And here is chapter 13

This chapter is dedicated to Alana Fox for all of her encouragement.

Hope you all enjoy.

"Thant's it, I give up!"

After hours of hiking threw the harsh mountain terrain, Lydia flopped down under the shade of a giant tree. The others were tired, but it was easy to understand why she was more so. Hak Foo, Jackie, Jade and Drago were fighters. They trained everyday to tone their bodies. Lydia was just an average shopkeeper she wasn't a major athlete, she was also a city girl. Who knew the last time she went on such a difficult hike.

"Oh come now Lydia, you just need to press on."

"Bite me Jackie. I'm sitting my pale little ass here until I can breath normally again."

"Let her rest, everyone could use a moment."

The humans were taken back by Drago's kind suggestion but took his offer nonetheless. While the others sat in various positions while they checked their map and caught their breath. Drago began to make his way into the woods when he heard a voice from behind.

"Where are you heading too? Didn't you want to rest?"

Jade stood behind him with a look of curiosity and concern. Before she would have stated all the dark deeds she thought he would do out of sight. But now she knew where his loyalty stood, at least for now. After the ordeal with Hein, it was unclear where his path would take him.

"There's something I have to do nearby."

"Where, there's nothing around here."

"I've been here before, I know where it is. Just give me an hour and I'll be back."

"Just be careful, no telling what's out here."

"Careful kid, you might sound like you care."

"You're a friend now right, of course I do."

Drago turned his head in slight disbelief. Her words sounded painfully sincere, so factual, they almost sounded so familiar. Before he could respond Drago took to the trees, jumping from branch to branch. Jade just looked on, her face was free from emotion. Her young mind racing with the many issues no one else was aware.

It took all but twenty minutes for Drago to reach his destination. His hand was full of various wildflowers he'd gathered on his way. Their beauty clashed with the dark memories he saw amongst the wreckage. Old houses were falling apart, the town nearly covered with wild plants and the faint hint of new snow. With ever step he remembered the last night he was here. It was the night of his fourteenth birthday. He had decided to make a life changing decision. A local girl from the village, the only one he favored besides his mother, had come to him with tears in her eyes. They had formed a bond when he was a child, she was ordered to keep his father's temple clean. It was a winter's day when he had met her, and lost her. Perhaps that was why walking threw the temple's remains stabbed at his heart so. She didn't see him as the don of the village God, but as a friend. She was the only villager honest with him, a rebellious sort who told the truth of what she saw, not caring for the punishment that would follow. She was a strong person, especial for the time period she was born into. She did not tear easily and when she did he knew there was trouble. She came to him with a story that would change both their lives. Her fathered had agreed with a man from another village and promised her to his elder son. It was not the fact that her husband would be over thirty years older than her, but that she would be forced to move away from the village forever. She wept for hours on his shoulder as he silently thought. After she had fallen asleep on his shoulder from her emotional explosion he had made a decision. He realized that it hurt more at the thought of her being with another than the thought of her moving away. He had decided, he would proclaim at his birthday celebration that he had chosen her as his future bride. Given their faith there was no way her father would turn him down. What father would rather send his daughter away to be the wife of a pig farmer, than the wife of the son of God. When she left him to help with the party preparations, he couldn't hide the wide smile on his face. He could only imagine her reaction when she would learn she wouldn't have to go threw with the horrid marriage purposely, that she could stay in the village, that she could stay with him.

Night came as he finished dressing at the temple, he and his mother had moved in as long as she occupied a chamber on the outer region. She finished dressing him, a smile covering her face as he told of his plans. She told her son he was a hero. He rescued his friend, giving her a life any of the village girls would kill for. She had locked him in a tight embrace when their moment was interrupted by a loud boom coming from outside the temple. When they reached the village, it was engulfed in fire. Raiders from another village had launched an attack on the village. Arrows and spears flew the air flooding the roads with the blood of many. Raiders stormed into the homes of the weak, slaying the men, women and children inside. When they were done pillaging what little riches they had, the raiders then set the houses on fire. The lucky ones died first. Women sat pleading for the lives of the babies they held before they were mercilessly cut in two. The younger women were brutally forced to the hard earth as they were raped in front of their families. If they were able to survive such an attack, the dishonor would no doubt lead them to take their own lives. Threw out the shouting and the clash of weapon, Drago could hear it clearly. Her screams were not far away. He ordered his mother back into the temple as he rushed threw the streets, his people begging him for his help.

