UPDATE: Made some corrections in grammar and added some extra dialogue.
Hello everyone! Another chapter for your eyes to read.
When we last left our heroes, they had Underling and her goons surrounded, but a new baddie named SkullSatamon shows up out of nowhere and destroys Goblimon and Aruruamon for failing their objective at capturing Nepgear and Uzume. The group gave it their best shot, but SkullSatamon mopped the floor with them. He was about to finish off Neptune and Dorugamon, but then he was called back by a mysterious yellow-eyed individual. Needless to say, the CPUs may have a bigger threat on their hands than they realize.
Okay, with that quick recap out of the way, let's see what the CPUs plan to do. Enjoy the new chapter!
Disclaimer: I do not own Digimon or Hyperdimension Neptunia. Both franchises belong to their respective companies.
Chapter 13: Recovery And Planning
It was night time when the CPUs and their Digimon friends returned to the Planeptune Basilicom. Nepgear had called Compa over to help treat the injuries they received from their battle with SkullSatamon. When she arrived, the nurse-in-training could see that they had all been through quite an ordeal. When Histoire also saw what a mess they were, she asked what had happened.
The group had explained to her how Nisa had rescued both Nepgear and Uzume from being captured by Linda, and how they were attacked by the skeletal Digimon, who had managed to overwhelm them all despite their strength in numbers. Histoire was surprised to hear that Linda had returned to Gameindustri to cause more trouble, but she was even more shocked when she learned that both the CPUs and their Digimon could not stop SkullSatamon and that he was close to wiping them all out.
Compa had just got done treating everyone's injuries and had gone back home to get some rest. Everyone else got back together in the main room to discuss what to do next. The Planeptune Oracle sighed, still in disbelief that they all made it back home alive.
"It is a relief to know that you're all safe and sound. However, the news about this Digimon that attacked you is most disturbing to me", said Histoire.
You should've seen it, Histy. We had that Underling right where we wanted her, and then that skeleton guy was all like 'Pow! Bam! You can't beat me!' and stuff", Neptune rambled.
"We all would've been history, but then he underwent some sort of headache and left with Underling, just like that", said Nepgear.
"Yeah. He had us right where he wanted us, so why'd he leave like that? That's what I don't get", added Noire.
"Maybe he went to see a doctor for that headache?", said Dracomon.
"Whatever the case, the fact remains that both Linda and SkullSatamon are now on the loose out there somewhere", stated Histoire.
"And even if we do find that freak again, how are we supposed to beat him? We nearly got wiped", Blanc inquired.
"We barely even made a scratch on him. My ice couldn't even hold him in place", added Blucomon.
"If only we could use our NEXT Modes, then maybe we could've stood a chance", said Vert.
"Oh yeah, I forgot about that! I could've went even further beyond if I wanted", Neptune exclaimed.
"Unfortunately, Planeptune's Shares aren't high enough to sustain the NEXT Mode at this time. Perhaps if someone wasn't busy putting off her work as a Goddess...", Histoire stated, talking to no one in particular.
"Ehehehe...", giggled the lilac haired girl.
"Don't laugh about that, Neptune! This is serious!", snapped Noire.
"Well then, Noire, if that's what you think, then why didn't YOU enter NEXT Mode, hm?", Neptune asked.
"I-I would've used it! I-I was, um, just preserving my strength...", the raven haired girl stuttered.
"As those online forums I've read before once said: Press X To Doubt", said the Planeptune CPU.
"What are you talking about, sis? You took a week long break because you said your hands were hurting from filling out 3 days worth of paperwork", Uni called out.
"Uni! I told you not to mention that!", her sister stammered.
She then looked at everyone and her cheeks blushed with embarrassment. The other CPUs didn't say a word. They just grinned teasingly.
"I-It's not like I wanted to stop working for a while! I don't usually get a break from my work often, so I just... Shut up!", the raven haired girl exclaimed, feeling quite giddy.
"Don't look at us. Nobody said anything", said Blanc.
"Well, what about you? Surely you can enter NEXT Mode, right?", Noire inquired.
