A/N: I'm back! And conscious! (glares at Larissa)

Larissa: What? You had it coming. :D

Anyways, I really appreciate everyone's reviews! I had no idea my story would be such a hit. I'm so glad everyone is liking it so far. Thanks to Artisan Brown for some helpful tips on writing! I hope I can do my best. Now, here is the next chapter! It's gonna be focused mainly on Mandarin and Valina. By the way, to be more specific, this story takes place after the episode, "Ghosts of Shuggazoom".

Larissa: Perhaps we should start the chapter now.

I was getting to that!

Chapter Ten: Evil Always Lurks

Mandarin stood at his now-familiar post, watching...waiting. For as long as he could remember, evil had always had a pull on him...seemed to draw him in, almost. When he was leader of the Hyperforce, Mandarin had felt almost as if..something was missing, like he was missing out on something. He hadn't known what to make of the feeling. But ever since he'd turned his back on his goody-goody companions and followed the pathway of his creator, Mandarin had never felt so alive. So satisfied.

He chuckled evilly as he stood at the entrance of the cave, looking at the wilderness before him. He'd always been respected by the citizens of Shuggazoom, but he didn't want to be respected! He wanted to be worshipped! He didn't want to be Shuggazoom's hero. He wanted to be Shuggazoom's master! Mandarin gave an evil laugh as he thought about how far he'd came. Soon his greatest desire would come true. Shuggazoom would soon be his, and everyone would be his slave! And with no Monkey Team or Skeleton King to worry about, Mandarin would be leader of all!

"Mandarin," an icy-cold voice hissed.

Mandarin glared down at the chain around his neck that held Valina captive, angry at the witch for intruding upon his thoughtful silence. "What is it, witch?" he snarled.

Valina's pink eyes glowed evilly, carrying that familiar demonic spark. "How do you know your little slaves can be trusted, demon monkey?" She smiled perceptively. "I am much more worthy than those two. The evil of the Skeleton King does not pulse in their veins as does mine!"

Mandarin groaned inwardly. He was beginning to regret ever picking up that necklace. "Who are you to question my judgment, worthless witch? It is I who took you, and I have the power to release you, all the same." Valina fell silent, and Mandarin continued with a smirk. He loved being in control of the Skull Sorceress. "The state of my minions is not your concern. Unless they fear not for their lives, they will do as commanded and carry out the task."

"And if they don't?" Valina pressed, an impatient edge to her poisoningly sweet voice.

An evil grin spread across his ugly, wrinkled face. "I will simply destroy the green one. I've never cared for her." Mandarin watched the sun slowly set in the distance. "As for the other one, I have something in mind for her."

"Which is?"

Mandarin glowered down at the necklace. "Can you ever be silent?" he snapped. "It is none of your concern."

"Tell me, Mandarin. If you want my help-"

"I don't need your help, useless witch!"

Valina continued with a certain smugness to her tone. "Then why did you pick me up, demon monkey? Answer that. What else would have been your purpose except for my evil brilliance?"

Mandarin grimaced. He had expected that answer. But what really made him angry was that Valina was correct. That was exactly why he'd taken her in in the first place. "Fine." Night began to fall and Mandarin silently gazed out at the darkening landscape, an eerie feeling lingering in the air. "I know Larissa's greatest fear." An evil laugh escaped his lips. "Her reign of terror will come if she disobeys my orders!"

Mandarin and Valina's evil laughter carried in the distance, twisting the peaceful night air. It was almost time.

A/N: Yadda yadda, short chapter, I know. I hope I got my facts straight with Valina...I know she got trapped inside a necklace and Mandarin picked her up...let me know if I got anything wrong and I'll edit this chap. But anyways...creepy, huh?

Larissa: (shivers) I wonder what's gonna happen to me?

Well, you'll have to wait like everyone else. XD The next chapter should be longer...and interesting. Stay tuned! Now...REVIEW!

Larissa: And we're out!