Disclaimer – I do not own XS or any of its characters
AN – Ahem... sorry... had to dust the cobwebs off this one... x.x Really REALLY sorry this took so long to get the next chapter up! Im graduated now though :D In a year long internship which means no time for anything :P
AND apparently its taken me this long to realize its YING yo yo and not YIN yo yo... but for the sake of consistency, ill be keeping it Yin. Anyway hope you enjoy the this chapter!!!
The Protectors
By Tippy
oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
Controlled chaos had overtaken the Xiaolin temple; monks hastily trying to prepare for the upcoming battle. Dojo had returned from Spicer's home with news of the enemy's progress over the country side.
"We must be ready to defend the temple." Master Fung had ordered, sending the inhabitants out to make ready their defense. The young monks had gathered what wu they had to aid in the barricade.
Now, with all they could do completed, the three xiaolin warriors and their master stood outside the gates, determination set on their faces and fear creeping into their minds.
"Master?" Omi's question was answered with a slight nod. "How do you know that evil will come here?"
Master Fung gazed at the small monk before turning his sights to the horizon. "Without Yang in this world and Yin unleashed, we are the only hope left on Earth. Evil will come to destroy that hope."
"So I'm guessin' we've got ourselves one heck of a fight then?" Clay spoke, his words tinged with worry.
"Until Raimundo and his sister return from the YinYang world, we must hold off the forces of evil as long as we can." The elder monk's pale eyes remained on the skyline.
"Great…" Kimiko's words were whispered. Hurry up, Rai… We could really use you right now…
oOoOoOo
His world was crashing down around him. The one hope he had was now gone, and the only answer in front of him was one he didn't want to accept. Suddenly, anger began to burn in his chest and he wanted so much to yell… punch… anything. He wanted to force the Yang Protector to do its job!
A hand on his shoulder was the only thing that kept him from carrying out his intentions. He turned to see her stern face; green eyes meeting their match, and the anger ebbed away, replaced by an unforgiving sorrow.
Her features softened as she watched him stand, turning his back towards her. She followed, "Rai… we-"
"We already talked about this! You're staying here until we beat that thing!" There was no denying the seriousness of his words, nor the fear behind them.
"Rai! You're being an idiot!" She didn't know why she said it, and she really didn't mean it, but they were running out of time and there was only one solution to the problem. He turned to her, his mouth hanging open in shock and she continued. "You can't stop that thing on your own! And even with the other monks to help you, its way too powerful! You know that!" He didn't speak as he tore his gaze from hers. "And don't you dare think that I'm about to just sit here and wait for something to happen! You're not the only one here who got someone back!"
His breath caught as he heard the pain in her voice.
"You're my brother… and if we do anything, we do it together." Slowly, he turned his gaze to hers and was surprised to see the smile on her face. She was right, and there was no getting around it. They would both have to go back.
He let out an exasperated sigh, "Fine… but I don't want you anywhere near that thing."
"Same goes for you." A smirk played across her face. He knew it was her way of coping with emotions. If anything's wrong, just smile. He couldn't help it as one crept across his lips.
"Time to go." He pulled out the reversing mirror and Yin yo-yo, both siblings ready for whatever faced them on Earth.
oOoOoOo
The last rays of light had faded over the mountain tops as night began. Tension hung over the Xiaolin temple as the gathered forces waited for their approaching enemy. The first signs came in a slow advance as the countryside began to wither under the evil presence.
"Stand ready." Master Fung's words were almost lost in the pulsating energy that came from the space before them.
They felt the first tendrils of real fear creep over the back of their necks as the first group of shadowed figures stepped into view from the cover of the decayed forest. Piercing red orbs gleamed in the dark faces, and all at once, hope seemed lost to the onlookers.
"W-who is that?" Kimiko's question drifted over the group, pertaining to the figure that stood beside the easily recognizable Yin Protector.
"No way… can't be…" Clay whispered, unwilling to believe what he was seeing.
"Chase Young!" Omi's exclamation clarified the answer for each in the group. There, standing beside the dark monster, was their enemy.
They noticed something odd. His eyes glowed crimson, much like all the other forms that were making their way into the open, but his clothing had changed. No longer was he wearing the recognizable armor. Instead, it had been replaced with simple black monk robes.
Just like Carly's… Kimiko was the first to notice.
"He is the Yin…" The small, yellow monk stated in awe. "This is very much a problem."
oOoOoOo
Rai looked through the spaces of trees that had yet to be touched by the Yin Protector. He guessed the portal had brought them to a spot a few miles from the temple, so it wouldn't take them long to get back.
