Prologue

You are our only hope, our savior….

Do not listen to them, you are meant to be a Ruler, a powerful might that cannot be defeated…

You are a warrior, an honest and true soldier for good!

Why be a soldier for good when you can have everything? When you can have the world?

The light guide's us to our true path.

The dark keeps you hidden from unwanted eyes.

The light brings forth the truth.

But the dark protects all secrets.

You are the chosen one, the one who holds the key to the future of everything on this plain. You must choose what path to take, as one who bares both light and darkness equally in your heart!

"No! Please stop! All of you just leave me alone!" shouted the chosen one, rocking quietly in a corner of the room trying hard to ignore all the voices that screamed out and plagued the mind. Oh how the chosen one just wanted to be in peace, how the chosen one wished there was no prophecy, and how much did the chosen one crave to not have all the weight of the world on those shoulders.

"Please…I don't know…I don't know…" so the child of prophecy did cry but even with the pleas more voices came. For all wanted the same thing, a decision to be brought forth.

A choice must be made young monk, let not your heart be swayed. For your choice marks the complete destruction of either Xiaolin or Heylin. This very weight is what crushed Dashi; I only pray you are strong enough to bare it…for all of our sake's.

Chapter One

Nine Elements

The Chosen One will be of the Dragons, but only when all nine are reunited once more. From this circle will the One shine and thus shall the path to the Earth's fate be formed.

Quiet was the night, peaceful and somber a welcome change for those of the Xiaolin Temple; given the past few weeks evil did not rest or let the warriors rest at the very least. Ever since the Shoku warrior had been named it would seem that the Heylin came together more often to weaken them and cease the growth of the young Dragons before becoming too powerful. Or so it appeared to their mentor, Master Fung, a wise man who saw to it that they grow not only in strength but also in spirit and mind to work together for the sake of balance. But no matter his training, no matter his great wisdom and pride and strength as a Master. The old monk could not ever predict what was to come.

For while he meditated, breathing in the pace of the night's wind and flames upon the candle's that surround him, a great surge of energy trembled throughout his body. His eyes flew open and immediately did they draw to a sealed wooden box, said box shaking and rattling like mad. For a moment Master Fung was silent, unable to move at all, waiting to see if what lay before him was true or just a trick of the eye from lack of slumber. But low and behold through the cracks of the box did several lights of different colors glow bright, so much so that the old monk did wince before a few seconds the multiple lights would start to fade and the box's movements stopped. However before any reactions could be made, the lid of the container flew up the lock becoming unhinged and broken.

Master Fung stared blankly at the contents of which were held inside the container for many years and were not supposed to open for many more…that was unless…

"No" he whispered crawling towards the wooden box expression mixed with that of awe and horror. "It can't be…the Prophecy is real? It is coming true? No…" Master Fung whispered shaking his head.

"I refuse to believe it, it is clear that this is all a coincidence. Yes that is it", sighing he grabbed hold of the container examining the objects, staring within at the five spheres of smooth glass each the size of a fist and all pulsed with light like a beating heart.

"A coincidence, come morning my young monks will be in for a great surprise when I tell them that new Dragons shall be arriving at the temple". Though he convinced himself that it wouldn't come to pass…that the awakening of all nine elemental dragons was nothing more than chance, the old monk still couldn't help but worry for his student's future.

The following day started like any other at the Xiaolin temple, when the sun had risen the young warriors rose with it. Then began the daily routine, once all awake the four would meet in the dining hall to have breakfast and meet with their Master to learn what new lesson their elder teacher would have for them. But while the food was set on the table a good matter of minutes passed… the four began to worry. Never had Master Fung been late before…normally he was here before any of them sipping on tea, but this time he was late; even when he was injured he would be here early so it was hard for anyone to feel at ease. Concerned the four students waited, reacting as they caught the shadow of Dojo, a green dragon who was almost inseparable from Fung; surely he would know the reason for his absence.

"Dojo", Raimundo called just as their friend sat down at the table, the green dragon turned to him with a curious glance while the Brazilian teen continued. "Where's Master Fung?" he asked curiosity and a hint of worry in his voice.

