Yo! I'm back with yet another exciting and action-packed chapter of the Pharaohmon Arc. Hopefully, this time chapters can pick up at a quicker pace. This saga should be done towards summer's end. So far, we're down to the last first round duel and battle royale. In addition, Pharaohmon will reveal two startling revelations that will shock every one of you.

Wolfbane, if you can read this. You have my permission to sue Dimitro for your story. Anyway, I'd like to point out that you guys have been pleased with the recent duels. Well, you can expect even more exciting as the tournament progresses. This chapter will be quite emotional and dark, so be prepared to be on the edge of your seats. Enjoy the show!

The Fated Showdown: Pharaohmon and Anubimon! A Startling Revelation About Gods!

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Phoenix Arena. Digital World Time: 5:15 P.M.

The seventh set of matches has just concluded. Sailor Uranus and Kuzuhamon won the official battle royale; Rika avenged her one loss to Ryo Akiyama and advances to meet Takato in the next round tomorrow. In the meantime, preparations are now underway to prepare for the next match. It was to be the eighth and final set of first round matches of the tournament. The second day of the entire event would feature the quarterfinals, semi-finals and the finals. The arena crowds were anticipating the in-ring appearance of Anubimon since only few have ever witnessed the Underworld lord in actual combat. This would also be the first round involving Pharaohmon, so it can be expected that it won't be pretty.

When Lillymon called for the competitors, it became clear these next set of matches were going to be more than just winning a competition. It would a matter of life or even death. Kenta has caught himself in a tight situation where he has to duel against Pharaohmon's puppet slave, Lance. The enslaved teen was just ordered by Pharaohmon to have his way with the Tamer. Pharaohmon's only concern was solving his long-time issues with Anubimon. Agunimon and Beelzebumon could very well find themselves caught in between the crossfire of the two titans.

Accompanying Anubimon were the Duelists and the Tamers, excluding Jeri and Yui. The digimon, sans Felinismon and Dark Gabumon, followed their Tamers behind them. Omegamon led the legendary warriors, except Chakkoumon and Loweemon. Jaarin was carried over by Fairymon. Omegamon couldn't help but doubt Anubimon's judgment.

"Anubimon, you're making a big mistake if you go through with this," the royal knight thought. "Pharaohmon's power has grown beyond your expectations. If you go through with this, there's a high possibility that you could die... The Underworld cannot afford your demise. You have a responsibility to uphold."

"Kenta? Are you going be all right?" Kazu asked his friend.

"What? No snotty remark? You're not going to call me a chicken, are you?" Kenta retorted towards Kazu.

"Whoa! I'm being serious here, dude. Lance, if I'm not mistaken, is still a part of Pharaohmon. Nevertheless, the question is, how can Lance still take part in a duel if he's still inside Pharaohmon? We clearly saw him inside that monster."

"Hasn't it ever occurred to you that he could have released that kid and used a spell to mind control him?" Henry said.

"Um, well... No, that never crossed my mind, but still... Kenta, you don't seem comfortable about this."

"Kazu, yeah, I admit... I'm scared to go through with a duel against a guy who could pull some sort of shadow game to hurt me," Kenta sighed. "What if I... lose? Will my soul be taken away? I can't go through with this... I don't think I can."

"You're going to have to go through with this... or are you going to run away from everything in your life?" Rika asked. "To face your fears, you have to confront them."

"That's easy for you to say."

"I'd take her advice, man," Kazu nodded. "We're going to be here supporting you. Lance has nothing but his loyalty to Pharaohmon..."

"And shadow magic..."

"But he doesn't have the support of his friends and digimon. You clearly have the whole arena on your side," Inumon finished where Kazu left off.

"You guys really think I can beat Lance and advance to the next round, correct?"

"Sure, you do. Remember, it was us that tutored you over the past week," Yugi smiled. "You guys have built yourselves some awesome decks with our help and guidance."

"You can take Lance if you have faith in yourself, Kenta," Tea said.

"Pi! Pi!" Marine Angemon chimed in.

"See? Even the little guy agrees!" Guardromon stated.

"Well if Marine Angemon believes in me, then I shouldn't even worry," Kenta pats Marine Angemon's head. "Lance, I'm not going down without a fight, pal!"

"I wouldn't be too overconfident, Kenta. After what we saw Nemesis do to Himura, there's no telling what Lance has in store..." Yugi thought. "What do you think, Pharaoh?"

"I suggest we keep an eye out carefully. Lance is still considered very dangerous. Kenta's a good boy and has a heart to become a great duelist, but he's dueling against a very unpredictable individual. Remember, Pharaohmon still wields authority over Lance and will use him to exploit Kenta's greatest fears."

"I just hope nothing terrible happens. Kenta doesn't deserve to be sent to the shadow realm..."

"Hey, Yug?" Joey asked. "You feeling all right?"

"Yeah, just a little worried about the duel and the battle royale. Isn't it quite the coincidence that both Lance and Pharaohmon are taking part in two separate matches at the same time?"

"Yeah. There is something fishy about this whole mess. Guess we'll just have to see what takes place."

"So, Joseph, are you ready for our duel in the next round?" Mai spoke up.

"Yeah, it's our rematch from Duelist Kingdom. Who would have thought we'd be dueling again?"

"I hope you bring your 'A-Game', because the result will be different. I'll be walking out of that match with my head held up high."

"We'll see," Joey smiled with confidence.

"If your trying to score points with her, then it's not working, buddy," Tristan whispered in Joey's ear.

"Who said I was scoring points with Mai...?"

"The red across your face is the most obvious evidence," Duke stated.

"I don't know what you guys are talking about," Joey shrugged despite the red blush across his face.

"Ah, Joseph, still the same old dork as always," Mai smiled in thought.

Takato came walking up to Anubimon's side and cleared his throat. The Underworld lord didn't turn to face the boy but managed to speak out before Takato had a chance.

"Yes, Takato?"

"I... I was just thinking... Maybe you should pull out of this match... You're the Underworld lord who watches over the Dark Area and a good friend. When Himura told us about your accomplishments, we were in awe. I never thought there were would be other digimon authorities besides the four sovereigns. But, Pharaohmon... Even the sovereigns fear this guy... Yet, you are actually going take part in the same match with that monster..."

"Takato. I see where this is going. You're attempting to persuade me to forfeit my spot to allow Pharaohmon to advance. Listen to me, this issue between Pharaohmon and me has gone on, unresolved, long before you or any of the Tamers were ever born. You wouldn't understand."

"But, if you can allow us to help..."

"I'm sorry... I have to confront that demon myself."

"Um, excuse me. In case you haven't noticed, I'm in this match, too," Agunimon spoke out as he ran beside the Underworld lord.

"Not to mention Beelzebumon ..." Inumon said.

"I understand, but Agunimon and Beelzebumon will have to stay out of our way. They can focus on each other. This match is not about victory or becoming champion of this tournament," Anubimon sighed. "It's a matter of me stopping Pharaohmon... The Digital World cannot afford to have that monster accumulate more power. Eventually, even all four sovereigns will become overwhelmed."

"There's more you're not telling us," Inumon said. "What is it, Lord Anubimon?"

"You will know once the match has commenced, young ones. You will all understand the reason why I am determined to take part in this match and confront Pharaohmon."

"I guess we understand your motives. If it's something you have to do, then we won't question you," Blitzmon said.

"Lopmon? Why is everyone so serious now? Will Kenta and Anubimon be all right?" Suzie asked her partner.

"Even I can't answer those questions, Suzie. I'm sorry."

"I'm sure they'll be just fine, Suzie," Jaarin replied to Suzie's questions. "Right, Fairymon?"

"You bet!" Fairymon nodded in agreement. "In all honesty, I don't even know what Pharaohmon could be capable of. We've seen that Himura boy nearly die in his duel with Nemesis. How could I forget the number of people Pharaohmon has tormented for the past month?"

"Hey, Wolfmon?" Blitzmon asked. "Why didn't you go and stay with Loweemon?"

"I figured he'll be just fine," Wolfmon replied. "Since he is a legendary warrior, his injuries will heal quicker. I can't say the same for that Himura kid, I'm afraid."

"I understand..."

"If I ever get a chance to fight Piedmon, I'm going to take him apart," Wolfmon growled.

"You'll get your chance, Kouji," Omegamon said. "I'm sure Piedmon will eventually face you in the tournament."

"Ladies and gentlemon! The eighth set of matches for our double tournaments is set to commence! May I have all four competitors of the eighth battle royale enter? Can I also have the two duelists enter the arena?"

"Here we go guys. We're just getting close to the entranceway," Takato pointed out.

"We can see that," Henry replied.

"Children. I ask of you all to stop here. Pharaohmon will enter from a different entrance," said Anubimon. "Except you, Kenta, you have a duel to take part in."

"Well, here goes nothing guys," Kenta sighed. "Wish me luck..."

"I know you can do it, pal," Kazu smiled. "Show Lance you won't back down!"

"We're behind you all the way, Kenta!" Guardromon calls out while waving out Japanese fans.

"Good luck, Kenta!" Yugi waved out.

As everyone stopped by the entrance, Anubimon waved out to everyone and stepped through the entrance. Following behind the Underworld lord was Kenta, who seemed a little more confident after the encouragement he received from his friends.

"Good luck, guys," Takato whispered.

"I hope they'll be okay, Takato," Guilmon said.

"This is Anubimon's fight. We can only hope he'll pull through his match," Renamon spoke up.

"Please, watch yourself, Lord Anubimon," Inumon thought.

"Without further ado, allow me to introduce the whole arena to the Underworld lord himself! Please, give it up for Lord Anubimon!"

The whole arena started to erupt in a massive unified ovation. He was revered as more than just legendary figure of the Digital World. He has grown to become a god and respected as an equal to the four sovereigns. Anubimon ignores the roaring crowds chanting for him and focuses on the ring. Behind him, Kenta stared out towards the crowds and slightly waved his hand out.

"Wow, so this is what Kazu and the others had to go through? I'm already quivering... Man, oh man... I really don't like being out in front of crowds..."

"Well, get used it to, Kenta," Anubimon replied. "This is your shining moment... You're chance to make a big name for yourself. You have an opportunity to knock Lance out of the tournament. I wish you luck, my friend. Heed my advice..."

Kenta turns around to give Anubimon one final glare. A smile crept across the Underworld lord's face.

"Don't give into his shadow game. Do not show fear. Lance will exploit it and use it to his advantage. I know you can do it, Kenta. Let us both come through our matches winners."

"Thanks, Anubimon. I'll be pulling for you!"

Giving a salute to Anubimon, Kenta started walking off towards the duel chamber where Etemon was waiting upon his arrival. Agunimon was the next individual to step out of the entranceway. The crowds erupted with a loud ovation as the legendary warrior of flame made his presence felt. He steps out at the center of the stage and throws out his arms above him. As he did that, fire and pyrotechnics erupted from behind him.

"Pfft, showoff," Fairymon scoffed.

"I second that," Mai nodded.

"A typical goggle head... he had that arranged beforehand," Rika said.

"Well, at least the fans liked it," smiled Takato. "C'mon, Agunimon! You, Beelzebumon and Pharaohmon have to think of working together to get rid of Pharaohmon!"

"Considering Pharaohmon's current strength, we're going to need more," Inumon replied.

"I hate to say it but I just might agree for once, Inumon," Renamon whispered.

As Agunimon stepped inside the ring, he motions over towards Anubimon and gives him a respectful bow.

"May either one of us come out a winner... Shoot, I'd rather have myself or Beelzebumon advance along with you, Lord Anubimon... Pharaohmon cannot be allowed to advance or we're in trouble."

"I agree, warrior of flame. However, I suggest you and Beelzebumon stay out of our affairs. I must confront Pharaohmon myself..."

"I'm sorry, but you're doing exactly what Pharaohmon wants you to do. You're just going to throw your life away for no apparent reason."

"If it comes down to such, then so be it. I'd rather stake my own life over sacrificing everyone in this arena," Anubimon replied.

"You can't be serious..."

"Do not question me, warrior of flame... You know even you don't stand a chance against that monster. Neither you or Beelzebumon will make a difference."

"But if I can convince Beelzebumon to join you and me, we three can stop Pharaohmon's momentum."

"I thank you for your help, Agunimon, but look into your heart... You know this is a matter that concerns only us, supreme lords. Tell me. If Seraphimon or any of the two Celestial Angels had been in my place, what would you have done?"

"I... Well, I couldn't question them. I could offer them my help! I mean, you can't solve your problems by yourself. You have us legendary warriors, the Tamers, their partners and those Duelists."

"Yes, but even their unified support will not be enough I'm afraid. I'm sorry to say this, Agunimon but you must allow me to confront that monster..."

"..."

"Please..."

Before Agunimon had anything to say, a motorcycle passed right through the other side of the arena. However, this wasn't any ordinary motorcycle. It was the one used by the demon biker, Beelzebumon. The audience erupted as the figure threw his right hand out into a fist. The light shone down upon the figure and he was revealed as Beelzebumon Blast Mode. Massive pyrotechnics erupted behind the entrance. The Kid Rock song American Badass played through the speakers to get both Beelzebumon and the audience pumping.

"Wow! If Agunimon thought he had the best entrance, I'll say that Beelzebumon just kicked the warrior of flame in the butt with this bad-ass entrance!" Lillymon exclaimed. "I must admit I'm a longtime fan girl of this hunk... Therefore, I might show a little bias. Ever since I heard about his selfless, heroic act when trying to save a human girl from the D-Reaper, I couldn't help but admire this guy!"

Beelzebumon starts up his motorcycle and goes around the ring several times to wave out towards the crowd. The roaring crowd erupted but some showed fear by cowering away. It was a fact that Beelzebumon had actually killed and absorbed digimon during his tenure as Zhuqiaomon's lackey.

"Hey, isn't that the same guy on the motorcycle who would go out of his way to absorb our fellow digimon's data?" asked a Black Gatomon.

"Yeah! That is him!" a Vegimon declared.

"Bah! Who cares! I'll take this fellow over Pharaohmon any day!" roared a Gorillamon. "Tear that damn Pharaohmon apart!"

"Humph, well. Looks like I've gained some new fans," Beelzebumon scoffed.

Just then, the biker demon made eye contact with Lillymon. He drove his motorcycle over towards the announcers' booth and gets off.

"You make sure and call my match, babe," Beelzebumon said as he parked his motorcycle next to the announcers' booth. "Maybe you and I can have a talk after I've won..."

"What...? You actually think you can come out of this match a winner with a monster like Pharaohmon participating?"

"Anything is possible. I intend to win and become a recognized name in Digital World history. I will become a living legend. Now, if you'll excuse me."

Giving a wink, Beelzebumon made his way towards the ring and got the crowd pumped by throwing out his palmed fist. Agunimon was flabbergasted at how easily the demon biker was gaining fan support.

"Man, those guys are feeding off this guy like Thanksgiving turkey!" Agunimon laughed. "Guess, it's the rebel and biker gimmick..."

"You have no idea, flame boy," Beelzebumon snickered. "You're looking at a living legend."

"Oh, brother..."

Suddenly, the lights inside the arena faded out to near pitch black and the deafening theme of Kid Rock's American Badass ended. There was a low haunting howl heard across the arena. A pair of red glowing eyes emerged from out of the top of the arena. Everyone turned their attention towards the top and gasped out. Who would now all of sudden shut down the lights and create ghastly noises?

"Now, I don't think this was planned out, but it's a good thing we still have power. Otherwise, my microphone wouldn't be working now," Lillymon announced. "It's dark and the audience is in sudden silence. I have a real bad feeling about this..."

Then, from out of nowhere, a massive figure came flying down and lands swiftly despite his massive size. The lights finally returned and standing out in his full glory was none other than the despicable demon, Pharaohmon. A massive grin twisted across his disgusting face. Finally, he got what he actually wanted: a showdown with Anubimon and a chance to display his strength in combat since emerging out of Lance.

"There he is in his sinister glory! Pharaohmon has once again graced us with his presence and these fans are booing this guy like there is no tomorrow!"

"Go back to the damned tomb where you came from!" roared a group of Monochromon

"Gee and here I thought I pissed off some of these guys before," Beelzebumon muttered. "Pharaohmon simply being here is making the whole arena want to start a riot."

"I just hope it doesn't get as bad as some of the rugby and soccer games I've seen. Those crowd fights can get really ugly," Agunimon said.

"Oh great! They're already starting to throw food and anything they can find! Watch where you're throwing those straws! One almost poked my eye out!" Lillymon screamed.

Pharaohmon simply ignored the 'welcoming committee' so to speak and stepped inside the ring. He motioned over around the arena and chuckled at the 'simpletons'. The name of Pharaohmon has built enough hatred from amongst many generations of digimon alike, including those during the great height of the digimon sovereigns' reigns and during the great wars.

Athenamon and her Amazon clan glared down at the demon lord from the upper levels of the arena. However, Athenamon quivered in anger and grasped her sword tightly. Her former comrades were murdered and absorbed by this same monster. The pain of loss weighed deep within the Amazon queen.

"Please, Queen Athenamon. You need to be ready for Omegamon. We understand you how a grudge with Pharaohmon for killing our sisters, but I'm sure Lord Anubimon will avenge them," the mermaid female identified as Mermaimon spoke.

"I can never forgive that monster for the pain he has brought me... Never. Anubimon, you're one of the few male digimon I show my respect for... Please, for my deceased Amazon sisters... Slay this demon and restore peace to the Digital World..."

On the other side of the arena, Kurama and Hiei watched the gigantic demon enter the ring. The fire-ice apparition glared down at Pharaohmon and could feel his overwhelming power at its greatest height.

"Hiei? Are you feeling this?"

"Yes... I've never thought there would be monsters with this kind of presence. It's uncanny, but he has yet to show his full strength. I need to be convinced he is the unstoppable juggernaut he claims to be."

"We'll see."

"Yes, we will. Plus, I'm sure Yusuke and the bumbling fool are already paying attention through their little monitor in their locker room."

Stepping onto the edge of the ring, Pharaohmon motioned over towards his three opponents and grinned. He caught glimpse of Anubimon and nodded his head in approval.

"Pharaohmon... You damn demon..."

"Now, now. Let's save that when the match officially starts..." Pharaohmon chuckled.

"Damn... This guy is really big up close," Beelzebumon lifted his head to face up with Pharaohmon.

"Yeah, but size doesn't matter. I've taken on guys much bigger and came out on top."

"Well, this guy isn't your ordinary big fellow. You leave him with Anubimon since it seems that guy knows Pharaohmon... Especially the way he gave Pharaohmon that look. Oh man... Looks like these two seem to know each other."

"Of course, I'll bet they've been in conflict many years ago!" Agunimon replied.

"Makes sense... Two old enemies ready to tear each other apart."

"Before we get done to business, I'd like to bring out Kenta's duel opponent," Pharaohmon smiled as he snapped his fingers.

Just then, there was a cloaked figure emerging out of the crowd. Everyone watched as the cloaked individual leaped out of the crowd audience and lands outside near the spot where the duel dome was set. The figure unveiled his cloak and revealed himself as Lance. The audiences were awe struck by this sudden appearance by the enslaved human. This was the same teen that was previously used as a vessel for Pharaohmon to use in order to help the growth of his demon body.

"And now, we've just been introduced to Kenta's opponent, Lance! But, why would a human boy be in league with this demon?" Lillymon announced. "What's the relationship between these two?"