"Any idea what the Yang Protector meant?" He asked as the siblings headed towards the temple.
A frown crossed her face before she spoke. "No… but I'm hoping it was right…"
"About what?"
"That I'll know what to do when the time comes." Their eyes met for a quick second and they pushed forward as they advanced on the temple.
oOoOoOo
"Eye of Dashi! Fire!" Bolts of flaming red electricity shot out at a seemingly possessed Katnappe. An explosion of dirt and fire erupted into the air as the bolts struck the ground where the feline girl had been standing.
Cursing sharply, Kimiko kicked backwards, narrowly avoiding the sharp, cat-claw blades as the swung towards her head. A quick somersault and she was standing atop the steps that led to the dojo. For a split second, her gaze washed over the combat field, taking in the quick movements of her team, as well as those of the temple monks.
The chaos was immense! Hordes of evil lay beyond the walls of the temple, yet the battle seemed to be coming to a hastening end. They were out matched. There was no way they could keep up a battle like this and come out alive. She let that brief moment of despair sink in, but only for the split second she had turned her focus away from her attacker. They would fight until the last. Or at least hope Raimundo and Carlyna came back with the yang yo-yo soon.
Refocused, she dodged another quick swipe from Katnappe, the clawed hand digging into one of the dojo's walls. The cat girl turned, blood red eyes gleaming at the xiaolin warrior, and another wave of dread swept up Kimiko's back.
Hurry, Rai... We're running out of time.
oOoOoOo
"Fist of Tebigong! Earth!"
"Orb of Tornami! Water!"
A gaping crevasse ripped through the temple grounds, followed by a torrential wave, sweeping up a group of evil minions and plunging them into the dark hole.
"That is one way to clean up the garbage!" Omi chimed, before leaping back into the battle, taking down another dark minion.
Clay was going to correct the small monk, more out of habit than anything, but his words stopped before they reached his lips. Instead, a shout of warning called to his friend.
Omi turned just in time to see Wuya descending upon him. He found himself frozen, unable to look away from the dark red of her eyes, or the malicious grin that crossed her lips.
Clay helplessly watched on, unable to react fast enough to rescue his friend. He cringed as Wuya struck the yellow monk, sending him flying across the temple grounds and into the side of the dojo.
Without a second though, the cowboy leapt forward, inbound for the crimson haired witch. His first strike missed and he skidded past his target, rebounding off one of the garden statues.
"Third-arm Sash!" The cloth arm whipped out and slammed into the Heylin witch's side, pushing her back a few feet... and she was still smiling.
Clay yelped as she grabbed the outstretched sash and threw him into an outer temple wall. Shaking away the stars, he stood, grabbing his fallen hat and placing it back atop his head.
"Looks like you're gonna be a tough one to wrangle." That said, he charged in for another attack.
Omi was finally pulling himself out of the debris from the shattered dojo wall. His vision swam as he tried to still the spinning in his head. When his sight cleared, he saw Clay charging Wuya. From the looks of it, he'd be needing some help soon. The bald monk turned as he heard commotion to his left and saw Kimiko, still in battle with Katnappe. And just beyond them, he could see Chase Young and the Yin protector. They had yet to enter the battle, participating only as observers.
"This is very strange..." And even as he uttered the words, the two figures were turning... away from the battle. "That is even stranger..." He was about to call out to Master Fung, who was effortlessly dealing with a few of Chase's cats, when Jack Spicer slammed into him, unseen during the battle until now.
Omi felt the whirlwind assaulting his head again, but fought to shake it off. He need to concentrate. He needed to know where Chase Young and the monster were going.
oOoOoOo
They could already hear the crashing of weapons and see the smoke of still burning fires as they ran through the forest. The battle had begun.
Raimundo felt his chest tighten as reality finally sank in. By now Yin had been found and the powers of evil were beyond what he and his fellow monks could handle. Which meant... No! We'll find another way... He wasn't about to lose his sister on the words of some lazy Yang protector. He'd find another way.
A hand gripping his shoulder pulled him to a stop and he turned quizzically to Carly. Her face was ashen as she stared past him, and he followed her gaze. His breath caught in his throat and he instinctively place himself between his sister and the approaching Chase Young. And farther back, Rai could see the Yin protector, its essence draining the forest of life and replacing it with putrid evil.
"Move aside, boy..." Chase's voice echoed deeply as he spoke, "or you'll be the first to die."
Rai scoffed, "I don't think so." He whispered over his shoulder. "This is going to get ugly." He heard the slight squeak of fear at his words. "I need you to find a safe place, okay?" He didn't have time to wait for her answer.
