Me: Hi everyon-AHHH! *Ducks for cover*

Rai: Reversing Mirror! *blocks and sends the punch right back to Gold Testament* Yo! Don't attack the writer!

Me: *hides behind Rai* thank you *sniffles* so um hello, yeah, I'm definitely gonna write a lot more for this story. I'm glad you are so, um, spirited about my creation, but please don't soak me with the Orb of Tornami I like not being wet.

Rai: 'Spirited' riiight *crosses arms*

Me: Ahem, lets try this again.

Hi everyone!

First, I'd like to thank you all for the support, I love that you're enjoying what I've created!

Second, I apologize that it has been a long while since I had last posted anything, a lot has been happening within my personal life that had me not able to focus on writing for a long while.

For now, I'm going to do my best to post chapter updates as often as I can. I also have three other fanfiction stories I'm bouncing between too, but I'm still unable to have writing as my main focus. I have three jobs, full time taking care of my parents and dealing with a lot of family drama right now.

So from this point on I will be adding new characters and non-canon background stories for some of the canon characters.

So please keep that in mind as you read on

Thank you again and I hope you enjoy!

Chapter 3
Acceptance

"What did he mean by "It was given willingly"? Raimundo wouldn't just hand over a Shen Gong Wu to the Heylin! He wouldn't!" Kimiko practically screeched once they came back from their humiliating defeat. She was blown away by that statement this Chase Young person said. Kicking a rock out of her frustration she felt like she wanted to literally cry. "We should have gone after him the moment he left!"

Clay couldn't disagree. He wasn't sure if what Chase said was true or if he said that to make them doubt their friend, but then again, "This is wilder than an acre of snakes." he stated before looking over to Dojo and the approaching Master Fung.

"What has happened?" Master Fung questioned not asking why or how they lost their battle for the wu.

Before any of the teens could speak Dojo was in his face, "IT'S HORRIBLE!" he cried out, "HE'S BACK! I DON'T WANT TO BE SOUP!" he continued to lament. Fung furrowed his brows as Dojo blubbered on until he heard him say.

"Chase Young? He hasn't been seen in many years... this. This is very troubling." he looked to his students, "Are you alright? He did not harm any of you?" he asked with concern.

Kimiko and Clay both looked over to Omi who was staring blankly at the ground, "We lost the wu to him." Kimiko stated.

Clay nodded, "Yeah, tossed lil Omi around like a rag doll. Then said that he was given the golden tiger claws by Rai, but that can't be right."

Fung's eyes widened at this new detail, this was not what he was expecting the outcome to be.

"Who is he? And why is Dojo going into fits because of him?"

"He was once a Xiaolin Warrior. One that fought alongside the Great Master Monk Guan, but his jealousy of his partner tempted him to the Heylin side. Immortal by consuming the forbidden Lao Mang Lone Soup and granted destructive powers because of it. If Chase Young has decided to make his appearance then he must be planning something evil." Master Fu explained, though they assumed this was the condensed version because both Kimiko and Clay felt there was more to the story than just that alone.

"Lao Mang Lone Soup?" Clay asked.

Dojo gave a dying scream as he retreated from the area to obviously hide somewhere away from the conversation. Master Fung ignored it to answer Clay, "It is a Heylin creation. Once you drink it it will turn you evil and you are lost forever to the Heylin, trading your soul for immortality and power." he explained then glanced around to make sure Dojo really wasn't around before adding, "Its main ingredient is dragon."

This information came as a bit of a shock to the Xiaolin Apprentices, they never thought that there could be such a horrid mixture and they all came to the realization of why Dojo was so terrified. Chase Young was a dragon killer. Yet, something else worried them even more, why did Chase Young know Raimundo and why did it seem there was more to what he said especially now that they knew who he was.

"We need to go talk to Raimundo." Kimiko said firmly. There were no arguments, even Master Fung agreed and called for Dojo to return so they could travel to Raimundo hometown quickly.

- - - - - Now, don't hang on - - - - -

When they did arrive to Rio, Brazil they couldn't find any trace of him. They searched practically the entire city, asked the locals until finally they found his old home. The place was not what any of them was expecting, it was old and run down, there were makeshift windows and cloth doors. Running and playing outside were a few children as they kicked a soccer ball back and forth until they saw the Xiaolin Monks.

An older woman walked out of he hut when one of the children ran in to apparently alert her of them. She was tall and slender, long soft brown hair and striking green eyes, she was possible in her mid forties, her skin tone matched Raimundo's and she held a lot of similarities to their missing friend so they assumed this was his mother. She approached the group, "May I help you?" she asked.

"We're looking for Raimundo. He said he was returning home, we just wanted to talk with him." Kimiko explained.

The woman frowned at the name and seemed to silently mull over something in her mind, but then shook her head, "I'm sorry, but Raimundo hasn't returned here. We haven't seen or heard from him since your elder monks came and took him away."

