YuYuGiDigiMoon: The Wrath of Pharaohmon

by Kanius

This is a crossover series putting the YuGiOh, Digimon Tamers, Digimon Frontier, Sailor Moon and Yu Yu Hakusho into an arc series. Update 09 13 05: Finally, the The Wrath of Pharaohmon is over! Come and read the finale! Our heroes return home!

38. The Rebirth of the Sailor Senshi!

Howdy ho, peeps! This is Kanius once again with another epic chapter of the Wrath of Pharaohmon series. I'm bringing you these next chapters out quickly before I head back to work on my Mutalior movie fic. As you can already tell, I've gone up ahead past Chapter 36 and 37. This is chapter you've all been waiting for. We finally get three treats: Inumon finally getting his paws on Basilikmon, Takato dueling Rika and the Sailor trio regaining their powers after such a long wait. The waiting stops NOW! Shoot, I think that's enough out of me. Let's get on with Chapter 38.

Grab yourselves some snacks because this one's going to be a doozy. Enjoy!

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The Rebirth of the Sailor Senshi! Inumon's Anger vs. Basilikmon's Demented Mind!

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Phoenix Arena/Battle & Duel Arenas

Five minutes have passed the last set of matches. The crowds were already getting restless and craving for more action. They were soon about to be rewarded for their patience with a very well anticipated duel between two fellow Tamers and good friends: Takato Matsuda and Rika Nonaka. The other most anticipated battle match was Inumon being pitted against Basilikmon. These two had their names randomly drawn and it created huge talk amongst the crowds. Finally, the other match features yet another organic being taking on a digimon. Sailor Uranus would put her battle prowess to the test against the former leader of the Dark Master, Piedmon.

"We're moving along with day two of this tournament! The matches have been thus exciting! We've seen an awesome duel between Himura and Yugi, and a crushing performance by Joey Wheeler! This next duel I'm sure everyone here are anticipating! Two of the Digimon Tamers will be pit against one another! Takato and Rika! How is that for a pairing? Before all else, let's bring out our two duelists! Give it up for Takato and Rika!"

The audiences cheered heavily as their names were being called upon. They turned towards the entranceway with the lights flickering on simultaneously. The duelists emerge from out of the entrance as the digimon rose to their feet to applaud and cheer them on. The red-head looks across the digimon and slightly smirked at the fanfare she's gained. Takato, on the other hand, was still slightly nervous with the enormous crowds eyeing him.

"Welcome our two duelists! They didn't come all the way here tonight to disappoint you all! Rika made this far by defeating Ryo Akiyama in the first round in what many consider as an upset. She's also managed to win over many fans from Athenamon's kingdom! As for Takato, this courageous and valiant goggle-wearing kid defeated the Dungeon Dice creator, Duke Devlin! What makes this pairing interesting is the fact that they have worked together as a part of the Digimon Tamers. Together, they have defeated the Devas, my beloved Beelzebumon and the D-Reaper. They even gave Lord Zhuqiaomon a run for his marbles! Earlier, we've also seen their digimon advance to the next round in the battle tournament! This is one duel I, for one, am looking forward to!"

Rika walked down the aisle and turned to find Takato nervously waving to the digimon. A sly grin formed across her face as she nudged his shoulder.

"Getting nervous, goggle head?"

"Um... No, why should I be? I'm just getting used to large crowds. That's all."

"Oh really? Let's make one thing clear. When we start dueling, I don't want you to hold back and go easy on me. I will lose all the respect I have for you if you do so. Got it?"

"I don't intend to hold back! You want me to duel my best? I'll give you my best!"

"That's what I'd like to hear, goggle head. Let's make this a duel everyone will remember. Himura and Yugi gave one heck of a performance."

"You got it!"

As the two friends stepped towards the duel dome, Etemon walked over to check the duelists' decks and confiscate any cards deemed illegal in a duel. Not surprisingly, both decks were free of illegal cards. Both duelists wanted to duel fairly.

"We already have our duelists out and ready! Now, let's bring out our combatants! First! Representing the camp of Pharaohmon, give it up for Basilikmon and Piedmon!"

The arena lights died down with red beams shooting across from the entranceway. There was an ominous silence until the two villains themselves emerged. The crowd reacted with enormous jeers and profane remarks/gestures from the crowds. Piedmon stood on the left side with his arms crossed and an unpleasant frown plastered across his face. The heartless snake himself, Basilikmon, slithered across towards the small arenas themselves.

Looking on from the audience was Socramon. He had finally found Basilikmon after all the searching from yesterday. He jumped out of the audience and landed on the arena floor. The small animal digimon directed his attention towards Basilikmon and cleared his throat.

"HEY, BASILIKMON! I'VE FINALLY FOUND YOU!" Socramon yelled out directly towards the demon snake.

Basilikmon glared towards Socramon as if he were a little nuisance, but immediately recognized his scent. This was the same Socramon who used to annoy him time after time again. He simply scoffed and raised overhead to loom his dark shadow over Socramon. The animal did not at all seem intimidated by the frightening serpent, but Basilikmon wasn't going to take his challenge lying down.

"You have some real nerve to show yourself back here, Socramon! Have you come back for another humiliation?"

"Au contraire, it will be me that humiliates you! While you've been locked in that prison in the Dark Area, I've been preparing myself for the day we cross paths again! I've gained the ability to digivolve further into my champion and ultimate levels!"

"Oh yes? Well, care to demonstrate them for me?"

"Not now, Basilikmon," Piedmon approached the serpent. "You have to focus your real opponent, Inumon. He obviously going to present to you a much better challenge than this louse here can offer."

"You're... You're right. Bah! I don't see why I bother with this one! He's just a nuisance from my past! A nuisance that will always be a nuisance to me," Basilikmon hissed. "Socramon, be gone. I came here to fight Inumon, not you. So run along before I turn you to stone!"

"Oh, is that threat? I'll show you that I'm no nuisance!"

Before Socramon to launch an attack at Basilikmon, the spotlights were set directly back on the entrance. The next two combatants were going to be introduced soon. Basilikmon turned towards the entrance in anticipation for his real opponent and nemesis: Inumon. He slithered directly inside Arena A. Piedmon walked towards Arena B to wait out for his battle opponent.

"HEY! GET BACK HERE!" Socramon exclaimed while jumping up angrily. "I'M NOT THROUGH WITH YOU!"

"We'll have security escort this crazy digimon back to the stands in a minute, but let us bring out the opponents for Basilikmon and Piedmon! Competing with the Dark Masters leader in Arena B will be Sailor Uranus! In Arena A, Inumon will commence battle with Basilikmon! All right, you two! Come on-"

Before Lillymon had a chance to finish her sentence, Inumon came running down the entranceway and directly towards Arena A. The serpent was already becoming anxious and lashed out his widened mouth at the dark canine. Inumon's eyes hardened with a soulless glare once he got a glimpse of the reptilian eyes of the devilish serpent.

"Inumon is not waiting any longer! He can sure taste the thought of tearing Basilikmon limb from limb! These two go a long way back since the days in the Dark Area!" Lillymon announced. "Once Inumon calms down and enters Arena A, we have yet to see Sailor Uranus. Has she decided to call it quits and go home? If so, then Piedmon will be declared the winner..."

"Hold right there, missy!" a woman's voice calls out from out of nowhere.

The audience looked up to find a lone figure standing on top of a tall pole. The figure was revealed to be a young female with a boy's short hairstyle and a Sailor uniform. She looked down towards Piedmon, whom was standing at the center of Arena B.

"Wait a minute! I see her! Sailor Uranus has indeed shown up to compete! Call that a miscall on my part! There's no way you can count out these earth heroes! Piedmon was hoping he would get a bye in the tournament, but none today!"

"Damn and here I thought I'd get an easy win without lifting a pinky," Piedmon scoffed. "No matter, I'll deal with this one myself. I'm going to have plenty of fun with her!"

"Guarded by Uranus, planet of the skies... I am the soldier of flight, Sailor Uranus!" Uranus declared.

Then, Sailor Neptune came into view from the audience stands. The digimon backed away from the female to give her enough space to move across.

"And I... Guarded by Neptune, the planet of the deep sea... I am the soldier of affinity, Sailor Neptune!" Neptune called out as she pointed directly towards Piedmon.

"Two soldiers from the outer rim of the solar system..."

"...led by a new danger..."

"...have arrived!" the two Sailors called out in unison.

The Dark Master looked up and watched Sailor Uranus gracefully leap from the top pillar post. She landed inside Arena B with perfect agility, as if she were poetry in motion. Piedmon prepared himself by unsheathing his swords while ready for combat.

"Oh please," Uranus rolled her eyes and pulled out her Space Sword from out of her side fuku. "If you want to take me using a sword, I'm more than happy to oblige."

"A swordsman, too? This will be quite interesting..."

"Um, I'm a woman, idiot..."

"EH! What? You lie!"

"Afraid not, Bozo the Clown..."

"How dare you compare me to a retarded sideshow freak! I'll make you pay for this! You're on my ring and we're going to play things my way! Now, are you up for my game?"

"Just shut up and fight," Uranus snorted. "I'm going to mop the floor with you, punk."

"Well, let's see what you're made of, dear!" Piedmon laughed out with his swords drawn.

"Now, Inumon's managed to get inside the ring but he can't seem to restrain himself from wanting to tear Basilikmon apart!" Lillymon announced. "We'll keep these four from starting until we can get Rika and Takato into the dome duel for their upcoming match. Duelists, take your places inside the dome!"

"Hey, it's her!" Rika pointed across to Arena B. "That girl..."

"That girl with the short guy's hair?" Takato asked. What about her...?"

"Um, well... Oh, it's nothing. Really. I just hope she beats the crap out of Bozo," Rika replied.

"Yeah and I hope Inumon manages to defeat Basilikmon."

"No joke. If he wins, then we'll have Terriermon and that kid, Tomoki, back before the end of our duel."

"I hope that does happen, Rika. I really do."

"Ok, kiddos. Time for you to get ready. You're duel is about to start and I've found the perfect place to send you off," Etemon told the two Duelists. "Hurry along and get in the pod."

Nodding in reply, Rika and Takato walked inside the duel dome. Etemon closed the door to the dome and activated the system to pre-set the coordinates for their duel site. It would take place at the Rosemon Valley, in coordinates Rose 173-9B67. The duel dome itself immediately was ascending up towards the ceiling above the stadium. The audiences watched on as the dome lifted up, while the competitors in the small arenas were waiting to get ready to battle. In Inumon's case, he was anxious to inflict the punishment Basilikmon rightfully deserves.

"It seems the dome is already ascended and the two duelists are being transported to Rosemon Valley! In the meantime, let's get the dual battle matches ready and set! Fighters!"

As soon as Lillymon called out, each of the four combatants looked directly towards their opponent with hardened glares. Inumon eyed Basilikmon with a hateful glare; meanwhile Piedmon set his sights solely on Sailor Uranus and ignored the presence of Sailor Neptune from the crowds.

"As an official for the Shadow Tournament, I declare the dual battle matches of this round to begin! NOW!" Etemon declared as he waved his hand to signal for the buzzer.

Once the buzzer sounded off throughout the arena, the first competitors to take action were Inumon and Basilikmon. The dark canine ran across towards Basilikmon with his claws extracted and ready to tear the hide off the snake. However, the serpent was well prepared and opened his mouth to releases poisonous darts. The darts only managed to pierce through an after image left behind by Inumon. This immediately caught Basilikmon off guard. The demonic serpent turned around to find Inumon slamming a fist against the snake's face. For a champion-level, the strength behind his punch was enough to send Basilikmon flying across the ring.

"A right hand jab from Inumon sends Basilikmon sprawling across the ring! What a knock out punch! However, I doubt that will put away the serpent!" Lillymon announced. "And I was right! Basilikmon is slithering back up!"

Erecting himself up from the ring floor, Basilikmon hissed directly towards Inumon. The dark canine did not take his eyes off the serpent. It was amazing how Inumon managed to bring down the mega-level beast with a single punch. It was a punch swelled with a combination of his anger and sheer hatred for every crime Basilikmon has ever perpetrated.

"Nice punch, Inumon. Even you surprised me there," Basilikmon snickered. "But, here I still stand before you... I'm not going down until I take your life!"

"So, that's what it's all about? All you care about is claiming another victim rather than achieve victory? That's so like you, Basilikmon," Inumon grunted. "I came here for two sole objectives: slay your scaly hide and advance in hopes of fighting more of your comrades, including your head boss. You've killed Kotori, put Himura through heartache and turned two friends of mine into stone! How low can you go...?"

"Heh, easy. Once I'm through with you, the fox is next! She'll be my next victim to torture! She simply looks delicious!"

"You sick freak. I promise you that you will not lay a hand on Renamon," Inumon growled deeply as his fists clenched tightly. "This is the end for you!"

"Ha! You sure do talk big, but can you back up those claims? I doubt it!" Basilikmon laughed and slithered across the ring.

This time Basilikmon moved fast that even Inumon had difficulty watching his movements. The snake attempted a tail whip from out of a corner, but Inumon managed to leap up from the tail lash. As he leaped up into mid-air, he leaped down to attack Basilikmon head-on and releases one of his patented attacks.

"Take this, you scaly bastard!" Inumon roared. "I hope you're hungry! EAT THIS!"

Before Inumon had a chance to implement his attack, Basilikmon threw his tail across and inflicted a whiplash against Inumon's chest. The dark canine howled in pain as he landed on the ring surface. Basilikmon snickered and used his tail to pick the fallen canine off the ground. He held him by his right leg and dangled him like a piece of meat.

"Foolish mongrel... You only brought this upon yourself. Had you just forgotten those fools and that harlot, this wouldn't be happening to you. Alas, you let anger and revenge cloud your very judgment," Basilikmon chuckled while he threw Inumon around using his long tail. "You look absolutely delicious. I could eat you, but I think I'll savor your torment before I swallow you into my belly!"

"Inumon is not even moving! Is there any hope left for the canine? It looks like his chance to restore his friends from their petrified stone states is growing very slim at this point. Could this be the end for our beloved canine?" Lillymon announced the match at hand. "Meanwhile, Piedmon and Uranus are trading blow for blow in a classic sword battle! It looks like Piedmon is biting off more than he can chew! Uranus is giving him a run for his money!"

Sailor Uranus leaped across in Arena A and came down with a slash from her Space Sword. The Dark Master managed to bring up his Trump Swords to block out the Senshi's attack. The two sword-wielders leaped back from one another and stared each other down. They studied each other's swords carefully.

"You're a pretty good swordsman, Sailor warrior," Piedmon complimented the Outer. "But, you fail to compare to the experience I wield. I've come across many strong opponents and they have all fallen. They played my game and couldn't hope to defeat me."

"I can guess why... You had to resort to foolish tricks to overwhelm your opponents. Piedmon, you are nothing but a clown. However, I cannot deny your sword skills," Uranus replied before stepping into a battle stance. "But I didn't come here to compliment you. I came to cream your sorry ass to the ground and become a champion."

"Ah, but you will have to defeat me first. Though, I doubt I have to worry about that. You're fate has been sealed just as you stepped in this ring with yours truly," Piedmon smiled. "I'm growing bored with all this idle chit-chat! Let the games BEGIN! TRUMP SWORD!"

As soon as he called out his attack, Piedmon threw his twin swords across and watched as they shot directly across. This forced Sailor Uranus to become alert and prepare herself to knock the swords away with her sword. Before she could launch her attack in retaliation, the two swords faded out. This caught Sailor Uranus completely off guard. She looked around and couldn't find traces of the swords anywhere.

"Ha! Can't seem to track my swords, Miss Sailor?" Piedmon taunted the female. "This is one of many tricks up my sleeve! There's no hope of you attempting to dodge them. You'll never know where they'll strike next!"

Sailor Uranus turned around to find the swords flying directly towards her. Immediately bringing out her sword, she slammed the twin swords away with her weapon. The swords came right back to Piedmon's clutches, who easily caught them with little effort. The Senshi couldn't believe this and sighed out with relief.

"Damn! That was close! One hit from those swords and I would have become shish kabob! I was able to block them but I won't be able to trace them! If only I had Neptune's mirror, I could track down those swords. But, too bad, she can't interfere or I'll risk a disqualification!"

"What's wrong, warrior? Are you considering a forfeit? That would be a real shame," Piedmon nodded. "I was just enjoying our little game."

"Oh, believe me! I'm not through, clown! I've taken on tougher monsters and I intend to take you down myself!" Uranus sat up and grinned.

