XDR Interlude 2: An Unexpected Collision
(Takes place after Book 6: Contracts of the Earth)
Neo Time Jackers Citadel, Unknown Location
Nighttime
In an unknown realm with several floating islands above the clouds, lies the main headquarters of the Neo Time Jackers in a form of a citadel, placed on a very large island with energy bridges linking to the smaller islands.
Inside the HQ's throne room, Eins, Zwei and Drei are delivering the report to their leader of their recent excursions in the other worlds.
"And that concludes our report… Master Ozuma." Eins finished the report as he and the other generals kneel with one knee and their heads down.
"Nicely done, my generals." Ozuma, leader of the Neo Time Jackers, praised before standing up from his throne. He's revealed to have dark pink eyes with gold pupils, and has slightly spiky black hair that reached his shoulders with white streaks. His attire consists of a black robe with gold and dark pink highlights with gold shoulder, knee and elbow plates, black and gold highlighted fingerless gloves, and a black dual scarf with gold borders.
"Despite my excursion being successful when I obtained the Gjallarhorn fragment, that Kamen Rider and his team were able to secure the other fragment." Zwei informed.
"No matter. There are other chances to obtain the other fragments. But you're able to gain one, so that's good enough." Ozuma said.
"Very well, Master." Zwei nodded.
"Speaking of teams, I was able to gain some new info about the team of heroes Kamen Rider Zi-O is leading thanks to a Fatui Harbinger named Childe." Drei informed. "The team known as Xross Drive Rebellion."
"Xross Drive Rebellion, huh…" Ozuma mused. "How interesting. They are forming a team of heroes, while we are building an army.
"Well this wouldn't have happened if that bastard didn't shatter Gjallarhorn and scattered them all over the multiverse." Eins complained.
"True, but… I see this as a test, to see if our paradise is earned."
"So you're fine with this outcome?"
"I will admit that I am annoyed that we didn't get to steal the whole relic, but with Zi-O and his team of heroes known as Xross Drive Rebellion hunting down the fragments, perhaps this conflict won't be as boring as I thought. And besides…" Ozuma let out an amused grin. "I could use a challenge to spice things up."
"Yeah, I agree with you, Master." Drei agreed with the same expression. "This will definitely solve my boredom, and gives me a chance to fight stronger opponents. Heck, I wanna test my might against that Childe guy."
"You'll get your chance someday, Drei. Just give it time." Ozuma said, earning a nod from the general.
"By the way, I also managed to get some Fatui defectors to join our cause after chasing down their pursuers." Eins informed. "Apparently they didn't like working with some of the Fatui Harbingers that isn't Childe, meaning they were using them as lab rats and then disposed of."
"...How despicable." Ozuma remarked with disgust. "If they can't take care of their own soldiers with respect, then we'll do it ourselves. The Neo Time Jackers fight as equals. We have no need for backstabbers and abusers. So where are the defectors now?"
"I've sent them to Helios, Licht and Blitz for examination and to give them proper treatment. After that, I'm going to let Zwei examine those artifacts known as Delusions which grants them elemental powers… but for a price."
"So it's a cursed item?" Ozuma guessed, earning a nod from Eins. "Zwei, can you figure out how to erase that drawback?"
"I'll see what I can do, Master." Zwei replied, adjusting his glasses.
"Take as much time as you need, scientist. There's no need to rush. And we all know what happens if we rush things, accidents will happen."
"Of course." Zwei nodded.
"In the meantime, Eins, Drei, and Dark Cure Chaos will train our new recruits to help coordinate with the other units. As for searching for the next fragments, that can wait until further notice. It's better to prepare than to charge in blindly."
"Yes, Master." Eins and Drei nodded.
"Anything else you want to report?" Ozuma asked.
"Well, Eins and I did brought back technology of the Teyvat Ruin Machines for Zwei to examine and tinker." Drei informed.
"There's also the metal suits and weapons the Fatui were using that we have to confiscate so that Zwei can do some modifications." Eins added.
"You're really dumping a lot of work on me, huh?" Zwei questioned. "At least I have some research assistants to help me out."
"Sorry about that, comrade." Drei apologized.
"It's fine. It helps me kill the boredom." Zwei replied.
"Any more to report besides that?" Ozuma asked the generals, shaking their heads in response. "Very well, you're dismissed."
"Yes, Master." The generals bowed before leaving the throne room while Ozuma went to a nearby window with his hands behind his back and gazed at the floating islands, watching Dark Cure Chaos training with the Bavarian alchemists.
"You see this, Shwartz? This is how I lead the Time Jackers." Ozuma spoke. "Your overreliance on the Another Riders and wasting time searching for a king and queen has led to your defeat in the hands of Zi-O and his allies, not to mention treating your fellow generals as tools. My paradise will be achieved, but I will not act like you." He looked at his raised hand and clenched it. "I'll do it my way, with my own two hands, with my comrades. This, I swear…"
Symphogear World
S.O.N.G HQ, Tokyo, Japan
Daytime
Meanwhile, Zeo, Akira and Gaius had returned to Earth after taking a nice long rest from a commission last night, and said their goodbyes to Aether, Lumine and Paimon before leaving. Miriam also chose to stay in Teyvat to assist the Knights of Favonius with their tasks. The three founders then met up with Genjuro and Himeko in the Command Room, and delivered their mission report along with some new info about the Abyss Order thanks to Dainsleif.
"Dainsleif…" Genjuro mused. "Who would've thought that man shared the same name as the relic used for Project Ignite."
"Yeah, but at least he's on our side considering who he's up against." Zeo said.
"The Abyss Order are not to be underestimated. We've only scratched the surface about them, and we didn't even encounter an Abyss Herald yet." Akira stated.
"There's also the fact that a prince and princess are leading the Abyss. Heck, we don't even know what they look like until we see them for ourselves." Gaius added.
"I see." Himeko noted. "If I were you guys, I'd either wait for the Abyss to make their move, or destroy their bases to flush out the Herald."
"Hmm…" Zeo pondered. "I think the second choice sounds doable, just like what we did to the Fatui camps."
"It's your choice since you're the leader of the team. I'm only giving out suggestions."
"Better than nothing, at least." Akira shrugged, until she noticed some kind of red digital wrist watch on Genjuro's left wrist and pointed at it. "Hey chief, where did you get that watch?"
"Oh, this?" Genjuro raised his wrist. "Actually, it's more than just a digital watch. It's a vitality bracelet."
"Oh, I heard about those. It measures your heart rate when you exercise or take long walks." Gaius said.
"Exactly." Genjuro nodded. "I got it at an electronic store two days ago. These bracelets are beginning to rise in popularity because of one special feature." He pointed at the digital egg on the bracelet's screen. "It's because of a monster egg. The method to hatching the egg is by exercising, and I've been doing plenty of that while you're gone for your missions."
"Hmm…" Zeo hummed as he took a closer look at the digital egg. "Call me crazy, but I could've sworn I've seen this egg before."
"What makes you say that?" Himeko asked.
"Well, you see…" Zeo was about to explain, until they heard the sound of the egg cracking on the bracelet.
"The egg is starting to hatch now?!" Akira gasped.
"Heh, looks like my hard work is paying off." Genjuro smirked as they watched the egg hatch. And soon enough, it was revealed to be a small red slime with eyes and has three feeler-like things on its head.
"Aww…! How cute!" Akira and Himeko gushed at the slime.
Zeo and Gaius on the other hand, had surprised looks on their faces. "No wonder that egg pattern earlier looked familiar." Zeo spoke. "That was not just any monster egg, it's a Digi-Egg."
