Yo! It's me! Good to be back once again and it's back to writing my fics. Yay! I've just finished my finals in order to provide you guys with some action-packed dueling and battle royale competition. Wow, it's a miracle! I've actually posted a chapter early! Let's hope the trend continues.

Most of you guys have been waiting for this chapter. It's the long-awaited duel between Himura and Nemesis. Can our Himura save his little sister from the clutches of Nemesis, or will he fall in defeat? Hope you're reading, Youko and Belletiger. In addition, let's not forget the battle royale featuring the mystery digimon! Oh and I give full credit of the created digimon to LazerWulf. He's the one who provided the idea.

Anyway, that's enough rambling out of me. Let's get on with the fic. Enjoy this dramatic chapter. It's set to be intense.

Yui's Cries of Anguish! Himura Summons His Guardian of Light!

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Phoenix Arena

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Emotions were now running high as Himura was still in distress over the announcement. His duel with Nemesis was next. He did not want to face the evil witch after she nearly killed him durring their last encounter. He could remember her bloodlust and the torturous nature of Pharaohmon's mistress. However, despite having a demonic exterior, there was still a sad, little girl begging to have her soul freed from the evil that had consumed her.

Gripping his card deck, the dark-blue haired boy placed it inside his duel disk and starts walking down the hallway. He puts on a face of determination while attempting to hide the fear. The Tamers and the Duelists watched as their friend was preparing to duel his most intense match ever. This could very well be the most dangerous duel of the tournament thus far, considering the unpredictable nature of Nemesis.

As Jeri attempted to run up to Himura, Felinismon put a hand on her shoulder. The feline gives a single nod. Inumon, Anubimon and Dark Gabumon watch as their friend sets off towards the steps leading to the ground level.

"Leave him be everyone. This will be the greatest challenge in his life," Anubimon informed the group. "If I know Himura, he will do everything within the fiber of his body to save his little sister. There's no talking him out of this."

"I just hope he'll come out of this in good condition," Jeri hoped.

"I can't be too sure of that, if Nemesis is any indication. You saw how ruthless she can really be," Inumon replied with a sigh. "Dark Gabumon. Felinismon. Shouldn't you two get ready for your match?"

"Yeah! Thanks for reminding us!" Felinismon perked. "Let's get going, shorty."

"Argh! Don't call me that!"

With that said, Dark Gabumon follows ahead with Felinismon towards the steps. Takato and Rika look on ahead to the arena floor to see Etemon stepping into the ring.

"Wow, they're not wasting anymore time with these next set of matches," Takato said.

"What do you expect? These digimon were getting restless. So, has dino-boy finished celebrating?"

"Knowing him, he's probably at the bread bar," Takato sighed. "We'll find him later. He and that Yusuke guy have already gained a huge fan following. They should enjoy it."

"Yeah and become trampled by crazy fan girls," replied Tea. "I feel bad for Himura. That look on his face... He certainly didn't want to go along with this duel."

"But he knows that it was inevitable," Inumon stated. "Right, Anubimon?"

"Mmhmm. He knows it. I know it. We all knew it was going to happen. It is Himura's destiny to face Nemesis and do everything he can to save his sister."

"I have faith in Himura. We should all show our support," Yugi encouraged his friends. "Don't you think, Takato?"

"Yeah. Himura is our dearest friend, guys. The guy has been through so much misery. As friends, we have been there for him and have even stuck by his side when Nemesis nearly took his life. Since then, we have stuck by his side. I know Henry would agree with me if he were here."

"Dude, you couldn't be even more right. I just got to know that kid and he's already 'cool' in my book," Kazu said. "Besides, he showed me some pretty cool cards I could never dream of collecting!"

"Ditto here," Kenta nodded. "He's a Tamer just like us!"

Stepping up towards the guardrails alongside Rika and Takato, Jeri leaned across as she gazed off to the arena floor. She waited in anticipation for the boy she has grown quite attached to for the past week.

"Jeri...? Do you have anything to say?" Rika asked.

"Good luck, Himura," she managed to whisper under her breath.

"Jeri. You really do care for Himura, don't you?" Inumon replied in thoughts. "Oh, Himura. You have to pull through. Not just for us, but for Jeri and for Yui."

"Dear, child. I understand what you are going through. I would much rather be me out there in that duel instead of Himura. Nevertheless, Himura must work this out on his own. We, as his friends, can not intervene with family issues," Anubimon thought while staring towards Jeri's direction.

"You think we can keep the chit chat down. Looks like they're getting ready to get on with the announcement," Joey said.

"Well, how observant," quipped Tristan.

"So, we're already down to the last three sets of matches? They should prove to be very interesting," Duke stated promptly.

"There's no telling who will advance. Besides, looks like we meet again, Joseph," Mai snickered.

"Hope you're ready to go one on one. I've improved since the last time we've dueled. The Joester is going to walk all over you!"

"I'd like to see you try, Joey. Then again, maybe I'll simply mop the floor with you since I lost our last duel."

"So, you expect me to roll over and let you win? Is that what you're suggesting?"

"Yes, Joey, that's what I meant," Mai sighed.

"Wow! I can't wait for this! That last duel was great. I bet this one will be quite the show!" Witchmon giggled.

Nearly everyone within the group turned towards Witchmon's direction to shoot her a dirty glare. The witch was taken back by their intimidating looks. She began to shrink away until she moped about to herself.

"I'll just keep my mouth shut from now on," Witchmon sighed in depression.

"You have to understand, Witchmon," Seadramon reminded her, "this is Himura's duel. You know this means a lot to him. He's doing it to rescue his sister. Try to understand his situation."

"Of course I do," Witchmon responded with a serious tone. "Oh, Himura. Poor kid. It's all on you now. Save your sweet little sister."

"Yami. You think Himura has a chance? I'm worried about him. His sister is inside that monster."

"This will be a very difficult duel to say the least. Himura must not only win this duel but reach out to Yui in any way he can. It's the only possible solution to freeing her. Remember when your grandfather, Kaiba and Mokuba had their souls stolen by Pegasus? When you defeated him, they were set free. If Himura can knock off Nemesis in this tournament, not only will he advance but quite possibly free his sister."

"What if Nemesis doesn't live up to her word? There's no way we should trust a monster like her."

"Then, I'm sure Anubimon himself will take matters to his own hands. Himura must have faith in himself."

"Everyone! May I have your attention? I know you boys are pumped for the upcoming battle royal! This one is sure to be a killer as we reveal the mystery opponent that has been handpicked to take part in our competition! So, why don't we bring down our combatants? Monkey-boy, if you don't mind."

"None at all, milady!"

"Ugh, would you not call me that?"

"If you stop calling me monkey-boy. Ahem. Ladies and gents! Allow me to introduce to you the first two of our four combatants! Please, stand up and let us hear it for... Felinismon and Dark Gabumon!"

The crowds within the audience erupted with a loud ovation. Jeri showed her support by cheering out her partner. The others, including Anubimon, showed their support by giving their two comrades a round of applause.

"Their opponents are not just each other, but Wardevidramon and the mystery warrior," Renamon reminded the group. "In case you've forgotten, we've already failed to defeat Wardevidramon."

"Plus, we even had the Legendary Warriors on our side!" Takato replied.

"How could I forget?" Kazu exclaimed. "That guy was insanely powerful! He knocked away our best shots. Even Gallantmon had trouble with him!"

"Whoa! Whoa! That means that Dark Gabumon and Felinismon don't stand a chance!" Guardromon freaked out. "We're doomed! They're doomed!"

"Why don't you two put a cork in it?" Tea sighed as she rubbed her head."

"Geez, and you guys think I get paranoid?" Joey nodded in shame.

"Hey, we were just being overdramatic!" Kazu and his partner chuckled out in unison.

"Well, overdramatic or not, they're right," Jeri replied. "On the other hand, Felinismon said she and Dark Gabumon have thought of the perfect strategy in case something happens during the match."

"Um, care to fill us in?" asked Inumon.

"Yeah, I'm curious to find out," Tristan scratched his head.

"You'll find out in due time."

Felinismon stepped into the ring and blew kisses to the crowd. On the other side of the ring, Dark Gabumon throws up a peace sign for his fellow digimon. There was a warm and welcoming reception for the duo as they prepared to take part in a rather tough match with slim chances of victory. One of their opponents is Wardevidramon. He is a monster who even took Gallantmon's best attacks head on. The fourth competitor has left almost everyone within the arena in suspense and pondering.

"You doing all right, Dark Gabumon? Getting nervous?" Felinismon asked.

"No, but I'm wondering who our fourth opponent could really be."

"I'm not so sure myself, but we have to remain on guard when it comes to Wardevidramon. He is strong. Heck, he's managed to hold off the Tamers already. What chance in digi-hell do we stand?"

"We'll pull through. I just know we will!"

"You can't even digivolve without Yui. Those are some bold words from a rookie."

"Well, for our sake, I hope we find a miracle."

"Remember on the strategy we were discussing before the match?"

"Yep. I sure do remember. Let's make it count."

"Now to bring out, the monster of demolition! The dragon of devastation! Here comes Wardevidramon!" Etemon announced.

As soon as the beast's name was called, the stadium crowds were letting out their opinions on viral beast with a shower of boos. However, those 'boos' suddenly started to fade as a large shadow loomed over the top of the stadium. Everyone, including the combatants, looked up towards the heavens as a black figure descended upon the interior of the stadium. All were in awe at the sight of the infamous Wardevidramon.

However, one individual was none too happy to become reacquainted with the beast. That was Omegamon. The Royal Knight started to unsheathe his blade through his War Greymon arm, but he managed to restrain himself.

"Omegamon. Calm yourself. Look, we know about your past with this guy," Agunimon stated.

"Please, try to control yourself. I'm sure these two and that fourth competitor can triple team this guy," Fairymon assured the royal knight. "At least, I hope..."

"Hoping usually doesn't get us anywhere. This monster is too powerful for these two," growled Wolfmon.

"I'm not losing faith! There's always room for an upset!" Blitzmon said with encouragement.

Omegamon let out a sigh of relief and closed his War Greymon mouth to sheath away his blade. He steps across to gain a huge view of the arena itself.

"Wardevidramon. I hope you fall. Whether one of these two does it or the mystery combatant does it, it really doesn't make a difference to me. Your crimes cannot go unpunished. Having battled you countless of times, all those lives you've took, they shall be avenged..."

"MY! MY! Just look at the size of this guy!" Lillymon shrieked through the microphone. "He's nearly the size of half the entire ring itself! How is he going to be able to compete! Then again, Machinedramon was half his size and a helicopter was needed to pull him out of the stadium."

Even Neemon and Bokomon were speechless from within the crowd audience. The so-called 'Keeper of the Book' had his mouth widened in awe, but Neemon was still happily grubbing on some gummy worms. Bokomon took notice of his comrade's excessive appetite and snapped his fingers in front of his face.

"Hey, you buffoon! Aren't you in awe at the sight of this monstrosity!"

"Um... Not really. We've seen bigger."

"That's besides the point! This is the infamous Wardevidramon!"

"War-who-dramon?"

"WARDEVIDRAMON!"

"Ohhhhhhhh! Wait, I don't ever remember hearing about him."

"That's because you're too much of a dolt to even remember him from Digimon history class! He and Omegamon have battled in countless wars in the past. Binding the beast in the human world, Omegamon left to never return. Wardevidramon was sealed and eventually buried away since the humans claimed he was nothing more than a useless structure. Do you understand now? Does that at least refresh your memory in that feeble little mind of yours?"

"Um... Wait, who's Omegamon?"

With that said, Bokomon grabbed Neemon's pants and gave him the infamous 'pants slap' on the poor rabbit. The yellow rabbit howled out in pain once feeling the whiplash of his own pants slapped against his rear.

"YEOW!"

"AH! So, it's just you two! No matter! This should prove to be quite amusing. Isn't that right, Felinismon? It'll be a pleasure to crush you, traitor."

"Traitor! Feh! Do not misunderstand! I quit! Working for Pharaohmon makes me want to vomit!"

"Same goes for me, pal!" Dark Gabumon retorted. "You can tell Pharaohmon that his job security bites!"

"My, my. You two have shown betrayal for our dear master. Very well then. In the name of Lord Pharaohmon, I will consume you! How's that sound for a nice fitting death?"

"Bold threats from the infamous Wardevidramon! Nevertheless, finally yet importantly, let us bring out that fourth competitor! Give it up for our mystery warrior!"

As she made the one announcement concerning the mystery combatant, nearly everyone in the audience crowds were shut into silence. Not a single word was uttered as footsteps were heard approaching the entrance. Next, there were two feet emerging. Then came a pair of armed gauntlets with claws equipped. A pair of yellow eyes opened wide within the dark tunnel of the entrance. Then, came a loud horrifying roar that managed to scare the wits off nearly half the stadium. The presence was indeed intimidating. Even Felinismon and Dark Gabumon gulped at the very same time. Their hearts stopped beating as loud footsteps were heard stomping across the entranceway.

"Um, so... You really think this guy is on our side?" Dark Gabumon asked.

"How should I know!"

"Well, you have worked for him at one point."

"So have you! Honestly, I have no idea of who this might be. However, I can tell you. This one has overwhelming power. Maybe a mega level."

"Mega level! Oh, man! Oh, man! We're screwed! The two of us against two megas! We have to make sure we advance to the next round!"

"It'll take a miracle, my friend. This just may be our final stand. I know. It sucks, doesn't it?"

"Well, yeah! I don't want to die!"

As the mystery opponent emerged out of the entrance, the audiences were in awe at the sight of the chosen warrior. Indeed, no one had seen this coming. Yet, Omegamon didn't seem at all surprised as he stared off at the revealed warrior and uttered one name.

"BlackWarGreymon..."

"What! You mean BlackWarGreymon from the TV show!" Agunimon exclaimed. "Unreal!"

"I didn't think he'd be real!" Fairymon gasped.

Even the Tamers and the Duelists were taken back in awe, but none of them was more surprised than Takato. His mouth literally dropped. Just gazing upon the mere presence of this revered digimon brought back memories of the Digimon Zero Two series.

"He brings back memories. Doesn't he, goggle head?" Rika asked the boy.

"From the second Digimon television series... Yeah, he literally wrecked the Chosen Children!" Takato gasped. "If this guy is on Pharaohmon's side, then Felinismon and Dark Gabumon are in trouble!"

"Plus, Dark Gabumon can't even digivolve without Yui!" Inumon reminded everyone.

"Then again, we didn't expect the likes of Demon, Piedmon or even Machinedramon show up in our world!" Kazu panicked.

"Anubimon, didn't you say these monsters were prisoners from the Dark Area?"

"That's correct, Yugi. Their data was previously dispersed from another world and transferred into the Dark Area. The four Sovereigns bestowed me the title of the Underworld lord. I am to guard the dark souls that have plagued many other worlds and confine them there."

"Other worlds? It explains why the likes of Piedmon and Demon are here," Kenta said.

"If that's the case, could be possible that the characters from the television exist in another world?" Takato wondered. "What if the Chosen are real?"

"It's a possibility," Rika replied. "If guys like BlackWarGreymon can show up here, then I'll believe anything. Nevertheless, why would he even bother serving for Pharaohmon? Last I checked, he helped the Chosen."

"Sometimes certain data can become corrupted when entering the Dark Area. There are instances where a being loses their memories from their previous lifetime," Anubimon explained. "That could explain BlackWarGreymon aligning with Pharaohmon, but I'm not so sure myself."

"Whatever the case, those two are in big trouble," Tea said. "Oh man... That guy from the TV show was bad enough but he being real is scary."

"Tea. I didn't know you watched Digimon Adventure," Tristan teased the girl.