"Such a bold statement, Sailor warrior, but I sense you're running on empty! Don't worry though. I plan on dragging this out much further!"

The two competitors faced each other off and encircled each other. They gripped their weapons tightly and took a careful step one at a time. Their eyes studied each other's movements carefully.

"Piedmon and Sailor Uranus are getting back to another stare down! He got the better of the Sailor warrior, but it seems she knows what she's dealing with! Let's hope she managed to find a counter to Piedmon's Trump Swords! Meanwhile, Basilikmon is putting the squeeze on... Wait! Inumon's body is emitting a bright golden aura! He's getting ready to evolve! Basilikmon throws Inumon down!"

"INUMON CHOU SHINKA!"

Throwing Inumon across the ring, Basilikmon was blinded by the bright aura from Inumon. He hissed from the light piercing through his skin and burning his hide. Inumon sat up and evolved into a quadruped beast with a pair of horns protruding out of his front head and demonic, gargoyle wings out of his back. His long grew longer and sharp nails emerged from out of his feet. He unleashed a blood-curling howl before turning his head directly towards Basilikmon.

"INFERNO INUMON!"

"Inferno Inumon? I must say that Inumon impresses me with these digivolutions! Just how does he manage to obtain such kick ass forms?" Lillymon announced as she was awe struck by Inferno Inumon's appearance. "Basilikmon sure doesn't look happy at all to see this! Could this be end of the serpent as we know it? Inumon is hell bent on finishing this!"

The serpent slithered around to get a better glimpse of Inferno Inumon. His demonic eyes followed every movement the serpent makes. Basilikmon merely chuckled to himself once studying Inferno Inumon.

"Inferno Inumon? Ha, I'm surprised you didn't use this form on me yesterday. You are one full of surprises, my dear friend."

"DON'T you call me your friend!" Inferno Inumon growled. "Not after everything you put me through!"

"Ah, c'mon, I bet enjoyed that moment I killed Himura's little wench? I bet you savored it. You're a virus just like me. You enjoy inflicting pain on others and watching them suffer..."

Before he could say anything, Inferno Inumon spun himself into mid-air and created a tornado made out of black flames. The serpent gawked out as the tornado struck and caught him in the blazing inferno.

"INFERNO TORNADO!"

The sinister reptile was sent hurtling out of the dissipating funnel and landed on the ring surface with burnt marks across his body. Basilikmon slowly lifted his head up and screamed out in rage.

"YOU ARE ENJOYING THIS, ARE YOU!" the snake screeched. "YOU BURNT ME! YOU'RE WORSE THAN I AM!"

"No, Basilikmon. I have friends I care for. That's the difference between us. You don't have any friends, so you go inflict pain on them. I'm NOTHING like you, you sick bastard!"

"Not like me, eh? YOU'RE SO FULL OF IT!" Basilikmon laughed as he slithered across to attack Inferno Inumon. "I'LL MAKE SURE YOU PAY FOR THE BURNING YOU GAVE ME!"

With those two once again preparing to tear each other limb from limb, let's now focus on the big screen! Takato and Rika are preparing for their one on one duel! Floramon has the live coverage from the Rosemon Valley! Take it away, girl!"

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Himura's Room/Infirmary Center

The group was viewing the dual battle matches in session through the television. Their hopes lied on Inumon's victory, since killing the snake or shattering his emerald will restore their petrified comrades. The ones who were getting the most anxious were Henry, Suzie, Lopmon and the Legendary Warriors. For Henry, he wanted his friend and digimon partner back at any costs. As for the warriors, they wanted Tomoki restored.

Renamon was intrigued with the ultimate form of Inumon and impressed with his tenacity against Basilikmon. This new form of Inumon reminded her of a darker form of her Kyuubimon form. Once again, the mongrel managed to impress the seemingly quiet and cynical Renamon.

"Inumon is looking awesome out there and he just torched that snake!" Kazu happily laughed. "All right, he'll win for sure!"

"Inumon is our digimon!" Guardromon threw his hands up prematurely and danced. "Go, Inumon! It's your birthday!"

"It's not even anywhere close to his birthday, Guardromon," Himura stifled a chuckle. "But, nonetheless, Inumon needs to defeat Basilikmon if we hope to restore Terriermon and Tomoki."

"C'mon, Inumon! We're counting on you!" Izumi spoke out.

"We really want the little squirt back," Junpei clasped his hands together.

"What do you think, Kouji?" Kouichi asked his brother sitting over on a chair.

"Basilikmon is a tricky guy. He's not going to just sit there and let Inumon wail on him. Inumon needs perfect timing if he wants to shatter that emerald. Then again, he can do things the easy way and slaughter that snake."

"I think that would be the best choice at this point," Lopmon agreed.

"Don't worry, Henry. Inumon will beat Basilikmon and Terriermon will be back to his old witty self again," Jaarin reassured her brother and pat his back. "Don't lose hope."

"I won't, big sister," Henry sighed. "Inumon now sees blood as far as I'm concerned. What if he eventually loses control over his own conscience?"

"Go, Inumon! We know you can do it!" Guilmon cheered on for the canine.

"Then again, let's not forget the other battle match and the duel! Rika and Takato! Man, this is going to get good!" Kenta giggled like a happy child.

"This is like a duelist's dream come true! Chumly and the Digimon Queen going at it!" Kazu nodded his head and sat in front of the television.

"Hey! You're blocking the view!" Himura scoffed angrily.

"By the way, where did Yugi and the others go?" Yui asked her brother.

"Oh, they went to go check on Mai and Joey if I recall," Jeri answered for the boy. "Don't worry. They'll be back."

"Ok," the little girl smiled. "I was just wondering since the crowd has gotten smaller here."

"How long are Felinismon and Dark Gabumon going to be out for?" Ryo asked as he bent over to check on the sleeping duo.

"They're out of it from their matches. Maybe another hour or so?" Himura shrugged. "We'll see..."

"Well, I'm excited to see how this duel turns out between Rika and Takato. I was surprised she managed to beat me," Ryo watched the monitor. "Takato, brace yourself. This will be one tough duel for you."

While everyone was ready for the upcoming duel, Renamon was solely concerned for Inumon. Sure, she was excited to know that Rika was dueling but she couldn't get Inumon out of her mind. It was as if she was sensing a terrible fate to bestow upon the dark canine.

"What could possibly go wrong with Inumon?"

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Rosemon Valley/Sector Rose 173-9B67

The two duelists were transported from out of the duel dome and directly at the center of a large meadow field. There was an array of beautiful red roses scattered across the background. Takato looked around in awe of the lush ecosystem. Trees were quite plentiful beyond the rose valley and the skies were heavenly blue. He couldn't believe it. He was dueling his first official match with Rika in a real competitive environment.

"Ladies and gents! We're getting set for the third duel of the second day! If you thought the first two were good enough, this one is highly anticipated! Two best friends and fellow Tamers are going to be dueling to determine who the better Duel Monsters competitor is! Without further ado, as an official of the Shadow Tournament..."

The two duelists reached down to the decks and activated their dueling disks. This one was going to be for all the marbles! Takato and Rika narrowed their eyes directly towards one another. Both had their game faces on. Their hearts pounded quickly in this sheer anticipation.

"...BEGIN!"

"DUEL!" the duelists cried out in unison.

They immediately drew out five cards to their hands and activated their life points score.

Life points

Rika: 8000

Takato: 8000

"Here we go! Takato and Rika just drew out their first five cards from out of their decks! But, who will go first? The tension is already mounting!" Floramon commentated in hopes of placing suspense and excitement in this match.

"Ladies first, Rika"

"Why thank you, goggle head," Rika said. "To start things off, I'll set one card facedown in defense mode and set another card facedown. That ends my turn," Rika smiled with two facedown cards projecting in front of her.

"Great! I'm up now!" Takato drew, smiled, and brought forth a face-up card on the field. "I summon my Mad Sword Beast in attack mode!"

Emerging out from out of the card and standing in front of Takato was a Triceratops with a blade as a front horn.

Mad Sword Beast

1400/1200/4 stars

"No wonder I call you a Dino Boy," Rika chuckled. "That's all?"

"I've only just begun! Next, I'll summon Gilasaurus!" Takato declared as he brought forth a second face-up card.

"Waitaminnute! You've already played your normal summon for this turn."

"Gilasaurus's effect is such that I can treat it's normal summon as a special summon, and if I do, you get to special summon a monster from your graveyard. But since your graveyard is empty, I can special summon as many as I have on hand and you can't do a thing about it, and it just so happens that I have another Gilasaurus on hand!

Two brown velociraptors screeched out as they stood beside Takato.

Gilasaurus

1400/400/3 stars

"Sorry, about that. Anyway, my turn isn't through yet. Mad Sword Beast, attack her facedown defense monster!"

The Triceratops stampeded across towards Rika's side and pierced his horn through the card. The monster revealed was a tan-skinned warrior with white hair and a blue dress. It was the Lady Assailant of Flames. The monster dispersed from the field and was sent to Rika's graveyard.

Lady Assailant of Flames

1500/1000/4 stars

"Heh," Rika smirked. "It's a darn shame you had to destroy my lady."

"How so?"

"By destroying her, she has a flip effect. I can remove three cards from the top of my deck to inflict 800 points of direct damage to your life points. Too bad, goggle head. Looks like I got the better of you."

"Wha...! No way!" Takato looked down at his life points. "Oh yeah... You got me good. I paid the heavy price!"

Takato

Life points: 7200 (8000-800)

Suddenly, a smile crossed Takato's face. This managed to catch Rika's attention as she questioned his confidence.

"What are you smiling for? Have you already completely lost it? Maybe, you realize I'm the smarter duelist between the two us."

"It's not that, but it's something I like to call: an eye for eye!"

"Huh...? What are you getting at?"

"Take a look at your life points and you'll see what I mean."

Glaring down at her life point scoreboard, Rika gawked as 400 points were deducted.

Rika

Life points: 7600 (8000-400)

"HUH! WHAT THE-" Rika cried out angrily. "What is this? A sick joke?"

"Nope, in case you've forgotten... My monster has an effect too," Takato explained. "When my monster attacks with an attack power higher than your defending monster's defense strength, it inflicts the difference as battle damage from your life points!"

"What! Oh, you little sneak! You knew! Didn't you!" Rika growled. "Why I oughta..."

"What's wrong...? You said you were the smarter duelist between the two of us, didn't you?" Takato winked.

"Oh, that does it! I'm mopping the floor with you!"

"My turn isn't even done yet! Gilasaurus, attack her life points directly!"

With that said the Gilasaurus leapt across towards Rika's side and slashed across at her duel disk. The damage had been done with the female's life points depleting rapidly.

Rika

Life points: 6200 (7600-1400)

"Now, attack her life points directly, my second Gilasaurus!"

As the first velociraptor returned to Takato's field, a second Gilasaurus charged across rapidly to slash directly at Rika's duel disk. Even more points were subtracted from her life points.

Rika

Life points: 4800 (6200-1400)

"How do you like that? I'm not a big amateur as you had hoped!" Takato laughed. "I'm not as easy as you may think! Yugi's been teaching me some really awesome combos that I have yet to show you. Who would have thought that I would be ahead of you, Rika?"

"Damn! You are one big sneak! You had all of this orchestrated!" Rika cursed out. "But, I won't be so easily defeated! You've gone and pissed me off, goggle head!"

"Geez, lighten up, Rika. This is just a game."

"I know it's a game, but I won't stand to see anyone make a mockery out of me! We maybe friends, but I will not allow you to destroy my pride as a duelist!"

"Well, you have a chance to make a comeback because I end my turn."

"Good, because your as good as dead," Rika smiled as she drew a new card to her hand. "Now, this is what I'm talking about! The card I just drew will give you a hard time! I summon forth my Amazoness Swords Woman!"

Summoned beside Rika was one of her new favorite monsters: a fiery-haired Amazon wearing dragon-bone armor and wielding a dragon-bone sword.

"Wow, you sure do have a thing for Amazons, Rika."

"Thanks, they truly represent who I am."

Amazoness Swords Woman

1500/1600/4 stars

"Next, I'll equip my Amazoness Swords Woman with Malevolent Nuzzler! This increases her attack power by 700 points! Now, watch, goggle head. She's getting pumped up and ready to jack up your dinosaurs!"

Amazoness Swords Woman

ATK: 2200 (1500 + 700)

"Now, my Amazoness, attack his Triceratops and slay him with your dragon sword!"

The Amazoness warrior charged across towards Takato's field and slashed across at the Triceratops beast. The monster howled out in pain before shattering into data fragments. The damage had been done to the goggle head's life points.

Takato

Life points: 6400 (7200-800)

"That ends my turn, goggle head. I got you pretty good, didn't I?"

"You sure did, but I'm still in the lead in case you've forgotten," Takato smirked as he added a card to his hand. "Anyway, your momentum is about to end right here. On my turn, I'll first summon this to the field! Gemini Elf in attack mode!"

Emerging out of the face-up card are two female elves. They are known to attack and defend themselves together.

Gemini Elf

1900/900/4 star

"Next, I'll equip my Gemini Elves with Black Pendant! This increases their attack power by 500 points! That's more than enough to take out your Amazoness!"

Gemini Elf

ATK: 2400 (1900 + 500)

"Now, Gemini Elves, take out her Amazoness!"

As the elves flew out to overwhelm the Amazoness, Rika was quick to activate her facedown card.

"You've just triggered me to activate my trap card! That was a big error on your part! Activating my Amazoness Archer!"

"Amazoness Archer!"

"With this card, it can be activated once you went for an attack and I control an Amazon monster on my side of the field. All monsters on your side become face-up in attack position. As long as they remain face-up on the field, it decreases their attack power by 500 points. AND your monsters must attack on this turn!"

"No! My Elves..."

"...are going buh-bye!"

The Elves attack power decreased and were immediately destroyed as soon as they slammed against the Amazoness. Takato watched as 300 points of direct damage was inflicted from his life points.

Takato

Life points: 6100 (6400-300)

"Aww, that's too bad, goggle head. That was a nice attempt, too. I got the best of you this time."

"More like... the other way around..." Takato smiled in retaliation.

Suddenly, Rika watched as 500 points were deducted from her life points. Her face crossed with shock an angry scowl. Her teeth gritted together at the result.

Rika

Life points: 4300 (4800-500)

"WHAT THE-" Rika screamed before pausing herself from shouting obscene profanity. "DAMN IT! WHAT JUST HAPPENED?"

"You really want to know?"

"SPILL IT!"

"You seen when my Elves were destroyed, they were sent to the graveyard. But that also meant my Black Pendant was sent there, too. When the Black Pendant is sent to the graveyard, it inflicts 500 points of direct damage to your life points."

"You little creep!" Rika screamed out at the goggle boy. "You knew about this! You just wanted me to celebrate prematurely and then catch me off guard with these unpleasant surprises! You're no duelist! You're a trickster!"

"Say what you will, but I'm getting the best of the Great Rika Nonaka, AKA the Digimon Queen. Looks like your reign on top is about to become short-lived because I'm taking your place."

"Nobody takes my place! I just dethroned Ryo and you're going down next, pal!" Rika growled. "Since my Amazoness Archer card is in play, your Gilasaurs must now attack my Amazoness!"

The first Gilasaurus charged across towards the Amazoness and attempted to attack. However, it slammed against the Amazoness' superior might and was shattered into data fragments. This resulted in the loss of life points for Takato.

Takato

Life points: 5300 (6100-800)

"Now, your second dinosaur must attack my Amazoness. One by one, by eliminating your dinosaurs, your losing life points as it is!"

The second Gilasaurus attacked the Amazoness but exploded on impact with the female warrior. Even more life points were deducted from Takato's life points as a result.

Takato

Life points: 4500 (5300-800)

"Well, are you happy now, Rika? I'm almost down to your amount of life points. I've been crushed. It seems you're satisfied."

"I'm very satisfied. Now, I can watch you get on your knees and beg for me to stop."

"Ha, like that'll ever happen!" Takato chuckled. "That ends my turn. Let's see if you keep up the punishment I deserve."

"Aww, you're breaking my heart, goggle head," Rika stated as she added a card to her hand. "Now, I'll summon my Amazoness Tiger in attack mode!"

Emerging out from the face-up card and protecting Rika was a Bengal tiger with an emerald embedded on its forehead.