"And the creature that hatched from the egg is called a Digimon, short for Digital Monsters." Gaius added.
"Digimon, huh…" Genjuro mused. "And that monster egg is a Digi-Egg."
"Let me guess, more knowledge from your Earth, Zeo?" Himeko asked.
"Yep, no mistaking it." Zeo confirmed with a nod. "And Digimon is from a video game series."
"But how could Digimon exist in the Symphogear world?" Akira questioned. "Unless it has something to do with the Dimensional Quakes which caused the two worlds to converge."
"Two worlds?" Genjuro repeated.
"This world, and the Digital World where the Digimon live."
"The Digital World, huh…" Himeko mused. "So that world exists too?"
"To be fair, there are different versions of the Digital World, or Digi-World for short, across the multiverse. And most of the Digi-Worlds are linked with different Earths." Gaius stated. "Though now that I think about it, I wonder if there's a Gjallarhorn Fragment hidden in this Digi-World?"
"If the Dimensional Quake happened there, then it's possible." Genjuro replied. "So how do we enter the Digi-World?"
"There are several ways to enter the Digi-World, but there's one common way for entry, and that's through cyberspace. Meaning we have to go inside a computer and search through cyberspace until we find the Digi-World." Zeo explained.
"So we need to have some kind of special machine to enter cyberspace, right?" Himeko guessed, earning a nod from the three founders. "Hmm… this is a tough one. We've never tried entering cyberspace before, so this is new to us."
"I see." Zeo noted. "If only there's someone who's familiar about entering cyberspace…"
"Perhaps I can help."
They turned to the door and saw Ciel approaching them. "I heard the conversation earlier so I'm familiar with cyberspace since Zero entered that area before in my world." Ciel said.
"Can you make it work, Ciel-kun?" Genjuro asked.
"I'll see what I can do, but I'm gonna need Elfnein, Copen and Bronya's help." Ciel replied.
"If you're looking for the latter two they're at the hangar bay checking up on the five IS frames. As for Elfnein, she's currently at her lab." Himeko said. "Feel free to ask them if they're not too busy."
"Understood, I'll leave right away." Ciel nodded before leaving.
"We're counting on you, Ciel." Gaius said.
"Speaking of Infinite Stratos, I wonder where those girls are?" Akira pondered.
"They're inside their own private room having a conversation. Something about revealing their pasts." Genjuro replied.
"Oh, that. Houki and Rin already revealed their pasts to each other, so now it's Cecilia, Charlotte and Laura's turn."
"I hope it goes well for them." Zeo said. "But… I'm more concerned about Charlotte due to how her family treats her like crap. And Ichika's the only one who knows about that secret. I just hope the others can handle the truth."
Meanwhile inside one of S.O.N.G HQ's private rooms, Houki and Rin revealed their own pasts to Cecilia, Charlotte and Laura. And their shocked reactions speak for themselves.
"So that's why you two have a crush on Ichika." Cecilia noted. "You both were abused by bullies during your childhood until Ichika came in and save you."
"And Houki got the worst of it since she and her family are under government protection on the day Tabane introduced Infinite Stratos to the world, which is also the same day as the kendo tournament, forcing her to withdraw." Charlotte added.
"No wonder you didn't want to mention your sister's name, Houki. And yet, she gave you Akatsubaki on your birthday." Laura said.
"Hai." Houki nodded. "That's one thing I'm grateful for, but I still hate her nonetheless."
"Still, I'm surprised that you have a Vision now, Lingyin." Cecilia commented.
"I know, right?" Rin agreed, gazing at her Pyro Vision that's worn like a necklace. "And as long as I have this, I'll never lose my way again. I have to change eventually, and this is proof of that."
"Well said, Rin." Houki smiled before facing the others. "Now then, it's going to take a while for us to find Ichika and a way back to our world, so we need to understand each other first so we can properly work together as a team. Cecilia, care to go first?"
Cecilia took a deep breath and nodded in response. "Very well, if you insist. In the past, I looked up to my mother since she was a prominent member of the Alcott family, being very active not only inside the house, but among society as well. My father on the other hand, only gave problems to my mother due to his spoiled upbringing. But then one day, when my parents and I are together… they died in a train accident, leaving me as the sole heir to my family's fortune, and I was thrown head-first into a squabble over the fortune, since there were many who wished to take it from me for their own greed. That's why I want to become an IS pilot for Britain, to protect my family's fortune. Only I decide how to use it, not them."
"Cecilia…" Houki said with concern. "I'm… sorry about what happened to your family. So you're basically an orphan."
"A rich orphan, to be exact." Cecilia corrected. "And, it's okay, Houki. I'll be fine. Even perfect people like me can have flaws. Remember when Ichika fought me in the duel? Ichika was about to defeat me with his new weapon, but I won due to his Byakushiki running out of energy. And yet… I wasn't satisfied."
"You wanted the duel to end properly?" Laura asked.
"Yes." Cecilia nodded. "It wouldn't be right if the match was won because of that."
"But then you started to have feelings with Ichika after the battle?" Houki asked.
"Yes." Cecilia nodded again. "Now that I think about it, he's planning to use his IS to protect the ones he cared for, just like how he protected Houki and Rin during childhood. If that's the case, then maybe I should too instead of just being obsessed with him. His actions also reminded me of why I became an IS pilot in the first place. I can't believe I forgot about it."
"At least you finally know now what you should be doing." Houki said. "So let's continue to protect each other from now on, okay?"
"Of course, and thank you." Cecilia smiled.
"Okay Charlotte, your turn." Rin said.
"M-Moi?! Already?!" Charlotte stuttered.
"Well, yeah. If we're going to work together, we need to understand each other. So it's better to reveal it now instead of later." Rin stated.
"Umm…" Charlotte struggled to answer.
"I think it's best if I reveal my past first, then we can listen to Charlotte's." Laura suggested.
After a moment of pondering, Houki nodded. "Very well Laura, you go next."
"To start, I'm a created super-soldier from Germany, so I don't have any parents." Laura said. "I was trained in the military to become an excellent soldier. But after Infinite Stratos was introduced to the world, my skills as an IS pilot and as a soldier began to deteriorate, which caused the other German IS pilots to call me a defect and not a comrade. But then, I met Chifuyu Orimura, who came to Germany as a temporary IS instructor. And thanks to her, I was able to recover and retake the top rank in my unit. That's the reason why I admire Chifuyu so much."
"So that's why." Cecilia noted. "I never realized that you were created in a lab. But why do you want to kill Ichika in the first place when you enrolled to IS Academy?"
"Because he was the reason why Chifuyu was weak. There's no room for softness and tenderness on the battlefield." Laura answered. "I wanted to know how to become strong. But during the duel against Ichika when I lost control of my IS, he gave me the answer about what strength really is: To protect those who are important to him, including me. That made me realize I don't need to be as strong as Chifuyu, I have to be strong as Laura Bodewig."
"Laura…" Charlotte whispered.
"That being said, if Ichika wants to use his strength to protect others, especially the ones important to him, then I should do the same." Laura said.
"Then go for it, Laura." Rin replied. "We'll watch over each other as friends."
"Yes. As friends." Laura smiled before turning to Charlotte. "Alright, I've said my peace. Now it's your turn."
"Well…" Charlotte looked at her friends for a moment before taking a deep breath. "Okay, I'll reveal my past now. But, you're not going to like it."
"Try us, we can take it." Houki insisted.
