I HAVE RETURNED TO RESUME THIS STORY! I'm so sorry for the LONG wait and I know I should have been updating this story. My apologizes. I've had other priorities for the past few months: school, life and wrapping up the final saga of my D-Fusion series. Of course, there are still the upcoming movie fics to look forward to.

I know I've been holding off on this story and I'd like to make up for it with this entertaining chapter. Where I go from here? I don't know. Hopefully, the next chapter won't come out too late. I'd like to get this story done by the summer period.

That's enough rambling out of yours truly but I've had to get that off my chest. Oh by the way, Wolfbane, you asked me if you would like to use Dimitro for your fic? Sure, you have my permission. Make sure he takes in character though. If you want to make him a Saiya-jin or half breed, then by all means go for it.

Now, with that out of the way, let's get on with the return of The Wrath of Pharaohmon! Enjoy!

Rika vs. Ryo, the Digimon Queen's Revenge! Sailor Storm, Ninja Form!

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Earth. Tokyo. Shibuya District. 4:30 P.M. (local time)

It's been nearly a whole day since the events of the tournament had commenced. The Earth realm hasn't changed since the departure of the heroes. However, nearly every television across Japan and the world has managed to receive live transmission from the actual Digital World, more specifically the Phoenix Arena. Viewers have been glued to their televisions as if it were the Olympic Games. They've witnessed some rather competitive and hard-wrenching action.

If there was anything that was capturing their attention, it was the stipulations Pharaohmon himself had laid down. If Earth's heroes do not win his tournaments, either one of them, the world would be the demon's next target. People across the world have been panicky, yet excited, for their lives and homes were at stake. Many were willing to gamble and place bets on who would end up coming out of the tournament as the grand champion. Others feared for their lives, since many odd and destructive occurrences had taken place. For it was half a year ago that the D-Reaper's chaos mass nearly engulfed the planet and it was only recently that Lucemon came close to taking the human realm. Many other supernatural enemies have come close to grasping dominance over the planet, including Yami Marik, Galaxia and the four Saint Beasts.

Pharaohmon's threat was indeed real and there seemed to be little hope of stopping him. However, Earth's defenders were gambling with their lives as they have taken part in this tournament. This great evil surpasses nearly every other enemy they have come into contact with. Like against any other dark force, the heroes were willing to go to all lengths to ensure the Earth's survival.

There was one individual who had watched the events of the tournament since the beginning. That was none other than Yusuke's own childhood friend. Her brown hair was short in length, reaching down to her shoulders. Her eyes are coffee brown with black anime-like irises at the center. She was moderate in stature for a girl her age. Her outfit consisted of a white long-sleeve blouse and a pink skirt around her waist. She also had a pair of matching white stockings and black shoes. This is Keiko Yukimura.

Keiko took a glance over towards a television after getting her usual day's worth of shopping out of the way. She hadn't spoken to Yusuke since the other night when he told her that he had 'another case', but she didn't realize he'd be out competing in a tournament where he could possibly be killed (again!) if he's not careful. As soon as she had seen Yusuke competing in his match, she couldn't help but feel upset. Here she was worried sick for Yusuke and now she's gotten a glance of the 'case' he is currently involved in.

"Yusuke... You jerk! You call this a case! Wait, till I have a word with you!"

Grabbing her shopping bags, Keiko stormed out of the thrift store and didn't notice the group of people backing away. Once Keiko had gone on a raging war path, it was best to stay clear. It appeared angry smoke came steaming out of her ears as she continued her trek across the street. She deeply let out a sigh and takes a glance at the television screen to watch a replay of Yusuke's performance against Demon and Machinedramon.

"But, I can't really stay mad at you. This seems like something you've always wanted. You're having a good time out there with those monsters. Here I am worried sick over you. Yusuke, just do me a favor. Don't get yourself killed. That's all I ever ask for."

As Keiko started walking off into the distance, another familiar duo was watching the same television monitor. They were two short males. One of which had a light-turquoise mop-top hair style, a pair of glasses with a beetle at the center of the lens, a bright green shirt with a black beetle logo, a pair of brown shorts and green shoes. The other was a taller male with a mixed red-purple hair emerging from under a brown hat. His attire consists of a green shirt with a light yellow-brown vest, there was a black undershirt exposed from under the layers, light brown pants and red sneakers.

These were the respective insect and dinosaur duelists: Weevil Underwood and Rex Raptor. They had watched the entire duel tournament with interest. They made sure to study their opponents' decks and moves before having another chance of challenging them. For these two, they wanted rematches with both Yugi Muto and Joey Wheeler. Weevil could never forget how Yugi had 'humiliated' him after knocking him out of the first round at Duelist Kingdom and how Joey defeated him at Battle City and won his Insect Queen. Likewise, Rex wanted revenge for Joey taking his Red Eyes Black Dragon in their duel.

"Man! Just look at them!" Rex growled. "If I had known about this tournament earlier, I would have joined in a heart beat! Yugi and Wheeler are lucky that they're not dueling us! Otherwise, we'd get them back for making us look like fools!"

"Yes, I agree. You lost your Red Eyes Black Dragon while I have lost my Insect Queen! Ohhh, wait until I get my rematch with those two! The result shall be different!" Weevil nodded.

"It's a shame we didn't enter this tournament. I mean the best duelists are there. Yugi... Kaiba... Mai... Wheeler... even Duke Devlin is in it!"

"How did he manage to enter? I don't understand! Also, we can't forget these rookies that have entered. Haven't I seen them before?"

"Yeah, two of them are actual duelists from the Digimon Card Tournament: the famous Ryo Akiyama and Rika Nonaka."

"Those two? Bah, they may be good at Digimon, but Duel Monsters is in a league of its own! I'd show those no good losers what I'm truly capable of!"

"Yeah! Those rookies are only lucky, though, I have to admit... That Jeri girl nearly beat Kaiba. I never thought I'd see Kaiba reeling against a rookie!"

"Nonetheless, she couldn't get the job done as I predicted. Don't forget, Yugi's been banned from using his God cards."

"Ha, must stink for that punk. Though, he did defeat Bakura and he probably has a shot at winning this whole tournament, too."

"Not as long as Kaiba has anything to say about. I'll root for anyone that knocks that Yugi out of the tournament! I don't care who, but make us proud!"

Throwing their fists up, Weevil and Rex visualized an image of Yugi face first with lumps across his head. Standing over his fallen form was the triumphant form of an anonymous duelist. The duo snickered amongst themselves in sheer pleasure. They had hoped their savior would come out of the blue to defeat Yugi.

"Oh ho ho! This is going to be sweet!" Rex snickered. "The thought of Yugi losing is indescribable! I can just visualize it!"

"Yes! Get a good image my friend! For soon, once Yugi and Wheeler are defeated, you and I will pick up the slack to finish off their dueling careers! Then, we'll be the stars! Ha! Fame and glory! I can just taste you now!"

With these two having fantasies over their return to fame, there was another duelist who simply nodded his head in disbelief. This is a taller male sitting down in a seat near a seafood restaurant. His hair was spiked-up and blue. His outfit consisted of a light blue short-sleeve short, a pair of dark blue shorts and a white bandana around his forehead. This was the ocean duelist, Mako Tsunami. He took a bite out of his cooked flounder and gazed towards the television, which had live coverage of the tournament.

"Looking good out there, fellas. For once this tournament is through; I'd like to have rematches with both Yugi and Wheeler. You can count on me reclaiming my victories."

America. Los Angeles, California. 11:45 PM (4:45 Tokyo time)

There was another individual watching the television carefully since the start of the opening round. This particular person is a close friend and champion of 'justice' so to speak. Usagi Tsukino was sitting on the couch inside an apartment home belonging to her long-time boyfriend: Mamoru Chiba.

Her hair was the usual odangos style: AKA the meatballs. She also appeared a little taller since her days in middle and high school. Her figure was also a little slender and feminine. Ever since she was told that her fellow Sailor Senshi had left for this 'Digital World, she watched the live coverage of the tournament to be on the lookout for her comrades. As soon as she heard that Uranus and Neptune were going to be competing, she was sure to stay tuned. In fact, their match was next.

"Wow, this is a lot better than the Pay-Per-Views we've ordered lately," Usagi commented. "And to think, my friends are taking part in this. ARGH! Why didn't they bring me along!"

"Perhaps, so they can prove to themselves that they can succeed without you for once," a softer feminine voice calls out.

Turning around, Usagi spots a black cat hopping onto the sofa. Much like Artemis, this cat has a crescent half-moon on its forehead but this one was a female. Her name is Luna.

"Luna. You really think they can do this without me? I mean, I'm already missing out on the fun."

"Oh, Usagi. You can support them as a spectator. Thus far, I think they've been faring well."

"Even Ami is with them! This isn't fair..."

"Oh lighten up. Sailor Moon needs to be convinced that her fellow Senshi can defeat an enemy without her. Don't you agree?"

"I guess... I guess Sailor Moon can't save the day every time," she sighed.

"We will bring you more live coverage on the Shadow Tournament! The next set of matches will be announced in just a few moments! But, first, on with commercials of our favorite sponsors!"

"Great, just what I needed. More boring commercials," Usagi sighed while chewing on a potato chip. "Well, guys. Looks like you're managing to take care of yourselves. Whatever you're doing, be careful and come out of this in one piece. Rei-chan. Makoto-chan. Minako-chan. I hope you three can get your powers back. If what they say about this Digital Priestess is true, then there's no need for me to worry. They'll pull through... At least, I hope..."

Phoenix Arena. 4:50 PM

Back at the arena site of the Shadow Tournament, the crowds were still buzzing over the duel match, not to mention the battle royale match. Witnessing Shadow Omegamon slaying the mighty Wardevidramon was a rare treat and that forever sealed the fate of that villain. Thanks in part to Shadow Omegamon, both Felinismon and Dark Gabumon advance to the next round. Black War Greymon's data now reside within Felinismon for the time being until the dark artificial somehow regains his form. He now serves as a conscience and guide to Felinismon, just as how Yugi has Yami to coach him.

The Tamers, their digimon and the Duelists were down in the infirmary after what had just occurred in the duel match between Nemesis and Himura. The boy had managed to overcome Nemesis' torment and saved Yui in the process. However, he paid the ultimate price, thanks to Nemesis' sinister tactics. His current condition wasn't looking too well at the moment as he was losing a large amount of blood.

The digimon medical team had transferred him into a more secured room in the infirmary. At the moment, Himura was not allowed to have any outside contact with anyone for the time being. The Tamers and their friends were standing around in the waiting room. Each one was worried for Himura, but none were more concerned than Jeri and Yui. Yui still felt terrible. She couldn't do anything to save her brother from nearly losing his life to Nemesis' dark hand.

"Takato? Have the doctors said anything yet?" Yugi asked the goggle boy.

"It doesn't look good. They're already transferring him behind closed doors," Takato sighed. "We're not even allowed to see him yet. I'm sure we'll know his condition by the end of the tournament today."

"Not even Yui can go in and see him?" Jeri asked.

"Nobody and that's their final word."

"Damn! This sucks!" Rika cursed. "It's bad enough we can't see Himura, but now that maniac Pharaohmon still has a match to compete in!"

"Anubimon, are you certain it's wise to still participate in a match with that monster?" Renamon asked with concern. "Since you sealed Nemesis, he will want to take out his frustrations out on you."

"Please, reconsider, Lord Anubimon. We're already starting to get worried," Inumon attempted to talk the underworld lord out of the match.

"No, this is a match I must take part in. There is something important I have to remind that fool," Anubimon answered promptly. "I appreciate everyone's concern but there's nothing that will change my mind."

"C'mon! Listen to yourself!" Joey exclaimed. "That Pharaohmon is an unpredictable maniac! You saw what he was capable of when he manhandled the Tamers' digimon!"

"I have to agree with Joey on this one, Anubimon," Tristan spat out. "Don't go through with this!"

"Maybe you can let someone take your place," Kazu suggested.

"Allow me to take the honor," Guardromon saluted.

"No offense, but you'd get crushed out there," Kenta muttered.

"Pi! Pi!" squeaked Marine Angemon.

Nodding his head, Anubimon stepped out of the infirmary room with a blank glare across his face. There wasn't anything that was going to hold him back from making this bold act. Not even Himura's friends were going to stop him from confronting the maniacal Pharaohmon.

"Once again, I appreciate everyone's concern, but even you children cannot talk me out of this. This is a confrontation that has been yet to be concluded. Pharaohmon and I have been in collision long before you children were even born or even knew the existence of digimon in the first place. I'm sorry, but I must confront that demon."

"Lord Anubimon, is there something you're not telling us?" Seadramon asked.

"Something tells me he's not going to explain," Witchmon scoffed. "Those underworld lords sure love to keep you in suspense! I swear it's like one of those shows humans call soap operas!"

"Whatever it may be, I'm sure we'll know eventually," Felinismon said.

"That was sure awesome what you and Dark Gabumon did out there!" Kazu commented. "Jeri! You and Yui sure put on one heck of a show!"

"Shadow Omegamon! Who would have thought?" Takato stated.

"Ahh, really, It was nothing you guys!" Felinismon laughed. "Right, shorty?"

"Erm? Oh, yeah," Dark Gabumon nodded in agreement. "It was a pleasure to work with ya, Felinismon."

"By the way, where did Henry and Suzie go?" Mai asked.

"They're in one of the rooms. I do believe they're visiting their elder sister," Yugi answered.

"Yeah. Their older sister was just in a match earlier. I still can't believe she can actually turn into a digimon like Takuya and his friends. Say, what do you say we go and see what they're up to sometime later, guys?"

"That sounds pretty good. Considering that they have a friend turned into stone just like Terriermon," Rika pointed out. "By the way, Takato. There are only two tournament matches left and last time I checked I think my match is coming up."

"Oh yeah. You've been building that deck of yours?"

"Of course..."

"Your opponent is Ryo Akiyama. Man, wouldn't it be great to avenge that loss?" Kazu reminded her.

"No kidding, Sherlock," Rika rolled her eyes. "We'll just see how much better Ryo has gotten over the past year. I've been preparing myself for this match for a long time."

"Well, they haven't actually given any announcements yet, but I'm sure we'll know then," Takato shrugged.

"Good! Now it's my chance to reclaim my status as the better duelist. Ryo, won't you be in for quite the surprise," Rika thought. "I have cards that will blow your mind."

Meanwhile, inside one of the patient rooms, Henry and Suzie were gathered around the bed of their elder sister. Jaarin was slowly but surely recovering from the blows she had taken from Fairymon in her match. Lopmon lazily slept on a chair and dozed off.

"Big sister, are you feeling any better?" Suzie asked.

"I'm fine, Suzie. My back still kind of aches, but I'll pull through," Jaarin winced while clutching her back. "Henry. You actually went out there to support your friend. I'm proud of you."

"It... It was nothing..."

"No, it was something. You just showed how much you really cared for that Himura kid. By being out there, you let him know that you are willing to support him thick and thin. That is what he needed. He needed to full support of his friends to save his sister from that nasty witch."

"Though, I am still worried about what Pharaohmon might do. Anubimon is in the same match. I actually fear for Anubimon. What if Pharaohmon loses it and destroys everything in this arena?"

"He won't..."

"What do you mean 'won't'?"

"He wants to keep this arena secured until he is sure that he is the dominant being. To prove his dominance, he wants to be convinced that he can overcome every participant in this arena, including Anubimon. I'll tell you what. There was no chance in hell I'd stand a chance against that monster. Terriermon wouldn't have made a difference either. There's still hope Guilmon or my friends, the legendary warriors, can make a difference. There is still hope, Henry. You just have to believe it."

"Yes, just momentai, Henry," Suzie giggled.

Once the word 'momentai' emerged from out of the little girl's mouth, Henry was quickly reminded of Terriermon. If Terriermon were here, he would have approached Henry with the same 'laid-back' attitude. A smile crept across the boy's face as his sisters gave him the boost of confidence he needed.

Suddenly, the ever so familiar girly voice of Lillymon blared from out of the arenas' intercoms. The Tamers and their friends stood by to listen for the upcoming announcement involving the next set of matches.

"Attention everyone! This is your favorite Lillymon speaking! Sorry for the long intermission but even us announcers need to go to the snack bar! Anyhow, I'm proud to announce that the next set of matches will take place right away! For our duel match, will Ryo Akiyama and Rika Nonaka enter into the stadium?"

Slamming her fist against her right palm, Rika snatched up her cards and placed them into her pocket. She cracked her knuckles and started heading out the door. Takato rushes up to Rika and places a hand on her left shoulder.

"Goggle head?"

"Rika... Go kick some butt out there! I know you'll give Ryo a tough duel."

"Good luck, Rika! We're pulling for you!" Jeri smiled.

"We'll give you an update on Himura's condition when you get back," Renamon stated.

Nodding to her friends, Rika gave a thumbs-up to them. The Tamers watched as she started walking down the hallways. Her long awaited showdown with Ryo Akiyama had finally come as if it were a dream come true. The one and only loss she had suffered to Ryo would soon become a distant memory if she can trounce the 'Digimon King'.

"May I also ask for the following to enter for the arena for the upcoming battle royale match? Kuzuhamon, Lady Devimon, Sailor Neptune and Sailor Uranus! Please come on out or be disqualified upon absence!"

As soon as she heard the name 'Kuzuhamon', Renamon could not help but tighten her fists. Kuzuhamon was one digimon she could not stand to see or hear about. Even Inumon cringed at the announcement of the crazed female.

"Renamon, why are you getting so bent out of shape?" Tea asked.

"Don't ask..."

"I think it's because of Kuzuhamon," Inumon spoke up.

"Inumon. That's enough out of you," the neon-furred vulpine growled. "Kuzuhamon. You little tramp... If we ever met, I'm going to rearrange that face of yours."

"Don't worry, Renamon. No one will ever come between us. Kuzuhamon has nothing on you," Inumon smiled in thought.

Elsewhere within the arena.

Running out of her dressing room, Kuzuhamon giggled at the sound of her name being called upon by Lillymon. She was accompanied by Lady Devimon, but the viral version of Angewomon did not share the same sentiment as Kuzuhamon.

"Oh, Lady Devimon! Did you hear that! That's us! I can hardly wait to get in the ring and flaunt my stuff!"

"Now, let's get serious here, Kuzuhamon. We're going in to win the match. That means both of us. Lord Pharaohmon hasn't been exactly happy since losing Nemesis and the set of matches so far. Our two opponents are Sailor Senshi. If we can manage to knock them out of the tournament, we'll both advance and get equal opportunities to take care of Inumon's beloved Renamon."