"I couldn't do it even if I wanted to. As painful as it is to admit, however, I... I don't have enough Shares either", the brown haired girl replied.
"Wowsers. You too, Blanc?", Neptune asked.
"I was busy for a whole week with my novels and taking care of Ram and Rom while Mina was away. I barely found time to do anything else. And even with Financier around, we could hardly manage", Blanc explained.
"And we sometimes drew on her novels when she wasn't looking", said Ram.
"It was funny", added Rom.
Blanc scoffed at this, trying to keep her cool and not have another fit of rage. Blucomon saw the strain on her face and gulped.
"And let me guess. You too, Vert?", Noire asked the blonde haired woman.
"Unfortunately, yes. I've been grinding away in a collaboration event for 4GO trying to get the limited time rewards. It also took an entire week", Vert explained
"Yikes! Seems like we're all in the same boat", Neptune concluded.
"So you mean to tell me that you all lazed around for an entire week?", Histoire asked hesitantly.
All of the CPUs just stared at her before looking away sheepishly, not saying a word. The Oracle sighed in disbelief.
"Ehehehe, whoops...", giggled Neptune innocently.
Everyone now looked at each other with concern. Their Digimon could not do a thing against SkullSatamon. Even their Goddess forms could not withstand the skeletal Digimon's power. They now felt that if they couldn't enter their NEXT Modes, they wouldn't even stand a chance should they face him again.
"Oh c'mon, what's with that look guys?", Uzume spoke up at last.
"Uzume, in case you haven't noticed, we can't enter our NEXT Modes without enough Share energy", stated Noire.
"So what? Even without NEXT Mode, we can't give up! We faced worse than that skull headed creep!", the red haired girl said.
"Uzume's right! Even with all the odds against us, when we all work together, nothing can ever beat us!", said Neptune.
The CPUs all looked at each other and nodded. Their Digimon nodded as well, not wanting to give up either. They knew that they faced bigger threats before in the past. They felt that they need to do something to stop SkullSatamon the next time they saw him.
"Still, how are we going to beat SkullSatamon?", Nepgear asked.
"Even when we were all together, it still didn't make a difference", added Uni.
"Well then, why don't we gather more Shares? That sounds simple enough, right?", Neptune replied.
"That's not really how it works, Neptune", said Histoire.
Everyone was now thinking about what they were going to do the next time they would face SkullSatamon. Even when they were all together, the skeletal Digimon had still defeated them all single handedly. They needed a plan of action if the CPUs and their Digimon ever hoped to stand a chance against their enemy, and they needed one soon. Just then, Neptune's Digivice started beeping, alerting everyone in the room. They all looked on as the lilac haired girl as she pulled out the purple device from her pocket.
"What's going on with this thing now?", Neptune asked.
"I don't know, but I think it sounds like a phone call to me", said Nepgear.
Now curious, the Planeptune CPU tapped what looked like an answer button on the face of the screen. Suddenly, a light shot out of the Digivice towards the middle of the room. Then it started to take the shape of a human body. The shape became more visible as it showed a purple haired woman wearing glasses, a white dress, and black long pants with matching boots.
"Hello again, CPUs. I thought I'd give you a call and check up on you", the woman said.
Histoire, the CPUs, and their Digimon recognized the woman in the light. It was Mirei Mikagura, the same person that they had met at the Digi-Lab not too long ago. Even Nepgear and Uzume recognized her.
"I've seen that woman before. She was at the Basilicom other day", the CPU Candidate pointed out.
"Yeah. I always wondered where she went", added the red haired girl.
"Mirei? Is that really you?", asked Histoire.
"Yes, it's me. I figured that it would be a good time to test the two-way communication link between here and your Digivices", said Mirei.
"It really is you! You were the woman at the Planeptune Basilicom", Nepgear stated.
"Yes. It's a pleasure to properly meet you, Nepgear. And you as well, Uzume Tennouboshi", the purple haired woman said.
"Okay, now that's creepy. How does she know our names?", asked Uzume.
"If I may, allow me to explain things", said Histoire.
The Oracle then went on to explain to Uzume and the Candidates about how they had met Mirei and how she was the one who sent the CPUs their Digivices.