"Oh, you'll see in due time," Lance chuckled. "Lord Pharaohmon... I shall carry out your good name by declaring victory over this fool."

"Hey! I'll have you know that I'm not afraid of you!" Kenta retorted. "I don't care what kind of tricks you pull, they're not going to intimidate me!"

"Oh yeah...? Well, why do I smell fear off of you, boy?" Lance smiled as he edged closer towards Lance.

He looked deeply into Lance's eyes and they gave off a low, demonic aura. Kenta realized that he was looking into the eyes of a possessed soul. The pupils and irises were no longer considered remotely human. Lance had given his soul for Pharaohmon in exchange for more power, or has he...?

"This kid is being used by Pharaohmon... There has to be some good left in Lance. If only I can try to reach out to him, I could severe Pharaohmon's link to him."

"Ha. You can try but it won't work. I can assure you that, boy," chuckled Lance. "Your petty attempts to save my weak, human soul will fail you in the end."

"We'll see. There's still good left in you and I'll try to find it."

"Humph, do as you wish. You're only wasting precious time. I'd worry more about our duel than some wish to save my pathetic soul."

"Ladies and gentlemon! If I may have your attention! At last, we've all come down to this! The battle royale we've been anticipating! Pharaohmon and Anubimon in the same battle royale? Who would have thought we'd feature these two titans in the same match in this historic arena? I've literally have goose bumps!" Lillymon announced. "But, let's not forget Agunimon and my... love... Beelzebumon are going to rock the house as well! Then, we have our eighth duel match between Kenta and Lance. Considering Lance's alignment with the demon, I just pray nothing wrong happens like we saw with Nemesis..."

"Geez, did she have to bring that up?" Kenta sighed. "Oh, man. Cards, please don't let me down..."

"You can kiss your pathetic duel career goodbye because I'm cutting it short," Lance smirked darkly. "As a matter of fact, even your life as a human being might come to an abrupt end..."

"You don't scare me, Lance. You're all bark and no bite. Let's see how well you duel!"

"Oh, you'll soon learn, boy. You shall learn the hard way!"

"If you will, Etemon, escort our duelists into the dome transporter."

"Will do, little lady!" Etemon grinned. "All right, boys. You know the routine."

"I know," Kenta said.

As Kenta stepped inside the duel dome, Lance was next to follow. The duelists were now inside the duel dome and ready to get their duel finished. For Kenta's sake, he hoped that Lance doesn't resort to a Shadow Duel just as how Nemesis and Bakura had demonstrated.

"With our duelists set to be transported to parts unknown, this entire arena is in stunned silence at what we're looking inside the ring. Pharaohmon and Anubimon are staring each other down from opposite sides. These two legendary figures are ready to tear this arena down, figuratively speaking."

With Lillymon continuing to blabber out, Inumon couldn't help but feel helpless to not do anything. He was anxious to intervene and stop Anubimon from carrying out this brave act. However, he wondered if this was even a wise decision to confront the demonic overlord after so many years.

"Oh, Lord Anubimon..." Inumon whispered. "I nearly lost Himura... Please, don't go through with this. I implore you!"

"Inumon... Anubimon chose to take part in this bout. He's doing this for the sake of us all," Renamon attempted to comfort the mongrel. "I admire his courage and nobility. He truly is an individual you've certainly looked up to"

"Yes... I agree..."

"Wow, I didn't think Pharaohmon would be this massive in person!" Kazu exclaimed.

"He's bigger than even Anubimon!" Henry gasped.

"He's scary!" Suzie cried as she held onto Henry's right leg.

"Don't be scared, Suzie," Lopmon assured her partner.

"Yeah! I think I should have stayed with Jeri and Yui!" Calumon nodded.

"Now, we get to finally see this monster in action," Yugi said. "I know for one thing... This won't be an easy fight for Anubimon..."

"Or Agunimon and Beelzebumon for that matter," Tristan replied.

"C'mon, Lord Anubimon! Agunimon! Beelzebumon! We're behind ya!" Joey calls out. "Show that monster movie wannabe what you're made of!"

"I'd say Pharaohmon qualifies more than just your average Hollywood horror monster these days," Mai spoke up. "He's actually a lot scarier than the crap I've seen on TV."

"I'll say," Tea agreed.

"I remember how easily he took us apart," Rika said. "I won't ever forget that."

"This is chance to make sure Pharaohmon doesn't advance. C'mon, Anubimon, Agunimon, we believe you. Same for you, Beelzebumon," Guilmon said. "Anyone of you three winning is better than letting Pharaohmon win."

"I bet on Pharaohmon losing this contest!" Guardromon gallantly wagered the rest of his digi-money.

"Um, I wouldn't try betting against that dude," Kazu sighed. "Besides, we still have Kenta. We can bet that Kenta will pull through!"

"I know he'll do just fine!"

"Or not... Man, this situation is just becoming unbalanced and I'm afraid it just might get worse. I just wish I were in Kenta's place and dueling against Lance. I have better skills and Joey was a good, honorable opponent. This Lance just isn't trustworthy..." Kazu struggled in his thoughts.

"Go, Kenta! Remember our pep talk! You can do it!" Takato calls out towards his friend.

"Now if you boys will get your decks ready. We'll get you set and transported to a random location in the Digital World. I'm sure you know the cue by now," Etemon said.

"I'm ready. Lance, you're going down," Kenta glared at the teen.

Lance simply shrugged off the boy's defiant stare and proceeded to arrange his duel deck. Unbeknownst to Kenta, Lance has a variety of powerful monsters waiting to crush the boy's deck. Etemon closes the door of the dome and sets up the coordinates for the perfect duel spot. The dome lifted from the ground and started towards the arena ceiling. Etemon gave a hand signal to Lillymon, which signified that the duelists were set to be transported.

"We have the duelists being transported to a random spot in the Digital World. Now, we can begin the start of the eighth battle royale contest! Allow me to reintroduce our combatants! Agunimon, the Warrior of Flame!"

The crowd cheered heavily for the legendary warrior and Agunimon acknowledges them by waving his hand out.

"Beelzebumon!"

The demon biker received a massive ovation, yet some jeered due to his previous crimes as Zhuqiaomon's lackey. Nonetheless, he was even favored over the more despised Pharaohmon.

"Lord Anubimon!"

The Underworld lord received a welcoming ovation, including cheers from his comrades.

"Last, and definately least, Pharaohmon!"

Unlike the three combatants announced before him, the entire arena erupted into a massive howl of jeers. Good and objects were being thrown towards the demon's direction. The only ones even bothering to cheer were his own henchmen. Most notable was Skull Satanmon from the upper levels of the arena floor.

"Go, Lord Pharaohmon! Bring us victory!" Skull Satanmon exclaimed while chewing down a cheeseburger.

"Will you put that thing away? We're here to show our support for Lord Pharaohmon!" Marine Devimon snapped.

"I am showing my support, but I have to finish this cheeseburger..."

"You idiot..."

"Now, now, Marine Devimon, let's not get too crabby," the voice of Kuzuhamon whispered behind him.

"Oh, Kuzuhamon? Congrats on your win."

"Thank you. I dearly appreciate it," Kuzuhamon smiled dreamily. "With my victory, I hope to gain Inumon's love."

"You told you reserved a hotel room for you and him," Marine Devimon said.

"Yes and I've arranged that we take a bath in the hot springs together! Oh, this is going to be my most exciting night in my life. I can hardly wait! Ha-ha!" Kuzuhamon laughed.

"Ok, now you're starting to scare me..." the aquatic demon muttered.

"Hey, so how is your attempt to gain that girl's love. You know... the one that can become Calmaramon?" Kuzuhamon snickered.

"Um... That's none of your business! Please, let's just focus on what's more important! Lord Pharaohmon will show us how great he truly is."

"Oh, this one should get messy."

Elsewhere within the arena. Locker Room #23

Once laying Sailor Neptune on a padded bench, Sailor Uranus motions over towards the monitor screen. She caught a glimpse of the towering demon, Pharaohmon, and couldn't help but wonder how powerful he truly is. She has never actually seen or felt Pharaohmon's power before since she and Neptune weren't present to witness the demon's emergence.

"Now, we get to finally see what you're made of, Pharaohmon. The other girls say you were pretty scary, but I need to be convinced for myself..."

"Haruka..." Neptune muttered.

"Rest up, Michiru. You're going to need it."

"So, that monster is finally going to compete in his match..."

"That's right. We have to keep a close eye on this one."

"Agreed."

"Girls, I just hope you've found that sword by now. Things are going to get messy fast if what you said about this monster's power is true. I shudder to think what he might do to these three other guys. Although, I have a gut feeling this Anubimon knows Pharaohmon better than anyone. After all, they are both Egyptian based monsters... So it kind of makes sense. We'll see how everything goes from here."

Locker Room # 34

Even Yusuke, Kuwabara and Botan were keeping an eye on their monitor. The sheer presence of Pharaohmon was enough to make Kuwabara quiver in fear.

"What's getting to you?" Botan asked.

"This Pharaohmon... I can feel his spirit energy even from all the way over here. It's scary even..."

"You can actually feel him from all the way out there in the arena?" Yusuke asked. "I can't feel a damn thing."

"Trust me, Urameshi. You'll sense him eventually. Then, you'll know what we're truly up against."

"I'll take your word for it," Yusuke nodded. "Can't believe this monster actually used that Yui girl and nearly caused her brother's death..."

"Um, who is this Yui?" Botan pointed out. "You've been seeing another girl behind Keiko's back?"

"Wha- What? No way! That little girl I met a while ago was practically an eight or a nine year old! I could be old enough to be her big brother. Besides, she's the girl who we saw on the screen during that Nemesis duel."

"With that boy, Himura...? Oh dear. I had no idea," Botan gasped. "Poor thing... If only we had known sooner, we would have helped her brother..."

"She told me that her brother is in the infirmary."

"Hope he gets better. This Pharaohmon's getting out of control if you ask me," Kuwabara growled. "He's no different from the demons we've been facing up until now."

"Speaking of demons, those Toguro brothers were pretty tough when we rescued Yukina," Yusuke said. "Are you telling me that Pharaohmon is even stronger than those two?"

"Not sure, Urameshi, but we have to keep an eye out on this guy's power. I'm telling you. There's something frightening about him."

"Like I said, Kuwabara, I'll take your word for it."

"Now if only Koenma were here... I really hate it when he leaves it all up to me to help with Yusuke..." the blue-haired Botan thought.

Hallways of the second floor.

Socramon hid behind a door as a serpent-like creature came slivering by. It was Basilikmon! Socramon had finally caught glimpse of the snake he had sought for so long.

"Ha! I've finally found you, Basilikmon! Now, you're mine!"

Just before Socramon had a chance to pounce out through the door, that same door came slamming against Socramon and knocked him aside. The perpetrator revealed was Piedmon. He looks down at the fallen Socramon, who was seeing stars. The clown jester simply shrugged his shoulders and closed the door.

"What was that all about?" Piedmon wondered. "Anyway, onto pressing matters. Basilikmon! Lord Pharaohmon would require all of us to bare witness his glorious presence!"

"Argh... Darn... so close... It's not over, Basilikmon," Socramon sat up while shaking his head. "Just you wait... It isn't over by a long shot!"

Ground level. Infirmary/Medical facility

Sitting down inside the waiting room, there was a large TV monitor to present the match set to take place any moment now. Yui, Dark Gabumon, Jeri and Felinismon were sitting together to watch the television. The little girl felt uneasy once gazing upon Pharaohmon's appearance on the television. This same girl was used and brainwashed by Pharaohmon. Due to his influence, he was able to turn Yui into Nemesis and take away her human will.

"Yui... I promise that monster won't ever get to you ever again. You have us, your friends, to protect you," Jeri calmly soothed Yui.

"But... What if they can't beat him in this match...? He's too powerful..."

"Yes, but I'm sure Lord Anubimon will figure out something to seal away that monster for good..."

"That's right. Listen, Yui. You and I have one thing common," Felinismon sighed. "We both were aligned with that monster. He never cared what our fates would be. Yes, he's angry that Nemesis was gone, but he never really scared for your well-being. Shoot, he never cared about mine. We were only used for his own bidding."

"She's right, Yui. I was ordered by Pharaohmon to murder your brother and the mutt," Dark Gabumon said. "Then, I met you... You nurtured me back to health after I was injured. You showed me that humans are capable of becoming friends with digimon... I'm very glad to have met you, Yui."

"You see, Yui? In a way, you three have experienced how horrible this monster truly is," Jeri stated. "But, have faith in us, the Tamers. We've had our fair share of conflicts. Like me... I was used by the D-Reaper. I can almost relate..."

"I think I understand..."

"We're here to wait to see if your brother can recover, but he will need you by his side."

"I see now, Jeri. Thanks for the pep talk. I really needed it."

"That's good. Now, we can hope that Lord Anubimon will pull a miracle and end this demon's wrath," Jeri stated.

Giving an agreeable nod to Jeri, Yui sat closer to the older girl and rested her head against her shoulder. Jeri rubbed Yui's head and laid her careful eyes on the monitor.

"I can only hope, Yui. It's all up to Anubimon now. If he can't stop Pharaohmon, then who else can?"

Back out in the Phoenix Arena.

The four combatants laid their eyes upon each other. Pharaohmon glared over towards Anubimon and smiled. Beelzebumon and Agunimon stood their ground before locking eyes onto the demon. Holding his left hand out, Pharaohmon had called for a microphone.

"May I please have a microphone?" the demonic lord asked. "You! Monkey! Hand me your microphone now!"

Etemon nearly jumped out of his suit once Pharaohmon pointed out towards him. The monkey digimon gulped out, but nodded in reply. He threw his microphone out towards Pharaohmon, who caught it with one gigantic hand.

"No way I want to upset this fella," Etemon nodded. "I think my life is much more valuable than this job! Besides, I still need to make a break out into the music industry in the next digi-cycle or so."

"Well, it seems Pharaohmon has a few choice words before the match officially begins. I wonder. What does he seem to have in mind?"

"So, you're going to tell them. Aren't you, you demon?" Anubimon hissed.

"Tell us about what?" Agunimon asked.

"Guess we'll know after we hear it from the big guy himself," Beelzebumon replied.

"Hey, what's going on? Why is everyone frozen stiff? I know the match hasn't begun, but this is really odd," Takato quirked an eyebrow.

"Trust me, Takato. What Pharaohmon might say will forever shock us for the rest of our lives," Renamon said.

"Huh? What do you mean, Renamon?" Rika asked.

"It's best we hear this demon out. As much as I despise him for what he's put us through, this has to be important," Inumon growled.

"Well, the time for wait is over. He's already ready to begin speaking," Yugi replied. "Pharaoh, we had better pay close attention. This just might give us a clue on Pharaohmon and little more on Anubimon... Call it a hunch, but these two know each other very well."

"That monster's ready to speak now," Duke informed the group. "Something tells me we're going to be given a shocking revelation of some sort..."

"Oh, you think?" Joey scoffed.

"Quiet! He's starting!" Omegamon snapped.

"At last, Anubimon. Our fight has finally come," Pharaohmon motioned towards the Underworld lord. "It's a real shame. You're the lord of the Underworld, yet having many dark digimon armies on your side. You never wished to ever take control of the entire Digital World."

"As I've told you before, Pharaohmon. I only wish for peace for the Digital World," Anubimon replied with venom in his voice. "That's why I keep dark digimon within the Dark Area. My mission is to keep the balance of light and dark in both dimensions, the Digital World and the Underworld alike."

From out of the group, Seadramon and Inumon had just come into a realization. They looked over toward one another in question.

"Pharaohmon seems to know Anubimon much too well, if you ask me, Seadramon."

"I agree. They seem to know each other very well. I wonder what their secret is."

"You two just figured that one out?" Witchmon spoke up. "I'm really intrigued with this situation."

Pharaohmon made eye contact towards where the Tamers, Duelists and Legendary warriors were watching. A sinister grin crosses his demonic face. It seems Anubimon had not told them anything yet.

"Tell me, Anubimon," Pharaohmon spoke before stating his revelation. "Have you told any of them that we were FRIENDS in the past?"

With that said the entire arena crowd was in hushed and total shocked silence. Even the Tamers, the warriors and the digimon were stunned tremendously. Some digimon whispered amongst themselves and asked one another if what Pharaohmon revealed was true. Could these two actually have been once friends? It seemed impossible to believe. Anubimon was a good and respectful lord, while Pharaohmon was evil and had a lust for power.

"He can't be a friend with that monster! Anubimon is kind and respected!" Kazu shouted.

"This is an outrage! I refuse to believe it!" Guardromon nodded.

"I agree. There's no way Anubimon would ever consider Pharaohmon a friend!" Henry commented angrily.

The blue-haired Tamer couldn't forgive Pharaohmon for tormenting his friends and allowing Basilikmon to turn Terriermon into stone.

"There has to be some mistake. He's lying. He has to be," Takato said.

"I doubt even our friend would ever once be friends with that devil!" Yugi exclaimed after hearing upon the stunning revelation.

"HECK NO! Not Anubimon! He's just trying to play with our heads!" Joey blurted out. "I'll show that liar a thing or two!"

"Whoa! Calm down, Joey! If you get in there, you'll only get killed by their crossfire!" Tristan shouted as he grabbed Joey.

"Head strong as always," Mai sighed. "But these two were once friends? Unbelievable. Now, I've heard everything."

Even Beelzebumon and Agunimon were caught off guard. They didn't know what to say or even think. This revelation came right out without anyone expecting it.

"Humph, that guy is such a big liar if you ask me," Beelzebumon grunted.

"Well, the only one who can confirm this is Anubimon," stated Agunimon.

Anubimon steps over to where Lillymon's announce booth sat and he calls for an extra microphone. The flower maiden didn't hesitate to question the Underworld lord and handed him an extra. He took it with a tight grasp and stepped back inside the ring.

"Many years ago in this Digital World, before the Sovereigns were born, there were two powerful God digimon! One of them is the Divine God of Good named Granasmon. The other was the Demon God, Valmarmon! These two met in war for the fate of this world!"

"Correct. Back then, you and I were friends. Good friends..." Pharaohmon confirmed before he smirked. "That was before I was confronted by Valmarmon..."

Anubimon hissed, "How would I forget...? He offered you to join his cause! I tried to talk you out of it, but you accepted a deal with the Devil!"

"And it was such a glorious deal!" Pharaohmon laughed.

The arena audience couldn't believe it. Even the Tamers, the warriors, the Duelists and their comrades were shocked. Pharaohmon's henchmen were flabbergasted.

"Valmarmon...? Oh goddramon..." Piedmon gasped. "He actually met THE Valmarmon...?"

"I know very little about Valmarmon, but I hear his power rivaled Granasmon's," Basilikmon stated.

"Incredible..."

However, the calm Renamon was quivering in shock and disbelief over the mention of 'Valmarmon'. Rika took notice of her partner and wondered what was frightening her.

"No... Impossible... He, Pharaohmon, worked for Valmarmon...?" Renamon stuttered.

"Who... Who is this Valmarmon?" Takato asked.

"Like Anubimon had just said, Valmarmon is the Demon Lord Digimon. He is very powerful!" Omegamon stated. "His strength could easily crush the D-Reaper and Lucemon!"

"He can WHAT!" Rika exclaimed.

"So, where is Valmarmon now?" Fairymon asked.