Amazoness Tiger

1100/1500/4 stars

"My Amazoness Tiger has an effect to it. Though I can only have one on my field, it increases it's attack strength by 400 points for each Amazon on my side of the field, including itself! Also, as long as this card remains face-up on the field, you cannot select another Amazon as an attack target."

Amazoness Tiger

ATK: 1900 (1100 + 400 + 400)

"Darn, you really prepared yourself this time, Rika. I just hope you don't go hard on me."

"Hard on you? Goggle head, I'm going to take you down and win this duel! Now, my Amazoness Swords Woman, attack his life points directly!"

With that said the Amazoness charged across and slashes her sword across to knock Takato off his feet. The male duelist winced from the fall and caught a glimpse of his major loss of life points.

Takato

Life points: 2300 (4500-2200)

"Man, Rika... You're really taking this seriously..."

"What? You don't think I shouldn't be? I've been serious this whole duel! Don't tell me you're actually enjoying this?"

"Yeah... Sure I came to compete but I came to have fun."

"Well, I hate to break it to you, but there won't be any fun if one of us ends up dueling against Lance."

"...That's a good point. So consider this as a preparation for either of us. But, it'll be me moping he floor with Lance and winning this tournament. I'm not going to lose!"

"Well, hate to break it to you, but I have NO intention of losing either."

"Guess we have one thing in common goggle head. We both came to win! That's more like it! This is exactly what I want to see from you!" Rika exclaimed. "Now to finish things off, Amazoness Tiger, attack his life points directly!"

Takato gasped out as the tiger leaped out over to his side and slashed across at his duel disk. A heavy chunk of the boy's life points were subtracted and brought down to a dangerously low level.

Takato

Life points: 400 (2300-1900)

The goggle boy was in serious trouble. Just one more attack and he was on the verge of defeat. He declared that he wouldn't lose, but now victory seemed like a moot point for him. A sly smile crossed Rika's face as she watched Takato struggling to hold his stance.

"Giving up already, goggle head? Just one more attack and you're a goner. Let's face it. I came here to win. I showed Ryo what I was truly capable of and now you are just another casualty of the Digimon Queen's wrath."

"Perhaps... But I still have 400 points left! If that's all I need to come back, then so be it! I'm not going to give up!"

"Goggle head... Well, I didn't expect you to give up. I admire your courage. But as far as I'm concerned, this duel is just about over. Before I end my turn, I'll place one card facedown! There, now it's your turn."

"Now, I all need to do is keep faith of myself. I can win this duel, but it's going to require some careful strategy and luck. Yeah, I'm going to need all the luck in the world! All right, Takato! Don't let yourself down! You can pull through this!"

"First we saw Joey dominate Mai, and now we're getting a glimpse of Rika taking Takato to school! The kid is down to his last 400 points! One more attack and Rika will be on her way to the next round! Her Amazons have proven to be superior to Takato's dinosaurs! Can the goggle head manage to pull himself out of this? Lillymon, I'll bet the dual battle matches are heating up! It probably won't be long before we head back to see those matches in session, but back to you, my colleague!"

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

-

Infirmary Center/Hallways

With Mai somewhere in the infirmary, Joey was running down the halls in hopes of finding her. He burst through nearly every door across the hall and couldn't find any signs of Mai. It seemed like Mai had suddenly just disappeared from sight.

"Mai! Where are you, Mai? We need to talk!" Joey called out for his friend. "Mai!"

"Joey!" Yami Yugi shouted across from the hallway towards Joey.

"Yug! Did you see where Mai went?" Joey asked as he ran up to his friends. "After our duel, she left through some portal that would lead her here, but I can't seem to find her!"

"I'm sorry, but we haven't seen her," Tea nodded. "But if we split up, I'm sure we'll be able to spot her somewhere."

"Don't worry, Joey. She's sure to be here. You just probably didn't look hard enough. We'll split up and look around," Tristan assured his friend.

"I'll go take this left path," Duke pointed out as he walked down. "I'll be sure to holler if I find her."

"I'll take the right corner!" Tristan declared.

"I'm taking the hallway you just walked across, Joey. You can join Yugi to search around the back," Tea stated as she started running down the hall.

"C'mon, Joey! We'll be sure to find Mai."

"Thanks, Yug. I'm getting really worried about her. She kept saying something about losing her touch..."

"Well, she has been under some kind of stress lately. I just hope she still isn't suffering the effects of Marik's Shadow Magic," Yami Yugi replied. "But that wouldn't surprise me. In any case, we must find Mai before she does anything to inflict damage on herself or others around her. We can't forget that many of Pharaohmon's men are around the arena. We can't risk having her run into either one of those monsters. Hold on, Mai. We're coming!"

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

-

Outside the Phoenix Arena

A showdown was set to take place outside the arena. With nearly everyone packed inside the stadium, there were others who didn't have tickets and watched the festivities through television monitors and even camped outside. However, there was a huge gathering around an area where the three Dra-Warriors were facing off with Skull Satanmon and Marine Devimon.

"Oh, man! We're getting a fight for free! Everyone, gather around!" a Vegiemon called out to the crowds. "This one's going to be good!"

"Hey, aren't those three a part of the Dra-Warrior clan?" asked a Hawkmon.

"They sure are. I don't know what're thinking but those two are going to get trashed!" a Chuumon exclaimed.

"Uh, what makes you think so, Chuumon?" Sukamon asked.

"Just watch, Sukamon..."

Meanwhile, Skull Satanmon and Marine Devimon snickered amongst themselves. They still couldn't believe just how seem these three Dra-Warriors appeared to be. After all, these are two ultimate-level demons who would give Devas a tough fight against two armored types and one champion level. In their view, this fight would be a piece of cake for them.

"Don't tell me you three still want to go through the trouble of challenging us. We're a part of Pharaohmon's forces. You can't hope to make us even sweat!" Marine Devimon laughed in a mocking gesture. "You'd have to be super strong to make us notice!"

"Yeah, I even bet my cheeseburgers on this little skirmish! Though, I don't have to worry about losing them because you won't make fools out of us!" Skull Satanmon slammed a basket filled with cheeseburgers.

"Well, now that you bet your burgers on this, we'll accept. Though it will be my two compadres here who will take you two tools to school," Flamedramon replied. "Luzdramon. Panzerdramon. Ice these two punks."

"No need to tell us that. We're anxious to shut these idiots up and take their burgers," Luzdramon chuckled. "Ready, Panzerdramon?"

"Let's do this!"

"Ha! Isn't this hilarious? These three stooges actually think they can compete against us! Listen, we give Devas a hard time! That's saying something!" Marine Devimon laughed out. "You three are just making this too easy!"

"Oh, I wouldn't be laughing now, pal," Flamedramon stepped to the side. "They're all yours, Luzdramon and Panzerdramon."

"Ha! This is going to be easy! Taking down an armor-type and a champion will be a great warm-up before I gorge down these burgers!" Skull Satanmon jumped around excitedly.

"Let's do it, partner!" Panzerdramon exclaimed as his body started to emit a bright aura. "Panzerdramon!"

"Luzdramon!" the Dra-Warrior called out his own name once his body was engulfed by a bright aura.

The two demons watched as the two Dra-Warriors turned into beams of light and swirled around together. Their eyes widened in shock as they heard two words that immediately threw them for a loop.

"JOGRESS SHINKA!"

"WHAT! A JOGRESS!" the duo exclaimed out in unison.

Flamedramon smiled as he watched his two partners merge together into a single Dra-Warrior. The newly merged warrior stepped out of the beam of light and faced off the two stooges. Marine Devimon and Skull Satanmon looked to one another while moving back. The newly fused Dra-Warrior's body was completely light purple with a few metallic parts added to his body design. A pair of blade-like skin flaps protruded from the top of his head. A pair of glider wings expanded across his back with green-skin flaps around the wings and his tail extended out across with extra flap skin extended out. His arms were large and muscular; Attached to the top of his right glove is a light saber attached to it. Attached to his face is a visor concealing his eyes.

"Galaxiadramon!"

"GALAXIADRAMON!"

(Galaxiadramon. Ultimate-level. Cyborg Dragon Digimon. Special Attacks: Space Slash, Starlight Punch, Galaxy Rage & Infinity Dragon)

"You two idiots asked for it and now you're going to get it," snickered Flamedramon. "Better give us that basket of burgers then."

"Well, do you have anything to say for yourself, Skull Satanmon?" Marine Devimon asked his partner in crime.

"Um... Why do I get the feeling I'm going to regret this...?" was all the skeleton could come up with.

"Idiot..."

Before the two demons could even react, Galaxiadramon phases out from sight. Skull Satanmon jumped up and quickly disappeared in hopes of outpacing his adversary. Just as he reappeared above the crowd, Galaxiadramon was above him with his arms crossed.

"Looks like you aren't the fastest digimon anymore. That title should go to me now," Galaxiadramon whispered behind the demon as his fist charged up with a starry aura. "STARLIGHT PUNCH!"

As Skull Satanmon turned around, Galaxiadramon swiftly delivered a fist into the demon's face. The force of the blow sent Skull Satanmon plummeting down to where Marine Devimon caught him. Galaxiadramon appeared in front of the two demons, put his hands out in front of him and created a black ball of energy to send him soaring into skies.

"GALAXY RAGE!"

Followed by that, the fused Dra-Warrior flies up and delivered a kick to send them flying across back to the arena.

"GOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL!" the digimon audience exclaimed in unison as if they were a Mexican soccer crowd.

Upon hearing this cry, Flamedramon merely sweat dropped and face palmed himself.

"Indeed! I hope you learned your lesson, boys!" Galaxiadramon called out.

"And look what we've won in the process," Flamedramon held the basket of cheeseburgers. "Mmmmm, cheeseburgers... Argh..."

"Hey! Make sure to leave some for all of us!" Galaxiadramon exclaimed as he descended down with a large crowd behind him. "We're all starving, too!"

"Yeah! Give us some burgers you pig!" the crowds roared out angrily. "Give us some burgers!"

"All right! All right! Just don't make a pig out of yourselves!" Flamedramon dropped the basket down in front of him. "Geez, digimon these days... Rude and inconsiderate!"

"Well, I can't blame them since most can't even afford to get inside the stadium and pay for their tickets. They didn't travel from every corner just to get ripped. We can at least offer them some good food," Galaxiadramon stated.

"You're right. There I go being inconsiderate. It won't be like that again," Flamedramon sighed. "Now... Shouldn't we get back to the arena after we're through?"

"Yes, and to see the results of the matches. Besides, we came to witness Pharaohmon's strength for ourselves. Imperialdramon-sama wants the full scoop. Also, we have to wait out for Ninjadramon and Herodramon to get here with those female warriors and the Priestess sword."

"You're right. I just hope Herodramon and Ninjadramon are doing all right. That mission assigned to them has to be difficult," Flamedramon said. "They had better hurry before this whole tournament ends. We need the Digital Priestess to destroy Pharaohmon once and for all. The fates of the two worlds depend on them..."

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

-

Interiors of the Hohou Sovereign Temple

Speaking of Ninjadramon, he was scaling across the walls of the long hallways leading through numerous mazes and tunnels. He had picked up an energy signal from Fuugamon but since then lost traces of him. He turned around corner and was picking up the scent of Labramon. Needless to say, it was a stench he hoped to never smell but he was glad to know Labramon was close by.

"So, you're close by, Labramon. Still, you need a shower when this is all said and done, my friend," Ninjadramon sprinted across the hallways. "I'm getting closer! Just don't go idly walking around and force me to find you the hard way."

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

-

Close to the Main Chamber Room

Once the three Ninja Sailors confronted Puppetmon, the former Dark Master directed his hammer towards them and fired an array of bullet shots. They scattered across to avoid the bullets. Cammy screamed out and hid behind a rock slab with Artemis in her arms.

"Cammy! You stay over there and don't let yourself out in the open!" Ninja Mars called out to her sister. "This guy should be a pushover for us."

"Yeah, I'm really disappointed with this 'leader' of theirs if his last line of defense was this little Pinocchio reject," Ninja Venus scoffed. "I bet I can take this guy blindfolded!"

"He may be small but he sure packs some power with that mallet. We better not underestimate him," Makoto warned the arrogant blonde.

"What's there to worry about? We'll just avoid those bullets and attack him where he least expects it."

"Hey! I'm over here! Don't go ignoring me!" Puppetmon whined. "Because of that, I'm going to make you three girls cry like little babies!"

Taking a leap forward, Puppetmon slammed his hammer out in front of the Ninja Sailors to release a powerful wave.

"PUPPET PUMMEL!"

The Ninja Sailors scattered around and allowed the blast to pierce through the ground across. Ninja Mars quickly turned another corner and watched as the attack was sent directly for the rock slab where Cammy was hiding. The raven-haired warrior swiftly jumped across past the incoming attack and stepped in front of the rock slab. The attack slammed against Ninja Mars and sent her pushing back against the rock. The force pushed her with extreme force and forced her to scream out.

"REI!" Venus and Jupiter screamed out.

"NO! REI!" Cammy cried out in horror and jumped out of her hiding place to kneel by her sister. "Rei! Oh no! Sister!"

"Aww, isn't this sweet? A little kid showing concern for her dear sibling," Puppetmon chuckled at the sight. "You two remind me so much of Takeru and his brother just by looking at you!"

"Takeru and his brother...?" Cammy whispered. "Ah! You're the same Puppetmon from the TV show!"

"TV show? I don't know what you're talking about. The last time I remember I actually tormented that little brat, TK, and his Digi-Destined pals."

"So, I assume the Digi-Destined are real heroes from another dimension?" Jupiter wondered. "I didn't think that was possible, but this guy is more than enough proof. He's the same creep."

"I recall seeing him from Digimon Adventure," Venus nodded in agreement. "Well, unlike the Digi-Destined, we know what you're capable of!"

"Oh is that so? Well, allow me to let you demonstrate what I'm capable of!" Puppetmon directed his hammer at the two Ninja Sailors. "BULLET HAMMER!"

Tiny bullets came shooting out from the hammer. This forced Jupiter and Venus to scatter about to avoid the deadly array of bullets. Ninja Venus quickly pulled out her bow and arrows. She aimed them directly for Puppetmon and released several arrows with heart-shaped tips.

"LOVE AND BEAUTY ARROWS!"

As the arrows came closer, Puppetmon managed to move away to dodge the shots. However, his hammer was caught by the arrows and the holes from where the bullets emerged were sealed off. This wasn't exactly what Puppetmon needed. He sweat dropped and turned to find Ninja Jupiter tossing an electrical sphere towards him.

"THUNDER ELEMENTAL WAVE!"

The ball struck Puppetmon with heavy force and sent him hurtling across the hallways. He slammed against the chamber door and dropped the floor headfirst. He stuttered with his teeth chattering and bolts of electricity covering his body.

"Rei! Are you all right? Please, speak to me!" Cammy shook her sister. "Rei!"

Slowly but surely, Ninja Mars opened her eyes and caught a glimpse of her sister glaring down at her. A sigh of relief came once she realized her sister was safe.

"Thank god you're safe, Cammy!" Rei hugged her younger sister. "Are you all right?"

"I'm all right. Makoto-san and Minako-san stopped that demented puppet and sent him towards the chamber door," Cammy pointed out.

"Good. Now that I know you're safe, I can take out my frustrations on that little bastard," Mars growled while gripping her sword.

Standing up on her feet despite the threshold of pain shooting through her body, Ninja Mars turned towards Puppetmon with her sword in her right hand. The Dark Master was slowly getting to his feet until he looked directly at Ninja Mars. He yelped and pressed himself against the wall.

"Puppetmon... Yeah, I know about you from the manga I've read. You tormented the innocence of one child but I will not allow you to torment the life of another! Cammy will not be your play toy!" Mars exclaimed. "Since you directed that attack on my sister, you crossed the line! I hope you have said your prayers, because I'm going to send you to a place where horned red monsters can torment you for the rest of your pathetic life!"

"No! No! Please, give me a chance! I can change!" Puppetmon begged off. "I didn't mean to direct that attack to that kid!"

"Wow, that's got to be the worst lie I've heard," Venus sighed. "You're in denial, Puppetmon. Face it, you can't beat us. It's over for you!"

"Rei! Let this guy have it!" Cammy exclaimed.

"You don't have to tell me twice!" Mars shouted as she charged across with rapid speed.

Suddenly, Ninja Mars disappeared from sight and threw Puppetmon off guard. He looked around in search for the Ninja Sailor until he felt an invisible force slamming against his chest. His eyes bulged out and the wind was completely knocked right out of his body. As soon as he blinked, Rei phased right in front of him with both of her feet against his chest. Puppetmon howled out in pain and was sent flying through the chamber door. The force was powerful enough to plow through the stone slab itself. Ninja Mars flipped back and realized what she had done.

