At the cocktail lounge, Xiya entered and went up to the bar where Corvus was reading a book. She sat next to Corvus then said,"Where's Ginza?"

"He is consulting our Lord about how to further our goal of making Daemons. He also instructed me to create a Specter that will keep the Phantomrangers busy.",Corvus explained, not taking his eyes off of his book.

Xiya nodded while resting her chin on her fist,"Aren't you gonna go do that?"

"I already have one in my repertoire.",Corvus said while taking out his deck of cards. He then pulled out one and smiled,"This one will do nicely. A nice and beefy Specter to make those Phantomrangers work at defeating it."

Corvus then showed the card to Xiya, revealing a picture of a Specter that was made of both stone and iron while looking like a gladiator of some kind.

At Ben's home in his backyard, Daggon was chasing Jason and Casey with his Chimeracutters while cackling happily and crazily. Paul B, Kizu, Kou, Axis, and Ben watched the three with Kizu asking,"What kind of training is this?"

"This is speed training. Best way to get faster is to be afraid with something chasing you.",Ben said with a smirk.

"But why do this with Daggon?",Paul B questioned.

"Because he's the most animal-like out of you all, plus he rather enjoys chasing people and fighting."

Daggon briefly stopped and smiled while saying,"This is fun! Ha ha ha!" before he went back to chasing Jason and Casey. Casey ran up the stairs and into Paul B's arms before she angrily said,"Someone calm him down!"

Jason dodged several slashes from Daggon then he ran away. Daggon smiled while saying,"Oh, you're good at dodging Brave Sun."

"Thanks bud, please stop chasing me.",Jason said in a panic, starting to run out of breath.

Kou stepped in front of Daggon causing him to stop. Daggon tried to move past her but Kou prevented him from doing so and made him look her in the eyes. He grimaced before walking over to the steps and sitting down, perking up slightly when Kou sat next to him. Jason fell to the ground and said in an out of breath tone,"Thank you Kou."

Ben chuckled then he stepped onto the backyard while saying,"Since that's done, time for some team building training."

Ben turned to the Phantomrangers then he said,"I want all of you to work together throughout today in designated teams."

Ben pointed at Paul B and Axis,"Paul and Axis are the first team."

Ben pointed at Jason and Casey,"Jason and Casey are the next."

Ben pointed at Kou, Kizu and Daggon,"While Kizu, Kou and Daggon are the last."

Kizu's eyes widened while Axis said,"Wait a sec, you're putting Kizu with Daggon and Kou? Kizu and I work best together."

"I know that, but you all need to be able to work together so today you're gonna be with the ones you're least likely to effectively fight and do tasks with. Kou's with Daggon because she's the only one who can understand his mannerisms and keep him tamed.",Ben said with a smirk.

Axis sighed but then looked at Daggon, who patted him on the shoulder before saying,"Don't worry, one eye, I will bring peach hair back to you safely. I will protect my friend's mate."

Daggon then slung Kizu onto his back and left the backyard with Kou following while apologizing to Axis. Axis scowled at Daggon as he left while Paul B walked up to him and said,"Don't worry Axe, I'm sure Kizu is in safe hands with those two."

Axis looked at Paul B and bluntly said,"If he gets hurt at all, I am breaking Daggon's arms then yours."

Paul B stepped back from Axis immediately. Jason chuckled while he and Casey left the backyard as well.

Half an hour later, Paul B and Axis were walking through a shopping center together with Paul B holding a list. Paul B held the list to his face then said,"Can't believe that out of all of us, Ben told me and you to get his shopping done."

Axis grunted while putting his hands in his jacket pockets. Paul B looked at Axis then asked,"What's wrong dude?"

"I'm worried about Kizu.",Axis answered quickly.

"Why? He's an adult and can take care of himself.",Paul B said.

"I know that but… nevermind.",Axis said.

"But what? You can tell me what's on your mind, Axe.",Paul B said with his usual friendly smile. Axis looked at Paul B and sighed before collecting himself.

"I know Kizu can take care of himself but I want to be the one to take care of him.",Axis said, his tone sounding shy.

"You want to take care of him?",Paul B questioned. Paul B then realized what Axis meant. "Oh, you mean that you want to, oh. OH! Holy crap, you like Kizu like that?"

"Don't say it so loud okay. Not trying to let the whole world know I want to date one of my best friends.",Axis said.

"Sorry dude. I just never expected to hear that from you. Though it does kinda explain why you're so protective of him.",Paul B said. Axis sighed while looking away.