"...Understood. First off, all of you know that I'm the daughter of a mistress to the CEO of Dunois Industry, yes?" Charlotte asked, earning a nod from the group. "When my mother died two years ago, my father, the CEO, sent a representative to take me back to France. And since I'm an 'unwanted daughter' in the Dunois family, I was constantly mistreated and abused by them. My father only cared about his own company, not me, even though I have a high aptitude for piloting an IS."
"My god…" Rin whispered in shock. "Charlotte, you…"
"And that's not the worst of it." Charlotte continued. "Dunois Industry was having trouble as the 3rd Gen IS frames were not showing any progress in development. And so, my father thought of a plan to send me to IS Academy as Charles Dunois to steal important data to Ichika's Byakushiki. And if my real gender is revealed, I'll be called back to France and sent to jail."
"What?!" The other girls exclaimed.
"That's the real reason why you enrolled to IS Academy?!" Rin gasped.
"How dare those bastards treat you like that!" Cecilia frowned. "What were they thinking?! That's not how parents treat their children!"
"I agree." Charlotte nodded. "Oh, and one other thing, Ichika also knew about my secret, but he promised to keep his mouth shut to protect me."
"He knew?!" Houki gasped.
"That's why I feel uneasy if I try to reveal my past to you all, because I was worried that you'll hate me for what I did." Charlotte stated before bowing. "I'm sorry, everyone."
"Charlotte…" Laura whispered.
"Also, Ichika mentioned that even if the case becomes public, my father nor the Dunois Industry can't do anything because of a special IS Academy article stating that, 'The students within IS Academy, while they are enrolled, do not belong to any country, organization, or group.' So, I'm basically safe until I graduate. But after I graduate… well…"
"Don't say it, Charlotte. We're not gonna let them get away with this." Houki said.
"H-Huh?" Charlotte responded in surprise.
"Houki's right." Cecilia said. "We'll find a way to expose them for what they did to you."
"As long as you stay with us and Ichika, we'll protect you no matter what." Rin added.
"I can call in my unit to help you expose their crimes, Charlotte. And maybe I should add Bronya in to help due to her hacking skills." Laura also added.
"You'd do that… for me…?" Charlotte asked in surprise.
"But of course. We are friends, after all." Laura replied as she and the others smiled.
"Ichika won't be the only one who'll know this secret. Now you've got us too, and we will protect each other." Houki said.
"Everyone…" Charlotte whispered in surprise, before bowing in gratitude. "Merci! Thank you so much! I'm very lucky to have you all as my friends!"
"Glad to hear it, Charl." Rin smiled. "And we're happy to have you as our friend too."
*Knock! Knock! Knock!*
"Hey girls, can I come in?" Copen called from behind the door. "There's something I need to tell you. It involves your IS frames."
Houki looked at the girls, responding with a nod. "Okay, let me get the door!" Houki replied, opening the door so Copen and Lola could come in.
"Sorry to disturb with whatever you're doing inside." Copen apologized.
"It's fine, we've just finished our conversation." Cecilia replied.
"So what about our IS frames?" Laura asked.
"We had to do a little tune up to the IS frames to function a little better." Lola replied. "Heck, Ix is planning to do an upgrade to Akatsubaki's ace in the hole, the Kenran Butou."
"You're modifying that function?" Houki asked.
"The Kenran Butou only acts like an energy regenerator for the other IS frames with no offensive capabilities." Copen explained. "So I decided to add a few more functions to it, such as enhancements to the IS frame's speed and power, including the ability to teleport."
"You can really do that?" Rin asked.
"I'm a scientist, remember? I'll find a way to make it work." Copen smirked.
"By the way, while we were checking your IS frames' cores, we detected something unusual." Lola said.
"Something unusual?" Cecilia repeated.
"First off, what do you think an IS core is made of?" Lola asked.
"An AI system?" Laura guessed.
"That's one of them, but there's also another material that's used for the core's creation. And boy, this was one hell of a shocker."
"Why is that, Lola?" Charlotte asked.
"Allow me to answer that, Charl." Copen replied. "The raw materials for IS cores… are Time Crystals."
"...Time Crystals?!" The IS girls exclaimed in shock.
"Houki, it seems your sister had a hand with that kind of dangerous material. Time Crystals are not to be taken lightly as a single misuse of the crystal could cause destructive results."
"I can't believe it… such crystals exist in our world?" Cecilia questioned.
"I don't know how she found them, but that seems to be the case." Copen replied.
"And it so happens that your IS frames basically have Time Crystals installed onto your IS cores." Lola added. "But seriously, just use a normal AI system as a core instead of that. Houki, what was your sister thinking?"
"I… I don't know…" Houki replied. "No one in IS Academy was told about this."
"Something is definitely wrong with your sister, and I don't like this feeling one bit." Copen frowned.
"Time Crystals…" Charlotte repeated, until her eyes widened in horrifying realization. "Sacre bleu… The Neo Time Jackers! If they found out about those crystals…!"
"We'll be in serious trouble." Laura frowned.
"All the more reason to find the Gjallarhorn fragments that can take us to the IS world before they do." Copen stated.
"So what are we going to do about the IS cores?" Lola pondered. "Should we remove and replace them with normal AI cores? Or…"
"...It's okay, keep them on our IS frames." Houki replied.
"But if you do this, you and your friends are potential targets for the Time Jackers." Copen stated. "Are you really prepared for it?"
Houki turned to the girls, answering with a nod after a moment of pondering. "Yes, we are." Houki answered to Copen with a nod. "And besides, the AI cores are already bonded with our IS frames. Taking them away means severing their bonds."
"I see..." Copen noted before nodding. "Alright, I won't swap the cores. But you're gonna have to do a lot of training to prepare for the battles ahead if you wanna protect your IS cores. As for upgrades to your IS frames, don't be afraid to ask for ideas."
"Understood." Cecilia replied as she and the other IS girls nodded.
"You wanna know the best way to find ideas for upgrades? Watch plenty of anime." Lola suggested. "If it worked for the Attuned, then it'll work for you girls, especially you, Laura. Your social skills seriously needs work since you've been a military girl for a long time."
"Well… you do have a point there." Laura noted.
"I guess we could give it a shot." Rin said. "Which anime do you suggest?"
Lola answered with a smile. "...Ever heard of the Gundam series?"
Meanwhile, Zeo, Akira and Gaius are sitting on the edge of S.O.N.G HQ's helipad after finishing their conversation with Genjuro and Himeko.
"Man, this has been one heck of a week, huh?" Zeo remarked.
"Yeah. A lot has happened during our missions." Akira replied.
"I was lucky to obtain a Gjallarhorn fragment in the Blaster Master world, along with forming new alliances, but the Neo Time Jackers were able to get the other fragment." Gaius said.
"Sis and I didn't fare well in Liyue compared to you, Gaius." Zeo said. "Sure, we gained an alliance with the Liyue Qixing, but we lost the Gjallarhorn fragment to the Time Jackers and the Geo Gnosis to the Fatui."
"Well, we can't win everytime. We're bound to gain losses, but it'll help us learn from those losses so we can do better." Gaius stated. "We're just getting started, so it's not the end of the multiverse yet."
"Yeah, you're right." Zeo nodded. "It's not over yet. For now though, looks like we have our next destination: The Digi-World."
"Can't believe we're about to go to that world next. I was expecting the Pokemon world first, but Digimon is good too." Akira commented. "Still, I'm looking forward to exploring the Digi-World and get myself a partner Digimon. I call dibs on Lalamon."
"Lalamon? Why her?" Gaius raised his eyebrow.
"Because Lilamon is cuter than Lilymon, and you can't change my mind. Plus, there's also Rosemon and her Burst Mode."
