Hey everyone. Got another chapter ready for you.

Before we get on with the chapter, there's a review I'd like to reply to, and I can't do it normally for some reason, so this will have to do.

To Shadowham: As far as I know, all of the effects of the Sharicite disappearing from a nation doesn't happen straight away, so Neptune and Planetune should be fine for a bit. Unless I'm mistaken, in which case, feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

Now with that out of the way, I should also mention that I won't always reply to reviews this way. I'm hoping that once I get a computer, I'll be able to reply to all comments properly. Now then, lets get on with the story.

Disclaimer: I do not own Digimon or the Hyperdimension Neptunia series. Both franchises belong to their respective companies.

Chapter 17: Duel Of The Rookies

In Leanbox, Vert was showing Lalamon how to play one of her games when Histoire had called on her computer. Two other screens also appeared on her monitor. It was Blanc and Noire. Histoire had gathered them all in a four-way call.

The Oracle explained what had transpired in Planetune, from the BlackGrowlmon attack to SkullSatamon appearing again.

"And you say that he's taken Planetune's Sharicite?", asked Vert.

"Yes. He broke in and took our Sharicite crystal. Without it, the CPUs of Planetune won't be able to transform. And it's only a matter of time before the ciry also becomes vulnerable to catastrophe", stated Histoire.

"Histoire, when did you say that this attack happened?", inquired Noire.

"It was near noon, if I remember correctly. Why do you ask?", said the Oracle.

"Because Lastation was also attacked at the same time by a Devidramon. Apparently SkullSatamon sent him to wipe us out, but we stopped him. Unfortunately he took his own life before we could interrogate him", Noire explained.

"I see...", said Histoire in shock.

The Oracle took a moment to recover before clearing her throat and continuing.

"Vert, Blanc, were you too attacked by any wild Digimon today?", she asked.

"Nope. We haven't see anything out here in Lowee", said Blanc.

"All is normal in Leanbox as well. Although that could change at any time", said Vert.

"That's good. Still, what SkullSatamon has done disturbs me. If he is bold enough to steal our Sharicite crystal, then he must have a plan for it", said Histoire.

"You don't think he'll go after ours next, do you?", Blanc inquired worriedly.

"I would hate to think so. Otherwise we won't be able to defend ourselves", said Vert.

"He wouldn't dare come after us. There's no way we'll let him near our Sharicite", added Noire.

"Don't forget, he did take us all down with very little effort. Our Digimon don't even have an Ultimate level to match him", stated Blanc.

"Ugh! I hate it when you're right!", the raven haired CPU exclaimed.

"This is most troubling indeed. How can we fight against SkullSatamon if we don't know how to unlock our Digimon's Ultimate levels?", said Vert.

"I'm not sure either. But if you do face SkullSatamon again, you'll just have to give it your all. I'm very sorry, but that's all I can say", said Histoire sadly.

"It's okay, Histoire. We'll make sure our Sharicite doesn't get stolen like Neptune's", said Blanc.

"If Neptune had taken better care of her Sharicite, it wouldn't have gotten stolen in the first place", said Noire.

"None of us knew that SkullSatamon would go after it. When we get our crystal back, I will make sure it is placed in a more secure location", stated Histoire.

"Whatever. It's not like I feel bad for her. I just expected better from Neptune", said the raven haired CPU.

"Me and Lalamon will keep an eye out for anything suspicious here as well. If anyone come to try and take our crystal, we'll be ready for them", said Vert.

"So will we. If anyone tries to take my powers away, I'll kill them dead", added Blanc.

"Okay. I wish you good luck. And be careful. I will contact you all again should something change. Farewell", said Histoire.

The four-way call soon ended, all three screens of the two CPUs and the Oracle disappearing off of Vert's monitor.

"Now then, were were we?", said Vert as she got up, hoping to resume her game with Lalamon.

Linda groaned as she started to wake up. She slowly opened her eyes, trying to get a bearing on her surroundings.

"Ugh... What happened?", she asked herself.

