This chapter didn't take long to write and I'm very happy with this. I've got another dream/nightmare sequence in this story and it takes place in this chapter. I listened to my Massive collection of Powerwolf songs while I was writing the nightmare so I hope it's alright. I quite enjoy writing dream sequences, especially nightmares. The scene in the Buddhist temple was inspired by a scene in the first Tomb Raider film. The last section, which is in Mitsuhirato's perspective, was interesting to write, describing the location proved a little tricky. Anyways, FOL/FAV and Review.

Suggested Music

1. Inner Mounting Flame - Aeoliah

2. Loyal Brave True (Epic Version) - Samuel Kim

3. Reflection (Extended) - Samuel Kim

4. Stronger Than Fate (Music for the Dark Side) - Secession Studios

Chapter 5

The pain in his head throbbed as he attempted to open his eye's. He managed to move his fingers, tracing the cotton sheet beneath him. It was soft against his grazed skin providing him with the comfort he desperately desired. His vision filled with white light as he slowly prised his eyes open but he persevered and eventually the white light dissipated to reveal stone walls. Pain swept through his shoulder as he tried to move but he couldn't place the injury. He remembered falling down the incline though. He scanned the room looking for any clues as to where he was. Even that action tired him completely. Despite the pain overwhelming his body Tintin's perseverance disappeared quickly. He gave in, slipping straight back into unconsciousness.

His inner fears quickly overwhelmed him, transforming his former tranquil sleep into an unending torment of misery.

x

Tintin's eyes darted around the dimly lit room. His shaking hands gripped his elbows as Mitsuhirato charged towards him. His fist immediately slammed into Tintin's face. The crack of bone echoed throughout the room. Tintin stumbled onto his knees unable to remain standing as flecks of iron danced across his tongue. As Mitsuhirato raised his booted foot Tintin immediately tried to move but he was dazed. Tintin was helpless as Mitsuhirato stamped on his leg.

Tintin screamed his lungs out until tears slipped down his cheeks. Mitsuhirato just laughed, clearly content with the amount of pain he had inflicted upon his victim. Mitsuhirato wanted him to suffer and he had no intent on letting his slip from his grasp one more time. Tintin kept his head turned away, unwilling to meet the steel murderous eyes of the man who wanted him dead.

Mitsuhirato's fingers seized his leg and pulled him backwards, pulling him towards the door and to the darkness that laid there. Tintin dug his fingers into the floor, attempting to avoid his fate but it only broke his nails. Mitsuhirato had already broken his nose and leg. He was about to break something even more important; his heart. A doppelganger of Mitsuhirato suddenly appeared beside him, wrapping his hands around his neck. Mitsuhirato watched with a smile as the doppelganger started to choke him. His lungs screamed for air as the grip intensified. Tintin clawed at the doppelganger's arm, desperate to inhale but he pressed down, blocking off his oxygen supply completely. Mitsuhirato walked over watching him as his limbs began to spasm. Tintin's eyes started to slip shut. His fight was ending.

Oh god, I'm going to die, please...

Mitsuhirato bent over him leaning into his bloodied and battered face.

"Finally. I have my revenge"

x

Tintin shot up on the wooden bed. His chest was heaving, gasping for all the air he could. The tears beginning to slip down his cheeks were quickly pushed away by his fingers before his hand pushed through his hair. He was so distracted that he didn't realise that all the pain ravaging his body previously had disappeared. He swung his feet onto the floor and twisted his head over his shoulder to find a half-healed wound.

I've been shot, Tintin thought as his memories from just before the fall returned. Even his headache had disappeared. Tintin frowned in confusion then moved to inspect his arms. He distinctly remembered smashing through a window in the safe house. His arms were bleeding when he was running, he was sure of it. All he could find were small scars littered across both of his arms.

How is this possible? Where am I?

