As you can see, the tournament is well underway. The first matches are well set to begin. Will Yami Yugi overcome the sadistic spirit of the Millennium Ring, or will the evil spirit avenge his loss at Battle City? Plus, we finally get a chance to see Blitzmon show off his new fusion evolution form.
Before I move on with the story, I'd like to thank LazerWulf for writing out the duels for him, especially this one with Bakura and Yugi. All credit to the duels goes to LazerWulf. He's even helped me out with the organization of the battle matches. So you guys can thank him for that.
Will he and Renamon overcome Ice Devimon and Marine Devimon? Well, you're just going to have to find out! Damn, I'm sounding like that announcer dude. All right, that's enough out of me! Enjoy the matches!
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Renamon and Blitzmon, Evolve! The Final Testament of Yamis!
Center stage of Phoenix Stadium: Site of the Shadow Tournament
The massive crowds within the Phoenix Stadium were on their feet for the start of the dual tournaments. Etemon was standing in the middle of the battle ring while trying to get the fans to mellow out.
"It's that time, ladies and gentlemon!" Lillymon announced. "The start of the Shadow Tournament is well underway! Remember, the concession stands are still open and plenty of grub for those empty stomachs! Let's get this show on the road!"
Etemon stepped on over to the Dueling Ring and waits for the dome to shield it over. The monkey digimon steps forward and presses a button at the edge of the dome. Suddenly, just within the dome, a bright light interior was engulfing the Dueling ring within the dome.
"Take a look at the dueling ring! Our beloved official, Etemon, has now just activated a virtual dueling simulator. This was designed to allow the duelists to concentrate on their dueling match while the battle matches that commence do not distract them. This was simply a brilliant idea by the tournament committee. Now, the moment you've been waiting for! Ladies and gentlemen! Put your hands together and welcome three of Pharaohmon's many associates: Bakura, Marine Devimon and Ice Devimon!"
As soon as their names were announced, a thunderous course of jeers were being directed to the three. Etemon looks ahead and finds the trio walking out from the entranceway.
Yami Bakura cackles with Ice Devimon and Marine Devimon accompanying him. Skull Satanmon slowly makes his way towards the entranceway with his cheeseburgers. Marine Devimon makes eye contact with Skull Satanmon and nods his head in shame.
"Pharaohmon's been embarrassed by you, Skull Satanmon. If I were you, I wouldn't dare show my face."
"Uh… All I care about are my cheeseburgers… Dang, that Arbormon was cheap… At least, those pretty nurses will treat me for the time being. Heh. Heh."
Yami Bakura enters the Duel ring while awaiting the arrival of Yugi. Blitzmon lands in the ring while Marine Devimon and Ice Devimon chuckle deeply.
The Tamers and Duelists were looking on with great anticipation for their teammates emerging out from the entranceway. Rika and Tea were amongst those looking on very closely.
"Get out of the ring you losers!" Kazu calls out.
"Yeah! You losers!" Guardromon repeated.
"You really think Renamon will stand a chance with those two?" Tristan wondered.
"She'll do just fine with these two jokers. If Arbormon took care of that idiot by himself, then Renamon should have no problem," Rika assured the group. "Then again, we don't know what this Blitzmon is capable of. He's human after all."
"Hopefully she goes easy on him," said Jeri.
"It'd be best if Renamon and Blitzmon team up to take those two clowns first," Inumon gave his strategy for the battle match.
"I agree," replied Himura. "But this Bakura looks like a handful for Yugi."
"Don't worry about Yug. He's already dueled against him twice and beaten Bakura with no problem," Joey stated. "He'll win again."
"I hope so. C'mon, Yugi," Tea said.
"Well, Yugi. It all comes down to another tournament," Seto muttered. "This shouldn't be too difficult for you, but I wouldn't be so confident yet. You still have me to worry about."
Etemon looks out towards the entranceway to notice two figures emerging out through the entranceway. The crowds were quickly buzzing and erupted in cheers. Lillymon quickly pointed them out.
"Allow me to introduce their opponents! Dueling against Yami Bakura and with weird hairdo, Yugi Muto! Accompanying him is that beautiful yet deadly, Renamon! Give it up for these two!"
Finally emerging out through the entranceway were Renamon and Yami Yugi. They were determined and ready to kick off the start of the official tournament games.
Yugi enters the dueling dome and looks across to see Bakura waiting patiently. It's been quite a while since these two have dueled. Yugi holds two straight victories over Bakura in the past and looks to make it 3-0.
Renamon steps forward into the battle ring while facing off with the Devimon duo. Looking at the two virus digimon, she came to realize that Ice Devimon was back from the grave beyond. This was the same Ice Devimon who kidnapped Rika and was desperate to become her partner. However, that did not come to pass. This was his opportunity to rid himself of the beautiful vixen and take Rika as his own. Renamon, on the other hand, wanted revenge for being humiliated by the ice demon.
Marine Devimon shared no past conflict with Renamon. This was his chance to make up for Skull Satanmon's humiliating loss to Arbormon. He would get that chance as the fourth competitor made his way to the ring.
The three digimon looks across to see Blitzmon gliding down into the center of the ring. The thunder warrior takes a final glance at his teammates, who were standing up within the audience stands.
"Go get him, Junpei!" Chakkoumon cheered.
"Knock them dead!" Fairymon exclaimed.
"Remember to go all out, Junpei! You still have your secret weapon at your disposal!" Agunimon calls out to the beetle.
Blitzmon gives his teammates a thumbs-up and takes a glance at his three opponents. He noticed Renamon and quickly realized that this was the same vulpine that he saw with Rika.
"Ok, the wisest choice would be to go for one of those two ugly creeps. As far as I'm concerned, Renamon and I are the ones who will need to watch each other's backs. Eliminate those two punks and we're both qualified to enter the tournament brackets. I just hope my secret weapon is enough…"
"Take your places everyone!" Etemon calls out. "Just give me a little time to get the duelists ready."
With that said, Etemon races over towards the duelist dome and peers through to find the duelists facing off. He had just remembered another new rule bestowed by Pharaohmon himself.
"Yugi Muto! Hold it right there!" Etemon calls out to the champion duelist.
"Yes? What is it?"
"By the order of Pharaohmon, the God Card thingies have been deemed illegal in these duels. If you use them in any way, it will violate the rules and automatically result in a disqualification!"
"Is that so? Very well then, I won't use them."
"Hey, these were new rules just given to me. I don't have any control over it."
"That's okay. I won't need them to defeat his minions."
"Ok, now that's all settled. Bakura, you don't have anything illegal in your deck, do you?"
"Of course not, you mortal! Now let us get started on our duel! I'm anxious to send Yugi into oblivion!"
"Whoa! Mellow out! I'm just doing my job!"
The monkey jumps out from the duel dome and waves his hand into a signal. This immediately brought Lillymon to attention.
"We're now set to start the matches! Now, let us tell you the rules to the battle royal matches. The four competitors will battle it out with no time limits! You must eliminate your opponent by knockout, a count out or, Goddramon forbid, a death! The last two remaining in the ring will be deemed the co-winners and be qualified for the 16-person tournament. The 16 winners will then be placed into a draw lottery to make up the tournament brackets."
"Whoa! Did she really mean that?!" Blitzmon freaked out. "I didn't know death was going to be involved!"
"Take it easy," Renamon said. "You will not die. That I can guarantee."
"Let's just hope you're right!"
"Hey, beetle boy! Just for Skull Satanmon's humiliating loss to your friend, I'm going to have you for lunch!"
"No way! Besides, beetles taste terrible!"
"Onto the rules of the duel matches!" Lillymon continued on. "Each duelist will start with 8000 life points. All cards, excluding immortal or God cards, are deemed legal! Use every strategy you can muster! The duel will continue until one person's life points reaches zero and that person will be eliminated! As a way to keep the duelists away from the battle rings, we've constructed a battle dome with a virtual reality simulator installed to transport the duelists to another section of the Digital World. You can thank the good committee for this and their successful charities for constructing such a device. The duelist dome will now be raised to the ceiling and the duelists will then be prepared to start their official duel."
"Yikes! You mean we're dueling up in the ceiling?!" Joey cried out.
"Take it easy, Joey," Mai said. "As that flower girl said, we're being transported into another part of this whacked out place."
"Oh, that's a relief."
"But I wouldn't be sighing any relief for now," Tea said. "What if Bakura unleashes another one of those creepy Shadow Games?"
"That sounds pretty scary," Dark Gabumon said.
"They are scary. We've had our fair share of them before," Duke said. "I definitely don't relive those moments again."
"Look! They're getting started!" Rika said. "C'mon, Renamon!"
"Go, my Renamon! Go!" Inumon cheered.
"Take it to him, Yugi!" Joey exclaimed.
