God, it's been a while…AGAIN! But I'm in college again and working with a theater which takes up a lot of my time, but I never forget about you guys. Here we are, setting up three battle that I know you guys are waiting to see! I promise you, I will try with all my power not to disappoint when I write them. I know this chapter is short but just please hold out and be patient with me please, cause I know when I do the next ones they'll be much longer and more action packed than this.
I do not own Digimon.
ABC = Talking
ABC = Thoughts or Flashbacks
Chapter 25: Crossroads
Violet lightning flashed wildly across the dark sky. It was an ominous sight to all who witnessed. Everything seemed chaotic. On the flat plains below, three figures were sprinting as fast as they could across the landscape.
"We're getting closer!" Kouichi called out as he looked down at his D-Tector's map. The dark warrior was leading the trio, keeping just a few steps in front of the fire and light warrior.
"I hope so! It's getting worse and worse out here!" Kouji shouted back as his head turned upwards, "Just look at the sky!" he shouted as he watched dark lightning scatter and clouds swirl above them.
"Do you think Solomon is causing any of this?" Takuya wondered as he looked at the storm.
"Perhaps!" Kouichi answered back to them, "Solomons' tampering with the barrier between the worlds could be causing everything to fall out balance."
"Dammit," Kouji growled, "This is bad. We have to end this quick." Takuya hummed in agreement. He then turned his head to glance behind him, back toward the nearly invisible forest line miles behind. Kouji noticed this and spoke up.
"They're fine, I'm sure they're able to take down the others," Kouji said to him.
"Yeah, I'm sure of that too," Takuya replied, turning back around.
"I just hope they can send those idiots home so that we can all regroup," Kouji then said. Takuya hummed again, causing the light warrior to glance at him curiously. "I wonder how you're going to deal with Masutani," Kouji then stated.
"I'll beat some sense back into him first!" Takuya exclaimed bitterly. He glanced back over at Kouji, who was looking at him with a cocked brow. "Don't look at me like that," Takuya said, "I know exactly how to handle Jaden, so I know I can snap him back to reality."
Kouji huffed, "If you say so. Masutanis' your concern not mine."
"Yeah? Who are you gunning for then?" Takuya asked him.
"Aside from those four, we also have two other more powerful goons to deal with, Beelzemon and Duskmon. I don't know about you, but I got a bone to pick with one of them," Kouji said.
It chuckled a bit, "Yeah, you and your brother both," Takuya stated. Kouji hummed then turned to watch his brother ahead of them. He hadn't turned back once during their entire trek. Kouji narrowed his eyes, his brother was leading them towards Solomon, there was no doubt about that, but he knew what he was really after. He continued to watch his brother with scrutiny, until the dark warrior surprisingly slowed to a halt before him. Confused and concerned, both Kouji and Takuya stopped behind him.
"Kouichi?" Kouji called out to him. The dark warrior didn't move and continued to stare straight ahead. Kouji trotted up next to him and looked at his face. His eyes remained fixated on the horizon in front of them, completely ignoring the presence of his brother. There was a strange mixture of fear and anger there that he had never seen from his brother before.
"Kouichi, what is it?" Kouji asked him, gripping his shoulder to try and get his attention, but to no avail.
"Hey Kouji," Takuya then spoke up. Kouji raised his head to look at his friend, who was now also staring into the distance, "Look," the fire warrior said as he then slowly lifted his hand to point to something. Kouji's brow furrowed but he looked to where he was pointing. His eyes then widened at what he saw.
"Oh no," he muttered. In the distance, slowly walking towards the trio, was an all too familiar and sinister figure.
"Duskmon," Kouichi snarled. Kouji could feel the tense air now surrounding his brother. He couldn't blame him though; he felt the same thing as he watched the evil Digimon growing near. After taking a few more steps Duskmon stopped, just about small soccer field's distance away from them. His blood red eyes narrowed in mocking manner as he gazed at them.
"So what? Is he just going to stand there?" Takuya asked.
"He's waiting for us to make the first move," Kouichi stated, "I'm guessing he's here to buy Solomon more time."
"Shit," Kouji snarled as one of his hands instinctively reached for his blades. Duskmon didn't flinch at all during this. The cold wind blew through the Digimon's long, golden locks and across the plain, kicking up clouds of dust between the foes. Duskmon narrowed his eyes at the group and a low rumbling laugh escaped from his throat. Kouichi snarled, for he could tell it was out of mock.
