A/N: Hey, y'all! As November 30, 2013, YuYuGiDigiMoon will have celebrated its 10 year anniversary since its inception in 2003. Sadly, I don't have anything big to celebrate the noteworthy accolade. I had a special in mind, but haven't had any time to produce it in time. Not a big deal. There's still time to make up for this. I'll try making something for a tenth anniversary.

Instead, this chapter will do for now.

First, here's another character corner written by Ford and on with the continuation of Redux!

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(Cue Digimon Tamers - The Biggest Dreamer) (In tribute of Wrath of Pharaohmon as the first story published in 2003)

Pumpkinmon: Hey fellas! Remember us?

Gotsumon: Yeah! We use to work with that Myotismon creep till he killed us.

Pumpkinmon: But at least we're revived at the Primary Village. I miss those two humans (Matt & TK).

Gotsumon: Anyway, we're here to announce that today, November 30th is the 10th anniversary of Kanius' YuYuGiDigiMoon franchise!

Pumpkinmon: That is great news, we're also here because our episode back then is when the author first got into the Digimon franchise. Everything Halloween and creepy, or dark related has always helped his fanfics to perfect use! Who knows what would happen if Halloween doesn't exist, that'd be bad!

Gotsumon: In fact, we can't wait to see Dawn of Chaos ending soon! Good thing we're not part of THAT war the good and bad guys are fighting!

Pumpkinmon: So does Wrath of Pharaohmon Redux, we need new (and old) readers to experience this spectacular crossover!

Gotsumon: We should hang out with these Ghostrick duel monsters after wards, but until then-

Pumpkinmon & Gotsumon: (unison) The following is a non-profit fanfic parody! Digimon is owned by Bandai, Akiyoshi Hongo, and Toei Animation. YuYu Hakusho is owned by Yoshihiro Togashi and Studio Pierrot. Sailor Moon is owned by Naoko Takeuchi, Kodansha, and Toei Animation. Yugioh is owned by Kazuki Takahashi. YuYuGiDigiMoon and Digimon Fusion Kai are owned by Kanius. Please support the official release!

(End theme)

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Chapter 29

Duelist Kingdom Rematch, Joey vs Mai! Entering the Sovereign Temple!

xxxxx

Phoenix Arena/Duel & Battle Platforms/11:15 AM

"All right, ladies and gents! We're quickly moving on with our next matches for our dual tournaments! For our duel tournament, Joey Wheeler and Mai Valentine will be pitted against one another. For our battle matches, Renamon will go against Kuzuhamon and Agunimon will square off against Kurama! Without further ado, let's bring out our competitors!"

As she said that, the spotlight beamed toward the entrance. Joey and Mai walked down ramp. Determined to win, Mai was prepared to meet Joey in their duel rematch. Joey hoped despite the duel's outcome their friendship would remain intact.

"You ready for this, Joey?"

"Sure am. You're gonna be impressed with my skills since we last dueled."

Mai sighed to herself. "Yeah, whatever you say."

The two duelists entered the duel dome as Etemon closed the door behind them. He set the coordinates for their duel destination.

"Now that we have Joey and Mai in the duel dome, we'll continue by introducing the combatants for our battle matches! First, let's bring out the competitors for Arena A! Renamon! Kuzuhamon! Come on down!"

Before Lillymon could say another word, she quickly turned to find Renamon sitting at the center of Arena A. Renamon's ears and nose pick up the foul stench of the wench herself.

Walking out of the entrance next was Kuzuhamon. She was already fully dressed in her traditional battle gear and holding her staff. Rather than walk, she skipped across the aisle and hummed a song to herself.

"Kuzuhamon makes her way down towards Arena A by skipping. She's not even taking this seriously, especially with Renamon waiting to tear her apart. Her love for Inumon has completely blinded her!"

"Hello, my wonderful fans! Ah, it's so good to see you all cheering and chanting my name!" the delusional Kuzuhamon laughed happily. "Ho! Ho!"

Renamon sat up from the floor and glared down Kuzuhamon heatedly. Kuzuhamon entered Arena A, seemingly ignoring her.

"You love! You all love me!"

Renamon coldly interjected. "Hate to break this to you, but no one cares about you."

"What?! How dare you?! You have no say on what my fans think of me!" The dark-clad Digimon scowled irritably. "You're just jealous that I have fan support and you don't! Eventually when I do defeat you, Inumon will be mine forever! I vow to be his loyal wife and bear his offspring!"

"Don't come crying to me when I shut down your dream."

"Now, before we start these exciting matches, let's introduce our two combatants to compete in Arena B! Kurama! Agunimon! We're waiting on you!"

The crowds immediately turned towards the entrance to be graced by the presence of the Warrior of Flame. Agunimon bolted down at a full head of steam and sprang into Arena B. After grabbing Etemon's microphone, Agunimon got the crowd pumped.

Chants for the Warrior of Flame were heard echoing across the arena as if he were a popular pro wrestler.

"WELCOME TO AGUNIMON'S SHOW!" Agunimon screamed out through the microphone. "Are you Digimon ready to rock?!"

The audiences responded cheers and pumped their fists up. Agunimon began headbanging as his yellow mane shook around.

"Hey, Kurama, I know you're back there, pretty boy! I'm calling you out because I want to get this match over with! I'm not going to wait all day for you to fix your red hair!" Agunimon ranted on. "If you don't come out, I'm dragging your butt down here!"

"There's no need to shout, friend," a voice whispered behind Agunimon.

Before Agunimon had a chance to move, he felt a finger pointing him across the spine. He turned his head to find Kurama touching his back with a single hair. The Warrior of Flame stepped into a battle stance.

"Don't be alarmed, Warrior of Flame. Our match hasn't even begun just yet. So, calm your nerves."

"What makes you think I'm nervous?"

"Never said you were."

"Listen, pal! I'm just anxious to fight you in this match and I want to see how long you can last against a fire warrior like me!"

The red-haired fox smirked. "We'll just have to wait and see. Now, won't we?"

"Having already psyched Agunimon out, Kurama has arrived at the ring before the Warrior of Flame had any time to realize his whereabouts! Now we have our two arenas set! All four combatants are ready to get this show on the road and I know you guys have been begging for more hard-hitting action! But, first, let's send our two duelists to their destination! Etemon, if you will! Transport our two duelists!"

"You got it, little lady!" He nodded and flipped a switch to activate the dome.

The dome ascended towards the arena's ceiling. The four combatants locked eyes against each other waiting in anticipation.

Etemon signaled to Lillymon to signify that the two duelists were transported. The lovely announcer nodded and focused on the two battle matches set to take place.

"As official referee, I declare the dual-battle bouts to begin!" exclaimed Etemon as he called for the bell.

Once the official bell rang, the two pairs faced each other off.

"With Agunimon circling Kurama and ready to start his match, Renamon has already removed the kid gloves and has decided to turn things up a notch by evolving!"

However, Kuzuhamon was not the least impressed with Renamon and watched her rival digivolve into her Mega form..

"Renamon Mega Shinka! Sakuyamon!"

(Cue Digimon Tamers OST – Tamers Action)

Twirling her battle staff in front of her, Sakuyamon quickly raced ahead to meet Kuzuhamon. Kuzuhamon dashed forward ready to engage her rival. They quickly got into each other's faces, which lead to...

SLAP!

Kuzuhamon delivered a painful slap across Sakuyamon's pretty face and left a red hand imprint running across her left cheek. The male portion of the crowds cringed and wooed. However, Sakuyamon was not going to take this lying down. She raised her left hand and landed a slap across Kuzuhamon's face.

SLAP!

The golden armored female left a huge hand print across Kuzuhamon's right cheek. The fan girl felt the welt and yelped out painfully. That was it. For Kuzuhamon, that was the last straw. Kuzuhamon screamed out angrily, charging forward and tackling Sakuyamon, but Sakuyamon evaded and grabbed Kuzuhamon's by her hair! Sakuyamon pulled Kuzuhamon directly towards her with extreme force and tosses her across the ring floor. The dark-armored female landed face first across the ring floor and bounced across.

"Ouch! I sure wouldn't want to be Kuzuhamon after that! Sakuyamon has now taken charge of this match with a hair take down! We have ourselves an old fashioned cat fight!"

Scrambling back to her feet, Kuzuhamon surveyed the ring for her adversary. She threw out a fist behind her in hopes of tagging Sakuyamon. However, she couldn't hit anything but thin air. The fan girl stopped and attempted to use her own fox senses to sniff out her opponent. Before she had a chance to blink, a hand tapped Kuzuhamon on her right shoulder.

"I've got you!" Kuzuhamon spun around to throw a judo punch but only connected with the air. "ARGH! RENAMON! SHOW YOURSE-!"

Before she uttered a word, a long staff came swinging across and slammed hard against Kuzuhamon's face. The force of the impact knocked her back. Rubbing her face, Kuzuhamon balked at the bruise left on her 'perfect' face. Sakuyamon beckoned her to come and get her.

"Another shot to that pretty face of Kuzuhamon! She goes down to a hard staff shot from Sakuyamon!" Lillymon announced.

Sakuyamon sauntered over to Kuzuhamon, looking down on her pitifully.

"Come on. I don't have time for this..." Before Sakuyamon could finish...

Bam!

...Kuzuhamon slammed her right knee into her rival's gut. The blow knocked the wind out of Sakuyamon, causing her to double over in pain. Kuzuhamon sprang back up and rebounded by slamming her staff to Sakuyamon's chin. She then jumped up and drop kicked Sakuyamon's face. The golden-armored warrior fell back reeling from the blows.

"I told you not to take me lightly you no good, wench!" Kuzuhamon hissed as she kicked Sakuyamon in the ribs. "Awww, what's the matter? I thought you'd be used to going down on your knees to your male superiors?"

The dark-armored female grabbed Sakuyamon's neck, lifted her up, and slapped her face. Sakuyamon took the blow and fell out of Kuzuhamon's hand. Kuzuhamon calmly paced over towards her rival picked her up by her hair. She grabbed a handful of Sakuyamon's gorgeous hair and swung her around, paying her back for earlier. She threw Sakuyamon aside, sending her flying on one side of the ring.

"An eye for eye! In this case, a hair for a hair as Kuzuhamon retaliates for what Sakuyamon did to her earlier! Now, Kuzuhamon has taken over this match and does not look like she's about to be showing off! She is all business and ready to tear Sakuyamon a new one!"

"You're no good to Inumon, you harlot! Only I deserve to win Inumon's heart!" Kuzuhamon screamed down at Sakuyamon before kicking her in the face. "ONLY ME! NOT YOU!"

Sakuyamon went rolling across the ring after Kuzuhamon kicked her. As she tried recovering, Kuzuhamon stepped forward nonchalantly and grabbed Sakuyamon by her hair. This time she slammed a knee into her back and began to grab her rival's mask.

"Now, I'm going to tear that pretty face of yours right off, Renamon! Then, Inumon will realize just how hideous you truly are!" Kuzuhamon laughed. "Ho! Ho! I can't wait to see the look on your stupid face when you see Inumon taking my hand in marriage!"

Struggling against Kuzuhamon's grip, Sakuyamon pushed her hands off the mask.

"This crowd is giving Sakuyamon the support she needs! But can their support save her from this predicament from Kuzuhamon's wrath?! Meanwhile, in Arena B, Agunimon is having some trouble dodging Kurama's Rose Whip! If anything, I hope he doesn't get the idea of playing jump rope with that whip!"

(End theme)

(Digimon Frontier OST – With the Will)

Agunimon jumped around Arena B avoiding being struck by Kurama's Rose Whip. As another lash of Kurama's whip came, Agunimon jumped away to allow as it cracked the ring surface. He landed at the center and faced off with the calm Kurama.

