Disclaimer;

"Greetings earth people. Me am Lord Duke Paul Vader the 178th, me think. Any ways me just want to say that Darth Maud-Dib still do not own this fine, fine show known as Xiaolin Showdown. Me also like to say that he does own Lady Rin and the fallen Dragons.

"Me also demand that you deliver all the cats of the earth to me so that they may be used to fuel our exploding sun. Failure to comply with this demand will result in me singing off key and tap dancing. Do not risk the wrath of me tap dance of doom; deliver the cats."

A/N

I just wanted to apologize for my long absence and a horrific lack of updates. I had to get my computer a new power supply, it's no excuse but that's why it's taken so blasted long to finish. Again my apologies to all those who have waited for the end of the story; and my thanks to those of you who have been kind enough to leave a review.

Chapter Nine

The Darkness and the End

A cool breeze blew through the trees gently rustling the leaves. Alex crouched on a thick branch and looked down at a Xiaolin temple that was remarkably similar to the one Raimundo and his friends called home. The temple was bathed in the pale light from the full moon that hung overhead. Alex had spent almost an hour circling around the outside, looking for different ways in, and checking on who was inside. As far as he could tell the temple was empty except for a handful of monks.

Alex quietly climbed back to the ground and rejoined Ayane. "It look's quiet enough."

"So what's the plan?" Ayane whispered.

"I'm hopping that we can sneak in and take the spear before anyone knows we're here." Alex moved over to the stone wall that surrounded the temple.

"And if we're spotted?" Ayane stepped over and climbed over the wall.

Alex followed her over and landed softly. "Then we just take it." Alex and Ayane began to search the outer areas while staying in the shadows. After a few minutes they decided to split up as they searched. Alex went farther into the temple until he reached an open area. He could see two smaller buildings to left and right side as well as three wide steps that led to what was probably the main portion of the temple.

"You might as well step forward." A man with a shaved head stepped into view from the building on the right.

Alex mentally cursed himself for not noticing the man, and stepped into the open. "Noticed me huh? I must be getting sloppy."

"Not really." The man shook his head. "I only just noticed you as I was stepping out. I am most impressed with your skills of stealth."

Alex laughed softly. "And you are?"

"It is rude to sneak into another's home and demand their name without giving yours first."

"My name is Alex, the Dragon of lighting." Alex walked cautiously forward a few steps.

A confused look flashed across the man's face, he then nodded in understanding. "I see. Were you not imprisoned years ago?"

"And you know that how?"

"I have heard many stories about the Dragon of lightning."

"That'll save me some time." Alex flashed a grin. "You know my name pal, you mind tellin' me yours?"

"I am Master Monk Guan."

Alex again laughed as he looked over the monk. "Just the man I was looking for then. You know, when I was training, you were all anyone would talk about."

"Oh?"

"They said you're one of the greatest fighters to ever live."

This time it was Monk Guan who laughed. "I too have heard about you. Some once said that you had the potential to become a truly powerful Dragon."

"Really? I'm flattered."

"They also said that you were too headstrong and rash."

"Excuse me for not following their stupid rules and playing the good little soldier." Alex pushed aside his rising anger.

"Is that why you gave yourself so freely to evil?" Guan stepped forward and stared him in the eyes.

"Lady Rin gave me freedom and a dream." Alex glared at the monk as his anger began to boil over. "It was the Xiaolin order that burned my home. They started the fire that killed my parents. They took me to their temple and told me I had to change everything about me so that I fit into their nice little picture."

"I see, so that is how you see things." Guan nodded in understanding. "Since you have not come to reform your evil ways, why are you here?"

"I'm here for the Spear of Guan."

"I will not hand it over so freely to one whose skill cannot wield it properly."

"Then I'll have to take it." Alex grinned and stood ready to attack.

Guan let out a sigh then took up a defensive posture. "So be it."

Alex sprung forward and aimed a roundhouse kick at the Guan's head, but he parried the kick aside. Alex allowed himself to spin around and lashed out with a heel kick. Guan easily parried the attack then stepped back as Alex brought his knee around and tried to kick him again. Shock hit Alex like a brick when Guan caught his kick and threw it upwards, causing him to flip over and land face first.

