Rise of the Mechanical Digimon

No one knew that Mato and Neil had made up yet save for Neku who hadn't returned to the group yet, so the others were still a little down, save for Megumi who was more than confident that things would turn out well. In fact, just for fun, she'd placed a knife flat-side down on Alejandro's head, laughing at it stayed perfectly in place, the man glaring at her.

Midori let out a sigh and said, "I really hope things are going well. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I want those two to end up together."

Megumi blinked and replied, "Not sure how I know, but I just know things will turn out well. I also feel something else is brewing than just those two," looking at Alejandro then back at Midori with a smirk.

Midori tilted her head to the side asking, "You mean Weiling and Brad?" a young boy asking, "Weiling likes me!" the Chinese girl socking him on the back of the head saying, "Keep dreaming."

Megumi shook her head and replied, " I guess you could say that, but Mato loves Neil just as much as he loves her. She was embarrassed, yes, but her love for him goes farther than something like that. He's a good guy, cursed, but he has good intentions. She knows he'd never hurt her. Neil just needed a pep talk. It'll work out," the woman smiling, hoping Midori would agree.

After a while sitting with Mato, Neil looked on and said, "We'd probably better head back," his stomach growling as he said, "I sacrificed my dinner to my sand sculpture... yeah... earlier events hit me that hard..." *

As the others were still a tad down in the dumps, Midori looked up and noticed Neil and Mato return next to each other, the woman sighing and doing something she never thought she'd do. She charged right over to the two and embraced them, tears in her eyes, another ultra-rare sight, as she shouted, "OH MY GOD! YOU TWO ACTUALLY MADE UP! DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW SCARED I WAS!"

"Was it anywhere near the fear I'm feeling right now?" Neil murmured against the woman's chest as she blinking, laughing nervously and released the boy saying, "Right..."

Kotaha smiled, tears in her eyes while Megumi and Alejandro gave each a warm look. Both were more than relieved to see this. Mato laughed nervously, rubbing the back of her head, feeling kind of bad for worrying everyone over such a trivial matter.

"My god, I was really worried the strongest friendship in the world had been destroyed," Jasmine said, wiping her forehead as Neil sighed and replied, "Well, there's more to it than just that..." holding Mato's hand with a smile on his face.

Megumi grinned upon seeing this and gave Midori an 'I told you so' look. Of course, as happy as Alejandro was to see this, he was also thinking about how maybe him and Midori might have a chance now.

Yomaki sighed with relief and gave Mato a noogie while saying, "Now, girl, don't let this distract you from your work. You may do things with him all the time there, but I don't wanna see you to dropping tables while making goo-goo eyes at one-another," then turned to Neil saying, "I'd give you the same advice, but I know you're far too scared of my wrath not to follow it in advance."

Mato let down a sweat drop and remarked, "Alright, I get it..." scowling at her boss.

The others simply laughed as Jasmine said, "So, when can we expect wedding bells?" Neil chuckling and replying, "Maybe within the next few months. You never know. We might need to wait until a proposal is made," Kotaha and Luchi smiling warmly and remembering the day Luchi proposed.

Soon enough, Yomaki bought Neil and Mato replacement dishes for the dinner they'd sacrificed while the others went to the luau taking place tonight. Neil and Mato had decided to stay behind and enjoy their dinner first.

While the others partied it up, Midori reluctantly dressing up in a revealing hula outfit when the other girls pressured her into it, Neil took a bite of his food and looked at the sand Mato head saying, "I didn't even know I had artistry skills. Now if only I could do this in art class."

Mato giggled and replied, "I know... it's so life-like," poking it and adding, "Spooky..." before laughing hysterically, Neil laughing as well. *

All the while, Alejandro couldn't help but stare at Midori in her hula outfit. He knew it was wrong, but it felt so right. She was practically naked. Trying to keep his mind out of the gutter, he took a sip of Strawberry Dachery but this didn't seem to help much.

Midori stood tall and proud shouting, "Alright, everyone, I've been forced to do this, but if I must, I'm doing it my way!" turning to the drummers and shouting, "HIT IT!"

She then started to do the most hardcore hula dance ever invented. Kotaha and Megumi stared in utter disbelief while Alejandro's heart raced every second.

While sitting and finishing his meal, Neil noticed Mato seemed a little sidetracked, not quite as enthused as she usually was. Maybe the sudden confession left her confused. Well, the boy knew exactly what to do.

