Twilight Rising
Chapter 22
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The musty, humid swamp was damp all around, peaceful and silent until it was disturbed by the pounding feet as Kimiko bolted ahead of the other apprentices. A lone tree sat in the center of the swamp and within it was the new Wu they were there to collect. The Mosaic Scale it was called but its purpose was highly summarized in the scrolls as something that caused mischief to the holder. Jack wasn't too far off, his army of bots behind him as he ran for the tree as well but his lack of physical endurance had him slower than the other who reached the base of the tree. Blue eyes glanced up, seeing the square Wu nestled in the branches and leaves. She had this in the bag.
Pulling out the Lotus Twister, Kimiko activated the Wu and easily reached for the Mosaic Scale with one arm, grinning victoriously until she felt herself go unbalanced. The girl gasped in horror as her arm canted back before springing forward, losing the Wu from her hand as she collapsed forward with a hard slam to the damp ground. The scale sailed through the air and Jack eagerly leapt into the tree, grasping the Wu and grinned proudly. The others arrived just in time to see the sight of Jack with the Wu in hand and Omi told the genius he was dancing the dance of happiness too soon before leaping forward.
Firm hits were placed onto the tree trunk, throwing enough reverberating force for the other to lose balance and fall to the ground hard. A groan left the redhead before raising his head enough to command his bots to attack the apprentices. "Looks like you'll need a bit of help." Yugi spoke, cracking his knuckles a little before bracing himself for his attack. A grin pulled across his lips as he leapt forward, showing off his growing dexterity as he swung the bots into each other, landing on another and gave a raspberry to the other two. They came in hot and Yugi waited for the right moment before giving an impressive backflip off the bot and landed behind the standing evil genius.
"Nice meeting you again~" Yugi teased as he swept into a low kick, making the redhead screech as he was thrown into the swamp, Mosaic Scale flying into the air which Raimundo leapt forward to catch. With the Wu in hand, Jack was plucked from the water, the boy fretting over his lavish and iconic hairstyle as he was towed away with Wuya shaking her head in disdain. She questioned how long she would have to stick around this useless deadweight. The witch felt she would have better chances hanging around Chase but the prickly warrior would be hard to coerce to follow her orders with his disillusioned views of needing no Wu to show power over the weak minded.
As they left, Kimiko groaned as Raimundo stood before her, grinning a bit as he teased her that going for a swim wasn't in the game plan though her irritation only seemed to grow as Omi began to question her tact in fetching the Wu. She was doing everything fine until her concentration broke and with it, her control on the Lotus Twister. "Will you just drop it, Omi?!" Kimiko finally groused to the smaller monk and he flinched before giving a nod and a hesitant ok to her wrath. Clay tried to defuse the mood, speaking that by the end of the day, they had to Mosaic Scale in their hands and not Jack's.
Yugi nodded in agreement to that notion, though he was worried for Kimiko. She was quite the spitfire and did lose her temper rather quick when things are stacked against her but this time, it seemed that the temper flared a bit quicker than normal. With a stretch, he followed after Raimundo and Clay, Omi trailing after him with the offer to forget that her blunder nearly cost them the Wu. "Anyone can make a mistake, after all." Omi went to mention though Kimiko was quick to get into his face and yell that she was one to never make a mistake, making Yugi jump at the furious tone while Omi landed on his rear in surprise.
"Hey guys, that was quick! How'd it go?" Dojo asked as he slithered towards them only to flinch as she snapped at him too. Man, what had happened, the dragon wondered. All he asked was how it went, he didn't expect to get his head bitten off for it. Climbing aboard the dragon, they were off back to the temple but as they left, one other watched their departure. Reptilian eyes watched the dragon but his focus was clearly on two. The young Omi was showing great potential but it was being squander as he went against the forces of evil. On the other hand, Yugi was growing stronger physically as well as mentally. Both factors that the primal darkness was sure to be looking forward to.
But he was still weak and so was his element. The temple was doing little to help enhance it to the specifics that the darkness needed. If he was under his tutelage, Chase would make sure the light grew to the levels it should've been by now, even as an apprentice. If this worked as he planned, then the primal darkness would see him as an ally and not an enemy. But there was still the matter of convincing the boy and that alone was harder than any task he had accomplished before with relative ease. And that stubborn shade was yet another obstacle.
A hum left the dark warrior before he and his feline warrior had left the swamp to return to his lair.
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Jack pondered as he stood before the lair of the dark warrior, hands pressed on the stone wall in hopes to find a secret switch or loose panel that would allow him entry. He was sure Chase had changed the method in entering his lair to fool him but he was determined. Sneaking away from Wuya to see Chase was a chore but if he could get any sort of approval from his idol, he'll take it. "What are you doing?" A voice sneered from behind, scaring the redhead right out of his skin, turning to see Wuya there and growled that he absolutely HATED when she did that. "Would you prefer I do this then?" Wuya snapped as she passed through his skull, making the genius shiver in disgust.
Oh...he hated that even more. Wuya passing through any point of his body felt slimy and disgusting and he rather it be a personality trait for himself than a feeling to course through his blood. Shaking the eerie feeling she gave, Jack returned to searching for a way in, causing Wuya to growl. Jack was like a lost puppy, hounding after Chase like he was his owner. The other wanted nothing to do with such a useless fool and yet Jack kept going back expecting the warrior would change his mind. The witch even went to say this but was easily rebuffed by the evil genius if she was getting jealous of Chase.
