A/N: The two-part American arc is finally here. Let's get introduced to Cammy and see some heck break loose.
Oh, and the Tamers meet a future addition to their team.
Enjoy!
xxxxx
Chapter 10
Himura Tsubasa, the Lone Tamer! Hunt for Cammy in America!
xxxxx
San Francisco, California/KaibaCorp American Arena/US Duelist Prix
"Ready for the show, bro?" Mokuba Kaiba knocked upon entering a limo with his brother. "This show should hopefully take our mind off work."
Sitting alone inside the limo, Seto Kaiba, CEO of KaibaCorp, closed his cell and faced his brother waiting for him.
"So, what? All I'm going to see are a bunch of losers not in my league competing for a small prize trophy."
"C'mon, Seto, this is see if there's any potential duelists who have a future. You never know if there'll ever be another Yugi Muto."
"There is no other Yugi Muto," Seto rebuked ever so calmly being his usual self. He stepped out of his limo, carrying a silver briefcase. "And he's the only duelist that matters to me."
"Well, at least this will get us to unwind little and get out of the office. This should be fun!"
With that, the brothers walked toward the front arena as news teams and cameraman filed in to try get a word with the CEO. As usual, Seto ignored them whilst his bodyguards beckoned them off. Upon entering an elevator, Seto and Mokuba escaped the reporters and cameras. They spent the past few months following Battle City in the process of finishing the first overseas Kaiba Theme Park, which the brothers vowed they build for the orphaned and underprivileged children. Seto took his mind off dueling since then, but has now been regaining his desire to get back into duel. All he needed was that final push to regain his passion. Perhaps viewing the US Duelist Prix would reignite his dueling fire.
Upon arrival on the top level, the Kaiba brothers, led by their suits, walked down with no one to hassle them. They stopped when they saw a middle-aged Japanese man in a suit accompanied by a beautiful woman dressed in a black elegant dress.
"Good day to you, Mr. Seto Kaiba," the Japanese man humbly addressed the KaibaCorp CEO.
Seto stopped to greet him. "Dietman Hiroaki Hino, what brings you and your wife here?"
"We came to take our daughter to watch the dueling show. She's gained a slight interest in Duel Monsters."
"Well, she came to the right place for a good show, sir," Mokuba said.
"I understand business has gone financially well for you, Mr. Kaiba. You've taken the company where your father wouldn't have imagined. It's a shame he died..."
"Don't," Kaiba said as he walked past the Dietman and his wife. "He died a fool because he couldn't compete with a child. Enjoy the show, Dietman."
"Take care and hope y'alls daughter likes the tournament!" Mokuba heartily smiled and departed with his brother.
The woman lowering a fan from her face was dismayed with Seto's cold remark. "I never thought KaibaCorp CEO would be so cold."
"It's ok, Nina. I heard Gozaburo and Seto had an estranged relationship. Though, I don't know the clear details of what might've lead to Gozaburo's suicide. I just don't want to same the happen between me and Rei since my first wife left us."
"Hiroaki..." Nina looked at the man with a pitiful look.
"Come. Let's see if Cammy is ok in the suite," he said, taking his wife's hand and leading her back to the club suite where Cammy awaited them.
xxxxx
Arena Suite #12
Seated alone in a comfy chair, a small girl with long dark hair and wearing blue jean overalls over a white shirt watched the ring announcer on a giant screen welcoming the jam-packed audience. She had a plate with a tuna sandwich, some chocolate cookies, and a cup of juice. She didn't even notice her parents left to meet with people outside the room. Her eyes were glued to the screen as she greatly anticipating the US Duelist Prix.
Just then, something caught her eye when the door opened. Curious, she walked over and poked her head out to see a cloaked figure pass on by looking for something.
"Huh?" Cammy blinked curiously. "Excuse me?" She walked ahead to follow the cloaked figure and turned to the corner to find that he had disappeared. "...where did he go?" She turned around and headed back to the suite.
With her back turned, the cloaked figure hovered transparently on the ceiling. A pair of glowed yellow eyes locked on Cammy as she opened the door back to the suite.
"Confirmed. I've found the Digital Priestess." Before he could strike, bodyguards walked through the hallway, prompting him to cease his attack right away. He waited until the opportune time to strike and kill the Digital Priestess's reincarnation.
xxxxx
Outside the KaibaCorp American Arena
Hanging out above the arena, several Scarabmon scoured above and waited for a confirmed report from their colleague. Sure enough they received a telepathic message from their cohort.
"We have a confirmed sighting Khnummon," a Scarabmon reported to a Digimon resembling a white-and-brown furred bipedal ram fitted with heavy golden armor and carrying a large hammer. The ram's own horns were large as his own head.
Khnummon responded to his subordinate. "Excellent. We take the Digital Priestess and kill her swiftly!" He laughed, ending with a 'baaa' effect to it.
Unbeknownst to them, outside was a large crowd of people preparing to file into the arena for the show. Amongst them was a cute but attractive young woman, a college-aged student, with a distinctive short blue hair. She came carrying a purse with a book, like she always does. She now currently lives on campus in San Francisco on a two year overseas program, coupled with five years when she returns to Japan, and studies in the University of California. She has managed to do well on her own, but misses being home with her friends.
She reflected back to last night's phone conversation with Makoto. It regarded the latest Pharaohmon incident and the recent discovery of Rei's sister living in San Francisco.
xxxxx
Flashback/University of California/Ami's Dorm
Awakened by the ring of her phone, Ami instinctively reached for it and answered before her roommate across the room could tell her to.
"Hello?" Ami asked, barely waking up and rubbing her left eye. "...Mako-chan?"
"Ami-chan, I'm glad I could reach you at this time. How has school been?"
"Fun but very busy. Nothing I can't handle. Do you realize how late it is?"
"I'm sorry, but I'll try and make this short."
"Go on."
Five minutes pass as the two friends exchanged words. Ami was filled in on everything regarding the latest conflict back home. Nodding, Ami listened to Makoto tell her all that's happened.
"I see. And now Rei-chan has just discovered the existence of her sister? Living here in San Francisco?"
"Yeah, and Rei just spotted Pharaohmon's goons through her fire readings. They're hunting for Cammy."
"Cammy Hino? He's the daughter of Dietman Hino, who now resides her with his wife. I heard from the news they'll be going to the KaibaCorp American Arena tomorrow for a show called the US Duelist Prix."
"Here's an idea. Why not go there and try to find Cammy? If you see any of Pharaohmon's creeps, you have to protect her if possible."
The blue-haired girl anxiously gripped her phone, whispering into the phone. "I got it. First thing tomorrow I'll see if there are any tickets available for this show."
"Sorry for doing this, but without all of us together we can't Sailor Teleport."
"That's ok. Besides, since being here, I've actually tried playing this Duel Monsters game. It's a very strategic game..."
"But, I doubt it's anything you can't handle."
Ami sweatdropped. "No, I got the hang of it and beat a few so-called experts in the game. They just waved it off as being beginner's luck."
"Ha, they just don't know a skilled strategist like our Ami-chan. You adapt to anything you can set your mind to."
"Anyway, I'll do it, especially for Rei-chan," affirmed the blue-haired girl. "You can count on me!"
"Thanks, Ami-chan, we know you can pull this off."
After finishing their conversation, Ami set the phone down and bit her bottom lip.
"Cammy Hino."
xxxxx
KaibaCorp American Arena/US Duelist Prix
(Cue Yu-Gi-Oh! WC Tournament 2004 OST - Victory and Booster Theme)
When purchasing her ticket, she got into the arena without a hitch. Ami scanned around the front and hurried up a flight of stairs to look for the upper level decks.
"A man like the Dietman would purchase a suite for his family," Ami murmured as she politely cut through a group of people. Without looking, she bumped into someone. "Please excuse me!"
"Hey, not a problem, miss," a tall young man with dark hair and a red vest watched Ami walk by. He narrowed his green eyes and smirked. "She's gotta be Japanese like me. She's pretty cute."
"Look, it's Duke Devlin!" Came a unified cry of fans, who lined up to get the Dungeon Dice master's autograph.
"Hey, now, kids! One at a time!" Duke tried to hold back the crowds as suits came in to calm the rowdy fans. "It's ok. We can let them by one at a time!"
Meanwhile, Ami reached the 5th level and turned to find an elevator.
"Perhaps I can get up to the suites if I don't get caught."
When she hurried through, one of the Scarabmon, hidden under a large coat, didn't notice her and passed on.
"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! WE'RE READY TO GET THE US DUELIST PRIX UNDERWAY!" The tournament host shouted with raw energy into his microphone. "Let's get the quarter-finals underway! May we have our first contestants ready?"
xxxxx
Spending the last 10 minutes focusing, Mai Valentine was primed and ready. She came out ready to pull double duty tonight as a duel competitor and a co-hostess. The opening duel match would feature her and her rival Lady Psyren. Mai put everything on the line in this tournament to recover from her recent slump after Battle City.
