Hey, all! This time Kanius is on a roll! One chapter down and few more left to go! Don't worry; it won't be another ten chapters but a little less. I'm more than determined to end this come September. Thus, the sequel will begin in October. Those are my plans and I hope to stick with them, unless something manages to hold me up.
My final decision is for this story to remain 'M' rated and nothing more.
Anyway, we're in the second part of day two! The action looks to be heating up. Mai and Joey duel in their rematch from Duelist Kingdom; Renamon finally gets her paws on Kuzuhamon and Kurama tests his strategic mind against the Warrior of Fire, Agunimon! Plus, the Sailors and their allies have finally arrived in the temple, but what dangers lurk from within. Only one way to find out in this action-packed chapter! Now, sit back, grab yourselves some snacks and enjoy!
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A Revisit from Duelist Kingdom! Enter the Sovereign Temple!
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Phoenix Arena/Duel & Battle Platforms
The crowds were going crazy over the announcement of the next set of matches. They were more excited to see the catfight of the whole tournament: Renamon vs. Kuzuhamon. However, the duel itself was going to be a treat for the digimon since they have never witnessed a duel between Joey Wheeler and Mai Valentine. In addition, the second battle match was going to be an interesting pairing since it will feature a half breed fox demon against the Legendary Warrior of Flame.
"All right, ladies and gents! This is it! We're quickly moving on with our next set of matches for our dual tournaments! We've just seen Yugi Muto advance in the Duel Tournament; while Wolfmon and Guilmon have also made it to the next round! These next pairings are rather interesting. The second duel is actually a rematch from a previous event dubbed the Duelist Kingdom. Joey Wheeler came out on top against Mai, but can Mai rebound in this rematch? Us digimon have the privilege to witness a rather interesting pair off. Not surprising is the pair off between Kuzuhamon and Renamon! It is reported these two have a heated rivalry as it pertains to winning the love of the one called Inumon. Kuzuhamon hopes to knock off the beautiful Sakuyamon and win Inumon's heart! Talk about a love triangle! Where's Springer when you need him? Lastly, we'll be seeing Kurama, a man with a tactical mind, against the Legendary Warrior of Flame, Agunimon! I must say seeing a human warrior against a digimon should be one interesting encounter. I look forward to these bouts! Without further ado, let's bring out our competitors!"
As soon as she said that, the spotlight was placed directly towards the entranceway. The first competitors to emerge were Joey and Mai, though they walked down away from one another. Mai had a determined glare across her face as she was determined to defeat Joey. On the other hand, Joey hoped to wonder how much he has improved and wants to test his updated duel skills against Mai.
"Ready to get your butt kicked, Joseph?" Mai snickered.
"In your dreams, Mai! I've gotten much better since Duelist Kingdom!" Joey grinned as while he raised a fist.
"Well, bring it on, sweetheart!" Mai brushed her hair away and smirked.
The two duelists entered the duel dome with Etemon closing the door behind them. He set the coordinates to their duel destination but first averted his attention to the entranceway to wait for the battle competitors to walk out.
"Now that we have Joey and Mai in the duel dome, we'll continue by introducing the combatants for our battle matches! First, let's bring out the competitors for Arena A! Renamon! Kuzuhamon! Cooooooooooome on down!"
Before Lillymon could say another word, she quickly turned to find Renamon sitting at the center of Arena A. She was cross legged and mumbling to herself. She was obviously anxious to get her hands on Kuzuhamon as soon as she arrives. And speak of the devil... Renamon's ears and nose pick up the foul stench of the wench herself.
"Well, speak of the devil..." Renamon thought.
Walking out of the entranceway next was the Kuzuhamon. She was already fully dressed in her traditional battle gear and holding her staff. Rather than walk, she skipped across the aisle and hummed a song to herself.
"Kuzuhamon makes her way down towards Arena A by skipping. She's not even taking this seriously, especially with Renamon waiting to tear her apart. Her love for Inumon has completely blinded her! Talk about obsession! You don't see me being obsessed in Beelzebumon... (Speaking of which, I have to go and check on him a little later during break time.)"
"Hello, my wonderful fans! Ah, it's so good to see you all cheering and chanting my name!" the delusional Kuzuhamon laughed happily. "Ho! Ho!"
Renamon sits up from the floor and glared down towards Kuzuhamon with hardened eyes. The perverted Kuzuhamon stepped inside Arena A and did not even acknowledge her adversary in the ring. She continued waving to the crowds and blew kisses.
"You love! You all love me!"
"Hate to break this to you, but no one gives a damn about you," Renamon spoke up.
"What! How dare you! You have no voice on what my fans have to say about me! So butt out!" Kuzuhamon growled angrily. "You're just jealous that I have fan support and you don't! Eventually when I do defeat you, Inumon will be mine forever! I vow to be his loyal wife and bear his offspring!"
"It's about time I shut this fan girl up once and for all. I know just the way to silence her forever..."
"Now, before we start these exciting matches, let's introduce our two combatants to compete in Arena B! Kurama! Agunimon! We're waiting on you!"
"Whoa, flower babe! Hold it! You can't count me out just yet!" Agunimon's voice blared out through the speakers.
The crowds immediately turned towards the entrance to be graced by the presence of the Warrior of Flame. Agunimon was holding a microphone in one hand and standing out with his arms stretched out. He ran across and raised his hands out to get the crowd pumped. Chants for the Warrior of Flame were heard echoing across the arena as if he were a popular pro wrestler.
"WELCOME TO AGUNIMON'S SHOW!" Agunimon screamed out through the microphone. "Are you digimon ready to rock!"
The audiences responded with a loud unified cry and raised their fists up. Agunimon started to head bang with his yellow mane fluffing out. He ran across the aisle and slid through into Arena B. He continued ranting on through the microphone and started calling out the fox demon.
"Hey, Kurama, I know you're back there, pretty boy! I'm calling you out because I want to get this match over with! I'm not going to wait all day for you to fix your red hair!" Agunimon ranted on. "If you don't come out, I'm dragging your butt down here!"
"There's no need to rant like that, friend," a voice whispered behind Agunimon.
Before Agunimon had a chance to move, he felt a finger pointing him across the spine. He turned his head to find Kurama touching his back with a single hair. The Warrior of Flame leaped away from the half fox demon and stepped into a battle stance.
"Don't be alarmed, Warrior of Flame. Our match hasn't even begun just yet. So, calm your nerves," Kurama said.
"What makes you think I'm nervous?"
"I didn't say you were."
"Listen, pal! I'm just anxious to fight you in this match and I want to see how long you can last against a fire warrior like me!"
"We'll just have to wait and see. Now, won't we?" Kurama smiled.
"Having already psyched Agunimon out, Kurama has arrived at the ring before the Warrior of Flame had any time to realize his whereabouts! Now we have our two arenas set! All four combatants are ready to get this show on the road and I know you guys have been begging for more hard-hitting action! But, first, let's send our two duelists to their destination! Etemon, if you will! Transport our two duelists!"
"You got it, little lady!" the monkey referee nodded and flipped a switch to activate the dome.
As soon as the dome was activated, it was lifted up towards the top of the arena's ceiling. The four combatants laid eyes towards one another in high anticipation for their matches to begin. With the duel dome lifted up and hung up in the ceiling, the two duelists inside were transported out to a new location.
Etemon gave a signal to Lillymon to signify that the two duelists were transported. The lovely announcer nodded her head accordingly and set her focus on the two battle matches set to take place.
"As official referee, I declare the dual-battle bouts to begin!" exclaimed Etemon as he called for the bell.
Once the official bell rang, the two pairs faced each other off. Kurama and Agunimon looked towards one another. The Warrior of Flame had grown anxious to get this match started and encircled the calm fox demon. Meanwhile, Renamon simply wanted to get her hands on the crazy fan girl as her body started to become engulfed by a yellow aura of light.
"With Agunimon circling Kurama and ready to start his match, Renamon has already removed the kid gloves and has decided to turn things up a notch by digivolving into her mega form! If I were Kuzuhamon, I'd get the heck out of there before Renamon tears my pretty face apart!"
However, Kuzuhamon was not the least impressed with Renamon and watched her rival digivolve into the golden-armored warrior known as Sakuyamon.
"Renamon MEGA SHINKA! Sakuyamon!"
Twirling her battle staff in front of her, the newly digivolved Sakuyamon walked across and growled angrily towards her dark rival. The two females had a stare off until they got into one another's faces. Then...
SLAP!
Kuzuhamon delivered a painful slap across Sakuyamon's pretty face and felt a red hand imprint running across her left cheek. The male portion of the crowds was taken back and wooing out in unison. However, Sakuyamon was not going to take this lying down. She raised her left hand and landed a slap across Kuzuhamon's face.
SLAP!
The golden armored female left a HUGE hand print across Kuzuhamon's right cheek. The fan girl felt the welt and yelped out. She couldn't believe that Sakuyamon had laid a hand across her face! This was it! The last straw! Kuzuhamon screamed out angrily, charged towards Sakuyamon with eyes fueled with flames and went for a spear takedown maneuver. This gave Sakuyamon a chance to move aside at the last second and grabbed Kuzuhamon from behind BY HER HAIR! Sakuyamon pulled Kuzuhamon directly towards her with extreme force and tosses her across the ring floor. The dark armored female landed face first across the ring floor and bounced across.
"Ouch! I sure wouldn't want to be Kuzuhamon after that! Sakuyamon has now taken charge of this match with a hair take down! Looks like we're getting ourselves on huge catfight on our hands! Kuzuhamon is getting up and she doesn't know where she is!"
Staggering to get back to her feet, Kuzuhamon looked around in search for her adversary. She threw out a fist behind her in hopes of tagging Sakuyamon. However, she couldn't hit anything but the empty air. The fan girl stopped and attempted to use her fox-like senses to sniff out her opponent. Unfortunately, she couldn't pick up on anything not even a trace of Sakuyamon's scent. Before she had a chance to blink, a hand tapped Kuzuhamon on her right shoulder.
"Who's there!" Kuzuhamon spun around to throw a judo punch but only connected with the air. "ARGH! RENAMON! SHOW YOURSE-"
Before she even had a chance to utter another word, a long staff came swinging across and slammed HARD against Kuzuhamon's face. The force of the blow sent her falling on her back and holding her face. Her precious face had now taken more punishment than her entire body. Sakuyamon was not kidding when she said she was going to humiliate Kuzuhamon in front of everyone in the crowd.
"Another shot to that pretty face of Kuzuhamon! She goes down to a HARD staff shot from Sakuyamon! It's safe to say that Kuzuhamon will never be the same again!" Lillymon announced.
Sakuyamon landed down to where her adversary was laying PATHETICALLY on her back. She crossed her arms and nodded her head shamefully.
"So, you're the Kuzuhamon I've wanted to get my hands on? This is a joke. I can't believe I was worked up over nothing," Sakuyamon sighed. "I might as-"
BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAM!
Before Sakuyamon had another word to say, Kuzuhamon slammed a right knee directly into her rival's gut. The force of the blow caused Sakuyamon to lose oxygen from her lungs and forced her to stagger backwards. Kuzuhamon leapt back on her feet despite the bruise formed on her right cheek. She picked up her staff and slammed it across Sakuyamon's gut. More wind was driven out of Sakuyamon as she was forced down to her knees. Kuzuhamon charged across and dropkicked Sakuyamon across the face! The golden-armored warrior fell back on the ring surface while holding her throbbing head.
"I told you not to take me lightly you no good, wench!" Kuzuhamon hissed as she kicked Sakuyamon in the ribs. "Awww, what's the matter, poor baby? I thought you'd be used to going down on your knees to your male superiors?"
The dark-armored female grabbed Sakuyamon by her neck, lifted her up and slapped her across the face. Sakuyamon took the blow and was thrown off her feet once again. She landed on the ring surface and grunted while crumpling against the ground. Kuzuhamon methodically walks over towards her rival picked her up by her hair. She grabbed a handful of Sakuyamon's gorgeous hair and wiped her across with a hair thrown in retaliation. The female rolled across the ring and grunted once again in pain.
"An eye for eye... In this case, a hair for a hair as Kuzuhamon retaliates for what Sakuyamon did to her earlier! Now, Kuzuhamon has taken over this match and does not look like she's about to be showing off! She is all business and ready to tear Sakuyamon a new one!"
"You're no good to Inumon, you harlot! Only I deserve to win Inumon-sama's heart!" Kuzuhamon screamed down at Sakuyamon before kicking her in the face. "ONLY ME! NOT YOU!"
Sakuyamon went rolling across the ring once again from Kuzuhamon's kick. The female held her throbbing head as she attempted to sit up and shake the cobwebs out. Kuzuhamon stepped forward nonchalantly and grabbed Sakuyamon by her hair. This time she slammed a knee into her back and began to grab her rival's facemask.
"Now, I'm going to tear that pretty face of yours right off, dear Renamon! Then, Inumon will realize just how hideous you truly are!" Kuzuhamon laughed. "Ho! Ho! I can't wait to see the look on your stupid face when you see Inumon taking my hand in marriage!"
Struggling against Kuzuhamon's grip, Sakuyamon gagged to get oxygen into her body. The crowds were firmly starting to get behind Sakuyamon.