Alex scrambled to his feet and subsequently dodged a kick from Monk Guan. He was impressed with the old monk's speed as he stepped back while blocking Guan's rapid assault. Alex caught one punch and yanked the master forward then tried to punch him only to have his own fist caught. They both pushed off each other and began to circle slowly.

Alex noticed that Guan still held a defensive poster and decided that his best chance was to rush past it and overwhelm the monk. He focused his energy then sprang forward with a flurry of punches. Guan managed to block the punches but was still being pushed back. Alex smirked then aimed a kick at his ribs, but Guan again caught his foot and tried to flip him over again. This time Alex was ready for the move and kicked off of Guan's hand to land on his feet.

"Most impressive young warrior." Guan nodded slightly. "You learn quickly and adapt well."

"That's why I'll be the greatest fighter to ever live," Alex stated.

"Fighting alone does not make one great. Only when you have something to fight for, something you believe in, can you truly achieve greatness."

"I'll keep that in mind." Alex lashed out with another kick but Guan blocked it and punched him hard on the ribs. As he stumbled back he saw Ayane running over and held out his hand. "Stay out of this."

"What, why?" Ayane asked.

Alex stood ready to attack again. "Because I need to see how I measure up to the best."

"I found the spear." Ayane stepped over to Alex's side. "A whole bunch of 'em."

"Admirable." Guan now stood straight with his hands behind his back. "With her here you could have simply stolen the spear before I noticed. So why didn't you?"

"I'll take it as a prize for defeating you."

Guan smiled and stepped over in front of him. "You will not beat me tonight for two reasons. One, you have not yet reached the limit of your power, but you are too blinded by your anger to fully realize it; and second, your technique is excellent and you may be faster than I, but you are predictable and rely on training more than instinct."

"Thanks for the advice," Alex sneered. "Why are you lecturing me?"

"Because, when I look at you I do not see an agent of evil; I see a warrior who is confused and seeking something to believe in."

"And what would that be?" Alex laughed.

"You are simply looking for a cause, something to fight for." Guan walked passed Alex and Ayane then glanced over his shoulder and motioned for them to follow.

Alex glanced over at Ayane then followed after him. Alex tried clear the confusion that was swinging in his head but couldn't. He wanted to know why Monk Guan was talking to him like that. Guan led them to a small building and opened the door to reveal a warehouse full of spears like the one Alex had seen in his vision. "What's this?"

"Told ya I found a bunch," Ayane whispered.

Guan picked up one of the spears then reached over to hand it to Alex. "I want you to have this."

"What?" Alex felt his shock rise as he glared at Guan suspiciously. "You're giving me the spear?"

"I believe that you have a special destiny, like all of the chosen ones. I believe that there is more strength in you than you realize, and I believe that despite what you feel, there is good within you." Guan stared Alex in the eyes. "I want you to take this as a peace offering and consider training under me."

Alex stared at Guan for a long minute before he took the spear and backed away. "Whatever games you're trying to pull, I'll never rejoin the Xiaolin order." He motioned for Ayane to follow and sprinted back towards the wall. He and Ayane quickly jumped over and sped off into the shadows. As they ran Alex couldn't figure out what exactly happened. The only cause I need is to be the best, Alex thought as he glanced over his shoulder.

(-)

Omi ran through the temple halls heading towards the courtyard. Master Fung had thought it best if they rested and waited until the morning to search for Clay. Omi leapt out into the courtyard and found Master Fung and the others waiting for him.

"But where should we start looking?" Kimiko asked as Omi stepped over to join them.

"You saw Wuya with Alex, so that means Chase is working with them." Raimundo looked over towards Kimiko. "I say we start at Chase's citadel."

"That's assuming that they didn't take him to wherever it is Rin uses as a hideout."

"Since we don't know where that is the only spot to look is at Chase's place."

"I do not think that a wise idea, Raimundo," Omi interrupted. "Even if Clay is there; if we head off to free him then that will leave the temple unguarded. They could simply steal the coin and all of our Wu while we are distracted."