"Well... Yeah! So what? I thought Taichi was cute!"

"I was a fan of Hikari, myself," Yugi replied. "You're not alone in this, Tea. That was one of my favorite shows."

"Well, guess I was the only one who missed out. Unless Joey missed out too?"

"To tell you the truth, Tristan. I had a slight crush on that Mimi girl," Joey snickered. "She even kind of reminds me of somebody I know in a way."

Joey directed his attention over to Mai and whistled to himself. The blonde female grew suspicious of Joey and sighed to herself.

"And you can be quite the puppy dog Daisuke was. You and he share many of those fun qualities. Ah, what am I saying?"

As soon as the group turned their attention back to the ring, BlackWarGreymon stepped inside the ring. He set his sights on both Felinismon and Dark Gabumon. Wardevidramon chuckled to himself once the dragon warrior became accustomed to standing in the ring with his three opponents.

"It's good to know that you are indeed fighting for our cause, BlackWarGreymon."

"..."

"Cat got your tongue? Well, I guess we should be able to cooperate. We must eliminate these two and then we shall advance to the next round. Lord Pharaohmon's been very upset with the recent losses. Let's make sure not to upset him."

"..."

"Not in the mood to speak? Fine then. Do what you will with these fools. Just make sure you leave me some."

"This is getting intense ladies and gents! We're just moments away from the beginning of the match's start. However, before we commence with the action. Let's bring out our two duelists!"

With that said, eyes were set on the entranceway. The first to come walking down was the dark blue-haired boy with the bandage cloth over his left eye. Inumon was hollering out towards his human friend/partner. Anubimon, Jeri, Seadramon and Witchmon showed their support for the young boy by calling out his name in encouragement.

"HIMURA! YOU CAN DO IT!" Inumon cheered out.

"We believe in you! Defeat that witch and set Yui free!" Takato exclaimed.

"Ladies and gentlemon! Please welcome the human friend of Anubimon's faithful warriors! He is the trainer and friend of Inumon! Give it up for Himura Tsubasa!"

"I really hope he pulls through. He and his sister have been through enough pain as it is," Rika sighed.

"You can do it, Himura! Now you'll show Nemesis the kind of duelist you really are!" Jeri calls out.

"Now, is it just me or has Jeri become a little attached to our Himura? Hmmm..." Witchmon thought.

Looking over towards the audience stands to where his friends were waving; he returned a wave and slightly smiled. Mixed emotions were running through his mind. He wasn't too sure if he had the confidence to confront Nemesis again, let alone a duel. He doubted the mistress would treat this as a fair and honorable duel.

"I can do this. Yui needs me and I have to save her in anyway possible!"

Himura stepped inside the duel dome and his face became a mask a confidence. Turning his attention to the entranceway, he saw a raven-haired woman stepping out of the shadows. Her hair was tied back in a long ponytail, a ninja mouth-mask concealed her lips and a duel disk was attached to her left arm. The digimon crowds were simply in stunned to notice how attractive this woman appeared. Little do they realize that this beautiful creature has the heart of a devil and no remorse for even the tiniest living creature.

"My... What a sight," Lillymon gasped. "Yet, I cannot show any support for someone who obviously aligns herself with Pharaohmon. In any case, give it up for Nemesis! Eeeep! I hope she didn't take that offensively!"

Nemesis turned her attention over to Lillymon and brushed her hair to the side. The flower girl squeaked and hid under her desk position. Ignoring Lillymon, the dark mistress turns her crimson eyes directly to Himura inside the duel dome stadium.

"So, we meet again. I've been yearning for this day since I became born out of Pharaohmon's dark magic. I will make you suffer eternal torment, little Himura. Then once I am done with you, Yui will forever be a forgotten memory. I will reign supreme and end the Tsubasa legacy."

Nemesis slowly stalks her way over towards the duel dome and enters inside. Her eyes were locked onto Himura's and a perverse thought had crossed her mind. She was hell bent on causing pain and inflicting torment on the poor boy. Himura remained still and stood his ground to not become intimidated by Nemesis' presence.

"Now, we can get the show underway! We'll transport these two to another section of the digital world! Now, which world will they enter? We'll find out in a few short moments!"

"Ha. I'm afraid I can't let anyone interfere with our duel. Don't you agree, little Himura?" the mistress chuckled.

"What do you mean by that! I demand to know where my sister is at!"

"Haven't you forgotten, idiot? She's inside of me and slowly I'm sapping away her energy little by little. I depend on her in order to sustain my own life. However, once I defeat you, I'll take your body and feed off your soul little by little. Yui will be expendable and will forever be gone from this world."

Himura tightened his right hand into a fist and screamed out at the mistress in defiance.

"No! I'm through with you, Nemesis! Your demented and twisted games have gone far enough! If you happen to harm a hair on her, I won't hesitate to kill you with my bare hands."

"Idle threats from such a naïve boy. Come on, there's nothing you can hope to do to me without that mongrel of yours."

Before Himura had a chance to make his first maneuver directly for Nemesis, a black mist was starting to engulf the entire dome. Himura froze in place as he noticed Nemesis snickering. Her eyes were glowing like ruby emeralds and her arms became outstretched. The mist shrouded them both. This caught both Etemon and Lillymon off guard since they never planned for 'smoke' to suddenly appear.

"Um, I think we're having technical difficulties, Lillymon!" Etemon gasped. "This wasn't supposed to be part of the dome simulation program, right?"

"No. I don't even know where this smoke is coming from. It's more like fog to me. Ladies and gents! I have idea what's going but this isn't a part of our show!"

Anubimon suddenly gasped and quickly realized what Nemesis was planning to do. Even Yugi was quick to pick up on this sudden turn of events.

"No! She couldn't be actually be aiming to transport themselves to the Dark Area!" Anubimon exclaimed.

"It looks like she's going to employ a Shadow Game!" Yugi growled. "This is the same thing Bakura used on me earlier."

"Only Nemesis is sending them to the Dark Area," Inumon answered. "Damn! I didn't even take into account that she could access it!"

"Remember, she was born of Pharaohmon's magic, so she has the same access he does," Anubimon informed them.

"If that's true, then Himura's in trouble," Renamon stated.

"No! It can't be like this! Himura! Stay strong!" Jeri screamed out in thought.

"So, Himura! Why don't we take this into the Dark Area! I am sure you are very familiar with that place. I've heard that you've had a painful experience there... losing a dear friend if I'm not mistaken..."

Those taunting words alone were enough to make Himura's blood boil. If there was any event that he did not want to be reminded of, it was seeing his dearest friend Kotori being murdered by Basilikmon within the Dark Area. As the dark fog grew thicker, the duelists were immediately transported out of the dome. The smoke immediately dispersed and they were both gone. There were no traces of Himura or Nemesis to be found. This caught everyone within the stadium by surprise.

"What! Now our duelists are gone!" Lillymon exclaimed in shock. "Ok, just to remind you! This is not apart of our plan! We have to know the location of where they are being sent!"

"I'm right on it, babe!" Etemon replied. "I'll go check with the committee. In the meantime, this battle royale has officially begun!"

As Etemon called for the siren, the four digimon competitors inside the ring prepared to battle. Felinismon and Dark Gabumon remained firm despite the heavy odds stacked against them. Wardevidramon levitated over the ring and encircled his 'prey' so to speak like a hungry shark. Meanwhile, BlackWarGreymon stood firm and waited for the perfect opportunity to attack.

"Not looking good for our side," Felinismon growled.

"Plus, Himura's been transported along with that damned witch!" cursed Dark Gabumon.

"Where did they go anyways?"

"You have cat's ears, right? I overheard their conversation and Himura said that she was transporting them to the Dark Area."

"The same place where Kotori died!"

"That's right. Nemesis is only going to add insult to injury and hope to end Himura's life at the same location his dearest friend died."

"How horrible... Well, Himura must deal with this battle. We have our own crisis at hand. If only there was a miracle..."

"Himura! It's up to you to free little Yui! Please, don't let that witch win!"

The Tamers and their friends couldn't believe what had just occurred. Yet, Anubimon was not surprised.

"Lord Anubimon! They just left to go the Dark Area! Shouldn't you go?" Seadramon asked.

"Yeah, Nemesis has managed to gain access to your territory. There's no telling what she has in store for Himura down there!"

"I shall not interfere."

"But, why! Himura's in trouble! Nemesis is not to be trusted and she nearly killed Himura since the last time they had a confrontation," Takato reminded the underworld lord.

"Goggle head. Whether we like it or not, this is Himura's battle to win. If we interfere, we would only force Nemesis to inflict more damage on Himura just to give us fair warning. Not to mention that she'll go to extreme measures to get rid of us."

"Sorry, Takato. I'll have to agree with Rika on this one," Yugi said. "Right, guys?"

"Don't worry and just let Himura do what he has to do," Joey replied.

"He'll pull through just fine," Tristan nodded.

"You guys sure have confidence. I hope you're right though. I'm just worried about Himura. C'mon, you have to pull through this. For our sake and Yui's sake," Takato worried in thought.

Infirmary Room

-

Back within the infirmary area, nurses gathered to treat the patients injured in the tournament and outside the event. Yes, that included crazy fans that accidentally got themselves hurt from the rabid crowds.

Loweemon was still resting after the beating he received from Piedmon earlier.

Emotions were also running high inside the infirmary rooms. Henry, Suzie and Lopmon had just watched an entertaining duel between Joey and Kazu. Now, they were worried for Himura. This was going to be the one duel where winning was not an option but a matter of survival.

"Henwy! Where did Himura go!"

"I was afraid of this! Pharaohmon has had a hand in this! Just how desperate does he want Himura eliminated! To think that monster is using Himura's own sister to carry out his bidding! It's not fair!"

Henry slammed his fist on a table and ruffled his hair angrily. He couldn't bear the thought of losing two friends in one day. He had lost Terriermon as Basilikmon turned him into stone. Now, there was a grim chance that Himura may not come out of the duel the same again. He could very well be dead by the time Nemesis is through with him.

"It's going to be okay, Henry," Lopmon assured the boy. "Himura's been preparing for this duel since the announcement of the tournament. He knew it would come down to dueling against Nemesis."

"But, we didn't know he'd duel her in the first round! This is getting way out of hand! Now we have two megas in the same ring against an ultimate and a rookie! Felinismon and Dark Gabumon are going to be destroyed out there!"

"Henwy..."

"Henry... Don't lose hope in your friends," Jaarin managed to speak up from her rest bed.

"Sister?"

"You guys are Tamers, not quitters. I don't want to see you beating yourself up over this. You panicked when it turned out that I was Ranamon."

"I was worried about you, Jaarin. I didn't think you would handle being a digimon."

"I've grown accustomed to it. Sure, it hurts, but I continue to fight on. That's what Omegamon has taught me. Never lose hope in those you believe. Himura is no different. Yes, he's entering a very dangerous and hostile situation, but he knows this an issue he must resolve on his own."

"..."

"Don't worry so much for others. Each of us can resolve our own issues. If you wish, you can go and rejoin your friends to support Himura. You and Suzie can leave me here to rest."

"No, I just can't do that. I'll stay here until you get better. Besides, there's no telling if some sick-minded digimon decides to barge in here unannounced. Plus, you're in no condition to defend yourself until you heal."

"Oh, Henry. Always worry for your kin. Don't worry about me. Please, just go and join your friends. Suzie could stay here with me if she wants. Besides, she has Lopmon with her."

"I..."

Jaarin gives an assuring nod to her brother. The Tamer had second thoughts for a minute until he walked out the door. Before departing, he turned and left a departing comment.

"You get better, sis. I'll be back."

With that said, Henry shuts the door behind him to leave Jaarin in her rest bed with Suzie and Lopmon to watch after her. The blue-haired boy turns towards another infirmary room to find Rapidmon's body still in statue form. He lets out a depressing sigh and sets off to find his Tamer comrades.

"Jaarin's right. I have to be there with my friends. We have to show our support for Himura. Hang in there, man. You can do it. I just hope no dirty-minded digimon decides to go barging into Jaarin's room while I'm away. Then again, they have Lopmon to depend on."

Unbeknownst to Henry, there was one sick-minded digimon who had already set his sights on Jaarin's room. Once Henry rushed down the hallways, the squid-like Marine Devimon emerged out another hall and turned his direction towards Jaarin's room. He licked his lips and held a bouquet of black roses.

"My sweet little human... I see you're still not alone. All that's standing in my way is a little brat and the Lopmon. Darn! At this rate, I'll never see my Calmaramon! Oh well. I guess good things will come to those who wait. Time to go back to see Lord Demon."

Marine Devimon crept back down the hallways and would eventually return back to check on the infirmary room again. All he ever wants is quality time between himself and Jaarin. He hopes to make her spirit evolve into Calmaramon and marry her as his next ocean queen. Before leaving down the hall, the aquatic demon hollers out for all to hear for his true feelings for his 'beloved'.

"CALMARAMON! YOU SHALL BE MINE, MY LOVE!"

Down on the other side of the hall, Socramon winced from the loud scream echoing across the hallways. He cleaned out his ears and managed to press on forward in his search for Basilikmon.

"There's a bunch of crazies in this place. Now on to find Basilikmon."

Elsewhere within the arena

-

The demon pair, Hiei and Kurama, were walking across another set of hallways in order to become accustomed with their surroundings. So far, there weren't any fan girl digimon to catch up or even attempt to find them. Luckily for Kurama, Hiei would be there to take out any crazed fan boy or fan girl with no mercy.

However, they were soon becoming aware that two individuals were following them. Kurama was the first to notice their scent and turns around to find the female pair. Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune stopped to confront the two demons.

"Yo," Sailor Uranus uttered.

"Care to tell us why you've been following us this whole time?" Kurama asked.

"You two seem rather suspicious," replied Sailor Neptune. "We wanted to be convinced that you weren't up to no good."

"Perhaps you can tell us if you have any affiliation with Pharaohmon," Uranus brought up.

"You tell us. Do we look like we serve as Pharaohmon's lackys? I'm my own demon," Hiei scoffed.

"What makes you think we're suspicious enough to be serving Pharaohmon?"

"Perhaps because we're not sensing any human vibe from you two. You're not human, but obviously supernatural beings. Perhaps, demons?" Neptune pointed out. "Your human appearances don't fool us."

"You're mistaken," Kurama replied. "We're here to take part and ensure Pharaohmon is defeated. Do you remember that human who just participated in the match earlier?"

"Yes, what about him?" asked Uranus.

"You would have noticed that same human attacking that machine beast rather than aligning himself with it. Believe us. He is with us and we're on a mission to stop Pharaohmon."

"Then again, Kurama. I doubt these two fools will believe us anyway," Hiei snorted. "You two want to make something of it? I'm not about to back away from a challenge."

"If that's the case, then looks like we are indeed on the same page," Neptune chuckled. "We see where you two are coming from. Your redhead friend made a good point."

"Hmph. Fine, but the next time you cross path with us. I won't show you any mercy. To think you accuse us of working for that fool."

With that said, Hiei turned away and headed down the hallway.

"You'll have to excuse, Hiei. He can be quite edgy towards others," Kurama said with sincerity. "As long as we know that we're all against Pharaohmon, there shouldn't be anymore future conflict."

"Of course not. Just make sure to keep an eye on your friend there. He's quite the shady character," Uranus warned him.

"Oh, well. I can't do anything to change that. Until then..."

Without giving the Outer Senshi any eye contact, Kurama heads down the same path as Hiei. Sailor Uranus was still slightly weary when it came to Hiei. She placed her hands on her hips and nodded her head.

"Well, we certainly made some new allies, haven't we?" Neptune teased her comrade.