...she wasn't jealous at all! She's just tired of watching Jack act like a lovestruck girl! "...what makes him so special anyway?" Wuya uttered in slight embarrassment, making Jack grin. Score one for Jack. Sliding a hand over the gritty stone wall and finally finding a spot that pushed in, he told her that he was a great master of Tai Chi and if he was going to be the best and overcome the monks and their growing skills, he had to learn from the best. Turning back to the wall, red eyes caught the angle that the door was about to land and yelped as he flung himself out the way as it landed like a drawbridge, showing the inner sanctum of the lair and within, Chase glaring at the entryway.
"And what brings you here this time?" The warrior demanded, scratching behind the tiger's ear as Jack peered around the corner of the doorway. He gave a weak wave as he went to step inside, suggesting perhaps they could hang out, maybe bond over evil schemes and interests. Chase stroked his chin in thought. If he didn't have an image to uphold, perhaps the offer would be something to consider. But alas, as a powerful warrior of the dark arts, to be friendly with common riffraff would spoil his image. Turning his back on the evil genius, he went to dismiss him as a bother, telling him that his cats would escort him out.
Jack's adam's apple bobbed within a pale throat as two tigers came from the shadows, circling around him like the hungry felines they were, watching the stringy boy as he sweats under their calculating gaze. So to defuse the situation at the first offer, Jack went to ask if the other had considered teaming up with him and Chase sneered. Once more, an offer he could take but would ruin his image if he allowed it so quickly. The genius had charm, he was wise enough to admit it, but with the position he held, Chase couldn't just let anyone join forces without proving it. Thus, Chase brought once more to the table if Jack wishes for an alliance with him, he will have to bring something that was of value to him and to be fair, only two things were valuable over paltry Shen Gong Wu.
Wuya groaned before fluttering off, part in disgust and part in jealousy. Jack was trying much too hard to gain Chase's favor and she would have no part of it. Pleased that he still had the option of an alliance, Jack began to tap his chin in thought. Now what to get a superior super genius that already has everything he could ask for...
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As night fell upon the temple, Kimiko's temper finally petered off to a mild steaming of the events obtaining the Mosaic Scale. With her thoughts cleared, she knew well she had screwed up royally but didn't want to admit it in front of everyone. Even Yugi performed better than her and he was still on the cusp of improving his physical abilities to handle hazards and not be a beacon of backlining support with his firelights. So there she stood within the vault, looking to the Wu that was the cause of her irate mood. It was so simple in shape and there was really no knowledge of what it was capable of and the master forbade them from trying. Just looking at it reminded her of her blunder and she groaned, promising that she would never make such a mistake again.
"Kimiko! Are you down there?!" The sudden voice startled the girl, causing the Wu to slip from her fingers and to the bottom of the vault. A gasp left her as the voice called for her again, her steps fleeting as she ran down, hearing the loud snap of the Wu impacting the ground. The girl could only look to the two halves sitting innocently on the ground, horrified for what she has done. Wringing her hands, Kimiko knelt down to grasp the two halves of the Mosaic Scale, looking up to tell Clay that things were alright and she'd be up soon. When the cowboy left, her gaze turned back to the broken Wu. The master would have her scrubbing the temple floors with a toothbrush until she was old and gray for this. They all usually thought powerful, magical items were rather resilient but this one proved her dead wrong.
Kimiko knew she couldn't place it back into the vault like this. It would be found and being the only one there at this time of night would out her so fast. "I have to hide it..." she mumbled to herself, tucking the pieces against her chest as she ran out the vault and towards the sleeping quarters. No one was around, that was good. Blue eyes scanned the room just to be sure before making her way in, moving towards the rug where she would tuck the Wu away temporarily until she could manage a way to repair it. But as she did so, the curtain covering one of the sleeping areas was pulled opened a bit, Yugi peering out to ask if she wished to join them for a few rounds of Texas Hold'em. Like a frightened animal, the poor girl had leapt from her spot in fear, hiding the Wu behind her back and nodded quickly. "I'll be right there! Just let me put something away!" Yugi tilted his head curiously as she excused herself but spoke no more as he ducked back in to see Omi trying to offer some easy meditation techniques to curb her "stinky mood".
Clay clapped a hand over his mouth, Yugi shaking his head as a warning for him to not arouse that anger again. They just wanted a peaceful game of cards, with mild betting on chores and food privileges, and hope to lighten Kimiko's mood without mentioning what happened earlier that day. Kimiko crept into Clay's room, looking back to be sure that none of the boys followed and opened the chest that was there. It was just temporary, she thought, slipping the Wu inside and closed the lid. Perhaps if she could find some tape or glue, she could repair the Scale, put it back and no one would be wiser to know it was broken in the first place. Resolute with her decision, Kimiko got up and went to join the others in their game, just missing the slow rattle of the chest as a malevolent presence began to emerge.
The games went on late, Yugi winning quite easily much to Raimundo's stubbornness in trying to one up the other, before it was time to retire. "Alright, see you guys in the morning." Yugi spoke as he left to head back to his room while the others headed into their separate rooms to settle in. /Little oneeee...I implore you to be careful.../ Valtyrion whispered as Yugi changed out of his robe and into his pajamas. He blinked at the shade's warning before asking what was wrong. Something felt off around the temple was the whisper of the shade, something awakening and filled with malicious intent with its gained freedom.
