A/N: Here's the next chapter! :D Glad I got it done faster! :D I'm going on vacation in a couple days, and I'll be working on the next chapter during then. :) Anyway, enjoy the read! :D
Chapter 10 – Falling into Darkness
Darkness...that's all she was surrounded in. She couldn't see a thing. Not a sound, the darkness seemed extremely creepy, much as the Darkness in Mogui's Dark World, only this Darkness is still. She couldn't even see in front of her, not even her own hand an inch away. She's been in this darkness...for who knows how long, it feels like forever. All the time in the universe it felt. She could only hear the sound of her own breathing, but mostly, the pounding of her scared heart. Sweat trickled down her face down to her shirt, she couldn't see a blasted thing. She wants to see Lei, her family, Tai Lung, Madam Yue, Biyu...someone other than Mogui and her uncle! She tried to get her breathing under control, but it was next to impossible. She couldn't scream, she couldn't speak, she's so afraid, feeling so vulnerable and lost in Eternal Darkness, oh how she missed the Light. She gulped as she tried to move, but she's frozen in place. Then...she saw a burning purple torch coming towards her. She froze, feeling chills all over her body, she looked fast into the fire to see a figure, and she froze even more. She couldn't move a single inch, not even a mill-inch.
"Hello my dear," said the figure, a deep ominous voice pierced through Jia's heart, mind, and soul like a million of her uncles going through. The torch disappeared and she saw Mogui standing in front of her, glowing in purple fire. Her eyes widened in pure horror as she began hyperventilating. Mogui smiled deviously as the feline tried to compose herself, but with Mogui here, she just can't do so.
"My dear, there's no reason to be killing you at this time," he said, "You want to know where you are?" Jia gulped, not knowing what to say. Mogui kept smiling as the feline kept breathing hard.
"Wh-where's Lei?" she thought, "I wanna see him again."
"Ah that you do, but he's not too faraway," said Mogui, surprising Jia, "Yes, I can hear your thoughts and talk with you like Madam Yue." Jia froze again, she began whimpering as Mogui stroked her forehead, she's never been so scared in her life before. She saw she wasn't chained, she was just sitting on the ground while Mogui stood over her.
"Why haven't you chained me? Are you...going to kill me?" Jia thought nervously.
"I told you, there's no sense to be killing you now. Not when I'm in your inner conscious," said Mogui, making Jia jump and gasp. "Ah, yes, I am here in your inner conscious. Lei is right by your side, making sure you're okay. I bet he really loves you huh? More so than just an adopted sister I assume?" Jia gasped, how did he know about that? Mogui just smiled deviously again, his red eyes pierced into her soul, she's even more scared of him than the Kaftar.
"You...you know?" Jia thought nervously. Mogui nodded and thought, "I know all about you. Your thoughts, your moves, your skill...everything in your mind!" Jia froze again, not knowing how to deal with the black lion, the very one who tried to destroy the universe once, and now he's trying to do it again.
"You...you will be stopped...my family will save me from you..." Jia thought nervously. Mogui cackled out loud, starling Jia, "HA HA HA HA!"
"Foolish girl," Mogui said out loud, "I can control you in the real world! There's no way to get me out! If they do, you'll die! If I stay in here long enough, you will die and I'll be stronger!" Jia froze...again, how many times will she freeze? She let the thoughts sink in. Is it true? Will she finally die? She didn't want that, but...it may seem that way now, but knowing Lei and his family, she can't give up so easily.
"You're wrong," she finally said out loud. Mogui looked at her and said, "Really? You think I'm WRONG?!"
Jia glared a bit at him, "There will be a way to get your cursed self out of my body and soul and I will live on in the Light like Madam Yue and the others."
"FOOLISH!" Mogui shouted, "The Light is weak! Darkness shall prevail! You really think the Light can save you?! If so, what way?! I'm stuck with you until death! You've been struggling with your past, you think you might've escaped by telling the others, but you have NOT! You will NEVER escape the past, Jia! NEVER!"
Jia kept her mouth shut, she wanted to say "Well, I know that they'll somehow get me out of this mess, and you're right, I'll never escape the past, but it'll fade over time if I let it go" but she said nothing, too afraid to shout in one of the universe's most powerful forces.
"Now, Jia, learn this, you will die one way or another with me in here, we're connected now, there's no way out. Not even your precious boyfriend can save you now, he's powerless to protect you now," said Mogui. A nerve in Jia snapped, she roared and double punched Mogui and he flew until he landed on the floor. He smiled evilly as he looked up at her.