"Sure. C'mon, the next match is already set to begin."

"As far as I can tell, it's already begun. Oh and there's something else you should know..."

"I know, Neptune. That Nemesis girl is dueling some boy named Himura. You didn't have to remind me of that witch," Uranus shuddered as she remembered the injuries Nemesis gave her. "The same monster that nearly took my life and showed no mercy for Neptune."

"Should we go and see? Perhaps the boy will do what we failed to do: free that little girl inside the witch."

"Yes. I will say good riddance if that boy is able to defeat Nemesis. She'll get what's finally coming to her," Uranus growled. "Let's go, Neptune."

With a nod from her Sailor partner, Uranus walked down towards a door. This specific door would lead them to the back way stairs to the upper level of the arena. As Sailor Uranus opened the door to enter through, Neptune followed in suit.

"At least that girl will be freed from that demon. Kid, I wish you the best of luck."

Dark Area. Unknown Sector

-

The emptiness and near pitch black environment of the mysterious territorial plane known as the Dark Area has existed since the beginning of Digital times. If anyone can describe this world, it would be near desolate, gloomy, not teemed with lively activity, ancient and full of death. In fact, this is the exact dimension where the souls of the dead evil digimon are sent for eternal damnation. It is equivalent to the world of Hades of Greek Myth. This is the realm where Anubimon himself rules with an iron fist.

Anubimon is the rightful ruler and was given permission by the four Digimon Sovereigns to judge each digimon that passes into the after life. The good souls are sent to paradise while the corrupt and evil souls are sent to the Dark Area to be tried.

The two duelists have now arrived at the exact location where the unthinkable occurred years ago. Himura's face paled as he looked across to remember that this was the spot where Basilikmon murdered Kotori.

"She brought me back to where Kotori died! That witch is doing anything she can to break me down and take advantage of my emotions. Clever..."

"Yes, aren't I clever?"

"Oh, wow. Now you can read minds."

"A trait I picked up from Pharaohmon. You should try it out sometime. Now, what do you think? I've brought you back to the place where your precious Kotori died."

"You just have to reopen old wounds, Nemesis. Let us just get this damn duel over with. When I defeat you, I'll free Yui and make sure Anubimon sentences you with a great punishment."

"Oh, is that so? Well, all you have to do is defeat me, but I doubt you have anything in that pathetic deck for yours to knock me off my throne."

"We'll see. I just might have a few tricks up my sleeve," the boy snickered.

"You find that amusing? Well, knowing you, you are probably making some idiotic bluff. Now, what do you say we begin? We don't need a referee as far as I'm concerned!"

Just then, before either duelist was preparing to start their duel, a portal appeared from the center of their positions. The duelists moved away at opposite directions to see who was about to emerge. It turned out to be none other than Floramon. She lands butt first and winced in pain.

"Wow, I have to watch that last step. Ow... I can't believe those guys had to send me to the Dark Area."

Sitting up, Floramon felt a cold vibe blowing against her and shuddered at the sight of the ghastly environment.

"This place is really scary. Ech. It is said not one dark digimon can escape here once Anubimon-sama seals them here. Well, that's true until recently. Now we've got dark digimon running amuck in the Digital World again. This place really gives me the creeps!"

Suddenly, Floramon caught glimpse of the two duelists. She turned towards Nemesis and gulped to herself.

"Her and this kid? Well, this should prove to be interesting. Now, I'm not even sure if this duel can even be broadcasted! Um, can anyone help here?"

"Need some help there, pretty lady?"

Floramon caught the gentle voice trailing from behind and turned to find a black canine creature with sharp claws. It had three heads and a gentle glare in its eyes. The plant digimon jumped back in fear until the canine threw out a 'peace sign'.

"Don't worry. I come at peace!"

"Oh, you nearly made me jump out of my skin there!" Floramon cried out at the canine.

"My name is Cerberumon and I'll provide you some camera work to broadcast."

"You qualified?"

"According to the Cerberumon leader, I am..."

"You might want to accept his help," another voice calls out.

The Cerberumon and Floramon turned to find a larger Cerberumon glaring down upon them. Himura caught glimpse of the Cerberumon and smiled. He recognized these two canine digimon.

"Cerberumon! Hey! Over here! It's me, Himura!"

"Wha... Himura! Ah! Himura! It has been a long time, friend!" the Cerberumon calls out to the boy. "How's Inumon doing?"

"The same usual pervert but he's doing well!"

"We heard he qualified to the next round. Congratulations to him. So, you're dueling this lady?" the Cerberumon asked.

"This 'lady' has trapped my sister from within and I have to do what I can to rescue her! Now, if you don't mind, I have to finish this once and for all."

"Some interesting friends you've got there, Himura. It's a shame they will watch you die just like Kotori!"

"Ok! That's going too far! Why I oughta!" the Cerberumon growled.

Before the young canine charged to attack Nemesis, the leader smacked him across the face and picked him off the ground.

"Don't be an idiot. We're here to cheer for Himura. Oh, and miss?"

"Yes? My name is Floramon, though."

"Please do referee this match with care. Himura is our dearest friend."

"I'll do what I can, but provide that you boys protect me from any dark digimon that decide to creep up on me?"

"Sure, anything," the younger Cerberumon chuckled.

The canine approached Floramon and wrapped an arm around her as if he were her guardian. The female starts feeling protected by the Cerberumon. Hearts formed in her eyes.

"Don't worry, sweetheart. Delicate digimon like you belong in paradise. Don't worry, I'll protect you."

"Really? Ah, mi amor..."

However, their romantic moment ended as the Cerberumon leader smashed his tail against the young one's head. The young one falls back with a large lump on his poor, little head.

"Baka! As I said, we are here to cheer for Himura! Not to go on dates!"

"Yeah... Should have... known that... Uh..." the young one replied while stuttering.

Himura couldn't help but laugh at the Cerberumons' antics. However, he turned his full attention back to Nemesis and activated his duel disk.

"Looks like we're getting down to business, Nemesis. It will be a matter of time before I free my sister!"

"You won't succeed. You will join Yui in eternal damnation," Nemesis said while activating her duel disk. "Get ready to duel, because this will be your last stand, kid."

With that said, Himura places his deck into his deck holder and sets his life points to 8000. Nemesis followed in suite and activated her life points to 8000.

"All right! With this Cerberumon offering to be my cameraman, we can get this show on the road! The duel between Himura and Nemesis is set! Duelists!"

"BEGIN!"

Life points

Himura: 8000

Nemesis: 8000

The sixth duel was immediately set to commence and Nemesis was the first to declare her turn first. She drew out her first six cards to her hand.

"Before we start, why don't we make this a shadow game?"

"What!"

"Like you've just seen Bakura, our monsters and attacks will be life-like. Which means every hit we take will really inflict damage. So, expect our duel to be quite bloody."

With a snap of her fingers, the mistress laughed while thick smog engulfed their surroundings. Unlike most normal smog, this thick cloud was dark purple and emitted a sinister aura. Himura knew Yugi had to endure one of these shadow games against Bakura during the first duel match of the Shadow tournament. He prepared himself for anything Nemesis was going to dish out.

Just then, he caught glimpse of a cross-like object standing next to Nemesis. He peered through to get a better glimpse. He gasped when he finally saw a clearing through the smog. There was a human child crucified on the gothic-shaped cross. The child turned out to be Yui herself! Himura's little sister has now become a pawn in Nemesis' shadow game.

"YUI! Nemesis! This has to be a trick to throw me off my game!"

"Mmheh. On the contrary, little Himura, I've just decided to raise the stakes in our shadow game."

"You sick..."

"I'm not finished. As you can see, Yui is a spectator. She will bear witness the winner of this duel and will despair when she realizes that you've let her down."

"Shut up..."

"Here's the little twist I've added to our game. For every attack I inflict on you, your life points decrease. That's not all. Your precious sister will lose a portion of her body!"

"Fine. All I have to do is watch my life points."

"Ah, but that's not all. There's another twist to our game. If you inflict damage on my life points, you sister will still lose a portion of her body! It's a no-win situation for you, Himura! Either by win or by loss, you will lose your sister! Guess, what they say is true. You can't always have a successful conclusion! Ha! So, what do you think of that, sweets?"

Nemesis removes her ninja mouthpiece and drops it to the ground. Her moves her tongue around her lips and snickers directly to the boy. Himura showed no intimidation and picked five cards out of his deck.

"A no-win situation, you say? Trust me! I will find a way to save her from you!"

"Give it up. It's hopeless. Yui's expendable and the brat deserves what's coming to her for being so selfish!"

"She doesn't have a single selfish bone in her body!"

"That's what you say but why did she end up running away from home in the first place? Hmmm? She obviously was pissed off."

"Because I never told her about my venture into the Dark Area, Kotori's death and Inumon. I kept all of that a secret to her."

"Well, there you go. Your irresponsibility to tell your sister about your whereabouts is all the proof that I need. You are indeed a selfish brother only looking out for himself."

"That's not true! I was just scared to tell her. I didn't want to frighten her since I was in a coma."

"Liar! That's ENOUGH excuses out of you! I'm doing Yui a favor by sending her soul and body to the dark abyss! She'll never become a nuisance to anybody ever again. I'm doing you a favor, Himura, but you've spat it in my face! Now you shall pay with your life!"

"Just make your DAMN move!"

"If you insist," the woman snickered. "I play Prohibition! When I play this card, I can declare the name of one card. As long as this remains on the field, that declared card cannot be played. On the other hand, the cards that are already on the field before this card's activation are excluded. I just know the exact monster to declare!"

Nemesis looked over to Yui's unconscious, crucified form and grins. An idea had immediately come to the mistress' mind.

"Yes! Simply obtaining the brat's memories by actually being one with her, I say that Guardian Airtos cannot be played!"

"What!"

"That's right. Yui has already told me everything about that card."

"Damn it! That was the one card I needed to save Yui! This is not good! Yui... I'm sorry but it looks like my plan has backfired, but I will think of a way!"

"I finish my turn my placing a card facedown in defense. Then, I end my turn. Make your move, kid. I doubt you have anything else besides that Guardian Airtos that's even worthwhile," Nemesis shrugged.

"I draw. Now, with my first move, I activate Guardian's Treasure! I'll discard five cards from my hand and add two new ones! I can even draw two cards each turn instead of one. Now, I'll use one of my cards in my hand. I'll use Dark Hole! That'll end your facedown card to the graveyard!"

A massive abyss hole appeared at the center of the duel field while it sucked away the card like a vacuum cleaner. Nemesis simply nodded her head.

"So what? That doesn't mean a thing. It's my turn."

Nemesis takes a card to add it to her hand and places a card onto the field facedown. Supposedly, this is either a monster or a trap. Himura was sure to be careful.

"With a card facedown, I'll bring forth my first official monster on the field. Come forth, Hayabusa Knight!"

Summoned to the side of Nemesis' side field is a humanoid hawk decorated in silver armor.

Hayabusa Knight

1000/700/3 stars

"Now my Hayabusa Knight attack his life points directly!"

With that said, the Hayabusa charged ahead with and delivers a punch across Himura's face. Unlike many other hologram monsters, this one actually made it's mark and left a bruise across the boy's face. Himura dropped to the ground and held his bruised face.

"Damn, she wasn't kidding when she said this was going to be intense. That punch nearly took my head off!"

Himura

Life points: 7000 (8000-1000)

"How did you like that, little Himura? I'll bet you would want to kill me for that. I actually found that quite enjoyable, but not enough to satisfy my taste. You know what? I'll just attack your life points again! Hayabusa Knight! Inflict more damage on him and his life points!"

"What!"

Before Himura had a chance to sit up, Hayabusa flies across and delivers a painful kick across his ribs. The force of the monster's boot knocked the wind out of Himura and forced him to spit out a mouth full of blood. The mistress giggled like a child at the suffering of the poor Tsubasa boy.

Himura

Life points: 6000 (7000-1000)

"My Hayabusa Knight can attack twice in one turn! Smarts, don't it..."

"She wasn't kidding! Nemesis is going all out and wants to do more than just defeat me in this duel!"

"Eh-eh. You're forgetting something. Take a good look at Yui. Since you were just attacked twice, Yui loses portions of her dear body and soul."

Himura gasped as he turned around to see Yui's feet fading away into the shadows. He could barely even choke out a scream. His was already at Nemesis' mercy but he was determined to continue on to save his sister's soul. Spitting out a mix of saliva and blood, Himura sits up with a determined glare.

"Why aren't you screaming in pain? I don't understand you. Don't you even have a conscience!"

"I could say the same about you, hypocrite."

"Hmph. Whatever. Next I activate this card! Messenger of Peace! Using this card, I must pay 100 of my own life points during each of my standby phases. If I cannot pay, then this card is destroyed. No monsters with an attack power of 1500 or more can attack. With that said, I end my turn."

Right. Here goes..."

Struggling to suppress the pain, Himura adds a card to his hand to have a total of three. He plays out a monster card face-up in attack mode.

"I summon the Mystic Horseman! Attack mode!"

The boy summoned forth a mythical creature, half man and half horse. It was the real world equivalent of the legendary centaur.

Mythic Horseman

1300/1550/4 stars

"Time to retaliate for attacking me! Mystic Horseman! Take down her Hayabusa Knight!"

The Mythic Horseman charged across towards Nemesis' side field and slashes through the hawk-man. Nemesis groans as she witnessed her first monster taken out of the field and 300 was deducted from her life points.

Nemesis

Life points: 7700 (8000-300)

"Heh. How do you like that!"

Feeling the effects of her monster being destroyed, Nemesis reeled back with a huge bleeding gash across her chest. However, Nemesis did not seem at all bothered by the crimson mass and rubbed her hand across the blood. She licked the blood thoroughly from her hand as if she were a hungry predator. There was nothing at all human about her bloody-thirsty behavior.

"Enjoying yourself your little snack? I'm not here to waste time, Nemesis! Let's get this over with. I end my turn just to let you know."

"Fine with me. I'm already ahead of you by life points. Now, I'll just add this cards to my hand and... Oh my! You're going to like this one, but first I pay 100 of my life points due to Messenger of Peace!"

Nemesis

Life points: 7600 (7700-100)

"Next, I'll activate a card you just used on my earlier! Dark Hole! Does that ring a bell?"

"Aw, no..."

"That's right. Say adios to your Mythical Beast!"

Giving a thumbs down to Himura, the boy watched as an abyss hole emerged at the center and sucked the Mythical Beast through.

"Looks like minds do think alike. After all, we are siblings, aren't we?"

"Shut up. You're not Yui! Just get on with your move..."

"Temper. Temper. This will make you feel better. I summon the White Magical Hat!"

Within a matter of seconds, a magician with a black tuxedo and a white top hat was summoned.

White Magical Hat

1000/700/3 stars

"Now my monster! Attack the brat and his life points directly!" Nemesis laughed with malice in her tone.

The magician shoots himself across and shoots out a magical blast that slams against Himura's chest. The boy screamed out as he landed posterior first on the ground. He nearly cracked his tailbone because of his fall and winced in pain.

Himura

Life points: 5000 (6000-1000)

"Damn! What's wrong with me! I should not be losing this many life points! I trained my hardest for this duel!"

"Too bad you're crappy dueling isn't helping you any. Let's face it. Yui was always a better duelist. She has the smarts to come up with the best strategies."

"That's Yui. You're different. She's much better than you!"

"That's your opinion and I'm in no position to disagree. Then again, maybe so. By the way, my White Magical Hat has an effect. When this monster card inflicts damage to your life points, one card must be discarded randomly from your hand and must be sent to the graveyard. Tough luck for you, brat."

Clenching his teeth in anger, Himura removed a card from his hand and placed it into his graveyard slide.

