A/N: Yo my pretties wassup? Well I had to say it took me awhile to decide on this chapter, but I figured now would be a good time to install some action.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy chapter 14!


Chapter 14

Always the Same

Chiro sat within the halls of the robot the next day. His blue eyes gazing upon the open space in front of him. He watched as Antauri meditated, Nova trained, Otto tinkering with some new gadgets, and Mandarin was scanning the police log for any updates. But the sight that caught his attention was the blue and red pair having a silent glare down from the entrance of Gibson's lab.

Though they were quiet, their scorching stares were hot enough to burn holes through the robot's hyper armor. No words were exchanged, but Chiro knew his team long enough to know what certain gestures meant. He watched as Gibson and Sprx walked past each other. Gibson was fickle over the chemicals before him while Sprx fumbled through some medical books.

They shot each other sour looks before turning away. Only to glare back to the other a second later. Chiro was used to their childish bickering, but this was just odd.

Mandarin had a hand pressed to his head as he rubbed his temple. Obviously suffering a headache that seemed to be lingering since early this morning. Chiro could guess what caused this headache. Also could explain why the two brothers were working together in silence. Perhaps a certain leader had scolded them.

This silent morning went on for a few minutes before Chiro did something even he was not expecting. Standing up from his spot, he approached the lab. Ignoring the odd looks he got from the others, he casually walked up to the pair.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" He offered politely forward.

Throw off guard by the sudden offer, both simians' eyes lit up like Christmas trees. They glanced back and forth to each other. Their lips tightened as they looked away from the taller primate before them. Awkwardness flooding the silent atmosphere before Sprx had the guts to speak up.

"N-no we're okay, but thanks." He answered before moving away.

Frowning at that, Chiro made a move to object. Till something got in his way. Looking to his right, he came eye to eye with Mandarin. Surprised the orange armored leader had cut him off. Preventing him from further closing in on Sprx.

"They got it." He answered bluntly, eyes as blank as his words. "But you are kind to offer," he bit his tongue. Forcing a smile, but never the less still a smile.

Tilting his head, Chiro felt a sliver of annoyance burn its way into his heart. His blue eyes narrowed when he gazed upon the youthful version of his enemy. All kinds of thoughts flooded his mind, but he chose the simple non-condescending version.

"The offer was to Sprx, but okay." He waved his hand, forcing himself to bite his tongue.

Mandarin narrowed his eyes: as if reading the younger monkey's mind.

Chiro could not help his thoughts. Knowing what the future has instore for all of them made it difficult to stay in the robot. But Mandarin's presence alone strained his effort to stay civil and not break out into attack. Every instinct in his body screamed at him to go savage on this orange monster. But common sense had to remind him this was not the Mandarin he needed to worry about.

Chiro took a step back as Mandarin stepped forward. Despite the reminder, he still couldn't deny the facts. This Mandarin was no different than the one who betrayed his team, sided with skeleton king, attempt to destroy Shuggazoom, kill him, and stab Antauri in the back of the…

His mind came to a screeching halt. The memory of his mentor being horrifically stabbed by his x-leader sent his heart into a fury. His heart became so wrapped up tight that he forgot to remember it was the clone's doing.

Chiro showed his extended teeth to Mandarin. He won't ever trust this psychopath. He swore on his grave he will do everything he can to get him team away from this deranged monkey. Even if it was the last thing he did.

Feeling the assertive nature of the aggressive look, Mandarin didn't take to kindly to that. Narrowing his eyes, he got in Chiro's face. "What the heck is your problem?" He jabbed a finger into the black monkey's chest. The pressure of the jab jerking Chiro's chest back.

Before Chiro could swat his hand away, he felt something cold fall against his chest. The clock face of Morrow slipped into plain sight. Giving Mandarin a clear four second observation before he stuffed the watch back under his scarf.

"Nothing." He hissed back, the tension becoming thicker. So thick you could run a steak knife through it.

Sensing trouble was about to irrupt, Antauri took the stand. He leaped between the two opposing sides with his hands up in protest. "Mandarin, Chiro!" He scolded, looking between the males. "Calm yourselves, settling anger through violence is no way to handle tensions."