"You guys! I've managed to penetrate through! Now we can get through!" Rei called out to her comrades. "Wow, I'm a lot stronger than I thought. These ninja powers really do the trick."

"Let's go Cammy!" Ninja Venus took Cammy by her hand and led her towards the broken rock slab. "Artemis, how are you holding up?"

"Just fine... If Cammy wasn't squeezing so hard..." Artemis gagged out for air.

"Sorry, Artemis," Cammy giggled with an anime sweat drop dripping over her head.

"Let's go, guys!" Ninja Jupiter called out for the others.

The Ninja Sailor trio and Cammy passed through the broken hole to enter the chamber itself. It was wide and appeared to be Aztec in appearance. Hieroglyphics plastered across the walls, idol statues decorated the floors and sitting at the center was a tall fountain-like structure. The girls were in awe at the room but there was one item they did not take their eyes off. Sitting at the center of the fountain, with a beam of light over it, was the Priestess sword itself! It was long, majestic and completely white. There was a pair of red emeralds embedded around the center. The handle was gold and shaped as a phoenix's head.

"We... We've found it! I can't believe it!" Venus exclaimed. "It's the Priestess sword!"

"It's so pretty," Jupiter stated. "To think, we've actually found it. They sure weren't lying about it."

"It is beautiful," Mars agreed until she kneeled over to her sister with a smile. "Ok, Cammy. It's time. Take the sword and we'll have our powers restored."

"Right!"

Before Cammy could even make a single step towards the fountain, a bullet came shooting out of nowhere and forced the child back. Ninja Mars was quick to bat the bullet back with her sword. She realized that Puppetmon was blasted inside the chamber.

"Puppetmon! We know you're in here! GET YOUR ASS IN HERE!" Mars cursed out.

Emerging out of the shadows with half of his face torn off, Puppetmon held a pistol directly at the Ninja Sailors. He chuckled maniacally like a demented psychopath. Cammy pressed herself against her sister in fear, thus preventing her from taking the sword.

"Did you think I was going to be out for long? Well, I'm STILL here!" Puppetmon laughed. "I'll never let you grab that sword! Why don't you make it easy and hand the kid over to me? I promise we'll be great friends!"

"No way! You aren't one to be trusted, you idiot!" Venus exclaimed. "Claiming you'll be a good friend? Ha! Last I checked you don't have any real friends!"

"A real friend would treat their loved ones with respect and show compassion in times of need. They also trust one another and depend on each other," Jupiter spoke out. "You don't have any of those quality traits. So I would quit while you're ahead, you hypocrite!"

"Me become your friend? Why? So you can treat me like you did to TK?" Cammy frowned. "Sorry, but not in your lifetime, wood boy!"

"What? You dare talk down to me like that! I'll make sure you wenches pay!" Puppetmon declared as he pointed his gun towards the girls.

Rolling her eyes in frustration, Ninja Mars slammed her sword against Puppetmon's hands and forced him to release grip of the gun. She grabbed Puppetmon by his arm and angrily growled in front of him. The Dark Master looked directly into her eyes, which fueled with a raging inferno. He was looking into the eyes of an enraged female, hell bent on ripping him apart.

"Keep your eyes off my sister, you creep!" Mars growled and tossed him across the chamber. "Cammy! Hurry up and grab the sword!"

"But..."

"Go now! Puppetmon won't get to you as long as we're here!"

"We're your big sisters, Cammy! We'll take care of this loser!" Jupiter called out to little girl.

"You can do it, Cammy! Go for it!" Venus gave Cammy the motivation she needed.

Nodding in reply, Cammy ran across the chamber and scaled the steps leading to the fountain. Artemis leaped off her back and scurried towards the fountain.

"Over here, Cammy! Grab it!" Artemis called out to the young Hino.

"Right!" Cammy leaped from the steps and perched against the fountain.

"GRAB IT, CAMMY!" the girls called out.

"Here goes nothing..." Cammy gave a small prayer before grasping the sword's handle.

There was a moment of silence until a powerful aura of white light engulfed the little girl. She was awe struck from the light surrounding her. The sword itself was sending off an indescribable amount of energy that entered her body and gave her more power.

"Pretty..." Cammy whispered out.

"OH GOD! The power of the sword is incredible and this is only a small percentage of its full power!" Artemis exclaimed. "Girls! Hurry up and gather around! It's time!"

"Right!" the Ninja Sailors called out in unison.

With that said the three Ninja Sailors surrounded the light engulfing Cammy completely. Mars was worried at first but realized that the basking light was completely harmless to her sister. Cammy closed her eyes and raised the sword up as if already realizing her duties. The spirit of the Priestess was slowly but surely entering her body.

"What's happening to her, Artemis?" Venus asked.

"The spirit of the Digital Priestess is possessing her body! She'll regain her memories and have all of her powers restored," the white feline explained.

"So, when do we get our powers restored?" Jupiter asked.

"Now, Sailor Senshi," Cammy spoke out with the voice of a teenage girl.

"Cammy!" the girls gasped in unison.

"Do not worry. The girl's body will not be harmed. I am the Digital Priestess speaking through her. Listen, there isn't much time. Puppetmon is preparing to recover. If you wish to finish him quickly, I shall restore to you your powers taken away by the demon Pharaohmon. Rei Hino. Makoto Kino. Minako Aino. Hold each other's hands and gather around me. It is time."

Nodding in reply to Cammy's demand, the three Ninja Sailors gathered into a circle and clasped each other's hands. Cammy smiled and raised the sword above her to summon forth a bright white light. The girls closed their eyes once the light was surrounding them.

Puppetmon slowly rose up to his feet and witnessed the power transfer beginning. He jumped up and charged across with his gun in hand.

"No! You're not playing fair!" Puppetmon screamed out. "Stop!"

Before Puppetmon could leap out, he was pushed back by a barrier erected to protect the girls from outside interference. The girls felt energy entering their bodies and swirls of red/orange/green lights surrounding their bodies. Their ninja uniforms were stripped right off their majestic forms with their transformation brooches forming on their chests. Rei, Makoto and Minako opened their eyes to look down at their brooches. Smiles crossed their faces as their power sources were restored.

"Our brooches! Guys, you know what this means right?" Minako asked her friends.

"It's back to fighting as a Sailor Senshi! It's been so long," Makoto replied. "Rei, are you ready to kick butt and take names?"

"Anything to get my hands on Pharaohmon, but Puppetmon will do just fine," Rei smirked.

"NOW, GIRLS!" Cammy declared as she summoned more power through the sword. "HENSHIN!"

"MARS!"

"JUPITER!"

"VENUS!"

"CRYSTAL POWER! MAKE-UP!"

All three females became engulfed by streams of light. For Makoto, it was a green light; for Minako, it was an orange-yellow aura; for Mars, it was a crimson ray of light. Their foreheads shone brightly with their respective planet's symbols.

Puppetmon slowly pulled himself up from the floor and looked directly towards the three transformed females. In place of the Ninja Sailors were the three Sailor Senshi who had previously lost their powers. The girls no longer sported their ninja outfits. They have once again donned the trademark blouses, brooches, fukus and high heels. At long last, after having been stripped of their powers by Pharaohmon, the super warriors of Mars, Jupiter and Venus were reborn.

With swift movement thanks to their newly inherited ninja speed, the three transformed Sailors moved out across the chamber faster than before. Puppetmon turned to find one standing on top of a pillar, another standing on the fountain and the third on top of the steps behind him. Sailor Mars, Sailor Jupiter and Sailor Venus were finally revealed from pillars of light shining down upon them.

"Wha... What! No! You've managed to get your powers back! The boss isn't going to like this!"

"Sailor Mars!"

"Sailor Jupiter!"

"Sailor Venus!"

"At long last, the Senshi of Mars, Jupiter and Venus have been restored to their previous majesties," Cammy spoke out. "Puppetmon, you shall become the first casualty of the revived pretty soldiers. This is a message to Pharaohmon that no one ever dares to oppose the Digital Priestess. Now to send energy to our comrades engaged I combat outside the temple grounds!"

"This is it, girls! We're back in the game!" Artemis shouted. "Show this puppet freak what Sailor Senshi are capable of!"

"In the name of our respective planets, Puppetmon, get ready to be punished!" Mars, Jupiter and Venus declared as they put their thumbs down.

"Uh... No, this just isn't my day..." Puppetmon gulped as he realized that he no longer stands a chance against the revived Senshi. "Pharaohmon is NOT going to like this and neither is the boss!"

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

-

Outside the temple grounds

With the Sailors regaining their powers, the other warriors were still engaged in combat against the Knightmon, Darkknightmon and Karatenmon forces. The other Senshi and their allies were just gaining a ground advantage against the enemies, but it wasn't long until the enemies gained reinforcements from nearly ever corner. More emerged from out of hiding and did exactly what they set out to do: wear down the heroes long enough for the reinforcements to finish them off.

Sailor Pluto unleashes another Dead Scream attack on a group of Knightmon before falling down to her knees. She panted heavily out of exhaustion from releasing a heavy amount of power. She wasn't the only one. Even Sailor Saturn was having trouble maintaining her stance while erecting her Silence Wall. A Karatenmon came directly from behind her and slammed his swords against her back. The blow sent Saturn sprawling against the ground.

"You guys... I don't think we can hold out much longer," Sailor Mercury fell down to one knee. "Even the boys are exhausted. Arbormon and Grottomon just had to use their beast forms but they've returned back to their H-hybrid forms to conserve energy."

"Don't give up, everyone! We will pull through out of this! I just know we will!" Herodramon reassured everyone.

"Speak for yourself, man! If only I had fought all out, I'd trash these punks!" Arbormon growled.

"Yes, but if you go all out, there wouldn't nothing left. You'd destroy the temple and the girls inside," Grottomon reminded the hot-headed Warrior of Wood.

"Damn! This just isn't what I needed!"

"Calm yourselves! It is as Herodramon says... We shall pull through," Mercuremon stated promptly. "Thou shall succeed my fellow warriors."

"I just hope you're right about that," Grottomon sighed. "There are even more of them coming..."

"If only we received a boost... Then we'd fight back and crush this resistance," Sailor Mercury clenched her fists. "Minako-san, Makoto-san, Rei-san, Ninjadramon-san and Cammy-chan. I just hope you found the sword and Labramon-chan by now. We really need the help..."

Suddenly, a bright light emerged from out the top of the temple, as if answering Mercury's plea. Everyone, including the enemies, looked directly to the light. It was now seen as a glimmer of hope for the valiant warriors hoping to receive a power boost and continue through this rough battle.

"What is that light?" Arbormon asked while pointing out directly towards it.

"Yeah, that's what I would like to know," Sailor Saturn nodded. "Do you know, Pluto?"

"They've done it!" Herodramon exclaimed happily. "Yes! They've finally pulled the sword out and they've regained their powers!"

"Rei, Minako and Makoto have their powers back? Wow! This is awesome!" Grottomon shouted. "I can even feel their powers! They're stronger than ever!"

"Yes and that light is energy emitting from the Digital Priestess herself!" Sailor Pluto replied. "That light will be sent directly for us and replenish our energies!"

"Good! That is just exactly what we need!" Sailor Mercury sat up and turned her attention towards the light.

With that said, the light scattered across beams towards the warriors. The first to receive the basking, warm light were the Sailor Senshi. They let out sighs of relief as their powers were replenished with indescribable amount of energy. Next, the three Legendary warriors and Herodramon were basked the same pure light.

"This light! It's so warm, and filled with hope and pure energy. So, this is the power of the Digital Priestess?" Sailor Mercury smiled as she allowed herself to become unified with the light. "Her power is almost as pure as Sailor Moon's power. We'll definitely defeat our enemies with this new energy."

"You can say that again! Now, I'm ready to fight again!" Arbormon stepped out into a battle stance. "What do you say, guys?"

"I can't argue with you! I'm ready to go for a few hundred rounds with these punks!" Arbormon charged across and knocked several Knightmon down by spinning his arms around.

"That's awfully self assuring," Mercuremon chuckled and began to smash through a Darkknightmon horde.

"Girls! Let's do it!" Sailor Mercury called out to Pluto and Saturn. "Let's make this gift from the Digital Priestess count!"

"Right!"

The three Senshi split across the battlefield to crush the incoming hordes of digimon resistance. Sailor Saturn charged across towards the incoming Darkknightmon. They slammed their swords down to unleash bursts of black energy.

"BERSERKER KNIFE!"

"Nice try," Saturn smiled as she erected a Silence Wall to cancel the attacks out directly. "But that trick has gotten old. My turn!"

Once she brought down her barrier, the Senshi of Destruction phased out from their sight. The Darkknightmon turned around behind them as a streak of light pierced through their armor. They remained frozen still for a few moments until lines formed around their torsos. Sailor Saturn reappeared in front of them and turned to find the top halves of the Darkknightmon sliding off the waists.

"Too easy," Sailor Saturn smiled proudly. "These guys just aren't as tough as they seem to be anymore."

Several Karatenmon leaped off from the tree branches to attack Sailor Pluto directly. The Guardian of Time was quick to sense their movements and used her battle rod to bat the incoming Tengus away. A Knightmon came charging with his sword raised, but it wasn't long before Pluto blasted a Dead Scream through his torso. The warrior digimon fell back before exploding into data.

Sailor Mercury leaped up into mid-air and formed a harp made out of water. Her Mercury Aqua Rhapsody released a powerful wave of water to wash out the incoming Karatenmon flocks.

"That'll wash you birds out!" Sailor Mercury called out and landed down swiftly.

Herodramon looked across the battlefield as he found himself surrounded by at least twenty-five Knightmon, twenty-five Darkknightmon and fifty Karatenmon. The odds were definitely stacked against the valiant Dra-Warrior. It seemed even hopeless for the Herodramon, but he didn't seem at all intimidated. He looked very confident with a grin crossing his face. This was a grin only a true warrior would have. He was going to do something to make these fools remember his greatness.

"Herodramon! Hang in there, man! I'm going to give you hand!" Arbormon shouted to the Dra-Warrior.

"That won't be necessary. I can take care of these guys myself," Herodramon refused the offer.

"But, you can't hope to beat them all yourself! Let us help!" Grottomon shouted.

"No, you two will stand back. Herodramon seems rather sure of himself," Mercuremon said. "Let's just see what he plans to do."

"Go for it, Herodramon!" the Senshi exclaimed in unison.

"Show us what new power the Priestess has bestowed upon you!" Sailor Pluto showed her support for the Dra-Warrior.

"HERE I GO!" Herodramon declared as his body became engulfed by a golden aura. "PREPARE YOURSELVES FOR OBVLIVION, WARRIORS OF DARKNESS!"

As the Knightmon, Darkknightmon and Karatenmon gathered around in a large gathering, Herodramon leaps up into mid-air and phases out from sight. This managed to catch the whole lot of the dark warriors completely off their guards. Then, they overheard a silent screech. Before a group Karatenmon knew it, a streak of passed right through them and left gaping holes at the center of their chests. Herodramon reappeared and then slashed his away through a number of Karatenmon. Two Karatenmon came flying down from mid-air only to receive a sword slash from Herodramon's weapon. They both went down hard.

"Bah, is that all you got?" Herodramon twirled his sword and laughed.

Then, as the Knightmon started charging, Herodramon swiftly moved across the battlefield and turned into a streak of light. The army of Darkknightmon and Knightmon stopped in place as the same streak of light plowed through them. He swiftly flies up into mid-air and landed with his eyes set on the remaining thirty soldiers.

"All right, who wants to be next?"

The last thirty of Knightmon, Darkknightmon and Karatenmon came charging across as if they knew they had a death warrant. Herodramon simply shrugged his soldiers and slashed his way through his adversaries. Numerous Knightmon went down as their armor was shattered from the sword slashes and the Karatenmon were taken down. A pair of Darkknightmon attempted an ambush until Herodramon slashed his sword through their torsos like a hot knife cutting through butter. With all one hundred bodies lying on the ground, Herodramon ran across and turned into a streak of light again as he plowed his way through their chests, one by one.

BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAM!

The light streak spun through the hordes upon hordes of the digimon resistance army. In a matter of seconds, the Knightmon forces and their Karatenmon allies were being lifted up by a golden streak plowing through them and holding them up in ring-like circles.