Tintin stood up gazing around the room with curiosity, finding his shirt folded up on a table below the window. As he slipped it on he walked through the moon gate opposite the bed and into what looked like a porch. The garden that laid in front of him was one of great beauty and precision. Perfect grass and shrubbery inhabited the garden, lining the multitude of pathways. The song of Birds echoed within the small space and he exhaled deeply feeling a wave of serenity overwhelm his entire body. His skin tingled as he stepped onto the pathway and started to explore the world around him. He exhaled deeply taking in the tickle of the fresh plants in his nose and the cooling wind brushing against his face. It was a sanctuary.

He followed the path around until he saw a monk meditating in the centre of the garden. Tintin quickly turned away hoping he hadn't disturbed him.

"Come and sit with me Tintin"

Tintin spun round in shock to find the monk gesturing to the towel lying in front of him with a small smile upon his face. Tintin gratefully accepted and sat down in front of the monk facing him.

He had so many questions.

"Do I know you?" Tintin asked softly.

"No" The monk replied with a smile, pouring out two cups of tea from the pot.

Tintin smiled and relaxed. For the first time since yesterday, he was truly content and sheltered from the wrath of Mitsuhirato and his men. He sipped the tea feeling himself slip into an even deeper state of relaxation.

"Why did you come to China?" Asked the monk.

"I came to help the police expose the Serpents," Tintin replied slowly, remembering the events of the last day.

"Your intentions are pure. You seek to protect people. That is a great desire ..."

As the monk paused, Tintin looked to him.

"What is it?" Tintin asked quietly.

"You will require great strength to finish your task"

Tintin couldn't quite take everything in.

"I see a choice, a terrible choice ... " The monk's voice dissipated so much that he didn't hear the rest but it was enough to make him fear the consequences of his choices.

"The men searching for you have gone ... you must leave now ... or you will never reach Shanghai"

As Tintin started to pull himself up, the monk placed his hand on his cheek.

"Your journey will not bring you peace, only pain"

His eyes involuntarily began to leak. Breathing deeply he promised that the only person to suffer would be himself.

It's my fault I'm in this situation. No one will suffer for my actions, except me, Tintin promised. As Tintin stood up he turned back to the monk, who was also standing.

"Thank you" Tintin replied, grateful for what he had done for him, before bowing his head in respect. Smiling the monk did the same.

Tintin had no idea how he was going to get to Shanghai but he knew he had to act fast.

x

Mitsuhirato settled back into the seat of the car, trying to calm himself after his earlier outburst. It still proved impossible. That reporter still eluded him. For years he had dreamt of his revenge. Had he not suddenly appeared at the base he would have eventually sought him out.

Mitsuhiratio smirked and smiled at the thought of what he would have done had it come to that.

As the car began to slow down, the radio burst into life.

"Any news?" He spat as he clicked the button.

"We managed to track him to Hukow but he's disappeared"

Mitsuhirato held his tongue, fighting back his desired words into the back of his mind. He bit his lip hard to compensate as he spoke again.

"Disappeared, don't make me laugh" he shouted.

"Master, he knocked Haru unconscious and we pursued him. I'm certain Kai shot him but he fell down a steep incline. When we investigated he was gone"

As the car stopped Mitsuhirato pushed open the door, enough to force it off its hinges, ready to raise his voice. As a newspaper rolled with the wind and caught on the bottom of his trousers. A picture of Tintin flashed up from the newspaper catching Mitsuhirato's attention. Bending down he took it into his hand examining it thoroughly as he stood up and flattered the newspaper. He sighed in hatred at the picture of Tintin and the unknown bearded man standing beside him. The more he read the newspaper the more his mind started to turn, unlocking a new strategy with his mind.

"I will not accept your excuses" Mitsuhirato as a smile spread across his face. "I have a new task for you and if you fail I'll be sending you to Lung - Ti"

Enjoyed writing this chapter, especially this end part. Writing from a Villain or Antagonists point of view is always interesting for me. I'm currently prepping some new what if shorts with a continuing theme so look out for these, The first one is already on fanfiction and it's named Requiem. More will be coming soon and I am also going to be uploading a small scene that belonged to a story I was developing but didn't work out. Look out for this in the next few months. Lung - Ti will be explained later in the story. I'm amazed by the reviews so far so thank you very much. TR56