Digimon Frontier: Spirit Synchronization Ch 34: Master of Destruction, a digimon fanfic

I do not own Digimon or any of its characters.

ABC = Talking

ABC = Thoughts

Chapter 34: Master of Destruction

"Have all the floors been evacuated?" Director Yukio asked. In front of him stood his head of security with two other guards behind him. They were in his office

"The lower levels are clear," the head of security answered, "and we're pretty sure the uppers levels are too."

"I want to be sure. Do one more sweep of this floor. I want no one in any office or loitering in the halls," Yukio ordered.

"Right…but Director," the security man said, "Maybe you should also evacuate."

"I won't leave until I'm sure all of my staff is safe!" Yukio exclaimed.

"But…"

"No! Go and sweep the floor one last time!" Yukio commanded

"Director…"

"Now!" Yukio shouted, about ready to shove them out of the room. The men quickly complied without further question and left the room. Alone, Yukio let out and exhausted sigh. He trudged over to his desk and slapped his hands down on the wood. He hunched and hung his head as deep groans escaped from the pit of his stomach. This night had taken its toll on him. The initial shock of the sky breaking apart and the city shut down following had shaken him up. No power, no communication, and no light, it was frightful. Though none of those were bothering Yukio right now. He lifted his head enough to just peer over to the windows. It was blacker than night outside except for the anomaly in the sky. Now there was something he could stare at for hours in wonder…if the circumstances were better. It was like nothing he's ever seen. A hole in the sky that swirled with countless fragments of binary code that he only believed to be limited to the computer screen. It was like he was gazing into a whole other world.

"A world made completely of data," his thoughts hummed around in his head. They seemed oh so familiar. His hand fell to drum against his pocket. He reached inside and pulled out his cellphone. He opened his home and one name kept showing up being dialed repeatedly.

Hiroshi Suzumara.

After all these years, he had not lost contact with his old friend and colleague. He still held an admiration for the man. His intelligence and ambition is something he wished he could have at his age. He had often wondered why he never attempted to become Director himself. He had even asked him once after he had gotten the position. Suzumara chuckled and answered plainly 'It's too much work.' Yukio had to chuckle again at the memory. If only he knew how right he was. It was a shame when Suzumara had given his notice for leaving the company. He wanted to convince him otherwise, but he did understand given his matters of family. Still, he was still quick to say that he was welcome back anytime if he needed help. Though at this point, maybe it was the other way around. He pressed the dial button. He had tried twice before to no avail but maybe, just maybe, there was a tiny sliver of hope…

'We're sorry, we are unable to reach the number at this time'

"Fuck!" He violently threw the phone to the floor where it smashed into pieces. Yukio huffed and heaved staring down at his shattered phone. He stood there for a few moments more before rubbing his hand across his face and through his hair with a long sigh. He leaned back enough to sit on his desk.

"What else did I expect," he grumbled. It was ironic though, now he needed Suzumara more than ever and here they all were without any means of contact. If only there were, then maybe Suzumara could help him understand all this. Maybe Suzumara could explain what the hell was happening. Dammit, if only he had listened to Suzumara's theories years ago.

He sighed again, "Were you right all along, Hiroshi?" He whispered. His mind wandered back to all those years ago, to when Hiroshi came forward with those wild theories about a world made of living data. Most would call out such a suggestion as ravings from that of a mad man. That so hard to conclude, though. A world of living data? It sounded like something he had heard from those science fiction movies he had watched as a kid. He had all the reason to dismiss the man's claims, as much as he hated to do so to a friend, but there was no proof on his behalf.

"How ironic," he thought, "We wave off those claims years ago and now it comes back to leave us in the dark. If I believed you Hitoshi, could you have prevented this? Or do you know of something that could stop it? Hmm, maybe you already did back then." He looked back to the portal in the sky. Something was bothering him for a while now. Suzumara had mentioned too that they could possibly open a gateway between the two worlds, but he was sure this isn't what he wanted. Suzumara, though dismissed, would not spread chaos, he wouldn't hold grudges, never.

"This isn't what you envisioned Hiroshi, I know you," he thought, "you're too good and you'd never do anything to hurt anyone. You're not like…" Yukio paused, his eyes widening slightly, "That's right, you're not like…"

BANG! BANG! BANG!

Three gunshots caused Yukio to spin back around to his door. Those had come from the hallway. He heard some more as well as some muffled shouting and screaming somewhere down the hall. Then everything went silent. Yukio gulped but tried to keep some composure as he carefully reached over his desk, eyes remaining glued to the door. He had picked up a small key as his hand glided across his desk. His fingers brushed against the keyhole of a drawer on the other side of the desk. He slid the key in. He turned it.

BAAMM!

The doors exploded open, flying off the hinges in a flurry of smoke and flame. Yukio had instantly crouched down, covering his face from the blast. an eerie pause lingered in the air for only a moment before he heard the faint sound of someone entering his office.