"Well we can't just stand here all day staring at each other. We have to do something," he heard Takuya say next to him.
"I doubt he'll just let us pass," he then heard his brother speak. His gaze shifted over to brother for second and he could see how tense and ready for battle he was. Kouichi flickered his gaze back Duskmon and his eyes instantly locked with those blood orbs. A shiver ran down his spine that then mixed in with the rage boiling in the pit of his stomach.
"He'll let you two pass if I stay behind," Kouichi then stated, stowing away his D-Tector and grabbing his lance.
"Huh?" Takuya looked at him confused.
"I'll hold him here while you two head straight for Solomon," Kouichi explained to them as he held out his lance defensively. Beside him, Kouji glared at his brother.
"You just want us to leave you out here alone with him?!" he exclaimed.
"Is this really the time to argue brother?" Kouichi spat at him, turning his glare over to match Kouji's own, "The most important thing here is to stop Solomon at any cost. Do you understand that? So go now, I'll be fine," Kouichi stated firmly. Kouji growled back at him in response.
"Kouji, he's right," Takuya then said. The light warrior turned his gaze towards his friend, "We have to keep moving no matter what. For the sake of both worlds," Takuya stated. Kouji grimaced slightly. He could tell from Takuya's tone that he was being serious, but could see the hesitation in his eyes. Kouji then shifted his gaze back over to Duskmon. The Digimon's eyes were shifting back and forth between the three. Kouji growled, for he could see the amusement in his gaze. He mentally cursed and removed his hand from his blade handle.
"Dammit, Kouichis' right. He just toying with us to slow us down," Kouji thought. He then looked back over to his brother, "You'd better not lose," Kouji stated to him in an almost aggressive tone. Kouichi didn't seem bothered by this however and nodded his head in response, still keeping his gaze locked on Duskmon. Kouji let out a quiet sigh then turned to Takuya.
"Let's go," Kouji then said. Takuya nodded his head.
"Don't take too long, got it?" Takuya smirked at the dark warrior. He heard Kouichi make a small huff before he and Kouji took off running. As the two passed by Duskmon, Kouji was quick to notice that the Digimon had not moved or even reacted in the slightest to the two sprinting by. Then, for the briefest moment, Kouji and Duskmon locked gazes. Deep blue glared daggers into the red abysses before them for what seemed like an eternity. Duskmon still did not move as he watched the light warrior pass him. A low, amused chuckled escaped the Digimon's throat which sent Kouji's blood to a boil, but there was nothing he could do now. He made his choice to trust his brother and so he begrudgingly tore his gaze from the evil Digimon and raced ahead alongside Takuya, making sure not to take a look back. As the two disappeared into the dark horizon, Duskmon let out another chuckle.
You think it's wise for your friends to abandon you like that? Duskmon asked, shifting his gaze back towards Kouichi.
"I haven't been abandoned by anyone. Staying behind was my choice," Kouichi replied.
"Really?" Duskmon questioned, his tone laced with amusement.
"Tch," Kouichi responded with a sharp click of the tongue, "Why didn't you try to stop them? Aren't you supposed to be protecting your master like the puppet you are?" he then asked him.
Duskmon arched his brow, "I'm a puppet am I?"
"Don't act so surprised, you've always been a puppet," Kouichi stated to him. Duskmon chuckled. God, how Kouichi hated that chuckle. It was conniving, it was mocking, and worst of all it sounded too similar to his own.
"Tell me boy…If I'm a puppet what does that make you then?" Duskmon then asked.
"What are you talking about?" Kouichi snarled.
"Hmmm," Duskmon hummed, "I find it amusing that you would accuse me of being a puppet."
"That's what you are, right? After all you're now taking orders from a human. Honestly, I didn't expect you would do something like that," Kouichi said.
"You think that?" Duskmon cocked his brow, "Surprising, considering I was connected to you once." Kouichi expression turned to one of disgust, which made Duskmon chuckle, "I'm offended…Kouichi Kimura."
Suddenly Kouichi jumped forward with his lance raised and aiming to strike. Duskmon quickly moved to raise his arms up in defense as the weapon came down towards his head. The hard steel collided with the thick armored hands, creating a resounding impact that seemed to shake the air around them. It was as if nature was trembling as the two sides of darkness came together again.