"How about fighting me without the whip, buddy?" Agunimon scoffed as he wiped his forehead. "You're making me sweat here and you practically had to make me jump around like Spider-Man."

"No, otherwise you would be shooting webs and flying across the arena, friend," Kurama smiled coolly.

"Gee, you're sure a confident one. You don't realize I'm the Warrior of Flame?"

"Yes, but I also know that you're a little too overconfident. I've already dealt with a fire warrior in the previous round."

"Yeah, I remember that. You actually beat that guy! I couldn't believe it!"

"Well, it came down to wits and I used well-prepared strategy to ensure my victory."

Agunimon's curiosity was piqued. "So, tell me. Did you devise some elaborate plan to defeat me in this match? Huh?"

"Perhaps, but we'll see when it comes down towards the end of our match. Won't we?"

"...Ok, well, it's going to take more than just wits to survive this tournament! I doubt any of that is going to matter if you end up facing Pharaohmon!" Agunimon shrugged. "But, hey, go ahead and be my guest."

Just as Kurama was about to make his next move, numerous fan girls from across the stadium were cheering out for the red-haired half breed. Numerous female fox and canine Digimon held up posters with hearts forming in their eyes, including some multi-colored fox-like Digimon and Labramons.

"GO, KURAMA! YOU'RE OUR DREAM LOVER!" the fan girls screamed out. "KICK FLAME BOY'S BUTT!"

Growling upon hearing his name being insulted, Agunimon gave a dark glare towards the fan girls and screamed out madly at them. Kurama merely nodded his head and waited for Agunimon to calm his frustration.

"Friend, if you don't mind, I'd like for us to continue," Kurama suggested. "This audience is looking for a good show, am I wrong?"

"No, but... Hey! Don't try to talk your way out of this, pal! I cam here to win and stop Pharaohmon! Isn't that why you're here?"

"Yes, but I'm also here to settle a score with the warrior I defeated in the earlier round."

"Oh? Well, that's if you can survive against me!"

"We will see, now won't we?"

Charging across the ring, Agunimon unleashed an array of fire darts from his hand.

"Pyro Darts!"

Kurama managed to see these attacks coming and dodged every one of them with swift agility. He hopped aside as one landed near his feet.

"Well, you sure have yourself some agility there, pal. I'll give you that, but you're just lucky I'm not going all out!"

"Then, why don't you show me your full potential, Agunimon?"

"You want my best? My best could kill you, but you've asked for it!"

"Ooo! Now, Kurama has challenged Agunimon to show his best! I think Kurama is asking for more than he chew! But, that's enough of that! Let's see how our duelists are doing! Floramon and Tapirmon are covering the match from out of Airdramon Sky Sanctuary! How's it going with Joey and Mai?"

On the big screen, a full display of the Airdramon Sky Sanctuary is featured with Floramon facing the camera. Behind her were Joey and Mai facing one another on opposite ends.

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Digital World/Section 2349-A0821: Airdramon Sky Sanctuary/11:25 AM

"Hello again, duel fans! We're getting a glimpse of two duelists who know each other quite well. From what I've been told, this is their second meeting since an event dubbed the Duelist Kingdom held by Maximillion Pegasus! Both look in rare form and are ready to get this duel started!"

Mai readied her deck, smirking seductively to Joey. "Well, Joseph, we can't keep our fans waiting. How about we commence with your butt kicking?"

"Bring it on, Mai!"

"Then,let this duel begin!" Floramon declared

(Cue Yu-Gi-Oh! Power of Chaos OST – Yugi the Destiny – Duel Theme)

"DUEL!"

Joey/8000 LP

Mai/8000 LP

As soon as both duelists declared the start, they shuffled their decks and drew five cards to their hand.

"Since it's nice to allow a lady to go first, I'll start off by placing this card facedown in defense mode!" Mai declared. "Next, I'll activate the Swords of Revealing Light!"

"What already?!" Joey gaped. "No way! I can't attack for...!"

"Three whole turns. You're sure a fast one, aren't you?"

Several swords came falling down and trapped Joey in a force field, preventing him from attacking her.

"I didn't expect you to do this early on, Mai. Smooth move."

"I finish my turn off by laying a card facedown and my turn. Let's see you rebound from this, hun."

Man, she really pulled a fast one on me! Those swords will keep me from attacking for three whole turns! A'right, easy does it, Joey. Just trust in your cards. Joey thought as he veered over his hand. He eyed one card and picked it. "I'll activate Fusion Sage! This'll allow me to move a Polymerizationfrom my deck directly to my hand. Then, shuffle my deck."

Upon drawing out his Polymerization card and adding it to his hand, he shuffled his entire deck and put down two facedown cards.

"I'll set one card facedown and another facedown in defense mode! That finishes my turn!"

"On my turn, I'll summon Faith Birdin attack mode!"

Summoned forth by Mai's side was a blue hawk with long, flowing tail feathers. The bird squawked out and landed on Mai's left shoulder.

Faith Bird

LVL/4 ATK/1500 DEF/1100

"Nice pet there, Mai."

"Very funny, Joey. Next, I'll flip summon my facedown card to reveal Lord of the Lamp in attack mode!"

A muscular purple genie wearing a golden crown and a green-yellow sash emerged from the flipped card.

Lord of the Lamp

LVL/4 ATK/1400 DEF/1200

"Lord of the Lamp, attack his facedown defense card!"

Following the command of his duelist, the genie used a magical blast to destroy the facedown card. But, with good timing, Joey activated said facedown card.

"You've just activated my trap card, Mai! I reveal my Magic Arm Shield! Once your genie attacked this card, I can take control of one of your monsters and let it be the target of your attack! I choose your pet Faith Bird!"

Mai gasped as she watched her bird disappear from her shoulder and appear on Joey's side of the field. The genie's attack was now redirected as it blasted Faith Bird into dust. The Faith Bird then returned to her side field.

"It doesn't look good for you this early on, Mai!" Joey said. Whew, I thought I'd be losing life points by now.

Mai/7900 (8000-100) LP

No! This early on?! Calm down, Mai. This is just a minor setback. I can easily take back control! The female focused. "That ends my turn, Joey! That was just a lucky shot!"

"Lucky shot, eh? Oh, well. Whatever you say," Joey shrugged as he added a card to his hand. "I'll summon my Axe Raiderin attack mode!"

He summoned forth an ax-wielding Viking warrior.

Axe Raider

LVL/4 ATK/1700 DEF/1150

"Next, I'll flip my facedown card to reveal my Rocket Warrior! And I put him in attack mode!"

A small warrior, shaped like a rocket, wearing a suit of armor floated near Joey.

Rocket Warrior

LVL/4 ATK/1500 DEF/1300

"And since I can't attack 'cause of your swords, that ends my turn! Let's see what you can come up with, Mai!"

"Nothing now," Mai simply put down a facedown card. "I'll set one card facedown in defense and I'll switch my Faith Bird to defense mode!"

"Going on the defensive already, Mai? That's not like ya. Why the sudden change in strategy?" Joey addressed her. "Let me guess. Just bidding time before you send your Harpies to crush me?"

"Worry when the time comes," Mai retorted. "Besides, we're just getting started anyway."

"We'll see! I lay this card facedown in defense mode! That not only ends my turn, but your swords are gone! Now, I can attack with my two monsters! You better get ready for a beat down!"

"Talk now, but I'm still going to send my beasts to take care of those two runts," Mai replied.

As the swords vanished around Joey, the male teen was released from his prison.

Mai declared her next move on her turn. "I'll flip my other facedown card and reveal my Killer Needle!"

Summoned forth to Mai's side was a large killer bee.

Killer Needle

LVL/4 ATK/1200 DEF/1000

"Next, I'll switch my Faith Bird back to attack mode!" Mai declared. "Now, Killer Needle, attack his facedown defense card!"

The giant killer bee flew across towards Joey's field and used its stinger to pierce through the facedown card, revealing Swordsman of Landstar, a pasty-faced fairy wielding a large sword.

Swordsman of Landstar

LVL/3 ATK/500 DEF/1200

Much to Mai's surprise, her Killer Needle was deflected by Landstar's shield. With the bee's attack on par with Landstar's defense, neither monster were destroyed and both duelists' life points were spared.

"I'm not done yet! I'll send my Faith Bird to attack your Swordsman!"

The bird flew across and landed its talons down on the Swordsman. The weaker fairy was deleted out from Joey's field.

"Finally, I'll activate my field magic card!" Mai announced as a card revealed itself as Rising Air Current. "Using Rising Air Current, it increases the attack power of all wind monsters by five hundred points while decreasing their defense strength by four hundred!"

Faith Bird

ATK/2000 (1500 + 500) DEF/700 (1100-400)

"And that ends my turn!"

"About time you're laying in some attacks. That's the Mai I know! On my turn, I'll start by sacrificing Axe Raider to summon this bad boy! Jinzo!"

In place of the Axe Raider was a tall cyborg wearing a green-yellow bodysuit and red goggles. It stood by Joey's side protectively with his arms crossed.

Jinzo

LVL/6 ATK/2400 DEF/1500

"Jinzo, huh? Pretty good," Mai smiled coolly. "But, it's still not going to save you."

"Don't forget that as long as I have Jinzo face-up on the field, all trap cards can't be activated. Plus all face-up traps are no use!"

"Tell me something I don't know already."

"Then, did you know this? I'm sending my Rocket Warrior to take out your pet birdie!

Rocket Warrior tucked in both arms and legs inside itself, converting itself into a rocket mode. It quickly launched itself into Faith Bird.

"Sorry, Joey, but since Faith Bird is a wind monster, its attack power is raised by five hundred points! It has a 2000 attack power as opposed to your warrior's 1500! So long to your monster!"

"But, my Rocket Warrior has an effect of its own!"

"What?!"

Joey explained with a grin. "When I send Rocket Warrior to attack during my turn, he encases himself in an indestructible shell, making him impenetrable to any damage from a stronger monster. Plus any monster that he attacks must decrease its attack strength by 500, which means your Faith Bird loses its five hundred boost and goes back to being 1500!"

Mai scowled. "Damn it. You got me. How could I be careless like that?"

"I never thought you would make a careless mistake like that in the first place, but... oh well, at least this allows me a chance to attack! Jinzo destroy her Faith Bird!"

Jinzo fired a twin-beam eye laser directly towards Faith Bird and destroyed it before Mai's eyes. She gasped as her bird disappeared as well as a portion of her life points.

Mai/7000 (7900-900) LP

"I'm down to 7000 life points already?!" she freaked out.

"Take it easy, Mai. It's just us At least one of us isn't dueling that freak Lance now. I end my turn."

Taking a deep breath, Mai picked a card. "I'll summon Giant Scorpion of the Tundra in attack mode!"

Appearing before Mai was a frightening, giant monster of intimidating proportions: a giant blue scorpion.

Giant Scorpion of the Tundra

LVL/3 ATK/1100 DEF/1000

Joey jumped back, astonished by the monster's gargantuan size. "Whoa! Now, that's a big scorpion! But, for something so huge, it sure is weak!"

"Get serious, Joey! Now, Killer Needle, attack and don't leave anything left of his Rocket Warrior!"

The killer bee flew across and pierced its stinger through the warrior's torso.

Joey

7800 (8000-200) LP

"That ends my turn, Joey."

"You finally got me but two hundred points still isn't enough," Joey pulled out a new card and played it on his field. "I'll summon a second Axe Raider and send him to slay your Giant Scorpion!"

Axe Raider charged across the other side and slammed his massive ax over the arachnids' forehead. The monster hissed out madly before exploding into digital dust.