"I apologize for the mess Director," Yukio started, that voice sounded familiar, "I know I didn't have an appointment, but I didn't think that would matter." Yukio felt his knees buckle as he strained to stand up, using his desk as leverage. Heart pumping, he slowly turned his head to greet his intruder. There was a man there, familiar yet unfamiliar at the same time. His hair was ratty and unkempt and he had small bristles over his chin and cheeks, he almost looked like he had been living in the woods. His eyes were a deep unnatural shade of violet that Yukio had never, yet the cold stare he was giving him was familiar, awaking something in the back of his memory.

"I know that stare…I've seen it," Yukio thought.

"Something the matter, Director?" The intruder chuckled, "I know it's been years but you couldn't have forgotten. It would really hurt me if you did," he chuckled some more. Yukio studied his face some more as pieces of his memory started to overlap. Fix the hair, it wasn't so ratty and now cleaner and less gray. His face was becoming less dirty and unshaven, looking younger as well. The eyes changed instead of the hue being violet and instead becoming a dark brown, but the stare remained. That familiar stare that was filled with such unbridled rage. One he had only seen on…

"…Solomon Nishihara?" Yukio concluded.

"There you go," Solomon applauded, "I knew you couldn't' forget, you just had to think about it. I knew it would be a bit difficult. After all, you and Hitoshi mainly talked and the last time you probably remember me is when you kicked me out of this very office, but that's all in the past now. Things are much different." He hissed, starting to shift closer to the man. Yukio remained still but cautious. He was already in shock that Solomon was here, but it only grew as his gaze started to shift down from his face. His ripped shirt gave his full of his chest that was as black a charcoal with cracks running from the center and spreading all about.

"What have you done to yourself, Solomon?" Yukio asked.

"Something everyone said I couldn't," Solomon said. He then gestured to the window, "Tell me, does that look unbelievable to you now?"

Yukio glanced back to the window. He scowled then turned back to Solomon, "You? You did this?" He questioned.

Solomon smirked, "Isn't it incredible?"

Yukio sneered with disgust, "It's chaos out there!"

"Yes, I'd thought you would think that," Solomon said.

"Where's Hiroshi?!" Yukio suddenly cried, "Where is he in all this?!"

"Don't worry about your friend Director," Solomon sneered, "Suzumara probably cowering somewhere. He also couldn't think I could do this."

"Couldn't or shouldn't?" Yukio asked.

Solomon sneered quickly turned into a snarl, "Same difference. He's still a coward who couldn't do anything but sit and watch the digital world on a computer screen. I, however, went further than he ever could. I went there, I experienced it, and now I broke the barriers between our worlds."

"Maybe there was a reason he never went any further," Yukio stated, "Hiroshi was practical and he always looked at every risk. Judging by the mess out, I'm sure he knew how dangerous this all was. I'm also sure that he warned you about this long ago," he sighed and turned away from him, "but you didn't listen, you never did." He walked around to the other side of his desk, "Why are you here? What do you want?"

"So quick to the point," Solomon chuckled.

"Don't toy with me!" Yukio snapped, slamming his hands down on the desk, "You wouldn't have broken down my door unless you wanted something. You were always out for personal gain."

"I'm not so vain, Director," Solomon said. Yukio glared at him in silence. He knew that's was a load of crap. Solomon just snickered out of amusement, "I'm being honest. There's nothing you could give me that I would want. I've already gained so much more than anyone ever could ever believe was possible. Yet here I am. I traversed between dimensions and shattered the barriers. I've transcended past being human and past powerful creatures that you would not believe exist." He grinned with triumph, "no one could ever match me."

"So you want some sort of praise, is that it?" Yukio sneered.

Solomon clicked his tongue, "Tch, why would I want that?"

"Cut the crap, did you forget that I know you too well," Yukio spat. The smirk disappeared from Solomon's face as he opted to glare at the director. Yukio wasn't about to be intimidated yet, "I knew it from the beginning. You were smart, ambitious, but too young, self-centered, short-tempered, and always craved admiration from your peers, deserved or not. You were always trouble."

"Yet you kept me here," Solomon said.

"I won't lie, I saw potential in you," Yukio replied, "If only you could've gotten past your faults. Why do you think I asked Suzumara to watch over you? I had hoped he would've hammered some sense into you, maybe knock down that ego."

"Yes, Hiroshi constantly like to babysit. But I suppose I should be thankful for him, and you too now. Without you two I guess I would've never accomplished this," Solomon said.

"We did not want any of this," Yukio hissed.

"Of course you didn't," Solomon stepped closer, now standing in front of Yukio's desk. He leaned over just enough to glare directly into his eyes, "People only want what per their ideals. If they hear something that clashes with that, they dismiss it, call it farfetched."

Yukio narrowed his gaze, "Nothing that happened that day was personal," he stated.

Solomon's mouth twitched, "Right, not even when you kicked me out to the streets?"

"You know I had every reason to," Yukio stated, growing impatient.

"Of course you did," Solomon said.

"Assault, Solomon! And it wasn't the first time!" Yukio exclaimed, "I gave you plenty of strikes, for your sake, and tried to warn you, but again you never listened. You always were lashing out because of your own damn pride!"

"People were always in my way," Solomon stated coldly.

