Twilight Rising
Chapter 21
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Yugi breathed in the fresh scent of the rainforest. Refreshing and warm, he could almost consider it a mere outing if it wasn't for the Wu they were currently in search of in the very location. Falling behind Clay, the group of five continued on their way, closing in on the thundering falls. Kimiko glanced back to their last and lagging partner, urging him to come along and with a pant, Dojo slithered along. Normally, the dragon would bum a ride atop Clay's hat but in their haste, Dojo was denied that ride and instead had to hoof it behind the rest of the monks. And as with all moments of being close to the Wu in question, the dragon's senses were going haywire to where the other couldn't pinpoint the item in question.
"Dojo, are you sure it's the Shen Gong Wu you're sensing and not that very large spider?" Omi made to point out, Dojo huffing in indignation at the jab to fall for something so easily until he turned. He puckered quickly as there was indeed a huge spider sitting on him and leapt right into Raimundo's shirt to bury himself in somewhere safe. Yugi chuckled to the sight while Valtyrion rolled its single eye. The dragon was absolutely embarrassing and if its masters were to know such a weak-spine thing existed and lived as long as he had, well...
He wouldn't be living much longer.
They continued on their way til the sight of a boa settled in a tree caught their eye but it wasn't what it appeared to be as Dojo emerged to tell them it was the Wu they were looking for. The Lasso Boa Boa it was called, becoming as it was aptly named to crush whatever it caught around like a constrictor. "And now, it is mine." Omi announced proudly thought the glare to meet the back of his head made him change the connotation of his sentence and all were in ownership of it. Alas, as with all ventures in search of the Wu, opposition always waited for them and the grating sound of a familiar voice had them look up.
Jack grinned as he descended down towards them, motioning to his new creation that would assist him in the fight for the Wu. The Wuya bots came from behind, leaving the group to observe in disdain. Of all the bots he chose to make into an image of, he chose Wuya. With his command, they came in for the attack and Yugi made to step back, tenting his fingers as he slowly summoned the power of his firelights to come around him as Clay and Raimundo took out a few of the bots with ease. They were powerfully weak and shooting ink? Hardly an offensive attack against brute force.
Wuya seethed in anger before looking to the genius beside her, demanding him to get in there and fight himself. If the bots couldn't do anything, surely he'd think of something on his feet. Jack flinched at the idea, knowing well enough he had no backup aside from the bots and going in, especially with Yugi clearly ready to launch the firelights made it nigh impossible. As more bots emerged and came for them, Omi looked to the others. For such a sizable group of targets, only one thing would easily dispose of them. "Dragon X-Kumei Formation!" Omi called and the others got into position, Yugi dispersing the firelights to focus his energy upon the others.
"Let's go." The male whispered, Wuya bots launching for them and it wasn't long before they were all nothing but scrap on the jungle floor. Bots demolished and nothing else to show for it, Jack was soon gone in a simpering mess, Wuya following after with bitter words of how much of a failure he was to all of evil to ever existed. And she was stuck with him as no one else was there to be of use to her. Yugi grinned as the other fumbled off, turning to get the Lasso Boa Boa from where it rested only to run into a solid body.
Dazed, he rubbed his nose before glancing up, in awe of who stood before him. The monk smiled warmly as he reached to grab the Wu from the branches where it hung to hand to him. "I see this belongs to you." Yugi nodded as he took the item, looking down to it before looking back up to ask of who he was but Valtyrion along with Omi gave the answer for him. The famous and well-known Master Monk Guan. At the utterance of his name did a jolt run through Yugi. His lungs and throat tightened as his mind blanked on all thoughts except one.
The flash of a spear. The roaring cries. Embers of a fire doused by the rain as two shadowy masses laid in a pool of their own blood before a figure. A figure once in shadow now revealed to be...
At Dojo's call of wanting to see the master himself, which was met by the negative tone from Raimundo of how the dragon decided to give them his presence after the battle was done, had Yugi snap out of the daze. His breath returned in a sharp exhale as he stepped aside for Omi to dash before the monk instead. That...was something he never saw before. Was it a memory? One spawned from Valtyrion? The shade was undoubtedly quiet at Guan's appearance after whispering his name while Omi himself was left to completely tie himself up trying to praise the ground Guan walked on. Guan chuckled before patting the round head of the smaller monk. Oh, he knew well of what the other wanted to say and he was pleased that respect so devout was still around for his name.
Wu obtained and another partner found by sheer luck, they were off to return to the temple to rest and relax before training was upon them again. /Valtyrion...did...did Guan...?/ Yugi asked as he watched the back of the taller monk silently. /Yessss...he hasss./ The shade hissed and said no more. Yugi frowned at the thought but voiced no more to it. Another piece of the mystery to the primal darkness. They had been felled by Guan if that memory served any purpose. The scroll he had read said nothing about how the element of darkness died and to see it now was a matter of concern.
What would Guan do if he learned the primal darkness was on a potential path to revival again? What would he do...to him? The petite male shuddered at the thought. To fear for his life at the hands of someone that had taken down the primal darkness once before is a worrisome thought but Yugi supposed that for now, things would have to be a wait and see.