"Yeah, but we can't just leave him," Kimiko stated passionately.

"I do not intend to. I say that we need only wait; once they notice the missing coin they will have no choice but to come here to get it and when they do, we shall defeat them in a most humiliating manner and free our friend."

"A wise deduction young warrior." Omi spun around to face the sound of the voice and saw Chase standing atop of the courtyard wall. "However there is one flaw. In order for your plan to work you would need to defeat me."

Raimundo stepped forward ready to attack. "So why wait?"

"I'm not here to fight."

"Then why are you here?" Master Fung asked while he motioned for Raimundo to stand down.

"You have in your possession a certain item I need."

"You mean the coin," Kimiko spat. "And why would we give it to you?"

Chase smiled coldly. "Because if you don't, I can't guarantee the continued wellbeing of your Texan friend."

"Chase Young, I demand that you release Clay this instant." Omi inched forward ready to strike.

"That's why I'm here."

"Really?" Omi responded a bit confused.

"I propose a trade, I will free your comrade, but in return you will hand over the coin." Chase stared coldly at each of them. "Bring the coin to my citadel by sunset or your friends life is forfeit."

"No way, if you get the coin then you'll use the chest to destroy the world," Raimundo exclaimed.

"Perhaps, but you must chose to either save your friend or protect a coin that I will get sooner or later."

Master Fung held up his hand to stop anyone from replying. "Very well Chase Young. We will agree to your terms, but the trade most be made here at the temple."

"I'm glad you see things my way. I will return at noon." Chase jumped back and disappeared behind the wall.

"Master, why did you give in to his demands?" Omi asked.

"Because it was the only way to save Clay," Master Fung replied solemnly. "And at least here we will have the advantage."

Omi nodded but still couldn't shake the feeling of dread that was building inside of him.

(-)

Alex sat on a marble balcony that over looked the entrance to Chase's citadel and stared at the Spear of Guan sitting in front of him. There was something about the way Guan had spoken that had unsettled him. Why did he just give it to me?

"Something on your mind?"

Alex looked over his shoulder and saw Rin standing behind him. "Just thinking."

"About?" Rin stepped over and sat in front of him. "I see you retrieved the spear."

"See that's the thing, I didn't take it, Guan just gave it to me."

"He gave it up freely?"

Alex nodded. "Yep, granted he must have had hundreds of the blasted things. He wanted me to become his pupil and that I needed a cause."

"Did he?" Rin frowned as she glanced down at the spear then back at him. "You shouldn't let the lies of a Xiaolin monk upset you. Your place is here at my side and the Xiaolin have known it since the day we first met. They only want you because they fear you; they know that together we will crush their pathetic little order and they are powerless to stop us."

Alex smiled then nodded, taking comfort in her words. He started to reply when Chase stepped on to the balcony.

"It's time."

(-)

A thin layer of grey clouds slowly began to drift over the Xiaolin temple, dulling the afternoon sun. Raimundo stood next to Kimiko and the others silently awaiting Chase and his allies.

"Do you think we can trust Chase to keep his word?" Kimiko asked softly.

"We have done all that we can." Master Fung smiled reassuringly. "The other monks guard the Shen Gong Wu. It is up to us to free Clay stop the forces of darkness."

"Or it'll be a thousand years of darkness, right?" Raimundo asked with a smile hoping to lighten the mood. Before anyone could respond the temple doors burst open and Chase strolled in followed by Clay. Rin was next to enter with the Chest of Oda floating behind her a moment before Alex, Ayane, Bob, and Wuya walked in. "Gee the whole gang's here."

"Chase Young, release Clay immediately!" Omi inched forward.

"I have your friend and he remains unharmed, as per our agreement." Chase stared coldly at Master Fung. "Now where is my coin?"

"It is here." Master Fung pulled the coin from one of his pockets.

"So hand it over," Alex demanded with a smirk.

Raimundo glanced over and noticed that he was holding the Spear of Guan. "Where did you get that?"

"Does it matter?" Alex replied dryly.

