Our hero's struggles intensifies.

I do not own digimon

ABC = Talking

ABC = Thoughts

Chapter 27: Chaos and Corruption

Zoe flew across the treetops at top speed. Her eyes were squinted as she flew against the bitter stinging, wind.

"Dammit," she thought, "Why is the weather turning so bad?" she wondered. The harsh winds continued to push against her. Zoe fought back, using all of her strength and willower to force the winds away from her. However something went wrong, and a strong gale her hard, nearly knocking her down. Zoe had no choice but to retreat down into the treetops below. She perched herself on a high branch and looked back to the sky.

"What was that? The wind shouldn't be able to knock me down so easily," Zoe wondered. It was odd. Wind was her element wasn't it, her domain? Zoe pulled down the cloth around her mouth and let out a deep sigh, "My instinct keeps telling me that we're running out of time. At least I was able to send Mizuki back home. I hope the others did so as well."

"Zoe!" the sound of her name broke her of her musings. She looked down and saw the concerned face of the ice warrior staring back.

"Tommy!" She called excitedly back, "You're alright!"

Tommy nodded, "Yeah," his voice sounded much older when he was fused with his beast spirit, but he seemed to be the same young teen Zoe has known for years. She was glad, it seemed he had easily gained control of this form compared to last time.

"And Renji?" Zoe then asked.

"He should be back with Anzu and the professor now," Tommy answered.

"Good," Zoe sighed.

"But what about you?" Tommy asked.

"I sent Mizuki back," she said.

"I figured that much," Tommy said, "What I meant was are you alright? From down here it looked like you got knocked out of the sky."

"…I kinda did," Zoe responded, "The wind was fighting against me."

"The wind? How? Isn't that your element?" Tommy questioned with a cocked brow.

"It supposed to be," Zoe jested as she looked back to the sky. The winds violently rustled the leaves above her while she was protected beneath the canopy. She narrowed her eyes, "Something feels wrong though," Zoe then muttered. Tommy cocked his brow and also looked up at the darkened sky. He sniffed at the air a few times and almost immediately scrunched his nose in disgust.

"Ugh, the air smells foul," Tommy grumbled.

"It's Solomon's fault," Zoe said.

"Huh?" Tommy hummed, looking back to the wind warrior.

"Solomon's interfering with the barriers between the worlds have thrown the elements out of balance," Zoe continued, "That's why we're struggling."

"But it's still fixable, right?" Tommy asked. Zoe grew quiet and turned her head away, "Zoe? Come on, what about the others? J.P, Takuya, and the others are still fighting out there right?" Tommy asked.

"Yeah," Zoe breathed out.

"So let's go help them!" Tommy then exclaimed. Zoe remained silent, "Well?" Tommy continued to persist. Zoe glanced at him for a second then looked away, "Don't tell me you've given up now?" Tommy asked, half jesting and half concerned that was the truth.

"Of course not," Zoe stated back with a hint of a smile. She looked back to the sky, let out a deep breath, then pulled the cloth back over her mouth, "I'm going up to see where we are," she then announced.

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Tommy asked.

"No, but we don't have a choice," Zoe answered him, "If we can't get our bearing than we may find ourselves wandering around the forest."

"But-"

"Just try and stay under me, alright," Zoe told him before launching herself off the branch, through the canopy and into the sky. She stopped midair and immediately felt the push of the harsh winds against her. She felt herself starting to be dragged back down.

"Dammit," she groaned to herself, "I'm not going to back down from this!" she summed up enough strength to fight back against the hurricane. She flapped her powerful wings again and again to keep herself steady in the sky.

"Zoe!" she heard Tommy yell from down below.

"I'm fine!" Zoe yelled back. She scanned the forest horizon, moving around slowly and methodically so not to miss anything. She turned to the side then saw a chilling sight. Far away, the dark clouds seemed to be converging upon a single point out in the wastelands. Zoe pulled out her D-Tector, pointed towards the dark area, and then brought up the map. A few glowing dots appeared on its surface, but before Zoe could read the image, it started flickering and became distorted. Zoe sneered and tucked the device away.

"There's too much interference, but there's no doubt about it. Solomon's out there…and so are the others," Zoe concluded to herself. She looked down to Tommy.

"We need to head out that way!" she stated as she pointed to the horizon, "Just follow me!"

"You're going to keep flying?" Tommy shouted.

"Of course!" Zoe exclaimed with a bit more cheerfulness to her tone, "Try and keep up, okay!" she then started flying off through the stormy skies. Tommy shook his head playfully before quickly running after her. His pace was good and was easily able to catch up with the wind warrior. He looked up to him friend solemnly.

"Don't worry Zoe, the others are fine. I'm sure they can whatever's happening out there, no matter what," Tommy thought as he continued trailing behind his friend.


Kouji couldn't stopping the nervous shaking of his knees. While he tried to keep a calm demeanor showing on his face, a part of him knew the digimon in front of him saw right through his display.

"Shit! This can't be happening," Kouji thought to himself, "There's no way that this guy could be Demon Lord right?! They were all wiped out by the Ancients!" Kouji mind was filled with rapid thought and confusing questions. He didn't want to believe that this guy was actually what he thought he was. No, no way! No way in hell!

"You look a bit shaken up, light boy," the digimon's taunting brought Kouji out of his stupor and he looked back up at the digimon with a snarl. Beelzemon smirked, "Oh come on, is it really so hard to believe?"

"Kinda," Kouji barked, "After all, didn't you and the other Demon Lords all get destroyed during the wars?"