"You're wrong," Yukio spat, "You can try to blame everyone else, but it's still you. It's always been you. You let your anger and pride take control! You discredited yourself! And now, you're going to destroy yourself, and it will be entirely your fault!" as Yukio finished, Solomon slammed his palms hard down on the desk. Yukio was startled and jumped back, but his eyes never left Solomon's. the looked strange before, but now they looked utterly terrifying. Those violent hues glowed with a demonic and murderous aura that Yukio never thought he'd see from anyone.

Low snarls emitted from his throats as he then spoke, "You've always been so strong, director. Never did back down. But you should be more careful. You're not on top of anything anymore." Yukio felt beads of sweat from run down his face. He smelt burning wood. Warily, he glanced down. Fire? Unnatural black flames were surrounding Solomon's hand and scorching the oak of his desk. Yukio swallowed hard and brought his gaze back up to the man's face. Solomon hadn't moved an inch; he was barely blinking. Yukio began growing nervous. Was he going to lash out? Strangle him? Rip his throat out? The horrific possibilities ran through his mind. After an uncomfortable amount of silence, Solomon let out an abrupt snicker.

"Afraid, Director?" he smirked crookedly. Yukio did all he could to remain silent, grinding his teeth and clenching his fists. Light cackle started rapidly falling from Solomon's mouth. His shoulders shook as he threw his head back with mad laughter and incoherent grumbling that made Yukio blood run cold. He was surely in the presence of a deeply deranged man.

"You know, director," Solomon spoke, all laughter and ravings ceasing, "You're beginning to remind me of this annoying brat I've had to deal with of late."

"…really?" Yukio said, but his eyes wandered down to a slight ajar drawer of his desk, the one he had unlocked earlier.

Solomon turned his back to the director and slowly paced away, "You've seen those warriors, right? On T.V?"

"What of them?" Yukio asked. He silently moved to open the door, slowly, praying that it wouldn't make a creak. He looked into the drawer. There was a handgun.

"They're children, you know?" Solomon then stated. This made Yukio freeze.

"…What?" He huffed.

"Surprised? So was I at first," Solomon continued, "but it's true. Powerful warrior spirits in the hands of such privileged children. They never had to work a day in their short lives and yet they are handed such power on a silver platter. It hardly seemed fair to me. I worked for all I have…I deserve more than them." The man shook as he spoke. Yukio watched him warily as he reached into the drawer and pulled out the weapon. He knew it was loaded and held it down close to his thigh, keeping it out of sight.

"What have you done that proves you deserve anything?" Yukio scowled.

Solomon shrugged, "Maybe nothing to you, but after everything this town has put me through, it should be no surprise that I get to strike back."

Yukio fiddled with the trigger, "Someone will stop you."

"Like the warriors? I know they'll try, they haven't given up so far," Solomon mused, "Annoying brats, I'll kill them before the night's end."

"They're only children!" Yukio exclaimed.

"It doesn't matter! I'll destroy everyone in my way," Solomon snarled. Yukio couldn't stand this anymore and he lifted the gun and aimed it at him.

Then, in good conscience, I can't allow you to leave, Solomon," he prepared to fire but then Solomon snorted, amused.

"That's a shame," he whispered. He rapidly spun around and threw a wave of black fire at the director. Too shocked to move, Yukio could only frantically shield his face from the flames as they poured over his arms.

"Aaaahhhhh!" Yukio fell to the floor, dropping the gun and clenching his left arm. It burned like hell and the sleeves were burned away revealing his already blistering skin. In front of him, his desk was slowly becoming a pile of kindle, engulfed by the fire. Suddenly, the pile of wood was flung violently to the side and now Solomon was standing above him. Yukio's heart rate picked up greatly as he saw the wild rage in the man's eyes. He wanted to run. He had to run, but the immense pain that shot through his arm kept him down.

Solomon chucked darkly as he walked closer to the director, "Did you think it would be that easy? Shoot me?!" He looked down at the discarded handgun. Kicking it aside, he then lunged forward and grabbed Yukio's throat. "That was your final mistake." He snarled, pulling the director face towards him. Yukio only sputtered and gasped under Solomon's tight grip. Solomon then threw the director across the room and Yukio struck the large windows behind him. His head banged against the hard glass, leaving cracks behind and leaving Yukio dazed, maybe concussed.

"I am feeling a tad merciful, so I'll make your end quick, Director," Solomon's fist became engulfed in flame again, "Is there anything left you'd like to say?"

Yukio coughed, head pounding, and glared up at the man, "It's sad," he groaned, "Despite everything, I still believed that Solomon Nishihara had such great potential…but now, that man I believed in is long gone."

Solomon huffed and smirked, "No, he evolved," he raised his hand ready to throw his fire attack at him. Yukio curled up and squeezed his eyes shut in terror. Solomon started to swing his arm but then…

"CRYSTAL FREEZE!"

A wall of ice rose in front of Solomon, guarding Yukio. Solomon nearly stumbled back from the sudden shock. Anger quickly replaced that though and he turned and…

"THUNDER FIST!"

A super charged punch hit him in the jaw. Solomon was knocked back into the ice wall. He stumbled to his feet and groaned as he held his jaw.