Etemon raised his thumb up to give the signal to raise the duelist dome. The doors within the dome close tightly and the structure is slowly being risen up towards the arena's ceiling platform. The audience looks up as the dome structure was being raised. Inside, Yami Yugi and Bakura's eyes remained locked onto one another.
"It's been a while since we've dueled, Yugi. I just hope you've had enough time to sharpen those dueling skills of yours. You and your petty friends had one week to prepare."
"I can ensure you that I've been preparing for this day. After I'm through with you, then I should have no problem securing a victory in this portion of the tournament."
"Ha. You're going to have to defeat me in order to carry out that promise."
"Try me."
"The duel dome has been raised! Yugi and Bakura will now be transported into a different section of the digital world. Etemon has determined that they will be dueling in the Great Forest of the Gekomon Village!"
Inside the dome, the two duelists saw themselves immediately being engulfed through a bright aura of light. They screamed out, as their bodies were immediately being digitized and sent into another area within the Digital World.
"As soon as the duel ends, they will be transported back within the dome and the structure will be lowered down. But don't fret fans, the dueling match will be seen through the big screen. You can even get a glimpse of the duelists within the dome itself if you wish. Now, on with the battle match! Etemon, are the competitors ready to go?"
"They're ready to get this started, Lillymon! We're set to go!"
"Judging from the big screen, I'd say the duelists are ready to go! All right, I'm set to go!"
"By the official authority of yours truly, let these first round matches begin! Let's be sure to see some brutality, folks! LET'S GET IT ON!"
As soon as the official gong was rung, the battle match competitors stared off at one another and were ready to tear each other apart. Renamon steps forward and gives a head gesture to Blitzmon. Their first plan of action was to take out the two Devimons at once.
Digital World Section 43-2A. Gekomon Village
The duelists found themselves outside of a small village. The villagers emerged out of their homes and revealed themselves to be Gekomon locals. Bakura cackled maniacally while setting up his duel disk.
"Yugi! Pay attention, fool! For once I'm done with you, I will take your Millennium Puzzle!"
"Haven't we already done this before? I've beaten you before and I'll do it again."
"Ah, yes, but I have been anticipating for this for quite a while. I shall avenge my loss and take you down."
"I see you're not seeking to take my Puzzle but, rather, to hand it over to Pharaohmon. Am I right?"
"You'll soon find out. Now, what do you say we get this started? My patience is growing thin."
"I can't argue with you."
As soon as he said that, Yugi activates his dueling disk and places his cards into the device. The Gekomon locales gathered away from the duelists and cheered them on.
Just before the duelists were ready to start their duel, a tiny reptile-like flower creature appeared from out of nowhere. It was a Floramon with a microphone in one hand.
"Hello, fight fans! This is Julie Floramon to bring you coverage of the first duel match! Looks like it's about to start! Its Yugi vs. Bakura! Duelists! Set your duel disks! Ready…"
Bakura and Yugi shuffled through their decks just before placing them through their duel disks. Both of their life points were now set to 8000 each.
Life Points
Yugi: 8000
Bakura: 8000
"Set and begin!!"
"DUEL!!"
Both duelists start off the duel by drawing out five cards from their deck. Yugi looks at his hand and observes a grin on his adversary's face. Floramon was standing across from the showdown with her microphone in hand.
"Ok, you boys can get started already."
"First of all, let's raise the stakes even higher! Why don't we handle this duel through another shadow game?!" Bakura cackled.
"Damn… I knew it would come down to this…"
Suddenly, the duelists found themselves captured within a dark cloud of ancient, cryptic shadow magic. This was the result of Bakura's Millennium Ring. Now, the stakes would be even higher and the duel would take a turn for the worse. Though, Yugi's had his fair share of shadow games, and this wasn't the first time he and Bakura dueled in one.
"Hey! What just happened?! Where did that fog come from?!" Floramon whined. "Now we can't even see the duel! We need more camera crew here! I can't even call the match if I can't see the duel! Lillymon! Get some more camera crew here pronto!"
Yugi found himself trapped inside the dark fog barrier while Bakura cackled madly.
"So, are you ready, Pharaoh?! Ready to meet death's doors?!"
"I'll begin this duel," Yugi said. "Now, I draw out this card! Gemini Elf! Attack mode!"
Appearing before Yugi were two female elves. These two elves are known to attack and defend one another.
Gemini Elf
1900/900/4 Star
"That ends my turn! Make your move!"
"Gladly…"
As soon as Bakura drew out his card, Yugi looks on in shock as Bakura drew out the Dark Hole card. This spelled bad news for Yugi's monster. The Dark Hole emerges out from the ground and literally sucks the elves into the vortex hole.
"My elves!"
"You didn't see that coming, did you Pharaoh?! Now, my turn isn't over just yet! With your monster gone, I can summon this! Bistro Butcher!"
Bakura brings forth a blue goblin wearing a chef's hat. It has a hook for one hand and a giant kitchen knife in the other.
Bistro Butcher
1800/1000/4 star
"Now, my Bistro Butcher! Since his monster is gone and he has nothing on his field, attack his life points directly!"
The Bistro Butcher followed Bakura's command and charges forward. Yugi braced himself for the worst as the goblin slashes Yami Yugi across his chest. He felt a painful lash across his chest and noticed his coat ripped away. Yes, the monster's attacks were real and would cause damage. Since this was now a shadow game, Yugi would have to endure the worst to come.
"How does that feel, Pharaoh? There's plenty more of that where it came from. Next time, I'll be sure to draw first blood."
The result of Bistro's attack subtracted 1800 of Yugi's life points, which lowered it down to 6200.
Yugi
Life points: 6200
"Luckily, this is good for me," Yugi thought. "When Bistro attacked me, I get to draw two more cards from my hand."
"Now I'll set a card facedown. That ends my turn," Bakura said.
"All right then! My move!"
As soon as Yugi draws another card into his hand, he looks through his hand and pulls out one card. He quickly activates a card known as Heavy Storm.
"I activate my Heavy Storm! This will destroy whatever you have on the field!"
As soon as the windy storm passes through Bakura's side, his facedown card was immediately revealed and destroyed. Normally, it would have destroyed the card for good. However, Bakura had baited Yugi into his trap.
"You fool! You've just activated my Black Pendant card!"
"What does that do?!"
"Haven't you been doing your homework, Yugi? The Black Pendant's effect is this. When sent from field to the graveyard, it automatically inflicts 500 damage to your life points! You lose more! You should have known I would be hiding a trap!"
Yugi's life points was now subtracted away and reduced to 5700.
Yugi
Life points: 5700
"My turn isn't over yet, Bakura. Now I'll set a card facedown in defense mode! This ends my turn!"
"Hmmm, he just hid a facedown card in defense mode? It's most likely a monster. Perhaps an effect monster, Yugi? I'm onto your little scheme," Bakura thought. "It's my turn to go."
As Bakura drew one more card into his hand, he observes his hand and studies them for a moment. There was one card that caught his eye. Bakura quickly draws it out.
"I summon my Wall of Illusion! Attack mode!"
Summoned before the evil spirit was a wall structure with a female face embedded on the front.
Wall of Illusion
1000/1800/4 star
"Now attack Yugi's facedown defense monster!"
The Wall of Illusion takes off towards Yugi's side of the field and attacks the facedown monster. It's revealed to be the Magician of Faith! She's a purple-haired woman in blue robes with a staff that has a crescent moon atop of it.
Magician of Faith
300/400/1 star
This was Tea's favorite card and another one of Yugi's useful monsters. Yugi watched in horror, as the Magician of Faith was shattered away into data. Luckily, the Wall of Illusion only attacked the Magician in its defense position. Yugi did not lose any life points because of this. And there was more good news...
"By the effect of my Magician of Faith, I can take one magic card in my Graveyard and add it to my hand. So I'll be taking my Heavy Storm back."
"Oh, but that's not all, Pharaoh! Bistro Butcher! Attack him again and take away more of his life points!"
The goblin charges forward and immediately slashes across Yugi's left arm. The pharaoh fell to his knees as he saw a drop of blood emerge from a deep cut on his arm. This shadow game was turning ugly with every minute that passes. This subtracts 1800 life points from Yugi and reduces it to 3900.
Yugi
Life points: 3900
Bakura
Life points: 8000
"A few more attacks me like this and I'll be sunk," little Yugi spoke through to his Yami. "On the other hand, Bistro's attack allows me to draw out two more cards."
"Is that blood I see there, Pharaoh? Ha! That is exactly what I wanted to see! I told you I'd draw first blood. Look at you now. Without your god cards, you won't be able to sneak away with a victory. You were only lucky in our last duel. Now bow before your new master and I'll enjoy ever last minute of your anguish."
Yugi lifted his head in defiance and stands up despite the pain in his arm.
"This duel isn't over yet, Bakura. I know the real Bakura is in there and I will save him!"