"DEAD!" Pharaohmon bellowed out through the microphone.

This answer quickly silenced everyone within the arena. The Devil God was pronounced dead and it seemed Pharaohmon didn't care the same monster he once aligned with had perished many eons ago.

"Using their swords against one another, both Granasmon and Valmarmon slew each other! Thus ending a battle that lasted seven days and seven nights!"

Blitzmon blinked rapidly, "Seven days? Seven nights?"

"Wow, that's incredible!" Jaarin agreed.

"I can barely go on for a whole day doing any physical activity. Considering that I travel across the world to promote my Dungeon Dice," Duke said.

"Valmarmon? Granasmon?" Tea wondered. "Two Gods battling on seven days and seven nights? Unbelievable!"

"How could Pharaohmon even think to align himself with a monster just to gain more power!" Tristan growled.

Even Athenamon approved of Granasmon's accomplishments. She leaned against the guardrail and chanted a small prayer for the Divine Good Digimon.

"Granasmon is another amongst the few males that I respect," Athenamon praised the Divine God digimon. "They say that this spirit lives on, but sadly, so does Valmarmon's..."

Seto Kaiba and his brother, Mokuba, had listened to the whole conversation. While Mokuba was astonished, Seto simply shrugged this off as another tall tale. He couldn't handle any of Yugi's stories, but he wasn't prepared to listen to another story about 'Gods'.

"Wow, there are actual Gods in the Digital World? Incredible!" Mokuba gasped.

"I'd chalk this up as another fairy tale. Only this time Yugi isn't preaching this crap," Seto scoffed. "There is simply no place for Gods in a technologically based world. Science and religion will never co-exist if you ask me."

"But, isn't there a first time for everything?"

"Maybe so, but not two completely different ideals. I run a company. I don't have time to research anything that isn't real."

"I know deep down you believe, brother. You just don't want to admit it. If only there was anyway to convince you..."

"The moment you joined Valmarmon's side, I joined Granasmon's side to put a stop to you!" Anubimon revealed. "Then, a moment before the battles was over... The Digital Priestess sealed you away! And now, you are still standing before me... and I have to tell you, I'm not liking what I see before me... you disgusting, ugly toad!"

Pharaohmon laughed heartily, "Thank you, Anubimon!"

"It's a shame. You and I were once rulers of the Underworld together, as allies and good friends."

"Wow, so Pharaohmon was actually a former Underworld ruler?" Wolfmon asked Omegamon.

"It is true."

"I knew there was once a second ruler of the Underworld, but I never thought it would be Pharaohmon," Inumon commented.

"A real friend would never turn their back on another!" Yugi shouted angrily. "Pharaohmon doesn't deserve Anubimon's friendship! He betrayed him for his own selfish desires!"

"Two Gods? Even greater than the Egyptian Gods?" Yami spoke within Yugi's thoughts.

"But, then before you aligned with Valmarmon, you began to change," Anubimon pointed to Pharaohmon. "You were consumed for the lust of power and greed. You once deliberately made a proposal to use digimon from the Dark Area to conquer the four areas of the Digital World. I refused and banished you from my domain. Alas, it was the biggest mistake I've ever made. Then, you aligned yourself with Valmarmon and changed your form. You gained more power than you used to wield and tuned into the demon all of us see now."

"Bah. My old form was pathetic. I'm pleased with this new body. Even the great Holy Beasts and Sovereigns quiver in fear when they feel my presence. You'll have to agree with me, Anubimon. Together, we would rule both the Digital World and the Underworld.

The Tamers, Duelists, the digimon and the legendary warriors were in deep silence. They didn't know what to say or even make a comment on the situation. Anubimon tossed the microphone to Lillymon and glared deeply towards his former friend.

"And convert myself into a monster like you? I prefer to burn in eternal Digital Limbo than join the likes of you!" Anubimon hissed. "How dare you ask me to accept your offer? My old friend died the moment he became consumed with power and joined Valmarmon's cause! All I am seeing now is a demon!"

"You know you do not have the powers to defeat me, old friend," Pharaohmon grinned.

"Yes, but unlike those cowardly Sovereigns, I'll fight you and could care less if I am defeated!" Anubimon retorted as he took a battle stance.

"That's what I like about you, Anubimon. You're always a confident and daring individual. Even though I'm still admiring your tenacity, you will DIE in this battle royale! The time for talk is over!"

"Yes, I'm through with listening to your mindless banter! Let's get this over with!"

Pharaohmon tosses the microphone back to Etemon. The monkey immediately caught it and waved his hand out to signal the start of the match.

"Are you four ready! BEGIN!" Etemon exclaimed.

With that said, Pharaohmon and Anubimon charged at one another quickly. This caused Agunimon and Beelzebumon to be pushed aside. The titans grabbed one another and held each others hands against each other. Anubimon summoned forth strength from his being and pushes back against the towering demon. The audiences were in complete awe while bearing witness to this historic event. The disciples of the two Digimon Gods were head to head without either side planning to submit.

"Wow, after listening to such shocking revelations! This battle royale now has much more at stake! Not only that, but this will be one historic clash between two former friends! Now, we've just learned that these two have served for the great Granasmon and Valmarmon!" Lillymon announced. "Clearly even Agunimon and Beelzebumon are still shocked over the stunning revelations, but I'd advise them to start attacking one another before they become crushed."

"This match now has more at stake than just victory," Renamon informed the group. "Now that we've learned Pharaohmon had aligned himself with Valmarmon, the demon must be defeated at all costs."

"But, he even said Valmarmon was dead. We don't have to worry about that Demon God," Kazu said.

"Yes, that's true, but Pharaohmon is the present enemy. Anubimon must do anything in his power to destroy that monster," Inumon stated.

"What are Agunimon and Beelzebumon waiting for? Why aren't they attacking yet?" Henry asked.

"C'mon, you two! Lend Anubimon a hand!" Joey shouted towards the ring.

"If they work together, they have a shot of eliminating Pharaohmon. It must be done," Takato nodded.

"I agree. Then, we can concentrate on just the tournament," Yugi stated.

"I don't know about that, children," Omegamon sighed. "It will take more than Anubimon and those two to take down Pharaohmon. It will require more on our part to succeed."

"They will succeed. I'm sure they will," Guilmon said.

"I hope you're right, my little red friend."

Back inside the ring, Pharaohmon took advantage of Anubimon and delivered a head butt against his face. The Underworld lord goes reeling back and doesn't realize the demon was charging forward. The demonic lord grabbed Anubimon and slammed him out of the ring. Agunimon had seen enough from this and leaps forward.

Data formed around the warrior of flame and helped him evolve straight into his beast form.

"EXECUTE! SLIDE EVOLUTION! VRITRAMON!"

The winged reptilian beast flew towards Pharaohmon and stabbed him in the back with his sheathed elbow blades. The pierced blades penetrated through the demon's tough hide but not enough to catch Pharaohmon's attention. Vritramon leaped back and motioned over to Beelzebumon.

"Well, that was some shot there," Beelzebumon said. "How about letting a professional hot shot like me catch his attention?"

"Be my guest, buddy."

"All right, Pharaohmon! We haven't been properly introduced! The name's Beelzebumon and I'm going to become a living legend! Want to know why?" Beelzebumon smiled while drawing out his blaster cannon. "Because I'm going to be the one that kills the legend of Pharaohmon. Call me the Digital Legend Killer! Eat this! CHAOS FLARE!"

Screaming out his attack, Beelzebumon launches a massive spiral blast directly towards Pharaohmon's back. The attack penetrated but it did little to effect the mighty demon sorcerer. Beelzebumon was shocked in disbelief.

"Whoa! What is this guy on!"

"Hey! You two! Don't attack him! He's mine!" Anubimon calls out as he sat up to grapple with his adversary. "You two focus on each other!"

"No way! Pharaohmon is our first priority! If we three work together, we'll knock him out of the tournament and we won't have to worry about him advancing. How can you refuse to back down from this chance, Anubimon sir... With all due respect," asked Vritramon.

"Because, this is an issue that hasn't been resolved for many years. You two weren't even around to comprehend what I've been through! I nearly died trying to stop this madman!"

"Stop being so damn prideful and let us help!" Beelzebumon growled. "I may not be popular with some people, but even I share disgust for this creep! Just accept our offer, Anubimon!"

"I'm sorry, my friends... But this is a matter I must attend to myself..."

Pharaohmon laughed as he pushed back on Anubimon and sent him flying back with a swipe of his right hand.

"Actually, I would prefer if you three attack me all at once," Pharaohmon smiled. "I have enough power to crush you with only about fifteen percent of my power!"

"You're jerking our chains! There's no way you can take all three of us!" Beelzebumon snorted.

"Actually, I can."

"Vritramon! Beelzebumon! It's best you leave this to me!" Anubimon exclaimed. "I don't need your help to stop Pharaohmon!"

"I'm sorry, but you're going to get it! Now, let's stop this senseless arguing!" Vritramon growled.

"Already, there's a three-way argument ensuing with the three combatants! Looks like they are deciding whether to attack Pharaohmon head on as a trio or individually. If I were them, I'd hurry and make a choice, because I doubt Pharaohmon will be waiting."

"What are those three doing?" Takato asked. "They should be attacking Pharaohmon together!"

"Anubimon is too prideful to accept any help from anyone. He wants to be sure to defeat Pharaohmon on his own," said Renamon.

"C'mon, Lord Anubimon! You can't do this! Let them help you!" exclaimed Inumon. "Forget your pride!"

"Either pride or stupidity if you ask me," Witchmon sighed.

"Don't speak of Lord Anubimon of such manner! Show some respect!" Seadramon hissed.

"Well, I do have a point, don't I? Anubimon is too prideful and that alone makes his decision stupid."

"Perhaps, but he is warrior, too," Omegamon stated. "You haven't seen what Lord Anubimon was capable of during the Great Wars."

"Wish I could have been there to see him," Inumon said.

"Lopmon. Is there anything we can do to help?" Suzie asked her partner.

"I'm afraid not... This is a battle Anubimon, Agunimon and Beelzebumon must handle on their own. If we intervene, they will be disqualified."

"Anubimon... Is this a wise choice on your part?" Yugi wondered.

Defiantly charging across the ring, Pharaohmon slams his fist through the surface of the ring.

"NECRO FIST!"

His fist alone created an invisible shockwave, which shattered some of the top surface. It was fortunate Anubimon moved away just in time. Pharaohmon throws out another invisible shockwave with a punch. The Underworld lord leaped towards the corner edge of the ring and leaps over the shockwave. The shockwave slammed against the guardrail wall, which was shattered into a pile of debris.

"Incredible! Pharaohmon's simply shattering the ring and the walls with simple fist thrusts! I can hardly believe it! Anubimon is forced to scatter about the ring. Had any of those hits made their mark on Anubimon, he would have been done for!"

Athenamon clenched her fists tightly as she watched Anubimon move across the ring. If there was anything she bargained for, it was for Pharaohmon to suffer defeat. Even more, she wanted Anubimon to avenge her Amazon sisters by slaying the demon.

"Please, Lord Anubimon... Kill this heartless demon for the sake of my Amazon sisters and the former queen. Pharaohmon cannot continue his destructive path."

Kurama and Hiei were astonished by the demon's power. Even Hiei couldn't believe there was such a powerful monster as Pharaohmon existing in another world not within the Makai World.

"I never thought I'd be seeing a monster of this caliber," Hiei clenched his teeth.

"His power is even greater than Brimstone by a large margin," said Kurama. "Which means those three won't stand a chance. Even if Anubimon knows Pharaohmon, he cannot fathom how much stronger Pharaohmon truly has become."

"All right, Veedramon, or whatever your name is... How about we get off our lazy butts and help Anubimon?" Beelzebumon suggested.

"It's Vritramon, and I was just going to say the same thing..." the beast warrior of flame growled.

Pharaohmon leaps up into mid-air swiftly and throws out an array of punches. This forced Anubimon to dodge every blow thrown out by the demon. He swiftly moves away from a fist thrust, glides under Pharaohmon's legs and lands back down inside the ring. The demonic villain came flying down and landing at the center to meet with Anubimon. Pharaohmon smiled and bent over to reveal the dragonhead sprouting from his back.

"Oh no! Just what does Pharaohmon intend to do with that dragon? I don't even want to find out!" Lillymon exclaimed. "I just hope he doesn't harm my beloved Beelzebumon!"

"Ack! Did you really have to say that out loud!" Beelzebumon shouted.

"I can't help it!"

"Heads up!" Vritramon cried out.

"NECRO DRAGON FLAME!"

The dragon on Pharaohmon's back released a powerful, purple flame that launches across the ring. Beelzebumon and Vritramon both managed to move away just in time. Anubimon repelled the flames by forming an energy shield to protect himself against the ensuing flames.

"That little defense won't save you for long, Anubimon! Give in to the flames! You'll eventually be burned alive!" Pharaohmon laughed.

The demon moved closer towards Anubimon, in order to allow the dragon's flames to have a stronger effect. Anubimon realized his defense shield was slowly coming apart. Once it shattered away, Anubimon moved away to allow the flames to pass through and torch the edge of the ring.

"A swift maneuver by Anubimon! He narrowly escapes being burnt to a crisp!" Lillymon announced.

"I've got to somehow land a devastating blow on Pharaohmon's body. As far as I can tell, he isn't at full strength. He's only using about half percent of his strength. But in truth, I'm holding back, too. It's time for me to pull out all the stops. I'm going to make sure he goes all the way to full power if need be! Even though, I have not seen his full, frightening power. I also have to keep Agunimon and Beelzebumon away. They really need to concentrate on each other rather than worry about me. Well, here goes nothing... Hope this works."

"With this exciting battle royale underway, we still have our eighth duel set to get underway. Floramon has live coverage from outside the Sphinxmon Hotel area!"

Digital World Section 74-3S. Outside the Sphinxmon Hotel.

There was a massive crowd gathered outside of the hotel, as they were witnesses to the main attraction of the day: a Duel Monsters competition between Lance and Kenta. Floramon was standing away from the duelists and announced from off the camera.

"Hello again! It is I, Floramon, your hostess with the most-ess! This will be the eighth and final first round match for today! We're down to two duelists and only one of them will advance to the quarter final round. Kenta duels against Lance! Let the duel commence!"

With that said, Kenta and Lance shuffled their decks and drew five cards.

"DUEL!"

Life points

Lance: 8000

Kenta: 8000

"Time to turn up the stakes, boy! Are you ready for a Shadow Game?" Lance snickered.

"What? No! You can't do this!"

"Watch me!"

Suddenly, the Tamer watched as a dark cloud slowly began to materialize around them. The digimon were taken back by this supernatural event and backed away from the sudden chill in the air.

"Oh no! Not again! This happened during Himura's and Yugi's duel!" Floramon cried out. "Now Kenta's become an apparent witness to what Pharaohmon's combatants refer to as the Shadow Realm! Himura and Bakura were both sent to the infirmary because of these dark games! We have to stop this duel! I can't afford to see any more duelists getting hurt! Stop the game!"

"Ha! Ha! I can't stop the games until one of us loses!" Lance laughed "So, what do you think, boy? How does it feel being a witness to a Shadow Game?"

"It's so cold..." Kenta shivered. "But... I'm still not going to back down."

"You've got spunk, kid. I like that, but even that will not save you from the creatures that lurk within the shadows," Lance snickered.

Lance drew a card to his hand and began the duel. He summons forth a card to revel a man with red wings, brown hair and an expressionless glare across his face.

Harpie's Brother

1800/600/4 stars

"I summon Harpie's Brother in attack mode and set one card face down! That ends my turn, boy."

"Ok… Don't let this dark cloud scare you," Kenta muttered to himself despite being visibly shaken. "I'll start off by placing one card facedown in defense mode and placing three more facedown. That ends my turn, pal!"

"Wow, you really are serious aren't you? That's good because I would really hate to duel against a wimp!"

"You take that back! I'm dueling seriously here and will not fall for your dumb shadow tricks..."

"Ha. I can smell the fear from this kid. Won't it be a pleasure to exploit his fears? Hehe."

"So are you going to make your move?"

"Of course," Lance chuckled after adding a card to his hand. "I'll summon this monster in attack mode! My Kycoo the Ghost Destroyer!"

Floating in front of Lance was a bald man wearing a purple robe, holding red spirit-beads and wearing a partial demon mask over his left eye.

Kycoo the Ghost Destroyer

1800/700/4 stars

"Nice monster there, Lance, but I'm afraid you've just activated one of my trap cards! I reveal my Torrential Tribute! I can activate this card when a monster is normal, flip or special summoned. It then destroys all monsters on the field! So, that means your monsters are history!"

As soon as Kenta's trap was activated, the two monsters Lance ad summoned were immediately wiped out from the field.

"You've also triggered another trap card of mine. I reveal my continuous trap called the Light of Intervention! With this card in place, monsters cannot be placed facedown. Monsters in defense mode are placed face-up and are considered summoned!"

"Damn, I didn't think you had those kind of cards in your deck, boy. You even surprised me. Nonetheless, this is only the beginning. I end my turn."

"Good, because I'm only getting started," Kenta said while adding a card to his hand. "Now, I'll summon my Hysteric Fairy!"

Summoned forth at Kenta's side was a blue-haired fairy wearing glasses and holding a book. Kenta smiled once taking a glance at his monster.

Hysteric Fairy

1800/500/4 stars

"Wow, look at that. This monster kind of reminds me of myself," Kenta smiled with pride.

"Just get it over with, boy! I'm not hear to listen to you rant on about your love fairy! You two would make a great couple. Too bad, you're lusting over something fake."

"That tears it! Hysteric Fairy! Attack this guy directly!"

Nodding to Kenta's command, the fairy launched herself and prepared to inflict damage on Lance. However, the possessed teen revealed one of his facedown cards.

"Ha! You just activated my trap, idiot! Behold my Negate Attack! With this, your monsters attack is negated and your battle phase ends immediately. Aww, too bad."

"Darn it! Almost had you!"

"Guess you'll need to think of something better to put me down, kid. Be lucky I haven't turned this game to a Shadow Game."

"It's best we keep it that way! You can't hope to win without it! Since your Negate stopped my monster's attack and my battle phase ends, my turn is over."

"Good. Now I can get down to business," Lance said after adding a card. "Well, Kenta. Isn't this a coincidence?"

"What do you mean?"

"It seems your favorite monster happens to be in my deck. I guess you could say we're brothers."

"Cough it up! What card are you... Wait! You can't!"

"That's right! The monster I summon is the Hysteric Fairy!"

Once playing down his card, Lance's own Hysteric Fairy appears on his side.

"Heh. Now watch this... Hysteric Fairy! Attack the kid's Hysteric Fairy!"

"Wait! Our monsters attack powers are equal!"

"And...? I can add more attack power for my Fairy by using this! I play the Instant Magic Card known as Graceful Dice!"

A large dice appears before Lance. He snaps his fingers and lets the die drop to the ground.

"With this die, the result is multiplied by 100 and added to the attack and defense of my monster until the end of my turn! Now, let's see what number the die lands on."

As soon as he finished speaking, the die landed on a '6'. A smirk crossed Lance's face once he realized that his monster had gained a major boost to her power.

"That's a 6. Multiply that by 100 and I get 600. My Fairy's attack power is increased from 1800 to 2400! That's strong enough to take out your weak Fairy!"