"I see. That really sounds fascinating", said Nepgear. "I'm kind of jealous, actually. Now I want to visit this Digi-Lab myself."
"Perhaps another time when we get the chance", said Mirei.
"It's kind of hard to believe, really. Still, it's nice to have an explanation for the Digivices", stated Uni.
"From the way she sounds, she's like some kind of secret agent working behind the scenes! So cool!", said Ram.
"She looks very pretty", added Rom.
"She may sound like a cool person and all, but is she the reason why these Digimon are appearing in Gameindustri?", Uzume inquired skeptically.
"Not at all. I am, however, still determining how the Digimon are appearing in Gameindustri in the first place", replied Mirei.
"If I may ask, have you made any progress so far?", Histoire inquired.
"A few hunches, but nothing concrete yet. I want to be very thorough on the information I gather", Mirei said.
"I see. But this is not the only reason why you have called us, yes?", the Oracle asked.
"Correct. The real reason why I've called you is that I've been observing your battle with that SkullSatamon", Mirei said as she adjusted her glasses.
"You were watching us? Ugh! Creeper alert!", Neptune blurred out.
"I prefer the term 'observation.' I had a little drone in the shape of a fly observe your battle", the purple haired woman said.
"I always thought I heard a buzzing sound around my ears every few minutes", Dorumon commented.
"But why were you watching us? Like Neptune said, it's kind of creepy", Noire asked.
"After you had left the Digi-Lab, I couldn't help but shake the feeling that something bad was going to happen, so I decided to keep an eye on you all for a bit", Mirei explained.
"So you saw what happened when we tried to fight SkullSatamon, right?", Dorumon inquired.
"Yes, and I wished you had retreated from that fight sooner", replied Mirei.
"We couldn't just let that Underling lady get away. We thought we could take on that creepy skeleton", said Uzume.
"But we were no match for him at all. We couldn't even damage him", added Nepgear.
"Indeed. SkullSatamon is on a whole different level than you or your Digimon", said Mirei.
"Yeah, we got that part the hard way...", said Uni.
"I think you misunderstand. When I said 'different level', I mean he is on a different power level than what you and your Digimon have achieved", the purple haired woman said.
"What do you mean?", Histoire inquired.
Mirei then turned attention to the Digimon, who stared right back at her. She then adjusted her glasses again before speaking again.
"All Digimon are ranked in terms of power and level. Right now your Digimon are in what is called the 'Rookie Level'", she explained.
"Rookie Level? Well if you ask me, our Digimon are more than just Rookies", said Noire.
"Yeah, we can hold our own with the best of them!", added Dracomon.
"As I was saying", Mirei continued, "your partners are at the Rookie Level. Their strength is small but manageable. When you used your Digivices to make your partners Digivolve, they grow into their next evolutionary phase called the 'Champion Level.'"
"That's when they become bigger and more powerful, right?", Blanc asked.
"Correct. Although they possess greater power than their Rookie forms, it's not exactly enough to stop a Digimon on another level like SkullSatamon", said Mirei.
"But we faced against other Digimon that attacked us so far, and we had won by all working together", stated Vert.
"Yes, but again, you never faced anything like him. He's a level that goes further than the Champion Level. This is a stage called the 'Ultimate Level'", said Mirei.
"Ultimate Level? Is that when they're all beefed up and are all like 'Behold, my true power!'", Neptune rambled.
"Not exactly how I would put it, but sure, let's go with that...", said Mirei.
"So SkullSatamon is an Ultimate Level Digimon?", Histoire asked.
"Yes. Because of that, he has even greater power than the Digimon you faced in the past. Right now your Digimon are not strong enough to stand against him", the purple haired woman said.
"And without more Shares, we can't enter our NEXT Modes either", Noire stated.
"Yes, that does present a problem...", said Mirei.
"So what can we do?", asked Nepgear worriedly.
"There's only one way to beat a Digimon like SkullSatamon. You'll have to take your Digimon to the next level", said Mirei.
"But how can we make our Digimon stronger? Is there some kind of button for it or something?", Neptune inquired.