"Let is NOT powerless! He WILL save me! And I WILL get free from you!" she roared.
"HOW Jia?! How can you think some people like that can save you?!"
"I don't know!"
"Then why do you believe them?! You think you can be in the Light now?! You think you can just walk out of this mess?!"
Jia glared deep at him and said, "I have faith, Mogui. I don't walk by sight like what I used to. I walk by faith, not by sight." Mogui stood up and glared at Jia, the feline glared even deeper.
"Why would you think they'd care for you?" he asked. Jia growled and said, "Don't try and deceive me, Mogui, they've shown how much they've cared for me! They gave me a home! Because of Lei, I helped defeat, almost destroy you! And you should've been destroyed!"
Mogui punched Jia back as an act of revenge, "Well, it's because of Lei, that I'm still here! If not for his outburst, I would've been completely destroyed!"
"Don't put this all on Lei!" Jia shouted, getting up, "He was trying to PROTECT us from YOU!"
"Really?! If not for him, I would be gone! And your uncle's on the chase for you! He will find you!" Mogui shouted.
"Screw my uncle! I need to worry more about you than him at this moment! I'm not backing down! I'm not some scrawny weakling that gives out because of a problem like you! I've grown stronger, Mogui! FAR stronger than you!"
"Darkness is stronger!"
"Physically! But not spiritually!" Jia shouted, Mogui smiled deviously at her as she curled her lips into a snarl.
"You really think so? With me in here, I will not allow you to get Light, Jia, there's no possible way!" Mogui shouted, Jia roared and lunged for him, only to go straight through him. She stood back up, "What the?!"
"You caught me off guard the first time," said Mogui, "But not anymore. I'm always expecting it now." Jia snarled again, Mogui only chuckled in response. Jia lunged for him, but missed him, she threw a whirling kick, a double palm strike, but they all missed him. She began breathing in and out, while Mogui only chuckled, then he punched her and she went flying. He went on after her.
"I can show you my power, Jia, I can control you!" he shouted.
"NEVER!" she roared, breaking free of his grasp. Mogui only chuckled and said, "You're strong, Jia, but I'm hardly doing a thing while you're exhausting yourself." Jia wanted to do something, but Mogui grabbed her by the throat, "I CAN control you! I'll show you!"
"NOOOO!" Jia screamed as her vision went black.
Back with the warriors in Imperial City – 2 hours ago
After Madam Yue had told them the news, everyone is crowded around the unconscious Jia as she lets out soft breaths, Lei wouldn't leave her side. He's lost Jinjing before, but when he gets a girl, he might lose her, and his sister as well. Po and Tigress were just as concerned and horrified for Jia as well, but the burden is getting on Madam Yue...why couldn't she have reacted faster to stop Mogui from getting into Jia? With the universe in danger, she blames herself for not reacting too fast.
"Guys," she said, frowning, they all looked at her, "I'll be looking into on how to get Mogui out. I'll find a way...I promise." They were happy to hear that Yue had decided to try and find a way, but her promise...it's like a promise she can't keep, but they just decided to go with it.
"Mother, I'll alert the Solar Team, and we'll tell them if Mogui gets stronger, to get them to come help as well," said Biyu. Madam Yue gave her a nod to go, Biyu looked at Lei, she stroked his head and said, "We'll help her be strong. Don't worry." Lei nodded and Biyu teleported away.
"Let's get her back to my place," said Madam Yue, "Come on."
"You won't be taking her," said Hong. Lei immediately growled, he glared when he saw the general coming in. He snarled, getting up and stomped over to where he was 15 feet away from the General.
"YOU! STAY! BACK!" he shouted.
"I don't take orders from you, boy!" Hong shouted back, "You should be arrested for treason against China!"
"Lei?!" shouted Tigress.
"No! He was trying to get the crowd to torture Jia! She did nothing wrong!" Lei said, making Tigress gasp and glare at Hong.
"That girl, is a wreck! She's an outlaw, and not meant for living! Look what she did to my face!" Hong shouted, pointing to the claw marks on his face.
"She was DEFENDING herself from YOU!" Lei hissed. Tigress and Po came to his side and Po said, "Lei's right. You've done more than enough damage to the poor soul. I thought you were awesome, but now you're just a disgrace to the country and to Jia."
"WHAT?!" Hong shouted, Tai Lung was stomping up to punch him, but Tigress stopped him.