Hysteric Fairy

ATK: 2400 (1800 + 600)

"Ha! Now my Fairy! Attack Kenta's weak monster!"

As Lances stronger Hysteric Fairy was closer to destroying Kenta's Fairy, the glass-wearing boy activated one of his facedown cards.

"I activate my Mirror Force!"

"What? You have the Mirror Force! You are indeed full of surprises!"

"Since your Fairy attacked my Mirror Force, she is automatically destroyed!"

Once Lance's monster was automatically wiped out from his field, he clenched his fists out of frustration but let out a sigh of calm relief. He placed two cards face down.

"I'm going to keep my cool. I haven't lost any life points yet. Right now, I'll place these two cards face down and end my turn."

Kenta added a card into his hand and said, "Wow, lucky me. I have yet another monster to summon. Behold! My Shining Fairy!"

"Ugh, what is it with you and fairies?"

"Say what you will, but these fairies aren't your usual Tinkerbells!"

Summoned forth to the field was a golden-winged male fairy with blonde hair.

"Ha, you just activated one of my trap cards, boy!" Lance laughed as he revealed one of his facedown cards. "It's the continuous trap card called Ultimate Offering!"

"Oh boy..."

"With this card, at the cost of 500 of my own life points, I'm allowed an extra Normal Summon or Set, even during your turn."

Lance

Life points: 7500 (8000-500)

Once Lance lost those 500 life points, he felt a painful sensation entering his body. He winced as some of his life energy was being drained. Since this was a shadow game, normally a person would lose a portion of their soul/body or would be drained of their life energy. This case, Lance was losing the energy that sustains his life. Kenta watched as he became worried for Lance.

"Are you ok, man? You look like you nearly fainted there," Kenta stepped up to approach the teen.

"Don't be ridiculous! I'm just fine…" Lance snickered. "In fact, I should let you know that when one of us loses life points, a portion of our life energy is fed to the shadows."

"You're kidding…!"

"So, losing energy is no concern to me! I enjoy the pain!"

"You're a freak if you enjoy pain!"

"That's only your interpretation. Now, I'll summon forth my Mad Sword Beast in attack mode!"

Lance brings forth a card and reveals a triceratops equipped with a blade as a front horn. The beast snorted and roared out of fury.

Mad Sword Beast

1400/1200/4 stars

"Nice try, but my Fairy is stronger than your beast. Besides, it's still my turn and I can attack your dinosaur! Hysteric Fairy attack his Mad Sword Beast directly!"

"Alas, you stupid child. I activate my facedown instant magic card! Graceful Dice!"

"Another one? Geez, have many of those do you have?"

"More than enough to damage your measly life points! Of course, you know the effects of this magic card. I roll a die, get my result and multiply it to 100. I then add those points to the attack power of my monster, but why the hell am I going to repeat myself? You'll see soon enough."

As the die landed, it came down to a 'five'. Thus, 500 points were added to Mad Sword Beast's attack power.

Mad Sword Beast

ATK power: 1900 (1400 + 500)

"Now my Mad Sword Beast, counter-attack!"

The beast charges forward, impales the Fairy through her torso and hurls her up into the air. The Hysteric Fairy screamed out before exploding into data. Kenta sighed in disappointment as he lost his favorite fairy card. He lost 100 points, but was still in the lead over Lance.

Kenta

Life points: 7900 (8000-100)

Suddenly, Kenta gasped out once he felt a portion of his life energy being sucked away. He watched as a blue orb was immediately fed into the shadowy cloud surrounding them.

"Was that the life energy he was talking about? Oh boy! Now I've seen everything! I can't afford to lose anymore points!"

"So much for your fairy, kid. Anything else you'd like to sacrifice to my beast?" Lance smirked. "Oh yes. This boy isn't the great duelist as I would expect from his friends. He's the weakest as far as I can tell. Easy pickings for me. The shadows are already sensing his fear."

"No, I end my turn."

"Humph, suit yourself," Lance shrugged after adding a card to his hand. "I'll switch my Mad Sword Beast to a face-up defense position and summon another Mad Sword Beast in a face-up defense position. There, I end my turn."

"All right, here goes, Lance! I hope you're paying attention because I'm taking out your beasts! I summon forth my Magician of Faith in a face-up defense position..."

Kenta sets a card forward and reveals a purple-haired woman in blue robes and wielding a staff with a crescent moon on top of it.

Magician of Faith

300/400/1 star

"Now, Shining Fairy, attack one of his Mad Sword Beasts! Let him have it!"

"Great, another fairy attack..."

The Shining Fairy creates an energy orb and launches it out across through the Mad Sword Beast on the left side. The attack destroyed that beast, but it dealt no damage to Lance's life points.

"Like that did jack crap to my life points," Lance yawned. "Can't believe I'm dueling against this guy. I should have gotten a much more challenging opponent. But I shall carry out Pharaohmon's wishes and banish this fool's soul to the shadows."

"That's it. I end my turn, Lance. Make your move."

"Heh. Oh yeah. Now, its time I regain control of this duel and mortify you in the process," Lance chuckled after adding a card to his hand. "I summon my Jirai Gumo in attack mode!"

Lance placed out a card face-up. The monster revealed was a giant orange and black tarantula.

Jirai Gumo

2200/100/4 stars

"I'll switch my Mad Sword Beast face-up in attack position. Then, I'll use him to attack your Magician of Faith! Go my beast!"

The beast charged forward and pierced his horn right through the Magician ferociously before she was deleted in the process.

"Oh, if you thought you wouldn't lose any life points. You're sadly mistaken."

"What do you mean, pal! My monster was clearly in defense mode! There's no way my life points could have taken any damage!"

"That's just it. You did take damage to your precious life points. You see. When Mad Sword Beast destroys a monster in defense mode, it inflicts the difference between his Attack Power and its Defense Power as battle damage to your life points. So, in other words, you just lost 1000 of your little points."

"Little! That's a whole chunk of life points if you ask me! Dang, I sure didn't see this one coming! I'm such a fool," Kenta grunted and felt even more energy being drained. "Not again! This is just too painful to bear! Why did this have to happen to me!"

Kenta

Life points: 6900 (7900-1000)

"Ha! Not looking so hot are you, boy? The more life points you lose and more of your life energy is drained! I told you I'd regain control of this duel. You're dueling with an individual with prior knowledge of the game. I've played this game far longer than you have."

"Yeah, but I was trained by my friends. Not to mention Yugi Muto."

"Is that a fact? Well, I hope to duel with the King of Games. I wish to crush him at his very own game!"

"Hardly, he's going to mop the floor with you!"

"We'll see. Now, since it's still my turn, I'll send my Jirai Gumo to attack your Shining Fairy. But before I do, I must flip a coin and call it when this spider attacks your Fairy. If I call it right, my spider wipes out your little Tinkerbell. If I call wrong, I reduce my own life points by half before attacking."

Just then, a holographic coin fell out of the sky. Lance grabbed it just before it hit the ground.

"This coin is flat on one side and has a Wedjat Eye on the other. The side with the eye shall be 'heads', which is what I'm calling!"

That said, Lance tossed the coin, caught it in mid-air, and slapped it on the back of his hand. As he moved his palm away, a Wedjat Eye was clearly visible on the coin.

"I win. Say goodbye to your pretty little fairy," Lance taunted the boy.

The spider spat out a spray of venomous acid and it bathed the fairy in the process. The Shining Fairy cried out once caught by the acidic ooze and disintegrated in the process. Kenta watched as more of his life points depleted before his very own eyes. That also meant more energy drained in the process. The boy winced and fell to his knees. He felt like he had just run five laps.

Kenta

Life points: 6100 (6900-800)

"Aww, did I just hurt your feelings, boy? Nah, better yet, I just inflicted even more pain on your life points! Feeling exhausted yet, Kenta? Have the shadows sensed your fear?"

"Be quiet! I'm sick of your mouth!" Kenta panted while sitting up to catch his breath. "Anyway, my fairy has an effect to it, in case you didn't know."

"Huh? An effect?"

"That's right. Allow me to explain. When Shining Fairy is sent to the graveyard as a result of battle, I can select one Light-attribute monster with a 1500 attack power or less from my deck and special summon it to the field in a face-up attack position. Then, I shuffle my deck afterwards."

"I don't know what good that will do, but fine... Get it over with!"

Kenta brings forth a sad, white-faced nun on the field and shuffles his entire deck.

The Forgiving Maiden

850/2000/4 star

"Well, for once it's not a fairy," Lance remarked.

"You know that fairy-bashing is getting old, Lance. Think of some witty remark other than taking a shot at my monsters."

"Whatever. I end my turn by the way even though you hogged my time."

"Great, because I have the card I need!" Kenta said once adding a card to his hand. "First, I'll sacrifice my Forgiving Maiden to bring forth Marie the Fallen One!"

In place of the nun wasa silver-skinned fallen angel.

Marie the Fallen One

1700/1200/5 stars

"All right, Fallen One! Attack his Mad Sword Beast!"

Flying across the other side, Marie the Fallen One tosses out an orb of dark light that slammed against the mighty beast. The dinosaur was caught and immediately deleted from sight. Lance growled once gazing down on his duel disk to see his life points dropping. He stopped as his heart stopped beating for a second and sensed a small portion of his energy being drained. Unlike Kenta, he did not mind the pain one bit. This made Kenta even wonder if the teen was even remotely human.

"I take it your enjoying it?" Kenta asked.

"Of course…! Ha! This pain is nothing to me!" Lance laughed as froth formed around his mouth.

"You psychopath… How can anyone enjoy pain?"

Lance

Life points: 7200 (7500-300)

"With that done, I end my turn."

"Impressive. Most impressive," Lance added a card to his current hand and wiped away the saliva from his jaw. "But, not enough to save your Fallen One! Jirai Gumo! Attack his monster directly!"

"But you have to call it with your coin first, pal."

"You didn't have to go remind me! I already knew!" Lance seethed. "I call heads!"

He tosses the coin into the air and caught it. Slamming it against his right hand, Lance was enraged when the smooth side of the coin became visible.

"Tails?"

"Hey, you brought it upon yourself, Lance," Kenta pointed out. "Don't say I-"

Just before Kenta had a chance to finish his sentence, Lance laughed heartily once half of his life energy was taken away from a thread shot out by Jirai Gumo. The spider slowly started to suck away his life energy. He fell to his knees and panted heavily. Kenta tried to step over to help the teen, but Lance slowly stood upright with a crazed glare in his eyes. He laughed maniacally despite the loss of his points. It's as if he did not even care if he was losing the duel.

Lance

Life points: 3600 (7200/2)

"Ah, that felt good! I'd like another one if you don't mind!"

"Ok! You have officially flipped out!"

"So what you will, boy. Ah, byt don't forget, Jirai Gumo still gets to attack!"

Jira Gumo spat out a thread across and snared the Fallen one. The spider snatched up Marie the Fallen One and crushed it under a tight grip. The Fallen One cried out and dispersed into data fragments. Because of this loss, Kenta suffered more damage to his life points. The boy cried out as energy left his body and became another morsel to the shadows.

Kenta

Life points: 5600 (6100-500)

"Yes, now that brings joy to my eyes! Seeing another weak human suffer and beg for mercy!" smiled Lance.

"No… I'm not through yet… I'm still in the lead here and I'm not the one who just lost half of his own life points over a failed coin flip call."

"You might be in the lead now, but anything can happen from before the end. Kenta, I guarantee that you will NOT be walking out of here the victor! The next round is only reserved for winners, such as myself. You'll never be a winner."

"Well, there's always room for an upset. You and Pharaohmon are both going down in the final round! I will win in the name of my fellow Tamers!"

"Yes, keep believing such false hopes, boy. I end my turn and I sure hope you can keep me entertained."

"Oh, but I will. As a matter of fact, the monster you just killed has an effect to it!" Kenta smirked.

"Say, what!"

"You heard right. As long as my Marie the Fallen One exists in my graveyard, I gain 200 life points at each of my standby phases! Didn't see that one coming, did ya?"

"Damn you!" Lance cursed.

Kenta

Life points: 5800 (5600 + 200)

"Oh, don't be such a sore loser, Lance. The fun's just begun! Next, I'll activate the Swords of Revealing Light! Counting from your turn, none of your monsters can attack for three turns!"

Lance watched as a column of golden swords surrounded his side of the field. Everything, including himself, was inside and concealed from taking any course of action- for three whole turns.

"I'll then summon another Forgiving Maiden in a face-up defense position! I end my turn."

"A nice attempt with your Swords of Revealing Light, but did you think I was going to wait for three turns to implement an attack on you? You're mistaken. Activate one of my facedown cards! Harpie's Feather Duster!"

A large feather appeared before Lance and waved across the field. The force of the wind destroyed the swords in place. Kenta gasped out in shock at the apparent loss of his swords.

"Now, I'll summon Vorse Raider in attack mode!"

Appearing before the teen was a green-skinned warrior wearing pants, an open vest and three horns protruding through his head.

Vorse Raider

1900/1200/4 star

"I'll then send my Jirai Gumo to attack your Forgiving Maiden."

"Again rely on a risky monster? You didn't make the right call on your coin flip last time."

"That was only once... This one will work with charm. I call tails."

As soon Lance said that, he flipped his quarter up and watched it land right on the ground. Much to his chagrin, the coin flipped on heads. Not exactly what he needed, but he did not mind another dose of his energy being drained thanks to another thread shot out by Jirai. With the spider thread attached to his chest, Lance shrugged off the painful draining and snickered.

"I take it you're enjoying this, Lance."

"Very much so! Give me some more!"

"Even though you suck at calling your coin toss!"

Lance

Life points: 1800 (3600/2)

"That's what you get for aligning yourself with a creep like Pharaohmon... Heck, did you even think of the fact that he'll throw you aside once his conquest is accomplished?"

"I could care less... That's the future. We're in the present. My fate does not matter to me."

As Lance continued ranting on, the Jirai Gumo still implemented its attack by launching out a thread webbing from it's abdomen. It cocooned the Maiden from within and wiped out the monster. It was in defense mode and there was no damage inflicted on Kenta's life points.

"Since it's still my turn, I'll send my Vorse Raider to attack your life points directly! Go and inflict damage on his life points, my Vorse Raider!"

The warrior charges across towards Kenta's side and landed a swipe with his long, bladed staff. The boy reeled back and felt the blow connecting. Kenta fell back and gasped out in shock. The punch had delivered a real painful blow without warning. Slowly getting to his feet, the Tamer struggled to stand.

"Ow... Now that felt real..."

"Remember, all the monsters are real within this dark dimension. Thanks in part of Pharaohmon possessing my body, I have inherited the ability to create a Shadow Game at any time I so choose. You have witnessed it first hand."

Kenta

Life points: 3900 (5800-1900)

Once having a large percentage of his life points deducted, the boy gasped out and felt his chest pounding. Sweat dripped across his face and his breathing became shallow for a moment. Kenta fell down to his knees, panted heavily under his breath and felt a cold chill run down his back.

"I still can't believe I felt that... If I take any more blows, I'll end up like Himura... No, I've got to focus and take in this game... I've got Lance reeling... He knows he'll be beaten... I can't let the others down!"

"They can't save you, boy," Lance read Kenta's thoughts. "You're all alone and scared. Face it! You're finished!"

"You're... the one who's finished! Now, it's my move!" Kenta added a card to his hand. "Since my Marie the Fallen One is still in my graveyard, I get a 200 point boost to my life points."

Kenta

Life points: 4100 (3900 + 200)

"Next, I'll set a card in defense. Since you destroyed my Light of Intervention card, I can play it facedown. That ends my turn."

"Humph, I see you're reeling. You don't have any more monsters to offer to my Vorse Raider. Better yet, another fairy?"

"I thought I told you to knock it off with the fairy comments..."

"I wouldn't be making comments if you hadn't relied on them so much," Lance drew a card to his hand. "Well, it looks like I'm stopping your 200 point add-ons!"

"What do you mean?"

"By using this card, I'll be bringing a monster back to life from your graveyard..."

"No... You wouldn't..."

"Oh, yes I can! Using my Monster Reborn card, I bring back your Marie the Fallen One! I set it for a face-up attack position!"

Lance brought forth Kenta's own monster before him and grinned malevolently.

"Now, I'll use your own monster to attack your facedown card you've just set forth! Go and attack my Fallen One!"

The Fallen One flies across the field and launches out a blast directly at Kenta's facedown card. The monster revealed was a priest wearing a vest with a yellow robe and a blue hat. This was the Banisher of Light.

Banisher of Light

100/2000/3 stars

Lance watched as the priest caught Marie's blast and snuffed it out with one hand. He seethed as he saw 300 points subtracted from his life point total.

Lance

Life points: 1500 (1800-300)

"DAMN IT! What just happened? Why did I lose life points? You had better explain yourself, boy!"

"Don't you know your Duel Monsters rules? When you attack a defense position monster that has a stronger defense than your attack, the difference is subtracted from your life points. It's like punching a brick wall. If you're not strong enough to topple it, all you end up doing is hurting yourself."

"ARGH! You're getting on my last nerve!"

"Careful now. If you let yourself get blind with anger, you're dueling skills will only suffer."

"SHUT UP! I KNOW WHAT I MUST DO! I'll send my Jirai Gumo to destroy your Banisher of Light!"

"When my monster is clearly in defense mode? You're taking a huge risk with another coin toss," said Kenta. "You sure you want to risk losing life points if you make the wrong call."

"It'll be worth taking your monsters apart one by one!" Lance snapped. "NOW BE SILENT! I call heads!"

As Lance flipped the coin, it landed straight into his hand and it turned out to be tails instead. Lance tensed up with rage building up within him and tightened his grip on the coin.

"Humph…"

"I take it that it was tails, right? Oh boy, there goes another..."

"There's no need to remind me, boy."

Lance

Life points: 750 (1500/2)

Suddenly, Lance's body started to thrash about and he fell to his knees. The spider had just shot yet another thread through its abdomen, attached to the boy's forehead and drained more of his energy. Lance gasped out when energy was drained. Kenta became concerned for the teen and slowly walked towards him.

"You really need help! Please, let me give you hand. I know there's still good in you, Lance. Are you going to be all right?"

"Ha! I've never felt better!" Lance laughed maniacally. "Please, this pain is nothing compared to what I'm about to do to you! I may lose life points due to my bad calls, but you also take damage from my monster's attacks! It's kind of like a double-edged sword if you think about it!"

Lance slowly rose back onto his feet and licked his lips.

"Allow me to remind that in a Shadow Game, I too can take damage, but unlike you... I embrace the pain!"

"You're a whack job! How can you embrace pain? That's psychotic!"

"Then, I am indeed a psychotic individual! By embracing pain, I truly am immortal!"

"You wish..."

Just then, the dark cloud barrier surrounding them was starting to become darker. Kenta did not like the looks of the clouds suddenly changing coloration. The clouds darkened just as Lance's anger was building up. The darkness within Lance was growing stronger by every second.

"Geez, just what is eating you, pal?"

"You. That's what!" Lance laughed.

"It's just... a game..."

"It's more than just a game to me! It's about me fulfilling Lord Pharaohmon's wish to crush you pathetic children! Starting with you, you little insect!"

"Pharaohmon's using you! I know there's still good in you, Lance! Turn away from his dark path! You've got to overcome the darkness in your heart!"

"You're preaching nonsense, boy! My allegiance only resides with Lord Pharaohmon!"