Her vision started to clear and she looked around. She was still in the sewer system. The grey skinned girl sighed in disgust. She wondered where that monster went. Looking around, she saw that it was nowhere in sight. Linda sighed in relief.

"Man, what a scare", she said to herself.

"I'll say. You fell asleep for a while", said a voice.

Linda turned around in shock and almost shrieked. Right beside her was the starnge green creature that saved her life. She calmed down a bit and raised her hands defensively.

"Okay, start talking! Who or what are you?!", Linda said demandingly.

"Hey, is that anyway to talk to a handsome Digimon who saved your life?", said the creature.

"Digimon? You're a Digimon?", asked the grey skinned girl.

"Yep. I'm Numemon! Nice to meet ya!", said the Digimon.

Linda didn't know how to respond. The Digimon's appearance was grotesque to her. He even had an unbearable stench around him. Suffice to say, she didn't want to be around this creature.

"Well, as much as I would like to stick around, I've got to get going now, so yeah...", said Linda.

"Hey wait up, hot stuff! Aren't you going to thank me?", asked Numemon.

"Thank you? For what?", Linda inquired.

"For saving your life, of course! Maybe even settle it with a kiss?", the slime-like Digimon said, puckering his mouth in a kissing motion.

The grey skinned girl felt really disgusted and pushed him away from her.

"Ewww, gross! Hell no! There's no way I'm kissing that face!", exclaimed Linda.

"Oh c'mon! Not even just a peck on the cheek?", asked Numemon.

"Not even if you were the last living thing in Gameindustri! Absolutely not!", yelled Linda as she started to walk away.

Numemon looked disappointed, but he didn't let it bother him for long. He moved after the grey skinned girl and got beside her. She was annoyed at this and looked down at the mollusk Digimon.

"Why are you following me?", asked Linda.

"Because you're pretty?", replied Numemon.

"Ugh!", groaned the grey skinned girl as she started to walk faster.

Numemon looked on and soon caught up with her.

"Okay, being serious now. You really don't want to go that way", he said.

"And why not? In case you haven't noticed, I don't take kindly to being told where I can and can't go", said Linda.

"Oh, but you really can't. That's where Raremon lives", said Numemon.

Linda stopped when she heard that name. She thought about the large creature that chased her through the tunnel and how Numemon had saved her from it. She looked at the mollusk Digimon again.

"Raremon? You mean that big guy who chased through here?", Linda asked.

"Yeah! He's big, mean, and more smelly than me! I've been steering clear of him ever since he chased me here through some weird hole thingy!", exclaimed Numemon.

"Hole thingy?", asked the grey skinned girl.

"Uh huh! He caught me in his territory and a weird swirly hole thingy appeared in front of me while he was chasing me. We were pulled in and ended up here", the mollusk Digimon explained.

"Okay... And you came from where again?", Linda inquired.

"The Digital World, that's where!", Numemon replied.

Linda looked at the mollusk Digimon and then back down the tunnel path that the creature known as Raremon had chased her from. Her face then became serious as she resumed walking.

"Mean or not, he's not stopping me. I got a job to do, even if it means getting past him", said Linda.

"Hey, are you for real?! He'll chew you up and spit you out!", exclaimed Numemon frantically.

"If I don't get past him, I'm doomed anyway. II won't let this Rare-whatever get in my way", the grey skinned girl said.

As she walked down the path, Numemon looked on at Linda. He felt like he didn't want to let her go off on her own. He wanted to stay with her for some reason. He thought it was because she looked pretty to him, but there was also something else about her. The mollusk Digimon didn't know what it was, but he felt he had to be there with her.

"Hey, wait for me lady!", cried Numemon as he raced after Linda.

Neptune and Dorumon were walking through the streets of Planetune. They had just came out of the Guild to turn in some daily quests that the pair had completed. They were looking forward to resting up at the Basilicom.

"Man, I hope we get back soon. I'm getting hungry", said Dorumon.

"Wish I had an emergency pudding cup for ya buddy, but my item box is utterly spent", said Neptune.

"Aww man", pouted Dorumon.