"Hmm," Duskmon hummed as he held the warrior back, "You try to attack me head on? When did you become so brash?!" Duskmon forcefully shoved the warrior away. Kouichi landed a few feet across from him, still holding up his lance threateningly and looking at evil warrior with pure rage.
"I don't recall ever seeing that look upon your face before," Duskmon said, "It's a bit surprising. My, how've you grown," he mocked
"Stop talking like we're old friends!" Kouichi spat.
"Well, now I am offended," Duskmon continued to jest, much to the young warrior's chagrin.
"Just shut up!" Kouichi growled, bringing his lance up again, "I'm sick of hearing you talk like you know everything about me!"
"Oh, but I do," Duskmon then said, "You know you can't truly deny that. After all, you and I were one and the same not too long ago. I was born from you, Warrior of Darkness," the evil digimon then stated wickedly. Kouichi felt his blood run cold at the truth mentioned. For a moment, he looked down to the ground and felt his resolve slowly start to fade. He vigorously shook his head and returned his glare back to the Digimon.
"I'm not here to dwell on the past! I'm here to put an end to you!" Kouichi exclaimed.
"Is that so?" Duskmon said then as he unleashed one of his red blades. Then, in a blink of an eye, Duskmon sped forward and stopped just centimeters in front of the young warrior's face. Kouichi was too shocked to react and stood frozen staring into the eyes of his foe.
"Let's see if you can," Duskmon growled lowly at him before swinging his sword towards him. Kouichi quickly snapped out of his stupor and brought his lance up to defend himself. The two weapons, and before the resulting 'clang' could reach the teen's ears, Kouichi felt his body being catapulted backwards and sent tumbling into the dirt. Kouichi hissed and moaned as buried his face into the ground. He didn't feel as though the blade cut into him anywhere, but the sheer strength of the blow was enough to knock the wind out of him.
"Dammit," Kouichi admitted to himself, he knew Duskmon was strong, but he didn't expect this. Did Solomon add something to his data to make him more powerful? That couldn't be possible. He couldn't think of anything that would give Nishihara the ability to do that. Could it be that he, himself, had just become…so…
"Pathetic," Kouichi tensed when he felt Duskmon stride up to him. The dark digimon glowered down at the warrior, his blade threateningly close to the teen's face, "You went down so easily. I had expected more from my other half," he stated tauntingly. He took great pleasure in watching the warrior shake in anger beneath him and moved his blade closer to the teen's face. Kouichi hissed when he felt the cold steel glide across his cheek, drawing out a small trickle of blood. He heard Duskmon chuckle again.
"What happened to that raw hatred and despair that once enveloped your heart, which gave such ferocity back then? Have you given that up?" Kouichi continued to shake as Duskmon spoke on. His hand gripped his lance tightly as his anger rose until he couldn't hold back any more. He then he swung his lance at Duskmon's feet. The digimon leaped away as he saw the weapon swing at him. When he landed, he stumbled a bit and looked down to his feet. He growled softly when he saw a small amount of blood on his leg where the lance blade had slashed him.
"You shouldn't underestimate me," Duskmon looked back up at the warrior's voice and saw him slowly rising to his feet, using his lance as support, "I'm not as weak as you think I am. What I was in the past is nothing like what I am now," Kouichi stated firmly as he glared back at the digimon.
Duskmon cocked his brow, "And you think that makes you stronger than me?"
"I'm not a monster like you," Kouichi scoffed.
"Shame," Duskmon said, "You'll need some of that old ferocity to win…and not just against me."
"Tch, don't worry about that. My friends and I can handle ourselves just fine," Kouichi sneered.
"Hmph," Duskmon huffed and unleashed his second blade, "We'll see about that."
Not too far away, Takuya and Kouji grew closer toward Solomon's fortress.
"I can see it up ahead!" Takuya shouted out. Kouji looked ahead and could see the silhouette of the desolate building coming into view.
"Finally," Kouji panted out, "I'm ready to put an end to all this."
"Same here," Takuya let out a small huff. He then turned his head slightly to look back behind them. Kouichi and Duskmon had disappeared from their view a while ago. He looked over to Kouji then. The light warrior was staring ahead looking as stern and focus as ever, but Takuya knew better. He knew fully that Kouji was forcing down the worry for his brother to focus at the task at hand. He could understand. He had never thought that Duskmon would ever reappear again. Kouichi had always come across to him, after they returned, as someone of a strong, stable mind, at least on the outside.