"What about your family? Aren't they back home, worried sick over you?"

"No, because they're both in comatose states in a hospital! They've been that way for sometime now. With them out of the way, I can do as I please..."

"Pharaohmon must have gotten to your parents! That's it! Am I right?"

"Humph. Maybe he did, maybe not... It doesn't matter to me now. My parents are a memory of the past. I can only look forward to the present and the future."

"As far as I'm concerned, you're future is cloudy just like this Shadow Realm you created! You have no idea Pharaohmon will eventually find you expendable!"

"So be it. If my life no longer has any meaning, then I accept it."

"You're crazy..."

"Enough of this!"

Jirai Gumo shot out another poisonous thread webbing through its abdomen. It engulfed the Banisher of Light. The monster was dissolved within the cocooned webbing and disintegrated in the process. Fortunately, Kenta did not lose any of his life points since his monster was in defense mode.

"Next, I'll have my Vorse Raider attack your life points directly!"

"Not again!"

With that said the Vorse Raider charges across and swiped his staff at Kenta. This time Kenta was able to move away in time, but the force of the blow sent a strong shockwave that pushed Kenta on the ground. The boy winced once he fell on his posterior.

"Ow, now that's going to leave a mark," Kenta winced while rubbing his backside.

Kenta

Life points: 2200 (4100-1900)

"Ha! Just be glad you moved away or you would have taken more damage than a simple fall on your ass," Lance laughed. "That ends my turn, Kenta. Are you getting scared? You should be! This is the Shadow Realm! Everything not real becomes a reality! That includes monsters! Your worst nightmares come true!"

"I'm not scared... I don't fear you..."

However, Kenta winced again as more of his energy was drained due to losing life points. He used ever ounce of strength to sit up and regain his posture.

"This… pain won't keep me down… I'll endure this and win the game!"

"That's just too bad. I'll give you credit. You survived this Shadow Game thus far and still didn't take enough damage as I hoped. However, you will eventually become a lost soul and be banished to the shadows. Your friend Himura wasn't so lucky."

"He'll pull through! Just you wait and see!"

"Oh, will he? For your sake, I hope so. Now, I do believe it's your turn, boy!"

"Yeah, it's my turn," Kenta stated as he added another card to his hand. "What? These cards just aren't going to do! I don't have any strong monsters or traps to help me out here!"

"Well, I'm waiting... Are you already having doubts? The darkness can certainly sense your doubt."

"All I can do is play this card facedown in defense mode. I end my turn."

"That's it? No dramatic comeback? No strong monster to aid you or even a trap card to reveal? I'm rather disappointed. However, if that's the way you want it, I'll be happy to oblige by continuing the assault! Go, my Vorse Raider! Attack his facedown card!"

With that said the warrior charges across to penetrate through Kenta's facedown card.

"Uh no and this one is my absolute favorite card! I'm sorry, Marine Angemon..."

As the Vorse Raider smashed through the facedown card, Kenta's favorite monster was revealed. It was the Petite Angel, a tiny pink angel that bore a striking resemblance to Marine Angemon.

Petite Angel

Life points: 600/900/3 stars

The tiny creature squeaked out before fading away into light. Since the monster was in defense mode, Kenta's life points were spared in the process.

"Ha! So much for your little pink fairy angel!" lance chuckled. "Your obsession with little wimps makes me wonder if you're even serious duelist."

"Don't underestimate me!"

"The thing is... I haven't... I already know you aren't even worth my time. I'm going to finish you off for good and banish you to eternal darkness! How does that grab you, Kenta? Any last words before you're banished from this realm of the living?"

"... I won't be defeated... I won't..."

"You're in denial. How sad. Fine! If this is the way you want it, then so be it! I'm going to send my Jirai Gumo to wipe out the rest of your life points!"

"Marine Angemon. Every one. I'm sorry. I let you down. I even let you down, Marine Angemon. Our favorite card was wiped out... Looks like I'm going to become a permanent resident in this limbo..."

Suddenly, just as Lance was preparing to attack, the Petite Angel card in Kenta's graveyard started to emit a bright light. Kenta took notice of the card and gasped in shock.

"What's this light...? What's going on here?"

"Huh? What is this meaning of this?" Lance questioned.

The digimon outside of the shadow cloud watched as the bright light expanded out. Floramon watched in complete awe towards the light.

"Now I've seen everything! There's a light coming out of this dark cloud and I have no earthly idea what this could mean!" Floramon announced. "Lillymon are you seeing this?"

Phoenix Arena.

The crowds were gazing across the large screen monitor. Even the Tamers caught glimpse of the screen. Just then, Marine Angemon started to glow the same aura as Kenta's card and floated right out of Kazu's hands.

"Hey, what's up with the little guy?" Kazu exclaimed. "He's glowing and floating!"

"Well, he can fly," Guardromon stated.

"But, he just floated right out of my hands!"

"What could this mean?" Inumon asked.

"I'll bet Kenta's in trouble! We clearly saw the dark cloud forming during that duel! It's another Shadow Game!" Takato said. "Marine Angemon must have felt Kenta calling out for help!"

"Better yet. I know what's going on," Yugi replied. "Kenta told me that the card Petite Angel is something he considers as a friendship bond between himself and Marine Angemon. Since Kenta is in danger, I suspect he played the card and now Marine Angemon has just reacted."

"That makes sense, but look! Marine Angemon's fading!" Henry pointed out.

"Now, I've seen everything!" Mai exclaimed.

"This is insane!" Witchmon cried out.

"No, Marine Angemon is being transported to where Kenta's duel is currently held," Omegamon explained.

As soon as the royal knight said that, the tiny mega disappeared from sight. The group was caught off guard by his disappearance.

"Now, I didn't see that coming," Rika said.

"Hopefully Marine Angemon will do something to save Kenta," Tea replied.

"Marine Angemon. You have a strong bond with Kenta and now you're going to do everything you can to prevent Lane from inflicting harm on that good boy," Yugi thought. "Pharaoh. It's almost like you always protecting me."

"That's correct. In this case, Marine Angemon will be protecting Kenta."

"This Lance kid still has good in him and Kenta was the first to point that out. I just wish there was a way to save Lance, too..."

"Eventually, we will set him free from that monster's control. You can count on it, Yugi."

"Look! Something's happening in the duel!" Tristan pointed out towards the screens.

"And we can't forget about Anubimon either! This whole mess is getting way out of hand!" shouted Blitzmon.

Digital World Section 74-3S. Outside the Sphinxmon Hotel.

Before sending his Jirai to attack Kenta's life points, he had flipped a coin and called heads. It landed on tails. As a result, more life points were deducted from Lance as a result of Jirai sucking away more of his energy with another thread attached to the boy's back. Lance sat up from a kneeling position, licked his lips and laughed maniacally like a madman possessed.

Lance

Life points: 375 (750/2)

"Ha! Ha! I'm down to my last legs, boy," Lance chuckled as he breathed heavily as if he almost wheezed.

"Wait! Let me help you!"

"Ludicrous! I'm just... fine. However, you should be worried, because you're finished! It's time for my spider to strike and dissolve you with its acidic thread!"

Following Lance's command, the spider unleashes his acidic thread from out of his abdomen and sent it across. Kenta screamed out as the poisonous thread launched out to engulf him completely. Then as the slime covered him, a cloud of smoke surrounded him. The rest of Kenta's life points were reduced to zero and now it seemed his life was now set to be abruptly ended. Lance watched on with sheer satisfaction and laughs sadistically.

"Yes! Burn! Burn! My spider's acidic thread should melt your body down to the bones! It's only a matter of time before you become completely dissolved! I've done it! This duel belongs to me!"

With that said the shadow realm clouds dispersed and faded. The digimon watched as only Lance was revealed, but there were no signs of Kenta. Did he truly become dissolved by the spider's acidic thread?

"The duel is over and Lance is your winner!" Floramon announced. "But I don't see... Oh no! Where's Kenta! This is terrible! I knew these shadow games were a bad idea!"

"He's gone missy!" chuckled Lance. "My spider's thread dissolved him down to the bones. Now he can truly rest in eternal darkness."

"I wouldn't count on it," a familiar voice calls out.

Lance stopped frozen as he turned around to watch the smoke cloud clear. His eyes widened in shock once he caught glimpse of Kenta. However, the boy was encased inside a pink bubble. This was created by none other than Marine Angemon, who rested on Kenta's right shoulder. The teen couldn't believe what he had just seen.

"No! Impossible! How did your little runt get here? That's impossible!"

"Oh thank goodness! Kenta's just fine!" Floramon sighed a relief. "Unfortunately, he has lost the duel."

"This loss doesn't matter to me," Kenta said. "Listen up, Lance. It's not too late. You can turn away from Pharaohmon. I know there is still good left in you."

"Argh! As I said before, my fate does not matter to me! You came out of this easy, Kenta, but your friends will not! Whoever duels against me next, I shall break them down!"

"I don't think so, Lance. My friends are better duelists than I am. You only dueled against the weakest, but I have heart. Thanks to my friendship with Marine Angemon, my Petite Angel allowed him to cross over to this spot and rescue me."

"So, it was through the bond of your friendship that ensured your survival. What rubbish. You were merely lucky."

"Call it what you will, but you didn't get the job done. I'm still standing."

"Ha, but I have advanced and that's all that matters to me. However, now that you mentioned survival... Yes, you did survive my shadow game, but I wouldn't say the same for one of your friends in the battle royale. I have a feeling Lord Pharaohmon will be ending a life today. But, which one? You'll find out for yourself. Until then, I shall look forward to my next duel tomorrow. Farewell..."

Lance became surrounded by a dark cloud and then immediately disappeared out of sight. As the pink bubble popped, Kenta fell to his knees and began to wonder who would be the one to become Pharaohmon's latest victim... Then, it came to him.

"Oh no! Hey, ma'am! You think you can get me and Marine Angemon back to the arena?"

"Um, sure. I have a portal waiting for us to be sent back to that duel dome. Just follow me."

"Good. I have to let the others know about this!"

"What's the big deal?"

"It seems Lance told me that Pharaohmon plans to kill someone important," stated Kenta.

"No, you can't mean..."

"Please, we have to hurry back."

"Ok! Just follow me!"

Nodding in reply, Kenta grabbed Marine Angemon and rushed over to where Floramon activated the portal. The trio was immediately transported back into the duel dome. Whatever Lance had warned them, it would have definitely had a tremendous impact on the tournament itself.

Phoenix Arena

The battle royale match was still underway and the crowds were really getting into the action taking place. In fact, this match involved the loudest reactions, varying from massive cheers for the three combatants and explosive jeers for Pharaohmon.

The demon grabbed Anubimon and hurled him up into the air. Just as Pharaohmon was about to launch an air borne assault, Beelzebumon blasted the demon in the right leg with his gun blaster. The attack barely inflicted any damage to the towering titan. Vritramon flies across and unleashes a flame wave from out of his wings. The scorching flames penetrated across Pharaohmon's back, but did little to get him to notice.

"Our attacks aren't doing squat to this guy! Any bright ideas, flame boy?" Beelzebumon grunted.

"He doesn't even notice that we're attacking him!" Vritramon replied. "Anubimon is in trouble at this rate!"

"Insects. I'll deal with you later," Pharaohmon snorted. "Now, Anubimon. Are you ready to meet your fate?"

As Anubimon was launched up higher in the arena, he managed to stop himself in mid-flight and grasped a ceiling bar to hold himself in place.

"His strength is incredible despite not increasing his power. Nevertheless, I can defeat him at this rate rather easily. Am I hesitant to kill him because he was once my friend? No! He's no longer a dear friend because my old friend died long ago. I have to destroy him no matter what! If I wish to destroy him, I want to do it when he's at full strength! I need to be convinced I can stand up to that kind of power!"

"Heh. So, is that what you desire, old friend?" Pharaohmon smirked. "You want me to go all the way up to full strength?"

"Whoa! Hold on! Did he just say increase his power to full strength?" Vritramon wondered.

"Yeah, he did. You mean to tell me he hasn't even gone past more than one fourth of his power just now?" Beelzebumon asked.

"Anubimon's crazy if he thinks he can take Pharaohmon at full strength! He's going to need our help!"

"No joke."

"Anubimon! Don't do this! You have no idea what this monster is capable of at full power! You're only going to make the situation a lot worse than it already is!" Vritramon exclaimed.

Just as he heard the outcries from the beast of flames, Anubimon released his grip on the ceiling bars and came plummeting down towards the ring. Pharaohmon was ready for the Underworld lord and raised his right fist out.

"NECRO FIST!"

However, Anubimon placed his hands out in front of him and retaliated against Pharaohmon's mighty fist. He unleashes a strong beam that counteracts Pharaohmon's assault.

"AMEMIT!"

The arena audiences were in complete awe between the struggle of the two titans. Anubimon's force was pushing back against Pharaohmon and forcing him to back away slowly. The demon strained to hold his own against Anubimon.

"Wow! Look at Anubimon go! He's holding out his own against that monster!" Vritramon exclaimed.

"Shouldn't we help him now?" Beelzebumon suggested.

"Not just yet! Anubimon clearly is regaining back control of this situation."

"I hope so..."

"I can defeat you when you're at quarter strength, Pharaohmon! Give it up and increase to your full power maximum! I want to challenge at your best!" Anubimon shouted out towards the demon. "C'mon! What are you waiting for? Show us your full power!"

"I've barely even touched one fourth of my max and nothing more... Is that what you desire, old friend? You want me at my full power best! Do you want to die that quickly?"

"I'd rather die than allow myself to be humbled by the likes of you!"

"So be it... Full power it is! You've brought this upon yourself!"

"Yikes! Did I just hear right? Pharaohmon's going all the way to full power of his demon strength? Oh, boy. This one is going to get ugly fast!" Lillymon announced.

Meanwhile, the duel dome started descending from the ceiling rafters and directly away from the ring. The Tamers and the Duelists came running out to see Kenta walking out in perfect tact. Kazu was never happier than to see his friend not harmed by Lance's shadow magic.

"Oh, dude! You're all right!" Kazu cried out. "I thought you'd end up like Himura!"

"You almost had us all scared there, but it's a good thing Marine Angemon came to the rescue," Takato smiled.

"Yeah, the little guy sure did come in the nick of time."

"Marine Angemon came through to you because of the friendship bond you two have," Yugi said. "The Petite Angel card was probably the key to the link you have with the little guy."

"You think?" Kenta said while looking down at Marine Angemon.

"Pi! Pi!"

"Where did Lance go?" Rika asked.

"He somehow vanished. I guess he's back in this arena somewhere. How's the battle royale going?"

"Well, Kenta... Let's just say that Anubimon was holding his own. Vritramon and Beelzebumon did help him temporarily until Anubimon stubbornly refused their help," Inumon answered.

"I'm afraid Anubimon is asking more than he can bargain for," Renamon replied.

"What do you mean?" Seadramon said.

"I heard Anubimon telling Pharaohmon to increase his power to his full power."

"You're kidding me! Anubimon's lost it if he thinks he can take Pharaohmon at full power!" Joey exclaimed.

"What makes Anubimon think he can take out a monster of that caliber?" Witchmon pointed out. "He's letting his own stupid pride go to his head."

"All I know is that Anubimon is making the biggest mistake he could ever make," Henry said.

"Anubimon! No you can't! You don't know what Pharaohmon is truly capable of!" Yugi thought. "He might have been friends with the old Pharaohmon, but this new demonic creature is beyond anything Anubimon can handle! A full powered Pharaohmon is something even Anubimon cannot challenge! This is insane!"

"Well, Anubimon. Are you ready? This is what you clearly want? You want me to go all the way?"

"Yes and I have no regrets, Pharaohmon. Show me your fully powered self."

"Very well then. You've just signed your own death warrant, old friend. Full power it is!"

Omegamon glared towards the ring and made eye contact with the legendary warriors standing by his side. Out of everyone, the royal knight feared for Anubimon's decision especially after the long discussion he had with the Underworld lord nearly half an hour ago.

"Anubimon. You're making a risky move. I just hope you realize the kind of monster Pharaohmon truly is at full power. I implore you not to go through with this!"

As Anubimon stood his ground, Pharaohmon crouched forward and began to tense up. A dark, purple misty aura forms around his massive body. The audience remained frozen still while witnessing what will be perhaps the most frightening transformation for a digimon. Beelzebumon and Vritramon felt the demon's power increasing first; then, the warriors and the Tamers' digimon sensed Pharaohmon's demonic aura.

"Guilmon...?" Takato noticed his tensed partner.

"Takato... I can't believe I'm sensing this from Pharaohmon! It's a scary power!"

"Lord Anubimon... What have you done?" Inumon whispered. "Are you attempting to awaken his full demonic power and kill us all?"

In a matter of moments, Anubimon will have forced Pharaohmon to unleash his full demon strength and brought forth a true horror the Digital World will never forget.

Outside Great Phoenixmon Mountain Range. Scorpiomon Desert.

The Sailor Ninja trio stood their ground with their other fellow Sailor Senshi, the three legendary warriors and the Dra-Warrior duo. They all faced off against General Scorpionus, who had lost his legion of Scorpionite soldiers. The general was left to fend off these warriors and capture Cammy in the process.

The general encircled the group with predatory eyes and chuckled under his breath.

"Impressive. Most impressive. You three human females have managed to find these two Dra-Warriors and gained the powers of the ninja. I commend you. You warriors managed to wipe out my entire fleet in under a few minutes. I'm all that is left to offer on this battlefield. But, let me warn you that I will not be done in as my low-ranking soldiers. You're dealing with me, the general of the entire Scorpionite forces! There are more Scorpionite armies scattered across the digital world!"

"Yes but you are all alone, general. So I doubt they will be coming here to aid you," Ninjadramon retorted.

"On the contrary, I will not require their assistance. I will be enough to crush you."

"Um, in case you haven't noticed, but our new ninja powers just helped us wipe out your soldier boys," Ninja Venus spoke out. "Listen here! We're not scared of you and your almighty title as general!"

"Minako! Don't provoke him!" Artemis whispered.

"No, it's okay," Herodramon replied. "The general is in complete denial. He knows if we all attack him together, he's going to stand little chance."

"Humph, just let us three take care of this loser," Ninja Jupiter pulls out her kitana.

"Yes, that's right. Mock me all you want, because that will be your own undoing. You haven't realized that this is merely my weaker form. I can mode change, a trait found amongst such legendary monsters as Imperialdramon."

"You're referring to our Dra-Warrior clan leader," said Ninjadramon. "You're not strong like our leader."

"Perhaps, but my strength has grown over the many digi-cycles and soon I shall rival your leader! Behold! My alternate and more powerful battle form! SCORPIONUS! MODE CHANGE!"

With that said, the large scorpion digimon jumped up into mid-air. His eight legs and tail tucked away inside his body. Next, the top portion of his shell armor opened to reveal a metallic head shaped like a reptile. A new pair of arms protruded out of his sides; his legs emerged from the bottom. His limbs were long and skinny. His shell rotated onto his back and became his protective shield. His hands and feet became equipped with sharp talons. As he opened his eyes, they were revealed yellow with purple reptilian-like irises. His actual chest and torso were smaller in comparison to his massive shell. The newly transformed Scorpionus stood upright and towered over the whole group.

"Behold! My Fighter Mode!"

"Yikes... Now I'm seeing everything," Cammy gulped.