Chiro's eyes softened when he looked upon the green/gold eyes staring flat into his soul. His aggressive demeanor dropped ten fathoms as he dropped his shoulders meekly. He took a deep breath and nodded apologetically.

Witnessing this response to the second in command's intervention, Mandarin scowled. "The young primate obviously does not know his place." He got his brother and moved him aside, his dominating gaze forcing Antauri's silence. He gazed at Chiro with a scolding look. "I have no idea what to say or think about this, but you need to respect me as head of the robot and realize you are a guest only."

Chiro's fur stood on end, but he didn't answer. His silence reinforced Mandarin's frustration before the orange monkey got in his way. Again.

"Alright, since you seem so dedicated to staring me down, let's have a little test." He crossed his arms. "In the training arena right now…"

All eyes lit up as Chiro faced the challenger. Nova and Otto looked shocked while concern slashed at Antauri's heart. Gibson and Sprx were surprised but their expressions remained neutral.

"Mandarin," Antauri tried again. But a raised hand silenced his wise words, once again.

"You need to know your place young one. But I am not one to do so unjustly." Mandarin snorted steam before sighing. "So either you quiet it down or I must make you see our ways."

Chiro, normally, would have fled. But something inside him took a hold. But this time his took a stand. Squaring his shoulders, he cut the younger Mandarin a grim look. A thought crossed his mind, this could be his chance to show the team what kind of person Mandarin really was. He couldn't pass this opportunity up. He took it.

"Then force me to see then." He challenged coldly.

Eyes snapping open at the mouthy remark, Mandarin took a fast leap to Chiro. The quick motion forced the younger primate back in surprise. The elder fruit colored monkey summoned his energy blade from his right hand. Raising his weapon high, he proceeded to slice the floor. Making the blue eyed simian dance around as the heat of his sword came within centimeters of Chiro's feet.

They danced their way onto the training floor. The Hyperforce rushed to intervene but Mandarin forced them to stay back with a silent commanding look. Once he knew his family was glued to their spots, he faced the young simian.

Growling, he leaped through the air and rammed his elbow into Chiro's face. He sent the young monkey bouncing backwards: hitting the opposite wall. He waited for Chiro to return to his feet before landing another struck across his back. Sending Chiro flopping into the other direction.

Chiro quickly scrambled on his hands and knees. Alarmed at how fast and strong his opponent really was. Shaking it off, he rose to his feet. Growling, Chiro raised his hands and met Mandarin on melee ground.

He swung his feet and struck Mandarin's shoulder: but the older monkey blocked it. Grabbing Chiro by the ankle, he swung him over his head and body slammed him into the ground. He kept a strong grip on the former human's leg.

"Stop this nonsense." Mandarin demanded, his grip tightening.

Gripping the floor, his rage sky rocketed. Feeling the power primate course through his veins, Chiro pushed himself off the floor. Propelling himself through the air, he delivered a hard right round house to Mandarin. Successfully in sending the older monkey to the floor.

Shocked at the surprise attack, he wiped the blood from his nose. Then squaring his feet, he flew towards Chiro.

Their metal hands clanked loudly against each other. Each dodging the other's swing and evading their rival's kicks. But after a fifteen minute dance off, Mandarin received the upper hand by tripping Chiro. Once he caught the black simian in mid-stumble, his eyes glowed red.

"Monkey Mind Scream!"

Chiro's eyes widen when the circular rings of psychic power blasted him. He gasped in horror as he went sent flying across the whole room. Bounding into the wall and slamming hard against the floor.

He could hear the monkey's gasp at this.

"Mandarin that's enough!" Antauri scolded.

But their leader did not listen as he waited for Chiro to rise to his feet to finish their fractious final stupidity. He was gung-ho on making sure their younger guest knew his place. Even though he hated having to use physical force against him: he feared this was the only way to teach the younger one manners.

Before Chiro could find the will to stand, something was amiss. All the energy that fueled his adrenalin suddenly spiraled away. His limbs became jello like as his vision began to go all white. Soon he could see nothing but the outlines of the shapes around him. He gasped in horror as his heart suddenly started beating out of his chest and into his ears.