Mai

6400 (7000-600) LP

"No! What was I thinking?!" Mai gasped realizing her folly. I should have played my scorpion out in defense mode! Why am I suddenly losing it?! I nearly lost to a rookie and now I'm on the losing end against Joey? No! I'm Mai Valentine, the Duel Monsters Queen! She shook her head, trying to refocus back on the duel. Unfortunately, before she could counter, Joey initiated his move.

"Jinzo, now finish off her Killer Needle!"

The cyborg turned towards Killer Needle and destroyed it in one shot with his twin eye beam. Having witness her monster's destruction, Mai immediately lost touch with reality and widened her eyes into immediate shock.

Mai/5700 (6400-700) LP

No! This isn't happening! I shouldn't be making careless mistakes like these! I should be taking control like I normally do! Mai took a few deep breaths and relaxed herself. But, I'll give Joey all the credit. He's gotten much better. Wait... ever since Battle City! Joey's been on the rise while I've been on a slump. It all started after my duel with Marik!

Mai wiped her forehead to remove the sweat dripping across her face. Now a feeling of doubt and fear of losing were creeping into her mind. Her current slump has greatly affected her dueling skills and this can be traced back to Battle City in her duel with Marik. She hasn't been the same since and looks to rebound from the slump she's undergone. By defeating Joey, she would realize that her duel career was far from finished.

It's now or never. I can't lose this duel! I won't lose to Joey for a second time!

"Joey has the lead against Mai early on," Floramon announced. "But, how will Mai rebound from this? She nearly lost to Henry yesterday and now finds herself in a tight situation! Let's hope she'll draw out a card to save her hide before defeat is eminent! We're seeing a tough duel but somebody has to come out on top! Will it be Joey or can Mai rebound from her current state? Lillymon, I take it you and the crowds are having blast with the battle matches!"

(End theme)

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Digital World/Section Hohou-634-B7: Hohou Sovereign Temple/11:32 AM

The situation had now taken a turn for the worse as the Sailor Senshi and company. Surrounded by Knightmon and NegaKnightmon, they held their ground against the mounting enemy force. Looking on from a pillar post was Fuugamon, who was holding Labramon captive.

"Hey! Let me go! Let me go, you creep!" Labramon whined, struggling to break loose.

"Ah, shaddup you, mutt!" Fuugamon smashed his club over the canine's head knocking him out.

"Labramon!" Cammy shouted.

"Cammy, get back!" Ninja Mars held a hand out to prevent her sister from moving forward. "Don't do it. Stay close to me."

"But, Labramon needs our help!"

"Don't worry. We'll save him," Ninja Jupiter assured the child. "That's a promise."

"Hey, ugly! Why don't you get your scaly butt down here and fight us!" Ninja Venus challenged Fuugamon.

"I'd like to have fun with you, but I gotta report to my boss! We're gonna make the doggy here one of us!" Fuugamon laughed.

"You wouldn't dare!" Sailor Saturn exclaimed.

"Just watch me!" Fuugamon retorted as he picked up Labramon over his right shoulder and climbed down the pillar.

"Look! It's our chance! We can stop him and save Labramon!" Ninja Venus pointed out.

Artemis shouted. "But, there's these knight guys blocking our path! Be careful of their swords!"

"That hasn't stopped us before now has it?" Ninja Venus snorted. "Anyway, at least we have these ninja powers to help us through before we regain our Sailor powers."

Ninja Mars immediately spotted Fuugamon entering the temple with Labramon over his shoulder and pointed out towards his direction.

"There! He went into the temple entrance!" she pointed out. "I say we follow him!"

Ninjadramon added. "Great and you have left me with a good idea."

"What are you suggesting we do?" asked Arbormon.

"In case you haven't noticed, we're surrounded," Grottomon reminded the Dra-Warrior.

"No, we're not. They may have strength in numbers, but we have strength altogether. We can take these guys," Herodramon reassured everyone. "When Ninjadramon says he has a plan, then he knows what he's talking about."

"I trust your confidence," Sailor Pluto replied. "These enemies shouldn't be difficult. Saturn herself can inflict heavy damage to them."

"That's right," nodded Saturn, brandishing her Silence Glaive as she prepared for battle.

"Here's what I propose we do. I want Cammy, Mars, Venus, and Jupiter to come with me inside that temple. We have two objectives: find Labramon and retrieve that sword. Meanwhile, the rest of you can take the Knightmon and NegaKnightmon hordes."

"Let's get to it, Ninjadramon," Ninja Mars concurred.

"If you guys are going to go into the temple, then I'd suggest you go right away," Sailor Mercury stated. "You leave these Knightmon with us."

"Thou shall go retrieve the sword and save that mutt," Mercuremon stepped into a battle stance against the incoming Knightmon and NegaKnightmon. "Go, we'll take these buffoons from here!"

Herodramon unsheathed his swords. "Go ahead, Ninjadramon. You won't be needed here as long as I'm with them. You help those girls save Labramon and retrieve the sword. This is our only chance to complete this mission."

(Cue Sailor Moon Sailor Stars OST (Kampf Theme #12) OST – Battle Theme)

Nodding, Ninjadramon escorted the three Ninja Sailors and Cammy, who carried off Artemis in her arms, towards the entrance. As they drew closer towards the entrance, two Knightmon emerged with their swords ready.

"Look up ahead!" Cammy shouted. "There are two of them!"

"You leave these two with me!" Ninja Jupiter exclaimed as she hopped up into mid-air and clasped her hands together to form an electrical ball. She caught both Knightmon, knocking them back with force.

Ninja Venus took advantage of the fallen guards and shot out a twin beams from her fingers. The powerful beams blasted through the Knightmon's chests and destroyed them.

"Great work, girls!" Ninjadramon stated. "But, there's no time. We have to hurry!"

"Right!" The trio cried in unison.

With Jupiter and Venus following Ninjadramon through the temple entrance, Ninja Mars bent back and beckoned to her sister.

"Cammy! Get on my back!" she called out to her sibling.

"Coming!" Cammy replied as she mounted her sister's back. "You hang on tight on my back, Artemis!"

"Right, but um... try not to go crazy, Rei. I'm scared of heights," Artemis gulped nervously.

"It's all right. Just don't let go of Cammy," Ninja Mars said as she focused on the long hallways ahead of her.

Before either Cammy or Artemis could even blink, Ninja Mars dashed across the hallway. Cammy held tightly on her sister's back while Artemis hollered out. His screams echoed throughout the hallways that even bats were flying out in droves.

Her friends were already ahead of her with Ninjadramon hopping across several columns sticking out from a deep pit. Ninja Jupiter and Ninja Venus had no problems hopping from column to another. However, as Ninja Venus made it over to the other side, some of the columns collapsed deep into the dark pit.

As soon as Ninja Mars arrived, she looked ahead to find only a few columns left. She sighted Ninjadramon and her friends calling out to her from the far distance.

"Rei! You can make it!" Ninja Venus called out. "Don't let this intimidate you!"

"Who said I was scared? I got Cammy here!" Ninja Mars shouted out.

"I know I'm safe as long as I'm with you. I trust you, big sister," Cammy said, putting all her faith in Ninja Mars' abilities.

"You're trembling..."

"I... Well... Ok, I admit I'm scared of heights."

"Trust in me. I know I can get past this obstacle. Hang on tight! You, too, Artemis!"

Nodding, both Cammy and Artemis closed their eyes and clutched tight.

Bending down, Ninja Mars bounced up into mid-air and leaped across the far distance. She gracefully came landing down over to the other side with her friends waiting for her. Ninja Mars barely landed on the edge and held her balance with perfection. Artemis looked down at the pit behind him and his eyes widened in fear.

"ACK! THAT WAS SO CLOSE!"

Cammy jumped down from her sister's back and pet the mooncat's head.

"We're making great progress, girls," Ninjadramon said. "There's a chance we might not take this passage after we've completed our mission. If I remember correctly, Labramon told me there was a short cut out of here."

"Really? Well, that's good," Ninja Venus wiped her forehead. "Man, without these ninja powers, we wouldn't made it across."

"We wouldn't have made it this far period," Ninja Jupiter stated. "Ninjadramon, this leader Fuugamon speaks of. Who is he?"

"I frankly have no clue. All we know is that he's sending these minions to keep us busy. I'm willing to bet the Knightmon and NegaKnightmon are only the first wave."

"I'm not worried about the Knightmon. It's the leader of this particular group. Pharaohmon has managed to hire himself some big guns to prevent us from gaining that sword," Ninja Mars sighed. "I just want to find this sword quickly and lay waste to every last one of these losers!"

"Have patience, Mars," Ninjadramon reassured the Miko. "We will have that sword."

"Yeah and I'll gain the powers of the Digital Priestess. Those bad guys are going to pay for everything they've done to us!" Cammy said with determination in her tone.

Ninja Jupiter inquired. "So, what traps can we expect?"

"Not sure, but your new ninja sixth senses will help guide you through," Ninjadramon informed the group. "Just stay close together just in case anymore of those goons decide to present themselves."

Unsheathing some arrows, Ninja Mars walked down the hallway with Cammy by her side. She picked up on evil activity from ahead. Ninja Mars nodded to her sister and waved her off to get back. Cammy stepped back with Artemis in her arms. With one shot from a fire arrow, Ninja Mars sent a slash created from the flames imbued from her arrow. The flames condensed into a ball and smashed through the walls. An explosion occurred from the location and there were loud screams echoing out. Ninja Mars looked ahead to find several Knightmon and NegaKnightmon coughing out of the black debris smoke.

"You idiots think you can hide from us?! That's the oldest trick in the book," Ninja Mars called out as she charged ahead with her sword.

As she forged a sword of flames, there were numerous sword slashes cutting through the Knightmon horde. Ninja Mars came flying in and slashed one Knightmon clean in half using the edge of her sword. Heat from the sword itself was easily wielding through their armor like a hot knife on butter. Two NegaKnightmon came behind with their swords raised. Ninja Mars phased out from their sight. They stopped to realize the ninja warrior was gone.

Suddenly, an aura flashed out behind them. They turned around only to be cut through by Ninja Mars' fire . Their eyes widened out and became glazed over with their torsos cut through cleanly. The two NegaKnightmons' upper bodies slid cleanly right off and fell to the ground. Ninja Mars walked the past two fallen guards as their bodies exploded into data.

"Wow! My sister is so awesome!" Cammy happily cheered.

"I'll say!" Artemis agreed.

"You have got to teach me how you do that, Rei!" Ninja Venus approached her friend while hopping like an excited child.

"I'm a pretty quick learner. That's all I can really say. One has to have strong discipline and a strong frame of mind," Mars shrugged. "It's nothing that I can't handle. Come on, everyone. I'm not sensing any guards from this distance."

"Wait for us!" Ninja Jupiter called out.

As Ninja Mars and Cammy walking ahead, their comrades followed behind them. Ninjadramon slowly caught up to Ninja Mars and cleared his throat.

"What is it, Ninjadramon?"

"You're adapting very quickly to these ninja powers. I'm rather impressed because it took me a while to control my ninja strength. Your presence of mind is impressive."

"Like I said, it's something I can handle rather well," Ninja Mars repeated herself.

"I advise we be careful this further onward. The dangers will be even greater than those Knightmon."

"Why do I have the feeling that I'm inclined to agree?" Mars wondered. Plus, there's still that leader to worry about. There's still Labramon we have to rescue. What first...? Labramon or the sword?

"Mars, if you want, I can go and find Labramon while you five retrieve that sword."

"No, Ninjadramon. We don't even know our way around here without you and Mercury isn't with us to direct us through these passages," Ninja Mars replied. "Please, we need you."

"There's no need. You've actually proven you can handle these guards. Any normal intruder would have been mince meat by now but you girls have impressed even me. Use your sixth sense, Mars. I know you'll sense the aura of the sword."