"Try not to worry about him too much," Takuya said to him.
Kouji snorted, "I'm not."
"Right," Takuya responded in his familiar sarcasm as he looked away again. Kouji was about to snap back at his friend, but then something ahead caught his eye. A small, bright glimmer appeared to be coming from the fortress ahead and it was getting bigger…and closer…and coming right at them!
"Look out!" Kouji exclaimed, then grabbed Takuya's shoulder and forced him down to the ground alongside him. Something that sounded much like a speeding bullet raced by above their heads and then impacted into the ground behind them.
"What was that?!" Takuya shouted. The two turned and saw the small crater that was now behind them. Kouji growled. That attack seemed all too familiar to him.
"Gunfire? Don't tell me," Kouji thought.
"Dammit, I missed," Kouji snapped his head forward at the familiar, slimy voice. There before them stood Beelzemon, looking down at them with a demonic smirk and a smoking gun in his hand.
"Beelzemon," Kouji snarled at the familiar demon.
"That's Beelzemon?" Takuya asked as he and Kouji stood back up. Beelzemon chuckled.
"Aww, you're talking about me with your little friends. Glad I made a good impression on you, light boy," Beelzemon teased.
"Don't mock me," Kouji growled which only made the Digimon laugh more.
"What's wrong? Not happy to see me again? I'm really hurt," Beelzemon said in feigned disappointment, but that was immediately washed away when he started chuckling again. Kouji began shaking with anger as his hand came to rest at his blade's handle.
"Get out of the way!" Takuya then demanded.
"And why should I?" Beelzemon sneered.
"If you don't want your code scattered across the field, I suggest you do," Takuya warned him.
"Oooh, how scary," Beelzemon grinned, "Sorry kid, but unless you actually have the guts to follow through, those hollow threats don't work on me." Takuya visibly twitched in anger. Beelzemon shrugged, "Hey, don't take it personally. It's just how things are. You and those other brats might be infused with the Ancient Warrior's Digicode, but you're all still just a bunch of spineless humans who don't have the nerve or resolve to gun down your enemies down without a second thought," Beelzemon chastised.
"Don't be too sure about that," Kouji then warned. The demon digimon flicked his gaze over to the rather tense warrior. His eyes narrowed when he the warrior's hand still gripping his blade. He met his eyes then and was shocked to see how cold they were. Though Beelzemon felt his nervousness grow, a wicked and somewhat excited grin appeared on his face.
"Heh, tell ya what," Beelzemon said, "I'm feeling somewhat generous today, so I'll let one of ya pass me and into the fort," Beelzemon said as he stepped to the side, showing a clear path to the fortress. Takuya and Kouji exchanged suspicious looks with each other. Both could tell what the other was thinking, that this seemed like some sort of trap.
"What's wrong? This is what you wanted right? Don't trust me?" Beelzemon questioned, still grinning like mad.
"Tch, as much as I could throw you, if even that," Kouji spat.
"Aren't you afraid of getting in trouble with your master with this little stunt?" Takuya taunted.
"Hmph, really I don't give a damn about what that man does to me anymore. My debts' already been paid in full," Beelzemon muttered.
"Debt?" Kouji thought confused as the Digimon continued.
"Besides, I'm not the only road block you know," Beelzemon grinned even wider, "I know there's someone waiting just ahead for one of ya and he's itching for a scrap."
"Jaden," Takuya quickly realized.
"Takuya, go on ahead," Kouji said. Takuya whipped his head around to his friend with a look of shock. "Don't look at me like that. You know we can't let anything else slow us down and plus, Matsutanis' up ahead. Send him home quickly, then you can go straight for Solomon," Kouji explained as he unsheathed his blade.
"And you?" Takuya asked.
"I've had enough of this bastard," Kouji growled glaring at Beelzemon, "I'm taking him out."
"Heh, sounds like a good plan, light bot. I'm looking forward to see you try," Beelzemon sneered.
"Quiet!" Takuya shouted.
Beelzemon chuckled, "Better hurry up boy, you're wasting precious time." Takuya snarled at the demon digimon's taunting.