"You're too late. I've taken completely over of the poor lad. Why don't you make it easier and surrender your puzzle?"
"Never… You'll have to defeat me to take my item."
"So be it. You're just prolonging your agony. Then again, I'll enjoy watching you squirm."
"Yami. We've got to make a comeback and fast! If he continues attacking us like this, we're knocked out of the tournament and Pharaohmon will have my puzzle!"
Phoenix Arena
The crowds were now looking on through the giant screen. They had just seen Bakura inflicting heavy damage on Yugi. Lillymon was able to send extra camera crew to be transported to the duel site to take a closer view of the events.
"Wow! I mean, just look at that brutality!" Lillymon announced. "Seeing that Yugi kid suffer just makes my skin crawl!"
"No! Yugi!" Tea cries out.
"He's getting massacred out there! Damn!" Joey cursed.
"Well… Well… Looks like Yugi is just getting used to dueling without his precious god cards. Yugi Muto. What will you do now?" Seto Kaiba wondered.
"Seto? You think Yugi's going to pull through?" Mokuba asked.
"As far as I can tell… If Bakura maintains the offense, then Yugi will fall."
"Some support you are!" Takato snapped. "C'mon, Yugi!"
"Renamon and that Blitzmon are handling their fight well," Felinismon said.
"Renamon's already digivolved to Kyuubimon and she's still not managed to inflict damage on that ice freak," Rika growled. "C'mon!"
"Go, Renamon! You can do it!" Inumon cheered on.
Back at the battle ring, the four-way battle royale was just getting heated up. Kyuubimon and Blitzmon were maintaining their ground against the ferocity of the Devimons.
Ice Devimon takes off into the air and shoots out a barrage of icicles through his wings.
"Avalanche Claw!!"
The vulpine runs across the ring to avoid the sharp icicles. Each one penetrated through the ring and followed up with a trail leading towards Kyuubimon. Blitzmon leaps up into the air and slams a fist coated with electricity against Marine Devimon's head.
"Is that the best you've got, weakling?!" Marine Devimon taunted the warrior.
"Not a chance! Thunder Fist!"
The Thunder warrior slams a single fist through the ring and mounts an electrical blast through the ring. The electric trail leads towards Marine Devimon and electrocutes him.
"Ha! How did you like that one, big guy?!"
Looking on from one of the skyboxes were Anubimon and Seadramon. They had kept an eye on Kyuubimon's progress.
"Lord Anubimon. Why hasn't Renamon just mega digivolve? Once she does, she'll clear the ring with those two demons."
"She's merely testing them out until the right opportunity presents itself. As you can see, Blitzmon has offered Renamon some assistance. Remember, two winners will be decided in these battle royales. Let's hope these two eliminate Ice Devimon and Marine Devimon."
Back into the ringside, Etemon steers clear away from the action and stands with Lillymon.
Ice Devimon flies across the ring and snatches Kyuubimon by the throat. Just as the ice demon was close to choking her out, Kyuubimon saw an opening and pushes her hind legs forward to toss Ice Devimon into the air. Kyuubimon lands down and pounces upwards to unleash one of her patented attacks.
"Dragon Wheel!!"
Kyuubimon spun herself into a circle of flames. She then transforms those flames into a dragon-shaped head. That attack is immediately directed towards Ice Devimon.
"I've got him!"
"Not so fast…"
Ice Devimon quickly phases out of the flame's direction and flies down towards Kyuubimon. However, it was Ice Devimon who missed his opportunity. Kyuubimon had phased away to throw Ice Devimon off guard.
"What?! Where did she go?!"
"Up here, Frosty!"
Ice Devimon turns around to hear out the voice of Kyuubimon and finds her engulfed in a blue sphere. She was preparing to digivolve straight into her ultimate form.
"Kyuubimon shinka!!"
Now in place of Kyuubimon was the Tao master...
"Taomon!!"
Ice Devimon looks above at Taomon and started to admire her beauty. He licks his lips and flies up to face off with the ultimate.
"Renamon. Look at how beautiful you've become. Is this your way of telling me that you're Rika's partner? Is this the result of your bondage with that human girl?"
"I've become appreciative of that girl. She and I have become more than just partners. We're friends and friendship is nothing you can even comprehend."
"Such blasphemy! You don't need friendship to get stronger! Ever since my demise, I was granted a second opportunity by Pharaohmon to get my retribution on you and those Tamer brats. I've destroyed and uploaded many digimon during the week of preparation. My power has grown to the level of an ultimate! Now that you've become an ultimate, I want you to prove yourself to me!"
"Very well…"
Taomon takes off across the stadium as the audience looked on in awe. Following out the Tao master was Ice Devimon. The ice demon directed ice beams through his eyes. Each shot missed Taomon and nailed several members of the audience.
"Hey! That bum can't even shoot right! He'll turn all of us into snow cones!" a Gazimon screamed out.
"Hold still, you wench!!"
Taomon takes off around the stadium while Ice Devimon continued to fire away more shots. Back at the ring, Blitzmon leaped away from Marine Devimon's poisonous ink.
"Now that's not what I call hygienic! I'm not cleaning that crap up!" Lillymon said through her microphone. "Etemon. You're on cleanup duty after this match ends."
"Like heck I'm not!!"
Marine Devimon steps forward in the ring and swings his squid tentacles at Blitzmon. The Thunder warrior avoided each swing and jumped over them as if they were jump ropes.
"Hey, you better keep this up! This is pretty good exercise!" Blitzmon laughed.
"You dare make a clown out of me!"
"You bet I am, ugly!"
The Legendary Warriors were cheering on madly. Omegamon was the only one who remained serious.
"All right, Junpei!" Chakkoumon cheered.
"He ought to quit playing around with that cretin," Mercuremon said.
"I agree. Hey, Junpei! This isn't the time to be playing and acting like a complete idiot!" Agunimon calls out.
"I wonder where Arbormon is? He hasn't been back for quite a while," Ranamon wondered.
"Oh, he's probably beating up every official at sight. Man, I'd hate to find out how many fines he has to pay," Grottomon replied.
"Well, it's not coming out of our allowances!" Fairymon snapped.
"Ugh! I really wish it were me in there! I would have finished that freak off already," Wolfmon said.
"I can't believe Pharaohmon would even bring Duskmon back. What can I do to stop him? Oh, Kouji. Thank goodness for you," Loweemon said in thought.
Blitzmon takes a leap backwards and nearly falls out of the ring. The marine demon takes another swing at Blitzmon but narrowly misses. The Thunder warrior leaps away to the other side at the last second, but was immediately caught off guard by Marine Devimon's second tentacle. The force of the tentacle slams against Blitzmon and sends him sliding across the ring.
"Ha! Is that enough for you, boy?!" Marine Devimon laughed.
"Not… yet… I'm just getting warmed up… Blitzmon! Slide evolution!"
The warrior takes a stance as his body became engulfed into a coating of data. His form quickly changed into a bulkier form. He looked like a tank with three cannons.
"Borgmon!!"
"A nifty transformation there, but it still won't be enough! Take this!"
Marine Devimon spits out another wad of his poisonous saliva, but he was unaware of Borgmon's capabilities. Borgmon's triple cannons charged up with electrical blasts and shoot them across at Marine Devimon.
"Bolt of Thunder!!"
The triple blasts combined into one enormous sphere and forcefully slammed against Marine Devimon. The force was strong enough to push the marine demon across the ring and laid flat on his back.
"Blitzmon… Err, I mean Borgmon just laid out Marine Devimon! That squid is out like a light bulb! I'll take this count!" Etemon informs the audience. "One! Two! Three!"
"Did you just see that?! That was just incredible! I don't think Marine Devimon is going to be getting up after that! He's squid food!" Lillymon announced.
"Four! Five! Six! Se- Oh! The big guy is up again!"
The demon lifted himself from the ring and steadies himself. The attack inflicted by Borgmon had caused Marine Devimon to become dazed temporarily.
"Whew, that was a doozy. Hey, Borgmon! I've got to hand it to you! You nearly knocked the wind outta me!"
"What… What is this guy made of?!"
"You know. I often ask myself that same question, too."
As soon as Marine Devimon lifted himself from the ground, Borgmon slowly backs away to come up with another battle strategy. He finally realized that it was time to unveil his secret 'weapon'. Omegamon had instructed not to resort to this 'weapon' unless absolutely necessary. In Borgmon's case, he had no other choice.
"Well, here goes nothing!"
With that said, Borgmon immediately powers down and de-transforms back into Junpei. The legendary warriors look on with worry and disbelief.
"What?! Did he just forfeit his spot?!" Lillymon wondered.
"No! I know what Junpei's up to!" Agunimon replied.
"He's going for it," Omegamon said. "Junpei is actually going to resort to the fusion evolution."