"This crowd is giving Sakuyamon the support she needs! But can their support save her from this predicament from Kuzuhamon's wrath? If I were Sakuyamon, I would do something quick before Kuzuhamon inflicts more punishment! Now, she's attempting to rip Sakuyamon's mask right off! Perhaps we will get a glimpse of what Sakuyamon's beauty truly looks like! Meanwhile, in Arena B, Agunimon is having some trouble dodging Kurama's Rose Whip! If anything, I hope he doesn't get the idea of playing jumprope with that whip!"
Agunimon jumped around Arena B as if he were Spider-man to avoid being struck by Kurama's Rose Whip. As another lash of Kurama's whip came, Agunimon jumped away to allow it to smash into the ring surface. He landed at the center and faced off with the calm Kurama.
"How about fighting me without the whip, buddy?" Agunimon scoffed as he wiped his forehead. "You're making me sweat here and you practically had to make me jump around like Spider-man."
"No, otherwise you would be shooting webs and flying across the arena, friend," Kurama smiled coolly.
"Gee, you're sure a confident one. You don't realize I'm the Warrior of Flame?"
"Yes, but I also know that you're a little too overconfident. I've already dealt with a fire warrior in the previous round."
"Yeah, I remember that. You actually beat that guy! I couldn't believe it!"
"Well, it came down to wits and I used well-prepared strategy to ensure my victory."
"So, tell me. Did you devise some elaborate plan to defeat me in this match? Huh?"
"Perhaps, but we'll see when it comes down towards the end of our match. Won't we?"
"...Ok, well, it's going to take more than just wits to survive this tournament! I doubt any of that is going to matter if you end up facing Pharaohmon!" Agunimon shrugged. "But, hey, go ahead and be my guest."
Just as Kurama was about to make his next move, numerous fan girls from across the stadium were cheering out for the red-haired half breed. Numerous female fox and canine digimon held up posters with hearts forming in their eyes, including some multi-colored Renamons and Labramons.
"GO, KURAMA! YOU'RE OUR DREAM LOVER!" the fan girls screamed out. "KICK FLAME BOY'S ASS!"
Growling upon hearing his name being insulted, Agunimon gave a dark glare towards the fan girls and screamed out madly at them. Kurama merely nodded his head and waited for Agunimon to calm his rant.
"Friend, if you don't mind, I'd like for us to continue," Kurama suggested. "This audience is looking for a good show, am I wrong?"
"No, but... Hey! Don't try to talk your way out of this, pal! I cam here to win and stop Pharaohmon! Isn't that why you're here?"
"Yes, but I'm also here to settle a score with the warrior I defeated in the earlier round."
"Oh? Well, that's if you can survive against me!"
"We will see, now won't we?"
Charging across the ring, Agunimon shot out his fist forward and unleashed a fiery array of blasts from out of his gloved hand.
"PYRO DARTS!"
Kurama managed to see these attacks coming and dodged every one of them with swift agility. He hopped as one landed near his feet.
"Well, you sure have yourself some agility there, pal. I'll give you that, but you're just lucky I'm not going all out!"
"Then, why don't you show me your full potential, Agunimon?"
"You want my best? My best could kill you, but you've asked for it!"
"Ooo! Now, Kurama has challenged Agunimon to show his best! The Warrior of Flame just could resort to evolving into either his B-Hybrid or A-Hybrid form! Either way, I think Kurama is asking for more than he chew! But, that's enough of that! Let's see how our duelists are doing! Floramon and Tapirmon are covering the match from out of Airdramon Sky Sanctuary! Take it away, my good colleagues! We're all ears! How's it going with Joey and Mai?"
On the big screen, a full display of the Airdramon Sky Sanctuary is featured with Floramon facing the camera. Behind her were Joey and Mai facing one another on opposite ends.
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Airdramon Sky Sanctuary/Sector 2349-A0821
"Hello again, fight fans! This is your hostess with the mostess again to present you with another duel! We're getting a glimpse of two duelists who know each other quite well. From what I've been told, this is their second meeting since an event dubbed the Duelist Kingdom held by Maximillion Pegasus! Both look in rare form and are ready to get this duel started!"
"Well, Joseph, we can't keep our fans waiting. How about we commence with your butt kicking?" Mai smiled.
"Bring it on, Mai!"
"Then, I officially declare that this match BEGIN!" Floramon exclaimed.
"DUEL!"
Life points
Joey: 8000
Mai: 8000
As soon as both duelists declared the start, they shuffled their decks and drew five cards to their hand. Mai was the first to draw out a sixth card and declared her first turn.
"Since it's nice to allow a lady to go first, I'll start off by placing this card facedown in defense mode!" Mai declared as she laid a card facedown. "Next, I'll activate the Swords of Revealing Light!"
"What! Already!" Joey exclaimed. "No way! I attack for..."
"Three whole turns. You're sure a fast one, aren't you?" Mai smiled.
Several swords came falling down and caught Joey inside a force field that prevented him from implementing any form of attack.
"Darn! I didn't expect you to do this early on, Mai!"
"Well, life is full with surprises, hon. I finish my turn off by laying a card facedown. That's all I have to offer!"
"Man! She really pulled a fast one on me! Those swords will keep me from attacking for three whole turns! All right, Joey, calm yourself. You'll pull out of this mess. Just trust your cards," Joey thought as he drew a card to his hand. "I'll activate Fusion Sage! This will allow me to move a Polymerization from my deck directly to my hand! Of course, I'll have to shuffle my deck afterwards."
Upon draw out his Polymerization card and adding it to his hand, he shuffled his entire deck and laid out two facedown cards.
"I'll set one card facedown and another facedown in defense mode! That finishes my turn!"
"Nothing much else you can do, huh, Joey?" Mai stated as she added a card to her hand. "Now, I'll summon Faith Bird in attack mode!"
Summoned forth by Mai's side was a blue hawk with long, flowing tail feathers. The bird squawked out and landed perched on Mai's shoulder.
Faith Bird
1500/1100/4 stars
"Nice pet there, Mai..." Joey remarked while pointing to the blue hawk.
"Very funny, Joey. Next, I'll flip summon my facedown card to reveal Lord of the Lamp in attack mode!"
Emerging from out of the flipped card was a muscular purple genie wearing a golden crown and a green-yellow sash.
"Now, my Lord of the Lamp! Attack his facedown defense card!"
Following the command of his duelist, the genie launched a magical blast from his hands and sends it directly towards the facedown card. Before the card was destroyed, Joey immediately called out and sprang a trap on Mai's monster.
"You've just activated my trap card, Mai! I reveal my Magic Arm Shield! Since you declared an attack from your genie, I can take control of one your monsters until the end of the battle phase, and that monster becomes the target of the attack! The monster I pick is your Faith Bird!"
Mai gasped as she watched her bird disappear from her shoulder and appear on Joey's side of the field. The genie's attack was now launched directly towards the bird. Faith Bird screeched before deflecting the blast back to the genie, destroying it. Since the bird had more attack points than the genie, it inflicted damage to Mai's life points. This resulted in Mai losing a hundred points since it was her monster taking the damage all thanks in part to Joey's trap card. Faith Bird returned back to Mai's side field with the trap card's effects finished.
"It doesn't look good for you this early on, Mai! Come on! I'd expect me losing a chunk of my life points by now!"
Mai
Life points: 7900 (8000-100)
"No! This early on? No, this is just the beginning. Besides, I can't be on a streak of bad luck. Yesterday, I just wasn't thinking clearly. I'm more refreshed now. Time to get serious!" Mai thought. "That ends my turn, Joey! That was just a lucky shot!"
"Lucky shot, eh? You seemed pretty worried when I merely took just a hundred points off you. Oh, well. Whatever you say," Joey shrugged as he added a card to his hand. "I'll summon my Axe Raider in attack mode!"
The blonde-haired teen laid out a card and summoned forth a Viking warrior wielding a battle axe.
Axe Raider
1700/1150/4 stars
"Next, I'll flip summon my facedown card to reveal my Rocket Warrior! He's set directly into attack mode!"
A small warrior, shaped like a rocket, wearing a suit of armor.
Rocket Warrior
1500/1300/4 stars
"And since I can't attack 'cause of your swords; that ends my turn! Let's see what you can come up with, Mai! Got anything to offer for my monsters to destroy?"
"Nothing now," Mai replied as she picked up a card and laid it facedown. "I'll set one card facedown in defense and I'll switch my Faith Bird to defense mode! That ends my turn!"
"Going on the defensive already, Mai? That isn't like you. Why the sudden change in strategy? Normally, you'd cream my monsters to the ground with brute force," Joey spoke out. "Are you really biding yourself some time or what?"
"I choose to duel how I want to duel. Even if I go on the defensive now, I'm going to comeback and get you where you least expect it," Mai retorted. "Heh. Besides, we're just getting started anyway. I still have plenty of winged beasts to rip your monsters apart."
"We'll see!" Joey exclaimed as he drew a card and laid it down on the field. "I lay this card facedown in defense mode! That not only ends my turn, but your swords are gone! Now, I can attack with my two monsters! You better get ready for a beat down!"
"Talk now, but I'm still going to send my beasts to take care of those two runts," Mai replied.
As the swords vanished around Joey, the male teen was released from his 'prison' and allowed to attack anytime he chooses during his battle phase.
Mai added a card to her hand and declared her next move on her turn, "I'll flip summon my other facedown card and reveal my Killer Needle!"
Summoned forth to Mai's side of the field was a large killer bee.
Killer Needle
1200/1000/4 stars
"Next, I'll switch my Faith Bird back to a face-up attack position!" Mai exclaimed. "Now, Killer Needle! Attack his facedown defense card!"
The giant killer bee flew across towards Joey's field and stabbed its stinger through the facedown card, as if it were a sword piercing through flesh. The monster revealed out of the facedown card was Swordsman of Landstar, a pasty-faced fairy wielding a large sword.
Swordsman of Landstar
500/1200/3 stars
Mai watched as her Killer Needle was deflected by Swordsman of Landstar's shield. Since the bee's attack was the same strength as the swordsman's defence, no monsters were destroyed, nor any life points lost.
"Now, Faith Bird, attack his revealed Swordsman!" Mai declared her attack on Joey's monster.
The bird flew across and landed its talons down on the Swordsman. The weaker fairy was deleted out from Joey's field, but no life points were deducted since it was in defense mode.
"Finally, I'll activate my field magic card!" Mai announced as a card revealed itself as Rising Air Current. "With this card, it increases the attack power of all wind monsters by five hundred points while decreasing their defense strength by four hundred! And that ends my turn!"
"Well, at least you're launching attacks on me. I'm slightly satisfied, but I want more action from you, Mai. All right, my move!" Joey announced as he drew a card and added it to his hand. "First, I'll sacrifice my Axe Raider to summon this bad boy... Jinzo!"
In place of the Axe Raider was a new monster being summoned. The tall cyborg wearing a green-yellow bodysuit and red goggles stood by Joey's side protectively with his arms crossed. It was the same monster he won from Espa Roba during the Battle City tournament.
Jinzo
2400/1500/6 stars
"Jinzo, huh? Not a bad monster there, Joseph," Mai smiled. "But it's still not going to save you."
"Don't forget that as long as I have Jinzo face-up on the field, all trap cards can't be activated. Plus all face-up traps are no use!"
"Yeah, I know that already..."
"Seeing how you interrupted me, I'm going to send my Rocket Warrior to take out your pet birdie!
Rocket Warrior retracted his arms and legs and enclosed himself inside his missile casing. Launching his booster rocket, he launched himself directly at Faith Bird.
"Ha! Since Faith Bird is a wind monster, its attack power is raised by five hundred points! Thus, it has a 2000 attack power as opposed to your warrior's measly 1500! To bad and so sad!"
"But my Rocket Warrior has an effect of its own!"
"What? Explain!"
"When I send Rocket Warrior to attack during my own battle phase, he encases himself in an indestructible shell, making him impervious to any damage from a stronger monster." Joey explained with a sly grin. "Plus, any monster that he attacks must decrease its attack strength by 500, which means your Faith Bird loses its five hundred power boost and goes back to being 1500! Too bad!"
"Darn you, Joseph! You got me there, but I won't make a mistake like that again!"
"I never thought you would make a careless mistake like that in the first place, but... Oh well, at least this allows me a chance to attack! Jinzo destroy her Faith Bird!"
Upon hearing the command of his duelist, Jinzo fired a twin-beam eye laser directly towards Faith Bird and destroyed it before Mai's eyes. She gasped as her bird disappeared as well as a portion of her life points.
Mai
Life points: 7000 (7900-900)
"No! I'm down to 7000! I can't be losing already!" Mai growled angrily.
"Take it easy, Mai. I think we're dueling a good match. Just cool down and enjoy yourself. At least we're not dueling Lance here. Anyway, I declare an end to my turn."
"Now! I'll summon Giant Scorpion of the Tundra in attack mode!" Mai shouted out as she summoned forth her large monster.
Appearing before Mai was a frightening, giant monster of intimidating proportions. It emerged as a giant blue scorpion. Joey was taken back by the monster's large presence and nearly jumped out of his pants.
Giant Scorpion of the Tundra
1100/1000/3 stars
"Whoa! Now, that's a big scorpion! But, for something so huge, it sure is weak!"
"Get serious, Joey! Now, my Killer Needle! Attack and don't leave anything left of his Rocket Warrior!"
