Here is a new chapter, and it's dedicated to Tajeri Lynn, Extremo Luchadore and Miaka-chan for helping me out. Thanks!

I don't own JCA and no money is being made with this story.

NI TANG

Chapter 5

Shendu smiled, pleased with himself. When Chan's cursed uncle had banished him into the Netherworld, he had feared he would have to face the anger of his siblings. Instead he had been greeted with honour. That was of course only because he had brought a useful human along with him.

The fire demon glanced at Ni Tang who was sitting patiently in front of him, waiting for the older demon to say something.

He knew Valmont better than any of his siblings, knew and hated him. The man was proud, selfish and annoyingly self-confident. So much like Shendu himself, and living in Valmont's body had therefore been the worst torture to him. How often he had wished he could have had another body, anything, and had cursed the fates for denying that one desire. Yes, Valmont had been useful, but he had also made the dragon lose his nerves more than once.

And now he had got he revenge and more! Valmont had hated the demons, despised them from the bottom of his greedy heart, and now he was one of them. Shendu chuckled at the irony and grinned to himself.

Ni Tang was so much like Valmont and yet so different. Even as a demon he had kept his humanly form and anyone who had ever known Valmont could have told who he was. Even though the blue eyes had been replaced with red there was something in the demon's face that reminded the fire demon of the man he so hated.

And yet Ni Tang was so different. He didn't have Valmont's self-confident and proud nature; he had become quiet and in some ironic way, weak. Shendu hissed in amusement when glancing at his new little brother and tilted his head. This was the best fun he could imagine! Maybe, when this all was over and they were free, he could tell Ni Tang who he really was and kill him after that.

"You already know what your reason to live is and what important mission we have given you. What you still need is the information of what awaits you," the fire demon started.

Ni Tang nodded slowly.

"I've been on the other side and I know what lies there. The world has changed so much from what it was that I cannot tell you everything, only what is important," Shendu continued.

"We will open you a portal to a city called San Francisco. It's massive and full of pitiful people, but you don't have to care about them. They are pathetic and of no use to you. You have to find an ancient Tibetan artefact, the Pan Ku box. Only with it you can open the rest of the portals. The box is most likely in a small antique shop of an old chi wizard, and you have to steal it from him. You also must find someone to carry the box for you, as you cannot touch it yourself."

Shendu was quiet for a moment to give Ni Tang some time to think. Valmont had known all this, but the knowledge had been wiped with his memory. But maybe there was a small chance that he would remember part of this.

"When you've got the box you must open the portals and that's it. After that you don't have to take care of anything; we will take the matters into our own hands. Understand?" he finished, and Ni Tang raised his eyes from the ground.

"Yes, I will open the portals to free you," he repeated and Shendu nodded.

"Good, but there are other things you should know too. Firstly, if someone from the Chan clan, especially Jackie, causes you any trouble, kill them all. It's their fault we are not free already and therefore you have a good reason to hate them too," he said and grinned.

Yes, Ni Tang had a full reason to hate Chans, even if the polar demon didn't know it himself. Without the old Chan Shendu would never have been banished and Valmont could have stayed a human. Oh, how Shendu wanted to tell Ni Tang what had really happened but he was too afraid of Tchang Zu and his anger.

"The world has changed and you have to be very careful. Avoid fights and everything that will attract attention and move only at night. If the situation gets difficult, take the form of a human and hide in the crowd before anyone learns your true identity as a demon. Try to act like humans and do not kill anyone in any circumstances just because you feel like it or it seems like fun. When we are finally free, you can slaughter as many humans as you want, but before that you cannot do anything stupid," the fire demon told him, and Ni Tang nodded again.

Despite what Bai Tsa had said, Shendu was a good teacher. He could be patient when suited him, and he even enjoyed teaching Ni Tang. It made him feel good; he thought it was amusing to pretend to be the pathetic weakling's brother, not a mortal enemy.

"Nowadays humans don't really use animals in their work. They have created very strong technology to help them in everything. They call themselves civilised but under that shining shield they are what they were before, selfish, weak and greedy. When you leave others' property untouched, no one will pay you any attention and you can do as you please," Shendu said and smiled then.

"There is a lot of other things you should know, but what would be the fun if I told you everything? The world is an interesting place now. It would be sad if you could not experience it by yourself," he said with a mock smile and nodded.