"He's right. You've got the best senses out of all of us," Ninja Venus nodded her head. "Trust in your spiritual awareness, Rei."

"Wherever you lead us, we'll follow right behind you," Ninja Jupiter smiled. "You're the leader we can depend on now."

"You guys... I..."

"I believe in you, big sister," Cammy stated. "Just follow the aura of the sword and see where it will lead us."

"You guys have convinced me enough," Ninja Mars smiled as she felt even more motivated with her friends' support. "Ninjadramon, can you sense Fuugamon?"

"Not yet but I'm willing to bet I will once I venture deeper into the temple," Ninjadramon replied. "You girls will take the path just ahead of you. Once you land right at a dead end, you take a left turn and pick up the sword's energy presence, Rei."

"All right, that's easy enough. Here that guys? We're on our own without Ninjadramon. I'll do the best I can," Ninja Mars informed her friends. "Minako, Makoto, Cammy, Artemis, are you guys ready?"

"You bet!" they exclaimed out in unison.

"Good, now follow me ahead!" Ninja Mars declared as she carried Cammy on her back and sprinted across.

"Hold on! Couldn't you at least slow down?" Ninja Venus exclaimed as she sprinted to follow her comrade.

"Well, Rei has been rather motivated since we got here. Not that I blame her," Jupiter giggled.

As the girls sprinted off ahead, Ninjadramon moved down towards a hallway on his left side. He was picking up on Fuugamon's presence.

(End theme)

xxxxx

The red ogre panted heavily from all the running and sat Labramon down. He leaned back against the wall, wiped his forehead, and pulled out an object that appeared to be a dog's collar. Just then, Labramon began to stir and awoke.

"Rise and shine, puppy," Fuugamon snickered as he towered over Labramon.

Realizing who he was being confronted by, Labramon jumped back and cried out in horror after getting a glimpse of Fuugamon's ugly face.

"AH! IT'S YOU!" Labramon screamed until he realized he was inside the hallways inside the temple. "Um, where am I?"

"You're inside... a temple...?"

"No, duh! I know this is inside the temple, but where are we?"

"Beats me," Fuugamon picked his nose. "All I'm supposed to do is put this collar around your neck."

"Um, excuse me...? You're not putting that thing around me! No way are you going to make me wear that piece of junk!"

"Oh yeah? Well, here! Catch!" Fuugamon threw the collar towards Labramon.

Labramon tried to duck away to the side, but the collar spun around behind Labramon like a boomerang. Then, without warning, the collar attached itself around the canine's neck.

The canine Digimon succumbed to the collar around his neck and felt effects that manipulated his brain. He fell down to his knees and trembled heavily as he was being put under control. However, rather than sitting up like an obedient slave, he slouched up with his eyes swirling like a cartoon character and drool dripped from the sides of his mouth.

"... Um... Ok, this was unexpected," Fuugamon sweat dropped. "I didn't expect you to look like a moron. Hmm, maybe something went wrong...?"

Fuugamon waved his hand out in front of the hypnotized yet now brainless Labramon. The canine did not even react or acknowledge the existence of Fuugamon.

"Helloooooooooo? Anybody home? Heh, you look stupid. Even stupider than me! Ok, ok. Stand on one leg!"

The canine Digimon did exactly just as Fuugamon commanded and stood on his right foot with his other leg raised up.

"Oh! Oh! Now that was good! Ha! Ha! You're about to make my stomach burst!"

The digital puppy remained standing on one leg while Fuugamon was getting back to feet.

"Ok, now, do the tango!"

Labramon started dancing across the hallways to Fuugamon's amusement.

"Ha! Ha! I'm getting a good show from this puppy! Ha!" Fuugamon laughed hard and pounded his fists against the wall. "You're killing me! Ha! Ha!"

"FUUUUUUGAMON!" Came a thunderous voice, which bellowed out across the vicinity, which caused Fuugamon to jump up and panic.

"EEP! MY LORD!" Fuugamon got down to his knees. "I'm sorry, master! I was just testing our idiot here!"

"I see, but does testing involve making him stand on one leg and doing the tango?"

"Um... Well... You see..."

"He's clearly not going to cut it!"

"But, he's obedient. At least with me that is."

"Those intruders are besting our Knightmon and NegaKnightmon hordes! Those female warriors from the human world are stronger than I would have imagined. That is why I have called upon my Karatenmon. They'll give those fools plenty of difficulty."

"That's good news! Bad for them, heh."

"But, we have more intruders in the temple."

"What?!"

"Yes, it would seem they managed to get through my Knightmon guards easily. Three of them are those human females that possess the ancient ninja arts from Ninjadramon. He, too, is here looking for that mongrel. I would get out of there soon if I were you."

"You want me and Labramon to stop those ninja ladies?"

"No, you twit! You would be overwhelmed by any one of them! No, I have somebody else on my pay roll to get the job done."

"Who did you hire?"

"Let's just say that he's going to have a blast playing with them as his new playmates. With him on my payroll, those wenches will not gain the sword! We must ensure that they don't capture it to awaken the Digital Priestess' powers! Pharaohmon's survival depends on us!"

"Yes, my lord! Anything to ensure his lordship's survival!" Fuugamon nodded. "Um, so what do I do?"

"GET OUT OF THERE BEFORE NINJADRAMON CATCHES YOU!"

"EEP! YES, MY LORD!" Fuugamon panicked as he scurried over to Labramon. "But before I get out of here, I have a little something for you."

Reaching deep into his little satchel attached to his right side, Fuugamon pulled out a ring. He bent over and placed it on Labramon's hind leg right on his right toe. The ogre chuckled to himself while he looked at Labramon's swirling eyes.

"Heh, you're even funnier looking than ever! Ha! Ha!" Fuugamon laughed. "Now to get out of here before I'm toast!"

The ogre scurried off deep down into the hallway and left a completely hypnotized Labramon behind. Unbeknownst to him, Ninjadramon was close by and picking up on the ogre's whereabouts.

xxxxx

(Cue Sailor Moon S OST – Death Busters Battle Theme)

Outside the temple grounds, the Knightmon and NegaKnightmon were being taken down despite the sheer numbers. Arbormon landed a kick to knock several Knightmon down like bowling pins. Mercuremon used his mirror shields to deflect the attacks back at the Knightmon and NegaKnightmon.

Grottomon slammed his hammer against the ground, cracking the earth under some NegaKnightmons' feet. They looked down and fell through a seemingly bottomless pit.

Sailor Pluto leaped across the battlefield and smashed her Garnet Rod against a Knightmon. The knight stumbled back and retaliated by swinging down his sword over the Senshi of Time.

"Dead Scream." She plunged her attack through Knightmon's torso, deleting him completely. She turned to find Sailor Saturn putting up her Silence Wallbarrier to protect herself from the NegaKnightmon assault.

Saturn jumps up into mid-air as her barrier kept the NegaKnightmon at bay. She came down and slashed down their swords using her Silence Glaive. She then followed it up by slicing through their torsos and watched them explode into data fragments.

"Pluto, this is simply too easy for us!" Saturn said. "This leader sure has himself an army of slow pokes!"

"Let's be cautious, Saturn. These things maybe weak, but they have strength in numbers. Their strategy is to wear us down," Pluto replied. "Mercury, how are you doing?"

Looking towards her right direction, Sailor Mercury threw out a massive wave of cold water towards a Knightmon and froze it completely. The Knightmon was frozen stiff as an ice statue. Arbormon came running by and delivered an axle kick to knock down the frozen Knightmon. It shattered against the ground from the fall.

"Thanks, Vega!" Sailor Mercury called out to the Warrior of Wood.

"No problem! Though, there are more coming!"

As everyone turned around, more Knightmon and NegaKnightmon were poured out of the forests. Herodramon stepped out in front of everyone and stood his ground with two Knightmon charging his path. They slammed their swords down to release a burst of energy towards Herodramon. The Dra-Warrior charged forward, pulling out his sword. He lunged across and slashed his swords across to deflect the blasts right back at the Knightmon pair.

"Dragon Time Slash!"

The warrior pair was blown back by their own attacks, allowing Herodramon enough time to slice the two Knightmon down. The Dra-Warrior swiftly landed away from the armored knights and turned to witness the two warriors exploding into data.

"Next!" Herodramon declared. "Who wants to taste my blade next?"

"Well, looks like this battle isn't going to last us any longer," Sailor Saturn stated. "We can easily beat these guys."

"Um, I wouldn't want to spoil our celebration but we've got company!" exclaimed Grottomon.

As the Warrior of Earth pointed towards the skies, the group watched as a large flock of crows descending near them. However, these crows were bipedal and were warrior-like. They resembled Japanese Tengus of legend. They landed in front of the Knightmon and NegaKnightmon army. Herodramon took a step back as he recalled having numerous clashes with these bird warriors.

"What are those things?" asked Arbormon. "They don't seem like much!"

"They look like the legendary Tengus from Japanese folktales you've read to me, Pluto," Sailor Saturn said.

"Yes, Saturn, these are Tengu warriors, or in this case the Digimon equivalents of them," Pluto replied.

Herodramon identified the new enemies. "These are Digimon known as Karatenmon."

"Karatenmon?" Sailor Mercury whispered while getting a glimpse of the bird warriors.

"Thou know these fellows?" Mercuremon asked the Dra-Warrior.

"They're old enemies of Ninjadramon's and mine. We used to fight these guys over territory before we became Dra-Warriors. They fight in flocks and have managed to overwhelm us before. Watch out for their Crow Swords, Ballistic Feathers, and Enlightenment. Well, Karatenmon, you came at the wrong time! I've been waiting until the day I meet you fools again!"

"Oh, Herodramon, you're just as arrogant and foolish as ever. You really think you can win over our territory? You've got another think coming! In the name of Pharaohmon, we will not prevent you fools from entering this temple!" the Karatenmon leader declared.

"Even you girls might have trouble since they rely on ninja-like stealth and can fly. Since they're in a large flock, they'll overwhelm you individually."

"Well, that surely hasn't stopped us before. We've dealt with monsters similar to Tengus and they attacked with similar strategy as these particular foes," Sailor Mercury replied. "I'm certain we can take them."

Arbormon reminded the blue-haired Senshi. "Don't forget, you can simply become Eternal Sailor Mercury and freeze these birds."

"Yes, that would benefit us greatly," Sailor Pluto said.

The Karatenmon squawked out in unison before they moved out across the battlefield.

"Brace yourselves everyone! They're going to attack us from every corner!" Herodramon exclaimed.

A Karatenmon came swooping down from the trees and directed his attack on Sailor Saturn. Before the Senshi could even react, Pluto stepped out in front of Saturn and took a blow for her comrade. The Karatenmon delivered a vicious head butt into Pluto's back. Sailor Saturn prevented Pluto's fall.

"Sailor Pluto!" the group exclaimed.

"See?! Even you cannot hope to catch up with our speed!" the Karatenmon leader laughed whilst hanging upside down on a tree branch. "Implement another sneak attack my soldiers! Go!"

With that, a group of Karatenmon came swooping down like falcons ready to snatch their prey. Arbormon managed to see one Karatenmon coming right for him. He instantly turned around and slammed a boot into the crow's gut. The force of the blow sent the Karatenmon flying up into mid-air. The Warrior of Wood jumped up to finish it off with a forearm smash against its head. The Tengu Digimon was sent plummeting towards the ground below.

"Nice shot, Vega!" Sailor Mercury complimented the warrior.

"Thanks, Ami!" Arbormon called out as he landed beside her.

"Pluto, are you all right?" Sailor Saturn asked as she helped the Senshi of Time up.

"I'll be fine," Sailor Pluto answered. "I was only caught off guard there for the last split second. In truth, I was only assessing their attacks."