"Yeaaaahh, that's correct," Beelzemon responded while scratching at his cheek in a nonchalant manner. Kouji's eyebrow twitched.

"So?" Kouji growled.

"Hmmm?" Beelzemon hummed which only irritated Kouji even more.

"Tell me! How are you still alive then?!" Kouji roared at him.

Beelzemon grinned in amusement, "You know it's not that difficult to figure out. That is if you understand the element really well, which you should warrior."

"Huh?" Kouji huffed out, confused. Beelzemon just shook his head at him.

"You kids like to play hero a lot and heroes always keep on saying that they'll destroy all darkness in the world," Beelzemon's expression suddenly shifted from a cocky smirk to complete seriousness, "But that's such a foolish boast, that only naïve little idiots like you believe." Kouji gulped nervously but remained quiet. Beelzemon was eerily silent as well as he glared daggers into the light warrior. Then after a second, Beelzemon's lips curled into a devious grin.

"Answer me this," Beelzemon began, "Do you know where that human you're after got all that power from?"

Kouji furrowed his brow, "From what I understand, he was somehow able to transfer Lucemon's dark power from his data into himself," he answered.

"You're right, but only half right," Beelzemon chuckled, "Do you honestly think that Lucemon's data alone could give him so much power?"

"…" Kouji said nothing but glared at the digimon.

"Hmph, I'll just take that as a yes," Beelzemon huffed, "Lucemon was powerful, hell one of the most powerful in the ways of darkness, but he was still just one mon. Trust me, there's been plenty of evil digimon like that since the world's creation, and that doesn't just include myself and my demon brethren."

"Yeah? So what!" Kouji exclaimed.

"So what?!" Beelzemon exclaimed also, "So what do you think that means, boy? Evil comes about, heroes like you slay them, and where do you think all the dark data goes afterwards?"

Kouji thought for a moment, "…I'm guessing it becomes excess waste and all collects somewhere," Kouji answered slowly. Another bout of silence passed, then Kouji suddenly came to a realization. "Wait a minute! I remember in Solomon's journal, he mentioned something about an abundant source of dark energy and data that he found. Oh shit, don't tell me that's what Beelzemon is talking about!"

"Ah, I think you finally get it kid," Beelzemon called out.

Kouji sneered, "Solomon's been absorbing dark data from its source, not solely from Lucemon," he stated.

"Bingo! He guessed correctly!" Beelzemon exclaimed humorously, much to Kouji ever growing annoyance.

"That still doesn't really explain how you're here," Kouji said.

"Simple, after all you've just figured out that there's an ever-flowing pool of dark data in our world, but since you're a little slow I'll just spell it out for ya," Beelzemon chided, "You see, I was a Demon Lord back in the day, but that was long ago and you're ancestors destroyed me way back then. So the me that you see before you is not so much so a fully realized digimon. I'm more like a packet of specified dark matter that's been given form," he then explained.

"What?" Kouji asked, confused by this revelation.

"Like I said before, heroic types like you want to destroy all of darkness, but that's just impossible," Beelzemon continued, "It can't ever be destroyed. The form that carries it can, but it's actually essence…never. It will just be constantly recycled and reborn, much like the other element of the worlds. In that sense, you and I are not so different," Beelzemon quipped.

"How so?" Kouji growled.

"Tch, the answer as clear as the symbol on your shoulder there," Beelzemon spat and pointed to the symbol of light adorned by the armor on his left shoulder. Kouji looked down at the symbol curiously as Beelzemon spoke some more, "You're a vessel, carrying the essence of light passed down from your predecessor. Just like I'm a temporary vessel for the dark essence left over from my past life." Kouji growled, but there was truth in the demon digimon's words. He caressed his fingers across the symbol in a gentle motion. For a moment, his eyes were filled with both sadness and admiration for the long passed ancient warrior of light.

"You kids seem to have a deep connection with the Ancients," Kouji looked back up at the digimon, "Even, though you've never even met them," Beelzemon stated.

"Does that matter?" Kouji replied, "My friends and I have been fighting with them long enough. Of course we feel a connection with them now, they're a part of us."

"Heheh, how touching," Beelzemon chuckled.

"Whatever," Kouji spat, "What about you? Is the reason you're doing this because you want vengeance for your fallen brethren?"

"Not really. Couldn't give a rat's ass about them," Beelzemon replied.

"Really?" Kouji questioned with a cocked brow.

"I mean it's not like we were all buddies or something," Beelzemon mused, "We worked together and each got what we wanted. The only reason Lucemon was on top was because he had the most power over the digital world residents and us as well."

"And where did you fall in that hierarchy?" Kouji asked.

"Well if you must know, you could say I was sort of like the fear monger of the Demon Lords," Beelzemon replied.

"Meaning?"

"Heh, meaning that while the others were sitting their asses on a throne, I was the one going out and doing all the dirty work," Beelzemon stated, "I was Lucemon's go to mon for traveling around his domain and…punishing those who tried to start trouble," he recalled with a malicious smirk.

"So, you've always been an errand boy," Kouji remarked. Beelzemon's smirk disappeared.

"I guess that's one way of putting it," Beelzemon hissed, "At least it was a fun job, until the damn Ancients showed up. It wasn't surprising though, the digital world at the time was in utter chaos."

"That you helped cause!" Kouji barked.

