A/N: Hey people, hope you're ready for chapter 15! And to the new users reviewing, yes I have every single intention on finishing this story. I used to be like the other authors on this sight that ran out of steam and didn't have the will to continue. But managed to discover a certain 'balance' that drives me to keep updating. Key is to not rush yourself, no pressure means less quit.

Also please read this message here.

Me and a small group of users are working on a srmthfg story called "War of the Undead". It is Chiro's untold story and currently is on Chazno-02's page. It's a major project we're working on and we'd love to hear more reviews from you all.

That's all, so anyways. Sit back, relax. Enjoy chapter 15!

We're finally going to see Mandarin is capable of kindness.


Chapter 15

Judgement Challenged

Chiro sat alone in the robot's med bay. His knees pried to his chest with arms anchored around his calves. He sighed as he shook his head. Fear seeped into his brain on his choice of actions yesterday. How could he have been so stupid? He was in no condition to hold his own against Mandarin and he knew it. But still the urge to at least strike the source of his anger was too much to resist. He gave into his violent thoughts and look what happened. Not only did he risk destroying the fragile trust of his teammates, but also his own life.

He sighed as he stared at the blue watch flicking on his chest. He closed his equally blue eyes, now he understood the Alchemist's words. That if he lost the watch that was the only time he could be killed. Now he clung to the ancient relic with all his might. He even made some plans on hiding it somewhere. But that plan was destroyed when he remembered it couldn't even be moved an inch from his being.

"Mandarin," Chiro hissed with much venom in his voice. He squeezed his black knees till they turned white. He snorted steam and tried to sooth his fizzling circuits. Still unsure on who to really blame, the orange monkey or himself.

'Chiro'

Perking up at the tiny whisper, he whipped his head around. Searching the nearby walls and cabinets for the weird voice. But when he found nothing, he sighed. He rubbed his neck, assuming he must be hearing things.

'Chiro!'

Now hearing the voice louder, he heard his name clearly. Turning around, his sky blue eyes came to rest on one of Gibson's tall x-ray machine. The clear glass cover reflecting a familiar grey face sporting long black hair. It was the alchemist.

Looking around to make sure no one was watching, he hopped off the table. Hesitantly approaching the clean surface, he scratched his chin quizzically. "The Alchemist?" He whispered, ensuring to keep an inside voice.

The man's face was barely visible, the only part clear enough to see was his red and blue eyes. The eyes made a nodding motion as a small sigh seeped past the monkey's ears.

'Yes chosen one, I have come because you are currently in need of some assistance.'

Confusion punched his gut right up through his throat. Looking around nervously, he gripped his wrist. "What do you mean 'in need'? I've been in need of help the moment I was thrown into this loony mess!"

The alchemist's eyes stared back into the blue eyes, giving off a sad aura. 'I saw what happened yesterday, I sensed you were growing anxious. You had not been sleeping nor eating hardly any. Chosen one you are not heading the severity of my warning.'

Chiro's nervous look shot into a scorching hot scowl. "What am I supposed to when I'm practically forbidden to even approach my teammates? This is not easy, I can't just walk out of the robot either. I have no idea where Mandarin could be hiding and I sure as hell don't trust his younger self either!"

'Young Chiro you must control your anger. I told you about eight days ago this journey was going to be one of the hardest one's you'll ever trek. It's so dangerous, one slip and everything will be destroyed!"

Chiro forced the bit back into his mouth as he breathed in. Simmering his inner flames down to think clearly. "I'm sorry, but this is just getting too much. I mean I'm pressed for time and I only got two of my teammates on my side. That's still not enough, I need help… please!"

'Young one you are capable of figuring this out. You just need to believe yourself.'

"I did believe in myself and you know what happened? I got my ass- or err… tail handed to me yesterday and I saw-"He trailed off. Trauma from the event weighing his stomach down as his eyes drifted off.

'Now you understand why you are helpless without the Phase of Morrow. Chiro you should have known better not to challenge Mandarin, especially when he is still in power. His team still trusts him, he has yet to do anything to destroy their trust. Something that you almost did. But luckily your actions were seen as more 'self-defense' then violence. So let this be a warning to not step over the line.'

He shut his eyes tightly. Rage started flooding his veins with fire again as he turned away. His back to the screen, fur rising like an enraged cat. "I don't understand what I'm doing, this is so ridiculous. Why must struggle against Mandarin when I can barely protect myself?" He slammed his fist into the floor, denting it.

"Why can't they see Mandarin is just an evil brute and I'm the one trying to be there for them? Can't they see who is the bad guy and the good guy here?"

'Chiro… are you doing this truly to protect your team, or just to undermine Mandarin?'

Freezing, Chiro turned around to stare at the glass. "What do you mean?"

'You've been destined to be a super hero all your life young one, but you still don't know what it means to be a true hero.'

Now he was confused beyond all words. "I don't understand, what does this have to do with battling Mandarin who's trying to destroy my very existence? I'm fighting for my life here, did you forget that?"

The reflection shook his head. 'In order to fix this problem, you must learn as you go. Start by seeing the good that exists in all things… By giving everyone an equal chance.'

With that as his last words the ghost vanished from sight.

Staring, Chiro smacked his forehead. What did he mean by that? He growled and shook his head, not in the mood to ponder these goofy riddles. He limped back to the table and flopped down, returning to his angry stupor.

After wallowing in a thirty minute silent, the sound of footsteps entered the lab. Looking back, Chiro saw a face he didn't want to see. He mentally wanted to ram his head against the wall upon seeing the orange faker approach.

