Animorphia

Chapter 48: Legend of the Beast

The whole family has parked the car by their house to stop by. They got out from the vehicle, ran towards to the front door, ran all the way upstairs, and then they made it to Timon and Tatiana's room where they spot the chest on the nightstand.

Marcy picked up the chest and open up that there are at least seven gemstones left. She felt relief that it was safe at home the whole time. It's a really good thing that Xuan doesn't know where it is.

"(sigh) Right where I left you." Marcy sighed.

Eddie overlooks at the gemstones inside the chest. He was quite surprised that it was in this all this time. He picked up the blue gemstone curious. It looks pretty shiny to him.

"Hmm. This is where you found those?" Eddie asked.

"Yep, Timon and I found it from the lost temple after we face three trials." Pumbaa answered.

"At least it's safe for now, but let's have a family meeting here." Timon suggested.

"Why?" Pumbaa asked.

"I want to know who these guys are or why are they after you? You can start telling who or what the heck is this guy's problem."

"Yeah, how come you never told us in the first place?" Marcy asked.

Eddie knew when it's time to explain everything to them.

"Okay, I got a lot of explanation to do. Eight years ago, when I was 9..."


(Flashback starts)

We look to the past when Eddie was 9 years old that's been doing martial arts in the backyard. He's wearing his white tank top and black shorts for exercise.

"I've been understudying kung fu at home since I've been reading books. My grandparents noticed what I've been up to and they look very impress with my skills."

His grandparents were watching him doing kung fu. They look impress that he's been practicing. Later on, his grandfather took him over to downtown until they have arrived at the temple. Eddie looks stunning that the temple has two guardian dragon statues at the main entrance. They got out of the vehicle and walk-through main entrance.

When they have entered, Eddie goes awe at the view where all men and women are doing their kung fu, instructed by their teacher. He has never seen so many people like this before. He turns his left where it shows some students are using weapons for practice like staff fight or nunchucks.

Then he turns his head right that they've been doing their training exercise as one of them climb up to the pole to take the arrow out. He was fascinated for all this. His grandfather chuckled warmly, knowing that his grandson was looking forward to do this.

"That's when my grandfather decided to sign me up, so that I can learn defense myself when he promises that I will see you again. In order to do that, he insists that I must be patience."

They walk past by some students doing their kung fu as they walk towards upstairs until the entered inside where the shrine was filled with red, black, and gold with the center of the pond filled with water. Candles are everywhere as lights on.

Eddie looked around that there are some ancient artifacts from the past, including katana sword, Chinese vase, and ninja armor. As they approach, they encounter with an eldest man that has white beard, wearing his orange robe with black line, white socks, and sandals.

"This is where my grandfather told me that he used to train here with his old master, Donghai."

A wise man turns around and see that it turns out to be his old master. Eddie's grandfather bowed with respect. Eddie bow to him too by copying his grandfather until they looked up at Donghai. As both elder men give each other reunion hug, then they looked at Eddie reach his hand out to shake hands, and then Donghai smiles warmly, accepted to shake hands.

"For English, it means "eastern sea." He was one of the legends that among the warriors, trained many students for centuries."

Later on, Eddie was introduced to his mentor that looks like an adult with black hair, wearing his white martial arts along with other kids like around his age. They bowed to each other respectively and then his mentor offered him his new clothes so that he can change.

"Every day is like I go to school. I've been following practice like all other kids."

Then it shows his mentor instructed his students including Eddie doing kung fu repeatedly with pumping their fists, kicking their legs in the air, and the then their own pose. Then it shows Eddie is doing practice with the boy like they're in a fight.

The boy was getting too close to overpower him, but Eddie deflects the kicks and fisting until he uses his fist push him off by force when his opponent fell and does his own pose. The boy looked up with stunning. His mentor looks impress. Eddie looks at his mentor smiling before he nodded with approved.

"Every day, and every month, and every year we've been practicing, and practicing, and be the best warrior there is."

As they years passed when Eddie has been practicing by doing his training exercise for pushups, then he hops onto logs one step at a time, then he does some inner peace like dance move with his mentor, and then by age 15, he's punching a black punching bag as his muscles grows on his arms.