Then, as they were walking, something suddenly hit the ground right in front of them, making a metallic sound. The pair jumped back, spooked the the object.

"Holy metal blades, Bat-Nep!", exclaimed Neptune.

"Something just landed in front of us! Is the sky falling?!", asked Dorumon.

"I hope not, or bye bye Planetune!", Neptune replied.

They looked at the ground and saw the object before them. It was a metal blade with a piece of paper attached to it. The lilac haired CPU picked the blade, removed the paper and examined it.

"What do you think it is?", asked Dorumon.

"I think it's an invitation or something", said Neptune.

The purple Digimon got beside her as the Goddess read the note aloud.

"Come to the Virtua Forest to battle. Come alone. Only Digimon may fight. I will be waiting."

The pair looked at each other and blinked.

"Who would want to fight you though? Or have they not heard of your mad Digimon skills!", said Neptune.

"I don't know, but I think I know who it is...", said the purple Digimon.

His thoughts turned to Ryudamon, the Digimon he and Neptune had met. Dorumon was puzzled as to why the armored Digimon wanted to fight him. But if he was going to get answers, he would have to go to where Ryudamon wants to meet.

"Well, Doru-Doru, wanna check out Virtua Forest and see what this is about?", asked Neptune.

"First, please don't call me that. Second, didn't it say that only Digimon will fight?", Dorumon inquired.

"Sure, but I'll just be a spectator or referee or whatever. And besides, I can't just leave you alone", said the lilac haired CPU.

Dorumon took comfort in knowing that Neptune would have his back. He nodded and the pair start their way towards the edge of the city so that they can head to the Virtua Forest.

Unknown to them, up on a nearby rooftop, Ryudamon was watching them, hidden from sight. He looked on as they went their way to the meeting place.

"I will wait for you, Dorumon", said Ryudamon.

The armored Digimon then moved quickly over the rooftops of the city, careful to remain unseen and get ahead of the pair so he'll meet them.

At the Lowee Basilicom, Blanc was writing another novel while Blucomon watched curiously. He got up close to her.

"What are you writing, Blanc?", Blucomon asked.

"Ever since we met, I had an idea for a story. So I've decided to write it down and see where it goes from there", she replied.

"That sounds cool. Can I read it when you're done?", the icy Digimon said.

"I don't know. It would be embarrassing...", said Blanc timidly.

"Aw c'mon. If it's a story based on us and our friends, I'm sure it'll be great", Blucomon said.

"Well... Alright. But in exchange, I'd like to hear about your world some more. I'd like to get a few more ideas for my story", the brown haired girl said.

"Okay!", said Blucomon happily.

Suddenly, they heard a knock on the door. Blanc looked over her shoulder and raised an eyebrow before blinking.

"Come in", she called.

The door opened, revealing Nepgear and a metallic gear that looked like it had a face and eyes.

"Hello, Blanc! Hello, Blucomon! May we come in?", said Nepgear.

"Hello, Nepgear. What brings you hear?", asked Blanc.

"Ram and Rom invited me over to play with them. Is that okay?", the lilac Candidate inquired.

"Um, sure, but... Who is that with you?", Blanc asked, pointing at the living gear.

"My designation is Hagurumon. It is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance", said the gear.

"Hagurumon? Wait, is he a Digimon?", Blanc inquired curiously.

"Yes. I helped him with a problem and now he seems to have taken a liking to me. Isn't that amazing?", said Nepgear.

"Alright! A new friend!", exclaimed Blucomon as he excitedly rushed up to Hagurumon.

The two Rookie Digimon looked at each other for a few seconds.

"My sensors indicate that you are just as cold as the air outside. Please do not too close to me", stated Hagurumon.

Blucomon looked confused and he looked up at Nepgear, who gave an apologetic smile.

"You'll have to forgive him. His gear system almost froze up from the cold weather outside", said Nepgear.

"Feels fine to me. Must be because I'm used to the cold", said Blucomon.

Just then, two sets of footsteps could be heard coming down the hall. Ram and Rom stopped just in front of Blanc's doorway.