"Well, that ends my turn. You're only prolonging your eventual defeat."

"Now... I'll draw two cards, thanks to Guardian's Treasure. Next, I'll activate this card!"

Himura pulls out a card from his hand and displays it towards Nemesis. The mistress gasped at the sight of Himura's card and searched through her hand to counter it. However, it was too late. Himura activated his card and gained control of Nemesis' White Magical Hat.

"I'll use Change of Heart to take control of your White Magical Hat for one whole turn!"

"Not my monster! Damn, you Tsubasa!"

"Now, I'll summon the Tiger Axe to the field!"

With that said, the boy summoned forth a humanoid tiger with a battle-axe in one hand.

"Now, White Magical Hat! Attack that witch's life points directly!"

"What! No! Not my own monster!"

"Have a taste of your damn medicine, Nemesis!"

As the magician attacked his former master, Nemesis felt the blast strike her against her slashed chest. She hissed before falling to her knees. Unlike Himura, she seemingly enjoyed the pain inflicted on her body. Her own life didn't matter as long as Himura is tormented. She turns to find more portions of Yui's body fading away.

Nemesis

Life points: 6600 (7600-1000)

"I hope you do realize that you're only harming Yui even further."

"She's right. Even if I attack Nemesis, my sister loses a portion of her body. This is not good!"

"Of course, I know the effects of my Magical White Hat. I discard a card from my hand."

"I'm not through yet, Nemesis! Tiger Axe! Attack more of her life points directly!"

"Whoa! Hold on! WAIT!"

The Tiger Axe charges across and slams his axe against Nemesis' right shoulder. The tip of the blade pierces through and causes blood to gush from her deepened wound. Nemesis shook thoughts out from her head and chuckled to herself. In her view, Himura was merely doing more harm than good since portions of Yui's body was evaporating into mist.

Nemesis

Life points: 5300 (6600-1300)

"You know you're only doing more harm than good for your sweet little Yui?"

"I'll eventually find a way to save her in the end. Now, I end my turn."

"Good, because I can have my White Magical Hat back on my side."

The monster immediately return back to Nemesis' side field and the mistress sits up despite the bleeding gash on her right shoulder. She drew a card to her hand and pays up 100 more of her life points because of her Messenger of Peace card.

Nemesis

Life points: 5200 (5300-100)

"Next, I'll put my White Magical Hat in face-up defense mode. I'll then place on card facedown in defense. I end my turn."

"Good. With these 2 cards I add to my hand, I'll summon forth my Nimble Momonga!"

A flying squirrel is summoned forth and takes flight around Himura himself. The critter lands on Himura's shoulder and prepares for any attack the boy commands.

Nimble Momonga

1000/100/2 stars

"Next, I'll equip this cute, little guy with Beast Fangs! This increases both of his attack and defense points by 300!"

Nimble Momonga

1300/400

"Now, Tiger Axe! Attack her White Magical Hat!"

The tiger warrior charges across and slashes through the magician through it's torso. The halved magician screamed out before fading away into mist.

"Awww, it's a shame my monster was in defense. Tough luck."

"Shut your mouth. All right, Nimble Momonga! Go and attack her facedown defense card!"

As soon as Nimble attacked Nemesis' facedown card, it was activated as a trap card! It was the card known as A Feint Plan.

"You just activated my trap card, you brat! With this card activated, a player cannot attack facedown monsters during this turn!"

"Fine, you got me. I'll end my turn."

"My, you're pretty much off your game."

Nemesis takes a card from her deck and pays off 100 more of her life points.

Nemesis

Life points: 5100 (5200-100)

"I'll set this card in my hand down in facedown defense mode. There I shall end my turn."

"My move. I'll add two cards to my hand and send my Tiger Axe to attack your first facedown defense card! Attack, my tiger!"

The Tiger Axe charges across and slashes the facedown card in half. The hidden monster was revealed to be a purple-haired clown in a red outfit and a blue cape. This was the Dream Clown.

Dream Clown

1200/900/3 stars

"No life points taken off? That's fine. I'll send my Nimble to attack your other facedown card! Go, Nimble!"

The flying squirrel sprang up into the air, flies across and swiftly lands on top of the facedown card. It was a monster card known as Sangan. It looked like a small furry, three-eyed beast. As the beast was destroyed, Nemesis spoke up for Himura to hear.

"As you should know, that little critter has an effect. When it's sent to the graveyard, I can move one monster with an attack of 1500 or less from my deck to my hand."

"Yeah. Then your deck is shuffled."

"Wow, you are a smart one," Nemesis replied with sarcasm in her voice.

Himura watched as Nemesis pulled a card from her deck, shuffled it, then replaced it back in the duel disk.

"I end my turn there, Nemesis."

"Good. I was growing bored of your failed attempts to take out my monsters and the rest of my life points. At least Yui's been spared... for now that is," the mistress giggled.

The dark mistress adds a card to her hand and pays up 100 more of her life points.

Nemesis

Life points: 5000 (5100-100)

"Next, I'll use one of my cards to activate Pot of Greed! This will allow me to two cards directly to my hand."

"Hmph, that indeed you are: a greedy witch who knows no remorse or mercy."

"Oh, hush now. My turn isn't even close to being finished, dear brother. Next, I activate Raigeki! Adios to all of your monsters on the field!"

Blowing a taunting kiss to Himura, he watched as all of his monsters exploded into cloudy mists. He gasped as Nemesis summoned forth a monster on her side. It was another Dream Clown.

"Now, my Dream Clown! Attack Himura and his life points directly!" Nemesis laughed.

The clown launched itself across and delivers a head butt into Himura's gut. He felt more of his oxygen being knocked right out of him and his ribs nearly being crushed in the process. The injured boy fell to his knees and spat out even more blood from the defeaning blow targeted to his gut.

Himura

Life points: 3800 (5000-1200)

More of Yui's body was fading away into the shadowy mists and she still wasn't able to regain consciousness. After all, most of her life energy has already fueled Nemesis.

"Give up yet, Himura? I would if you don't wish to continue."

"I... won't... give up. I won't let... Yui down."

Reaching to his deck, he added two new cards to his hand. Nemesis had just declared an end to her turn and waits for the boy to perform his next maneuver.

"I'll summon the Dark Zebra in attack mode..."

Weakly placing a card on the field, Himura summons a Zebra with a Unicorn's horn. It galloped across Himura's side field and yelped out.

Dark Zebra

1800/400/4 stars

"Remember, it can't attack!"

"I know, I know, you've got Messenger of Peace in play. Next, I'll place... this card facedown. That ends my turn."

Placing the card facedown on the field, Nemesis looks across at the injured boy with satisfaction. This is exactly what she wanted to see from Yui's elder brother: pain, sorrow and suffering. Adding a new card to her hand, she prepared to inflict more punishment on the helpless duelist. Of course, before implementing her attack, she paid a cost of 100 more of her life points.

Nemesis

Life points: 4900 (5000-100)

"I'll switch my Dream Clown in face-up defense mode. Next, I'll activate this monster's effect."

"This monster has an effect!"

"Once I switched it from attack to defense mode, I can select and destroy any monster that is currently on your field. Since I can't attack with anything strong enough to defeat it, I'm going to ask for it to be destroyed. Dark Zebra, be gone!"

Following her command, the zebra was quickly dissolved into smog of shadow mist. Nemesis summons forth a monster to her field. It was a giant stone statue standing before her.

"I summon my Giant Soldier of Stone! Attack mode!"

"Oh! You've just activated my trap card! I call this one Trap Hole!"

"What!"

Once summoning the card to the field, Himura activated it to play.

"With this card, if you happen to summon a monster to the field with 1000 points or more, that monster is automatically destroyed!"

"Wow, I don't think I need helpful lectures from the likes of you!" Nemesis hissed. "Do I look stupid! I know what that card does already! Since you rudely disrupted my turn, I'm going to finish that specific turn of mine. Now, I activate the Premature Burial! With this, I pay 800 of my life points. Next, I select one monster card from the graveyard, special summon it on the field in attack mode and equip it with this specific card!"

Nemesis

Life points: 4100 (4900-800)

"The monster I have chosen to bring back is my Hayabusa Knight!"

Special summoning it back on her field, the Hayabusa Knight was in a face-up attack stance.

"Hayabusa Knight! Attack Himura and his life points directly! Ha! Ha!"

Following the mistress' command, Hayabusa Knight charges forward and slammed a fist into Himura's chest. The force from the blow forced the boy down to his knees and struggling to sustain the pain. More blood emerged from his mouth as it was becoming evident that Himura was suffering internal injuries, perhaps even internal bleeding if Nemesis continues to attack Himura this aggressively. His own life was at stake. He couldn't life. He had to win in order to save Yui, but even if he wins, her body would fade away.

Himura

Life points: 2800 (3800-1000)

The Tsubasa boy would hear the laughter from the heartless mistress as she prepared to launch yet another attack using her monster.

"Now, go Hayabusa! Attack the boy and his pathetic life points again! Inflict punishment! Make him pay! Make him SUFFER!"

Hayabusa Knight leaped up over towards Himura's side field and kicks him square in the face. The boy's face contorted with a pained expression. He spat out more saliva and blood from his mouth while reeling back from the devastating kick. Landing spine first on the rocky ground, Himura recoiled in threshold. Not only did the young boy physically suffer but also his life points were taking a nosedive.

Himura

Life points: 1800 (2800-1000)

"Had enough, Himura? Because I'm not. You still haven't learned your lesson. So much for playing the role as the hero, boy. You let your sister down. Take a look for yourself. Look how much of an effort you're putting forth in attempting to save your dear little Yui."

With Nemesis turning her full attention on Yui's crucified form, Himura opens his eyes to watch more portions of his sister's body fading away into the shadowy mist. Strong emotions were running through Himura and motivating him to retaliate against Nemesis' relentless torment. He wasn't going to stand for this anymore.

Once Nemesis rubbed her hands thoroughly across Yui, Himura clenched his teeth and slowly rose to his feet. This was more than Himura could ever take. He vowed to restore his sister and rid the nightmare standing before him. Nemesis takes notice of the resilient boy and noticed his mouth dripping with blood. This was more than enough to put a satisfactory smirk across her face.

"Well, seems like you won't stay down. You little roach," Nemesis chuckled. "Well, you've just given me more motivation in KILLING you! Do you hear! Be sure to say hello to Yui in the after life when you eventually meet her. Perhaps you'll even become reacquainted with your dearest parents."

Those comments had finally struck a final nerve within Himura. He gripped the cards on his duel disk while ignoring the pain internally.

"I'm... not through yet... I have one card that can help me regain my Guardian Airtos... Then, you're going face up to your crimes until now... Once I'm done with you, then Inumon will finish off Basilikmon and then Pharaohmon... That is what I desire and it will be a dream come true... Yui, hang in there. You'll be free in no time."

"Heh. Just give it your best shot, kid. You and Yui are done!"

"The duel is not looking well for Himura as Nemesis' monsters have inflicted more than just life point damage on the poor boy!" Floramon announced as she faced the Cerberumon cameraman. "With 1800 life points left, what can Himura hope to do in order to turn this duel around!"

"C'mon, Himura. We're all counting on you," the Cerberumon leader muttered. "You can't let your sister down. More importantly, you can't let Kotori down."

The duel was already becoming more intense than the other duels that have taken place. Himura's risking his own life to not just winning the duel but saving his dearest sister from the mistress' dark hand. If Himura were to fail, then Nemesis will be rid of the Tsubasa siblings and reign as Pharaohmon's powerful mistress. Her power will no know bounds if she claims victory. It was all or nothing... Blood has already been shed and things seem bleak for poor Himura.

Phoenix Arena

-

The digimon audiences were awe struck at the duel displayed from the big screen, but the battle royale was just as intense. Heck, Felinismon and Dark Gabumon have practically been dodging their enemies' attacks. Even Lillymon was starting to doubt their chances of victory.

"With the duel growing grim for Himura, the battle royale isn't looking good for either Felinismon or Dark Gabumon! They're running around like chickens with their heads cut off! In addition, BlackWarGreymon has only seen little action as he attempted to waste Dark Gabumon with a Black Tornado! Those two can't fight back and I wouldn't blame them!"

With Felinismon running around the ring with Dark Gabumon on her back, Wardevidramon was giving chase to them. He set his target on the duo and his four eyes started to glow red. Four beams came shooting out and condensed into a simultaneous blast.

"ATOMIC EYE!"

The powerful beam came shooting down towards the ring and the force sent the two fleeing digimon off their feet. Felinismon landed outside the ring and crumbled down in pain. Dark Gabumon barely managed to leap away in time and hung to a side of the ring. Wardevidramon chuckled at the sight of Pharaohmon's two former henchmen getting a taste of his deadly laser eye attack.

"This is simply too easy. I don't see why I should waste my energy on you two. Alas, I have a match to win and I must please Pharaohmon. You wouldn't want to see him a bad mood. Isn't that right, Felinismon?"

Ignoring the monster's taunts, the feline sits up and rolls back inside the ring. She puts up her guard and prepares to go another round with the two megas. Wardevidramon simply gave a heartily laugh before nodding to BlackWarGreymon. The dark mega charges across towards the feline and snatched her by her shirt.

"Felinismon. You have two choices! Forfeit and walk away from this match unscathed. We'll even spare your life. Alternatively, you can just die here and now. Don't let your own pride get the best of you. It's your choice, but I would make the right one. The same applies to Dark Gabumon. All you can do is watch myself and BlackWarGreymon advance. Let's not forget about little Himura. He's already near death's doors as it is. He can't go on like that forever."

Dark Gabumon turned his attention over towards the big screen and gasped. The image was not very pleasant. Himura was already losing blood as it is and Nemesis was giving another heartily laugh. However, once he caught glimpse of Yui's crucified form, he seethed. Spinning around to face Wardevidramon, he unleashes an emotional cry of angst and anger.

"Dark Gabumon... Just go and leave..." Felinismon managed to choke out. "I'm done for... Heh, so much for our plan..."

"NO! I'm not going to give up!"

"Ha! What can you, a rookie, hope to do against us two megas? Even Felinismon doesn't stand a chance! Just walk away and forfeit the match. Or watch Felinismon and Himura die."

"Like I'm going to think you monsters are true to your word! Himura's close to death as it is and you're telling me to forfeit! Even if I did forfeit, you would have killed Felinismon anyway!"

"Well, you do bring up a good point. Who knows? Maybe we won't let Felinismon live! No! Traitors must be executed! BlackWarGreymon! Squeeze the life out of the wench!"

Following the machine dragon's orders, BlackWarGreymon applied a tighter grip on Felinismon. She lets out a loud cry before her voice was being cut off. Dark Gabumon couldn't even attempt to move and remained frozen still.

"Without Yui, I can't digivolve into Shadow MetalGarurumon! I can't do anything!"

Dark Gabumon slinked back until he made eye contact with the big screen. Watching Yui in her current state made his data-blood chill. There wasn't anything he could do unless somehow Yui was able to regain consciousness and break free from Nemesis' dark spell.

Even the Tamers and the Duelists were horrified at the chain of events. It was possible that they would lose three best friends. Jeri's eyes were locked on both the ring and the big screen. She had lost Leomon before at the hands of Beelzebumon; she would stand the thought of losing both Felinismon and Himura. She had grown closer to Himura after their meeting at the cemetery.

"No... Not again. Not now. First I lost Leomon. I can't lose both Felinismon and Himura on the same day. I won't be able to live with myself..."

"No! Himura! He's not going go on much longer than he already has!" Inumon shouted. "Himura! Please, hang in there!"