"So, this is his Fighter form?" Arbormon said. "I didn't see this one coming."

"Well, I'm impressed," Ninjadramon replied. "Nice mode change, general, but you still can't compare to our clan leader."

"However, we'll be more than happy to accept your challenge," Herodramon stepped into a battle stance.

"Well, Pluto. This shouldn't be too bad. We can surely take him," Sailor Saturn whispered to the older Senshi.

"I'm not too sure..."

"I don't get it. We've dealt with more difficult enemies than this creature."

"Yes, but we've never dealt with high-powered digimon," Sailor Mercury said. "I'm picking up a huge power reading through my visor."

"What does it say? Do we stand a chance?" Ninja Mars asked while drawing out her sword.

"His power reading is off the scale! It's even higher than Ryuukoutsuseimon's!" Mercury stated.

"Higher than that dragon? Oh boy," Grottomon said.

"C'mon, you guys. We can't back away now. After this, we'll already have met Labramon and ventured into the temple by now," Ninjadramon informed the party.

"I'll have to agree," Mars nodded. "General Scorpionus! You will be facing us three and these two Dra-Warriors. Everyone else shall be merely spectators."

"Huh? But we can't just sit out and let you guys take him alone!" Saturn declared.

"Your job is to keep Cammy safe," Jupiter stated. "No offense, but you guys are still pretty worn down from Ryuukoutsuseimon and the Scorpionites. We're still fresh."

"We understand," Mercury smiled. "Rei. Makoto. Minako. We know you three can do it."

"I believe in you, Rei," Cammy gives her older sister a thumb up.

"Humph, well here we go," Arbormon sat down. "Knock him dead, girls!"

As the ninja sailor trio leaped out across the battlefield, Scorpionus remained posed at the center. Ninjadramon and Herodramon joined in with the female ninjas. The five warriors created a 'star-shaped' formation around the Scorpionite general. There was a sudden moment of silence before the wind blew against the battlefield.

Then... Ninjadramon and Ninja Mars swiftly leapt out onto the battlefield. The Scorpionite general responded by pulling out his scorpion pincers and snapped them apart to make his own custom-made swords using the blade pinchers. Scorpionus held two swords in one hand and the two more swords on the other. Mars came flying down at Scorpionus and slices down at his side. Scorpionus protected in time by slamming one of his swords against Rei's. Ninjadramon pulls out his twin-bladed staff and twirls it around. The general counterattacks by spinning his double swords on his right hand. The spinning blades bounced against one another.

Mars and Ninjadramon leaped aside in opposite directions. Next, Jupiter and Venus swiftly ran across the battlefield. The Thunder ninja sailor lashes out at the general with her sword. Scorpionus counters with a double blade strike. Herodramon charged out across to find an opening on Scorpionus' chest. He pulls out his sword and attempts to strike a blow through the monster's chest. The general pulled up his foot and blocked out the sword attempt. The sword bounced off the tough hide of the general's skin.

Scorpionus flipped back several times and lands on his feet with his swords in his hands. The sailor ninjas managed to hold their ground, which allowed Ninjadramon and Herodramon to attack. Ninjadramon slammed his blades to the ground and released a golden beam of energy. The blast was sent directly towards Scorpionus.

"Drache-Donner-Knall!"

"Scorpio Barrier!"

The general spun his blades around to immediately create a barrier. The beam slammed against Scorpionus' wall and dispersed in the process. Scorpionus sent out a twin laser beam through his eyes and directly aimed it for Herodramon. The holy dragon pulled out his shield to counter the beam and released his own blast in retaliation.

"Star Laser!"

Unfortunately, the general stopped the attack by spinning his four blades in front. The velocity rate of the spinning blades formed a barrier in front of the Scorpionite general and dispersed the beam.

"Wow, he's good!" Herodramon growled.

"No, he has a weakness. I can sure bank on that!" Ninjadramon replied.

"So, any ideas, guys?" Ninja Venus asked.

"We keep attacking until Mercury can trace a weakness on this guy," Ninja Mars said. "Anything yet, Mercury?"

"Hang on. Wait, yes! I'm getting something," Mercury calls out. "Through his ribcage, you'll find a crystal! That will be his heart!"

"Wow, you mean she already pinpointed on his weakness already?" Arbormon asked. "That's my Mercury!"

"Oh, this is nothing," Pluto replied. "Mercury has always been pulling us out of many situations using data and calculations to find our enemies' weaknesses."

"Yep. We would be in big trouble without her," Saturn agreed.

"If that be the case, then now would be the right time to strike," Mercuremon suggested.

"Well, first they would have to wait until that guy is left wide open and when he least expects it," Grottomon replied.

"Don't worry guys. We'll penetrate through his weakness. Thanks for pointing it out for us, Mercury," Mars winked towards the genius. "I'm ready for round two. Are you, girls?"

"You bet!" Venus and Jupiter exclaimed in unison.

"Give it up already," Scorpionus spoke out. "It's useless to inflict any damage on me. I'll simply counter every attack you attempt. Look what I've just demonstrated just now..."

"We admit you are good, but even you will fall due to your own arrogance," Herodramon stated.

"That's right. You'll make a mistake and we'll take advantage of it," Ninjadramon pointed out.

"Ha. I'd like to see you fools try me. I've been trained to handle multiple opponents at once. I've slain the best assassins and warriors the Digital World had to offer."

"What if Rei and the others can't beat this guy?" Cammy asked. "He's countering every one of their attacks."

"Don't lose faith, Cammy. Believe your sister and the girls can pull through. Besides they have Herodramon and Ninjadramon to aid them," Artemis assured the young Hino.

Cammy nods in reply to what the white cat said. She turns her gaze towards the battlefield and caught glimpse of her sister.

"You can do it, Rei."

The sailor ninjas once again spread across the battlefield again. Scorpionus kept his eye on the three girls and twirled his swords. Ninja Mars sheathed her sword and clasped her hands together. Starting a chant under her breath, Mars quickly used a technique used by many mystic ninjas: the multiply image technique. Scorpionus looks around to find four red ninjas standing out around him. The general looked at each ninja and immediately noticed an energy signal from the one standing on the top right hand corner. He vanishes out from sight and reappears in front of that one.

"Ha! I've got you now, female wrench!"

As the general plunged his sword through Mars, he gasped out once 'Mars' became an after image.

"What...!"

Suddenly, the real Ninja Mars appeared behind Scorpionus and plunges her kitana through the general's chest. However, the blade barely managed to pierce through the heart crystal. Scorpionus grabs the blade and rips it out of his torso. He turns around and delivers a foot into her gut. Mars saw this attack coming and flipped back. However, as she landed on her feet, Scorpionus elbows her across the face. The force of the blow sent her reeling back. Jupiter and Venus jumped right back into action.

"Looks like we'll have to tag team against this guy," Ninja Jupiter said.

"He's definitely no joke. All we have to do is strike his heart crystal. All right, I hope my bow and arrow helps," Ninja Venus pulls out her weapon.

"Hey, Herodramon. Why don't we go for our ultimate attack?" Ninjadramon suggested.

"Sure. But, let's give these two girls another chance."

"Ok, but somehow I doubt those two will penetrate through his defenses."

"Don't worry, Ninjadramon. Our ultimate attack will catch that general off guard."

"Remember to follow my lead..."

"Right."

Jupiter leaped into the air, clasped her hands together and released an electric sphere directly for the general.

"Thunder Elemental Wave!"

Scorpionus quickly caught a glimpse of the electric ball and rolled out of the way. The ball barely hit its mark on the general and plunged through the ground. Scorpionus swiftly lands on his feet and eyed Jupiter. The Ninja of Thunder landed back down onto the surface and glared directly at the general.

"Damn. This guy has quick reflexes! Maybe even surpassing our quick reflexes."

"Stand aside!" Venus calls out as she fired an array of arrows from her bow.

The arrows each had heart-shaped spears ready to pierce Scorpionus directly. However, much to Venus's chagrin, the Scorpionite general spun his double blades together to create another barrier. This time Venus's arrows bounced off his spinning blade barrier.

"No way! My arrows!" Minako gasped. "This guy is definitely on a higher level than his twerps."

"Allow me!" Mars calls out before unsheathing her sword.

The ninja Senshi rushes out across the desert sands with her sword held by her side. Scorpionus was more than prepared to take her head on and held his blades tightly. In a matter of seconds, the two sword-wielders collided and unleashed numerous sword slashes that were quicker than the eye could see. Mars screamed out and channeled the power of her new ninja magic through the sword. It became ignited with an angry flame. She criss-crosses the sword across and sends out a deadly strike towards Scorpionus. The general was quick to notice this attack and spun his swords around quickly to dispel the attack in the process.

"How is he doing this? I even attacked him head-on!"

Scorpionus jumps up and delivers a roundhouse kick directly into Mars's gut. The force of the blow knocked the air right out of the Senshi ninja. She rolls across the dirt and crumples over.

"What is this monster made of? He just counterattacked our every move!" Jupiter exclaimed.

"I thought... I had him," Mars coughed out dirt. "Damn it..."

"Looks like it's up to us now, Ninjadramon," Herodramon sighed. "These girls need a little more training."

"It's understandable if the general is this good. He clearly was built for military combat," Ninjadramon nodded. "He's been spending years attacking many opponents at once and has a reputation of single-handedly dismantling his adversaries with little effort."

"If he keeps this on, then he'll become a threat to the Dra-Warrior clan. You and I are going to have to stop him right now."

"Yes. Ready, Herodramon, my friend?"

"As I ever will be."

With that said, Herodramon drew out his sword and Ninjadramon held out his double-bladed staff. They came together and started a chant amongst themselves. Suddenly, a gust of wind blew across where from they stood. General Scorpionus turned his gaze towards the Dra-Warrior duo.

"Whatever you're attempting to do. It will not be of any use against me. You've just seen how easily I handled your so-called saviors! Their ninja powers just couldn't cut it against my defenses. Do you two have anything to offer? If not, then come down and prepare to taste my blades."

"Ready, Herodramon? Let's turn it up a notch!"

"Right! Hear that, General? You're going to be on the receiving end of our ultimate attack! No one ever gets up from this!"

"Heck! Nobody has ever lived to tell about it period!"

A spinning tornado engulfed the Dra-Warrior duo and they spun around faster than the eye could see. An array of blades spun around the tornado as if it were a giant blender. The Senshi, the three warriors, Artemis and Cammy watched the spinning tornado shoot itself across the battlefield. Their eyes widened in shock from the spinning blade tornado formed by the duo.

"Are you guys seeing this?" Ninja Mars shouted. "My god... I didn't think they were capable of this!"

"Why didn't they just do this earlier instead of relying on us?" Ninja Venus wondered.

"I guess they wanted to see if we could have defeated the Scorpionites. We did defeat the soldiers, but the general was on a whole different level," Ninja Jupiter replied. "But, I can't believe that they are capable of this! I definitely wouldn't want to be that guy now!"

"What is this!" Scorpionus exclaimed while spinning his blades.

"ALLOW US TO INTRODUCE TO OUR ULTIMATE ATTACK! NINJA-TORNADO-KLINGE!"

"Wow, what is it with them and German? They clearly just said Ninja Tornado Blade," Venus stated.

"Wait, you understand German? Is that what Klinge means? Blade?" Jupiter asked curiously.

"If I remember correctly, yeah... My German maybe a bit off though..."

"Who really cares? As long as they manage to succeed with this attack," Mars stated. "C'mon! Hit your mark, guys!"

As the Dra-Warrior duet attack drew closer, the general slammed his blades through the earth ground to hold himself from being pulled in. The tornado spun faster until it started to rip across the earth and sand. Scorpionus held himself tightly but was not strong enough to protect himself from the incoming tornado.

"I've... got to hold... myself... Winds too strong! I can't hold myself much longer! TOO STRONG!"

"BRACE YOURSELF! THIS IS YOUR LAST STAND, GENERAL! THE DRA-WARRIOR CLAN HAVE CLAIMED THIS VICTORY!"

As soon as they prematurely declared their victory, the general was immediately sucked into the spinning tornado. He screamed as the Dra-Warriors' blades repeatedly slammed against his tough hide. In fact, he was being bounced around against the spinning blades. Scorpionus' skin was shredded off in the process and revealed to have a metallic exoskeleton from the inside out. A large portion of his heart crystal shattered. General Scorpionus was launched right out of the tornado and lands on the sandy ground. The fallen general thrashed around until he started to malfunction. He let out a loud croak before his systems were abruptly shut down.

"Wow! They got him!" Cammy cheered. "Way to go!"

"Did... I just see that? They just cleaned his clock!" Arbormon exclaimed. "Well... I could have done that!"

"Sure, you could've," sighed Grottomon.

"Yes! That does it for the Scorpionite general and his army. We can move on with our journey," Sailor Pluto let out a sigh of relief.

"I agree. We clearly need a break after this," Saturn said.

"I'll say. I am quite impressed with those three girls and those two fellows," Mercuremon stated. "Thou are quite impressive, indeed."

The Dra-Warrior duo stopped their attack and both landed down gracefully. The ninja girl trio rushed over to start complimenting their accomplishment. Even Venus was impressed with the way they handled Scorpionus when she and her friends clearly had trouble.

"Wow, you two are great!" Ninja Venus excitedly giggled. "You have to teach me how to do that!"

"Um, well... You'll need a partner you can depend on first," Herodramon smiled.

"I can't believe you just took apart the general," Ninja Jupiter smiled. "I'm surprised he turned out to be an android."

"I knew there was something different about him," Ninja Mars replied. "He didn't even have a ki for me to sense, yet I was still able to pick up on his heart crystal."

The Fire Ninja warrior stepped towards the fallen general's android body and looked down to find the shattered crystal. A smile crept across her face once realizing that the Scorpionite general was shut down... hopefully for good.

"I must say. You two are awesome," Mars complimented the Dra-Warriors. "Thank you..."

"You're quite welcome, Rei Hino," Herodramon bowed to the raven-haired female. "You and your two friends weren't too bad yourselves."

"I'll say. You three will need a little training with your new ninja powers, but I'm sure you'll improve," Ninjadramon nodded.

"Hey! You guys!" Cammy calls out from beyond the landscape.

"Cammy!" Mars happily chuckled.

The two sisters embraced each other while the others caught up to gather into a group conversation.

"That was incredible," Mercury smiled. "You two are quite the warriors. It would be an honor if you were to accompany us on our journey towards the temple."

"That's why we came. It was our leader, Imperialdramon, who asked us to aid you on your quest," Ninjadramon stated. "Once we learned that the Digital Priestess was amongst you, we knew that the fate of the Digital World would be at stake. Pharaohmon and his men should not be allowed to kill this girl."

"I'll die before that bastard ever lays a hand on Cammy," Mars held her sister.

"You really need to watch your mouth around kids, Rei," Artemis sighed.

"Now that we've taken care of the general and his entire army, we can now move on with your journey. Follow us. Our good friend, Labramon, awaits you near the Scubamon River Basin across the forest you see before you," Herodramon pointed towards the lush oasis.

"Oh, wow! I really hope they have water there! I could use some fluids in my system!" Venus squealed in joy.

"Trust me. There is plenty to eat and drink. Labramon will point out to where we need to go. He is very familiar with the outer lands across the river basin. You could call him a digimon pioneer who has journeyed across vast lands," Ninjadramon explained. "But, I've noticed that you heroes are fatigued from the long walk. In that forest region, there is also a resting place in Labramon's home village."

"Oh, wow! A place to rest!" Cammy smiled. "You know... It has been a long day."

"I could really rest, too," Pluto nodded.

"Me, too. Well, after a nice meal," Arbormon stated.

"Labramon's village will provide us with all the hospitality," Herodramon assured the group. "But, let us leave these grounds. I sense there will be a sand storm coming this way."

"Yes, I sense it too. Come everyone," Ninjadramon said. "Follow us and make sure to stick together. These sand storms can easily separate a large group."

With that said, the group gathered close together, as they were told. They followed behind the Dra-Warrior duo. Rei stepped out across and tapped Ninjadramon on his shoulder.

"Ninjadramon. If you don't mind, I'd like to have a word with you or two concerning my sister..."

"The Digital Priestess?"

"Yes, if you don't mind. We can talk about it when we reach that village and when everyone is asleep."

"Sure. I'm ready for whatever you need to ask me. I'm full of answers."

"Arigato."

As the group marched across the sands and towards the oasis forest ahead, they were unaware of general's body suddenly disappearing from sight. He didn't become deleted nor did he disperse out of existence. Instead, the general had buried himself under the sands. A pair of predatory, reptilian eyes popped out of the sands and then a clawed hand emerged. Slowly, General Scorpionus emerged and looked down through his metallic exoskeleton ribcage to find a tiny portion of the whole heart crystal still intact. As long as even one tiny piece remained within him, the general would still survive.

Scorpionus turned towards the other direction and watched the group disappear beyond the horizon. He cloaked his presence from their strong senses and walked off across the desert sands. He didn't even seem at all injured. In fact, his metallic armor didn't take any damage from the Dra-Warriors' blades.

"Super Chrome Digizoid armor... Pharaohmon, how I thank you for creating me out of such a rare and powerful metal. Dra-Warriors, Ninja wenches, this isn't over. I shall hunt you down until I execute the Digital Priestess. You just led the way and I will be at that temple. Rest up, you fools, because next time I will not be going easy..."

Walking off across the sands, Scorpionus dug himself through the layers of sands to tunnel himself underneath. He would then plunge himself through the earth of the landscape and follow out his adversaries by picking up on their body heat using his infer-red vision. It seems whatever Scorpionus has in store for his adversaries next time would not be fun-and-games so to speak. He was intent on finishing them off as he had intended to do.

Little did any of the members of the group realize that an even more drastic situation was taking place back at the Phoenix Arena. Pharaohmon's power was growing and nearly the entire Digital World would feel his growing demonic aura.

Phoenix Arena

Back inside the arena, all eyes were laid directly inside the ring. More specifically, all eyes were watching Pharaohmon undergoing his horrible ascension to his full, ultimate demonic power. Vritramon, Beelzebumon and Anubimon gasped in absolute horror at the growing Pharaohmon. The villain tensed up with his shoulders and chest expanding out. A dark, purple aura coated his near invincible form. The Tamers' digimon and the legendary warriors wouldn't believe the amount of power they were sensing from the massive titan. Even Omegamon was frightened out of his wits despite being the leader of the royal knights. He clearly remembers how horrible Pharaohmon truly was using full power during the Great Wars. No one even compared to his strength during those tragic days.

"My goddramon... I never thought I'd be witnessing this first hand," Renamon whispered.

"To think we've only been fighting this guy at less than his full strength," Wolfmon said.

"Vritramon and Beelzebumon had better get out of there!" exclaimed Henry.

"Takuya! Get out of there! This one's not looking good!" Fairymon screamed out. "Hurry!"

"Beelzebumon! Pull out of the match!" Kenta cried out.

"I can't stand the thought of anyone getting hurt!" Jaarin growled.

"Here I thought Marik was scary with his shadow powers, but this is off the chart!" Yugi thought.

"There's no way those three can survive against a monster like this! They need to pull out now!" Takato declared. "Anubimon! Don't do this! You're throwing your own life away just to resolve an old conflict? We won't stand for it!"