"Takuya just go!" Kouji shouted at him. Takuya hesitated for a moment, switching his gaze back and forth between the two rivals. Beelzemon was still smiling with the same disgustingly smug grin, but Kouji looked totally serious, and the kind of frightening serious that Takuya had seen many times before. That gaze has scared off many bullies back home that dared to mess with him or his friends. No jokes and total seriousness as the light warrior stared down his opponent. Takuya gulped nervously at the look in his friends eyes, but he felt slight relief too. Kouji wouldn't fail at this, no way, and now Takuya had to focus on another task at hand, Jaden. Without another word, Takuya ran off. He ran past Beelzemon without any conflict, just as the digimon promised, and Kouji watched him until he finally reached the fortress ahead and disappearing completely from his view.
"Heheh, well it's just you and me, light boy," he heard Beelzemon chuckle. Kouji sneered back at him.
"You don't seem too worried," Kouji said.
"Why should I be?" Beelzemon shrugged, "After our last fight, I've been itching to meet you again."
Kouji cocked his brow, "Yeah? I don't see why, considering you ran away last time we fought." Beelzemon smug grin quickly turned into something truly dark and terrifying. Kouji felt his heart rate pick up at the sight, but kept his strong, defensive appearance.
"I'll admit, I lost that fight," Beelzemon said, "I was too cocky and I underestimated you, human. I should've learned better from…previous experience," Beelzemon stated then. Kouji didn't quite understand what he meant by that, but thought nothing of it.
"I'm surprised that you admitted how wrong you were, but that doesn't change a thing!" Kouji exclaimed, "This won't be like last time. I'm not letting you escape again!" Kouji then lunged forward. He swung his blade down onto the digimon, but before it could reach, Beelzemon caught the blade in his hand. The blade was stopped instantly and Kouji was shocked at the sudden action. Small droplets of blood ran down the blade from Beelzemon's palm, but the demon digimon didn't seem bothered by this at all. Beelzemon slowly lowered the blade away from his head, getting no resistance from the struggling warrior. A shiver went through Kouji's entire being when he caught Beelzemon's now frightening stare.
"You're right, light warrior. This time will be different," Beelzemon hissed, "I'm not playing around with you anymore." Kouji gasped then as he felt something hard hit him in the stomach. He glanced down and saw Beelzemon's fist digging painfully into his abdomen. He opened his mouth but no sound came out, only gasps of air as he stumbled backwards, releasing his grip on his sword as he did. He fell onto the ground clutching his stomach and hissing painfully. He cracked open his eyes and saw Beelzemon sneering down at him while showing off his own blade at him in almost mock.
"Come on now! Get back up!" Beelzemon bellowed at him. Kouji didn't respond, not that he could have if he wanted to. The digimon visibly snarled then threw the blade onto the ground next to the warrior, "Get up! Now! If you're gonna die today, then at least die like a warrior and fight me!" Beelzemon shouted as he hovered over the teen with eyes burning with malicious intent. Kouji stared back up at the digimon in disbelief. This wasn't the same arrogant brawler that he had face months back. Now murderous intent replaced the cocky boasting.
"Shit, he's seriously not playing around with me anymore and he's actually showing how strong he really is. This could be bad," Kouji thought. He glanced over to his blade next to him. He squinted his eyes when he saw his fearful expression reflected in the steel. Appalled at the sight, Kouji quickly regained his determined demeanor and grabbed his blade, "No, I can't show any weakness now. I have to win no matter what and I will win!" Kouji slowly rose to his feet. He could still feel the dull pain in his stomach but ignored it. He wasn't about to give Beelzemon the satisfaction of his pain. He looked back up to his rival and saw the crazed grin plastered to his face.
"Good. Good," Beelzemon chortled with disgusting delight, "Don't give out on me yet. I want to drag this out and enjoy myself."
"Tch, you're one sick bastard," Kouji spat.
"Oh, I already know that," Beelzemon replied, "But let's not waste our time together," Beelzemon said as he raised his sharpened claws.
Kouji huffed, "Fine by me, creep. After all, you seem to be looking forward to this," Kouji growled. Beelzemon snickered.
"Oh, you have no idea boy."
Takuya hurried his way into the fortress, entering into a large stone chamber. Finally, he is so close to reaching Solomon. He should be feeling great relief at the thought, but all he could feel right now is fear and tension throughout his entire being. He stopped in the center of the chamber. His eyes darted around the dark room, searching every corner. Someone was watching him, he could sense it, and he knew exactly who it was.