Mai opened her eyes and stood from her dressing room chair.
"Let's do this thing, Psyren."
xxxxx
"Give it up for Lady Psyren, everyone!" The energetic tournament host roared as blue, green, and yellow pyros went off for Lady Psyren's explosive entrance. "She's back to rebound from a string of losses since losing to her rival Mai Valentine. Tonight she looks to not only defeat Miss Valentine, but even the score with her!"
(End theme)
Lady Psyren raced across a platform and jumped off a trampoline before landing in the duelist's circle. Brimming with energy, Lady Psyren flashed a 'V' indicating her forthcoming victory and blew kisses to her fans.
"And introducing her opponent! She's the Harpy duelist from Domino City, Tokyo and she is also our co-hostess of the US Duelist Prix!" The announcer turned to the opposite side of the arena, pointing to the spotlight gleaming toward the blonde-haired vixen walking out focused and being handed a rose by a fan near the guardrail. "Here is Mai Valentine!"
The blonde busty woman stepped in the duelist circle waving to her fans. She turned a focused glare over on Lady Psyren, who was equally ready to go.
"I'm glad we made it to the quarter-finals and we're the first ones paired off," Lady Psyren smirked seductively. "This time I'll even the score and humiliate you before you go about with your hostess shtick."
Mai matched a smirk with her masked and flashy opponent. "Hun, I'm gonna finish off where we left off. Get ready!" With that, she and Lady Psyren readied their Duel Disks.
"And may the first quarter final begin!"
xxxxx
Arena Suite #12
"ALL RIGHT! GO, MAI!" Cammy cheered from her seat as her parents were in the back talking with friends and arena staff.
Unbeknownst to her, one of the arena staff walked in with more food, including sweets for the child. Cammy eyed the variety of sweets like any child would.
"Wow, look at these sweets!" She said but refrained herself from taking any. "Oh, but I'll control myself for right now. I can wait."
The staff man nodded and set the tray of sweets on a table. When he turned, his eyes turned red while scanning the seated child.
Lord Khnummon, I'm ready to utilize any action with discreetly.
xxxxx
Outside the KaibaCorp American Arena
Khnummon stood atop the arena's roof and replied to his cohort. "Make sure the child is within range. Once the priestess is dead, we will take our leave and report back to Lord Pharaohmon." He watched the other Scarabmon remaining on standby. "Three Scarabmon are inside this facility. We need to do this without drawing any attention to ourselves." He looked around seeing an invisible barrier around the arena's roof, which helped make Khnummon and his Scarabmon fleet invisible to the human eye.
xxxxx
Tokyo, Japan/Western Shinjuku District/6:30 PM
Several hours passed since the last attacks were initiated in Shinjuku and Akihabara. Things have calmed since then as Pharaohmon and Felinismon withdrew into secrecy. Their former warehouse hideout couldn't be used now that Himura and Inumon discovered them.
Speaking of the duo, Himura and Inumon were away from home when they came to visit a playground. Himura was standing on a swing and jumped off, waiting for Inumon to finish searching the vicinity for any signs of Lance. Inumon turned to see Himura leave and followed him.
"Wait for me, Himura!" Inumon called out abruptly. He immediately caught up to him. "Warn me before you leave like that."
"I've had my mind on that guy and the cat woman who's been with him."
"Oh? What about them?"
"That kid claims to be some evil creep named Pharaohmon."
"I sensed an evil vibe from him... nothing like I've ever felt before."
"Feh, that guy was just all talk. We confront him and he flees. Typical villain shtick, Inumon."
Inumon grinned as he tried to lighten the mood. "Though, I must admit... that cat girl... man, what a hottie, huh?"
Himura sighed deeply, unimpressed. "Inumon, stay focused. She's in with that guy."
"I know, but I can't help it. She was quite fairly attractive."
Himura stopped and scanned the rooftops carefully, ensuring that Pharaohmon didn't plant any henchmen to eavesdrop on them. Vigilant like his partner, Inumon made sure to watch his Himura's back from all sides.
"Don't worry, Himura. I've got your back."
"Thanks, Inumon."
"Don't you think we should get back home?"
"No, it's not even nightfall and dinner shouldn't be ready in another hour."
"Oh, well. I just wanted to know if we should go check back on Yui."
"She'll be fine. Besides, that guy won't be targeting for her. He would rather set his sights on me. Besides, if he ever plans on touching her, he'll regret it."
"Damn straight, Himura!"
"Let's simply take a walk around. Maybe we can draw him out. I'm sure he's clever enough to strike us then."
"Ok, whatever you think is necessary, Himura."
Suddenly, Inumon's ears perked as he heard quite a pleasant voice from within the air. He whirled toward the other side and noticed Rika Nonaka conversing with a yellow-furred vulpine creature. He locked eyes firmly on the Renamon. Though, once Inumon stopped by, his eyes caught sight of Renamon and he became allured to her beautiful presence.
"Wow! Now, if that isn't a digital beauty I've never seen... I don't know what is!" Inumon exclaimed as his eyes turned into beating hearts. "That's the Renamon I've been telling you about, Himura!"
"Yeah, she's a partner with the Digimon dueling expert named Rika Nonaka. I've seen those two around here a few times."
The dark canine Digimon had a hand across his thumping chest. He was on absolute cloud nine, to which Himura easily noticed.
"I told you we don't have time to be picking up girls. We have to get serious about this. That guy could be anymore and we simply cannot be distracted."
"Aw, all right…" whined Inumon, who walked behind Himura and turned to leave before getting one last look at Renamon. They hurried off and continued walking in hopes of drawing Lance and Felinismon back out.
As her ears twitched, Renamon simply shuddered to herself. Rika noticed of her partner's odd behavior.
"Something bothering you, Renamon?"
"No. Just a chill in the air."
"Hmm, I think we should get home," Rika said. "Mom's probably getting worried again and we did come back from that battle in Akihabara."
"Yes, I think that would be wise, Rika," nodded the vulpine, who jumped on a wall obstruction and walked across following Rika. "Rika, those Legendary Warriors we met earlier... I..."
"You what, Renamon? What about them?"
"I picked up human scent from them."
"Well, they leave obvious hints they're humans. That shouldn't be a surprise, but I wonder who they are," Rika tried to be deductive as she could. "I mean, when I Bio-Merge with you, I become part-Digimon. I suppose this Spirit Evolution thing with humans turning into Digimon is the next logical step."
"You might be right, Rika. But, I am familiar with the names Ophanimon and Cherubimon."
"How much do you know about them, Renamon?"
"They're two of the three Celestial Digimon from another digital realm, possibly another Digital World. Their names are that of legend."
Is that where these kids might've gotten these powers to become Digimon? The redhead mused as she walked along and listened to music with her earphones.
Meanwhile, observing them from afar, Felinismon and Brimstone stood side by side on patrol.
"Don't they ever quit?" Felinismon was growing irked with the Tamers' resiliency. "They just intend to find me and Lord Pharaohmon no matter what!"
Brimstone spoke up in a low tone. "Have you heard from Lord Pharaohmon? I have yet to make a report to him."
"He's meeting with ThothBabimon and making contact with Khnummon, who reportedly located the Digital Priestess's reincarnation. Ugh, I can't focus after what that foolish boy and that mongrel did finding our former hideout! And I liked that place, too!"
"Yes, I'm sure Lord Pharaohmon will deal with this human nuisance."
"There's no need to worry for his well being, Brimstone," the feline purred. "We simply must focus on our agendas."
"Yes, Felinismon."
As finishing their patrol, the pair instantly vanished and relocated to a new vicinity. Unfortunately for them, they were spied upon by a certain Dark Dragon wielder standing in the distance.
Hiei sat on a rooftop, observing them carefully and vanished behind a blur.
xxxxx
Eastern Shinjuku District/7:00 PM
Himura and Inumon arrived in the eastern side of town. Though, their search for Lance came up short and the sun was beginning to set. Determined, Himura still had Lance's face etched in his mind and could easily identify him.
"Himura?"
"What is it, Inumon?"
"I don't think he's going to come out," the dark canine remarked. "We've been walking around aimlessly for two hours."
"We just got here, Inumon, and..." The boy stopped as he started to notice his feet were hurting him. "Maybe we should take a break."
Himura found a light post and knelt against it. The canine Digimon sprawled across the floor and stretched his limbs out.
"Ahhh, that's much better."
Standing from across the street in an alley, a teen hiding his face behind his shirt hood smiled a demonic smirk, enough to send cold chills from an adult. Himura and Inumon noticed the figure facing them as the canine took action and growled at the suspicious character's direction.