"For me, I've got two choices; Zubamon or Agumon." Zeo said.
"Zubamon, huh?" Gaius mused. "Is it because of the number 20, just like Zi-O being the 20th Heisei Rider?"
"Yep, pretty much." Zeo nodded. "What about you, Gaius?"
"I'd go for the classics. Gabumon or Veemon for me."
"Ah, those are good picks, especially Gabumon's evolution line." Akira remarked.
"Hey, I like wolves when it comes to Garurumons. Don't question it." Gaius smirked. "...Except for the Riftwolves in Teyvat. Those are intimidating and need to die, especially the alphas."
"Mhm." The Naotoras agreed with a nod, remembering their previous battle against the Riftwolves.
"Anyway…" Zeo stood up before the others followed suit. "Time to go to that electronic store and get ourselves those vitality bracelets."
"I'm afraid you'll have to wait for another time, dear heroes." Woz said, appearing behind the three which surprised them.
"Ugh, do you have to do that everytime?" Akira deadpanned.
"This is Woz we're talking about here. Don't question it." Gaius replied.
"When did you return to Earth, Woz?" Zeo asked. "I thought you're still in Liyue."
"I already left last night." Woz replied before taking out a present. "Here, this is for the three of you."
"A gift? For us? What's inside?" Akira asked.
"Open it and find out." Woz replied before Akira took the present and opened it.
And what's inside made the three founders gasp in surprise. "Woz…" Zeo spoke. "This is…"
"Yes." Woz nodded. "The same vitality bracelet that Genjuro Kazanari bought at the electronic store. I was lucky enough to buy four of them. One for me, and these three for you. I'd buy more, but the bracelet was so popular that it's sold out, and waiting for more stocks will take time. Only the normal vitality bracelets remain."
"Wow, popular indeed." Gaius remarked. "Thank goodness for your luck. Not only that, these bracelets are in our respective colors." He then picked the red and yellow bracelet, while Zeo picked the black, pink and silver one and Akira picked the yellow one.
Zeo took a moment to check the bracelet and saw a Digi-Egg on the status screen. "And it looks like there's a Digi-Egg in our watches. I hope it's the one I want."
"Well, if we're gonna plan on hatching those eggs, we gotta start exercising." Akira stated.
"Meaning it's time to do a lot of training." Gaius added. "That's one way to kill two birds with one stone."
"Exactly." Woz nodded. "I'd suggest you three get started."
"You got it." Zeo replied as he and the others nodded. "The path to the Digi-World will take a long while to be ready, so we're gonna take this time to train."
"Let's ask Genjuro for training. I'm sure he has plenty of ideas." Gaius suggested.
"Alright!" Akira punched her open palm. "Time to get started!"
"See ya, Woz! And thanks for the gifts!" Zeo smiled as he and the others ran back inside the base.
"Fufu. And there they go, preparing themselves for another adventure." Woz chuckled in amusement. "The Digimon World, huh? This should be an interesting experience… Hm?" He then heard his Digi-Egg cracking on his vitality bracelet and took a quick look. Once the egg hatched, it was revealed to be a small computer mouse with red eyes and a spark tail. "Hmm… this is an interesting creature. I wonder what you will evolve into?" He then checked the Digimon's status. "'MetalKoromon, Fresh Level Digimon.' I think you and I will get along just fine." He smiled before walking away. "Well then, I'd better do some training of my own. We can't grow if we do nothing, after all."
Zeo's Narration: And so, Xross Drive Rebellion began their training in preparation for our Digi-World excursion. We were planning to get more of those special vitality bracelets containing the Digi-Eggs, but unfortunately, the new stocks still have not arrived yet. I wonder why though? At least Genjuro will let us know when the next stocks will arrive so we can buy more for the rest of the team.
In the meantime… during our training sessions with the Rebellion, sis, Gaius and I taught them what Digimon are, especially their types, levels and their world. Knowledge is important when it comes to visiting a new world, but the experience will be different once you step inside for real. Our scientists are already preparing a machine to send us to the Digi-World, and hopefully done some testing first.
While the IS frames are being upgraded, especially Akatsubaki and its Kenran Butou function, the IS girls told us and the Rebellion the shocking truth about the IS cores which contained Time Crystals. Seriously Tabane Shinonono, what were you thinking during the development of Infinite Stratos?! Misusing the power of time has serious consequences! Even worse, there's no doubt that the Neo Time Jackers will go after those crystals once they know about them and their location! Also, Charlotte revealed to us her past and the real reason why she was enrolled to IS Academy. Don't worry Charl, we're not gonna let that bastard excuse of a father and his company touch you. The moment we expose their crimes, their fate is sealed and you'll be free.
Moving on… the month of February arrived and our Digi-Eggs finally hatched into their Fresh Levels, so it's back to more training to get them to reach Baby Level. The goal for our Digimon is to reach Child Level before the March holidays which is also when the machine to take us to the Digi-World is ready. That way, we can get a head start as they'll be strong enough to fight off the other wild Child Digimon.
During the month of February, we were planning to partake in the Lantern Rite in Liyue for our break from training, which so happens to be on the same date as Chinese New Year. However, Aether, Lumine, Paimon and even Mona requested our help involving falling meteorites that caused the people of Mondstadt and Liyue to fall asleep. We also had help from a Electro Vision Bearer named Fischl and her raven familiar Oz… and she happens to have traits of a chuunibyou, also known as 'middle-second syndrome'. But unlike most chuunibyou, she can actually back up her words due to her impressive Electro archery skills along with support from Oz. During the commission though, we encountered another one of the Fatui Harbingers, codenamed: The Balladeer. And judging from his attire, he's definitely from Inazuma. Looks like the Fatui were able to get a hold of the nation, meaning a liberation campaign for us in the future. Despite the encounter with the Harbinger, we managed to finish the commission by destroying the main meteorite core at a faraway island within the Mondstadt region, and the people that fell victim to the meteorites have recovered, so we can freely enjoy the Lantern Rite without any incidents. And even though the Harbinger escaped, I get the feeling that we'll see him again someday.
Speaking of the Lantern Rite, everyone had a great time celebrating despite the absence of the Jade Chamber and Rex Lapis. Don't worry though, Zhongli was there to have a good time as a human being and not as an Archon. Xiao also had a good experience, even though he watched the Rite at a faraway distance. But it's a good small step forward for him to open up to others besides Zhongli and the other adepti.
Afterwards, the weeks continued to fly by as we continued our training until the March holidays finally arrived. By then, our Digimon reached Child Level which was revealed to be Zubamon for me, Lalamon for Akira, and Veemon for Gaius. He didn't get Gabumon though, but Veemon is still a good pick. Anyway, as for the machine that can take us to the Digi-World, it's finally ready and already tested, so it's safe for us to travel without any accidents.
…or so we thought.
S.O.N.G HQ, Tokyo, Japan
March 2045
Daytime
"Sorry for the long wait, everyone. But the day to enter the Digi-World has finally arrived." Elfnein announced as most of Team XDR in their casual wear gathered inside the Trans Server Room. And behind her and Ciel is another Trans Server, but with a blue and green highlighted color scheme instead of the usual brown and green highlighted one.
"Elfnein and I figured that the best machine to use as a base to travel to cyberspace would be another Trans Server, but in another color to differentiate with the usual ones we use." Ciel added.
"Hmm… that makes sense." Tsubasa noted as she, Houki and Mei nodded.
"And yet only Old Man Genjuro, Zeo, Akira and Gaius has those special vitality bracelets that contains their Digimon partners, while we didn't get any." Kanade muttered.