She was cornered in her home, her parents and brothers dead before her as the three raider closed in. one shoved her into another as he began to rip her top off. She was able to wriggle away, crouching on the nearby wall, trying to hide her small form from the ruthless attackers. The three men crept closer until unnatural roar took their attention. In the doorway was a creature spawn from hell, it stalked in on all fours. It's green scares gleaming with the surrounding flames, it's red eyes radiating with fury. While the three men were distracted, Drago leapt onto the middle one. His claws dug deep into his neck as he cut the man down to his midriff. As he fell his organs poured out and scattered on the floor. Another man tried to run, but before he could get far, Drago pierce the back of his neck with his mighty claws, so forcefully they punctured threw to the other side. The last man dropped to his knees and prayed to the demon for forgiveness. Drago placed his hands on either side of the man's head, then forced them together. There was nothing left of the man's head, only a small pool of mashed life. He knelt down to the side of his love, seeing his face calmed her immediately. She gave a gleeful smile, before she splattered him with blood. A sword protruded from her midriff, her blood pooling around her. Drago was in a state of shock, he held her head in his hands, begging her to stay with him. He knew it was futile, she was long gone. Refusing to let go, he held her close. Rocking her as hot tears streamed down his face. He snarled at the new footsteps he heard behind him. This was the leader of the raiders, he was tall and strong, his body covered with the various beasts he had killed. He saw the blade in his hands, the one that had killed his true friend. He must have known they were in there, stabbed the blade threw the wall in hoped of hitting him, but when he heard his roar the leader had decided to come in. the man began to speak, rattling on about his plan to make Drago into his new cape. Drago wasn't listing, finally accepting his love was gone he laid her on the floor, crossing her arms and moving the stray strains of hair from her face. With a final look he turned to kill the man responsible for the death of his love. He was in the air, ready to pounce, when a strange beam of chi energy sent him crashing to the floor. the man held a old amulet for Drago to see, showing he was prepared for such a fight. The chi blast had somehow bound his powers, his strength was fleeting and he barely had the energy to stand. The man stood over him, mocking how this would be his easiest kill. He raised his blade above his head, Drago slightly preparing to be reunited with his love, when suddenly a beam of green light sent the man hurdling threw the adjacent wall. His mother Xue stood in the doorway. Her clothes were ripped and the various blade cuts showed she had been fighting. She helped her son to his feet, urging him to the temple. He fell to the steps of his home, unable to move. His mother knelt to his side, stroking his head as she looked on at her son. From her pocket she produced a small red stone, placing it on his forehead as she began to recite an incantation. He remembered the spell, it was to seal a demon. But why would she, and then Drago realized, she was sacrificing herself for him. The spell would drain her of all the power she had left. The was no chance the leader of the raiders would let her live after she stole his great prize from him. Drago felt his body begin to shrink, the world around him becoming foggy. He took a last look at his mother, tears racing down her face. He tried to call out, he tried to apologies, he tried to warn her the leader with his giant blade was right behind her, but then his would turned to black.

It was centuries later when he awoke from his deep sleep. That was what it felt like to him, like going to sleep and then walking from a dream. At first he prayed that it was, just a horrible dream. He looked around him, he was in some strange building made of strange material. There were object around him, some he recognized but time had taken their tole. He was on some display table, broken pieced of green stone scattered around him. There was a sign near him, it showed a solid green jade orb called 'The Dragon's Egg'. His mother must have sealed him in the orb, placing a spell of preservation on it. No matter who would come in contact with it, they would feel the desire to protect it and keep it from harm. But who had broken the spell? It was then a sleek man walked in, he wore a green suite and long white hair tied back. Drago readied himself for an attack, but the man then produced a small seal. It had the mark of his father. Did this man know his father? He tried asking but apparently the man knew little mandarin. The seal then began to glow, a beam of yellow chi energy shot out, hitting the red stone still on Drago's forehead. Facts began to race threw his mind, dates, events, languages, discoveries. After what felt like an eternity, Drago rose from the floor.

"There now, that wasn't so bad was it? I'm sure you're wondering what's going on. Well you see my name is Valmont, I am a friend of your father."

