I decided to respect the god of Disclaimers from now on, so I own nothing.

And, there's a pretty bloody scene and someone gets shot.

NI TANG
Chapter 30

The sun hadn't set yet andthe evening was bright orange. Yet you could smell the soon nearing darkness in the air and all those who had nothing to do at the nightly city hurried into the safety of their homes.

He looked around, looking a bit nervous and wrapped his coat better around him. It was dark and threadbare anda few months ago he wouldn't have even considered wearing it. Now he had no chance to be fastidious and he hadn't complained when Hak Foo had given the cloth to him.

A high building created a long shadow on the street and Valmont noticed he was automatically walking in its safety when he could haveenjoyed the last rays of sun. He frownedin annoyanceand forced the seed of fear die inside him.

He was a human. He didn't have to hide in shadows.

Any other human might have goneinsane after experiencing the same than him, but it wasn't like Valmont to give up. At least not yet.

He hadn't actually thought about it. He had moved the matter into the future promising himself to concentrate on it after he and the Dark Hand were standing again. Then he'd have time for his own thoughts.

Hak Foo knew surprisingly much about what was going on in the city and Valmont thanked his luck for the warrior being with him. Without at least one loyal henchman he'd have no chanceof building everything again.

But one warrior wasn't enough. He needed more men, those who he could trust and who he knew would stay with him no matter what. Men who wouldn't leave him after something went wrong.

And he knew who he was looking for.

Finn, Chow and Ratso had passed the test, they hadn't left when he had been possessed by Shendu, even when working for the demon had been against their nature. He could trust them and with them he could revive the Dark Hand.

If they still wanted to work for him, that is.

Valmont wasn't sure what the three wanted. Maybe they had got enough of dangerous life and wanted to retire?

He shook his head, none of the three had any other choice but to return. They were the last free Dark Hand Enforces and everyone hunted them. They'd never have peace and only by joining him they had the chance to avoid jail.

Hak Foo had told him where he could find the three and Valmont was happy they hadn't left the city. He couldn't afford looking for them somewhere else.

It was dim now and Valmont took a glance around. His common sense said he should be desiring the sun, but in his heart he was happy for it being gone. Snorting angrily at himself he continued and just then thoughtabout something.

Everybody knew him. When he had been on top he had never shown his face to small timers, but everybody knew what Valmont looked like. Or had, now they thought he was dead. Valmont wasn't going to reveal his return just yet, the advantage of surprise was way too valuable for that.

Then again, only his hair could betray him. No one had ever seen him wearing clothes like this and it was very unlikely anyone would mistake him with a dead crime lord.

He still made sure the collars covered his face as well as possible and then slipped his hand into his pocket. He licked his lips. Despite that he had long time ago learned to feel comfortable in any kind of situation he noticed he wasn't anymore that cold calculating crime lord he wanted to be.

Isabelle's pub.

Of course he knew the place too and knew how valuable it was. But he had never been interested in it, he had been too busy. But now he was grateful for not forgetting everything he had heard. It had been easier to find this place when he had a slight idea where it was.

There was a lamp in the wall above the door and he heard the chatter even before opening it. Nice dim light welcomed him when he stepped in and Valmont was happy. Now it was even more unlikely that someone would recognise him. And it didn't hurt his eyes that were comfortable with darkness now. After closing the door behind him he started to look for his target.

The air smelled of cigarettes and different kind of drinks, but Valmont didn't let it bother him. Before rising on the top he too had spent some time at places like this, but it was along time ago.

He made his way in the crowd trying to look like he was no one important - an act he wasn't used to - and looked for any of his three Enforces. Even though it was dim he noticed he could see everyone's features clearly.

Then he stopped after seeing a man in a shadowy corner. He stood near a small group of men and if you just passed by you could easily think he was having a conversation with them, but Valmont immediately knew he was alone.

Finn.

He considered his options. Finn was pretty calm and he had sense, he probably wouldn't start a scene when seeing his dead boss, but you never knew. And Valmont didn't want to take stupid risks.

After taking a careful glance around he saw Isabelle working behind a table with two waitresses. The woman didn't seem to be doing anything, she let the girls do everything and Valmont walked to her. Isabelle had never seen him before so he didn't have to be afraid of her knowing who he was.

"Excuse me," he started believing that every woman approved at least some kind of polite behaviour. Isabelle turned to watch him looking like she wasn't surprised at all.

"My girls serve drinks, not me," she announced.

"I don't want to drink. You see that man over there?" Valmont said noddingat Finn. He also kept and eye on the woman who lifted her brows as if she was worried.