"He wasn't here this morning like always, normally he's the first to wake up to give us our lesson for the day. Did he tell you anything?"

Dojo just smiled to calm all of their obvious concerns, chuckling in a light-hearted fashion that would further assure them that nothing was wrong. "Don't worry kiddos, Master Fung is just fine", he told the dragon warriors making all four sigh in unison a wave of relief cutting through the tension.

"He actually woke up much earlier this morning", Dojo continued grabbing various foods off the table and placed on his own plate. "He told me to tell you four that today will mostly consist of independent training; he will meet with you later in the afternoon."

All monks looked at each other curiously but not even Omi had any idea about this but all they could do was shrug and trust in their Master.

"Oh yeah and he also told me that when he does show up he has a surprise for you, something very big. And boy do I mean big, no not just big it's HUGE. Talking going to change your lives for-EVER" Dojo had continued emphasizing on the last word before digging into his meal. Leaving all of the others in suspense desperate to learn more.

Of course, they tried many means to get their slithering friend to tell the truth, but the loyal dragon wasn't going to spill another word, so as soon as they finished morning chores they all simply panned out into the training grounds and began their independent work out.

Omi immediately had grabbed Raimundo and insisted they train together, though that wasn't anything new lately, ever since Raimundo's promotion to Shoku Warrior Omi had become determined to be the next Shoku Warrior before the others. As well as make sure their leader's skills could compete with his own, so was the water dragon's nature, but his intentions were at least meaningful in their own way. Sometimes Omi did worry about their leader from time to time, he was the kind to risk everything including his life which Rai had proven already in the dimensional quest they took. Omi never wanted that to happen again, so the only solution in his eyes was to keep his friend on his toenails, through any means necessary. Be it hardcore exercise or even various surprise attacks of many levels be it straight attack or some kind of prank inspired attack like hidden buckets filled with water.

Raimundo had lately noticed his little yellow pal's antics but didn't mind, simply for the fact that he was able to deflect all his sneak attacks or they simply failed for his lack of prank ability, and on the plus side Omi gave him an excellent work out since they worked together very well when they trained. For the moment he said nothing, Omi had good intentions and he hadn't been the only one who had been lurking in the shadows from time to time. Kimiko and Clay, in the beginning, had done the same as Omi setting up traps and sneak attacks. Luckily nothing that serious, and for them, it was more for fun rather than serious training like with Omi.

Raimundo and Omi had decided on physical combat for their exercise drawing both signature weapons combining both elemental and hand to hand sparring. Their cries echoed off the walls of the Temple, while water and wind flew everywhere in its wake as the two gave theirs all against the other, meanwhile; Clay and Kimiko decided to work on their focus and concentration on targets. Both had drawn their weapons like the others with targets and objects for them to destroy or avoid. This increased the battle cries, and such training went on for hours. At some point, they had switched to different methods, like meditation or the obstacle course all of they had put great effort into, soon enough they all grew tired and rested on the fountain to cool and regain their strength for whatever surprise their Master would present to them. For all four had feared just the extent of what his training would bring next.

"So what do you think this 'life-changing surprise' is exactly?" Kimiko asked air quoting the phrase that Dojo said making them more than a little apprehensive. Though as the question lingered none of her fellow monks had an answer or idea all just as anxious as she was at the moment.

"Whatever it is I reckon it'll be harder than catching a greased pig on a rainy day", Clay answered in one of his odd metaphors, that none of the others could make sense of entirely, but did get the basic message they all shared amongst each other. One thing they could all agree it was probably going to be a real challenge.

As the old saying goes, "Speak of the devil and he will appear" for in the middle of their break there Master Fung had finally revealed himself, cradling a wooden box in his arms while approaching the warriors. His gaze unreadable while all four immediately stood to greet him and bow once Fung was mere inches before them. The Master could tell that they had been training by the still fresh beads of sweat that lingered on their foreheads, he smiled but at the same time felt a slight pain in his heart. For as much as he loved to see his students take their training seriously, he still knew it wouldn't be much longer till they would not need his teachings. It was familiar with how a parent was when their child was learning on his or her own; proud but all so sad of the times they would not have again. A feeling the Master was about to hand down to them with what he had to share, hopefully, they were ready for the responsibility they would have to hold.