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As the day stretched on, they were training as Guan stepped in to watch. Four of the five were busy working on their dexterity, bouncing a quad of balls between them to keep them airborne. Guan smiled as he watched the scene, coming in between the pathing of the bouncing balls before catching one easily before he was soon bouncing all four with perfect balance and concentration. To see the great monk in action had charmed Omi, wanting to drink in everything the monk had to offer in hopes that any lesson that the monk could teach them, whether intentional or not, can be passed onto him.
Being one of the most accomplished Tai Chi masters who had defeated many adversaries with the use of his just as famous Spear of Guan made him a name to know well. Guan smiled as he easily threw the balls towards them, catching Omi off guard as he went to keep the balls afloat and breathed an air of relief as he did so, hoping this would easily impress the monk. Seeing such impressive work had the monk commenting on the potential of the smaller monk, wishing that he had arrived a little sooner to join them in their search for the Wu. Not wanting to be left out on the conversation with the master monk, Dojo praised himself on how he was the one to fly them to the location in record timing to get the Wu.
Of course, this was met with Raimundo taking a jab of being able to get there at all with Dojo at the helm, gaining a pout from the dragon before the balls came colliding with his head as Omi lost his control on them. The group tried to keep themselves from snickering to the dragon's misfortune while Yugi gave an honest sigh. Any more heckling and the dragon was sure to get offended. During lunch, Yugi could only surmise the amount of food to stand before the dragon to be nothing short of stress eating. Rolls, rice, chicken and noodles were snapped up into the greedy dragon's gullet and Yugi groaned. He was right in his assumptions that their pestering of the dragon's abilities was going a bit overboard and it was beginning to sting. Dojo had his faults, sure, but to keep teasing him about it was starting to stray away from a mere joke.
After all, without him, the long-ago Sapphire Dragon incident would've never been quelled. Violet eyes turned to his bowl and the last bite of food awaiting him, finishing it up just as the dragon made to complain that he was able to fit into a pair of swimwear that he had for 1500 years. How the conversation even delved in that direction was lost to him but once more, the dragon was dismissed as nothing but a simple joke, the group leaving out while the dragon sulked. "I get no respect around here anymore. I do all the sensing of Shen Gong Wu and all the flying around. But do I get a pat on the back? Nada!" he grumbled, Yugi setting the bowl down on the table.
He was ready to reach out to the dragon when another walked in, easily guessed to be Guan as Valtyrion hissed to his presence. Nodding to Yugi as he came by, he looked down to Dojo in abject amazement, speaking of how he never met such a fascinating creature such as him. For one to be able to sense the Wu as he does make him for quite a promising figure that should be respected. Dojo felt his heart swell to such kind words and feeling that things were going to be ok in Guan's hands, Yugi slowly slipped out from the dining hall with a short smile. Guan would take care of him, he thought, but surely he didn't know just how well that statement would apply. But Valtyrion knew, at least in sensing it. The shade didn't growl just to the presence of the man that had utterly defeated its masters once but of something else.
There was an aura around Guan. A wretched odor that proved stronger than that of Jack with his hands dabbling in Wuya's Heylin stench. It felt it should know well of this one but to be sure, it would have to see what motive the monk had in coming to the temple. In coming to Dojo in particular. When its young host left, so did Valtyrion, slipping away into Guan's shadow as he coerced the dragon in going to someone that would appreciate his talents a bit more than what the apprentice monks showed.
What is your motive, Valtyrion thought silently.
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Dojo hummed thoughtfully as they reached a mountain that looked rather menacing for its location, only made worse when one looked to the monstrous face etched into the mountainside that provided a landing outcropping for the dragon to settle on. Guan gave him a reassuring pat to the side of his neck before jumping off, guiding the dragon inside with Valtyrion slinking after them once Guan set foot on solid ground. The pungency was stronger here, much more powerful than Wuya could ever hope to achieve, even when whole. It was the foul stench of Heylin magic and it made the shade's heart pound in disgust. Oh how it hated the Heylin and of course, the monk that walked before it.
It was these two factors that had caused its masters to die too soon before light was birthed into the world. Sure, little Yugi was born safely without them but if they were still alive, he would be born into royalty with ease, given nobility for himself and his family once his hand was promised to the dark kings. They would grant him any wish, swathed him in finery, given the best food. All could've been for Yugi and all he had to do was balance their power to give them the control they desired. But these Heylin fools tricked them just as the monks betrayed them. They lost their life before they could reach this time but soon, if this power intends to grow beyond perception, then Yugi will plead to Valtyrion for the primal darkness. To ask for their help.
And when that happens will they gain what they lost a thousand years ago.
As Guan and Dojo headed further in, a large wooden gate stood before them but at their presence, it was drawn, revealing an oasis paradise behind it. Ivory paths lead through the space, simplistic buildings carved into the inner mountain that flourished with greenery and serene waterfalls. For what looked so abysmal from the outside, the interior surely didn't match up but the eeriness of the space itself was enough to set Dojo on edge. "Do you...get the feeling that we're not alone?" he whimpered, glancing around as a snarl seemed to respond to his innocent inquiry.