"Enough," Chase cut in. "My coin, if you please."

"Not until you let Clay go," Kimiko stated.

"Very well." Chase glanced over at Wuya and nodded slightly.

"Get going." Wuya pushed Clay to get him started. Once he had crossed about half the distance between the two groups, Master Fung threw the coin towards Chase but to everyone's surprise Clay jumped up and grabbed the coin then hurried over to the others.

"What is this?" Chase demanded.

Clay smiled slyly. "Sorry partner but I can't jus' let ya run off with this here coin if it means the end of the world."

"Way ta go Clay." Kimiko cheered.

"You can't do that," Wuya spat. "We had a deal."

"Sure I can. I guess this here is what you'd call a double cross." Clay passed Master Fung the coin.

Chase narrowed his eyes dangerously. "It'll be the last one you'll make. Destroy them!"

Bob shot forward and threw a massive punch towards Omi, who easily evaded the attack and retaliated with a fierce kick to Bob's jaw. As Bob staggered backward, Ayane flipped over him and hit Omi with a dropkick.

Raimundo started towards Ayane but was cut of by Kimiko. "I got this one."

"Ya really think your gonna win?" Ayane sneered as she lashed out with a side kick.

To the right Raimundo could see Clay and Bob exchanging blows. For the moment Clay seemed to have the upper hand, but Raimundo knew better than to underestimate Bob's strength.

Raimundo moved over to Omi's side and nodded towards Alex. "I think it's time we knocked that smug look of his face."

"I agree." Omi started towards Alex with Raimundo close behind. "Let us mail him bundled."

"Send him packing."

"That too."

They were almost within striking range of Alex and the chest when Chase appeared, blocking their path. "I'm afraid that this is as far as you'll go."

"We will defeat you Chase Young," Omi exclaimed without breaking stride. He then leapt forward ready to strike. "Monkey Strike."

"Repulse the Monkey." Chase sneered as he knocked Omi back with ease. "Do you really expect to win using moves that I taught you?"

"I shall win." Omi quickly jumped to his feet then glanced at Raimundo. "Go and stop Alex before he opens the chest."

Raimundo nodded in reply while he drew the Blade of the Nebula, and then used a gust of wind to jump over Chase and landed about five feet from Alex. "Look's like I got you all to my self."

"We still got that score to settle, don't we?" Alex shifted to an attack position.

"No kidding." Raimundo lunged forward to slash Alex, but he parried the attack then swung his spear up to cut Raimundo's face. Raimundo jumped back to avoid the tip of the spear and Alex followed attacking in a swift and fierce barrage.

(-)

Rin floated about eight feet off of the ground laughing as Master Fung jumped over one of the two black orbs that followed his every move. She was surprised that he could still move fast enough to evade her attacks even after all these years, but it didn't really matter. The longer he fought, the slower his destruction; which was just fine with her. The first orb had already clipped his shoulder and singed his robes and flesh. "It's too bad it had to end this way," Rin mused as she pointed a finger down toward him and fired a black beam of light that seared the ground as it too followed the old monk. "I would have liked for you to see the world I will create."

Fung rolled under the beam and picked up a small rock as he got back to his feet. "One cannot change what has already been done." He threw the rock at the incoming orb causing it to explode harmlessly. "You chose to betray your friend's and this is the result of that decision."

"You betrayed me!" Rin flung a large flaming black orb at Fung. He quickly jumped forward to meet the attack and thrust his palm, which began to glow, forward. The flaming ball ricocheted off of his hand and slammed into Rin before she could raise a shield.

"You let yourself become that which we strove to defeat," Master Fung stated while Rin fell to the ground. She managed to catch herself before she hit the grass but as she sat up Fung jumped over and shot his palm onto her stomach, slamming her into a small crater. "You chose to throw away what we once had and join the Heylin."