/Should I stay up then? Keep an eye out?/ he asked as he went to lay on the futon before seeing a pool of shadows on his stomach with a red eye peeking out from it. If it wasn't for the fact that he knew it was the shade, that would be an image to haunt him for some time. /You need your ressst, little one. I will protect you./ Yugi nodded to the shade's words, yawning softly before bidding the creature goodnight as he laid down. As the boy drifted into a peaceful slumber, a dark circle slowly etched itself around the futon. A protection ward that was fairly weak but will serve its purpose to keep the presence at bay though Yugi wasn't the target of it but another. That one in question was fast asleep, soft snores passing his lips with his head pillowed against the saddle that decorated his room. Within the chest that it was propped again, a skittering of tiny claws scratched at the innards of the Mosaic Scale before a tiny brown earwig ambled out from it. But unlike any earwig, this one was magical and mischievous. A glance around its dark surroundings gave it insight of its place but the heat of a willing host laid right outside. Climbing the wall of the chest and emerging from it had beady black eyes looking down to the blonde that rested oh so peacefully.
A crooked grin crossed its furry face before it scaled down the chest and over the boy's shoulder, slowly burying away into his ear. Clay shifted and groaned as the creature dug through, finding passage deep into the boy's skull and soon nested right where it wanted to be, its devious spell weaving through the body. One inhale and the body was claimed, the vibrant sky blue now an encompassing black as the creature in command of Clay's form went to sit up. "It's good to be alive once more." A voice distorted spoke from Clay's lips, standing and leaving the room to head outside. A quick jump and pull onto the roof to one of the temple buildings had the creature glare out into the world it had been absent from. So much has changed but it did not matter as this time, no forces will be able to stop it from its mischief and one other task that would require the cowboy's bulk to assist.
After all, when the Mosaic Scale activates, it won't be long before its sister Wu comes into play and he needed both to obtain the power it sought for after so long.
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The next moment was filled with merriment as the apprentices decided to mix play with training, leaping with grace and agility through the verdant branches of the nearby forest in a game of cat and mouse. Kimiko was ahead of the boys, teasing them that they couldn't catch her as she moved fluidly through the trees. Yugi was close behind, panting with joy as he kept up the pace of the others along with balance and strength to make the jumps to follow. His training was growing with leaps and bounds, ironically enough to their current game, and he was extremely proud of it. There was still so much to polish but to be able to make the maneuvers he had thus far was enough growth to show he was making some gains with the strict training and use of Wu they have done.
Kimiko sighed as she landed on a branch on light feet, humming a little as she went to look back to find that they were short one person. Now where could Clay have gone? Her answer was met in a way she wasn't expecting, the branch underneath her feet dragged down before being released, flinging her from the branch like a coiled spring and over the heads of the other three. "Kimiko!" Raimundo called but she landed on her feet easily, glaring towards Clay who was the unlikely culprit. She'd expect such devious behavior from Raimundo, but him? And for Raimundo himself to jump in first to ask what gives in the cowboy's sudden behavior was met with a childish rebuttal that was as accurate as it sounded.
The branch shook under his foot before it snapped, causing the Brazilian to fall with a screech and Kimiko had no time to move herself before the heavier form landed on top of her. "Ah shit...sorry." Raimundo groaned. Omi was next to run over concerned for the two fallen but just like Raimundo, a branch cracked under his weight and sent him on top of the pile of apprentices that groaned from pain. Yugi watched everything unfold before turning his gaze to Clay who snickered rather wickedly for someone so good-natured, a saw in hand that showed the branches didn't break on their own but was sawed enough that enough weight would have them break beneath them.
The smaller male was about to call towards them when he felt the trunk under his hand quiver and looked down, seeing Clay sawing now at the tree that held him. Unable to react quick enough, Yugi yelped as the cowboy made quick work of it, clinging to the trunk of the as it lumbered over towards the rest. Drowning in leaves, the four quickly popped up from the collapsed tree, luckily unharmed but obviously concerned with Clay. This wasn't anything remotely close to the youthful roughhousing they were familiar with. This was trickster behavior, plain and simple. And to add on quite dangerous as any of them could have sprained or broken something thanks to the other's tomfoolery. Clay chuckled as he stepped over to them, stating that he had to go but would love to do it again sometime.
They watched as the other left before Yugi drummed his fingers on the ground as he looked to the others. "Do you guys get the feeling that Clay is acting strange. This isn't normal for him...unless he is taking a page out of Raimundo's book in the case of funny pranks." Raimundo shot a glare at the violet-eyed male but aside from that, he had to agree, even if this wasn't his style when it came to pranks. Pranks from him were pantsing Omi or pouring hot sauce into the rice porridge before serving. Cutting down branches then a whole tree? That was going much too far even for him. Deciding for now it wasn't any worth to ponder it, they dusted themselves off and headed back for the temple.
Fun and games were over.
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Night fell over the temples and the grounds were quiet as the apprentices spread out to do their own thing. But one in all his mischievous glory was up to something a little more profound. Deep in the vault, a burlap sack sat at Clay's feet, stuffed with Wu and more was being shoved into it. Unaware to the others, Jack had snuck onto the grounds himself to commit the same deed so it was to his sudden shock that Clay was there reaping the rewards he was aiming for. Red eyes shifted between the sack and Clay before raising his hands in slight surrender. "I wasn't here to swipe your Wu." he stated hurriedly but the cowboy huffed, shoving another into the sack. "What's stopping you?" Clay questioned.
This left the evil genius baffled...but intrigued. This was a side he didn't expect of Clay at all. But this could prove to be quite beneficial. An apprentice switching to the side of evil? This beats Raimundo by a long shot! Collecting more of the Wu, Clay glanced back to the redhead with a wicked smirk. As they were in leagues with each other but for different reasons, Clay made an offer to the genius. Find him the Monarch Wings and he'll make it worth his while with the Wu from the vault. There was no way Jack could pass up such an offer thrown into his lap with someone on the inside. Throwing a hand out to shake, the other was left to shudder violently as he was given a wet willy instead of a handshake, squealing petulantly as the saliva got in places that he did NOT like.