"The Emperor will be notified about this," said Tigress, Yue nodded and said, "He most definitely will be. Jia is not a dark being, she is not an outlaw. She's a savior of the universe, in the Eight-Pointed Star prophecy!"
"So what?! She becomes a savior and wants to use the remains of Mogui to..."
"ENOUGH!" roared Lei, "It wasn't her fault that Mogui went into her body! She pushed me out of the way! The Universe chose the ones for the Prophecy, and Jia was one of them! If it hadn't chosen Jia, she would've been dead a long time ago because of YOU!" Hong almost grabbed Lei, but Madam Yue blocked him with her staff, causing him to bounce off and land flat on his back.
"And Hong, GET THE HECK OUT OF OUR LIVES AND JIA'S LIFE!" Tigress roared. Lei spat at Hong before sharply turning around while the General's heart hardened.
"Dad, what's going on?" Yanmei asked, limping over. Hong hissed and pushed Yanmei aside, "OWW!" Lei gasped and went to her side while Madam Yue kept Hong from getting him.
"I recommend you leave before things get ugly," Tai Lung growled. Hong looked at all of them, they're all glaring, even Madam Yue.
"Mark my words, all of you, I will overpower you all," Hong growled.
"Not with me by their side, you won't," said Madam Yue. Hong snarled at the white lioness. He sharply turned away.
"Dad!" Yanmei shouted, "I need medical attention!" But he just left, making Yanmei's eyes widen. She sighed and looked away.
"Is your dad like that all the time?" Lei asked softly.
"Yes...but he's not nearly that violent...he's not as caring as my mother...he's always making me do things for the people around the city, while he tended to his duties, I'm mostly alone in the castle, good thing I had friends, but when my mother died...things got a lot worse between my Dad and I..." Yanmei said, frowning. Everyone felt for her, Lei rubbed her head and she continued, "And...I've just been learning a little kung fu...I might've told you I wasn't skilled, but it was a bit of a lie...I didn't want to tell you just yet, but I wanted to later. I wanted to see more of your Kung Fu ways so I could see from some of the best..."
"And we definitely are," Po said a little proudly.
"I figured...well...my dad doesn't care where I go...mind if I tag along?"
"What?" said Madam Yue, "This is a dangerous mission, we can't have you along."
"But if they need to recognize something they don't, I know how to. I've been reading on how to do so, I've even escaped a dense forest with my parents, thanks to my readings. You know how long we were stuck there?" They all shook their heads, "A week at least." Lei's eyes widened in shock, why hasn't she told him this when they reunited? "Plus...you wouldn't leave a girl to tend to her wounds to herself...please...I need some medical attention..." She looked at Lei with pleading eyes and Yue asked, "Can you stay out of the way when things get ugly?"
"Yes...I promise, I've not seen Lei since I was five...I just want to help him have a normal life again...and get his sister back," replied Yanmei, still pleading. Madam Yue began thinking, this feline does seem sincere, but if she just got hurt, or worse. But the warriors might need a little help. She sighed and Yanmei nodded before she could ask again. The white lioness sighed again and said, "Fine. But just stay out of the way." Tigress was a little surprised by her decision. Lei looked at Po and said, "Dad, get Jia, I'll help Yanmei." Po nodded he picked up Jia and Lei helped Yanmei up, limping as he held her, Yanmei smiled, she loved being close to Lei.
"Keep watch on her," Yue whispered to Tigress, "And I'll tell Biyu to tell the Emperor about Hong's behavior." The feline gave a little nod and they disappeared into a portal.
Back at Madam Yue's house
Daiyu is admiring the houses treasures and how it's all made of trees and tree branches. She's smiled to herself.
"What beautiful architecture," she said softly. Then the portal appeared behind her, "AHHHHH!"
"AAAHHHHH!" Lei screamed as he tumbled back, Yanmei felt onto a chair. The warriors were surprised as well.
"Who's that?!" Po asked.
"It's Daiyu, I teleported her here to get Jia as well, but my power gave out," replied Madam Yue.
"Your power gave out, Madam?" Tigress asked, concerned.
"Yes...the Darkness is getting stronger, we must move quick," said Madam Yue.
"And I still need to know what's going on," said Daiyu, she saw Jia, "What happened to her?!" She walked up to Jia in Po's arms, Biyu appeared and Daiyu screamed again. Madam Yue sighed, she placed her paw on Daiyu's shoulder and said, "We will explain everything. In the meantime, I've got work to do." She walked into her room with Po following her, carrying Jia in his arms. Lei followed him close behind, very concerned about her wellbeing.