And by day before graduation, he's used his wooden sword to face against his opponent Xuan, who is 18 years old as they fought for their final test. Once he worked hard enough to defeat his opponent by fell off from the boxing ring, then everyone applauds to Eddie that he has won.

He bowed after a great success. He looked up and see Donghai with his grandparents smiling applauding to him. Eddie smiles back and felt he have brought honor to his family. Donghai nodded for his approval. From that moment, Xuan grew jealousy towards Eddie.

Later that night, when he's at the temple with Donghai, kneeling on the pads in front of the katana sword as they pray together in peace. But then, they didn't notice when shadow lurks by sneaking pass inside of the temple. Donghai has sensed when someone is inside, but Eddie didn't. He slowly reaches his arms to take the sword before Eddie opened his eyes.

"And by evening, when we are praying, but until... this happens."

Donghai quickly drew his sword and deflect the arrow aside. Eddie was startled for all of sudden, but then he spotted a person like a black ninja, right across between them, using his bow and arrow to aim at Donghai as the elder stand up and stood his ground.

The ninja aimed his arrow again and release towards Donghai, but he deflects it again, and again until he ran towards him to attack by karate move as they fought in battle. Eddie stands as he looked shock at the moment.

He has never seen his sensei fighting this mysterious person, but what does he want? S they almost came to blow, but then a masked ninja flips over and gives him a blow on sensei's back and felt injured.

Eddie gasp, but he grew anger towards the masked and ran towards him when instinct took over. The masked man looked back before Eddie strikes a blow, but he deflects the attack. They keep fighting and deflecting over and over while Donghai looks up at them, but too weak to stand up.

And by then Eddie reach the limit, he pushes off the attacker, then clench his fist to make a final blow until his fist lands by punching him in the face. The attacker felt pain on his face to ease off, but without a warning, Eddie jumps towards him by kicking him out of the temple as the attacker stumbling downstairs until he reach at the bottom.

Eddie rush over to help his sensei by getting him back up. Donghai looked at him softly as he thanked him for assistance. When they overlooked at the attacker that slowly got up, very weak when he took off that mask as they both react with shocked and disgusted that it turns out that it was Xuan, who was the attacker.

He looked up with his anger look, very hatred. Eddie did not see that coming. Just then when the guards arrive to aid their sensei, but they halt and gasp. They were muttering with Taiwan language that Xuan was standing in front of the temple. Donghai looks bitterly disappointed towards him for his action and his sins.

The next day, when Xuan was standing outside of the gate as Donghai looks very angry towards him. Eddie crosses his arms and glares at him. Everyone in this temple looks angry and disgusted for what this attacker has done. The wise master points his finger out by telling him to leave the temple.

"After a shocking truth, Xuan was stand trial for his actions. Donghai has banish him from the temple by attempted to assassinate him and framing me that I couldn't do. Xuan sworn that he will return for and made vow for revenge."

Xuan felt betrayed. He gives them a final cold-hearted glare and storm off, leaving the master and the students alone. Both Eddie and Donghai took a glance at each other with worried look, knowing that he will return. Or so they thought.

(Flashback ends)


"And then I thought I never seen him again, but until now." Eddie finishes his story.

Marcy and her adoptive parents and her uncle were both shocked and stunning. They have no idea how long they've been known each other.

"Wow. That was... intense." said Marcy.

"And then what happen?" Pumbaa asked.

"I don't know, but at least I know is that I graduated from the temple. I've earned the black belt, rewarded me for my bravery and heroism. He knows that I have pure heart. Just like you... and our parents." said Eddie.

He pulled out his Yin Yang necklace to look at it showing his soft smile before he finishes his sentence.

"Our family."

Now, Marcy understands everything. She took her last look at the gemstones before she closes its lid. She raises her arm to touch her brother's left shoulder. Eddie looked at Marcy's smiling at him softly.

"Eddie, you've always been looking out for me before we were separated. Even though, we may have never seen each other again, but until now that we are reunited once again. You've always been a good brother. A great big brother. You know that, right?" said Marcy.