"Yes, so?" she asked on guard.

"Tell him I want to see him outside," Valmont said.

"Who are you?" Isabelle wanted to know. If someone had told the police the remaining members of the Dark Hand were hiding here...

"Don't worry, I'm not from the police. This is private," the Brit said guessing what the woman was thinking. She had taken a huge risk when protecting Finn and his comrades and maybe he'd return the favour one day.

"When I last heard that I got an annoying Chinese man on my neck," Isabelle commented dryly and Valmont lifted his brows in surprise. Chan had been here? Well, he'd think about it later.

"Believe me, I am not like him," he assured and decided to go. He couldn't make the woman feel any better without revealing who he was and he wouldn't do it, he didn't trust her enough. Isabelle stared after him frowning and shrugged then.


He's life was totally ruined and Finn couldn't come up with a way to escape. He wanted to leave this city behind and start again somewhere else, but for some reason he didn't go.

What would happen here? The city had nothing to offer them and they would get caught sooner or later.

Now both the police and the demons were after them and Finn shuddered despite himself when thinking about Shendu. The fire demon was to blame, without him they'd never have got into this mess and he would never forgive the dragon.

He noticed from the corner of his eyes that Isabelle was gesturing at him and Finn frowned. They never talked when there were others, it was part of their deal that no one should know they had something to do with each other.

Maybe the woman was gesturing at someone else? Finn took a quick look around, but no one had left for the woman. So she had to have something to say to him.

"What is it?" he asked after walking to her and leaned against the table. Isabelle watched him a worried expression in her dark eyes.

"Some man asked for you and waits for you outside. I don't know who he is and am worried," she answered.

"A man? What did he look like?" Finn wanted to know. If Chan had been here Isabelle would have recognised him and right now he couldn't think of anyone else who'd want to meet him instead of arresting him at the spot.

"He was dressed in a dark coat and he had light hair. It was hard to see anything else. And he said he's not a cop," the woman said. Finn looked thoughtful.

"You are not really going to meet him, are you? It could be a trap," Isabelle continued when the Irish man seemed to be considering the suggestion. He shrugged.

"What else could I do? At least that would bring a change in this," he said. He couldn't stand it anymore, they had been here doing nothing for over two months and it had to end.

"But - " Isabelle tried again, but Finn had already turned his back to her and started making his way through the people. He didn't want totake Chow or Ratso with him, the stranger had wanted to see him and if it was something important he would tell his friends about it.

The air outside was much colder and smelled better. Finn closed the door behind him walking the few steps down on the street and then he took a look around. He didn't see anyone, but was experienced enough to know it didn't mean he had left.

It was almost quiet, the distant sound of cars and this somehow deserted and unfamiliar atmosphere made the man consider if it was better to return in. Who knew if this really ended badly? Who'd take care of Chow and Ratso then?

"Finn," a voice said and the Irish man stiffened. He could have recognised that voice anywhere. For years he had taken his orders from that voice and had believed he'd never hear it again.

A figure stepped in the halo of the small lamp and Finn thought he couldn't breathe anymore. He stared at the man wearing a dark coat not being able to do anything else. He didn't dare to say his name aloud, somehow he felt that would have broken this image and made the man disappear.

"Iassume you are surprised," Valmont said with a self-confident smirk. Finn had seen that same expression on his face many times before and he felt as if the whole world had just disappeared. The only thing that mattered was the small halo.

"Is it really you, Big V?" he managed to stutter. This was impossible! They had lived for months believing they'd never see their white haired leader ever again and then he just appeared here. How...

"Who else? I do not think I have a twin brother," the Brit said and Finn run his fingers through his hair.

"But... you died. That's why everything went all wrong," he insisted trying to get some sense into this. He had probably drank too much and was imagining this. Or the stress had finally made him snap.

Valmont watched him with a thoughtful expression.

"Who showed you my body?" he asked then anf Finn flinched. Of course there hadn't been a body, but they hadn't needed one. No mortal could travel to the Netherworld and return alive. Besides, why was Valmont coming back now after being gone for months?

"I don't understand, this can't be true. I'm just going insane!" Finn said closing his eyes and hoping the man he thought dead would somehow disappear.

When he opened his eyes Valmont was still there looking at him with his sky blue eyes.

"I am sure this is a shock, but I don't have time to wait for you to recover. Many things are going on and I have work to do. Coming with me?" he asked with a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

"What...?" Finn asked.