Taking notice of Jeri down on her knees and crying, Rika and Tea kneeled next to her in attempt to bring her back to reality. However, Jeri wasn't responsive and remained in her own depressive little world. She was this close to undergoing a post-traumatic disorder.

"Jeri! Snap out of it, kid!" Tea begged the girl.

"You're not going to support either Felinismon or Himura this way, Jeri," Rika snapped. "Wake up! Jeri!"

"This is all y fault, Himura. If I hadn't put you through so many trails," Anubimon sighed in grief. "If only there was anything I can do!"

"There's nothing we can do now," a voice calls out behind the group.

Everyone turns around to find Henry approaching them with a glare of determination.

"But, Himura has to fight his own battle. I believe he can pull this off. The same goes for Felinismon and Dark Gabumon. We aren't going to lose anybody."

"What makes you think so?" Seadramon asked.

"Simple. There's always one last glimmer of hope when everything seems to be lost. Jeri. You won't be losing either one of those two. They will walk out of this ordeal alive."

"Henry? Can you really be sure about that?" Takato thought. "Yes, you're right! If you won't lose hope. Then, I'm not going to lose hope!"

Yugi gripped his Millennium Puzzle and channeled through to speak through to the pharaoh within.

"What do you think, Yami? Do we stand a chance? I mean, the stacks are raised against us, but I believe we will pull through."

"Himura will need to believe in himself and he shall overcome Nemesis' dark magic. This happened with Marik and myself. As long as Himura knows what he's planning, there's no doubt Yui will be saved."

"Hey, Yugi. This happened with you and Marik," Joey remembered the duel from Battle City.

"Yeah, but even I wasn't put near death like Himura is at the moment. What Himura needs to do is regain his momentum and trust in his faith."

"Dang, just when his sister needs him the most," Tristan replied. "C'mon, kid!"

"Hang in there!" Duke shouted with encouragement.

Back over to the Legendary Warrior camp, Omegamon was feeling anger building up simply by watching Wardevidramon's actions. He couldn't stand watching anyone else suffer at the hands of the beast.

"Omegamon. Please, control yourself," Fairymon begged the Royal Knight.

"I'm sorry, but nobody has put me through enough hardship as this monster. That BlackWarGreymon is simply used by that heartless-"

"Wait, are you saying that BlackWarGreymon is an artificial made to follow only Wardevidramon's orders?" Agunimon gasped.

"I'm afraid so. It has no remorse for whatever it kills as long as it is under Wardevidramon's control!" Omegamon snapped. "That tears it!"

"Please, don't go out there, Omegamon," Wolfmon replied. "I'm sure they'll find a way through this! I just know they will."

"Speak for yourself, Wolfmon. Those two are megas. That cat and the little guy are toast," sighed Blitzmon.

"I refuse to believe that they're going to die. I just refuse to believe it."

"I'm with you, Kouji," Agunimon nodded. "They're allies of those Tamer kids. We're all on the same page. If there's anything I've learned as a legendary warrior, good things always come to those who maintain their hopes."

Omegamon nodded in agreement with the Warrior of Flame's encouraging words. He had sealed away Wardevidramon once before and now it was time for the metallic beast to finally rest for all time. Nevertheless, who would eventually ascend to stop his rampage? Dark Gabumon and Felinismon were both in trouble as it is.

With emotions running high in both the battle royale and the duel match, there was still trouble brewing across the Digital World itself. Many of Pharaohmon's fleet forces are guarding their domains in hopes of preventing the Sailor Senshi from locating the Digital Priestess' sword.

Great Phoenixmon Mountain Range

-

Gathered together in a group masse, the Sailor Senshi and the three legendary warriors engaged in a showdown with the reawakened Ryuukoutsuseimon. Thanks in part to General Scorpionus magic, the angry dragon digimon unleashed his fury upon the heroes.

As Sailor Saturn created her Silent Wall barrier to ensure her comrades' recovery, Sailor Mercury and Arbormon took it upon themselves to attack the beast head on. Mercury collected a wave of a watery substance and shoots out across at Ryuukoutsuseimon.

"Shine Aqua Illusion!"

The water-based element wave connected with the dragon and slightly inflicted damage on him. Even though this was water, it had combined magic merged with it to make it quite an efficient weapon against those with evil ki.

"TIME FOR ME TO TAKE IT UP A NOTCH! EXECUTE! SLIDE EVOLUTION!"

As soon as Arbormon calls out for his switch, his body underwent a transformation. His form stretched out into the quadrupedal form. The body of Arbormon was now mainly wood with a petal-shaped reef around his neck. His tail split into several branches with leaves at the tips. The newly evolved beast lands and proceeds to tackle down the mighty dragon.

"Petaldramon!"

"Bah! Is this the best you pathetic warriors can do to damage me! If the great Omegamon couldn't hope to destroy me, then what makes you think you stand a chance?"

"My attack barely did anything to him," Mercury gasped. "Petaldramon! Pull back!"

"No way! This guy's arrogance is getting on my nerves!"

"But you don't know what he's capable of! Withdraw!"

"Well, he certainly is one for arrogant behavior, huh?" Minako stated.

"Makes him kind of a hypocrite," replied Makoto. "He can't even hope to defeat him on his own!"

"It's a nasty habit of his, unfortunately," sighed Mercuremon.

"What else can we do! Unless... That's it! Mercury can still tap into her Eternal power!" Rei remembered.

Ryuukoutsuseimon proceeded to open his mouth wide and gathered enough energy to send a dangerous blast. This, however, did not intimidate Petaldramon and only motivated him even more to attack the beast.

"You think that'll scare me! Think again!"

"Fool. Your own igornance will be your own undoing! SONICWAVE-"

"Mercury!" Rei calls out to her blue-haired friend. "There's still a chance to defeat this thing!"

"What do you propose!"

"Your Eternal form! You can at least tap into it, can you!"

"Yes, but I haven't been forced to use it when it's necessary. There's a flaw though. I've been unable to control its power despite my experience with it."

"There's no time to judge whether you can control it or not!" Sailor Pluto cried out. "You have to use it! Since Rei, Makoto and Minako can't use it due to loss of their powers, it's up to you!"

"Do it before that bastard wastes Petaldramon!" exclaimed Grottomon.

"Saturn will put down this barrier as soon as you ascend, Mercury! Do it now!" Pluto instructed her.

"Go for it, Ami-chan!" Cammy encouraged the genius. "You're a smart girl! I'm sure you can control it now!"

"Yes, there was the time I maintained control over my Eternal form when the Scrabmon attacked America. I can do this! I believe! I won't let my friends down!"

Sitting up from her kneeled position, Mercury pressed her hands against her brooch and chanted a sort of prayer. Her body became engulfed in a light-blue heavenly aura. Ryuukoutsuseimon prepares to incinerate Petaldramon until the aura blinded him temporarily.

"What's the meaning of this!"

"Look! Mercury's reaching her Eternal form!" Minako gasped.

"Wow, amazing!" Artemis replied. "She's so beautiful!"

"Are you saying that I wasn't when I become Eternal Sailor Venus?" quipped Minako.

"Nobody can rival the goddess of love!" Artemis snickered.

"Ha, that's what I thought."

"I'm so jealous," sighed Rei. "We could be helping her if we didn't lose our damn powers."

"Yeah, but we did and we have to put up with it. This is Mercury's battle," Makoto said.

"Will her powers be enough to slay this dragon?" Saturn wondered.

"We won't know until she fully utilizes thou power," Mercuremon replied.

"MERCURY! CRYSTAL POWER! MAKE UP!"

As soon as she called our her transformation, Mercury's outfit was garbed in a near-white sailor outfit. There was a hint of light-blue garments decorated on her outfit. Sprouting from her back was a pair of angel wings. Her boots were now white with blue edges around the sides and the top. The brooch on her chest has a blue crystal giving off a magnificent, pure glow.

Petaldramon turns around to find the source of the light coming from Eternal Sailor Mercury. A red blush appeared around his cheeks.

"So, my angel has arrived..."

"Forget this pathetic louse! It's you that I shall be destroying!"

With that said, Ryuukoutsuseimon redirected his arm for Eternal Sailor Mercury instead. The warrior of wood gasped out in shock and attempted to cut off the dragon's attack. The beast lashed out its long tail and slammed it against Petaldramon's side. The warrior of wood is sent plummeting down through a rock ledge.

"Oh no! He's going for Ami! Move away!" Rei screamed out.

"You're going to get yourself killed!" Minako and Makoto exclaimed in unison.

"It's true Ami is the second Sailor warrior to ascend the Eternal form, but I don't think even she can withstand this monster's attack," Pluto thought.

"Ami! Don't even think about it! That monster's attack will kill you! Please, move away!" Cammy cried out with worried tears.

"Say goodbye, you little human! HOGUERA DE DEMONIA!"

As Ryuukoutsuseimon shot out the massive fire blast, it was sent directly towards Eternal Sailor Mercury. She did not display any show of fear and stood her ground with authority. Arbormon emerged from out of the rubble, after slide evolving from Petaldramon. He looked ahead to find Eternal Sailor Mercury close to being incinerated by Ryuukoutsuseimon's attack.

"MERCURY! GET THE HELL OUT OF THERE!"

Ignoring Arbormon for a second, she immediately thrusted her hands forward and forms a barrier made completely out of ice. She swiftly sets her hand on the ice barrier and shatters it with a snap of her fingers. It shatters and breaks apart into an array of massive, sharp icicles.

"Mercury! Icicle Spear Barrage!"

"What! Since when has she ever come up with this!" Artemis gasped out in shock.

"Wow! Who would have thought Ami could utilize such a technique?" Rei replied.

The beast cackled out in triumph but not long before Mercury's icicle spears penetrate through the monster's flames. The freezing magic of her attack had cooled off Ryuukoutsuseimon's fire. However, that wasn't the end of the Mercury's assault. The icicle spears were coming straight for Ryuukoutsuseimon. He could only look on in horror as the spears impaled through many sections of his body, including one through his dark heart. He froze in place until Mercury gave a signal to her comrades.

"That's it, everyone! Attack him at once! I've completely immobilized him by piercing an icicle through his heart! Go, now!"

"You heard her, everyone! Let's attack at once!" Pluto called out to Saturn, Mercuremon, Grottomon and Arbormon.

"Darn! We don't even get our shots in!" Makoto grumbled while smashing her fist against her other palm.

"Don't worry. You guys will get your chance when we find that sword," Cammy assured the trio.

"Time for a little payback! BLOCKADE SEED!" Arbormon cried out as he sent out seed-like bomb.

"DEAD SCREAM!" Pluto calls out as her garnet orb on her staff sends out a mighty energy sphere.

Grottomon pulls out his massive hammer and smashes it into the ground to crack it wide open. Then, the force sends out a mighty energy attack that aimed directly for the dragon.

Calling for everyone to attack him, Mercuremon positioned his mirrors out. One by one, the two Sailors and the other two warriors repeated their attacks. The mirrors absorbed their attacks and he directed them directly for Ryuukoutsuseimon.

"I CAN'T MOVE! NO! THIS CAN'T BE!"

As each of their attacks hit their mark on the titan, he watched as his frozen body shattered like ice itself. Mercury's deadly attack had already taken a toll on him. Before long, Arbormon jumped to where Sailor Mercury stood. An idea immediately came to their mind and they put their hands together. Combining Arbormon's spirit energy and Mercury's magical abilities, they unleashed a mighty blast. Ryuukoutsuseimon attempted to break free from his frozen state but he couldn't anything to avoid the attack. His body was ultimately shattered into pieces until everything about him dispersed into data.

"Whoa... They actually did it!" Makoto exclaimed. "Without us, for that matter..."

"Had we joined in, we would have done more damage. If not worse!" Rei replied with astonishment. "If Ami could do that, then I'm excited to know what our full capabilities can do!"

Eternal Sailor Mercury chuckled softly before collapsing to her knees. Arbormon rushed over to her side, along with everyone else.

"Mercury!" the girls exclaimed.

"Hey, are you going to be all right?" Arbormon asked with worry.

Sailor Mercury simply put a hand out to everyone as if letting them know she'll be 'fine'. Once recovering enough energy, Mercury sits up and wipes her forehead.

"Sometimes, even this form can take a lot of you. I shouldn't overexert myself like that," Mercury giggled. "I'm sorry for scaring you all like that."

"Well, as long as you're fine," Arbormon replied. "Just don't do that again, all right?"

"Deal."

"Oh man! Did you guys see that! That was just Ami by herself using that attack. She's already gained enough experience to take down even the largest of opponents," Makoto said.

"I'm already anxious as it is just to increase my abilities like that," Minako said with glee.

"That monster just now was a mega, yet you managed to managed to destroy it easily," Grottomon told Mercury. "You said you couldn't control this current form?"

"That's right. I had trouble maintaining this form and my powers weren't exactly at their greatest potential," Mercury explained. "Now, I can maintain this Eternal for a good period of time and control my new powers. Rei, Makoto, and Minako. When we find that sword, I'm sure it will increase your attacks tenfold."

"Could it actually work with our powers, too?" Saturn asked.

"Perhaps."

"Mercury. You're simply awesome out there," Rei gives a thumbs up to her friend. "Wait 'til we regain our powers. We're going to make Pharaohmon sorry he ever messed with us."

"Well, that was quite the experience. How about we move on with our mission?" Minako suggested. "Besides, we only have until tomorrow to find that sword. Looks like a cool front is about hit this side of the mountain."

"Um, we're in a mountain range," Artemis sighed. "There's always a cool front."

"Heh. Yeah, should have figured that a long time ago." the blonde giggled.

"In any case, Minako is right. We must have on. Hopefully, nothing else manages to get in our way," Pluto spoke up. "Let's get moving everyone."

With a unified nod, the team walked from the former battle site and down a slope leading to the sandy ground surface. Nearly tripping over a rock, Grottomon was there to break Minako's fall. Rei reached out for Cammy's hand and helped her across the rocky ledge.

"Don't want to trip over like clumsy Minako, right?" Rei giggled to her sister.

"Hey!" Minako gets right up to Rei's face and points a finger at her. "I head that. I heard that, missy."

"Oh, boy..." Cammy sighed. "Artemis. Is she this crazy everyday?"

"24/7, Cammy. It's unbelievable."

"Poor, Artemis," Cammy giggled as she picked him up.

With the group descending into the wasteland just ahead, there were two mysterious figures spying upon them with keen interest. One of which gave a nod to his comrade. One figure was shaped to be a dragon with knight's armor and the other was a dragon with a humanoid dragon wearing what looks like a ninja's outfit.

"Humans, here?" the dragon knight wondered. "They must have left the Shadow Tournament, but why come all the way out here?"

"Who knows? Did you see how that human girl managed to defeat Ryuukoutsuseimon? Anybody who can pull off such a feat has my respect," the ninja responded to his partner.

"Who would have thought there would be humans with abilities to defeat mega-level digimon?"

"We could have defeated Ryuukoutsuseimon together had these guys not intervened. Oh well, that just gives us less trouble."

"I heard them mentioning something about the Digital Priestess. So, they really are looking for the sword that sealed Pharaohmon and his forces."

"Really?"

"Call me crazy but that little girl with them just maybe the Digital Priestess."

"That's because she is."

"Are you sure about that?"

"Positive," the ninja nodded. "There's plenty of dangers ahead for them. The Scorpionites will not be as easy as Ryuukoutsuseimon. I can almost assure you that."

"What do you propose we do?"

"Help them. They will need our assistance. Don't you wish for nothing but peace in these regions?"

"Anything is better than war with Pharaohmon's fleets."

"Good. That's what I'd like to hear. Since those three girls were unable to aid their comrades, I propose we gave them these."

With that said, the ninja dragon held out three devices in one hand.