"Well, we're done," Neil said, getting up with a grin, "Let's join the others before the night ends. Midori's hogging all the fun."

Mato grinned wickedly and replied, "Okay, but how about we bury you in the sand too?"

Hearing this, Neil sighed and asked, "Why didn't I see that coming?" then thought about it and said, "Well, it's been quite a day. Why not?" taking off towards the Luau.

And so the night went by, everyone enjoying themselves as Neil ended up buried in the sand for well over a half-hour, everyone eventually remembering they were supposed to dig him out as Midori ended up attracting a lot of the wrong attention, using Madam Fist to make sure that didn't go anywhere. Of course, Neil didn't get dug out until Mato and Neku had fun drawing a mermaid tail in the sand where Neil's lower body was buried.

During this time, most of the staff members were drinking and enjoying themselves. After all, this was a fun time and they were going to make the best of it.

Neil was also offered a drink as Midori said, "C'mon, you're gonna be a family man soon. Time to start acting like the man of the house," Neil taking a small sip of the alcoholic beverage and spitting it out seconds later shouting, "Now I remember why I don't drink!"

And so the rest of the night went by, everyone going to their hotel suites, Neil with Mato as he slept in the cot on the floor saying, "You can have the bed, dear," giggling like a schoolgirl before adding, "That actually felt really awesome," Mato giggling and replying, "Whatever you say, darling dearest."

Before going to sleep, Neil looked up at the ceiling with a serious expression, deep in thought. But what was he thinking about?

The next morning, everyone was gathered for breakfast as Yomaki once again paid for everyone's meals, the woman turning to Neil and Mato saying, "Oh, almost forgot, since I had to buy you two meals last night, you're both getting 500 yen taken off your paychecks," Neil's jaw dropped as he remarked, "But we were undergoing a crisis!" Yomaki retorting, "No excuses!"

Mato shrugged and replied, "It's just 500 yen," Neil sighing, "You're right, Mato, as always... have I ever told you you're the best?" Mato acting cool while replying, "I'm always right," Neil chuckling.

After taking a few bites of his breakfast, Neil wiped his mouth, knowing he was about to make the rashest decision of his life as he got up from his seat, saying, "Everyone, if you'd take some time out of your meals, I have something I wish to say."

Yomaki looked up as Neil grinned nervously asking, "May I?" Yomaki sighing, "Make it quick."

Strangely enough, no one seemed to know where he was going with this even though it should have been obvious. Mato, Rina and Neku stared in interest while Kotaha, Megumi, Alejandro and Luchi were taken aback by this.

The boy sighed and asked, "First, does anyone have a ring?" a random employee literally pulling one off from around his toe, handing it to the boy saying, "Here ya go," Neil saying, "Thank you," then adding, "As you all know, Mato and I are now a couple. I thought long and hard last night before going to sleep when and where would be the best time and place to pop the question. At first, I figured Mato and I should go on a few dates first, but we've gone out for things so many times, we have been practically dating all these years. So... you all figured out what I'm gonna do next just from my request for a ring, right?"

Yomaki started moving her hand in a 'hurry' fashion saying, "Just say it. We all knew you were gonna before you even started your speech," the others whispering, "I sure didn't," Neil blinking and shrugging before bending down on one knee, presenting the ring to Mato and asking, "Mato, I know this is really sudden, but then again, since when is a proposal not sudden? Will you make me the happiest man alive?"

Everyone was stunned, absolute silence filling the air, Mato's face turning beat red, a big grin forming as she squealed, "YES! YES I WILL!" allowing Neil to place the ring on her finger.

Midori applauded the two while everyone else cheered, Neil smiling and embracing Mato saying, "I promise I'll be the best husband I can be! I'll even try to stop having accidents!" Yomaki remarking, "Don't make promises you can't keep," Neil sticking his tongue out at her.

Later that day, everyone was resting at the beach, Neil sunbathing next to Mato when Yomaki stepped up in front of the group and said, "Alright, everyone, listen up. We're going to go on a little cruise across the ocean," the others looking strangely as the woman pointed to a big boat saying, "Just do it."

By the boat stood two men, one saying, "Welcome, I will be your tour guide JJ and this man here, the one driving the boat, is Panda." *

Neil gulped as he turned to Mato, a nervous grin as he said, "It's funny... I kind of have a fear of the interior of boats..."