"Woz has one too, by the way." Kiana mentioned.
"Well, lucky him." Kanade sighed.
"Dess…" Kirika also sighed.
"Hey, only the normal vitality bracelets are available at most electronic stores." Zeo stated with his hands raised.
"Sorry." Akira apologized. "We were really planning to buy those special bracelets for you guys, but I guess luck is not on our side. Life can be really unfair at times."
"You wanna know what's also unfair? Some of the Lydian Academy students managed to get their hands on those special bracelets!" Chris mentioned in annoyance. "Just… how?! Did they pre-order those things or something?!"
"I feel like this team inherited my curse for bad luck." Hibiki remarked in disappointment.
"I-I don't think it's because of that." Miku sweatdropped.
"To be fair, most of us are busy in either Teyvat or the Blaster Master world, so we didn't know about this beforehand, especially its rising popularity." Fu Hua stated.
"Y-Yes! Exactly, Fu Hua-san!" Hibiki agreed.
"Speaking of Lydian Academy, I heard some of my classmates sharing rumors about seeing a world inhabited by those digital monsters." Serena mentioned.
"The rumors didn't just spread at the academy." Shirabe informed, showing the rumors on the internet using her Zikan Phone. "It's also on the news all around the world."
"It just shows how popular the Digimon and their world are." Bronya remarked.
"And considering your knowledge…" Laura stared at the three founders. "There's no doubt that the rumours are true."
"Yep." Zeo nodded. "Which is the exact reason why we're going to the Digi-World and get acquainted with the locals to avoid any hostility."
"They're living beings, just like us, with the ability to think and feel. Not all of them are pure monsters." Gaius added.
"So do us a favor and don't antagonize them, okay?" Akira requested, earning a nod from the team.
"Before we get started, we need to prepare a team to venture into the Digi-World." Ciel said. "Zeo, your decision."
"Alright, let's see…" Zeo looked at his team for a moment with his hand on his chin. "Ok, first off, since this Digi-World is linked with the Symphogear World… all nine Attuned will be going."
"Eh?!" The Attuned responded in surprise.
"All nine of them?" Himeko questioned. "Are you sure?"
"Don't worry, the other team members that's not going will protect this world in their absence." Zeo replied. "And besides, there haven't been any disasters as of late thanks to our involvement."
"Zeo-kun is right, though." Genjuro said. "Not much happened in this world, and there hasn't been any notifications from the UN, so I think it's safe for all of the Attuned to go to the Digi-World."
"If you say so, uncle." Tsubasa noted.
"Tsubasa and I don't have any concert plans for this month, so we're free to join in." Maria said.
"Though some of us still need to come back here to do our homework before the holidays end… except for me since I've already finished mine." Chris said with her arms crossed.
"Hmm… not bad for someone who likes to jump in guns and missiles blazing." Cecilia remarked.
"Hey, I can still get good grades, Miss British Sniper." Chris smirked.
"Oho? Do I hear a challenge from you, Chris dear?" Cecilia smirked back with a raised eyebrow. "This Saturday, S.O.N.G Simulation Room, my Blue Tears against your Ichaival."
"Loser goes for a supply run?" Chris wagered.
"Deal." Cecilia accepted as the two shook hands and nodded.
"(And just like that, Chris-senpai gained a rival.)" Shirabe whispered to Kirika.
"(Dess. Dess.)" Kirika nodded twice.
"(I wouldn't mind. I'm curious to see how an IS would fair against a Symphogear.)" Laura mused.
"(You'll have to wait for Saturday to see it, Laura.)" Charlotte whispered.
"Moving on… Anyone else, Zeo-san?" Elfnein asked.
"Houki and Cecilia, GV and Copen, and Kiana and Bronya." Zeo decided.
"You're pairing the Bronya with Kiana?" Bronya questioned.
"Is there something wrong with that?" Gaius questioned back.
"The Bronya was expecting Kiana to pair with Mei."
"It's okay, I don't mind this pairing." Kiana said. "This excursion is something Bronya-chan excels at."
"Kiana-chan's right." Mei agreed. "I'm sure the two of you together can handle it."
"As long as Kiana doesn't slow down the Bronya, then the Bronya will accept it." Bronya said.
"Don't worry, I'll follow your lead." Kiana assured. "I don't wanna get reckless, especially in a new world."
"Very well." Bronya nodded.
"I'll continue to train Mei and Seele while you guys go off on your excursion." Yae Sakura said.
"You got it, Sakura-san." Kiana replied with a thumbs up.
"So I'm pairing with Cecilia this time." Houki said, gazing at her partner.
"Something wrong?" Cecilia asked.
"Oh, nothing." Houki waved off. "It's been a while since the two of us worked together."
"Ah yes, that one domain in the Blaster Master world where the two of us and Samus fought against a large metallic mutant."
"We worked pretty well, didn't we? And that was before we revealed our pasts to each other." Houki remarked.
"Indeed." Cecilia nodded. "You watch my back and I'll watch yours, Houki."
"Of course, Cecilia." Houki smiled.
"Speaking of Samus-san, I wonder how she's doing lately?" Shirabe pondered.
"She's doing fine with the EDF currently." Laura replied. "As for her spaceship, it should be able to travel through space along with the hyperdrive restored, but the navigation system leading to her world is still being repaired."
"I see." Shirabe noted. "At least her ship is doing fine."
"Can't believe you girls get to meet an experienced galactic bounty hunter while I'm stuck in Liyue." Rin said to her fellow IS pilots.
"You'll meet her someday, Rin. Sorry about that." Charlotte replied.
"It's fine, I can wait."
"GV, Ix, any problems with your pairing?" Zeo asked.
"No, we're fine." Gunvolt replied with Copen nodding. "Though i wonder if there's any Electro Type Digimon?"
"I think there's a small few, but it's mostly from the insect species." Akira answered.
"Good enough for me."
"Any butterfly Digimon, by any chance?" Joule asked.
"A few, Joule." Akira replied.
"Don't know which Digimon will be a perfect fit for me, but I'll find out eventually." Copen said.
"I'm betting it'll be some kind of crusader or something." Lola said.
"Only time will tell, Lola." Gaius replied.
"Alright, time to get going." Zeo declared. "Team, onto the Trans Server."
"Roger!" The chosen members nodded as they, Zeo, Gaius and Akira stepped onto the platform.
"Beginning digital transfer sequence." Elfnein said, typing several buttons on the console as the Trans Server lit up in green. "5… 4… 3… 2… 1… Transfer!" And with a push of a button, the team vanished into green pixels. "Transfer complete."
"Now to see if they arrived in cyberspace safely." Ciel said as all eyes were on the Trans Server's monitor.
S.O.N.G Data Hub, Cyberspace
(Play BGM: Connect Jump! - Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth OST)
Eventually, the team arrived in a digital hub with multiple data screens and other data flowing everywhere, with a main green teleport platform on the center of the hub. Everyone was in awe at the sight.
"So this is cyberspace…" Zeo remarked. "I'd never thought I'd get to go here."
"Feels like a dream, doesn't it?" Gaius added. "But I can definitely tell that it's not."
"Hmm… Looks like we're in one of the cyber hubs. Most notably S.O.N.G's hub." Akira observed.
"You'd be right, Akira." Ciel's voice was heard in a comms line. "Can you guys hear me?"
"Loud and clear, Ciel-san!" Hibiki replied. "You should come inside and see this place! It's amazing!"
"Perhaps another time, Hibiki."
"Anything wrong with your bodies during the transfer process?" Elfnein asked.
