A Faint Light

By Ai Auraine

A girl from the long past returns for Chase Young. The Dragon of Light, his deceased friend, and his lover. But she's not just here for a visit, she's back in the living world because she's on mission: Bring Back the True Chase Young.

Chapter 1: Her Return

"He still walks in the living realm. It's unnatural and I must take him away," I said to myself as a breeze blew my long black hair around me. "She warned me it wouldn't be easy so… I must tread carefully."

I remembered the warning.

"Be careful, Kanna. He may not come willingly if we send one of the others. But it seems you have a history with him and so you have been chosen. And yet still, he may not come. But you are our best choice. So go, Dragon of Light, Star Princess. Return to the living Earth. Find Chase Young and bring his emotions back. Teach him to love again. A willing kiss from him is the greatest way. Then bring him back here where we will return him to his true self. Do you accept?"

"A chance to see him again, to bring him here to which everyday I could be at his side," I thought. "Yes," I said, "I shall not fail. I cannot."

"Good." The woman handed me a sash and a tiara. "Here is your Sash of Angels and Agile Corona." I nodded. The Dragon of the Elements led her to the portal. She waved her hand and the Xiaolin temple appeared. "Go forth, Kanna. And good luck."

"Thank you," I replied and stepped through the portal.

The sun's light grew brighter as if welcoming the former dragon. "It is nice to feel the sun's warmth," I thought. "Sash of Angels!" I yelled as I pulled back the sleeve of my gown to reveal the sash. It glowed and I sprouted pure white wings.

I flew serenely to the front of the temple gates. "The temple…" I sighed, "Still as beautiful as before." I knocked. I heard the shuffling of feet and the some muffled yells. I cocked an eyebrow. "Interesting…" I thought.

Suddenly the gates opened revealing a pile which consisted of a black haired Japanese girl on top, a spiked brown haired Brazilian kid on top of a blonde cowboy wearing a ten gallon hat.

I walked up to them. "Are you three alright?"

Suddenly a head popped up from behind the gate doors. "Oh. Hello. They are fine. Do not worry about them," he smiled.

"Are you sure?" I answered as the cowboy groaned.

"Yes, yes. Perfectly fine. No need to worry your noggin. So what is your business here?" he asked.

"If you would so kindly tell me where Chase Young is residing."

All heads turned towards me as the name lingered in the air. As soon as I saw their faces, I knew something was wrong. "Well? Where is he?" I asked.

Suddenly, the four robed children stood in fighting stances. The Japanese girl yelled, "Who are you and what business do you have with him?"

"Stop. I am not here to fight four children. I am Kanna. Worry not your pretty little heads. I have been sent here to find Chase and take him away."

"Chase Young? Take away?" the cowboy said.

"Yes. May I see the master of the temple?"

"Alright. But do not ask him questions, if you please," the bald kid said.

I cocked an eyebrow. "All right?"

"Follow me," he replied.

We walked through the large garden to the building. The bald kid said, "By the way, I am Omi, Wudai Warrior of the Water. This," he pointed at the Japanese girl, "is Kimiko, Warrior of Fire. Clay, the Wudai Warrior of Earth is wearing the gallon hat and the 'smart in the street' boy is Raimundo, our leader."

Each waved as their names were called… except for Raimundo. I smiled at each one.

Omi yelled as he banged on the door, "MASTER! THERE IS SOMEONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK TO YOU!"

I covered my ears. "Ouch."

"Enter. But be silent," came a faraway yet familiar voice.

We walked in. "Things have not changed much have they?" I said to myself.

Kimiko turned to look at me. "You mean you've been here before?"

"Yes. I –"

I didn't get to finish because someone from the long past walked into the room.

"No. It can't be. Kanna…"

"Master Monk Guan? You know our friend?" Omi asked.

I answered, "Guan. It's been so long. " I smiled.

"But how? You were taken by the demon!"

That confused me. A demon?

"Um… yes, I was taken… but not by a demon. I was taken by a dragon."

"What?"

Suddenly I felt tired. It wasn't a short story. Just thinking about that night sent throbs of pain to my temples.

"I wish to save that story for another day. Do you have somewhere I can rest?"

Omi started, "But she want to know where Cha –"

"Leave at it, Omi," Guan said, "Take her to one of the guest rooms."

Omi sighed, "Yes, Master Guan. Raimundo, you are coming with me."

Raimundo nodded.

They led me to one of the rooms. It was empty besides a mat in the corner. I stepped inside and then turned to face them. "Thank you."

"You are welcome but I would really like to know why you search for Chase Young."

"Never you mind, Omi. But rest assured that I will tell you soon… maybe in the morning after I rest."

"Okay, Kanna. We will see you in the morning."

I smiled. "Good night." I closed the door and walked to the mat and lay down.

"What happened, Chase?" I asked myself before I drifted off to sleep.

"BOOOOM!"

I jolted up. "What was that!" I yelled.

I heard the running of feet past my door. Suddenly, Kimiko burst into my room, "Our enemies, Wuya and Chase have come for the Shen-gon-wu! Stay here where it's safe." She then ran out to join the others.

"Wuya? But how?" I thought out loud. Then another name clicked. "Chase is their enemy?" If this battle had to do with Chase I was not about to stay in here and do nothing. Something must have gone wrong for Chase to have turned to the Heylin side.

I ran out of my room and flew on to the roof. I walked lightly towards the battle. I heard speaking which I walked towards. There, from where I stood, I saw Wuya holding him. I felt a piece of my heart chip. "No," I whispered.

Words were exchanged when the jungle cats attacked the children… and they were getting beat. I was about to jump in to help them when I saw Wuya separate from Chase and ran towards the tower. "She must be after the Shen-gon-wu," I said to myself recalling Kimiko's words.

I went ahead of her, and entered the vault. A simple hit was all it took to open it. I hid in the shadows as Wuya entered. "Ah… someone has already left the door open for me. How kind," she said.

She started to take the items when I pointed at her while whispering, "Flickering Stream, Light!" Bright orbs appeared on the tip of my finger, and with a quick flick of my wrist, sent a stream of light blasting Wuya into a wall. I hid in the shadows once more.

"Who's there? Kimiko?" Wuya called. "No, it couldn't be. That wasn't fire," she muttered, "They must have a new ally." "Show yourself!" she yelled.

I stepped out of the shadows. "Hello, Wuya," I said grinning.

Wuya cocked an eyebrow. "Who are you?"

"That's very insulting, dear Wuya. I can't believe you don't remember me."

"Am I supposed to know you?"

"You know what? Never mind who I am. Lei-fun Flash, Light!" I clapped my hands and waves of light flew at Wuya. She was thrown through a wall. I walked through the hole she made. I saw her in Chase' arms, pulling herself steady with shoulder. I felt a crack reverberate within my chest inside.

"Chase! The monks have a new powerful ally! She threw me through the wall! This is the time to give me my powers back!" Wuya was yelling.

"What are you talking about?" he asked, looking into her crazed and angry eyes.

I took a step towards him. "She means me, Chase."

His head turned when he heard my voice. His eye widened. "No…"

"Stop disappointing yourself, Chase."

"I know you are merely an illusion; another figment of my imagination. My heart will not fool me this time."

"No Chase. I'm back. Solid and alive," I said, as I began to take off my necklace.

"No! Wuya, cats!" With a snap, he and his troops disappeared.

But just before they disappeared, I put out my hand showing the charm of my necklace. His eyes widened before they disappeared.

"Chase…" I whispered.