"Yes, because no one deserves Inumon's heart more than I do! Renamon, bah! She only wishes to be as good looking as me!"

"Getting full of yourself already? Don't underestimate these Sailor Senshi."

"Of course not... Ah... Inumon... Mi amor..."

"Oh goddramon, this is going to be one difficult match if she doesn't realize the seriousness of this situation."

Down at the Phoenix Arena.

As Rika made her way over towards the entranceway, she stopped to find an ever so familiar figure standing beside the entrance. The 'Digimon Queen' looked ahead to see Sailor Uranus marching towards her.

"A... A Sailor Senshi...? Whoa, I never thought I'd be coming into contact with one of you," Rika slightly stuttered. "Um, hi?"

"I hear you're the 'Digimon Queen', am I right?"

"Yeah, but how did you know?"

"I've been hearing these digimon talking about you. You have built quite the reputation, kid."

"Gee, thanks... I guess."

"Anyway, I'm just here to wish you luck on your duel match with that opponent, Ryo, right?"

"Yeah."

Sailor Uranus extended out her hand directly to Rika. The redhead was a bit hesitant at first, but this was a Sailor Senshi. How could she turn down a handshake with one of earth's defenders? In fact, this was a heroine and a female. A tomboy, nonetheless! Rika was basically looking at someone she could actually end up becoming when she gets older. Rika nodded and extended her hand out. The two gave each other a friendly handshake gesture.

"Give that boy a match, Digimon Queen."

"Thanks. You and your buddy come out of that battle royale in on piece."

Uranus nodded her head and watched Rika walking down to the entranceway. The Digimon Queen once again stopped and made eye contact with Sailor Uranus.

"You know... Looking at you, I see myself for some reason," Rika smiled. "I don't know what it is, but you're probably a tomboy, right?"

"Maybe..."

"I thought so. Well, catch you later."

"Good luck, kid."

Finally walking through the entrance, Rika walked out and was given a warm reception from the digimon crowds. The female digimon all flashed their cameras to get pictures of their favorite 'idol'.

"Just as I expected, this crowd is already on their feet for the Digimon Queen herself!" Lillymon announced. "In fact, it was Rika and Renamon who helped to get rid of criminal escapee digimon that have bio-merged in the human world! We'd like to thank these two for their selfless efforts!"

"So, those digimon Renamon and I killed were actually criminals? Hmmm... Guess we did our part in helping the digimon community. Who would have thought?" Rika thought.

Suddenly, Rika had finally caught glimpse of her opponent. A teenage boy with brown, spike hair and attire consisting of a red sweater, brown pants and white shoes stood with a smirk across his face. Around this boy's right arm was a duel disk attached. Rika sneered as she exposed her duel disk.

Indeed, the Digimon Queen was ready to avenge her loss to the famous Akiyama. She looked across her shoulder to find Cyberdramon. He kept an eye on her and Ryo while standing at a corner.

"Ryo! I hope you're ready for a butt whooping, because I've come with a deck that's ready to OWN you!" Rika shouted.

"Oh, now that's the Rika I've come to like! I'm expecting a great match with you," Ryo smiled. "I've come prepared!"

"Well, so I have!"

"Wow! Can you just listen to these two mouthing each other off? This is the kind of competition I've longed for!" Lillymon shouted. "The sheer excitement and competitive nature! I'm sure this is why you folks have paid with your hard-earned cash!"

As soon as Rika stepped up, she walked past Ryo and inside the dome. Etemon checked through their duel disks to make sure neither duelist were carrying anything considered 'illegal' for a duel. Giving a nod of approval, the two duelists stepped inside. On one side, Ryo was as confident and calm as ever, but Rika was anxious. This was Rika's chance to redeem herself for her only loss.

"Gee, Rika. You need to loosen up. This is just a duel."

"Yes, but you're the only duelist to have ever handed me a defeat. I can't ever forget that and I have become a far better duelist since then. I'm not as weak as you think," Rika stated. "If I can defeat you, then I'll know that I've become the better duelist between us. You had better deliver all the goods, 'pumpkin'!"

"If that's what you want, then I'm happy to oblige!"

"Well, seeing as you two are ready to get this over with, what do you say we get you two transported to a land that suites the Digimon Queen best?" Etemon suggested.

"I don't freakin' care," Rika snarled. "Anywhere is just fine..."

"Heh. I know just the place that suites you," Etemon snickered in thought. "Um, Lillymon! We have the duelists ready! You can bring out the battle royale competitors!"

"Will do! Can we have all four of the battle royale competitors come out? Starting with two of Earth's greatest heroines: Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune!"

As soon as she called out their names, the two Sailors walked down the entrance. The crowds stood by and admired the presence of the two beautiful ladies. Sailor Uranus flashes a 'peace' hand gesture to the digimon. The duo immediately flipped across and landed inside the ring gracefully. Fortunately, the old ring was replaced with a new one during the intermission.

"My, my! Already these two lovely ladies are getting the warm reception I wouldn't have expected, but any enemy of Pharaohmon is a friend to this large arena crowd! However, I expect the next two opponents won't be getting the same treatment."

Sailor Uranus turns another corner to find Rika inside the duel dome. She flashed her a wink before glancing over directly towards the entrance. The next duo to enter through received a loud, negative reaction. Despite the hostility, Kuzuhamon and Lady Devimon walked out.

"Just as we expected, this large crowd is already starting to show their hostility towards two of Pharaohmon's cronies! Shoot, after what we've just seen with Himura's duel, I can't say I blame them!"

"Aww, they hate us, don't they, Lady Devimon?" Kuzuhamon looked around the arena. "Everyone, but Inumon of course! Inumon! Where ever you are, I know you'll be watching!"

"Can you be even more dense?" Lady Devimon thought.

As the two viral digimon ladies walked inside the ring, the Sailors stood their ground. Uranus set her sights directly on Lady Devimon. Kuzuhamon didn't even bother to pay attention to Neptune. She blew kisses towards the crowd and quickly snatches the microphone from Etemon.

"Hey! That's mine, little lady!"

"Sorry, but I really need to make this quick announcement! Ahem..."

Watching from the top sections of the arena, both Inumon and Renamon were looking down towards the ring. The neon-furred vulpine couldn't help but feel the urge to strangle her.

"As the most beautiful digimon mistress of the land, I would like to dedicate this match for my one and only love... INUMON! I hope you are watching closely, because Lady Devimon and I will take care of these two tramps! As soon as I walk out of this match a winner, why don't we get to know each other better after spending the evening at the Sphinxmon Hotel? I know they have the best hot springs in the land!"

"Kuzuhamon proposing a date with Inumon! Well, I did not see this one coming!" Lillymon announced. "I know for sure Inumon doesn't share the same sentiment."

Renamon quickly glares over towards Inumon and gives him a death stare. The dark canine backed away from the fiery fury of the vulpine.

"You ever think of accepting her date and I will make sure you never walk again. You got that, mongrel!"

"You're mistaken! I have no interest in Kuzuhamon! Your beauty greatly surpasses hers!"

"Oh... Well... Just make sure I don't catch you with her!"

"Ok! Ok!"

Turning away from Inumon, Renamon crossed her arms and grunted to herself. She couldn't help but feel a little blush under her cheeks after hearing Inumon's compliment about her beauty.

"Though, I appreciate you saying my beauty surpassing Kuzuhamon's. That I can wholeheartedly agree with, Inumon. If only you weren't such a lecherous and perverted mongrel, then I would have accepted your offer on a date... Oh well. I'm sure you'll mature in due time..."

"Certainly, I know where this is going! Ladies and gentlemon, we're just moments from featuring two competitive matches! For our dueling match, we have the famous Ryo Akiyama, a boy who ahs built a strong reputation as the best digimon duelist in two worlds, and the Digimon Queen, Rika Nonaka! This is sure to be one awesome duel! Ryo! Rika! May the best duelist win!"

The doorway to the duel dome closed up and sealed the two duelists inside. They were then ready to be transported out of the arena and to another sector of the digital world. Raising his thumb up, Etemon gave the signal to the arena crew to raise the dome towards the top of the arena ceiling.

"Good luck, Rika. Now you have a chance to rebound from your one and only loss," Renamon said.

"Hey! Renamon! Inumon!" Guilmon calls out.

The pair looked across to find Guilmon running down with Calumon on top of his head. The tiny digimon waved out happily to Renamon and Inumon.

"Guilmon? Shouldn't you be down with Takato?" Inumon asked.

"Well, I just got done celebrating. These people sure do like me a lot," Guilmon smiled.

"Everyone likes you, Guilmon," sighed Inumon. "Rika and Ryo are set to duel. Now, we have both Kuzuhamon and Lady Devimon in the match. Let's hope these two Sailor girls can knock them both out of the tournament."

"The sooner one of them takes out Kuzuhamon, the better," Renamon growled. "I should have been in this match instead. I hope Kuzuhamon suffers defeat!"

"Um, hey, Inumon. What's the deal with you and Kuzuhamon?" Guilmon curiously asked.

"There's nothing between me and that wench!" Inumon shouted. "Nothing between us! Nothing between us whatsoever!"

"Oh, but she sure does seem to know you well."

"Don't worry, Guilmon. She won't remember anything when this night is over," Renamon answered. "Whether it be one of those Sailors or myself, Kuzuhamon will never come anywhere near the mongrel."

"Ok, Renamon. Whatever you say, but let's stay here to support Rika."

"Agreed. This is Rika's chance to rebound from her only loss."

"Go! Rika!" Calumon calls out.

"Have they chosen the location for their duel yet?" Inumon looks across the screen until he realized where they were sent directly. "Oh, well this should be interesting."

"What is it, Inumon?"

"Guilmon. This is one place Rika would feel right at home. Renamon, I'm sure you know the legendary Athenamon, right?"

Gasping out, Renamon turns around and looks towards the screen. She found a familiar Greek-like kingdom setting across from both Ryo and Rika. Indeed, this was the home world of the digimon equivalents of the legendary Amazons. In fact, they were called the Amazons, led by none other than Athenamon. Renamon was very familiar with the digimon of wisdom.

"Rika? You won't have to worry about this duel. You're in a kingdom where you would be worshipped as a queen. This is truly an honor for you, Rika. Even I have longed to meet the legendary Athenamon. If only she were here now..."

Fortunately for Renamon, the Amazon Queen was in attendance within the arena with some of her colleagues. She would eventually bump into Athenamon sooner or later.

"Renamon? Do you happen to know this Athenamon?" Guilmon asked.

"I know of her, but I have never had the chance to meet her. She is truly legendary and it would be an honor to meet her. Until then, I can only hope..."

"Ladies and gentlemon! We have our duel match set to be underway! Rika and Ryo have taken their duel positions; as a matter of fact, Floramon is out there to call the match as we speak. Meanwhile, these four competitors are ready to get this match underway. So, what do you say we get the fun started? Let the matches commence!"

Other side of the Top Level arena

Looking on from another side of the arena at the top level, Omegamon, Agunimon, Blitzmon, Fairymon and Wolfmon were watching the battle royale immediately getting started. The crowds were already cheeringly madly for the Sailors holding their own against both Lady Devimon and Kuzuhamon.

"Wow! Just look at them go!" Blitzmon exclaimed.

"This should be an interesting bout," Wolfmon commented.

"This is an all girls' fight! I am so going to enjoy this!" Fairymon smiled. "Plus, that Rika girl can finally avenge her loss to Akiyama."

"Watching these two bouts and the area chosen for the duelists... I can't help but remember Athenamon..."

"Athenamon? Um, who is this Athenamon?" Agunimon asked.

"Well, um... You see..." Omegamon tried to speak up.

"OMEGAMON! At last, I've found you!"

Quickly hearing upon his name, Omegamon gasped out in shock and turned around to find the ever so familiar face of Athenamon glaring him down. The royal knight slightly jumped back until he got a closer look into her sapphire eyes. The four legendary warriors were stunned by the sudden appearance of this particular female. This was no ordinary woman. They were glaring down none other than Athenamon, the queen of the digimon amazons.

This time Athenamon was without her colleagues. She didn't feel the need to bring them along. If there was anything to describe her, it would be beautiful, majestic and strong. She stared down Omegamon as if he were the digital world's most wanted criminal. She marched forward and growled angrily.

"Um, Omegamon. Did you like piss this woman off on your way over here?" Agunimon whispered.

"I don't know what you're talking about! I haven't even met her before!"

"Oh you know me very well, Omegamon! Or does Andromedamon, ring any bells?" Athenamon growled.

"HUH! Wait, you're Andromedamon? Yes, you have to be! There are no other digimon with those sapphire eyes! Only Andromedamon possessed those and you seem to remember me. You have to be her!"

"Yes, but I was only an inexperienced kid back when we first met!" Athenamon snapped. "Now, I've matured and gained the rightful status as the Amazon Digimon Queen! I carry the honor for Garudamon and her former clan! You have some nerve to show up here!"

"I have my reasons to be here, unlike you! These children behind me are the legendary warriors! I've trained them to compete in the Shadow Tournament."

"Yes, and I'm sure it helped Ranamon! Because of your inferior training program, Ranamon was knocked out of the tournament! If I had trained her, she wouldn't have been defeated so easily!"

"So, are you implying you'd train these fine warriors better than I!"

"That's right, but I would only train Ranamon and Fairymon. For obvious reasons, Amazons do not train males. Now, if you'll excuse me, but there's something I've been meaning to do for many years. I can no longer hold myself back any longer!"

With that said, Athenamon stepped forward and delivers a slap that slams against Omegamon's right cheek. The force of the blow actually sent Omegamon skidding back. The royal knight couldn't believe the strength Athenamon used behind that single slap. She nearly took his head off! Agunimon and the legendary warriors couldn't believe it.

"Man! Oh, man! What did you do to piss her off?" Agunimon thought.

"To think there's an actual digimon Amazon queen!" Fairymon gasped. "Maybe I can have a word with her."

"What was that for, Athenamon? You haven't changed one bit!"

"Before I go, I want to let you know that I've just signed a match between us! That's right! You and I will meet in an exhibition match after these next two tournament matches have concluded! Prepare yourself because I will show you no mercy!"

Turning away, Athenamon started walking down the aisle. Omegamon couldn't believe it. He had been challenged by Athenamon for a one on one match. No exceptions. If he backed down, he'd be a laughing stock. As a royal knight, he would accept the offer, even from the Amazon Digimon Queen.

"Omegamon? What was that all about?" Blitzmon asked.

"You two must know each other very well," Wolfmon replied.

"What did you do to piss her off?" Agunimon snickered.

"That Athenamon! Sometimes... she can be a real... Ugh!" Omegamon roared.

As soon as he said that, the royal knight sprinted off down the aisle to give chase to Athenamon. She had disappeared down a hallway but Omegamon wouldn't hesitate to find her as soon as possible.

"Well, does that answer your question, Takuya?" Fairymon sighed.

"Sure does," Agunimon nodded.

"Hmmm. Maybe I can get some better training from Athenamon? She sure seems to be a kind person when talking to the female gender," Fairymon thought.

Down at the Infirmary Area.

While the Tamers and the Duelists sat around inside the waiting room, Yui was sitting outside on a bench. Her friends were waiting for an announcement on Himura's condition and the televisions to watch the two matches. She couldn't help but blame herself for Himura nearly getting killed. Tears swelled up in her eyes.

"Himura... Oh, Himura. This is all my fault. No... It isn't my fault..."

Yui looked down at the metal ninja mask in her hands. She still couldn't believe that her mistrust of her brother and the lies from Pharaohmon led to her older brother nearly getting killed. Now he was lying in the infirmary room badly wounded. She quickly began to overhear the medical team inside inform the Tamers about Himura breathing with the help of an oxygen mask. Streams of tears rolled down her face but not long as she angrily glared down at the mask.

"Ugh! It's all your fault that Himura is badly hurt! I HATE YOU, NEMESIS!"

As soon she finished yelling, she tosses the mask overhead and started walking down the hallway. The mask made contact with an unknown individual and clonked him directly in the head.

"YE-OUCH!"

Quickly opening her eyes, Yui immediately spun around to see Yusuke Urameshi lying on the ground with a large lump on his head. Behind him was the metal mask belonging to Nemesis.

"Yikes!" Yui gasped with a sweat drop coming down her forehead. "Are you all right?"

"Uhhhhh... Ow! Now that hurt! Where am I?"

"Here! Let me go get an ice pack from out of the infirmary, ok? I'll be right back."

Yui runs down to the door leading to the infirmary room to find any available icepacks. The Spirit Detective shook his head to regain his composure and simply shrugged his shoulders.

"Whoa, what was that all about?"

Digital World Section 89-6M. Amazon Kingdom

The two long-term duel rivals, besides Yugi and Kaiba, stood off with one another at perhaps the one place Rika would be most suitable. They were within the royal grounds of the Amazon Kingdom ruled under Lady Athenamon. Rika looked around to find a large gathering of female digimon, of all types, cheering her. The Digimon Queen couldn't help but feel humble. As for Ryo, well, he simply ignored the outbursts and jeers he received. It was obvious since the Amazon Kingdom does not welcome any males, with the exception of Pegasusmon and Unimon.

"Seeing as how I'm a girl, I shouldn't have to worry about these warrior ladies ganging up on me!" Floramon announced. "Though I can't say the same for our unlikely male contestant, Ryo Akiyama! Rika is obviously the favorite amongst these Amazons! Athenamon is surely watching this as we speak! I love you, Lady Athenamon! You're my idol!"

"RIKA! RIKA!" a group of Biyomon and Angewomon cheered on.

"Destroy this piece of male trash!" a Butterflymon cried out. "Make Lady Athenamon proud!"

"Well, Ryo. You heard them. I have a match to win and I'm not about to let my 'fans' down," Rika smiled. "So, ready to get this over with?"

"Rika. You may have gained yourself a new fan following, but it won't make a difference. The result will be the same: me handing you another defeat. Ready. Set..."

"LET'S DUEL!"

"At last, our seventh duel of the Shadow Tournament is set to begin!"

The two duelists activated their duel disks and drew 5 cards each.

Life points

Rika: 8000

Ryo: 8000

"Ladies first!"

"Don't mind if I do!" Rika exclaimed, drawing a card. "Ah, looking good so far. For me at least. I'll start off by setting two cards face down and another face down in defense mode! All right, it's your turn. Don't make me have to wait because I'm not in the mood."