(Cue Digimon Frontier OST - Aku no Gotoushi)
"I hope you boys enjoyed your brief relaxation!" Once he addressed them, he pushed back his hood and unveiled his face. It was Lance and threw a rock at their direction.
Himura moved out of the way while Inumon caught the rock.
"Now that I've found you, I'll eliminate you two first for finding my old hideout!" Lance openly declared an attack and jumped through another dark alley behind them.
"Come on out, you coward!" Himura demanded as he stopped at the mouth of the alley. He saw that Lance disappeared in the darkness.
Answering to his call, Lance's voice echoed accompanied by evil laughter. Himura and his partner readily stood their ground. Inumon picked up on the direction where the laughing came from.
"He's toying with us!" Inumon growled. "C'mon out!"
Suddenly, Inumon felt a presence appear from behind him. The alarmed Digimon whirled around and spotted Lance in front of him sporting a a malevolent grin. Himura faced Lance and bolted over to tackle him.
"C'mon! It's down to you and me!"
However, his fist went right through Lance, which disappeared through a cloud of dark smoke. He was tricked by an illusion produced by Lance. Inumon quickly turned and spotted Lance standing across the street laughing. People around them wondered what the deal was and watched the two boys glare each other down.
"Everyone, get out of here!" Himura directly warned the spectators. "You're only getting in the way!"
"Oh, I can take care of this issue for you," Lance said and with a snap of his fingers produced a dark fog to cover the area. The spectators and drivers near by were caught by the smoke, which put them to sleep in a hurry. Lance then inexplicably moved through the smoke, leaving Inumon and Himura to look around aimlessly.
"Damn, he's a slippery one!" Inumon growled. "And he just put all these people to sleep!"
At least now I can focus on this bastard! Himura scanned around the area and spotted a shadowed figure disappear in the smoke. "He's gone!"
Before he took action, Himura sensed a brush of cool air behind him. He turned around and was caught by a hand grabbing his throat.
"ACK!"
"HIMURA!"
As Inumon rushed to save his partner, more dark smoke emerged from Lance's hoodie and covered the area in vein to how a Shadow Game is usually initiated. Inumon coughed as he backed away. Inside the dark and creepy fog, Lance had Himura lifted up by his throat. Himura tried to kick Lance and used the only option he had left... biting him on the hand. Lance gritted his teeth and threw Himura out of the fog. Himura landed on the sidewalk where Inumon jumped in to catch him.
"Himura! That was close!"
"Thanks, Inumon," Himura said as he took out his D-3 Digivice. "Do what you can to put him down. You can evolve if you have to."
"No problem. As far as I'm concerned, this guy ain't a human anymore!" Inumon's eyes gleamed red, locking eyes with Lance, who floated from the fog. "I'm not holding back!"
"Be careful, Inumon. He's crafty."
"I'll make note of that."
"Well then, puppy. I'm wide open!" Lance openly invited the canine to attack him. "Come and face your wrath,"
"No one taunts me and gets away with it!"
Throwing himself out to battle, Inumon bolted toward Lance and leapt into the air. He summoned an assortment of black arrows tipped with flames, which he instinctively shot at Lance's direction.
"Hell Arrows!"
Lance quickly saw the arrows coming and batted them away with his hands. Alarmed, Inumon moved away and let the arrows tear through the ground.
"Is that all?" Lance quipped.
Inumon turned to his partner and nodded. "You know what to do!"
"Here we go, Inumon!" Himura shouted, raising his D-3 as it fired a beam of light that hit Inumon.
Engulfed by the golden light, Inumon's evolution was invoked and he changed into his Champion-level mode.
Entranced by Inumon's evolution, Lance widened his smirk. "Oh yes. This should be fun." ThothBabimon, it's time.
(End theme)
xxxxx
On the other side of their location, a beam of dark energy blasted through the ground. Emerging from the massive hole, ThothBabimon pulled himself out and pounded his chest lively. His eyes, like Lance's, gleamed red and became filled with a thirst for battle. He consumed enough data and empowered himself enough to reengage into another battle.
ThothBabimon pivoted his large body and faced the direction where Lance declared battle.
"I smell a human and a Digimon. Lord Pharaohmon, I shall eliminate them with you and consume them!" He roared and bolted off toward the battle ahead.
xxxxx
KaibaCorp American Arena/US Duelist Prix
The quarter-finals were ultimately decided. In the first match, Mai Valentine defeated Lady Psyren again. In the subsequent matches, a young prodigy named Zane Truesdale, Mako Tsunami, and Rebecca Hawkins advanced to the semi-finals. The duels were closely contested. In the end, one of these four duelists would win the US Duelist Prix.
"And we're down to the semi-finals!" The tournament host announced as Mai Valentine stood beside him. "Hasn't the competition been on fire today?"
"Yes, and of course I being one of them," Mai said with a smile exuding confidence.
"Now, you'll be facing the young prodigy named Zane Truesdale. This 12-year-old has shown he can compete with the older competitors. Any thoughts on him?"
"Kid, bring everything you've got! I'm ready to go," she said, winking to the nearest camera facing her.
xxxxx
Having reached the top floor, Ami slipped through looking from suite to suite. Before she could reach suite #12, she felt a hand over her shoulder.
"Excuse me, miss?"
Alarmed, the blue-haired girl turned and gasped at a large suit. She sweatdropped and meekly looked down, nervously sweating from her forehead.
"Miss, are you feeling ok? You seem lost."
"Well, I..."
The suit checked her ticket. "Allow me to show you where your seat is, miss. Come." As he led Ami away, the girl muttered to herself and turned looking over to the suites.
What if Rei's sister was in one of those rooms? Oh, this isn't going to set well with Rei and the others!
xxxxx
Suite #12
Meanwhile, Cammy got off the chair and rubbed her stomach.
"Oh, not now!" grumbled Cammy, who rushed over to her parents. "Mom, dad, I'm going to use the restroom."
Hiroaki nodded and beckoned a guard to follow her.
"No, dad, I can go alone."
"But, Cammy..."
Cammy smiled as she ran out the door and went to search for the bathroom.
"Sir, I can direct her to the restroom if you'd like," the staff man answered to Hiroaki and walked out the suite. He closed the door and smiled evilly, turning to Cammy, who searched down the hall for the restroom. "I have you now, Digital Priestess." He reached into his coat pocket and had a dagger ready to use.
Cammy stopped as she walked up to the staff man. "Oh, excuse me! But, can you direct me to the bathroom? I need to go bad!"
"Yes, miss, I can," he said, hiding his cruel intentions with a fake smile. Taking Cammy along, he pulled a dagger from his pocket and prepared to drag her into a private quarters, completing the assassination.
As Cammy and the man came into plain sight, the bodyguard led Ami into the elevator. Catching the man pulling something out of his pocket, Ami gasped and warned the guard.
"Sir, look!" Ami cried out as she pointed to the staff man grabbing Cammy.
(Cue Sailor Moon S OST -Daimon (3:05-4:49) )
Cupping a hand across her mouth, the man restrained Cammy and held her hostage. The bodyguard ran up to the suit to save the girl, but he was blown back by a dark blast of energy. The staff man had a hand held out with dark energy flowing through it. Ami saw Cammy and remembered the picture her friends sent her via e-mail.
That's her! That's no doubt Cammy Hino! Ami narrowed her eyes fiercely and shouted at the staff man. "Let her go, monster!" She demanded and as abruptly when she said that, the man transformed into a Scarabmon.
"Mmmmph!" screamed Cammy, who struggled in the insect's hold.
"Don't make me repeat myself!" The blue-haired girl cried out as she pulled out her Henshin Stick. "Mercury Cry-!" Before she could use it to transform, a few security guards rushed and tried to stop the Scarabmon.
While the Scarabmon blew them away with dark power, Ami used this time to jump behind a wall and use her Henshin stick to transform.
"Mercury Crystal Power! Make-Up!" Ami cried as the item leaked mystical energies that empowered and imbued her with superhuman powers and abilities.
After knocking out the security guards, the Scarabmon held Cammy long enough to draw out the dagger. Before he could initiate though...
"Mercury Aqua Rhapsody!" Came a woman's voice accompanied a powerful blast of water hitting the Scarabmon's back. By doing so, the insect assassin let go of Cammy, who stomped on his foot.
Cammy gazed across the hallway as her eyes filled with delight. "A Sailor Senshi here? You're Sailor Mercury!" She called out to the blue-haired warrior in the fuku skirt, who sauntered several steps forward and made her entrance.
"Are you ok, little girl?" Mercury asked Cammy.
"I am thanks to you."