"The Dark Hand has been without a leader for too long and is ruined. But everything is not lost and my intention is to revive my organisation," Valmont gave a straight answer. He knew he didn't have to hide his plans from the man who had been one of his most loyal Enforces.

"But why were you gone in the first place? What did the demons do to you, Big V? Why didn't you come back immediately?" Finn asked in confusion and to his surprise - and shock - he saw a shadow on Valmont's face. He figured the demons hadn't let him go just like that, but knew Valmont wouldn't tell anything if he didn't want to.

Finn sighed.

"I need a drink. A huge drink," he said forcing himself to finally accept this. His brains were working better now and he was starting to understand that Valmont was alive after all and here to take them back.

Valmont forced himself to smile. In this situation he didn't have the strength to act like an arrogant crime lord, he was too tired.

"Mind if I join you?" he asked and Finn was really surprised. Never before had Valmont wanted to socialise with them if he didn't have to and this was special. Then again, he wouldn't wonder if Chan joined them tonight too, everything seemed to be possible.

"Not at all, Big V. Chow and Ratso deserve to hear the news too," he said quickly. Then he opened the door to return into the pub where only Isabelle knew he had been gone for a while. Valmont followed him in silence.

It seemed to be really hot inside, but they both tried to ignore it. Isabelle shot them a questioning glance, but Finn just waved at her when they passed her. If Valmont wanted the woman to know about him he would have already told her.

He led Valmont upstairs where Chow and Ratso were. The two weren't particularly interested in hanging around in a nightly pub so they did something else, usually had a conversation. Sometimes Finn felt left out, but he alwayssuppressed that feeling fast.

Creaking of the floor was the only sound those two could hear before Finn pushed the door open in almost complete silence. After that they heard parts of a quiet conversation, but neither could understand the words. The conversation died immediately when Chow and Ratso noticed the door was open.

Finn stepped in first.

"You came back already," Chow stated in a slight surprise. Usually Finn was away much longer and was very depressed when he returned. The Irish man grinned at his friend and he noticed his green eyes had got theirold sparkback. Something had happened or he was heavily drunk.

"Yep, and I brought something surprising with me," he said on a good mood and stepped away so that Valmont could come in.

Chow and Ratso stared in silence. Finn smirked.

"Dude, you two should see your faces!" he said.

"Valmont's alive?" Ratso asked in shock.

"I... uh..." Chow stuttered totally off balance, he was probably the most surprised of them. This whole time he had had nightmares and worried about his boss' death and now he just came here looking like everything was all right!

"Surprise, huh?" Finn asked. Valmont didn't like his cheerful tone, but realised he was suffering from some sort of shock and behaved even more strangely than usually.

"What's going on?" Chow wanted to know. He had taken off his glasses and cleaned them as if thinking he'd find a spot shaped like Valmont.

"I want to rebuild the Dark Hans and offer you a chance to join me. Hak Foo is already with me," Valmont said simply. He knew they all wanted to know what he had experienced with the demons, but he wasn't ready to tell it to anyone yet. He wanted to think about it first and decide how it would affect the rest of his life.

"But where have you been during these months?" Ratso asked. He didn't seem surprised anymore, he had just accepted this truth like he usually did.

"That is not important right now. Don't think about it, but concentrate in rebuilding my organisation," Valmont said sharply.

"What about Shendu and the other demons? What are we going to do with them?" Chow asked sounding a bit nervous and Valmont took a glance at him. He was quiet for a long while.

"I don't know. We shall see," he said.


San Francisco woke up thenext morning not knowing what would happen that day. The air was still cool, but the sun would warm everything soon.

Tchang Zu stood on the roof of the warehouse and looked around proudly. There weren't many high buildings so he saw pretty well around and could smile. He drew a deep breath.

This city would soon be theirs.

He leaped down landing on his feet with a thud and then gestured forthe others to follow him. Shendu was the last one of them, he was very suspicious about this and didn't want to be in the front line when humans started defending themselves.

Hsi Wu pressed his claw against the wall and drew a simple mark. It glowed for a while until the red light faded. This small spell would make sure Jade didn't run away while he was gone.

"Be a nice girl until I return," he said to her and she tilted her head with a frown. She obviously didn't like to be pushed around.

"Come on Hsi! Or can't you leave your child slave alone for a while?" Tchang Zu asked sharply and Hsi turned to face the others glancing at Jade for the last time. Despite the change of air between them he didn't trust her and saw it was necessary to make sure she didn't have the chance to escape. If Jade tried to get away now she'd receive a nasty shock and would think twice before rebelling against the sky demon again.