"How's that for a surprise?" Came the thunder warrior's snide remark. Solomon looked up and saw the thunder warrior staring at him with a cocky gaze and raised fist. The ice warrior stood behind him looking a bit more cautious.

"Only two of you? That's not much," Solomon commented.

"It was enough to get the drop on you," Tommy remarked.

Solomon snorted, "That will be the only time." Fire engulfed his entire arm and waves of heat spread throughout the room. J.P and Tommy shielded themselves from the intense heat. With an angry roar, Solomon released an eruption of fire and dark energy. It knocked both warriors down and shattered the ice wall behind him. Solomon glared down at both, huffing with a sneer on his face.

"Is that it?" Solomon jeered, "Come on now! Any more surprises?"

"ATOMIC INFERNO!"

Solomon barely turned when he was bombarded by fireballs. The blasted at his chest and he was propelled back across and out of the room into the hallway with a loud crash. J.P and Tommy watched the man being hurled past them before turning back to the window, now shattered, where now Takuya was hovering in front of.

"Surprise," The flame warrior snickered.

"What…who…are you all the…," Takuya spun around to the director. He looked frightened, no doubt from his previous beat down and the sudden appearance of him and his friends. Takuya offered a friendly smile.

"Don't worry, we're the good guys here," he said. The director seemed to believe him. He didn't look quite as scared but maybe that's because his injuries took over his fear. Takuya looked at him. He could see his burned hand and a splotch of blood on the back of his head. He had to get him out of here, he had seen help outside.

"Look out!" He then heard Tommy shout. He spun back and saw the purple glint of Solomon's eyes and chest glowing in the darker hallway. He looked back and forth at the man behind him and the man in the hallway before deciding.

"You two stall him. I have to get this guy out of here," Takuya commanded. He pulled the director up and slung an arm around his shoulder.

"Do what you got to do," J.P smirked and cracked his knuckles, "I don't mind beating down this bastard first!" J.P charged forward and tackled into Solomon, both crashing through the wall behind in a blast of dust and debris. The other two warriors stared in surprise at the thunder warrior's sudden enthusiasm until Tommy spoke.

"Hurry back, we'll keep him busy," he said before chasing after the brawlers. Takuya firmly wrapped his arms around the director's torso.

"Hold on and try not to move too much," he told him. Still unable speak, Yukio simply nodded. Takuya flapped his wings and took off through the broken window. A selection of surprised and startled gasps came from his charge who was now gripping at the armor on his arms for dear life. It took only a few seconds of scanning before spotting the team of ambulances bundled in the streets below. He glided down towards them. The EMTs quickly noticed the flying man coming towards them and just as quickly the injured man in his arms. The hurried over as the armored man landed in front of them and took charge of the injured man.

"We've got a second-degree burn," one paramedic said, looking over his hand. He then looked over the blood on his head, "Head trauma…Let's get him on a stretcher!"

"No! Wait!" Yukio yanked himself away from the workers to turn back to the flame warrior. He stumbled weakly, but Takuya quickly held him up.

"Woah! Woah! Easy, you're badly hurt!" Takuya exclaimed to him. He flashed his eyes to the medical team, who then rushed to bring the stretcher.

"Nishihara told me," Yukio leaned closer to whisper to the warrior. Takuya tensed. "You're only children? Is that true?" he asked.

Takuya stared down at him in silence. Then he huffed in tiny amusement, "A kid? I'm almost eighteen for crying out loud," he said in mock annoyance. Yukio blinked twice in surprise but smirked nonetheless. He felt lightheaded again, stumbling around as the warrior continued to hold him up. the stretcher had finally rolled up to them and Takuya helped lift the director onto it.

"Why is all this happening?" Yukio started to ask as he laid back on the stretcher, "What are you and- "

"There is too much and honestly it would take forever to explain," Takuya stated, "Plus, I think it's better if you not know." Yukio stared at him, contemplating, but he nodded in understanding. Something still nagged at his mind though as the warrior was ready to walk away.

"Solomon," he called out him. Takuya stopped and looked back to him, "What will happen to him?" he asked. There was an air of silence. Takuya's mouth opened and shut like a fish. His face twisted in an uncomfortable way and had to break his gaze away from the director. Yukio's stomach churned. That kind of silence could only indicate the worst. The sounds of police sirens startled them both. Takuya turned and saw a squad car approach him. A young officer stepped out.

"You there!" The officer called to Takuya. Takuya flinched when he some him holding a gun.

"Put that damn gun away!" Yukio exclaimed, "Save it for the real monsters."

"But,"

"Just do as he says," another voice cut in. Another older, more experienced looking officer stepped out of the car. Takuya eyes widened. It was the police chief, Leah's father. He walked towards him and Takuya saw the limp in his stride and how he was holding his side in pain. Oh no. Takuya could easily guess that Solomon had a hand in that. Part of him wasn't surprised. Mr. Takeuchi was a brave man, intimidating too if Takuya remembered at times though maybe that was just him. He probably didn't hesitate in confronting Solomon, but didn't the idiot know that could cost him his life. Leah. Leah would be heartbroken.