"Nepgear!", the twins both exclaimed.

"Hi Rom and Ram!", the lilac Candidate greeted.

The Lowee twins then looked at Hagurumon, who looked back at them a bit nervously. Their eyes widened in surprise and curiosity.

"Hey, Nepgear? What is that?", asked Ram.

"This is Hagurumon, a Digimon that I made friends with in Planetune", Nepgear explained.

"So cool! Another Digimon to play with!", exclaimed Ram.

"He looks like a metal gear", said Rom.

"Isn't that a term you use to call a bipedal tank?", asked Nepgear.

"I assure you, I am not a walking war machine. I am a lifeform from the Digital World", stated Hagurumon.

"Where'd you get him from? I'm so jealous!", Ram asked.

While Nepgear talked to the twins about the gear Digimon, Blanc looked on at the sight before her. A few minutes ago it was quiet, other than the fact that Blucomon had asked her about her novel. Now it was starting to get a little noisy with the group around in her room.

"I hate to interrupt, but I have a story to write. Can you please take this somewhere else?", asked Blanc.

"Oh. We're sorry, Blanc", Nepgear apologized.

"Hey, can we go to Lastation? It wouldn't be a playdate without her", asked the long haired Candidate.

"Can we, please?", added Rom.

Blanc looked at the twins and sighed.

"Okay. But make sure you don't stray too far from Nepgear", said Blanc.

"Yay!", the twins cheered excitedly.

"While we're at it, I want to show Uni my new Digimon", said Nepgear.

"I hope that it is not cold there either", said Hagurumon.

"We'll see you later, Blanc. You too, Blucomon", said Nepgear as she waved at them.

The Candidates and the gear Digimon left the room, shutting the door behind them. Blanc and Blucomon looked at each other and back at the novel the CPU was working on. The icy Digimon looked at her again.

"Any idea what to do while Ram and Rom are gone?", he asked.

"Right now I'd like to resume writing in peace and quiet, if you don't mind", Blanc said.

"That's fine, I guess. I think I'll take a nap", Blucomon said as he yawned.

He laid down on the floor and shut his eyes, napping quietly in a curled position. Blanc looked at him for a few seconds before resuming her work on her novel. As she was writing, her thoughts turned to her sisters.

"I wonder if those two will have Digimon?", the brown haired CPU thought.

It was later in the afternoon when Neptune and Dorumon reached the Virtua Forest. The two looked all around them, trying to find the sender of the letter. So far they saw nothing but grass, trees, bushes, and the creatures that inhabit the forest.

"This is where the guy who sent us the letter wanted us to be, right?", asked Neptune.

"It should be. So, where is he?", Dorumon said.

They continued to survey their surroundings. Then, they heard a rustling sound coming a few feet ahead of them. The pair looked on and saw something emerge from the trees. It was a small armored creature. Neptune and Dorumon immediately recognized who it was.

"Ryudamon! You're here too?", Neptune asked.

"Yes. I was the one who sent the letter to you", said Ryudamon.

"YOU tossed that note to us?!", Neptune gasped.

"Nep, I think it was kind of obvious from the start", said Dorumon.

"Well, someone could've said something. I'm not that good at thinking, you know?", said the lilac haired girl.

Ryudamon raised an eyebrow at the pair before clearing his throat.

"If I may interrupt, I believe that I made it specifically clear that only Digimon may fight", he said.

"Don't worry, Imma just cheer from the sidelines and stuff", stated Neptune.

"I still don't understand. Why do you want to fight me?", Dorumon inquired.

"You have caught my interest ever since we fought together. Ever since you and I Digivolved, there was something about you that I couldn't get out of my mind. I feel that the only way to figure out what it is is to challenge you", Ryudamon explained.

"Ryudamon, we don't have to fight each other. I think I felt a connection too. We should work together", said Dorumon.

"I do not trust you enough to work with you. Still, when we fought against BlackGrowlmon, I felt that your power could match mine. I believe you are the challenge I have been seeking", the armored Digimon said.

He looked up at the sky and went into thought.