Mato beamed and held up sea bands, which were said to prevent sea sickness before replying, "I came prepared."

"You rock," Neil replied, kissing the woman on the cheek and placing his hand on her shoulder, everyone soon boarding.

"We'll have two groups for this trip," Panda explained after everyone boarded and the boat took off, "One is for scuba, which you must be certified for, and the other is for snorkeling, which requires nothing but yourself. Scuba will be with JJ and I'll do snorkeling."

"Wait, we're gonna be going underwater?" Neil gulped as Yomaki whistled innocently, the boy and a few others glaring while the woman said, "If I told you that you had no choice in the matter, you wouldn't have agreed."

Kotaha simply smiled and stated, "I'm sure it'll be okay. The beauty will be break-taking, I just know it," pairing herself up with Luchi for scuba diving, stating that both were in fact certified for it.

"Well, I know who my partner is," Neil replied with a proud grin on his face thinking, 'Oh boy, we're not certified. We have no choice but to snorkel. That means Mato will be wearing her bikini. I've just gotta make sure I don't accidentally pull it off again.'

Alejandro sighed. He had certainly been certified, but he had no partner to go with. No one seemed interested.

Midori noticed Alejandro and sighed, placing a hand on his shoulder and saying, "Alright, don't get the wrong idea. I am doing this merely out of pity, but I wouldn't mind scuba diving with you."

Alejandro grinned and replied, "Hey, I wasn't thinking any dirty thoughts. It's just a friendly past time," the man proving himself to be a rather good liar, surprisingly.

Soon enough, everyone was sent down the holes to the boat, those who were scared of going underwater being threatened with their paycheques into doing it. Mato simply went with it. The truth was she had actually done this before, no one really surprised considering the kind of person she was.

Neil grinned at Mato, getting into his swim trunks almost instantly and asked, "You ready, dearest?" then blinked saying, "I can stop using cliched pet names if you'd like."

Midori and Alejandro were swimming side-by-side as was instructed with the teams, Midori admiring the sights of what the ocean held. Meanwhile, split up into the one group that his other teammates weren't in, Neil swam with Mato by his side, making quick glances toward her cleavage and turning his head away in time not to be caught.

Alejandro was enjoying not just being with Midori, but the sights as well. This was truly incredible.

Soon the 3 days were up as everyone boarded the plane, ready to go home. It had been a fun time, but it wasn't meant to last.

All the while, Aku and his minions were also returning to their hometown as Yae looked through the window, Morrigan sighing, "Are you still going on about that? Look, your sister's a bad guy now. There's nothing you can do about it."

Rayleigh simply zipped up a bag containing children's hair. He was prepared for his plan to take fruition.

Back with the others, Neil all held Mato's hand when the plane hit some turbulence, everyone shaking in their seats as Neil's hand was right up against Mato's vaginal area, the boy's eyes widening with panic. As was expected, despite being engaged to him, Mato whacked him over the head without hesitation.

"Sorry," Neil groaned, feeling his head as Midori looked at this and said, "Mato acts embarrassed, but I think she secretly likes it."

Kotaha smiled and replied, "She probably does. When someone you love deeply touches you in sensitive areas, it feels better than a stranger or family members because you enjoy it. You wouldn't know that feeling, though, would you?"

Midori thought about this and shook her head saying, "I've never loved anyone, so you might be right about that."

Soon enough, everyone returned as Yomaki said, "Alright, everyone go off and do whatever, but remember to come in tomorrow. It's still your work week."

Neil then turned to Mato and asked, "So, did you have a good time? I did."

Mato turned with disbelief and remarked, "Good? A GOOD time?" Neil staring with concern as she beamed, barking, "IT WAS THE BEST TIME!" squeezing her fiance and kissing his neck.

"Well, I can see why," Neil replied, getting into the car, "Not only have I never been to a place like Hawaii before, but the best thing to ever happen to me has," holding up his ring and saying, "And nothing's gonna destroy that."

Mato smiled and replied, "I hope not," then turned to Neku asking, "Want a ride home, Neku-Chan?" Neku jumping slightly before replying, "No, that's okay. I'll leave you lovebirds alone for a while," walking off with his sister.

"Wonder what that was all about," Neil replied, shrugging and saying, "Just because we're engaged doesn't mean he can't hang out with us."

Meanwhile, Kotaha and Luchi headed home hand-in-hand. Alejandro, on the other hand, decided to check up on Pawnchessmon. Yeah, going to 'work' on his day off... what a way to live.