The dragon shivered to the sight of the big cats that began to step out. Now things were starting to get a little suspicious and he had to ask the monk exactly who they were meeting with. When the name was uttered from Guan's lips, he had to laugh for a moment. Surely Guan was joking, right? No way he would be dealing with the very embodiment of evil, Chase Young...right? But when his thoughts were confirmed, the dragon swallowed. He knew well when to get the hell out of dodge and this was as good a time as any. But as the poor dragon tried to rush out the once open gate, it was slammed shut on him. "Come on, where's the button on this thing!?" Dojo whined before flinching, the heady breath of a panther licking at the mane on his neck.
A voice so sinister but smooth spoke out from above, a figure coming to stand at the top of a towering staircase. He praised the monk for delivering exactly what he asked of him in promise that he would return something back to Guan. The spear was thrown back to him and with the order to never return to this place, Guan had left in silence, Dojo watching in horror as he was left behind. Valtyrion watched from the shadows before giving a silent snicker. Oh...now things were getting fun~
Chase Young.
A name it hadn't heard again in some time. Oh the shade remembered him well, once a promising young monk that turned rogue, bound by the very magic that kept him youthful for eternity. A pricey trade off that required a specific ingredient and that ingredient was shaking like a leaf to his presence until the promise of a meal befitting him was laid on the table. "Ah, but we can't ignore our other guest." Chase whispered, eyes darting to the shadows and the shade hissed audibly, catching Dojo's attention as Valtyrion rose from it.
"Y-you..." Dojo wheezed before a red eye shot to the dragon to shut him up quickly. "The primal darkness' pet. If you're out roaming about, clearly something magnificent is about to happen."
"Oh, you would like to know that, wouldn't you, Chasssse~" Valtyrion purred mockingly, leaving the other to laugh. There was no need for hostility as he offered his hospitality to them both. Dinner awaits and with a nudge from a lion, Dojo was ambling along with an already pudgy stomach and was followed at a distance by the shade. It could escape at any time it so desired but a part of it didn't trust the enemy before it. Chase knew more than Wuya about the primal darkness, that was a fact. He knew well that Valtyrion was a liaison to them and if it was out and about, then their return was close at hand.
But he shouldn't know of the secret that would bring about their return, at least it's what Valtyrion expected. Only Wuya caught on but she was weak and a fool to ever think to gain Yugi's light. But Chase...he was cunning. More so than Wuya. Valtyrion would have to tread carefully if it dared not to reveal the source that would revive its masters and destroy any that dare to oppose them. In a large room sat a table and on that table was a meal fit for a king, or at least a dragon of Dojo's reputable size. The scent of the meal had the dragon's mouth watering and he was quick to practically eat everything on the table, Valtyrion pleasantly disgusted by the other's table manners.
"My mastersss would have your head for making such a messss." Valtyrion grumbled, flicking a piece of food from its nose as Dojo wiped the plates clean. Chase watched from a high rise, asking if the meal was satisfactory for the dragon which Dojo replied it was indeed the best he had in 600 years. Valtyrion made to comment that 600 years wasn't enough for the dragon to learn how to use a fork and knife, scrounging the table itself for a mere speck of food. Sure, it had no need to eat but it may as well make the trip worthwhile. Chase chuckled at the sight of the two, snapping his fingers which called on a couple cats to clear off the table before setting a dessert down for Dojo and a filleted steak before Valtyrion.
"For an evil villain, you are quite hospitable." Dojo spoke, looking back to where Chase once stood only for the male to be beside the chair he sat in. He only wished for comfort for such a guest as he had something special planned for the dragon after his meal. The tone of such a concept struck fear into the bloated dragon, swallowing thick around the mouthful of cake he had before pushing himself from the table. Valtyrion fluttered above, smirking as the dragon tried to make an escape only to be cornered by more jungle cats, the glow in Chase's eyes showing that Dojo's stay could amount to being pleasant or unpleasant depending on what he chose. At the end of the day, he wasn't given the option to leave so he best choose carefully on what he wished.
"He'll be dead soon enough if his preciousss little monks don't sssave him. But againssst Chase...they are lacking." Valtyrion mumbled as it tossed a piece of steak into its jaws. "I hate to put faith into the slimy wretch that did my masterssss in...but for the hossst of the light...Guan better be up to the task that he failed to combat to..." It growled menacingly, knowing it would be its head lost should anything happen to Yugi.
Once the dragon's absence was known, they will come to look for him. Chase knew well to connect the dots and when he did, Yugi's existence could be placed in jeopardy. It can't have that, not when it was so close.
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At the temple, just as Valtyrion expected, the monks were in search of the dragon. They looked high, literally, and low but there was no sign of the dragon anywhere. Yugi sighed as he rubbed the back of his head. He suspected as much that the biting words of the others, albeit jokingly as they constantly told Yugi when he had first asked around, had soured the dragon's mood enough that he had ran off somewhere to hide. But the master made to tell them that Dojo couldn't stay hidden forever when a Shen Gong Wu goes active but if he didn't show, how were they to know?