Despite the boy's pleads, the Underworld lord stood his ground and glared deeply towards the towering Pharaohmon. He did not want to display any intimidation but the Underworld lord was actually scared out of his wits. Was he even making a wise choice to force the demon to unleash full power?

Pharaohmon towered over his three opponents and flexed out his upper body. A dark, purple aura flowed across his entire body with veins pulsating around his muscles. A sadistic grin forms across his face. Anubimon finally had what he asked for. But, would it be worth it for himself and his comrades?

"I was such a fool believing you would change, but you allowed yourself to become consumed with darkness!" Anubimon growled. "You did it to gain power and become the nasty demon you've turned out to be!"

"Is that so? In that case, we'll just have to see which one of us is right, and which one of us is dead!"

"I will take what strength I have using three shots worth of my Amemit, and blast you away!"

Anubimon held out his right hand and collected enough energy to prepare a more powerful dose of his Amemit attack. By increasing its power, he pumped out three doses of the Amemit to unleash off one powerful blast. Pharaohmon came charging forward like a raging mad bull and ready to tear Anubimon apart.

"Move out of the way, Anubimon!" Vritramon exclaimed.

"He's not listening! That guy is actually gunning for a big shot!" Beelzebumon shouted.

Anubimon leapt up into mid-air and gracefully came down with his right hand coated with powerful energy. The demonic titan stopped abruptly and watched his adversary flying down directly towards him. Letting out one mighty howl, Anubimon unleashed his Amemit directly through Pharaohmon's left shoulder in attempt to rip the demon's arm right out of the socket. An explosion occurs from where the blast penetrated through. A dust cloud engulfed the combatants and no one could even tell what was set to transpire behind a concealed smoke cloud.

Suddenly, Pharaohmon's right hand came shooting out of the smoke cloud and snatches Anubimon by his left shoulder. He tears a piece of Anubimon's cloth and flesh right off his shoulder. Blood emerged from the wound inflicted on the Underworld lord. The demon connects with a fist that generated a strong wind, which pushed Anubimon away across the ring. The blast that penetrated through Pharaohmon's shoulder was clearly exposed. A large incapacitated shoulder was ripped apart and skin was clearly torn off. However, Pharaohmon did not even take heed attention to the pain accelerating through his body.

"You must have been going for my heart, Anubimon. You've even improved your dodging," Pharaohmon stated as he dropped the piece of cloth he ripped off of Anubimon. "You've gotten better at closing in on others..."

The Underworld lord fell to his knees and started to catch his breath. He was clearly showing signs of fatigue early and this was certainly not a good sign.

"My... What a revolting sight! Anubimon clearly has blown a part Pharaohmon's shoulder! What does this mean? Can Lord Anubimon regain the momentum against his incapacitated adversary?"

"Well, Anubimon... I'm sorry to say this, but you'll have to excuse me."

"What are you going on about? I'm fighting you at your full strength! You are clearly stronger than myself, but hear me out! I will find a method to your madness!"

"Oh really? Then, I'm afraid to be the bearer of bad news."

"What!"

"I CLEARLY wasn't using my FULL power after all! I was only leading you to believe that you stood a chance against my one hundred percent power! To tell you the truth, I was using only fifty percent of my maximum power. Now, to show you eighty percent! Ha! Ha! Ha!"

With that said, Pharaohmon's shoulder became completely healed as the torn skin was infused with his demonic flesh. There wasn't anything left remotely normal about this creature and not a trace of good was even left. Anubimon knew this very well. But the whole audience in the arena was horrified when they learned of the truth. Yes, Pharaohmon up to now was truly using only fifty percent! He lied to Anubimon by thinking that he even stood a chance! The Tamers, Legendary Warriors, the digimon and the Duelists were shocked upon hearing this from out of Pharaohmon's mouth.

"Fifty percent! That was only half of his strength! That monster fooled Anubimon!" Inumon shouted.

"No! Anubimon! Get out of there when you have the chance!" Takato called out to the Underworld lord. "Anubimon!"

"You mean you were merely toying with my head? You tricked me! You mean that was only fifty percent! I was lead to believe I could defeat you… There really is nothing left of you... You power hungry monster..." Anubimon muttered.

Pharaohmon raised his head up and increased the mass on his body. His shoulders, chest and arms were growing at an extraordinary rate. The dragon on his back blew out a massive array of flames to indicate the awakening power of the demon. It was clearly symbolic, as if the depths of hell have been unleashed. The ring surface under Pharaohmon's feet was crushed with extreme force. Vritramon and Beelzebumon both flew out of the ring while Anubimon was still on his knees.

"Ungodly scary! Eighty percent! So he was only using fifty percent before? He's fooled all of us!" exclaimed Vritramon.

"I never... ever felt such a power than what I'm sensing out of this guy! This is insane! Is this the real Pharaohmon that I've mocked from the get go?" a speechless Beelzebumon muttered.

"I don't know what to make of this, but this arena is trembling under Pharaohmon's growing power! Etemon get out of there before you get wasted!"

"I've got to get out of here! My life is more valuable than this job!" Etemon hollered out before running away from the ringside area.

"Eighty percent? This monster is out of control!" Takato shouted. "Anubimon! Get out of there! Forfeit the match!"

"Please, Lord Anubimon! Don't go through with this!" Inumon begged.

"I can't watch!" Tea covered her eyes.

"Anubimon! You're either a fool or an idiot! You don't stand a chance against this guy! He clearly has more power than you can comprehend!" Joey exclaimed.

"Anubimon... Why choose to do this? What's the point?" Yugi wondered.

Even Hiei and Kurama were frightened from the amount of energy emitting from out of Pharaohmon. It was stronger than any demonic aura they've ever sensed. Even the fearless Hiei was slightly quivering.

"To think there are creatures outside the Demon World with this amount of power!" Hiei growled.

"I doubt any one of us stands a chance! Not even Yusuke will stand a chance!" Kurama gasped out.

Elsewhere within the arena. Locker Room # 23

Sailor Uranus kept her eyes on the monitor and was shocked by the transformation Pharaohmon had undergone. She was visibly quivering with her throat as dry as sand. Neptune was still resting on the bench but she could feel the presence of the demonic power. Never have they felt such a frightening power, perhaps since Galaxia.

"Is this the same monster we've been dealing with up until now?" Uranus whispered. "Has he truly hidden all this power to throw our guard down? I had no idea... What have we gotten ourselves into...?"

"Don't be frightened, Uranus..." Neptune whispered. "We have to remain hopeful for the girls... They will find that sword... And it will be the end for Pharaohmon until then..."

"For everyone's sake, I just hope you're right... There's nothing in our current power that will stop this monster... C'mon, girls... There isn't much time left!"

Locker Room # 34

Even Yusuke, Kuwabara and Botan were speechless. The sight of Pharaohmon's eighty percent body form was truly a frightening sight to behold. Its no wonder the Sovereigns feared this titan during the Great Wars in the Digital World. The Spirit Detectives have gotten a glimpse of a monster beyond any demon they have encountered.

"Urameshi...? Now are you feeling this? I thought there would never be anything like this..."

"No... joke... Damn, and to think if this guy advances, I shudder to think what he is capable of... This Anubimon has made the biggest mistake of his life," Botan agreed. "What do you think, Yusuke...? Um, Yusuke...?"

The Spirit Detective stepped towards the television and grabbed the monitor. Deep down, he was quivering in fear, as he should be. He could be facing Pharaohmon in his next match. Yusuke would hope not since he doesn't feel he has enough to put down the mighty titan.

"If I'm put against this guy in the next round, I'm screwed..."

Ground level. Infirmary/Medical facility

Witnessing the horrible transformation on the big screen monitor, Jeri and Yui were scared out of their wits. More so for Yui since she was captured and used by the demon. She held onto Jeri dearly and whimpered. Felinismon and Dark Gabumon quivered out of fear from the power they were sensing from Pharaohmon's great demon aura.

"Poor, Yui... To think that this monster used her against her will and nearly forced her to murder Himura. How unforgivable! But, Pharaohmon's power has grown out of control. How can we stop him? C'mon, Anubimon. I trust you have a strategy set into motion," Jeri thought. "Otherwise, if you don't have anything in mind... Then we are all doomed..."

Back in the Phoenix Arena

With the audience spectators still shocked over the transformation made by Pharaohmon, Bokomon and Neemon were amongst those scared out of their wits. The rabbit-eared digimon hid under his seat and cowered away.

"Yes, I don't blame you, Neemon. This is truly nothing I've ever seen before. Here I thought Lucemon was frightening enough..." Bokomon gulped. "Oh dear... Takuya and the others. I feel bad for their chances. Without Susanoomon, their chances of victory are slim. Oh, Takuya... Please, get out of the ring... Your life is more valuable than any victory. You stand no chance against this monster, my boy!"

Even Athenamon couldn't believe what she was viewing. This same monster murdered her sisters. However, this was her first glimpse of Pharaohmon at eighty percent of his maximum power. She walked back while attempting to hide her fear.

"To think that I, Athenamon, the Queen of the Amazons quiver in fear... This is truly a monstrosity."

"Children, Warriors, Comrades, I advise that we all stand away," Omegamon informed the group. "We can't stay out here!"

"But we just can't leave Anubimon, Beelzebumon and Vritramon!" Inumon exclaimed.

"He's right. We're only going to get caught in the crossfire!" Henry shouted. "Suzie. Grab onto me!"

"Ok, big brother!"

"Jaarin, you hold on tight to me," Fairymon said as she flew up with Jaarin holding tightly around her waist.

"Takato! We have to get away from here now!" Guilmon tugged on his friend's shirt.

"I can't leave Anubimon and the others!" Takato calls out. "I'd never abandon them!"

"I don't want to leave them, either, but you don't get it! Pharaohmon's power has grown out of our control," Renamon said. "But, if we stay here, we'll only become incinerated by Pharaohmon's aura!"

"What? Then we have to get at least Beelzebumon and Vritramon out of there!"

"I'm sure they'll be just fine. It's not them I'm worried about. I'm afraid humans will become incinerated by the demon's aura. Us digimon can withstand more punishment and damage. We'll simply be knocked aside," Lopmon replied.

"Right! C'mon, Takato! We have to get moving! I don't want to lose you!" Guilmon pleaded the goggle boy.

The Tamer turned towards the ringside and caught a glimpse of Pharaohmon. He hates to admit it but the digimon were right. He would only get in the way. However, he couldn't help but feel helpless. He caught a glimpse of Anubimon, whose face was plastered with a serious expression.

"Please, make it out alive, Anubimon... Vritramon... Beelzebumon... Don't you guys go dying on me."

Turning away from the ring, the goggle boy rushed out towards the entranceway where he gathered with everyone else. They turned their attention back towards the ringside to witness the face off between the two titans. The situation was becoming worse than it already is.

Back inside the ring, Anubimon was still on his knees while gazing up into the towering presence of the demonic beast. Pharaohmon stood with his upper body completely increased in muscle mass. A twisted smile crosses his face. Beelzebumon and Vritramon were already thrown across different sides of the ring because of Pharaohmon's power up. The ground under Pharaohmon's was literally caved into the shape of a small crater.

"Eighty percent of my power. How do you like it, old friend?" Pharaohmon chuckled. "Only few have seen this form. The Sovereigns. The Digital Priestess. Omegamon. Yourself. Though, you won't live very long to see the full potential of this form! HA!"

Throwing out his right hand, Pharaohmon sends out an invisible force that went hurtling towards Anubimon. The Underworld lord swiftly rolls to the left side to avoid the blow. The force struck the end of the ring, which sent both Beelzebumon and Vritramon flying out.

"Pure strength transcends skills, Anubimon! This is what power truly is! Even the air pressure created by thrusting my fist becomes a weapon! NECRO FIST!"

Laughing out like a maniacal madman, Pharaohmon clenches his right fist and directly slams it towards the ring surface. Anubimon quickly managed to see this coming and bounces away to the other side. The powerful fist penetrates through the concrete and shatters it away. Pieces of debris scatter across into mid-air. Anubimon leaps out and unleashes another dose of his Amemit. He aims it directly for Pharaohmon, who simply caught the attack with his left hand.

"No..." Anubimon whispered.

"What strength!" Lillymon announced. "Pharaohmon caught Anubimon's attack and crushes it with his left hand! What else can Anubimon do to hope to survive this encounter? Are we truly seeing Pharaohmon at eighty percent or is he, once again, playing mind games with Anubimon? I don't know what to make of this! Pharaohmon's truly an unpredictable monster!"

"To think we were supposed to stop... this maniac," Vritramon said while struggling to get back inside the ring. "I doubt I have anything to stop Pharaohmon... If I try to fusion evolve, Pharaohmon will just stop me before I even call out for the transformation... Beelzebumon! Are you doing all right? Beelzebumon!"

The beast warrior of flame turned towards the announcers' booth and found Beelzebumon lying on the outside. He seemed to be completely out of it. Fortunately, Lillymon hopped out of her announcers' position to check over the fallen demon.

"Great... he's out of it already? That Pharaohmon... I can't believe he swiped aside a strong mega like Beelzebumon with a fist thrust! That was only eighty percent of his power to begin with! What am I going to do...? I'm lucky to even remain conscious!"

Pharaohmon stepped forward out of the crater and chuckled under his breath. Everything Anubimon had attempted to attack with had failed him. Was there anything that can penetrate through this demon's hard body?

"Is that it, old friend? Is that the extent of your power?"

"..."

"Tell me! Is that all you have to offer? You and I used to be equal at strength! Now look at you! You're not the same Anubimon I used to know! You were a mighty warrior who was once declared a hero amongst many! You're past your glory days! Now, you're just a pitiful and outdated shell! You know why many dark digimon want you dead? It's not because they despise you. It's because you gave up the chance to become something great!"

"Bah! Maybe by your standards! Not by mine!"

"There's no point in us shouting back at each other, old friend," Pharaohmon frowned. "This is your final moment, Anubimon. I just hope you're happy with the way you've wasted your life!"

"I need power... Just one more technique! If I die, then I'm going out looking noble!"

As Anubimon gathered what little power he had, Pharaohmon came charging out of the crater like a raging bull. The Underworld lord didn't bother to move or attempt to escape. This was it. He would stand his ground and stop his old comrade.

"I need a power utterly different from Pharaohmon's! I don't care if I die... I want to at least make Pharaohmon see the error of his ways!"

With that said, Anubimon created a pyramid-shaped structure out in front of him and launches out a massive energy beam through the pyramid's top.

"PYRAMID POWER!"

However, Pharaohmon's fist plunged through the beam and shattered the pyramid in the process. The Underworld lord gasped out in shock once the fist slammed against his chest. Everything seemed to turn into slow motion with Anubimon's face contorting in pain. The demon's fist went plunging through Anubimon's torso.

BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAM!

Soon, everyone, from the Tamers, the warriors, the digimon and Omegamon, were shocked. Their eyes widened in surprise at the turn of events. Their worst nightmare had now just come into realization. Inumon and Seadramon cried out in horror.

"LORD ANUBIMON!"

"No! It can't be!" Takato gasped.

"Anubimon! No!" Yugi cried out.

"No... This can't be happening! It's not possible!" Omegamon shouted. "Anubimon!"

"That monster did it! I can't believe it!" Kazu cried.

Almost as if they were being reminded of Leomon's demise, they watched in utter disbelief over the fall of yet another close digimon friend. Anubimon's body dropped to the ring floor. His torso was incapacitated with a deep hole from where the fist plunged through. He quivered on the ground with blood flowing profusely. Pharaohmon stood over his former comrade with a soulless expression. He didn't even seem at all sorry for what he has done.

Inumon rushes out from the entranceway and pushes through the group. He scurried towards the side of the ring and laid his eyes on the fallen Anubimon. His body was stiff as a statue with his heart beating slowly.

"Lord Anubimon... You can't... Not you... You can't die..."

"You're too late, Inumon," Pharaohmon smiled. "It was clear he used every ounce of his energy to stop me. But he failed and couldn't scratch my body with the strongest attack! Alas, he died in vain."

"Shut up... YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT ANUBIMON IS CAPABLE OF! YOU ONLY DEFEATED HIM SINCE HE FEARED YOU!" Inumon snapped.

Clenching his teeth, the dark canine growled deeply and turned towards the fallen Underworld lord. He kneels over to drag Anubimon's corpse outside the ring and rest his head on his lap.

"Lord Anubimon... Please, wake up. It's me, Inumon."

"I can't believe he just did that," Vritramon gasped. "Anubimon... is he truly gone?"

"No! Not Anubimon! Why Anubimon?" Athenamon slammed her fists on a wall with tears pouring down her face. "Of all the noble digimon, why did it have to be you?"

"My lady..." Mermaimon sighed. "There wasn't anything you could have done."

Gathering around Inumon's side were Seadramon, Takato, Yugi and Renamon. Inumon attempted to shake Anubimon's dying form.

"Lord Anubimon! You're going to be all right! Trust me! Wake up!" Inumon cried. "Wake up!"

"I lost Kotori... I can't stand the thought of losing another beloved," Seadramon said with sadness in his voice.

Just then, Anubimon's left eye opened up followed by his other one. He slowly wakes up and looks up into the crowding faces. A smile crossed his face.

"Anubimon..." Takato whispered. "Thank goodness... Just stay with us."

"Inumon... Everyone... Thank goodness..." the Underworld lord smiled faintly.

"That's right. It's us. We're going to take you where everyone else is at," Yugi nodded.

"That's right. We'll get the medical team to get you back on your feet," Inumon stated.

"No... But I'm afraid it's time..." Anubimon whispered. "I'm... going to... die..."

"What did you just say!" Takato exclaimed. "You can't say that!"

"I knew that... by fighting Pharaohmon... I would die..."

"That's why we asked you to take your place! This wouldn't have happened in the first place!" Seadramon replied.

"No... I was the one who arranged that battle royale... You see... Omegamon was originally in my place, but I had asked the committee to grant me the spot. Thus, an arrangement was made between myself and the royal knight beforehand."

"So, that's why you were gone for quite a while. We were worried you weren't going to make it to the event," Renamon said.

"Oh... I intended to... take part in this tournament... I wanted to fight... Pharaohmon myself... I needed to be convinced that... he was capable of reaching a feat beyond fifty percent... I knew I would die..."

"But, I can't believe you and Pharaohmon were once friends... You two actually ruled the Underworld together...?"

"Yes... until he became obsessed in the need of more power... He joined Valmarmon, the Demon God, to grant him more power and a new body... I was furious over Pharaohmon's betrayal... Once he signed a deal with the devil, the Pharaohmon I once considered a friend... was dead. I vowed to kill this demon that had taken his place..."

"That's right. By aligning myself with Valmarmon, I was granted ultimate power and a stronger body. I've become invincible with no equal to take my place in this Digital World. With Valmarmon gone, I can do as I please. Soon I'll have the four Sovereigns bowing before me and relinquishing their territories to me."

"You turned your back on Anubimon, you monster!" Takato defiantly exclaimed. "Friends should always learn to trust each other!"

"...Takato... Inumon... Everyone... Listen..." Anubimon struggled to speak while coughing blood from his mouth.

"Please, don't talk. Save your energy," Seadramon pleaded for the dying lord.

"No... Listen to me..." Anubimon grabbed Inumon by his arm. "Inumon... Takato... Yugi... My friends... Everyone... must fight against time... Pharaohmon... ran away from that fight... He threw away... his pride... his soul... and his friends... Don't you all... make the same mistake... Inumon... Tamers... Omegamon... Warriors... Duelists... My friends... The decisions you make... will effect the countless within this arena... and elsewhere across the two world... You're not alone... Don't forget... who ya'll become strong for..."