"And...?"

"Just watch out for their swords. Their physical attacks did not do any damage to me."

"I see. So, all we have to do is be careful and wise up our attacks?"

Pluto stood up and replied, firmly holding her Garnet Rod. "That's right, Saturn. We've dealt with and beaten Tengus before."

"Somehow, these crows are really starting to remind me of Sailor Lead Crow," Sailor Mercury answered. "SATURN! LOOK OUT!"

Taking heed to Mercury's warning, Sailor Saturn sensed an incoming Karatenmon coming out from one corner. She gripping her glaive tightly, bent over backwards to allow the crow Digimon to fly above her, and then pushed her Silence Glaive through Karatenmon's gut. The Tengu screamed out as the metallic glaive was plunged through his torso. She pulled the Silence Glaive through to rip the Karatenmon in half. It was the one who attacked Pluto.

"That's for attacking Pluto from behind, coward!" Sailor Saturn yelled, swinging her Glaive around. "Who else wants a piece of me?! C'mon!"

"Be careful what you wish for!" the second Karatenmon came swooping down with his swords intact. "Crow Swords!"

"You call those blades? I'll show you a blade!" Saturn declared, fiercely swinging her instrument. "Take this! Silence Glaive!"

"This isn't going to look pretty," the Karatenmon leader nodded his head shamefully. I can't believe there are humans this powerful! How can there be these kinds of beings from the human world?!

Coming down with her glaive, Sailor Saturn managed to cut down another Karatenmon. This one was split down vertically in half. She gracefully landed and glared darkly at the remaining Karatenmon.

"Wow, I suggest we just sic Saturn on the rest of those dodos," Grottomon suggested. "Then we can take care of the Knightmon!"

"There are still a sheer number of them," Sailor Mercury replied. "I suggest we take care of the Karatenmon first. After all, if we're just aware of their presence, we just might stand a chance."

Arbormon snickered. "I agree with Grottomon, let's just sic her on those Karatenmon! She's sure having some fun, huh, Saturn?"

"Pardon? Oh, yes. I am having a rather fun time taking apart these dodos," the Senshi of Destruction smiled.

These Sailor Senshi are much better warriors than I had hoped. They've improved more in their battles with these enemy Digimon we've encountered along the way. These Knightmon, NegaKnightmon, and Karatenmon are being taken apart! Herodramon thought. "All right, everyone! Listen up! We'll attack them with everything we've got! Remember to be careful with the Karatenmon. I suggest the girls take the Karatenmon while we take the remaining Knightmon and NegaKnightmon!"

"Thou hast formed a great plan, Herodramon. I could not have said it any better myself," Mercuremon concurred.

That should give us enough time to take out these hordes and join the others inside. I just hope that they found the sword and Labramon by now. Sailor Mercury thought.

(End theme)

xxxxx

Digital World/Section 2349-A0821: Airdramon Sky Sanctuary/11:40 AM

The duel continued between Joey and Mai with the former in the lead. Mai stood up on her feet, regaining her resolve to continue the duel.

"Oh, now look at this! Mai's getting back on her feet and she looks ready to turn this thing around! I just hope she has a card monster efficient enough to demolish Joey, because she is on the verge of a loss here!"

(Cue Yu-Gi-Oh! Unreleased Soundtrack – Mai and the Harpie Ladies)

"I won't be losing today, sweetheart!" Mai smiled as she pulled out her newly drawn card and laid it down on the field. "I'll summon my Cyber Harpie in attack mode!"

Summoned forth beside Mai was a Harpie Lady already equipped with the Cyber Shield.

Cyber Harpie

LVL/4 ATK/1800 DEF/1300

"She also gets a boost thanks to Rising Air Current still in play!"

Cyber Harpie

ATK/2300 (1800 + 500) DEF/900 (1300-400)

That's not all! The Cyber Harpie gets treated like any of my ordinary Harpie Ladies when I can activate Elegant Egotist! With this, as long as I have one or more Harpie Ladies on the field, I can special summon one Harpie Lady or Harpie Lady Sisters from my deck or hand!"

With that, Mai summoned three Harpie Ladies simultaneously. They were placed in defense mode just as Mai had planned to do. One had long pink hair (Airo), another had orange fringe hair (Ocupete), and the third had spiky blue hair (Keraino). The sisters gathered together in a flock with their eyes set on Joey's side field.

Harpie Lady Sisters

LVL/6 ATK/1950 DEF/2100

"They also receive a boost thanks to Rising Air Current!"

Harpie Lady Sisters

ATK/2450 (1950 + 500) DEF/1700 (2100-400)

"Cyber Harpie, attack his Axe Raider!"

The Cyber Harpie, powered up by Rising Air Current, flew up and swooped down slashing Axe with her talons.

Joey/7200 (7800-600) LP

"That was a nice move, Mai! It's about time you took me seriously!"

"I've always been taking you seriously. I end my turn."

"Heh, yeah right. If you had taken me seriously, I would be losing a chunk of my points and I'd be panicking," Joey added a new card in his hand.

"I'll make you panic, hun."

"Now, I'll bring forth my Goblin Attack Force!"

A group of miniature green goblins appeared around Joey in attack position.

Goblin Attack Force

LVL/4 ATK/2300 DEF/0

"So it comes down to your Goblins and my Harpies?" Mai raised an eyebrow and smiled. "Your monsters are stronger, but I doubt they'll make a difference with my amped up Harpies' attack strength."

"Who said I was going to attack your Harpies with my Goblins? I'm going to use ol' Jinzo on your Cyber Harpie!"

"What?!"

"That's right! Now, Jinzo, take out her Cyber Harpie!"

Mai watched in horror as Jinzo fired out an eye beam and destroyed her Cyber Harpie.

Mai/5600 (5700-100) LP

"Now, you were asking about my Goblin Attack Force? I'll be sending them in to wipe out your Harpie Sisters! Goblin, attack those Harpies and take them out of the field!"

Upon Joey's command, the Goblins leaped out at the Harpie Sisters and latched themselves onto them. The Harpies struggled while the Goblins applied a tight squeeze on their fragile bodies. The Goblins finished them off by slamming their clubs over the Harpies, thus destroying the females in the process.

Much to Mai's relief, the Harpie Sisters were in defense mode.

(End theme)

"Of course once my Goblins attack, they switch to defense mode and that'll end my turn," Joey said, looking concerned. "C'mon, Mai, I'm waiting for you to get serious here. What's wrong with you? What's with this poor dueling?"

"It has nothing with my dueling... It's... It's..."

"What? Just tell me what's wrong, Mai. I'm your friend."

I can't bring myself to tell him about my constant nightmares about Marik. It's like that every night. I can't sleep nor can I concentrate on dueling anymore. Am I really losing it...?

"Mai?"

Without saying a word, Mai simply drew a card and added it to her hand. She didn't even bother laying out a card on her field. Joey expressed disapproval with the way she's been conducting herself through the duel.

"I end my turn..." Mai stated as she lazily viewed her deck hand.

"Mai, this ain't like you. Your dueling is, well, pretty sloppy. You wouldn't be this sloppy. This is not the same Mai I dueled at Duelist Kingdom! Just tell me what's wrong with you!"

"You wouldn't understand and quit treating us as if we are friends! Who said I ever wanted to be friends with you or your groupies?!" Mai snapped at his insistence. "You would never understand what I've been through after Battle City!"

"Because you hide things from even your closest friends. Just tell me and we could help you. I can help you! Quit being so stubborn!"

"Just be quiet and let's continue with our duel!" Mai growled angrily.

"Here I wanted to help you, but fine let's get this over with. But, I can already tell who's gonna win."

"..."

"No witty remark? No insult? Man, you really aren't the Mai I knew," Joey snorted. "I'll sacrifice my Goblin Attack Force to summon one of my strongest monsters! Summoned Skull!"

(Cue Yu-Gi-Oh! The Unreleased Soundtrack – Battle City Passion)

Emerging from out of Joey's side field, a skull-faced demon stood tall and unleashed a terrifying screech. Its horns were imbued with intense volts of electricity.

Summoned Skull

LVL/6 ATK/2500 DEF/1200

"Mai, I hate to do this, but I'm going to give you a wake up call! I just hope you'll take this seriously after wards. Jinzo, attack her life points directly!"

Jinzo fired out his double beams directly towards Mai and nailed her with extreme force. The blonde female was struck by the beams and slightly pushed away. A large chunk was deducted and served as the possible wake-up call for Mai Valentine.

Mai/3200 (5600-2400) LP

"You have no monsters to protect ya, Mai. I can attack you directly again," Joey sighed. "I hate having to do this, but I don't want to lose this duel. I came here to help my friends against Lance in the tournament. I just wish you would help us through. I really thought you were going to give me a hard-fought duel, but I'm not even sure you know what you want anymore. Do you even care about this duel?"

"Don't question me."

"I already have, Mai. That's too bad. I was beginning to admire you not just as a duelist but as a friend. It hurts me to say it, but I have to be honest with ya, Mai."

His remarks quickly became instilled in her mind, causing her to lose more focus.

Me? A shadow of my former self? He can't mean that!

"Summoned Skull, attack her life points directly."

With that, the skull summon launched a lighting strike towards Mai's duel disk and subtracted a huge chunk of her life points. Joey hated to see Mai this pitiful and unable to battle back.

Mai/700 (3200-2500) LP

The female duelist gasped in horror at how low her life points were compared to Joey's 7200.

"That ends my turn, Mai. This is your last chance. Pick out a good card or I'm just going to lay waste to the rest of your life points. It's your choice. If you can't summon a strong monster or trap card, I'm ending this duel."

Mai looked through her deck and she had no other strong cards to save her. Her Amazons were nowhere to be seen but at the bottom of her deck. She pulled out one card and added it to her hand.

"I'll place this card facedown in defense mode and end my turn. I have nothing else to offer..." Mai stated before an image of the sinister Marik materialized before her.

The female gasped out in shock while her irises constricted to a smaller size. Her body trembled and her skin paled. She visualized Yami Marik holding her in a tight grip and snapping her neck. Mai screamed out and backed away. Joey took notice of this outburst from Mai and became worried.

"Mai! What's wrong?!" Joey yelled out. "Why are you screaming?"

"That's what we would like to know! What is she screaming at?" Floramon wondered. "With only 700 points left, Joey has this opportunity to win the duel!"

"Mai, tell me what's wrong! C'mon, I'm your friend! You could at least tell me!"

Rather than answering Joey's questions, Mai was still cowering in fear from the visions of Yami Marik and her nightmares.

"If you're not going to tell me, then you leave me no choice. I'm going to end this duel. Jinzo, attack her facedown monster!"

Launching out a double beam blast through his goggles, Jinzo destroyed the facedown card to reveal a pink puffball with wings.

Petit Angel

LVL/3 ATK/600 DEF/900

However, Mai did not even bother noticing her monster being wiped out from the field. She did not even bother acknowledging the fact she was on the verge of a loss.

"Now, to end this, Mai, I'm sorry I have to do this, but you left me no choice," Joey muttered sadly. "Summoned Skull, attack her remaining life points."

The skull demon fired out another lighting attack and directed its attack on Mai's duel disk. The female screamed out and fell back from the shockwave.

She had lost the duel, but most of all lost her resolve.

Mai/0 (700-2500) LP

"With Mai's life points gone, Joey Wheeler has won this duel!" Floramon announced.

(End theme)

"Hey! Can't you see she needs help?" Joey yelled out as he rushed over to Mai. "Mai, hang on! We need to talk!"

Before Joey had a chance to catch up, a portal opened up leading back to the arena. Mai took this opportunity and jumped through the portal. It closed up just before Joey had a chance to catch up.

"She's gone! Where was she being transported?"