Recovering with a glare to the other, they cleaned out the rest of the vault before heading out but upon stepping out, they were confronted with the others, Yugi having his arms crossed over his chest as his eyes narrowed to the sight before him. He couldn't shake the feeling of what happened with Clay, especially after the warning Valtyrion gave him. This just proves it as he stood side by side with Jack. His voice was rather cold for a change as he inquired why he was with Jack but the redhead spoke in Clay's favor, saying that they had created a "super" evil alliance. This was the last thing anyone wanted to hear and Omi stepped forward.
The small monk didn't want to hurt his friend but knew if this is to continue the way it was going, he'd have to. Clay rolled his shoulders, grinning softly before shooting forward, grasping the waistband of Omi's pants. To Yugi's horror, who didn't react fast enough, watched as the material was brought down, covering his eyes out of modesty before hearing the pained cry of the boy as he was lifted in the iron grip and tossed into the wall. The cry of Omi's name had Yugi rushing forward. The time for pleasantries is over. The petite male leapt forward, landing on his hands before pivoting on his hand to throw a roundhouse kick towards. His foot was grasped in a strong hand before he was lifted and thrown into Omi, head hitting the wall hard as his body collapsed on the smaller monk. Yugi raised a hand to the back of his head, glad that he didn't get a concussion.
Both groaned and this made Raimundo and Kimiko move next, both grabbing at his arms to attempt to bring the larger body down. Their willowy forms did little to slow him down and a grin pulled across the cowboy's face before he swung his arms forward, relishing the sound of impact. With them dazed made it easy for Clay to launch the two into the others, Yugi hissing in pain as he felt an elbow dig hard into his stomach. This alarmed Valtyrion who stirred to its host in pain, Jack laughing. Clay has suddenly got quite an insane streak and he loved it! Perhaps bringing this wild card with him will be worth it. With nothing else to do and the vault wiped clean, the two had left and it was there that the master found them. Pained violets looked to the master before telling him of what they had witnessed, of Clay's change in moods and the raid of the vault. Fung ran a hand over his chin in contemplation, this sparking a gleam of worry in his eyes before getting them up and ushered them inside to see the damage. Receptacles pulled out and emptied met their eye and Dojo gave a dismissive sigh, questioning that they were being raided one too many times and should invest in a better locking system to prevent this in the future. Otherwise the battle of good and evil will be very one-sided.
But with the dragon concerned about that, Fung was worried about something more, checking the shelf that should've held the Mosaic Scale and saw nothing. Yugi, worried about the grim look, asked what was wrong and they were told of the Wu going missing. The Mosaic Scale was unpredictable, a source of causing mischief when in the wrong hands and hearing this had Kimiko swallow in guilt, remembering that the broken Wu had been her responsibility and she hadn't come clean about it to anyone. Rubbing her arm, she stepped forward. "They didn't take it, master...I did." she whispered and they all glanced towards her, appalled at her admittance before explaining her story.
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At the lair of one Chase Young, Jack with his new protégé stood before the closed entryway leading into the warrior's lair. The evil genius had the offering, had a partner to work with, hopefully all this evil will be enough to continue to be a good but evil presence in the eye of the other. He needed this, he really did! Wuya just wasn't cutting it anymore and if you can fit in with Chase, the evil organization will bow down to his feet! The warrior in question could feel the ooze of simpering respect from outside and rolled his eyes. The boy could be useful but the clinginess had to be halted one way or another before it impeded his work in progress. "What do you want now?" The warrior groused, powerful voice shaking the redhead to the core. Jack swallowed as he looked between the bag then Clay before offering that he had something that the warrior would like. There was a brief pause as Chase contemplated the thought before deciding it was best to humor the little gnat for a bit. The door swung open, Jack yelping as he dove out the way only to find that the door was as finicky as the person to lay inside the mountain. As such, it decided to take on a different approach in opening that nearly squashed the poor male into the wall. The redhead let out a slow breath of once more avoiding death, making a note to beg for an easier way to access audience with Chase that didn't involve playing musical doors.
Stepping inside with the monk, red eyes took a good look around the lair. This was infinitely different compared to what he saw before. Tranquil, serene...totally evil. Give someone a sense of peace before tearing into them verbally or physically. Total evil ploy and he was loving it. Chase stood upon the grand staircase, looking down to the two in question, a brow arched when he spotted the heavy-set cowboy standing beside the teen genius. This was intriguing but the very same, there was an odorous presence that came from him as well. Something inhuman...
Taking a moment to demand the reason for his presence this time, Jack bowed low before holding out the bag of Wu he swiped from the Xiaolin Temple, hoping that the items would appease him. Chase sneered, nose wrinkling to the sight before asking if he had remembered that such measly items were not worth his time. To depend on Wu only shows that you are too weak to handle a problem on your own. Jack slapped his forehead, the thought clicking back into place around the swell of admiration to once more be in Chase's presence, tossing the bag to the side before pulling Clay to his side. "Well how about him?! One monk to do your every command! He's pretty wicked too! Didn't think he had that side to him in that ol' Texas head of his." Jack offered thought Clay dropped the friendly arm from around his shoulders, taking to instead going behind the other and reached down to grip hard at the evil genius' underwear. Tears came quick to the teen's eyes, a high-pitched squeal escaping him as the garment was tugged tight over places it shouldn't before he was dropped to incite further pain on top of it. "S-see what I mean..." he wheezed while the cowboy chuckled at the choice of underwear.