"That is something you will have to figure out on your own, I'm afraid", Mirei replied.
"Aww, c'mon! Can't you give us a hint or something?", the lilac haired girl whined.
"Even I do not know what how or when it it will occur, so I cannot say for certain how you'll be able to achieve the next level", said the purple haired woman.
Everyone now had a disappointed look formed on their faces. They wondered how they could ever hope to help their Digimon friends reach the level of Ultimate without knowing the requirements for it. But Mirei just smiled reassuringly at them.
"Do not look so glum. Trust in the bonds between you and your Digimon partners. When the time is right, you will know what to do", said Mirei cryptically.
Suddenly, Mirei's hologram was starting to fade. Everyone were surprised by this, not sure what was going on or what to do.
"I apologize, but I do have to get going. I have to get back to work. Until you and your Digimon get stronger, I advise you not to engage SkullSatamon. I will contact you again at a later time", the purple haired woman said.
Before anyone could say anything more to her, Mirei's hologram disappeared, and the light from Neptune's Digivice faded. Everyone looked at each other and then the CPUs turned to their respective Digimon partners. They smiled at them with reassurance.
"Don't worry, Nep. I'm sure we'll find a way to get stronger", Dorumon said to Neptune.
"Yeah. We'll reach Ultimate Level in no time. Just you wait!", Dracomon replied to Noire.
"You can count us until you get stronger yourself!", Blucomon assured to Blanc.
"We'll fight for you just like you fought for us!", said Lalamon to Vert.
The CPUs all looked at each other and smiled. They knew that their Digimon would be there for them whenever they needed them. They knew that their partners will not let them down. The Candidates looked on with admiration.
"Goodness. Now I wish I had a Digimon", said Nepgear.
"I'm sure we'll get one ourselves. I hope mine will be cool", Uni replied.
"I want a cute Digimon! We could play together all day!", exclaimed Ram.
"I want a Digimon too", added Rom.
"Well if you want one, you'll have to get yourself a Digi-what's-its-name or something. Can't have mine, though. I know you'll want to tinker around with it, Nep Jr.", said Neptune.
"Awww...", the lilac haired Candidate pouted.
"Well, in any event, we still have a mission. Find any wild Digimon that enter our world and stop them before they cause any trouble", said Histoire.
The group nodded at this, knowing that they have to protect their world from any threat that would disturb the peace, no matter how powerful they may be.
"Well, in the meantime, we might as well keep a lookout for any sign of trouble in our nations", stated Noire.
"Yes. And besides, I got to head back to Lowee. I think Blucomon will shrink if he's in the heat for too long", added Blanc.
"Well, he is looking a bit smaller than usual today. Maybe he needs a growth spurt?", said Neptune.
"Don't joke about that! You know I don't like the heat!", Blucomon exclaimed.
"I should get back to Leanbox as well. I still have an event in 4GO to clear before it ends", said Vert.
"Playing too many games is bad for your health, Vert", stated Lalamon.
"Nonsense! I am a Goddess. A little fatigue won't stop me", the blonde haired woman replied.
"Still, I don't know if we should break up the party now! What if that creepy Skullington guy or whatever comes back again?", Neptune said, messing up SkullSatamon's name.
"Then we'll just have to band together and stop him", said Noire.
"But even if we do fight him, we don't have enough strength to actually beat him", stated Nepgear.
"We'll find a way to beat that SkullSatamon. I'm sure of it. No way am I gonna give up", exclaimed Dorumon.
"I'm with you, buddy. They always say you can't keep a good Nep down", added Neptune.
The two gave each other a high-five, although it was more of a hand and a Digimon paw.
"Well, in the meantime, we'll have to keep an eye out for anymore disturbances involving any Digimon that might enter our world", stated Histoire.
"We'll show the bad guys whose boss, right Noire?", said Dracomon.
"Naturally. But it's not like I'll need help with defending Lastation or anything", said Noire.
"As much as I'd like to help, I think I'll rest up with Gearsy for a bit. Getting captured and getting our butts kicked left us exhausted", said Uzume.