The killer bee flew out across and pierced its massive stinger through the warrior's torso. Since the attack was during Mai's battle phase, it's effect could not protect it and it was ultimately destroyed and shattered into data. Now, Joey finally had lost some of his life points.
Joey
Life points: 7800 (8000-200)
"That ends my turn Joey and I'm glad to see my monster took away two hundred of your life points."
"You finally got me but two hundred points still isn't enough," Joey pulled out a new card and played it on his field. "I'll summon a second Axe Raider! Now, Axe Raider attack her Giant Scorpion!"
Declaring his attack, the Axe Raider charged across the other side and slammed his massive axe over the arachnids' forehead. The monster hissed out madly before exploding into data fragment. Mai gasped as she watched a large chunk of her life points being deducted.
Mai
Life points: 6400 (7000-600)
"No! What was I thinking?" Mai growled. "I should have played my scorpion out in defense mode! Am I really going on a slump here? No, it can't be! I nearly lost to a rookie yesterday and now I'm on the losing end against Joey? Damn, this can't be true! I'm Mai Valentine, the Duel Monsters Queen!"
"Now, I'll direct my Jinzo to attack your Killer Needle! Let her have it, Jinzo!"
The cyborg turned towards Killer Needle and destroyed it in one shot with his twin eye beam. Now even more life points were taken out of Mai. She immediately lost touch with reality and widened her eyes into immediate shock. She was on the losing end yet again just like her duel with Henry.
Mai
Life points: 5700 (6400-700)
"NO! This isn't happening! I shouldn't be making careless mistakes like these! I ought to be crushing Joey by now! Then again, I'll have to give him credit. He has gotten better, but I know I can do better than this! All right, Joseph! No more Ms. Nice Mai! Time to kick things up a notch!"
Mai wiped her forehead to remove the sweat dripping across her face. Now a feeling of doubt and fear of losing were creeping into her mind. Her current slump has greatly affected her dueling skills and this can be traced back to Battle City in her duel with Marik. She hasn't been the same since and looks to rebound from the slump she's undergone. By defeating Joey, she would realize that her duel career was far from finished.
"It's now or never. I can't lose this duel! I won't lose to Joey for a second time and I will regain my lost pride! I'm going to win this and regain my credibility!"
"Joey has the lead against Mai early on," Floramon announced, "but how will Mai rebound from this? She nearly lost to Henry yesterday and now finds herself in a tight situation! Let's hope she'll draw out a card to save her hide before defeat is eminent! We're seeing a tough duel but somebody has to come out on top! Will it be Joey or can Mai rebound from her current state? Lillymon, I take it you and the crowds are having blast with the battle matches! I wish I could be there to witness them but this duel needs to be covered. Now, back to you!"
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
-
Hohou Sovereign Temple/Sector Hohou-634-B7
The situation had now taken a turn for the worse as the Sailor Senshi , Ninja Senshi, and their allies were surrounded by an army of Knightmon and Darkknightmon. Each Knightmon held their swords tightly as they slowly marched across ready to tear their opponents down. The Dra-Warrior duo and the three Legendary Warriors held their ground with the females standing at front center. Looking on from a pillar post was Fuugamon while holding Labramon captive.
"Hey! Let me go! Let me go, you creep!" Labramon exclaimed.
"Ah, shaddup you, mutt!" Fuugamon smashed his club over the canine's head knocking him out.
"Hey! That was mean! Labramon!" Cammy screamed out.
"Cammy! Get back!" Ninja Mars held a hand out to prevent her sister from moving onwards. "Don't do it. Stay close to me."
"But, Labramon needs our help!"
"Don't worry. We'll save him," Ninja Jupiter assured the girl. "That's a promise."
"Hey, ugly! Why don't you get your scaly butt down here and fight us unless you have the guts!" Minako challenged Fuugamon.
"I'd like to have fun with you, but I've got to report to my boss! Besides, your little doggy friend here is going to make a fine addition to our army," Fuugamon laughed.
"You wouldn't dare!" Sailor Saturn exclaimed.
"Just watch me!" Fuugamon retorted as he picked up Labramon over his right shoulder and climbed down the pillar.
"Look! It's our chance! We can stop him and save Labramon!" Ninja Venus pointed out.
"But, there's Knightmon and Darkknightmon blocking our path!" Artemis shouted. "With those swords, they'll cut you down to size!"
"That hasn't stopped us before now has it?" Venus snorted. "Anyway, at least we have these ninja powers to help us through before we regain our Sailor powers."
"That's awfully reassuring, Minako. Remind me to rely on you when we're in deep trouble," Jupiter stated.
Mars immediately spotted Fuugamon entering the temple with Labramon over his shoulder and pointed out towards his direction.
"There! He went into the temple entrance!" she pointed out. "I say we follow him!"
"Great and you have left me with a good idea," Ninjadramon said.
"What are you suggesting we do?" asked Arbormon.
"In case you haven't noticed, we're surrounded," Grottomon reminded the Dra-Warrior.
"No, we're not. They may have strength in numbers but we have strength altogether. We can take these guys," Herodramon reassured everyone. "When Ninjadramon says he has a plan, then he knows what he's talking about."
"I trust you're confidence," Sailor Pluto agreed. "These enemies shouldn't be difficult. Saturn herself can inflict heavy damage to them."
"That's right," nodded Saturn.
"Here's what I propose we do. I want Cammy, Rei, Makoto and Minako to come with me inside that temple. We have two objectives: find Labramon and retrieve that sword. Meanwhile, the rest of you can take the Knightmon and Darkknightmon hordes."
"That's a great plan, Ninjadramon. Let's do it," Mars nodded in agreement. "To be honest, that's exactly what I was going to suggest."
"Heh, great minds do think alike, huh?"
"If you guys are going to go into the temple, then I'd suggest you go right away," Sailor Mercury stated. "You leave these Knightmon with us."
"Thou shall go retrieve the sword and save that mutt," Mercuremon stepped into a battle stance against the incoming Knightmon. "Go, we'll take these buffoons from here!"
"Go ahead, Ninjadramon. You won't be needed here as long as I'm with them. You help those girls save Labramon and retrieve the sword. This is our only chance to complete this mission," Herodramon unsheathed his swords.
Nodding in reply to his comrades, Ninjadramon led the three Ninjas Sailors and Cammy, who held Artemis in her arms, down towards the entrance. As they drew closer towards the entrance, two Knightmon emerged with their swords ready.
"Look up ahead!" Cammy shouted. "There are two of them!"
"You leave these two with me!" Ninja Jupiter exclaimed as she leapt up into mid-air and clasped her hands together to form an electrical ball. "ZEUS THUNDER SPHERE!"
As soon as she called out her attack, she hurled it down towards the two Knightmon and blew them back with extreme force. Ninja Venus decided to take advantage of the fallen guards and shot out a twin beams from her fingers.
"VENUS HEARTBREAKER BEAMS!"
The powerful beams came shooting down and penetrated through the Knightmon's chests. They cried out simultaneously before exploding into data fragments. Ninjadramon applauded their efforts.
"Great work, girls! I knew you can take these guys easily," Ninjadramon stated. "But there's no time. We have to hurry!"
"Right!" the trio replied in unison.
With Jupiter and Venus following Ninjadramon through the temple entrance, Ninja Mars bent back and whistled over to her sister.
"Cammy! Get on my back!" she called out to her sibling.
"Coming!" Cammy replied as she climbed on her sister's back. "You hang on tight on my back, Artemis!"
"Right, but um... Try not to go crazy, Rei. I'm scared of heights," Artemis gulped nervously.
"It's all right. Just don't let go of Cammy," Mars said as she focused on the long hallways ahead of her. "With my new ninja strength, I can no doubt move fast as one. Now to control my speed and not endanger Cammy. Here goes...!"
Before either Cammy or Artemis could even blink, Rei dashed across the hallway and traveled as fast as a blink. Cammy held tightly on her sister's back while Artemis hollered out. His screams echoed throughout the hallways that even bats were flying out in droves.
Her friends were already ahead of her with Ninjadramon hopping across several columns sticking out from a deep pit. Ninja Jupiter and Ninja Venus had no problems leaping from column to column. However, as Ninja Venus made it over to the other side, some of the columns collapsed deep into the dark pit. There was no telling what could be lurking in the darkness and it was best to keep it secret.
As soon as Ninja Mars arrived, she looked ahead to find only a few columns left. She found Ninjadramon and her friends calling out to her from the far distance.
"Rei! You can make it!" Venus called out. "Don't let this intimidate you!"
"Who said I was scared? It's Cammy here," Mars shouted out.
"Rei, I'm not scared. I know I'm safe as long as I'm with you. You're the Senshi of Fire. Nothing can stop you, not even a stupid pit," Cammy slightly trembled.
"You're trembling..."
"I... Well... Ok, I admit I'm scared..."
"It's only natural. But, trust in me. I know I can get past this obstacle. As you said, I am the Warrior of Planet Mars. It's going to take more than this to hold me back!"
"Artemis! Hang on tight and don't look down!" Cammy called out to the white cat.
"There's no place like home. There's no place like home," Artemis closed his eyes in prayer.
"HERE GOES!" Mars declared.
Bending down, Ninja Mars bounced up into mid-air and leaped across the far distance. She gracefully came landing down over to the other side with her friends waiting for her. Ninja Mars barely landed on the edge and held her balance with perfection. Artemis looked down at the pit behind him and his eyes widened in fear.
"ACK! THAT WAS SO CLOSE!" Artemis screamed out.
"Oh, don't be such a scaredy cat, Artemis," Cammy jumped down from her sister's back and pet the cat on his head.
"We're making great progress, girls," Ninjadramon said. "There's a chance we might not take this passage after we've completed our mission. If I remember correctly, Labramon told me there was a short cut out of here."
"Really? Well, that's good," Ninja Venus wiped her forehead. "Man, without these ninja powers, we wouldn't made it across."
"We wouldn't have made it this far period," Ninja Jupiter stated. "Ninjadramon, this leader Fuugamon speaks of. Who is he?"
"I frankly have no clue," Ninjadramon shrugged. "All we know is that he's sending these minions to keep us busy. I'm willing to bet the Knightmon and Darkknightmon are only the first wave."
"I'm not worried about the Knightmon. It's the leader of this particular group. Pharaohmon has managed to hire himself some big guns to prevent us from gaining that sword. He is getting very desperate considering today is the final day of his tournament. I just hope Uranus and Neptune are doing well," Ninja Mars sighed. "I just want to find this sword quickly and lay waste to every last one of these losers!"
"Have patience, Rei-san," Ninjadramon pat the raven-haired young woman on her back. "We will have that sword."
"Yeah and I'll gain the powers of the Digital Priestess. Those bad guys are going to pay for everything they've done to us!" Cammy agreed with her sister.
"So, what traps can we expect?" Jupiter asked.
"Not sure, but your new ninja sixth senses will help guide you through," Ninjadramon informed the group. "Just stay close together just in case anymore of those goons decide to present themselves."
Unsheathing her sword, Ninja Mars walked down the hallway with Cammy by her side. Her combined ESP/ninja senses were picking up on strong activity from ahead. There was an ambush being planned. Ninja Mars nodded to her sister and waved her off to get back. Cammy stepped back with Artemis in her arms. With one stroke from her sword, Ninja Mars sent a slash created from the flames emitting out of her blade. The flames condensed into a ball and smashed through the walls. An explosion occurred from the location and there were loud screams echoing out. Ninja Mars looked ahead to find several Knightmon and Darkknightmon coughing out of the black debris smoke.
"You idiots think you can hide from us? That's the oldest trick in the book," Mars called out as she charged ahead with her sword.
Within a matter of milliseconds, there were numerous sword slashes surrounding the Knightmon horde. Ninja Mars came flying in and slashed one Knightmon clean in half using the edge of her sword. Heat from the sword itself was easily wielding through their armor like a hot knife on butter. Two Darkknightmon came behind with their swords raised. Ninja Mars phased out from their sight. They stopped to realize the ninja warrior was gone.
Suddenly, an aura flashed out behind them. They turned around only to be cut through by Ninja Mars' kitana. Their eyes widened out and became glazed over with their torsos cut through cleanly. The two Darkknightmons' upper bodies slid cleanly right off and fell to the ground. Ninja Mars walked the past two fallen guards as their bodies exploded into data.
"Wow! My sister is so awesome!" Cammy happily cheered.
"I'll say!" Artemis agreed.
"You have got to teach me how you do that, Rei!" Ninja Venus approached her friend while hopping like an excited child.
"I'm a pretty quick learner. That's all I can really say. One has to have strong discipline and a strong frame of mind," Mars shrugged. "It's nothing that I can't handle. Come on, everyone. I'm not sensing any guards from this distance."
"Wait for us!" Ninja Jupiter called out.
As Ninja Mars and Cammy walking ahead, their comrades followed behind them. Ninjadramon slowly caught up to Ninja Mars and cleared his throat.
"What is it, Ninjadramon?"
"You're adapting very quickly to these ninja powers. I'm rather impressed because it took me a while to control my ninja strength. Your presence of mind is flawless. You just might have more discipline of the mind than I could even imagine."
"Like I said, it's something I can handle rather well," Mars repeated herself. "Nothing to take away from you of course."