Mercury smiled to Cammy only to change demeanor when the Scarabmon stood. "How dare you try to harm this child! I, Sailor Mercury, won't forgive you for your cruel action! In the name of Mercury, I will punish you!" She did a quick pose and forged a ball of cold water in her hands, which he launched toward the Scarabmon. "Shine Aqua Illusion!" She caught the Scarabmon and froze him in place. This gave her time to grab Cammy. "We have to get out of here! There's sure to be more of them."
"Who are they?"
"They've been sent to kill you, Cammy."
"Why? I don't understand!" Cammy, like any confused and scared child would, asked her many questions.
Realizing she couldn't answer all her inquiries, Mercury was left in a position to take action and answer later. As she turned, two figures in large coats appeared and undid their disguises. They were two Scarabmon ready to carry out their assassination mission. Mercury pulled Cammy to her side.
"You're one of the Sailor Senshi," the Scarabmon on the left addressed the blue-haired warrior. "Make it easy and just hand us the child."
"Never! How could you even say that so casually? You and your master are truly monsters for attempting this!"
The Scarabmon on the right chuckled in amusement. "That's your opinion and we don't care to hear it. Now step aside and don't interfere!"
"I won't," Mercury said with harsh coldness in her tone, uncharacteristic even for her.
"Then, we'll kill you both!" The Scarabmon hissed and flew out to blast them both.
"Stay close to me," Mercury instructed as Cammy did what she was told. Then, Mercury focused and summoned an ice barrier that surrounded them.
The barrier's force repelled the insects. While being inside the barrier, Mercury and Cammy watched the Scarabmon try blasting their way through the defensive walls. As her blue visor materialized, she scanned the insects and quickly pinpointed the gems - their obvious weak point. She painstakingly scanned their gems and probed the objects as being linked to their life force.
"Yes, just as what my friends warned me," Mercury murmured. "Just hit their forehead gems and they'll fall."
"Sailor Mercury, why are they after me?"
Hearing Cammy pleas, Mercury faced the child and sighed deeply, realizing she might have to tell her the truth.
"I don't know what she just did..." One of the Scarabmon hissed as he tried blasting through the ice wall. "But, I think she's pinpointed our weaknesses!"
Suddenly, the frozen Scarabmon broke free and tore through the ice that solidified him. He jumped in to assist his cohorts in bringing down Mercury's ice barrier. While the insects continued blasting it, Mercury stood and raised her hands summoning a freezing wind. Cammy moved back to give Mercury room. She willfully brought down the ice barrier and baited the Scarabmon to attack them. The insects flew in to blast her, but Mercury hit with a freezing storm.
"Shine Snow Illusion!" cried Mercury, using the wind to forge three icicles that hit the Scarabmon's forehead gems. Following that, the freezing winds blasted the insects and turned them into frozen dust. Mercury sauntered over their remains and turned to leave, showing no remorse for the creatures.
(End theme)
Marveled by Mercury's action, Cammy added. "Wow, that was awesome!"
"Listen, Cammy Hino, we have to get out of here now. There will be more coming."
"But, what about my parents? We have to warn them, too!"
Mercury blinked. "Where are they?"
It was suddenly at that moment Cammy was seeing vague images of one's former past. She saw a beautiful girl garbed in a Miko's garb and a demonic behemoth with crimson eyes brimming behind a cloak of shadows. These were memories belonging to her predecessor.
"Cammy?"
Befuddled with these memories, Cammy closed her eyes and shook her head. What did I just see?
xxxxx
Outside the KaibaCorp American Arena
Sensing that his minions had fallen, Khnummon scowled in frustration. He immediately alarmed the other Scarabmon.
"Our three cohorts have fallen! It would seem one of those Sailor Senshi is here in this facility," Khnummon promptly stated.
"We're ready to engage her and kill the Digital Priestess, Khnummon."
Khnummon openly remarked. "And this time I'll be joining in the hunt. Let's move!" He and the Scarabmon teleported inside the arena in the top floor near Mercury and Cammy's location.
xxxxx
Suite #17
The Kaiba brothers watched the remainder of the US Duelist Prix unfold. The semi-finals, needless to say, ended with two decisive victories. The first semi-final ended in what many considered an upset as Zane defeated Mai Valentine, crushing her chances of making it big in the finals. In the second semi-final match, Mako Tsunami managed to get by Rebecca in a close duel. Zane and Mako now faced off in the finals.
"Man, I didn't expect Mai of all people to lose."
"Are you surprised? Mai wins chump change minor tournaments, but she falls in a big show. Her best days are behind her. I've been watching Zane Truesdale duel and he has great potential," Seto said, giving his analysis on a top future duel champion. "He's a prodigy, Mokuba. Make no mistake he's going to make it far."
Astounded by his brother's analysis, Mokuba pivoted back on the screen, watching Zane and Mako engage in the finals.
Suddenly, they heard a loud crash outside their suite. Their bodyguards rushed out to investigate only to get brushed back by something fierce. The Kaiba brothers stood absolutely alarmed and heard commotion emanating outside their private quarters.
Mokuba hurried over to check on their bodyguards. "They're knocked out, Seto. Whoever attacked them came from down the hall."
"Indeed, but who?" Seto wondered, eyeing the left hallway. "Let's investigate this, Mokuba."
"Right behind you, bro!"
xxxxx
Tokyo, Japan/Eastern Shinjuku District/7:05 PM
(Cue Devil May Cry OST - Public Enemy - (Regular Battle 1) )
As he made sport of Himura and Inumon, Lance snapped his fingers and produced needles that shot at the duo.
"Inumon Shinka! HellInumon!"
The newly evolved Inumon jumped at the forefront and pushed Himura back. The needles pierced the ground where they stood on. Lance was slightly taken aback with the end result and curiously eyed HellInumon. HellInumon resembled a quadruped wolf with a pair of horns jutting from his head.
"Interesting, so you were able to digivolve. Tell me, are you two associated with those pathetic Tamers?"
"No, we aren't. Why ask?" Himura demanded.
"Hmmm, then why is it you have a Digimon and a Digivice? That Digivice is what grants your Digimon to power to evolve. I think those are prerequisites for being a Chosen."
"Well, you have it wrong," Himura spat out. "Though I'm not associated with them, I share their disgust with you. I'll stop you before they get the chance to!"
Lance chuckled evilly and calmly. "I've only gotten started. I intend ti spread fear and chaos in this retched realm. You humans will be nothing but mere play things for me and my supporters."
"Ok, I've heard enough. HellInumon, take him down!"
"Leave him to me!" HellInumon growled fiercely as he jumped in and encircled Lance
Putting down a hand, Lance focused and forged a black orb in his palm. He threw the orb at HellInumon, who evaded it easily. Then, came the sound of thunder clapping. The canine lunged forward to send black thunder blasts from his horns.
"Black Thunder!" howled HellInumon, sending his attack toward Lance.
Lance quickly made an evasive counter and threw another black orb that nullified the black fire.
"Oh, damn," Himura murmured, quickly turning to his Digimon partner. "HellInumon, be careful! He can somehow cancel out your attacks!"
"Heh, no need to worry. I can hang with him!" HellInumon said, taking a chance and lunged across to tackle Lance down.
The possessed teen immediately phased from his reach and reappeared behind HellInumon. The dark canine whirled around and caught Lance standing behind him. As he went for a claw strike, the teen brought down a hand chop and hit the back of HellInumon's neck. Dazed a bit, HellInumon stumbled back and was left open for Lance to hit him with a dark force. HellInumon whined after being repelled back by a dark force produced by Lance's power.
"Is that it? Really?" Lance tried hard not to hard. "I'm disappointed."
"Not a chance! C'mon, HellInumon, get up!" The preteen tried encouraging HellInumon back into the battle.
Ignoring Lance's pleas, Lance stalked over to the dark canine. HellInumon was back on his feet and waited for Lance to approach him. When Lance came closer, HellInumon surprised him with a headbutt. Lance grunted as he was pushed back across the street. He put the stop on his feet skidding back on the concrete. He planted his feet down and formed dark energy in his fists.
"I'm not even at full power," Lance boasted as he stopped and looked behind him. "Well, it's about time you overgrown monkey." His frown became a evil grin as Himura and HellInumon tried to figure out why he was smiling.
When ThothBabimon walked forward behind Lance, both the boy and his Digimon blanched in shock. The unwanted arrival of ThothBabimon put a huge damper into their plans.
"Uh... Himura... are you seeing THAT?"
Himura gulped and backed away. "T-T-That's one huge monkey!" We weren't prepared for this!
As his bloodlusted eyes veered over to Himura and HellInumon, ThothBabimon licked his lips like a hungry animal and cackled. Lance laughed at the predicament Himura and HellInumon ended up in, delighting at their terrified looks. As ThothBabimon advanced forward, Himura and his partner backed away. HellInumon regained his courage and intently put himself in front of Himura. He crouched over and growled, seemingly unfazed by ThothBabimon's large frame.