"My father? He is here, wait I can understand you?"

"Yes dear boy. You see, many years have past since you were sealed in that orb. You father formed this little spell to get you up to speed. Your father is currently at my home, waiting for his son's great return.'

"Tell me, did anyone from my village make it? Did my mother"

"I'm afraid to say, that no one made it from your village. No one but you."

Fury boiled in the young demon, looking for an outlet. He could contain it no longer. He let out the loudest roar he'd ever creator, and with it a stream of fire. The young dragon had found the passion needed to find his fire.

Drago sat on the steps of the ruined temple. He felt emotionally drained, as if he had just fought the battles of the past once again. He had been in the modern world for three years, never once to give respect to his mother's memory. He placed a group of flowers on the steps of the temple, right where he last saw his mother. He said a silent prayer to her, promising that he would no longer blemish the life she worked so hard to save. He was at the forest edge, giving one last look at his old home. Memories played of his past love, playing as children, sneaking their first kiss with one another, the moment he decided he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. He crushed the remaining flowers in his claws, the wind carrying the petals over the village. He said one last prayer for his lost love. Beloved MingMei, may you find eternal happiness. With a final tear, Drago returned to the trees. No doubt Jade and the others were ready to return to their journey.

Drago made it back just as the others were ready to leave. Jade must have told them that he went for a private affair, no one asked where he had been or what he had done. He took note to thank the young girl later somehow but didn't see the need in telling her what he had done.

Lydia complained as they started the hike, she enjoyed capturing the beauty of nature not trudging threw it. they began their journey roughly around two in the morning, it was now around ten. The fuel of treasure hunting was fading and fatigue was settling in. The map said they were only another hour or so from their destination, but the journey had taken them higher into the mountains. Drago had surprisingly heated both his and Hak Foo's coats and gave them to Jade and Lydia respectfully. The harsh wind ripped at their skin, the once gentle snow was now trying to bury them alive but still they pushed on. They were the only ones on the planet who had both the map and the key, but how long until Ivan realized he needed the latter.

"Jackie, how much further!"

"I'm not sure, the map says we should be there."

"Be where? I don't see anyAHAHAHAHA!"

A large figure had blocked the only way to move on the mountain. The giant beast stood tall and reared it's massive head. The only thing worse than finding yourself lost on a mountain during a snow storm, was to be confronted be a grown grizzly bear. Given the time of year, there was a strong chance she had cubs nearby, meaning she would destroy anything she remotely thought as a threat. The bear must have sensed the strange chi from either Drago, Lydia or Jade. She began to rush the group, her claws slashing threw the harsh winds. Hak Foo took hold of Lydia and Jade and did his best to fight against the elements. Jackie did his best to avoid the bear's attacks, but his good nature kept him from attacking and defending himself. The bear had him pined against the mountain's wall, raising it's massive claw for a final attack. It was if time had slowed down and Jackie was force to watch every frightening moment. The bear's claw came closer and closer. Jackie prepared to feel the claws slash his skin but instead he felt his body being jerked upward. Drago had rounded the bear and was carrying Jackie up the mountain. Before the creature could understand what had happened, her claws made contact with the mountain, causing a massive wave of snow to avalanche on top of her. As Jackie saw the ground below him shrink, he soon saw the bear's massive form emerge from the snow. He felt a great wave of relief, the bear was only attacking because she was scared. He would have hatted for her to die over his fear. Before Jackie could enjoy his relief his body made contact with the harsh rock. Drago had been kind to save him, but felt no need to set him down gently.

"Ouch!"

"Or sorry, would you have rather I left you for mama bear?"

"Uh no. But why did you save me, I thought you didn't like me."

"I don't. You're too much of a boy scout."

"Then why save me?"

"Cause it would have made someone really upset if I didn't."

Jackie sat silently for a moment, who was Drago talking about? The only people with them were,

"Jackie!"

Jackie and Drago leaped back in fear. With her now silver hair, Jade could blend in with the snow almost perfectly.

"Jackie come on! That bear just helped us out big time!"

"How is nearly killing us helping us out?"

"Because we found the cave, we're almost there! Come on!"