"Hey," Takuya started, barley noticing that Takeuchi was right in front of him. The chief cocked his brow. He stared at the warrior quizzicality making Takuya's nerve on edge.

"You're one of those…'heroes' people have been seeing on the news," Takeuchi spoke, "Are you going to explain what's happened here."

Takuya straightened, "Sorry, I don't have time." He said and tried to hurry away.

"Wait!" Apparently, the chief didn't want to let him go so easily. Before another word, an explosion came from the building. Glass from the top floor windows shattered and fell to the ground. People shouted in surprise and hurried away from the building. Takuya growled and whirled around to the chief.

"You wanna help? Keep everyone away!" The flame warrior ordered and turned away.

"Wha – hey I'm not done! I want to know who – AGH!" Takeuchi took one step forward and immediately he felt pain rush through his rib cage. He hissed and clutched his side which made the warrior turn back to him.

"Please," he said, taking a much gentler and pleading tone, "just…for your own good…you should leave, go home."

The chief straightened, taking in a steadying breath, "Listen, young man, I can't just leave everyone in trouble. I'm sure you can relate to that."

"…yeah," Takuya said, "But how you are now…your gonna kill yourself. Think of your family. Please…I don't want to see her cry." Takeuchi's head shot back to the warrior in confusion. The warrior looked back at him silently with that pleading look, though strong, knowing, and somewhat…familiar. Takeuchi's eyes traced all over the warrior's features. A picture puzzle was slowly forming in his mind. Face; hidden some by crimson armor and with a more mature refinement, but there was a slight carefree adolescence appeal leaking out from beneath. The hair was different, shimmering gold, but it was still uncombed and full like someone he had seen before. The eyes were not the right color but they were kindhearted, awkward, held a little hint of a goofball in them. Still, there was a trustworthiness to them, one he had trusted to let into to his home, around his family, around his daughter…Takeuchi's eyes widened.

"You look like…" before he could finish, the warrior took off and flew away towards the building. Takeuchi watched him with unbelievable shock.

"Takuya?" The boy he had known since he was a child, the goofy teenager dating his daughter; that's who was fighting these monsters, saving this city, and quite possibly the world.

"Sir!" His partner called to him. Takeuchi shook his head and turned back to everyone.

"No one goes near the building!" He shoute itn command, "Clear out now!" Policemen scrambled to clear everyone from the area. Takeuchi sighed shakily.

"Takuya…what kind hell have you been mixed up in?"

J.P and Solomon barreled through the wall, with the destructive force of a wrecking ball. The thunder warrior tackled the dark man to the ground and started throwing his fists down at him. He struck in the head, then in the jaw. Solomon then grabbed the warrior's wrist and twisted it painfully. J.P cried out and Solomon kicked the warrior off him. Both got up and Solomon blasted J.P with his dark energy. The thunder warrior was flung back and embedded into the wall. Solomon raised his hand to fire at him again. He then jolted a heavy blast of cold air hit his hand. He yanked it away as the cold mist surrounded him. Through it, he could see the silhouette of the small warrior. He snarled and burst through the mist at the ice warrior. Tommy started when he saw the man racing towards him. He couldn't even react when Solomon's fist struck the side of his head. Tommy fell to his back on the floor, squirming and groaning with pain. Solomon stood over him.

"CRYSTAL FR- "

Solomon pressed his boot down hard on the ice warrior's chest before he could finish. His breath became caught in his lungs.

"It won't take much to squash the tiniest warrior," Solomon commented as fire erupted and thawed his frozen fist. He pressed his boot harder down. Tommy gasped as he was being grounded harder in to the floor, air being squeezed out of his lungs. It continued until J.P rushed behind the man. He curled his arm around the man's neck and another around his torso and yanked him off his friend. Solomon snarled and struggled against the thunder warrior like a caged dog, but J.P kept his grip firm not matter how hard Solomon tried to pull him away.

"Don't' think you can take both of us down," J.P growled in his ear.

"And don't think both of you are any match for me," Solomon growled back. J.P sneered as the hum of electricity started up. In a flash, bolts of electricity erupted from the thunder warrior that wrapped around both him and his captive. The lights strobed around them. Solomon gnarled and grunted as the lighting struck him in rapid bursts all down his body. It wasn't about to bring him down, though. He continued to yank away the warrior's arm around his neck, gaining a sudden burst of strength through the shock. With his other hand, his shakily reached up and grabbed onto the warrior's face. Then he flung the warrior off him with a beastly roar. J.P hit the floor away from him. Solomon slowed and stumbled on his feet, he was still reeling from the shock.

An idea struck J.P, "Tommy, the floor!" He shouted to his friend. It only took Tommy a moment before he understood.

"CRYSTAL FREEZE!"

He blew his freezing breath toward the floor beneath Solomon's feet. The concrete and tile turned into a sheen of crystal blue ice.

"THUNDER FIST!"

J.P slammed down his fist onto the ground. The floor and ice cracked and broke apart. Solomon couldn't have escaped as the ground began crumbling under his feet. His feet slipped and a piece fell out from beneath him and he plummeted down into the floor below them with the rubble. J.P and Tommy both rushed over to the hole and searched down into the darkness.