"Yes, and it was fun times. But I'm not dense, sooner or later the digital world would fight back," Beelzemon said, "That's all the Ancient were in hindsight. Anti-viral programs built to react to an offset of balance in our world. That's also why you kids were brought into this world also, to bring back balance," just as Beelzemon said that, a strong tremor shook the ground beneath them, nearly knocking Kouji off balance. Beelzemon seemed unfazed though and his smug grin returned, "And it looks like you're doing a fine job of that," he mocked.

"Tell me what's happening!" Kouji commanded.

"Simple! That human's tampering with the barriers along with releasing such much dark energy on the world has cause everything to go out of whack," Beelzemon explained, "Hey but what do you expect, darkness is the trickiest element of the all. Not many can control it well, especially not humans," Beelzemon sneered.

"Grrr," Kouji growled lowly at the digimon taunting.

"Then again," Beelzemon added, "There is that warrior of darkness, he's your brother am I right?" Beelzemon snickered.

"Be quiet!" Kouji then barked. He was not about to let this cretin taunt his brother now.

"Hit a nerve did I? Don't be so touchy, boy. I was going to compliment your brother," Beelzemon said in an almost criticizing tone, "So far he's the only I've seen that can handle the powers of darkness…both sides of it."

"Shut it!" Kouji exclaimed.

"Hey don't get pissed at me," Beelzemon replied, "It's not mine or anyone else's fault if your brother slipped down into evil once. That's just the way darkness is. It can overtake just as easily as it can be overtaken…and usually it's your job to keep that in check, light boy."

"…" Kouji went silent.

"And hey, it's not just the dark warrior that you have to look out for," Beelzemon continued, "Anyone can easily be overtaken by the power of darkness if they mess around with it enough."

"You're talking about Nishihara and those other four," Kouji pointed about.

Beelzemon gave a slight nod, "Those brats don't know it, but those corrupted spirits are going to damage their frail human bodies the more they push themselves. One might die from that." Kouji's eyes widened in shock. What?! He hadn't realized that and he was sure those four idiots haven't realized it as well. His gaze flickered back to the fortress nervously. He hoped Takuya was close to freeing Masutani before-

"Don't look so panicked, light boy," Kouji turned back at Beelzemon voice, "I'd say you still got a good of freeing those brats before that happens. I mean, they're not as far gone as that old bastard in charge. He is resilient though, considering he's been pumping himself with all that dark energy nonstop. Still, he'll probably crumble soon if you and your friends can do anything about it," Beelzemon stated as he stared off at the fortress.

"…Why are you telling me all this?" Kouji had ask. Beelzemon turned back to the light warrior and blinked owlishly. He shrugged his shoulder.

"Who knows," he then replied, "Maybe I just want to give you some extra motivation. Something to push you further towards your limits."

"But why?" Kouji asked again, this time a little more sternly. Beelzemon closed his eyes and took a deep breath in. he exhaled and reopened his eyes. Kouji was then taken aback by how serious and cold they now looked.

"I want my rematch, warrior of light," Beelzemon spat, "and not just from when you and I fought back in your world. I 'm talking about all those centuries ago when your ancestor, AncientGarurumon, destroyed me! So I want you to actually live up to your title and give me what I've been waiting for! Do you understand me!?" Beelzemon exclaimed in rage.

Kouji glared intensely at the demon digimon. As he stared, his vision flashed again to those old memories of war. He was looking through AncientGarurumon's eyes again and he could see fields of fire and destroyed villages. There was no one around, except for the Demon Lord Beelzemon standing across. As the visions went away, Kouji took a deep breath.

"I do."


Takuya's eyelids cracked open slowly and felt heavy. He shut them again as his head throbbed. His whole body ached and he tried to recall what had happened. He remember he was fighting, with Jaden. Yeah that's right. They were fighting, Jaden knocked him down and then…black.

"I must have blacked out," Takuya thought, his eyes still clenched shut. He placed a weak hand over his chest and felt the fabric of his plain old, tattered t-shirt instead of armor, "Dammit," he thought, "I have to get up." Takuya tried to lift his back up, but he was too weak for that. Instead he turned himself over onto his side, keeping himself propped up on one elbow. He coughed and winced at the pain in his chest. He cracked his eyes open again and slowly the image of the dusty and cracked ground beneath him came into view. He lifted himself slightly more, his arms trembling underneath his weight. Then he heard a familiar voice.

"I was wondering when you'd wake up." Takuya looked up and saw Jaden sitting crossed-legged just a few feet away from him. His head was hung low and his hand were clenching onto his knees. He appeared to be in a state of distress. "That is if you'd wake up at all," Jaden spoke quietly and hoarsely and it concerned the teen.

"Jaden," Takuya called out to him, his voice sounding weak as well.

"That'd be pretty awful huh? Your home gets destroyed and you're just left there laying in the dirt," Jaden chuckled lowly. "Heh, some great warrior," Jaden lifted his head up and turned to look at him. Takuya was shocked. Jaden eyes were dull and empty, and a single drop of blood was trickling from his left nostril.

"Jaden! You're bleeding!" Takuya exclaimed. The metal warrior remained stone-faced and wiped his finger across his upper lip. He pulled his hand away and stared blankly at the blood stain on his finger.

"Yeah," came the only response from the metal warrior. Takuya became even more confused and concerned at this. Something was seriously wrong now. Jaden wasn't acting quite like himself before but now it seemed like he's completely lost himself. Takuya started when Jaden rose to his feet, his dull, cold gaze turning back to him as well.

"It doesn't matter though, not right now," Jaden said as he slowly stepped towards the teen. Takuya tried to lift himself up, but was still struggling. "Can't you get up?" Jaden remarked. Takuya looked up at the metal warrior now standing above him. Takuya looked at him solemnly, not glaring. Jaden huffed and reached down and grabbed his collar. Takuya yelped at the sudden action and he was slowly lifted from the ground until he was face to face with the metal warrior.