"Eat them both, ThothBabimon!" Lance commanded. "I know the sound of that delights you!"
"Yes, Lord Pharaohmon!" ThothBabimon cackled as he threw a punch across and narrowly missed HellInumon, who dodged and pushed Himura back. "You trying to play keep away, mutt? I won't have that!" He charged across and headed off HellInumon, backhanding him into a building.
"HellInumon!" The preteen shouted, looking on in horror at his fallen partner's situation.
ThothBabimon pivoted his large body around and eyed Himura. "Now to eat you, human boy!"
"No... I can't die here..." Himura muttered as he gripped his D-3 and stepped back. "HellInumon, get up!"
"Enough posturing, ThothBabimon! Finish him!"
Upon hearing his master's command, ThothBabimon carried through and reached out to ensnare Himura. HellInumon struggled to stand after shaking off the building debris almost burying him. He caught ThothBabimon reaching out for Himura. HellInumon sprang forward and intercepted ThothBabimon, hitting him a bolt of black thunder that repelled the behemoth back, albeit only a little bit. While ThothBabimon stumbled back, Lance took action and raced over to hit him a force of dark power. HellInumon whirled around and jumped out of Lance's shot. Lance snapped his fingers, using his own form of telekinesis to send debris from the building wreckage at HellInumon. HellInumon evaded the incoming debris and landed on a sidewalk, luring the debris toward a light post.
"I'm through playing around! ThothBabimon, do something!"
ThothBabimon recovered from taking a lightning blast to the face. He shook off the effects and saw HellInumon making his way toward Lance. The baboon roared angrily and lunged across, throwing a hand over HellInumon. HellInumon crouched under and ignited his back with black fire, protecting him from ThothBabimon. Try as he might, ThothBabimon jerked his hands back from getting scorched by the hellhound's dark flames.
"Fool. What are you doing? Hurry up!" Lance barked as he was beginning to lose his nerve momentarily. He turned and saw Himura running up toward him. He jumped out of his reach and floated in the air. "Almost had me, kid. You can't me where I'm at and your partner's in a tough situation."
I hope you can keep those flames going, HellInumon. Himura closely observed his partner's defensive position. Before he initiated his next move, he heard the cries of a younger girl calling out.
"HIMURA!"
Himura became frozen stiff when his ears recognized the cries. He glanced over his back and saw his sister, Yui, running toward him. Naturally, the older brother blanched when seeing his younger sister on location.
"Yui... YUI! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?" He bellowed out. "It's not safe here!"
Lance noticed Yui running toward their vicinity. "Hmm?"
As she headed closer to the battle, Yui stopped and sensed a terrifying dark vibe emanating from Lance. She gasped and eyed the teen standing afloat in mid-air. She backed away realizing the pure evil source possessing the teen.
"YUI! GET OUT OF HERE!"
"Himura... that boy... I'm sensing something evil from him. He's not human, Himura! There's some dark spirit possessing him!"
Upon hearing this from Yui, Himura always took his sister's words not for granted when it comes to supernatural Yui grew up with a heightened sixth sense like Kuwabara and has been able to communicate with spirits. Her being able to perceive Lance was easy for her, especially since now he's undone his cloaking power. Lance left himself wide open for Yui to analyze Pharaohmon's evil spirit inside him.
"Here I thought this guy was just a nutcase under some human guise," the older Tsubasa sibling muttered, shifting his view over to Lance again. "Yui, when it comes to seeing spirits, good or bad, you're better at it than I am. Thanks, but please get somewhere and hide."
"Ok!" Yui said as she took cover inside a store with people laying around asleep.
Keeping an eye on Yui, Lance smirked and attentively glanced back at Lance. This kid cares for that girl just as much as Mars does for her sibling. Oh, how I love toying with family ties. "Which one shall I take out first?"
"Lord Pharaohmon, do you want me to devour the little girl?" ThothBabimon asked while trying to run his hand through HellInumon's fire shield.
Lance beckoned him off. "No, no, leave these two with me, ThothBabimon." He then lowered his right hand, producing a blade made of black energy. He descended on the ground and faced off against Himura. "How about I take your heads? You and your sweet sister's heads would make nice decorations for my new palace."
"Sick freak," growled Himura as his anger became fueled when his sister's life was openly threatened. "I won't let you get anywhere near my sister! I'm gonna kill you here and now!" He took a chance and bumrushed Lance, throwing a punch at Lance.
Lance sidestepped Himura and tripped him. Himura fell and turned to see an energy blade being brought down to his face.
"HIMURA!" HellInumon roared.
"NO! HIMURA!" screamed Yui, averting her eyes from seeing her brother's imminent demise.
Before Himura realized what happened, HellInumon rushed forward at blinding speed and threw himself over Himura. Lance's blade barely touched HellInumon as the hellhound pushed Himura aside. ThothBabimon spun around and snarled irritably when seeing how quickly HellInumon moved. Lance's blade hit the ground, prompting him to look behind him. HellInumon stood at the forefront, shielding Himura from Lance's wrath.
(End theme)
xxxxx
Meanwhile, there were spectators observing the ongoing battle. Gallantmon and Sakuyamon were both flabbergasted when seeing Lance attacking Himura and HellInumon. They were more surprised with the sudden reappearance of ThothBabimon, who was aiding Lance.
"You made the right call contact us, Sakuyamon," Gallantmon said. "If Renamon hadn't sensed that dark wave a while ago, we wouldn't have arrived in time."
Sakuyamon had her eyes painstakingly locked on the battle's progression. The tide of the battle was turning out bad for Himura and HellInumon.
"How can it be him?" Gallantmon was baffled as his eyes fell on Lance in the distance. "Lance? Ok, I had mu suspicions that he could be linked to Pharaohmon, but I didn't venture to think he'd be the monster himself!"
Sakuyamon nodded and replied in Rika's voice. "We can't confirm that yet, Takato." The golden-armored shaman's eyes narrowed behind her mask, sensing the evil aura she was now able to discern from him. "Now he's finally undone his cloak and I'm able to sense him. This dark power is no doubt from an archaic entity." Renamon spoke through Sakuyamon.
"Then, my deduction might be close to being right," Gallantmon said with Takato's voice. "But, what if Pharaohmon just decided to take Lance under his wing and gave him this power?"
"Then, we go out there, confront him, and I'll drive the evil force possessing him," Sakuyamon blatantly stated. "It may sound simple, but we need to be careful."
"Yeah, since we're now dealing with a human," nodded the knight. "But, I wonder who that kid and his Digimon are."
"I've been watching them, especially the dark hellhound for sometime," the golden-armored Digimon replied, much to Gallantmon's surprise. "They will need our help."
"Agreed," Gallantmon replied but the Takato side showed some hesitation. "Lance, we just met him not too long ago."
"We'll remove the darkness from him, Takato," reassured Sakuyamon. "Lance can still be saved."
Gallantmon sighed. "All right then. Let's get going. Besides, now that baboon is back... it's payback time!" He raised his lance and glided off toward the battle's location with Sakuyamon.
xxxxx
Back at the location, HellInumon bumrushed Lance again and went slash him again. Lance kept keep away from HellInumon as ThothBabimon intervened. The baboon brought down the fist and pulverized the ground, throwing up concrete and debris at the hellhound Digimon. HellInumon moved away and kept his distance from ThothBabimon. Yui, like she was told, stayed inside the store and watched the ongoing battle.
"You can do it, Inumon!" Yui encouraged the canine. She slowly turned and watched Lance watching the fight. "That boy is really creeping me out. That dark spirit possessing him... it's too scary."
"Yui!" Himura called out as he walked into the store and hurried over to her. "Yui, you told me he's being possessed by an evil spirit?"
Nodding, the little girl replied. "Yeah, and it's overbearing for me. I don't like being near him."
"Just stay inside and let us take care of this, ok?"
"Ok, Himura, but be careful. Inumon needs you with him."
"I'm off. You stay inside!" He said as he bolted outside to see HellInumon avoiding another fist smash from ThothBabimon. "HellInumon, nice work dodging him!"
"He has some quick reflexes for a monkey his size," replied HellInumon, jumping right over next to Himura. "I don't know how long I can hold him off."
"We've got to gut through this, HellInumon."
"Oh, I'm afraid you two are just about out of options already," Lance addressed the fatigued two. "ThothBabimon, finish them off with your Primal Scream!"
Cackling with cruel delight, ThothBabimon pounded his chest and gaped his mouth. He set his sights locked firmly on Himura and HellInumon. Opening his mouth, he prepared to open fire and unleash a discharged red blast. Himura and HellInumon braced themselves. Yui turned away, covering her eyes and screaming.