"We have to stick together until we are sure how this city can defend itself. Then we can all go to do whatever we want. Everyone can take as many slaves as he or she desires, but be wise. And keep your eyes open for a fitting palace. That warehouse is most certainly not for us," the thunder demon lectured and every demon made conclusions about it.

Shendu was going to be on guard all the time and when everything was totally ruined he'd sneak away and make up his own plans. Tchang Zu didn't even have a plan, he was just going to destroy everything and didn't think about anything else. It had worked in the ancient times, but now it would just get them in trouble.

The humans didn't have any magical weapons, they had forgotten everything about them centuries ago, but they had developed just as dangerous ways to get rid of their enemies. Shendu remembered how he had been freed from that cursed statue form and flown to China. There Section 13 had been ready to use fire power against him, but Chan's old uncle had strictly forbidden it.

Fortunately. Despite Uncle's words Shendu would have been just a wet spot if the humans had been allowed to do what they wanted. Uncle hadn't accepted the guns because of pride, he thought the only right way to kill a demon was to use magic.

He took a thoughtful glance at Tso Lan. The moon demon wasn't stupid and he had to realise the situation they were in. Maybe Shendu didn't have to be the only demon who survived this, maybe he could save some of his siblings.

Bai Tsa would never follow him, the water demon would die more gladly. Dai Gui then, he was loyal to Tchang Zu and Xiao Fung was too stupid to realise what was the best thing to do. But Tso Lan, Po Kong and Hsi Wu might abandon the others if the situation got really nasty. He just had to wait and see what happened.

A car stopped next to them and a man stuck his head out.

"What the - " he asked and Tchang Zu grabbed his car with a roar, lifted it above his head and threw at the wall. The reason for this barbaric deed was to open the war and make the others feel more courageous, but Shendu was just amused. The thunder demon was in for a nasty surprise.

"This city shall soon be ours!" Tchang thundered. His little show made many drivers crash around, stop their cars or try a desperate turn back to where they were coming.

Bai Tsa had some problems with her real form, she had no legs, but she was not going to take a human form during this fight. She wanted the mortals to see her as a terrifying occupier and it wouldn't work if she had some other form. Po Kong carried her younger sister around, to a demon her size it wasn't a task at all.

The thunder demon looked around.

"Nothing seems to be wrong. The humans that ran away must have told about us already, but no one has attacked us yet. So the mortals are just as pathetic as I thought and we can all destroy as much we want. Stick close to each other for sudden problems," he said to his siblings who were all pleasedto leave on their own.

Shendu didn't wait to see what the others did, but departed from them with a huge leap. Tchang Zu thought his brother was excited about the fight and wanted to warm up with afew humans, but actually the fire demon wanted away from his oldest brother. Staying with Tchang was a suicide and he didn't want to die just yet.

"Shouldn't you have some fun too?" Tso Lan asked Hsi Wu, who glanced at him in suspicion. Of course this was fun, but it all would have been even more enjoyable if Ni Tang had been here with him.

"You know what happened to him, don't you?" the sky demon asked. Tso Lan was quiet.

"Later Hsi. Later," he said making Hsi frown in worry. Something was really wrong and this fight didn't seem so fun anymore.


Shendu wasn't a coward and he didn't try to avoid the fight that would soon start, but he had enough sense to understand what would happen. He knew more about this time and world than his siblings, otherwise they too would have realised how stupid this attack was.

This wouldn't end well and he was not going to he the one whose death made Tchang Zu understand.

When he was some distance away from the other demons he took a look around and took his human form. He knew it would have been wiser to use some other form than the one he usually used, but if he did it one of his siblings might think he was just a mortal and attack him.

And that would have been ironic.

He hoped he wouldn't lose any of his strong siblings. When this was over they'd be useful. Those who survived would finally understand how you had to fight against this world and building the new empire could be started.

Shendu was ready to give up Bai Tsa, Xiao Fung, Dai Gui and Hsi Wu. He thought they were the most useless members of the family and he couldn't stand them. But wise Tso Lan and magically talented Po Kong were demons he didn't want to die today.

He looked around on the pavement. The news about destruction had spread fast and even here, far away from the centre of things, things were pretty messed up. Some people had immediately bought the news andwere now runningaround in panic even when there was no visible danger. Some had problems deciding whether to believe or not.

"Afraid of me or the western fools?" a familiar voice asked and Shendu turned on his heels. He found himself staring in the eyes of a black haired man, whose ninja like clothing made him look really ridiculous in this city.