"How come you haven't told Kizu how you feel yet?"

"I haven't told him because…",Axis trailed off and stopped in his tracks. Paul B also stopped and looked forward and saw Corvus walking towards them with a smirk on his face. Paul B and Axis readied themselves as Corvus stopped six feet in front of them and said,"Good morning Phantomrangers, lovely day isn't it."

"I'd agree but knowing you, you're more than likely just here to cause havoc.",Paul B said, his glare trained on Corvus.

Corvus chuckled,"Guilty as charged, though seeing as how you're keen on giving me such a hateful stare; I might as well have some fun of my own."

Corvus then revealed a card and threw it into a passing by security guard, causing them to stop and violently change into the gladiator specter (the one that was on the card.)

Paul B and Axis gasped while civilians ran away in terror. Corvus chuckled, then he said,"Go fetch me some souls, Gladiator Specter."

The Gladiator Specter roared then it ran towards some civilians but was kicked in the side by Axis. Axis then took out his Phantom medal and put it into his Spirit Changer while saying,"Phantomise."

"YELLOWPHANTOM READY!"

YellowPhantom began fighting the Gladiator Specter, and was swiftly overpowered by it and tossed into a nearby bench. He grunted then summoned hiis Shogosword and blocked a punch from the Specter.

Paul B gasped then he said,"Phantomise." while putting his Phantom medal into his Spirit Changer.

"REDPHANTOM READY!"

Corvus smirked, then he made his fedora disappear while holding his cane like a sword. RedPhantom summoned his AgniBowblade and charged at Corvus. He slashed at Corvus but it was blocked as was every subsequent slash afterwards. Corvus dodged a slash then he blocked another slash before kicking RedPhantom in the side and hitting him with his cane.

The other Phantomrangers appeared and PinkPhantom immediately said,"Axey-chan." when he saw YellowPhantom block a punch but get sent backwards by the Gladiator Specter.

"Oi, peach hair, let's go help your mate.",PhantomChimera said encouragingly. PinkPhantom nervously nodded, then he and PhantomChimera ran over to help YellowPhantom. PhantomChimera punched the Gladiator Specter then drop kicked it and flipped onto his feet.

PinkPhantom helped YellowPhantom to his feet while saying,"Daijobudesu?"

"I'm fine. Watch out!",YellowPhantom said while moving PinkPhantom out of the way of an oncoming PhantomChimera. PhantomChimera hit the wall behind PinkPhantom and YellowPhantom then said,"This is a tough monster. Ha ha ha, I like it."

PhantomChimera then got up and said,"C'mon peach hair, we can fight this thing and win!"

"Don't order him around!",YellowPhantom angrily said while pushing PhantomChimera and putting his sword to his neck. It was then that BluePhantom and GreenPhantom ran by the trio with BluePhantom saying in a commanding tone,"Hey! Get over here and help, you can argue later!"

YellowPhantom looked at BluePhantom then he grunted in anger while charging at the Specter. He slashed the Gladiator Specter twice only to get grabbed by his neck and slammed into a bench. GreenPhantom and BluePhantom attacked the Specter together, causing it to stumble backwards but be barely hurt.

Meanwhile, RedPhantom continued fighting Corvus. Corvus blocked three slashes from RedPhantom then he used his cane to move the AgniBowblade over his head and towards the ground, causing RedPhantom to fall to one knee. RedPhantom blocked an oncoming hit from Corvus' cane, looking up to see the well dressed man smirking.

"My, my. You're one talented fighter, RedPhantom. Given enough time you would make a marvelous Daemon.",Corvus said, his smirk remaining as he talked.

"Like I'd want to be one of you.",RedPhantom said before pushing Corvus off of him. Corvus stepped back as RedPhantom swung his AgniBowblade three times at him then he parried a slash before putting his hand to RedPhantom's chest.

"Infusio Spectralis.",Corvus said with a smirk. Suddenly, a pillar of red and black energy shot through RedPhantom, causing him to gasp in pain. RedPhantom stumbled back then fell to one knee before he got back up and readied his AgniBowblade.

Corvus smiled evilly while snapping his fingers and summoning his fedora back to his head. The Gladiator Specter turned back into a card and flew into Corvus' hand. Corvus chuckled, then said,"Till we meet again." before disappearing.

RedPhantom sighed then he fell to one knee again while holding his chest and reverting into Paul B. Casey ran over to Paul B and knelt down beside him while saying,"Paul, are you hurt badly?"