"This ought to catch Marine Devimon off his game," Wolfmon stated.
"Ha! I guess you were just another slouch after all! I can't believe I wasted my precious time with you!" Marine Devimon hissed.
"Why don't you just shut that ugly face of yours? I'm not forfeiting. I'm just about to bring forth your own demise."
"Oh, that's funny kid! With your buddy, Taomon, being distracted by Ice Devimon, you're all mine!"
"One thing you should never do is underestimate a kid with special abilities! Execute!! Fusion Evolution!!"
"What?! Fusion evolution?! Marine Devimon exclaimed.
"Oh, wow! This is it, peeps!" Lillymon announced. "The kid's calling forth for his A-Hybrid! Or so I'm told… What will he turn into next?!"
"Go for it, Junpei! He's all yours!" Ranamon cheered on.
As Junpei called upon his spirit, he was engulfed by a blanket of data and undergoing a metamorphosis into an entirely different form. His B-Hybrid and H-Hybrid were quickly infused with one another. He's entirely different from Blitzmon, yet his size was just about the same as Borgmon. His forehead was now equipped with a sharp, horn. He was now a cross between a beetle and a devastating war tank. A pair of six legs appeared from out of his body. His armor is dark blue with parts of his armor, including the horn, a silver fade.
"Rhino Kabuterimon!!"
The crowds were absolutely stunned by the sudden appearance of Rhino Kabuterimon. Not only was it sudden but also came exactly at the right moment. Marine Devimon didn't know what to make of it.
"Oh gosh! Take a load of that!" Lillymon cried out. "Now this is what I'm talking about! Swerves! That is what makes this tournament so full of surprises!"
"Whoa, this was unexpected," Etemon stated. "Oh, let's check out that ol' profile on the big screen on this fella."
The big screen immediately brings up a profile screen with data on Rhino Kabuterimon.
Rhino Kabuterimon. Variable, Fusion Hybrid, Electric Element. Special techniques: Thunder Laser and Condenser Storm
"It says here that his body can course electricity along the surface of his body. With Thunder Laser, Rhino Kabuterimon can use his horn to project an electrified beam of energy at distant targets. And with Condenser Storm, he can launch a ball of lightning at his enemies from the exhaust jets on his shoulders. This attack is remotely controlled. Whoa, a total package if you ask me."
"A total package indeed! But I wonder if it will be of any use against Marine Devimon?" Lillymon said. "We'll just have to see!"
Even Ice Devimon and Taomon stopped to look down at the ring center. Rhino Kabuterimon was a sight for all to witness. He strolls forward and positions himself to attack Marine Devimon head on.
"Yeah! Now that's an A-Hybrid!" Chakkoumon cheers on.
"Take it to him, Junpei! You have this match in the bag!" Agunimon exclaimed.
"Yeah, that's good and all, but we still don't know if it's enough to eliminate Marine Devimon. Junpei has to stay serious," Wolfmon said.
"You worry too much, Wolfmon. What could possibly go wrong?" Fairymon asked.
"His ego will get the better of him," Mercuremon commented.
"Yo! Check me out, weed breathe!" Rhino Kabuterimon boasted. "I bet you didn't see this coming!"
"I've got to hand it to this kid. He clearly caught me off guard."
"So, what do you say we finish this? You give me your best and I'll give you mine."
"Heh. Fine… Whatever you want, kid. It's your funeral."
Ice Devimon resumed his attacks on Taomon and attempts to brush her aside with an array of icicles. The Tao master maneuvered from the sharp objects and directed them towards the ceiling of the stadium
"I have to draw these icicles away from the audience and direct an attack on Ice Devimon. He's clearly on my tail with this newly found speed."
"What's the matter, Renamon? Am I still a little too much for you?! Let's turn this up a notch!"
Ice Devimon homes in onto Taomon and catches up with her.
"Yes! We're back to the action we've been craving for all day! With Taomon and Ice Devimon taking it to the skies, Rhino Kabuterimon and Marine Devimon will finally settle it! Ok, I've just been handed a note and we're going directly back to the duel with Yugi and Bakura! Julie Floramon! Take it away!"
Digital World Section 43-2A. Gekomon Village
"Yes! We're back to live footage of the first duel match! Bakura has been on the offensive and doesn't plan on halting back his attacks. By the looks of things, Yugi is in a tight spot with no way out. It looks like the end for the duelist champion!"
The Gekomon were cheering on from the far distance. Many were on Yugi's side and hoping for him to make a turnaround against his adversary, the spirit of the Millennium Ring.
Within the shadow game barrier, Yami Yugi wrenched through the threshold of pain and ignored the injury on his arm. Bakura cackled like the madman he was.
"The blood is on your hands, Yugi. Make your move."
"Very well…"
Yugi immediately draws another card onto his hand and observes his hand. He draws out one card and activates a card known as Snatch Steal.
"I activate this! Snatch Steal!"
"What? No! That allows you to take control of a monster on my side!"
"That's right and I will use it to take you Bistro Butcher!"
Bistro is quickly transferred onto Yugi's side of the field. Bakura wasn't at all pleased with this result. What he hated more than Yugi was Yugi taking control one of his precious monsters.
"My turn doesn't end from there! I summon forth Gazelle the King of Mythical Beasts!"
Launching out from Yugi's duel disk was a horned lion. It was positioned in attack mode.
Gazelle King of Mythical Beasts
1500/1200/4 star
"All right! Bistro Butcher attack his Wall of Illusion!"
Bistro follows his new master's orders and launches himself across the battlefield. He takes a swing of his kitchen knife and hacks the Wall of Illusion in half. The battle damage resulted in Bakura losing 800 of his 8000 life points.
Bakura
Life points: 7200
Because of Bistro's effect, Bakura was now forced to draw two cards directly. However, there was also an effect for Wall of Illusion. Since the Wall was attacked by Bistro, the goblin must be returned back to Bakura's hand. This also results in Snatch Steal being destroyed because the monster it was attached to (Bistro Butcher) was removed from the field.
"If you thought my turn was over, think again! Now my Gazelle! Attack Bakura's life points directly!"
Gazelle pounces forward and slashes at Bakura. He takes a devastating blow and is sent skidding back his side field. This resulted in Bakura losing 1500 of his life points.
Bakura
Life points: 5700
"Damn you, Yugi…"
"I now set three cards facedown on the field. That ends my turn. Your move."
"More facedown cards?! He has to be desperate. That was pure luck on your part, Pharaoh. I would have kept on my offense and reduced your life points down to zero. Very well. You want to play? It's play then."
Bakura draws a card and places it in his hand. He realized that Bistro was back in his hand and re-summonsed it.
"Perfect! With your Snatch Steal gone, I have complete control of my monster again. Now, Bistro! Attack his Gazelle!"
The Bistro Butcher takes off towards Gazelle and slashes the beast across its chest with his hook. Gazelle screams out and lies down on the ground with a deep slash across its magnificent form.
"No! My Gazelle!"
Yugi lost another 300 life points because of this attack.
Yugi
Life points: 3600
Because of Bistro's effect, Yugi was now forced to draw two cards from his deck and into his hand.
"My turn ends, fool. Let's see what else you have in that pathetic deck of yours! Your Gods can't save you now!"
"I won't need my Gods to crush you."
"What happened the last time we dueled? You relied on Slifer to ensure your victory. Without him, Obelisk or Ra, you can't win. I'll eliminate you from this tournament and ensure Pharaohmon's victory. But the Puzzle will be mine."
"I don't think so…"
"It's such a shame. Now, make your move!"
"I will… I activate my Fusion Sage!"
As soon as he said that, Yugi holds out a card to reveal the Fusion Sage.
"With this card, I can move a Polymerization card from my deck straight into my hand!"
"What?! Polymerization?!"
"That's right. Before I start I'll sacrifice both my Gaia the Fierce Knight and Curse of Dragon from my hand. I'll then proceed to use my Polymerization to fuse my two monsters together to summon my Gaia the Dragon Champion!"
As he finishes the process, a knight in red-and-blue armor with a lance appeared on the back of a yellow dragon. The fused creature graciously appears above Yugi in face up attack position.
Gaia the Dragon Champion
2600/2100/7 stars
"But that's not all! I summon another Gazelle the King of Mythical Beasts!"
Re-summoned back onto Yugi's side of the field was the Gazelle beast.
"But I won't be using him to attack just yet! It will be my Gaia the Dragon Champion who goes on the offensive! Attack his Bistro!"
The fused monster takes off towards Bakura's side of the field and stabs through Bistro. The lance was impaled through the goblin and resulted in him being reduced into data. This damage took off 800 points from Bakura's life points.
Bakura
Life points: 4900
"You may have taken away a fair share of my life points, but they are much higher than yours! I'm afraid that this won't save you now!"
"Actually, my turn isn't over yet… I will activate one of my facedown cards to reveal De-Fusion!"