"I advise we be careful this further onward. The dangers will be even greater than those Knightmon."
"Why do I have the feeling that I'm inclined to agree?" Mars wondered. "Plus, there's still that leader to worry about. There's still Labramon we have to rescue. What first...? Labramon or the sword? If we get Labramon, then there's a chance more guards will be protecting the sword and that's more work for us. If we retrieve the sword, we'll have our powers back and we'll easily save Labramon. Having these ninja powers are great, but they have their limits as opposed to our Sailor powers."
"Rei-san, if you want, I can go and find Labramon while you five retrieve that sword."
"No, Ninjadramon. We don't even know our way around here without you and Mercury isn't with us to direct us through these passages," Ninja Mars replied. "Please, we need you."
"There's no need. You've actually proven you can handle these guards. Any normal intruder would have been mince meat by now but you girls have impressed even me. Use your sixth sense, Rei. I know you'll sense the aura of the sword."
"He's right. You've got the best senses out of all of us," Ninja Venus nodded her head. "Trust in your ESP, Rei."
"Wherever you lead us, we'll follow right behind you," Ninja Jupiter smiled. "You're the leader we can depend on now."
"You guys... I..."
"I believe in you, big sister," Cammy stated. "Just follow the aura of the sword and see where it will lead us."
"You guys have convinced me enough. I know I'm not the best leader, but I'm glad to know you guys are willing to stick behind me," Mars smiled as she felt even more motivated with her friends' support. "Ninjadramon, can you sense Fuugamon?"
"Not yet but I'm willing to bet I will once I venture deeper into the temple," Ninjadramon replied. "You girls will take the path just ahead of you. Once you land right at a dead end, you take a left turn and pick up the sword's energy presence, Rei."
"All right, that's easy enough. Here that guys? We're on our own without Ninjadramon. I'll do the best I can," Mars informed her friends. "Minako, Makoto, Cammy, Artemis, Are you guys ready?"
"You bet!" they exclaimed out in unison.
"Good, now follow me ahead!" Mars declared as she carried Cammy on her back and sprinted across.
"Hold on! Couldn't you at least slow down?" Venus exclaimed as she sprinted to follow her comrade.
"Well, Rei has been rather motivated since we got here. Not that I blame her," Jupiter giggled. "We're actually closer to retrieving that sword. I can't wait to give these punks a piece of my mind! Then, Pharaohmon will get what's coming to him!"
As the girls sprinted off ahead, Ninjadramon moved down towards a hallway on his left side. He was picking up on Fuugamon's presence. He had hoped nothing bad was going to happen to poor Labramon. There was no telling what Fuugamon has planned to force the puppy over to the bad guy's side.
"Labramon, hang in there, buddy! I'm on my way! Knowing you, you're probably giving that Fuugamon a headache already."
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
-
Elsewhere inside the temple
The red ogre panted heavily from all the running and set Labramon down on the ground. He leaned back against the wall, wiped his forehead and pulled out an object that appeared to be a dog's collar. Just then, Labramon began to move about and regained his consciousness.
"Wakey, wakey, puppy," Fuugamon snickered as he towered over Labramon.
Realizing who he was being confronted by, Labramon jumped back and cried out in horror after getting a glimpse of Fuugamon's butt ugly face.
"AH! IT'S YOU!" Labramon screamed until he realized he was inside the hallways inside the temple. "Um, where am I?"
"You're inside... a temple...?"
"No, duh! I know this is inside the temple, but where are we?"
"Beats me," Fuugamon picked his nose. "All I'm supposed to do is put this collar around your neck."
"Um, excuse me...? You're not putting that thing around me!" Labramon yelled at the ogre. "No way are you going to make me wear that piece of junk!"
"Oh yeah? Well, here! Catch!" Fuugamon threw the collar towards Labramon.
Labramon tried to duck away to the side, but the collar spun around behind Labramon like a boomerang. The, without warning, the collar attached itself around the canine's neck. Fuugamon couldn't believe that his throw actually was good this time.
The canine digimon succumbed to the collar around his neck and felt effects that hindered his brain. He fell down to his knees and trembled heavily as he was being put under control. However, rather than sitting up like an obedient slave, he slouched up with his eyes swirling like a cartoon character and drool dripped from the sides of his mouth.
"... Um... Ok, this was unexpected," Fuugamon sweat dropped. "I didn't expect you to look like a moron. Hmm, maybe something went wrong...?"
Fuugamon waved his hand out in front of the hypnotized, yet now brainless, Labramon. The canine did not even react or acknowledge the existence of Fuugamon.
"Helloooooooooo? Anybody home? Heh, you look stupid. Even stupider than me," Fuugamon chuckled. "Ok, ok. Stand on one leg!"
The canine digimon did exactly just as Fuugamon commanded and stood on his right foot with his other leg raised up. Fuugamon busted out into laughter and rolled on the floor.
"Oh! Oh! Now that was good! Ha! Ha!" Fuugamon laughed. "You're about to make my stomach burst! Ba! Ha! Ha!"
The digital puppy remained standing on one leg while Fuugamon was getting back to feet.
"Ok, now, do the tango!"
With that said Labramon started dancing across the hallways to further embarrassment himself with Fuugamon as the only viewing audience.
"Ha! Ha! I'm getting a good show from this puppy! Ha!" Fuugamon laughed hard and pounded his fists against the wall. "You're killing me! Ha! Ha!"
Just then, there was a loud rumbling within the temples and a thunderous voice bellowed out. It had a mix of venom and anger in it, which was enough to cause Fuugamon to jump to his feet and panic.
"FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGAMON!"
"EEP! MY LORD!" Fuugamon got down to his knees. "I'm sorry, master! I was just testing our idiot here!"
"I see, but does testing involve making him stand on one leg and doing the tango?"
"Um... Well... You see..."
"He's clearly not going to cut it!"
"But, he's obedient. At least with me that is..."
"Those intruders are besting our Knightmon and Darkknightmon hordes! Those female warriors from the human world are stronger than I would have imagined. That is why I have called upon my Karatenmon. They'll give those fools a difficult time."
"That's wonderful news, my lord."
"But, we have more intruders in the temple."
"What!"
"Yes, it would seem they managed to get through my Knightmon guards easily. Three of them are those human females that possess the ancient ninja arts from Ninjadramon. He, too, is here looking for that mongrel. I would get out of there soon if I were you."
"You want me and Labramon to stop those Ninja girls?"
"No, you twit! You would be overwhelmed by any one of them! No, I have somebody else on my pay roll to get the job done."
"Who did you hire?"
"Let's just say that he's going to have a blast playing with them as his new playmates. With him on my payroll, those wenches will not gain the sword! We must ensure that they don't capture it to awaken the Digital Priestess! Pharaohmon's survival depends on us!"
"Yes, my lord! Anything to ensure his lordship's survival!" Fuugamon nodded. "Um, so what do I do?"
"GET OUT OF THERE BEFORE NINJADRAMON CATCHES YOU!"
"EEP! YES, MY LORD!" Fuugamon exclaimed as he scurried over to Labramon. "But before I get out of here, I have a little something for you."
Reaching deep into his little satchel attached to his right side, Fuugamon pulled out a ring. He bent over and placed it on Labramon's hind leg right on his right toe. The ogre chuckled to himself while he looked at Labramon's swirling eyes.
"Heh, you're even funnier looking than ever! Ha! Ha!" Fuugamon laughed. "Now to get out of here before I'm toast!"
The ogre scurried off deep down into the hallway and left a completely hypnotized Labramon behind. Unbeknownst to him, Ninjadramon was close by and picking up on the ogre's whereabouts. Labramon would be saved soon, but Ninjadramon would be in for a surprise once he gets a glimpse at the puppy.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
-
Outside the temple grounds
Meanwhile, just outside the temple grounds, the Knightmon and Darkknightmon were being taken down despite the sheer numbers. Arbormon launched out a kick across to knock several Knightmon down like bowling pins. Mercuremon used his mirror shields to bounce the attacks right back at the Knightmon.
Grottomon slammed his hammer against the ground and caused a crack to appear under the Darkknightmon's feet. They looked under their feet and fell through the bottomless pit below.
Sailor Pluto leaped across the battlefield and smashed her rod against a Knightmon. The warrior digimon staggered back until he raised his sword to strike down the Senshi of Time. Pluto pointed her Garnet Rod directly towards Knightmon and fired out a sphere shaped like a planet.
"DEAD SCREAM!"
The attack plunged right through the Knightmon's torso before it exploded into data fragments. She turned to find Sailor Saturn putting up her Silence Wall barrier to protect herself against the Darkknightmon assault. Saturn jumps up into mid-air as her barrier kept the Darkknightmon at bay. She came down and slashed down their swords using her glaive. She then followed it up by slicing through their torsos and watched them explode into data fragments.
"Pluto! I thought we'd be having trouble with these guys, but they aren't a bother! This leader sure has himself an army of slow pokes!" Saturn exclaimed.
"Let's be cautious, Saturn. These things maybe weak but they have strength in numbers. Their strategy is to wear us down," Pluto replied. "Mercury, how are you doing?"
Looking towards her right direction, Sailor Mercury threw out a massive wave of cold water towards a Knightmon and froze it completely in place. The Knightmon was frozen stiff as an ice statue, pun intended. Arbormon came running by and delivered an axle kick to knock down the frozen Knightmon. It shattered against the ground from the fall.
"Thanks, Vega!" Sailor Mercury called out to the Warrior of Wood.
"No problem! Though, there are more coming!" Arbormon pointed across.
As everyone turned around, more Knightmon and Darkknightmon were emerging from out of the forests. This was not what the heroes had hoped for. However, Herodramon stepped out in front of everyone and stood his ground with two Knightmon charging his path. They slammed their swords down to release a burst of energy towards Herodramon. The Dra-Warrior charged across to pull his sword out. He leaped across and slashed his swords across to deflect the blasts right back at the Knightmon pair.
"DRAGON TIME SLASH!"
The warrior pair was blown back by their own attacks, which allowed Herodramon enough time to slice the two Knightmon down. The Dra-Warrior swiftly landed away from the armored knights and turned to witness the two warriors exploding into data.
"Next!" Herodramon declared. "Who wants to taste my blade next?"
"Well, looks like this battle isn't going to last us any longer," Sailor Saturn stated. "We can easily beat these guys."
"Um, I wouldn't want to spoil our celebration but we've got company!" exclaimed Grottomon.
As the Warrior of Earth pointed towards the skies, the group watched as a large flock of crows descending to the battle field. However, these crows were bipedal and were warrior-like. They looked like Japanese Tengus of legend. They landed in front of the Knightmon and Darkknightmon army. Herodramon took a step back as he recalled having numerous clashes with these bird warriors.
"What are those things?" asked Arbormon. "They don't seem like much!"
"They look like the legendary Tengus from Japanese folktales you've read to me, Pluto," Sailor Saturn said.
"Yes, Saturn, these are Tengu warriors. Well, at least the digimon equivalents of them," Pluto replied.
"These are digimon known as Karatenmon," Herodramon stated.
"Karatenmon?" Sailor Mercury whispered while getting a glimpse of the bird warriors.
(Karatenmon. Ultimate-level. Wizard Type. Special Attacks: Crow Swords, Ballistic Feathers and Enlightenment)
"Thou know these fellows?" Mercuremon asked the Dra-Warrior.
"They're old enemies of Ninjadramon's and mine. We used to fight these guys over territory before we became Dra-Warriors. They fight in flocks and have managed to overwhelm us before. But, I've gotten much better since then! Well, Karatenmon, you came at the wrong time! I've been waiting until the day I meet you punks again!"
"Oh, Herodramon, you're just as arrogant and foolish as ever. You really think you can win over our territory? You've got another think coming! In the name of Pharaohmon, we will not prevent you fools from entering this temple!" the Karatenmon leader declared.
"You think we can take these guys?" Sailor Saturn wondered.
"Even you girls might have trouble since they rely on ninja-like stealth and can fly. Since they're in a large flock, they'll overwhelm you individually."
"Well, that surely hasn't stopped us before. We've dealt with monsters similar to Tengus and they attacked with the same strategy as these particular foes," Sailor Mercury replied. "I'm certain we can take them."
"Don't forget, you can simply become Eternal Sailor Mercury and freeze these birds," Arbormon reminded the Senshi.
"That would be overkill, but it would benefit us greatly," Sailor Pluto said.
The Karatenmon squawked out in unison before they moved out across the battlefield. Their job was to now defend the temple against these 'invaders' and help the Knightmon/Darkknightmon army to crush the resistance once they have been worn out.
"Brace yourselves everyone! They're going to attack us from every corner!" Herodramon exclaimed. "I just hope they know what they're dealing with. These guys are not like the monsters they've encountered during past battles."
A Karatenmon came swooping down from the trees and directed his attack on Sailor Saturn. Before the Senshi could even react, Pluto stepped out in front of Saturn and took a blow for her comrade. The Karatenmon delivered a vicious head butt into Pluto's back. Sailor Saturn gasped out and prevented Pluto's fall.
"Sailor Pluto!" the group exclaimed.
"Ha! See? Even you cannot hope to catch up with our speed!" the Karatenmon leader laughed while hanging upside on a tree branch. "Implement another sneak attack my soldiers! Go!"