"It's been nice knowing you two!" Laughed ThothBabimon as he widened his mouth and fired the blast. "Primal Scream!"
"Have a nice trip to the after life, you weaklings!" Lance shouted, laughing at Himura and HellInumon.
As Himura and HellInumon saw how large beam was, they knew they couldn't dodge it at their range. They readily prepared to accept their fates. They closed their eyes together.
Then, a loud roar bellowed from behind them, swiftly coming in their rescue unbeknownst to them.
"Shield of the Just!" Came a loud roar followed by a powerful blast hitting ThothBabimon's attack and completely canceling it out.
(Cue Digimon Tamers OST - One Vision)
Taken aback, ThothBabimon couldn't believe what he witnessed unfold. He and Lance were shocked when they turned to see Gallantmon walking behind Himura and HellInumon. Glancing behind them, Himura and his partner were baffled to see Gallantmon towering over them.
"Oh, wow! It's one of the Tamers!" Yui cried out.
"Himura... are you seeing this?" a stunned HellInumon asked.
Himura added, equally shocked and left utterly speechless. Gallantmon raised his lance and locked eyes with ThothBabimon.
"You two ok? Good," Gallantmon stated.
They just had to ruin my fun! Lance scowled angrily, gritting his teeth when he saw his plans seemingly fall apart. "I should've been more discrete."
"Yeah, you're definitely that knight they call Gallantmon!" Himura addressed the knight. "You and your colleagues fought that blob thing called D-Reaper over a year ago!"
Nodding, Gallantmon walked across the street and brandished his lance toward ThothBabimon.
Sakuyamon descended near where Himura and HellInumon were sitting on the sidelines. When HellInumon's eyes fell on Sakuyamon, he was allured by her beautiful presence and wagged his tail feverishly.
Her scent is so familiar! Yes, it's that Renamon I saw earlier! HellInumon thought as he tried snapping back to reality. Ok, resist, all temptation, Inumon!
Lance kept his distance when seeing Gallantmon facing off against ThothBabimon.
"Be careful, Gallantmon," Sakuyamon murmured, keeping an eye on Lance and ensuring he doesn't intervene.
"So, you wanna rumble with me again?" ThothBabimon said, pounding his chest a bit. He fared his large canines and cackled gleefully. "Last time we engaged, I left you flat on your back! Now you think you can handle me again? I've grown much stronger since then feeding on energy and data!"
Gallantmon readied a battle stance and came charging forward to meet ThothBabimon. The baboon anticipated this from the knight and opened his mouth, preparing to fire another Primal Scream. Gallantmon dashed forward with his shield ready.
"Primal Scream!" ThothBabimon bellowed, expelling a massive discharged beam. While shooting the beam, he swerved around to Gallantmon's side and attempted to hit him while the beam was still hurtling toward him. "Let's see you dodge both me and my attack at the same time!"
"Gallantmon, don't get reckless," Sakuyamon muttered as she looked on tensely.
"You're done," calmly smirked Lance.
Himura stood and shouted. "What are you doing? Get outta the way!"
Letting out a defiant roar, Gallantmon fired a lightning blast from his lance. "Lightning Joust!" After nullifying ThothBabimon's attack, the knight bumrushed ThothBabimon and dazed him with his shield.
After getting smacked facefirst with Gallantmon's shield, the knight followed it up and knocked him back with a headbutt. ThothBabimon stumbled back after getting served decent blows from his adversary. Lance was getting unnerved, clenching his fists when seeing his minion getting beaten around. Gallantmon was now fresh than he was before when he last crossed paths with ThothBabimon. On top of that, Takato and Guilmon were intent on evening the score with the baboon.
"I WON'T LOSE TO YOU!" ThothBabimon bellowed as he raised his fists as red lightning crackled around his body. "NOW YOU DIE!" He bumrushed Gallantmon again and lunged at him in a hurry.
Gallantmon caught him with a shield strike, clobbering him across the skull. He then decked him with a few clubbing shield blows. Lifting his shield, Gallantmon wasted no time and charged up the Hazard symbol emblazoned on his shield.
"I'm not done..."
"But, I am," Gallantmon rebuked. "Shield of the Just!" He launched the beam through his shield and blasted ThothBabimon head-on.
As ThothBabimon tried catching the beam, Gallantmon dashed forward and gutted ThothBabimon with his lance. The combination shield blast/lance impalement finally did ThothBabimon as he was knocked sailing into the air as his roars filled the air before being deleted instantly. Gallantmon lowered his lance and shield before veering his view to Lance, who looked at him with discontent.
(End theme)
"Well, how about that?" Lance scoffed with sarcasm in his tone. "You satisfied with avenging your loss?"
"We came just came better prepared," Gallantmon rebuked toward Lance. "We're onto your game, Lance. it's over. We know you're working for Pharaohmon."
Chuckling to himself, Lance mused at the knight's foolhardy comment. Oh, if you only knew... "So, you know our scheme?"
"Give it up, Lance. Come quietly and let Sakuyamon remove that darkness Pharaohmon implanted in you."
"A tempting offer, but what if I refuse?"
"Why would you refuse?" Gallantmon demanded.
Lance relinquished his frustration and smiled. "I've been given an opportunity to convince Pharaohmon that some humans are willing to sell their souls in order to ensure their survival. I'm sorta his guinea pig right now. He's watching us as we speak."
"I don't see him," Gallantmon said, surveying the vicinity. "Where is that coward hiding, Lance?"
"Now, that's awfully rude calling my master a coward. He's just very careful and discrete, is that so wrong?"
Sakuyamon interjected as she attentively drew Lance away from the knight. "You realize Pharaohmon is just using you! Realize the mistake you're making! He's deceiving you!"
"We all have choices and I chose mine," Lance stated with a hand behind his back. He gathered a ball of black energy. The energy divided into smaller spheres, which then shaped into drill-like spears. With a wave, he launched them toward the two Megas. "Now die in the name of Lord Pharaohmon!"
The two Megas quickly dodged as the spears hit the ground where they stood. As more spears came flying at them, Gallantmon countered them with shield and Sakuyamon produced a holy barrier to protect herself.
"That was close, but we have to approach him carefully before you send a spirit fox to remove the evil from him."
Sakuyamon added as she reflected to what Lance said earlier. "Have you noticed his demeanor?"
"No. What about it?"
"The way he conducts himself. He speaks as if Pharaohmon is here, but I have a suspicion he's possessed by Pharaohmon..."
Overhearing the two Megas, Himura and HellInumon nodded to each other.
"That's because you're right on all accounts!" HellInumon called out to Sakuyamon. "Himura and I have been watching him. That's Pharaohmon!"
Upon hearing this, Gallantmon was shocked to believe this was true. He turned and faced Lance, who was covered by a black aura.
"It can't be," muttered the knight, nearly denying this claim. "He's got an evil power, but how could he be Pharaohmon?"
"Because I think our hunt might be over," Sakuyamon replied as she undid her barrier.
Lance's evil grin broadened as he stayed afloat and prepared to engage the two Megas. Himura and HellInumon recovered to observe the heated battle waiting to commence.
xxxxx
KaibaCorp American Arena/US Duelist Prix
Once Sailor Mercury and Cammy reached close to suite #12, the room was quickly spilled over by dark energy leaking under them. Mercury grabbed Cammy and jumped back, seeing Khnummon and his Scarabmon fleet. They obstructed Mercury and Cammy's path. Khnummon lowered his hand and produced a spear from dark magic.
(Cue Sailor Moon S OST - Kampf Theme #4 - Battle Theme)
"Baaa, going somewhere?" Khnummon said as he saw Cammy. "The Digital Priestess. Perfect. Now hand her to us, Sailor Senshi."
"Never!" Mercury retorted.
"Then, die," the ram demon laughed as he pointed his spear and fired a magical blast.
Mercury grabbed Cammy and jumped out into another corridor. She bolted across while carrying Cammy off.
"After her!" Khnummon shouted as the Scarabmon scrambled off to pursue them. "We can't let them escape from this facility! Baa!"
As he walked off, Seto and Mokuba witnessed the activities unfold near the end of another hallway.
"Seto, you saw all that, right?"
"Of course, I did."
"Can't dismiss that as cheap effects. Not after all we've been through."
Seto snorted and hurried down the hall with Mokuba tagging behind him. As Seto made another step, he felt lightheaded for a moment and suddenly his mind flashed to some kind of vague images of an Egyptian past coming back. Mokuba stopped and noticed his brother palming his face.
"Seto? Are you...?"
"I'll be fine, Mokuba. Let's go see what's up."
"Right, let's go then!"
The Kaiba brothers stormed off down the hallway following the route Khnummon and his cohorts took to find their targets.
xxxxx
As they arrived in an elevator, Sailor Mercury and Cammy went down to the bottom floor.