"You mean you're going to give three human girls those?"

"Yes, it's the only way they can actually defend themselves against the danger lurking in the Digital World. Besides, I've already tested them on digimon. They work with great wonders."

"But, never on a human, right!"

"Um... No, there aren't any native humans here!"

"Kind of figured that already."

"In any case, we must set off and help them. They will get lost in these uncharted regions. Besides, we've been to the actual priestess's temple. We have well known knowledge of it's location."

"Right, so let's get moving. There's no time to lose."

Nodding his head in agreement with the knight, the ninja quickly disappears in a cloud of smoke.

"Ugh, sometimes I hate it when he does that. Wait for me!"

After nodding his head, the knight followed in pursuit and phases from sight. The duo had to hurry before the Sailors and the three male legendary warriors from a planned assault by the Scorpionite armies. However, just what exactly were those three devices? Whatever they were, the mysterious ninja dragon was planning to give Rei, Makoto and Minako weapons that could aid them in combat.

Dark Area. Unknown Sector

-

The duel between Nemesis and Himura was still in session. Suffering from what seemed like internal injuries, Himura sits up but not long before wincing in pain. Nemesis was prepared for anything the bleeding boy was prepared to deliver. His life points were down to 1800 as opposed to Nemesis' strong 4100.

"This duel is getting intense! Never have I seen such determination on a boy! He's bleeding yet ignoring the pain that must be excruciating! You can't help but respect this young kid!" Floramon announced. "And he's doing all this for his sister! To be honest, I hope he defeats this witch!"

"C'mon, Himura. The Cerberumon clan are pulling for you, my friend," the Cerberumon clan leader whispered.

"Well, Himura. It's your move. Why don't you hurry it up before I just end up consuming dear Yui's last portions of her sweet soul?"

"You won't do a damn thing, Nemesis. You're right," Himura coughed out blood. "It is my move."

The boy proceeded to take 2 cards from his deck and placed them in his hand. He nodded and set two cards facedown.

"I'll set one card facedown in defense and the other facedown."

"Is that all you've got? I am rather disappointed. Have you lost your momentum? Oh well. There's no point in dragging it out. Now, my move, sweetie."

AFter adding a card to her hand, Nemesis' life points decreased by 100 as a result of her Messenger of Peace.

Nemesis

Life points: 4000 (4100-100)

"For my move, I summon another Dream Clown! Next, I will switch my other face-up defense Dream Clown to a face-up attack position. Before I end my turn, I'll send my Hayabusa Knight to attack you directly!"

As the Hayabusa went for an attack, Himura snickered and activated one of his facedown cards to reveal the Mirror Force.

"You just activated my trap, you arrogant witch!"

"What! Mirror Force!"

"That's right. When your monster attacks this, it will negate its attack and destroy all your monsters in attack position. Say goodbye to your Hayabusa Knight!"

"Not again!"

As Nemesis watched her Hayabusa Knight and Dream Clowns explode, she growled deeply and gives a thumbs down to the boy. She was not going to allow Himura to outsmart her.

"Curse you, you little brat! Well, my turn ends. You had better bring something worthwhile."

"Gladly..."

Before he could reach into his deck, Himura spits out more blood from his mouth. Seeing the boy suffer as he is now brought a sick smile across Nemesis' face.

"Now, I'll flip summon my facedown card to reveal my Bubonic Vermin!"

The facedown card flipped over to reveal a giant hamster. Nemesis sighed in disbelief at the monster Himura had decided to use.

Bubonic Vermin

900/600/3 stars

"Oh, if you think that's all, then you better think twice. Once I flipped this guy over, I can take another Bubonic Vermin card and special summon it to the field in a facedown defense position. After that, I just shuffle my deck. Just watch and learn..."

"Just shut up and go, brat."

As he looked through his deck, he quickly placed a card facedown in defense mode. It was obvious he had already set the second Bubonic Vermin in hiding; yet, Nemesis has already become well informed of it. Himura shuffled his entire deck before placing it back into his deck holder.

"Now, my Bubonic Vermin! Attack her life points directly!"

The hamster leaped across and attached itself onto Nemesis. It looked over to Nemesis' neck and bites down on her neck. The mistress screamed out as blood was drawn out from her neck. She threw the hamster off and clutched her bleeding neck.

"You little bastard! Look what you're monster did to me!"

Nemesis

Life points: 3100 (4000-900)

"Yeah. That look suites you well. Besides, don't you like blood?"

"Heh. Well, you are correct. That just means more blood for me," Nemesis laughed while wiping the blood from her neck. "You did me quite the favor. I can drink my own blood anytime I wish."

Licking the blood from her own hand, Nemesis smiled and added a card to her hand. It was finally her turn once again.

"Since your turn is over, I'll first give up 100 of my life points. After all, my Messenger of Peace is still at play."

Nemesis

Life points: 3000 (3100-100)

"Next I'll summon my Crass Clown!"

The mistress brings forth an overweight clown standing on top of a giant ball.

Crass Clown

1350/1400/4 stars

"Go, Crass Clown! Attack his Bubonic Vermin!"

The Crass Clown rolled across with its giant ball like a steamroller and crushed the hamster in the process. All that was left of the hamster was a pool of it's own blood. The clown cackled a maniacal laugh before returning to his mistress.

"Squish. I just love the sound of anything crushed. The bones cracking and the flesh being grinded... It's simply a great sensation," Nemesis snickered. "Too bad. You lose more life points and another portion of your dear sister goes away."

Himura

Life points: 1350 (1800-450)

Himura struggled to stand up but his injuries were getting the best of him. Blood marks had already covered a majority of his body because of actually regurgitating the crimson mass.

"Ha. Look at you. You can't even stand up anymore. I can predict this. Just one more hit on your life points and you'll be dead. Doesn't that just sound wonderful? You will be joining your dearest family in hell. Say hello to Yui for me down there."

Giving a wave to the suffering boy, she turned to see another portion of Yui's unconscious form being erased. Himura could not take this anymore and reached over to his card deck.

"Make whatever move you can make, Himura. There's nothing that's going to save you. Not even your Guardian Airtos will do you any good!"

As Nemesis mentioned the name of the monster, Yui's eyes slowly opened up. She looks across to find her brother struggling and Nemesis taunting the poor boy.

"Himura...? Himura! It's you!"

"C'mon, kid! Draw out your pathetic cards!"

Himura spat out saliva mixed with blood shook off all the negative thoughts clouding his head and adds two cards to his hand. One of the cards he had just drawn was the one card which he had hoped to use. A bright smile curves across his bloodstained face.

"Oh? Why are you smiling for?"

"This... is why. Take a look for yourself."

Displaying his card for all to see, Nemesis could not help but chuckle in defiance. She could have sworn that she had declared that specific card to be played in the duel.

"Whoa! It's the card that Nemesis had declared not to be used in the duel!" Floramon announced. "What could Himura be thinking!"

Himura noticed his sister actually making eye contact with him. A smile crossed his face.

"Himura... Thank goodness. You've drawn my favorite card..."

"Huh! Hey! You're supposed to be out, you little bitch! Oh well. You're about to become a witness to the greatest moment of your life: the death of your dearest brother."

"No! Himura! Use it!"

"Yui! I have just drawn your favorite card! Now, prepare yourself, Nemesis! You're finished!"

"So, what! You're forgetting my Prohibition card, idiot. It's still in effect and I declared you can't play it."

"Yui! I'll need your help!"

"I'll try..."

"Ha! There's no way she's going to save you in this condition! Look for yourself! Her soul is being consumed as it is for every hit we take! Since you're close to losing all your life points, she'll be gone forever! The Tsubasa legacy will finally die by my hand!"

"I don't think so," Himura retorted.

"Not only is she watching us, but portions of her soul are within me! When this duel is over, she'll be gone forever and you will be dead. Even you can't withstand those internal injuries."

"Yui! Now! I know you can hear me!" Himura turned over towards his crucified sister. "Wake up and help me!"

"Shut up and concentrate on me, you brat!" Nemesis screamed.

"Fine. I'll utilize my turn to activate this card. It's the card known as Fissure!"

"No! That means..."

"The face-up attack monster with the lowest attack points is automatically destroyed. So, say good bye to your Crass Clown!"

Nemesis gasped as her monster was destroyed in the process.

"That ends my turn. Make your move!"

"Gladly!"

Since she had no cards on hand, she drew the only thing she would be able to play from her deck.

"Hmm... this'll hurt more than it'll help..." Nemesis thought. "Before I end my turn, I'll sacrifice 100 more of my life points to keep Messenger of Peace in play."

Nemesis

Life points: 2900 (3000-100)

"Now I'll..."

Just before Nemesis was prepared to end her turn, her hand appeared to be trembling. She struggled to break free of this sudden inner struggle. Turning around, she noticed Yui's eyes setting off a dark glare. The little girl's eyes were pupil-less and filled with dark energy.

"What! It's that little bitch again! Not only is she restraining me inside but even on the outside! I can't control myself! That brat's not going to get away with this!"

Despite her 'tug-of-war' struggle with Yui, Nemesis slowly placed the card just she had drawn in her duel disk.

"Just because you set this card, doesn't mean I'll play it." Nemesis said mentally to Yui. "I end my turn there."

"It's my move. I draw my 2 cards. Yui, this nightmare will end!"

"Never! I'll maintain control of this body! I-"

Before long, her hand trembled yet again as if she were having a seizure. Not being able to control her hand, it moved slowly toward her duel disk. Yui's crucified form had regained control over her soul and body. Nemesis couldn't do anything to fight Yui's resistance.

"What! NO! This can't be!"

Her hand had pressed a button on her duel disk and activated her facedown card in the process. It was revealed to be Imperial Order.

"No! Not now!"

"Imperial Order, huh? That means once it is face-up on the field, it negates the effects of all magic cards. As a result, you have to pay up 700 life points during each of your standby phases."

"No! That card negates the effects of my Prohibition and my Messenger of Peace! This CAN'T be happening to me!"

Himura turns his attention over to his crucified sister and nods. It was only a matter of time before he becomes reunited with his beloved sister and end Nemesis' nightmare.

"Thanks, Yui. I won't let you down."

Yui's face curved with a smirk before she closed her eyes.

"It's still my turn! I flip summon my Bubonic Vermin!"

As soon as he said that, the facedown hamster was flipped up in an attack position. Nemesis was still trembling while trying to regain control.

"Of course, you would know about the effect my Bubonic Vermin has. I can take another from my deck and special summon it on the field in a facedown defense position. After that, I have to shuffle my deck. So, with that said..."

Himura pulls out another Bubonic Vermin card, places it facedown in defense mode on the field and shuffles his entire deck. Once shuffling, he puts his deck back in the deck holder.

"Finally, it all comes down to this. Yui, this one's for you, kid! Now, I'll sacrifice both my face-up and facedown Bubonic Vermin!"

As both cards disappeared from the field, Himura pulls out Yui's favorite and throws it down to the field. Nemesis gasped out in shock as her impending doom was soon at hand.

"Behold, Nemesis! The Guardian Airtos!"

Looking ahead, Nemesis watched as a figured appeared overhead. The figure took the shape of a human. However, it wore an outfit quite similar to the great Princess Mononoke. Her outfit looked like that of a Native American with a feather necklace. Her face was majestic yet beautiful, a complete contrast to Nemesis. On her back was a skin of a white eagle. It's wings spread across majestically. Nemesis was looking into the face of an angelic figure sent down from the heavens to protect all that is nature.

Guardian Airtos

2500/2000/8 stars

"No... It can't be... Not possible! NOT POSSIBLE!"

"I'm afraid so, Nemesis. Since you hurt Yui and myself, Guardian Airtos will not hesitate to finish you off!"

"NO!"

"Now, Guardian Airtos! Attack her directly!"

Gathering enough energy through its staff, Guardian Airtos did not hold back and unleashed a powerful blast that engulfed Nemesis. The mistress screamed out in agony before being knocked off her feet. This was pain she would rather have not felt. She struggled to sit up but fell back down to her knees. She couched out a mouth full of her own blood.

Nemesis

Life points: 400 (2900-2500)

"CURSE YOU, HIMURA! I SWEAR THAT I'LL SLIT YOUR THROAT WHEN I FINISH THIS!"

"Hmph, well that ends my turn. Let's see you carry through on your threats," Himura snickered as he motioned over for her to 'bring it'.

"Oh, it will be brought you arrogant punk! It's over for you! Your life ends here!"

Nemesis drew a card directly to her hand and struggled to sit up. She started to chuckle to herself before implementing her next move.

"So what if you've got your precious Guardian Airtos on the field? You're still not going to defeat me!"

"Heh."

"You find that funny?"

"No, but you're right."

"What's that!"

"I'm not going to defeat you. I don't need to defeat you. Yui already has! Don't forget that you have to pay the cost for playing Imperial Order! That's 700 life points to be exact. That's more than enough to bring you down."

"WHAT! NO!"

Giving a final thumbs down, Himura declared, "Nemesis! GAME OVER!"

"NO!"

Nemesis

Life points: 0 (400-700)

Nemesis falls back down to her knees as her body started to convulse. Her violently struggles and falls down on her back.

"NO! I WILL NOT LET YOU FREE! THIS ISN'T OVER!"

"I'm afraid it is, Nemesis. Now, my sister will be free. Yui, thank you..."

Suddenly, Nemesis gasped as her chest split open to release a beam of light. It quickly bathed Yui's unconscious form and restored her body back to normal. Already weakened, Nemesis has lost her host and the vessel that ensured her own survival. No longer would she use Yui against her will. The mistress's eyes widened as Yui opened her eyes and swiftly landed on the surface.

"No! Without that brat, my body will weaken and I'll die! I may have lost the duel but I'm going out with style. Yes! If I can't live, then Himura won't!"

Unsheathing a blade from the side of her right boot, Nemesis charged across with her blade. She was aiming to stab Himura through his heart. Yui regained her sight and screamed out to warn her brother.

"HIMURA! LOOK OUT!"

Inches away from stabbing Himura, a bolt of lighting shot her back across the surface. Yui gasped as she caught glimpse of the Underworld lord digimon standing next to Himura.

"Anubimon!"

"Yui. It's good to see you, my child."

"Oh no! Himura!"

Running over to her brother's side, Yui kneeled beside him and noticed blood being stained on her hands. She utterly gasped and cried over his shoulder.

"Oh, Himura! This is all my fault! I never wanted this to happen!"

As the younger Tsubasa sibling cried over her brother, Anubimon stood his ground and pointed to Nemesis. The mistress sits up and growls angrily. Anubimon was the last digimon she ever wanted to have conflict with. However, she did more than create tension. She nearly murdered Anubimon's dearest human friend.

"Nemesis. Your nightmare has gone on far enough. You've tortured these two poor souls long enough and I will NOT stand for it anymore!"

"Ha! What is the great Anubimon going to do about it!"

"In your weakened state, you couldn't even hope to intimidate me. You're nothing anymore. As your punishment, I have declared that you be put to eternal sleep. It's fitting for a mistress such as yourself."

"You put me to sleep, how?"

"With this..."

With a snap of his fingers, a large tomb-like object emerged from out of the ground. Nemesis turns around to find the tomb standing behind her. There was a face of a woman decorated across the tomb with ancient hieroglyphics. Anubimon snapped his fingers once again and the tomb opened up. Inside the tomb was a layer of spikes on one side.

"You don't expect to seal me in there!"

"On the contrary, that's your new home for all eternity, Nemesis. Consider this as your ultimate punishment and act of will courtesy of the Sovereigns."