"My whole life, I have been training myself, fighting powerful opponents, preparing for the day I'd face a worthy opponent that could test my skills", Ryudamon said aloud.

He looked back down at Dorumon and stared intensely.

"And I believe you are the one I have been seeking", said Ryudamon.

"Come on, Ryudamon. I don't know if I want to fight you. I'd rather be friends with you instead", said Dorumon.

"I'm afraid you may have little choice in the matter. If you won't fight me willingly, then maybe some added pressure will suffice...", Ryudamon said ominously.

He then looked at Neptune and stared at the CPU. She blinked in confusion.

"Ummm, why is he staring at me like that? Do I have a bug on my face?", the lilac haired CPU asked.

Suddenly, the armored Digimon quickly charged at the CPU, causing her to jump in surprise. Neptune tried to get out of the way, but Ryudamon headbutted her square in the chest, causing her to hit a tree. Dorumon was shocked at this behavior.

"What are you doing?! She's done nothing nothing wrong!", the purple Digimon demanded.

"If you won't fight me, then I'll just have to fight your friend instead. Perhaps she can give me the challenge I desire", said Ryudamon.

"But I can't transform! I won't be able to fight back properly!", exclaimed Neptune.

"So be it then", said the armored Digimon.

He jumped up and started to charge up an attack.

"No! You might hurt her, or worse!", exclaimed Dorumon.

"I'm too young to be Swiss Cheese Nep!", cried Neptune.

"Katana Attack!", shouted Ryudamon.

He launched a metal blade from his mouth towards Neptune. Dorumon was horrified to see this. He didn't want Neptune to be hurt because of him. The purple Digimon focused his sights on the metal blade and charged his own attack.

"Metal Cannon!", he yelled, launching a series of small iron balls from his mouth.

The small spheres reached to where the blade was heading and deflected it away from Neptune just before it could reach her. Ryudamon turned to look at him, only to be met with a headbutt to the face by Dorumon. The armored Digimon skidded a few feet before stopping himself, smiling at his success of provoking Neptune's partner.

"That's more like it. Now, Dorumon, show me what you can do", said Ryudamon.

"Only if you leave Neptune out of this. You said it yourself. Only Digimon will fight", said Dorumon.

"Of course. I will honor that agreement. However, there shall also be no Digivolutions either. I want both of us to fight with our own strength", said Ryudamon.

Dorumon looked back at Neptune, who just nodded. The purple Digimon smiled and looked back at his opponent.

"Very well. We'll do this the old fashioned way", said Dorumon.

"Good. Ready or not, here I come", said Ryudamon.

Neptune then gripped her fist, pretending to hold a microphone.

"Okay folks! In this corner, weighing in at, uh... Digi-pounds, I think? My partner and purple buddy, the main Digimon of main Digimons, Dorumon!", she called out as she pointed to the purple Rookie. She then gestured towards Ryudamon.

"And in this corner, we have the challenger! Dressed like a samurai, a Rookie who acts like a loner!-"

"Hey!", yelled Ryudamon.

Somewhere in Gameindustri, Noire had suddenly sneezed.

"-Coming to fight Dorumon for reasons unknown! Here's the one and only, Ryudamon! Let's get ready to ruuummmbbblllleee!!!", Neptune called out.

The lilac haired CPU looked at both Digimon as she raised her hand in the air. After a few seconds, she quickly lowered it down.

"Go!", she yelled.

The armored Digimon charged at Dorumon, but the purple Digimon dodged left, causing Ryudamon to pass by him and hit nothing but air. Dorumon then bite down on one of Ryudamon's limbs, causing him to jerk his arm away in response. The armored Digimon then headbutted the purple Rookie, knocking him back a few feet.

"Katana Attack!", yelled Ryudamon as he launched a metal blade from his mouth.

Dorumon growled as he stood his ground, ready to counter the armored Digimon's attack.

"Metal Cannon!", Dorumon exclaimed as he launched a series of small metal balls from his mouth.

The two attacks collided with each other, causing a small explosion of smoke and dust. Suddenly, Ryudamon jumped through the smoke cloud and rushed towards the purple Digimon. The two butted heads with each other, getting into a grip lock.