"Did that get him?" Tommy wondered.

"No way," J.P replied, "I can't see anything, though." There was nothing but debris in the pitch blackness below. Just then, J.P saw a faint violet glow peeking through the mountain of rubble.

"There!" J.P shouted.

"CRYSTAL FREEZE!"

The huge breath of cold air fell like a waterfall. It filled the room until all either warrior could see was a cloud of white. An uneasy silence followed.

"Where is he?" J.P wondered.

"There's no way he could've gotten out of that in time," Tommy said.

"That doesn't mean he's down," J.P said.

"Yeah but," Tommy was cut off suddenly when the floor under him blasted apart and sent the young warrior plummeting down.

"Tommy!" J.P called out in alarm. A loud thud then sounded next to him. He started and turned to see Solomon standing there. His head and shoulders were covered in frost but his gaze was burning. J.P quickly snapped out of shock and took a clumsy swing at him. Solomon easily caught the fist and in turn jabbed him in the stomach. J.P doubled over which allowed Solomon to elbow the back of his head. J.P collapsed to the ground, Solomon still grasping his arm from behind.

"You've been putting up a good fight for an annoying little bug," Solomon taunted and twisted his arm. J.P screamed and squirmed under the man's hold, "I'll admit, I'm actually enjoying the challenge, what little there is."

"Keep talking. Shutting you up will be more worth it," J.P quipped. Solomon pressed his boot down onto the warrior's shoulder. He twisted and pulled at the warrior's arm and J.P cried through his clenched teeth.

"Such bravado," Solomon snarled and twisted harder. J.P had to nearly bite his tongue to suppress his cries. His muscles were being stretched painfully and he could hear bones crackling in his ears. Solomon brined and chuckled with delight at his prey.

"Come on, can't you back it up? I've been waiting for you warriors to come at me and all you can do is boast," Solomon taunted, "Your little friend isn't coming to help you, so what do you have now?"

"Solomon!" He looked up just as Takuya burst through the windows and tackled him of the thunder warrior. He was slammed against the wall. The flame warrior's hands were clenched around his collar and they were face to face glaring at each other.

"Nice of you to join us again. I hope the Director was alright," Solomon sneered.

"No thanks to you," Takuya hissed and grabbed tighter onto his collar, "Why try to kill him?"

"Why not?" Solomon snarled back, grabbing at his wrists, "He was another thrown in my side…like you warriors!" He lurched forward and smacked his forehead against Takuya's. Takuya started back and Solomon broke free and grasped Takuya neck from behind. Takuya fought back. He grabbed ahold of the man's arms, trying to keep him from choking him.

"I bet you just soaked it all in, being a hero," Solomon breathed in his ear, "Did they applaud and cheer as you carried that old bastard down. You and friends spent so long hiding that it must feel good to finally hear some praise."

"…Quiet," Takuya hissed, "You're a pitiful man, but since you want to reach the top," he brought out his wings, "I'll be glad to take you there!" He burst off the ground, Solomon clinging on his back. They bust through the ceiling as the went higher. J.P was still on the ground. He shelled his face from the dust that fell as he watched the two disappear. He then scrambled to the edge of the hole.

"Tommy!" He called out, "Tommy! Are you alright?! Say something!" There was a tiny groan. J.P scanned the floor a saw a small body moving on the floor.

"Tommy!" He exclaimed in relief.

"Ugh…I'm alright," Tommy replied in another groan, "…Solomon?"

"Takuya took him up top," J.P said, "Hold on, I'm going to get you out of there."

"No!" Tommy stopped him, "I'm fine. Go help Takuya!"

"Are you nuts? I'm not leaving you down there kid," J.P argued.

"This kid will be fine!" Tommy snapped back, "Go, I'll catch up!" J.P hesitated, he didn't want to just leave him there, but the look in his eyes told him there was no point in arguing. With a nod, he stood up and leaped up into the hole above him after Takuya. Tommy sighed and leaned back against the rubble. He just needed a moment to catch his breath.

Takuya crashed through the ceiling up onto the rooftop. Solomon was still clinging to his back before Takuya dove down slammed his onto the roof. Solomon grunted in pain and released the flame warrior, lying flat on his back. Takuya sprung off him and took a stance several feet away. He watched warily as Solomon slowly got up, hearing his amused chuckle.

"No more fun and games, eh flame warrior," Solomon chuckled.

"It's never been like that, Solomon," Takuya sneered.

"Hmph," Solomon huffed, "I'm glad. I wouldn't have wanted this to be boring. If you were going to die, you should go out fighting."

"Who said anyone was going to die?" Takuya asked.

Solomon sneered, "It'll end like that either way."

Takuya flinched in disgust, "…I don't want it to end like that," he said in a hushed tone.

"Well then, this got easier for me!" Solomon lunged at him. He punched his jaw. Takuya stumbled back and Solomon reeled back for another punch. This time, Takuya dodged and kicked him in the stomach. It knocked the wind out of him and Solomon back peddled while clutching his stomach.