Mandarin casually strolled in, arms hooked behind his back. His black eyes stared to the black simian ignoring him. He sighed as he slowly approached the table. Putting his metal hand against the surface, he tapped it. Getting the monkey's attention.

"Are you okay?" He murmured out. Almost forcing the air out of his voice box.

Chiro turned his head further away, feeling a vein surface on his forehead. He bit his tongue, trying everything to ignore the psycho. He had nothing to say to that lying slime ball.

When the younger primate did not answer, Mandarin sighed. Clearing his throat, he forced a more honest face on. "Look I'm… sorry about yesterday."

Chiro's angry face faltered as he raised his head an inch. His mind halting at these newly heard words.

Mandarin grunted as he struggled to say, but his eyes showed sincere regret. "I didn't mean to do what I did, I didn't mean to hurt you. We both got off track, but as the leader I should've showed better restraint. I've been hard on you, so… allow me to take it back."

Slowly turned around, he faced the whispering primate. Chiro was so caught off guard he couldn't even respond. Little lone decipher where these words were coming from.

Just when Chiro was about to settle he was just lying, the orange monkey continued. "I want to start by saying you're free to come with us tomorrow for a little outing. I mean if you're new to Shuggazoom, I figured a tour might be appropriate don't you think?"

So startled by these choice of words, Chiro's jaw fell. He gripped his neck as he looked around the room searching for an exit. Who was this monkey talking to him? He shook his head, he had to keep strong. No way was he going to trust this guy. All Mandarin did was lie, just like he was doing now!

"I guess there's nothing wrong with that." Chiro agreed, secretly thankful that he was given the chance to leave the robot.

Smiling, Mandarin nodded to him. "Wonderful, I'll inform every one of tomorrow's plans. Also here, I brought you something to eat." He laid the plate of cereal in front of the black monkey. "Antauri always hides the sweats, but you're hungry- they're in the top counter."

With that said, the monkey waved him a farewell and left the lab. Leaving Chiro entirely dumbfounded by what he just witnessed. Looking at the bowl, he rolled his eyes and picked it up.

'He probably poisoned it,' he thought to himself.

Sniffing the raisin brand and marshmallows artistically pressed together, he arched his eyebrow. It smelt normal. He checked each spec of discoloration on the breakfast. But when he saw nothing, he forced himself to settle that possibly this was just normal food.

He got the spoon and hungrily slurped it up. He inhaled a breath of relief when the food hit his empty gut. Filling it to the point of satisfaction. Once he finished, he got the empty bowl and got up. His injuries were proven minor and was allowed to leave at any time.

Once he went to the kitchen to clean his dish, he stopped. He heard voices from the room next door. Narrowing his eyes, he lowered himself and stalked through the shadows. Slinking quietly by the open door's edge, he peeked around the corner.

Mandarin sat next to Antauri. Both simians hovered in midair, the mystic sounds of their levitations floated through his ears. The monkeys sat in lotus style as they breathed in slowly.

"The Veron Mystics have taught you well brother." Mandarin complimented as he smiled to his second in command.

"Your words mean much to me. Thank you Mandarin."

Chiro titled his head, confusion cascading his judgement. Antauri sounded so calm, almost happy? He shook his head. This had to be some kind of trick. Which led to Chiro squatting down lower and leaning in further. Ensuring he was not spotted.

"Have you thought anymore on our discussion about the young one?"

Hearing Antauri ask about him made Chiro halt. He blinked as he listened closer.

Mandarin sighed as he nodded. "I know what I said about him earlier, not trusting him. But after yesterday, I realize I was at fault for that fight. It made me see that perhaps I… might've misjudged him."

"That must be difficult for you to admit."

"It is, but also relieving."

Chiro listened as hard as he could. Studying the tone of every syllable. Each word sounded so genuine. Just their interaction alone spoke volumes to the former human. Informing him just how at peace Antauri seemed to be.

Before they could finish talking, Chiro found himself overwhelmed. He turned away and fled from the door. He rushed to the kitchen and dropped his plate into the sink. Grabbing the rag, he scrubbed at a brisk pace. He started obsessively cleaning every dish in reach. Even re-washing the non-filthy ones.

Words could not express his emotions. What the alchemist said, what Mandarin spoke, how safe Antauri clearly felt around him. How could this be? Everything he knew began to conflict. He grabbed his head as a migraine like pain burned his brain. He breathed heavy as he sat down.

Sighing in grief stricken misery, he gripped his watch. He looked at the ancient relic, seeing his burdened eyes reflecting in its clear surface.

"I don't understand, how can this be?" He asked himself out loud. "He betrayed them, he's evil, he's always been evil!" He stared at the watch, praying artifact would hear him and answer. But like always, it just sat silence. Continuing to tick away the remaining time he had left.

Gripping his chest, he leaned back in his chair. Shutting his eyes and staring up the chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.

"By giving everyone an equal chance..?"


A/N: Well there is the end to this chapter. Seems like Chiro got quit a talking to, as did Mandarin.

But there is more to this problem then just Chiro fighting for his existence. He's about to learn a very important lesson.

He's been a super hero half his life, he knows what it means to be a protector. But I don't think Chiro knows what it means to be 'Chosen One'.

In this case, he's soon going to be tested in ways he hasn't even begin to imagine!

So anyways thanks for reading. Don't forget to check out the other story I mentioned on top of this chapter!

Have a great evening and peace out hommies!