"De-Fusion… Oh no! You wouldn't?! Not Gaia!"
"That's right. You're quite persistent. I'll use my De-Fusion to automatically return my one fusion monster on the field to my fusion deck. Since both of my fusion-material monsters were sent to the graveyard, they can be special-summoned at this time."
"Why didn't I ever see this coming?! I've had this fool in my grasp! It can't end like this!"
Yugi immediately special summons two monsters that were needed to create his Gaia the Dragon Champion. One turned out to be that same knight with the red-and-blue armor with a lance. However, the knight was riding atop of a purple horse. The other was the same yellow dragon.
Gaia the Fierce Knight
2300/2100/7 stars
Curse of Dragon
2000/1500/5 stars
Both monsters were already set face up in attack positions. Now joining Gazelle, the three monsters were ready for a melee attack on Bakura, who has no monsters or traps to protect him.
"Without any monsters and traps to guard you, I'll send all three of my monsters to attack the rest of your life points! It's over for you! Your attempt to steal my puzzle was futile!"
"Damn you, Yugi! This isn't over!"
"I'm afraid it is! Now my monsters! Attack the rest of his life points!"
With that said, the three monsters took off towards the other side to attack Bakura head on. Gaia stabs his lance through Bakura's chest and inflicts a deepening wound through his flesh. Gazelle slashes the evil spirit and the dragon polishes Bakura off with a fiery blast. Bakura took each devastating blow head on without any show of fear. In fact, he was seemingly enjoying the threshold.
However, this dealt the final blow into Bakura's life points. The combined attacks subtracted 5800 out of Bakura's life points. They automatically dropped down to 0.
"Bakura. Victory is mine…"
"It can't be… You defeated me even without your Gods…"
"Your mistake was your reliance on your sole Bistro Butcher. Those extra cards allowed me to get the cards I needed to win this duel. In other words, you've defeated yourself. I don't need the Gods to bring down the likes of you. I've won this duel and you have failed Pharaohmon. Now release Bakura from your control!"
The evil spirit started to cackle once again and this did not suite well for Yugi. Despite the damage to his body, Bakura was enjoying himself. The shadow games magic wore off and both duelists' injuries were healed away. Yugi found it quite strange that his wound was healed.
"My wound is gone…"
"The effects of my shadow games wore off. However, that doesn't mean our confrontation is through!"
"Ladies and gentlemon! I'm proud to say that we have a winner to our first duel!" Floramon announced. "It's Yugi Muto!"
"Quiet you mortal! This is not over just yet. Yugi! Your puzzle is mine and I shall take it by force!"
Yami Bakura charges forward and activates the magic of his ring once again. Yugi immediately counters with his puzzle's magic and sends Bakura skidding backwards.
"Blast you, Yugi!"
"It's over, evil spirit. You've been defeated. Let's move on. Tell Pharaohmon that you've failed to take my puzzle and we'll see how you suffer the consequences. This tournament of champions will not tolerate whiners."
"I can ensure you that I'm no sniveling fool. That puzzle is mine for the taking and there's not a thing you can do about it!"
"Why don't you two just chill? Yugi has won. Let's move on and finish the battle match."
"This doesn't concern you, wench!" Bakura snapped.
"Then, you leave me no choice. Evil spirit, if you will not give into my demands to set Bakura free. I'm afraid I'll have to do it by force."
"Oh, and how are you planning to do so?"
Yugi quickly reaches down into his pocket and pulls out his Slifer card. He then channels the magical energy of his puzzle to bring forth the crimson dragon god to life as he has done before. Bakura felt the overwhelming power coming from the card and slowly started to back away. He remembered this from the blimp duel at Battle City.
"No, you wouldn't?!"
"You've brought this upon yourself, evil spirit! Now! I shall activate my magic to bring forth a god you are very familiar with! Slifer the Sky Dragon!"
The skies above the forest started to turn black and radical lighting came showering across the heavens. Floramon shrieked and helped to scurry the Gekomon back to their villages.
"Even though this duel is over, Yugi is pulling off another one of his bag of tricks! My gosh! Our cameras are exploding from the sheer power of the radical lighting we're experiencing! We might end up with technical difficulties…"
"Oh my Goddramon! What is that thing?! It's a creature!" the Gekomon yelped out.
As the digimon looked up towards the heavens, a massive serpent-like creature emerged from the clouds. It's body has a purely crimson pigmentation and spikes on lined up across it's back. The creature has two mouths and two pairs of golden eyes. Slifer the Sky Dragon lets out a thunderous roar.
"It's Slifer… The Sky Dragon!!" Bakura screamed out.
"I wasn't even planning on using it! But since the duel is already finished, I shall use him to wipe you out to save Bakura!"
"Fool! Even if you destroy me now, you still won't save Bakura! He is essential to me!"
"Bakura shall be saved, but you will not be so lucky! Slifer! Wipe out the evil from within Bakura! PURIFYING THUNDER!"
The dragon god replied to the former Pharaoh's command and lets loose a gigantic blast from it's main mouth. Bakura stands his ground while the blast came hurtling towards him with great force.
"You may have defeated me today, Yugi… But I shall return! I promise that I will haunt you until the day I take your puzzle! Ha! Ha!"
Rather than screaming, Bakura cackled in deep laughter as the blast consumed him. The evil spirit was quickly extinguished from out of Bakura and back into the ring. Yugi looks across at the damage created by the dragon god and gasped to find Bakura lying unconscious. He was back to normal, but barely any sign of life.
"No! Bakura!"
Yugi used his puzzle's magic to cause Slifer to fade away from sight. With the dragon gone, Yami disappears and reverts back into little Yugi. He takes off into the opponent's side to attend to Bakura's need.
"Bakura! Bakura!"
Floramon popped her head from out of the bush and lets out a sigh of relief.
"Geez, they don't pay me enough for this job…"
"Miss! Hey, miss! We have to get Bakura some medical aid!"
"Right away! Just follow me out."
"A little hand, maybe?"
Floramon gives a nod and rushes over to help Yugi to get the unconscious Bakura on his feet. The entire scene started to fade into a white light and the trio was transported back within the duel dome.
Phoenix Arena
The digimon audience responded with a loud ovation during the four-way battle royale still taking place. Yugi found himself back inside the duel dome. However, Floramon and Bakura weren't there at his side.
"Hey, I'm back. But where's Bakura? Hey! Where's Bakura?!"
Suddenly, the duel dome was lowered slowly back down towards the surface of the battlegrounds. Yugi looks on to find Tea, Joey, Takato and Guilmon waving out to him from the entranceway. Etemon presses the button on the dome to activate the door. Yugi walks out of the dome and was immediately greeted by his friends.
"You did it, Yugi! You didn't need those God cards to win that duel," Tea gleefully said.
"You kicked plenty of butt out there, Yug!"
"Where's Bakura?! Is he all right?"
"You did yourself and Bakura a favor by attacking him like that," Takato said. "That evil spirit would have taken your puzzle if you didn't send Slifer to attack him."
"That was one big, scary dragon!" Guilmon replied. "Did you bring him to life with magic?"
"That's not important right now. Where is Bakura?"
"Oh, you won't need to worry about him," Etemon stated. "He's been attended to by our great medical team in the locker room. We managed to transport him and Floramon there. You should go see him as soon as this battle royale ends. Don't worry. He'll be just fine."
"Oh, thank you," Yugi said. "Whew, I'm relieved."
"C'mon! Let's go check out the match. Renamon's been holding her own and looks like she's about to win," Takato said. "And Blitzmon is taking it to Marine Devimon."
"Well, so far so good," Tea said. "C'mon, Renamon! Go!"
Back at the battle ring, Taomon lands back towards the ring. Ice Devimon takes a nosedive right towards Taomon and unleashes another array of icicles. The Tao master throws out of her Talisman spells to expel out Ice Devimon's attack. The ice demon growled furiously and shoots out an ice beam through his eyes. Taomon managed to maneuver to the side until Ice Devimon blasted her right leg with his ice beam. Taomon was stuck with her right leg turned into an ice block.
"Curses!"
"Yes, that's right, Renamon. You can't move from there. Now Rika shall witness as I tear you limb from limb."
Rika smashes her fists on the guardrail while crying out encouragement to her digimon partner.
"Taomon! C'mon! You have to break free! What exactly did Anubimon teach you anyway?! Let's see you put your new power to good use!"
"I can't use my new powers just yet. It's not worth it to take out Ice Devimon. I won't need them to defeat this fool," Taomon thought.
"C'mon, Renamon! I know you can do it! This ice freak has nothing on you!" Inumon calls out to his supposed 'lover'.
"Inumon… Yes, it's time for me to end this."
"What's that I'm hearing? You're planning to finish this already? That's really quite amusing."