"I don't want it to end like that," Takuya stated again. Solomon snarled at him, "but, if that's what it takes to end this then I will do what I must."

Solomon's lips twitched into a malicious smirk, "I wouldn't think you would such nerve, warrior. I wonder if that come from the spirit or from the little boy hiding underneath?"

"Does it matter? Both want to kick your ass," Takuya proclaimed. Solomon smirk disappeared into a snarled. "But you know what? At least I'm still human underneath all this. You've become a monster through and through."

"Is that supposed to offend me?" Solomon nearly laughed, "My power is that of a god! Why would I want to return to being just human? What has being human ever done for me?!" He exclaimed.

"That power is not yours. You were an idiot for taking it and you're going to pay for it!" Takuya shouted back. Solomon lunged at him again. This time, his right arm was covered in black flames. Takuya leapt back to avoid the swipe. Still, tiny embers that were flying off Solomon's arm flew around his face and neck. They hit against his skin and stung like a poison that made his stomach clench in putrid disgust. Solomon swung his fist down at him and Takuya brought up his arm to block. His forearm caught his and Solomon's hand hung centimeters from his face.

"You stole this power too," Takuya added, trying to ignore the black fire that was close to burning his nose.

Solomon snorted a laugh, "You call me a thief? What are you?" he questioned, "Your power isn't your own. You and your friends…you all took them from the ancient warriors, didn't you?"

Now Takuya was getting pissed, "We didn't steal anything," he hissed.

"No!" Solomon suddenly roared, "They were gifts to a group of privileged children. I worked for everything I've gotten."

"And destroyed everything in the process," Takuya sneered.

Solomon snickered, "Small sacrifices, but it's all for the greater goal," his expression turned menacing and his eyes glowed violet, "Both worlds will be under my foot," Takuya stiffed as he talked. He swore he could hear another ghostly voice under his, "You warriors won't be able to stop me!" Solomon shoulders and head shook from his tensing muscles. His left eyes twitched and…a trickle of blood ran from his nostril.

"Just like Jaden," Takuya thought as he watched the liquid drip down his lip. Takuya glanced down and his eyes widened. His cracked chest was glowing brighter and black veins were spreading leaving behind blacked skin in their wake. All the dark data that he had assimilated was spreading like a disease and destroying him. Then there was that voice he had heard. It was so faint but it sounded sort of like Lucemon, or maybe it was another dark digimon.

"Solomon," Takuya said. He said nothing but wiped the blood from his nose. Takuya glared, "You've become just another puppet of Lucemon." Something in Solomon snapped. He suddenly kneed Takuya hard in the gut. The flame warrior gasped out in pain but was quickly silenced when Solomon grasped his throat and yanked him towards him.

"I am no one's puppet. No one's servant. No one's assistant," Solomon hissed at him with the venom of a murderous cobra, "I am in control of everything." The black flames were fanning against Takuya's face now and were burning him. He had enough. Takuya gave a powerful shout as fire erupted from every pore, engulfing him and knocking Solomon off him.

"Your fire is nothing compared to mine," Takuya panted, "And you're not in control of anything!"

"ATOMIC INFERNO!"

Takuya hurled fireballs at Solomon. They hit at his chest and head, knocking him around but not down. While in his daze, Takuya rushed at him and struck him hard in the jaw. Solomon reeled and Takuya could see his anger rise. Solomon spun around with a crazed glare and fire back with his own burst of flame and beastly roar. The black flames encircled his entire body and burned like the pits of hell. The pain blinded him so badly that he couldn't see the man coming at him until he was kicked roughly in the chest. Takuya fell back onto the ground and a boot came pressing down on his face. Takuya tried to remove it but Solomon kept it firm on his head. He was ready to strike at the flame warrior again but then felt a strong electric charge hit his back. He spun around and saw the thunder warrior.

"Ready for round two a-hole!" J.P shouted at him.

Solomon sneered, "Pest," he abandoned Takuya and started to approach the thunder warrior. J.P, itching to fight, rushed at and swung his fist. Solomon ducked away and struck him in the gut. J.P stumbled but refused to go down. He struck the back of Solomon's head. Solomon wobbled and J.P took the chance to try and grab him from behind, but Solomon was one step ahead. He grabbed J.P's arm over his shoulder, pulling him forward and grabbed his face and neck with his other hand, digging his nails into the skin.

"You're annoying, but maybe you have some use," Solomon said.

"Wha-," J.P couldn't finish when a sudden surge of pain spasmed through his face and neck. It ran deep through every nerve and down into his core while his vision was clouded by pulsing veins and purple haze.

"J.P!" Takuya screamed in alarm and scrambled to his feet. Solomon, done with his prey, lifted the thunder warrior over his shoulder and threw him at the second. Takuya caught his friend with an 'oomph' and both fell to the ground.

"Ugh," J.P groaned.

"You alright?" Takuya asked.

"Ugh, feels like I got a cattle rod to the head," J.P replied, "What the hell was that?"

"Not good," was all Takuya said. J.P sat to ask him why but stop at what he saw. Solomon standing across from, a wicked grin on his face and eerie indigo lighting sparking from his fingertips. He turned to the two and the grin widened.