"…You're pathetic," Jaden then spat, before tossing the teen aside. Takuya collapsed on the floor next to the metal warrior. He gasped and coughed a few times before lifting himself again. This time it seem a bit of his strength returned and he was able to get to his knees. Beside him, Jaden was silently watching him rise slowly. Takuya noticed this and let out a huff.

"I'm pathetic? I find that hard to believe considering what you and the others have become," he said weakly. Jaden narrowed his eyes.

"What was that?" Jaden asked with venom in his voice.

"I know you heard me," Takuya replied, "Just look at yourself Jaden. Look at what Solomon turned you into." It was silent again. Then Takuya heard that the low sound of Jaden's metal boots walking towards him. Jaden kneeled down next to him and gripped his collar.

"Look at me? Look at you!" Jaden shouted, "You're supposed to be a great warrior, and yet here you are beaten down like some weakling!"

"At least I haven't lost myself," Takuya stately hoarsely. Jaden started at his words. He then let out a growl and brought the teen closer to him.

"You're in no position to scold me Kanbara!" Jaden exclaimed, "You're too weak to defend yourself! I could easily kill you right now!"

"Well why didn't you earlier?" Takuya suddenly asked. Jaden's eyes widened and he sucked in a sharp breath.

"I…I don't know what you…" Jaden stuttered.

"You had a chance earlier, but you couldn't do it could you?" Takuya asked. Jaden looked down to the floor, "It's because you're not cold-hearted like Solomon. You care about people's lives; you have morals. You know what you're doing here is wrong," Takuya stated to him. Jaden continued to stare at the floor and let out a disgruntled huff.

"You're real annoying, you know," Jaden said then shoved the teen to the ground. Takuya laid flat on his back as Jaden stood back up. Takuya attempted to push himself up but Jaden pressed a foot on his chest to keep him down, "I really hate how you keep talking like you know everything. You don't understand me or what my life is," Jaden said to him.

"I'm not trying to sound like I understand everything about you. I'm just speaking the truth," Takuya replied. Jaden simply clicked his tongue at him, "We weren't friends, but I know you're not like this. You're an honorable guy. Yeah sure, you're also a bit self-centered at times and a real jerk too, but I've never known you to lie or cheat at everything you do. You've always worked hard to get what you want."

"Well, maybe that wasn't enough," Jaden cut in.

"What?" Takuya huffed. Jaden was silent for a moment, looking as though he was arguing with himself over something. He then tilted his head back and sighed deeply.

"You know, my father was a police officer," Jaden then admitted. Takuya blinked confusingly at the statement, but decided just to keep quiet, "and before I was born, he served for a short time in the military. He was a great man and everybody loved him. A few years ago, he died in some shootout with some drug dealers. I was thirteen then." Jaden told him. He then chuckled, "Heh, why am I even telling you this?" he looked back down at the pinned teen. Takuya was staring silently back at him, perhaps waiting for him to continue.

"What?" Jaden asked.

"I didn't say anything," Takuya replied.

"No…but I can guess what you were thinking," Jaden said, "It always the same. Everyone sees my father as the great man that as he was and then they look at me and think how could I ever possibly live up to that."

"You can't just assume that. You're just letting your self-doubt-," before Takuya could finish Jaden stomped his foot harder down on his chest. Takuya grunted with pain and gasped at the added pressure.

"It's true! I've heard it, even when he was alive I heard it!" Jaden snapped angrily, "People looked at me and saw how much I resembled him and expected me to match him in every way."

"So what, did that cause you to hate him or something?" Takuya asked as he winced under the warrior's foot.

"…No," Jaden sighed meekly, "I never resented him. I loved him and he loved my mom and me. I respected him and wanted to be like him when I got older," as he spoke his voice got shakier and his eyes grew watery.

"…" Takuya continued his silent stare, looking more sympathetic at the teen.

"I pushed myself and worked hard and that made my dad proud, till the day he died," Jaden continued. A small hiccup escaped from his throat as he remembered his father's death. That night was the same as any other, he was up in his room studying, his mom was downstairs, and his dad was out on patrol. All was quiet until he heard a knock at the front door. Of course he had assumed it was his dad, he was still naïve back then. He had left his room and started downstairs, towards the front door, but when he turned the corner he saw his mom and few of his dad's fellow cops talking at the door, his dad nowhere in sight. He then watched his mother start to break down, covering her face in her hands and weeping, and at that moment his heart sunk.

Tears started falling down the metal warrior's cheeks and he hastily wiped them away. "Shit," Jaden hissed. Takuya watched in shock at the sudden display of emotions from the otherwise stoic warrior. It was clearly obvious how Jaden felt about his father and how much he had hurt in the past. Of course all Takuya could do was imagine though, he didn't truly know what it's like to lose family. That was something he had never experienced and hoped he wouldn't ever have to.

"I'm sorry," Takuya said. Jaden snapped his gaze back down at the teen in shock. His eyes were now brimmed red from wiping away the traces of tears. "I think I finally understand now though…why you think all of this is right," Takuya added. Jaden stared at him silently for a moment.

"You do, huh?" Jaden spoke then lifted his foot off of the teen's chest. As the weight was lifted, so was Takuya's spirit. He lifted himself up on his elbows, all while looking up at the metal warrior, hoping that he finally got through to him. The regretful look on his face seemed to prove so, but then suddenly his face twisted back into rage and he kicked Takuya square in the face. Takuya was flung back to the floor with a pain filled grunt. Takuya rolled over onto his stomach, holding the side of his face in pain.