"Amusing? Ha. You have no idea, Ice Devimon. As far as I'm concerned, you will be dead in a matter of moments."
"Oh, such an idle threat, but let's face it. You're stuck and can't even defend yourself. I'll make this as quick and painless as I can."
Ice Devimon leaps back and his right hand transmutes itself into a sharp ice dagger. The demon licks around the ice dagger and charges forward.
"This time I'm aiming straight for your heart!"
"Oh no! Taomon!!" Rika cried out.
"Do something!!" screamed Inumon. "Please, don't let it end this way!"
Taomon closed her eyes and remained calm despite being at a perilous situation. The ice demon was coming ever so closer with the ice dagger intact.
"I shall feast on your blood! Goodbye, Renamon!!"
As soon as Ice Devimon stabbed the ice dagger right through Taomon, the Tao master gasped in utter shock and looked down at the damage inflicted. Ice Devimon grinned maliciously as he dug the dagger deeper through her chest and listened for a loud pop.
Rika screamed out in absolute horror and attempted to jump the guardrail but Inumon was there to stop her. The fiery redhead struggled to break free of his grasp.
"Hey, let me go, Inumon! That bastard just killed my partner!"
"On the contrary, Ice Devimon was the one just killed right now."
"What?! But what does that have to do with Renamon?!"
"Heh. Take a look for yourself."
Rika turned towards the battle ring and finally realized that the 'Taomon' that was stabbed was merely a decoy. The real Taomon had appeared behind Ice Devimon and used her Talisman Overwrite to deal the final blow to Ice Devimon. This was one of Taomon's newest techniques, taught to her during the week of training. She had created a doppelganger to fool Ice Devimon while she took advantage of the distracted demon.
"Wow… Now that was a finish!" Rika exclaimed. "Way to dealt that ice freak!"
"She really did it!" Takato cheered. "Way to go, Taomon!"
"Yes! Just one down and one more to go," Joey said. "Take care of that Marine Devimon, Blitzmon!"
Taomon steps forward and watches as Ice Devimon collapses onto the ground. His body slowly started to disintegrate into fragments of data. He struggles to lift his head up. He managed to mutter a few choice words before his inevitable deletion.
"Renamon… Hehe, that was sneaky of you… Where did you manage to learn such a brilliant strategy…?"
"That's for me to know."
"Please, as a final request before my venture back to the… underworld…"
"You can thank Anubimon. He helped train us to enter this competition. Is that enough for you?"
"Yes… I finally realize that you are the better and… more suitable partner for Rika… I was so blind to not look at the truth… I shall spend the rest of my pathetic life in the dark area…"
Taomon grunts and started to walk away from the dying demon. However, Ice Devimon was not finished and this caused the Tao master to stop at her tracks.
"…Renamon… I salute you… You are worthy to face Pharaohmon's upper level henchmen… I'm merely a low level… Take good care of yourself and Rika… Farewell…"
With those final words muttered, Ice Devimon's form instantly vanished and his data was being sent straight towards the top of the stadium. Taomon steps out of the ring and looks back to watch the battle with the remaining two combatants.
"Taomon has eliminated Ice Devimon via death!" Etemon announced. "We're down to the three remaining competitors! Taomon, Marine Devimon and Rhino Kabuterimon! Only two can advance, but who will be eliminated?! We'll find out!"
So far, things weren't looking too bright for Marine Devimon. The newly evolved A-Hybrid was unleashing a devastating offensive attack on the aquatic devil. Taomon looks to the two combatants and takes off to aid Rhino Kabuterimon.
"One down and one more to go. I have to do what I can to prevent Marine Devimon from gaining a victory," the Taoist digimon thought.
"Thunder Laser!!"
Marine Devimon is nailed with another dangerous electric shot from Rhino Kabuterimon. If Marine Devimon endures any more punishment like this, he'll be defeated for sure. Rhino Kabuterimon was clearly becoming more overconfident as the match dragged on. Taomon came in and tosses out another one of her Talisman Spells to paralyze the demon. Marine Devimon managed to see it coming and moves to the side.
"I'm on my own! Now I do what it takes to avoid her spells!" the aquatic demon hissed.
"I'm still worn out from my battle with Ice Devimon. I have to do what it takes to eliminate this beast."
"That fool! He's not clearly thinking through on his attacks. He has power but he has to remain focused," Omegamon growled. "Marine Devimon will eventually take advantage. On the other hand, Taomon is doing what she can to weaken Marine Devimon. This could come to our advantage."
"You worry too much. Junpei will pull through. Ice Devimon was just wasted and that just leaves Marine Devimon for Junpei to eliminate," Agunimon stated. "Besides, he has Taomon there to aid him."
"No, he's right, Takuya," Wolfmon implied. "Junpei's getting too cocky with his newly acquired A-Hybrid."
"If only we could remind him to not let these new powers go straight to his head," sighed Fairymon.
"You can do it, Junpei! Stay focused!" Chakkoumon encouraged the thunder warrior.
Rhino Kabuterimon strolls forward and slams right into Marine Devimon.
"Marine Devimon looks to be out of it! " Lillymon announced.
"I'll take the count!" Etemon stated. "One! Two! Three! Four! Fi-… He's back up, and boy is he ever ticked off!"
Marine Devimon gets up back on his feet and started catching his breathe. Without Ice Devimon by his side anymore, he was left alone to deal with Rhino Kabuterimon and Taomon. It was down to basically a handicap, but then he realized that Taomon and Rhino Kabuterimon could still eliminate each other. He never expected the A-Hybrid to possess such a great deal of power. He was at a disadvantage by himself. He had to make a comeback and mark a win for Pharaohmon's side.
"There has to be a weakness to this fool's newly acquired form. Hey, wait a minute… This kid has been too arrogant with his new powers and he isn't thinking clearly. This leaves a good advantage for me. The right opportunity has presented itself. First, I'll have to immobilize Taomon to put my strategy to work."
"Hey! Where are you looking at, freak?! I'm clearly your opponent!"
"That makes two of us," Taomon replied.
"Ha! Yes! I see right through you, boy! You've been caught up with your new powers that you're already becoming arrogant. How foolish of you… Now I'm not afraid of the likes of you anymore. The same implies to you too, wench!"
"Hey! You have some nerve to talk down to me like that! Because of those comments, I'm taking you down!"
"Go, Marine Devimon! Score one for the bad guys!" Skull Satanmon cheered on from the crowds.
The aquatic demon turns his attention over to Taomon and slams his tentacle against the fatigued Taomon, which sends her plummeting back down into the ring. This quickly knocks Taomon out of the equation to leave Rhino Kabuterimon and Marine Devinmon. The fight with Ice Devimon had worn out Taomon and thus caused her to de-digivolve back into Renamon.
Marine Devimon turned towards the crowd and found his colleague consuming a handful of burgers. He shudders at the number of cheeseburgers that Skull Satanmon has eaten over the past week. Marine Devimon turns his attention back to Rhino Kabuterimon and cackles.
"This battle match is over for you, boy! Now that I've seen through your apparent weakness, I'm ending the match quick and reveal to this audience that you're nothing more than just a fraud. Legendary warrior, my butt!"
"Marine Devimon… You have some nerve to say that," the thunder warrior growled intensely. "Now! I'm wailing on you for disrespecting the good name of Blitzmon!"
With that said, Rhino Kabuterimon lets out a loud battle cry and charges forward to deal the finishing blow to the aquatic demon. However, Marine Devimon has a few surprises up his sleeve.
"Hehehe. Time to end this match."
"You're going down, sucker! Condenser Storm!"
With that said, Rhino Kabuterimon sends out a massive ball of lighting towards Marine Devimon. The demon managed to maneuver to the left side to avoid the blast but it was homing in onto Marine Devimon. The A-Hybrid was remotely controlling the blast to follow out on every one of Marine Devimon's movements.
"Nice try pal, but my attack is remotely controlled. I'm going to follow out on every move you make. You're screwed no matter what!"
"That's what he thinks…"
Marine Devimon takes off out the ring and diverts the electrical energy ball out from the ring. He takes off to where Skull Satanmon was sitting amongst the crowd. He leaps through the crowd and grabs Skull Satanmon.
"Hey, what's the big idea?! You almost made me choke on my cheeseburgers!"
"I need you to cover for me again!"
"Hey, wait a minute! I didn't sign up for this!"
"Off you go!"
Marine Devimon tosses his companion out from the audience and towards the lightning ball. Skull Satanmon is struck head on and electrocuted in the process. This gave Marine Devimon time to phase away from Rhino Kabuterimon's sight and take advantage of the A-Hybrid.
"YOU TRICKSTER! OW! THAT TICKLES!" Skull Satanmon screamed out.
As Skull Satanmon falls down in an unconscious state, Rhino Kabuterimon had realized that Marine Devimon had disappeared from sight.
"Now, where did he go?!"