Everyone else watched at this incredible feat in complete awe. The Sailors and the three warriors stopped to witness Herodramon's incredible feat. The dark warriors' cries of pain echoed throughout the heavens. As they were being uplifted into mid-air above the temple, the dark warriors exploded into fragments of data. The heavens were now being covered with a thick cloud of exploding data from the now defeated digimon. Floating out through the dissipating cloud of data was Herodramon with a golden aura covering his form. He expands his golden aura and cleansed the heavens with his light and erased every last trace of data fragments.

"Incredible!" Sailor Mercury gasped out. "He did it!"

"Now, that's simply a sight to behold. So, the Priestess' power allowed him to pull that off?" Sailor Saturn asked Pluto.

"Yes, I'd say so. She did replenish our powers," Sailor Pluto smiled.

"Um, so... All of those guys are gone now? I mean the Knightmon, the Darkknightmon and the Karatenmon," Arbormon approached the Sailors.

"If you mean our enemies, then yes. Herodramon has already taken care of them," nodded Mercuremon.

"That's a relief. Here I thought we'd be plowing through those tin cans and annoying birds forever," Grottomon wiped his forehead. "Man, those mons sure gave us a work out."

"Yes, but I can assure you that we won't be dealing with anymore of those nuisances," Sailor Mercury replied to the Warrior of Earth. "I hope..."

Herodramon descended down to the ground and sheathed his swords while turning his gaze towards the group. A smile crossed his face and pointed out towards the temple entrance.

"That takes care of them," Herodramon stated while pointing. "C'mon, what are you guys all gawking at? You didn't know I was capable of that? It's my favorite battle technique. Though, I admit I rarely ever use it unless I'm in tight situations."

"In case you haven't noticed, we were all running low on power since they were planning to wear us down," Sailor Pluto spoke up. "We should all be thanking the Digital Priestess for this."

"I know. The girls have succeeded," nodded Herodramon. "That little girl, Cammy, has managed to remove the sword, released the soul of the Priestess and restored the girls their Sailor powers. In the process, our strength was replenished with new, indescribable energy."

"That is certainly good news to hear," agreed Sailor Saturn. "But, let's continue our trek into the temple. We can meet with the other girls and aid them in their battle against the supposed leader of this resistance."

"Yes, let us go! There's no time to lose!" Herodramon declared as he ran inside into the temple. "Follow me, everyone!"

Nodding their heads in reply, the Sailor Senshi and the three warriors followed the Dra-Warrior into the temple. Waiting for them were numerous guards and traps along the way. However, if their friends were able to survive through, they are surely able to pass on without the slight bit of difficulty.

The heroes ran through the hallways and taking the same passage as their friends had taken. Herodramon picked up on their scent and knew exactly where he was going to lead his comrades.

"I just hope we get there before the supposed leader does show his ugly mug. Ninjadramon, I also hope you found Labramon by now!"

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

-

Rosemon Valley/Sector Rose 173-9B67

Meanwhile, back in the Rosemon Valley, Floramon was still on commentary for the current duel taking place. Rika had now taken complete control of the duel and was close from clenching victory over her friend, Takato. With only 400 life points left, the goggle head was dangerously close to defeat and needed to come back from this tight pinch.

"Takato's dangerously close to losing this duel! Is there any way this kid can turn this duel around?" Floramon wondered as she commentated.

"Oh, yeah. When there is a will, there is a way," Takato replied as he pulled out a card from his deck to add to his hand. "This is quite the turn of events, Rika. You're acting all high and mighty while I'm down nearly on my knees."

"As you should be..."

"Well, sorry to spoil your little pre-celebration, but I'm going to turn this duel around to my favor."

"I'd like to see you try, goggle head. Show me how desperate you really are."

"With pleasure," Takato smiled as he drew out a card. "First off, I'll activate Pot of Greed! This allows me to draw two cards and add them to my hand!"

The goggle head drew out two cards from his deck and added them directly into his hand. He caught glimpse a good card he was prepared to put to good use.

"Next, I'll activate Polymerization! I fuse my Crawling Dragon #2 and my Two-Headed King Rex from my hand to summon forth Bracchio-raidus!"

Standing out in front of Takato was his newly summoned monster: a gigantic, blue Brachiosaurus.

Bracchio-raidus

2200/2000/6 stars

"Now, my Bracchio-raidus! I command you to attack her Amazoness Tiger!"

The large dinosaur charged across to stomp its feet down on the Amazoness Tiger. However, a card was immediately drawn face-up and activated.

"You've just forced me to activate my trap card! It's my Waboku!"

"Wha...? Waboku!"

"Any card inflicted by your monster is decreased to zero during the turn this card is activated!" Rika declared. "Too bad. You had your chance to make a comeback, but it was a failed effort."

"You got me there, Rika. Nicely done, I'll end my turn but not before I set this card facedown."

Rika drew a card to her hand as she turned a glare towards Takato, "It's nice for you to compliment, despite me about to kick your butt and advance to the next round. Now, to start my turn off, I'll activate my own Pot of Greed! Oh, what do you know? I just drew a monster I find very useful. I'll place it facedown in defense on the field. Now, Amazoness Swordswoman, attack his Bracchio-raidus!"

The Amazoness Swordswoman charged across the field to slay the massive dinosaur on Takato's side. As the Amazoness drew closer, Takato immediately activated one of his trap cards.

"Now, I'll activate a trap card of my own!" Takato declared. "Mirror Force!"

"What! Oh no! My Amazons..."

"They're history! There's no need for me explain their fates!"

As the Swordswoman slammed against the mirror wall, she was immediately destroyed from the field. Followed by her was the Amazoness Tiger. Rika gawked at the loss of her two Amazons destroyed before her very own eyes. It was as if a piece of her was shattered in the process. Takato gave a grin to Rika as he clapped his hands together.

"You have to admit. That was a really cool maneuver I just pulled! You would have had me there for sure!"

"You really are a trickster, goggle head! But you're luck is going to run out! Count on it!"

"Say what you will, but frankly, I could care less what you call me. You wanted to see what Yugi taught me and here I just demonstrated. Don't go relying too much on power, Rika."

"Oh, don't tell me how to duel, goggle head!"

"Well, that was the end of your turn. Wasn't it, Rika?"

"Yeah? What of it?"

"Because it's time for the 'Great Goggle Head' to make the comeback of the year!" Takato laughed as he laid out a card on the field. "I'll place this card facedown and I'm going to send my Bracchio-raidus to attack your facedown defense card!"

As Takato called out for his attack, the Bracchio-raidus stomped over and crushed the facedown hologram. The card itself was destroyed to reveal a purple-haired woman wearing blue robes with a crescent moon wand. It was the Magician of Faith.

Magician of Faith

300/400/1 star

"Well, there goes your facedown monster, Rika!" Takato exclaimed.

"By destroying her, you've triggered her effect!"

"She has an effect?"

"That's right unless you haven't been paying attention. After you destroyed my monster, you triggered her effect that allows me to select one magic card from my graveyard and take it right to my hand! Ha, and I've selected just the card I need!"

"Well, that ends my turn anyway. Let's just see what you drew!"

Flashing him the card, Rika smiled and replied, "My Pot of Greed! I'm sure you know how it works by now."

She added the two newly drawn cards to her hand and activates the first one to the field.

"I activate Premature Burial! I must pay up 800 of my own life points to allow me to select one monster from my graveyard and special summon it on the field in a face-up attack position. I can equip this card with the monster of my choosing!"

Rika

Life points: 3500 (4300-800)

"The monster I've chosen is the Lady Assailant of Flames!"

Once her monster was revived back onto the field, Rika activated the second card she had chosen.

"Next, I'll activate the ritual magic card: Commencement Dance!" Rika exclaimed. "I'll sacrifice two three-starred monsters, Amazoness Blowpiper and Princess of Tsurugi, from my hand! In their place, I summon forth my Performance of Sword!"

Summoned out on the field before Rika was an exotic purple-haired dancer wielding two swords.

Performance of Sword

1950/1850/6 stars

"Then, I'll sacrifice both my Lady Assailant and Performance of Sword to bring a stronger monster in their place! I bring forth my Cosmo Queen!"

As the two monsters were taken out of the field, a purple-skinned woman wearing a red dress with a large ornamental headdress was brought forth.

Cosmo Queen

2900/2450/8 stars

"Wow, that's one strong monster, Rika! Most of my monsters can't even stand up to that!" Takato exclaimed.

"I'm glad you're impressed, goggle head, because I'm taking out your pet dinosaur right now! Cosmo Queen, attack his Bracchio-raidus!"

"Stop right there, Rika! You've just activated my trap!" Takato revealed one of his facedown cards. "I activate my Zero Gravity!"

"Zero Gravity?"

"This changes the battle position of all face-up monsters on both sides of the field! Therefore, both of our monsters are set in defense mode!"

"Crap! I was so close to wiping you out from the field, goggle head!"

"Too bad!"

Both monsters were immediately set in their defense positions much to Rika's dismay and Takato's relief. One attack from Cosmo Queen and Takato would have surely lost the duel. He is running on thin ice in this duel against the Digimon Queen.

"Well, you got lucky there, goggle head. I'll end my turn there."

"Good because I'm so looking forward to using this card I just drew!" Takato laughed happily as he immediately drew out the card he had drawn. "First, I'll switch my Bracchio-raidus into attack mode! Next, I'll equip him with this: Megamorph!"

"Megamorph?"

"That's right! Allow me to explain. If my life points are lower than yours, the original attack power of the monster equipped with this card is doubled! If my life points are higher, the original attack power is halved!"

"Oh no! That means your dinosaur is stronger than my Cosmo Queen!"

"Now, you're starting to catch on! Now, my Braccio-raidus, attack her Cosmo Queen!"

Bracchio-raidus

ATK: 4400 (2200x2)

The mighty dinosaur charged across and stomped down on the Cosmo Queen. The monster was deleted off the field but did not inflict any damage to Rika's life points Due to the fact that her monster was in defense mode.

"No more 'Queenie' for you, Rika! Whoops that must have hurt..."

"Oh, can it!" Rika snapped at the goggle boy and scoffed.

"Well, that ends my turn. You're up, Rika."

Rika drew a card to her hand and sighed in disappointment. It was clear the card she drew and the ones in her hand aren't any use for this turn.

"I'll just lay this card facedown in defense mode and end my turn."

"Wow, I'm surprised. Normally, you'd have a monster or even a trap every turn. Oh well, at least I'm spared. But, I have the card that's going to win the duel!"

"What? You do? Bah! You're just bluffing! Take a look at our life point difference! You're close to defeat and I'm not even breaking a sweat! What could you possibly have to turn this duel around?"

"Just watch and learn, Rika!"

"Who am I kidding? He doesn't have anything to turn this duel around! I'm still going to win this! He's down to his last 400 life points!"

"Pay attention, Rika, because you're never going to forget this! I want you to remember this well!" Takato called out while pulling out the card he had just drawn. "I'm going to equip Bracchio-raidus with my Fairy Meteor Crush!"

"Fairy Meteor Crush...?" Rika wondered until she had finally come into the realization. "Oh no! No! Not that card!"

"When I equip this with my monster, and Bracchio-raidus strikes with an attack power that is higher than the defense of your defense position monster's, it inflicts the difference as battle damage to your life points"

"No! My facedown monster's defense power is weaker than his monster's attack power! This can't be! How can I end up losing this duel... to goggle head!"

"Now, my Bracchio-raidus, attack her facedown defense monster!"

"No! No!" Rika cried out as her eyes widened. "I can't lose!"

"Sorry, but you already have! Take out her facedown monster!"

The dinosaur charged forward and stomped down on the facedown card. The card exploded to reveal The Unhappy Maiden, a depressed-looking redhead woman.

The Unhappy Maiden

0/100/1 star

Since Maiden's defense power was 100, she was weaker than Braccio-raidus' 4400 attack power. This resulted in 4300 total damage to the remainder of Rika's life points.

Rika

Life points: 0 (3500-4300)

The Digimon Queen watched in utter disbelief as her points dropped ALL the way down to zero. The duel was over. Takato had triumphed over the Digimon Queen in a stunning upset. Rika's mouth dropped at the realization that she had been defeated by her best friend.

"I... I... lost? But, how...? This can't be..."

"Yes! I did it!" Takato threw his palmed fists above him. "Woo-hoo! I did it! I can't believe I've just defeated the Digimon Queen!"

"He... He beat me!" Rika gawked at the goggle head. "I managed to beat Ryo, but goggle head went through me? That last turn... You... You..."

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have ourselves a winner!" Floramon announced towards the camera. "In a stunning upset, Takato has won the duel! Through thick and thin, the young goggle head pulled off what many consider a last minute miracle! Just when we thought it was all over, Takato has once again proved us all wrong!"

"But, he won...?" Rika whispered.

"Takato will now advance to the next round of the Duel Tournament!" Floramon exclaimed. "Give it up for the young goggle head!"

As Takato flashed a 'V' for victory towards the camera, he turned to find Rika walking towards him. Her eyes were fueled with fire and her teeth were clenched. The goggle head backed away in fear of the intimidating presence of the tomboy.

"Um, hi... Rika. Heh, that was a great duel. I was honored to... Ah, all right. Go ahead and hit me," Takato sighed and pointed a finger to his face. "I know you want to do it. You probably want to knock my butt to the ground."

"Now, why would I do that?"

"Well, I suppo- Wha...? What did you say?" the goggle head realized what Rika had just said and was flabbergasted. "You mean you're not going to hit me?"

"No, should I?"

"Well, no, of course not!"

"Put it there, goggle head. That was one good duel and perhaps one of my best," Rika extended a hand out to her friend. "Well? Are you just going to gawk at me? We don't have to shake hands you know."

"Um... Sorry, I was just zoned out there for a minute. I just didn't expect this from you all of a sudden," Takato said as he shook Rika's hand.

The camera caught film of the two Tamers shaking each other's hands in an act of good sportsmanship. No matter how much Rika was angry over her loss, she was proud to have dueled her friend and to be bested by him in a fair match.

"Will you just get a glimpse of this? Now, I love seeing these rare moments! This shows you that not all duelists are here for camera fare and to settle heated rivalries. Even best friends can be pit against one another and still come out looking like winners. Rika is still a winner in my view! Oh, this is bringing tears of joy to my eyes!"

As the two friends finished shaking one another's hands, a portal quickly formed behind them. The duelists, Floramon and Tapirmon faced towards the portal to be transported back in the duel dome.

"Hurry up, you two. We're getting back to the arena," Floramon called out to the duelists. "Besides, you wanted to see the end of the battle matches."

"C'mon, Rika! We have to go and see if Inumon managed to beat Basilikmon," Takato called to the redhead.

"Right," Rika nodded in reply and walked past the goggle boy.

"Hurry up, Takato! We're being transported back!" Floramon called out.

"Coming, ma'am!" Takato replied as he made a bee-line dive through the portal. "Safe!"

"Ugh, goggle head," Rika sighed.

The four passengers were now being transported back inside the duel dome and to be dropped off back into the arena. They were quite anxious to know about the dual battle matches, especially Inumon's match against Basilikmon. They had hoped the canine defeats the evil serpent, which would break the spell over Terriermon and Tomoki.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

-

Phoenix Arena/Battle & Duel Arenas

Back at the Phoenix Arena, the dual battle matches were now getting the crowd pumped with excitement. They've received a great contest between Sailor Uranus and Piedmon, but an even more intensifying bout with Basilikmon and the newly evolved Youkai Inumon.

"As we've just witnessed through the monitor, Takato has managed to upset Rika in a fantastic duel! He had only 400 life points left but it didn't stop him from obtaining victory. Our beloved goggle boy advances to the next round! But, now, let us see who will come out on top in these dual matches! Sailor Uranus has held her own against Piedmon while Basilikmon had been inflicting punishment on Inumon! Now I'm seeing Renamon, Seadramon and Himura out watching the match as we speak!"

Looking from the entranceway with careful eyes were Renamon and Himura. They were showing concern for their beloved Inumon. The match had turned around to Basilikmon's favor.

"C'mon, Inumon! Don't let this guy win! Avenge Kotori!" Himura exclaimed.

"Yes, for Kotori and for all the people this monster has ever hurt!" Seadramon called out his friend.

However, Renamon remained silent and showed concern for the dark canine. She wanted to go in there and aid him, but her interference would only lead to Inumon's disqualification. In fact, this was a battle only Inumon desired and wanted nothing more from. He only wants to slay Basilikmon with his bare hands.