"Don't look at me in pity, Kanbara!" Jaden exclaimed, "I don't see how someone like you could ever possibly know what I feel! You haven't lost anything in your life!"

"No but-," Takuya stuttered

"So what do you know about anything about me?!" Jaden shouted as he kneeled down close to the teen's head. At that, Takuya swung his fist back at the metal warrior and struck him lopsidedly in the jaw. Jaden sprang up in shock and stumbled backwards until he fell down on his hands and knees. One hand gripped at his mouth and his whole body shivered from the sudden, surprising blow. When he pulled his hand away, he saw a small amount of blood that had dripped from his mouth. He heard Takuya speak up behind him.

"I may not know a lot, but I do know one thing," Takuya then stated. Jaden turned his head to look back at the teen. Takuya was now fully standing, without a hint of shaking in his legs. His lip was bruised and cut from Jaden's previous blow and a drop of blood was running down from his nose. Despite that, the look on his face was intimidating and defiant. He was glaring at him with anger in his eyes, but also with a small pool of something close to disappointment underneath.

"I know this!" Takuya continued in a reprimanding tone, "You've become so self-absorbed and wound up in your own damn pride that you've become blind to everything around you! I understand how hard it must have been, yes…with losing your father and all. However, that doesn't give you the excuse for any of this!"

"Don't reprimand me! I'm not making any excuses for my actions!" Jaden retaliated and stood back up as well.

"Is that so!?" Takuya exclaimed, "Then take a look around you then and tell me why any of this is necessary to you!"

"I don't have to tell you anything!" Jaden huffed.

"Because you don't know!" Takuya then declared. Jaden started and was taken aback by the sudden accusation, but he refused to show any signs of backing down.

"What are you talking about!?" Jaden remarked.

"You know exactly what!" Takuya exclaimed, "You've become so self-deluded and corrupted that can't find a clear answer anymore. Is this really going to prove your worth? Would this really make your father proud? Tell me dammit!" Takuya ranted.

"…I…" Jaden found it hard to speak.

"Prove me wrong!" Takuya shouted at the stuttering warrior.

"Ah…" Jaden head drooped as words failed him. Takuya watched with silent anticipation at the warrior's actions. His eyes softened at sight of his body going limp with a sing of defeat. An uncomfortable bout of silence filled the room, until Takuya heard a small whimper.

"I…I don't know…" Jaden's ragged voice rose out of the silence. Takuya was overcome with shock. How could such a proud and strong warrior now look so weak and defeated? Takuya let out a sigh and remembered. Jaden was still human, and had been through a lot even though he was not much older than himself.

"Jaden," Takuya called out in a much softer tone. The metal warrior didn't look up but Takuya assumed he heard him and continued, "I am really sorry about your family, really, but I'm also not going to allow you to stand in my way of saving countless others," Jaden raised his head up at him then. A look of understanding and regret seemed to wash over his expression. Takuya flashed him a small smile and slowly walked over to him.

"You know, I'm a nice enough guy to let bygones be bygones," Takuya stated and held out his hand, "How about we call for a truce?" Jaden eyes widen in surprise and he looked down at Takuya outstretched hand. He then looked away and down at his own armored hand, looking conflicted.

"Hey, don't think about it," Takuya said and Jaden looked back up at his face, "All you have to do is give up the spirit and I can send you back home…to your family," Jaden remained silent. His eyes were flickering back and forth from the teen's eyes to his waiting hand. Jaden looked down to his current form. The emerald armor had become dented and scratched from battle, losing some of its originally appealing sheen from before. He then looked down at the mirror shield. His reflection had become tired and dim. His eyes were looking back at him as if they were pleading with him to end this madness and it shook him to the core. When he turned back to the teen before him, who was waiting patiently for him to respond.

"I…" Jaden tried to speak but still couldn't. He raised his hand slowly and tentatively reached for Takuya's peace offering. Seconds went by like minutes as Jaden's hand started to brush against Takuya's. Then, without warning, Jaden jerked his hand away.

"Ahhaahh!" Jaden suddenly cried out in pain and grabbed his head.

"Jaden!" Takuya watched in shock as the metal warrior started thrashing about in distress. Takuya reached out and grabbed at his shoulder, "What's wrong!?" he called out to him.

"…Sh-shut up…quiet…" Jaden huffed out, his whole body now shaking.

"What? What do you mean?" Takuya tried asking him.

"He won't leave me alone! He keeps telling me what to think!" Jaden cried out in panic.

"What? Who?" Takuya didn't understand. Jaden keeps saying there's someone in his head but what could that be? Unless…oh no! Takuya grabbed ahold of both of Jaden's shoulders and shook him, "Jaden, listen to me! It's the spirit! It's corrupted and messing with your mind! Get rid of it!" Takuya exclaimed desperately.

"Urrgh…" Jaden groaned as he squeezed his head.

"The dark data has corrupted the spirit Jaden!" Takuya continued to call out to him, "If this continues, you might not be able to fight it anymore!" Jaden continued to shake and mutter incoherent whimpers. "Jaden!" Takuya called out again. The metal warrior's chest started heaving up and down, the trembling worsened, and hisses escaped with each breath sounding more and more like animalistic with each huff.

"Jaden! Let me help-," Takuya was cut off suddenly when Jaden hands latched on to Takuya's collar and lifted him off the ground. Takuya sputtered in shock and fright and he tried to pry the warrior's hands away. Jaden's grasp was too strong and couldn't be budged. "Jaden stop!" Takuya pleaded.