Eddie felt touch from his sister's speech. He gently wrapped his arm around his sister and she accepted her embrace. Timon, Pumbaa, and Tatiana were smiling that their kids are hugging each other, but it reminds him something back in the car. Timon started to think about what Eddie has said to him. But why?

Then Eddie let go of his embrace and looked at Marcy as the Taiwan girl smiles. Their thoughts were interrupted when Timon made "ahem" to get them attention. He reaches his arm to rub his head from the back before he spoke to them.

"Say uh... about that earlier. What you just said about me was... deep. But why?" Timon asked.

Eddie realize what Timon was trying to say back then. He drops his smile a bit before he spoke.

"I don't know. It felt like... like memories." Eddie answered.

Timon sheepishly smile, but then he smiled warmly at him. Timon knew that Eddie was just a good person. A great kid.

"Thanks for saving us back there." Timon thanked him.

"You're welcome." replied Eddie.

"Now that he tells us his story, how about we start talking about treasures." Marcy suggested.

"Good question, but we know is that these gems can turn humans into animals and animals turn into humans." Pumbaa remembers.

"I get that, but does anyone else knows about these gemstones? There has to be a clue for the museum or something." Eddie suggested.

Marcy perked up and it really hit her.

"(gasp) Of course! The Museum of Natural History! Dr. Jan might know about this." Marcy realizes something.

"Dr. Who?" Eddie asked.

"I met her back when I was five years old." Marcy explained.

"Alright, we better get moving before the museum is closed." said Timon.

"Be sure to bring the chest with you before we left." Pumbaa reminded his niece.

"Right, is everyone all set?" Marcy asked.

They reply with a nod.

"Good, now let's roll! Right after you put on your disguises."

"Oh, right. We forgot." said Timon.

All three of them cling on to their necklace when it glows around their bodies and then transform into humans until brightness went down. They already knew whenever they go out for public, they have to put on their disguises just to be sure.

"There. All set."

"Guess I'll drive the car, then." said Pumbaa.


Meanwhile at the museum, it took a few minutes when they parked by the front. They got out from the vehicle before Pumbaa locked it. Marcy and Eddie are carrying their backpacks since they got them back while Timon is carrying the chest.

Once they reach to the main entrance, there they see none other than Dr. Jan who was about to locked the front door. Marcy knew that she's the only person who knows more about the legends besides studying fossils and artifacts. She smiles before she spokes.

"Dr. Jan!" Marcy chimes.

The curator turns around and noticed that Marcy and her family approach as the woman smiles at them.

"Marcy! So happy to see you!" Dr. Jan smiles.

"So happy to see you, too." replied Marcy.

"What brings you all here?" Dr. Jan asked.

"Before you close for a day, we need your help."

"Why sure, you know I still have enough time before the museum is closed. I'd be really much happy to help you."

"Thank you."

"No problem. Come on in."

Dr. Jan opens the door to let Marcy and her family in and then she closes the door behind them. It looks pretty empty from the inside of the museum. Eddie and Tatiana looked stunning at the interior when the saw Tyrannosaurus Rex fossil, then they saw the raptor statue made out of plastic. It's incredible.

"Thank you so much for helping us. I really appreciated." Timon thanking the curator.

"Of course, but who are your new friends?" Dr. Jan noticed.

"Oh! This is my girlfriend, Tatiana."

"Hello." Tatiana greeted politely.

"And this is Eddie, Marcy's brother." Timon finish introductions.

"Wait, you have a brother?" Dr. Jan asked when stop walking for a moment.

"Yeah, he came here last week back when we were separated." Marcy answered after they stop walking.

"Hi." Eddie greeted.

"Oh, my goodness! It is you! Where have you been all my life? I am so happy to meet you in person. I have no idea that she's your sister." Dr. Jan happily shakes her hands with Eddie.

"It's nice to meet you too, ma'am." replied Eddie.

"Well then, how can I be a service to you?"

"Yes, we brought something that they just found. Do you know anything about these treasures?" Eddie asked.