With another snap of fingers, he sent an invisible force that pushed Nemesis inside the tomb. The mistress screamed out but not long before the tomb closed the seal on her. As the spiked door closed, there were agonizing screams coming out, which were enough to send the chills down even the most brave-hearted of men. Anubimon let out a sigh placed his hand over the tomb.

"As Lord of the Underworld, I hereby banish you to the prisons of the Dark Area! You will remain there for eternal sleep under my jurisdiction! FAREWELL!"

With that said, he immediately sends the tomb away and ignores the agonizing screams of the banished mistress. He turns his attention over to a sobbing Yui and steps over towards her. Yui held her brother's unconscious form but not long until she came eye to eye with Anubimon.

"Anubimon...?

"Let us go back, Yui. It's over. The nightmare is finally over."

"But Himura is out of it! He's barely even breathing! We have to get him back!"

"You leave everything to me, child. I owe it to you and your brother," Anubimon spoke passionate to the child.

Turning his attention over to Floramon, Anubimon waves over to her.

"Um, you called for me Anubimon-sama?"

"Yes. I'm sure you don't want to be stuck down here in limbo. Am I right?"

"Of course."

"I'll be transporting myself along with you and these children back."

"Sounds like a plan! Nevertheless, I can't help it. I feel sorry for those two."

"Nemesis has put them through enough grief. I owe it to them. Himura is a dear friend of mine and Yui is a dear, sweet child with no shred of malice in her heart."

"I see. I'm happy you put that witch in eternal rest. She deserves everything she has coming to her for tormenting these two precious children."

"Yes. Cerberumon clan! I want you two to scout the premises until I return from the Shadow Tournament. Is that understood?"

"Yes, Anubimon-sama!" the two Cerberumon exclaimed in obedience. "You go and nurse Himura back to health!"

"Thank you, my friends. Floramon. Let us depart from here."

"Right!"

With Floramon holding onto Anubimon's side, the Underworld lord kneeled besides the children. He instantly transported themselves out of the Dark Area and back to the Shadow Tournament venue.

"You know. I was just beginning to fall for that Floramon," the younger Cerberumon sighed.

"Ah, shut up! You heard, Anubimon-sama. We have an area to guard until he returns. Stay focused!"

"Aww, even us guardians need some girlfriends!"

"Sometimes I wonder how you picked up Inumon's bad habits," the Cerberumon leader sighed in disbelief.

Phoenix Arena

-

With the action becoming even more intense back in the battle royal, the Tamers and the Duelists were worried over what may happen next. However, they were relieved to know that Anubimon was returning with Himura and Yui.

"Yes! See, guys! I told Himura would win it!" Takato exclaimed. "Now, looks like Pharaohmon's in a big slump with these recent losses!"

"But at what price?" Jeri asked. "I mean, you saw for yourselves! Himura collapsed as soon as the duel ended! That witch nearly killed her! If it weren't for Anubimon, Nemesis would have surely killed him!"

"At least his sister was saved and Nemesis was sealed away," Renamon replied. "All we need to worry for is Himura's condition."

Just then, the entire group was distracted by a bright of light. Appearing before them was Anubimon with Himura in his arms. Yui and Floramon were standing at his sides. Jeri and Inumon gasped at the bloody form of Himura Tsubasa.

"My goddramon! He looks terrible!" Guardromon gasped.

"That witch really did a number on him!" Kazu replied.

"This is terrible," Rika growled. "Anubimon, we're glad you sent that witch to hell where she belongs!"

"We have to get Himura to the infirmary!" Henry exclaimed. "But most importantly, some of us have to stay here to give our digimon support!"

"You will have to stay here, Yui," Anubimon suggested to the girl.

"No! I have to go and see to it that Himura gets better!"

"Dark Gabumon is out there as we speak. He needs you and you know it. Those two monsters are this close to ending the lives of him and Felinismon. If you could go and aid Dark Gabumon. Jeri, you have to stay here as well to give support to Felinismon. I know you two can give the much needed boost your partners will need. Don't worry about Himura. I will see to it that he gets medical attention."

"Please, do it for your partner's sakes," Inumon reminded them. "I'll be at Himura's side for the time being if it makes you feel any better."

"Ok, we're convinced!" Jeri replied. "Yui, what do you say? We'll make Himura even more proud of us?"

"I... But... Sure! Dark Gabumon needs me!" Yui said as she gripped her D-Ark. "Himura! I'm doing this for you and me both! With Nemesis gone, I can go back to what I do best: being a Tamer for my Dark Gabumon! Hang on my friend, I'm back and better than ever!"

Despite her determination, the thoughts of her bloodied brother and Nemesis' torment plagued her train of thoughts. She managed to shake off those negative thoughts and proceeded to run down the steps with Jeri following her.

"Good luck, you two! Only you can get those back in the fight!" Yugi exclaimed. "Pharaoh. I knew we would not lose hope. We've got Yui back. Now, it looks like we just might stand a chance in this battle royal!"

"Go for it, girls!" Takato calls out in encouragement.

Back in the ring, the situation was becoming grim for both Dark Gabumon and Felinismon. They were literally beaten to a pulp by BlackWarGreymon. The dark mega did everything, including inflicting bruises and cuts over the two weakened digimon. Looming over the ring was Wardevidramon. He chuckled at the sight of the downed duo.

"Nemesis may have failed my master, but we won't be done in so easily. BlackWarGreymon! It's time we finish the job. Give them your finishing attack!"

"As you wish..." the artificial spoke in a monotonous tone.

BlackWarGreymon levitated over the ring and set his sights on the two fallen digimon. Raising his hands over his head, his dramon killer claws gathered the negative energy around the arena. That energy collected and formed a massive red, sphere of energy. Wardevidramon gives a nod to the dark mega. He aims and goes to finish them off with his finishing technique.

Everyone, including the Tamers, knew exactly what the mega was aiming for.

"No! It's the Terra Destroyer! Jeri and Yui had better hurry!" Kenta exclaimed.

"This is BlackWarGreymon one of the most feared digimon in the series!" shouted Takato.

"C'mon... C'mon..." Rika slightly muttered.

The girls arrived towards the bottom level of the arena stands. They gazed off at the bright orb of light formed by BlackWarGreymon. Jeri gasped as she remembered what this monster was truly capable from her previous viewings of the Zero Two anime series.

"Yui! Take this!" Jeri tosses Yui a digivolution card.

"A digivolution card?"

"Take it, I've got a spare! Our partners do not have the strength to digivolve. Therefore, it will be up to us to aid them! You have a D-Ark like me. Slide the card through the slots and call out 'Card Slash'!"

"Ok! Anything to save my Dark Gabumon!"

"Let's do it! For Himura!"

With that said, Yui slashed the card through her D-Ark and called out the official command to activate the power of the device.

"CARD SLASH! DIGIVOLUTION!" Yui cried out with her D-Ark overhead.

With her D-Ark giving off a brilliantly decorated aura, beams shot out and were sent directly for her digimon partner. Before BlackWarGreymon had a chance to even finish collecting energy, he watched the digimon become reenergized.

"What's the meaning of this!" Wardevidramon gasped in shock. "Argh! It's that sister of Himura's and that Tamer girl Felinismon has aligned with!"

Sitting up and gaining his second wind from his power boost, Dark Gabumon looks over to find Yui within the audience. A smile forms across his face and he prepares to digivolve into mega.

"Yui... You are safe. Arigato, Yui-chan! I'm back in the game!"

"Dark Gabumon... WARP SHINKA!"

The dark rookie became engulfed by a stream of data and had his skin become peeled off. His body became engulfed by a massive digi-egg. That same egg cracked open to reveal a dark version of Yamato's own Metal Garurumon. However, this one was dark gray-black metal. He flies through the air and sets off towards BlackWarGreymon.

"SHADOW METALGARURUMON!"

"WHOA! WHAT A MIRACLOUS COMEBACK!" Lillymon announced through the microphone. "I didn't think Wardevidramon saw this coming! Those two girls have used their infamous D-Arks to give their partners a much needed power boost! As far as the tournament rulebooks are concerned, that is not illegal, just as long as they stay away from the ring that is! Now, the newly digivolved Dark Gabumon has gained his second wind and is aiming right for BlackWarGreymon!"

"NOO! How is this possible!" Wardevidramon roars became evident.

"THIS ONE'S FOR YUI! COCYTUS BREATH!"

BlackWarGreymon couldn't do anything in his current position with his arms still gathering energy. The dark wolf mega's attack plowed right through BlackWarGreymon's chest. Shadow MetalGarurumon makes a u-turn and uses the tip of his tail to slash right through BlackWarGreymon's torso. The force was enough to split the mega in half before it broke down into a packet of data.

"CURSES!"

"Felinismon! Now it's you chance! Absorb his data before Wardevidramon does!" Shadow MetalGarurumon calls out.

"You got it!"

With that said, Felinismon takes a leap straight into the air and immediately absorbed the data into her body, much like how the Tamers' digimon have done so in the past.

"Brilliant counter, guys!" Jeri calls out in encouragement. "Now, go for it, Felinismon! Card Slash! Digivolution! Activate!"

After Jeri slid the card through her D-Ark, Felinismon started to undergo an evolution of her own.

"Felinismon... SHINKA!"

Much to everyone's surprise, Felinismon had taken the form of the same monster she had absorbed. She had now become the dark mega himself!

"BLACKWARGREYMON!"

Wardevidramon was taken back by this turn of events and questioned their motives. What exactly could they be planning? That was the main question running through his mind.

Omegamon watches on with great curiosity and nods his head in comply.

"I see now," the Royal Knight stated.

"What?" Blitzmon asked.

"You'll see, Junpei."

"Well, I'm really anxious to know," Fairymon said excitedly.

"Hopefully, this will spell the end for Wardevidramon," Agunimon thought.

Wolfmon set his sights on Shadow MetalGarurumon and smiled. He liked how the wolf mega was actually planning and using his head in a drastic situation.

"Now! Go for it!" the megas exclaimed in unison. "JOGRESS SHINKA!"

As soon as they called out for their new evolution, the crowds watched in awe. Both Shadow MetalGarurumon and BlackWarGreymon turned into arms. A huge body was materializing at the center. The two 'arms' attached to this 'body' and completed its ultimate evolution. After that, a bright column of light engulfed the single entity.

"WOW! No way! They're actually becoming him!" Takato exclaimed.

"Believe it, goggle head," Rika chuckled. "Good thinking, girls!"

However, not everyone was awe struck now. Wardevidramon was horrified and watched as flashbacks of his old enemy plagued his mind. His eyes widened in paranoia.

"NO... It couldn't be! Not him! Anybody but him!"

The ultimate warrior emerged from the light column and unveiled itself from a silver-like cloak. It looked exactly like Omegamon, but it was a darker version of the vaccine Royal Knight. His armor was completely black with gray edges around the sides. He roared out his official name for everyone to hear.

"SHADOW OMEGAMON!"

"Wow! That's so cool! We really created ourselves a powerful digimon, Yui!" Jeri giggled.

"I know! This is just great! Go for it, Shadow Omegamon!"

"Incredible! Those two managed to form the legendary Omegamon! However, in this case, it is a viral version of him! I think we all know the background between the legendary Omegamon and Wardevidramon! It looks like this Omegamon will be getting his just desserts!" Lillymon announced. "Well, since BlackWarGreymon was just destroyed and absorbed by Felinismon, we can count that as an elimination. Taking the place of Felinismon and Dark Gabumon is Shadow Omegamon!"

Bokomon and Neemon were stunned to say the least. Well in Neemon's case, he was spinning around his seat like a happy child.

"This is truly a moment to remember, Neemon! We're getting a look at an Omegamon! A dark version of the legendary hero, but nonetheless still an Omegamon!"

"WHEEE! He looks cool!" Neemon laughed.

"Neemon...?"

"Yes?"

"WEREN'T YOU PAYING TO ANYTHING I JUST SAID!"

"Um, let's see here. Well, not really..."

"Urge to kill Neemon rising..." Bokomon attempted to think 'happy' thoughts.

The dark Royal Knight turned his attention over towards Wardevidramon with eyes fueled with anger. Wardevidramon shook away all of his memories and returned back to reality. He merely bellowed out in hysterical laughter.

"Ha! If you think your new form will make a difference, then you are mistaken! If the original Omegamon couldn't hope to defeat me, what makes you think you stand a chance in hell!"

"Why don't you try us out and find out for yourself?" Shadow Omegamon chuckled.

"You're just like Omegamon! An arrogant fool! That will be your own undoing! Now prepare to DIE!"

Wardevidramon roared out but not long as he raised his claws in midair and slashed them together to create a nuclear-like shockwave through the air.

"NOW! TAKE THIS! CRIMSON WAR CLAW!"

Shadow Omegamon merely nodded his head and unsheathed a blade through the BlackWarGreymon head. He slashes across and cuts the attack down in half with great might.

"TRANSCENDENT SWORD!"

"WHAT! NO!"

Nearly every digimon in the audience gasped out in awe at the rare appearance of the great Shadow Omegamon. However, the vaccine Omegamon was none too pleased to see a viral version of himself battling his long time enemy. On the other hand, he will gladly step aside to allow another warrior to defeat Wardevidramon and prevent his path of destruction to continue.

"Hey, Omegamon! He looks just like you!" Blitzmon exclaimed.

"Who would have thought those Tamers could create a force like this?" Wolfmon wondered.

"Whatever the case, this is good for our side! Wardevidramon won't know what hit him!" Agunimon nodded.

"C'mon! Go for it!" Fairymon cried out with encouragement.

"Shadow Omegamon, huh? I may disapprove of a viral version of myself fighting my battles. However, this is Wardevidramon we're speaking of. Anyone who can destroy him deserves my praise. Let's see if you are capable of slaying my old enemy, Shadow Omegamon. You are those Tamer girls' trump card. If you don't, then Wardevidramon won't hesitate to waste this stadium."

Growling out in frustration, Wardevidramon prepared to unleash his next attack. He raises his arms and unleashes an array of missiles from out of his dramon-destroyer claws.

"EAT THESE! DESTRUCTO MISSILE!"

However, Shadow Omegamon didn't hesitate and pointed his Shadow Metalgarurumon cannon directly for the missiles. He charged up the cannon and unleashed a strong energy beam to incinerate every missile at once.

"SUPREME CANNON!"

"NO! I REFUSE TO LOSE TO THE LIKES OF YOU! PHARAOHMON-SAMA IS COUNTING ON MY VICTORY!"

"Too bad he didn't tell you this: you're doing to die today."

Wardevidramon was seething in anger and looked around the arena. He looked down to find Yui and Jeri together. A perverse thought had crossed his mind and he pointed his dramon-destroyer claws directly for the girls. Yui screamed out as she threw herself around Jeri's protective grip.

"Now this is stooping low! Wardevidramon is attempting to blow away these girls and a large portion of our audience with his attack! Shadow Omegamon! If there's anything you can do, do it now!" Lillymon cried out in alarm.

"ALLOW ME!"

Suddenly, Wardevidramon felt an incredible force appearing before him. His eyes widened as he gazed upon the sight of his old enemy. Omegamon had his arms stretched out like a protective wall barrier. Jeri and Yui both let out a sigh of relief as a protector came to their aid.

"OMEGAMON!"

"You best stand back if you know what's good for you, Wardevidramon. Your opponent is Shadow Omegamon. You leave these human girls alone. You truly are a coward with no sense of honor."

"I COULD CARE LESS! I'LL DO ANYTHING TO WIN!"

"Hmph. How sad for you, but I'd advise you turn around and prepare to meet your fate. I may not have been the one to send you to the Dark Area, but my darker counterpart will do the job for me. Sayonara, Wardevidramon."