"Round three," electricity sparked violently around his fist and he smashed it down on the ground. The stone instantly cracked and caved in around the two warriors and they fell with an avalanche of rubble.

Tommy jolted. There was loud crash above him and the building shook, "Oh no, guys," his breaths became shaky and he quickly stood up. as he gazed up at the giant hole above him, he quickly knew that he wouldn't be strong enough to take Solomon on with the other, not like this.

"Not like this," Tommy looked down at his body. Fused with his warrior spirit, he wasn't much, but with his beast spirit…

Thinking of his friends, data swirled around him.

Solomon jumped down the hole. In front of him were Takuya and J.P struggling and groan under pieces a scattered concrete.

"Amazing," Solomon spoke, "Thunder and fire, two destructive forces in the palms of my hands. I should thank you both."

J.P groaned and looked up, "That was a cheap move, bastard," he spat.

"Strangely, I don't really care," Solomon replied as he sauntered closer to them. He raised a charged hand towards them, electricity sparking from the center of the palm. The two warriors couldn't move to run away. Solomon was ready to blast them away when suddenly something broke through the floor under him. It grabbed his leg and pulled him down through the floor. For a moment, all he could see was dust and he felt someone grabbed his collar. When his vision cleared, what was in front of him admittedly shocked him. A beastly Ice warrior. Tommy's snarling face was inches away from his own, but not for long. The warrior threw him across the room where he slammed against the wall. With a groan, Solomon carefully stood up against the wall, locking eyes with the warrior.

"I was wondering when I'd get to see the power of the beast spirits again. I forgot they were strong," Solomon said. Tommy only growled back. Solomon shot lighting at him. it struck him and encircled around his torso and arms. Tommy let out a mixture of human and animal cries. When he had enough, he turned back to Solomon and charged at him. Solomon started and leapt aside, letting the beast warrior crash through the wall into the hallway.

"I also forgot they're more reckless too," Solomon commented as he stepped into the hall. Tommy shook the dust from his head then turned back to growl at him. he pulled his axes out from their sheaths.

"Where'd you get the lightning?" Tommy questioned.

Solomon shrugged, "Your friend…donated a bit of data for me," he spoke with a sly smirk. Tommy roared in anger.

"AVALANCHE AXES!"

He hurled both axes at him. Solomon ducked to avoid both. He shot more lighting at him. It hit his chest and knocked him down. Solomon prepared another attack but…

"PROTON SLAM!

The thunder warrior burst through the wall and slammed into his body. He was again thrown against the opposite wall.

"That's for stealing my thunder," J.P jested. Solomon stood. He saw the flame warrior emerge from behind his friend. He could also hear the ice warrior growling from behind. He was trapped between three warriors.

"Three against one is hardly fair," he said.

"And strangely…we don't really care," Takuya spat.

"ATOMIC INFERNO!"

"LIGHTNING BLITZ!"

They flung their attacks at him together. Solomon blocked both with his hands, though even that was difficult.

"AVALANCHE AXES!"

He heard that from behind and turn to see two axes flying at him. He quickly moved to dodge one that flew past his head, but the other one sliced at his arm.

"Ahh!" Solomon cried as he grabbed his arm. The warrior stood still around him. Takuya noticed that his arm, while bleeding, was steaming. Thin veils of steam rose from the cut and he could hear a crackling and hissing. He peered closer and was shocked to see the skin around the wound healing and turning into the same charred texture like his chest. The whole time, Solomon was huffing and muttering under his breath. He spastically glanced between the three warriors, like he knew he was in trouble.

"Now's the time to give up," Takuya said. Solomon turned back to him with a silent glare. Fire erupted around his arm.

"Not even close," he hissed then shot fire up at the ceiling. In an instant, the sprinklers came to life and water cascaded down. It hit the fire, creating a cloud of thick steam. Takuya and the other coughed as it encased everything.

"Dammit," Takuya cursed and tried to wave it away. It only for a few more second before starting to fade away. Solomon was gone.

"What?!" Takuya exclaimed.

"That bastard ran away!" J.P shouted.

"Not for long. Just long enough to recover before he comes back," Takuya stated.

"Great, so what do we do?" J.P asked. Takuya turned to Tommy, who was holding his nose.

"Tommy, could you sniff him out?" he asked him.

Tommy stared at him silently for a moment before shrugging, "It would take a while to pick up his scent…but I don't know…maybe," Tommy answered, sounding very unsure.

"He wouldn't go far," J.P said, "He knows this building and all its hiding spots."

Takuya though for a moment before speaking, "Okay, split up and search."

"Is that such a good idea?" Tommy asked.

"We have to find and draw him out. It's the best we can do now," Takuya replied.

"It'd be easier if we had the others here," J.P commented.

"They'll be here soon. Now let's find him," Takuya said. The three, with much hesitation, split and began searching the halls for the man.

"Please get her soon."

Finally, its spring break and I had time to write. Next chapter we'll see what's happening with Duskmon and the others, but you'll just have to wait for that.

Till next time, I talk to you later my lovely peeps.

Please don't forget to leave your review.