"Of course," Ryo smiled after drawing out six cards. "First, use the card Dark Hole to destroy all your monsters, including any facedown monsters!"

As soon as he said that, the card was activated and a black hole appeared at the center of the field. Rika watched as her facedown defense card was sucked away.

"But that's not all! Now I activate Heavy Storm to wipe out all of your other facedown cards! Say goodbye to your cards!"

The Digimon Queen gasped out as her other two facedown cards were instantly wiped out by Ryo's card of choice. Ryo immediately sets one card facedown.

"I end my turn!" Ryo declared.

"Damn you. Fine, I'll set down one card facedown in defense mode!" Rika exclaimed after drawing one extra card to her hand. "I end my turn!"

Ryo drew one card from his deck and adds it to his hand.

"After that, I end my turn. So there! What else does your 'almighty' deck have left?"

"Oh, you'll see! You're in for quite the surprise," Rika smirked after drawing a card to add to her hand. "I'll flip summon my facedown monster to reveal my Princess of Tsurugi!"

Being summoned forth to the field on Rika's side was a golden-haired maiden garbed in a purple robe with a crown of laurels.

Princess of Tsurugi

900/700/3 stars

"By the way, if you didn't already know, my Princess of Tsurugi has a flip effect. It inflicts 500 points of direct damage to your life points for each of your magic and trap cards you have on your field. Since you have one facedown card, say buh-bye to 500 of your life points!"

"Allow me to reveal! You've just activated my Torrential Tribute! This automatically destroys all monsters on your side!"

Rika looks on as her Princess was destroyed by Ryo's trap. However, she wasn't too worried and merely shrugged it off. Ryo, on the other hand, watched as his life points depleted.

Ryo

Life points: 7500 (8000-500)

"Well, isn't this something? Already lost 500 of your life points, Ryo?" Rika taunted the boy. "That's just too bad."

"That's just only the beginning, Rika. This duel is far from over."

"Yeah and my turn isn't even over. Now, I'll summon this to the field. Amazon Archer! I summon you in attack mode!"

Amazon Archer

1400/1000/4 stars

Summoned forth onto Rika's side is a golden-haired Amazon with a bow and a quiver filled with arrows. Rika has certainly taken a page out of Mai's handbook and resorted to the use of Amazon warriors, since Rika is considered an 'Amazon' by every male opponent she has ever dueled.

"I'll equip my Amazon Archer with the Malevolent Nuzzler! This will increase my Amazon's attack points up 700 points!"

Amazon Archer

2100 (1400 + 700)

"Now! Amazon Archer, attack his life points directly!"

The Amazon directly aimed at Ryo and shoot forth an arrow at him. The boy managed to leap away but the arrow landed to explode on impact. Ryo was thrown back by the explosion and watched to see more of his life points being deducted. Wow, already Ryo is losing life points rather quickly. Rika sure wasn't going to hold anything back.

Ryo

Life points: 5400 (7500-2100)

"Now, I'll activate my quick play magic card known as Sebek's Blessing! By activating this card, I can increase my life points by the amount equal to the direct damage I've inflicted upon you. So, I gain 2100 extra points. Too bad, you don't gain anything."

Rika

Life points: 10100 (8000 + 2100)

"That's all she wrote. I end my turn. Anything you'd like to use to make your grand comeback?" Rika taunted her rival.

Drawing an extra card to his hand, Ryo did nothing more than add a facedown defense card on the field and two more facedown cards.

"Just these three facedown cards. That's all."

"Oh brother, Ryo! Here I was training for a year and a half to get my rematch with you and now you're stalling? That's so like you. I had you reeling from our last duel and you only barely beat me."

"True, but you weren't as experienced as you are now, Rika."

"But I've been training myself hard for this rematch. I didn't come here to waste time and stall! Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a duel to win! First, I set down a card facedown! Next, I'll summon my Amazoness Fighter onto the field in attack mode!"

Being summoned forth to the field was a brown-haired Amazon garbed in a green leotard.

Amazoness Fighter

1500/1300/4 stars

"All right, Amazoness Fighter! You know what to do! Attack his facedown defense card!"

Nodding in reply to her master's command, the beautiful Amazoness Fighter leaps forward and delivers a stomp onto the facedown defense card. The card was crushed and broken in half but not long as Ryo's card came with an effect. The card flipped over to reveal itself as the Cyber Jar.

"What! So it was the Cyber Jar!"

"You bet! I wouldn't go without this! The Cyber Jar's effect destroys all monsters on the field, including your Amazoness Fighter!"

Both duelists watched as all monsters were destroyed.

"Now with those monsters gone, we both pick out five cards from the top of our respective decks and show the cards to each other. I know how much you hate to tip your hand, Rika, but those are the rules."

"Yeah, I know. As much as I hate to admit it..."

Growling to herself, Rika revealed her five cards directly to Ryo. Ryo did the same. The girl's five cards were the Amazoness Archer (trap), Malevolent Nuzzler (magic), the Unhappy Maiden (1 star), Amazoness Blowpiper (4 stars), and another Amazoness Archer (trap). Ryo's five cards included Airknight Parshath (5 stars), Drop Off (trap), Harpie's Feather Duster (magic), another Drop Off (trap) and Jinzo (6 stars).

"Now," Ryo continued, "we each Special Summon any level 4 or lower monsters in face-up attack or face-down defense positions. Then we get to keep all the other cards we drew."

Since Rika was the only one to draw monsters that met that condition, she set Unhappy Maiden in a facedown defense position and summoned Amazoness Blowpiper, a blue-haired Amazon with a silver blowpipe, face-up in attack mode.

Amazoness Blowpiper

800/1500/4 stars

"Well, since I set Amazoness Blowpiper in attack mode, you know what that means, do you? Say goodbye to more of your life points! Attack!"

Following Rika's commands, the Amazoness Blowpiper blows a powerful sound from out of her blowpipe and sends a force of air that knocks out more of Ryo's life points.

Ryo

Life points: 4600 (5400-800)

The Amazon digimon cheered on heavily for the Digimon Queen's dominance at the start of the bout. Even Floramon couldn't help but admire Rika's dueling skills.

"Can you believe this? Already, Rika has caught up in the lead and has dominated since the start of this duel! Ryo's got be to be shocked over this sudden turn of events. How is he going to pull himself from this mess?"

"When there's a will, there's a way," Ryo retorted.

"Now where have I heard that one before?" Rika rolled her eyes. "I end my turn by the way."

Drawing a card to his hand, Ryo didn't do much with his turn but laid two cards facedown.

"I end my turn."

"Gee, this isn't competitive at all. You're clearly stalling for time. If you've got any worthy cards, then play them out already, but it's no use trying to talk sense into you. So, I'll begin by drawing a card to my hand."

"There! Since you're entering your draw phase, you've just activated one of my facedown cards! My Drop Off!"

"That's one your cards you just showed me earlier!"

"Yeah, so you'll have to discard the card you just drew to the graveyard. Too bad!"

"Well, looks like you've caught on to me," Rika smiled. "Oh well. The card I've discarded was Performance of Sword, but I don't need her to trounce you. I'll equip my Amazoness Blowpiper with my Malevolent Nuzzler! That increases her attack points by 700."

Amazoness Blowpiper

1500 (800 + 700)

"Now my Amazoness Blowpiper! Attack his facedown defense monster!"

Blowing another mighty blow from her blowpipe, the Amazoness attacks the facedown card to reveal a skeleton wearing a hooded purple robe and wielding a death scythe. It appeared to be the personification of Death himself, but it was actually the Spirit Reaper.

Spirit Reaper

300/200/3 stars

Rika watched as Spirit Reaper swatted her Amazoness Blowpiper's dart away with a flick of his scythe.

"What!"

"Ha ha, you can't destroy my Spirit Reaper by attacking it! I'd still take damage if it wasn't in defense mode, but there's no way I'm going to put him in that position. He's the perfect defense!"

"All right, Ryo. That ends my turn. Would you quit stalling and get serious already? You're boring me."

Ryo immediately drew a card and added it to his hand for a total of six. A smirk crosses his face as he prepares to get down to business.

"Fine then, you asked for it! I'll start off by activating my Change of Heart!"

"Oh great!"

"With this, I can select and control one opposing monster, regardless of position, from your field until the end of my turn! The monster I choose is your Amazoness Blowpiper!"

"Oh no!"

"That's an abomination!" the female Amazon digimon roared out in the background. "A male controlling an Amazon is a disgrace to what we stand for!"

"Wow, already these Amazon ladies who serve Lady Athenamon are already showing their dislike for Ryo's tactic! I sure wouldn't want to be Ryo if he continues anything of this sort," Floramon announced. "Now he has gained control of Rika's Amazon! What will the Digimon Queen do to regain her monster?"

"She won't be regaining it anytime soon, because I'll be sacrificing this one," Ryo replied.

"Sacrifice my monster! How dare you do anything of the sort!" Rika spat out.

"Watch me! Now I sacrifice Amazoness Blowpiper to summon my Airknight Parshath! Attack mode!"

In place of Rika's Amazon was a white centaur with blonde hair wearing blue and orange armor. Rika couldn't help but clench her right fist. She hated to see her Amazon vanish against her will.

Airknight Parshath

1900/1400/5 stars

"You may have taken my Amazon, but I can still pay 500 life points to reclaim my Malevolent Nuzzler card and place it on the top of my deck."

Rika

Life points: 9600 (10100-500)

"Don't look so glum. You're still ahead of me by life points, Rika, but that will soon change! Now, my Airknight! Attack her facedown defense card!"

As the Airknight charged forward, the monster stomps down at Rika's card. It was then revealed to be the monster Unhappy Maiden, an unhappy redhead

Unhappy Maiden

0/100/1 star

Since the monster was positioned in defense mode, Rika sighed in relief as no life points were to be deducted from her side.

"In case you didn't know, my Airknight has an effect to it. For when it attacks with an attack power higher than your monster's defense power, it inflicts the difference as battle damage to your own life points, Rika! So, I wouldn't be in relief if I were you. Oh and before I end my turn, allow me to also remind you that when this card inflicts battle damage to your life points, I draw one card to my deck."

Rika

Life points: 7800 (9600-1800)

"Great. This is exactly what I need! He's already doing everything he can to take out my life points. Was he only playing with my head since the get-go? No, this duel is far from finished, pal!"

As Ryo drew an extra card directly to his deck, Rika remained firm despite the loss of her life points.

"When you destroyed my Maiden, it's effect ends your battle phase immediately."

"It doesn't really matter anyway, Rika. I have no more monsters in attack position. So I see no point in that. I end my turn."

Drawing a card to her hand, Rika automatically allowed Ryo to activate another one of his traps.

"Again, you've just activated my trap card! That isn't like you! I would have passed my turn instead! The card I activate is my Drop Off! History repeats itself Digimon Queen!"

"For your information, I knew you had that second Drop off. That's why I sacrificed 500 life points... so I wouldn't lose any other valuable cards."

"What a load of BS... Sacrificing 500 life points so you wouldn't lose a card? You're losing your edge and you know it."

Rika sighed as she discarded the Malevolent Nuzzler she had drawn. Was he right? Was she losing it?

"All right, Ryo. I end my turn. I have no cards in my hand worth using."

"All right then. I'll pick off where I left off. Now, I'll sacrifice my Spirit Reaper and replace it with my Jinzo!"

Taking the place of the reaper monster was a tall cyborg wearing a green-and-yellow bodysuit along with red goggles. The monster stood mightily upright with its arms crossed. Rika gazed across and skimmed through her hand to find any card that can take Ryo's monster head on.

Jinzo

2400/1500/6 stars

"He just had to summon Jinzo! All of my traps are useless now!" Rika thought with sweat pouring down her forehead. "I've got to keep cool. I'm the Digimon Queen! I can master the game of Duel Monsters!"

"Awesome! Now Ryo has managed to summon forth a powerful monster with over 4 stars!" announced Floramon. "If I remember correctly, Jinzo has the ability to negate the activation of any trap cards, as well as the effects of any face up trap cards. So any trap card Rika has planned is pretty much useless."

"Thank you for stating the obvious, miss," Ryo pointed out. "But, my turn doesn't end there. I'll use my Jinzo to attack Rika's life points directly! Fire away!"

Jinzo's goggles flare up with red energy and instantly shot out a pair of beams directly at Rika. The girl took the blasts head on, cried out from the sudden jolt that erupted throughout her body and leaped back. She kept track of her life points and gasped when more points were deducted.

Rika

Life points: 5400 (7800-2400)

"Oh but the fun doesn't stop there, girl! Airknight attack her life points directly!"

The Airknight launches himself forward and directly slams against Rika, which sent the redhead skidding across. The force nearly caused Rika to lose her balance and fall off a ledge. She seethed as more life points were taken away. Her pride was quickly being shattered by Ryo's superior dueling skills.

Rika

Life points: 3500 (5400-1900)

"What's the matter, Rika? You're letting your new fans down. I guess all of that training did nothing for you, but somehow Takato and Henry have improved. What's the deal with you? You never would show any signs of struggling in a duel. Heck, you put up an even better performance than this when we last dueled. Have your skills deteriorated? I would hope not, because I've come here to duel against your best. This isn't your best."

"I... I'm not through... In case, you haven't forgotten, this duel is not finished."

"No, but you will be when it's my turn. Rika Nonaka. I'm not going to be pleased defeating a 'has been'. I want to defeat the 'Digimon Queen'! Show me the same fire you possessed when you dueled against me! Show me that same fire that helped you become the Digimon Dueling champion!"

"..."

"I hate to say this, but even Jeri put up a better performance as a duelist against Kaiba! If you're not careful, someone like Jeri could knock you off your throne, Digimon Queen!"

That was enough to set a spark within that Rika that has been dormant since the start of the duel. She looks directly at her rival as her eyes became fueled with her old flare. She immediately put her 'game face' on. Her pride wasn't going to take anymore of this verbal abuse, but could this be a form of motivation from her rival?

"Me lose my spot as Digimon Queen? Never! I may have gotten a little soft over the last year, but I still possess that same fire that led me to the Digimon Duel championship! Ryo, you've must awoken my fighting spirit and that's going to come back to haunt you! I still have cards that will blow your mind!"

"Thanks to my Airknight Parshath, I can draw one card, since I used it to attack you. There... I officially end my turn. Let's see you come up with a strategy to make your grand comeback, Rika."

"Ryo's sure full of confidence and has Rika reeling! These Amazons here in Athenamon's kingdom are pulling for the Queen to make her comeback, but what else can Rika hope to do to overcome Ryo's superior skills?"

Rika stood still while staring down her rival and glared down at her life points. It was just moments where she clearly had the advantage and more life points. Now, she was reduced to 3500 points. This was her chance to come back and not suffer a second defeat at Ryo's hands.

"Sorry, Ryo, but history isn't going to repeat itself! I came here to win! I came here to establish myself as a legendary duelist in the Digital World! I will become the champion when this tournament is all said and done!"

"What excitement! This kind of competition is what makes this tournament great! Will Rika bounce back? These Amazons are surely behind Rika as if she were Athenamon herself! Lady Athenamon, where ever you are! You're missing out on this strong feminine duelist! Rika, Athenamon would surely be proud of you."

"Athenamon..." Rika muttered. "She must be a legend in the area we're dueling at now. Wait... I've heard Renamon actually mention her. She actually praises the ground Athenamon walks on. If this Athenamon is great, then I'd sure like to meet her. All right, I can't give out on this duel. I'm going to be strong just like this Athenamon would be!"

"Lillymon, I take it you and Etemon are having fun calling the battle royale! How are the Sailors holding out against Lady Devimon and Kuzuhamon?"

Phoenix Arena. Battle Royale Area

Back within the jam-packed Phoenix Arena, the battle royale was just getting heating up with the four competitors. The crowds were roaring madly for the Sailor pair as their performance has been spectacular. Even Lillymon and Etemon were impressed.

"Floramon! You sure are missing out on quite a battle royale! Those two Sailors showing some awesome acrobatic agility that's throwing both Kuzuhamon and Lady Devimon for a loop! Man, I wish I could take some lessons from these two lovely ladies! All right, now we have Uranus meeting Lady Devimon for an airborne assault!"

As Uranus took a leap from out of the ring, she soared up to meet Lady Devimon. The dark mistress snarled angrily and lashes out with her long-nailed claws. Uranus moved aside and dodged being slashed by Lady Devimon. The Sailor warrior lands behind Lady Devimon and tapped her shoulder. This caused Lady Devimon to turn and find Uranus waving at her.

"You dare get behind me and toy with me, you petty human!"

"It's not my fault you're such a slow poke. It wasn't that hard for me to get behind you."

"Be silent! I'm going to slit your throat!"

"Ha! I'd like to see you try!"

"Take this! Darkness Wave!"

Throwing open her dark veil, Lady Devimon unleashes a horde of bats that would make Myotismon proud. The crowds were awestruck by the massive of horde of bats released from out of Lady Devimon while others were running from becoming bat food, including numerous Pumpkinmon. Sailor Uranus did not show any display of fear and prepared to fend off the bat hordes with an attack of her own. She pulls out her dagger blade and slashes across to send a disc-like projectile to penetrate through the hordes.

"Space Sword!"

The projectile collides with the hordes and erupts with a massive explosion. Lady Devimon was thrown off track by the explosion while shielding her eyes. Sailor Uranus took this chance, lands down, but not long before grabbing Lady Devimon's feet. The viral lady gasped out and found herself being dragged down by Uranus.

"What... strength by this human!" Lillymon exclaimed. "She is taking Lady Devimon down with her! I'll bet Pharaohmon is watching this and wondering how there could be humans strong enough to man-, or in this case woman-handle his own soldiers!"

"Put me down this instant!" Lady Devimon demanded.

"Ok! If you insist!"

With a loud battle cry, Sailor Uranus hurls Lady Devimon down towards the ring. The dark digimon screeched out and attempted to fly up to save herself. But, it was too late. Lady Devimon came plummeting into the ring and left an imprint of her face across the ring surface. Sailor Uranus lands down and waves her hair back.

"Tsk, tsk. I only wish you can provide me with a better exercise regime than this."

"You... You think this is just a game...? You stupid human!"

"I don't think... I know! Besides, I've got to get a little warm-up before I help Neptune take care of your friend."

"Oh, I wouldn't say that. I would be more concerned for YOUR friend."

"What?"

"Take a look for yourself, honey!" Lady Devimon pointed over to the other side of the ring.