"You're his mother though right? He didn't contact you or anything?" Omi insisted.

The woman tilted her head, "No, I'm his aunt. His parents passed away many years ago. Most of the children here are his younger siblings that I have been taking care of since he left, the three over there are mine and my late husbands." That was a shock to the monks, they didn't know that about Raimundo. His aunt must have noticed, "He wouldn't have said anything, he doesn't like to be coddled or receive pity for loosing his parents like he did." she spoke and crossed her arms, "Why did he leave the temple?" she asked. When they explained what had occurred in a rather round about way as to not tell her too much information, the woman hummed and nodded, "I see. Well, I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't want to return even if you did find him." They didn't like the sound of that and before they could question why she spoke again, "Raimundo doesn't like to be made vulnerable, seen as weak, or inadequate and that... That insulted not only his pride, but also his confidence in knowing he made the right choice." she stated with a tone that left no room for rebuttal, the monks glanced to each other and she continued, "He had the responsibility of taking care of his siblings when his parents died, taking hard labor odd jobs and other means just to be able to keep children fed, that is until your temple's monks convinced him to leave this life behind to become a Xiaolin Warrior." she explained they could tell that she wanted to say more, but she decided against it and instead ended it with, "I wouldn't blame him if he didn't go back there and I will welcome him back home if and when he returns again."

The monks left Rio dejected. This was not what they expected to find out about their missing friend and yet, hearing the little background of him made them all realize they really never got to know Raimundo at all.

"Some friends we were..." Kimiko muttered, "I just hope Raimundo comes back. He has to come back..."

- - - - - Nothing lasts forever but the Earth and Sky - - - - -

The woman watched them leave as a voice spoke up, "Thanks Tia."

She turned to see Raimundo walking out of her home, "They didn't need to know that you were here." She said as Rai approached her, "Are you alright?" She asked, he did hear the whole conversation after all.

He gave a nod, "Yeah. I guess they would have found out sooner or later about what I had to leave behind when I went to the temple."

"They seem to miss you."

"No, they feel guilty." He emphasized, "Like you said, I'm not going back. That ship sailed." He added.

She gave a nod, she supported her nephew, the boy had gone through so much already, she wouldn't push him to go back to somewhere that he wasn't fully appreciated. Then her sights landed on the dark figure that soon stepped from her threshold. There was a foreboding that loomed around this man, power that she could literally feel. He had taken interest in her nephew, claimed to see potential within him to be his apprentice.

She wasn't ignorant to this hidden war. The Xiaolin Monks had given a roundabout explanation of their fight against the evil forces known as the Heylin when they came to take Raimundo away. However, when they fell short of their promise to help take care of the household that her nephew was leaving she had absolutely no way of reaching out to Rai to tell him so, they were poor so affording phones was out of the question and every time she or the children tried to send a letter it would be returned.

The adults and Raimundo were sitting at a humble round table inside her home as she explained what had happened over a cup of hot tea. Rai looked down to his hands, which were wrapped around the warm cup, "I left to the temple because I was under the impression that my family would be taken care of. Obviously that was a well kept lie."

"A lie that would not be repeated. As long as you are loyal to me your family will be comfortable." Chase claimed then gazed over to Rai's aunt who seemed very skeptical, "I assume you do not wish to continue to live in this two room shack with seven children and hardly enough food to keep them fed let alone yourself." he stated as he pulled out a file and placed it on the table. He watched as she opened it and her eyes go wide for a brief moment and then looked up to him. "It's all arranged, you are able to move in as soon as today, it is in a much more desirable location within the city, the school is the best for education and tuition has been and will be paid for. A monthly allowance will be given to you for material needs for the children as well as yourself." he explained as Raimundo scooted closer to his aunt to see what exactly he was offering.

The home was in the newer development, four bedroom, three bath, large front and backyard with a gated pool. The allowance was more than either have ever been able to make whether with a real job or the odd jobs that he had to put himself through. It would appear that Chase would definitely take care of his family, as long as he stayed loyal to him. If that was the only stipulation, then he had no reason not to accept these terms, all he wanted was to make sure that he could provide for his family. His aunt however, wasn't as quick to be excited over the offer.

"If my husband was alive. He would find this offer too good to be true. How can I trust you when the Xiaolin couldn't follow through on simply helping us with food? They claimed the Heylin are evil and not to be trusted."

"It is all a matter of perspective." he answered. "Xiaolin are self-proclaimed peace keepers, but they are also filled with secrets and half truths. They are correct, however, those that follow the Heylin way aren't to be trusted, unless there is incentive. My incentive is to have a competent and skillful apprentice, I believe Raimundo to be the perfect fit and if I wish to have his full trust and loyalty I will make sure that his needs are met to every extent."