"Liao Su," Shendu stated and allowed himself to smirk. He hadn't really believed the man was stupid enough to follow him this far. The fire demon had been on guard for a while to avoid all the possible assassins, but when nothing had happened he had assumed they were all just adventurers who chickened when they saw blood.

The man eyed him a darkspark in his eyes and nodded.

"I came this far just to kill you, Shendu," he said.

"Did your master send you? He should have known better, to win me you need a real warrior," the fire demon commented witha playful tune in his voice. He knew arrogant and self-confident men like Liao, sooner or later this conversation would turn into a fight and then he too could have his fun.

"I am here for my own free will, my master has nothing to do with this," the man said shaking his head and letting the insult be. Shendu nodded in thought.

"In that case you are a greater fool than I anticipated. I'd understand if you were here because of your master's will, but only an idiot messes up with the demons voluntarily. Even Chan is not that stupid. He didn't have a chance," he said.

Liao Su snorted.

"Chan! That pathetic wimp is a betrayer just like Hak Foo! He lives in a foreign country and worksfor foreign people! That is unforgivable!" he hissed and Shendu could smell the hatred in the man.

"Maybe, but isn't the purest the one who never leaves his home country?" he asked teasing and Liao Su slit his eyes. How did this creature dare insult him?

He drew a sword from his clothes not bothering to greet the enemy, breaking one important rule of demon duelling. Shendu bowed to annoy him.

The sun blistered on the shining surface of the sword when Liao shoved it in the air, trying to stab it into Shendu's stomach. The fire demon dodged nimbly and decided to enjoy this game some more, in his real form he'd be too big for this idiot so he remained human.

"Can't do better? I expected more of you," he insulted enjoining himselfas the man got angrier and angrier.

"You won't be laughing for long, demon! When my sword is covered in your blood I will be the arrogant one!" Liao Su threatened and Shendu would have sighed had he had time for it. He had nothing against threats, he used them more than enough himself, but only a really stupid human honestly thought he had a chance against him.

Liao Su's sword hit sparks when hitting the asphalt right after Shendu had jumped away and Liao growled in both anger and frustration. He didn't even have time to lift his sword when he felt Shendu's kick in his chest and flew on the road. His sword flew from his hand and hit a fire post with a loud clang.

"You cursed creature!" the Chinese man swore rubbing his chest and standing up before Shendu managed to attack him again. He was about to run for his sword, but the fire demon quickly jumped between it and him and he had no other choice but to face the demon in a straight combat.

He aimed a punch at Shendu's jaw, but the demon was ready and caught his fist, not even hurrying. Liao Su lost his balance and taking advantage of it Shendu locked his other hand too.

Though it didn't look like it, Shendu wasmuch more powerful than an average humanin hishuman form and Liao Su had big problemswith keeping the fire demon away from him. He swallowed hard, this tired his muscles and though it felt bitter to admit it, he knew he couldn't win like this.

He suddenly gave in making the demon lose his balance and bending away from his grab. Then he leapedfor his sword catching it and turning to face his enemy again.

To this point Shendu had managed to keep his own anger in line, but during the fight he had got madder and madder. He wasn't a patient demon and the tactic he wasusing against Liao Su was now turning against him.

Growling in anger he leaped into the air his intention being to kick at the man, but he dodged quickly hitting Shendu so that he fell on his stomach on the street before he even understood what had happened. The fire demon just managed to turn to see as Liao Su stepped in front of him a victorious smile playing on his lips.

"Which one is stronger after all? Human or a filthy creature?" he asked raising his sword above his head in order to push it through the demon's chest as dramatically as possible.

Liao Su thought he had won, Shendu was on his feet and all he needed was one shove of the sword. It would be that easy...

And then he noticed how Shendu's brown hair disappeared, his eyes lost their brown colour and started to glow in red, his skin was covered by dirty yellow scales, he lost his human body and grew until Liao had to back away to see the whole demon.

Shendu was a dragon again.

"This has been fun, but I don't have any more time for you. Things that you know nothing about are happening and I can not afford your interference," he hissed poisonously and Liao could just stare at the mighty demon.

Of course he had seen Shendu in his real form before, but back then he had been with his companions and in that fight he hadn't had the time for gape at his size.

And now he was all alone.

For the first time Liao Su thought it hadn't probably been that goodof anidea to start the hunt alone, but it was too late now. He raised his sword for a one desperate attack, but Shendu never suffered from it.

Shendu caught the man in his claws and snatched the sword from him. The dangerous weapon looked like a toy in Shendu's huge claws and the dragon cut it in two with. There was a nasty clang when the pieces hit the street.