"You can leave," he said, and NiTang stood up with a bow before turning and walking away.

What Shendu had told him was nagging in his mind and he didn't know what to think. Something in the fire demon's words had seemed familiar, but he didn't know how or why. He felt like the answer was within his reach, but he just couldn't get a hold of it.

Ni Tang let out a sigh and shook his head. Maybe he was getting his memories back? He really hoped that was the case; maybe he would then feel a bit better and get rid of this strange feeling. It was almost like he was living in a dream and that none of this was part of reality.

He lifted his eyes when he heard Hsi Wu come. Soon enough the sky demon landed by his side.

"I brought you something. Look," his brother announced in triumph and gave Ni Tang a porcelain mask.

Ni Tang took it carefully into his grey hands and looked at its wide smile in thought.

"Now you can smile too," Hsi Wu said and gestured at the mask with his claws. "Try it," he told and Ni glanced at him uncertainly.

He thought the mask was macabre and ugly, but he couldn't really say that. Hsi Wu had bothered to bring him a present; it would be wrong if he didn't take it. Especially when it was given by an older brother. Acting like that would be really low. The polar demon took a closer look at the grey mask and its black smile before lifting it up on his face. Who knew, maybe it wouldn't be that bad.

At least nobody will recognise me this way, he thought dryly.

The polar demon felt the cold porcelain explode in life when it touched the skin of his face and he drew a surprised breath. The mask changed its form so it fit him perfectly. It covered his face now and his red eyes flashed through the streaks.

He let go of it fearing it might fell and broke, but it stayed right where it was, like it was glued. Hsi Wu grinned pleased with himself. The mask was perfect!

"It suits you, Ni," he said. He spread his wings and gave him an approving look.

"I found that long time ago and I still have no idea where it came from. But I thought it would be perfect for you. He said and suddenly remembered something.

"Brother Tso Lan wanted to see you as soon as possible. He said he had something important to say and I think he's going to tell you something about your powers," the sky demon said.

"My powers?" Ni Tang asked. Despite the closed mouth of the mask he had no difficulties speaking.

"Yes! You are a polar demon; you have to have some kind of powers. You know, brother Shendu is a fire demon and can breath fire. On top of that he is able to call the shadowkhan warriors to help him, but I think that has something to do with some mask of his that he had in the ancient days," Hsi Wu said thoughtfully.

"I'm the demon of the sky and these wings are what I have," he said pleased.

"And you know, you really remind me of Shendu's servants. Maybe you can summon them too. It would be very useful if you are going to survive in the world alone," he added.

"Yes, maybe," Ni Tang said deep in thought.


Tso Lan sat with his eyes closed and in thought. Just a moment ago he had visited the secret place of his and Hsi Wu's to read a book which he knew he would be needing soon. He had read the same book before and remembered almost everything that was written on it, but had wanted to be sure.

The book was very old and told about different demons. It was written by humans and was partly rubbish. Every demon was different from others and no one had exactlythe same powers. But the book was a great help now when Tchang Zu had told him to find out what powers Ni Tang had and how soon he would learn to use them.

It would not be a big problem; the powers of every demon were part of him or her and mastering them never took too long. Not even when they talked about someone who wasn't demon by birth. Tso Lan himself had always liked the moon, even before he had learned to master gravity. But only when he had been officially announced as a moon demon he had really understood the mysterious beauty of the moon.

The moon was what he had missed the most during his years in the Netherworld. It was lonely and quiet, just like he was and he liked it there. He had been allowed to spend a small moment in his home when Shendu had let him free, but he had not really enjoyed it. That cursed human had taken that pleasure from him!

He frowned to himself. He had let his feelings and thoughts roam free. That wasn't like him. He should have concentrated on what was important and try to wake Ni Tang's still sleeping powers. In time it would happen on its own, but Tchang Zu wasn't that patient. He had made clear he wanted results now and not later. Tso Lan sighed, quietly cursing the impatience of his brother.

The moon demon opened his eyes, sensing two beings coming closer. He had guessed right, Hsi Wu and Ni Tang. Tso Lan glanced at the mask the polar demon was wearing and admitted it had been a good idea. Now no one could say who Ni Tang had once been. The mask also made him look cruel and more intimidating.

"Ni Tang," he said with a soft voice and gestured for the younger demon to sit down. Then he glanced at Hsi Wu who was flying around curiously.