Jade took Jackie and Drago in hand and lead them up the path. Not far from where they were, a gentle yellow glow came from beyond the snow. There was the smallest crack in the wall of the mountain that lead into a surprisingly large cave. Hak Foo had set a small fire to try warm them from the cold. Jackie and Drago gladly took a seat next to the fire as Jackie wrapped them in the large jackets. The cave was wide inside, but not very deep. The back wall was covered in strange symbols, despite being an archeologist Jackie had no idea what they were. He made his way over, eager to learn of the strange writing. Lydia was tracing over the symbols, lost in her own thoughts, as she appeared to try and unscramble the message.

"Anything I can do to help?"

"Not unless you're familiar with Meshcherian."

"Uhhhh, not so much."

"It's fine, aside from me there like three other people who can translate. But that's not the difficult part."

"Translating a dead language that many have never heard of is not the hard part?"

"Read between the lines Jackie. How many times have you come to some ruin with a hidden message? Where the people of the past tried to leave you a warning or a clue but time as scatted some of the vital words or characters away. All I can gather is the story of some grand temple guarded by a fierce demon. Then the keep saying how the key is ….in the …story."

"What is it?"

"Of course, I swear this storm's given me brain freeze."

Lydia placed her hand on one of the highest characters, pressing down as hard as she could until a loud click echoed threw the cave. She then mimicked the same action three more times on various characters on the wall. The last one, near the bottom, refused to click. Time and the elements had worn on the last hidden button, making it stuck in its position. In a fit of creativity or rage, Lydia kicked the symbol with all her might. Along with her yelps of pain a loud roar erupted from deep inside the mountain. The room began to shake, rocks began to fall, as the wall of writing began to sink down. After what seemed like a frightful eternity, the wall had been completely engulfed in the earth. Seeing the ground was steady, the team of five made their way past the wall and down a hollowed out earth tunnel. Lydia leaned on Hak Foo, the pain in her foot indicating she broke a few bones. The tunnel was dark and musty. Dust and cobwebs littered the walls, clearly no living creature had ventured down such a path in hundreds of years. Suddenly a sweet smell reached them, everyone ran to the blinding light at the end of the tunnel, Hak Foo carrying Lydia for optimum speed. The eagerness swelled in each of their hearts, were they finally about to see the fable city of infinite treasure? The light was getting closer, engulfing their eyes until it blinded them completely.

Drago stood on the tiny cliff from the tunnel he had just passed. There were no smart ass remarks, no insults, no mocking just silence. They had found it, the lost temple of Ama-ar Ayal!

Jade let out a shout of glee as she leapt to Jackie's arm and was lovingly spun around. They were there, they had made the discovery of a life time. Everyone made their way down a simple path that made it's way to the grand temple. It was a simple walk that would take no more than twenty minutes, all the while humoring Jackie all the way as he rattled on about the historical implications such a discovery. As they approached the temple, it's timeless beauty shined. Time demanded it's pay as everyone examined the temple. The mighty pillars had cracks and missing pieces, but still stood strong. There wasn't a front door, a series of hallways connected the temple. From within the temple were multiple doors, all locked. They had tried the key on a few but it failed to open any.

"Great, now that we're here how to we get in?"

"Step aside and I can just burn the doors down."

"NOOO! There's no telling what's on the other side, you could destroy a priceless artifact!"

"Or given the cunning of the people who built the temple, it could set of some sort of trap."

"So says the gimp. OUCH!"

Not one to take another's insult, Lydia threw a nearby rock straight at Drago's head. She knew with his demon skin that it wouldn't cause as much damage had he been human. Jade smiled at her sister. There was so much she respected about the Rat Master, she only wished she would drop her guard and team up with the rest of them. Then again coming along on a possibly deadly excavation around the world, were she was nearly hit and blown up by a car, forced to hike harsh mountains for hours, nearly freezing in a storm, breaking her foot to help others, having to be carried like an infant and put up with Drago's smart ass attitude was not helping their cause. She examined the key that Lydia lent her. She examined every inch of it, hoping to find some hidden clue. But there was nothing. Just a precious stone incased in a key. Suddenly something caught her eye, on the floor and in the reflection of the stone's light was a thin green line on the floor. Jade held the key higher, aiming the light as it reflected threw. The line extended, leading down the hallway. Jade turned to tell the others but saw that they were already watching her. She smiled as the lead the others in a race down the hall. Turning and twisting as they followed the path. Finally they had come to an end. The door before them was not much larger than the others, but here was where the line ended. Without any disagreement, Jade placed the key in the massive lock. She unwillingly held her breath until the room echoed with a loud click. Everyone joined in a loud exhale of relief. Drago and Hak Foo each took a door as they pushed the massive barrier forward. The room was pitch black, no one could tell what dangers or treasures lied within. Lydia limped forward, feeling the inside wall. Finally she found a thin coil covered in dust. She turned to Drago,

"Care to do the honors?"