...In his defense, the stupid laundry-bot decided to mix his reds with his whites!
Crossing his arms as two of his jungle cats stepped up beside him, Chase looked to the other closely. That odor...it was strongest now and it made him sick. Mischief, the pettiest of evils, radiated strong from this monk. Glancing deep into the other's gaze finally had him see just what the true cause of the monk's change in attitude was. "You simpering mutt, he isn't evil. He is being possessed." Chase spoke as he stepped back from the snickering monk. Jack scratched his head. Evil, possessed, they were one in the same he assumed but Chase huffed as he turned from the elemental warrior, taking a few steps from him. One can only be truly evil when one chooses its path the dark warrior told the redhead.
For Clay, he didn't make the choice on his own to follow the path of evil therefore he was useless to him. Knowing well of the creature that was currently making home in Clay's body, the warrior grinned as he asked how long it was since they last crossed paths. Sibini chuckled, mentioning that it had been at least 1,001 years...alas who was really counting. Jack looked between the two chatting like they were old friends, wondering just how he can fit into that picture as well. But with a wave of the hand, the warrior dismissed the two. He expected better but until Jack proved himself worthy, he was slowly growing useless with each visit. A real shame, the jungle cats do seem fond of him though saying "fond" was being nice about it. Chase was sure the cats just want a plaything in which they can chew on who squeaks like an adorable mouse.
There was time still. Perhaps the little genius will find a way to surprise him with that brain of his but until that moment comes to pass, Chase had more important things to focus on. Those things being one little round monk and the other the warrior of light.
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Holding the scroll in hand, the monks listened closely to the master as he began to explain the real purpose behind the Mosaic Scale. Within its hollow shell was the mischievous spirit known as Sibini. Said spirit to keep it from causing mass havoc upon the world was sealed with the scale but once it was broken, the spirit was allowed to be freed once more. Kimiko wrung her hands, completely disappointed in herself of what she caused for not knowing of the spirit inside. Tears came to her eyes as she apologized once more for her actions, explaining that when the scale was broken, she hid it in Clay's room which left him to be possessed by the evil creature. Fung smiled warmly as he stepped over to her and rested a hand on her head fondly.
"Making a mistake is not a show of weakness, Kimiko. Not admitting to your mistake is the true weakness." he spoke wisely and she smiled, wiping her tears away, calmed by the elder's words. Truly, she was happy that the master wasn't as mad as she expected him to be. Wu were resilient when not hit with a stronger magical force and to break one would be a grave error when anything could happen to unstable magic. Yugi smiled as well before looking towards Dojo, asking if there was anything that Sibini would be looking for that required him to have a host to possess. The dragon gave a nod as he mentioned of the Monarch Wings, a sister Shen Gong Wu to the Mosaic Scale that is known to reveal closely after the Scale was. "Alone, they are hardly powerful but together, they would unleash a power greater than anyone could imagine. If Sibini claims Monarch Wings and combines them with the Mosaic Scale, he would need no host and become invincible." Fung explained and the thought of such horror had a stab of dread crawl up Kimiko's spine. No...this couldn't happen. They knew what they had to do and they needed to do so quickly. Before they could leave, they were given a warning.
For as long as the spirit inhabits Clay, the stronger it gets. They had to exercise caution if they were to fight him. They nodded, Kimiko making the silent promise that one way or another, she will fix her mistake and apologize profusely to Clay once his mind was rightfully his again. Yugi looked underfoot and a ripple of his shadows made him nod. Valtyrion was on board to assist him if he called for the shade and they were soon off to locate Clay and Sibini. Outside, they planned their course of action on how they would go about finding the two. Raimundo will head north while Omi went south. Kimiko would venture east to west until she felt a hand land on her shoulder.
"Let me come with you, Kimiko. Two pairs of eyes will help scour both directions." Yugi spoke and she smiled, thanking him and took on his offer as Dojo grew in size to accommodate the two. They leapt on and they were off and Raimundo wasn't far off from doing the same. Golden Tiger Claws in hand, Omi was gone in an instant himself, thus beginning the scavenger hunt in search of Clay and Sibini.
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The small monk was the first to land in a vast grassland, black eyes glancing around momentarily before he began to call for the earth monk. Roaming in circles left him unaware of the presence that suddenly appeared before him and nearly ran into the legs of the dark warrior before making to jump back. Poised for attack, the monk growled that Chase had found trouble if he was looking for it but the warrior only gave a wry smirk, knowing that there was no reason for hostility. At least not for this particular moment. Two staffs were in hand as he spoke to Omi of how the Monarch Wings were close to revealing themselves and with such knowledge, they would be in for a harsh fight against Sibini as long as he possessed Clay.
Tossing one towards Omi, the monk was quick to make his assault towards the other but with each swing, it was effectively blocked by the dark warrior. Chase spoke evenly that in order to expel the spirit from Clay, they would have to tire the body. The smaller monk didn't want to listen to any advice the other had but if he knew of Sibini and a means to defeat him...it would help them in the long run before they ran headfirst into an unsolvable situation. Omi will also admit, the other's skills were impeccable. Likely years and years of training honed them. "A shame that you fight for the wrong side." Omi commented as he gave an overhead swing only to have it soundly stopped as Chase smirked.