Kimiko tapped her chin before snapping her fingers. "I got an idea!" she spoke, digging into her robe to pull out a tracking device. When Yugi saw the item in hand, he grinned, knowing exactly what the girl had in mind. Pounding rock music played on the radio as Jack was busying himself with an ATV, doing a simple maintenance on it to get it travel ready for the next Wu to appear. As he did so, Wuya was hovering about him, eyes aglow as she whispered that the next Wu, the Monsoon Sandals, had revealed themselves. With the two wisely distracted of the new Wu and its location, the five dropped in and huddled behind a bush to wait for the evil genius to take off for it.
The engine revved up and Kimiko grasped the device, hopping out to throw the tracker onto the back of the ATV before it was out of the garden. "There, now with my GPS tracker, we'll know wherever Jack goes." she spoke, bringing out her PDA that was tracking the genius and Yugi nodded, bringing out the Silver Manta Ray. As he activated and tossed out the Wu, he looked down to his shadow briefly. He sensed nothing of Valtyrion there and was worried about where the shade could've disappeared to. Guan had gone missing as well since he had left Dojo and him alone after lunch.
All of it seemed too coincidental and if what the memory served to tell him, he just hoped that Guan didn't find out about Valtyrion and did something to make sure the primal darkness was extinguished for good. A part of him...felt lost knowing that was a possibility.
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At a lone beach, the Monsoon Sandals sat within a tidepool and Jack looked down to the simple looking sandals with interest. Well, he had gotten there first, may as well see them in action. Plopping himself down on a rock, Jack went to remove his boots with a grunt, smirking a little as he was about to slip them on when he heard a voice call to him from ahead. "We'll be taking the Monsoon Sandals if you please." Omi spoke as the five stood before Jack, making the other snort petulantly as he slipped the sandals on with a promise that they could take it over his dead body before activating them.
Alas, when Wuya told him he'd get legs that stretched for miles, he didn't expect it to be that literally and was shot up sky high, enough that he contracted a nosebleed for it among being unstable out of unpreparedness. Yugi jumped with the others as a leg flew up, nearly hitting them and winced as he landed awkwardly on his ass before jumping up as Jack came tumbling down like the tree he could be compared to but safely landed in the arms of one Chase Young that stood behind him.
"Chase Young, a pleasure." Just the name alone made the evil genius starry eyed to the other's presence. To meet with the famous Chase Young was an absolute dream! He was the ultimate evil villain and everything Jack strived to become. Just having the man touch him satisfied every ingenious plot he could think of. As a sign of good faith, Jack offered the Monsoon Sandals to the evil warlord who cinched his nose in disgust before dropping the boy, making him give a pained whimper while Wuya went to reprimand the boy. Someone like Chase, for all his grand power, didn't deserve to claim what they already had their hands on. While they were distracted, Yugi's eye caught Dojo behind Chase's leg and called out to him.
Raising his head, he looked to the others as they began to mention that without him, they would've missed out on plenty of Wu. A pout crossed the dragon's snout as he complained that a Wu detector was all he was to them, reminding them that he believed his "big-boned" self would slow them down too much to be of use to them. Yugi crossed his arms, giving a pointed look to the others who flinched. "Is that why you ran off, Dojo? We were just foolin'..." Clay made to apologize. "We didn't mean to hurt your feelings." Raimundo added, surprising to many as he would often be the last to admit he was wrong.
Realizing his potential and importance to the others had the dragon sobbing, growing in form as he went to embrace the five in a tight hug. Yugi squeaked as he adjusted himself before looking toward the sobbing dragon. "Now that we cleared up that...you'll come back with us, yes?" At the question, Dojo immediately shrunk, causing them to drop into a pile of groaning bodies as the dragon simpered that he couldn't. Lifting himself from the ground, Yugi asked why and were told the story of what happened between Chase and Guan, of the trade the other monk made to the warrior.
Omi couldn't believe that Guan would do such a thing, that the other monk was honorable and wouldn't ever think to do something so underhanded. "That's where you'd be wrong, my naïve Xiaolin friend. Dojo belongs to me now." Chase spoke nonchalantly, pouring what seemed to be a can of pea soul but with what was etched on the label made it highly unlikely. He swallowed a bit as Omi went to demand the dragon back but Chase smirked, whispering that the drink in question was a special soup, one to drink when he was assured of victory. As the others moved to stand, Yugi looked between themselves and the warrior to stand before them. His nerves stood on edge to the others, that Chase was something far beyond their current level of power.
"W-wait, guys!" Yugi tried to warn but Omi was the first to leap into battle. The small monk used all the skill he knew and every move under his belt but he hardly made to touch a single strand of hair on Chase, easily becoming winded while the other was as sturdy in both body and mind. The bowl collided with the round head to emphasize the point and itching for a good fight that Jack surely couldn't deliver, the rest flew in for the attack. Yugi winced, already predicting what was likely to happen and covered his eyes, hearing the collective sound of pain as the four collided.