They briefly exchanged words during the interval down the ground level.
"Thank you, Sailor Mercury, but can you answer my question now?"
Mercury nodded and knelt down, putting her hands on the frightened girl's shoulders. "Relax. As long as you're with me, you'll be fine. Now listen, those creatures are after you because... well... this may sound strange to you, but because of a mysterious power you have, Cammy."
"Power...? Well, I have noticed something strange about me lately."
"Come again?"
"I've had visions of some beautiful lady in a priestess dress and some giant demon."
Visions? Then, she must be remembering this Digital Priestess's past. Then, she has to be her reincarnation. Mercury deduced mentally as she didn't refrain from looking Cammy dead in her eyes. "Then, you should know these creatures are likely affiliated with that creature. That monster you may have seen is named Pharaohmon. He's after your power, Cammy. And I've been sent here by your sister to come get you."
"My sister? My older sister from Japan?" Cammy gasped when hearing this. "You know her?"
Smiling, Mercury nodded and gave Cammy a sense of comfort. "Yes, I do."
"My father has told me about her, but I've never met her. I only have pictures of her. I've been anxious to see her for the longest time. Her name is Rei."
"I know and she wants to ensure you stay alive."
"Father says she was kinda a bad influence after her mother died. But, I don't see her as a bad influence. Please, can you take me to see her?"
"But, what about your parents?"
Cammy dismissed this and shook her head. "Doesn't matter. I want to see my sister! Can you take me to see her? She's a Miko, right? Then, she can tell me what to do with this power of mine!" She said, grabbing Mercury's hands and pleading to her. "Please?"
"Listen, Cammy..." Mercury sighed, gently holding Cammy's hands and setting them down. "I'll get in contact with her and we'll see what's the best we do for you in this grave situation. Do you understand?"
"Yes."
(End theme)
Just then, the elevator stopped as the doors slid open leading them into a hallway leading through the dressing rooms. They bolted down the hall and then took a left route. Before they bypassed another hall, a door flew open in front of them. Mercury picked Cammy up and bolted around the door, only to bump right into someone! Mercury fell back with Cammy in her lap.
"Hey, watch where you're going!" Came a voice from none other than Lady Psyren.
Lifting her head, Mercury rubbed her head and blinked, seeing Lady Psyren sitting on the floor with her deck scattered across the floor. Lady Psyren frantically scooped her cards up, giving Mercury and Cammy time to rush past her.
"Hey, wait! At least help me pick up my ca-!" Lady Psyren stopped herself. "Wait a sec... that was one of those Sailor Senshi? What the heck is one doing here?" She picked up all her cards in a hurry and bolted off after them. I gotta know why there's one here! Oh, ho! Maybe those Senshi I've been giving heck are her friends! She pulled out a small device, snickering to herself. If I can catch one, I can probably get myself a nice reward and pay my debts! Oh, Psyren, you're a genius! This will make up for not winning the prize money!
xxxxx
Arriving at a dead end, Mercury led Cammy through different path. The blue-haired Senshi used her visor to scan for the nearest exit. As she turned a corner, she came to a stop as Khnummon and his Scarabmon had their backs turned looking for them. Mercury slipped behind a wall with Cammy.
"Quietly go for the door near you," Mercury whispered to Cammy. "I'll keep them distracted."
Nodding, Cammy moved along the wall and opened the door closest to her. As she closed the door behind her, Cammy realized she stumbled into someone's dressing room.
She stumbled into Mai Valentine's dressing room.
"Huh? Who are you, kid?" Mai blinked.
Cammy was at a loss for words. "You've got to help me."
xxxxx
(Cue Sailor Moon S OST -Daimon (0:00-1:35) )
Meanwhile, outside the dressing room, Sailor Mercury briskly stepped out into plain sight for Khnummon and his cohorts to find her.
"Over here!" Mercury shouted and drew the enemies out to give her chase.
"Get her! If she's here, then the Digital Priestess is close by! Baa!" exclaimed the ram creature, who led the Scarabmon and pursued Mercury.
Bolting down another hallway, Mercury pulled out her small computer and scanned the perimeters. "The closest exit out of here is 20 feet ahead. I'll turn the right direction and make a u-turn around to get back to Cammy." She rushed across and when she did...
...something came out of nowhere and tied her by the ankles. Then, she felt something tie up her hands. The blue-haired girl hit the floor with both her feet and hands tied up. She looked over to see Lady Psyren sauntering over to her, giggling devilishly.
"Bingo!" Lady Psyren giggled. "Score one for Lady Psyren!"
No, I was so close! Mercury struggled to break free. "Please, you have to let me go!"
"Let you go? Why would I do that?" Lady Psyren smirked seductively as she knelt over her captured prize. "Why would I turn in the chance to collect a bounty on you?"
"There's a bounty for us?"
"Sure for a few black market guys. They'd love to have you for some pleasure, but I won't go into the nitty gritty details," Lady Psyren said as she picked Mercury up and flung her body over her shoulder. "Now off we go. I need to collect some money since I blew my chance to win prize money!"
"You only see me as profit?"
"Why not? I've been giving your friends back in Tokyo a lot of hassle, but now that I've captured one of you... I can brag about it all the way to the bank."
"What you're doing is wrong. There's a little girl whose life is in danger! I have to see to it she gets out of her safely!"
"Is that too bad? Well, I'm sure she can find her mommy and daddy. There's also a lot of guards here in case of a terrorist attack."
"You don't understand! These aren't humans coming after this girl. They're..."
Lady Psyren pulled out a gag ball and stuffed it in her mouth. "Oh, pipe down. We're almost to the exit." As she marched over to the exit, she was stopped by Khnummon and his Scarabmon fleet. Psyren freaked out at the sight of the giant insects and fell back, releasing Mercury from her grasp. "AHH! BUGS! GIANT BUGS!"
Khnummon looked over and spotted Mercury still tied up.
"Sir, what shall we do with this woman?" One of the Scarabmon asked their fleet leader.
"Detain her," Khnummon ordered as two Scarabmon pulled up Lady Psyren. "Well, well, it seems this human was quite useful. Baaa. She managed to capture this Senshi by herself. Perhaps she could be of use to us." He walked over to Mercury, but as he did, the blue-haired warrior used her ice magic to freeze the ropes unbeknownst to him. "Let her go." he ordered the Scarabmon to release Lady Psyren. "Tell me. How did you catch this Senshi on your own?"
"W-With a device that fires two ropes simultaneously. They hit the target tying them up anywhere from their wrists, ankles, and waist. It's perfect when catching someone on the run. And I've specifically designed it to nab a Sailor Senshi. I've been meaning to catch one for profit and I would've too if you didn't get in my way. Did the black market send you to steal my catch?"
Khnummon blanched at the ditz of a woman. "No, we work for a more powerful boss. In fact, he'll reward you with anything you desire."
"Name it and you guys better not screw with me."
"Certainly money. Baaa," Khnummon offered. "Our lord currently is in a position to give you that."
"Done deal!" Psyren said, rubbing her hands feverishly. "But, what about her?"
"Well, after we use her to find the Digital Priestess, we get to kill her."
"No! I caught her and I get to keep her, goat!"
"First off, I am a ram. Second, that can't be done. She's too dangerous to keep alive," the ram lowered his weapon over Mercury.
Closing her eyes, Mercury was close to freezing the ropes and breaking free. I'm almost there! Almost free! I hope you've found a way out of the arena, Cammy-chan!
Psyren openly protested Khnummon's course of action. "I get to play with her!"
"Oh, for the love of-!" Khnummon scowled as he fired a stun beam, to which Lady Psyren dodged by flipping into the air. "What?" He watched Psyren land next to Mercury and threw a ninja ball that blew up, kicking up a cloud of smoke to confuse them. "That wench... she better not get away with that Senshi! Baaa!"
(End theme)
(Cue Sailor Moon S OST -Daimon (1:37-3:03) )
Psyren collected Mercury and bolted down the hall laughing.
"Oh, those guys are such suckers!"
"Lady Psyren, you're seriously getting involved in a serious situation. I urge you to let me go if you don't want to get deeply involved in this."
"Look, I'm not going to blow this cash-in for anything! I need the money more than you think!"
"If profit is all you care for, you haven't experienced the other aspects of a happier life."
"Don't care."
Mercury sighed deeply as she finally cracked the frozen ropes. "Sorry to do this. You leave me no choice."
"Huh? What are you...?" Before Psyren could finish, Mercury slipped out of the thief's arms and froze the rope holding her ankles. After freezing the ropes, she broke out freely and jumped to her feet.
"You'll need more than traps to capture one of us. Polish up on your devices if you want to catch me again." She then bolted off to find Cammy and avoid Khnummon.