"I would say the same of you and one other." Chase murmured, watching the monk as he leapt up and rolled the staff in hand before catching the other by the hem of his pants. A mocking motion that was met as Chase slammed the smaller monk on the ground, whispering that though they fought for opposing sides, the warrior could still teach him a thing or two. Dust flew and Omi coughed, trying to avoid wheezing and showing just how much the attack hurt. Chase was strong, that was indeed a fact, but Omi trusted in his own skills and one way or another, he will find a way to beat Chase. Grasping the staff in hand, the monk turned to rush at the other as Chase continued to speak as if the fight itself was of little concern to the little effort it took to subdue the smaller monk. That to fight wasn't based on who was the strongest opponent but who had the strongest will.
"Monkey Strike!"
But to his surprise and alarm...
"Repulse the Monkey!"
...Omi found himself flung overhead as Chase countered his strike, crossing their weapons that put the strength of his strike against him. When one fights someone stronger than themselves, they must use their opponent's strength against him. Covered in dirt and stains, the monk huffed with heavy breaths. He had nothing to say as his mind tried to process the things that Chase was doing. Why was the other bothering with a lesson? This would be a prime opportunity to be rid of him if he chose to do so. So why...
A hand was held to him and his head raised to look into the reptilian gaze of the other. "Why are you teaching me your tricks..." Omi muttered, taking the proffered hand and was lifted onto his feet. To teach leads to learning, Chase replied, and that was all Omi was left to mull about as the call of his name had him look above, seeing Dojo circling there. When he turned back to where Chase stood, the other was gone just as mysteriously as he appeared. The dragon landed, telling the small monk that they had to get moving as the Monarch Wings had revealed themselves not even moments after they parted ways but for Yugi, he was curious at the disheveled state of the monk.
"Are you alright, Omi?"
Omi looked towards Yugi, giving a short nod and put the matter behind him for now, moving over to the dragon to jump aboard and the moment he was settled in place, Dojo was off for the location of the Monarch Wings. Time passed but the travel was quick, finding themselves landing in a geyser park where the Wu was located. They all made to hop off with their goal in mind but as anyone would expect, they weren't alone. From another corner of the very same, the possessed monk walked with Jack trailing behind him. The evil genius hadn't liked being unceremoniously forced to up and leave when told to upon the wings' reveal but the reminder that he was dealing with an ancient spirit possessing a body two times stronger than him, Jack knew better when to just fold and do as he was told to.
The spirit was hard-pressed to find the wings it sought for after so long and wouldn't let anything get in its way if it can help it. Yugi had nearly walked past the sight of them if the familiar ten-gallon hat didn't catch his eyes, causing him to stumble back behind a rocky outcropping and calling the others over to his side. "There he is." The violet-eyed male whispered and they nodded. This was their only chance now to deal with Sibini and Omi was the first to call out the spirit by name to catch its attention. Surprised to see that they had followed, Sibini gave a slight growl as it found itself surrounded, Omi's wily expletives mildly misconstrued and corrected while Kimiko looked on sadly.
She hated the idea of having to fight her hardest against a friend but with the spirit taking him over, they had to in order to drive it out. With that fact burned into her thoughts, she made the first move, leaping for Clay to execute her attack, allowing her element to assist her. But it wasn't enough. Never enough. Kimiko was tossed aside easily and Raimundo was quick to join her, trying to bring Clay off his feet by the use of his Typhoon Boom powered with his wind element. Oh how he thought it would work except the part when the spirit powered through the harsh gales only to throw Raimundo's own body into it, sending the Brazilian sailing through the wind tunnel and hitting the cliffside with a hard groan.
Yugi and Omi watched as the two were felled before turning to each other. A mutual nod met their gaze and went to strike next. Waters from the running geysers began to bend and shift to the water dragon's power, Omi glaring at the spirit to inhabit his friend before sending the rushing water towards him in a mighty Tornado Strike strengthened by the element. Clay wouldn't be able to stand on his feet from that, not even when possessed, that is to say that would be the case if the spirit didn't have a trick of its own up its sleeve. The firelights blinked in one after the other as Yugi prepared to send them for the possessed warrior when his eye caught the reflective glint of the Reversing Mirror in Clay's hand. A gasp was soon drowned out in the literal sense as Sibini reflected the water back at them, sweeping them away including Kimiko and Raimundo, Yugi's attack fizzling out like a candle once carried away by the current. Soaked, defeated and disgruntled, the warriors could only glance towards their possessed friend as he chuckled mockingly. How foolish they were to think they had any shot of stopping it. Now Sibini could go find the Monarch Wings in peac-
"Finally, super evil genius Jack Spicer has finally found the perfect evil partner." Right. The spirit forgot about their persistent little gnat that followed it thinking that he was in control of it and everything they had done thus far. Best to rectify that smarmy mouth of his. Within Jack's mind, the spirit had moxie, the redhead will admit. Working together will prove to be rather beneficial with this character on his side. And best yet, he had the muscle of the earth dragon which is even better! "Tangle Web Comb!" Jack yelped in horror as the binding teeth of the comb coiled around him, looking to the spirit in betrayal before he fell after he was tipped off balance. Sibini tucked the Wu away as the other whined that this was unfair.
Sibini only glanced to him with those beady black eyes, inquiring just how long Jack thought it would need such a simpering partner like him. Jack gaped at the possessed cowboy and growled, bucking and wriggling in the too tight binds of the comb's teeth as the spirit scrounged the area until a gleam caught his gaze. There they were...the Monarch Wings. Stepping over to the Wu to scoop them up, the spirit within the cowboy tipped his hat mockingly. The spirit got what it needed, now it was time to become all powerful as it should've been a thousand years ago. But a kick knocked the wings from his hands and growled, rounding on Yugi who had done so and tossed him to the ground hard.