Raimundo had to admit he was impressed. This much effort and thought put into making sure he chose to stay with him. It was more than the monks had ever offered, but he could tell his aunt was still weary.

"I hardly think an immortal man knows what a teenager needs." she stated with a bit of bite her piercing eyes narrowed.

Chase found her to be intriguing; she knew exactly who he is and yet she held no fear of consequence for the way she spoke to him. She had her trust broken by the Xiaolin so it was only natural that she was wary of him. Raimundo must have picked up those traits from his aunt. "I will agree that it has been... a long time, since I was a teenager myself and the needs of the youth was much different in my time, but I am not incapable of adjusting and providing what is necessary."

Raimundo looked from his aunt to his sensei as the two were talking. He's seen his aunt get this way a few times before, she had nerves of steel and the sass that could back it up when necessary. He admired her for that, it was hard being a single mother raising a handful of children on your own and honestly if Rai could help them get out of the slums then he knew what he had to do.

"Tia." he spoke up and both sets of eyes were now on him, "I know we haven't had our fair share of good fortune and I hate knowing that when I left, the promise that had me go left with me." he could see her eyes soften as he spoke, she wanted to speak, but he continued, "It's as much my fault as it was the temple's because I should have tried harder to keep in contact with you. I let you and my family down... This though," he pointed to the file, "This is real. It will take care of you and the kids, that's all I ever wanted. I think I can grow as a warrior under his teachings and become the person I need to be to take care of those I care about on my own."

"Mijo..." his aunt rose from her seat and knelt next to him to gently caress his face, "Never blame yourself for the decisions of others." she stated. "You are the pride and joy of this family. Whatever you decide to do, you will be exceptional. So, if this is the path you wish take, then I support you." she said then her intense gaze fell back onto Chase, "Take care of him or I will prove that even Immortals can die."

A smirk crossed Chase's lips at her threat, though he didn't find anything to truly fear from her words she earned respect from the Heylin Warlord, "I give you my word."

- - - - - It slips away - - - - -

It's been a few weeks now and Raimundo has flourished under his training.

Chase wasn't an idiot, he didn't live all these centuries to make foolish mistakes, when he set out to do something he made sure it was flawless. When he knew he would approach Raimundo to offer him apprenticeship he made sure to know just what the boy needed. He had been watching the old temple he'd known very well, especially when they had brought in the new students who would be trained to become Xiaolin dragons. If he was honest with himself, the Heylin Warlord had initially been interested in the young orphan Omi who was raised in the temple; but he could tell his moral compass was stuck on the side of good no matter how conceited and naïve the boy was. When his interest of Omi was lost he started to really pay attention to the other dragons in training and found another with more potential than all of them.

Oh yes, he knew Raimundo didn't truly belong within the Xiaolin. Chase took time to understand him and the others as they fought against Jack Spicer and the ghostly Wuya for the Shen Gong Wu and he waited for the right moment to reveal himself to his soon to be apprentice. He learned his likes, dislikes, strengths and weakness; it was simple really if anyone actually took the time to do so. The dragon of wind was being suffocated by the rules and regulations that the temple forced upon him and it was only a matter of time when Chase got the opportunity to engage. He was very satisfied in what he had acquired, Raimundo was a better pupil than he initially had thought and the boy's constant want to keep Chase's approval showed through everything he was tasked to do. In the end they both got what they wanted; he got his loyal apprentice and Raimundo had complete assurance that his family was taken care of and they were able to keep in contact. The only thing left to truly seal the deal was something he knew Wuya wouldn't have been able to give to him. Companionship. The boy needed others his age to socialize and work along with, a team, and he knew just where to acquire them from.

Chase smirked as he walked down a corridor. His footsteps echoing against the stone walls until he went down a staircase. It lead to the dark and dank dungeons which were unoccupied by the living at the moment. He continued his path until he came to a heavy wooden door. He waved his hand in front of it's handle and it glowed with magic before a loud 'clunk' sounded and the door creaked open. Mist seeped from the opening wrapping itself around his feet as it wafted further into the dungeon. He stepped inside, keeping the door open as he peered around him. The room inside was completely different than the dungeon he had just came from. The walls were made of wood, the sound of water was mixed with the chirping of crickets and croaking toads could be heard from beyond the dimmed windows. Shelves lined the walls and displays of odd items on tables were neatly scattered around. The shelves were filled with knick-knacks, books and jarred ingredients that were not commonly labeled.

"Welcome my Lord, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit today?" a woman's voice called from the room.

