The lair stood directly before them. Old stone piled on top of each other to create the thick walls.
They each took in the detail of the stones. Both of them procrastinating as long as possible.
It was stupid to delay. Chase was able to sense them the second they arrived. He'd patiently wait until they were finally ready to enter.
"We best start." Omi's words were but a whisper.
Clay nodded. Stepping forward he prepared himself, and his element; it was still a surprise to him that the door was always in such good condition, given the numerous occasions he'd kicked it down.
As if they were some expected guests, the door swung open before them. Low growls emitting from the room.
Walking in, the two warriors watched the creatures stalking within the corners of their eyes. Every step they took was silently observed.
"And just what brings you here?"
The voice was stern; and all too familiar.
"Where is he."
"There is no one here who concerns you."
A growl made its way to the back of Clays' throat. He'd storm past to find their leader if it weren't for the sharp claws nearby waiting for their command.
"We refuse to leave without him." Omi strongly stated.
"Very well."
With a silent signal, a tiger to their right growled. Its paws slamming against the stone floor as it stalked around the two.
The room was silent. A strong tension replaced any need for speech. They had no idea if Chase was already hurting Kimiko. Although they had doubts that he was, what with Raimundo not being present he had no need to harm her.
"The hell do you — what are you doing here?"
Raimundo stood, staring at his team before him. A jaguar lingering behind him. Evidently, Chase had commanded he gain his presence.
"Rai! We have a cure."
"What?"
He glanced in Chases' direction. A part of him unable to believe Clays' words.
"She's going to be fine, Rai, you can come back with us,"
"What? But how—"
"I wouldn't leave with them if I were you. You know I'll kill her if you try."
Frozen on the spot, his eyes locked on the eldest member of the team. Pleading for some form of answer.
"You gotta trust us, Raimundo."
"Trust Kimiko," Omi spoke. A tremor laced in his words.
"Fine,"
The second the word slipped from his mouth Raimundo ducked. Dodging a punch from the now pissed off Immortal. Throwing his fist forward, he let out a sharp breathe as Chase caught it effortlessly.
"She's doing to die, and it's all your fault."
"Not on my watch." He growled. "Wind!" The command sent enough force against the man to free him from his grip. With his second attempt, he successfully forced his fist into his stomach; spinning on the spot to bring a swift kick to the face.
"How much longer?" Kimiko cried out.
The pain running through her was the strongest she'd dealt with yet. She had no idea if Chase was able to control the level of pain — that, or the longer it remained, the more agonising it became.
"I need you to continue breathing through it, Kimiko."
Master Fung's words were calm. But the grip he had on her hand showed he was far from it.
A black-green glow continued to run across her skin. Her panic growing stronger once the tips of her fingers were encapsulated by the magic.
"Don't leave me," She whispered to her mentor, her eyes filled with fresh tears. "Please, don't,"
"Wudai Neptune, Water!"
The monks' scream brought a force of water around him. Directing the power with ease, he forced his targets to the ground. Jungle cats of various sizes skid across the stone floors.
Clay was torn between helping Raimundo and taking down the steady wave of cats approaching. He hated this entire situation.
He hated knowing Kimiko was suffering in order to survive. A suffering they had to trigger.
If there were any other way...
The stone beneath them began to crumble at his will. Ensuring his team were safe, he watched the cats begin to stumble and fall.
Forcing his knee forward, he kicked a cat approaching too close for his liking. Crushing it against the rubble.
"You can't honestly continue fighting me, knowing what agony she must be in right now?"
"All the more reason to put you in the ground."
Neither had relied much on their powers since the start of the fight. They wanted to fight with their bare hands.
To release the rage pent up from having to work for him.
To show him that he is the enemy they must never mess with.
Blood dripped from his cheek. A punch causing more damage than Raimundo had wanted. Pushing through the pain he advanced for his next attack. Panicking when he fell to the floor.
The sound of the heavyweight from their cores echoed around the damaged room.
Gasping for breath, Raimundo looked to his side. Both Omi and Clay in the same situation as him.
It couldn't be...
Chases' laugh roared across the room. Confirming their fears.
"The mighty Dragon of Fire has fallen."
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