not respond, however, not feeling threatened one bit by their presence. He just keep staring them down.
"We hope you've said your prayers, because nobody just walks into our land and lives", said the Scorpiomon leader.
Still no response from the individual.
"Not a talker, eh? We can respect that. But in a few seconds your screams will echo across the wastelands", the scorpion Digimon said.
The Scorpiomons all readied their large stingers, ready to strike down the black individual. Just as they were ready to attack, they heard him say something, but they could not make out what it was.
"What was that? We couldn't quite hear-"
Just before the Scorpiomon leader could finish his sentence, the black figure quickly dashed forwards in a blinding flash. The sounds of metal tearing through all of the scorpion Digimons bodies could be heard, followed by a few seconds of silence. The black figure was now behind the mob of Scorpiomons. His left arm was raised, and a sword had extended out of it. It was as if he had teleported behind them while they were all standing still. After a few seconds of being motionless, the Scorpiomons roared as their bodies turned into digital particles. Their bodies quickly vanished until there was nothing left but thin air where they once stood.
The black individual then returned to his normal posture, sheathing his sword back into his arm before hiding it inside his cape. He didn't even look back as he proceeded on his way again as if nothing had happened. But not before saying something to no one in particular.
"Stay out of my way."
Then he vanished into the landscape as the howling sandstorm picked up once more, the sand and dust hiding his silhouette out of sight.
Yikes! Hello tall, dark and spooky! Even I got the chills just from typing that last part.
So, that's everyone split up in the Digital World. I'm probably going to work on each one of them separately for a while, each group having their own chapter or two before eventually becoming a full team again. I felt like this was a necessary step cause of two reasons. One: potential character development and plot points. Two: I feel it's a little easier to write chapters with if I don't have a huge group of characters to deal with on one chapter. On the other hand, this will also possibly mean a lot more chapters to work with, so bear that in mind as the story progresses.
And now the CPUS and their Digimon must roam the Digital World in search of each other. But will they be able to find one another in time before the dark forces that stand against them stop them dead in their tracks? And what will ChaosDukemon have in store for Neptune and her Digimon? All these questions and more will be answered in another chapter.
As always, be sure to leave a review and follow this story for more chapters like this one. Stay safe and sane everyone, and I will see you all next time!