"Go ahead and kill me! Someone else will come after you and trap you, Shendu," Liao Su threatened grimacing and the fire demon snorted.

"I don't think so," he said maliciously and suddenly sunk his sharp teeth in the man's chest. Liao Su yelped and tried to suppress his scream of pain, but didn't manage and his agony filled voice was what made everyone - if someone was stupid enough to still be there - flee.

The man's black cloth was now bloodied rags and his blood dripped on the street staining the dragon's shining scales. Shendu didn't care, he wouldn't have cared no matter what happened. He wascompletely caught up in this ecstasy without being able to think about anything else.

Warm blood tasted sweet in his mouth, but even more he enjoyed Liao Su's scream. The man struggled in his grab, but somehow managed to be without begging for mercy. Shendu had to respect that despite how much he despised the man.

This was his first kill in a long time and because of that he couldn't quite control himself. He let his teeth do the work until he to his utter disappointment noticed that the man was quiet now. Shendu dropped Liao Su's body and it fell with a thud.

The mighty dragon was covered in his enemy's blood, but it didn't disturb him at all. It was the other way around, it made him even more excited and he took a quick glance around before leaving.

He could have his fun too before taking over this world.


"All men are ready and we have all the possible fire power with us," Captain Black said and Jackie nodded darkly. He hadn't wanted this to cometo this, but there was no other option anymore.

All the demons were free now, they had no easy way to defeat them. They were together and according to Uncle it made them much stronger than normally, which meant troubles for the world.

No, they would continue the fight until they either died or won, there was now other option for him. Especially when Jade was still their prisoner.

Jackie couldn't understand how Uncle could be so calm, as if he somehow knew the girl was all right. And maybe he did, but Jackie would have felt much better if he had hadsome evidence too.

Now they had to take Section 13 and their fire power in the fight, Blackhad demanded it. San Francisco was in danger and he didn't trust magic enough to leave everything to Uncle.

The old man didn't like it that strangers - who he thought were idiots - got involved, but he didn't have the right to say anything about the matter. He could squall as much as he wanted with no success, because the demons' attack wasn't a secret anymore and he had no chance to stop all gun freaks who wanted to hunt them.

But it didn't mean he had given up his own plans. He still thought the best way to destroy a demon was magic and he wasn't going to let the western culture to depress him.

Jackie felt as if he had been cut in two and he didn't know what to think. He was happy for Black helping and now when Section 13 was here he felt that they had a chance after all.

Then again, he didn't like guns and even though they were used against the demons he didn't think it was right. Uncle's way seemed somehow more gentle. He had no reason to pity the demons or feel compassionfor them, but shooting a living demon made him feel really bad.

"You sure you want to come with us?" Black asked his friend and Jackie nodded.

"I can't be left out," he said thoughtfully and sighed then.

The men of Section 13 had done good job by building a trap for the demons. Around the most beautiful and magnificent Chinese building in the city was hidden as much men and guns as possible and Black counted on it that sooner or later the demons would come and take over the building.

When it happened they would strike and destroy as many creatures as possible. Even though Uncle didn't appreciate their plans he had hinted that Tchang Zu was the best target. If they got the thunder demon killed everything would be so much easier.

Suddenly he felt Black's hand on his shoulder and his friend nodded.

"They are coming," he said darkly.


Hsi Wu enjoyed flying between the high buildings without having to hide from humans. This time it was the other way around, the more people saw him the better.

He didn't know where his siblings were, they had all gone somewhere and hadn't seen each other after that. Hsi was sure they all had something fun to do though.

What about him then? He hadn't done anything yet, just flown around scaring humans and enjoying the feeling he could do anything he wanted. The fear and terror of the mortals gave him strength and the sky demon almost believed he could smell their horror.

Suddenly he felt a snap in the air and landed on the roof of a hot dog stand. He knew only one of his siblings could create such a snap and it made him be careful. Only a fool flew around when Tchang Zu was in the action.

The sky demon didn't have to wait for long, soon the mighty thunder demon appeared destroying everything he saw. After he had passed by houses weren't whole anymore and he killed afew humans when possible.

"This city shall be ours as soon as we find a fitting palace," Tchang said stopping next to Hsi Wu. The sky demon eyed his brother on guard, but he didn't seem to be mad at him. Maybe he wanted to hear his opinion?

"I saw a high and magnificent building in that direction," he said pointing at east and Tchang nodded.

"Even though you are a weakling you have a nice taste. So show me this palace," he ordered and Hsi spread his wings and jumped. He wasn't enthusiastic about this, but treasured his health enough to know not to object his brother.