"Jaden!" Takuya shouted, "I know you're here. Stop hiding now!" Takuya demanded.
"Barking commands as usual, ay captain," Takuya jumped at the sudden voice. He looked up and saw, perched high above upon a broken column, Jaden glowering down at him. His green armor shimmered against the dark background making it stand out completely, but that was the only thing that shined in the dark. The rest of the metal warrior seemed to be completely in the blackness, seemingly being enveloped by the shadows. His eyes were the worst of it, cold and steely just like the element he was now in control of. It was shocking and gut-wrenching to Takuya all at once. This wasn't the same guy he had seen back on Earth. Sure, he made have been a stiff at times, but now he looked devoid of life.
"What has Solomon done to him?" Takuya wondered. Jaden stood up and stepped of the column, falling down and landing gracefully on the ground. Takuya watched him wearily. Jaden isn't brash like the others, so he wouldn't immediately lash out and attack. No. Jaden was smart and meticulous, even in cases where he lost his cool he would still think one step ahead of his opponent. Takuya felt a small bead of sweat form on his forehead. This fight may prove difficult and the dark look in Jaden's eye didn't help.
"I've been waiting a long time for you to show up, you know?" Jaden then spoke as he began pacing and scrutinizing the flame warrior before him, like a cat eyeing a mouse.
"I bet," Takuya replied coldly, "Considering how you've been wasting your time here while the others have been terrorizing this world!"
"Like I had much of a choice," Jaden muttered, "But don't think I was wasting my time. I've been watching you all," he lifted up his mirror shield. Takuya grimaced.
"So he's been studying us," Takuya thought.
"As a matter of fact, I know that as we speak your friends are battling against my teammates , as well as those other two you left behind are fighting with those demons out there," Jaden stated, "You're all alone."
"I know that!" Takuya barked, "But my friends can take care of themselves easily. I don't have anything to worry about."
"Hmm, well at least you have great faith in them," Jaden said.
"More than you in your team," Takuya replied. Jaden grew silent again. Takuya flicked his gaze over an open doorway just past the metal warrior. That way must lead to Solomon.
"You're so close," he heard Jaden speak. Takuya cast his gave back over to him.
"I don't want to fight you, Jaden," Takuya said.
"Hmm," Jaden hummed.
"Just let me pass," Takuya began to step toward the exit, but was immediately stopped when Jaden took a step towards him. Takuya's heart stopped for a second when he saw the darkening look in his eyes.
"Sorry Kanbara, but I can't allow that," Jaden objected in an unusually gravely tone.
"Don't push me Jaden," Takuya sneered, lowering his eyebrows at him.
Jaden's lips twitched as he clicked his tongue, "Tch, or what? Are you going to burn me to a crisp?"
"It's becoming tempting," Takuya spat, patience wearing thinner by the second. However, Takuya desperately tried to calm himself and continued, "We don't have to fight. All I want is to stop Solomon and sure as hell, you are not going to stop me, Masutani," Takuya stated, trying to hold back his anger.
"…I see," Jaden snorted as he looked to the ground.
"Yeah…I bet," Takuya glanced at the exit again before returning to the metal warrior, "So…don't take anything personal!" With that, Takuya swung his fist and sent a wave of flames at the teen. Jaden yelled in fright as he shielded his face from the attack. Now that Jaden was distracted, Takuya made his move and ran towards the exit.
"Yes, I think I can make it!" Takuya thought as he got closer. Suddenly, before he could take another step, he felt something hard and fast collide with his shoulder.
"Ahhh!" Takuya hollered with in shock as his body was thrown off the ground and sent skidding along the stone. His hand clutched onto his shaking shoulder as he rode out the pain.
"That was a cheap shot, Kanbara!" he heard Jaden exclaimed. He peered over his shoulder and saw the enraged teen standing above, "Didn't expect a dick move like that from you, captain!" Takuya saw Jaden's fist coming at him. Quickly, Takuya rolled aside so that Jaden hit the stone floor instead. He then swung his leg around and knocked Jaden off his feet.
"All's fair in war!" Takuya exclaimed as he stood over him, "I told you not to push me! I'll do what must to save everyone!" Jaden growled angrily as he rolled over to glare back up at the fire warrior.
"Even so that you would sink to such lows for a legendary warrior?" Jaden taunted.