"You plotted against me with the other monks." Rin lashed out with blast of black fire. The old monk tried to block the attack but was unable to completely shield himself and stumbled back. Rin climbed to her feet and hit him with another black orb then shot him with a beam that knocked him back into a stone wall. "I should have known better than to put my faith in you." As Rin slowly stepped towards Fung she let all of her rage wash over her. All of her feelings of betrayal and anger began to manifest themselves physically, taking the form of a large black flaming aura that grew and crackled with each slow, deliberate step. Master Fung tried to stand, but a wave of her hand sent him crashing through the wall. She waved her hand forward and Fung slowly floated over to her.

"You were right to fear me." Rin smiled coldly as she pulled the coin out of his pocket. "Now I have the key to gain unimaginable power and you, well you'll be trapped in a realm of my own creation. You'll know no up or down, there'll be no light, no hope, and no end to your suffering. There'll be only darkness, darkness and the knowledge that everything you love will soon die." An oval shaped portal opened underneath Fung and swallowed him into the gapping darkness. "Good bye, my love."

(-)

"Judolette Flip, fire!" Kimiko flipped over a swooping green dove and threw two large fireballs at Ayane. The first fireball slammed into the ground knocking Ayane back while the second was deflected by her flute. As Kimiko landed she aimed a punch at Ayane's exposed ribs, but she rolled to the side and scrambled to her feet.

"Jaguars Rain!" Ayane brought the flute to her lips and played a short quick paced song. Kimiko started to attack but quickly leapt to her side as a green jaguar fell from above and nearly slashed her face. She looked up in time to see seven more jade felines falling towards her. She hurriedly began to flip and roll as each jaguar attempt to shred her before they splashed into the ground.

Just as the last jaguar hit the ground, Kimiko used the ring of E'ten and fired five fireballs at Ayane. "You'll have to do better than summoning some lame cats if you wanna win."

Ayane smiled once she came out of her roll to evade Kimiko's assault. "Okay, then why don't ya try this!" Ayane twirled her flute then played a long frenzied melody. "Song of the Dragon." Once she stopped playing a massive dragon with green scales and two tree trunk like arms formed between the two warriors.

"Whoa," Kimiko exhaled as she took a step back. Before she had time to act, the dragon lashed out forcing her to leap back. "Ring of E'ten." She fire another salvo at Ayane then one at the dragon but it blocked the attack then swung its long tail, hitting her on the chest.

The blow sent her flying into the courtyard wall, knocking the wind out of her. Kimiko sluggishly stood back up only to evade another attack from the dragon. The dragon launched another clawed hand towards her but this time she jumped up onto his arm and sprinted towards his face while she pulled out one of her Shen Gong Wu. "Woozy Shooter." Kimiko blew the horn and smiled in triumph as the purple haze encircled the giant lizards head. She then tucked the Wu back into her robe then leaped up once she reached its shoulder. "Arrow Sparrow!"

The flaming projectiles found their target on the stumbling dragon, which caused it to explode beneath her. As Kimiko dropped back towards the ground she saw Ayane glaring up at her looking furious. "Here, catch this, Kamikaze Elf." She pulled out the small sliver orb and hurled it at Ayane.

"What?" Ayane exclaimed as she tried to jump out of the orbs path, but it morphed into the crazed elf and caught her hair. The maniac elf began screaming as it pulled on Ayane's hair and drummed on her head before it finally exploded. The nearby building was also caught in the blast and crumpled as Kimiko landed with the orb in hand.

(-)

Omi assailed Chase with a hail of well aimed punches and kicks that could have toppled an entire army. Each punch was designed to render an opponent unconscious; every kick could crack the bones of an ordinary person. Unfortunately for the young monk, Chase Young was far beyond ordinary.

"Your skills have improved greatly, young one." Chase parried yet another string of attacks. "You know that my offer is still good. Join me and together no one can stop us."

"Never," Omi shouted in reply while he jumped forward. "Cougar Strike."

"Mantis Kick." Chase cut Omi's attack short with a severe kick to the ribs, which knocked him back a few feet. Chase glanced around just as one of the nearby buildings partially crumbled and saw Rin drop Fung into a black portal. He smiled to himself then walked over to where Wuya was standing. "Things appear to be reaching the end game."

"Yes I can see that, but how much longer are you planning on waiting?" Wuya asked.