"Hsi Wu, it would be good if you left us," he ordered sharply.

"I'll leave, my brother," the sky demon said quickly and hit the air with his wings flying somewhere else. Tso Lan followed him with the glance of his red eyes before turning to face Ni Tang.

"Now you know why you live and what awaits you. What you still have left is the last lesson, which is about your powers. We already know you are a polar demon and that's a good start," Tso Lan said and Ni Tang leaned closer in interest.

"So what am I able to do?" he asked, and for the first time TsoLan could catch a hint of feeling from his voice. The polar demon sounded almost greedy to discover the secret of his powers.

"That's easy to find out. You are the demon of the polar night, so your possible powers will have something to do with darkness and coldness."

Ni Tang frowned. "But how do I learn to use them?" he wanted to know.

Tso Lan shook his head.

"That's something I cannot answer. It's personal with every demon and your powers will be awakened when it's time," he said and, Ni Tang shifted impatiently.

"I thought you were supposed to teach me to use them. How can I survive in the world if I cannot do anything?" he demanded in an angry tone.

"You are unsure," the moon demon said and looked at his younger brother sharply.

"No. I know I will be able to do what you demand of me, but why should I do it when I'm not yet ready? Why should I take unnecessary risks?" he asked.

Tso Lan frowned thoughtfully. He didn't like the sound of Ni Tang's tone. It was almost like Valmont was already starting to gain control of his real self.

"You don't have to think like that. Here surrounded by your older and more powerful siblings you might feel pathetic, but in the world where you will face only mortals you are many times stronger. Brother Shendu told you what to do, didn't he?" the moon demon asked and Ni Tang nodded.

"He talked about the world and my mission," he answered.

"That's all you need. Knowledge. You are not supposed to engage in battle if it's not necessary. The most important thing is that you know what awaits you and how to deal with it. Shendu tried to open the portals by possessing a human body but as you know, he failed," he said.

"What happened to the human?" Ni Tang asked.

"He died. He was worthless so don't worry about him," the moon demon said and his long tongue shifted.

"And you don't have to be alone. When you've opened the first portal you get help and a more experienced partner who will assist you. Some portals might be difficult to reach, but they are not impossible," the moon demon continued to change the subject.

He had to admit he enjoyed this. It was a long time since Hsi Wu had been in this same situation and training the youngest had been laid on his shoulders. Hsi Wu had been so different than the other demons who were violent and tough and it was a joy to have a conversation with him.

Ni Tang seemed very much like the sky demon, even if he was quieter and more careful. Tso Lan hoped Ni Tang would be able to keep strong and open all of the portals without succumbing back to what his human self was like. If that happened, they would all be doomed.

"When do I have to leave?" the polar demon asked.

"Tchang Zu wants you to leave as soon as possible. He is impatient and the longer you stay the greater is the danger either him or Dai Gui will lose it. Brother Dai has been rather angry lately," he answered and Ni Tang nodded.

"So when exactly?" he asked.

"Immediately when our siblings get a temporary portal open. In fact I believe that they are preparing the spell right now," the moon demon said and stood up. Ni Tang followed his example and bowed.

Hsi Wu was sitting on a stone next to his siblings and listening how Shendu and Tchang Zu talked about opening the portal. Soon would be Ni Tang's time to travel into the real world and free them all. Then the world would finally have its rightful rulers back.

They all agreed that when they all were free they would seal the portals so that they could never be opened again. They didn't want to take any risks; no one wanted to return into the red hell ever again.

The sky demon was just as excited as the others, maybe even more. His wings shuddered when he just thought about the blue sky and white clouds... He shook his head in despise. He was starting to think like some pathetic fairy. He wasn't really that in love with the sky, it just was so long time since he had seen it. Or at least that was what he told to himself.

Po Kong and Bai Tsa sat side by side and talked about something. They were both childishly excited about this and had agreed to give up the silent treatment.

He raised his eyes suddenly when he saw movement from the corner of his eye. Tso Lan and Ni Tang. The others noticed them too and all conversation died immediately. All stared at the polar demon, who glanced at them unsure with the attention he suddenly got.

"I'm ready," he said like Tso had told him to. Tchang Zu nodded approving.

"Then come, my brother," the thunder demon said and gestured the polar demon to step closer.

Ni Tang nodded and left Tso Lan, walking lightly after the oldest member of the family of demon sorcerers.

To be continued...