His physical form began to flicker as Chiro could barely see his body begin to go transparent. Horrified by what was happening, his hand moved on its own and rested on his chest. Eyes going blood shot, fear sky rocketed when he felt the watch missing.

Surprised at the monkey's sudden silent state, Mandarin leaned forward. "What the hell are you doing?" He narrowed his eyes, thinking the young monkey was just playing possum.

Before Mandarin could make a move to get the monkey to his feet, a gold blur struck him. He was sent cartwheeling sideways before barely landing on his feet. Looking up, his eyes went wide at what he saw.

There with battle fist drawn, Nova stood protectively in front of the fumbling monkey. "Don't you dare touch him…" Her fiery voice dripped the heat intensity of magma.

So stunned by the attack against him, the leader stood up. "Nova-" he croaked out. Unable to form any words to properly respond.

Realizing that Chiro was suffering, all the monkeys gathered around him. Gibson scanned Chiro but was unable to find the source of his suffering.

"Gibson what's wrong!?" Antauri asked as he knelt down and gripped the younger primate's shoulder.

"I don't know! His heart rates are almost topping 200 but I can't find any reason why!" The scientist rambled as he pressed frantically at the different buttons on his scanner.

As they all chattered intensively, Otto turned to spot something shiny glimmering in the corner. Rushing over to the object, he recognized the long thick silver chain. Picking up the watch, something made him look back at Chiro and then to the watch. Thinking fast, he rushed back.

Opening the necklace's chain, he wrapped it back around its owner's neck. He bit his tongue as everyone went silent.

Chiro's pain suddenly halted as his form ceased its flickering. Gasping for breath, his heart rates returned to normal as he hungrily sucked in air. He ran his hand down his chest clutched watch resting against his metal unfeeling hand. Its ticking resumed as his energy came flooding back.

Seeing his life readings return to normal, Gibson sighed a relief yet very complexed look. "This is so strange." He glanced at Chiro gasping. "This is not normal for your heart rate to reach nearly 200 and then drop back down to average in little less than two seconds." He looked at his team. "I'm going to take him to med bay and see if I can find the source of what happened."

Glancing back at a perplexed Mandarin, Gibson frowned. "No doubt the sudden pressure of the battle and your attack struck a nerve in his heart. That was a very foolish thing to do Mandarin."

Shocked by what had just happened, the leader took a step forward. "I had no intention of hurting him. I just wanted him to know his place." His eyes stared at the lying simian propped into Antauri's arms. "I didn't mean to hurt him…"

"Well regardless of anyone's attentions you both shouldn't have let it go as far as it did." Gibson scolded, something he never did to Mandarin. "I mean having someone fight when he could have a medical condition is just plain foolish. But regardless what's done is done, I'll have to examine him."

Sighing, Mandarin nodded. "Do what you need to do to."

As Nova and Otto hoisted Chiro up to escort him to the lab: Antauri cut his leader a look. "No more fights between you and Chiro."

Mandarin stared at the sudden command. Breathing in, he glanced once at Chiro's out cold form before he vanished into the medical center.

"Agreed."


A/N: Wow! What an intense chapter! Chiro's sheer anger with Mandarin apparently extends even to Mandarin's younger self. Chiro lost his cool and took a step to far.

Anyways it answered a few questions regarding what some people were asking. I wanted to establish that Chiro and Mandarin's 'bonding' moments are not like the others. They are still enemies and will remain so. But what might happen later is for you all to ponder.

I also wanted to show Mandarin does have a soft side and he didn't mean for this fight to go as far as it did. To be honest, it just goes to show everyone makes mistakes.

And you all got to witness first hand on what happens when the timepiece of Morrow is separated from Chiro. Without the clock, that is the only time Chiro truly becomes weak and vulnerable. The only time he can truly be killed.
I'm sure the monkeys will question this strange relic he's always wearing later.

Anyways thanks for reading! Review please and stay tuned for chapter 15!

Good night and peace out!