He didn't have to slow down, but could fly as fast as he could, Tchang wasn't left behind and they quickly flashed through the city.

"Hey! Where are you going?" Bai Tsa's excited voice was heard and both Tchang and Hsi turned to face their sister who still sat on Po's palm. The two sisters seemed to be having fun, they had caught a group of people and chose one victim at time.

"This city can not stand against us, so it is better to claim it for us. Hsi has found a palace and I am going to see it myself," Tchang Zu announced and Bai's eyes brightened.

"Great! I want to come too!" she exclaimed and Po took a glance at the remaining humans.

"What about them?" the mountain demon asked feeling sorry, it would be a shame to waste this much food. Bai Tsa shrugged.

"All right then, let's go,"Po Kongagreedfinally and Bai Tsa smirked pleased. Po Kong always did what her younger sister wanted.

The four demons hurried on not knowing about the trap they would soon face.

"This is fine," Tchang Zu said after they had arrived in front of the beautiful Chinese building. It had been built by a Chinese millionaire, who had spent his youth in San Francisco as a common worker. Now the house was empty, but at times the man felt a vacation was neededand moved in.

The demons would of course have to make some changes so that Po Kong fitted in too. And this would be just a temporary home, sooner or later each one of them would build a new and more fitting palace.

Bai Tsa frowned. She could sense something was wrong, she just couldn't say what it was.

"Tchang Zu, I don't like this," she said inworry and the thunder demon turned to face her.

"I don't think it's perfect either, but it will have to do," he said. Bai shook her head.

"I don't mean the house, something is wrong," she said and immediately after she had said it something flashed in the air and in the next moment exploded next to them. The fragile Hsi Wu lost his balance and fell from the sky as a heap of wings and limbs and even Tchang Zu had problems to stand. Huge Po Kong then, she had no difficulties and looked around to find the fool who had attacked them.

Captain Black cursed and promised himself he would find the fool who hadn't waited for his sign, but had fired without a permission. Now they had lost the advantage of surprise and they had to attack.

"Remember who is our main target," hesaid calmly and watched darkly as the first shot was fired. It was aimed at the oldest demon, who was now on guard and dodged easily.

"We are under attack!" he announced angrily and in surprise, to this point everything had been so easy and he hadn't thought the mortals had the guts to resist them. He raised his arms growling and let a huge thunder bolt strike where they had shot at them. There was an explosion and something broke, but fortunately Section 13 had expected this and built good barricades.

"What shall we do?" Bai Tsa asked and eyed the whole on the street. Did the mortals really have such powerful weapons? Maybe this wouldn't be that easy after all...

"We attack of course! What do you think?" Tchang Zu asked sarcastically and before any of the demons managed to stop he had left for Jackie and other's hideout.

"I still don't like this," the water demon commented watching as her brother went.

Tchang Zu was not about to let the mortals make fun of him, he would show them who was the strongest! He had to admit their weapons were more developed than he had thought, but they had no chance against him.

"Come and face your doom!" he announced loudly and started to laugh when no one came.

"Cowards! You pathetic worms, you dare to attack when no one sees you, but when it gets real you are nothing! But it doesn't matter, I will destroy you anyway and then I shall take over this city!" the thunder demon threatened gathering electricity in his hands.

Suddenly a group of men rose from the partly destroyed building in front of them. Tchang Zu saw Jackie Chan, who looked like he wanted to be somewhere else, with them, but he didn't recognise the others. So they mortals wanted to die standing. How childish, but so like them.

He was about to charge at them with a thunder bolt which would sure destroy them, but just then a series of gun shots was heard and Tchang felt he was about to lose his balance. He didn't feel anything and at first didn't understand what had happened, but then, when seeing he was bleeding he realised the mortals had hit him.

Badly.

He was a demon and many times stronger than humans and these shots weren't enough to make him fall now when his body hadn't fully understood what had happened. His mind said the situation was serious and if the humans really had such a way to attack him he probably should reconsider this.

Tchang felt as Po Kong lifted him gently on her palm and at some other time he would have raged at her for doing it, but now he was just thankful. The mortals could just stare and watch as the demons disappeared with a puff of smoke taking their injured brother with them.

Jackie sighed.

"I don't like this," he said gloomily. He didn't pity the thunder demon, but still something inside him told it had been wrong to open the fire.


Po put her brother downcarefully and watched him in worry. Tchang had been hurt many times before, but never this badly in the hands of mortals. Maybe Shendu hadbeen tellingthe truth after all? Maybe the world really had changed so much?