"Hmm. Now that you mentioned it, we have multiple treasures, including from Egypt, Amazon, Greece, Norway, and Atlantis. Why's that?"

"Well, that's a thing. Does the name Animorph mean anything to you?" Eddie asked when Timon present the chest to her.

Dr. Jan started to think what he just meant, but until she started to remember as she smiles.

"Hold on, you mean the legend that tells where humans were turn into animals? Many years ago?" Dr. Jan happily asked.

"Yes! That's the one!" Marcy answered.

"This makes my dream come true! Follow me!"

Who would've thought that Dr. Jan knows more about the legends of Animorph. She gladly to help them out as they walk into her office with full of stuff like maps, artifacts, a raptor skull that they found, and some books.

"Here we are. It's where I've been studying a lot of few things. It's been a while since I've heard so much about it." said Dr. Jan.

"(whistles) Nice place you got here." Eddie remarked.

"Why, thank you. I can tell that Marcy came to visit recently during her visit."

"It's true, because we are the same." said Marcy.

"Gotcha. Now, about the treasure. We would like to show you something that's important." said Eddie.

Timon took step closer to her as he opens the lid with seven gemstones that are orange, green, blue, dark blue, purple, teal, and white. Dr. Jan looks awe at the gemstones that are very pretty.

"Amazing! Where did you get that?" Dr. Jan asked when stunning.

"Well, Pumbaa and I found it eight years ago. We went to the temple to see if it's real." Timon explained.

"There's only seven left while we hold onto three of our own." Pumbaa added.

"How can you tell?" Dr. Jan asked.

"Um, well... what we told you that we can transform ourselves into animals? Technically that were once animals before we turn ourselves into humans." replied Pumbaa nervously.

"It's okay, I trust my family with my life. With your permission, we would like for you not to tell anyone besides just me, Eddie, and... two of my friends?" said Marcy with being honest.

Dr. Jan raises her eyebrows when confused.

"(sigh) Alright, here goes." Timon sighed before he hands over the chest to Marcy.

As the three of them touch their necklace when each color glows around them, then it became bright a bit, and revert themselves back into both meerkats and a warthog until brightness went down. They looked up and see Dr. Jan that went gasp, and then she starts to smile.

"No way! You're the main cast from The Lion King?!" Dr. Jan gasps.

"Yep! That's us!" Pumbaa answered.

"Oh! My! Gosh! This must be my lucky day! It's all coming true! The myths are real!"

Marcy and Eddie were glad that Dr. Jan is the only person on this planet was not freaking, but making her dreams come true. She was fascinated for all they myths and legends, fossils and history, even in astronomy. Marcy is smiling at her.

"See? They're the ones that they have found from the temple, beneath in the jungle. They said it was far away from the Pride Lands in Africa." said Marcy.

"Of course! That's what I've been searching for! Just one second."

Dr. Jan walks over to the shelves to look through the books until she pulls one out. They were looking at the curator by flipping some pages until she founds it before she reads.

"There it is! The legend says that thousands of years ago when the human tribes from Africa like Wakanda, has built a sacred temple in the heart of the jungle. In one night, when the tribes look up to the sky, there was an aurora borealis that shines above them when the great eagle emerge and flew down to bring many gifts with full of animal spirits by becoming one of them."

"After receiving gifts, they have the ability to transform into animals. From mammals to reptiles and from birds to insects. They praised to the great spirit and worship like a god. Soon, they have received contacts to the great kings of the past as clouds shines upon them that look resembles to the lion. The tribes were bowing and respect to the great circle of life."

"Just like what Simba said." Pumbaa whispered to Timon.

"Many years has passed, they have built the sacred temple to bring honor for the great spirit and the entire animal kingdom. Inside the temple where all tribes will have to face many trials in order to fulfill their destiny. Once they have completed their trial, they received such great gifts by using magical gems like diamonds and reach all the to the top of the temple to complete their ritual until one of them was chosen and select any kind of animals that they once where their necklace."