Glancing over to the other side, Sailor Uranus found her partner having some difficult with Kuzuhamon. Neptune barely dodged the blows delivered by Kuzuhamon's battle staff. The viral version of Sakuyamon flies up and becomes shrouded with an aura of dark, misty energy. She condenses the energy into the shape of a ring and sends it down at Neptune.

"Womb Mandala!"

"Deep Sea Submerge!"

Sailor Neptune retaliates against Kuzuhamon's attack with a tidal wave of water magic. The attacks successfully cancelled each other out, but Kuzuhamon flies down towards the ring. She directly aims for Neptune and points out her battle staff. Looking to an opposite side of the ring, Neptune barely manages to maneuver away from Kuzuhamon's incoming attack. The tip of the digimon's staff nicked Neptune's right leg. The female yelped in pain for a moment. Neptune flipped backwards but clutched her leg.

"Neptune!" Uranus cries out.

"In the name of my love, I shall declare victory for Inumon!" Kuzuhamon laughed out happily. "Neptune! Your defeat is eminent!"

"No! Move aside, Neptune! Hurry!" Uranus called out.

As Kuzuhamon came closer to nailing her attack, Neptune saw through the digimon's strategy and brought out her left leg. Since one leg was not injured, Neptune saw this as an option for a last ditch effort. Kuzuhamon gasped but was too late to prevent herself from colliding with Neptune's knee. Neptune rammed her knee directly into Kuzuhamon's abdomen.

"All right! Way to go!" Uranus cheered on her partner's efforts.

Seeing that Kuzuhamon was staggering back, Neptune picked up the digimon's battle staff and slams it against Kuzuhamon's face. The staff nailed her facemask head on and caused a crack to form. Sailor Neptune leaps forward, wraps her arms around Kuzuhamon's waist and spears her across the ring.

"Now that's what I call a comeback by Sailor Neptune!" Lillymon giggled. "Just when she was struggling to hang with Kuzuhamon, she manages to use the staff to her advantage! Neptune has taken Kuzuhamon down momentarily, but it seems she's taken a nasty cut on her right leg. How long she can hope to fight through that injury. Well, we know for sure Uranus has Lady Devimon where she wants her."

Knowing Neptune would take care of herself, Uranus focuses her full attention back on Lady Devimon. The Sailor warrior takes her dagger and takes a battle stance.

"C'mon, we're not through," Uranus smiled. "I'll bet you sleep with every guy the Digital World has to offer wearing that outfit."

"UGH! Don't ever talk down on my outfit! This happens to be my casual attire! Only us respectful Lady Devimon bears the honor to wear them!"

"Oh, so is that how Pharaohmon gets his kicks in?"

"You wench! How would you know, seeing as how you and your partner wear short 'fuku' skirts?"

"Better than skimpy outfits a prostitute like yourself would wear. Now, are we going to ramble about fashion taste or get back to the match? I don't have time for this!"

"Well, neither am I! Your pretty little head is mine!"

Lady Devimon flies out across the ring with her claws ready to tear Sailor Uranus apart. The tomboy female took a stance with her blade while preparing for another attack that could ensure her victory.

"All I need to do is get rid of this harlot and I can lend Neptune a hand against that boy-crazy Kuzuhamon. Neptune and I winning this match is sure better than letting anymore of Pharaohmon's cronies from reaching the next round. If anything, I'd be honored to meet Neptune in the next round. I just hope the other Senshi are getting closer to finding that sword and getting their powers restored."

As Lady Devimon throws out an array of claw slashes, Uranus swiftly dodged the head on attacks. It was as if Uranus was reading Lady Devimon's every move. Uranus surely had the advantage with a better combat background and strength to help her hold out against Lady Devimon.

"Incredible! These two girls are already making names for themselves in the Shadow Tournament! Lady Devimon and Kuzuhamon are biting more than they can chew if you ask me! We just may see more of Pharaohmon's soldiers eliminated. Oh, boy, I sure wouldn't want to be Pharaohmon if you ask me."

"No, I sure wouldn't," the ever so familiar Brooklyn accent whispered behind Lillymon.

The flower maiden shrieked and turned around to find Impmon lying back against a pole. He leaps out on top of the announcers' booth.

"Whoa! Fans aren't allowed to take seats in the announcer's table."

"Lady, I am a competitor in this tournament! I'm actually the rookie form of Beelzebumon, ka-peesh?"

"Um, you? You're the hunk of the demon himself, Beelzebumon?"

"Hunk? You think Beelze- er me? You think I'm a hunk? Lady, I'm a sexy beast just to let you know!"

"Well, you don't appear to be the Beelzebumon I've grown to love. I would need to see proof, little man."

"Oh, I'll show you, lady! Just you and wait!"

As Impmon leaped off the announcer's table, Lillymon dusted herself off and looked across to find Impmon heading towards the entranceway. She had just remembered his green eyes and gasped when she pulled a picture of Beelzebumon Blast Mode out. His eyes were very similar to Impmon's. Beautiful, green eyes. She couldn't believe she had just spoken to the infamous demon biker's rookie form.

"Beelzebumon... My only true love... Was that truly you? How could I have looked down on you? No, there's still another chance since his match is after this one. Ok, Lillymon! Get your act together! You have a match to call now!"

As Lillymon returned to commentate on the match, there was another form of love brewing within the arena. Only this one was what many consider 'tough love'.

Top second level of stadium

Giving chase to Athenamon within the hallways of the arena, Omegamon attempted to catch up with her. He stopped for a moment to spot the Amazon Queen.

Athenamon stared off towards Omegamon with her majestic, yet exotic sapphire eyes. He didn't just stop to stare at her gorgeous eyes but found the other Amazon digimon surrounding her like protective sisters. Omegamon knew he wouldn't stand a chance against a group of Amazons if Athenamon was more than he can handle. He spotted a small spotted, wild cat identified as Jaguarmon. Another Amazon was a mermaid with long blonde hair and a pirate's hat named Mermaimon. Two of them were winged women. One of which wore a golden mask, golden chest armor and two pairs of short wings. This was Darcmon, a powerful champion level warrior. The other was of course Athenamon herself.

"Lady Athenamon..." Omegamon whispered.

The blue-armored Athenamon made contact with Omegamon's eyes for a moment and started walking away with her Amazon sisters accompanying her. He couldn't believe he was staring into the same sapphire eyes from long ago. Only she had possessed such exotic eyes and a rare sight to behold. They were not just beautiful but filled with sorrow.

"There's no way that could have been Andromedamon... That same kid I rescued..."

"Well, I didn't know you knew the Queen of the Amazons, Omegamon, the voice of Anubimon hissed through the shadows.

This caused Omegamon to jolt back and turn around startled.

"Anubimon! Don't sneak up on me like that!" Omegamon roared. "You almost gave me a heart attack!"

"My apologies, Royal Knight."

"That digimon... She said she was formerly Andromedamon..."

"She WAS Andromedamon, Royal Knight. That kid you rescued has grown up and matured to become Athenamon. That was many moons ago. Time passes and she officially reached the mega level. Like you, she is a Royal Knight, but she has ascended to take throne as Queen of the Amazons."

"I see. Looking into her eyes, I could see it was Andromedamon, even before she told me. She still has those sad eyes. Well, I really don't blame her," Omegamon sighed.

Anubimon was becoming curious about the relationship between Omegamon and Athenamon. Just how did a male manage to meet the former princess of the amazons within the Amazon Kingdom, a land forbidden to male digimon?

"How did you meet her? Amazon digimon don't particularly like males of any kind, except Pegasusmon and Unimon. They don't take very well with the company of males. These Amazons never travel and fight alone. They're always three, four or even an army when they're not within their kingdom."

"Well, Anubimon. You're right when you said Amazons never travel or battle alone. Especially when one of them is the princess or the queen. When I met her, Pharaohmon murdered the former queen, Garudamon, out of cold blood and thirst for power. He even took away the lives of Garudamon's closest friends: Koorimemon, Lynxmon and Butterflymon. It was truly a day I will never forget..."

Flashback Moment

There was a dark cloud looming ominously across the horizon and outside a barren landscape within the Digital World. Radical thunder started raining across the heavens with a loud, demonic roar echoing. It screamed a banshee, frightening enough to scare off the bravest of adventurers, explorers and even warriors.

Garudamon, a giant humanoid bird digimon, stood her ground along with her Amazon clan. They gazed upon the presence of Pharaohmon levitating down in front of them. Garudamon frowned as she wasn't exactly happy to find the demonic monster stopping at her trek.

"Pharaohmon. I ask you once, leave my lands right now or be prepared to suffer the consequences."

"Heh Heh. Well, your highness. You know you don't have any power. Neither do any of your precious Amazons," the demon snickered. "But I will give you a chance to join forces with me. You can even become queen of the entire Digital World, Garudamon."

This caused Garudamon to glare at Pharaohmon angrily after hearing upon the demon's offer. She would never sell her soul for the devil himself for more power. She was happy as the queen of the Amazon digimon. She couldn't be anymore happier than she already was. How dare this demon deliver this offer to become his queen? She has shown deep affection for the Digital World and her Amazon Kingdom. She was willing to protect it all, even giving up her own life.

But, just before Garudamon could do anything, Andromedamon stepped forward. This was the princess of the Amazons and Garudamon's pupil. She appeared to be a teenage girl with long brown hair flowing down her back. She wore blue-yellow chest armor covering her entire chest and waist. Around and under her waist was a pair of black trunks. Her arms and legs were covered with silver, metallic battle armor. They reached up to her elbows and knees respectively. On top of her head was a tiny, blue-yellow helmet. A pair of feather-like stilts attached to both sides of her head. Her eyes were concealed by a metallic, silver visor. Around her arms were pairs of chains with blades attached at the ends.

Showing no fear, Andromedamon swiftly leaped across and slashes Pharaohmon's face with her chains. The demon was quite stunned to realize that a young female had taken a stand against his offer and had the guts to even scratch his face. Andromedamon glared over at the towering demon and defiantly protested against Pharaohmon's offer.

"Pharaohmon! As you know, we have grown to love this world as if it were our child. We want to protect it with blood, sweat and tears!" Andromedamon declared. "If you wish to have a queen by your side, you WILL NOT find her here!"

Immediately shifting his attention away from Garudamon, Pharaohmon set his sights directly on the young warrior princess. She had now kindled his interests with her spunky, yet defiant declaration. Once placing sole focus on the Amazon princess, Pharaohmon waved his hand across. In a matter of seconds, Andromedamon felt a tremendous, invisible force push her back. Her visor was quickly cut in two halves. She gasped out as her face became exposed for the first time towards a non-Amazon. The brunette warrior digimon's eyes were beautiful and cerulean.

"You know, you have quite the pretty face, princess," Pharaohmon snickered as he licked his lips.

As Pharaohmon slowly approached Andromedamon, the other Amazons swiftly moved out in front of their princess. Her survival was essential for their kingdom since she was going to be the next queen after Garudamon.

"If you lay one hand on the princess, then you will have to fight us all!" Garudamon declared.

"With pleasure," the demon roared out.

"Unfortunately, not even the entire Amazon clan was a match for Pharaohmon. His power even back then was truly frightening. The D-Reaper was one thing, but the indescribable power of Pharaohmon was unrivaled! Eventually, Garudamon and her comrades were not just defeated, but they suffered an even worse fate. They were absorbed to become apart of Pharaohmon. Only Andromedamon was left and that was when..."

The Amazon princess' eyes widened in horror as she witnessed her Amazon friends being deleted one by one. She cried in despair as she saw Garudamon, Koorimemon, Lynxmon and Butterflymon being absorbed by Pharaohmon.

"NOOOOOOOOO!" Andromedamon screamed as tears rolled down her face.

Just as Pharaohmon marched towards her, Andromedamon attempted to sit up but her right leg was broken. Even if she tried sitting up, the pain would only hold her down. She watched as her life flashed before her own eyes. Then, she closed her eyes to accept her destiny of death. That is until she heard the loud bellow of a male cry.

"SUPREME CANNON!"

The mighty blast struck Pharaohmon across his back and stunned him momentarily. He turned around and found Omegamon soaring down from the heavens. He watched as the Royal Knight landed near the injured Andromedamon and defiantly stood his ground. Knowing he didn't have enough power then to challenge Omegamon, Pharaohmon took this chance to escape.

"Well, Omegamon. You may have come to the princess' rescue this time, but she won't be as lucky next time. Until we meet again..."

As he gave the ominous warning, the demon disappeared into a mist of dark smoke and drifted off across the heavens. He vowed he would return one day to finish off Andromedamon when she would least expect it, but he never actually kept his word since he would be sealed away by the Digital Priestess.

Omegamon kneeled over to Andromedamon to check on her injury.

"Are you all right, dear child?"

"What do you think!" Andromedamon snapped while avoided looking into his eyes.

Omegamon realized that she was in shame for losing to Pharaohmon and being reduced to a weak damsel in distress. He can even tell how she cursed herself for not saving her friends. Her pride was shattered all thanks to Pharaohmon.

Suddenly, Andromedamon felt Omegamon lifting her up and hoisting her smaller form across his back. She thrashed about like any teenage child would.

"Hey, what the heck are you doing!" Andromedamon screamed furiously.

"You can't walk with your injury. So, I'm going to carry you on my back to the Amazon Kingdom."

"You will be killed the first step you set in there!"

"Its better I die there than to leave you alone here with that madman lurking about. He's a dangerous warlord. After all, this is what we noble knights do. We help those in need, including Amazons."

With that said, Omegamon started walking across the barren landscape with Andromedamon on his back. She now had the sudden the urge to kill him if she wasn't injured.

"I... hate... you..." Andromedamon whispered before fainting into unconsciousness on his back.

End of Flashback Scene

Once hearing the whole story behind the two Royal Knights, Anubimon stared over at Omegamon in shock. His eyes and mouth widened, indicating the reaction to the revelation. He knew the Amazons were notorious for being stubborn and never accepting the aid of any males. He had many problems dealing with Garudamon and the other Amazons killed by Pharaohmon in the underworld.

"And how did you get out of there alive?"

"Well, you can say the Amazons there didn't like me when I set foot there. But, they only let me go since I saved Andromedamon from Pharaohmon. That was the last time I saw that child since," Omegamon explained. "That bratty teen sure GREW up to be quite the exotic lady."

"Garudamon told me what happened when she and her clan challenged Pharaohmon. I wanted to send them to Paradise but they refused. They said that they wanted to suffer in the Dark Area for not being there to stop Pharaohmon. At least I could convince Lynxmon and Butterflymon to help Holydramon and Goddramon to guard Paradise. As for Garudamon, well, she preferred to stay in the Dark Area until she decided she was punished enough."

This simply caused Omegamon to sigh in disbelief. He could never forget Andromedamon's eyes. Now that she has matured to become Athenamon and the new queen, he felt that things will get complicated between them. Now, it has gotten worse. Athenamon has now challenged Omegamon to an exhibition bout later in the day.

"And I heard Athenamon just challenged you. Perhaps you can try to talk her out of this long grudge. Convince her that Pharaohmon is the common enemy we must concentrate on."

"She won't listen. Knowing how stubborn she can be, she's already accused the Sovereigns for not setting any course of action to stop Pharaohmon. I will have to go through with the match. There is no other way, but I will give it my best shot. Perhaps I can convince Athenamon to see the extremities of the situation."

"Yes. Well, it was nice speaking with you, Omegamon, but I must get back with the Tamers and their comrades."

"Before you go, I just want to say that you should reconsider taking part in the match. Pharaohmon's likely to have become angered with the loss of his soldiers. Now Nemesis has been sealed away, he will take out his anger upon you. I fear for your safety..."

"I will be fine, Omegamon, but I thank you for your concern. Now if you'll excuse me, I must be off. Good day and good luck with Athenamon."

"You, too... Be careful..."

Giving a nod to the Royal Knight, Anubimon walks deep into the shadows and vanishes out. The Royal Knight knew what lied ahead for him. He walked off to meet back with the legendary warriors. Once the set of matches were completed, he would run down to check on Jaarin and Loweemon on their conditions.

"Anubimon. Please, I advise you to be careful. I can feel Pharaohmon's presence and his power. His anger has grown since losing Nemesis and there's no doubt he will do more than defeat Anubimon. I have to keep careful watch over what Anubimon does to approach this match. Not to mention Athenamon. Oh dear lady, why must you sign a match between us?"

Outside Great Phoenixmon Mountain Range. Scorpiomon Desert.

Already traveling across a long distance away from the Great Phoenixmon Mountains, the other Sailor Senshi and their legendary warrior accomplices were as far as they had wanted. The scorching desert heat was taking a toll on the three girls without their sailor powers.

Minako pulls out a canteen from out of her backpack and opened it up. As she tipped it over towards her mouth, only small drips landed on her tongue. That was all the water left for Minako. She was already begging to find an oasis of any sort.

"UGH! No more water!" Minako cried.

"What? You just finished your canteen already?" Artemis asked. "You were supposed to share that with me!"

"Minako-chan!" Cammy calls out. "You can have some of mine."

"Thanks, kid. That's very sweet of you."

"C'mon, you guys. We can't be wasting anymore time," Rei declared. "We're only getting closer towards that forest ahead."

"You know I'm very surprised there are lush, green forests outside a hot, scorching desert," Sailor Saturn said.

"It's not surprising really," Sailor Mercury replied. "There are some ecosystems on Earth with deserts neighboring forests."

"Correct. Take Australia for example," Sailor Pluto nodded.

"Ok, are we going to have a school lesson or are we going to continue onward?" Arbormon asked. "I suggest we hurry before the heat fries our brains."

"Well, in your case, we can't have the sun fry your brain any further," Grottomon muttered.

"What was that?"

"Um... Nice weather we're having, huh?" the warrior of earth made an excuse to cover up his snide remark.

Just then, Mercuremon and Arbormon stopped for a moment to feel out unknown activity from around the surroundings. In fact, there was a sudden earthquake erupting from under the sands. The Sailor Senshi gathered around Minako, Makoto, Rei and Cammy. The Digital Priestess was their first priority above all else.

"Everyone! Get back! Looks like we have some company!" Arbormon calls out. "Grottomon! Mercuremon! Time for us to have a little fun!"

"Hey, don't you go leave us out of the action!" Sailor Saturn exclaimed.

"You, Mercury and Pluto have to protect your friends. Besides, that little girl must not be captured by these creeps!" Grottomon warned them.

Before long, the group was immediately thrown off their guard once a group of bipedal scorpion warriors leaped out of the lands. Each warrior wielded sharp blades. The leader, General Scorpionus, emerged out of the sands while setting his sights on the opposition. The legendary warriors and the Senshi trio stepped out into battle stances. Rei kneeled over to wrap her arms around Cammy protectively.