Inside Arena A, Basilikmon held Youkai Inumon down with his tail and taunted his adversary. He even went low as to trash Kotori verbally.

"It's a real shame it had to come down to this, Inumon. You could have just walked away and forgotten this whole matter," Basilikmon snickered as he hissed directly into Youkai Inumon's ear. "Himura, Seadramon, Anubimon and that wench, Kotori should be forgotten. I mean, Anubimon and Kotori are gone from this world. I'll admit it, but I was really aiming for Kotori instead of Himura. I just love watching the female kind writhing in pain. That expression of fear was pleasure enough for me! Now, I want to see that same expression on your face!"

As Basilikmon continued on tarnishing Kotori's good name, anger was boiling up inside Youkai Inumon. His body trembled with anger. However, if that wasn't enough, the next comment from Basilikmon would push him over the edge.

"But if there's one person who deserved their untimely death, that would be Anubimon! The fool turned his back on Lord Pharaohmon and deserved the fate he received!" the serpent laughed. "I'll bet Anubimon must be rolling in his grave and watching you suffering under my wrath!"

"Basilikmon... You..." Youkai Inumon muttered under his breathe as his eyes started to emit a crimson glow. "You... You..."

"Heh heh heh. I, what? I deserve to die for my comments? No, it will be you to join Anubimon in the after life!" Basilikmon hissed as he brought down the end of his tail towards Youkai Inumon's chest.

Renamon, Himura and Seadramon watched in horror as they were about to witness the death of their beloved comrade. However, at the last second, they gasped out to what they were witnessing back in the ring. Youkai Inumon waved his hand across and sliced off the end of Basilikmon's tail with his claws. This caused the devilish serpent to screech out in pain. Blood came gushing out from the stub end of Basilikmon's tail.

"YOU INCURSED WRETCH!" Basilikmon screamed with venom in his voice. "YOU'LL PAY FOR THAT!"

As Youkai Inumon stood on his feet, there was one thing different about his appearance. He no longer sported that determined, warrior glare. His eyes were completely dimming a crimson glow and the collar around his neck was removed. Seadramon was quick to notice this and knew what to expect from this.

"Oh no..." Seadramon whispered.

"What did you say?" Himura overheard the sea serpent. "What's wrong? Is Inumon all right?"

"Physically, he'll be fine, but his mind isn't exactly there. You notice him without the collar around his neck? Has he always worn it around his neck?"

"Yes, he always does... Until now, that is. What's the big deal?"

"Well, I hate to break it to you, Himura, but Inumon will not be the same mongrel you ever knew," Seadramon sighed. "Inumon, please don't let the hate consume you. I beg of you to keep yourself under control. Basilikmon, you've just awakened a raging demon within the mongrel and you're going to deserve what you get. Get him, Inumon! Do this for Kotori and Lord Anubimon!"

"What has happened to you?" Basilikmon screamed out at the dark canine. "I demand you tell me!"

Not replying to the demonic snake's demands, Youkai Inumon's eyes dimmed further and a dark aura was engulfing his form. Basilikmon did not realize he had awakened a furious power waiting to be awakened from the canine. The demonic snake was prepared to meet his fate.

"I'm noticing a change in Inumon! His eyes are dimming a red aura, but what could this mean? Has Basilikmon pushed Inumon over the edge?"

Suddenly, Youkai Inumon spoke out in a dark, sinister voice mixed with a venomous tone. It frightened the audience sitting close at the ground level. Even Himura and Seadramon overheard his dark tone of voice.

"SO, how about I roast you with my Dark Flame Hound technique?" Youkai Inumon growled as he chuckled maniacally.

This even managed to catch Renamon's attention, who showed concern for the mongrel. This wasn't the same goofy, womanizing Inumon she came to know. His whole demeanor was that of a killer's.

"Inumon... What has come over you...? Ever since your collar came off..." Renamon whispered.

"So, you're starting to catch on too. Huh, Renamon?" Seadramon asked the female. "That collar was constructed to suppress the demon nature in him. Before Anubimon created it for him, he was a raving, blood-thirsty monster with no sense of who he was."

"What...? I never knew..."

"Yes, he could have killed us all if Anubimon hadn't put him under control. There's no way even you can reach him anymore as long as he doesn't have his collar on."

"No! There's got to be something we have to do!" Himura shouted. "I'm not going to lose Inumon and let him become a blood-thirsty monster like Basilikmon! Inumon, hear my voice!"

"Inumon! Listen to us!" Renamon called out to the mongrel.

Looking on from the crowds, the Dra-Warrior trio returned after devouring the basket of burgers prior to their celebration over the two stooges.

"Hey, what's going on here? Inumon's losing it," Flamedramon looked towards Arena A and noticed the canine with a maniacal grin across his face.

"Just don't watch what happens, Flamedramon," Panzerdramon stated.

"Why not?"

"Just don't watch, Flamedramon," Luzdramon sighed.

Back inside Arena A, the laughter from Youkai Inumon stopped as he glared directly at Basilikmon. All he could think is revenge and basking in Basilikmon's blood.

"You... What is this...? How am I quivering in fear...? I'm Basilikmon! I fear no one!" the serpent hissed. "Even I don't fear you...!"

Youkai Inumon couldn't take Basilikmon's beating anymore. Then, without even thinking, the dark canine committed a course of action that shocked everyone in the arena, including Basilikmon himself.

Youkai Inumon used his free arm and with his sword, he slashed his own eyes. Seadramon widen in surprise and horror. The sea serpent used this very exact method to stop Basilikmon in the Underworld. Blood poured down from Inumon's eyes.

"You're fool! Why did you blind yourself?" Seadramon screamed out. "Inumon! What is the meaning of this!"

"If I'm blind, you power of transforming digimon into stone will have no effect on me," Youkai Inumon snickered. "Also, I will tell you something. If I die, I'm going to take you with me, Basilikmon!"

"What did you say!" the demonic serpent gasped out in shock.

Youkai Inumon's body erupted into embroiling flames of darkness. Basilikmon was starting to sweat bullets and trembled with fear. Yes, for the first time, Basilikmon had a look of fear across his face and he would forever regret teasing Inumon for his deceased, loved ones.

"INUMON!" Renamon shouted out in shock. "Seadramon, we have to stop this!"

"No! This is Inumon's battle! He will never forgive us if we interfere!" Seadramon held Renamon back with his tail. "He will even destroy you if you interfere. The demon power is growing within him and he will see you as an enemy if you intervene!"

"But, I can't leave him like this..."

"He's right, Renamon. We can't go in there. We'll only throw our lives away and become scorched by Inumon's flames. I admit standing here, but I know I can't afford entering death's doors again," Himura stated despite being in hesitation. "Inumon's going to have to control himself once this match is over... I hope..."

Upon hearing this, Renamon showed deep concern for the first person she ever really cared for besides Rika and the Tamers. Her eyes focused on Youkai Inumon and even she was frightened by his reawakened demonic nature.

"What is the meaning of this!" Basilikmon hissed.

"I told you, bastard. If I'm going to die, I will take you with me!" Youkai Inumon declared.

"What is he doing!" Himura exclaimed

"No way! He's not going for his forbidden attack! That's mean he going to die!" Seadramon shouted out a stunning revelation.

"Something tells me this is somewhere I don't need to be!" Lillymon screamed as she hid under her announcers' booth.

Looking on from the audience, Omegamon felt the overwhelming dark power emitting from Youkai Inumon. He realized that this would greatly damage the arena and kill nearly every digimon in attendance. He quickly flew out across the arena and landed down near where Himura stood.

"Omegamon!" the group exclaimed.

"Get behind me everyone!" the Royal Knight called out to the group. "I'll construct a barrier to protect you all! Besides, this is something Anubimon would have done if he were still around."

Before they could act, Omegamon quickly constructed a barrier around him and the group. However, the other digimon beside them weren't lucky and they were deleted by Inumon's dark flame. Even Etemon fled from ringside to avoid the flames. Fortunately, Lillymon was hiding under her table. She looked out to find digimon being deleted left to right and screamed out in horror.

"Just what is he planning! To kill everyone here!" Renamon exclaimed. "The Inumon I knew would never become a cold-blooded murderer! He's nothing like Basilikmon!"

In his skybox, Pharaohmon watched the turn of events unfold with little concern. As the flames penetrated through the glass windows of his box, he easily constructed a barrier around him and Lance. He was surprised and yet took pleasure in seeing Inumon's real power.

"I didn't know the mutt had such power," Pharaohmon snorted. "A very unexpected twist if I say so myself..."

"Me neither, master. It's a good thing you constructed the barrier before I would have been incinerated," Lance replied.

"He is strong indeed, but it's still not enough to overcome my demonic energy," the dark lord thought while keeping an eye on the demon canine.

Then, with one loud cry, Youkai Inumon released his most powerful attack upon his most hated enemy. Basilikmon was close to seeing his life flash before his very own eyes.

"RAGE OF INFERNO!" Youkai Inumon howled out as his voice echoed throughout the silent arena.

Then, the dark flames began to engulf Youkai Inumon's body. Basilikmon's eyes widened in fear as he witnessed Inumon forming a huge dark flamed wolf, with shining red eyes. The dark wolf growled angrily at the devilish serpent. The dark flamed wolf struck Basilikmon as he was covered by an inferno of dark flames. Basilikmon screeched out in a threshold of pain as he felt his body being completely incinerated by the flames. Fire ripped through his skin and torched the muscles inside his body to reveal skeletal features.

"INUMON!" Himura cried out. "Let him have it!"

"He's doing it! Basilikmon's body is being destroyed and that red emerald will be shattered in the process!" Seadramon exclaimed.

"Yes and our two friends will be restored at last," Omegamon nodded. "But what I fear most is Inumon turning feral and against all of us."

After several seconds of pure pain, Basilikmon finally turned into a cloud of data. Once the serpent vanished out of existence, the flames died down around Youkai Inumon. In the center of ring was Youkai Inumon, he was up but his expression was emotionless.

"I... I... think it's over..." Lillymon whispered as she peeked out to find no traces of Basilikmon left. "I only see Inumon! Fortunately, a barrier was constructed to protect Piedmon and Sailor Uranus, as their match had abruptly stopped at this turn of events."

Piedmon gawked out towards Arena A and realized what had just happened to Basilikmon. Even Sailor Uranus was deeply concerned. She immediately turned around to find numerous digimon deleted and others injured from the flames.

"Oh no! Neptune!" Sailor Uranus cried out. "Neptune!"

"It's all right, Uranus. I'm just fine," Sailor Neptune called out from the distance.

Much to her relief, Uranus spun around to find Sailor Neptune with a barrier in front of her. She used her mirror to construct a shield to protect herself and some innocent digimon bystanders.

"Thank goodness..." Sailor Uranus sighed in relief. "You had me scared there, Neptune. Don't pull that stunt off again..."

"Sorry," Neptune smiled while letting out a low giggle. "Are all you all right?"

"Yes, thank you, lady," a Pumpkinmon bowed to Sailor Neptune. "You're in our gratitude."

"Who would have thought there would be humans with extraordinary powers?" a Gotsumon wondered. "This is just great! But, I can't say the same for some of our lost brethren."

"It's a terrible loss," Sailor Neptune showed concern for the lost digimon killed by the flames. "That Inumon must be stopped before he unleashes another attack. It looks like I may have to end up stopping him myself."

Meanwhile, Etemon checked the ring to see if it was safe. He removed his sunglasses as he realized that there was no sign of Basilikmon. The serpent was completely incinerated out of existence. The last digimon standing in Arena A was a blind Youkai Inumon.

"...I can't believe this. Well, Basilikmon is gone and has no chance of coming back. The flames have sealed his fate," Etemon announced while stepping away from Arena A. "In order to spare my own life, I'll forget counting down and declare the winner! Youkai Inumon wins the bout!"

There was mixed reaction to Youkai Inumon, especially those angry digimon who lost some of their brethren from the flames. On the other hand, they were happy to know that Basilikmon was destroyed. Himura, Seadramon and Renamon were quick to realize what was wrong with Youkai Inumon. They watched as the blind demon canine leaped out of the ring and hungrily searched for his next 'victim'.

"Everyone, we must stop Inumon! Without the collar, he has become a feral beast!" Omegamon exclaimed.

"Allow me to stop him," Renamon stepped out.

"No, you can't! You'll end up getting killed, Renamon! Inumon no longer has any sense of who he is and who his allies are!" Seadramon warned the vulpine.

"I have to try!"

With that said Renamon leapt across from the entranceway and landed a few feet away from Youkai Inumon. The dark canine sniffed her scent and turned around to face her. This was truly going to be a test for Renamon, especially as it concerns their deep bond and friendship. Would she be the one to return Inumon back to his friendly self or will Inumon be doomed to remain in this brainless, demonic, blood-thirsty state?

"Good luck, Renamon. If there's anyone else who can bring him back, it will be you," Himura whispered. "Please, come back to us, Inumon..."

As Renamon slowly approached Youkai Inumon, the demon canine turned around and growled at her as if she were an enemy. The vulpine took a step back from his intimidating presence and held out a hand to Youkai Inumon.

"Inumon, it's me. It's me, Renamon. It's over. You finally got your revenge. Kotori has been avenged. Seadramon and all of us are very grateful. Now, Terriermon and Tomoki will be restored. You... You have slain the serpent," Renamon commended the canine despite showing some fear in her eyes. "Please, return back to the way you were... We can heal your eyes with the medical team on standby."

Lashing out at Renamon, Youkai Inumon leaped across and attempted to slash her with his claws. The vulpine was quick to dodge and avoid getting turned into mincemeat.

"INUMON! DON'T!" Himura called out. "That's Renamon!"

"Please, Inumon... Stop this..." Renamon begged Youkai Inumon. "It's over."

"Over...?" Youkai Inumon whispered while shaking his head. "Rena... Renamon...?"

"Inumon, is that you?" Renamon slowly approached the quivering canine.

The mega digimon quivered until he de-digivolved back into Inumon. He held his head and let out a horrifying scream. He felt excruciating pain in his head while throwing his arms around.

"Inumon! What's happening to him?" Seadramon wondered.

"He's regaining his composure and his fond memories. I suppose when he heard Renamon's voice, the demon nature was fading and allowing the real Inumon to return. However, it's not going to last. Renamon! Knock him out and take his collar! He will need his collar!"

"Omegamon...?" Renamon turned around to face the Royal Knight. "All right then..."

With that said Renamon walked over to Inumon and raised a closed fist.

"Please forgive me, Inumon, but this has to be done," Renamon sighed as she slammed her fist to the back of Inumon's head.

The single punch from the vulpine had enough force to knock Inumon out and lay him out. The mongrel laid face-first on the dirt with a tongue sticking out. Letting out a sigh, Renamon picked Inumon up and threw his arm around her to carry him out.

"We'll get you fixed up, Inumon. I promise you," whispered Renamon.

Just then, Etemon noticed the collar inside the ring and picked it up.

"Hey! Is your friend there forgetting this?" Etemon called out to the vulpine.

"Oh yes! We need that collar!" Renamon replied back. "Please, give that to us!"

"No problemo," Etemon nodded and hurled the collar over to Renamon.

She caught the collar with her left hand and continued her walk towards the entranceway with an unconscious Inumon. Himura, Seadramon and Omegamon were waiting for the vulpine to reach the entranceway.

"Oh, Inumon... Your eyes," Himura winced at the sight of Inumon's slashed eyes.

"Don't worry about that, Himura. The medical team in this arena have device that can regenerate lost tissue. I have no doubt they'll restore his eyes," Seadramon assured the boy. "Omegamon, we can't thank you enough."

"Any friends to Anubimon are allies to me," Omegamon reassured everyone. "Now, let's get Inumon some medical attention."

"But we also need to wait for Takato and Rika," Himura said.

As soon as he mentioned their names, the duel dome was descending down to the ground. They watched as it stopped and opened the doors to reveal four figures emerging. Takato and Rika walked out first to a loud ovation from the crowds. They noticed Arena A was empty and motioned towards Etemon.

"The match is over? Who won in Arena A?" Takato asked the official.

"I'm so glad you two didn't arrive when the chaos just ensued!" Etemon replied. "It's a good thing you arrived just as it ended a few minutes ago."

"Who won? We need to know, monkey boy!" Rika demanded.

"Inumon won. He killed Basilikmon with a new flame attack, but he was so out of control that he even killed some of our fans in the audience," Etemon explained.

"What? Where is Inumon now?" Takato asked with concern.