"No problems so far, Elfnein." Bronya replied.
"That's good. Anyway, now's the time to find a path to the Digi-World. So the first thing you need to look for is a data tunnel. Can anyone see it?"
Everyone looked at their surroundings until Houki managed to find a blue teleport platform on the far north. "I found a teleport platform north of this hub." Houki informed. "Does that count?"
"Close enough." Ciel replied. "Step onto the platform and let us know what you saw on the other side."
"Hai." Houki nodded. "Okay everyone, let's go!"
The team nodded as they approached the blue platform, teleporting them to another area after stepping foot on it.
Soon enough, they arrived at an area where they saw multiple data tunnels ahead, including the one close to them.
"Ciel, we found the data tunnels, including the one we can enter." Copen informed.
"Good, then that will be your starting point." Ciel noted.
"Now you need to travel through the data tunnels until you find the path to the Digi-World." Elfnein said. "However, it will be difficult to look without using a signal that's the same as the Digimon."
"Same as the Digimon, huh?" Gaius repeated as he glanced at his vitality bracelet. "Hold on, let me try something." He pushed a button onto the bracelet, causing a holo-screen to appear and browsed through the menu, until he found something peculiar. "Huh, well that's new. The vitality bracelet has access to a navigation compass that will lead us to the Digi-World."
"Really?!" Ciel gasped. "Is it because of the Digimon housed on your bracelet?"
"Sure seems like it." Gaius replied. "But at least we don't have to run all over the place to look for the Digi-World."
"Understood. Then you may begin your travel. Contact us once you've reached the Digi-World."
"Roger that, Ciel. Gaius out." Gaius nodded, pushing the button to activate the compass, causing the navigation arrow to point north. "Alright everyone, follow my lead and stay close! We do not wanna get lost on our first trip through cyberspace!"
"Stay close to each other, girls!" Kanade said to the other Attuned as they got close, while everyone else went close to the three founders. Afterwards, the team went inside the data tunnel with Gaius leading the way.
(BGM End)
Trans Server Room, S.O.N.G HQ
"Everything's going smoothly so far." Elfnein observed the Trans Server's monitor.
"Good." Genjuro nodded. "Keep on observing their progress, Elfnein-kun."
"Hai." Elfnein nodded.
"The Digimon World…" Himeko whispered.
"Something on your mind, Himeko?" Mei asked.
"Just curious to see what the Digi-World looks like." Himeko replied.
"According to what Zeo, Gaius and Akira explained, the world seems to have features from our world, such as deserts, jungles, factories and oceans." Seele recalled.
"I see. I wouldn't mind exploring the place someday."
"Then maybe you should've gone with them instead." Theresa said.
"Yeah, but I wanted to let them take the first step and have fun." Himeko replied.
"I wouldn't call traveling to a new world 'fun'." Laura said.
"And you need to go out and learn more, Laura." Himeko smirked.
"Um… I'm working on that, Major Himeko." Laura blushed while looking away.
"Fufu, relax." Himeko chuckled. "No need to be too formal. Just call me Himeko, plain and simple."
"...As you wish, Himeko."
"Chief, we've got a problem!" Sakuya said as he quickly arrived from the command center.
"What is it, Sakuya?" Genjuro asked.
"There's been an unknown data surge affecting the whole network system!"
"What?!" Genjuro exclaimed in shock with others reacting the same expression.
"Wait, unknown? As in, it came out of nowhere?" Theresa questioned.
"Aoi and I tried to detect the source of the surge, but it's jamming our signals." Sakuya answered.
"Oh crap, our friends are still in cyberspace!" Rin gasped with wide eyes. "If they get hit by the surge before they reach the Digi-World…!"
"Not if I have anything to say about it!" Laura said. "Commander Genjuro, permission to use the command center to stabilize the network system?"
"Are you sure you can handle it, Laura?" Mei asked.
"Ja." Laura nodded. "I have proficiency with data programming back in my military unit."
"Very well, permission granted." Genjuro approved with a nod. "Sakuya!"
"Right!" Sakuya nodded before leaving. "Follow me, Laura!"
"Mm!" Laura nodded before going after the operator.
"We're counting on you, Laura!" Charlotte said.
"Elfnein, I'll need your help stabilizing the Trans Server in case the data surge affects the machine." Ciel requested.
"Understood!" Elfnein nodded as the two get to work stabilizing the machine. "Elfnein to Zeo, can you read me? An unknown data surge is coming your way, so brace yourselves and don't get separated!"
"Please be safe." Fu Hua mentally prayed for the exploration team's safety.
Cyberspace
The team continued to travel through the data tunnels with Gaius leading with the digital compass active. Eventually, the compass arrow began to flicker rapidly. "Guys, I think we're close! The compass is reacting fast!" Gaius informed the group.
"Finally! I feel like we've been traveling here for more than five minutes!" Kanade remarked.
"Really? I can't tell." Chris said.
"Doesn't matter, we're almost there! So let's go straight and direct!" Kiana declared.
"H-Hey, Kiana-chan! That's my line!" Hibiki responded.
"You heard her, Gaius! Lead the way!" Akira said.
"Stay close and remember to keep up!" Gaius said to the team as he dashed ahead with Zeo and Akira quickly following close to him.
The rest of the team quickly followed suit, until Lola began to sense something from her system. "Uhh… guys? We've got ourselves a problem."
"Oh for the love of… why now?!" Cecilia complained.
"What is it, Lola?" Copen asked.
"We've got an incoming data surge heading right for us! And if that thing hits us… well…"
"Well what?" Shirabe asked.
"...I don't think I wanna know, dess." Kirika gulped.
"Then we'll just have to outrun it before it hits us!" Houki stated.
"I agree with Houki's suggestion." Tsubasa said.
"Then let's move it, people!" Zeo declared as everyone dashed through the tunnel as quickly as they could..
During the journey however, the entire data tunnel began to shake which caught the attention of everyone while they kept moving.
"Huh?! An earthquake?! Even in cyberspace?!" Joule gasped.
"Crap, it's already here?!" Gunvolt exclaimed. "We need to hurry!"
"That's what we're trying to do here!" Chris shouted. "This quake had better not be from a Gjallarhorn fragment!"
"Escape now, thoughts on it later!" Kanade said.
But then, the nine Attuned were suddenly slowing down which shocked the group.
"Eh?! Why are we slowing down?!" Serena gasped.
"I don't know!" Miku said. "Is it because of the quake?"
"Hang on, we're gonna help you catch up!" Zeo said. "Akira, Gaius, take the others and go! I'll catch up with you soon!"
"What?!" Kiana gasped.
"No way! We are not leaving you behind! We're staying together!" Akira said to her brother.
"Listen! Once you reach the Digi-World, find someone that can help find us if we get stranded in cyberspace! Better to get someone's help instead of no help at all!" Zeo ordered.
Akira grit her teeth as she looked at her teammates before sighing and answering her brother. "...Okay, we'll go on ahead. But I'm staying with you. Someone's gotta watch your back in case things go south."
"Sis…" Zeo whispered.
"Are you sure, Akira?" Gaius asked.
"I'll be alright, trust me." Akira assured.
Gaius was silent for a moment before nodding. "...Very well. But we will come back to look for you once we find help in the Digi-World."
"Good. Don't keep us waiting, okay?" Akira smiled.
"Heh, I'd be a horrible friend if I did that." Gaius smirked back. "Alright team, the sooner we reach the Digi-World, the sooner we can find help from the Digimon!"
"You better make it out alive, guys." Kiana said.
"We'll come back and find you once we find help. That's a promise." Houki added.