With that said a group of Karatenmon came swooping down like falcons ready to snatch their prey. Arbormon managed to see one Karatenmon coming right for him. He instantly turned around and slammed a boot into the crow's gut. The force of the blow sent the Karatenmon flying up into mid-air. The Warrior of Wood jumped up to finish it off with a forearm smash against its head. The Tengu digimon was sent plummeting towards the ground below.
"Nice shot, Vega!" Sailor Mercury complimented the warrior.
"Thanks, Ami!" Arbormon called out as he landed beside her.
"Pluto, are you all right?" Sailor Saturn asked as she helped the Senshi of Time up.
"I'll be fine," Sailor Pluto answered. "I was only caught off guard there for the last split second. In truth, I was only testing to see whether they do inflict any damage to us, Sailors..."
"And...?"
"Just watch out for their swords. Their physical attacks did not do any damage to me."
"I see. So, all we have to do is be careful and wise up our attacks?"
"That's right, Saturn. We've dealt with and beaten Tengus before," Sailor Pluto stood up with her staff in hand.
"Somehow, these crows are really starting to remind me of Sailor Lead Crow," Sailor Mercury answered. "SATURN! LOOK OUT!"
Taking heed to Mercury's warning, Sailor Saturn sensed an incoming Karatenmon coming out from one corner. She gripping her glaive tightly, bent over backwards to allow the crow digimon to fly above her, and then pushed her glaive through Karatenmon's gut. The Tengu screamed out as the metallic glaive was plunged through his torso. She pulled the glaive through to rip the Karatenmon in half. Fortunately, this was the one who attacked Pluto.
"That's for attacking Pluto from behind, coward!" Sailor Saturn growled. "Who else wants a piece of me? C'mon, you yellow-bellied birds!"
"Who are you calling, yellow-bellied!" the second Karatenmon came swooping down with his swords intact. "CROW SWORDS!"
"You call those blades? I'll show you a blade!" Sailor Saturn leapt up with her glaive. "TAKE THIS! SILENCE GLAIVE!"
"This isn't going to look pretty," the Karatenmon leader nodded his head shamefully. "I can't believe there are humans this powerful! How can there be these kinds of beings from the human world? They seem to be around the Deva level of power, maybe even a little more!"
Coming down with her glaive, Sailor Saturn managed to cut down another Karatenmon. This one was split down vertically in half. She gracefully landed and glared darkly at the remaining Karatenmon.
"Wow, I suggest we just sic Saturn on the rest of those dodos," Grottomon suggested. "Then we can take care of the Knightmon!"
"There are still a sheer number of them," Sailor Mercury replied. "I suggest we take care of the Karatenmon first. After all, if we're just aware of their presence, we just might stand a chance."
"Yeah, just like how Saturn just demonstrated here," Arbormon snickered. "I agree with Grottomon, let's just sic her on those Karatenmon! She's sure having some fun, huh, Saturn?"
"Pardon? Oh, yes. I am having a rather fun time taking apart these dodos," the Senshi of Destruction smiled.
"These Sailor Senshi are much better warriors than I had hoped. They've improved more in their battles with these enemy digimon we've encountered along the way. These Knightmon, Darkknightmon and Karatenmon are being taken apart!" Herodramon thought. "All right, everyone! Listen up! We'll attack them with everything we've got! Remember to be careful with the Karatenmon. I suggest the girls take the Karatenmon while we take the remaining Knightmon and Darkknightmon!"
"Thou hast formed a great plan, Herodramon. I could not have said it any better myself," Mercuremon nodded in agreement.
"That should give us enough time to take out these hordes and join the others inside. I just hope that they found the sword and Labramon by now," Sailor Mercury thought.
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-
Airdramon Sky Sanctuary/Sector 2349-A0821
The duel continued between Joey Wheeler and Mai Valentine, with Joey in the lead. Floramon was covering the duel through play by play for the audiences to keep up with. Mai stood up on her feet and was determined to turn the duel right around to her favor.
"Oh, now look at this! Mai's getting back on her feet and she looks determined to regain her momentum! I just hope she has a card monster efficient enough to demolish Joey, because she is on the verge of a loss here!"
"I won't be losing today, sweetheart!" Mai smiled as she pulled out her newly drawn card and laid it down on the field. "I'll summon by Cyber Harpie in attack mode!"
Summoned forth beside Mai was a Harpie Lady pre-equipped with the Cyber Shield.
Cyber Harpie
1800/1300/4 star
"But that's not all, Joseph! The Cyber Harpie gets treated like any of my ordinary Harpie Ladies,which means I can activate Elegant Egotist! With this, as long as I have one or more Harpie Ladies on the field, I can special summon one Harpie Lady or Harpie Lady Sisters from my deck or hand. Watch as I demonstrate."
With that said, Mai laid out another card face-up on the field to special summon three Harpie Ladies at once. They were placed in defense mode just as Mai had planned to do. One had long pink hair, another had orange hair and the third had spiky blue hair. The sisters gathered together in a flock with their eyes set on Joey's side field.
Harpie Lady Sisters
1950/2100/6 star
"Now, my Cyber Harpie! Attack his Axe Raider!"
The Cyber Harpie, powered up by Rising Air Current, flew across towards Joey's field and swooped down to slash Axe raider down with a vicious talon attack. The warrior exploded into data fragments, thus taking away life points out of Joey.
Joey
Life points: 7200 (7800-600)
"That was a nice move, Mai! It's about time you took me seriously!"
"I've always been taking you seriously. Anyway, that ends my turn."
"Heh, yeah right. If you had taken me seriously, I would be losing a chunk of my points and I'd be panicking," Joey added a new card in his hand.
"I'll make you panic, just you wait and see."
"Whatever you say," Joey summoned forth a monster on the field. "Now, I'll bring forth my Goblin Attack Force!"
A group of miniature green goblins appeared around Joey in attack positions.
Goblin Attack Force
2300/0/4 stars
"So it comes down to your Goblins and my Harpies?" Mai quirked an eyebrow. "Your monsters are stronger, but I doubt they'll make a difference when I amp up my Harpies' attack powers."
"Who said I was going to attack your Harpies with my Goblins? I'm going to use ol' Jinzo on your Cyber Harpie!"
"What!"
"That's right! Now, Jinzo! Take out her Cyber Harpie!" Joey declared.
Mai watched in horror as Jinzo fired out an eye beam directly across and destroyed her Cyber Harpie. Her mighty warrior was taken out from the field.
Mai
Life points: 5600 (5700-100)
"Now, you were asking about my Goblin Attack Force? I'll be sending them in to wipe out your Harpie Sisters! Goblins! Attack those Harpies and take them out of the field!"
Upon Joey's command, the Goblins leaped out at the Harpie Sisters and latched themselves onto them. The Harpies struggled while the Goblins applied a tight squeeze on their fragile bodies. The Goblins finished them off by slamming their clubs over the Harpies, thus destroying the female warriors in the process.
Fortunately, the Harpie Sisters were in defense mode and no damage was inflicted on Mai's life points.
"Since my Goblins have attacked, they are changed to a defense position at the end of my battle phase. That starts now since I end my turn," Joey stated. "C'mon, Mai... I'm waiting for you to get serious here. What's wrong with you? What's with this poor dueling?"
"It has nothing with my dueling... It's... It's..."
"What? Just tell me what's wrong, Mai. I'm your friend."
"I can't bring myself to tell him about my constant nightmares about Marik. It's like that every night. I can't sleep nor can I concentrate on dueling anymore. Am I really losing it...?"
"Mai...?"
Without saying a word, Mai simply drew a card and added it to her hand. She didn't even bother laying out a card on her field. Joey was rather disappointed with the way the veteran has presented herself in the duel.
"I end my turn..." Mai stated as she lazily viewed her deck hand.
"Mai... This isn't like you... Your dueling is, well, pretty sloppy. You wouldn't be this sloppy, Mai. This is not the same Mai I dueled at Duelist Kingdom! Just tell me what's wrong with you!"
"You wouldn't understand and quit treating us as if we are friends! Who said I ever wanted to be friends with you or your buddies!" Mai snapped. "You would never understand what I've been through after Battle City!"
"Because you hide things from even your closest friends. Just tell me and we could help you. I can help you! Quit being so stubborn!"
"Just be quiet and let's continue with our duel!" Mai growled angrily. "You're bragging is already getting on my nerves..."
"Here I wanted to help you, but have it your way. Let's continue and see who does advance to the next round, but I can already tell who's going to win this duel."
"..."
"No witty remark? No insult? Man, you really aren't the Mai I admired," Joey snorted. "Now, I'll sacrifice my Goblin Attack Force to summon one of my strongest monsters! Summoned Skull!"
Emerging from out of Joey's side field, a skull-faced demon stood tall and unleashed a terrifying screech. Its horns were emitting with intense volts of electricity.
Summoned Skull
2500/1200/6 stars
"Mai, I hate to do this, but I'm going to give you a wake up call! I just hope you'll take this seriously afterwards," Joey stated. "Now, Jinzo! Attack her life points directly!"
Jinzo fired out his double beams directly towards Mai and nailed her with extreme force. The blonde female was struck by the beams and slightly pushed away. However, it wasn't her that was damaged, but her life points. A large chunk was deducted and served as the possible wake-up call for Mai Valentine.
Mai
Life points: 3200 (5600-2400)
"You have no monsters to protect you, Mai. I can attack you directly again," Joey sighed. "I hate having to do this, but I don't want to lose this duel. I came here to help my friends against Lance in the tournament. I just wish you would help us through. I really thought you were going to give me a hard-fought duel, but I'm not even sure you know what you want anymore. Do you even care about this duel?"
"Don't question me..."
"I already have, Mai. That's too bad. I was beginning to admire you not just as a duelist but as a human being. Guess you are a shadow of your former self. It hurts me to say it, but I have to be honest with you, Mai."
Mai was struck with these comments and she felt her conscious being shattered. Joey really got her where it hurt the most.
"Me? A shadow of my former self? No it can't be."
"Summoned Skull, attack her life points directly," Joey sighed deeply.
With that said the skull summon launched a lighting strike towards Mai's duel disk and subtracted a LARGE percentage of her life points. Joey hated to see Mai this weak and unable to battle back. In his view, this was not Mai Valentine but another girl impersonating her. Mai personified a strong and independent woman, which Serenity admired. Joey knew his sister loved Mai as a friend and a role model.
"How can I break this to Serenity? She looks up to Mai, yet Mai has let me down with this poor performance. If only you would tell me about your recent problems..."
Mai
Life points: 700 (3200-2500)
The female duelist gasped in horror at how low her life points were compared to Joey's 7200. She was on the verge of losing this duel.
"That ends my turn, Mai. This is your last chance. Pick out a good card or I'm just going to lay waste to the rest of your life points. It's your choice. If you can't summon a strong monster or trap card, I'm ending this duel."
Mai looked through her deck and she had no other strong cards to save her. Her Amazons were nowhere to be seen but at the bottom of her deck. She pulled out one card and added it to her hand.
"I'll place this card facedown in defense mode and end my turn. I have nothing else to offer..." Mai stated before an image of the sinister Marik appeared before her.
The female gasped out in shock while her irises constricted to a smaller size. Her body trembled and her skin paled. She visualized Yami Marik holding her in a tight grip and snapping her neck. Mai screamed out and backed away. Joey took notice of this outburst from Mai and became worried.
"Mai! What's wrong?" Joey yelled out. "Why are you screaming?"
"That's what we would like to know! What is she screaming at?" Floramon wondered. "With only 700 points left, Joey has this opportunity to win the duel!"
"Mai, tell me what's wrong!" Joey demanded. "C'mon, I'm your friend! You could at least tell me!"
Rather than answering Joey's questions, Mai was still cowering in fear from the visions of Yami Marik and her nightmares.
"If you're not going to tell me, then you leave me no choice. I'm going to end this duel," Joey stated. "Jinzo, attack her facedown monster!"
Launching out a double beam blast through his goggles, Jinzo destroyed the facedown card to reveal a pink puffball with wings. It was the tiny monster known as Petit Angel.
Petit Angel
600/900/3 stars
However, Mai did not even bother noticing her monster being wiped out from the field. She did not even bother acknowledging the fact she was on the verge of a loss.
"Now, to end this, Mai, I'm sorry I have to do this, but you left me no choice," Joey said blankly. "Summoned Skull, attack the remaining portion of her life points."
The skull demon fired out another lighting attack and directed its attack on Mai's duel disk. The female screamed out and jumped away. All of Mai's life points were completely gone and she has been crushed by Joey Wheeler. She had lost the duel.
Mai
Life points: 0 (700-2500)
"With Mai's life points gone, Joey Wheeler has won this duel!" Floramon announced. "He advances to the next round!"
"Hey! Can't you see she needs help?" Joey yelled out as she rushed over to Mai. "Mai, hang on! We need to talk!"
Before Joey had a chance to catch up, a portal opened up leading back to the arena. Mai took this opportunity and jumped through the portal. It closed up just before Joey had a chance to catch up.
"She's gone! Where was she being transported?" Joey asked Floramon.
"it couldn't be the arena, because the portal to take us back to the duel dome is over here," Floramon pointed behind them.
"Then, how did this portal show up? This is too confusing for me."