"No, I'm fine. Just got hit in the chest pretty hard.",Paul B said through heavy breathing. He then stood up with Casey and he saw Axis angrily storming off away from the group. Paul B and Casey went over to Jason, Daggon, and Kizu with Casey asking,"Where's Axis going?"

"He's going to cool off. Got mad at Daggon for some reason.",Jason explained while shrugging. Paul B glanced at Kizu, seeing a worried expression on his face, then he told him that he'd talk to Axis before following Axis.

At a bus stop, Paul B walked up to see Axis sitting by himself, his head down and his hands in his hair. Paul B walked closer and saw that Axis' mask was beside him on the bench instead of being on his face. This prompted Paul B to say,"Axe, you alright?"

"I'm a fool.",Axis said in a saddened tone, keeping his head down. "I got mad and yelled at Kizu. I was so caught up in being jealous that I yelled at him."

Paul B nodded then he sat next to Axis, holding Axis' mask for him. Axis moved his hands down to his face while sighing sadly. He then said,"I didn't even deserve his friendship and now, I probably have lost that."

"I wouldn't say that.",Paul B said.

"Of course you wouldn't, you're normal and pretty much what Kizu probably wants and needs. While me, I'm just some guy with one eye, the voice of a demon, and so many mental disorders that he can't even leave the house without putting on a stupid mask to keep from having a panic attack.",Axis said in a saddened tone.

Paul B sighed then he said,"Ya know, it's hard for me to lead you guys."

Axis looked at Paul B, keeping his head down but having his eye be shown through his hand.

"Yeah, I'm good at fighting and other stuff but in reality, I'm probably the least deserving of the position. Especially with how Casey is so much better at giving orders and keeping track of everyone.",Paul B said with a smirk. "There's also the fact that each of you guys are just completely awesome at being heroes and protecting people. Me, I can't hold a candle to you guys."

"Why are you saying this to me?",Axis asked.

"I'm saying this to show you that everyone has different opinions on themselves and others. Doesn't make what we think true though.",Paul B said with a friendly smirk. He then handed Axis his mask while saying,"So before you go thinking Kizu hates you and you don't deserve to be his friend, why not try finding out the truth."

Axis thought about it and he kept his head down while taking his mask and putting it back on his face. He then sat up straight and said,"How do I find out the truth?"

"To put it simply, just tell him how you feel and see how it goes.",Paul B said, looking at Axis with a friendly smile. Axis nodded, thinking about Kizu. He and Paul B then left the bus stop, getting to know one another a bit more and even playfully roasting one another.

On a roof in the city, Corvus walked to the edge of it and he sighed in content. He revealed the card with the Gladiator Specter on it and he gave it once over while saying,"Let's make you into a giant so you can cause some real havoc."

He then transferred red and black energy into the card before flicking it off the roof and toward the ground. This caused the card to turn into a giant version of the Gladiator Specter.

RedPhantom and YellowPhantom ran towards the giant Specter, while helping anyone they could, and they said,"Phantorise!"

"AGNI, SHOGO PHANTOMBEAST READY!"

The Agni and Shogo Phantombeast charged towards the Gladiator Specter, both having to dodge an oncoming swing of the Specter's hand. The Agni Phantombeast roared then fired three fireballs at the Specter, with it blocking them. The Shogo Phantombeast managed to trip the Specter but it recovered easily before being thrown across the city. The Njord Phantombeast flew by and caught the Shogo Phantombeast before placing it next to the Circe Phantombeast.

"J, Kizu?",YellowPhantom questioned.

"You didn't think we'd not notice you guys fighting a giant Specter did you?",GreenPhantom joked from the Njord Phantombeast cockpit.

The Elizi Phantombeast and Agni Phantombeast readied themselves while RedPhantom said,"Okay guys, let's form PhantomKaiser."

"NO YOU DON'T!",The Phantomrangers heard just the beetle Phantombeast rocketed into the Agni Phantombeast's head. The beetle, gorilla, and shark Phantombeasts then grouped together while PhantomChimera said,"It is now my time to shine. Beastly gattai!"

"BEASTLY GATTAI!"

The beetle, gorilla, and shark Phantombeasts combined into King Chimera then charged at the Gladiator Specter.

"HE FINALLY ARRIVES! BOW DOWN TO THE KING CHIMERA!"

King Chimera punched the Specter in the chest twice then it was punched in the gut. King Chimera punched the Specter three more times then it was hit several times before being pushkicked backwards.