"We need only wait a few minutes more." Chase smirked. An instant later he spun around just in time see Omi rushing forward.

"Tornado Strike, water!"

Chase spun behind the attacking monk and hit him with a roundhouse kick. "I'm afraid our sparring session is over." He sprang towards Omi just as he turned around and caught him a brutal right hook followed by a knee to the ribs; which brought him up to arms level. "Dragons Thrust." Chase flicked his palm into Omi's chest and with a spark of energy, sent him flying back about ten yards.

"Impressive as usual, Chase," Wuya stated as she examined her nails.

"It's time we started to wrap things up." Chase stepped back over to her. "I trust you have it?"

Wuya smiled and a slender curved sword appeared in front of her. "Of course I have it. Don't you trust me?"

"Not nearly as far as I can throw you." Chase grasped the sword and started towards the chest.

(-)

The air around the two monks crackled as Raimundo blocked or avoided Alex's advance. Alex aimed a low slash at his ankles, but Raimundo flipped over to the attack and swung his sword downward. Alex quickly brought the spear up and managed to block the swing. Raimundo called a gust of wind and pushed Alex back then shot after him with a barrage of his own. Raimundo pressed his attack until Alex finally parried his sword then jumped back.

"Mal Chi Glove." Alex snapped his fingers and a bolt of lightning shot towards Raimundo.

Raimundo blocked the bolt with his sword then slammed his palm onto the ground. "Holy Chi Glove." A large tornado shot out of the ground and sent Alex spinning high up into the air. Raimundo flew up after him and caught him with a raising side kick. He then flew over Alex and slashed him across the back, causing him to speed back down to the ground. "Too bad you can't fly." He smiled to himself as he watched Alex fall, but the smile faded when three bolts of lightning flew up at him. He blocked the bolts easily enough but failed to notice the tip of the Spear wrapped around his ankle. He saw Alex yank the chain, which slowed his fall considerably, and caused Raimundo to fall as well.

Alex hit the ground hard but landed on his feet. Raimundo saw him clasp the chain with his gloved hand and an instant later was electrocuted as he hit the ground. "Striking Thunder." Alex leapt high into the air then came speeding back down. Raimundo recognized the attack rolled out of the way in time to avoid the kick, but the force behind it still sent him flying.

Raimundo popped up to his feet just as Alex shot out of the smoking crater he had created. "Blade of the Nebula!" He sent a blade of wind flying towards Alex, that he barely managed to dodge. The blade clipped his arm causing him to drop the spear. Raimundo moved forward to press his advantage but Alex rolled backward and kicked him over.

Alex quickly rolled on top of Raimundo and grabbed his arm. "Mal Chi Glove." A jolt of electricity racked his body and forced him to drop his sword. He then punched Raimundo on the jaw then tried for a second punch but Raimundo blocked it and shoved him off. They both quickly popped up and took up attack positions. Behind Alex, Raimundo could see Clay pushing Bob back with harsh punches while he ducked under Bob's attacks.

Raimundo struck first, with a shot to the ribs followed by a low sweep. Alex jumped over the sweep then threw a punch at Raimundo, who blocked it, then landed four swift sidekicks on the chest. He stumbled back a step then blocked Alex's roundhouse; the force of the kick caused him to fall back. Alex started to advance but stopped when something exploded and one of the buildings crumbled.

Raimundo used the distraction to hit Alex with a blast of wind that hurled him back. "Shouldn't let yourself get distracted in a fight, sparky."

"Sound advice, little warrior."

Raimundo spun around to see Rin standing behind him. Before he could move she sent him crashing into a wall near the chest. Rin strolled over to the chest and smiled as she put the coin in place. She motioned for Alex to come over and smiled as he grabbed the Spear of Guan and stepped in front of the seal.

"Nothing you do can stop us. Your world, little warrior, is about to become my oasis," Rin laughed. She motioned towards Alex, who raised the spear over the chest.

"I guess you can say hello to a thousand years of darkness," Alex grinned as he drove the spear down.