"Rei! Who are these guys?"

"I don't know, but they're obviously here for us! Damn, this is just what we needed!"

"So, you're the guys who awoke that dragon from the mountains!" Arbormon growled.

"You were only stalling time and wearing us down before we even set foot across this desert," Sailor Mercury frowned.

"How persistent. We never really thought you weaklings would have slain the great Ryuukoutsuseimon," General Scorpionus snickered. "Me and my men have kept an eye on you for quite sometime."

"How long?" Sailor Pluto demanded.

"For as long as you stepped foot out of the Shadow Tournament arena. As soon as you defeated the Scrabmon, we were summoned by Lord Pharaohmon. Now, we come here to finish where Ryuukoutsuseimon failed. Once we're through with you, then the child identified as the Digital Priestess will meet her end by my blade!"

"Over my dead body!" Rei exclaimed as she stood up defiantly.

"Rei! Are you crazy? You don't stand a chance without your powers!" Artemis exclaimed.

"Hey, if she's willing to fight without her powers, then I'm more than happy to lend her a hand," Makoto nodded as she took a martial arts stance.

"Can't forget about me now can you?" Minako smiled.

"You guys! I know you're willing to protect me but what good can you do without powers?" Cammy questioned the girls.

"We may not have our powers anymore but we still have our fighting spirit. We're your big sisters, Cammy, and we'll risk our lives to protect you," Rei stated.

"Ha! You fools can attack us all together and you still can't hope to win!" laughed General Scorpionus. "Now, make it easy upon yourselves and just hand the girl over."

"I guess you didn't hear us, but allow me to show you what I think about your petty threat," the raven-haired shrine maiden retorted as she flipped the Scorpionite general the official 'bird'.

"Rei! Was that really necessary?" Artemis declared as he covered Cammy's eyes.

"Ha! Just because of that, you've only increased your chances of dying by our blades!" General Scorpionus growled. "Scorpionites! Fall out and show them no mercy! But bring the Digital Priestess to me since I have declared to stain her blood on my sword!"

"You will do no such thing!" Sailor Pluto retorted. "Stand your ground, everyone!"

"Now! Attack!"

"Yes, sir!" the Scorpionites roared out in unison.

Just as the Scorpionites set forward directly at the group, a pair of energy projectiles came hurtling out from the distance. They overheard the outcries of techniques being called out once the attacks were summoned.

"Dragon Slash!"

"Drache-Donner-Knall(1)!"

The Sailor Senshi and the warriors jumped back to push away their more vulnerable friends. The Scorpionites stood their ground to cancel out the attacks. However, the projectiles flew out across the sands and caught a large number of the Scorpionites in a surprise attack. General Scorpionus gasped as he witnessed at least four of his soldiers being deleted before his eyes.

"What is the meaning of this!" General Scorpionus declared. "Who dares attack us without warning before completing our assignment?"

"Identify yourselves, intruders!" hissed a Scorpionite.

"Yeah, that's what I would like to know," Makoto said.

"Hey! Take a look just up ahead!" Sailor Saturn pointed out across.

"Are you sensing this, Arbormon?" Mercuremon asked.

"You bet. There's two of them," Arbormon nodded.

"Two of them? They're obviously friends, right?" Minako cried out. "I would hope so!"

"Um, yeah. Otherwise, those attacks would have been aimed for us," sighed Cammy.

General Scorpionus crawled across the sands and stopped to find two figures standing behind a dust cloud. He held a hand back to keep his soldiers back.

"Who are you two, strangers? Why do you dare interfere with our business?" the general demanded.

"Oh, your business is our business," the figure on the left spoke.

"Whoever attacks friends of the legendary Digital Priestess is an enemy of ours," the other figure relied.

"So, it's come down to keeping your identities a secret, eh? Not for long. I want the name of the two idiots who we will end up exterminating!"

"Very well..."

With that said, the two mysterious figures leaped out of hiding to fully reveal themselves. The Senshi and the team glared across only to become stunned by their rescuers. On one side was a humanoid dragon wearing a ninja outfit and wielding a twin golden-bladed staff. The other is a yellow-and-peach skinned bipedal dragon with colorful wings and a band appearing around his arms. One hand held a sword while the other had a shield with a star embedded on it. Shining knight's armor covered large portions of this dragon warrior.

"Ninjadramon!"

(Ninjadramon. Ultimate-level. Vaccine Type. Mystic Dragon Digimon. Special Attacks: Drache-Donner-Knall(1) Doppelt-Blatt Schragstrich(2), and Ninja Drache-Chaos(3))

"Herodramon!"

(Herodramon. Ultimate-level. Vaccine Type. Holy Dragon Digimon. Special Attacks: Time Dragon Slash and Star Laser)

"We're better than known to our enemies and allies as the Dra-Warriors!" the duo exclaimed.

"The Dra-Warriors?" Sailor Mercury whispered.

"Well, so these two are our saviors?" Rei whispered. "Then again, they came in the nick of time."

"The Dra-Warriors?" General Scorpionous wondered. "Hmph, well, we have no quarrel with you two strangers. Tell you what. Why don't you make it easy on yourselves and simply walk off? It's the best option you have. You may have taken out four of my men, but you stand no chance as long as I hold position as general."

"You're giving us the option to walk off and no harm will be done to us?" Herodramon asked.

"That's right. No harm will be done. All we want are these fools and the Digital Priestess dead just as Lord Pharaohmon wishes."

Ninjadramon growled deeply at the sound of Pharaohmon's name. If there was anyone who made the blood of these two warriors boil, it was the mere mention of Pharaohmon.

"Tell me he did not just say that!" Ninjadramon growled. "Tell me he did not just mention that monster's name, Herodramon!"

"He did just that."

"That settles it. An ally to Pharaohmon is a sworn enemy to the Dra-Warrior clan!" Ninjadramon declared as he pulls out his double-bladed staff.

"Well, can't argue with that," Herodramon shrugged his shoulders. "Though, we really have to give those three girls the items bestowed to us by the Dragon Warrior Clan. They are in need of powers before they set off to find the sword belonging to the Digital Priestess. There's no way we'll defeat this general without their help."

"Argh! You leave me no choice! Soldiers fall out! Attack these two while I take care of them rest of these fools! The child must die at all costs!"

"No you don't!" Rei calls out as she ran towards General Scorpionus defiantly.

"REI! NO!" the Senshi exclaimed.

"That damn girl is crazy!" Arbormon shouted. "Mecuremon! Grottomon! We have to stop her!"

"No, allow us!" Ninjadramon calls out as he quickly phases out from sight.

Just as Rei was about to throw out one of her anti-seals at General Scorpionus, Ninjadramon swiftly appeared in between the two. He snatches Rei up and moves away from the general's head on collision.

Opening her eyes, the raven-haired female found herself in the arms of Ninjadramon. She gasped out in surprise.

"You okay, um, miss?"

"Yeah, but you should have let me handle that brute! I have seals that would have kept him at bay."

"But you would have gotten killed in the process."

"I can take care of myself."

"Not likely. You and your two friends don't have any powers to defeat these creeps. So, my colleague and I have decided to lend you three items you are likely going to accept if you wish to defend yourselves."

"Wait, how do you know about our loss of powers?"

"We've been watching you ever since your crew defeated Ryuukoutsuseimon. Herodramon and I have been trying to defeat that beast since before he was sealed. We're relieved to know there are heroes even in the human world besides Tamers and legendary warriors. We're also aware of the fact Pharaohmon had stolen your powers."

"So, what are you trying to get at?"

"A chance to use powers the likes of which you've never used before. Consider it temporary until you regain your rightful Sailor powers once you retrieve the Digital Priestess' sword. When that girl grasps the sword, that is when you'll regain your powers."

"Tell me. How far are we from the temple?"

"Not too far and the Labramon is waiting across this forest for your arrival. That Labramon also happens to be a good friend of ours. Once we meet him, we'll be on our way to the temple."

"Thank you. So, are you going give us those items you've been speaking so highly about?" Rei muttered. "Yes. One for you, the blonde girl and the tall brunette."

"Their names are Makoto and Minako."

"Ok, well. What do you say we get down to business?"

"Now you're talking my style!"

As soon as Ninjadramon landed, he gently set Rei down and whistles out towards Herodramon. The dragon warrior phases out and reappears to where his colleague was standing. Rei waves out to Makoto and Minako.

"You guys! Looks like we'll be getting some items that will help us in combat!" Rei calls out.

"Items?" Minako and Makoto wondered.

"Hey, if this is something to help you fight, then I'd take this opportunity," Cammy nodded. "Go on, guys! If you three use those items, then you can help us take care of these monsters!"

"I would agree with the Digital Priestess, girls," Ninjadramon said. "Now, let's get this over with. I doubt these scorpions are going to give us any more time!"

"Now, you call me the Digital Priestess? Why is everyone even referring to me by that title?" Cammy muttered. "My name is Cammy! C-A-M-M-Y!"

"That's right! I'm not here to waste any more time! Scorpionite army! Head out!" General Scorpionus called out to his soldiers.

"Girls! There's no time to lose! Take these!" Ninjadramon cried out as he threw out three wrist devices from out of his pocket.

The three items flew out directly towards the three girls. Rei swiftly leaped into the air and captures one device. One fell into Minako's hands and the third into Makoto's hands.

"Damn! Hurry it up, men!" General Scorpionus roared. "DON'T LET THEM ACTIVATE THOSE ITEMS!"

"Hey, just exactly are those things!" Arbormon asked.

"They look awfully familiar if you ask me," Sailor Saturn replied.

"Hey! You three had better hurry up and activate them!" Herodramon exclaimed directly at the three girls.

"Um, well. They didn't exactly come with instructions," Minako stated.

"Otherwise, we'd know what we should be doing," Makoto nodded.

"These devices will enable you to transform into ninja warriors, in which you can harness the respective elemental powers you had previously possessed as Sailor Senshi," Ninjadramon explained.

"Ninja warriors?" Rei quirked an eyebrow. "That means I can use my fire attacks?"

"Yes, in a way, but you'll eventually develop new techniques. Perhaps even more powerful than anything you have implemented as a Sailor Senshi."

"Is that true! Awesome! You heard him guys! Let's put these devices to good use!" Minako grinned. "Um... Okay. Here goes... SAILOR NINJA POWER! MAKE UP!"

As soon as she called out for the transformation cry, Minako stood out amongst everyone in a dramatic pose. She stood on one leg and held her arm out with the device attached to it. The group, including Rei and Makoto, sweat dropped in embarrassment. Even General Scorpionus and his soldiers were flabbergasted.

"Waste of our time! Men! This is our chance! We'll slaughter them while they're standing still!" General Scorpionus laughed.

"Um, Ninjadramon! Here's a suggestion! Get those three girls to safety while we handle these creeps!" Herodramon declared.

"Allow me to assist," Mercuremon nodded in agreement.

"Ugh! Where were those instructions when I needed them?" Ninjadramon slapped his forehead.

"There's no need to worry, friend," Sailor Pluto said. "You leave these monsters with us and your colleague."

"I've managed to reserve enough power to ascend into my Eternal form, but I'm not sure how long I can maintain it," Sailor Mercury said.

"Darn! How could have I forgotten?" the ninja dragon digimon sighed. "What's next...? Sailor Storm? Ninja Form... Wait! That's it! I remember it now!"

"Huh? Is that the chant we need to call out to activate these devices?" Rei asked.

"Whoa! No way! That's the chant similar to the ones the kids from Power Rangers Ninja Storm call out! You're looking at a big Sentai fan here!" Minako mused as she pointed down at herself.

"She's right. You can't bet against any bigger Sentai fan than Minako-chan," Artemis sighed.

"Well, whatever it maybe related to, this is our chance to finally fight back and not rely on anyone to protect our hides!" Makoto calls out. "Rei! You ready?"

"I really hope we don't have to wear helmets," Rei muttered. "All right, girls! Let's do this!"

As the Scorpionite army came closer towards the group, the three girls stepped out in front of their team. They held out her wrists and called out the official chant to activate the powers of the ninja devices.

"SAILOR STORM! NINJA FORM!"

The trio was caught in three columns of light, each with different colors of the girls' respective Sailor powers. A red light engulfed Rei, a green one covered Makoto and an orange-yellow light shrouded Minako. The other Senshi looked on with anticipation. Cammy smiled in delight at the trio finally gaining powers.

"That's it, guys!" Cammy calls out. "You finally have powers!"

General Scorpionus and his army halted at the sight of the bright light. Any one step closer and they would have been incinerated.

"No! We're too late!" the general growled in thought.

As the three light columns started to die, the girls leaped out in quick, dramatic fashion. Their speed was so fast that the group had a difficulty tracking them. They moved faster than the eye could see. One of the girls was standing out on top of a rock, another kneeling beside a fallen tree and the other standing out in the open. The newly transformed girls were finally exposed in their new ninja forms. However, there wasn't anything remotely Sentai about their attires.

Rei's new ninja outfit consisted of a red headband around her forehead. Her body suit is red trimmed with black-golden edges. Her gloves are red with golden rings at the ends. Embedded on her chest is the Mars symbol written on a golden circular, plate armor. A red skirt with a golden belt engulfed her entire waist. Her pants are black and spandex. The boots, of course, are red just like the color of her respective outfit. Her long, raven hair blew against the heavy winds. Attached to her back is a long kitana.

Makoto's outfit was very similar to Rei's but the areas that were supposed to be red were green instead. The symbol on her chest plating is the Jupiter symbol. Her headband is pink as was the belt around her waist. She, too, has a kitana on her back.

The ninja outfit Minako wore was similar to her friends but sections of it were yellow-orange. The Venus symbol was displayed across her chest plate. Her headband and belt are both blue. Rather than a sheathed kitana on her back, there was a majestic bow and arrow.

The group was flabbergasted at the sight of the Ninja sailor trio. This was certainly a first and perhaps not the last. The Sailors were feeling the indescribable power surging through the girls' bodies.

"Hey! Are you girls reading their energy?" Saturn asked.

"Yes! This is exactly what they needed!" said Pluto.

"I've got to hand it to them. I'm impressed," Grottomon agreed.

"Wow, it actually worked...?" Ninjadramon gasped.

"There's a first time for everything," sighed Herodramon. "Then again, this is a good thing. Wow, I never thought they'd reach levels of energy I'm sensing. These Scorpionite idiots won't know what hit them!"

As General Scorpionus regained his composure, he simply scoffed and didn't seem at all intimidated by the girls' ninja power-up.

"Humph! So, you girls changed outfits and got new powers! That still doesn't make a difference! My Scorpionites have trained hard to deal with nuisances like you!"

"Well, that was awfully rude of you," Rei grunted. "You will address to us as the Ninja Sailors... Is that good enough, Minako?"

"I don't know. I didn't think of a good name for us," the blonde whispered out.

"Feh! We don't need any corny names," Makoto scoffed. "We'll get our message across with a good physical beating."

"Allow us to assist you three," Ninjadramon offered. "Besides, you three might need to know how to control your new powers."

"These ninja powers aren't exactly the same as your old Sailor forms. If one doesn't learn to control these Ninja forms, then the user will become too radical to control."

"Thanks for the tip, but Makoto and I are already experienced with uniting body and mind."

"Hey! Just because I'm not a dedicated martial artist or experienced with meditation, that doesn't make me a slack off!" Minako scoffed. "I'll have you know that I was Sailor V! Allow me to demonstrate!"

With that said, Minako quickly phases out of sight. The Sailors and the warriors were quick to pick up on her movements, but the Scorpionites were caught by surprise.

"Whoa! Neat!" Cammy calls out. "I couldn't even follow up on her movement."

"She's faster than she was as a Sailor Senshi," Mercury said.

Immediately reappearing above the Scorpionite army, Minako wielded her bow. She quickly pulls out several arrows at a rapid pace. The scorpion digimon couldn't even make track of her swift movements. Then with one pull of her bow, Minako lets loose an array of showering arrows. General Scorpionus was quick to get out of dodge, but at least five of his fellow soldiers were caught by the arrows. They screamed out as the arrows impaled through their torsos and caused them to explode into data fragments.

"What!" the general exclaimed out of shock.

"Whoa! Did you just see that...?" Arbormon looked over to the group.

Their expressions were very much what Arbormon had expected. Mouths and eyes widened from everyone, except Ninjadramon and Herodramon.

"Well, we could have done that. Right, Pluto?" Saturn shrugged.

"Well... Of course, but let's give these three girls a chance. After all, they haven't seen physical combat since losing their powers," the Guardian of Time replied, then thought "I was still able to keep up with their speed. Yes, their agility has turned up a notch. Those devices must have found what remaining Sailor power they had left. That thus allowed them to gain these new ninja forms. I've seen Sailor Ninjas during my duties as Time Guardian. So, the myths are true. The lost Sailor Ninjas have come to pass, but how do these two digimon particularly know us?"

"We've watched your many battles, Sailor warrior," Ninjadramon's voice echoed through Pluto's thoughts.

"You can read my mind?"

"Of course, but we'll discuss that matter for a later time. The girls haven't yet finished their demonstration."

Turning her attention back on the battlefield, Makoto charged out across and cupped her hands together. More Scorpionites emerged out of the sands with their swords. The Ninja of Thunder leaped into mid-air with her hands gathering electricity. The energy condensed into a basketball-sized sphere.

"THUNDER ELEMENTAL WAVE!"

Pushing out her hands, Makoto sent a massive energy wave down towards the ground. The Scorpionites attempted to scatter about, in order to throw her attack off course. However, Makoto waved her hands around and forced the wave to move about in synch with her hand movements. The scorpions shrieked as the electrical wave engulfed them one by one. The grounds started to tremble under Makoto's sheer attack.

"Incredible!" Mercuremon exclaimed.

"Yeah! There go six of them!" Mercury smiled. "Way to go, girls!"

"I shudder to think what crazy new powers Rei's going to demonstrate," Artemis gasped.

"No way! Let them have it, big sister!" Cammy cheered her older sibling.

Calmly stepping out towards the battlefield, Rei possessed a serious demeanor. Her eyes fueled with a flaming desire. The remaining Scorpionites slowly backed away but not long before their general glared at them. The soldiers stood their ground. The Ninja of Fire continued her trek across and closed her eyes.

"What are you idiots waiting for! Attack her at once!" General Scorpionus ordered.

"Well, this should be fun," Ninjadramon chuckled.