Lady Psyren sat split-legged on the floor and whined. "AUGH! NO FAIR! YOU PLANNED THIS ALL ALONG!" She screamed so loud that Mercury could hear her.
I'm coming, Cammy-chan! Mercury focused on her intent with completing her mission.
Getting off the floor, Lady Psyren growled and pulled out a tranquillizer gun. "I'm not done yet, you blue-haired bitch." She raced off in hot pursuit, desperately gunning for her ultimate cash-in prize.
xxxxx
"Please, you have to help me out of the arena!" Cammy pleaded, grabbing Mai's arm.
Still emotionally wrecked after her duel loss, Mai now found herself in a life-and-death situation involving a child being pursued by monster assassins. She tried to stay calm with the child and put her hands on Cammy's shoulders.
"Listen, hun, where's your dad and mom?"
"They're still in the arena and probably already looking for me, but there's monsters after me! Sailor Mercury said to get out of the arena and..."
"Whoa, whoa, Sailor Mercury? Monsters?" The blonde woman blinked, completely taken aback by what the girl was letting her in on. "You sure you haven't been watching scary movies? And why would one of the Sailors be doing here?"
"Please, there's no time to explain! You have to get me out of the arena and possibly hide me while Mercury takes care of these monsters!"
Looking straight into Cammy's eyes, Mai saw how serious the girl was and stood nodding.
Without a second thought, Mai nodded. "Ok, I'll get my things and we'll head to my car. Say, you're Hiroaki's daughter, are you?"
"You know my father?"
"I met him and your mother before at a few dinner parties. I'll call him to let him know you're with me," she said collecting her things before leading Cammy out the door. "The nearest exit is this way. C'mon, kid."
"Thank you!" Cammy smiled as she followed Mai toward the nearest exit. Hurry up, Mercury! I hope you'll get out of here safely!
(End theme)
xxxxx
Once Seto and Mokuba arrived on the bottom floor, they walked through the dressing rooms. They heard a commotion emanating several hallways ahead.
"Hear that, Seto? There's definitely something going down!"
Seto frowned and walked forward. "Stay close to me, Mokuba. We're putting a stop to this."
xxxxx
Outside the KaibaCorp American Arena
Sailor Mercury was the first one out of the arena. She raced out to catch her breath and scanned around to see no signs of Cammy yet.
"She's not out here?" Mercury mused. Cammy-chan, where are you?
"Ah-ha! Found you! Baaa!" Came the boastful tone of Khnummon. He and the Scarabmon blasted through the door to find Mercury standing outside facing them. "We're giving you one last chance. Tell us where the Digital Priestess is hidden!"
Mercury stood defiantly and readied a battle stance, prepared to take on her opposition. She was ready to put her own life on the line for Rei's sister.
"So be it. We'll beat you down until we force you to tell us," Khnummon beckoned his Scarabmon to surround her.
Mercury clenched her fists and saw she was surrounded. I feel a rush. This feeling... I feel more power ready to resonate with me... but why can't it come out?
xxxxx
Tokyo, Japan/Shibuya District/Market Area/7:25 PM
As for the other Senshi back home, Sailors Venus, Mars, and Jupiter scoured the streets in search of Scarabmon activity, which there haven't been any since the two attacks earlier. The Senshi were unsuccessful with their search.
"We haven't been able to find anything," Jupiter said, taking a deep breath after searching every alleyway far and wide around the Shibuya district.
Venus convened with her friends and reported. "Nothing in the east side either."
Mars conveyed stress over this. "Maybe it's our lucky day since they were already active in two vicinities today. Still, I hope Ami-chan has been able to find my sister."
"I wouldn't worry, Mars," the blonde said. "Has Ami-chan ever let us down before? She's the brain of our team. She'll somehow manage to get your sister out of there."
Jupiter concurred with Venus. "She's right. Though, the problem is how we'll get your sister and Ami-chan here. I heard Ami-chan's school is out for spring break. So, maybe, she can catch a flight... but there's the whole thing with her parents, namely your father, Mars."
The Miko Senshi hated to admit it but she knew Jupiter was right. Taking Cammy from home would be outright kidnapping and Rei knew her father would do what it takes to get his daughter back.
"Hey, I hear you girls are having a bit of transportation problems?" Came a voice belonging to Agunimon.
When the Senshi looked across, they saw the six Legendary Warriors dropping in.
"You guys!" Venus waved to them.
Agunimon walked over to Mars.
"How will you do that?"
"Heh, we can get by crossing the ocean in our advanced forms," the Warrior of Fire said with a smirk.
As the Senshi and Warriors exchanged words, Felinismon concealed herself and eavesdropped with her sensitive ears.
xxxxx
On another side of Shibuya, the sun was already gone as evening finally settled in. There was a sudden commotion with people fleeing from a local theater show. Brimstone stood outside a theater hall as his presence made people flee. Before he could initiate his next attack, a bluish spirit beam hurtled forward, causing him to catch the beam. Brimstone whirled around hearing someone's footsteps behind him.
"How's it going? Pleasant evening, eh?"
Brimstone turned around seeing Yusuke Urameshi flashing a cocky grin.
"Man Pharaohmon's really getting serious with his monster selections," the Spirit Detective remarked. "Your spirit energy is really off the charts. Want to rumble here and now?"
Before Brimstone could attack him, Hiei blitzed behind him. Brimstone jumped back only to feel the presence of two more fighters. From the corner of his eye, he caught Kuwabara and Kurama attempting an ambush. Brimstone moved away and faced off with the four Spirit Detectives.
"Now, let's see you take on the four of us," Yusuke pumped his fist while wearing his game face.
xxxxx
(PREVIEW)
Yugi: Takato, Rika, need help?
Takato: Thanks, Yugi! man, you're not going to believe this!
Himura: Lance is...!
Lance: Guess I can't keep my secret from y'all anymore. Yes, I am...
Joey: You're not getting away from us!
Mercury: Ugh, no... I'm outnumbered and they're too fast for me.
Khnummon: We have you where we want you, Sailor Mercury!
Lady Psyren: No way! She's mine!
Cammy: Miss Valentine, you met my sister?
Mai: I say go see your sister. If you seriously want to see her that badly.
Yusuke: Not bad, fireman.
Kurama: Be careful, Yusuke! His power could potentially wipe us out!
Mercury: This power... I feel that power... coming out to the surface...
Mokuba: Seto, your card!
Seto: The Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon...?
Yami: My Millennium Puzzle is inexplicably sending power to something, but what...? What's the source?
Agunimon: Next time on Wrath of Pharaohmon Redux!
Arise, Ultimate Blue-Eyes and Mercury! The Monster Behind Lance!
HellInumon: We can't let this monster get away with what he wants!
xxxxx
A/N: There's another chapter done and part one of the American arc out of the way. The second part should be more action-packed. Plus, we get some developments over in Tokyo as Lance takes the direct approach against Himura and Inumon. ThothBabimon is finally out of the picture! If you didn't know, in the original WoP story, Babimon was destroyed by the Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon during the America arc and Gallantmon never rebounded from his loss to the raging ape. Well, in Redux, Gallantmon evens the score and blasts ThothBabimon away!
So, we have Khnummon taking Babimon's place in the America arc. He is a humanoid ram based on another Egyptian deity (just as the past few 'Monster of the Week' villains have been in the preceding chapters). The location for the America arc is brand new as is the added conflicts: Lady Psyren herself. Lady Psyren is not only a duelist and a thief, but a bounty hunter working within the black market. See how well she can secure a Senshi on her own with just her toys? Heh, well, she should've brought ice or fire proof devices... no, that wouldn't work. The Senshi's magic, in my view, is a stronger form of elemental power and they can utilize them very masterfully when need be.
I didn't give the full duels because they simply weren't important. I just required a duel arena for a new location for the Digital Priestess conflict. Yes, the Zane Truesdale is obviously the same one from GX, but he's at this point a growing prodigy. Him defeating Mai was to plant the seeds for the rising 'GX' generation in the next few years (in the YYGDM timeline if you're following Dawn of Chaos) and adds more motivation for Mai to later join Dartz. Speaking of Mai, I had her escort Cammy out for the time being to give her the final push to see Rei. You'll see how that'll come to play. I know later in the series it doesn't seem Mai interacts with Rei or Cammy much, but that's what Redux is for and I'll for sure do something in the future to reinforce Mai's relationship with the Hino family.
Brimstone sees some action next chapter. Yugi and Joey show up to help the Tamers with Lance. Obviously, we (the readers) know who Lance is, but the heroes will finally find out who he is. Oh yeah, the Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon rises just like in the original. But, what does that have to do with Yugi's Puzzle? Hmmm. And Mercury looks to be getting a power-up... hmmm.
Anyway, lots of stuff is gonna play out next time!
Send a review and see you next time!