Bai Tsa placed her hand on her brother's bloodied chest, but quickly backed away as Tchang glared daggers at her.

"Do not touch me," he growled.

"But you are hurt. We must do something until sister Po has prepared a strong chi spell to heal you," the water demon snapped and the thunder demon laughed dryly.

"To heal me? I have my suspicions about that," he said. Bai Tsa felt something cold inside her and hissed in surprise.

"Brother Tchang? You don't mean... not like that! These wounds are nothing compared to the ones you suffered in the ancient times!" she said.

"You don't understand Bai, you never understood anything. The blood you see on me is not all of it and you can't understand what a wound this is. Humans have grown during these years and developed many dangerous weapons. In the ancient times they needed an army to hurt me this badly, now all they had was a group of men and few new weapons," the thunder demon explained.

"I should have listened to Shendu. This time he was right," he continued quietly. Bai glanced at Po.

"This is serious, Tchang would never admit Shendu was wiser than him!" the water demon worried and Po eyed her brother darkly.

Tchang Zu breathed heavily and with difficulties, his blue skin was now greyish and was almostcompletely covered in the demon's blood. Even a fool could see the thunder demon was in pain, but he didn't show it to anyone.

Po Kong slit her eyes and turned to face confused Hsi Wu.

"Hsi, go and fetch Tso Lan, Dai Gui, Xiao Fung and Shendu," she told. The sky demon didn't do anything to obey, but stared at his sister.

"Po Kong..." he started, but the mountain demon glared at him.

"Now!" she snapped angrily and Hsi flinched. Then he spread his wings and rose in the air, it wasn't a good idea to rebel against Po when she was in that mood.


Tso Lan floated over the woman's body wearing a dark expression and looked around. He had never been a friend of violence, but to honour the fight he had allowed himself one kill. The woman had been young and some might have considered her beautiful.

He didn't know where his siblings were, but the earth had shook and he was sure Dai Gui was building an underground empire for himself. Tso Lan had nothing against it, the more destruction they caused the sooner the city would betheirs.

A shadow was cast on him and he raised his eyes just to see Hsi Wu. The winged demon landed next to his taller brother and Tso knew something was going on.

"What is it?" he asked.

"Po Kong wants everyone to gather together. I've already sent Dai Gui, Xiao Fung and Shendu there," the sky demon said and Tso lifted his brows in surprise.

"Po Kong?" he asked. Hsi nodded.

"The mortals got Tchang Zu and he is hurt. I think that Po believes he us going to - " Hsi started to explain, but Tso had understood.

"Show me the way," he said interrupting his brother, who rose into the air again to lead the moon demon to others.

When they arrived they were all there. Po Kong, Bai Tsa, Dai Gui, Xiao Fung and Shendu had all gathered around Tchang Zu and Hsi and Tso joined them.

"Are you all right, my brother?" Tso Lan asked softly and Tchang turned to look at him. The thunder demon's red eyes didn't glow as they had used to and Tso could almost see the light in them fading.

That was all he needed.

"I'm perfectly fine," the thunder demon assured trying to make his voice sound strong. He failed, but every demon could still sense his inner strength.

Tso Lan turned to face Po Kong.

"Is there anything we can do?" he asked and the mountain demon shook her head.

"The mortal weapons are much stronger than we thought. I don't have a spell strong enough and preparing one takes time," she said. Tso Lan nodded.

"I see." He turned to face his big brother and other siblings again.

Bai Tsa looked like she was about to break into tears and Tso felt a rare desire to comfort her, but didn't do it. Dai Gui and Xiao Fung kept their feelings together, the two just stood there looking at their brother as if they had no idea what was going on.

Hsi Wu was like that too, Tso couldn't sense any sorrow or fear from him. It made him feel sad though, he had hoped the sky demon would adapt into the family. When Tchang Zu died he wouldhave to tell his brother the truth, he couldn't hold it back any longer.

Shendu then, the fire demon seemed to be just pleased and he had difficulties keeping his smirk away. It was clear the dragon had known this would happen.

This would be a huge change in their family and Tso Lan didn't even want to think about what they would do. They had to decide it together, which meant arguments and fights.

"Tso Lan," Tchang Zu said suddenly and the moon demon flowed next to his brother and then landed, which was something he almost never did.

"Yes?" he asked calmly. Tchang Zu swallowed.

"You... are soon the oldest brother in the family... the power belongs to Po Kong, but... take care of her," he said tiredly and closed his eyes with a sigh.

Tchang Zu, the mighty thunder demon, was gone.

To be continued...