"Yeah, that's exactly what I expected." Bringing his hand down, he watched as Chase began to walk away, snapping his fingers to call Dojo back to his side. The dragon frowned, looking towards Yugi pitifully as he followed. Oh the light element wished he could do something but what could he do. Chase was...too powerful. Even with his best defense, he felt it would do absolutely nothing. Jack moved toward Chase, trying to beg for an alliance with the other, even offering half the Wu he owned. "I have no interest in Shen Gong Wu. I just came to observe the young monks I've heard so much about." he murmured but Yugi could tell that his expectations were set rather high about them.
A shift in his shadows caught Yugi's eye, seeing the red eye of Valtyrion there and glanced about. While Jack was prattling on about Chase and his clear admiration for the other, he clicked his tongue, calling the shade back to him. Valtyrion shot back over to the boy, Chase's eye following the shade and smirked. Ah, so he is the one that the primal darkness' little pet is attached to. And with good reason. The male didn't show anything as he played it safe but it was there, the lost element of light and the balance the demons sought for. If what he suspects is to come to pass, then it would prove an interesting power struggle. Chase was praised for his power and abilities but it still fell short to the unbridled element of darkness.
If they are brought back to life then he will have to work twice as hard not just to be on top but to prove himself worthy of their assistance should HE ask for it. Until then, however, he will keep a close eye on the boy. See whether destiny will lead him to their revival or leave them to rest in eternal peace until someone else prompts their revival by forceful means. /Did anything happen? How did you even get to this guy in the first place?/ Yugi questioned as he ran over to the others once Chase was gone without acknowledging Jack and his attempts to once more join forces.
The genius was smart to a certain degree but not enough to prove useful to him except a very convenient pawn for any future games he wished to play with the monks. Now that he got a taste of their work, only fair to see if they choose to improve or be weak as he once was. As Valtyrion explained itself, the others were checked over and deciding it was time to get the story from the source instead of getting it second hand from Chase, they were off with the Silver Manta Ray in search of the master monk.
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It took some time but once the monk was spotted, Omi gave a nod. "It's time to get to the top of this." he whispered, Raimundo quickly correcting the small monk before they descended down to confront the other. With the story told, Omi couldn't believe his ears. He was an honorable monk, one of the best to nearly equate to the likes of Grand Master Dashi. For someone like Guan to do such a thing and trade of a very important friend to them from right under their noses seems so...dishonest. Guan looked down in pity, whispering that it was clear he wasn't the monk he used to be. They all stood as Guan began his tale, of how years ago he had come across Chase.
They as forces of good and evil, were destined to go into battle, one to protect the land he walks on, the other to destroy it. The battle lasted for days and it was during that battle where he had made his first critical error when dealing with a cunning mind. The monk relied heavily on the spear, treating it as his strength as well as his pride and without it...he was nothing. And Chase knew this well enough as he took the spear right from his hands and rendered him useless to continue. So instead of leaving Guan defeated, he offered him a chance to reclaim his spear. "So you gave him Dojo..." Kimiko whispered, nearly hissing in disgust at the thought. They were all disappointed in that fact, that Guan really did stoop so low to get his spear back and to them, they didn't even know the true reason behind it. "I never thought for once I would lose my courage again...not since the battle against the primal darkness..." At the name, Yugi and Omi's head shot up to the monk.
He had fought the primal darkness once before?! But no one was to ever live against such destructive power! Omi was left to his thoughts while Yugi bit his lip. So the memory was true. Guan had fought them...and had killed them. Murdered in cold blood even if the act was a means to save the world from a fate likely worse than what Wuya had caused before. But it was without question that his victory came with the weapon he had lost to Chase and when Yugi went to gather more of the story from Guan, Omi spoke up.
"Master Fung says what makes a warrior strong isn't the weapon but the warrior holding the weapon." Omi recited and Guan apologized once more. "I will show you where his lair is, but that's about all I can do to help." Guan whispered as he pulled a book from his tunic and opened it to show them. While it was on his mind, Raimundo looked to Guan to ask just exactly what Chase wanted with Dojo. A light exhale left the monk before he told more. Chase was one on the side of good, just as they were, but he traded his soul for eternal youth. But that youth came with a price. As he turned the page, Yugi saw what seemed to be a recipe and took a moment to read the Chinese characters quietly.
"A cup of wheat grass, a tablespoon salt, a pinch of dried frog and one...whole dragon!?" Yugi gasped as he stumbled back. "So...that soup?!" Guan nodded to his fears and Yugi whimpered. No...it just couldn't be. Not to Dojo. /Alas, the price of youth is a finicky sssort. He chossse his path./ Valtyrion whispered through their bond as the rest got themselves together through the shock of the matter at hand. They had to rescue Dojo and quickly before there was nothing to rescue. "Master Guan, if you can supply just a bit more time...tell me what you know of the demons of darkness. I have to know their story." Yugi pleaded but a touch to his shoulder had him turn, looking back to Kimiko.