As he said his final words, Anubimon let out his final gasp of breath and closed his eyes. His limp fell limp to the ground and exploded into a data cloud. Everyone that gathered around him was starting to let out their emotions. Tears poured down their faces and their hearts were broken. Inumon and Seadramon were the most devastated of all.

Soon, everyone from the entranceway lowered their heads in shame. Even Rika was quivering and covering her face to let out her tears.

"His energy has disappeared," Omegamon sighed out of sadness.

"Yes... Anubimon's gone, including his body..." Lopmon nodded.

"Oh, Lopmon! This can't be true! First Leomon and now Anubimon?" Suzie cried.

"Lord Anubimon... Thank you. You were a close friend of ours like Leomon before you," Henry whispered.

Even the Duelists were saddened. Tea cried so hard that Mai had to comfort her. Joey, Tristan and Duke were all silent as they should be. Kenta held Marine Angemon tightly as he let out tears.

"From what Seraphimon told us, there are no egg villages where digimon go to be reborn," Wolfmon sighed.

"That's correct. Otherwise, Leomon would be back with us," nodded Guardromon.

"This can't be happening..." Fairymon lowered her head.

"This is a great shame..." Jaarin sniffled with tears.

"If only there had been a way to save him," Blitzmon mumbled.

The witnesses around Anubimon's deleted body were all standing together in silence. Pharaohmon simply stood his ground with a satisfied grin across his face.

"You fools had better get over this. Anubimon isn't the warrior he used to be. He died a weak individual. There are only two paths to follow for those who live to fight: become stronger, or die. The moment Anubimon chose to abandon the opportunity to gain more power, he retired to become the supreme Underworld lord and spent his remaining years in depravity. At that time, he was already dead."

"You shut the hell up!" Seadramon hissed. "You never knew Lord Anubimon after the Priestess sealed your ass away!"

"How dare you speak ill will of a close friend of yours!" Takato growled. "You just killed him because you were scared he'd eventually become strong enough to oppose you! When Beelzebumon killed Leomon, he repented and joined our cause! We forgave him! He was worthy of our forgiveness, but you... You don't deserve any forgiveness!"

"You chose power and greed over friendship? Your obsession for power has driven you to insanity!" Yugi shouted.

"You close that filthy mouth of yours, demon," Inumon growled. "Screw this match! I'm going to kill you, right here and NOW!"

"Don't fear the truth, fools- that carcass that you held in your arms was nothing more than a rotting, beaten dog!"

"NO! YOU DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT HIM!" Inumon screamed out.

As soon as he said that, Inumon charged forward to attack Pharaohmon head on. However, Renamon phased right in front of him and spears him down. The vulpine held down Inumon from even considering attacking the demon.

"LET ME GO, RENAMON! THAT BASTARD DOESN'T DESERVE TO LIVE! I HATE LOOKING AT HIM!"

"Inumon! Listen! Do you want to senselessly run in there and die in vain? The only way to avenge Anubimon now is hope you get a chance to fight him yourself! We all want Pharaohmon dead, myself included, but don't go and kill yourself as you are now!"

"... But... I have to avenge Lord Anubimon..."

"And you will get it. Please, try to calm down, Inumon..."

Sitting up from his fallen position, Inumon lowered his head and cried heavily. Renamon wrapped her arms around the dark canine and soothed the crying Inumon.

"Calm down, Inumon... Stay focused..."

"Oh, Anubimon... Why did you have to die...?"

Meanwhile, back inside the ring, Vritramon crawled back inside. He was lying on his back and was catching his breath. He couldn't believe the amount of damage the ring had taken from Pharaohmon's devastating attacks.

The beast warrior of flame slid back inside unbeknownst to Pharaohmon.

Lillymon was, too, saddened over the loss of Anubimon. The entire arena started throwing objects and food directly towards Pharaohmon. He had gone from just being jeered to becoming the most hated individual in the Digital World in a matter of minutes. He had just ended the legendary Anubimon in one full swoop and established himself as the ultimate power in the Digital World.

Realizing that Beelzebumon was still completely out of it, Lillymon had no choice but to eliminate as much as she hated to do so. He had been out of the ring far longer than a ten count. Not to mention that since Anubimon was just killed and his body was deleted, Lillymon regretfully was forced to eliminate him.

"As much as I hate to say it, both Beelzebumon and Lord Anubimon have been eliminated... Beelzebumon has been out of the ring longer than a normal ten count would be registered and Anubimon was just killed... Therefore, your winners are Agunimon and... Pharaohmon..."

The official tournament bracket was set up. The names of the sixteen competitors were displayed across the screen. The eight duelists were displayed on the screen, too. However, all eyes were set directly on Pharaohmon's frightening presence.

"Hear me all, heroes of Earth! This is simply a small example of what you will be dealing tomorrow! If you thought eighty percent was incredible, then you haven't seen anything yet! Rest easy, heroes. For tomorrow will be the final day before I take over both worlds! Until then..."

As soon as he gave his ominous warning, Pharaohmon powered down out of his massive form and shrunk down to his normal size. He started walking past the Tamers, warriors, Duelists and the others. That is until Inumon sat up.

"Pharaohmon! Just hope for your sake that I face you in the next round!" Inumon growled. "I will make you pay for what you've done. I shall avenge Lord Anubimon!"

"You're tired, Inumon. Rest easy. Your destiny awaits you tomorrow. That's if you and I do meet. If we do, then I'll be more than happy to send you to where Anubimon currently rests now. Meh..."

The demon marches down towards the other side of the arena and takes a long path through the second entranceway. The heroes all laid their eyes on the demon. Inumon grasped the piece of clothing he tore from Anubimon's outfit and clenched his hand over it tightly.

"Don't worry, Inumon. We will make that monster pay for his crimes," Yugi reassured the canine.

"I know... But, who? Who will be the one that slays that demon?"

"Could be you... or Guilmon," Takato said.

"Or me!" Vritramon shouted as he walks towards his comrades.

"Takuya! Thank goodness you're safe!" Omegamon sighed in relief.

"I was just lucky that's all."

"No, we were worried about," Fairymon replied. "You had us scared!"

"It's good you've managed to advance to the next round," Takato nodded.

"This next part of the tournament will be perhaps our greatest test to date. For all of us," Yugi said. "Both Lance and Pharaohmon have advanced, which means double trouble. If one of us can knock Lance out of the tournament, then all we have to worry about is Pharaohmon."

"Worry is an understatement!" Joey said.

"The question is: who's strong enough to take that guy down?" Wolfmon wondered. "We're down to only a few possible candidates: Takato's partner Guilmon, Inumon, Takuya..."

"If Omegamon was in this tournament, he would have been a great candidate," Jaarin stated.

"Yes, but alas, I must take part in the exhibition matches. I must face Athenamon, a fellow royal knight who has taken full leadership of the Amazon clan."

"Athenamon? Oh yeah, that woman that slapped you," Blitzmon snickered.

"Now that isn't funny. That slap really left a mark on me," the royal knight sighed.

"Ok, every one. We know what we must do for the remaining time until tomorrow. We rest up for the night and prepare ourselves for whatever Pharaohmon sets forth for all of us. Let's make certain to avenge Anubimon and claim victories in our matches!" Takato preached.

"Who left you to be the lead cheerleader of the team?" Rika teased the goggle head.

"But you know what we have to do."

"Of course, you and I still have a duel tomorrow."

"May the best duelist win?"

"Definitely," Rika smirked.

"I know exactly where our resting place is going to be," Witchmon spoke out.

"Where?" asked Kenta.

"At the Sphinxmon Hotel, of course! It's not too far off from this arena. Heck, that's where you dueled at, Kenta."

"Oh yeah! She's right. The hotel is really close to here."

"But first, I'd like to see what kind of exhibition matches they have planned besides Omegamon's match," Kazu stated.

"Heck yeah! There were three exhibition matches planned, am I right?" Guardromon asked.

"There should be from what I've heard," Omegamon nodded.

Renamon noticed Inumon kneeling beside the spot where Anubimon died. She placed a hand over his shoulder.

"It'll be all right, Inumon. Pharaohmon shall get his..."

"I hope so... For Anubimon's sake, I hope so...

With the mood slowly changing and taking effect across the arena, Lillymon was kneeling beside the fallen Beelzebumon. She tried hard to pull him up to his feet but his heavy form was too much for her weak arms to carry.

"Geez, you really need to lose some weight..."

"Wha...? Are you saying I'm overweight...?" Beelzebumon grumbled. "Oy... Did I win...?"

"I'm sorry to say but you didn't," Lillymon sighed. "I was really pulling for you..."

"You... were...? Well, it's not surprise... Ack, man... my head..."

"Here, let me help you up and get you some help..."

"I'll be fine..."

"But you're hurt, Mr. Beelzebumon..."

Slightly pushing Lillymon away, the winged demon glared directly at his motorcycle and walked across carefully to maintain his balance. The flower maiden couldn't help but to follow by his side.

"Oh no. You're not okay. You need help. Please, I know the medical teams here. They can get you help."

"I'll be fine... These injuries are nothing... I've been through worse crap that this..."

As Beelzebumon reached out for his motorcycle, he lost consciousness and collapsed on the bike. Lillymon rushes over and places his right arm over her shoulder.

"You can act all macho all you want, but I'm getting you some help. Etemon? Get Floramon to cover the exhibition matches coming up."

"Um, sure! Leave it to me!"

"Oy... you're heavy!" Lillymon struggled to hold Beelzebumon on her shoulder. "Wow, I'm actually up close and touching my favorite crush! I feel like a high school human girl! Oh, boy. Now I'm starting to blush! I feel like fainting! Ok, calm down! Relax! You're just getting some aid for him. He probably doesn't have any interest for you."

As Lillymon continued daydreaming, she flew towards the first entranceway to transport Beelzebumon to the infirmary.

"Well, there goes Beelzebumon. Glad that Lillymon decided to take him to the infirmary," Guilmon pointed out.

"That was very nice of her," Takato agreed. "Well, boy. This is it. You think we're ready for an unpredictable second day?"

"Sure. As long as we don't lose hope and remember what Anubimon told us, we will succeed. Pharaohmon will not win!"

"I know we will win. Pharaohmon... You've just motivated us even further with that you did. We will not let Lord Anubimon down!"

Feeling confident, the goggle boy marched back to where his friends awaited him. They immediately set off towards the entranceway and return to the infirmary to check on Himura's condition. If Himura had been here to witness Anubimon, he truly would have been the most devastated besides Inumon.

In the next half hour or so, the Shadow Tournament event will wrap things up by featuring three exhibition matches to conclude the first day. One match features two royal knights colliding for the first time ever: Athenamon has issued the challenge to Omegamon for a one on one bout. Kuwabara would also participate in a match with Mummymon, while Hiei faces off against an individual named Mizuno.

The first day has been one filled with excitement, unpredictability, drama and passion. The arena enjoyed everything, with the exception of Himura's near-death experience and Anubimon's demise. Those were amongst some low-points of the entire tournament. The second day would promise to be even more exciting and better than the first. One can really hope that Pharaohmon meets his demise tomorrow, but nothing really is set in stone. The heroes will use this remaining time to rest and prepare themselves for day two. Once the exhibition matches conclude, next stop: the Sphinxmon Hotel.

Shibuya Train Station. Local Time 5:18 P.M.

Keiko had just finished shopping for whatever clothes she could find and sat for her train to arrive. It has been a long day since saying goodbye to her childhood friend, Yusuke, in the morning. The first thing she was going to do when she gets home was bath in a nice, relaxing tub. However, those plans would soon have to change as her cell phone started to go off. She took it out of her purse and saw Unavailable on the little screen.

"Just another useless call. I won't even bother answering it."

Before she put her cell phone away, a woman's voice whispered out of her phone. She stopped to listen.

"Keiko Yukimura. Are you ready to take a trip into the Digital World?"

"Huh? Digital what now?"

"More specifically, do you wish to see your friend, Yusuke Urameshi?"

"Wait, that's where Yusuke is! I remember seeing him on the television when they gave that coverage of that event from that other world! You mean to tell me you can get me to Yusuke?"

"Yes and there will be a Trailmon on its way to pick you up."

"Ok, now I've heard everything... C'mon, is there really a Digital World?"

Before she had anything left to say, a loud voice was heard echoing from across the monorails. Keiko turns around to find a long, blue train with a green eye at the center of its face. It immediately made a complete stop to where Keiko stood. The train spoke out with a German-accent.

"Greetings, young lady! I am the Trailmon sent here to take you to the Digital World ruled by the Sovereigns!"

"Whoa! Did that train just speak with a German accent and it can talk!" Keiko nearly freaked out.

"Be calm, my dear. This Trailmon is a good friend and will help take you where your friend is currently in."

"Will he actually lead me to Yusuke?"

"Yes, but you must hurry. Dusk will soon break in the Digital World. The Trailmon will make a stop at near the Sphinxmon Hotel. I'm sure you will find Yusuke and his friends there. Will you take the offer, child?"

"Just to see Yusuke? You bet I will. As crazy as listening to my cell talking and hearing a train with a German-accent, I'll take whatever means necessary just to see Yusuke. I've been worried about him."

As she picked up her shopping bags, Keiko walked towards the Trailmon. He opened the door and allowed the girl to step inside.

"Oh and don't worry. This one's free of charge! HOOT!" Trailmon chuckled.

"Um, thank you. Now, shall we be on our way, Trail-mon?"

"But, of course! Make sure to sit down and buckle up! We're going on the fast lane!"

With that said, the doors closed up. Keiko found the closest seat she could find and fastened her safety belt. The Trailmon moved out across the monorail trail and maximized his speed out through the tunnels. Keiko held onto her seat and bags for her dear life.

"Oh why did I have to get in this train? A talking train for that matter! Oh well, if it's to see Yusuke, then I'll take whatever means necessary! But, couldn't he at least slow this thing down!"

Unbeknownst to both Keiko and the Trailmon, another individual arrived and hitched a ride at the very end of the Trailmon. Fresh right out of Spirit World was the ruler himself, Koenma. He didn't look like much a ruler but rather a toddler! He was short, wore a blue shirt top with a red belt wrapped around his waist, yellow pants, and black shoes. His blue hat was the shape of a bowl, trimmed with pink edges and a red oval shape was plastered on the front. There was an oriental symbol on the front of the red oval. His face was slightly pudgy like that of a baby, his eyes were closed shut and a blue pacifier attached on his mouth. He snuck inside the Trailmon while catching glimpse of Keiko.

"Wow, so I'm not the only one going? Keiko's going, too? This should prove to be interesting. Yusuke will be surprised to know that we've managed to arrive in the Digital World," Koenma spoke with a child's voice. "Now, I'll get to see what the fuss over this Digital World is about. Ogre, you had better keep everything in order as I've asked you to. Knowing him, he'll screw everything up! Yusuke! Here I come!"

The Trailmon journeyed further through the tunnel until he passed through a portal. This particular distortion tunnel would ultimately lead them directly into the Digital World.

Tragedy has struck the Shadow Tournament. Anubimon has sacrificed himself for the sake of his loved ones. Angered by the loss, Takato and Inumon had vowed to end Pharaohmon's reign of terror. Agunimon and Pharaohmon have both advanced to the next round. Lance defeats Kenta but fails to send him into eternal darkness. The tournament brackets are now set. The remainder of the entire tournament takes place tomorrow. Three exhibition matches will be featured to finish the first day off.

The Dra-Warriors use their ultimate technique to defeat General Scorpionus. They now will lead the Sailor Senshi, the three legendary warriors and Cammy into the forest where Labramon awaits them. However, the general managed to survive the onslaught by the Dra-Warriors and has vowed to hunt them down towards the temple. On their way, the group will find Labramon's village as a suitable resting spot until they continue their journey the next day.

Himura has yet to recover and the medical teams have now come down with their latest results on his condition. What will be the fate of Himura Tsubasa?

Just now, Keiko and Koenma have found access to a Trailmon who will lead them directly into the Digital World. Can they get there in team to see Yusuke and the others?

All these questions will soon be answered shortly.

(PREVIEW)

Yolei: Hi, everyone! It's Yolei here to give you the scoop on the next chapter! Three exciting exhibition matches take place. One of which features a personal rivalry between two royal knights! Omegamon is challenged by the Amazon Queen herself, Athenamon. Boy, I sure wouldn't want to be Omegamon right now.

Omegamon: Listen, my lady! Let's not fight! This is pointless!

Athenamon: Be silent! I'll never forgive you for rescuing me as if I were a damsel in distress! You should have left me to die!

Yui: Himura's in a coma! How long will he be like this?

Yugi: I hope he can awaken soon. Otherwise, he'll be disqualified if he doesn't take part in the tournament.

Inumon: He'll awaken! Just you wait and see! C'mon, Himura, buddy! We need you back!

Tea: The other two main attractions of the exhibitions are Mummymon against Kuwabara and Hiei challenged by some mysterious digimon girl named Mizuno.

Mizuno: Humph, so this is my opponent. He's shorter than I am!

Hiei: What was that?

Kuwabara: Ha! She called you short, Hiei!

Labramon: Welcome heroes from earth. I see you've met my friends, Herodramon and Ninjadramon. Please, do make yourselves home in my home village.

Ninja Mars: Are we getting closer towards the temple?

Labramon: Actually, just over that valley and river basin, you find that the temple is hidden beyond a forest. You are not too far from finding the Priestess Sword.

Cammy: Great! It's about time!

Takato: Ah, nothing but relaxation time at the Sphinxmon Hotel!

Sphinxmon: Hoo boy, this is going to be one wacky night...

Inumon: Anubimon... I will avenge you. Pharaohmon will get what's coming to him!

Fairymon: Chapter thirty-four is entitled...

Three Exhibition Matches of Mayhem! Shadow Tournament Day One Ends!

-

Keiko: Yusuke! I've found you!

Yusuke: Keiko! What are you doing here!

Koenma: Can't forget about me, now can you?

Yusuke: Oh boy...

Another long chapter completed by yours truly. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter as much as I did. Anubimon has unfortunately left us all but his sacrifice will not be forgotten. You were a great character, Anubimon. bows his head in respect

The next chapter will feature the three exhibition matches, some funny moments and the start of the Sphinxmon Hotel mayhem chapter. Chapter thirty-five will be solely about the mayhem at the Hotel for one whole chapter! That's right! There will be plenty of mayhem and insanity in that chapter alone! So, get ready! Chapter thirty-six will then pick up with the day two of the tournament. There's what you can expect in the meantime.

That's all I really have to say, but Lycosyncer make sure to read the review posts replying to your ideas. Thanks for showing support for this series. I deeply appreciate it.

Again, before I go, I'd like to thank LazerWulf for the duel between Kenta and Lance; also for the idea of Marine Angemon saving Kenta. Thanks go to Youko Youkai and Belletiger for the Pharaohmon/Anubimon revelation scene. I'd also like to thank Ninetalesuk for the other half of the revelation and for allowing me to use the names of Granasmon and Valmarmon. You readers didn't expect that now, did ya?

That's all I really have to say. Be sure to stay tuned for the next chapter of this series. My goal is to complete it by the end of August, or hopefully a little earlier. Until then, be sure to check back and review. Peace!