"Fine then..." Chase's red eyes locked on the twins and he bolted forward.
He had no time to reacted as a heel connected with his cheek, the force sending him skidding across the forest floor. Faintly, he heard Carly cry out. He was back to his feet in an instant, rage and fear coursing through him as he launched himself back at the man now standing in front of his startled sister.
Wind whipped around them as he collided with his assailant, both falling to the ground. Rai quickly sprang off Chase's chest and he landed a few feet away. Turning, he saw that Carly had moved back a ways, out of the battle area. Good. Focused again on his attacker, he stumbled back as a high kick was again sent towards his head. A second foot shot towards his chest and he clung to it as the impact tried to force him backwards. Ignoring the pain, he twisted, flinging the man into a nearby tree.
He panted as his lungs caught up to him. He needed to take Chase down fast. And even as he thought this, his eyes widened in disbelief as the dragon hybrid stood, a soft chuckle escaping him.
"Whats so funny, dragon breath?" Rai couldn't help his mocking as he tried to hide his shaken nerves.
"I've just decided..." He was grinning now, "I'm not going to kill you."
Raimundo was silent for a moment, unsure of what Chase meant.
"No, you'll live just long enough to watch me tear the girl to pieces!" A toothy smile crossed his face as he saw the horror-mixed anger flash across the young monk's face.
"You'll not lay a hand on her!" Rai snapped out, harshly. "I'll kill you before that can happen!" He'd never felt this kind of malice before, to kill, but a life was being threatened. One he never thought he'd see again. There was no way anyone was going to take her away. Never again!
He charged, a wind emanating from around him, fulled by the rage that coursed through him. His hands came up, clenched into fists, streams of air rushing around them.
"Wudai Star! Wind!" His fists shot forward, intent on blowing a hole straight through his opponent. He was inches away, he could feel the energy ready to release in the devastating blow, and he released it with all his might.
The tempest that ripped from his fist hit the other man head on, and whipped passed him, taking out trees in its wake. Chase remained unaffected, his hair wafting back into place.
Rai looked on in shock, "No way... thats not possible!"
Without a word, Chase effortlessly took hold of the Brazilian's outstretched arm, his grip threatening to break the boy's wrist. "No more games."
There was no reacting as a knee, that felt more like a bus, smashed into his stomach, sending him crashing into a nearby tree. Splintered wood dug into his shoulders and back, but he paid no mind. He couldn't breath and it felt like his entire chest was trying to implode.
A hand reached down and took hold of the front of his robes, dragging him ruthlessly to his feet. His vision filled with Chase's face, the unforgiving crimson eyes boring into him as he tried to take a breath. A second later, he was flying through the air again, colliding with another tree.
Falling limply to the ground, Rai could already taste warm, metallic liquid spilling over his tongue and passed his lips. I'm going to die... despair filled his heart as he lay on the ground, listening as the footsteps of his enemy came closer, Carly's going to die... and I... I can't do anything... "I'm sorry..."
"Pitiful..." Using his foot, Chase flipped the defeated monk onto his back. "I told you before, Raimundo... I already made my decisi-" His words were cut short as a blast of wind struck his side. Unfazed, but slightly taken back, Chase turned to see who had attacked him.
Carlyna stood a few feet away, staring at her hands in disbelief. Her gaze quickly shifted back to Chase who had started to advance on her. Behind him, she could see her brother trying to get up; his frantic, jerky movements telling her there was little else he could do, but he'd try. And she wasn't about to lose him... not when she'd given everything to save him.
Pushing back the voices that told her to run and find a safe place to hide, she fell into a stance she had watched her brother and his friends do many times. This caused Chase to falter in his advancement, an amused grin twisting at his lips.
"You honestly think you can defeat me?"
She ignored him, letting her breaths come evenly as she tried to remember everything she'd learned through her brother. She'd never actually practiced any of the moves, but she'd imagined what it would be like and that would have to be enough.
Chase stepped forward again and Carly reacted. Running forward, leaves and twigs crunching under her feet, she charged the man in front of her. She watched as he dropped into a stance she had seen many times, awaiting her attack. As she neared, she pulled her hands up to cross over her chest.
"Wind!" A few feet away from Chase, she shoved her open palms towards the ground, a gust of wind exploding from them and propelling her up and over the startled villain. She landed nimbly and continued to run. She need a clear area, and she needed to be closer to the Yin protector. She'd figured out what to do the moment she'd blasted Chase with the wind attack. At least she hoped it was what she needed to do.