Her expression said enough and Yugi sighed, looking down. Aside from Valtyrion, Guan was another source to piece together so much. To hear from both sides and learn what made them what they were in the legends they wrought with their existence. But with Dojo in danger, this was likely the only chance he had and it was hardly much of a chance to begin with. Led back to the hovercraft, he looked back to the monk who watched him solemnly, as if he wished to tell the tale he wanted to hear but couldn't. It was as if the story itself weighed heavily on his shoulders as much as the one with Chase has. A thousand years it has been since then and he had remembered during his short visit of Yugi having the rare light element. Could his interest in his story be part of the warning that was given years ago of the balance of light and darkness?
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Back at his lair, Dojo was sitting in what was clearly a simmer pot that was deceptively treated as a bath drawn for him. Chase came up to him with a hungry glint in his eyes, tossing in a few more sliced items into the broth as Dojo munched away on a hearty piece of chicken. He was asked if he wished to have another helping to fill his already bloated belly and Dojo nodded eagerly, not knowing the clear danger he was in. "You're just about ready for the Lao Mang Long Soup." At the mention of soup, Dojo was alert, hoping that he was being made a bowl of soup.
"In a manner of speaking...yes." Chase whispered, stepping over to a curtain that he pulled opened and behind it were shelves. Shelves upon shelves stacked with cans and the labels of those cans held a very clear picture of what was held in them. Dojo's lip quivered while his body was in shock. Chase was making soup out of him...CHASE WAS MAKING SOUP OUT OF HIM! If there was a god, Dojo wished to pray profusely to it for anyone to come to his rescue before he was nothing but bones! Luckily, that wish was swiftly on its way as Raimundo guided the hovercraft towards the citadel, Yugi looking out the window and shivered to the sight of the monstrous mountainside. Chase definitely had his evil lair decor down to a T if he wanted to strike fear into anyone that dared to come so far out to see him.
Raimundo set the craft down and they departed from it, Yugi looking around with a worrying glance. Everything about this place screams bad and he almost didn't want to go inside. Valtyrion did its best to ease him, knowing full well that making any contact with another for the Heylin only proves to bring more attention to him. But he would follow his friends and sadly, there was little Valtyrion could do to stop it which always makes to annoy the shade. Seeing what looked to be a clear and open path was pleasing to Omi though Yugi was skeptical. It was like he rolled out the red carpet for them to enter inside.
But ever the fearless leader, Omi guided them inside only to be met with a stone wall to block the entryway, shrouding them in darkness. "Yep, this feels like a trap." Yugi grumbled before torchlight began to fill their vision, lighting the way further in. With no way to turn back at this point, the group began to run further into the depths of Chase's lair, seeing a wooden gate slowly descending down. It was by the barest hair that they made it through and they gulped in air greedily before Yugi glanced up to see their target in the center. With a gasp, he was on his feet and running over, stepping around the pot for a moment before pulling out the apple as he asked if the dragon was alright.
"Do I look alright?! I'm sitting in a pot of soup!" Dojo snapped as the others came to join them but it wasn't much longer before the host joined them as well. Chase grinned as another gate trapped them inside, this one manned by none other than Jack himself -how he managed to tag along, no one would ever know-. The monks were quick to get into their fighting stances as a growl passed the warrior's lips before the change took him over. Eyes bled into reptilian yellow as rough green skin began to spread over his flesh. The armor he wore broke off like cheap metal, body bulking to at least twice the size of the warrior when he was human, tail elongating from behind to give a mighty slam onto the stone floor.
Yugi shivered to the sight of what was Chase's true form, that which was controlled by the brew he was about to make of Dojo. Jack of course, was absolutely swooning to the sight to the point he was practically in love as Chase stepped forward. "Well this is clearly unavoidable now...let's do this!" Yugi called as Kimiko jumped in to use the Star Hanabi in hopes to deter the reptile. But Chase was quicker, easily batting away the flame right back at the target, flinging her into the nearby wall. Yugi gasped as Raimundo took the stand next to use the Ruby of Ramses to get the other off his feet to make him an easier target.
But the agility of the warrior made it so the Wu didn't catch him but catch Jack instead who wailed for the other to let him go. He was just the cheering squad this time, he didn't deserve this! Flung into the wall to join Kimiko, this left Clay and Omi to try themselves with a combination of the Thorn of Thunderbolt and Lasso Boa Boa but a curl of the lips showed Chase's amusement. Such weak, naïve creatures. They thought they were truly a challenge to him. A claw grasped the lasso after easily leaping through them like a tiger through rings of fire, swinging the two to hit another wall.
They were nothing! Hardly a formidable challenge! But he still could find use for them. After all, a satisfying victory meant they would be-
A roar left the reptile as something exploded hard against his cheek, turning quickly to the culprit. Yugi's eyes were narrowed as firelights gathered around him. "I would advise you to not total my friends." he whispered. Chase chuckled softly as he turned to the petite one, the others looking up slowly as the two faced off. The light element, the key that would return the primal darkness to the land. He was still unrefined but in due time he would grow stronger and in doing so would become a very valued pawn. Control the light and you'll control the shadows. An alliance with the boy would be beneficial but of course, Yugi would have to learn his place in regard to thinking he was of any challenge to him.