"It couldn't be the arena, because the portal to take us back to the duel dome is over here," Floramon pointed behind them.

"Then, how did this portal show up? This is too confusing for me."

"I'd say the officials had taken matters to their own hands and saw that Mai wasn't acting like herself. They could be sending her to the infirmary to be checked upon."

"Then, we've got to get back. Floramon? You, Tapirmon, and I are getting out of here."

"Right, just follow me," Floramon nodded.

As soon as Floramon said that, a portal opened up for the trio. They entered one by one through to find themselves back within the duel dome and to be transported back to the Phoenix Arena.

Mai, if only you would have told me, I wouldn't have done what I had to do. If you continue to hide your feelings from others, there just won't be any hope for you. If there was anything I can do..." Joey thought to himself while showing deep concern for a girl he considers a dear friend.

xxxxx

Phoenix Arena/Battle & Duel Platforms/11:50 AM

"With Joey declared as the winner of the duel, we have yet to determine our dual winners in these intense battle matches! Kuzuhamon has been giving Sakuyamon a run for her marbles while Kurama has been holding his own against both Agunimon. If I were the Warrior of Flame, I'd rebound quick!"

(Cue Digimon Arena Rumble OST – The Biggest Dreamer)

Vritramon evaded Kurama's deadly Rose Whips. He put up his arms, shielding himself from the deadly whip lashes. He launched himself up in mid-air and looked down at Kurama with careful eye.

Man, this guy isn't kidding around! That rose whip has been inflicting cuts on my armor. Agunimon and Vritramon aren't even cutting it! Vritramon thought as he looked down and yelled toward Kurama. "Now, prepare to feel the wrath of the flames!" With that, fractal code quickly covered him.

Kurama watched the de-evolving Vritramon descend to the ring. Takuya stepped forward whilst holding his D-Scanner. He scanned his hand through his D-Scanner and invoked the powers of both of his Spirits.

"Execute! Fusion Evolution!" Takuya exclaimed as his body underwent a transformation to his A-Hybrid form. The Advanced Warrior landed down swiftly with his wings spread out and flames engulfing his form. "Ardhamon!"

"Agunimon has now taken it to the next level as he evolves into Ardhamon! Just how will Kurama manage to take the Warrior of Flame now? Unless, of course, that fox demon has a plan in that head of his!"

Kurama and Ardhamon commenced in a stare down with neither competitor attempting to take their eye off one another. It would come down to Kurama's wits or Ardhamon's passion to win.

"If you're ready to continue, then be my guest to attack first," Kurama calmly said.

"You bet! Ready or not, here I come!" Ardhamon roared out as he charged across to meet Kurama head on.

As Ardhamon advanced closer, a plant root shot out from under the ring tiles and popped Ardhamon's head. The Warrior of Flame took the shot head on and fell back with a large bump on his head.

"A nice sneak attack on Ardhamon! Kurama's wits just might actually win him this match!" Lillymon announced. "I wish this guy can be my gardener!"

Ardhamon leaped back on his feet and berated the fox demon angrily.

"Hey, that was not fair! Fight me head on! Don't go planting seeds under the ring and throwing me off guard with those tricks!"

"Sorry, butt it's the way I fight my opponent. You cannot fault my methods of combat."

"Well, try attacking me without using any seeds. I came here to win, not to be humiliated, pal!"

"If you insist, then I shall come to you then," Kurama stated as he charged ahead.

This gave Ardhamon an idea. He bent back with his hands collecting a ball of fire. He was going to retaliate for what Kurama did to him by using his own sneak attack.

I've got you, pal! This is for using a damn plant on me!

"What's this?" Kurama whispered to himself as he sensed heat energy being forged in Ardhamon's hands. He's gathering heat energy and condensing it into a sphere. He's planning to hit me when I'm charging him head on, but what I plan to do is make sure not to become his primary target. Yes, I've got just the thing!

Seeing what Ardhamon was attempting, Kurama thought of a strategy to prevent the fireball attack to strike him. He planted his hand down on the ground where he had planted another seed beforehand. Ardhamon's large fireball formed and thus the warrior hurled it across to toast Kurama.

"Solar Wind Destroyer!"

"Here goes!"

Quickly reacting to the flow of heat, a large flower plant emerged from out of the ring tiles where Kurama had placed the seed. It grew out and spread its flower head across like a shield. The fireball struck the flower head on as the flower absorbed the blow. This allowed Kurama time to leap out from the burnt debris and whip out his rose vine.

"Rose Whip!"

The Warrior of Flames hastily dodged the whip as it struck the ring.

Ardhamon flew overhead and swooped down on Kurama. However, the red-haired demon dodged to the side. The flying warrior flew up and looked down at Kurama.

"Damn, this guy is just damn swift! Every time I come down to attack he is like two steps way ahead of me!" Ardhamon growled out of frustration. "I've gotta get around him somehow!"

Over at Arena A, Kuzuhamon dominated Sakuyamon hitting her with vicious kicks and slaps. The golden-armored warrior put up her guard from the body blows. Just as Kuzuhamon went for a straight jab, Sakuyamon tucked her head and executed a Judo throw to take down her rival. This allowed Sakuyamon enough time to jump back and recover.

"Damn wench!" Kuzuhamon screamed angrily. "I won't lose to you! Inumon is counting on me to win and marry him!"

"Sorry to say this, but I'm going to shatter your dreams."

"Oh yeah?!"

"Yes, because I've been saving a little something just for you, Kuzuhamon. While you've been daydreaming about the mongrel and taking hot baths, I've been training myself under Anubimon's careful eye. I've gained a new power you couldn't even hope to comprehend."

"You're bluffing. This match is mine to win!"

"I think not..." Sakuyamon scoffed. Inumon, this one's for you.

Suddenly, a flash of white light formed over Sakuyamon's body. The audience watched in awe at the light engulfing Arena A.

"Oh my! Just what does Sakuyamon have planned? It looks as if she is digivolving, but into what...? Has she managed to acquire herself a new battle form from training or something?!"

Before Lillymon could answer her own question, Inumon came running out from the entrance and stopped to watch in awe at his beloved.

"Go for it, Renamon! Show 'em your Priestess Mode!"

Flabbergasted, Kuzuhamon wasn't thrilled with the outcome and hadn't counted on Sakuyamon acquiring a new form.

When the light died down, a new Sakuyamon emerged complete with a traditional Japanese Miko wardrobe. She retained the golden fox mask and her two silver hair fox tails attached at the split ends. In her right hand was staff with Ofuda scrolls attached at the top end.

The newly evolved Sakuyamon boldly announced. "I am Sakuyamon Priestess Mode."

"You... You digivolved?!" Kuzuhamon freaked out. "This can't be happening! You're even more beautiful than me! It's not fair!"

"You're about to learn that the hard way, Kuzuhamon," Sakuyamon said as she twirled her staff around. "Come and get me. That is if you think you can take me."

"Oh! I'll show you! Nobody makes a mockery out of me!" Kuzuhamon screamed, dashing ahead ready to attack Sakuyamon head-on.

When she attacked, she only managed to punch through thin air. Sakuyamon managed to dodge to the side to avoid Kuzuhamon's punch and slammed her staff into her rival's face. The force of the blow sent Kuzuhamon skidding across the ring. Kuzuhamon flipped back to land swiftly.

"No! This can't be! You aren't going to get the best of me, Sakuyamon!"

"How sad for you, because I already have."

"That's the way, Renamon! Psyche her out!" Inumon cheered on like a cheerleader from the sidelines. "Show her what Priestess Mode is all about!"

Simply shrugging, Sakuyamon pointed her staff towards Kuzuhamon and smiled. "This is the end of the line for you, Kuzuhamon! I'll make sure you never bother my mongrel again!"

"Bah! You don't deserve him! Inumon belongs to me and nobody else!"

Blindly charging with reckless abandon, Kuzuhamon resorted to implementing a hand to hand combat with Sakuyamon Priestess Mode. The Priestess Digimon sighed in disappointment and erected a barrier around herself. Kuzuhamon threw out numerous punches, which only managed to bounce off the barrier each time.

"C'mon, break! Why won't you break?!" Kuzuhamon screeched. "ARGH! BREAK!"

"It's safe to say that Kuzuhamon won't be breaking that barrier anytime soon!" Lillymon announced. "Sakuyamon may as well have this match already won!"

Kuzuhamon attempted one more punch, but she was immediately thrown back by Sakuyamon's defensive shield. This allowed Sakuyamon to break down her barrier and rush across with her staff. She unleashed a circular energy wave shaped into a rice bead. It slammed against Kuzuhamon and severely inflicted a heavy amount of damage on her armor. Sakuyamon swiftly landed in front of her viral counterpart and swung her staff across to send Kuzuhamon flying out of the ring. The audiences watched in shocked awe as Kuzuhamon was thrown out far across towards the audience stands. Crowds from a third level section scattered out to let Kuzuhamon fall directly onto the seated stands.

"And that is what I call a home run!" exclaimed Lillymon. "Sakuyamon sends Kuzuhamon flying out of the ring and into the audience stands! Etemon, you might want to start the count!"

"Humph, don't bother. We already know who the winner is," Sakuyamon scoffed, turning around without a care. "You can count until one hundred or until tomorrow. She'll still be completely out of it."

"Lillymon! I'm ready to make the count!" Etemon declared. "One! Two! Three! Four! Five!"

"As our official gets down with the count, we'll head right over to Arena B! Kurama and Ardhamon are still going at it! Now it would seem Ardhamon is on the offensive with his fire power!"

(Cue Digimon Frontier OST - Salamander ~Takuya no theme~)

Back in Arena B, Ardhamon flew down at Kurama rapidly flinging fireballs at the red-haired fox. Kurama desperately avoided the fireballs until one of them grazed his right shoulder. He winced in pain from the shot and looked up to see Ardhamon spinning around to launch another attack. Kurama dashed around evading the blasts.

"Kurama is now running around for his dear life with Ardhamon shooting down devastating fireballs to torch our beloved red-haired fox boy!" Lillymon announced. "I just hope he doesn't harm a pretty hair off his head, because I for one will be very pissed!"

"What's the matter, pretty boy?! Is that too much for ya?" Ardhamon laughed as he lobbed more fireballs. "I'm just getting warmed up! Don't tell me you have anymore seeds planted under the ring to another one of your traps!"

Looking ahead, Kurama noticed a familiar face looking on from the audience. The figure appeared to be cloaked but the fox demon easily recognized his scent; it was that same smoky stench from the inferno warrior Brimstone. The hooded Brimstone watched on, shooting an intense glare behind a crimson hood. This immediately caught Kurama off guard, allowing Ardhamon to hit his leg.

Immobilized, Kurama grabbed the area where Ardhamon grazed him with a fireball. This gave Ardhamon to chance to slam into Kurama and punch him in the gut. The force sent Kurama rolling across the ring. Ardhamon landed down on the ring surface and approached the fallen Kurama.

(End theme)

"Well, this is the end of the line for you, pal," Ardhamon snorted. "You gave me more than enough trouble, but you did put up a good fight."

"You were a very valiant warrior yourself, Ardhamon. However, I must withdraw from this match."

"What?! You mean you're surrendering!"

"Yes, because you're not the one I have a score to settle with. There's another I owe a confrontation with."

"Um, care to tell me who?"

"Brimstone."

"But, you already beat that dude."

"However, I promised him a second confrontation. He's the audience stands as we speak."

"He is?" Ardhamon asked as he looked over towards the audience to notice the hooded figure. "Oh, there! Not too conspicuous of a disguise."

"Yes, I'm going to confront him and finish where we left off."

"But, you won your match with him. You have a chance to win this that is if you can get by my fireballs."