Drago gave a sly smirk. It took a calculated breath as he let loose a precise fire stream. The coil quickly caught on fire as it burned instantly. The fire quickly followed the coil as it lead into the room. Along the walls were strategic torches, each one catching fire as the coil past through them. As the room began to fill with gentle light, the group of five could barely comprehend what they were seeing. The room was thirty times the size they thought it was, with mountains of gold and jewels reaching up to the high ceiling. A man could spend his entire life simply counting the treasure within, and would never be able to finish. There were treasure chest bursting from within, gold, silver, diamonds, sapphires, ancient antiquities, weapons, armor and more. Jade swear she even saw a jewel incrusted dog bowl and a solid gold and diamond cricket cage.

Lydia gave them one last warning of traps as the all entered the treasure room. Jackie inspected some of the treasure, verifying that what they saw was real. Jade turned a mount of treasure to make her way to the middle of the room. In the very middle of the room was a small pillar, with a small box on top. The light from the room made a spot light on this small box, what was so special about it that it was dubbed the center piece. She called for the others as they made their way to her. Drago stood still for a moment, a strange smell catching his attention.

"What is that Jackie?"

"I'm not sure, I'll have to look at it."

"I don't see any traps around it. looking at it should be fine, just don't touch it kid."

"Or else we could be pulling an Indiana Jones."

"And sadly I didn't bring my video camera to post it on the internet. Be careful, kid."

"Relax Lydia, I go on things like this with Jackie all the time. Nothing's gonna"

"JADE GET DOWN!"

As Jade made her way closer to the box, she was unaware of the other body in the room. A large form swooped down from the sky, Drago had made it just in time to shield her to the floor before the creature to carry her off. The beast flew to a mountain of treasure. It's glowing red eyes glaring down at them. With their minds set on finding the temple, they had completely forgotten about the mythical demon that was said to guard it.

It was as large as Shendu in his Physical form, it's face a strange combination of tiger and man. It's body was covered in black and silver fur, still resembling somewhat of a man's. It's tail was cut into three ends, each one stashing about with an aperent shape blade grown on the end. It's wings were massive, painful scares of battles past covered them and yet they still posed a great threat. A loud low growl ripped threw the beast as his large clawed hands gripped at the mountain beneath him. Jackie and Hak Foo ran towards Jade, ready to attack the beast. As they got closer, Drago raised his hand for them to stop. He had watched the beast without blinking, keeping a strong lock on the creature.

"I am Guan Hao. Why have you entered my home."

"We came in search of a fabled treasure. And we found it."

"Impotent little whelp, you think you can just invade my home and take what you want!"

"I could if I wanted. We both know I could."

"Drago, what's going on."

"You guys haven't seen many, so you can't tell when you do. This demon, this great Guan Hao is old."

"So? So is Shendu and the other demons."

"Not like this. When a demon is imprisoned one way or another, they stop aging. Happened to my dad, happened to me. It's like a failsafe, no point living threw being locked away if when you get out you're too old to take your vengeance. But this guy has been around in regular time, and aged along with it. He doesn't have much longer."

"Little whelp, I could destroy you with ease!"

"Then do it old man! The truth is you can't. Even if these were just regular humans you would still fall!"

The demons were locked in an unspoken battle with their eyes. With a heavy sigh the great Guan Hao turned his back to the group.

"Take what you like. Just leave me with my prize."

"You mean the box?"

"…..Yes…..Just the box."

"You have my word, we will not take your prize."

Drago began to walk back to the others, Jade steadily by his side.

"So now what do we do?"

"I'm a demon, not some sort of deathbed thief. I've got no problem getting the items once he's dead, but I'm not going to sully his pride by taking it right from under his feet."

"Wow Drago, that's really honorable for you."