With Po and Lei, the panda placed the unconscious Jia softly on the couch, Madam Yue grabbed books with her powers and began looking into on how to get Mogui out of Jia's body without costing her life. Lei grabbed Jia's paw and stroked it. Then...he pulled back, sensing Mogui within her.
"What is it?" Po asked. Lei wiped sweat off his brow, taking a deep breath and said, "I...I sensed him...within her..." Po's eyes widened in shock. Lei began to feel very sad, but then it began turning into anger. If Jia hadn't pushed him out of the way, he would've taken Mogui instead, with Jia going through a rough time with her past and uncle on her tail, he could've handled Mogui than what he thinks Jia can. He clinched his hand into fists, he closed his eyes real tight, lips curling up.
"AHHHHHH!" he screamed, knocking down a bookshelf, startling Madam Yue and Po, he overturned a table and kicked the wall, causing a crack in it.
"LEI!" shouted Po. Lei stormed out of the house while everyone else came to see what's going on. Po followed him outside.
Out on the balcony
The panger kicked a table off the balcony, he let out a roar of anger, covering his fear and sadness. Po went up to him and placed his paw on his shoulder but Lei hissed and swapped it away.
"KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF ME!" he roared. Po's eyes widened in horror, but then it turned into concern as Lei went on, "I should've taken the BULLET! Not HER! She's going through a tough time now! AND NOW THE MOST POWERFUL ENEMY THE UNIVERSE HAS EVER FACED IS INSIDE HER BODY! IT! SHOULD! HAVE BEEN! ME!" Po couldn't speak, he's never seen his son so angry before, the others saw his rage from inside and they're in pure shock and horror. But then...Lei's face began softening, it turned into a look of sadness and his lips began trembling. He began sobbing, Po hugged him and the panger hugged back, crying onto his dad's shoulder.
"I...I'm sorry...I shouldn't have..." Lei choked out, "I should...be the one..." Po began stroking Lei's back as Tigress hugged her son as well, "If I hadn't gone on an outrage...parts of Mogui wouldn't have escaped...and we wouldn't be in this..." He trailed off, collapsing onto his knees, Madam Yue felt one tear trickle down her face, blaming herself for not reacting faster to get rid of Mogui.
The panger wouldn't get up from his knees, he's just feeling a part of the fear Jia will have when she wakes up; fear, but he knows his fear is going to be nothing compared to Jia's fear. Madam Yue came outside, she placed her paw gently on Lei's shoulder.
"Please...find a way..." Lei said with tears rolling down his face. Madam Yue nodded and said, "I'll try my hardest." Lei looked up at her and said, "I...I'm sorry...I..." Yue hushed him by placing her finger on his mouth, she gave him a gentle look and took her finger off his mouth. The white lioness turned away.
"It's my fault..." she whispered.
"What do you mean?" Po asked.
"If I had been quicker...I would've stopped Mogui and we wouldn't be in this mess..." she said in sad tone. Lei was surprised, Madam Yue...taking the blame? Tigress stood up and said softly, "Guys, it doesn't matter whose fault it is, what matters is that we need to save Jia. Taking the blame won't fix anything." Madam Yue and Lei both sighed, knowing Tigress is right, Lei hugged his mother, she helped him to his feet and began walking with him, gently squeezing his shoulders.
"Let's both sit by Jia," she said softly. Lei agreed and Madam Yue decided to get back to finding a way to save Jia. Po is still shaken by Lei's angry outburst, never have seen him so angry.
Back in Madam Yue's house
The elderly white lioness put the bookcase and its books back where they go, and the tables as well. She'd worry about the crack in the wall later. Lei and Tigress sat beside Jia, keeping an eye on her. Daiyu came in and she frowned when she saw her childhood friend out cold. She stroked Jia's head, deeply concerned about her. She sat beside Lei. Lei looked at her.
"So...you helped Jia through parts of her childhood?" Lei asked softly.
"Yes," replied Daiyu, "She looked so cold and lonely in that room of hers...I just needed to become friends with her...I hated how everyone insulted and hated her..."
"I feel the same way," replied Lei, he held his paw out, Daiyu briefly examined it and she shook it. She smiled and said, "Jia must be lucky to have someone like you...she told me you're in a relationship."
"Yes...we are..." replied Lei, slightly blushing. He looked at Jia again while Yanmei got angry, feeling extremely jealous.