"You seem to harness your element well. Do you really think yourself able to contract the primal darkness at your level?" Chase questioned before rushing forward, Yugi gasping as he sent the firelights forward. The reptile body was like water, dodging through the firelights like they were harmless fireflies before he was upon Yugi. The petite male blocked the fist that was flung at him, breathing sharply as he went on a weak offensive. But even that was short lived as the reptile was deceptively stronger than he expected and Yugi himself was nowhere near the strength to combat such a creature. Not as the apprentice he was.
A pained groan left him as he was pinned to the floor, the odorous heated breath landing on his face as the others cried out to him. "Perhaps you would like to partake in a nice bowl of Dojo? Immortality isn't all that bad as long as you bow to me, boy." Chase whispered, making to leap back as threads of shadows shot up in an attempt to grab him around his jaws. "Sssstop talking, you impudent lizard!" Valtyrion snapped, appearing just briefly from the shadows to bring Yugi off the ground, letting him slide back from the other as Chase chuckled again.
"A simpering pet like you can hardly do a thing to stop me." But Chase wasn't able to relish in his victory over them as a voice thundered from above, all glancing up to see Guan standing on the parapet looking down to them. "Master Monk Guan!" Omi called in relief, none expecting the monk to appear in any manner to assist them. With a glare to the reptile, Guan issued a showdown, the prize being the freedom of Dojo and the monks should he win. Chase smirked and agreed with the restrictions that there would be no Shen Gong Wu involved, that only their martial arts will be used.
"Should I prevail, you will forever pledge your loyalty to me and be enslaved like all the other fallen warriors in the beasts that are to serve me." The large cats began to surround them from the outer ring, one tossing a spear to Chase that he snagged before extending the blades to match the spear that Guan wields. Jack way giddy, unable to believe for a single second to not only see Chase in action with a real fight but the possibility of seeing someone become subservient to the dark warrior. Yugi made to stand, stumbling over to the others as Guan and Chase squared off. "I hope...he can do this..." Yugi whispered as he collapsed beside the others who could only nod to his words. It was up to Guan now and considering his story the last time he faced Chase, they hoped the outcome wouldn't be the same.
"Gong Yi Tan Pai!"
Leaping forwards, the weapons clashed, both evenly matched as one didn't quite overtake the other. Guan growled as he tried his best to get the upper hand but this time, he had to contend with one extra limb that was versatile enough to keep him on his toes. A mighty lunge had placed Chase behind the monk, leaving his back open to be swatted hard by his tail that sent him towards the young apprentices that watched with fear and worry. Chase snarled as he kicked a switch, drawing the jagged grates that surrounded the center platform open and the monk nearly fell into the pit of magma that awaited beneath it. Fire billowed from below, causing the monk to roll from the edge finally only to feel a clawed foot land on his chest.
"Loser Guan! Loser Guan!" Jack heckled from the center, making Yugi growl as he conjured a single firelight to flick at the back of Jack's coat, making him screech as his ass was set on fire. Luckily, his disturbance didn't deter the monk as he shot the blade of the spear out to ward the reptile off him, allowing him to stand once more. Chase grinned behind gnarled teeth as he watched the other monk closely, whispering that there was no way Guan would be able to defeat him. The outcome would be just the same as it was before and leave him to become another servant. Pinched eyes tightened as he held his spear firmly.
"It's not the weapon that makes a warrior strong," Guan began before leaping towards the reptile, just barely grazing the scaly hide with the blade before landing. "But the warrior holding the weapon." Omi clapped delightfully as the master's wise words unearthed something in Guan, showing that indeed this fight would see to a better outcome. That is to say that Chase himself didn't have any other tricks under his scaly sleeve. Stabbing the spear into the ground, Guan prepared a stance to go barehanded and left Chase to snarl.
His theatrics were beginning to infuriate him and it was time to finally end this and gain the warrior under his orders. Doing the same with the Kwan-Dao Sword, the two faced off once more before launching at each other. It was hard for Yugi to keep up, fists flying so fast that no human eye could surely keep up with. Alas, even at hand to hand, Chase made use of his versatility to whip his tail at the monk, eventually landing a strong hit that sent him into the opposing wall. "Oh no!" Kimiko uttered in horror as the man began to fall, worrying that he would not recover in time before slipping past the only ground between life and death to the magma below.
It was wise to never doubt a master monk. Guan recovered with ease, grasping his footing on the very corner of the outer rim of the pit and launched towards Chase once more, getting in a successful set of hits on the reptile before knocking him flat on his back to the delight of the young apprentices. But a mighty warrior of darkness such as he would never lie on his back to defeat so easily and kicked another switch into place, bringing up a set of mirrors that coiled around the platform they were on. With their position displaced with their reflections, Chase slunk into the maze to wait. Like predator to clever prey, he waited for an opening. Guan was apprehensive, making his way further into the maze but the reflections nearly betrayed his stance, bringing him to leap for higher ground.