"You…pest," then metal warrior snarled. Takuya looked down at him and was horrified. Jaden's body was starting to be surrounded by a dark, eerie mist, from his feet, to his head, and even up to the fists clenching his shirt. His eyes were the most disturbing. They had gone from steel gray to pitch black and lifeless, like a doll or a puppet.

"St-stop!" Takuya gasped. Jaden ignored him, responding only with a feral growl. He then threw his struggling victim across the room. Takuya flew through the air until his back collided harshly with the wall and he slid to the ground.

"Ugh," Takuya groaned as he leaned himself against the wall. His body shook with at the pain that was now coursing up and down his back. That was a tremendous amount of strength. It has to be from the tainted spirit. It must be pushing Jaden's body to its extremes.

"Dammit," Takuya heard Jaden growl. He looked up and saw the metal warrior shaking and hunched over. Guttural growls and moans were heard as the black mist continued to swirl around him. "Why? Why is this happening?" Jaden moaned, sounding like he was in pain.

"Jaden, let me help you!" Takuya exclaimed. The metal warrior's head shot up and he glared back at the teen.

"Quiet!" the metal warrior barked as he slowly trotted towards him, "I don't need your help."

"Yes you do, you stupid bastard!" Takuya shouted up at him.

"Why you!" Jaden snarled.

"Throw away your damn pride for a second and actually look at yourself!" Takuya continued, unfazed by the warrior's feral disposition. Jaden's eyes widened and his lips twitched in a mixture of anger and sorrow. The dark mist started to swirl more violently now.

"You were talking about how you were trying to be strong, out of memory for your dad, yet here you are being overwhelmed so easily!" Takuya berated.

"Shut up," Jaden huffed.

"You talk big, but you can't live up to your boasting!"

"Be quiet," the dark mist starting thrashing about.

"And that's your problem! You're so determined to see yourself equal to your father's shadow that you can't see what you really are anymore!" Takuya shouted, standing now to be eye to eye with the warrior, "For once, actually be a man and own up to your mistakes! You're no better than anyone else!"

"Shut your goddamn mouth!" Jaden then lashed out, grabbing Takuya's shirt and shoving him roughly against the wall. Takuya grunted, but showed no fear.

"You see?" Takuya groaned, "You're overreaction proves it. You can't handle your flaws!"

"Damn you," Jaden growled and gripped tighter at the teen's shirt.

"Prove me wrong then Masutani!" Takuya taunted.

"I don't have to prove-"

"Because you can't!" Takuya cut him off. Jaden started and grew silent.

You're afraid to!" Takuya stated.

"No," Jaden huffed.

"You are!" Takuya argued.

"You watch your mouth. The way you are now, I could easily kill you," Jaden stated coldly as the dark mist started to envelop him more.

"You didn't before," Takuya remarked with a bold smirk.

"Don't think I can't," Jaden threatened.

"Then go ahead and do it," Takuya challenged.

Jaden cocked a brow in surprise, "You're bluffing."

"Are you?" Takuya rebutted.

"…Do you really want to take the chance?" Jaden questioned. He then moved one hand that was holding Takuya's shirt up to the teen's neck and lightly gripped him, "Right now, your spirit isn't protecting you. You're a weak human that can be easily broken and I…I have all this power to back me up. It wouldn't take much to snap your neck or maybe crack your skull against this wall!" Jaden threatened harshly. Takuya didn't respond. He stared down at him with a stern, defiant gaze. Jaden's eyebrow twitched with anger, "Even now you're acting all high and mighty. Does that mean you're willing to take the risk?" Jaden asked bitterly. Takuya remained silent, but the look in his eyes said enough. They taunted him as if saying 'go ahead and do it.' Jaden snarled and pulled back a fist. The dark mist swirled around it as though all of his power and anger was being pooled inside.

"Son of a bitch. I'll put an end to you once and for all flame warrior! I'll finally be done with you! I'll finally be done with all of this!" Jaden exclaimed madly. Takuya remained stone-faced. Jaden teeth were fully bared in a snarl, grinding together while accompanied by various hisses and growls. His wide eyes became glued towards Takuya's own unyielding gaze. His fist trembled with built up anticipation as it hung in the air. He continued to watch the silent teen, waiting to do something: a flinch, a blink, a reaction, anything!

"Why is he doing nothing?!" Jaden asked himself. Takuya then blinked slowly a few times, his gaze shifting calmly over to the metal warrior's shaking fist for a brief moment. He then let out a low hum and closed his eyes.

"What the hell!" Jaden started, "Did he just give up?" he wondered as he studied Kanbara's expression. He looked calm, almost like if he was sleeping. No not that. More like…patiently waiting. "What? Are you…waiting to see what I'll do next? Heh, you sure are a risk taker Kanbara," Jaden couldn't help a smirk slightly at this. His fist was still at the ready to deliver one final blow to the defenseless teen. Yet, for some reason, he still found himself hesitant to strike. As he gazed upon the calm face of the warrior of flame, he started to lose the ferocity and anger in his own expression and in their place, confusion and fear graced his features. It started becoming difficult to be breath as his mind started swirling with dark images blending in with own thoughts.

'Why are you hesitating?'

Jaden jolted when he heard that familiar sinister voice in his head again.

'You know he's testing you right?' The voice snickered, 'Trying to see if you actually have the guts this time.'

"But he…" Jaden tried to argue back, but the voice would not let up.