"Young monks I am glad to see that you are at your best today," he said allowing them to rise from their bow, though the tension in their forms was still obvious. Something told the old man that a certain green dragon may have hinted what exactly was being presented.

"I am sure that you were warned of what I am about to tell you, that the news I have will bring great change. However rest assured, this is a change you are all too familiar with" their Master explained watching as they relaxed slightly only to turn to each other in confusion. Quickly Master Fung continued as he turned around his back facing the four so that they could not see his full actions. An exhale of breath was all that was heard before he continued, "Young monks I want you all to close your eyes for only a moment and hold out your hands, do not open them until I allow you otherwise understand?"

Raimundo, Omi, Clay, and Kimiko said nothing all they could do was stare at their teacher and then to each other as if through thought debating with one another to do as he says or not. Not out of disrespect only because when all news brought to them wasn't clear it had often resulted to be something incredibly serious, that would either be some grand lesson…or well leaving the fate of the world on their shoulders for the billionth time. Even so no matter the slight doubts, one by one they did just as they were told; closing their eyes and holding out their hands not moving the slightest muscle until given the order to do so.

Once Master Fung looked over his shoulder to make sure not one of his students were peeking he exhaled another sigh and faced them once again. Slowly his hand moved to the front of the small chest unlatching the key flap and opening it completely. Once freed the objects within flew from the red satin that had held them for a century in five multiple colors they darted at the four. At first, it would seem they would hit the monks but once above the opened palms, the orbs would stop in the air for that of a second and land gently in the soft flesh of their chosen warrior.

One by one each of them twitched as they felt a slight weight in the palms of their hands, Raimundo having to spread them wider for he was graced with not just one but two of the spheres. Master Fung smiled at their expression's and let them continue to wonder in silence for a second longer, giving even Dojo enough time to slither up onto Master Fung's shoulder.

"You never thought you'd see this day either huh?" the cheeky dragon asked with a toothy grin.

A light chuckle was all he got in reply as he decided to not keep them waiting any longer.

"Alright young monks you may open your eyes" he commanded unable to keep himself from chuckling yet again watching all four slowly look into what laid in their hands. Their faces plastered in expressions of utter confusion and awe. For what they held were some of the most beautiful objects they had ever seen, brilliant glass orbs that glowed and pulsed in the same rhythm of a human heart.

"Master Fung" Raimundo whispered drifting his gaze to meet Fungs for a moment. "What are these?"

A question that no doubt all had wanted to so desperately know, though the rest continued to stare at the objects. "That my young Shoku warrior, are the "Spirits of the Dragon". They were created to locate the chosen dragons within each generation that passed" he explained pausing for a moment as all four now stared at their master in shock of this revelation. "And before you ask, yes similar objects did find you. We have them still but at the moment they are not active, for you have all been found."

It didn't take any of them long to come to the realization of what he was implying but all the same, it was Kimiko who was unable to resist confirming what all had concluded, "So" she started stopping for just a second till she continued. "What you're saying Master Fung is that…there are other elemental dragons?"

Master Fung didn't hesitate as he nodded, "Yes that is true Kimiko. In truth there are a total of Nine Xiaolin dragons, each wielding an element" he knew this would be a bit to sink in but he continued explaining so as to get it out in the open now and save the trouble of questions.

"Long ago back before Dashi had defeated Wuya, and Chase Young had become evil there were nine elemental dragons in total. The original circle, of which Dashi, Guan, and yes Chase were a part of but after more than half of their passing never again were all nine chosen. No, instead every other generation or so would have an elemental dragon. Most times only one or two dragons would be born, or in groups that would best work off each other like you my young ones. But never have all nine elements found hosts, not since the days when Xiaolin and Heylin had first been born."

Master Fung had a feeling they would need a little time to process all this information, however the longer he lingered on all that was to be said the more time he gave the enemy to come and learn the truth as well. At this point, he would do everything in his power to make sure this secret would not be shared with any outside forces. For if evil like those of Wuya, Chase Young, and Hannibal Roy Bean were to ever know that the nine elements had all been reborn; then all of his students would be in grave danger.