"I'd say the officials had taken matters to their own hands and saw that Mai wasn't acting like herself. They could be sending her to the infirmary to be checked upon."
"Then, we've got to get back. Floramon? You, Tapirmon and I are getting out of here."
"Right, just follow me," Floramon nodded.
As soon as Floramon said that, a portal opened up for the trio. They entered one by one through to find themselves back within the duel dome and to be transported back to the Phoenix Arena. All Joey could think about was Mai and the reason for her sudden outburst. There was obviously something wrong with the picture.
"Mai... If only you would have told me, I wouldn't have done what I had to do. There must be some demons you still have yet to shake off. But, you have to let me and everyone help you. If you continue to hide your feelings from others, there just won't be any hope for you. If there was anything I can do..." Joey thought to himself while showing deep concern for a girl he considers a dear friend.
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-
Phoenix Arena/Battle & Duel Platforms
As the duel dome began to descend from the rafters, the fans were on their feet and getting into the two battle matches in session. The crowds were clearly getting behind Kurama, Agunimon and Sakuyamon respectively. Let's not forget the numerous of fan girls in attendance to cheer on their new beloved pretty boy fighter, Kurama.
"With Joey declared as the winner of the duel, we have yet to determine our dual winners in these intense battle matches! Kuzuhamon has been giving Sakuyamon a run for her marbles while Kurama has been holding his own against both Agunimon and Vritramon. If I were the Warrior of Flame, I would use the A-Hybrid form, but that's just me!"
Vritramon found himself dodging Kurama's deadly Rose Whip attacks. He put up his arms to shield the deadly whip lashes. He launched himself up in mid-air and looked down at Kurama with careful eye.
"Man, this guy isn't kidding around. That rose whip has been inflicting cuts on my armor. Agunimon and Vritramon aren't even cutting it. It looks like I'll have to resort to my A-Hybrid form."
"He's clearly thinking of a new strategy to implement in order to ensure victory, but what could he be planning? I must advise caution here."
"All right, buddy! Time for me to get serious! I'm ending this match now! Now, prepare to feel the wrath of the flames!" Vritramon declared as Digicode quickly covered him.
The half breed fox demon witnessed the B-Hybrid warrior de-evolving back into Takuya in a matter of moments. Then, he watched as the boy pulled out his D-Scanner and moved it across his hand to become surrounded by Digicode once again. This time Takuya was aiming to evolve into his A-Hybrid form.
"EXECUTE! FUSION EVOLUTION!" Takuya exclaimed as his body underwent a transformation.
The armor and spirits of Agunimon/Vritramon surrounded the boy. Then, he became covered with the bits of armor to become the A-Hybrid Warrior of the Flames: Ardhamon. The Advanced Warrior landed down swiftly with his wings spread out and flames engulfing his form. Kurama stared down at Ardhamon carefully while studying him.
"ARDHAMON!"
"Agunimon has now taken it to the next level as he evolves into Ardhamon! Just how will Kurama manage to take the Warrior of Flame now? He's evolved into his advanced stage. Unless, of course, that fox demon has a plan in that head of his! Remember, he used wits to defeat the powerful Brimstone, a being who was capable of defeating mega-level digimon!"
Kurama and Ardhamon commenced in a stare down with neither competitor attempting to take their eye off one another. It would come down to Kurama's wits or Ardhamon's passion to win.
"If you're ready to continue, then be my guest to attack first," Kurama calmly said.
"You bet! Ready or not, here I come!" Ardhamon roared out as he charged across to meet Kurama head on.
Just as Ardhamon came closer, a plant root came shooting out from under the ring and popped Ardhamon right in the head. The Warrior of Flame took the shot head on and fell back with a large bump on his head.
"A nice sneak attack on Ardhamon! The legendary warrior sure did not see that coming and he sure paid for it! Kurama's wits just might actually win him this match!" Lillymon announced. "I wish this guy can be my gardener!"
Ardhamon leaped back on his feet and berated the fox demon angrily.
"Hey! That was not fair! Fight me head on! Don't go planting seeds under the ring and throwing me off guard with those tricks!"
"This is the method I use to throw my opponents' game plans off track. You cannot fault my methods of combat."
"Well, try attacking me without using any seeds. I came here to win, not to be humiliated, pal!"
"If you insist, then I shall come to you then," Kurama stated as he charged ahead.
This gave Ardhamon an idea. He bent back with his hands collecting a ball of fire. He was going to retaliate for what Kurama did to him by using his own sneak attack.
"I've got you, pal! This is for using a damn plant on me! I'll fight fire using fire!"
"What's this?" Kurama whispered to himself as he sensed heat energy being condensed in Ardhamon's hands. "He's gathering heat energy and condensing it into a sphere. He's planning to hit me when I'm charging him head on, but what I plan to do is make sure not to become his primary target. Yes, I've got just the thing..."
Seeing what Ardhamon was attempting, Kurama thought of a strategy to prevent the fireball attack to strike him. He planted his hand down on the ground where he had planted another seed beforehand. Ardhamon's large fireball formed and thus the warrior hurled it across to toast Kurama.
"SOLAR WIND DESTROYER!"
"NOW!"
Quickly reacting to the flow of heat, a large flower plant emerged from out of the ground where Kurama had placed the seed. It grew out and spread its flower head across like a shield. The fireball struck the flower head on and burnt it down in the process. This allowed Kurama time to leap out from the burnt debris and whip out his rose vine. He lashed out his patented Rose Whip and slammed it across the ring surface from where Ardhamon was standing. The Warrior of Flames leaped away just in time for the whip to penetrate through the surface.
Ardhamon flew overhead and came swooping down on Kurama. However, the red-haired demon dodged away to the side to prevent himself from being pursued by Ardhamon. The flying warrior flew up and looked down at Kurama.
"Damn, this guy is just damn swift! Every time I come down to attack he is like two steps way ahead of me!" Ardhamon growled out of frustration. "I've got to do something quick! I can't lose this match, especially when my friends are counting on me!"
Meanwhile, over at Arena A, Kuzuhamon was all over Sakuyamon with vicious kicks and slaps. The golden-armored warrior defended herself with blocks. Just as Kuzuhamon went for a straight jab, Sakuyamon ducked under and executed a Judo throw to taken her rival down. This allowed Sakuyamon enough time to jump back and recover.
"Damn... Wench! I won't lose to you! Inumon-sama is counting on me to win and marry him!" Kuzuhamon screamed out angrily.
"Sorry to say this, but I'm going to shatter your dreams."
"Oh yeah!"
"Yes, because I've been saving a little something just for you, dear Kuzuhamon. You see... While you've been daydreaming about the mongrel and taking hot baths while trying on skimpy outfits, I've been training myself under Anubimon's careful eye. I've managed to gain a new power you couldn't even hope to comprehend."
"You're bluffing. I doubt you have a new power to help you in battle. This match is mine to win!"
"I think not..." Sakuyamon scoffed. "Inumon, this one's for you..."
Suddenly, Sakuyamon's body began to emit a bright golden aura. The audience watched in awe at the beautiful golden light engulfing Arena A. Lillymon caught glimpse of this and gasped out.
"Oh my... Just what does Sakuyamon have planned? It looks as if she is digivolving, but into what...? Last I checked, a Renamon's final level is Sakuyamon! Has she managed to find herself an alternate mega form...?"
Before Lillymon could answer her own question, Inumon came running out from the entrance and stopped to watch in awe at his beloved.
"Go for it, Renamon! You're going to show this whole arena you're alternate form... Priestess Mode!"
Even Kuzuhamon was awe-struck but she wasn't happy about this result. She would never have expected Sakuyamon to reach a new plateau of power. When the golden aura died down, a new Sakuyamon stood in the formers place. The new Sakuyamon wore a wardrobe of a traditional Japanese Miko, or priestess. She retained the golden fox mask and her dark silver hair with the twin fox tails attached at the split ends. In her right hand was staff with Ofuda scrolls attached at the top end.
"You... You digivolved!" Kuzuhamon panicked. "This can't be happening! Why can't I digivolve into that? You're even more beautiful than me! It's not fair!"
"Life's not fair, Kuzuhamon. You're about to learn that the hard way," Sakuyamon said as she twirled her staff around. "Come and get me, Kuzuhamon. That is if you think you can take me."
"Oh! I'll show you! Nobody makes a mockery out of me!" Kuzuhamon screamed out.
The dark-armored female ran across to attack Sakuyamon head on but only managed to connect with air. Sakuyamon managed to dodge to the side to avoid Kuzuhamon's punch and slammed her staff into her rival's face. The force of the blow sent Kuzuhamon skidding across the ring. Kuzuhamon attempted to stop herself and flipped back to land swiftly.
"No! This can't be! You aren't going to get the best of me, Sakuyamon!"
"How sad for you, because I already have."
"What did you say!"
"That's the way, Renamon! Psyche her out!" Inumon cheered on like a cheerleader from the sidelines. "Show her what Priestess Mode is all about!"
Simply shrugging, Sakuyamon pointed her staff towards Kuzuhamon and smiled.
"This is the end of the line for you, Kuzuhamon! I'll make sure you never bother the mongrel again!"
"Bah! You don't deserve him! Inumon-sama belongs to me and nobody else!"
Blindly charging across without a staff, Kuzuhamon resorted to implementing a hand to hand combat with the newly digivolved Sakuyamon. The Priestess digimon sighed in disappointment and erected a barrier around herself. Kuzuhamon threw out numerous punches, which only managed to bounce off the barrier each time. The audiences were laughing at how ridiculous Kuzuhamon desperately tried breaking through her rival's barrier.
"C'mon, break! Why won't you break!" Kuzuhamon screeched. "ARGH! BREAK!"
"It's safe to say that Kuzuhamon won't be breaking that barrier anytime soon!" Lillymon announced. "Sakuyamon may as well have this match already won!"
Kuzuhamon attempted one more punch, but she was immediately thrown back by Sakuyamon's defensive shield. This allowed Sakuyamon to break down her barrier and rush across with her staff. She unleashed a circular energy wave shaped into a rice bead. It slammed against Kuzuhamon and severely inflicted a heavy amount of damage on her armor. Sakuyamon swiftly lands in front of her viral counterpart and swung her staff across to send Kuzuhamon flying out of the ring. The audiences watched in shocked awe as Kuzuhamon was thrown out far across towards the audience stands. Crowds from a third level section scattered out to let Kuzuhamon fall directly onto the seated stands.
"AND THAT IS WHAT I CALL A HOMERUN!" exclaimed Lillymon. "Sakuyamon sends Kuzuhamon flying out of the ring and landing onto the audience stands! Etemon, you might want to start the count!"
"Humph, don't bother. We already know who the winner is," Sakuyamon scoffed. "You can count until one hundred or until tomorrow. She'll still be completely out of it."
"Lillymon! I'm ready to make the count!" Etemon declared. "One! Two! Three! Four! Five!"
"As our official gets down with the count, we'll head right over to Arena B! Kurama and Ardhamon are still going at it! But now it would seem Ardhamon is on the offensive with his fire power!"
Back in Arena B, Ardhamon flew down at Kurama rapidly while firing off numerous fireball shots at where the red-haired fox demon was standing. Kurama desperately avoided the fireballs until one of them grazed his right shoulder. He winced in pain from the shot and looked up to see Ardhamon spinning around to launch another attack. This allowed Kurama to run across the ring to avoid anymore blasts.
"Kurama is now running around for his dear life with Ardhamon shooting down devastating fireballs to torch our beloved red-haired fox boy!" Lillymon announced. "I just hope he doesn't harm a pretty hair off his head, because I for one will be very pissed!"
"What's the matter, pretty boy? Is that too much for ya?" Ardhamon laughed as he launched out more fireballs. "I'm just getting warmed up! Don't tell me you have anymore seeds planted under the ring to another one of your traps!"
Looking ahead Kurama noticed a familiar face looking on from the audience. The figure appeared to be cloaked but the fox demon easily recognized his scent; it was that same smoky stench from the inferno warrior himself, Brimstone. The hooded Brimstone watched on with his eyes dimming a crimson aura. This immediately caught Kurama off guard with Brimstone watching him.
This distraction allowed Ardhamon to fire off another array of fireballs, two of which struck his legs and immobilized him from moving across the ring. This gave Ardhamon to chance to slam himself against Kurama and punch him into the fox demon's gut. The force sent Kurama rolling across the ring. Ardhamon landed down on the ring surface and approached the fallen Kurama.
"Well, this is the end of the line for you, pal," Ardhamon snorted. "You gave me more than enough trouble, but you did put up a good fight."
"You were a very valiant warrior yourself, Ardhamon. However, I must withdraw from this match."
"What! You mean you're surrendering!"
"Yes, because you're not the one I have a score to settle with. There's another I owe a confrontation with."
"Um, care to tell me who?"
"Brimstone..."
"But you already beat that dude..."
"However, I promised him a second confrontation. He's the audience stands as we speak."
"He is?" Ardhamon asked as he looked over towards the audience to notice the hooded figure. "Oh! There! I can sense him!"
"Yes, I'm going to confront him and finish where we left off."
"But you won your match with him. You have a chance to win this that is if you can get by my fireballs."
"No, I've already declared forfeit... My business is with Brimstone. Despite my victory, neither one of us is satisfied just yet."