"I can't allow you to spot me so easily~" The sibilant whisper echoed, another switch hit to turn the mirrors and when the monk fell, Chase was upon him to throw him bodily into one of the mirrors before following up with a lunge. A normal man wouldn't be able to react as fast but Guan was no normal man, swinging his legs out to throw Chase into the opposing mirror that grew hairline fractures on the silver surface. A hiss left him as the two grabbed their distance before the mirrors turned, hiding the reptile as Guan began to concentrate his chi. One so used to cunning to take the upper hand leaves one open for predictability.
Chase would do what it takes to ensure he'd stay on top, to neutralize any threat to get in his way by any means necessary. And as he slunk towards Guan's back, the monk knew this well. Yugi would've called out to him to warn him once the green of Chase's hide caught his eyes but the words Guan spoke next quieted him. "I know you now for what you are and not what you pretend to be..." he whispered, clenching his fists before pivoting on heel to immediately face the reptile.
"Repel the beast!"
Chase roared in pain as the concentrated chi struck him and hard, sending him through his own maze until he struck the pot in the center, Dojo whimpering as the warrior was left utterly defeated. Victory claimed, their arena began to return to normal, Chase included, and the apprentices ran over to the monk as he took the spear from where he left it. Omi was ready to praise the other on such a magnificent win when the jungle cats that were clearly observing began to move. They were not pleased their master was defeated and in his defense will make sure that none would leave alive. They prepared for yet another fight and Jack, after draping his coat over the warrior, was ready to see the massacre happen when a hand raised to stop the cats' advance.
"I have accepted their wager and lost. They are free to go." Chase spat indignantly, allowing the monks to relax as the cats began to back away. Chase watched them critically, his eye strictly on Omi and Yugi before giving a modest bow, knowing that their paths will likely cross again. Omi did the same in agreement to such notion, knowing well that this won't be the only time they would see Chase. He was yet another enemy to face and clear that he was a harder foe to contend with in comparison to Jack and Wuya. They had to prepare and grow stronger unless they wish their fate to join those of the fallen that surround them passively. With their way out open, they began to leave, Dojo getting a pointed glare from Chase to make him scurry along as well.
It was quite a wonder to think of the dragon who was just about to be boiled down for soup to stay obediently in the pot he wished to escape from throughout the whole showdown. But no one bothered to question it as they were happy to be out of one harrowing predicament.
0
Outside, the apprentices gave their thanks to the monk for coming to their rescue as without him, who knows what would've happened to them at the state they were in. The power difference between them and Chase was like a ravine, too deep and wide for them to cross. This goes to prove they need to really buckle down on their training, to grow stronger and faster to be able to be of any challenge to the dark warrior. Guan nodded to them, smiling softly before looking down to Omi to thank him in particular. Without his words, he would've never regained the courage that he had lost when he was reliant on the spear he cherished so.
"It was never lost. It was just misplaced." Omi made to reply, gaining another smile before the monk passed the spear onto him. Knowing well that he did not need it, he wanted to bestow it on someone he trusted. Omi almost couldn't believe what he held in his hands and wanted to tell the monk that he was unworthy to hold something so valuable but the moment they all turned to where the monk once stood, he was gone. Yugi was disheartened at how fast the monk was to leave their presence, closing his eyes.
As a wanderer, they were likely to rarely see the monk again, leaving a piece of history still buried to him. /Little one...don't be ssso disappointed./ Valtyrion whispered, the male looking up as Raimundo cast the Silver Manta Ray out so they could return. /That despicable monk holds the memory of the battle that ruined my mastersss and buried them...but so do I. I had to watch them die...be powerlessss to stop him.../
/Then if I ask, will you tell me?/
/...I can't show all but what my mastersss will allow...we wish only for the most unbiased of decisionsss from you, dear light. A greater evil is on the rise and now the ball isss within your court. You have heard opinionsss from many but when thingsss are beyond your power, what will you do?/ At the shade's words, Yugi ran a hand through tri-colored tresses, moving to climb into the hovercraft when prompted. So much relied on him and the weight of such was beginning to drag his thoughts.
Wuya knew what power he wielded and how valuable a piece he was to awaken the primal darkness and so did Chase but it seems well he knew more than the Heylin witch. Likely in the case that he wasn't sealed within a puzzle box for 1500 years so he had more knowledge on the primal darkness, their abilities and their preferences. But it was without a doubt that to command the dark power that overshadowed all hinges on his cooperation. A sigh left him as he rested his head on the back on the seat, closing his eyes. The incoming headache was ready to pound on him like a hammer on an anvil and once they got back, he was going to sleep and think of his motives.
The master told him to be careful of his decisions since the Shadow of Fear incident. That it was his responsibility of where things will take him. Should he find worth in bringing back the primal darkness...then he was sure it would fall upon him to put them back to rest if they are any level of destructive as they once were even with him being the key to the rumored balance that had turned them to be the evil many thought them to be. 'With Chase now a problem and knowing what I am, perhaps I should take this into considerable thought. If...he fears them...then he knows not to cross them.'
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Zypher: And we finally step into the lair of the next big evil to come. Yugi has some major decisions to consider as balance will become a bigger play to everything.