'You can't waste this opportunity again!' it barked at him.

"No…I can't…I,"

'Coward!' the voice rang out. Jaden breathed in sharply at the accusation and his whole body shook, 'That boy is right! You can't do it! You can't do anything!' the voice shouted at him.

"No," Jaden whispered.

'You're weak!'

"I'm not," Jaden hissed.

'Then do it,' the voice commanded. Jaden growled and pulled back his fist even more, clenching it till it turned white.

'Well?' the voice egged on. Jaden looked upon his captive, who was still silent with his eyes closed, patiently waiting for the finishing blow. Sweat started to drip down from Jaden's brow that accompanied his heavy breathing. He carefully started to align his fist with its target.

'Do it!'

"Aaaahhhhh!" Jaden cried out and swung his fist.

Takuya's eyes remained closed during all of this. He had listened to the metal warrior's harsh breathing and the mild shakiness in his voice. It had sounded as though he were arguing with his own thoughts. He had then heard the desperate cry of the warrior followed by a gust of wind blowing across his face and then…

CRACK!

Takuya slowly open his eyes and peered over at the wall next to him. To his surprise and relief, he hadn't been struck. Instead, Jaden had swung his fist and struck the wall not an inch away from his head. Takuya shifted his gaze back to the metal warrior. Jaden's chest was heaving up and down, his head was lowered, and the dark mist that had surrounded disappeared.

"I'm…not weak," Jaden said between breaths.

Takuya let out a tiny laugh, "No…you're just human," Takuya said. Jaden clicked his tongue and lifted his head back up, the familiar glare present on his face.

"I'm no one's puppet," Jaden sneered, "My choices are my own and no one can tell me what I should do."

"Hmph, if that's the case. Then you're not gonna kill me like Solomon wants," Takuya said.

"Tch, count yourself lucky," Jaden hissed. He grabbed at the teens shirt again, "I don't have to kill you; you're already beaten."

"I wouldn't say so," Takuya replied.

Jaden growled, "I've beaten both of your spirits! You're completely defenseless now! You can't possibly fight me as you are! Why don't you just give up?!"

"Because I don't have the choice," Takuya shot back. Jaden shut up at that. His grip on Takuya's shirt weakened slightly as he examined the teen's serious expression. Takuya sighed and continued, "You, and the others too, talked about how privileged I and my friends were to be given these spirits and powers. I think you guys are giving us way too much credit. All we were, still are, were a bunch of dumb kids. We were suddenly thrown into this responsibility of saving the world. We didn't have a clue about what we were doing or why us, we didn't really think we were all that special. You were right, we were probably just lucky as hell," Takuya chuckled softly and smiled a bittersweet smile while leaning his head back and gazing up at the ceiling in blissful reminiscence. Jaden watched in stone silence at the teen's odd behavior.

"But you want to know something?" Takuya suddenly asked, tilting his head back down to stare at the metal warrior, "Even though we were kids, we learned quickly. We learned quickly of our responsibilities and our abilities, of our weakness and our strengths, our actions and also their consequences, and you know what else?!" Takuya exclaimed, "We made mistakes Jaden, because we were still only human!" Takuya's breath suddenly became shaky and his eyes grew downcast. Jaden looked on the display in surprise. This was the first time he had ever seen Kanbara speak or act like this. This was the same goofy guy that he had played soccer with back home? This guy, who had always worn a smile towards everyone and even at some of the worst times, was now showing him such weakness that he had never shown before, at least to him. It was striking to now see him looking so solemn and weak. He just wasn't use to it.

"I remember," he heard Takuya speak up, "I remember how I use to be back then. I'll admit, when I first got this power it felt amazing and I felt invincible. Fire was at my fingertips and I was constantly beating up the bad guys; it was all like some giant videogame. So in a sense, I guess I was kinda like you," Takuya admitted.

"Hmm?" Jaden hummed.

Takuya chuckled, "There was a point back then where I thought that no enemy could beat us and that I could do no wrong. Boy, I was pretty naïve. Then again I didn't know much about being a leader or what it meant to possess these spirits; to be one with the Digital World. Luckily for me, I have a jerk, wolf-boy to keep me on track and it's only now that I've started listening to him," Takuya remarked with a huff.

"So are you trying to compare yourself to me now?" Jaden asked.

Takuya sniffed, "I was trying to prove your theory about me wrong. You tried to build me up as some kind of superhero who could do no wrong, but telling you that's not true at all. Maybe I'm a bit wiser now, but that's only because I allowed myself to grow, and also I never cast aside everything I did wrong in the past. Mistakes I made were severe, they nearly…they nearly cost me my friend's lives," Takuya painfully admitted, "And at that time, I was so self-pitying that I nearly turned my back on them and the world," Takuya's eyes clenched shut with anger, all directed toward himself. He remembered how foolish he had been. However, all that was when he was a kid and experienced. He was different now. He was a warrior of flame. His eyes shot open and his piercing gaze was directed right at the metal warrior, causing Jaden to start. Jaden had never seen eyes like those before. There was such a fierce fire backing up his gaze that he was afraid it would burn right through him. That wasn't the only thing he felt burning though. Reluctantly, he tore his eyes away from Takuya's and looked down at his hands gripping the teen's shirt. His hand felt like they were burning, but why?! As he continued to stare at them he soon noticed a thin veil of smoke seeping through his finger.