All of the mechs in the room seemed bored, having been waiting three days for their owners to return. Seeing Alejandro made Pawnchessmon boot up instantly, gazing at the man as if to imply a smile.

All the while, Aku held a meeting with his soldiers as he sighed, "Okay, guys, I must admit, I have been far too down in the dumps as of late. I just need to accept the fact that my daughter is dead. Okay, with that out of the way, I feel it is now time to get back on track. As such, I am going to launch a full-scale assault on the city. No holding back!"

Jason grinned wickedly saying, "It's about time!" Morrigan sighing, "I thought we'd never get back to the battlefield," Yae looking down as Nathan jumped joyously, clapping his hands together as Aku shouted, "Yae!" the girl looking up as the man stated, "I am entrusting Firamon with you! Don't let me down."

Yae let out a sigh and replied, "Yes, master. Thank you very much."

Rayleigh simply slumped in his chair, rolling his eyes and sighing, "Such uselessness," knowing his plan was far better than Aku's.

As Neil was dropped off home, he waved at Mato and said, "See ya tomorrow, sweetheart," blowing the woman a kiss, Mato blushing deeply while driving off.

Soon enough, the next day came as everyone was finally back to work. Yomaki gave everyone their orders and said, "Oh, Mato, for once, I want you to help someone who isn't Neil since he hates this job," Neil looking up as the woman asked, "Can you and Midori set up a 16 by 24 stage?"

Mato nodded, happy to oblige. After all, it was her job to do as she was told.

Midori grinned and said, "With the way you and Neil always do stuff together, I never thought I'd get a moment alone with you."

Meanwhile, Neil had been assigned to vacuum a room as it was the one job in the entire building that could he could handle alone. Even carrying a four foot table had always been a pain for him.

All the while, Midori and Mato carried a stage top toward the base as the woman asked, "So, give me all the details. How many months until the wedding and what kind of dress are you going to wear? I wouldn't normally be interested in the joining of a man and a woman, but it is you two after all."

Mato winked and replied, "The kind of dress is a surprise," then added, "As for the wedding day, we haven't planned that far ahead yet."

"Awwww," Midori replied in disappointment, grinning and saying, "This must be so exciting for you. I must say, I admire your patience with Neil. I don't think I could ever bring myself to marry someone with his curse," Mato shrugging and replying, "Well, he is cute."

Midori laughed and replied, "I guess you could say that."

Soon enough, it was shower time as Neil entered, saying hi to all the girls who waved to him, Jasmine jokingly saying, "Hey, maybe you and Mato should shower together," Neil's face turning red as he said, "Uh... I'm not sure if honey would approve of that or not."

As Neil entered the stall next to Mato's, Midori laughed and said, "Oh, come on, you two may as well shower in the same stall. You could consider it training for when you live together!" Neil remarking, "I don't see you getting after Kotaha. She was engaged before I was," Midori saying, "True, but her fiance doesn't work with her," Kotaha blushing a bit.

After everyone had their shower, the alarm started to go off as Neil sighed, "Oh right... we're fighting a mech war... I was enjoying myself so much I almost forgot..." then headed over to Agumon who quickly opened up, the boy climbing in and saying, "Well, back to my pay-less job... goody."

The others followed soon after, Mato noticing Neku was rather quiet while entering Wormmon. This caused her to worry a bit but she then decided it was nothing while climbing into V-mon.

Midori climbed into Monodramon with a grin as she shouted, "HELLS YEAH! Mommy missed you, mechy," as Neil blinked, not sure whether to question this or not.

Kotaha and Alejandro chuckled at his while climbing into their own mechs. As unfortunate as the circumstances were, it was rather exhilarating to be going back into battle after four days of nothing but peace and quiet.

Notes: *1) This is where the RP got a little painful as the one writing for Mato seemed to have trouble keeping her, well, interesting. I partly blame this on the fact that she had a week-long vacation at this point and was probably a tad out of it when she came back, so I'm not upset with her or anything. In fact, I had to 'inspire' some of the moments where Mato was still acting like her usual self. It started to pick up after a while, but yeah, I'm gonna be adding a few bits to keep her interesting.

*2) And this is just one of those moments I added purely to keep her from becoming boring

*3) This particular bit was the writer for Kotaha, Megumi and Alejandro's idea. Turns out those are the actual names of her tour guides when she did this on vacation once.