"Look into your orbs and you should see a symbol" he commanded in a soft tone, pacing down the line of the four stopping only as he was before Clay's hand gesturing to his orb. It was a light auburn with marbled swirls of green and yellow that had the consistency of smoke. For a second no signs had appeared, but before questions could be asked a white mist started to form. Particles and pieces moving over the waves of greens and yellows until finally a Chinese character had formed and had read "Wood".

"It would seem that you will be tasked to finding and teaching the Dragon of Wood, unsurprising as Earth and Wood make the ground we walk on together," Master Fung told him with a smile, walking down the line one by one looking into the other's orbs. Kimiko held a grey orb the inside was actually a little clear seeing things spiked and rough, after some time the character appeared in a dull red-orange like an ember "Metal".

"Kimiko for you the Dragon of Metal no doubt due to heat and fire giving metal its shape," he said simply taking a step towards Omi who stared at his orb, extremely focused.

The orb was dark blue and the shades within were lighter with yellow flashes periodically and what looked like rolling storm clouds. And though nothing flashed there was a vibration within the orb that Omi couldn't explain. In time the symbol did appear and Master Fung couldn't help but snicker at Omi's reaction.

"The Dragon of Thunder is your's Omi", he said to the young monk who gazed at the pretty orb. "I once saw a sight that was both beautiful and chilling at the same time a thunderstorm on a sea of the Mediterranean coast, powerful and breathtaking no doubt like you and your pupil will be". The young boy beamed at the idea while Master Fung moved to the last of his students who held two spheres in his hand.

He knew that the boy would be confused as he stared at both orbs with anxious eyes, in his right he held a white orb of which simply glowed a dim aura and nothing more. While in his left a deep black orb that didn't display any other features until the symbol appeared. Otherwise, it was just as it looked…a simple black sphere. "As for you Raimundo, you will be given a more complicated task. For you must locate and train both the Dragon of Light and Dragon of Darkness".

Rai's eyes widened as he stared at Master Fung but then at the objects that he held within his grasp, "Master Fung…why am I tasked with two? I mean it's not that I'm not honored, but are you sure I'm or any of us are ready? I mean...were still students ourselves aren't we?"

His question wasn't a strange one. The old man had suspected that this turn of events would overwhelm them greatly but all the same, he smiled and placed a gentle but firm hand on Raimundo's shoulder.

"Raimundo, would you believe I thought the same as you?" the old man asked as he placed a hand softly on Rai's shoulder, smiling softly at him with comfort and confidence. "When Omi was found we were surprised to discover that later on, he was a chosen one, I was tasked in teaching him everything he would need to know about being a real warrior", he said pausing for a moment to look at his youngest but also longest pupil. "Imagine my surprise…when soon enough all of you would appear to me, the orbs found me and through them, they lead me to all of you", Fung continued scanning down the row of children before eyes resting on Raimundo once more.

"Would you believe me afraid Raimundo?" he asked though spoke before any reply could be made. "I pride myself as a teacher, but this would prove to be a new challenge. For elemental dragons I knew would have not only more responsibility than any monk that came here but grand powers beyond human reasoning. Of which I knew evil would stop at nothing to either have under their will or destroy".

Kimiko and Clay couldn't help but look to Raimundo and Omi, for they had firsthand experience when it came to evil trying and succeeding in bringing them to the dark side. Especially Raimundo who had been sought out by not only Wuya, but also Hannibal during their training with Monk Guan and now would have a target on his back forever after his betrayal. And over the past couple of weeks, Chase Young had also given hints in showing more interest in the young warrior, of which would make Omi worry all the more for his friend. Omi would never forget Chase Young's endless pursuits to bring him to the side of evil, and in the end, Chase probably never would give up. The last thing he wanted was for Raimundo to feel like he had a small creature in a never-ending hunt.

"However…when I finally got you all together and I started to train you, I knew that it was my destiny", Fung said dropping his hand from Rai's shoulders giving each one of them a smile filled with pride. "Let me tell you something young monks, there is no greater feeling then what you have blessed me with. To teach you and see you grow in results of my teachings, seeing you get stronger and take what I instruct upon you to new levels, it's the greatest sight one can ever be graced with. We have had bumpy roads now and again", he stated making many of the monks blush as they remembered all their mistakes.