"For once, they have fortuneteller or soothsayer that can predict the future to show their leaders what might happen to the sake of their people. They feared that every man from different country will be corrupted by all the sins. Greed, pride, and power hunger. In order to protect their people, they have fled and abandoned their city by turning themselves into animals and never to be seen again before men has arrived." Dr. Jan has finished her tale.

They have listened what she just read about the history. Timon, Pumbaa, and Tatiana were all looking at their own necklace.

"So, it all make sense. Humans were praising to the great spirit like from Canada, then they receive stones like gifts by turning themselves into animals, and then they vanish before any men has arrived." Eddie rephrased that.

"What happen to the people that they fled?" Marcy concerned about the tribe.

"That's a good question. For what I can tell when most tribes are thriving. They are adapting, evolving, and live among us. For my theory, they could be anywhere." Dr. Jan answered.

"So, does this mean we're the only first mammals that have found the gemstones?" Pumbaa asked.

"Maybe, but what you showed me was true. Just like my grandmother use to tell me."

"Really?" Marcy asked.

"Of course, she told me that soothsayers have seen everything that they predict by making a mural where it has been prophesies that came to pass."

"That reminds me. From Cipher Wheel to the King of the Monsters." Timon remarked.

"We're not talking about pop culture reference. Are you?" Marcy teased.

"Pfft! As if."

"Now I know why Xuan is after the gemstones." said Eddie as he lowered his voice.

"Who?" Dr. Jan asked.

"The guy who used to be a student where I was attended, but then he was expelled after attempt to put blame on me. When Marcy and I were captured, he wants us to know where the treasure is so that he and his master can use the gemstones as weapons to wipe out their enemies amd rule the world." Eddie explained.

"Oh, dear. How bad was it?"

"Huge, and I think I know which target he shall pick. There's the Avengers, Web Warriors, Wakanda, S.H.I.E.L.D, United Nations, MI6, and everything else are a threat for getting in their way for dominance."

"That's a lot of super heroes and secret organizations." Timon remarked.

"Then what are we gonna do?" Pumbaa asked.

"Is there a way to stop this?" Tatiana concerned about the gemstones.

"I wish I could, but I have honestly no clue about the gemstones." Dr. Jan answered with apologies look.

"There's gotta be a way to stop him or the world will be doomed." said Timon.

"I think I know the answer who can help us." Eddie thought of something.

"Who?" Marcy asked.

Eddie looked at his sister that she's been waiting for answer. Timon and Pumbaa were looking at him too. Tatiana started to think what he's been up to. Then Eddie knows exactly what clues might can lead him to find the answer.

"We're going to meet Donghai."


Later that early evening, the whole family has already left the museum after they revert back into humans so that they could get back home to pack their clothes and belongings in their bags and suitcase just for only two days to visit before they left the house.

Timon has already contact the principle from middle school while Tatiana made call with high school principal. Pumbaa is driving their car to go straight to the airport where Eddie told them that there was this pilot who can take them.

Marcy is texting her friends to tell them that she and her brother were rescued by her adoptive family and apologize for not telling them. She thinks that she made them all worried about what happened.

Eddie had a make quick phone call with Bailey before he left to go back to Taiwan. He was waiting for an answer until it was picked up as the screen split into two where Bailey is in her own room.

"Eddie?" Bailey called.

"Hey, Bailey. It's me." Eddie answered.

"Oh, thank goodness! I am so worried about you!" Bailey relieved.

"It's okay. I'm fine. My family rescued me and Marcy."

"(sighed) I'm so glad that you're both okay."

"Are you feeling all right?" Eddie asked.

"No, I cried because I thought... well... I'm so scared if anything happens to you." Bailey answered.

"Oh, I am so sorry. I'll make it up to you when I get back home." Eddie apologizes.

"Where are you going?"

"(sigh) If I told you the truth, you are not gonna like it."

"What are you talking about?"

"My family and I are going to Taiwan for two days, so that we can seek help from my sensei."

"Wait, is it where you are from?"

"Yeah, I was with my grandparents until I moved out. Right now, we're going over to my grandparents and then we are going to visit to my sensei to discuss about the treasure."

"Treasure?"

"I'll tell you everything when I get back."