"What the!" Jaden exclaimed in shock. The veils started growing in number and Jaden suddenly realized something. The smoke and heat wasn't coming from him, it was coming from Kanbara! Jaden let out a hiss as he watched smoke rise and tiny flames emerge from the teen's clothed chest, sharply striking at his hands. He heard Takuya click his tongue and suddenly his wrists were grabbed roughly by the teen. With a newfound strength, Takuya ripped Jaden's grip off his shirt and started to push him back.

"I'll tell you this, I'll never do that my friends ever again and I'll never give up!" Takuya exclaimed. Now fire had begun to quickly cover the teen's body. Jaden tried to struggle but found Takuya's grip unbreakable. He could feel the burning intensity of the flames wrapping around his wrist, seeping through his thick armor. The heat was biting at his face as he tried to match Takuya's gaze, although that was now proving difficult too. It felt as though the teen's gaze was burning holes right through his skull, even without the aid of the fires.

"That is why I'm fighting here Masutani and no one is going to break me! Not you and not Solomon! Because I can't give up on the world! I won't!" Takuya roared with fiery passion that Jaden had never seen before. At the same time, the flame surrounding them grew more and more ferocious until finally they erupted in a powerful blast. Jaden was blown away from Takuya and landed hard on the ground a good distance away. Jaden pushed himself off the floor, shocked but not terribly hurt. He looked back to Takuya only to see a pillar of fire hiding him from view. Jaden shook with fearful anticipation without a clue as to what the hell was going on.

Meanwhile inside the flaming pillar, Takuya stood silent and unnerved as he allowed the blankets of fire to wash over him. Each caress soothed his spirit and calmed his soul. Any previous pain he had before had completely disappear. He looked over himself and noticed his would had healed too. A soft smile spread across his lips as he watched the flame slide across his hands, arms, chest, all over him. He closed his eyes and let out a sigh of contentment. A low chuckle was heard.

"You sure are a stubborn one Takuya," a familiar voice spoke to him. Takuya let out a chuckle of his own and opened his eyes to see Agunimon standing before him.

"Hey, it always seemed to work for me before," Takuya quipped, his smile never wavering.

"Yes, you're stubborn headstrong, and more often than not let your heart decide for you instead of your mind," Agunimon added.

"Is that such a bad thing?" Takuya asked playfully. Agunimon chuckled and shook his head.

"No, no it's not. That must be why I like you so much. You remind me of myself," Agunimon admitted. Happiness swelled inside Takuya's chest at the Digimon's words.

"My job's not finished yet," Takuya then stated, turning serious. Agunimon gave a nod.

"You're right," Agunimon said. He then grinned, "I've never regretted handing over my flames to you. You can stop Nishihara. Take command of these flames…both of our flames," Takuya felt a light breeze behind him. He turned slightly and saw BurningGreymon standing behind him. Takuya smiled and place his hand on the beast digimon's head.

"I will," Takuya said. He held his hand out towards Agunimon, "Trust me and lend me all your power," Takuya commanded like a true warrior.

Agunimon chuckled, "Go get him, Warrior of Flame," at those words, Agunimon's body began to disappear into a trail of fire. At the same time, BurningGreymon's body was disappearing the same way. The two trails of fire danced around Takuya's hand. Takuya's slowly brought his hand up in front of him, fearing that any sudden movement would blow out the flame. He watched them for a few seconds, before they disappeared and in their place were now multiple shining streams of data. Takuya smirked and pulled out his D-Tector.

"I'll live up to that title," Takuya muttered to himself and slammed the device against the data streams.

"ULTIMATE SYCHRONIZATION! NATURE OF FIRE UNITE!"

Takuya felt a surge of energy hit as the fire around consume him.

Outside the flames, Jaden had the shield his face from the intensity and brightness of the incredible fires. "Kanbara!" He shouted but got no answer. Jaden grimaced at this, "Dammit, what the hell is happen-," at that moment a blinding light shot forth from the flames as the flailed wildly about. Jaden brought his shield out in from of him and waited for the fire burst to cease. After a short time, the flames began to shrink and the metal warrior cautiously lowered his shield. His eyes nearly bulged out of his skull at what he saw.

"Kanbara!?" he exclaimed in shock. It was indeed Takuya standing across from him and he had fused with his spirit again but he looked like nothing he had ever seen before.

Brilliant crimson armor now covered Takuya's chest, shoulder, forearms, and lower body. Gold plated armor also accented the crimson armor in the center of his chest and knees, and BurningGreymon's Rudri Tarpana* was strapped to his forearms. Holes in the back of his armor started to sprout flames that formed into the shape of his wings. Underneath all that, black fabric hugged at his muscles, showing off their peak condition. On his face, the red armor adorned his chin and traveled up his jawline to his forehead where it wrapped around. The accessory made his profile look more chiseled and angular, giving him a striking, commanding presence of a noble warrior. His eyes shone brilliant blue and his hair color had completely change to a shimmering gold. He exhale deeply, a small puff of fire exiting along with his breath. He looked down at his hands and took in the power he now wielded, the same he felt as when he was Aldamon years ago. He was now the ultimate warrior of flame. Takuya looked up to glare at the stunned metal warrior. When he spoke, he addressed him with powerful authority.

"Are you ready Masutani? This ends now!"

Whew! Things are getting intense now

*Little fact for ya if you didn't already know. The Rudri Tarpana is in fact the number of the weapons on BurningGreymon's and Aldamon's arms. I didn't know that till I looked it up. That's actually cool.

Anyway I hoped you enjoyed this chapter. Next time we turn our attention back to the twins and their struggles. As for me right now, I'm going to bed. Goodnight my peeps.

Don't forget to leave a review and PM me if ya like :)