"Hang in there for a while longer, we'll be back soon." Gunvolt also added.
"Thanks, guys." Hibiki smiled. "We'll see you soon."
With that, Gaius led the remaining members ahead, while Zeo and Akira stayed with the Attuned to help them catch up.
"Alright ladies, hold hands and don't let go. We're gonna get through this together." Zeo advised, earning a nod from them and followed his instructions. After they hold hands, Hibiki and Kanade held Zeo and Akira's hand.
"Okay, let's go!" Akira declared as they dashed through the data tunnel together, trying to escape to the Digi-World before the situation became worse.
Unfortunately, it indeed became worse as the quake began to intensify with red lightning crackling all over the tunnel.
"Not good, the quake is starting to get harsher by the second!" Shirabe said.
"W-What do we do, dess?!" Kirika asked.
"Keep going ahead and never look back!" Maria replied.
"Maria's right! Don't stop for anything!" Kanade agreed.
As they kept moving however, Chris noticed red waves coming from behind, and it's fast approaching. "Oh crap, brace for impact!" She shouted as she grip tightly her held hands.
They braced themselves as the waves struck the group with force. And after getting hit by the third wave, Shirabe lost her grip and was sent flying back which shocked everyone.
"No!" Shirabe gasped in horror.
"Shirabe!" Kirika exclaimed, before doing the unthinkable by releasing her hands and flew after her close friend.
"Kirika?!" Serena exclaimed in shock.
"Baka! What the hell are you doing?!" Chris shouted.
"I'm not leaving Shirabe behind, dess! Not now, not ever!" Kirika replied as she went after Shirabe until they're both out of sight.
"Kirika, don't be reckless!" Maria shouted. "We can still-" Unfortunately, she's starting to lose her grip on her younger sister's hand after she lost focus from witnessing Shirabe and Kirika's fate. "No, not now!"
"Maria-neesan don't let go!" Serena shouted.
"I'm trying… but… I'm… slipping…!" Maria replied, trying hard not to let go.
"Maria, hang on!" Akira shouted as she and Serena kept holding onto Maria's hand. But then she noticed an even stronger wave quickly approaching. "Crap… brace yourselves!"
And the moment the wave hit the group, it caused Serena and Akira to lose their grip on Maria as the two former were sent flying deep into the tunnel while Maria was sent flying back.
"No!/Maria-neesan!" Akira and Serena exclaimed as they were sent flying.
"Akira!/Serena!" Zeo and Maria exclaimed as the latter was sent flying back.
"Damn it! Things are going south way too quickly!" Chris cursed. "Goddamn Gjallarhorn fragment and their Dimensional Quakes!"
"Chris-chan, focus on our survival first before we go look for them later!" Hibiki said.
"Hibiki's right!" Miku agreed. "I can't lose you two and Tsubasa-san either!"
"Just hang on for a while longer! We're gonna make it!" Kanade said as they kept moving despite the quakes intensifying, until she noticed more waves approaching. "Oh, come on!"
The group braced themselves as they were stuck by the waves, causing them to slowly lose their grips.
"Damn it… we're losing our grips here…!" Zeo muttered.
"Kanade-san, Zeo-san, Miku, promise me this." Hibiki said. "If you three make it to the Digi-World safely, promise us that you'll look for us after you get help from the Digimon, okay?"
"Little kouhai, don't tell me you're giving up!" Kanade said.
"No." Hibiki shook her head. "I'm not giving up hope, because I know you'll find us."
"Hibiki…" Miku whispered.
"Hibiki, another strong wave is coming!" Chris informed after noticing the wave. "And this is definitely gonna hurt us!"
"Kanade!" Tsubasa shouted.
"Tsubasa, promise me that you'll live." Kanade said. "Stay together with Hibiki-chan, Chris-chan and the others until we find you. And you'd better not die on me, or I'll be pissed."
"But…"
"Heiki hecchara. I'll be alright with my new friends." Kanade assured with a grin. "I'll see you again soon, okay?"
"Kanade…" Tsubasa whispered before nodding. "Mm… I'll see you soon. Don't keep me waiting."
"Hibiki, Tsubsa, Chris, take care of yourselves until we find you." Zeo said to the girls, earning a nod from them as the wave quickly approaches. "And find Maria, Kirika and Shirabe while you're at it!"
"Roger!" Hibiki replied. "And Miku, please stay with them for me."
"I will, Hibiki. And then we'll find you and the others. I promise." Miku replied back.
"Here it comes!" Chris shouted. "Impact in 3… 2… 1…!" And after the count, the powerful wave sent the group flying on impact as they lost their grip with Hibiki, Tsubasa and Chris flying back and Zeo, Kanade and Miku flying in the other direction. And then, everything turned white from their point of view.
Unknown Location
Several minutes have passed as Zeo was unconscious after the red wave sent him flying. Eventually, he woke up, grunting in pain and shaking his head before looking at his surroundings.
"Ugh… that really sucked…" Zeo muttered as he slowly stood up and dusted himself off. He took a moment to check his clothing to see if there's anything missing. "Oh thank the archons… all of my stuff are still here, especially my Ridewatches, Zikan Phone and Ziku Driver. I'd be pissed if anything were missing. Now then…" Afterwards, he looked around the area he's currently in which looks like a forest. "Okay, so I'm in some kind of forest. Did I make it to the Digi-World safely?" He then checked his vitality bracelet and saw something interesting in the menu. "Digivice-V? I don't remember my vitality bracelet having that feature… Unless…"
Before Zeo could figure something out, several monsters came out from the bushes which caught his attention, and said monsters were surrounding him. "Goburimon… Yep, I'm definitely in the Digi-World." He said, recognizing the monsters.
Goburimon
Type: Virus
Level: Child
Goburimon are green goblin-like Digimon with yellow eyes, short red mohawk hair, and pointy ears. It has two large teeth in its mouth, five fingers on each hand and five toes on each foot. It wears a pierced ring on its left ear and a light brown sleeveless open jacket with brown trim and has black leather adorned by metal orbs near its shoulders. It also wears a brown belt and a light brown loincloth. The weapon is a wooden club with screws on it, and a metallic ornament under its hilt.
The Goburimon let out death glares to Zeo as they slowly approach him with their clubs armed.
Zeo on the other hand. smirked with confidence, not showing any signs of fear. "Usually I'd be scared of you guys since I don't have any weapons on me." He spoke to the Digimon while preparing a combat stance. "Unfortunately, I had combat training with one badass commander, so I can kick your asses with my bare hands without needing to transform. Now, come at me!"
The Goburimons then performed a jump attack onto Zeo, only for him to leap above them and countered with a spin kick, followed by a dive kick which took out a number of the Digimon. The Digimon were surprised at the human fighting back, not giving them any openings to retaliate. He even stole one of the clubs and used it against them, surprising them even further. His assault caused most of the Goburimons to retreat with fear, leaving only the three brave ones who were angry at him. They retaliated by launching fireballs with one swing of their clubs, causing him to dodge roll to the side.
"Okay… forgot they can launch fireballs like that." Zeo thought while dodging the fireballs. As he was about to plan a counterattack, he noticed something small leaping out of the bushes and heading straight for the Goburimons from above.
"20 Scratch!" The small being shouted as it slashed through the Goburimons with its three-bladed claws, interrupting their attack as they roared in pain. "20 Dive!" The small being then landed beside the Goburimons and followed up with a rush attack from the blade horn on its head, piercing them through in one strike before they vanished into blue pixels.
Zeo was in awe at the being's skills before gasping in shock. "Zubamon? Is that you?"