"I agree with Uzume. I feel a little winded...", added Nepgear.
"Well then, I guess it falls on you to do some work for a while, Neptune", said Histoire.
"Bleeehhh... Work makes my noggin hurt...", said the lilac haired girl.
"Nep, if your work is that important, why not just do it?", asked Dorumon.
"Well, it is important, but it's so boring sometimes", replied Neptune.
"Boring or not, your duties as a CPU remain the same", said Histoire.
The Planeptune CPU sighed, knowing that she can't argue with the Oracle. Histoire then turned back to the rest of the group.
"I trust that you'll all keep watch over your nations?", the Oracle inquired.
Noire, Blanc, Vert, and their respective Digimon all nodded in unison, letting her know that she could count on them to keep the peace. She smiled in relief.
"Well then, I will leave you to it. We'll work on a plan to defeat SkullSatamon, but for now we will have to build up our Shares in the nations", Histoire stated.
The Oracle then looked out at the window, wondering if or how the group will get their Digimon to their Ultimate levels. She also hoped that they'll stop SkullSatamon soon, and figure out why Linda was working with him. Histoire pondered on it, even thinking about what the group described when the skeletal Digimon had a headache, even mentioning a "master" of sorts.
"I wonder... Could there be another power at play here? And if so, who could it be?", she thought.
Her thoughts then turned back towards thinking of a plan to counter against SkullSatamon, should the CPUs ever face him again. It would take some time, but she hoped they can do the job.
Inside a dark room, SkullSatamon was kneeling before a pair of yellow eyes peering from the darkness. The voice belonging to the eyes spoke up.
"What is the Underling's status?", it said.
"So far so good. She's making her way to the cave system in Lastation as we speak", said SkullSatamon.
"Good. It won't be long before she gets what I require", said the voice.
"Master, are you sure you can't send me to fetch the item for you? That human proved useless in capturing even a CPU", the skeletal Digimon asked.
"A minor setback, but that has no bearing on our goals. She'll be an asset to our plan. And besides, I do not want the CPUs suspecting something if you show up", said the voice.
"Surely though, Underling will need some sort of help, yes?", SkullSatamon asked.
"She is capable of handling the task alone. She knows that she must come back with the component I need for my plan, or not come back at all", the voice replied.
"But what if the CPUs catch her? She'll squeal if she gets caught", SkullSatamon inquired.
"Not to worry. I already have a distraction ready and waiting. While the CPUs deal with the wild Digimon, Linda will obtain the components needed for the test", the voice said ominously.
"But what if this test run fails, master?", SkullSatamon asked.
"Whether the test succeeds or fails, it matters not. We will gather the necessary data needed to move forward. Now, go and wait for my command. You are dismissed", the voice ordered.
"Yes my master. As you wish", the skeletal Digimon said, walking away through a doorway.
As SkullSatamon left, the yellow-eyed figure turned around and faced a wall full of monitors, which turned on the moment he faced them. The screens showed recordings of yhe CPUs, their Digimon, and the previous battles they had.
"The walls between this world and the Digital World will soon be torn asunder. But I must prove that it can be done. Only then will my plan really begin", said the figure.
The yellow-eyed silhouette laughed silently as he watched the recordings of the CPUs and their Digimon, feeling that not even they would be able to stop what is to come in the near future...
And that's about it for this chapter. Don't really know what else to write in this one.
I know this took a while, but I kinda took a break from writing this as I wanted to catch up with my games. Expect this to happen quite a bit.
Also, I think I need some help. I want to ask you guys on something that I have been having trouble on deciding. It involves a future chapter where Ram and Rom will eventually get their own Digimon.
However, I'm kinda stuck on how to go about it. I want to decide on whether the two should each get their own Digimon who can DNA Digivolve into one Digimon, or rather share one partner, as Ram and Rom tend to come together as a set.
So what do you guys think? Should the twins have two Digimon that can combine into one? Or should they just have one Digimon that they can share together? Tell me what you think in the reviews. It'll help me a lot.
With that out of the way, time to wrap this chapter up. Don't forget to leave a review and follow if you want to see more of this story. Until next time!