"Well... If you say so... I'm not satisfied with your decision to forfeit, but... I can't stop you. It'd be un-cool for me to attack you with your back turned."
"Thank you..." Kurama nodded as he slowly rose from the ground and limped across.
"Yo! At least let me help you out of there, bud!" Ardhamon put an arm around Kurama. "There... I'll get you to the back..."
"Thanks..."
"Well, this is an unfortunate turn of events! Kurama has declared a forfeit and Kuzuhamon has been counted out! Therefore, your winners are Sakuyamon and Ardhamon!"
Upon hearing the announcement, Sakuyamon scoffed and walked out of the ring. She found herself greeted by the mongrel himself, Inumon. He reached out and led Sakuyamon out.
"You did great out there, my pretty fox," Inumon smiled. "Kuzuhamon never knew what hit her!"
"Thank you for telling me about Priestess Mode sooner, Inumon. I couldn't have done it without either you or Anubimon."
"Oh, really! It was nothing! That's what I like to call a homerun!" the mongrel laughed.
"Very funny, Inumon. Come, let's get back to the others. They are obviously waiting for us."
"Not to mention, Takuya. He's won his match, but because that Kurama guy forfeited."
"I understand his reasoning. He wants to confront Brimstone as he promised the beast. He had no intention in taking part in a match against Ardhamon."
"So, he knew he wasn't going to win against Takuya?"
"No, he certainly could have beaten Takuya had he continued resorting to using his seeds and plants. He chose to forfeit, but he felt he made the right choice. He understands that Takuya and the legendary warriors have a better chance at challenging a monster like Pharaohmon."
"I see. That sort of makes sense, I guess," Inumon shrugged. "But, I must admit, you look absolutely marvelous in your Priestess form! I must say you look... very kinky if I do say so myself."
"Well, thank you for the compliments," Sakuyamon stated as an anime sweat drop dripped across her forehead. "Just make sure you keep your perverted hands to yourself or be exorcised by my spells."
"Yes, ma'am!"
As Sakuyamon walked down towards the entrance, Inumon followed right behind her. His eyes were homed in on her backside as his eyebrows quirked. However, Sakuyamon saw this perverted act from the mongrel and gave him a threatening gesture. She looked at him as if telling 'I mean it.' Inumon put up his hands and backed away with an innocent glare on his face.
Meanwhile, Ardhamon was helping Kurama through the second entranceway. Brimstone had his eyes locked on Kurama with keen interest. The fox demon returned a glare and waited the hour he would confront the beast once again.
"Kurama... You and me later. We have business to conduct," Brimstone's dark, threatening voice growled underneath the cloaked hood.
"You can count on me being there, Brimstone. You said you wanted the silver-haired one... Well, you're going to get your wish, friend..."
"Silver-haired one?" Ardhamon asked as if he confused.
"It's a long story, Warrior of Flame. Please, take me back to Yusuke and others."
"Just help lead the way, buddy. You guys helped us against Horusmon and we sure owe you."
"Likewise, warrior."
"I'll be waiting, Kurama," Brimstone calmly spoke as he walked out of the audience stands.
"Gee, now that's who I'd like to call Mr. Personality," Ardhamon rolled his eyes.
"Um, I don't mean to be rushing you, but we should be going now," Kurama suggested.
"Oh, right. Sorry about that. You just lead the way," Ardhamon stated as he helped Kurama to the back.
"We've already concluded our two battle matches and our duel! Agunimon and Renamon advance to the next round! Joey will go into the semi-final round, but his opponent has yet to be determined! Again, we will be taking a short five-minute intermission for the next set of names to be announced out of random!"
The duel dome finally opened to release Joey, Tapirmon and Floramon. The duelist quickly emerged as he hoped to find Mai in the arena. He looked around and saw no signs of her. He called out her name in hopes to receiving a reply.
"Mai! Mai!" Joey exclaimed. "Where are you!"
"Why not try the lobby, Joey?" Floramon suggested. "She appeared hurt. So I might want to check out the infirmary, as well."
"Good idea. I just hope she's all right!" Joey nodded and ran down towards the entranceway. "Mai! Hold on! I'm coming!"
"Well, Joey sure seems in a hurry, but who can blame him? Those two must know each other very well and I don't mean as best friends," Floramon wondered. "Nah, it's just my imagination...
"I don't know. They seem to have a thing for one another," Tapirmon spoke up.
"You think so? Well, maybe..." Floramon shrugged. "Then again, Joey seemed awfully worried about her. Plus, the way she freaked out. There has to be something more to this than I thought."
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-
Phoenix Arena/Second Floor
After dragging themselves out from the outside and sneaking back in, Skull Satanmon and Marine Devimon cursed Omegamon for throwing them out, very far mind you.
"Curse that Omegamon! He dares to humiliate us like that!" Marine Devimon growled. "The next we meet him, he won't be throwing us out like garbage!"
"Yeah! I'll make him eat my burgers and see how he likes cheese!"
"First of all, I doubt he eats burgers. Second, WILL YOU QUIT MENTIONING ANOTHER CHEESEBURGER?"
"Hey, it can't be helped if I enjoy these tasty morsels," Skull Satanmon grinned as he took another chomp out of a cheeseburger.
Just then, the two demons stopped as they caught glimpse of a trio of dragons. Their eyes narrowed forward and standing out from across them was the Dra-Warrior trio assigned to watch the tournament event. Flamedramon, Luzdramon and Panzerdramon faced off with the stooges. This wasn't exactly the welcoming committee either Skull Satanmon or Marine Devimon had expected.
"Um... Who are these guys?" Skull Satanmon asked his partner in crime.
"You dolt! You mean you don't know!"
"Nope. Do you?"
"They're the Dra-Warriors, or at least three of them."
"Oh, Dra-Warriors...? Nope, it doesn't ring a bell."
"...Idiot," Marine Devimon muttered.
"You two! I hear from some people that there have been two troublemakers," Flamedramon called out to the stooges. "An Armadillomon claimed to have seen a burger-loving red skeleton and a Calmaramon-lustful sea demon roaming around here. You two fit those descriptions perfectly."
"Um, you must be mistaken for two other idiots," Marine Devimon stated. "We're not..."
"Um, let's see a red skeleton eating hamburgers and a sea demon. Yep, you two fit that description well," nodded Luzdramon. "There's no use in trying to play dumb and tricking us."
"We're here to put a stop to nonsense," Panzerdramon cracked his knuckles. "Now, you two behave or we'll deal with you."
"Oh, yeah? What are you going to do about it? Set my burgers on fire?" Skull Satanmon held his burgers protectively. "There, there, my little friends. Those big mean dragons won't hurt you."
"No, but Panzerdramon and I will challenge you," Luzdramon pointed at the demon duo. "What do you say? Do you accept?"
As soon as Luzdramon declared the challenge, the duo huddled together to discuss the matters. They snickered amongst themselves.
"Is he implying he can defeat us? We're both ultimate-level digimon! We give Devas a run for their marbles," Skull Satanmon snickered. "I doubt those two idiots think they can take us."
"Shh, but let's just accept this and make a complete mockery out of them," Marine Devimon whispered.
"Well, are you going to accept my comrades' challenge?" Flamedramon asked while tapping his foot. "All this suspense is making me impatient."
"Ha! All right, you two clowns have yourself a challenge! Meet us outside of the arena!" Marine Devimon laughed. "We're so going to mop the floor with you two!"
"If you manage to beat us, who knows? I just might let you have my burgers," Skull Satanmon snickered and followed Marine Devimon down the hallway. "We'll be waiting!"
As the two demons walked off, the Dra-Warrior trio could only chuckle amongst themselves. What Marine Devimon and Skull Satanmon don't know will come back to haunt them in the end.
"Those two morons don't know what they're getting themselves into," sighed Luzdramon. "Panzerdramon, let's be sure to show them what Dra-Warriors are made of."
"Don't worry. I intend to smack those stupid looks off their faces," Panzerdramon nodded in agreement.
"Good. Once we take care of those two buffoons, we can get back to what we were assigned to do," Flamedramon said.
"Just to remind you, you know why we came, right?" Luzdramon asked.
"Of course... Hmmmm... To check on the status of the tournament and wait for our comrades to arrive once they've retrieved the Priestess sword?"
"Wow, you are a fast one. Good to know that you're head is still intact," Panzerdramon gave Flamedramon a pat on his back.
"Oh, shut up..." Flamedramon sighed.
The Dra-Warrior trio walked down the same hall where Skull Satanmon and Marine Devimon took. They would meet with the stooges and show them how Dra-Warriors work well together. Luzdramon and Panzerdramon were both looking forward to this since they had an ace up their sleeves.
Standing across behind a closed door, Yami Bakura and Duskmon were discussing matters concerning Kouichi. For Duskmon, he wanted to get retaliation against the child for unleashing Reichmon.
"Bakura, I'm growing impatient. How long do we have to wait until we get Kouichi and make him pay for humiliating me?"
"Patience, my friend, you shall gain your vengeance against that boy. First, we must keep hidden until those fools are too focused on Pharaohmon."
"I guess we wait until Pharaohmon actually competes and then we can launch a sneak attack when Kouichi isn't looking."
"If Kouji manages to intervene, I'll handle him."
"I'm glad to know that you're there to keep that brat's brother off my back. I want to make Kouichi suffer for rejecting me, the true Warrior of Darkness!"
With that said Duskmon slammed his fists against the wall and created a massive hole from the impact blow. He unleashed an angry roar as images of Reichmon clouded his mind.
"You're not better than me Reichmon! I'll see to it that you pay dearly! Kouichi belongs to me!" Duskmon declared. "Just you wait and see!"
"So, I assume you accept my plan to attack that boy when everyone is solely focused on Pharaohmon when his next match is announced?"
"Yeah, Kouichi will be too distracted to even know that I'm still around! Revenge shall be mine!"
As Duskmon continued berating the boy, Bakura chuckled to himself and thought "Fool, you don't realize that I'm merely using you in the grand scheme of my plans. With you gone, I can plot to capture Yugi's Millennium Puzzle! After Kouichi disposes of you, I'm free to capture the Millennium Items!"
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-
Himura's Room/Infirmary Center
Upon hearing that Agunimon and Renamon advanced, the group was overjoyed. Rika was especially very proud for her partner's performance, but very impressed with Priestess Mode. The Duelists were happy for Joey's victory but yet felt terrible for Mai's loss. Yugi noticed on hard it was for the both of them just by watching their duel from the television.
"Poor, Mai. I didn't think she'd be in a deep slump like this. Her pride has been shattered because of this," Yugi stated.
"What can we do?" asked Tea. "I mean, Joey is going to go see her as we speak."
"I suggest we go and meet with those two if Mai was announced to have gone to the infirmary," Tristan suggested.
"Good idea," nodded Duke. "Maybe there is something we can hope to help Mai."
"Does she still carry those painful memories after what Marik did to her?" Yugi thought. "If that's the case, then this is serious, pharaoh. We need to go see Mai right away."
"WHAT! You mean you actually found out the reasoning behind Pharaohmon's tournament?" Himura exclaimed as he listened to what Izumi and Jaarin revealed.
"You mean he actually knows where the seven pieces of Valmarmon are located?" Junpei asked. "Oh, man. This just couldn't get any worse."
"Now hold on. From what Marine Devimon said, he's seeking to find the seven pieces. That doesn't necessarily mean he knows where to find them," Izumi calmed everyone down.
"But that just gives us even more motivation to defeat Pharaohmon in this tournament! We cannot allow him to win!" Kouji slammed his fist down on the table. "There's no way in hell I'm going to allow him to release that monster if he managed to find the seven pieces!"
"Don't worry, Kouji. We can't lose. We didn't come all the way out here just to fail," Kouichi reassured his brother.
"Himura, we're not going to lose, right?" Yui asked.
"Of course not! Pharaohmon is going down, especially after he's put us through! This is our chance at getting retribution! Forget about Valmarmon because those seven pieces haven't been found! All we need to do is focus on this tournament."
"I couldn't agree more," Takato sat down on the floor. "All this worrying is getting to me."
"Don't forget that one of us could be dueling next, goggle head," Rika reminded the leader.
"Hear that Chumly? At least you don't have to worry about me in the next round," Kazu smiled.
"Oh yeah, right. Can't forget about you," Takato rolled his eyes.
"Hey, look! I think they're about to make the announcement for the next matches!" Kenta pointed out to the television. "Yeah, there's been random drawings made."
"I wonder who'll be paired off against who this time," Guardromon wondered.
"Well know once they draw out the names," Jaarin said as she glared towards the television. "Henry? What do you think?"
"The pairings we've had so far have been pretty good. Maybe, they'll just surprise us more," Henry said.
"Yay! I like surprises!" Suzie flopped down on the bed with Lopmon by her side.
"Ladies and gentlemen! May I have your attention please? I have selected the drawings for the next round in our Battle tournament! In Arena A, we will have Piedmon against Sailor Uranus! And, this one is a match all of you are anticipating and couldn't have come at a better time... Inumon vs. Basilikmon will take place in Arena B!"
Once the second match was announced, the group was stunned in silence but very satisfied. At last, this would be Inumon's chance to slay Basilikmon to free Tomoki and Terriermon from the serpent's spell.
"Yes! This is it, you guys! Inumon can finally get his hands on that snake!" Junpei jumped up excitedly.