"...Of course it's me." The being replied as it approached Zeo. "I'm your Digimon partner after I was hatched from a Digi-Egg and grew into Child Level during training, remember?"
Zubamon
Type: Vaccine/Weapon
Level: Child
Zubamon is a bipedal reptilian creature with red eyes, a tail, and three digits on its hands and feet. It wears golden armor that covers most of its body, and a white cape. Its armor has a claw at each digit, a black losangle-shaped object in the tail, a small blade-like object on each knee, an orange "0" on its left shoulder pad, and a sword-like horn on its helmet. The horn emits a blue light on its blade, and it has a silver "20" on its left side.
"Wait…" Zeo quickly checked his bracelet and saw that the status screen is empty. "...Did you just come out of my bracelet somehow?"
"Well… you were passed out for quite a while, so I decided to come out of your Digivice-V and check the area for any threats until you wake up." Zubamon replied.
"Oh… then thanks for looking out for me." Zeo replied back and offered a handshake.
"You're welcome, partner." Zubamon smiled back, accepting the handshake. "So, that was one heck of an unfortunate accident back there."
"Are you talking about that quake back at the data tunnel?"
"That's the one." Zubamon nodded. "I was inside your Digivice the whole time, hearing the entire conversation. I'm glad you're safe."
"Yeah." Zeo nodded back, before remembering something important. "Oh crap, Miku and Kanade! They were with me after that wave hit us!"
"Oh right, your friends. I was planning to look for them myself, but I'll have better chances when you wake up."
"Well, I'm wide awake now, and ready to start searching." Zeo smirked, punching his open fist.
"That's the spirit! As expected for my partner." Zubamon smiled back. "By the way, you were pretty good fighting those Goburimons without needing to transform."
"I had a good coach." Zeo replied, before blinking in confusion. "Wait… you know that I'm a Kamen Rider?"
"Ahem, I was in your Digivice the whole time, remember? I watched everything as I trained with you during your training sessions."
"Oh, right. That explains it." Zeo sweatdropped.
"Don't worry, Your secret's safe with me. Plus, I've grown pretty strong thanks to you. And you wanna know why? Because I'm the Twentiest!" Zubamon proclaimed proudly.
"Heh. The Twentiest, huh?" Zeo chuckled. "To be fair, Zi-O is also the 20th Heisei Kamen Rider."
"Exactly! It's like fate was made for me to partner with you."
"Heh, I thought the same way. Now come on, partner. Let's go look for our friends." Zeo said as he began walking.
"Of course, Zeo. I'll be right beside you, all the way." Zubamon replied as he went with him.
And so marks the beginning of Xross Drive Rebellion's Digimon adventure. But whatever happened to the other six Attuned which were separated from the quake? Well…
Unknown Location
Nighttime, Rainy
"Ugh…" Hibiki groaned as she slowly woke up by the falling raindrops and rubbed her eyes. "Rain…?" She spoke after noticing raindrops landing on her open hand, making her gasp as she stood up and quickly searched for a nearby shelter to keep herself dry.
"Hibiki, over here!"
Hibiki turned to her left and saw Tsubasa and Chris resting in a small cave and next to a small bonfire. "Tsubasa-san! Chris-chan! You're okay!"
"Worry about yourself first, baka!" Chris scolded. "Get in here before you catch a cold!"
"H-Hai!" Hibiki complied, quickly entering the cave and sat with the others. "Ah… much better."
"I'm glad you're alright, Hibiki." Tsubasa said.
"You too." Hibiki smiled back before sighing. "But that quake…"
"I know." Tsubasa nodded. "Chris and I already tried to call the others with our Zikan Phones, but no luck so far. I worry about the safety of Kanade and the others."
"Ugh… this is not how I want to spend my holidays." Chris complained.
"So what now?" Hibiki asked.
"We'll wait for the rain to calm down first, and also use the bonfire Chris made to keep ourselves warm." Tsubasa replied.
"After that, we'll start looking around the area and hope to the archons that help is nearby." Chris added. "If Zeo and the others are looking for help if they managed to reach the Digi-World safely, we'd better do the same for our end."
"Is this place still the Digi-World though?" Hibiki pondered.
"Who knows?" Chris shrugged. "We'll find out later."
"Hai." Hibiki nodded. "Miku… I hope you're alright…"
"Kanade… please be safe…" Tsubasa thought.
"I wonder where Maria, Kirika and Shirabe are?" Chris also thought before sighing. "Tch… what a gacking mess…"
Several minutes later, the rain began to calm down and the three Attuned were nicely rested with their clothes dried up. Afterwards, they put out the bonfire and left the cave to search the area for any inhabitants living nearby.
"Are you sure we're in the Digital World?" Tsubasa asked the Gungnir wielder as they kept walking.
"Well, Zeo-san did describe what it looked like. It had some elements from our world." Hibiki replied.
"But why did that damn quake have to happen at a time like this?" Chris complained before sighing. "Ugh… stupid Gjallarhorn fragment…"
"Anyway, I'm sure Zeo and the others will take notice of our disappearance." Tsubasa stated. "Hopefully, they'll find a way to contact us."
"Uggghhh…"
Their conversation was put to a sudden halt upon hearing a man groaning nearby. "...Chris-chan… did you hear that?" Hibiki asked while shuddering with fear.
"We all did, Hibiki." Tsubasa replied. "What was that?"
"Well whoever it is better have an explanation as to where we are, 'cause that is not a voice I could recognize." Chris said as they began looking around for the source of the voice until they noticed someone on the ground near a strange tower. "What the…"
They found the man with white hair lying on his back with a stetson hat next to him. His attire consists of a leather and metal mask that covered his face and a modernized cowboy outfit that featured a black and red upper body with black-blue pants and black cowboy boots with white designs on them.
And in this very moment that their fateful meeting with the masked gunslinger would shake the entirety of the multiverse.
Or in this case… multiverses…
Xross Drive Rebellion series created by Fir100
Presents…
In collaboration with the Dimensional Heroes series created by Jexi the Hunter, David Ishihara, Ace Neptune, Hope the Victor and MasterM1
Arc 3: Cyber Collision
Beginning with:
Book 7: Going Digital - Fir100
and
Book 1: Convergence - Hope the Victor
Author's note: And here we have it, the beginning of Arc 3, with the surprise of collaborating with the Dimensional Heroes series. Hope the Victor was the one who sent me the invite for a collab, so I chose to accept and see where this route takes me. However, by the time I'm writing this interlude, the saga is technically finished with the missing piece being Team XDR's Digi-World adventure. Oh well, better late than never. But I will be updating my profile which will include the stories for Arc 3.
Anyway, a few things to point out for this interlude. First is the reveal of Ozuma, the leader of the Neo Time Jackers along with their home realm which is based on the Serenitea Pot's floating realm landscape. Second is the IS girls finally revealing their pasts to each other, especially Charlotte's. This will greatly help them develop as they search for the way back to the IS world. In addition, they also revealed the existence of the Time Crystals installed on their IS cores which is something the Time Jackers will take notice the moment they find out, giving Team XDR a bigger reason to find the IS world before they do. And third is mentioning the Genshin Impact events Team XDR participated, especially the one involving the appearance of Scaramouche, AKA the Balladeer. They'll definitely be seeing him again in the future. Oh, and one more thing, I'm following the japanese Digimon level system; Fresh, Baby, Child, Adult, Perfect, Ultimate and Super Ultimate. The same goes for the attack names, but I'll be keeping some of the english ones.
Well, that's all I have to say for now. See you next time as we begin with Book 7. Stay safe!