She passed Raimundo, who was shakily managing to stand. She pushed back the ache in her heart to help him, but she needed to end this.
Her brother had made a suitable clearing, and she stopped almost to the edge. She could see the Yin protector standing in the trees, watching the fight.
Turning back towards Chase, who stood on the other edge of the clearing near Rai, she again fell into a pose that she had learned from her brother.
"What do you hope to accomplish!" Chase snapped at her, "This world is doomed to evil... you cannot stop it."
"I can try!" She moved, mimicking her brother as he prepared a wind attack. Her hands whipped around as streams of air circled around her. Letting out an even breath, her hands shot out, sending the spiraling gusts through the dirt and debris that surrounded her and Chase. The gust ended to make a perfect circle before shooting through the middle to create a serpentine S so that she and the man dressed in black robes stood on opposite sides.
"What..." Chase started, staring at the symbol carved into the ground. His gaze finally met hers, "What have you done?!"
Her bright green eyes caught those of her brother, who stood leaning against a tree outside the circle. His eyes were wide with shock and fear. A sad smile slid across her face. This was what she had to do.
Closing her eyes, she called out, "YinYang Gateway!"
The Yin protector let out a piercing shriek at her words and it charged forward. But it was already too late, as the indentations in the ground began to radiate with light.
She couldn't move, but she was able to open her eyes. She looked across, at Chase, who stood frozen with anger and frustration growing on his face as he tried to move. She could see her brother. He was yelling, but there was no sound as the rush of energy continued to build around her. His mouth stopped moving as she smiled to him, mouthing a simple "love you" before she was engulfed by the energy.
Raimundo stood, gaping in shock at the sight before him. He'd watched his sister call up the portal, watched as the energy whipped around her, as her eyes glistened with tears... and then she was gone. As was Chase. In there place, a giant void had opened up; its swirling energy crackling. He saw the Yin protector turning to run and his heart skipped. It was getting away!
As if his thoughts had been heard, chains shot forth from the gateway, catching the monster in mid stride. Within seconds, the chains had pulled the monster back and in through the opening. For a second, there was no movement, only the sound of the crackling void, and then it shut, leaving the clearing empty.
Rai stood, leaning against the tree. He felt numb. He didn't even register his actions until he found himself on his knees in the center of the carved symbol. She was gone... He'd lost her, again.
His hand traveled up to his chest, searching for the amulet. It wasn't there. Of course it wasn't there... She'd been wearing it. She was wearing it when she was taken.
He felt the warm, stinging tears as they ran down his face. Tendrils of despair began to take hold of his heart as he cried. The loss built up in his stomach, his lungs, his head... until he couldn't keep it in any longer. He screamed.
oOoOoOo
Omi stopped mid attack as he watched Jack Spice double over, his hands covering his head. Just moments before, the possessed boy genius had been dodging the small monk's attacks. Now, his hands moving away and his head lifting, Omi saw the confusion-filled, normal eyes that he was accustomed to.
"Whats going on?!" Jack looked around in confusion.
"Jack Spicer, you are you again?" Omi questioned.
Brow furrowed, "Of course I'm me, I've always been me! What am I doing here?"
Omi ignored Jack's question. Instead, he looked around to see the other villains acting just as confused. Running over to Kimiko who had stopped fighting as well, he didn't have to ask what was happening.
"The Yin protector has been returned to the YinYang world." Master Fung elaborated, stepping over a unconscious tiger. "Raimundo and Carlyna were successful."
Clay joined the group, and hearing the elder monk's words, "Whoooooooweee! And just in time I'd say! I don't think I coulda taken much more of these super badguys." He stuck a thumb out towards Wuya who was still looking on in confusion.
The others nodded in agreement, smiles on their faces.
Kimiko started, "We should go find-" but stopped as a sorrowful howl filled the air. Everyone was silently listening as the cry slowly ebbed. The temple monks were glancing at each other with worried expressions. Most turned to the three who stood with Master Fung, only to find that the group had already disappeared, leaving the elder monk alone to wait.
Without verbal order from their master, the other monks quickly worked to remove or fight off any of the unwanted visitors. Today's real battle was over, but what had been the outcome...
Master Fung gazed at the tree line bordering the temple. Strength would be needed for the trial to come.
Tbc...
oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
UGH!!! This was supposed to be the last chapter! I phail!
Anyway x.x I hope yall enjoyed it! Left it on a ... cliffhanger? Would this be considered a cliffhanger? I don't know :P Hopefully ill finish it over thanksgiving break. If not... yall might be waiting a while!
Thanks so much for reading!!!