Neptune watched the fight from afar. She was amazed by how the two Rookie Digimon were fighting to a standstill. The lilac haired CPU could not help but wonder how long it would take until one of them gets the upper hand.

"Wowie zowie, readers. Now even I'm not sure who to cheer for. It's like one of those wrestling matches you see on TV. ", Neptune commented.

The two Digimon continued to try to push and shove each other in their grip lock, growling at each other at the same time.

"You're persistent. Usually my opponents go down quickly, but you are a bit stubborn", Ryudamon commented.

"Unlike you, I fight for my friends. But w about you? What do YOU fight for?", Dorumon asked.

"I don't need a reason to fight. I fight because I want to!", Ryudamon growled.

"Well, if you ask me, that's just sad!", Dorumon replied.

Then the two Digimon started to bite and claw at each other. They were both determined to win against the other. Ryudamon and Dorumon both back off and started to launch their attacks.

"Katana Attack!", shouted Ryudamon.

"Metal Cannon!", yelled Dorumon.

The blades and spheres hit each other and created a larger explosion, damaging both Digimon. They both groaned, but still had enough energy to get back up and stare each other down. On the sidelines, Neptune was growing a little worried.

"Umm, guys? Isn't that enough now?", said Neptune.

"No way... This guy needs to learn some manners", panted Dorumon.

"I will not rest... Not until one of us either surrenders or is unable to battle", added Ryudamon.

"But, like, you guys are gonna waste each other at this rate! Can't we just call it a draw or something?", the lilac haired CPU asked nicely.

"Not a chance!", the two Digimon exclaimed.

Neptune was getting a little more nervous. She felt that she wanted to step in, but at the same time she didn't want to get in the way. And even if she wanted to, the lilac haired girl can't transform without her Sharicite.

The two Rookie Digimon then rushed at each other and bashed each other's heads hard, causing them to stagger in pain. They shook it off, growling at each other once more.

"Raaaaahhhh!!!", Ryudamon and Dorumon yelled.

They charged and grip locked once more, looking at each other straight in the eye. The Digimon could feel each other's strengths pushing against one another, struggling to overpower the other. They wanted to win over the other.

"You... can't... win... Give up!", said Ryudamon.

"Never... I'll never quit... I'll win no matter what!", growled Dorumon.

As they continued to push each other back and forth, the red jewels on their heads suddenly started to glow in a bright light. Neptune noticed this and called to them.

"Guys! Your jewel thingies are glowing!", she exclaimed.

The two Digimon looked at each other and saw that she was right. Then they felt something else. It was as if the two Digimon's energies were combining into one.

"What's happening?!", Ryudamon asked.

"I don't know...", Dorumon replied.

Then the red light from their head jewels glowed brighter until both of them were engulfed inside it. Neptune shielded her eyes from the intensity of the light.

"Nepu! I knew I should've brought my sun glasses today!", the lilac haired CPU commented.

The Rookies stood there as the light surrounded them. Suddenly, something appeared before their eyes. Distorted images started to flash by.

"What is this?", asked Ryudamon.

The images then became a little more clear. They could both see a white void with two silhouettes in the background. One of them looked humanoid with wing-like protrusions and a cape. The other figure looked more streamlined with large wings, and what looked like twin blades in his hands.

"Who are those?", asked Dorumon.

The images then started to fade, and the red light dimmed until it eventually stopped glowing all together. Neptune looked on in confusion.

"So, uh, what happened? Was that red light show a Kaio-what's-its-name and stuff?", asked Neptune.

The two Digimon looked at each other and stared. It was a moment of silence between the two before Dorumon finally spoke up.

"I was right! There IS a connection between us!", said the purple Digimon.

"So it would seem...", said Ryudamon.

"But what do those images mean?", Dorumon inquired.

Ryudamon didn't have an answer himself. He was just as mystified by the event as much as Dorumon was. He scoffed as he turned around to walk away.

"Hey, where are you going?", asked Dorumon.