Drago turned his head to hide some of his blush. Why did her words affect him so? Was it because this was one of the first if not the first time she had paid him such a strong complement? Such thoughts were pushed to the back of his mind, for the third time today a loud click got the attention of everyone.

There in the broad entrance were ten men. The leader, wearing the same filthy coat as before stood Ivan Kudryashov. He held a long gun, pointed directly at the smallest member of the heroes' party. His eyes sized up the strange green beast with them. As he spoke, his eyes did not leave the creature.

"V'ell v'ell v'ell, what a nice surprise. V'e come to fine treasure and v'e find old friends."

"How did you find us?"

"Ah you t'ink me a fool. I knew of the key and that you had it. I also knew if I let you travel the path that you would clear any obstacles that were ahead. Good thing you were able to escape that bear, sadly she didn't escape me."

"You killed her!"

"I needed a new coat, I can enjoy all this wealth in a soiled coat now can I?

Jade's eyes began to glow yellow, Jackie taking hold of her to try and hold her back. They had yet to truly understand her true powers. Ivan missed her unearthly eyes as he turned the very mountain of treasure the others had just come from. His eyes locked on the box in the middle of the room.

"V'ith such treasures all around, the most glorious should be in that box. What's inside? A large gem perhaps?"

"We don't know, and it's unwise to try and find out."

"You think to lecture me?"

"No I think to order you, stay away from that box!"

With a loud bang Ivan shot straight into the ceiling above. His eyes were radiating with hatred, these miserable low lives dare to order him? This blue haired bitch dared to order him!

"You dare to order me! I am Ivan Kudryashov! I am lord of the Titans Gang, with this treasure I have enough to be a God! I take what ever I want and what I want is!"

Ivan would never be able to finish his grand conquering speech, a giant claw pierced threw the back of his neck as Guan Hao swopped down to steal him from above. Ivan's man screamed in fear as the attack began. Guan Hao began grasping the evil men, slashing and biting them until the floor was littered with blood and bodies. Drago aided in the battle, sending various fire balls the few men that remained. Jackie and Hak Foo also joined in the fight, with the last calling out his various moves. Drago had beaten and cornered one of the men. He was one of the ones who aimed a large gun at them, at Jade. His claws were bare and ready to feel blood once again. His arm was brought back, ready to strike when he felt a great pressure on it.

"Black Tiger halts foolish dragon!"

Drago's eyes glen red with anger. How dare he stop his revenge for someone hurting the person he,

"Ahhhhh!"

Jade was backed against a mountain of treasure, one of the last men had a riffle aimed right at her. Should her body be drastically damaged, the great battle with Hian would be over before they could gather the other masters.

"Please don't do this. If you kill me then the entire world will be destroyed!"

"Shut up you little bitch! All I know is if I kill you and then your friends than I'll be the richest man in the world."

"Please, listen to me!"

"I said shut up!"

No one could have stopped the shot, the bullet was in the air. Jade felt a rare sense of fear, as if she had let down everyone she cared about. Suddenly she felt very warm. Around her, two great furry arms encased her as it's mass drove her to the ground. A great roar of pain echoed threw out the hall, the vibrations mixed with the battle had loosen one of the many decorative chandeliers. The skillfully crafted metal craft fell with great force onto the unsuspecting man. As his eyes turned upward, the metal spike pierced the man's neck, forever separating his head from his vile body.

Guan Hao's breaths were shorter now, his deep black blood now flowing on the cold tiled floor. Jade looked on, tears filling her eyes, as she gently stroked his face. Her eyes began to glow yellow, but just for a moment. When the color faded, her tears could no longer be kept back. She cried out in full force, burying her head in his failing body. Begging with all her might for him to stay. Jackie placed a hand on her shoulder to lead her away, he was met with protest as she sunk back down to his side. His blue eyes, free from their demon glow, looked up at the small child who cried such sincere tears for him. He tried to place his hand on her face, Jade had to use her own strength to hold it as he was too weak.

"Please….m….my box."

Hak Foo ran to collect the item and return before Guan Hao could fade. When he reappeared Jade quickly took hold of the box. It was a complex puzzle box, at first glance there was no way to open it. Jade place two fingers on either side of the box, a strange slot then opened to reveal a turning key. Jade turned the key multiple times and placed the box in full view of Guan Hao. The box then began to open as a bird figure rose from the box. A beautiful tune rose with the bird, filling Guan Hao with tears.