"His friend, Renamon, and some other fellows are taking him to the back," Etemon pointed directly towards the entrance. "You may want to join them."

"Right, you hear that, Rika? Let's go. There's no telling how badly hurt Inumon is," Takato stated as he lead the way.

"Right," Rika nodded while following the goggle boy.

However, just as she stopped past Arena B, Rika turned around and watched Sailor Uranus still battling Piedmon. She couldn't help but admire the female warrior holding her own against the Dark Master.

"She's still in there competing? Wow, she must be something. I can't help but respect someone like her. She did wish me luck before my duel with Ryo... I've lost my match with Takato but I hope she doesn't lose this one. The last thing we need is one of Pharaohmon's men advancing. Kick his butt, Sailor girl!"

"Rika! What are you looking at?" Takato's voice called out. "C'mon, let's go!"

"Yeah! I'm coming!"

Giving a smile to Sailor Uranus, Rika ran down to follow Takato towards the entranceway to find out the status of Inumon's condition. The audiences were now directing their attention towards Arena B. Piedmon was down on his knees as Sailor Uranus held her sword in one hand. The Dark Master's swords were scattered across the ring. Without them, he would have to resort to tricks to outsmart the Senshi.

"With Inumon being directed to the back for medical attention, we can focus on the match in Arena B. They had abruptly stopped as Youkai Inumon unleashes his deadly flames attack but they have now resumed their bout. Sailor Uranus has managed to knock away Piedmon's swords and prepares to finish the nightmare clown off! Can Piedmon find himself out of this predicament?"

"Of course, I can, missy," Piedmon snickered under his breathe. "Sailor Uranus, you don't know who you're dealing..."

"Oh I don't, do I?" Sailor Uranus smiled as she twirled her sword. "Obviously, you don't know who I am. I'm not as merciless as many of the other Sailors. I'll kill you here and now. Then, I can be relieved not to hear your stupid laugh again."

"Well, it's a shame it'll come down to me laughing last," Piedmon laughed as he flipped back to his feet. "Sailor Uranus, victory shall be mine!"

"In your dreams, clown boy!"

Sailor Uranus charged across to attack Piedmon head on with her sword. Piedmon quickly put out his hands and threw out an invisible beam directly at the Senshi.

"CLOWN TRICK!"

Upon seeing the attack coming for her, Sailor Uranus dodged away to the side to avoid it. Another beam came directly from Piedmon and this one penetrated through the ground Sailor Uranus was standing on. This caused Uranus to go flying across the ring, but she was quick to land on her feet. Uranus stared across the ring and set her eyes on Piedmon.

"Damn, if I had been struck by those blasts and I would have been a goner for sure!" Uranus thought.

"You can't hope to dodge those forever! CLOWN TRICK!" Piedmon fired out another blast out of his hands.

"Again!" Uranus shouted as she moved to the side.

"Now, Piedmon is playing a game of dodge ball with Sailor Uranus! It'll only be a matter of time before she becomes worn down," Lillymon announced. "Piedmon has her where he wants her!"

Continually shooting out numerous blasts, Piedmon desperately attempted to at least strike Sailor Uranus. The Senshi was swift on her feet and dodged every blast. However, just as Uranus went for a flip, a beam struck her across the back. This caused the Sailor warrior to cry out and roll across the ring. Piedmon jumped across and kicked the sword right out of Uranus' hands.

"You won't need that anymore, Sailor warrior," Piedmon smirked.

"No, but I don't need it! URANUS WORLD SHAKING!" Uranus slammed her fists across and sends an orange sphere across.

The Dark Master was struck by the sphere and sent hurtling across the ring. He landed on the back of his head and rolled back. Struggling to get back on her feet, Sailor Uranus set her eyes directly onto Piedmon.

"A knock-out hit by Sailor Uranus! Piedmon won't be getting up after that!" Lillymon exclaimed. "Etemon is getting over to count!"

"I've got this one covered, Lillymon!" Etemon returned back to officiating. "Piedmon is down! I'll start the count! One! Two! Three! Four!"

Sailor Uranus walked across the ring with her hand on her back. The blow from Piedmon's attack had damaged that lower part of her backside. She stepped forward and looked down at the fallen Dark Master. Just a few more seconds and victory would be hers. Or so she thought...

"...Six! Seven! Eight! Nine!"

"Clown... Trick..."

In less than one split second before the ten count was registered, Piedmon jumped up and slammed his attack directly into Sailor Uranus' gut. She was immediately caught off guard by this tactic and thrown across the ring. She was slammed into the ground as the attack forced her down. The audience gasped out in shock at this turn of events and erupted with a negative reaction towards Piedmon.

"If that wasn't a cheap shot, then I don't know what is! Piedmon used a last desperation attack to send Sailor Uranus across the ring!" Lillymon announced.

"Fool! I'll never be defeated so easily! I was the leader of the Dark Masters! I won't allow myself to be defeated by a human!" Piedmon shouted. "Now... Start the count and make it snappy!"

"Yes, sir!" Etemon nodded in reply. "Idiot, you shouldn't even be giving me orders. I'm the walking rule book!"

With Etemon preparing to start the count, Sailor Uranus was struggling to move about. The attack from Piedmon had inflicted massive damage on the Senshi. This forced Sailor Neptune to leap out of the crowds and run over towards Arena B.

"Uranus!" Sailor Neptune cried out to her 'lover'. "Uranus! Get up! Please, get up!"

"Now, now, majestic lady of the ocean, just stand back before you get hurt," Piedmon chuckled as he picked up his swords. "Unless you want me to kill this piece of garbage, be polite and stand your ground!"

"Coward! You only attacked you when she least expected it! She had you defeated and you knew it!" Neptune retorted at the Dark Master.

"Nonsense, now watch as I'm being declared the winner," Piedmon smirked.

Suddenly, Etemon stopped at 'seven' and he was shocked to find Sailor Uranus standing up on her feet with a glare of determination. Piedmon gawked at the sight of Sailor Uranus getting ready to fight. This was exactly what happened with Loweemon. The Dark Master growled in frustration and slid across the ring to slam a knee directly into Uranus' gut. He leaped backward to unleash another Clown Trick. The attack struck Uranus head-on and forced her down to the ground. This time Uranus was completely taken out of commission.

"URANUS!" Sailor Neptune screamed out for her fallen 'lover'. "Don't do this to... impress me..."

"Humph, another one bites the dust against my Clown Trick. Referee, just simply raise my hand and declare me the winner."

"Well, I'm still going to make the count regardless. Uranus still has a chance to rise up for the ten count," Etemon snorted. "Here I go! One! Two! Three! Four! Five"

Piedmon turned his glare directly towards Sailor Neptune and sheathed a sword out. He pointed it directly towards Sailor Neptune.

"Be happy I'm going to let her live. She's not the one I want to eliminate. I want the Warrior of Light, Wolfmon. I defeated his brother, Loweemon, and he will fall before my feet. Sailor Uranus was merely another stepping stone."

"Hold on! Sailor Uranus is slowly getting to her feet and Etemon is on eight!" Lillymon announced. "What a display of resilience by Uranus! Could she be back in the game? Piedmon sure isn't pleased with this!"

Much to his dismay, Piedmon watched Sailor Uranus getting up to her feet. She raised her fists and was ready to continue. Then, her eyes lost focus and her form collapsed face-first against the surface. Etemon continued through the count."

"...Nine! Ten!"

Etemon immediately called for the bell to be rung. Sailor Uranus was completely out of it with Piedmon panting. The Senshi wouldn't quit and thus gave Piedmon a run for his money. First, Loweemon and now the Sailor warrior. Piedmon didn't expect there to be warriors to challenge him. He started limping out of the ring while not acknowledging his defeated opponent.

"After putting up a great fight, Sailor Uranus goes down after Piedmon's Clown Trick! The match could have been hers, but it was a cheap ploy by Piedmon that has gained him this victory! Unfortunately, as much as I was rooting for the kick-ass Sailor chick, I have to say that Piedmon has won this bout. I must say this crowd is not very approving of this either. First, Loweemon felt the wrath of his cheap ploys and now Sailor Uranus became the next victim. Just who will manage to derail this trickster?"

"Hey, you!" Sailor Neptune called out to Piedmon as she bent over to put Uranus' arm around her. "Piedmon!"

"You rang...?" Piedmon taunted the Senshi as he gave her a smirk. "It's over. I have declared victory."

"It's not that, but hear me out... In the next round, I guarantee your tactics will fail and the next opponent will make sure you are knocked out of this tournament."

"Oh? Well, I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I look forward to crushing my next opponent! You just tend to that piece of trash I've just defeated," Piedmon spat on the ground near Sailor Neptune's feet. "Now, if you'll excuse me... I must rest up for the next round."

"C'mon, Uranus. Let's get you to the back and given some treatment for those wounds," Neptune whispered to Uranus' ear. "Whoa, you really need to cut down on all of these sweets."

"Heh... No way, I've got to have my chocolate chip cookies..." Uranus managed to reply under her breath.

"Well, in that case, no more cookies for you, dear Uranus," Neptune playfully scolded her injured 'lover'.

"Yes, mother..." Uranus chuckled yet managed to hide her pain from Neptune.

"Now, lets get you treated, Uranus. I swear if they end up giving you a needle, don't freak out like the last time we took you to get your flu shot."

"...I hate... needles," the Senshi of Uranus groaned.

"Well, those two are quite the interesting couple," Lillymon commented. "Anyway, we have our winners! Takato Matsuda advances to the semi-final round of the duel tournament. In our dual battle matches, Piedmon and Inumon have both secured spots in the next round! Unfortunately, it's a terrible scene we've just seen from Inumon as some members of the audience were killed during the massacre. My heart goes out to those who lost their loved ones. We have medical teams to pick up any injured members of the audience and security will hopefully be tightened around the arena. Now, with that taken care of, I will go and draw the drawings of the next competitors for the duel match and dual bouts!"

Flamedramon was still in shock over what had just occurred. His two colleagues nodded their heads shamefully.

"Whoa... That was a close one..." Flamedramon stuttered.

"I told you NOT to look," Panzerdramon sighed while rubbing his head.

"Come one, let's go and give those medical teams a hand with the injured," Luzdramon walked down the steps.

As soon as she turned off her microphone, Lillymon flew out of the announcer's booth and looked towards the damage caused by Inumon's attack. The Dra-Warrior trio lent a hand to the medical team while carrying out the injured. She felt tears pour down her eyes as se felt sympathy for those who had lost their loved ones. She was glad that nightmarish scene was over with and hoped nothing like that will ever occur for the remainder of the tournament. However, there was simply no guarantee since Pharaohmon was still in the tournament. There's no telling how much damage his demonic power will bring later in the tournament. In fact, his name will be amongst the competitors to take part in one of the two dual battle matches next.

It was then that Pharaohmon was looking on from his skybox and towards the ring. A sinister grin crossed his face as he sat up from his throne. He motioned over to Lance and placed a hand over the teen's head.

"It is time, Lance. We shall crush our enemies and advance to the next rounds. This is our tournament. We cannot hope to fail now."

"Yes, my lord..."

"I have nothing to worry about, but you need to be extra careful. Whoever you are pit against, show them no mercy."

"I will, Lord Pharaohmon," Lance bowed to the dark lord in respect.

"The time has come. With Anubimon out of the picture, I can concentrate on winning this tournament and securing control over the two worlds! Nothing will stand in my way! But first, it's time to eliminate my competition!"

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-

Infirmary Center

Yami Yugi and Joey were searching down the last hallway they could find. They had been looking for the past twenty minutes, but they found no signs of Mai anywhere. However, they were determined to continue on their search. This goes especially true for Joey. He had been worried about Mai since their last duel.

"Joey! I'll look down these doors ahead of me. You take the other side," Yami Yugi told his best friend.

"Right!" Joey nodded in agreement.

As Yugi set off down the hall ahead, Joey stayed behind to check through the doors on his right hand side. He opened one door to find nobody in there and then he searched through the next to find another unoccupied room.

"Man! Just how much further do I have to search? Mai! Where are you?" Joey shouted as his voice echoed across the hall.

Suddenly, he heard a small whimpering from out of another room. The whimpering came from out of a door behind him. Joey stepped over towards the door and turned the knob. Joey opened the door to a locker room and he saw Mai sitting in a bench, all by herself and quivering.

She kept muttering about she doesn't want to go back to that dark and cold place as she hugged herself like a frightened child.

"Mai?"

As Joey's had touched on Mai's shoulder, she suddenly struck Joey with a painful slap on his right cheek.

"GO AWAY!" Mai screamed as she held her throbbing hand.

Joey looked at Mai angrily as he touched his swollen cheek.

"Mai! What the heck you're doing!" shouted Joey.

Then, Mai blinked several times as she realized Joey was in the front of her with his hand on his cheek. Mai gasped as she realized what she had done.

"Sorry Joey, I... I... I d-didn't mean to hit you." said Mai as she sat down on bench. "I thought it was someone else."

Then, Joey understood why Mai was like that. It seems she didn't forget what Marik's dark side had done to her in the finals of the Battle City. Mai being trapped inside of that hourglass must truly traumatic to her.

"You thought I was Marik?" Jay asked as he sat down beside to Mai.

Mai didn't replay and only stared the ground.

"You weren't the only one who was tortured by his sick games," Joey reminded her.

"Yeah, I remember. He forced you to duel Yugi with his mind control and you almost drowned because of him."

"But I never told you about what happened when I dueled in Alcatraz Tower, did I?" Joey said as he stared at his feet.

Mai looked at him rather curiously. What happened between them while she was in coma?

"Between my duel and yours with him, you were luckier than me."

"Do you think being trapped inside of a sandglass and almost forgetting my memories was better!" Mai snapped at Joey angrily. "Are you joking?"

"At least your duel was painless."

Then, Mai looked at him in silent. It seems his experience with Marik was also very traumatic to him as well, and it sounded even worse than hers.

"With my duel with him, he made a connection with our monsters. Every monster who's destroyed or loses its attack points, we could feel their pain."

Mai's eyes widened as soon as she heard Joey's side of the story. She was still completely out of it due to Marik's shadow magic.

"The last part was worse. He summoned the Winged Dragon of Ra in some kind of flame mode and used it against me. I was lucky that I didn't get incinerated, but I felt my whole body burning up. I thought I would die in that moment. While I was in pain, do you know what I thought?"

Mai shook her head as if trying to understand where he was going on with his story.

"I thought I wouldn't be able to keep my promise to duel with Yugi and with you."

Both duelists did not say anything anymore after that. The room was completely silent for a few moments. Then, Mai broke the silence as she spoke again.

"You know what makes me angry? In the end, Yugi had to save our butts," sighed Mai. "I wish... I wish I could be stronger."

Then, Joey looked at Mai and smiled sheepishly.

"You're stronger Mai, even stronger than me."

"I lost in our duel, you moron! You're stronger than me!"

"No, in the last duel, you were stronger than me."

Mai looked at Joey with a confused look. What did he mean by 'in the last duel' she was stronger than him? Before she could ask what he meant, Joey grabbed her hand and he led her back to the station.

"Let's see the next duel match. I want to see who's going to be the winner. Especially the battle matches! They're going to kick so much butt!"

Mai couldn't help it, but she smiled. She felt her hand so warm as Joey's hand was still holding it.

"What did I do to deserve you, Joseph?" thought Mai as she smiled.

"Hey, Joey! Mai!" Yugi called out to them as he came running down the hall to approach them. "Thank goodness you're all right, Mai!"

"Please, you don't think I can take care of myself?" Mai smiled. "Come on, boys. Now with Takato winning his duel, we'll see who's up to duel next."

"Well, there are only two duelists left and we know what that match will be," Yugi said. "Kaiba is one of the duelists... And Lance... We've got to warn Kaiba about Lance!"

"So, what? Kaiba should be able to take care of that punk," Joey shrugged.

"I guess you guys already forgotten his duel with Kenta yesterday? Kaiba still refuses to believe in the whole Shadow Magic business," Yugi reminded them. "We have to warn him as soon as possible! Kaiba's in serious danger."

"Then, let's go and find Mr. Wonderful," Mai rolled her eyes after that comment. "Besides, Joseph and I were victims of Marik's magic."

"I'm not going to let the same thing happen with Kaiba, especially since Pharaohmon still has control over Lance," Yugi replied. "And Pharaohmon will be amongst the four combatants. Oh no, this is only going to get worse. There's no time to lose. Let's go!"