"I'm still better than you, who decided to go work for some lowlife monster because of his own dumb insecurities!" Takuya scolded back. Jaden sprang to his feet and threw his fist at the warrior. Takuya quickly dodged the blow, which was immediately followed by a flurry of others. Another punch was thrown, this time Takuya blocked it with his wrist then quickly jabbed his other fist into Jaden's stomach. Jaden grunted and stumbled back a bit allowing Takuya to land a hard punch to his jaw, effectively knocking him back to the ground.
"You're making a huge mistake here, Jaden," Takuya panted, "I've fought far worse monsters and I have more experience in this world than you. Why continue this when the odds are so far from your favor?" Takuya asked. Jaden remained motionless on the floor, staring up at the ceiling. Takuya couldn't tell if he was truly listening or not. Becoming aggravated, Takuya kneeled over the teen and grabbed onto his color, trying to force Jaden to look at him.
"Jaden," Takuya spoke, his tone sounding much calmer than before, "I know you're better than this. You would never have been manipulated by someone so easily before, so why now? Tell me! What is so important to you that you would let Solomon use you like this? Why choose to be a puppet?" Takuya's voice rose as he continued to question the metal warrior. Jaden still didn't respond and what felt like an eternity of silence passed between the two. Then a quiet huff came from the metal warrior.
"So I'm a puppet now? Heh, well that's fine," Jaden muttered up to the ceiling
"What?!" Takuya was shocked to hear him say that, like it didn't matter at all.
"You can call me a puppet if you want, but know this," Jaden continued, finally tilting his head look Takuya in the eye, "Everything I do, I do for myself and myself only. That man has his own goals to follow that don't concern me in the slightest."
"But you're still helping him," Takuya said.
"In a sense," Jaden replied, "but the thing is, if you really want to try to stop him be my guest. However, you have to beat me first," Takuya felt a fearful shiver run up his spine as he met his cold gaze. It was unsettling, how once those eyes were bright blue and full of life. Intimidating at times yes, but not totally harsh. Now though, they were as cold as steel and devoid of any of that spirit he had before. Takuya felt solemn at the sight, solemn and angry. Damn him! Damn Solomon!
"Why should I? You know I could torch you in an instant," Takuya hissed.
"True," Jaden replied, "But as I said before, I'm doing this for myself and answer some of my own questions…and right now," Jaden's face began to twisted into a ferocious snarl, "I want to know if I can rise to the top!" Suddenly, Takuya felt a knee being jammed painfully into his pelvis.
"Arrgh!" Takuya cried out. His grip weakened and Jaden reached forward and grabbed Takuya's collar. Jaden then pulled the warrior down and slammed his forehead into Takuya's before pushing him off. Takuya grunted as he rolled onto the ground. He quickly rose to his feet, feeling disoriented and holding his throbbing forehead. He suddenly remembered that the metal warrior was right behind him. He turned in time to see a fist coming at him. It collided hard with the side of his face and he was knocked away back onto the ground. Takuya fell to his hands and knees totally stunned and holding his nose. A drop of blood dripped from his nostril, down past his lips, off his chin, and onto the floor as Takuya shook with just shock and anger.
"You've become an obstacle to me now, Kanbara!" Jaden exclaimed. Takuya looked up at the metal warrior looming over him, "And I'm now the only obstacle in your way as well! In the end, only one of us can overcome the other and I'm curious to see who that will be! So get up! Let's see how determined you are to win at all costs!" Jaden held up his shield in a taunting manner as he continued to glare down at the teen. Takuya anger only grew as he listened to the rant. He wiped away the stream of blood don his lips with a huff and rose to his feet.
"Fine," Takuya snarled. Steam arose from his clenched fist, running up his sides, all the way up to frame his face. His eyes started to glimmer with a bright orange glow, showing the fire that was growing inside of him, "Believe me, I am not going to let anything stop me from saving both of my worlds. I'll take you down and burn you to a crisp until you finally snap out of this crap!" Takuya exclaimed.
Jaden smirked, "Good, I was waiting for you to finally grow a pair. Come on let's see how strong you really are, Kanbara,"
Takuya clicked his tongue, "You should be careful of what you wish for, Masutani."
Three pairs of foes, three more obstacles for our heroes to face. Let's see how it all ends in the next coming chapters! Stay tuned!
Again hopefully I can get it out soon but…college.
Anyway, please leave your reviews.