"This time he'll free your friend and Terriermon for sure!" Jaarin nodded in agreement. "Don't you think, Henry?"
"Yeah, but let's not jump into conclusions. This is Basilikmon we're talking about here," Henry reminded everyone.
"No! Because Inumon will avenge Kotori and slay her murderer!" Himura exclaimed. "This will be that damned snake's final hour!"
"Himura..." Yui whispered as she stared up at her angry brother. "I know Inumon will do it."
The mood now was at an all-time high with everyone anticipating Inumon's match against Basilikmon. This was their chance to have their two friends restored and avenge the death of Kotori.
"Last but not least... Our duel will put Takato Matsuda against Rika Nonaka! Competitors come out to present yourselves or be forced to be disqualified!"
Takato and the Tamers were shocked by this news. Now, two Tamers were going to be pit against one another. On the other hand, Rika was very pleased with this announcement. This was her chance to duel her first Duel Monsters match with Takato. In Takato's case, he was dueling against one of his closest friends.
"Wow! This is getting even better! Not only will Inumon whoop that snake's butt, but we'll get to see Rika and Chumly duel!" Kazu laughed happily. "This is a match I've been waiting to see for a long time!"
"You think you're ready for her, Takato?" Ryo asked the goggle head.
"Well... I..."
"Of course, he is. There has been no other guy I've wanted to duel but goggle head," Rika spoke up. "Besides Ryo, Takato is the only other opponent worthy of me."
"Oh! So we're no challenge!" Kazu and Kenta exclaimed in unison.
"C'mon, goggle head. Destiny awaits us," Rika walked out of the room.
"Good luck you guys!" Yugi called out to the two.
"You can do it, Takato! I believe in you!" Guilmon nudged his partner.
"Thanks, boy. I'm going to go all out!" Takato smiled proudly. "Indeed, destiny awaits us, Rika!"
"This will be very interesting," Henry nodded. "I had a feeling those two would end up dueling, but I wonder. Which one will come out on top?"
"I'm going with Rika," Izumi said. "I've heard about her reputation as the Digimon Queen. No doubt she will give Takato a tough match."
"I'm going with Takato all the way," Junpei replied. "But, you're right. It's going to be a tough match to call."
As Takato walked out of the room, Kazu had only one comment to say concerning this upcoming duel.
"This duel is going to kick major butt!"
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-
Elsewhere on the Ground Level
Inumon had heard the announcement while he accompanied Renamon down. He stopped as his eyes became filled with darkness. The golden-haired vulpine turned to find Inumon trembling, not out of fear but out of anxiety.
"Inumon...?"
"Go on without me. This match is mine. I finally get my opportunity to tear that no good snake apart."
"I understand. I'll let everyone know."
"Please."
As Renamon departed towards the hallway ahead, Inumon turned his focus towards the other side leading to the entranceway. He clenched his fists tightly and became blazed with a dark, fiery aura.
"Basilikmon, at last, it comes down to you and me. I hoped we would cross paths in this tournament. You will be slain by my hands when this is over. Then, I shall free Terriermon and the Warrior of Ice! Most importantly, I will be avenging Kotori. This one's for you, Seadramon, my friend. Basilikmon will be sent to digital limbo where he will rot. Now, my revenge awaits..."
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-
Hohou Sovereign Temple/Close to the Main Chamber Room
Having run a far distance across the temple halls, the Ninja Sailor trio stopped to find themselves at a doorway blocking their path. Ninja Mars placed Cammy down and walked towards the door by placing a hand across it.
"Ok, I wasn't expecting a door to be blocking our path," Mars snorted. "I suppose the main chamber is inside. This is it, girls. We're just moments from gaining that sword."
"This is great! I can finally get some butt as Sailor Venus again!" Ninja Venus jumped excitedly.
"But we have to be careful. There's no telling how many more guards are waiting for us inside," Ninja Jupiter reminded them.
"But you three can handle them. I mean, my sister easily managed to take apart those Knightmon," Cammy said as she stepped out in front of them. "We're ready for anything that leader of theirs has in store for us. We didn't come this far just to think this over and turn back."
"Who even said we were thinking about turning back and running?" Mars asked. "We just need to be cautious about our enemies. We've been lucky to have these ninja powers in the first place. But I just hope everyone else is holding those guards outside."
"They'll be fine, but we know what we have to do," Jupiter said while sheathing her sword.
"Yeah, I'm not waiting any minute longer!" Minako agreed as she bent back to deliver a kick towards the door.
"Get back, Cammy. We're going to bust down this door," Rei ordered her sister back while summoning a bow and arrow created out of her flames.
Suddenly, there was an impish, child-like laughter echoing across the hallways. The Ninja Sailors stopped for a moment to listen for the laughter. They seized their attacks in the process. Cammy was frightened by this impish laughter and huddled closer to her sister. Even Artemis was scared out of his wits and covered his head.
"What is that laughter? Just the sound of it is enough to give me the willies," Artemis trembled while his teeth chattered.
"Cammy, stay close to me, all right?" Mars instructed her sister.
"Right... But what is that? Where's that laugh coming from?" Cammy asked.
"I don't know, but it's already starting to get on my nerves," Jupiter growled.
"Stick together, guys. It's getting closer," Venus said as she got everyone to huddle together.
The four girls gathered at one circle and looked across the dark surroundings. The sheer thought of an impish laughter in these dark hallways were enough to frighten just about anyone, except the Senshi of Mars. She held Cammy's hand and sensed the presence of this perpetrator.
"You guys! He's getting closer! Stay together!" Rei instructed the group.
Before anyone could reply back, Cammy was suddenly lifted off the ground and moving her arms about against her will. The Ninja Sailors gasped as they found Cammy moving below the ceiling and 'moving' about in wavelike motions.
"Cammy! Get down here! This isn't time to be fooling around!" Ninja Mars called out to her sister as she attempted to pull her down.
"It's not me! I'm being controlled by something...! My body is being moved around!"
"What...? Now this is getting weird! This place is haunted!" Venus freaked out.
"No, wait! Look!" Artemis pointed out to white threads hung from the ceiling. "Cammy was somehow lifted from the ground by these strings!"
"So, whoever was laughing had planted those strings and is moving my sister around like some marionette!" Mars stated as she jumped up and tore through the strings with her flame sword.
Cammy fell down from the ceiling but was caught in the arms of her sister.
"Thanks, Rei," Cammy hugged her older sibling.
"No problem," the raven-haired warrior woman nodded before her face twisted with a frown. "This bastard is asking for it! All right, you coward! Show yourself or prepare to be chastised!"
"Ha! Ha! Oh, now that wouldn't be fun," that same impish voice laughed out. "I was really hoping you girls wouldn't mind being my new playmates."
"Ok, now that's just wrong on so many levels," Jupiter nodded her head. "I knew we'd be dealing with a creep but a perverted sicko?"
"Ha! You sound like we're some kind of hentai cover girls! Just because of that comment, I'm going to cut out that voice box of yours!" Venus threatened the hidden perpetrator. "Because you'll be dealing with three pissed off ninjas ready to hand you your..."
"But, you didn't let me finish!" the voice echoed out. "There's no way I'm going to let you girls pass by without going through me! The boss will not let anyone capture the Priestess sword today or ever!"
"You know that's a real shame, because today will be that day. Pharaohmon will finally get what he deserves!" Ninja Mars called out. "Now, come out, you coward! Just for that playmate comment, I'm going to make sure you're incinerated by my flames!"
"Well, gee... You girls are no fun! But, if you insist..."
Before the voice could finish his sentence, a child-sized figure mysteriously appeared behind the Ninja Sailors. He appeared to be a wooden Pinocchio only evil and completely demented. His eyes were emitting a crimson glow and his nose was pointed, metallic and shaped like a single TV antennae. A red cap covered his head with the top flopping to the side. He was wearing light blue pants, matching color overalls with yellow cork-like objects attached the overalls to the pants. His hands were covered by white gloves. Attached to his back was a cross-shaped structure built as a boomerang weapon. In his right hand was a large mallet with yellow bullet objects inside.
The Ninja Sailors faced off with the child-sized monster and their faces crossed with disappointed glares. Even Cammy wasn't as frightened as she was before.
"So, you mean to tell me this guy was the frightening voice we were hearing?" Ninja Venus couldn't help but bawl out in laughter. "Oh, man! Here I was worried over nothing!"
"Yeah, even I'm at a loss for words," Ninja Jupiter shrugged. "I can't believe this is the boss' last line of defense."
"Still, he called us 'playmates'. I don't take kindly to that," Ninja Mars snorted as she glared down at child-sized puppet.
"So, you don't think I'm not frightening enough? Just you wait and see what I'm capable of!" the creature retorted. "By the way, my name's Puppetmon!"
"Puppetmon?" Cammy whispered to herself.
(Puppetmon. Mega-level. Puppet Type. Special Attacks: Puppet Pummel & Wires Choking)
"Puppetmon...? Gee, that sounds soooo threatening! I'm quivering in my boots! Look, I'm the scary Puppetmon!" Venus mocked the puppet's presence.
"Hey, quit that! I'll have you know I'm a little kid's worst nightmare!" Puppetmon shouted. "And seeing you have a little kid with you. I think I'll have some fun with her."
Before Puppetmon could set his sights on Cammy, Ninja Mars stood out in front of her with her arms stretched out. Her face crossed an angry scowl.
"You won't be getting to my sister, you sick, demented bastard," Mars growled. "We're the ones you'll be dealing with!"
"You three might have the ninja arts, but you won't be getting through this door! I'm the end of the line for you, girls!" Puppetmon put up his hammer to attack.
At last, the girls have made it outside the main chamber where the Priestess sword is waiting to be retrieved. Their last challenge is the demented Puppetmon. Can they hope to pass through his nightmarish game before they can reach the sword? Meanwhile, Ninjadramon searched through the bowels of the temple to look for a now hypnotized Labramon. The others continue the battle against the Knightmon, Darkknightmon and Karatenmon threat! Their mission is just about at an end, but not long if the boss man is still lurking!
Joey has defeated Mai, but the female finds herself in a psychological state of crisis. Can Joey and the Duelists hope to find her before she mentally breaks down?
Agunimon and Renamon come out victorious in their matches. Now, Inumon prepares himself as he finally confronts Basilikmon, his most hated nemesis. Can he defeat the snake to restore Tomoki and Terriermon? Piedmon steps up to battle Sailor Uranus. Is Haruka ready to take on the former Dark Masters leader and might she be the only non-digimon competitor to advance to the next round?
All of these questions will be answered next time.
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-
(PREVIEW)
MegaMan: Yo, folks! This is MegaMan from MegaMan NT Warrior! Since Lan is out on a lunch break, I'm here to give you the sneak peek of what's to come in the next chapter! First, we have Inumon finally getting his match with Basilikmon!
Basilikmon: Inumon! This ends for you! Your hopes of restoring your comrades and avenging that little brat are slim!
Inumon: For Kotori, Seadramon, Himura and all of my friends, I swear to slay you with my own hands! YOUR FINAL HOUR HAS COME!
Piedmon: So, I'm fighting a lady in a fuku? What's next? Lady Devimon becoming a perfect angel?
Sailor Uranus: And my opponent is a crappy clown with a bad get-up? Not my day...
Skull Satanmon: All right, Dra-Warriors! Let's get this over with!
Luzdramon & Panzerdramon: We must warn you... You're going to be kicked to the curb when this is all said and done.
Takato: Let the best duelist win, Rika!
Rika: Please, I plan to win this, goggle head!
Takato: Oh yeah? Well, bring it on!
Puppetmon: Boy, you three are pretty fun! It's time I put you away for good! Then, that kid can be my new friend!
Cammy: In your dreams, wood boy!
Herodramon: Time to show these punks what I'm capable of! Here's a trick, I've been meaning to show you. Heh.
Ninjadramon: I've found you, Labramon! What happened?
Labramon:...
Ninjadramon: I'll take that as a reply... What! The sword has FINALLY been retrieved!
Rei, Minako and Makoto: At last, we've regained our powers! MARS! VENUS! JUPITER! STAR POWER! MAKE-UP!
Mysterious leader: No! They've retrieved the sword! Pharaohmon, we've failed you, but I will see to it that they don't make it out alive!
Agunimon: The next chapter is entitled...
The Rebirth of the Sailor Senshi! Inumon's Anger vs. Basilikmon's Demented Mind!
Sailor Senshi: Puppetmon, it's time to get punished!
Puppetmon: gulp This is not my day!
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-
First I want to thank Ninetalesuk for allowing me to use the Darkknightmon and supplying me the idea of putting his Dra-Warriors against the two stooges. A big thanks to Belletiger for continuing to help me and support my series in Youko's honor. And a big thanks to LazerWulf for beta-reading this chapter. Not to mention laying out the play by play for this duel.
At long last, Chapter 38 is where the Sailors regain their powers! Don't miss this next upcoming chapter because we will have plenty of non-stop action from four fronts. Inumon vs. Basilikmon; Sailor Uranus vs. Piedmon; the battle outside the temple; and the girls kicking serious butt once the sword is retrieved! We're also getting closer to this story's end. It just might be highly possible for me to finish this by mid-September. Until then, be sure to check back for anymore updates. Peace!