PhantomChimera was slightly rattled in his cockpit but he rolled his shoulders before making King Chimera charge at the Specter once more. King Chimera punched the Specter twice then was backhanded, causing it to stumble backwards.

"SPIRIT GATTAI! GO FORTH, PHANTOMKAISER!"

PhantomKaiser caught King Chimera, helping it stand straight.

From the PhantomKaiser cockpit, RedPhantom sighed then said,"Daggon, what did I tell you earlier? We're a team."

"I know that, Vault Key, but this is my kill. Mine!",PhantomChimera enthusiastically said.

"Daggon-kun, remember what Kou-chan told you.",PinkPhantom said in an almost scolding tone. PhantomChimera's voice hitched in his throat then he grumbled before begrudgingly saying,"Fine, we will kill this monster together. But only because Kou said so!"

PhantomKaiser and King Chimera then readied themselves before charging at the Gladiator Specter. The Gladiator Specter roared, then it charged at both King Chimera and PhantomKaiser.

PhantomKaiser ducked a punch while King Chimera took the punch to the chest. PhantomKaiser then kicked The Gladiator Specter in the back before blocking a punch and punching it twice. King Chimera punched the Specter in the face then he caught a kick before flipping the Gladiator Specter into the air. PhantomKaiser summoned its sword and activated its finishing move.

"PhantomKaiser, Spirit Slash!",The Phantomrangers shouted as their attack cut the Specter in two, making it explode behind PhantomKaiser.

PhantomKaiser relaxed itself while King Chimera walked up to it with PhantomChimera saying,"Oi, I was gonna finish it!"

On the roof, Corvus smirked evilly then he stepped back into a portal while tipping his hat.

Not too long after the fight, the Phantomrangers were walking down the street with Daggon being grumpy about not killing the Specter. Axis and Kizu stayed in the back of the group until Kizu said to everyone else,"Min'na, Axey-chan and I are going to go grocery shopping. Mata ashita." while waving.

Paul B, Casey, and Jason nodded while waving goodbye to Kizu and Axis. Daggon looked at Kizu and said,"You can do this peach hair." with an excited smile. He then ran after the others, catching up to them and immediately asking about food.

Axis looked at Kizu, who turned to Axis and nervously said,"Axey-chan, I have to tell you something. Something I've been wanting to tell you for a while now."

"Yeah, I got something to tell you too actually but first, let me say that I'm sorry for yelling earlier.",Axis said apologetically. "I got jealous of how you and Daggon were working together and I… just didn't think when I yelled."

Kizu shook his head,"Iē, Iē, it's alright Axey-chan. Daggon-kun and I were able to become friends but I wouldn't want to be on a team with him anytime soon."

Kizu's eyes then widened as he realized what Axis had said to him,"You were jealous? Naze?"

Axis hesitated then he remembered what Paul B told him and took a deep breath before saying,"I have a crush on you. I have ever since we met back in high-school." nervously.

Kizu gained a stunned look as he said,"Jissai ni?" (Translation: For real?)

"Yeah, I mean you're like the best person I know plus you're so kind, gentle, able to deal with a loser like me.",Axis began explained.

"You're not a loser, Axey-chan. You're amazing with how tough you are, how strong you are, how you're able to do so many things I'm too weak to do.",Kizu said, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Kizu, you're incredibly strong. Maybe not physically but emotionally and mentally you're a friggin bodybuilder. Especially when I cause you or J trouble."

"Axey-chan, you don't cause trouble for me. If anything you've saved me so many times that you're the best protector in the world."

Kizu and Axis then noticed that they had moved closer to one another with Kizu being on Axis' feet to reach his face. The two young men gazed into each other's eyes before chuckling happily. Kizu then reached up and took off Axis's mask, revealing Axis to be a rather handsome young man who had a scar on his upper lip and on his right cheek.

Kizu smiled then said in an enamored tone,"Axey-chan, you're really handsome."

Axis nervously smiled then said,"Thanks. You're really beautiful."

"Arigato.",Kizu said, his smile growing. Kizu and Axis slowly moved their faces towards each other, planting a soft kiss onto each other's lips.

The two pulled away from each other after a few seconds and they said in unison,"Whoa."

Kizu and Axis then kissed each other once more, Axis picking Kizu up by his waist so he didn't have to bend over. Kizu pulled away from Axis, smiling and swooned,"Sugei."

"That was amazing.",Axis said in awe. He then let Kizu put his mask back on before putting Kizu on the ground. The two then began walking towards the grocery store, eventually grabbing each other's hands and looking at one another with loving eyes.