"Junpei! Behind you!" the warriors screamed out.
Before Rhino Kabuterimon can even react, he was too late to even turn to make eye contact with the enemy. The aquatic demon slammed his tentacles against Rhino Kabuterimon and sprayed him with his deadly poisonous ink. Renamon slowly looks over to the battle ensuing and watched Rhino Kabuterimon being punished by Marine Devimon's deadly ink. She attempts to get back on her feet and charges forward. Unfortunately, she wasn't going to make it in time to save Rhino Kabuterimon from being immobilized. Marine Devimon had played his trump cards well. Rhino Kabuterimon groaned out in agony as the ink started to eat away at his metal body like acid.
"Damn... I'm too late..." Renamon cursed under her breathe.
"Gotcha! You have no means to escape my deadly ink! It will eat through your metal body!"
"I have no choice… but to de-evolve… or else I'm a goner…"
As Rhino Kabuterimon de-digivolved back to Blitzmon, he fell to his knees. The thunder warrior managed to catch his breath but Etemon saw this as a form of surrender and gives a signal to Lillymon.
"It seems to me that the kid is unable to continue. So, I've declared Marine Devimon and Renamon to be the winners! They will be apart of the 16 combatants to advance to the next round."
"There you have it! Our first battle royale is completed and we have determined our winners! Renamon and Marine Devimon advance!"
On the big screen, hologram images of the four combatants were shown. The picture of Ice Devimon was crossed out to signify his elimination. Renamon's picture was circled as an indication that she had qualified for the next round. Blitzmon's pictured was marked out while Marine Devimon's image was circled.
"If Marine Devimon hadn't cheap shot me, I would have surely saved Blitzmon," Renamon muttered. "I really tried my best... Ice Devimon really worn me out. Well, at least I'm qualified to advance. That's all that matters. I have to be thankful that Marine Devimon didn't take advantage to eliminate me. He could have, but he didn't."
With that said, Renamon limped out of the ring to leave Marine Devimon to boast about his victory. Blitzmon, on the other hand, wasn't very pleased with the result.
"Darn! I can't believe I got so cocky with my new powers! Omegamon was right when he told us to be responsible with our new powers. I blew it…"
"Heh. Tough luck, kid. I'm a winner and you're not," Marine Devimon chuckled. "Who knows? Maybe I ought to have a little fun with the rest of your wretched friends. Be sure to see me wipe them out in the next round, boy."
Blitzmon steps out from the ring and looks down in shame for his arrogant actions. The aquatic demon blows out kisses to the crowd and moved through the crowd to grab the unconscious Skull Satanmon.
"Ugh… No more cheeseburgers for you. I don't see how you can weigh this much despite being just bones."
Just as Blitzmon reached the entranceway, the legendary warriors commended his efforts. Omegamon didn't seem pleased as he stood behind the entryway.
"You did a great job, Junpei. Though, you did let your arrogance blind you," Wolfmon said.
"Just be glad you even had a chance to take part in this event. You were really awesome out there despite the loss," Chakkoumon stated.
"Maybe you should have let me compete in thy fool's place," Mercuremon suggested to Omegamon. "I would have seen thy demon no mercy."
"I wanted to give Junpei a chance, but I overlooked his arrogance," said Omegamon. "Blitzmon. We need to have a talk a little later."
"Just the two of us?"
"Yes."
"Oh, boy…"
"Good luck with the big guy, Junpei," Agunimon teased.
"Don't worry, Junpei. We'll be sure to win our matches and avenge your loss," Fairymon cheered the thunder warrior up.
"Thanks, guys. I really need it."
"Don't be hard on yourself," Ranamon said. "You were really awesome out there as Rhino Kabuterimon."
"Thanks, I really appreciate it."
"Ladies and gentlemen! If I may have your undivided attention, we have now set the bracket boards. As of now, we have completed one duel match up and Yugi Muto has advanced over Bakura to the next round. He will from there await to face the winner of the Nemesis-Himura match up!"
On the bracket board for the duel tournament, Yugi's name was displayed. A yellow line was glowing along through a straight line and curved into another box where the duelist's name appeared.
"Way to go, Yug!" Joey exclaimed. "I knew you'd be in the next round, but next round you're gonna face either Nemesis, or Himura match."
"I know. I just hope Himura manages to pull through and saves his sister from that demoness."
"He'll pull through. All he has to do is not let Nemesis play any mind games on him and he'll be set to crush her," Takato said.
"We had better tell Himura that," Tea said. "He hasn't been looking too hot after the announcers revealed that his first opponent would be Nemesis."
Back towards the top levels of the stadium, Rika and Inumon helped lead the fatigued Renamon through the roaring crowds. Himura was waiting for them.
"Man, these crowds can really get to you sometimes," Rika stated.
"This is why I prefer more private locations," replied Renamon. "Crowds like these can get way out of hand."
"Great job out there, my Renamon," Inumon said. "You kicked plenty of butt out there."
"Thank you, Inumon. I hope you manage to make it through."
"I will. If it means to get my hands on Basilikmon again, I will do whatever it takes to win."
"Let's cut the chit chat you two. I want to get away from these crowds as soon as possible," said Rika. "Himura! You think you can lend us a hand here?"
The boy stepped forward and helped to guide Inumon through the condensed crowd. Renamon punched out several perverted, drunk Numemon.
"Hey, you keep your grubby hands off my beloved!" Inumon threatened the Numemon.
"Did you really have to call me your 'beloved'?" Renamon asked.
"But aren't you my beloved?" Inumon snickered.
"Please, let me at him, Rika…"
"Not now. You need plenty of rest until your next match. I wonder who you'll end up competing against?"
"I just pray that it's Kuzuhamon."
"Kuzuhamon?"
"It's a long story, Rika…"
Himura looks across at the bracket screen to find his next underneath Nemesis. The inevitable battle to save his young sister was well underway and there was only one way to rescue Yui. That was to duel and defeat Nemesis at all costs. Himura looks back at the fond memories of himself and Yui over the years. He's always been there for look after Yui and his godparents had there to support them since the loss of their family in the accident.
"Yui. The time has come for me to rescue you. I vowed to always be at your side and I will do whatever it takes to set you free. Even if it means Nemesis taking away my own life…"
"Himura. You okay?" Inumon asked.
"For now until my duel…"
"Don't sweat it, Himura. We know you can do this. You're not afraid of Nemesis. Don't let her intimidate you, because inside of that monster is a scared little girl. It's up to you to save her."
"Please, Himura. Don't wimp out on us just because she's your sister. You have to be willing and determined," Dark Gabumon stated. "Or else we may never see Yui again… But, whatever you do, don't put all the pressure on yourself. Stay strong, my friend."
"You guys have been my biggest support. Don't worry. I won't let you down. Yui's coming back home."
"Now, that's the Himura I grew to like," Inumon replied. "Come on. They're about to announce the next matches for the tournaments."
"All right! If I may have your attention, we're going to be moving along with the dual-tournaments!" Lillymon addressed the digimon crowd. "We will begin by drawing the next match from this lottery. First off, the duel match…"
Lillymon reaches down into the lottery basket and pulls out a piece of paper. She unfolds it and reads through on the next match.
"The next duel match will feature Duke Devlin and Takato Matsuda!"
With that said, Takato pulled out his cards and placed them into his newly acquired duel disk. He received this from the sign-in committee after revealing that he was going to be taking part in the duel tournament. Before he steps out towards the duel dome, Yugi approaches him.
"Takato. I just want to wish you luck."
"Thanks, Yugi. Don't worry. It's just me and Duke."
"He's a Master with the dice, but I'm sure you can handle it. We're rooting for you," Joey said.
Duke Devlin came walking down from the stairway and towards the entranceway. He had his duel disk and card deck ready. The Dungeon Dice creator approaches the group.
"Hey, Yugi. That was a tough duel. Glad you managed to pull through. Takato. Are you ready for a butt kicking?"
"Like that'll ever happen, Duke."
"We'll see about that, kid. Let's go."
"Good luck, Takato!" Tea calls out to the boy.
"I'll be supporting you all the way, Takatomon!"
The goggle head waves to his friends and follows Duke towards the duel dome. The crowd responded with a mixed reaction for the duelists. Lillymon draw out a piece of paper from the lottery to determine the next battle match. She opens it up and reveals the match.
"The next match for the battle royale will pit the following four competitors! Inumon, Basilikmon, Chakkoumon and Terriermon! If you are here, then step on up!"
Terriermon leaped up into excitement at the sound of his name and looks out to the crowd. He was becoming delusional and began thinking that the crowds were chanting for his name.
"Listen to them, Henry… She! Listen… They are chanting for my name…"
"Oh brother."
Suzie runs up to Terriermon and gives him a big hug. However, Terriermon wasn't so pleased at having the life squeezed out of him.