"How can Lei fall for that stupid girl? She's his sister and it's just wrong to fall for a sister," she thought, "He will be mine, no matter what." Biyu came over and healed Yanmei's wound. The feline smiled and thanked Biyu. Yanmei went over to Lei and wrapped an arm around him, he looked up at her and she smiled down at him and said, "She'll be fine. We'll get her through this." Lei smiled.
"Thanks Yanmei," he said softly. Yanmei stroked his head and down to his back, still smiling.
Outside Imperial City
Biyu is talking with the Emperor of China, oblivious that the wolf is disguised as him. Several soldiers stood by his side as Biyu talked.
"...and I just wanted you to know, Your Excellency that Hong has been abusing a poor soul, and we recommend you put him in prison," Biyu concluded, having told him everything she knows of Hong.
"Hmmm, that's quite something," said Qiang, "I'll have my men question him and if you can give us more info, that would be great."
"I've told you all I know, but we still recommend you put him in prison," said Biyu. Qiang nodded and said, "I'll see what I can do." Biyu smiled and bowed to him, "Thanks Your Excellency, now I'll be on my way." With that, Biyu disappeared in a flash of Light. In the shadows, Hong watched and smiled deviously.
"Foolish girl, I'm innocent, and I always will be in the Chinese eyes," he said. The next part of his plan...the fake Emperor will send out a search party for the warriors.
Back at Madam Yue's house – One hour and 50 minutes later
Lei wouldn't leave Jia's side, he's been watching her for what felt like forever, just seeing her take short breaths and not wake up under Mogui really made him nervous...he wouldn't even eat some cookies Biyu offered him. Daiyu has been told everything about what's been going on, the antelope couldn't believe Jia is a savior of the universe.
"And she really poured her soul into helping defeat Mogui," said Biyu.
"Wow, she's a hero," Daiyu said, completely awed, "It's hard to believe how far she's come."
"Indeed," said Madam Yue, "Jia is a strong person, she just didn't know she could do it, until Lei entered her life."
"Yeah, I agree." Daiyu smiled at Lei and he smiled a small smile.
"Madam, have you found anything?" asked Tigress. Madam Yue put some books back on the shelf and looked at a piece of paper.
"I'm not entirely sure if this is a solution, but so far it may be the best we've got," she said.
"What does it say?" asked an eager Lei.
"Well, this says here that we can find a few things for someone to use superior mental prowess and enter Jia's inner conscious," said Madam Yue, "But finding them...won't be so easy..."
"What are they, Madam Yue?" asked Tigress.
"Well, there is the Golden Crystal, a Crystal Orb powered by mental acuity, and finally a Red Ruby from the abandoned Yangshan Mines. All three must be acquired to enter."
"But is there a way to make Mogui weaker to get him out faster?" Lei asked, wanting to know.
"I don't know yet, but I can only say is that we must keep Jia in the Light as much as possible before...you know..." she stopped, knowing that the others knew what she meant, Lei took in a deep breath and said, "Let's get looking for them. It may not be 100 percent, but it's better than nothing."
"You're right," said Madam Yue, "I'll be sending Tai Lung and Biyu to get the Ruby."
"What?! The mines?!" Tai Lung said, a little surprised.
"Yes, you've been in a mine before if I recall correctly."
"I know, but the Yangshan mines are treacherous," said Tai Lung. Yue nodded and said, "I know. That's why I'm sending Biyu with you. If anything goes wrong, she'll be with you." Tai Lung sighed, but he agreed it's for the best.
"What will we be doing?" asked Tigress.
"We'll be traveling around the land to see if we can find the Golden Crystal and the Crystal Orb. There's only one Crystal Orb in existence," replied Yue.
"All right," said Lei, "Now let's..." Then Jia awoke, sending a MASSIVE shockwave out, sending them all flying! They scrambled to their feet to see Jia awake, but she didn't look right. "Jia?!" Jia looked at him and ROARED, she charged, but they all dodged her.
"Something's not right!" said Madam Yue. Jia ROARED and grabbed her with DARK POWERS. Tai Lung pushed her away, causing her to drop Madam Yue, she roared and tripped Tai Lung, kicking him and Tigress through the wall to the outside, she dodged Po, double punching him across the house. Daiyu ran out of the house with Yanmei, Biyu struck Jia to try and subdue her, but the feline broke free and threw Biyu over her shoulder.