"No!" Raimundo activated the Holy Chi Glove and shot a massive gust of wind at Alex. The blast hit Alex square in the chest, but not before the spear cracked the seal.

"Your too late," Rin laughed as the chest opened. All round the temple wind began to howl and the sky became filled with unnaturally black clouds. Lightning laced the sky and struck the ground repeatedly. As the swirling fog began to rise from the chest, and Rin's laughter showed no signs of ending, Raimundo slowly climbed to his feet.

Most of the temple now lay in ruin as a bolt of lightning struck the main hall. Raimundo glanced over to notice Kimiko headed towards him and went over to meet her. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Kimiko yelled over the howling wind. "But what do we do now?"

"I'll tell you what you can do." Rin smiled over at them. "You can either acknowledge me as your queen, or you can abandon all hope."

"We'll never give in to you," Raimundo spat.

"I once made the mistake of underestimating your resilience, but at this point you're nothing to me but a Nat needing to be swatted." Rin reached into the chest and pulled out Lady Keirin's scepter. "When this scepter is combined with the Sphere of Dreams, it has the power to grant any one wish." She began to laugh again, but her laughter was cut short when Chase stepped behind her and stabbed her in to back.

"Rin!" Alex scrambled to his feet only to be knocked down by a blast from Wuya.

"You…" Rin started but Chase pushed the sword deeper until the glowing blade emerged from her stomach.

"I thank you for a job well done, but it seems your usefulness is at an end." Chase smiled callously. "Take heart in the fact that thanks to you I will rule the world." The sword began to glow brighter then in a blinding flash, Lady Rin Anor was gone.

"What have done to her?" Alex screamed as he stood ready to attack with the spear.

"And you can take heart in the fact that your precious Lady Rin is still alive." Chase held up the sword and Raimundo noticed that the blade was now black. A moment later he dropped the sword however it too disappeared. "All be it, in a realm of untold suffering in which she can never leave."

"Bring her back, now."

Chase laughed slightly. "What you fail to comprehend is that there is no way to bring her back. I choose that particular realm because even I have no possible way to reopen it."

"Face it kid, your little witch is gone for good," Wuya mocked.

Raimundo was so focused on what was happening that he didn't notice when clay had found his way over to him and Kimiko. "Guys I reckon we best to do somethin' before they remember we're here."

"Like what?" Kimiko asked quietly.

"If we can close the chest and grab the coin then they can't use what's inside." Raimundo glanced at each of them, who nodded in reply. Before they could make their move, Alex leapt high into the air and slammed the electrified spear onto the ground where Chase had been standing. Alex assailed Chase with a flurry of slashes and stabs but Chase managed to avoid every blow. Pivoting to his left, Alex swung at Chase then instantly reversed and came around to the right.

Chase blocked both attacks then caught the tip of the spear when Alex tried to slash him right down the middle. "I'm impressed, even when hurt you still move with amazing speed. But speed alone won't win this fight, not when I can read your every move."

"Monkey Strike." Omi sprang from behind Chase and caught him off guard.

Raimundo didn't see where Omi had come from but was relived to see that he was still alive. "Now's our chance." He rushed forward with Kimiko and Clay close behind him.

"Hold it right there." Wuya raised her hand and half a dozen stone golems burst from the ground.

"Seismic Kick, earth." Clay jumped up and shattered the first golem with a devastating kick. Raimundo leapt behind the other golems and attacked with quick fluid motions. Raimundo flip kicked one of the golems just as Kimiko slid under him for a low sweep.

Raimundo instinctively reached for Kimiko's hand and was partially surprised to find it waiting for him. Once they clasped hand's he could feel her building up her chi, even as he did the same. He could sense when she unleashed her chi and did the same, a swirling tornado of brilliant orange flames rose around them as they spun towards the nearest golem. It was shredded into smoking rubble instantly upon making contact with the flaming tornado. They quickly moved around and destroyed the remaining golems before they reverted to their normal forms. Just as they landed, Raimundo saw Clay slam his shoulder into Wuya knocking her back.

"What in the world was that?" Clay asked as he hurried back over to them.