"No, I've already declared forfeit.. My business is with Brimstone. Despite my victory, neither one of us is satisfied just yet."

"Well... If you say so... I'm not satisfied with your decision to forfeit, but... I can't stop you. It'd be uncool for me to attack you with your back turned."

"Thank you..." Kurama nodded as he slowly rose from the ground and limped out of the ring.

"Yo! At least let me help you out of there, bud!" Ardhamon put an arm around Kurama. "There. I'll get you to the back."

"Thank you."

"Well, this is an unfortunate turn of events! Kurama has declared a forfeit and Kuzuhamon has been counted out! Therefore, your winners are Sakuyamon and Ardhamon!"

Upon hearing the announcement, Sakuyamon scoffed and walked out of the ring. She found herself greeted by Inumon.

"You did great out there, my pretty Renamon," Inumon grinned proudly. "Kuzuhamon never knew what hit her!"

"Thank you for telling me about Priestess Mode sooner, Inumon. I couldn't have done it without either you or Anubimon."

"Oh, really! It was nothing! That's what I like to call a home run!" the mongrel laughed.

Sakuyamon shrugged. "Very funny, Inumon. Come, let's get back to the others. They're waiting for us."

"Not to mention, Takuya. He's won his match, too, but because that Kurama guy forfeited."

Inumon added, chuckling while being near her. "But, I must admit, you look absolutely marvelous in your Priestess form!"

"Well, thank you for the compliments," Sakuyamon stated. "Just make sure you keep your perverted hands to yourself or be exorcised by my spells."

"Yes, ma'am!"

As Sakuyamon walked down towards the entrance, Inumon followed right behind her.

Meanwhile, Ardhamon was helping Kurama through the entrance. Brimstone had his eyes locked on Kurama with keen interest. The fox demon returned a glare and waited the hour he would confront the beast again.

"Kurama, you and me later. We have business to conduct," Brimstone's dark, threatening voice growled underneath the cloaked hood.

"You can count on me being there, Brimstone. You said you wanted the silver-haired one... well, be careful what you wish for."

"Silver-haired one?" a befuddled Ardhamon asked.

"It's a long story, Warrior of Flame. Please, take me back to Yusuke and others."

"Just help lead the way, buddy. You guys helped us against Horusmon and we sure owe you."

"Likewise, warrior."

"We've already concluded our two battle matches and our duel! Agunimon and Renamon advance to the next round! Joey will go into the semifinal round, but his opponent has yet to be determined! Again, we will be taking a ten-minute intermission for the next set of names to be announced!"

The duel dome finally opened to release Joey, Tapirmon, and Floramon. The duelist quickly emerged as he hoped to find Mai in the arena. He looked around and saw no signs of her.

"Mai! Mai!" Joey cried out as he surveyed the arena.

"Why not try the lobby, Joey?" Floramon suggested. "She appeared hurt. So I might want to check out the infirmary, as well."

"Good idea. I just hope she's all right!" Joey nodded and ran down towards the entrance. "Mai, hold on! I'm coming!"

"Well, Joey sure seems in a hurry, but who can blame him? Those two must know each other very well and I don't mean as best friends," Floramon wondered. "Nah, it's just my imagination...

"I don't know. They seem to have a thing for one another," Tapirmon spoke up.

"You think so? Well, maybe."

xxxxx

Somewhere in the Phoenix Arena/11:57 AM

After dragging themselves out from the outside and sneaking back in, SkullSatanmon and Marine Devimon cursed Omegamon for throwing them out.

"Curse that Omegamon! He dares to humiliate us like that!" MarineDevimon gritted his teeth. "The next we meet him, he won't be throwing us out like garbage!"

"Yeah! I'll make him eat my burgers and see how he likes cheese!"

"First of all, I doubt he eats burgers. Second, WILL YOU QUIT MENTIONING ANOTHER CHEESEBURGER?!"

"Hey, it can't be helped if I enjoy these tasty morsels," SkullSatanmon grinned happily, taking another chomp out of a cheeseburger.

Just then, the two demons stopped as they caught glimpse of a trio of dragons. Their eyes narrowed forward and standing out from across them was the Dra-Warrior trio Flamedramon, Luzdramon, and Panzerdramon. Not exactly the welcoming committee the demon duo had expected.

"Um... Who are these guys?" SkullSatanmon asked his partner in crime.

"You dolt! You mean you don't know!"

"Nope. Do you?"

"They're the Dra-Warriors, or at least three of them."

"Oh, Dra-Warriors...? Nope, it doesn't ring a bell."

"...Idiot," MarineDevimon muttered.

"You two! I hear from some people that there have been two troublemakers," Flamedramon called out to the stooges. "An Armadillomon claimed to have seen a burger-loving red skeleton and a squid demon roaming around here. You two fit those descriptions perfectly."

"Um, you must be mistaken for two other idiots," MarineDevimon whistled innocently. "We're not..."

"Um, let's see a red skeleton eating hamburgers and a sea demon. Yep, you two fit that description well," nodded Luzdramon. "There's no use in trying to play dumb and tricking us."

"We're here to put a stop to nonsense," Panzerdramon cracked his knuckles. "Now, you two behave or we'll deal with you."

"Oh, yeah? What are you going to do about it? Set my burgers on fire?" SkullSatanmon held his burgers protectively. "There, there, my little friends. Those big mean dragons won't hurt you."

"No, but Panzerdramon and I will challenge you," Luzdramon pointed at the demon duo. "What do you say? Do you accept?"

As Luzdramon declared the challenge, the duo huddled together to discuss the matters.

"Is he implying he can defeat us? We're both Ultimate-level Digimon! We give Devas a run for their marbles," SkullSatanmon snickered. "I doubt these three idiots think they can take us."

"Shh, but let's just accept this and make a complete mockery out of them," MarineDevimon whispered.

"Well, are you going to accept my comrades' challenge?" Flamedramon asked while tapping his foot. "All this suspense is making me impatient!"

"Hah! All right, you clowns have yourself a challenge! Meet us outside of the arena!" MarineDevimon laughed. "We're so going to mop the floor with you!"

"If you manage to beat us, who knows? I just might let you have my burgers," SkullSatanmon snickered and followed MarineDevimon down the hallway. "We'll be waiting!"

As the two demons walked off, the Dra-Warrior trio could only chuckle amongst themselves.

"Those two morons don't know what they're getting themselves into," sighed Luzdramon. "Panzerdramon, let's be sure to show them what Dra-Warriors are made of."

Panzerdramon concurred. "Don't worry. I intend to smack those stupid looks off their faces."

"Good. Once we take care of those two buffoons, we can get back to what we were assigned to do," Flamedramon said.

"Just to remind you, you know why we came, right?" Luzdramon asked.

"Of course... hmm... to check on the status of the tournament and wait for our comrades to arrive once they've retrieved the Priestess sword?"

"Wow, you are a fast one. Good to know that you're head is still intact," Panzerdramon gave Flamedramon a pat on his back.

"Oh, shut up..." Flamedramon sighed.

xxxxx

Not too far behind closed doors, Yami Bakura and Duskmon were discussing matters concerning Kouichi.

"Bakura, I'm growing impatient. How long do we have to wait until we get Kouichi and make him pay for humiliating me?"

"Patience, my friend, you shall gain your vengeance against that boy. First, we must keep hidden until those fools are too focused on Pharaohmon."

"I guess we wait until Pharaohmon actually competes and then we can launch a sneak attack when Kouichi isn't looking."

"If Kouji manages to intervene, I'll handle him."

"I'm glad to know that you're there to keep that brat's brother off my back. I want to make Kouichi suffer for rejecting me, the true Warrior of Darkness!"

With that, Duskmon punched the nearest wall, leaving a massive hole from the impact blow. He unleashed an angry roar as images of Reichmon clouded his mind.

"You're not better than me Reichmon! I'll see to it that you pay dearly! Kouichi belongs to me!" Duskmon declared. "Just you wait and see!"

"So, I assume you accept my plan to attack that boy when everyone is solely focused on Pharaohmon when his next match is announced?"

"Yeah, Kouichi will be too distracted to even know that I'm still around! Revenge shall be mine!"

As Duskmon continued berating the boy, Bakura chuckled to himself and thought Fool, do you what you want with the shenanigans between you and that brat Kouichi. All that matters to me is taking Yugi's Millennium Puzzle!

xxxxx

Phoenix Arena/Infirmary Room #7/12:03 PM

Upon hearing Agunimon and Renamon's advancements, the group was overjoyed. Rika was especially very proud for her partner's performance, but more so impressed with Priestess Mode. The Duelists were thrilled for Joey's victory yet bummed Mai had to take the loss. Yugi, especially, noticed how hard it was for them both.

"Poor, Mai," Yugi muttered. "Why didn't she tell us she's been down?"

"Joey looks like just went off to look for her," Tea stated.

"Apparently they just said Mai was sent to one of the infirmaries," said Tristan. "Let's go see if we'll find them there."

"Good idea," nodded Duke. "Maybe there is something we can hope to help Mai."

Does she still harbor those terrifying images with Marik? Yugi wondered. That must explain why she hasn't been able to focus in her duels. We've gotta find Mai and talk to her, Yami!

Just then, Himura yelled out and startled everyone in the room.

"WHAT?! You mean you actually found out the reasoning behind Pharaohmon's tournament?!" Himura yelled as he and the Tamers listened to what Izumi and Jaarin had to entail about MarineDevimon's leak.

"You mean he actually knows where these seven pieces of Valmarmon are located?" Junpei asked. "This just couldn't get any worse."

"Now hold on. From what MarineDevimon said, Pharaohmon's seeking to find the seven pieces after he wins the tournament. That doesn't necessarily mean he knows where to find them," Izumi calmed everyone down.

"But, that just gives us even more incentive to defeat Pharaohmon in this tournament! We cannot allow him to win!" Kouji slammed his fist down on the table. "There's no way in hell I'm going to allow him to release that monster if he managed to find these seven pieces!"

"Don't worry, Kouji. We can't lose. We didn't come all the way out here just to fail," Kouichi reassured his brother.

Yui turned to her brother and asked worryingly. "Himura, we're not going to lose, right?"

"Of course not! Pharaohmon is going down, especially after he's put us through! Forget about Valmarmon because those seven pieces haven't been found! All we need to do is focus on this tournament."

"I couldn't agree more," Takato sat down on the floor. "All this worrying is getting to me."

"Don't forget that one of us could be dueling next, goggle head," Rika reminded him.

"Hear that Chumley? At least you don't have to worry about me in the next round," Kazu smiled.

The goggle boy simply rolled his eyes, "Oh yeah, right. I'm trembling."

"Hey, look! I think they're about to announce the next matches!" Kenta beckoned.

"I wonder who'll be paired off against who this time," Guardromon said, sitting down and watching the television.

"Guess we'll find out sooner," Jaarin sat down next to Henry as Suzie and Lopmon settled near them. "What do you think, Henry?"

"We're narrowing down just a few duelists left, but it's hard to say," Henry said.

"Yay! I like surprises!" Suzie flopped down on the floor with Lopmon.

"Ladies and gentlemen! I've selected the drawings for the next round in our battle tournament! In Arena A, Piedmon will be pitted against Sailor Uranus! And, this one is a match all of you're all waiting for! And it couldn't have come at a better time. Inumon will fight Basiliskmon in Arena B!"

Once the second match was announced, the group was stunned in silence. At last, this would be Inumon's chance to slay Basiliskmon to free Tomoki and Terriermon from the serpent's stone spell.

"Yes! This is it, you guys! Inumon can finally get his hands on that snake!" Junpei jumped up excitedly.

"This time he'll free Tomoki and Terriermon for sure!" Jaarin agreed as she turned to her brother. "This is what we've been hoping for, Henry."