"JIA?! What are you doing?!" shouted Madam Yue. Jia snarled and attacked her, trying to claw the lioness, but Yue knocked her away with her staff. Lei's just in pure shock on what's going on, never seen this happen before. Tigress lunged for Jia, trying to subdue her, but Jia punched her in the face, grabbed her head and slammed Tigress' chin onto her knee and kicked her out of the house again. She dodged Madam Yue and kicked her in the back, the lioness recovered, grabbed her with the Light and threw her into a wall. Jia roared and crouched on all fours, Yue grabbed Lei and pulled him away before she struck Jia again and they got into a conflict. Po ran back in and saw Jia and Yue fighting, the lioness didn't want to hurt Jia, she doesn't look right. Jia ROARED and double punched Yue into a wall, she saw Po and Lei, she hissed and ran right at them, Po attacked her while Lei stood up, watching in pure shock and horror. Po and Jia both punched, kicked, and dodged one another's blows as they tried to outdo the other. Then Jia jumped up through the ceiling creating a hole. Po waited for her, but then she crashed through a wall, sending Po flying out the opposite wall. She looked over at Lei, who's just frozen in shock. Jia growled and charged, Lei gasped and dodged her, she knocked down a candle and part of the house caught fire, it began spreading.
"Jia! Stop it!" Lei pleaded. The feline didn't listen, she lunged for Lei, he couldn't dodge her in time before she grasped his throat. He gagged as he tried to breath. Time seemed to stand still as he looked into Jia's eyes...this wasn't the same Jia he knew...her eyes had a small tint of purple in them...with the fire behind her...it cast an ominous picture into his mind...he knew right then...knowing it was Mogui controlling her. Then Madam Yue wrapped her Light around Jia, the feline tried to escape, but to no avail, she let go of Lei and he gasped for air. Biyu put out all the fires and Yue took Jia outside. She wrapped Light even more around her.
"This...feline...is mine..." Jia said in an ominous, deep tone, totally not her voice. Madam Yue's eyes widened, but then she glared and said "Mogui." Then Jia shut her eyes real tight and when she opened them and panicked.
"LET ME GO YOU STUPID BEAST!" she looked around in a fury, only to see herself back outside Madam Yue's house. She saw Madam Yue holding her with her Light, she looked around, seeing the damaged house, the warriors recovering, Lei ran out to her.
"Wh-What happened?" she asked, still very nervous.
"You...you don't remember?" Lei asked. Jia shook her head, "N-No...why is the house damaged?! Why are the others hurt?!" Madam Yue and Lei looked at one another, knowing they need to tell her, despite her reaction.
"I...I...Jia," said Lei, "You...I..." He couldn't say it, not directly to her.
"What? What is it?" Jia asked, wanting to know. Lei was very nervous to tell her, she saw the same look in Madam Yue's eyes as well.
"Well Jia...it wasn't you...don't think you're a monster or anything...but..." Madam Yue paused, "Mogui used you to attack us..." Silence filled the air as Jia's eyes widened in shock and horror, she looked around at the others as well, her heart began racing, sweat trickled down her face, she began hyperventilating.
"She's hyperventilating!" shouted Po. Yue put her down and Lei wrapped his arms around her. She broke out of his grasp, ran behind a tree and began vomiting. They heard it, they all cringed in disgust. When she was done, she came out from behind the tree, collapsed to her knees and began panting. She held her head as she took in sharp breaths, Lei put his arms around her, comforting her in the best way he can.
"I...I did hurt you..." she managed to say.
"It wasn't you," said Madam Yue, "It was Mogui. Don't let him deceive you."
"IT WAS ME!" Jia roared, startling everyone, a small flash of darkness briefly appeared around her. She hissed and looked away, "Uncle's...right...dark being...from underworld...meant to die..."
"Jia, don't say that!" Lei slightly scolded, "It's not true!"
"What do you know?!" she barked, another brief flash of darkness appeared around her. Madam Yue knelt down and touched Jia with her staff. Yue scanned the feline as she clutched her chest in pain. Yue's eyes widened.
"Oh no..." she said.
"What?" Lei asked desperately.
"Mogui's not only in her, he's also changing her thoughts, he's trying to manipulate her mind to turn against us." Lei gasped, he decided to give some Light to Jia to remind her of the truth and attempt to subdue Mogui briefly. Madam Yue did the same. Jia looked up at them, calming down a bit.
"Sorry...I don't know what happened..." she said. Lei rubbed her head, Madam Yue helped her up.
"Look Jia, Mogui's trying to change your thoughts, he wants you to betray us and think less of yourself," she said, Jia's eyes widened, Lei gave Jia more Light, "Remember what I've taught you about the Light, don't give into Darkness. You have a path Jia, you're on the path of the Light, don't change your path. Don't for our sakes."