"Don't tell me you're calling it quits now. What's up with that?", added Neptune.

"This battle is over. It is a draw. There's no point in continuing. I think I got the answer I needed", said Ryudamon.

"But if we really have a connection, then we should stick together! We've got to fight together!", said Dorumon.

"I do not know... I'm more accustomed to fighting alone, especially with my own power", said the armored Digimon.

"If you've been fighting alone your whole time, you must not have made many friends along the way", said Dorumon.

"Just like another certain Lonely Heart that I know", Neptune commented.

"I did not have time to make friends. In fact, I'm not even sure how to do so", Ryudamon stated.

"Well in that case, we'll be your friends! It'll be great!", said the lilac haired CPU.

Ryudamon looked at her and Dorumon and thought for a moment. But he didn't know what to think. On one hand he wanted to continue to go at it alone. But on the other hand, the two were offering him their friendship as though it were candy. He just could not decide.

"I must go. We'll meet again", said Ryudamon.

Hey, wait! Ryudamon!", Dorumon called out to him.

But the armored Digimon speed away into the trees and vanished from sight. Dorumon looked on and sighed sadly. He thought for sure that Ryudamon would join them. Neptune walked up to him and placed her hand on his head. The purple Digimon looked at her as she smiled.

"Cheer up, Dorumon. He'll come around soon. Maybe he just needs some time to think on it and stuff", said Neptune.

Dorumon blinked and then smiled lightly. He nodded and looked back at where Ryudamon had fled. He hoped that the armored Digimon would come through.

"Now come on. I'm sure Histy wants us back home. Besides, I'm getting hungry", said the lilac haired CPU.

"Yeah, me too", said Dorumon.

They turned and walked away towards the city area of Planetune, marching on their way back home.

Far away from the pair, however, Ryudamon looked on from where he fled to. He watch the pair go on their way. Even though he wanted to be by himself, he couldn't help but think on what they said.

"How can they offer friendship like that? And what connection do me and Dorumon have? It seems this fight has given me more questions than answers. But what do I say when we next meet? I will need some time to think", Ryudamon thought.

He then went away to the opposite direction of the city area. Where he went, only he knew.

When Neptune and Dorumon got back to the Basilicom, the pair stretched their limbs. They were looking forward to turning in for the night.

"Wait until Histy finds out what we've been through today", said Neptune.

"Yeah. I just hope Ryudamon comes around. I really want to be friends with him", said Dorumon.

They opened the door to the main room, only to be greeted by Histoire standing in front of the door.

"Oh? Neptune! Dorumon! You're back!", said Histoire.

"Yeppers! We're back again!", said Neptune.

"It's a good thing you're here, actually. I was just going to call IF to come get you", said the Oracle.

"What do you mean, Histy?", asked Dorumon.

"Hey, Histy! Is that Nepsy and Dorusy out there?", called a voice.

"Yes, Uzume! They're back!", Histoire responded.

"Cool! Let's go say hi to them!", said Uzume.

"Okay, Uzume!", said another voice.

Neptune and Dorumon looked at each other and then back at Histoire. Then they tilted their heads in confusion. At last, Uzume came around the corner.

"Okay, come on and introduce yourself", Uzume said to someone.

After a few seconds, another figure came around the corner. It looked like a yellow insect with with green eyes, blue antenna, and four insect wings. It had two small limbs in the front, each with a single claw, and four rear limbs with two claws. It also had a big rear with a pointy spike on three sides and a small stinger.

"H-Hi... My name is Fanbeemon. It's nice to meet you!", said the insect as it bowed its head.

Neptune and Dorumon looked on in even more confusion. It would seem to them that both Histoire and Uzume had some explaining to do.

And that concludes this chapter.

Seems it may be a little longer before Ryudamon decides to open himself up to Dorumon. Also, I have a feeling that you know who those silhouettes are in their visions, but for the love of all that is holy, I ask that you do not reveal who they are in the reviews. There might be some people that don't know about them.

So yeah, leave a review, follow for more chapters, etc., I gotta go now, so ciao!~