"But each one of you has conquered your failures and mistakes, and from those you have blossomed into the warriors I am proud to stand before today."

Each of the monks smiled with pride as their Master spoke so fondly of them, and in unison, they looked to the orb each was given…all wondering the same thing. Who would they get as a student? And could they really mold them in the way that Master Fung had with themselves? Were they ready to change from students into Masters? Such questions made them all troubled, which Master Fung would easily be able to see.

"Now worry not, I will still be here and will be teaching all the basics up to apprentice level", he assured easing a little of the stress upon his pupils. "You, however, will be tasked in teaching them not only how to control their elements and the shen gong wu, but also how to work together in unison as one and as a true team. And once they reach Wudai level, I will pass down all responsibility to you four, by then all of you should be Shoku level."

He paused as the other three lit up a little excited hoping to get to the same level as their friend Raimundo less he advanced before they could catch up. Something to consider later while listening as their teacher continued.

"You must also teach them how to combat against our many foes, tell them everything through your own experiences. As well as your mistakes along with your accomplishments, though not everything. You must leave room for them to grow and let them make their own mistakes, for without failure to go along with accomplishments...one can never truly learn."

The four warriors looked down across each other for a moment, again they were not sure if they were truly ready. But in time one by one they smiled and nodded, for they wouldn't be doing this alone, they had Master Fung and each other to help them and the new dragons that would arrive at the temple. Suddenly Clay's entire body went into a state of shock, paralyzing him completely to a point that the Earth Dragon couldn't move at all. He gave a quick startled cry, bringing full attention to him before he was silenced. His friends cried out his name in surprise, confused on what was happening, everyone gathered and circled around him.

Omi shaking the cowboy's legs with cries of "Flick out of it!", Raimundo and Kimiko to preoccupied to correct him on the phrase.

No matter the constant pleas, and physical contact to get there friend back to normal he did not budge, all he did was stand still his eyes staring straight ahead with a hazy look in his eyes. It wouldn't be until closer inspection that the three others would come to find that they had been completely glossed over in the same color of his orb.

"Master Fung", Omi said the older monk approaching Clay a knowing gaze settling on the now motionless teenager. "What is happening to Clay? Is he alright or has he been possessed by some evil spirit of the orb?" he asked Raimundo and Kimiko looking to him for answers.

The wise man simply chuckled lightly placing a hand on the great yellow head at his knee caps to calm him down, "I assure you that Clay is and will be alright. It would seem that the Dragon of Wood has been found", he explained the others turning towards their companion all still worried but now in awe, as they saw the very process of how each of them was also chosen.

"When Clay next awakens he will know the name and exact location of the Dragon of Wood and a little more", Master Fung continued on the others staring at him curiously Raimundo about to ask what he meant but the older monk just put up a hand. "Nothing to worry Raimundo does not reveal anything personal just shows you a little about the current life of the dragon to better understand them", he explained satisfying the Wind Warrior.

"Be ready, for as soon as he returns from this state you will need to get to the Dragon of Wood with great haste. Before any evil senses this new warrior", he advised while Dojo slithered off his back to ready himself for travel. "I believe we should take the utmost care in making sure that none of our enemies know of the new dragons, surely they will try to hunt them down and either capture them or utterly destroy them to keep us from gaining any more power and allies then we already have." There was another reason as well, one which he buried deep inside himself, he did not want to think of what the Heylin would do should they find out that all nine dragons had been reborn. Especially the likes of Chase, Wuya, and Hannibal...those who knew all too well, the very prophecy that he feared, that alone had resulted in the death of the greatest warrior in all time.

Dashi.

Fung would make sure, that none of his students suffered his fate, even if he had to sacrifice himself.

It has been such a long time, hasn't it? I am completely redoing this story over from New Beginnings, all previous characters are new, new wu, and better grammar and flow I installed something to help with that. I really hope you guys will enjoy this as I go back and finish what I started long ago. Why am I doing this? I want to finish something just one thing to better myself and prove to myself I can do better and apply that to original work.