With that said, Wardevidramon turns around to find Shadow Omegamon flying down at incredible speed. Even before he had a chance to attack, Shadow Omegamon jammed his sword through the machine dragon's forehead. There was a frozen pause for a few moments until Shadow Omegamon shoved his cannon right down Wardevidramon's mouth and lets loose a powerful beam that causes the monster's body to expand like a massive balloon full of hot air.

"SUPREME CANNON!"

"ARGH! NO! THIS CAN'T BE HAPPENING! NOT ME! PHARAOHMON-SAMA! FORGIVE ME!"

"Farewell, Wardevidramon. May you never return."

As soon as he said that, Wardevidramon's bloated form floated above the arena. He let out one final roar before exploding into a massive cloud of data. The entire arena audience gazed upon the heavens as streams of data and light brightened the near-dusk skies. Shadow Omegamon levitated back down to the ring and let out a sigh of relief.

"My job here is done..."

After that, Shadow Omegamon's form separated itself into two entities. Shadow Metalgarurumon and Felinismon had taken his place. Felinismon felt her body vibrate for a minute and heard the voice of BlackWarGreymon from within.

"Felinismon. By being absorbed into your body, I can speak through to you telepathically. Well done on helping Dark Gabumon to form Shadow Omegamon."

"Um, it was nothing really. I didn't think this would happen. In fact, I was planning on evolving to my true mega form."

"Oh?"

"But, Shadow Omegamon got the job done. Next though, you think you allow me to use my mega form?"

"Of course."

"Heh. So, I guess this is the last time we'll ever see of Shadow Omegamon."

"Perhaps, but that will be up to you. As you can see, I don't have a body anymore, but one day, I will have to recollect myself and leave your body."

"So, this is like a fusion of some sorts?"

"In a way, yes, but I will leave to reform my old body. By mixing with your data, I've taken a new outlook on life itself."

"So, you'll be an ally to our cause?"

"One day, perhaps... For now, we must remain together as one. Good luck in the next round, Felinismon."

"Thank you."

Etemon steps back inside the ring and had already declared Wardevidramon eliminated. He raised Felinismon's arm and patted Shadow MetalGarurumon's head.

"Ladies and gentlemon, there's no doubt that we're looking at our winners here! Felinismon and Dark Gabumon are your winners! They will advance to the next round!"

"Now, this is what I like to call a turnaround!" Lillymon announced. "Those two really made a comeback and defeated two of Pharaohmon's top soldiers! Things just are not looking too bright for him. Not to mention losing Nemesis. I wouldn't want to be Pharaohmon right now."

"Yay! We did it, Yui!" Jeri giggled in delight.

"You bet we did! You guys rock!" Yui gave praise to the two digimon.

Omegamon nodded his head and flew back to meet with the legendary warriors.

"That was awesome for what you did," Fairymon commended the Royal Knight. "You saved those two girls' lives."

"I had to do what a Royal Knight should do. Besides, Wardevidramon was going too far. He would have caused great harm to those in this arena."

"You have my praise, Omegamon! Way to go!" Agunimon gives a heartily grin.

"Already we've seen one monster attempt to destroy this stadium and the digimon in it. I can't imagine what Pharaohmon will do when he enters," Omegamon sighed.

"Well, I wouldn't want to be Pharaohmon now after seeing his men losing thus far," Wolfmon said.

"Heh. Yeah! He's probably weeping in his private room and crying like a little punk! Oooo, look! I'm Pharaohmon and I need my bottle! Waa!" Blitzmon mocked the great pharaoh demon.

"Well, I know one thing. You wouldn't be saying that if Pharaohmon were here," Fairymon thought.

Pharaohmon's Skybox

-

After witnessing the downfall of his soldiers, Pharaohmon couldn't help but slam his fist against his chair. His pure demonic aura disintegrated the seat. He gets up and starts pounding his fists against the wall like a mad man possessed. His screams of terror were enough to send chills down even the bravest human soldiers. He had just lost Wardevidramon, his BlackWarGreymon artificial and Nemesis. Nemesis was his mistress and it was Anubimon who sealed her away.

"ANUBIMON! DAMN YOU! YOU'VE JUST SEALED NEMESIS! THIS IS THE LOWEST YOU HAVE STOOPED! NEMESIS WAS MY MISTRESS AND YOU TOOK HER AWAY!"

Letting out another scream, Pharaohmon throws out a fist directly for the door and shatters it with an invisible force. These past two matches haven't been looking too bright for Pharaohmon's side. Demon and Machinedramon were also defeated beforehand. Pharaohmon stomped his way towards the shattered door and sighed.

"Anubimon. You've just motivated me even further. Now, your DEATH is GUARANTEED!" Pharaohmon growled while his clenched fist emitted a dark purple aura.

Phoenix Arena

-

Once returning to where the Tamers and Duelists were gathered, Jeri and Yui noticed that Anubimon had left. Yui gasped at first but had remembered that Himura was going to be taken to the infirmary.

"Himura! We have to go see Himura!" Yui demanded. "Please, I need to know if he'll be ok!"

"Well, we don't have to wait any longer. We know exactly where they're placing him," Takato said. "Rika. Didn't they say he would be placed in a separate room from Terriermon and that Chakkoumon guy?"

"Yeah."

"Oh! I just hope nothing is serious. I mean he was bleeding very badly," Jeri gasped.

"C'mon, you guys. I say we go and visit Himura. He will need us by his side if he hopes to recover faster," Yugi suggested. "Right, guys?"

"You bet," Joey nodded in agreement.

"Count me in," replied Tea.

"A friend of yours is a friend of mine," Tristan said.

"Well, Himura's a pretty cool guy. So, count me in," Mai stated.

"Ditto here," Duke spoke up.

"Well, Kaiba and his brother haven't come back," Kazu noticed the missing Kaiba brothers.

"Or Ryo for that matter," Rika scoffed.

"He is training for his match with you, Rika," Kenta said. "He's determined to have a duel with you."

"Well, tell him to bring it on."

"If I know the Kaiba brothers, they'll come around. I wouldn't worry about those two," Yugi replied. "But Himura needs us. Let's get going!"

"C'mon, Yui. I'm sure Dark Gabumon and Felinismon will meet us down there, too," Jeri said as she took Yui's hand.

"Thank you, Jeri."

Once everyone had finished their discussion, the Tamers and the Duelists headed down to the stairways to lead them to the ground level. Desperate to check on her brother's status, Yui wanted to be sure Himura would recover. However, there could be a chance the boy will be in unstable condition.

"Himura. Please, stay alive. I couldn't help it if you were to leave me," Yui said while holding tightly onto Nemesis' ninja mask. "Nemesis. I'll never forgive you for this. Even if you are gone forever..."

Elsewhere within the arena

-

Gathered together in a group of four, there were four females speaking amongst each other. They had just arrived at the arena to watch the events unfold at the tournament. One female stood out amongst the four. She was wearing blue Greek-armor with yellow streaks around the edges. Her form was completely human with a nicely shaped figure. Her face was perhaps the most gorgeous any digimon could ever gaze upon. Her sapphire eyes were the unique features of this woman. Her light brown hair hung down. On her back and head was the skin pelt of a beautiful, white owl. The wings spread out giving her a sort of angelic appearance. Despite taking the form of a human, she is still technically a full-blooded digimon.

"Athenamon," another one of the females spoke up. "Are you sure it was wise to sign yourself up a bout with the leader of the Royal Knights?"

"I'm positive. Nothing is going to stand in my way of battling that digimon," the woman identified as Athenamon spoke. "I must do this in the name of the Amazon digimon clan. Do you support my decision?"

"All the way, my lady."

"Good. Now, let us go and explore this arena. If I know anything, Pharaohmon is here and I will make him pay for what he's done to my Amazon family."

As she said that, Athenamon and her three accomplices advanced towards the hallways. The Amazon digimon are a group of female digimon, who have built themselves as force to be reckoned with. With their dislike for all male digimon, except for Pegasusmon and Unimon, they are a prideful warrior race with little opposition. The leader, Athenamon, is determined to find the Royal Knight who had saved her life before. Nevertheless, with her pride so strong, she wasn't going to take that lying down.

Phoenix Arena

-

Finally escaping through the lobby and out of the reach of the security, Impmon and Calumon found themselves in the arena stadium itself. The duo walked down across towards the steps leading to the bottom of the arena floor. Impmon avoided any possible contact with gum and sticky substances. Calumon, on the other hand, slipped down several steps until a clawed hand caught him. Impmon looked up and found a familiar face. It was the red dragon himself, Guilmon. He had de-evolved from his Gallantmon form a few moments ago.

"Well, if it isn't pineapple head!" Impmon remarked. "Whatcha been doing all this time?"

"Well, I've been celebrating my victory! These digimon really love me!" Guilmon giggled. "I think I ate too much food they were giving me. BURP"

"Oh! So, you get the king's treatment while I get didly squat! Just wait until I get in that ring and lay the smack down on those creeps! Every one last one of them!"

"By the way, nice catch, Guilmon!" Calumon smiled.

"Hey, do you know where I can find Takato and the others?"

"How should we know? We just got here," Impmon shrugged his shoulders. "You might want to go check the snack bar or even the infirmary. Didn't the announcer say that they had friends down there?"

"Oh, yeah. Well, it was good seeing you two again! I have to get going! Bye! Bye!"

Once Guilmon departed from the duo, Impmon set his sights towards the ring and marveled at the thought of competing. He dreamed himself as the champion of all the digimon.

"Just you wait, Pharaohmon! You'll be begging for mercy when I get into that ring! I'm going to be the king of that darn ring!" Impmon threw out a peace sigh overhead.

"Sometimes, you can weird me out, Impmon," Calumon thought.

Looking on from two separate sides of the stadium were the pairs that had nearly met in conflict. On one side, Sailor Neptune and Sailor Uranus watched for the next match to commence. Hiei and Kurama were standing on the opposite side with the same intentions as the Outer Senshi pair.

"Ladies and gents! If I may have your attention please! We will be taking a short intermission until the next set of matches commences. Even we announcers need to grab something from the snack bar! Therefore, if I were you, I would use this time to grab a bite to eat or settle back! Be back in a few!"

After turning off the microphone from her announcer's booth, Lillymon wiped her forehead and advances towards the entranceway of the stadium. As she passed by, Impmon caught a glimpse of Lillymon and suddenly felt his heart beat pump quickly.

"Wowzers! What was that just now? Why did my heart just go whacko when that chick just passed me? Love at first sight? Nah, c'mon! You're Impmon! Fox-face even brushed me aside! What makes you think this one will be any different? All women are the same. Bunch of backstabbers."

"Um, hey, Impmon? Why is your face all red? Is the sun getting to you?"

"Hey is that possible when the sun is setting!" Impmon screamed out at the tiny digimon.

"Whoa, looks like someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed."

"Sorry, but I was just so full of emotion. It's nothing to worry about," Impmon assured him. "Though, there was a warm feeling when that flower girl just walked past here. I couldn't be falling for her, am I?"

With the sixth set of matches already concluded, it seems obvious Pharaohmon will need to regain his momentum. Nemesis has been sealed in the Dark Area for all eternity. Yui has been freed but at what cost? Himura's possibly in unstable condition. How will Yui and the others manage to reawaken their comatose comrade?

Wardevidramon has been slain at the hands of Shadow Omegamon. All thanks in part to Felinismon and Shadow MetalGarurumon.

Now, the next set of matches is set to commence. Who will be the next two duelists? Who will be the four warriors to take part in the battle royal?

The Sailor Senshi and their allies have defeated Ryuukoutsuseimon. Thanks to Sailor Mercury's new Eternal form, the dragon has been slain. Now, there are two mysterious figures waiting in the wings to possibly aid them in the upcoming conflict with the Scorpionite army. What about these three devices the ninja has in possession? Will they possibly give Rei, Makoto and Minako new powers?

A group of warrior women known as the Amazons has arrived. One of them, Athenamon, has her sights set on the Royal Knight. Could she actually be mentioning Omegamon himself?

As for Omegamon, are he and the legendary warriors aware of Athenamon's presence?

Sailor Neptune and Sailor Uranus have meet face to face with Hiei and Kurama. Both have proclaimed that they are all on the same page, but how long will this supposed truce last?

All these questions may soon be answered soon. The Shadow Tournament's first day is near its end. Dusk is set to arrive but the festivities of the event continue.

(Preview)

-

Davis: Yo! It's me, Davis! Well, that was one dramatic chapter, wasn't it? Well, this next one is going quite interesting. Cause we'll be seeing Rika and Ryo dueling! This is a match Rika has been waiting for a long time!

Rika: Well, Ryo. The table has been set. I can get my rematch with you. My wish is to defeat you in the Digital World. That alone would make me the happiest human in two worlds.

Ryo: Well, I have cards that will blow your mind, pumpkin.

Rika: You DID not just call me that! I'm taking you down!

Yugi: Meanwhile, we'll be seeing Kuzuhamon, Lady Devimon, Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune taking action in the next chapter!

Kuzuhamon: I shall dedicate this match to my love, Inumon!

Fairymon: If you thought Rika gets fumed, just watch the sparks fly when Athenamon confronts Omegamon for the first time in years!

Omegamon: Athenamon! You mean you were the Andromedamon I saved from Pharaohmon!

Athenamon: Consider yourself a lucky Royal Knight, because I just signed a match between us!

Agunimon: Oh, boy, Omegamon. I feel sorry for you. Laughs

Omegamon: Sometimes she can be a little stubborn ...

Jeri: Himura's condition is not looking too great as he is placed through a respiratory machine to recover.

Yui: Hey, my name is Yui. What's yours?

Yusuke: Yusuke Urameshi. I didn't think I'd meet a little girl here.

Yui: Well, I'm here to stay with my brother and make sure he recovers.

General Scorpionus: Now, my soldiers! Attack the wenches who have slain the great Ryuukoutsuseimon!

Pair of voices: Not if we have anything to say about it!

Sailor Pluto: Who are these fellows?

Arbormon: I don't know but they're kicking the crap out of these punks!

Ninja dragon: I see three of you are in need of powers to protect yourselves with. Consider these as substitutes before we help you regain your powers through the Priestess sword! Now, call out this chant. Sailor Storm! Ninja Form!

Rei, Makoto, and Minako: Sailor Storm! Ninja Form!

Cammy: Oh, wow! It's about time they can fight back! Watch as the new Sailor Ninjas kick butt and take no names!

Hiei: Hmph, all I see is a bunch of female taking the spotlight the next chapter.

Kurama: Now, now, Hiei. This chapter is one for the ladies. Be sure to stay tuned for the next chapter entitled...

Rika vs. Ryo, the Digimon Queen's Revenge! Sailor Storm, Ninja Form!

-

Lillymon: Well, I'm certainly going to enjoy this chapter! One for the ladies! Isn't that right, Impmon? Giggle

Impmon: Ack! What makes you think I'll fall for you! Then again, I wonder how ol' Beelzebumon would fall for a flower maiden?

Dang, another long chapter written by yours truly! I started this Tuesday and was supposed to finish it by Thursday night, but I had other priorities getting in the way. Since I have Spring Break, I can hope to finish most of my Millenniumon Saga.

As you can tell, the next chapter will be one for all the ladies. ((wink)) Athenamon and the Amazon idea are a copyright of Youkai Youko and her cousin, Belletiger. Shadow Omegamon is an idea provided by LazerWulf. The two mysterious dragons, who will reveal themselves in the next chapter, are characters made by Ninetalesuk.

Just needed to get that out of the way in case you wonder how I can come up with such a variety of digimon.

Well, that pretty much wraps up this chapter. I hope that the next one will be up soon. I want to finish this whole damn thing by late Spring/mid-Summer at the most. Wish me luck, guys! Peace!