"But...Mogui's so strong...I..." Jia trailed off.
"Jia, focus your thoughts on the good things you have in life, you've come a long way since Heroes' Peak, you shouldn't quit now."
"I was stronger then, but not so now..."
"Work your way to the Light, Jia, never give out, no matter how bleak it looks. And Jia, you know I do know you want revenge against him, but remember this, don't kill him, if you do kill someone, you get satisfaction for a few seconds, but then regret, replaced by guilt and that person's face will always haunt you for the rest of your life," said Madam Yue.
"I so want to kill him!" Jia snapped, Tigress and Po gave her Light, subduing Mogui again.
"Don't kill him, Jia," said Lei, "It'll only make things worse like she said."
"And Jia...to make matters worse..." said Madam Yue, feeling reluctant, "I...If we don't get Mogui out in time, he'll get stronger and you'll...die...but if you keep giving into your Dark desires, he'll get stronger faster. Please, keep it at a steady balance." Jia's eyes widened in horror, as if things weren't bad before, they certainly are now. Jia began breathing hard again, Lei stroked her shoulders to give her comfort. The feline couldn't move, she's so scared, even more scared than what she was in her early years. Lei helped her up, Tigress and Po gave her comfort. How was she able to stand up against Mogui? How can she in time? She's getting closer to the brink of death with each passing second. Jia began tearing up.
"So...so I'm to die?" she sobbed.
"No, we're going on the search to find a way to get Mogui out," said Madam Yue.
"But what if we don't get him out?!" Jia demanded, tears rolling down her face, "The Darkness is overcoming the Universe again!"
"Jia, we'll get the objects and Mogui out of you," said Biyu.
"What if we can't?! I'll be dead after I just found happiness in my life! Every time I find something happy, it gets taken!"
"Jia, please..." Lei said.
"I'm weak now!" Jia snapped, breaking out of Lei's grasp, "I'm nothing! I...I...I wish NIGHTFALL were here INSTEAD OF MY UNCLE AND MOGUI!" She took off back the house, sobbing, completely scared of what's happening to her. Yue felt another tear roll down her face as Po and his family went after Jia along with Daiyu.
She shook her head, "Poor child...I wish I could...do something more..." She looked at Tai Lung and said, "Get going to find the Red Ruby with Biyu...I'll send you over there now."
Tai Lung nodded, he wanted to be with Jia and his foster sister's family, but they've got a mission to do. Yue teleported the two away to find the Ruby as she went back to the house.
Back inside Madam Yue's house
Jia is laying on the couch, sobbing, her tail partially wrapped around her, Po and Tigress are stroking her. Lei saw the fear in Jia's watery eyes, he turned around and walked off. He stopped in another room and let out his own tears, never having to seen Jia that scared, he felt angry towards Mogui for being inside her, oh how he just wanted to be inside Jia's inner conscious and expel Mogui for good! He wants to be in there with her, but it hurts him just to look at her. Madam Yue sensed Lei's pain, she walked in and placed her paw on his shoulder. He whirled around and hugged her, Yue hugged back.
"Madam..." said Lei, "Once we get the objects...I want to be the one to go in and deal with Mogui again."
Yue gave no answer, she made Lei look into her eyes and she said, "You have my word on that." Lei thanked her before hugging her again. Lei went back into the room, not laying eyes on Jia, just hearing her sobs hurt him, and he just wants to recover.
"I don't wanna fall into Darkness...I want the warm Light...I need help..." Jia broke out. Tigress pulled Jia up and hugged her, the feline hugged back.
"Use your claws and kill her, kill them all," Mogui said in her mind. Jia let go of Tigress and said, "I won't...I won't..."
"You won't what?" Tigress asked, clearly confused.
"Mogui wants me to kill you..." Jia said, tears rolled down her face.
"Fight him," said Madam Yue, "Maybe we should get moving now. I'm going with you all to find the things needed to stop him for good."
"Good," said Tigress, "Let's get this done quick."
"I'll help in any way I can," said Yanmei. Tigress narrowed her eyes, oblivious to Yanmei, she's keeping a close eye on her.
"Remember what I told you, Jia, keep it to heart and don't stumble into darkness..." said Madam Yue.
"I...I'm trying...I...so scared..." Jia said, her hands trembling.