"I'll call it the Blazing Cyclone." Raimundo smiled at Kimiko then glanced over towards Omi and Alex. "But we're not out of this yet."

Chase now blocked or parried Omi and Alex's advance, but it was clear that was actually on the defensive and not just feigning like usual.

Kimiko ran forward and bounded into the air. "Arrow Sparrow." He must have noticed her because he was all ready jumping back when the flaming projectiles shot towards his position.

He landed lightly on his feet then sprang forward. "Bee stinging flower." Chase's attack caught Kimiko square on the ribs and knocked her back into Clay. Chase landed by Raimundo and unleashed a barrage of punches. Raimundo tried to block the assault but a few slipped past his guard and knocked him back. "I won't be denied what is mine."

"You are quiet mistaken, Chase Young." Omi lunged at Chase only to be thrown by the chest.

"Your mine," Alex snarled as he rushed Chase with a string of slashes and kicks, all of which were evaded.

Raimundo sprinted over to the chest and slammed the lid shut. He then reached for the coin and pulled it free. Looked back toward Alex he saw that Kimiko and Clay had joined him and were pushing Chase back.

"You won't stop me." Chase caught a punch from Clay and used him to swat Kimiko and Alex to the side, and then threw Clay at Omi. He then turned on Raimundo and shot straight at him. "That belongs to me."

"Try and take it then." Raimundo tried to block Chase's kick but it was too fast and caught him on the ribs. Raimundo was knocked back skidding a few feet away. Before he could even roll, Chase pounced on him with a side kick.

"I'll take this." Chase picked up the coin then turned back to the chest. "Your efforts, while admirable, were in vain. It shall be a simple matter to force young Alex to reopen the chest."

"No need to force me, I'll do it now." Alex grinned then launched himself at the chest. The tip of the spear pierced the seal once more, but when it opened the chest was completely empty. "Course now all that stuff is gone for good." The black clouds that hung over the temple slowly began to dissipate as the wind died down and the fog fade.

"You fool." Chase glared at Alex for a long moment then faster than Raimundo would have thought possible; he slammed his palm into Alex's chest. "Dragons Thrust." The flash of energy that hit Alex sent him sailing back and slammed him through the courtyard wall.

"You have lost this battle, Chase Young," Omi proclaimed from Chase's left.

"Perhaps, but there will always be other opportunity's." Chase glanced at each of them then jumped onto the temple wall. "Another time, Omi." With that he stepped back and fell to the out of sight.

"And when that time comes, we well be here to polish your watch."

"Clean your clock," Kimiko corrected.

"That too."

"Hey guy's get over here quick."

"Where have you been?" Raimundo turned and saw Dojo hopping up and down.

"I was, I was guarding the Wu with the other monks."

"I think ya mean hiddin'," Clay stated.

"I was guarding, not hiding. Anyway that's not important now; Master Fung is hurt pretty badly." Dojo quickly led them over to where the other monks were treating his wounds.

"What happened to you?" Raimundo asked as he and the others knelt besides him.

"Rin had placed me in a realm held by her will," Master Fung explained weakly. "But once she was banished, I returned here."

"We're just glad your okay," Kimiko said softly.

The fallen master looked at each of them and smiled, although the effort clearly caused him discomfort. "You have done well, my Dragons in training. You defeated Rin and her Fallen Dragons, prevented a thousand years of darkness, and stopped Chase from seizing control of the world. You have all made me very proud this day."

"Yeah, we did kick butt didn't we?" Raimundo asked trying to lighten the somber mood.

"True but you guys did wreck the temple doing it," Dojo pointed out.

"We can clean up tomorrow; right now all I wanna do is sleep." Raimundo fell backwards and starred up at the clear sky.

"Hate to be the downer but, where did Alex go?" Kimiko asked as she inspected where Alex had been blasted through the wall.

"I do not see Ayane or Bob either," Omi pointed out.

Raimundo tried to raise his head but found the effort to draining so he waved his hand dismissively. "Who cares? They were messed up just as bad as we are so we don't gotta worry about them." Besides, he thought to himself. With Rin gone, how much trouble could they be?