"It's his greatest treasure. The last thing he has from his late wife. Unlike the other demons we've seen, Guan Hao was a kind creature. He built this entire palace for them to live in, because he knew others would try to hurt her to get to him. When they got married he had this music box crafted for her. You had it to look like her favorite bird from her village, a Drago. She always liked how their tails parted, they looked like such fancy dresses. She loved this box so much, she played it everyday, even when she got sick."

Lydia felt tears fill her eyes. She was not one to cry but such a story, to live hundreds of years just to protect the music box of your one true love.

"But Jade how do you know all this?"

"Because"

Jade's hand began to glow yellow as a dagger took form. The held the curve blade tightly in hand as she positioned it over her heart.

"I married him."

Jade plunged the dagger deep into her flesh, a surge of chi energy swept threw as Jackie, Hak Foo, Lydia and Drago were thrown back into a pile of treasure. The surge of yellow chi began to take form. A circling cyclone of ghostly figures were embodied inside. Everyone took note of the various figures within. They were all women, different ages, different races and judging from their clothes from different times and places. A small glowing sphere began to descend from the middle of the cyclone. Just as quickly as it had appeared, the cyclone has coiled back inside the wound Jade hade made. As her dagger faded so did the sphere, revealing a young woman. There was nothing shocking of the woman, she looked like an average girl from the area. Her long braid trailed behind her as she rushed to the demon's side. She sat for a moment before bowing her head in depression. Guan Hao had died. Jade did not take her eyes off the body, and soon everyone knew why. From the demon's back rose a strong figure. It resembled Guan Hao back in his youth, strong and vibrant. The two ghostly figures embraced deeply, making up for the time they were apart.

"Sai was one of my past lives. I did not know your connection until she connected her past to my present. Very few of my lives chose to leave me to move on to the afterlife. Sai stayed with me, hoping that I could find and help you. As the Master of the Dog, the Master of Immortality I revoke the bond be share. She has my permission to leave the constant chain of the Dog and join you in the next word. She goes now without Disgrace or dishonor."

It was almost life a renewal of the vows as Sai and Guan Hao shared in a deep kiss. Sai left her love's side for a moment to embrace Jade. Guan Hao then took Jade's small hand in his, cupping them together. Her hand then began to glow a similar shade as the silver key that had brought them there. As he released hers he took his love into his arms once more as they rose together. As they approached the ceiling, a blinding light shined threw out the treasure room. When everyone regained their sight, the room had been cleaned. There was no blood, no bodies, no sigh of the evil that had been there. Jackie and the others raced to Jade's side as slumped over the treasure behind her.

"Jade are you alright!"

"Yah I'm fine, just exhausted. Hey Lydia, you thought being awakened was rough, try cutting out a piece of your soul."

Jade tried to laugh and Lydia took her hand in hers.

"I was wrong. I thought you guys were just trying to make me join up to help you own needs. I thought you would just use me and then forget about me. But I was wrong, at least about you."

"So does this mean you'll join up!"

"Well…"

"OH COME ON!"

Lydia gave a hearty laugh, how could Jade from pure exhaustion to pure fury was hilarious. When she was finally able to catch her breath, Lydia shook her head to show her answer. Jade then leapt into the arms of her sister, right before she passed out. Jackie and Hak Foo agreed to let her rest before deciding what to do next, as the exchanged wonder as to where Drago had vanished.

Drago was past the treasure room, on the outskirts of the main entrance. Hot tears raced down his face as he did his best to cover his verbal cries. He gripped his forehead and tore at the earth beneath his claws. Still the tears came. He could no longer see straight as the grief completely engulfed him. For in the vortex of past souls, his beautiful MingMei stood proud.

The trip down the mountain was much easier than the first. They saw no sights of a wounded bear, assuming that Ivan had lied about the event. They met up with the Section 13 plane just as the pilot was about to give up on them. The ride how was quiet, everyone choosing to sleep. Drago kept one eye on Jade the entire time, all while refusing to make contact with her. They made it back to Uncle's shop late at night. With all the Masters now staying there it was easy to gather everyone to tell them of their journey. Naomi set to work healing everyone's injuries. Captain Black, who drove them from the airport to Uncle's, stayed to help understand what had happened.