"Good luck, Terriermon. We're rooting for you."
"You and Inumon to be more specific," Lopmon stated.
"By the time this tournament ends, I'm becoming the one time… one time… one time…" he said, simulating an echo, "Digimon champion! Now can you dig that?!"
Just as Terriermon walks away, there was a sudden moment of silence with the Wong siblings. Their peaceful moment abruptly ended as Terriermon returned and put his face in front of Henry and screamed out a favorite catchphrase of his.
"SUCKA!! Can you smell what the Terriermon is cooking!"
"Yeah and you need a breath mint," Henry gagged.
"You're just jealous."
"Hey, little sucka. You ready to get this over with?" Inumon asked.
"You bet! Let's kick some booty!"
Inumon turns towards Renamon and winks to her.
"Wish me luck?"
"Yes. Good luck, Inumon. Be strong and don't turn away from your opponents. Watch out for Terriermon. He's a sneaky one."
"Right."
After blowing a kiss to Renamon, the dark canine walks down the stairway to follow out Terriermon. The digimon crowds were cheering madly for the duo.
"They love me! They really love me!" Terriermon basked in glory.
Meanwhile, at one of the top skyboxes to the arena, Pharaohmon motions over to Basilikmon with an approving nod.
"Do not worry, my lord. I shall not fail like that fool Ice Devimon. Inumon will be in that match and he shall be dealt with."
"Do not underestimate him, Basilikmon. He's been training under Anubimon and if I know him any better, he would have helped that weakling gain a tremendous amount of power."
"I'll be sure to keep an eye on him, Lord Pharaohmon."
"Interesting to see that Yugi has advanced. So far, things aren't looking too bright for our side," Nemesis said as she sipped a glass of red wine.
"On the contrary, Marine Devimon has advanced. Bakura was merely a pawn and nothing more. I knew he wouldn't be the one to defeat Yugi. I have reserved that room for either you or Lance to steal away his Millennium Puzzle."
"It'll be my pleasure to crush Yugi after I finish off Yui's beloved brother, Himura."
"I take it you will handle Himura with no trouble."
"None whatsoever. I have a little game planned for that fool that involves his dear, sweet sister. Awww, it's so fun to toy with the mind of the weak."
"However, if it ends up with Lance taking Yugi on, then you will have to reserve those plans. It won't matter in the end. Either Yugi escapes with the Puzzle or doesn't, I'm still in the battle matches and I guarantee a victory."
"Yes, you shall triumph my lord."
The two demonic entities shared a toast and drank down their glasses of wine. Basilikmon leaves the skybox to make it down towards the battle arena to officially show up for the battle royal match. It was his opportunity to finish off Inumon.
"Inumon. I'll be sure to send you straight to Hell, where you can join Kotori!"
Back at the battle arena site, Chakkoumon was the third combatant to walks down the entryway. He waves out to his fellow warriors behind the entrance.
"Finally, it's time to show off what I can do," Chakkoumon said. "Man, just look at this crowd. I can't believe Junpei actually had to put up with this. C'mon, Chakkoumon. Be strong."
Inumon and Terriermon stood at the center of the ring waiting for the arrival of Chakkoumon.
"Lookie! It's Chakkoumon!" Terriermon said. "This ought to be pretty good."
"Basilikmon is in this battle royale match. Terriermon, you leave that snake to me. Got it? I have unfinished business with him."
"Understood," Terriermon replied in a serious manner. "After what he did, I can't blame you."
"Thanks, Terriermon."
"On the other hand, we don't we triple team that snake bastard. We can take him out of the tournament if we work together," Terriermon said. "Besides, we shouldn't even be fighting Chakkoumon until we get rid of Basilikmon."
"As long as I get to kill him, I don't care. I'm sure Chakkoumon would agree to our terms."
"Cool. Hehe. We're so going to lay the smack down on Basilikmon's candy ass."
"Do you always have to rip off The Rock?"
"Yeah, cause he comes up with such funny and corny lines. We both have a lot in common."
"Oh brother..." Inumon muttered while lowering his head.
Looking on through his skybox was Anubimon and Seadramon. The moment has finally arrived for Inumon to avenge the loss of Seadramon's beloved friend, Kotori.
"Go, Inumon. Finish that damn snake for the crime he has committed by slaying my partner," Seadramon hissed.
"I assure you that he'll destroy Basilikmon, Seadramon."
"I hope so. I want Basilikmon to pay for what he's done to Inumon and myself. He's all yours, my friend. Don't let me down…"
"It's good to see Renamon advancing, Seadramon. Don't you think?"
"Yes and it will be even better when Inumon and Terriermon earn their victories here."
"Hmmm. I'm sensing the presence of the Digital Priestess outside of this arena. Yes, she is here. With the tournament already in progress, she and those girls are looking for that sword to reawaken the Priestess' powers. If she manages to turn in time, she can seal away Pharaohmon once again. Our hopes lie on your shoulders, my Priestess. Get here as soon as you can."
Many miles away from the Phoenix Arena
The desolate landscape was much too challenging for the Sailor Senshi to endure. However, Rei and Cammy helped to lead their group through a treacherous sandstorm along the way.
"Ugh! This sandstorm is ruining my hair!" Minako complained.
"It won't be long now until this storm starts to die down," Ami reassured the team.
"Darn. I just wonder if Haruka and Michiru have already taken part in their matches just yet," Makoto wondered.
"I don't know but let's hope they're doing just fine for the moment," Rei said. "Cammy. Do you see a river valley yet?"
"Not yet. This storm is blocking our view. I can't even see two feet in front of me."
"Allow me," Setsuna said as she raised her garnet rod. "I'm sensing the presence of life just a few yards from our current position. Yes, there seems to be a source of water flowing through a fertile landscape. It's just ahead."
"Then, let's keep going," Rei said. "We have to find that sword as soon as possible."
With that said, the Sailors strolled through the sandstorm. It would only be a matter of time before the storm dies down and leaves an open opportunity for them to venture easily into the river valley. However, they were not aware of the fact that they were followed.
Several Scrabmon emerged from the sand and concealed themselves from being seen. The sandstorm would provide them the perfect camouflage to plan a sneak attack on the Senshi.
Phoenix Arena
Back at the battle arena, Etemon gathered the three competitors together in the ring. Meanwhile, Takato and Duke were preparing their decks for the upcoming duel.
Finally emerging from the entranceway was none other than the treacherous snake himself, Basilikmon. Inumon immediately growls deeply and shows an expression of hatred towards his nemesis.
"At last, I finally get my chance to avenge Kotori for you, Seadramon. I won't let you down my friend."
With the first matches of both tournaments finished, we move onto the second set of matches. Duke will duel Takato. Just how well will Takato fair against an experienced opponent like Duke Devlin? And how about the battle royale? We have Terriermon, Chakkoumon, Inumon and Basilikmon in the second battle royale. Just what lengths will Inumon and Basilikmon go to destroy one another? It seems as though this rivalry will not end here in this match. Will the Senshi find the sword before the Scrabmon intervene? All these questions will be answered soon.
PREVIEW
Inumon: Hey, everyone! This is Inumon! Just letting you guys know not to miss out on the battle royale. Basilikmon is all mine as far as I'm concerned! I will avenge Kotori's death!
Terriermon: Chakkoumon! Let's give him a hand! If we take the snake out, then it's down to just us three!
Chakkoumon: Done deal!
Anubimon: These two will tear one another apart at this rate. Please, I advise you to watch yourself, Inumon.
Takato: Plus, I get to duel with the creator of Dungeon Dice!
Duke: Takato. You're way out of your league, kid. I'm advancing to the next round as far as I'm concerned.
Takato: You sure talk big, but let's see you back it up. Yugi's given me some pretty useful cards. So I wouldn't underestimate me if I were you, Dukey.
Yusuke: We didn't even get to show up in the last chapter! Well, we better be in the next or else I'm kicking somebody's ass.
Hiei: Gee, I wonder what kind of exhibition that they have planned for me. The opponent better be worth my time.
Mercuremon: Omegamon. If you will permit, I'd like to take Arbormon out to help with the Senshi girls. Me thinks that they may be running into some trouble.
Omegamon: Very well.
Yugi: A lot is going to take place in the next chapter! Don't miss out on it! The next chapter is entitled…
Takato Takes Center Stage! Inumon and Basilikmon Renew Their Grudge!
Rei: Scrabmon! Damn, I should have known Pharaohmon would be hunting us down.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
The first tournament matches have been completed. Man, already we're getting into some heated matches. First, I'd like to once again thank LazerWulf. He's been helping me big time with the duels, especially this one with Bakura and Yugi. Thanks a lot, man. You're a lifesaver. I give full credit to LazerWulf for the upcoming duels. The next set of matches will be great. So don't you miss out on them. Until then, I'm heading out. Peace!