"Shouldn't we help her?" Herodramon suggested.

"Huh? Nah. It's the general we have to worry about. These small fries are cannon fodder."

The soldiers hollered out a massive battle cry and scattered across the desert sands. Rei continued her march across in a calm and serene manner. She was beautiful yet deadly like a snapping dragon. The Scorpionite soldiers moved out all across different directions and came flying in at once. The ninja girl stood out dead center as their prime target. Once they all raised their swords at once, Rei swiftly ducks under and unsheaths her kitana.

Deep came the end result. Numerous strokes of red sword slashes projected across the battlefield in little under several seconds. The blade ringed out as numerous slashes were lashed across the Scorpionites at once. Rei materialized behind the army with her kitana in one hand. The blade itself was ignited with a flame. The soldiers couldn't even move a muscle and remained stiff as statues.

"Wha-Wha-What happened!" Grottomon stuttered. "I couldn't even pick up on her swift movements!"

"Did you see that Mercury?" asked Arbormon.

"Barely," Mercury replied. "I would need to be in my Eternal form if I need to keep up with their speed."

"So, what's the deal? Did my sister turn them into filet?" Cammy asked. "I would hope so."

As soon as she said that, the Scorpionites each shuddered before their bodies were broken apart in half. Horizontal red lines streaked through the scorpions and caused them to break apart into data fragments. Others were ignited by fire and burned down into crisp. Rei calmly stands back on her feet and sheathed her kitana.

"Well, I'm impressed," Herodramon nodded.

"That's just a little taste of what to expect, my friend," Ninjadramon replied. "They're taking a more melee-style action."

"Like they haven't already as Sailor warriors?"

"Yes, but they've developed techniques they wouldn't dare imagine."

"But, they will need our help against the general," Herodramon stated.

"Yes. This guy will prove to be difficult. Even for those girls," Ninjadramon replied. "That is where we will step in. He's come to take the Digital Priestess and we didn't come all the way out here to fail."

"Allow us to assist!" Sailor Pluto calls out and flips across to stand by their side.

"Good. The more the better," Ninjadramon nodded.

Realizing that his entire Scorpionite army was already decimated by the ninja trio, General Scorpionus seethed at the loss of his soldiers. He set his sights directly on the ninja girls. Rei, Makoto and Minako rejoined together to set their sights on the general. Even Minako was no longer as jovial or bubbly as she was before. They had their 'game faces' on.

"How dare these petty humans make a fool out of me and my Scorpionite race? I didn't think they'd receive the ninja henshin from those damned dragons! I should have destroyed the Dra-Warriors' ancestral home when I had the chance those many moons ago!"

General Scorpionus set his sights directly towards Ninjadramon and Herodramon. The duo landed next to the Sailor Ninjas. Next, Sailor Pluto, Sailor Saturn, Mercuremon and Grottomon landed next to the crew. Mercury picked up Cammy and lands far away from the battlefield with Arbormon accompanying her.

"I have a feeling this one's going to get ugly," Arbormon said.

"I agree. This is the general of the Scorpionites. Having seen my fair share of battles, the leaders are always trouble. It will take more than the girls to take this guy down," Mercury stated.

"Well, I'm not about to lose faith in them! This guy goes down as hard as his flunkies!" Cammy cried out. "You're awesome, big sister!"

"Heh. Very well then. You've brought this upon yourself, fools. Just watch as I demonstrate the ability to mode change. This spells the end for you!" General Scorpionus chuckled in thought.

"Transform, you say? Well, bring everything you've got," Ninjadramon retorted in thought.

Digital World Section 89-6M. Amazon Kingdom

Reaching down into her deck, Rika adds a card to her hand. She has three cards in hand and reveals one out to her rival. It is the Pot of Greed.

"I activate the Pot of Greed and that allows me to draw two extra cards to my hand."

Immediately adding two cards to her hand, her eyes caught glimpse of a card that could turn the duel back to her favor. She summons forth the monster to the field.

"Now, I'll summon my Amazoness Paladin in attack mode!"

A tall, blonde Amazon in a beige loincloth and a headdress stood alongside the Digimon Queen as her royal servant.

Amazoness Paladin

1700/300/4 stars

"Now this Amazon has an effect you probably don't know. So, allow me to explain. I can increase the attack power of this monster by 100 points for each Amazon on my side of the. Since Amazoness Paladin is the only 'Amazoness' on my field, it automatically gets a 100 point boost."

"Oh, is that all? My Jinzo is still powerful enough to wipe out your warrior woman."

"Oh, I forgot to activate this little card I have in my hand. It's called the Amazoness Spellcaster."

"What's that going to do?"

"Until the end of my turn, I can switch the original attack power of one of my Amazons, with the original attack power of one face-up monster on your side of the field."

Ryo had suddenly came into realization and turned towards his Jinzo.

"No, you wouldn't!"

"Oh, I would," Rika smirked. "With this card, I'll switch out the attack power of my Amazoness Paladin with your Jinzo! That makes my warrior woman stronger than your cyborg freak!"

Amazoness Paladin

ATK: 2500 (2400 + 100)

Jinzo

ATK: 1700

"Now, my Amazoness Paladin! Take down his Jinzo!"

The Amazoness charged forward and slams an elbow shot directly into Jinzo's gut. The force sent the cyborg reeling back until it exploded into data fragment. The Digimon King watched in utter disbelief as his monster was destroyed before his very own eyes.

Ryo

Life points: 3800

"That ends my turn, Ryo. Not bad for a comeback?"

"Ha, you only got ugly, Rika!" Ryo smiled as he drew a card to his hand. "Now, I summon this to the field! My Gemini Elf!"

Two female elves appear on both sides of where Ryo stood. They set their sights directly on Rika.

Gemini Elf

1900/900/4 stars

"Gemini Elf! Attack her Amazoness Paladin!"

The two elves flew across and delivered a double kick to knock the Amazoness off her feet. However, Rika had other plans and quickly activated another trap.

"You've just activated my trap! Amazoness Archer!"

The trap sent the elves reeling back and protected the Amazoness Paladin in the process.

"What gives...?"

"When this card is activated, it can only be used when you attack and I control an Amazon. I just hate repeating myself but I just had to drill that in that thick head of yours. All monsters on your side become face-up in attack position. As long as they are face-up on your side, I can decrease their attack points by 500 points. That's not all. Your monsters must attack on this turn."

"What? No! My elves' attack points were just decreased and they're weaker than your Paladin!"

"How observant, Ryo! Now, my Amazoness Paladin! Take his elves out to the pasture!"

Gemini Elf

ATK: 1400 (1900-500)

Amazoness Paladin

ATK: 1800 (1700 + 100)

The Amazoness leaps forward and slams two fists at the elves. The elves unleashed banshee cries before breaking down into data.

Ryo

Life points: 3400

"Heh, but that's not all she wrote. You still have your Airknight Parshath! He must attack no matter what."

"No! Not this way!"

"Nothing I can do," Rika shrugged.

Airknight Parshath

ATK: 1400 (1900-500)

Amazoness Paladin

ATK: 1800 (1700 + 100)

Affected by Rika's trap, the Airknight Parshath charges forward only to meet his demise. The Amazoness charged forward and delivers a spinning back kick. The Airknight was quickly destroyed in the process and Ryo watched more of his life points decrease in the process. Things weren't looking good for Akiyama.

Ryo

Life points: 3000

"Damn! You really got me there, Rika. You haven't lost your spunk."

"I told you I haven't lost my touch. Never underestimate me, because what goes around comes around."

"Is she still mad about me beating her in the Digimon game?"

"I'm waiting. It's still your turn."

"I'll set two cards facedown. There, I end it."

"Pfft, figures. Now you're reeling again. Not that I blame you."

Drawing a card to her hand, the Digimon Queen draws out another monster card to the field.

"I'll summon this. My Amazoness Tiger in attack mode."

A Bengal tiger with an emerald on its forehead appeared beside Rika as it sheathed her claws. She was hungry and ready to tear apart any monster Ryo has to sacrifice... errrr offer.

Amazoness Tiger

1100/1500/4 stars

"This tiger has an effect to it. I can only have one of these bad boys on my side of the field at a time. But I can increase the attack of this monster by 400 points for every Amazon on my side of the field. As long as this is face-up on the field, you cannot select another monster on my side of the field that includes 'Amazoness' in its name, as an attack target. So, my tiger gets two 400 point boosts since there are two Amazons on the field. Not to mention the fact that my Paladin gets an extra 100 point increase with its effect power."

Amazoness Tiger

ATK: 1900 (1100 + 400 + 400)

Amazoness Paladin

ATK: 1900 (1700 + 100 + 100)

"Amazoness Tiger! Attack him directly!"

The tiger charges forward to slash at Ryo and take a chunk out of his life points.

"Activate my trap card! Waboku!"

A trio of blue-robed priestesses appeared and created a force field around Ryo. The tiger's attack was instantly stopped and Ryo's life points stayed intact. The teen sighed in relief and wiped his forehead.

"Any damage inflicted by any of your monsters is decreased to zero during the turn this card is activated. Looks like my life points have been spared!"

"For now... Fine, I'll end my turn by setting one card facedown."

"Good, because this duel is coming back to my favor," Ryo said as he added a card to his hand. "Now, I'll activate Scapegoat!"

"Scapegoat..."

"When this card is activated, I cannot summon any monster on the same turn, including any flip of special summons. I place these four Sheep Tokens in defense position on my side. Of course, the tokens cannot be used as a Tribute for any Tribute summon."

Sheep Tokens

0/0/1 star

"Next, I'll summon the Forceful Sentry! I get to look at your hand. Then I can select one card and return it to your deck. Then your deck is shuffled."

"Damn... All right."

Displaying her one card, it is none other than the Amazoness Archer. She puts the card back in her deck. She reshuffles her deck and gets ready for whatever Ryo has more to offer.

"Next, I activate my Painful Choice. I select five cards from my deck and show them off to you. Hey, at least I'm being fair."

"Just get on with it."

"You can select one card and that can be added my hand. That one choice discards the remaining cards to my graveyard."

"I really hate doing this..."

"Come one, Rika. Pick the best card for me to use against you. I know it's eating you up inside."

"Quit toying with me, Ryo! Fine, show you blasted cards!"

Displaying his five cards, Rika looks across to see the Fiber Jar, Sinister Serpent, Mirror Force, Harpie's Feather Duster and Swords of Revealing Light."

"I'll pick your Sinister Serpent."

"Not bad. My other cards go to the graveyard then."

As Ryo took his Sinister Serpent, he discards his five others to the graveyard. One of Ryo's facedown cards is immediately revealed and activated.

"Now, I'll activate my Continuous Magic card called Mirage of Nightmare! During your standby phase, I can draw cards until I have four in hand. Then during my standby phase, I can randomly discard the same number of cards I drew with this card's effect to the graveyard. Oh, how I've been saving this for quite a while."

"What? You've been saving that for this whole duel?"

"Well, sort of. Anyway, I'll end this turn by setting one card facedown."

Rika draws a card to her empty hand and sighs in relief. She had drawn something that she really needed since this was her only card in hand.

"I activate the Mirage of Nightmare!"

"Looks like I'll add two cards to my hand," Ryo stated as he drew the two cards. "Oh, but now I activate my facedown instant magic card: Mystical Space Typhoon!"

"Oh, great..."

"This card allows me to destroy any trap or magic card! So, that means goodbye to my Mirage of Nightmare! Now I don't have to discard these cards I just drew"

As his card was destroyed, the Digimon Queen did not hesitate to quit and immediately summoned forth another Amazoness Blowpiper.

"Now, I'll have all three of my Amazoness destroy three of your Scapegoats!"

As she said that, the three Amazoness warriors leaped forward to punch away three of Ryo's Scapegoats. The fuzzy sheep were shattered into data fragments. Ryo was fortunate that the Scapegoats were in defense position, since he would have lost plenty of life points.

"Just be glad it was your Scapegoats and not you!" Rika calls out. "I end my turn."

"Now, this duel is turning towards Rika's favor! These Amazons are getting behind the feisty redheaded Digimon Queen! If only we could get this young lady to duel against Seto Kaiba! Just think of the possibilities!" Floramon exclaimed.

"A match with Seto Kaiba? Well, that's one dream duel I'd like to come true, but first things first," Rika thought.

Drawing a card to his hand, Ryo sets down a facedown card in defense mode. He quickly activates another card.

"I'll activate Ceasefire! With this card, I get to flip any facedown monster cards on the field face-up, of course flip effects are not activated. I get to inflict 500 points of damage to your life points for each effect monster on the field! I flip my card to reveal my Sinister Serpent!"

Flipping over and revealed is the green cobra known as the Sinister Serpent.

Sinister Serpent

300/250/1 star

"Since your Amazoness clan are all each effect monsters, that's more damage done to your life points! Four monsters and 500 points of damage make it 2000 total damage!"

"Ouch! Now that's got to hurt the Digimon Queen's pride!" Floramon announced.

"Lucky move, Ryo!"

"I hardly call it lucky."

Rika

Life points: 1500 (3500-2000)

"That ends my turn!"

"Crap! I've just lost a huge chunk of my life points and down to 1500! Ryo sure has my number, but not for long! I've still have some cards that will turn this duel around. But, I hope the next card I draw is good enough."

The redhead drew a card directly to his hand and directs her attention to her Amazoness Blowpiper.

"Now, my Amazoness Blowpiper! Destroy his last Scapegoat! Amazoness Paladin destroy his Sinister Serpent!"

Amazoness Paladin

ATK: 2000 (1700 + 100 + 100 + 100)

Following Rika's commands, the two monsters launch themselves out across the field. Amazoness Blowpiper blows away the final Scapegoat, while the Paladin destroys the Serpent. However, that monster was in defense mode and does no damage to Ryo's life points.

"With those two out of the way, I'll send my Amazoness Tiger to attack your life points directly!"

Amazoness Tiger

ATK: 2300 (1100 + 400 + 400 + 400)

The tiger charges forward and slashes across Ryo. The teen cries out dramatically as he was pushed back. As he looked down at his duel disk, he gasped as he saw a large chunk being deducted.

Ryo

Life points: 700

"No! I'm down to my 700 life points!"

"I told you what comes around goes around. Looks like destiny has come reserved for me this time around. Are you going to quit already? That would be disappointing."

"Ha. I'm not finished yet."

"Good. That of course ends my turn. Your move, Ryo!"

"My monster you just destroyed had an effect. Of course, that would be my Sinister Serpent. During my standby phase, when that particular monster exists in my graveyard, I can return it back to my hand."

"And...? It won't make that much of a difference."

"I also activate Monster Reborn. With this I can bring back any monster card from the graveyard from either my deck or your deck. I can place it either under my control in attack or defense mode."

"Tell me something I don't know already," Rika rolled her eyes.

"The monster I chose is the Fiber Tree in face-up attack position!"

Fiber Tree

500/500/3 stars

Standing in front of Ryo was a potted plant, which Rika found surprising considering the array of good monsters Ryo could have revived. He had a chance to revive a strong monster such as Jinzo.

"Why did he choose his Fiber Tree? He could have gone for his Jinzo or something. Oh well, not my problem."

"That ends my turn."

"I'm disappointed, Ryo," Rika sighed as she drew a card to her hand. "You chose a plant over something like Jinzo? Have you lost it?"

"Not at all."

"Ok then. That just means an easy prey for my blowpiper then. Amazoness Blowpiper! Attack his Fiber Jar!"

"Ha! I can't believe you fell for my trap!"

"What!"

"Activate my facedown card! Instant magic card: Book of Moon! With this I can flip one face-up monster on the field into facedown position! I flip Fiber Jar into a facedown defense position!"

As the Fiber Jar was flipped down in defense, the tiger still attacked and immediately triggered the Jar's effect.

"Since you attacked my Fiber Jar, you activated its effect! Now both of us must unite all of our respective cards on the field, in our hands, and in our graveyards with our respective decks and shuffle them! Then both of us must draw five cards from our shuffled decks!"

"Damn, you really are starting to annoy me with these facedown traps and effects!"

"Hey, at least they're working. I've managed to come around your powerful Amazons and used wit. You were always about power, Rika, and that alone is going to come back to haunt you. Ready to lose to me, again?"

"Never! I'm not finished, nor is this duel over with!" Rika growled while she shuffled her hand, field, and graveyard into her deck.

"All I need are the right cards and it will all be over!" Ryo responded while reshuffling his deck.

"Now, with five new cards in my hand, I start off by activating my Pot of Greed!" Rika added two new cards to her hand. "I'll set one card facedown in defense and place another facedown. That ends my turn."

Drawing a card to his hand, Ryo brings forth a new monster to the field. Hopefully it is not an effect monster. This is what Rika was thinking.

"I summon my Spear Dragon!"

Spear Dragon

1900/0/4 stars

Flying above Ryo is a blue pterodactyl with a long, pointed beak.

"Next, I'll send my Spear Dragon to attack your facedown monster! Go and attack!"

The Spear Dragon swooped down towards the facedown monster and shatters through the card. The monster revealed was a fiery-haired Amazon with dragon-armor bone and a dragon-bone sword. This was the Amazoness Swords Woman.

Amazoness Swords Woman

1500/1600/4 stars

Since the Spear Dragon's attack was stronger than the Amazoness' defense, the warrior woman was quickly destroyed.

"Don't go sighing in relief now, girl, because the Spear Dragon has an effect to it."

"Again with the effects, Ryo? Come on!"

"It's an effect similar to my Airknight Parshath. When it attacks a monster with a lower defense than its attack, the difference is deducted from your life points. However, when this card attacks, it is changed to defense position at the end of the damage step. That's 300 battle damage!"

Suddenly, a devious smirk forms across the Digimon Queen. Ryo took consideration to this and quirked a weary eyebrow.

"Mind telling me why you're smiling?"

"Because you are such a twit."

"Takes one to know one."

"No, but you're forgetting that the Amazon your dragon just destroyed was also an effect monster."

"Say, what?"

"An EFFECT monster, Ryo. Anyway, my Amazoness Swords Woman's effect causes you to take all the battle damage that I would have taken from battle involving this monster. In layman's terms, you lose 300 points instead of me!"

"What? Oh no!"

"Awww, poor baby," Rika smirked.

Ryo

Life points: 400 (700-300)

"Once again, Rika makes a turnaround and takes back control of this duel. It's safe to say she has this duel won, but with only 400 points left, Ryo isn't finished yet. But these Amazon digimon clearly have taken a liking for Ms. Nonaka!"