"Right!"

With that said, the trio raced down the corridors ahead of them to find Seto Kaiba. Yugi was more worried for Kaiba especially after what Lance nearly did to Kenta. He was hell bent on preventing another comrade to become victimized by shadow magic.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

-

Elsewhere in the Infirmary Center

After being brought in by Renamon, the medical team helped to transfer Inumon into a room for examination on his eyes. Renamon and Himura accompanied their friend to the examination room. There was no telling what they would do to repair the canine's eyes.

Takato, Rika, Omegamon and Seadramon were all standing outside the door closed. They waited patiently to hear for results. Just in time, they turned to find the legendary warriors and the Tamers in the other rooms where Tomoki and Terriermon were now restored from out of Basilikmon's spell.

"Terriermon!" Henry, Jaarin and Suzie's voices screamed out from the background.

The two Tamers looked on happily as their comrades gathered around a restored Terriermon. The wise-cracking floppy-eared dog rabbit jumped into Henry's waiting arms and laughed happily.

"Missed me, Henry?" Terriermon chuckled. "Man, how long was I asleep for?"

"It doesn't matter as long as you're back, buddy," Henry teared up while hugging Terriermon.

"Ack! You're squeezing me too tight!" Terriermon gagged out.

"Tewwiermon!" Suzie giggled. "I'm so glad you're back!"

"Me too, Suzie... Heh."

"I'm so happy for you two," Jaarin smiled to her brother and his digimon. "Great to have you back, Terriermon."

"Gee, this is getting too depressing for me you guys! I'm about to tear up!" Terriermon couldn't but help sniffle.

"Well, now we have one friend back," Guilmon smiled.

"Yes and the legendary warriors have theirs," Lopmon nodded.

Meanwhile, the other legendary warriors, minus Takuya, gathered around to welcome back Tomoki. The little boy wiped his forehead after de-evolving out of his Daipenmon form.

"Tomoki, you wouldn't believe it! Inumon defeated Basilikmon and freed you!" Junpei explained to the boy.

"Yeah, isn't it great to be back?" Izumi sat down on the bed while fixing the boy's capo.

"Gee, how long was I out for?" Tomoki asked.

"Like a whole day," Kouichi stated. "But, it's great to have you back regardless."

"Now Piedmon is still in the tournament, I just hope I can get a shot at him," Kouji growled while smashing his right fist against his left palm.

"Don't worry, Kouji. I'm sure you'll get your chance," Yui approached him. "My brother's digimon turned Basilikmon into barbeque. You'll get your hands on Piedmon."

"Thanks for the assurance, kid. I needed that," the Legendary Warrior of Light nodded.

"By the way, where is Takuya?" Tomoki looked around the room to notice the leader's absence.

"He went to take the Kurama fellow to his comrades for recuperation," Omegamon informed the children. "Don't worry. He should be back any moment now."

"Good, because won't he be surprised to see me back?" Tomoki jumped off his bed. "You guys are going to have to fill me in on everything while I was turned to stone."

"...It's going to be a long story and I hope you're ready for what you're about to hear," the Royal Knight replied.

"Go ahead. I'm all ears, too, your royal-ness," Terriermon hopped off his bed.

"Very well, you two," Omegamon replied as he went on explaining the entire chronology of events that occurred during their absence.

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-

Second Level Floor/Locker Room #34

Upon returning Kurama to his locker room, Ardhamon was greeted by the Spirit Detective team. The fox half breed gave his thanks to the Warrior of Flame for a good match and helping back to the locker room.

"Thanks man," Yusuke gave a thumb up to the Warrior of Flame. "We couldn't have done this without you."

"It's not a problem. After all, we did help each other with that Horusmon guy back home," Ardhamon reminded them.

"The same fool I incinerated with my flames? Yes, I do recall watching him writhe in agony," Hiei spoke up.

"Again, I must consider repaying the debt, warrior," Kurama sat on the bench while pulling out some herbs to create himself a healing potion. "Perhaps I can treat your wounds with some healing herbs?"

"Thanks, but I have to getting back to my friends. They're probably getting all worried, plus now that Basilikmon bit the dust... Tomoki will be restored."

"Is that your friend who was turned to stone?" Kuwabara asked.

"Yeah, those two who were turned to stone are allies of mine," Ardhamon nodded to Kuwabara's question. "Hey, Kurama. Show that Brimstone guy what you're made of."

"Yes, and I plan to end the confrontation very soon. Thank you," Kurama smiled towards Ardhamon. "Good luck in the next round, warrior. Be cautious. Pharaohmon will be in the next round."

"Yeah and so am I!" Yusuke pointed to himself.

"So is Izumi," Ardhamon had just remembered. "Gee, I just wonder who she'll end up facing. I just hope it isn't Pharaohmon..."

Before long, Lillymon's voice was heard through the arena speakers. The announcement for the next set of matches was going to be announced for the remaining competitors.

"Once again, I've returned to announce to all of you the competitors who will take part in the two tournaments! Of course, I'm sure everyone is well aware who the remaining combatants are. So without further ado, the duel match will pit Lance Canebrook against Seto Kaiba! The following battle matches will feature: In Arena A, Marine Devimon one on one against Fairymon! Facing the demonic Pharaohmon in Arena B is Yusuke Urameshi!"

Once that shocking announcement was made, Yusuke stood out amongst the group with a stunned expression. His eyes widened and he felt his heart stop beating for several seconds. This had struck him hard as he was now being pit against Pharaohmon. Keiko noticed Yusuke's slight uneasiness while holding Puu.

"What's wrong, Yusuke? You could take Pharaohmon, right? This guy isn't that tough for you?" Keiko asked with worry. "Um, Yusuke...?"

"This is outrageous! What is the committee even thinking?" Botan cried out. "Especially after what he did to Anubimon!"

"Urameshi..." Kuwabara whispered out. "Are you even sure you want to go through with this...?"

The Spirit Detective was stiff and couldn't move. His opponent was the mighty Pharaohmon, even Hiei and Kurama could sense the aura of fear from the teen. Ardhamon couldn't help but feel bad for Yusuke.

"Yusuke, are you going to be all right, man? I mean this is Pharaohmon. You could always just withdraw," Koenma suggested.

"Are you kidding? There's no way I'm backing out of this! I'm going in there and if I get my ass kicked then so be it! But, I'm going to make sure Pharaohmon remembers my name!" Yusuke chuckled. "Besides, if I go down, I'm going to leave him a big surprise just to remind him who he's dealing with."

"Either you're an arrogant fool or you've lost your sanity," Hiei remarked. "Then again, I'm curious what surprise you'll leave for that monster."

"Please, we advise caution when you enter the ring with that monster, Yusuke," Kurama warned his comrade. "Don't attempt anything foolish."

"Yeah and don't you go showboating like the last match! Your life is at risk here!" Kuwabara exclaimed.

"Relax, guys! I'll pull through this one alive! Geez, just take it easy! It's not like I haven't died before." Yusuke assured his team. "Like I said, even if I get my ass kicked, I'll make sure to leave that bastard a surprise as a last minute reminder of who he's dealing with. The legacy of the Great Urameshi is not over. No siree!"

"Yusuke, either you have something in mind or you're making the biggest mistake in your life," thought Koenma. "Nonetheless, I have to wonder what you have planned as a surprise for Pharaohmon."

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-

Deep within the hallways of the temple

Ninjadramon had ventured down across the perilous hallways and avoided every trap set forth. He avoided pits, crushing walls, poisonous darts and even outran a boulder Indiana Jones style. Now, he had finally reached the hallway where he spotted Labramon completely still.

"Labramon! There you are! I'm so glad to have finally found you!" Ninjadramon called out to his comrade and approached him.

The canine did not reply and this worried Ninjadramon. Normally, Labramon would make a wise crack or even whimper but not this time. Ninjadramon put a hand over Labramon's shoulder.

"Hey, Labramon!" Ninjadramon called out once again.

As he turned the digital puppy around, he was caught by surprise and looked at the completely dazed Labramon. His eyes were all twirling like an Acme cartoon character, better yet, similar to Beast Boy when he was hypnotized by Mad Mod.

"Yikes! I sure wouldn't want to wake up like that everyday," Ninjadramon remarked. "All right, Labramon. We're getting... Eww! Is that drool coming out of your mouth! Well, nonetheless, I sensed those girls have already found the sword and regained their powers back. Let's go meet with the others and head for the main chamber."

With that said Ninjadramon grabbed Labramon and placed him on his back. The hypnotized canine continued letting drool drip out of his mouth as some even landed splat across the Dra-Warrior's face. Ninjadramon scurried across the hallways and began his search for his other comrades.

"YUCK! THAT'S SICK! NO MORE DROOLING!" Ninjadramon's voice echoed across the halls.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

-

Inside the main chamber within the temple

Having realized that he was outnumbered by the three Sailor Senshi, Puppetmon backed away and quivered in fear. He no longer had his mallet, which was his most useful weapon. His only two options were to use his other weapon accessories, which would be utterly useless at this point, or run away like a coward. Running was possibly his best option.

"Oh... Oh, boy... This isn't looking good," Puppetmon gulped. "There's no way I can escape..."

"You're right! For attempting to harm my sister, I'm going to make sure I turn you into firewood!" Sailor Mars pointed a threatening gesture to Puppetmon.

"Since Pharaohmon isn't here with his ugly mug, we'll take out our frustrations on you," Sailor Jupiter stated while cracking her knuckles.

"So, you better beg for mercy, wood boy!" Sailor Venus called out.

"Cammy! How are you doing up there?" Artemis turned around to face the child.

Much to his surprise, he watched as the child descended down from the ceiling with the sword in hand. However, she no longer looked like the sweet, little girl who the Senshi came to know. She appeared to look exactly like Rei herself except with her hair tied up into a bun and she was wearing a traditional Miko priestess outfit. In her right hand are the sword and the other wielded a staff with a crescent moon attached at the tip. The Sailor Senshi turned and gasped in disbelief at the transformation Cammy had taken. Sailor Mars was flabbergasted to see the striking resemblance her sister had to her now.

"You... You really are my sister, Cammy... More like twins!" the raven-haired Senshi stuttered. "This is just great! You see that, Puppetmon? You're little games are through!"

"There's no chance of you standing up to us anymore. Now just run along or we'll make you chopped fire wood," Sailor Venus waved her hand across.

"Ha! You really expect me to run!" Puppetmon laughed but couldn't help but tremble. "The boss expects no failure out of me!"

"I hate to break to this to you, but you've already failed. We have our powers back and Cammy's become the Priestess again. Your boss can't do anything to stop us now," Sailor Jupiter smirked.

"I'll show you what I'm still capable! I don't need my mallet to bop your heads!" Puppetmon roared as he pulled out the wooden cross-shaped boomerang. "HI-YA! HERE I COME!"

As Puppetmon charged ahead to attack Sailor Jupiter, the Senshi sidestepped him with her newly inherited ninja speed. This caused Puppetmon to nearly fall forward but he managed to hold his balance before falling. He turned around and was struck with an array of knife-sharp leaves piercing through his wooden hide.

"JUPITER OAK EVOLUTION!"

"YE-OUCH!" Puppetmon screamed out.

"My turn!" Sailor Venus declared.

"NO! NOT NOW!"

Ignoring his pleas, Sailor Venus phases out and appeared above Puppetmon. She quickly blew him a kiss and launched out a heart-shaped attack on the former Dark Master.

"VENUS LOVE AND BEAUTY SHOCK!"

The heart-shaped attack launched across and exploded into an array of hearts. They rapidly pounded against Puppetmon and knocked him back. One last heart came hurtling across and pounded against his chest, which knocked the wood right out of him.

"Now, to make your firewood as I promised!" Sailor Mars shouted as she created a bow and arrow out of her flames. "MARS FLAME SNIPER!"

As she pulled on the bow, she released the fiery arrow across and made a perfect shot through his chest. Puppetmon screamed out as the fire expanded across his wooden body. He ran across and jumped into fountain. The fire was immediately put out with smoke fog emerging from out of Puppetmon's burnt form.

"I told you. You mess with my sister and you deal with all of us," Sailor Mars turned around to face Puppetmon. "Now, we're ready to take on your master. Bring him out. I'll bet all three of us can take him or her. If your guards and yourself are any proof, your boss shouldn't be a problem for us."

"Oh, that's what you think..." Puppetmon coughed out. "He'll rip you three little girl scouts apart and your priestess, too!"

"Let him try," Cammy spoke out in an older, beautifully delicate voice. "As long as I wield this sword, even your leader cannot hope to defeat us. It's over for you, creature of darkness."

"Oh, just wait...! You're all going to die!" Puppetmon laughed out.

Before he could say anything else, Sailor Mars whipped out another bow and arrow. She aimed her arrow directly between Puppetmon's head and an evil smirk crossed her face.

"You got something else to say, wood boy? After that little stunt you tried pulling on my sister, I won't feel sorry for killing you," Mars replied with venom in her voice.

Quivering at the sight of the fiery arrow, Puppetmon was sweating bullets. However, what the Senshi don't realize was that the boss was one of the Digital World's most sinister and powerful demon digimon to set foot.

With their powers restored, the three Sailor Senshi prepare to finish off Puppetmon. What they don't realize is that the boss is watching their every move and sets to reveal himself at any given opportunity. Cammy has once again become the Digital Priestess, but how mighty is her power using the sword?

Back at the Phoenix Arena, Takato defeats Rika in a duel between friends. Inumon unleashes his forbidden technique to slay Basilikmon and restore his loved ones. However, he has paid the price with the loss of his sight. Piedmon once again resorts to trickery to achieve another victory. He advances in the next round in hopes of humiliating the Warrior of Light or another opponent to be named.

Pharaohmon and Lance are prepared for the next round. The possessed teen will attempt to truly make a reputation as he looks to unseat Seto Kaiba's position as one of Earth's top duelists. Pharaohmon is looking forward to his showdown with Yusuke Urameshi. But, what surprise does Yusuke have planned for the demon? Why is he still so confident? Marine Devimon prepares to go one on one with Fairymon, the Warrior of Wind.

How will things turn out for the next round match? With Pharaohmon and Lance set to compete, there is bound to be carnage. However, there's still hope with the Digital Priestess reawakened. The saga continues!

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

-

(PREVIEW)

Washu: Good evening, ladies and germs! This is the universe's greatest scientific genius in the universe speaking, WASHU! I'm from the anime series Tenchi Muyo and I'm here to give you the preview for the next chapter! The Great Urameshi steps into the ring as he goes toe to toe with the demonic Pharaohmon! It's David vs. Goliath, anime style!

Yusuke: You don't scare me, Pharaohmon. Just wait... I'm going to leave you a surprise for you to remember me by.

Pharaohmon: Then bring everything you have to offer, human trash. This is my tournament and nobody will unseat me!

Marine Devimon: Calmaramon, my dear! Now, watch closely as I mop the floor with the Warrior of Wind!

Fairymon: You need a breath mint, pal!

Lance: So, you're the great Seto Kaiba? I'm not impressed.

Seto: Feh, you'll be eating those words, punk.

Cammy: Puppetmon! Even you can't hope to defeat all of us together!

Sailor Venus: Yay! The Sailor Senshi together! Now, bring out your head boss!

Thunderous voice: You called for me, fools? Now, to reveal my true self!

Ninjadramon: No! Not him!

Sailor Mars: Whoa, ok... Now, that's big. Senshi! Eternal! Make-Up!

Renamon: Inumon... There's something I have to tell you...

Inumon: Renamon...?

Athenamon: The next chapter is entitled...

Pharaohmon and Lance's Double Rampage! The Leader Reveals Himself!

Sailor Saturn: I just hope we manage to pull out of this predicament. There's no time to lose!

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

-

That concludes yet another action-packed chapter of this popular series. There are only a few chapters left to go before this baby is through. As I said, I'm aiming to finish this off by Mid-September and moving on with the sequel sometime in October.

Thanks go to Belletiger for the Mai/Joey scene and for supporting this story. I'm honoring late-Youkai Youko for the scene with Inumon summoning his dark flames, because she sent this idea to me ages ago. Thanks to Ninetalesuk for Galaxiadramon and his info, the scene involving Skull Satanmon and Marine Devimon getting beaten up, the idea of Herodramon's awesome feat and a few other lines. Also, big thanks to LazerWulf for the duel and the beta-reading.

Well, that wraps up Chapter 38. This story is coming around rather quickly. I hope the trend continues as I plan to end this series by mid-September. Until then, peace out!