"Okay, but please be careful."

"Don't worry. I'll promise I'll be okay. Besides, I got my family with me."

"Right, before you go, you have to promise me one thing."

"And what's that?"

"Will you promise me to look after Marcy? She means everything to me. I was so worried if anything happens to her or if anything happens to you. Will you promise?"

Eddie knew what Bailey is talking about. He will do anything to protect his little sister if it means a lot to her.

"Okay, I promise." Eddie answered.

"Alright, take care of yourself." replied Bailey.

"Thanks, see you later, alligator."

"After while, crocodile."

They have ended their call as the screen went back to normal. Eddie sighed. Marcy and Tatiana noticed that look.

"How was she?" Marcy asked softly.

"Bailey was worried about us. She was afraid if anything happens to us." replied Eddie.

"Oh, I am so sorry."

"Hey, it's okay. We'll figured this out together. I'll be right with you. No matter what."

Marcy smiles softly at her older brother.

"Thanks, big brother." said Marcy.

"No problem." replied Eddie.

Then suddenly, they heard a female AI voice from Timon's phone since he looked up on the map to find an airport.

"You have reached your destination. Turn right."

Pumbaa turned right as they drove through the entrance. When they finally drove closer to the plane by the plane garage, Pumbaa turned off the engine and got out from the car followed by the rest of the family.

They walk closer to the garage where his old friend, Joe was fixing up a pickup truck that the front hood was open. Marcy was curious about this person. Eddie figured that he's a very busy man. Then he decided to spoke up to get him attention.

"Hello?"

Joe pauses his fixing when turn around and noticed that Eddie was here standing with his family.

"Oh! Eddie, back so soon?" Joe asked.

"Yep, and I brought my family with me." replied Eddie.

Joe is looking at them as they waved. Even Marcy is smiling.

"Hi, I'm Marcy, his little sister, and these are my family."

"Marcy? Well, I'll be gobsmacked! It is you!" said Joe.

"Yep! That's me."

"Oh, man. I know your parents long ago when they moved here, but I want to say that I'm so sorry about what happen to your parents."

"It's alright, but we need your help."

"Will you take us to Taiwan?" Eddie asked.

"What's the emergency?" Joe asked curiously.

"It's complicated, but it has something to do with treasures and the lost city."

"Well, I'll be happy as your servant. Reporting for duty."

"Thanks, Joe."

"Any friend your family is a friend of mine."

Eddie nodded before they start loading up. It only takes a few seconds to load up their bags and suitcase inside the cargo plane. They strapped themselves in by buckling up while Joe turns on the engine when the turbine was turned on.

Eddie is sitting by Marcy that was strapping in while Timon sits in the other side in between Pumbaa and Tatiana. He held on to his girlfriends' hand since it was her first flight. She looked at him smiled that she was secured.

"This is your first flight, huh?" Timon asked.

"Oh, yeah. Definitely." Tatiana answered.

"I hope I don't get air sick." Pumbaa muttered.

"Stop your whining. You're not gonna get airsick." said Timon.

"Aright, you folks all set?" Joe asked as he looked to the back.

They all replied by nodding.

"Oaky, next stop, Taipei."

Joe pilot the wheel to turn his plane around, then the plane starts to go faster, until he pulls up to go up high. Marcy felt going up high when Eddie held her hands to let her know that it's gonna be just fine. Same thing for the humans in disguise.

The cargo plane is heading its way back to Taiwan, where Eddie and Marcy's parents used to live, but what they didn't noticed when they are being watched by Xuan that holds on to his binocular. Once the plane flies far away, he set his binocular down and look down at his men.

"So, they're heading back to their home country. Nicely done, setting up your tracker to their vehicle." said Xuan.

"What about the treasure? Should we follow them?" His driver asked.

"Not yet. I'll have word with my master. Once they've found the location, they will lead us right to it."


Looks like our heroes are heading straight to Taiwan to see Eddie's grandparents and then visiting to his sensei about the treasure. Stay tuned for the next chapter and have a wonderful Good Friday!

Amphibia and The Lion King (c) Disney