"Yeah, but let's not jump into conclusions. This is Basiliskmon we're talking about here," Henry reminded everyone.

Himura shouted, slamming his fists on a chair. "No! Because Inumon will avenge Kotori and slay her murderer!"

"Himura," Yui whispered as she stared up at her angry brother. "I know Inumon will do it."

The tension immediately mounted and emotions ran high for Inumon's forthcoming match with Basiliskmon. This was Inumon's chance to have their two friends restored and avenge the death of Kotori.

"Last but not least, our next duel will see Takato Matsuda against Rika Nonaka! Competitors come out to present yourselves or you will be disqualified!"

Takato and the Tamers were shocked by this news. Now, two Tamers were going to be pit against one another. On the other hand, Rika was very pleased with this announcement. This was her chance to duel her first Duel Monsters match with Takato.

"Wow! This is getting even better! Not only will Inumon whoop that snake's butt, but we'll get to see Rika and Chumley duel!" Kazu said in a giddy manner. "This is a match I've been waiting to see!"

"You think you're ready for her, Takato?" Ryo asked the goggle head.

"Well... I..." he timidly replied.

"Of course, he is. There has been no other guy I've wanted to duel but goggle head," Rika spoke up. "Ready for this, goggle head? You can't back out now."

Takato coughed. "Who said I was?" He watched her walk out of the room.

"Good luck, guys!" Yugi called out to the two. "We're pulling for both of you!"

"Go Takato!" Guilmon cheered in bias for his partner naturally.

"Thanks, boy. I'm going to go all out!" Takato smiled proudly, quickly storming out the door to follow his duel opponent. "Indeed, destiny awaits us, Rika!"

"This will be very interesting," Henry nodded. "I had a feeling those two would end up dueling. I wonder who'll take it."

"I'm going with Rika," Izumi said. "I've heard about her reputation as the Digimon Queen. No doubt she will give Takato a tough match."

"I'm going with Takato all the way," Junpei replied. "But, you're right. It's going to be a tough match to call."

As Takato walked out of the room, Kazu could only chime in ecstatically. "This duel is going to kick major butt!"

xxxxx

Inumon had heard the announcement while he accompanied Renamon down. The golden-haired vulpine turned to find Inumon trembling, not out of fear but out of anxiety.

"Inumon...?"

"Go on without me. This match is mine. I finally get my opportunity to tear that no good snake apart."

"I understand. I'll let everyone know."

"Please."

As Renamon went forward, Inumon turned and set his sights on the entrance. He clenched his fists tightly and his eyes burned with intensity.

Basiliskmon, at last, it's down to you and me. Terriermon and the Warrior of Ice will finally be free once I'm done with you! But, most of all, I will avenge Kotori. Himura and Seadramon, this one's for you.

xxxxx

Digital World/Section Hohou-634-B7: Houou Sovereign Temple/Near the Main Chamber Room/12:10 PM

Having run a far distance across the temple halls, the Ninja Sailors stopped near a doorway blocking their path. Ninja Mars placed Cammy down and walked towards the door.

"Ok, I wasn't expecting a door to be blocking our path," Ninja Mars scoffed. "I suppose the main chamber is inside. This is it, girls. We're just moments from gaining that sword."

"This is great! I can finally get some butt as Sailor Venus again!" Ninja Venus said excitedly.

"But, we have to be careful. There's no telling how many more guards are waiting on the other side," Ninja Jupiter warned.

"But, you three can handle them. I mean, my sister easily managed to take apart those Knightmon," Cammy said as she stepped in front of them. "We're ready for anything that leader of theirs has in store for us. We didn't come this far just to think this over and turn back."

Ninja Venus added. "Who even said we were thinking about turning back and running?"

Ninja Mars nodded. "We just need to be cautious about our enemies. We've been lucky to have these ninja powers in the first place, but I just hope everyone else is holding those guards outside."

"They'll be fine, but we know what we have to do," Ninja Jupiter said.

Ninja Venus frowned as she kicked the door. "Yeah, I'm not waiting any minute longer!"

"Get back, Cammy. We're going to bust down this door," Ninja Mars ordered her sister back while summoning a bow and arrow forged from flames.

Suddenly, an impish, child-like laughter emanated across the hallways. The Ninja Sailors seized their attacks for a moment to listen for the laughter. Frightened, Cammy huddled closer to her sister. Even Artemis was scared out of his wits and covered his head.

"What is that laughter?! Just the sound of it is enough to give me the willies!" Artemis trembled while his teeth chattered.

"Cammy, stay close to me, all right?" Ninja Mars instructed her sister.

"Right, but what is that? Where's that laugh coming from?" Cammy asked.

"I don't know, but it's already starting to get on my nerves," Ninja Jupiter growled.

"Stick together, guys. It's getting closer," Ninja Venus said, huddling everyone close to one another.

The four girls gathered at one circle and carefully surveyed the dark surroundings.

"You guys! He's getting closer! Stay together!" Ninja Mars instructed the group.

Before anyone could reply back, Cammy was suddenly lifted off the ground and flailing her arms around against her will. The Ninja Sailors gasped as they watched Cammy flailing around the ceiling on her own.

"Cammy! Get down here! This isn't time to be fooling around!" Ninja Mars called out to her sister as she attempted to pull her down.

"It's not me! I'm being controlled by something...! My body is being moved around!"

Ninja Venus blinked in confusion. "What...? Now this is getting weird! This place is haunted!"

"No, wait! Look!" Artemis noticed white threads hanging from the ceiling and attached to Cammy. "Cammy was somehow lifted from the ground by these strings!"

"So, whoever was laughing had planted those strings and is moving my sister around like some marionette!" Ninja Mars stated as she jumped up and tore through the strings with a flame arrow.

Cammy fell down from the ceiling but was caught by her sister.

"Thanks, Rei," Cammy hugged her older sibling.

"No problem," the raven-haired warrior woman nodded before her smile turned to a frown. "All right, you coward! Show yourself or prepare to be chastised!"

"Hah, hah! Oh, now that wouldn't be fun!" The same impish voice laughed like a child. "I was really hoping you girls wouldn't mind being my new play toys."

"Ok, now that's just wrong on so many levels," Ninja Jupiter nodded her head. "I knew we'd be dealing with a creep but a perverted sicko?"

"You make sound like we're some kind of hentai cover girls! Come and get it!" Venus threatened the hidden perpetrator. "Because you'll be dealing with three pissed off ninjas ready to hand you your...!"

"But, you didn't let me finish!" The voice echoed out. "There's no way I'm going to let you girls pass by without going through me! The boss will not let anyone capture the Priestess' sword today or ever!"

"You know that's a real shame, because today will be that day. Pharaohmon will finally get what he deserves!" Ninja Mars called out. "Now, come out, you coward!"

"Well, gee... You girls are no fun! But, if you insist..."

Before the voice could finish his sentence, a child-sized figure mysteriously appeared behind the Ninja Sailors. He resembled a wooden Pinocchio only evil and demented. His nose was pointed, metallic and shaped like a single TV antennae. A red cap covered his head with the top flopping to the side. He wore light blue pants, matching color overalls with yellow cork-like objects attached the overalls to the pants. His hands were covered by white gloves. Attached to his back was a cross-shaped structure built as a boomerang weapon. In his right hand was a large mallet with yellow bullet objects inside.

The Ninja Sailors faced off with the child-sized monster and their faces crossed with disappointed glares. Even Cammy wasn't as frightened as she was before.

"So, you mean to tell me this guy was the frightening voice we were hearing?" Ninja Venus couldn't help but bawl out in laughter. "Oh, man! Here I was worried over nothing!"

"Yeah, even I'm at a loss for words," Ninja Jupiter shrugged. "I can't believe this is the boss's last line of defense."

"Still, he called us 'play toys'. I don't take kindly to that," Ninja Mars snorted as she glared down the child-sized puppet.

"So, you don't think I'm not frightening enough? Just you wait and see what I'm capable of! By the way, my name's Puppetmon!"

"Puppetmon?" Cammy whispered to herself.

"Puppetmon...? Gee, that sounds soooo threatening! I'm quivering in my boots! Look, I'm the scary Puppetmon!" Ninja Venus mocked the puppet's presence.

"Hey, quit that! I'll have you know I'm a little kid's worst nightmare!" Puppetmon shouted. "And seeing you have a little kid with you, I think I'll have some fun with her."

Before Puppetmon even looked at Cammy, Ninja Mars stood out in front of her with her arms stretched out. Her face crossed an angry scowl.

"You won't be getting to my sister, you freak!" Mars growled. "We're the ones you'll be dealing with!"

"You three might have the ninja arts, but you won't be getting through this door! I'm the end of the line for you, girls!" Puppetmon summoned up his mallet ready to attack.

xxxxx

(PREVIEW)

Megaman: Yo, folks! This is Megaman from Megaman NT Warrior! Since Lan is out on a lunch break, I'm here to give you the sneak peek of what's to come in the next chapter! First, we have Inumon finally getting his match with Basiliskmon!

Basiliskmon: Inumon! This ends for you! Your hopes of restoring your comrades and avenging that little brat are slim!

Inumon: For Kotori, Seadramon, Himura and all of my friends, I swear to slay you with my own hands!

Piedmon: So, I'm fighting a lady in a fuku? What's next? LadyDevimon becoming a perfect angel?

Sailor Uranus: And my opponent is a lame circus reject? Not my day.

SkullSatanmon: All right, Dra-Warriors! Let's get this over with!

Luzdramon & Panzerdramon: We must warn you... you're going to be kicked to the curb when this is all said and done.

Takato: Let the best duelist win, Rika!

Rika: Please, I plan to win this, goggle head!

Takato: Oh yeah? Well, bring it on!

Puppetmon: Boy, you three are pretty fun! It's time I put you away for good! Then, that kid can be my new friend!

Cammy: In your dreams, wood boy!

Herodramon: Time to show these punks what I'm capable of! Here's a trick, I've been meaning to show you.

Ninjadramon: I've found you, Labramon! What happened?

Labramon: ...

Ninjadramon: I'll take that as a reply... What?! The sword has finally been retrieved!

Ninja Mars, Venus, and Jupiter: At last, we've regained our powers! MARS! VENUS! JUPITER! CRYSTAL POWER! MAKE-UP!

'Malevolent' leader: No! They've retrieved the sword! Lord Pharaohmon, I will see to it that they don't make it out alive!

Agunimon: Next time on Wrath of Pharaohmon Redux!

Revival of Sailor Power! Hellhound vs. Serpent, Inumon and Basiliskmon's Clash!

Sailors Mars, Venus, and Jupiter: Puppetmon, it's time to get punished!

Puppetmon: (gulp) This is not my day!

xxxxx

A/N: Agunimon and Sakuyamon (complete with her new Priestess Mode!) advance to the next rounds. Kuzuhamon is not having a good day. Joey defeats Mai. Now Mai's down in the dumps.

The Senshi and company now go through an enemy ambush. Puppetmon shows up to spoil the Senshi's progress, but surely that won't lost long.

I know this wasn't the best way to celebrate this series tenth anniversary, but I didn't have anything but my current fics (and I haven't had time to work on a new Dawn of Chaos chapter). Like I said, I'll make up for it for a real tenth anniversary. But, at least this is something and I'm working my way to getting Redux done. Then again, I could drag out YYGDM's tenth anniversary for a couple months longer and celebrate with multiple updates from my fics. Yeah, I think that's what I'll do. ;)

Anyway, next time: Piedmon vs. Sailor Uranus, Inumon vs. Basiliskmon (this one's personal), and Takato vs. Rika. Plus, Mars, Venus, and Jupiter regain their powers with the sword retrieved. But, watch how it all happens next time!

Until then, send a review and see you soon.