He whimpered but knew they couldn't stop fighting. Doing so will only mean that Sibini won and who knows what the spirit would be capable of if allowed to combine the Mosaic Scale and Monarch Wings. Raimundo charged in, trying his hand to once again stop the other but was met with the same result. No matter what they did, it all seemed impossible. How were they exactly going to stop such a creature that puppeted Clay's body like a champ. The mere thought turned the gears in Omi's head, the lesson Chase had taught him pushing to the front of his mind. The battle wasn't won by being the strongest opponent...but by using one's strength against them. If they couldn't beat Sibini head on and tire Clay out, then another means would have to be used and only Omi knew what he must do. Moving to stand before the other, the two glared at each other fiercely before Clay made the first move, charging towards the smaller monk but to his shock, Omi easily threw his weight like it was nothing. The body landed painfully, the spirit inside giving a sharp groan as he moved to stand once more. Amazed that Omi had an edge over the possessed body had Yugi clapping, knowing that Clay was in good hands from here.
The shade huffed petulantly, knowing it too was capable of dealing with such a weak spirit. Sibini was nothing compared to Valtyrion alas, Yugi didn't want it actively fighting alongside him so often in fear that it would fall into the wrong hands. The shade must reassure the petite male that no such thing could ever happen. If one could never get its masters to obey, then the shade was no less different. It will never listen to anyone but Yugi until its masters return to life. Until then, however, this show must go on. Tired of such games, Sibini in Clay's body ran for the smaller monk once more, ready to be done with him. He felt to land on the male with a heavy body slam, expecting to at least break something that will throw off the tiny monk's game for a few weeks...and instead was met with a hard kick to the abdomen, sending it and the body flying with it to the ground. This time, the pained groan sounded natural, like the classic Clay they knew and loved and accomplished to such a task, Omi had demanded for Sibini to leave the tired body. With the body indeed useless for being tuckered out, Sibini left Clay the same way it entered, sending a glare towards the smaller monk in anger.
It would not be trifled with! Seeing as the littlest warrior proved to be an interesting foe, it went after him, Yugi crying out as he saw the spirit aiming for Omi. if Sibini got into Omi's head, things would be catastrophic. /Valtyrion!/ The shade perked to its name and was ready to do his bidding when the small but monstrous earwig yelped as it tried to invade Omi's body and mind but was flicked aside like a common insect to hit the trunk of a tree. The others ran over, alarmed but Omi grinned, digging into his ears to reveal ear plugs. "One can never be too careful when dealing with a monstrous earwig." he said and Yugi chuckled. He certainly wasn't wrong in that regard and a good thing too. He didn't even want to begin how much of a fight it would take to bring Omi to his knees. With all said and done now and Sibini hardly a threat with no body to use, they began to move along to find where the Monarch Wings had been dropped. As they did, Yugi had to ask the smaller monk where he had learned Repulse the Monkey. That move in particular was new to Omi's skill set compared to his infamous Monkey Strike.
The monk chuckled warmly, replying to the other that it had been something he picked up on along the way, a sweep of cold chilling his form as he glanced back to a towering waterfall, seeing a figure shrouded in shadow standing at the very crest of the falls. The acknowledgement of his presence made Chase smirk slightly before he was gone as silent as he appeared, Valtyrion shuddering with a slight growl but said nothing to what brought on such fury. Oh, it really hated that dark warrior and his ever-watching gaze. It simply refused to let him get his grimy hands on Yugi and use his light. Sibini, the persistent little thing, didn't stay down for long. Since it couldn't get a body to use to do its bidding, it would take matters into its own little claws. The mischievous spirit scurried across the barren ground, catching the Brazilian's eye and he gasped, calling to the others that it was making a swipe for the Monarch Wings again. But Sibini wasn't alone as their forgotten opponent tried to get at them as well. "The Monarch Wings are mine!" Jack groused, finally inching his body towards the Wu to grasp in his mouth.
These monks were absolutely stupid to think they could count him out-what was fuzzy on his face? Red eyes crossed to his nose, seeing the big brown form of Sibini there and a flashback of a huge tarantula landing on his face when he was younger had him scream like a child, leaping from the wings and right out of the gripping web of the comb to run away. He was disgusting and evil, sure, but that...THAT was unacceptable! Sibini gave a barely audible laugh at Jack's expense, landing on the wings but Kimiko didn't allow it to be the one to claim them as her hand shot out to grab them as well.
Her eyes narrowed to the vicious spirit that had been such a problem since she had broken the Mosaic Scale. This was her fight now and she will be sure to rectify her mistake and seal Sibini away no matter what it took. Yugi watched as she pulled the Eye of Dashi out as her wager against the forgotten Tangle Web Comb, issuing the challenge of grabbing the wings and escaping the ring of geysers as their showdown. Sibini grinned as it accepted the challenge and wagers set, the magic of the showdown changed the terrain around them. Yugi covered his face as harsh gales blew around them, ruffling hair and clothes before all was left was the sound of rushing waters.
/Look, little one. It'sss about to begin./ Valtyrion whispered as it emerged from his shoulder to watch, Yugi bringing his head up to the beauty that the field became. Winding, angled paths of waters were made from the waterfalls around, geysers shooting up to impede their paths in places once in a while as their only obstacle. On a small patch of land did Kimiko stand beside the spirit and it was only a momentary glance as the spirit grew in size, looking down to the small female that challenged it. She gritted her teeth and her fists as she looked to the monstrous earwig that stood a few heads taller than her.
No matter its size, she will not allow Sibini to win.
"Gong Yi Tan Pai!"