"Daiyu, we'll take you back to Imperial City if you want," said Madam Yue. Daiyu nodded and said, "I was thinking that too..." She looked at Jia, "Be strong, Jia." Jia nodded, they all knew she was scared, they all are for her. Holding her close, never letting her go, Yanmei wrapped her arm around Lei, giving him comfort. Jia's not taken time to notice her as of now. Yue nodded and said, "Let's get going then." With that, they disappeared into a bright light.
10 minutes before – 5 miles outside Imperial City
A family of pigs are playing with one another, the kids laughed as they ran through their little village. The sky's blue, everything seems at peace, but then...some soldiers began charging in! The kids screamed of horror as the soldiers seized them and chained them all up, as well some of the townsfolk. Hong came riding in on his mechanical horse. He glared his icy blue eyes down at them.
"Tell me where Madam Yue lives and I will let you be free," he said in a cold tone, having heard of Madam Yue during the Universal Festival. The parent pigs glared at him and asked, "Why would we tell you that?" Hong snarled and shouted "Lock them up!"
A minute later
Hong has seized the entire village, all are in chains in their own homes, and the guards aren't even questioning the so called "honorable" general. Oh, how Hong wanted to kill Lei's friends at Glitter Valley, but if he does, everyone in China will know sooner or later and the guards would be against him, and if the fake emperor just let him walk away, the people and guards would question him until it's revealed Hong killed the real emperor. He rubs his head in frustration.
"Sir, why are we trapping everyone in this village?" asked a soldier.
Hong glared at him, "They're not telling me anything. They're outlaws, trying to take over our country, that lioness, her friends, and everyone!"
"But they're heroes from what I heard."
Hong punched the guard and said "You do what I SAY! Or the punishments of your disobedience will be severe!" The guard nodded in fear and trotted off, scared. Hong growled to himself, wanting to find Madam Yue and burn her house to teach her a lesson, he wishes he could do something more drastic.
"Why can't I do something more? I've been longing to rule over many people, but all I am is a stupid general," he muttered. He began riding on his mechanical horse to find another village and demand where Madam Yue lives. Then he felt another presence in the area. Not some poor village, or his soldiers, he felt something...big. He stopped, looked around, but he saw nothing...wait! What was that? It was a large figure stumbling, trying to escape. He rode over there to see none other than...Siwang!
"Put your hands in the air!" he shouted. Siwang froze, he's still glowing in Darkness, but he looks weaker. He turned around and saw Hong pointing his sword directly at your face. Hong's eyes widened.
"Wait...you're that moose they were fighting!" he shouted.
"Yes, but I'm not powerful anymore! They took it away!" Siwang said desperately.
"What do you mean?!" demanded Hong.
"I mean, I had the powers to rule, I was getting stronger until they came in and ruined it all for me..." Siwang explained.
"You attacked Imperial City!"
"I was defending myself! They wanted to bring me down! I knew they were up to something! They wanted to save the universe and then take advantage over everyone! They were planning to take the universe for themselves! I tried to stop them, but with my power gone, there's no hope in stopping them!"
Hong wasn't fooled, he knew this moose is lying, but wait...if he believes the story, and maybe the moose would work with him to get Madam Yue and all her supporters, and arrest Lei, Jia, and their family, friends, everyone they cherish! He recalled his last words to Madam Yue "Mark my words, all of you, I will overpower you all." This moose could be used to his advantage, and maybe, just maybe, he would rule not over China, but maybe the world...or the universe having heard the Eight Pointed Star story after it spread across the world.
"All right," he said, "I will help you get your powers back." Siwang looked relieved, then Hong said, "But in order to do so, you must do what I say and you do it whenever. Understand?"
"Yes, I'm kinda weak to do anything now..." said Siwang. Hong nodded and put his sword away, he smirked and said, "And I've got two targets that're vital to me. One's a panger and one is my niece. Arrest them on the spot and we'll kill them." Siwang nodded. Some soldiers came over, Hong held up his hand and said, "This moose is in need of help. We need to be in hot pursuit of some fugitives." Siwang casted them into a trance, Hong's words boomed through their heads, and they all said "Yes General Hong." Hong's eyes widened.
"I cast them into a trance, they'll do whatever without question," said Siwang. He made his own raven out of Darkness and said to it, "Locate the Lights."
"And get my daughter to tell them where they're heading," said Hong. The raven nodded before taking off. Hong smiled evilly and thought "Jia, Lei, everyone, you're going to witness one person's dream of conquering all come true."
A/N: Oh dear! Hong and Siwang are working together! And Hong is wanting to use Siwang for his advantage, he doesn't care about him, he just wants to rule! And poor Jia, let's hope they can find the Items quick!
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