Her voice was soft and enticing, yet there was a layer of danger within her words. The Warlord made his way to where the voice was produced and found the source. The woman sat behind a heavy wooden table that had a neat stack of thick books on one side, one of which, was open beside her and a boiling cauldron was placed just on the other side of her, the light wafting of smoke curled and loomed around the desk spilling over to mix with the fog that hung low to the ground. She wore heavy robes of dark blues, purples and black, her skin was pale and nearly flawless, her eyes an odd purple, her hair pure white, silky, thick and reached the floor, she didn't look over the age of thirty, but her eyes told a different story, much like Chase's.

"I've come to ask that you create something for me, or rather for my apprentice," he said.

"Hmm," a haunting smile graced her dark lips, "I see, you've finally found a worthy apprentice." she replied, "It shall be ready by the moon's cycle."

"Good," he nodded at her answer, "I am also ready for the two Heylin apprentices come to my domain. He will need a team to train with," he requested to the Sorceress.

She hummed in thought and then bowed her head, "Of course My Lord, they are ready to be at your disposal."

"Excellent." he turned to leave then glanced back to her, "Have you heard? Wuya has been released from the Puzzle Box."

The Sorceress's smile widened and her eyes narrowed with a glow of magic, "Indeed. I also heard she lost her physical body, it's unfortunate. To be a powerless specter, she always felt herself superior though, perhaps this experience has humbled her."

"You always seem to care for that woman even if she's attempted your downfall for centuries."

"The reputation of the Heylin is very important to me. She has shamed us too many times to not be concerned."

Chase could understand her logic. The foolish mistakes of one soldier can be the downfall of many. "Let us hope that she will learn her lesson then."

The woman chuckled lightly with amusement, "Knowing Wuya as well as I do, she has not."

- - - - - And all your money won't another minute buy - - - - -

When Chase returned to his lair he found his apprentice sitting near the waterfall with the cubs, the large cats lounging around them watching as their cubs jumped, curled and wrestled with Raimundo playfully. He seemed quite content with the attention from the cats and they were fond of him, he looked up when Chase approached, "I was trying to meditate I swear." he said as one of the cubs tackled him from the back and climbed onto his shoulders with loud purrs.

Chase rose an eyebrow at the display, "An endeavor that is impossible with their distraction I'm sure." he replied, "I have decided that you are ready to start training with others. Two Heylin apprentices will be arriving within the week, you will be established as their leader, as you are my apprentice. I do wonder if you have an idea for a fourth team member?" he asked curious if his apprentice would suggest anyone.

Raimundo blinked, he was getting a team and he was going to lead them? That was rather exciting, not that he enjoyed his time as Chase's apprentice, the man made sure he was well occupied, but he still missed teenage interaction and at times missed his old friends. "Someone I know?" he muttered in thought and only one person came to mind. "I may, but I would need to speak with him since we've never been on the same side before." he pointed out.

"Very well," Chase answered with a nod, "If my surmising is correct on who it is you wish to extent the offer to I suggest you do so now," he stated as he revealed the Golden Tiger Claws to him, having already known that his apprentice would need them.

Raimundo got to his feet, putting the cub he had curled in his arm down, scratching it behind the ear as it mewled in protest. "Yes Sensei, I'll go speak with him now." he said as he accepted the Shen Gong Wu. He ripped the portal knowing just where to go, he jumped in without a second thought and landed in front of a large mansion as the portal closes up. It wasn't hard to find where the techno geek was working, the heavy metal music blared loudly as he walked down the steps. Raimundo smirked as he saw Jack Spicer rocking out to the music as he worked on his robots. "Yo, Spicer!" Raimundo yelled out to which the other teen jumped and yelped obviously not expecting anyone.

He quickly turned around and pulled his goggles up, "What the hell?! R-Raimundo?" his glare turned to one of surprise as he turned down his music, "What are you doing here? I heard you left the Xiaolin." he questioned suspiciously.

"You heard right. I'm training with someone else." he answered.

"So then back to my first question, what are you doing here?" Jack insisted.

Raimundo nodded as he walked further into his workshop, "Well, my new sensei is forming a team and he asked me if I knew someone worthy enough to join." he stated, "You were the first person I thought of. Above all others, you would understand the frustration and desire to put the Xiaolin monks in their place." he explained a bit further until he heard a screech.

"WHAT ARE YOOOOU DOING HERE?!" the ghostly form of Wuya appeared why too close for comfort and he backed a few steps with a sneer, "You go choosing that damned Chase Young over me and you think you can come in here and take the Spicer boy with you? I don't think so." she growled menacingly.

Jack blinked and rushed over to Raimundo completely brushing Wuya and all her protesting aside, "Chase Young? As in Evil Warlord of the Heylin Chase Young? HE'S YOUR SENSEI?"

"The one and the same, so what do you say evil boy genius? You in?"

"Oh hell yeah!"

- - - - - Dust in the Wind - - - - -
- - - - - all we are is dust in the wind- - - - -

Me: *looks around to make sure she isn't going to be attacked* aaaand this chapter is done! *throws confetti*