As the call rang through the air, Sibini was already on the move, its long limbs providing it ease to jump up and scale the levels with ease to search for the wings. Kimiko let out a breath before she followed after the monster, Yugi's gaze following her every move. He prayed to whatever god he could that she would make it out unharmed, so far seeing nothing ready to impede her progress. But that relief came far too early as the geysers became sentient, the steaming currents attacking like hungry serpents at her feet and nearly costing Kimiko her footing on the platforms as she jumped from each one. If she wasn't careful, she would meet quite an end to the waters below. Sibini itself chuckled in amusement before black eyes caught sight of the Monarch Wings fluttering in plain sight. Finally, the wings would belong to it and went to leap for them only for a geyser to grab them in its swirling torrents, tossing them far before the spirit could get to it. A growl left the monster as Kimiko saw them. This was her chance now! They were within her grasp and if she could get to them...
Her arm reached for the Wu, ready to claim it when the entangling teeth of the comb caught her wrist, making her cry out in horror before the rest of the comb caught the rest of her form. Her gaze turned and caught Sibini down on a lower platform, wicked expression pulled into a grin as it held the comb, two more geysers coming to life right behind it and ready to attack. The fire warrior knew this would not bode well if she let it connect but in her favor, her free arm held the Eye of Dashi and with its quick use of lightning to shock the comb's teeth to release her, Kimiko leapt from the watery platform to escape. The cheering from below was but a mere comfort, Yugi relieved the most from the other two but worried now of how she would reach the wings. Sibini was a crafty one and would certainly make use of many tricks in order to get the upper hand from here. Then, the worst had come as his eyes widened. A claw grasped the Monarch Wings while Kimiko was recovering, Sibini grinning wide as it held the Wu in hand and in response to the power trying to form, the Mosaic Scale that was on Kimiko's person floated from her tunic and up to the monster that was ready to claim the power it rightfully deserved.
The master's words came back to mind as she watched the monster let the two Wu merge together, the golden shine of its power nearly blinding all present. The time was here! It was finally here! All Sibini had to do now was claim what rightfully belonged to it, shrinking in size to leap into the opened Mosaic Scale to bound itself to a new form. Kimiko whimpered as the Wu closed but knew she couldn't allow it to end there. "I know I've made a mistake before...but that doesn't mean I can't fix it!" Raising the Eye of Dashi towards the combining Wu, she made a combination of her own, using her element with the lightning energies of the Wu to create a powerful mesh of fire and lightning to encase the Mosaic Scale. The light intensified as heat filled the air with a static charge, Raimundo absolutely floored to the sight that was barely seen. Kimiko was trapping Sibini back inside the Mosaic Scale and the spirit bemoaned at the thought of such, physical body dispersing as the seam of the Wu was sealed for good.
No longer will it be able to trouble the world as the Wu was fully sealed, dropping harmlessly to the ground and the showdown came to an end. Kimiko breathed a sigh of relief as she landed on the bank, her blue gaze catching the large form of Clay finally waking and lifting himself slowly to his feet. Yugi ran over, catching her in a surprising hug as he breathed his relief that she had made it through the showdown unharmed and Sibini was gone for good. "You had me seriously worried, Kimiko." Yugi murmured as she pulled back to look at the combined Mosaic Scale and Monarch Wings. For something that was legitimately dangerous, it looked so harmless now. Omi praised her for her redemption of her mistake and she smiled, finding peace towards the comment rather than anger. Redemption is just what she needed and wouldn't have it any other way now that the spirit that was Sibini would never be a source of trouble for them again. With one matter aside, they turned their attention now to Clay who was rubbing his head in a daze. Everything he could possibly think off was drawing a blank. All he remembered was playing cards with the others...then nothing. His body was sore and he felt more tired than ever before.
A slap to the back proved that last statement more than anything, Raimundo nearly jumping out of his skin as the cowboy collapsed easily into a dead sleep. "Shit..." he cursed, making Yugi snicker a little as Kimiko ran over to help the other with lifting the body and get him over to Dojo. Yugi was ready to follow after them when Valtyrion hissed angrily, turning to see someone upon one of the geysers and jumped back. "...it's you." Chase smirked towards him before looking down to Omi who had his full attention upon him. The dark warrior praised the smaller monk on a job well done in taking down Sibini and expelling it from his friend's body without any casualties. Yugi looked between the two, a part of him curious of their interaction as Omi spoke to the other if he chose to change sides and fight for good instead of evil. Alas, Chase could only chuckle. Oh, to change sides wasn't as simple as the monk would think as his service in giving a means to an end for Sibini was but a small favor. "Perhaps in time, you will find reason to return the favor." he spoke and had left in silence. Yugi stepped close to Omi, moving to rest a hand on his shoulder as the monk lowered his head.
Chase's words brought unease to him and he didn't like it one bit. It was as if the other predicted that in some form, Omi will indeed owe him something in return for his gratuitous lesson on overcoming a strong enemy. Yugi wanted to say something, anything to ease Omi's worries but before he could open his mouth, Dojo had appeared before the two. "Time to go, kids. Hey...you alright there, Omi?" Looking up to Dojo and the twin gazes filled with concern, Omi couldn't say much else. Truly he was uncertain of things to come and what troubled him more than the words said to him was the feeling that Chase wasn't just speaking solely to him.
The small monk hopped upon Dojo's back and looked to Yugi who watched him in return. Looks like he wasn't alone in that regard.
/I won't let any harm come to you, little oneee...my mastersss won't be pleased if I failed you hereeee./ Valtyrion whispered softly as Yugi finally joined them after a beat and Dojo was off back to the temple.