The Spear Dragon quickly takes a defense position while face-up.

"My turn ends..."

"Ryo, lighten up. We're having a good duel," Rika drew a card to her hand. "You can't always win. I've learned that the hard way but I've learned to accept defeat."

"Oh, really?"

"Ever since you handed me my first and only loss, I was bitter and hated you since then. That's why I eventually became so obsessed with power. I wanted to be the best with no equal. Well, as soon as I met Takato and his friends, they helped me overcome my doubts and showed me that there is more than life than winning a stupid game. I became a better friend to others and you showed up onto the scene. I carried that hatred for you and wanted nothing to do with you. Well, eventually, when Renamon and I bio-merged... I changed a bit. I grew to accept life and cherish it. Life isn't a game and I shouldn't treat it like one. I've come to terms and this duel has helped me face up against my past. The only way to fully forget about the past is for me to defeat you, Ryo Akiyama. That's all I need is a victory over you!"

"Well, it's too bad you aren't going to get it!"

"Say what you will! Now, I'll summon my Princess of Tsurugi! I'll send her to attack your Spear Dragon!"

Following the redhead's command, Princess of Tsurugi sends out an energy blast and instantly wipes out the Spear Dragon. Since it was in defense, Ryo receives no battle damage.

"I end my turn."

"It's time I finish you, Rika Nonaka. I'll start off my summoning another Gemini Elf! Now, my elves! Attack her Princess of Tsurugi!"

"Oh crap!"

As the elves charged forward, Rika gasped out and looked like she were about to lose it. Ryo's grin widens as the elves came closer to dealing a near-fatal blow to Rika's life points. It seemed like the end for the Digimon Queen and another loss to Ryo. However...

"PSYCHE! I activate my Mirror Force!"

"WHAT!"

"WHOA! Another rebound by Rika! You go, girl! Show these Amazons you're one of them!"

"RIKA! RIKA! RIKA!" the Amazon digimon chanted in unison.

As the elves slammed against Rika's mirror wall, they were automatically destroyed in the process.

"My elves!"

"When your monsters attack and hit this wall, it negates their attack and destroys all monsters in attack position. So your elves were just another set of victims!"

"No! This can't be! Rika Nonaka! You won't defeat me!"

"But, your turn is through and so are you," Rika drew a card to her hand. "Screw it! You're finished! Now, my Princess of Tsurugi! Attack his life points directly!"

As soon as she declared her attack, the Princess launches herself forward and sends out an energy blast directly towards Ryo. The teen took it fully head-on and was sent crashing back. Ryo lands on his back and watched as the rest of his life points were reduced to zero. The Digimon King was at last dethroned by the Digimon Queen.

"How's that for a defeat, pumpkin?" Rika mocked her rival.

Rika stands tall as she had finally regained her number one spot as the Digimon elite card duelist. She had finally accomplished her goal and avenged her only loss in card dueling.

"I can't believe it... I lost...? How could this have happened? Was Rika truly preparing herself for a rematch with me? So, you've finally gained what you've wanted. All that training and one year of preparation was worth it. You truly earned the win, Rika Nonaka. One of us had to lose..."

"WOW! Can I just say, WOWZERS!" Floramon exclaimed. "The legendary Ryo Akiyama has tasted defeat! I can't believe what I'm saying this! But, it's official! Ladies and gentlemen! Your winner is the Amazon duelist, Rika Nonaka!"

The redhead walks over towards Ryo and kneels down.

"Well, Ryo. One of us had to lose."

"I know and congratulations. You've earned this victory."

"Oh? No witty remark from the great Akiyama?"

"Not this time. You beat me fair and square. I didn't think you'd be this determined to defeat me. Looks like you finally got your wish, Digimon Queen."

"Never thought I'd be hearing this from you."

Sitting up from his kneeling position, the defeated duelist brushed himself off and started walking towards the doorway leading to back to the due dome.

"Ryo!"

"Yeah?"

"Consider us even."

"There's always the third match, Rika."

"Third time is always the charm and I'm sure to defeat you again."

"We'll see," Ryo chuckled.

With that said, Ryo walked through the doorway. Rika turned her attention to the Amazon digimon crowding around her. They each wanted to get the Digimon Queen's autograph.

"Whoa! What is this?"

"They've grown to like you, Rika!" Floramon giggled.

"Well, it's cool I'm getting fans and all, but this is ridiculous!" Rika cries out while struggling to break free.

"There you have it! Rika Nonaka defeats Ryo Akiyama to earn herself a hard fought victory. She advances to the next round! The brackets show that Rika's next opponent will be none other than Takato Matsuda! What an interesting development we've got here! Best friends and Tamers go head to head!"

Upon hearing this, the Digimon Queen couldn't help but gasp.

"Whoa! I'm dueling against goggle head in the next around? Looks like we'll get to finish up the duel we didn't get to finish back home."

"Um, Ms. Nonaka? Shall we get back to the arena?" Floramon asked.

"Sure. It was cool getting to know you Amazons, but I've got to get back. I have a friend who's hurt and needs my support."

"In that case, let's get going, Rika."

Nodding in reply to Floramon, the duo started running towards the doorway. The Amazons attempted to follow them but not long as the doorway immediately shut. Rika, Ryo and Floramon would automatically become transported back to the Phoenix Arena. The battle royale match was nearing its abrupt end.

Phoenix Arena

As the duel dome lowered, the battle royale continued to take place with the four combatants. Renamon, Guilmon and Inumon were out waiting for the dome to finally lower down onto the surface. The door opened to release the two duelists and the announcer.

"That was one great duel, you guys!" Inumon praised Rika and Ryo.

"Yeah! Truly great! Congrats, Rika!" Guilmon nodded.

"Thanks, you guys," Rika smiled.

"A truly honorable duel," Renamon replied. "Rika, shall we get back to the infirmary. I hear they are finally going to give out the results of Himura's condition."

"Yeah. Let's move. Hey, um, Ryo?"

As the redhead turned around, she saw the teen walking off into the other direction. He confronts Cyberdramon and started walking off towards the entranceway. Rika couldn't help but feel a little remorse. However, she truly gained what she wanted: a victory over her rival.

"Rika...? Are you all right?"

"Ah! Of course!" Rika nodded. "Just a little shocked that I won. Let's go. I'll bet goggle head and the others are throwing a party in there for my win."

"Wouldn't surprise me one bit," Inumon said. "Let's go."

With that said, the digimon trio and Rika started walking towards the entranceway to head back to the infirmary. Inumon stopped to find Kuzuhamon in the match and shuddered. A hand grabbed him from behind and he turned to face Renamon, who cleared her throat.

"Don't get the wrong idea, Renamon. I have no interest in Kuzuhamon!" Inumon snapped.

"Sure you are..." Renamon rolled her eyes. "Let's go. We need to know about Himura's condition."

"Of course..."

With the duo leading the group towards the entranceway, Guilmon followed along. Soon, Calumon flew down from the audience to land into Guilmon's waiting arms.

"Nice catch! Thanks, Guilmon."

"No problem. Now, let's go see Himura."

Rika stopped for a moment to glance back over towards the battle royale and caught glimpse of Sailor Uranus. This was the same Sailor warrior who gave Rika a word of encouragement before the duel with Ryo.

"I've won my match, Sailor. Now it's your turn and I know you won't lose that easily. Good luck."

Once Rika disappeared through the entranceway, the focus was set back on the battle royale. The tide had turned against Kuzuhamon and Lady Devimon once again. Sailor Uranus drives a kick directly into Lady Devimon's gut and sends her flying across with a spinning back kick across the face. The dark mistress grunted from the blow and crashed against the hard ring canvas. Uranus quickly rushes over her fallen adversary and kicks her across the ring. Lady Devimon is sent flying out of the ring and landing head first on the outside.

Meanwhile, Sailor Neptune caught Kuzuhamon off guard with another wave of her Deep Sea Submerge. The viral lady digimon was caught by the waves and washed across the ring. Neptune lands down at the center and waits for Kuzuhamon to get back on her feet. Suddenly, Kuzuhamon started to chuckle under her breathe which did not suite well for Neptune.

"May I ask what's so funny? You're close to being defeated and eliminated from this tournament."

"It's you who is completely underestimating me," Kuzuhamon smiled as she sat up. "All of this time. I made you believe you were my superior. But, it's the other way around."

"You're bluffing. There's no way you can take another one of my strongest attacks. You'll be defeated for sure."

"Oh, is that what you think... You sure do like to dream, Sailor warrior. But the fact of the matter is that I'm going to win this match... in the name of my love, Inumon!"

"You actually have a love in your life?"

"That's right and I'm not about to let him down! I've dedicated this match for him and this is a match I cannot lose! So, in order to impress Inumon, I shall defeat you, Sailor warrior! Prepare yourself!"

Kuzuhamon picks up her staff and levitated up from out of the ring. The audience watches on as the dark version of Sakuyamon gathered a large collection of energy from her surroundings. Neptune stopped to feel out the power increasing through Kuzuhamon. Then, Uranus turns around to find out that Neptune could be biting off more than she can chew.

"No! She's right! Neptune is going to be overtaken by this wench! If Kuzuhamon manages to successfully gather enough energy, she will knock Neptune right out and eliminate her from the tournament! I have to do something!"

Just as Uranus moved out, a hand snatched her ankle. She looked down to see Lady Devimon holding a tight grip.

"Going... somewhere, sweetheart?" Lady Devimon coughed out.

"Damn! Let go!" Uranus growled. "My friend needs me!"

"Ha! You're not going anywhere, sweetie! Kuzuhamon's going to get rid of that little wench friend of yours, then I'll take care of you!"

Clenching her teeth angrily, Uranus attempted to kick away Lady Devimon and pulls out her dagger.

"If only I can break free... Hang in there, Neptune! I'm coming!"

Kuzuhamon was already near completion of her power up and becomes engulfed in a dark sphere. The crowds were at awe at the sight of the amount of energy Kuzuhamon was collecting for her attack.

"So, it would seem Kuzuhamon is serious about dedicating this match to her unlikely 'love', Inumon, but even I'm awe struck! She will go at all lengths just to defeat Sailor Neptune! If I were her, I'd quickly find a way to stop Kuzuhamon and not gawk out like a fool."

"I'm hardly gawking," Neptune scoffed. "I'm not about to go down that easily. Kuzuhamon! One more shot of my Deep Submerge and you're through!"

Leaping up into midair, Neptune pushed her hands out and waves them around to summon forth another wave of her attack. Just as she was prepared to implement her attack, the force from Kuzuhamon's barrier pushed Neptune back. The Sailor warrior managed to stop herself in mid-air but not long as Kuzuhamon spun her battle staff around. Chanting a spell, the dark digimon condenses the sphere straight out into a beam of light. It is sent directly at Neptune, but the Sailor manages to maneuver away to the side.

"Way to go, Neptune! Keep away from it at all costs!" Uranus cried out.

"Ha! That wasn't the full extent of my power!" Kuzuhamon laughed as she waved her right hand

Controlling the beam like her own marionette, it makes a complete u-turn and travels out across towards Neptune's exposed back. Before she had a chance to blink, the beam struck against Neptune and caused her to scream out.

"NEPTUNE!" Uranus exclaimed.

"Nicely... done," Lady Devimon snickered.

Everyone watched in horror as Neptune came plummeting to the ring. Uranus kicked away at Lady Devimon and blitzes across the ring to prevent her friend's fall. Lady Devimon slowly crawls back inside the ring and chuckles. Uranus sets Neptune down and checks over her wounded back. A deep burn mark was visible across her back with blood dripping from a few flesh spots.

"Uranus..." Neptune muttered. "Don't worry about me... Just win the match... Lady Devimon is already weakened from your attacks. Take her out..."

"I will, but not at your expense..."

"Do it for... me..." Neptune placed a hand over Uranus' palm and smiles faintly. "I'll be fine... I've taken harder hits and still managed to continue fighting..."

"I will... You just lie here. I doubt Kuzuhamon will attack anymore since she's low on energy. Besides, if she did attack, I'd take her out."

"Are you two done yet, because I'm growing bored," Lady Devimon approached the Sailor pair.

Sailor Uranus laid her comrade down and turned around to glare down the weakened Lady Devimon. This was Uranus' only opportunity to take the dark mistress out before she has a chance to recover. Sailor Uranus wasted no time and pulls out her dagger. She quickly materialized out of thin air and caught Lady Devimon off her game. The mistress quickly looks up and finds Sailor Uranus coming down with her dagger.

"WHAT!"

"TAKE THIS! SPACE SWORD!"

As Sailor Uranus came down with her dagger, she slices down and barely manages to knick Lady Devimon. The mistress leaps away but not long as Uranus slams her fist through the ring.

"WORLD SHAKING!"

Suddenly, the ring itself trembled under the sheer force of Uranus' attack. A massive orange sphere shaped like the planet Uranus launches itself across. Lady Devimon couldn't even attempt to move and was caught by the powerful sphere. She is sent hurtling across and slammed against the guardrail walls of the stadium. Lady Devimon was flattened against the wall and cushioned against concrete.

Uranus wipes her forehead and lets out a sigh of relief. She had managed to get rid of Lady Devimon quickly but suddenly hears out Etemon's countdown. She was already down to '9'. She instantly turns to find Neptune still completely out of it.

"9..."

"Neptune!"

"10! That's it for Neptune!" Etemon calls out. "She was unable to get up after the ten count. She has been eliminated! And it looks like Lady Devimon's out of it, too. I better start the count!"

"There's no need for that monkey boy," Uranus walked past Etemon. "She won't be answering the count anytime soon."

"Hmmm, well you do have a point, but I still have to make the official call."

"Do as you wish."

Uranus walks over towards her fallen comrade and kneels over to pick her up. She noticed Kuzuhamon levitating down with her energy running low.

"Darn... Used too much energy..." Kuzuhamon panted. "But, it was worth getting rid of your friend to please my Inumon..."

"At the expense of my friend...? You've won this round, but I do hope I face you next. I'll want to avenge what you've done to Neptune and make you pay," Uranus frowned.

"Good. That means another Sailor wench for me to conquer..."

"Believe me, in the condition you're in, I can take you out of the match. But as you can see, I've already taken care of your friend. So, we're even..."

"Oh well, at least I got to advance..."

"...7! 8! 9! 10!" Etemon raised his hand to signal Lady Devimon's elimination. "Lady Devimon was unable to answer the count! She has been therefore eliminated! Your winners of the battle royale! Sailor Uranus and Kuzuhamon!"

"This was an interesting turn of events! In retaliation for Kuzuhamon eliminating Neptune, Uranus takes out her frustrations on Lady Devimon and takes her out of the tournament in the process! Could we be seeing a future match-up between Kuzuhamon and Sailor Uranus in the next round? These two ladies surely would desire it."

"It doesn't matter if it's that wench Uranus or that harlot Renamon," Kuzuhamon thought. "I will still win for Inumon! In fact, since we both won our matches today, I'll do everything I can to reserve us a hot bath together. You will be mine, dog boy, but first I must get rid of that no good Renamon!"

"Ladies and gentlemon! These past seven matches have been phenomenal to say the least, but now we're down to the eighth set of matches! We've seen action, drama and suspense in this tournament! We've seen plenty of upsets and blood-curling moments, but you're been a great audience. Plus, you guys helped to set up a new arena record! Over 77,000 jam packed in this gigantic coliseum!"

As Lillymon continued to ramble on, Sailor Uranus helped carry Sailor Neptune out towards the entranceway. The turquoise-haired female opened her eyes to find herself in her friend's protective arms. A smile forms across her pale and beautiful face.

"Uranus... Sorry..."

"For what?"

"For not taking care of Kuzuhamon..."

"Don't worry about it. At least one of us advanced to the next round," Uranus smiled. "Whoever I face next will get the same treatment as I just gave to Lady Devimon. Hopefully, it's Kuzuhamon."

"What did you do to Lady Devimon...?"

"I... I sent her crashing through the wall and she left a dent," Uranus couldn't help but chuckle.

"Now that's funny," giggled Neptune.

"Rest easy, Neptune. According to that announcer chick, there's only one more first round match left and then there's several exhibition matches to be held."

"So, the rest of the actual tournament takes place tomorrow?"

"There are the second round, semi-finals and finals for both tournaments."

"Good... Hopefully someone manages to take down Pharaohmon."

"I agree. That's one guy I probably don't want to end up facing in the next round. Hell, I'm good but not good enough to stand up to him. Usagi, you sure are missing out on the fun."

"Hut! Hut! Hut!" a pair of parrot-like screeches echoed out.

These screeches belonged to a group of Toucanmon, who served as a secondhand ambulance team. They came hustling out around the ring area with a stretcher. They used a crowbar to remove Lady Devimon from the wall. She fell flat against the stretcher and was carried out by the Toucanmon medical team. However, Kuzuhamon didn't even seem to notice her comrade being carried out and pranced out of the ring with hearts forming in her eyes.

"Lady Devimon's sure not the type to carry any insurance to cover for her injuries, but I'm sure our Toucanmon will find her a good place to nurse those injuries. It sure won't be the infirmary because that's reserved only for the good guys!" Lillymon continued on.

"Hey, toots!" Impmon jumps back on the table.

"EEK! Don't scare me like that!"

"Sorry about that, but I've got a question. What do you think of my rookie form? Not too bad?" Impmon grinned.

"Well... You're pretty adorable..." Lillymon giggled.

"WHAT? YOU THINK I'M CUTE!"

"I mean that in a good way! It's a compliment!"

"Sure, you did..." Impmon grunted as he points out a finger. "You wanna taste of my Bada-Boom?"

"Um, no thank you!" Lillymon nodded her head innocently. "I don't want my flower top to get ignited!"

"Hmmm... Nah, I'll let you off that easy. Besides, I have to save my energy for the next match. Watch me steal the show, toots! Later!"

Impmon leaps off the announcers table once again and heads off towards the entranceway where the Sailors had exited. The flower maiden dusted herself off and sits up from her booth.

"Little punk... What gives him any right to jump on the table like that? The nerve! Ok, so we're down to the eighth round... EEEK! Pharaohmon's next! Oh boy... After seeing many of his hired investments being beaten left to right, I'm afraid of what he might do. Goddramon have mercy on all of us," Lillymon sighed.

Away from the Infirmary Area

Both Yui and Yusuke were sitting down on a bench a couple of hallways down from the infirmary room. She returned back to give Yusuke an icepack. He held the icepack over the lump on his head.

"Thanks, kid."