"Yah Ivan Kaza-somethingoritch. He's been on our rising list of badies. Nothing too series, but had he gotten some of that loot, he could have been the next dark hand."

"I can't believe you reunited too lost loves like that, I swear replace the demon's picture with Fabio's and we could make a fortune selling it at the airport."

"I am glade I was able to help them, but the good news doesn't stop there. Before he left, Guan Hao used the last of his power to transfer the temple to me. Now all the treasure and everything else belongs to me. Even the protection spells hidden within it."

"Cool so now we go from renting out of you're Uncle's store to renting a palace. Nice upgrade."

"Oh we can't move in."

"What? Why not?"

"Remember, the battle with Heian will be here. If we relocate across the world who will be here to fight the badies. However we could use it as a vacation slash safe house. Oh and Jackie, you of course can donate some of the items to the museums. Just let me make sure there are no lasting spells on them before you take them."

"Oh thank you Jade, the museum will be so happy to have such rare and well preserved artifacts."

"And did I mention we have a new member to the Masters Club! Presenting sister Lydia."

Lydia, as she cooly tried to ignore everyone while drinking her soda soon found herself surrounded and hugged by three of her sisters. Each one knew she didn't care of physical contact, but what's the point of having a sister if you can't torture the.

Jade found her moment to sneak out. She made her way to the roof of Uncle's shop. The cool breeze lifted her hair to dance as she found herself able to breath easy for the first time in days. He piece was broken as a familiar scent caught her. She was still getting use to her powers, the frozen mountains had temporarily stopped her from using her keen sense of smell. Before she could turn around she found herself in a tight embrace. She looked up to see the teen's head resting on her smaller one. His eyes were closed as he drank in the moment.

"I finally found you."

"Uh, was I hiding?"

"I finally, found you, MingMei."

Jade released herself from his grasp as she took a few steps forward. His arms still held out, hoping for her return.

"I was afraid this would happen."

"What would happen, wait YOU KNEW!"

"About my past life, yes. She was one of the first lives to present themselves to me."

"Then you know, you know how much we care for each other."

"Yes I know how much she meant to you."

"What she still means to me! After all this time I've found her again. In you. We can be together again!"

"No you can't! Take a good look at me Drago, I'M NOT MINGMEI!"

"But she's inside of you, you can become her. You can bring her out!"

"No I can't Drago. MingMei is one of my past lives. When she died her soul chose to join a special ring in my reincarnations. She held vital knowledge from what she saw and knew and decided to stay. She will never rise to heaven, instead she has chosen to stay with me and educate me. When I die, when we finally break the cycle of Hian she then will go to the next world. But if I fail she will stay with the Dog Master until we do defeat him."

"But, but you can channel her! You said you could channel the spirits of your past and use their skills!"

"Not MingMei's. I'm sorry Drago but she's gone. She wishes nothing but the best for you and hopes you'll move on."

"But I can move on, with you! You are MingMei reincarnated. You have her same attitude, her same smile."

"Hello, how would that even work Drago? I'm 13 and you're over a hundred something."

"Remember when I told you I was sealed away? I was only 14 when that happened. I'm 17 now, we easily still make it work."

"Yah maybe in ancient chine, now that's just gross."

"Then I'll wait until it's not. I'll wait for as long as it takes. MingMei"

"But I'm not her and I never will be! I'm Jade, I AM JADE, I"

Before Jade could finish, her lips were locked in a deep kiss. It was warm, his scaly lips surprisingly soft. Part of her wanted it to last longer, but the other part yelled out in reason. She pushed Drago away as she ran to the door. She looked back to see the once strong demon long on with such, was it fear. Fear she would leave, fear she would never comeback?

"Look Drago, MingMei is gone. Forever. Nothing you can do will ever bring her back. And no matter how much you wish it I will never be her. I've had my fare share of relationships with demons in the past. I'm not looking to start another one."

Jade made her way down the stairs as Drago let out another roar of defeat. With his head turned to the sky, a stream of fire jumped forth. He then crashed to the hard metal roof at his feet. Freely crying and letting out all his hurt. Jade stood on the other side of the door, listening to the grief she had caused. A tight pain began to pulse threw her heart. Was it from releasing Sai? MingMei letting out her grief for what pain she had caused. Or was it something more.

So? Any good? Any words of constructive criticism?

Again thanks Alana Fox