At another part of the forest...

Deuce and Riddle are running through the forest to get away from the monster's team.

Deuce takes deep breaths in exhaustion, "We should be far enough now, right? Can we take a quick breather, Housewarden Rosehearts?"

Riddle feels out of breath, "You really do run fast."

"Thank you!" Deuce shouts, "When it comes to running speed and stamina, I'm right in my element. But Ace was correct about what he said yesterday. I can't skate by on horsepower alone in this game. I need to use my head to get through this. I've used up all my beans, so I've gotta think."

"At least Ace got knocked out of the game a few minutes ago," Riddle says, " When we had that run-in with the monster team, Azul said he'd let us go... But I have a hard time taking that at face value. We'd better get equipment and allies while we still can."

"You know, I was with Cater, Briar, Grim, and Sereia back at the start of the game. I ended up letting them use me as bait, but...still. If we retrace my route, maybe we can join up with them," Deuce says.

Soon, Riddle and Deuce hear footsteps.

"Something's coming! On your feet, Deuce!" Riddle says.

And soon, Jack comes out with a, "RAWR! Found you!"

Deuce exclaims, "Jack?!"

"Grabbing arm, activate! You're finished now, Riddle!" Jack says and charges towards Riddle.

Riddle yelps, "Gh!"

But Deuce says, "I don't think so!" and pushes Riddle out of the way.

"Got you!" Jack says, but realizes he has caught Deuce, " ...Wait, what?!"

"You covered me again, Deuce?!" Riddle says, shocked.

And soon enough, Deuce has been eliminated from the game.

"You did the same thing when Azul was coming after me. Why?" Riddle asks, shocked.

It was you who helped me first, Housewarden. As a card soldier, I'm not about to let my dorm boss get eliminated," Deuce says, "Now get going! Cater's group should be headed for the botanical garden!"

Riddle thinks of it, "Hm... All right. I'll make your loss count for something!"

Suddenly, Riddle feels something, "Ngh!"

And turns to see Azul, "Well, well. We meet again, Riddle."

"A pincer maneuver...!" Riddle says, " Your timing is more than a little suspect. You've been in league with Jack this whole time, haven't you? You never intended to let us go from the start."

"Please. I just happened to be going in the same direction as you," Azul says. I believe I told you I'd be happy to give you a fair fight if we crossed paths again. And now we have. It's time to follow through.

Jack growls in anger, "Grrr..."

Soon Riddle realizes, "Rgh... I think I'm finished."

Suddenly, beans begin flying at them.

"What?! Beanfire from behind?!" Jack reacts and dodges.

"You dodged a surprise bean blaster attack, huh? I have to hand it to you, Jack," A familiar voice says.

"What are YOU doing here?!" Jack questions.

Soon, Epel appears, "I've got your back, Riddle!"

"Epel?" Riddle says, shocked.

"Heh. I commend your bravery for rushing to someone else's aid alone," Azul says, But you'll find that we're FAR better equipped than you. All you've done is give us another soft target!"

"Are you certain about that?" Another voice suddenly appears

"What?!" Azul questions.

"Vil?! How did you get in so close without me noticing?" Jack questions.

Clearly, chasing that rabbit gave you a bad case of tunnel vision. Allow me to demonstrate which of us actually walked into a trap!" Vil says.