"Sorry. I didn't mean to hit you," Yui apologized.

"That's ok, kid. It's not your fault."

Suddenly, Yusuke caught glimpse of the little girl and noticed several tears coming down from her eyes. He felt remorse for the child and lowered down to face her.

"There something bothering you? You look sad."

"Tell me about it," Yui muttered hoarsely. "Did you blame yourself for anything involving your older sibling?"

"Nope, because I'm an only child," Yusuke answered. "But I did blame myself once when my friend was badly wounded by a demon and I couldn't do anything to help. I saw the duel with that Tsubasa kid. You came out of that witch Nemesis, right?"

As Yusuke asked her the question, Yui simply lowered her head down. Yui explained to Yusuke everything happened since she was captured by Pharaohmon and turning her into Nemesis, after speaking lies about Himura's past at the Underworld with a girl named Kotori. This of course took place after the car accident that killed Himura's parents. Yusuke sighed as he rubbed Yui's head.

"What happened to you is not your fault, but your own brother's. First he should have told you about what happened while he was at the Underworld. But I don't blame him for not telling you because the loss of his friend was a big shock to him and also he must be traumatized when he woke up and he found out about your parents death," Yusuke explained. "He kept all his pain within him. I don't know about your brother but he acts like a lone wolf. He doesn't want to involve his pain with the ones he loves, he afraid of loosing someone else."

Yui made eye contact with the teen. He has a good point. She thought if something similar ever happened to her, she would never tell anyone about the death of a close friend who she just met in the Digital Underworld while her body is in the real world. She shouldn't blame Himura for that. Then, Yusuke continued on.

"But like every wolf, he really cares about your family and friends. He would do anything, even sacrificing himself. You're lucky to have a cool older brother. I don't know what I would do if I had a young sibling. I guess I would be a bad big brother," Yusuke smiled as he scratched his head.

"Why? I think you would be a good brother."

"Ha! I don't think so. I have a bad image at school and I would end up teaching things that a little kid shouldn't know."

Then, from out of nowhere, Yui hugged the teen while giving her thanks. Yusuke just smiled at the kid. Then, he had just remembered something he had forgotten

"You know, we still didn't introduce ourselves."

"Oops. My mistake," Yui giggled with a sweat drop coming down her forehead.

"That's ok, kid. That happens with everyone. My name is Yusuke Urameshi."

"Yui Tsubasa. I better get going. Thanks for helping me, Yusuke-kun," Yui bowed and walked away.

"Oh, Yui!"

As soon as she heard the teen calling out for her, Yui looked back towards him.

"I have a question. Do you give all mighty slaps to boys?"

This completely confused the girl and she rubbed her head with a clueless face.

"Huh? What do you mean by that?"

"Heh. Nothing, you just remind me of a friend of mine. I better get going. Kuwabara's exhibition match will be later on. See ya 'round, Yui-chan!" Yusuke waved out before departing.

As Yusuke left to walk down another hallway, Yui just giggled as she walks back to the infirmary.

Unbeknownst to her, the ambitious Socramon walked down another corner. Her search for Basilikmon continued.

"Where are you Basilikmon! I'll find you! Wherever you are!"

Pharaohmon's Skybox

Having calmed down since his recent outburst for losing Nemesis, Pharaohmon sits up from his throne and raised a glowing fist. It was coated with the same purple, mystic aura that completely personified what Pharaohmon truly was: pure evil and filled with hatred. A twisted smile crosses his face. His destiny had finally arrived and the battle royale featuring himself was coming up. What made him feel even better was the fact that Anubimon was in the same match. This was finally his opportunity to extract his vengeance on the Underworld lord.

"Anubimon! At last, your fate rests in the palm of my hands!" the powerful sorcerer chuckled deeply. "For what you've done with Nemesis, I'm going to make you pay. But, not only will you suffer, but so will the boy named Kenta! Lance! Finally, you get to showcase your skills, child."

Walking out of a dark corner was the shadow form of a teenage boy. Pharaohmon's misty aura emits a purple light to pierce through the darkness and revealed Lance. He had been expelled from out of Pharaohmon's body as his own personal marionette. The boy's eyes were completely dark purple with no hints of irises or pupils. He was completely possessed by the dark lord's spell.

"Yes, Lord Pharaohmon... How shall I do away with the boy?" Lance spoke lifelessly like a mindless drone.

"With my dark powers still coursing through you, I want you to punish that boy and show him the true meaning of the powers of darkness. Make him suffer through a Shadow Game and don't stop until he cannot go no more."

"Yes, Lord Pharaohmon... I shall do your bidding."

"Now, have you completely forgotten your past life and your family?"

"Yes, they are nothing more than useless memories of the past. I live only to serve you and nobody else."

"Excellent! As you take care of Kenta and win the Duel tournament, I'll take good pleasure in destroying Anubimon! For I know a secret that you've never managed to reveal to those children, their digimon and all of their friends. For what I am about to announce to the whole Digital World will be earth-shattering!" the dark lord laughed.

Kneeling over, Lance bowed his head for the demon that once possessed his body. He now serves as his mere puppet. He would carry on Pharaohmon's wishes to win the tournament and take away Yugi's Millennium Puzzle while the dark lord takes part in the battle tournament. He sat up from a kneeled position while Pharaohmon's villainous laughter continued on.

Elsewhere within the arena. Snack bar.

The Kaiba brothers were finishing a small meal and moved out from the snack bar. They had watched the duel earlier ago and Kaiba was quite impressed with Rika's dueling skills.

"Did you see that duel, Seto? That girl was good," Mokuba stated.

"Perhaps, but she's going to need a few more convincing wins if she hopes to duel against me," Kaiba replied. "She did defeat Ryo Akiyama, a well-known duelist in the country."

"But he only won the Digimon card tournament."

"True, but a duelist is still a duelist. Rika Nonaka had just defeated the very best of Digimon card dueling, but she has yet to duel me."

"Well, who knows? She just might gun for you next."

"Maybe, but she will need a few convincing wins. She might even be a better duelist than Mai Valentine now. If our paths ever do cross, it will be me that comes out on top just as I have done with every other duelist... not named Yugi Muto..."

"Seto. You sure would like another shot at Yugi in this tournament. But, according to the tournament brackets, you're facing the winner of the Lance-Kenta duel. I know you'll defeat either one of those guys and move onto the finals. Only Yugi really poses a real challenge in this tournament... But, you can't look down on these Tamers. They're friends with Yugi. Hmmm, maybe I should have entered this tournament myself. I'm a good duelist, too."

"Mokuba! Keep up with me. You don't want to get lost in here. I don't particularly trust these digimon and their arena. Let's get back and watch the next duel."

"Right!"

With the Kaiba brothers moving onward towards a stairway leading to the top arena levels, Hiei and Kurama kept an eye out for any suspicious activity. Nothing strange has caught their attention. Not even a subordinate of Pharaohmon's was spotted. Hiei's Jagan eye couldn't trace out anything worth mentioning, but he did pick up on Pharaohmon's overwhelming dark aura.

"He's finally going to compete," Hiei said.

"I know. We'll now get to see how terrible Pharaohmon truly is. I fear for those in the area and the competitors taking part in the next bout."

"Let's get back to the arena."

"Right."

Infirmary Room.

Once Yui returned back to the infirmary, she found everyone grouping around Rika after her intense duel. The Tamers congratulated the Digimon Queen. Even the Duelists were proud for her, especially Yugi.

"Now that was one awesome duel, Rika," Yugi praised her.

"Yeah, we really thought Ryo had you there," Joey said.

"You did great out there, Rika," Mai gives her a thumbs up. "You can I can tag team any day. We're truly the Amazon queen duelists!"

"Anytime, Mai," Rika smiled.

"Nah, we knew Rika could manage to pull through," Takato smiled. "Well, looks like we'll be dueling in the next round, Rika."

"Now, we can pick up where we left off."

"Huh?"

"Goggle head. Don't tell me you forgot our duel we had before this whole mess started?"

"But that was Digimon card dueling."

"It doesn't matter. Dueling is dueling. Finally, we can finish this. We'll see how much you've improved. I'm looking forward to our duel tomorrow. Don't you go chickening out, you hear?"

"No way. That's just not going to happen."

"Good. That's what I'd like to hear."

"Ah, so you two will be dueling tomorrow?" Kazu asked. "Oh man! Takato, you had better bring you're A-game!"

"I intend to. If there's anybody I've been anxious to duel, it's Rika."

"What do you think about this, Renamon?" Guilmon asked the vulpine.

"It should be interesting."

"Hey, guys!" Yui calls out as she entered the waiting room. "Has there been any word on my brother yet?"

"I'm afraid not, but they would get back with us in a few minutes. Believe us. We've been waiting for the past half hour," Inumon answered.

"Are you going to be all right, Yui?" Dark Gabumon walked over to the little girl.

"Besides the fact my brother's in bad condition, I'm fine," Yui sighed.

"Poor Yui. Nemesis really took a toll on her and Himura," Jeri thought. "If there was anything I can do to comfort her."

"Hey, Jeri. How about we stay here in the infirmary with Himura tonight?" Felinismon suggested.

"That's sounds like a good idea. I know Yui would like some company, too," Jeri agreed.

"Hey, Kenta. You're duel is next. I recall you'll be dueling with Lance..." Guardromon reminded the boy.

"But, how can Lance duel if he's inside Pharaohmon. It doesn't make sense," Kenta said.

"You know that's something I wanted to bring up," Henry spoke out. "How can Lance be dueling if Pharaohmon's competing in... Oh no... They're both going to be competing at the same time!"

"That's just not possible... Unless Pharaohmon created some kind of puppet to mimic Lance," Seadramon wondered.

"Well, he is a master of the dark ritual sorcery. So I wouldn't count him out on creating puppets," Witchmon nodded. "I've known plenty of witch crafters who've been notorious for creating puppets from their own flesh."

"That's disgusting," Suzie gagged.

"No kidding," groaned Duke. "Hearing that wants to make me hurl."

"Wow, this room is sure crowded," Jaarin said as she slowly stepped out of her room.

"Hey, how's your back feeling?" Takato asked. "Oops. Sorry, I shouldn't have brought that up."

"No, it's okay. I'll manage. Besides, I really need to go see Omegamon and the other legendary warriors."

"About what? You really need to rest your back," Henry suggested.

"It's important I have to see him. We're in this together, Henry. Pharaohmon is our enemy, too."

"There won't be any need for that," Omegamon's voice was heard.

The gathering turned to find the Royal Knight stepping inside with Agunimon, Fairymon, Blitzmon and Wolfmon.

"Good day everyone. I'm sorry about the injury your friend had taken," Omegamon bowed his head slightly. "I'm certain he will recover."

"What brings you guys here?" Inumon asked.

"It's about the next match. Pharaohmon and Lord Anubimon will both be a part of that match."

"And I'll be taking part in the match as well," Agunimon replied.

"Don't forget about Beelzebumon," Renamon said. "He's in grave danger if he's not careful."

"Knowing him, he probably doesn't care for his own well being as long as he competes," Lopmon said.

"Jaarin. How are you feeling?" Omegamon kneeled over to the teen.

"Oh, my back is healing and I'm already back on my feet."

"This is my fault for what happened to you and Kouichi."

"No, what happened just happened. There was nothing you could have done," she replied.

"By the way, how is Loweemon?" Wolfmon asked a Gekomon, who happened to be part of the medical team staff.

"He's resting in one of our private rooms. His conditions are healing extraordinarily fast. It's no surprise since he is a legendary warrior."

"That's good to know."

"Tamers. Duelists. Digimon. I wish you all to be in attendance of this upcoming match. For I have a feeling, something shall be revealed."

"What do you mean revealed?" Tea asked.

"Is it really that important that we should all know?" wondered Tristan.

"If it's that important, then you can count me in," Yugi nodded.

"Us, too!" Takato responded.

"Good. I knew you children would see it my way. Now come... There isn't much time to lose."

"Great. This just isn't going to be my day... I'm dueling against Lance... I hope I don't get messed up like Himura did... Oh why me? Why me?" Kenta rambled on nervously in thoughts.

Kazu couldn't help but notice his friend trembling and sweating from his forehead. Normally, he'd make a wise crack remark on Kenta being a 'wimp', but this wasn't the case. After seeing what Nemesis had done to Himura, he feared for the safety of his childhood friend. Lance was not going to be playing by the rules and it's a good possibility Kenta will become another victim of yet another shadow game.

With Omegamon leading the group out of the infirmary, Yui decided to stay behind with Dark Gabumon. Jeri had asked the Tamers if she could stay with Yui and was given permission to do so.

"Go ahead, Jeri. We don't mind," Takato smiled.

"Besides, she really needs the comfort," said Rika.

"Thanks, you guys. Wish Kenta luck for me."

"We will."

With that said, the team followed Omegamon towards the stairs leading them to the upper levels of the arena. Jeri and Felinismon walked back to keep Yui company for the time being.

"Looks like I'll just have to dish out everything I've got," Agunimon thought. "If Pharaohmon simply wants Anubimon, I can solely focus on Beelzebumon. I just hope that's how everything will turn out, but I doubt Pharaohmon will keep his eye off of me."

"Hey, Jaarin," Fairymon lent the teen a hand. "Allow me to help you on your feet."

"Thanks, Izumi..."

"I don't know about you guys, but I have a really bad feeling about this," Kazu sighed.

Deep within the darkest regions of the arena.

Sitting in a meditation state, Anubimon opened his eyes and released a collective sigh. His time to face the dark lord had finally come.

"It is time... Pharaohmon, its time you face your past..."

The seventh matches have come to a close. Kuzuhamon and Sailor Uranus advance to the next round. Rika avenges her loss to Ryo and defeats him with her Amazon deck. She now advances to duel against her best friend, Takato, in the second round. Best friend vs. Best friend, who will come out on top?

How much worse has Himura's condition gotten? There has yet to be any official report, but it won't be for too long.

Athenamon has returned to confront Omegamon after so many years. A startling revelation was told by Omegamon as he was the one who rescued the Amazon digimon queen from Pharaohmon before. Now, she has challenged Omegamon for an exhibition bout later after the eighth set of tournament matches have concluded.

Coming to the rescue of the Sailors and their allies, Ninjadramon and Herodramon arrive to stop the Scorpionites. In the process, they gave Rei, Makoto and Minako new devices that have helped transform them into ninja warriors with extraordinary powers. They've already made mince meat out of the Scorpionite army. They stand united as they prepare to face off with General Scorpionus. Can they defeat this beast before moving onward towards the temple?

The most anticipated match of the first round will commence within a few moments. Lance, expelled out of Pharaohmon's body, has become the dark lord's puppet and prepares to duel against an unlikely opponent: Kenta. Pharaohmon sets off to confront Anubimon, in what will become a match of titanic proportions. Will both Agunimon and Beelzebumon even be factors in the fated showdown? What secret does Pharaohmon hope to reveal that will shock the entire Digital World?

These questions will be answered shortly as the eighth set of matches take place. Day one of the event is near its conclusion and dusk completely blankets the afternoon skies. This is the ominous sign of things to come?

(Preview)

Matt: Hey, everyone. This is Matt Ishida. That was surely a fun chapter, but all good times have come to a close. Darkness blankets the skies over the Phoenix Arena as Pharaohmon finally steps foot inside the ring for the first time.

Pharaohmon: I've been waiting for you, Anubimon. We meet again at last. The circle is now complete.

Anubimon: If there's anyone who can defeat you that would be me.

Takato: Just what startling revelation does Pharaohmon have for all of us?

Yugi: No way! That's not possible!

Joey: What!

Omegamon: Anubimon! Don't go through with this! Your life is too valuable to waste! You can't give your own life to stop Pharaohmon! He's grown too powerful!

Agunimon: Beelzebumon, I don't know how to say this but...

Beelzebumon: Don't... This guy is too much even for us...

Athenamon: Lord Anubimon...

Kenta: E-gads! Not a shadow game! Anything but a shadow game!

Lance: I shall carry on Pharaohmon's desires to getting rid of the useless garbage. You're not the first to become the victim of a shadow game.

Yusuke: Holy crap, Pharaohmon's power is incredible!

General Scorpionus: Ninja Sailors... Whatever you three call yourselves... I will not rest until I take the Digital Priestess' life! Now, watch as I transform into my human mode!

Sailor Pluto: This is our chance, everyone. If we can defeat this monster, we can move onward towards the temple. According to Ninjadramon, we are not too far.

Rei, Makoto and Minako: General Scorpionus! You're through!

Keiko: What's this? There's a message from my cell phone. There's a Trailmon waiting for me? What the heck is a Trailmon?Maybe this is my chance to see my friends in that Digital World! Yusuke, here I come!

Koenma: What is this about a Digital World? Botan's there and now Keiko's going? Why haven't I been invited yet!

Yui: This is a chapter that will not only shock you with the revelation but there will be someone that will not survive to see the next sunrise.

Felinismon: The next chapter is entitled...

The Fated Showdown: Pharaohmon and Anubimon! A Startling Revelation About Gods!

-

-

Henry: Wait, what is this about Gods!

Blitzmon: Even I'm anxious to know!

Whew, what a long chapter but I hope it's worth the comeback. Back to the drawing board with this series and I hope you guys are sticking with it. Things will only get better as the time passes.

I want to give credit and thanks to the following: Youkai Youko and Belletiger for the dialogue conversation with Athenamon/Omegamon, Anubimon/Omegamon, the flashback with Omegamon and Athenamon, the conversation between Yui and Yusuke and the entire digimon Amazon race. Ninetalesuk for Ninjadramon, Herodramon, the little dialogue with Ninjadramon giving the new transformation phrase for the Sailors, and the idea of the startling revelation reserved for the next chapter. Finally, LazerWulf for the duel results and PBP between Rika and Ryo, as well as beta-reading this (and the last couple) chapters.

Oh and some of you may have noticed asterisk near the German attack names. Thanks to Ninetalesuk's translator, I can give you the English names. Thanks a lot, Ninetales!

(1)Drache-Donner-Knall: Dragon Thunder Slam

(2)Dopplet-Blatt Schragstrich: Double-Blade Slash

(3)Ninja Drache-Chaos: Ninja Dragon Chaos

Henshin is Japanese for transformation/transform. Mi Amor is Spanish for "My Love".

Thanks a bunch everyone for your contributions and ideas. The next chapter will be a shock to say the least and perhaps an emotional one as a life will be taken away. Be sure to stick around for the next chapter. I have no idea how long it will take but it will be posted. I guarantee it. Until then, peace!